JP4236305B2 - Endoscope - Google Patents

Endoscope Download PDF

Info

Publication number
JP4236305B2
JP4236305B2 JP21722698A JP21722698A JP4236305B2 JP 4236305 B2 JP4236305 B2 JP 4236305B2 JP 21722698 A JP21722698 A JP 21722698A JP 21722698 A JP21722698 A JP 21722698A JP 4236305 B2 JP4236305 B2 JP 4236305B2
Authority
JP
Japan
Prior art keywords
rubber
endoscope
exterior
tube
ring member
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Fee Related
Application number
JP21722698A
Other languages
Japanese (ja)
Other versions
JP2000041937A (en
Inventor
英伸 木村
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Olympus Corp
Original Assignee
Olympus Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Olympus Corp filed Critical Olympus Corp
Priority to JP21722698A priority Critical patent/JP4236305B2/en
Publication of JP2000041937A publication Critical patent/JP2000041937A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of JP4236305B2 publication Critical patent/JP4236305B2/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Landscapes

  • Instruments For Viewing The Inside Of Hollow Bodies (AREA)
  • Endoscopes (AREA)

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
この発明は、可撓管部の先端部に湾曲管部を介して先端構成部を設けた挿入部を有する内視鏡に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
例えば、医療用の軟性内視鏡において、体腔内に挿入する挿入部は、可撓管部と、この可撓管部の先端部に湾曲管部を介して先端構成部が設けられている。湾曲管部を被覆する外皮部材は通常、内視鏡の内部を水密に保つため、その先端側が先端構成部の基端部外周に被覆されると共に、基端側が可撓管部の先端部外周に被覆されている。
【０００３】
先端構成部に被覆された外皮部材の先端部位の外周と可撓管部に被覆された外皮部材の先端部位の外周とにそれぞれテグス等の糸状体を巻き付けて緊縛することにより外皮部材を固定するようにしている。そして、糸状体の周囲に接着剤を塗布することにより、外皮部材の固定状態を強固にしている。
【０００４】
また、外皮部材を固定する従来技術としては、例えば、実公昭６３−１４８０６号公報、実公昭６２−２３４４４号公報及び特開平９−２９９３１９号公報が知られている。
【０００５】
実公昭６３−１４８０６号公報は、主管の外皮と湾曲管の外皮の突き合わせ部分をリング状バンドで締着したものであり、実公昭６２−２３４４４号公報は、主管の外皮と湾曲管の外皮の突き合わせ部分の外周面に接着剤を塗布した後、リング状バンドで締着したものである。また、特開平９−２９９３１９号公報は、外皮部材と可撓管部及び先端構成部の端部近傍を熱可塑性樹脂からなる固定部として形成し、この固定部を融着して端部近傍を固定したものである。
【０００６】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら、前述した外皮部材を糸状体にて緊縛し、接着剤を塗布することにより固定する技術は、接着剤塗布面が生体粘膜等に接触するため、外表面を滑らかに形成する必要があり、接着剤を滑らかに塗布し硬化させる作業は高技能を要する。
【０００７】
実公昭６３−１４８０６号公報は、主管の外皮と湾曲管の外皮の突き合わせ部分に配されたリング状バンドの外周面を、前記主管と湾曲管の各外周面と同一の外周面と同一または低くするために、主管の外皮及び湾曲管の外皮に段差を形成する必要性があり、段部を形成させるために加工費が増大する。
【０００８】
また、リング状バンドが配される主管の外套皮の肉厚を薄くした部位において、外套皮が薄肉化により下層の網管から剥離され易くなってしまい、リング状バンドの取り外し時に主管の外套皮が剥離損傷してしまう虞がある。
【０００９】
実公昭６２−２３４４４号公報は、リング状バンドが主管と湾曲管の両外周面上に突出してしまい、両端部に塗布する塗料あるいは接着剤を滑らかに塗布し硬化させる必要がある。しかし、滑らかに塗布するためには前述の問題点と同様に高技能が必要となる。
【００１０】
特開平９−２９９３１９号公報は、熱可塑性樹脂を融着させる際に、熱可塑性樹脂の端部を、熱可塑性樹脂の外周面より内視鏡挿入部の外表面に向かって連続的に滑らかに形成することが困難であり、また、加熱部材の加熱面が内視鏡挿入部の外径と略同一にて形成されているため、外径が異なる内視鏡挿入部に対して複数の加熱部材が必要となってしまう。
【００１１】
また、加熱部材が内視鏡挿入部の外周を少なくとも２分割し加熱しなくてはならず、融着後に熱可塑性樹脂の表面に前記加熱装置による割線が入ってしまい、体腔内に接触する外表面を滑らかに形成することが困難である。
【００１２】
この発明は、前記事情に着目してなされたもので、その目的とするところは、湾曲管部の外装ゴムの固定部材を滑らかに形成すると共に、固定部材の形成を簡便に行え、可撓管部を体腔内へ挿入する際の挿入性を向上できる内視鏡を提供することにある。
【００１３】
【課題を解決するための手段】
この発明は、前記目的を達成するために、螺旋管、網管、外皮を順次積層した可撓管部と、湾曲可能な管状体、網管、外装ゴムを順次積層してなる湾曲管部の一端を接続管を介して前記可撓管部に連結し、前記湾曲管部の他端を先端構成部に接続した内視鏡において、前記外装ゴムの両端部を先端構成部及び可撓管部に外装し、前記外装ゴムの両端部外周に、内径が前記外装ゴムの外径より小径となるように形成された略リング状の熱可塑性樹脂よりなる固定部材を嵌合し、前記固定部材の外周を、収縮前の内径が前記外装ゴム及び外皮の外径よりも大きく、収縮後の内径が前記外装ゴム及び外皮の外径よりも小径となる熱収縮性のリング部材で覆い、前記リング部材と前記固定部材を加熱して、前記固定部材を溶融し、この後リング部材を除去して前記固定部材のみを外装ゴムの両端部に取り付けたことを特徴とする。そして、湾曲管部の外装ゴムの両端部の可撓管部と先端構成部との接続部に段差がなく、滑らかに形成できるようにしたことにある。
【００１４】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、この発明の各実施の形態を図面に基づいて説明する。
図１乃至図７は、第１の実施形態を示し、図１は内視鏡システム１の全体を示す斜視図であり、図中２は内視鏡である。内視鏡２は、操作部３、挿入部４及びユニバーサルコード５とから構成されている。挿入部４は、可撓管部６、この可撓管部６の先端部に設けられた湾曲管部７及びこの湾曲管部７の先端部に設けられた先端構成部８とから構成されている。
【００１５】
先端構成部８には照明窓９、ＣＣＤ等の備えた観察窓１０、ノズル１１及び吸引管路の開口１２等が設けられている。また、操作部３には湾曲管部７を上下／左右方向に湾曲させるための湾曲操作ノブ１３，観察窓１０に水や空気等の流体を噴出させ、レンズ面の清掃を行うノズル１１に選択的に気体と液体を噴出させるための送気送水ボタン１４，吸引管路の開口１２より選択的に体腔内の粘液等を回収するための吸引ボタン１５が配設されている。
【００１６】
さらに、ユニバーサルコード５の先端部にはコネクタ１６が設けられ、このコネクタ１６は光源装置１７に接続されている。光源装置１７には画像処理装置１８が搭載され、この画像処理装置１８には前記ＣＣＤで得た体腔内観察像の画像信号がケーブル１９を介して電送されるようになっている。
【００１７】
図２は、湾曲管部７の縦断側面図であり、内層には湾曲可能な管状体２０として、複数個の節輪２５が関節ピン２６によって回動自在に連設されている。節輪２５には、金属または化学繊維を筒状に編んで形成した網管２７が外装され、その両端部は湾曲管部７の両端部に配設される節輪２５に接着または半田等にて固定されている。
【００１８】
さらに、網管２７には、チューブ体よりなる外装ゴムとしての被覆ゴム２９が外装されている。湾曲管部７を構成する先端の節輪２５には先端構成部８を構成する金属または硬質の樹脂よりなる先端硬質部３０が接続されている。また、先端硬質部３０には絶縁性を有する材料にて形成されたキャップ状の部材である先端カバー３５が一体的に固着されている。
【００１９】
図３は、挿入部４の可撓管部６の縦断側面図であり、内層には帯状の金属を螺旋状に形成した螺旋管３６が設けられ、この外周には金属線または化学繊維を筒状に編んで形成した網管３７が設けられ、さらに網管３７の外周には樹脂よりなる外皮３８が積層されている。
【００２０】
螺旋管３６と網管３７は端部において、半田または接着剤等にて接着される接合固定部４７が形成されており、該接合固定部４７は可撓性を有しない硬質となっている。また、挿入部４の可撓管部６の先端側は、一部外皮３８が剥ぎ取り、網管３７に外嵌するように接続管３９が接着等により固着されている。
【００２１】
接合固定部４７は、可撓管部６の端よりの距離がＬ1 であり、外皮３８が剥ぎ取られた可撓管部６の端よりの距離がＬ2 となっている。湾曲管部７の手元側の節輪２５は接続管３９に外嵌し、ねじまたは接着等により固定されている。
【００２２】
前記被覆ゴム２９は、図６に示すように、一端が先端硬質部３０の外周面に接着層３３を介して外嵌され、かつ先端カバー３５の端面に当接するように配されている。被覆ゴム２９の他端は、図３に示すように、接続管３９及び網管３７の一部に接着層３３を介して外嵌され、外皮３８の端面に当接するように配されている。
【００２３】
さらに、被覆ゴム２９は、両端部において、その外周よりテグス等の糸状体２８を複数回密に巻き付け湾曲管部７に対し緊縛している。さらに、糸状体２８が巻回されている上層部に熱可塑性樹脂等よりなる固定部材としての外装体３１が全周に配されており、外装体３１の外周には熱収縮性のチューブ体よりなるリング部材３２が外挿されている。
【００２４】
被覆ゴム２９の先端側の端部に配する外装体３１は、その内径が、配される被覆ゴム２９の外径（図２中のａ相当）以下となるように形成されたリング状の部材よりなる。また、被覆ゴム２９の外皮３８と当接する端部に配する外装体３１は、その内径が、配される被覆ゴム２９の外径（図２中のｂ相当）以下となるように形成されたリング状の部材よりなる。
【００２５】
被覆ゴム２９の外皮３８と当接する端部において、外装体３１は外皮３８の外周面上に、外皮３８の端部よりの距離が１1 となるように配されており、１1 はＬ1 −Ｌ2 以下となるように構成されている。なお、外装体３１はリング状の部材のみならず、リングの一部がカットされたＣ字状の部材、シート状の部材のいずれの形態でも良い。
【００２６】
リング部材３２は、先端側においては、収縮する前の内径が、外嵌された外装体３１の外径よりも大きく、収縮後の内径が、外装体３１が配される被覆ゴム２９及び先端カバー３５の外径よりも小さくなる熱収縮性のチューブ体よりなる。
【００２７】
リング部材３２は、被覆ゴム２９と外皮３８が当接する側においては、収縮する前の内径が、外装体３１が配されている外径も含めて、湾曲管部７の最大外径よりも大きく、収縮後の内径が、外装体３１が配される被覆ゴム２９及び外皮３８の外径よりも小さくなる熱収縮性のチューブ体よりなる。
【００２８】
リング部材３２は外装体３１の幅より十分幅広く形成されている。また、リング部材３２の収縮温度は、外装体３１の溶融温度よりも低く、かつリング部材３２の溶融温度は、外装体３１の溶融温度より高くなる材質を使用している。
【００２９】
外装体３１は、ポリスチレン系樹脂、ポリオレフィン系樹脂、ポリウレタン系樹脂、ポリエステル系樹脂、ポリアミド系樹脂、ポリブタジエン系樹脂等の熱可塑性樹脂よりなる。
【００３０】
外装体３１は黒色またはこれに準じる色よりなる。リング部材３２はＰＴＦＥ，ＦＥＰ等のフッ素系樹脂よりなる。リング部材３２は透明、半透明よりなる。リング部材３２は熱収縮性のチューブ以外にも、弾性変形可能なエラストマーよりなってもよい。
【００３１】
この際に、エラストマーは自然時の内径が外装体３１が配される先端カバー３５及び被覆ゴム２９、被覆ゴム２９及び外皮３８の外径よりも小さく、弾性変形による拡張時の内径が、先端側においては外装体３１が配される被覆ゴム２９及び先端カバー３５、被覆ゴム２９と外皮３８が当接する側においては、外装体３１が配されている外径も含めて、湾曲管部７の最大外径よりも大きくなるように構成されている。先端カバー３５には、被覆ゴム２９と当接する端部にその外径を全周において小さく形成された段部３４が設けられている。
【００３２】
なお、図４及び図５は変形例を示し、被覆ゴム２９の両端部にある先端構成部８及び可撓管部６において、先端カバー３５及び外皮３８が熱可塑性樹脂にて形成されていない場合、少なくとも外装体３１が外装される範囲に、熱可塑性樹脂より形成される第１の熱可塑性樹脂部７０と、第２の熱可塑性樹脂部７１が設けられている。
【００３３】
第１の熱可塑性樹脂部７０は、先端硬質部３０及び先端カバー３５に液密的に接着剤等にて接合固定されている。第２の熱可塑性樹脂部７１は、外皮３８及び網管３７に液密的に接着剤等にて接合固定されている。また、第１の熱可塑性樹脂部７０及び第２の熱可塑性樹脂部７１の溶融温度は外装体３１の溶融温度よりも高い材質（ポリカーボネイト、ポリスルホン、ポリエーテルケトン、ポリエーテルエーテルケトン等）にて形成されている。
【００３４】
なお、内視鏡２の観察方向が挿入部４の長手方向と同一のみならず、図７に示すように、観察方向が挿入部４の長手方向と異なる側視または斜視内視鏡においても適用される。
【００３５】
次に、第１の実施形態の作用について説明する。
被覆ゴム２９はその一端において、先端硬質部３０の外周面に接着層３３にて密着し、更に糸状体２８により先端硬質部３０へ緊縛し、本部位において気密的に先端硬質部３０へ接合される。また、被覆ゴム２９の他端は、接続管３９及び網管３７の外周面に接着層３３にて密着し、更に糸状体２８により網管３７へ緊縛し、本部位において気密的に網管３７へ接合される。
【００３６】
図６（ａ）に示すように、外装体３１はその内径が先端カバー３５及び被覆ゴム２９の外径以下であるため、先端カバー３５及び被覆ゴム２９の外周に全周密着して配することができる。また、先端カバー３５の端部に設けられた段部３４に外装体３１の端部が位置し、外装体３１の配する位置を決めることができる。リング部材３２はその内径が外装体３１の外径より大きいため、外装体３１に容易に外挿することが可能である。
【００３７】
図６（ｂ）に示すように、外装体３１、リング部材３２を外装した後に、温風を送風できる加熱器４０により、外装体３１を加熱することにより、リング部材３２の融点よりも外装体３１の収縮開始温度の方が低いため、まずリング部材３２が外装体３１の外周に密着するように収縮する。さらに、加熱を続けると、リング部材３２が収縮が進行すると共に、外装体３１が溶融する。リング部材３２の溶融温度は、外装体３１の溶融温度よりも高いため、図６（ｃ）に示すように、リング部材３２が外装体３１の外周を密着しつつ外装体３１が溶融し、糸状体２８、被覆ゴム２９及び先端カバー３５に溶融結合する。
【００３８】
この際に、リング部材３２は収縮後の外径が、被覆ゴム２９及び先端カバー３５の外径よりも小さくなるため、外装体３１の両端部が先端カバー３５及び被覆ゴム２９に滑らかにつながるように溶融し成型される。
【００３９】
また、外装体３１は、少なくともこれが配される下層が熱可塑性樹脂で形成されていることから、外装体３１の加熱溶融による外装体３１と下層に配される熱可塑性樹脂間の分子結合力が強く、外装体３１を内視鏡に対して密着して配することができる。
【００４０】
加熱器４０による加熱を止め、外装体３１及びリング部材３２が室温状態にまで冷却された後、リング部材３２を取り外す。この際に、リング部材３２はフッ素系の樹脂（例えばＰＴＦＥ、ＦＥＰよりなる）であるため、外装体３１と結合せず、容易に取り外すことが可能である。
【００４１】
さらに、リング部材３２が透明の材質よりなるため、外装体３１の溶融状況をリング部材３２を取り付けた状態においても確認することができる。また、リング部材３２は外装体３１の全周を均一に凹凸無く覆うように収縮するため、図６（ｄ）に示すように、リング部材３２を取り外した後には、外装体３１の外周面が滑らかに形成される。
【００４２】
外装体３１はその色が、黒またはこれに準ずる色であるため、仕上がり後の内視鏡２の挿入部４の外観を損ねることがない。
また、被覆ゴム２９の外皮３８と当接する端部においても同様に、図７に示すように、被覆ゴム２９、糸状体２８及び外皮３８の外周に外装体３１を溶融結合できる。
【００４３】
この際に、本部位に外挿されるリング部材３２は、外装体３１を配した状態での湾曲部８の最大外径よりも大きく内径を形成されているため、本部位に外挿することが容易である。
【００４４】
外装体３１の内径は被覆ゴム２９及び先端カバー３５の外径以下であるため、外装体３１が熱可塑性エラストマの場合、湾曲管部７の最大外径よりも大きくなるように外装体３１を拡張し、本部位に装着する。
【００４５】
加えて、リング部材３２がエラストマーよりなる場合は、エラストマーの弾性力により、熱収縮テューブの場合と同様に、外装体３１を加熱溶融し、内視鏡２挿入部４に滑らかに密着固定することができる。外装体３１が拡張できない場合は、シート状又はＣ字状に形成したものを使用し、本部位に外装させる。
【００４６】
外装体３１の周上にて不連続の部位は、加熱溶融時に接合するため、リング部材３２取り外し後に外装体３１は全周に連続的に配置することができる。
また、外装体３１は、可撓管端部の硬質部である接合固定部４７の範囲内に配されているため、外皮３８が急激に曲げられても、外装体３１の端部において、外皮３８から剥離することはない。
【００４７】
また、加熱手段である加熱器４０は温風送風手段のみにとどまらず、白熱電球、赤外線ランプ等の熱源によってもよい。
前述した第１の実施形態によれば、被覆ゴム２９は一端を先端硬質部３０と被覆ゴム２９の間において、他端を網管３７と被覆ゴム２９の間において接着層３３による密着と、糸状体２８の緊縛力により湾曲管部７を気密的に構成しており、この部分における湾曲管部７の内部への液体の浸入はない。
【００４８】
糸状体２８の外周全体に、外装体３１が溶融固着されているため、糸状体２８が緩んだり、緊縛力が低下することはない。被覆ゴム２９の取り付けの際に、被覆ゴム２９の両端部に糸状体２８を巻回し、この後に外装体３１及びリング部材３２を配し、加熱器４０にて加熱することで外装体３１を溶融固着できるため、短時間にて被覆ゴム２９の両端部固定が可能である。また、リング部材３２にて外装体３１の外周面を滑らかに形成することが可能であり、本部位での外観品質を容易にかつ一定に保つことができる。
【００４９】
図８乃至図１６は第２の実施形態を示し、第１の実施形態と同一構成部分は同一番号を付して説明を省略する。図９に示すように、被覆ゴム２９はその両端部の内径が、被覆ゴム２９の中問部の内径よりも小さく形成されている。被覆ゴム２９の一端において、小さく形成される内径Ｄ1 は、図８の先端硬質部３０の外径ｄ1 の８５％以下である。被覆ゴム２９の他端において、小さく形成される内径Ｄ2 は、図８の接続管３９の外径ｄ2 の８５％以下である。また、被覆ゴム２９の中間部の内径は、被覆ゴム２９が外装している網管２７の外径に対し、８５％以上１２０％以下となるように形成してある。
【００５０】
ここで、接続管２９は図１０に示されるように、その一部が、外皮３８の全周に外嵌するように配されており、網管３７および外皮３８の外周面と接続管３９の内周面による接着部４８は充填剤または接着剤等により全周接着固定されている。
【００５１】
ここで、接続管３９はその外周面が外皮３８の外周面と同一平面となるように、接着部４８に接着剤を充填した後に接続管３９の外周面を絞り成型してもよい。または、外皮３８の端部で接続管３９が嵌合する面において、接続管３９の肉厚と同一量を削り取り、該部位に接続管３９を外嵌し、外皮３８の外周面と同一平面となるように構成してもよい。
【００５２】
接続管３９の組み付けにおいては、図１１に示すように、外皮３８を可撓管部６の端部と同一端部となるように形成し、外皮３８の外周面に接続管３９を外嵌し接着固定する構造を用いてもよい。
【００５３】
接続管３９が配される可撓管部６の端からの距離は、可撓管部６の接合固定部４７による硬質に構成される距離以下となるように構成されている。接続管３９の外周面に配される被覆ゴム３９は、その端部が接続管３９の端部よりも外皮３８側に出るように配されている。
【００５４】
被覆ゴム２９の両端部は、先端側においては、先端硬質部３０の外周に被覆ゴム２９の一端が配されており、被覆ゴム２９の端部は先端カバー３５の端部に当接している。さらに、被覆ゴム２９と先端カバー３５の外周面に密着して外装体３１が配されており、外装体３１は被覆ゴム２９と先端カバー３５の外周面に溶融固着されている。
【００５５】
被覆ゴム２９の外皮３８と当接する端部においては、被覆ゴム２９と外皮３８の外周面に密着するように外装体３１が配されており、外装体３１は被覆ゴム２９と外皮３８の外周面上に溶融固着されている。
【００５６】
また、本部位において外装体３１の外周に配されるリング部材３２は、収縮前の内径が、図１２に示されるように、外装体３１を配した際の外装体３１の外径ｅよりも大きく、収縮後の内径は外皮３８の外径よりも小さくなるように構成されている。
【００５７】
ここで、被覆ゴム２９の外皮３８側に配される端部の形状は、図１２に示される形状にとどまることなく、図１３に示されるように、被覆ゴム２９の外周形状が小さくなるようなテーパー形状に形成されていてもよい。また、図１４に示されるように、外径が小さく形成された段部が形成されていてもよい。
【００５８】
外装体３１は図１５に示すように、その内径Ａが、配される先端部の外径ａよりも小さく形成されている。また、図１６に示すように、外装体３１は帯状の形態においてもよい。
【００５９】
次に、第２の実施形態の作用について説明する。
被覆ゴム２９の両端部において、被覆ゴム２９の端部が配される先端硬質部３０及び接続管３９の外径よりも被覆ゴム２９の内径が小さいため、本部位において、被覆ゴム２９は先端硬質部３０及び接続管３９に対して締め付けるようになり、これにより被覆ゴム２９が先端硬質部３０及び接続管３９に気密的に密着し配される。
【００６０】
接続管２９は、外皮３８の外周に対して接着し固定されているため、接続管３９と外皮３８間は気密接合される。接続管３９は、可撓管部６の硬質部である接合固定部４７範囲以下に配されるため、接続管３９により可撓管部６の硬質部が長くなることはない。
【００６１】
外装体３１は接続管３９と被覆ゴム２９が密着する部位において、被覆ゴム２９の外周と外皮３８の外周に同時に配されるため、被覆ゴム２９の端部を滑らかに外皮３８につなげ、ここに著しい段差が形成されることがない。
【００６２】
図１３に示すように、被覆ゴム２９の端部が外皮３８側に繋がるに従いその外径が小さく形成されるため、外装体３１が図１０及び図１１の形態に比べ、更に滑らかに外皮３８の外周面につなげることができる。
【００６３】
図１４に示すように、被覆ゴム２９の端部にその外径が小さく形成された段部が設けられていることにより、本部位に外装体３１を配することで、外装体３１の肉厚分により湾曲管部７の外径を大きくすることがなく、さらに、外皮３８へ向かい外装体３１の外周面を滑らかにつなげることができる。また、外装体３１を配するべき位置を被覆ゴム２９に設けられた段差により容易に決めることができる。その他の作用についは、第１実施形態と同様にて説明を省略する。
【００６４】
前述した第２の実施形態によれば、第１実施形態の効果に加えて、被覆ゴム２９の両端部による、湾曲管部７の防水性、外周面の滑らかさを損なうことなく、被覆ゴム２９の両端部に糸状体２８を配する必要がなく、この点において更に被覆ゴム２９の組み立て及び修理時の作業性が容易となる。
【００６５】
図１７乃至図１９は第３の実施形態を示し、第１及び第２実施形態に加えて外装体３１は、図１７に示すような、金属又は化学繊維よりなる編線より形成されるインサート部材４１を予めその内部に一体的に内装し成型されている。
【００６６】
また、インサート部材４１は、外装体３１を被覆ゴム２９と先端カバー３５及び被覆ゴム２９と外皮３８の外周面上に溶融固着する前に、当該部位の全周に嵌挿しておき、外装体３１を溶融固着すると同時に外装体３１に一体化させてもよい。
【００６７】
ここで、インサート部材４１は外装体３１の全域に配されており、外装体３１を被覆ゴム２９と先端カバー３５及び被覆ゴム２９と外皮３８の外周面に溶融固着する際に、外装体３１の外部に露出しないよう、その素線径は外装体３１の肉厚よりも小さく構成されている。
【００６８】
したがって、第１、第２の実施形態の作用に加えて、外装体３１の破壊強度がインサート部材４１により補強され高くなり、被覆ゴム２９の両端部を滑らかにつないでいる外装体３１が、外的要因による擦り等の負荷に対する耐性が向上する。また、第１、第２の実施形態の効果に加えて、内視鏡２の長期間の使用においても、被覆ゴム２９の両端部に配する外装体３１が破損することがない。
【００６９】
図１９乃至図２７は第４の実施形態を示し、第１の実施形態と同一構成部分は同一番号を付して説明を省略する。図１９に示すように、リング部材３２の外周面より、リング部材３２に接触し、外装体３１を溶融する手段である、金属等よりなる加熱成形器４２が設けられている。加熱成形器４２には、加熱成形器４２を高温にするための熱源である図示しない導電線よりなる発熱手段４３が配されており、発熱手段４３は図示されない発熱量を調整する手段に接続され構成される。
【００７０】
発熱手段４３の発熱量はテーパー部４９の面が外装体３１の融点よりも高く、リング部材３２の融点よりも低い温度となるように制御されている。また、加熱成形器４２は複数に分割されていてもよく、図示されるように加熱成形器４２ａと加熱成形器４２ｂに分け、内視鏡２の中心部に向かって押圧するようにリング部材３２を介して外装体３１を加熱し、この際、加熱成形器４２は内視鏡２に対し、矢視方向に回転するように構成される。
【００７１】
加熱成形器４２は、図２１に示すように、リング部材３２に接する加熱面４８が円弧状に形成されており、加熱面４８の円弧に対し半径方向の断面は、外装体３１の端部方向に内かって内径が小さくなるようなテーパー形状のテーパー部４９が形成されている。
【００７２】
このテーパー部４９は、その大径部と小径部の径の差が、先端カバー３５の外径と外装体３１の外径の差以上になるように構成されている。加熱成形器４２は外装体３１を介して、リング部材３２を加熱溶融する際に、図２２の矢印方向に均一に押圧するように構成されている。
【００７３】
加熱成形器４２の加熱面４８の円弧に対する半径方向の断面形状は、図２１に示すような形状にとどまらず、図２３に示すように外装体３１の両端部を同時に押圧するように、テーパー部４９が２ヶ所に設けられていてもよい。この際には、加熱成形器４２の幅は外装体３１の幅よりも広く形成されている。
【００７４】
加えて、加熱成形器４２の加熱面４８には耐熱性を有し外装体３１との結合性が低いＰＴＦＥ等よりなるコーティング層５７が一体的に形成されていてもよい。この場合、加熱面４８は外装体３１に直接接触し加熱溶融するような手段を取ってもよい。
【００７５】
また、図２４に示すように、図２３と同様の断面方向において、前方向加熱成型器４２ｃ、後方向加熱成型器４２ｄとに分割され、前方向加熱成形器４２ｃ及び後方向加熱成形器４２ｄには各々発熱手段４３が設けられている。また、前方向加熱成形器４２ｃと後方向加熱成形器４２ｄの幅を調節するための調整ねじ５１がどちらか一方に螺合されている。同様に、前方向加熱成形器４２ｃと後方向加熱成形器４２ｄのどちらか一方に設けられた透孔５３に挿入できるピン状の部材であるガイド５０が、透孔５３が設けられていない一方に固定されている。
【００７６】
調整ねじ５１は螺合されない一方の加熱成形器４２に貫通し、貫通し突出した調整ネジ５１の端部に、調整ねじ５１を回動させるためのつまみ５２が回動不能に接着またはねじ等により固定されている。
【００７７】
また、図２５に示すように、加熱成形器４２は、円弧状に形成された加熱面４８の半径Ｒが、当接するリング部材３２の半径ｒよりも大きく形成されている。また、図２６に示すように、加熱成形器４２には発熱手段４３のみならず、半田コテ５４等の発熱手段を接続し、加熱する構成をとってもよい。
【００７８】
この際に、加熱成形器４２には、半田コテ５４が内装される孔である取り付け穴５５が設けてあり、取り付け穴５５の内空と加熱成形器４２の外部とを連接するように配された雌ねじが形成されている。また、この雌ねじには固定ねじ５６が螺合されている。また、取り付け穴５５は挿入される半田コテ５４の少なくとも先端部が当接されるように形成されている。
【００７９】
ここで、加熱成形器４２をリング部材３２に対して均一に押圧する手段について図２７（ａ）、（ｂ）を用いて説明する。
押圧し加熱する装置である、加熱押圧装置６６は、加熱するための手段である加熱成形器４２と、押圧する手段である付勢手段５９と、加熱成形器４２を発熱させる手段である発熱手段４３と、内視鏡２の挿入部４を受けるべ一ス６１と、べ一ス６１と加熱成形器４２をつなげるアーム６３とにより構成されている。
【００８０】
ここで、加熱成形器４２には加熱面４８に対して垂直に延接された円柱または角柱の棒状体よりなるロッド６０が一体的に構成されている。ロッド６０は加熱成形器４２に接続されない一端に、軸方向に垂直な方向に大きく形成された抜け防止部材６５が設けられている。
【００８１】
また、ロッド６０はロッド穴６４に形成される透孔で、ロッド６０の外径よりも大きく、抜け防止部材６５の外径よりも小さく形成されている。ロッド６０の外周でかつ加熱成形器４２とアーム６３が対向する位置にスプリングよりなる付勢手段５９が遊嵌されており、付勢手段５９はその外径がロッド穴６４の径よりも大きく形成されている。
【００８２】
ベース６１には内視鏡２の挿入部４を受けるための円弧状の溝よりなる受け部６２が形成されており、受け部６２の半径はリング部材３２の半径よりも大きく形成されている。また、受け部６２は加熱成形器４２に形成される加熱面４８に対向する位置に設けられている。
【００８３】
アーム６３は一端がベース６１に一体的に固定できるように形成されており、その一部にベース６１の受け部６２が形成される面に平行となるような面が設けてある。なお、加熱成形器４２を発熱させるための熱源は発熱手段４３にとどまらず図２６の構成を取ってもよい。
【００８４】
本実施形態において、加熱成形器４２，発熱手段４３，付勢手段５９，ロッド６０，アーム６３，コーティング層６７は全て各々が発熱する熱に対する耐性を有する素材により構成される。
【００８５】
したがって、本実施形態によれば、加熱成形器４２をリング部材３２に直接接触させ、かつリング部材３２を介して外装体３１を押圧しながら外装体３１を加熱溶融するため、加熱成形器４２の加熱面４８の面形状に沿って外装体３１を成型することができる。加熱成形器４２による加熱が狭い範囲にて実施できるため、外装体３１のみを加熱溶融することが可能である。
【００８６】
加熱成形器４２を内視鏡２の挿入部４に対し相対的に回転させることで、外装体３１の全周において加熱面４８の形状に合った成型を実施することが可能である。
【００８７】
加熱成形器４２の加熱面４８は発熱手段４３によりリング部材３２を溶融せず、外装体３１を溶融する温度に制御されているため、加温により作業中に外装体３１を破損したり、先端カバー３５または外皮３８等を破損することがない。
【００８８】
加熱面４８にコーティング層６７が配された場合、繰り返しの作業により加熱面４８の面が傷むことがなく、また、リング部材３２を配さずに、外装体３１を直接加熱溶融しても、外装体３１が溶融し加熱面４８に付着することがなく、外装体３１の外表面を滑らかに成型することができる。
【００８９】
図２７（ａ）（ｂ）に示すように、付勢手段５９がアーム６３に対して加熱成形器４２をリング部材３２が配される方向に付勢することにより、加熱面４８はリング部材３２の外周面を常に一定の力量にて押圧することができる。
【００９０】
リング部材３２は受け部６２に入り込み配置することができるため、リング部材３２を含めた内視鏡２の挿入部４を図２７（ａ）の矢印方向に回転させても、内視鏡２の挿入部４の中心位置はずれることがない。
【００９１】
また、加熱面４８の円弧形状の半径はリング部材３２の半径よりも大きいため、加熱面４８の半径よりも小さな半径よりなる内視鏡２の挿入部４を有する全ての製品に対して対応することが可能である。
【００９２】
図２４に示される構成においては、つまみ５２を回転させることで、前方向加熱成形器４３ｃと後方向加熱成形器４２ｄの幅を調整することが可能であり、外装体３１の幅が異なる製品においても対応させることが可能である。
【００９３】
図２６に示される構成においては、発熱手段４３に変えて半田コテ５４を使用することにより、加熱手段４３を市販品にて対応させることが可能であり、特別な加熱手段を必要としない。また、半田コテ５４の先端の高温部が加熱成形器４２と接触するため、加熱成形器４２の加熱効率がよい。加熱成形器４２と半田コテ５４は固定ねじ５６の螺合により容易に着脱が可能である。
【００９４】
したがって、本実施形態によれば、外装体３１の端部を所望の形状に成型し、被覆ゴム２９と先端カバー３５及び被覆ゴム２９と外皮３８の外周面上に滑らかにつなげることが容易となる。
【００９５】
また、一定の加熱温度、押圧力量を容易に再現させることができ、外装体３１の仕上がり形状を一定に保つことが容易である。内視鏡２の外径に寄らず、多種の外径を有する内視鏡２に対して作業することが可能である。
【００９６】
前記各実施の形態によれば、次のような構成が得られる。
（付記１）螺旋管、網管、外皮を順次積層した可撓管部と、湾曲可能な管状体、網管、外装ゴムを順次積層してなる湾曲管部の一端を接続管を介して連結し、前記湾曲管部の他端を先端構成部に接続した内視鏡において、前記外装ゴムの両端部を先端構成部及び可撓管部に外装し、前記外装ゴムの両端部外周に固定部材を配置し、前記固定部材の外周をリング部材で覆い、前記リング部材と前記固定部材を加熱溶融し、この後リング部材を除去することで、固定部材のみを外装ゴムの両端部に取り付けたことを特徴とする内視鏡。
【００９７】
（付記２）前記固定部材は、熱可塑性樹脂よりなることを特徴とする付記１記載の内視鏡。
（付記３）前記リング部材は、加熱により収縮する熱収縮チューブであることを特徴とする付記１記載の内視鏡。
（付記４）前記リング部材は、フッ素系樹脂よりなることを特徴とする付記１記載の内視鏡。
（付記５）前記リング部材は、その融点が熱可塑性樹脂よりなる固定部材の融点よりも高い材質よりなることを特徴とする付記１記載の内視鏡。
（付記６）前記リング部材は、透明であることを特徴とする付記１記載の内視鏡。
【００９８】
（付記７）前記熱収縮チューブよりなるリング部材は、収縮温度が熱可塑性樹脂よりなる固定部材の融点よりも低い材質よりなることを特徴とする付記３記載の内視鏡。
（付記８）前記固定部材は、チューブ状にて形成されていることを特徴とする付記１記載の内視鏡。
（付記９）前記固定部材は、その内部に網管を一体的に内装されている熱可塑性樹脂よりなることを特徴とする付記１記載の内視鏡。
（付記１０）前記固定部材に内装される網管は、化学繊維または金属の素線よりなることを特徴とする付記９記載の内視鏡。
（付記１１）前記固定部材に内装される網管は、その素線径が固定部材の肉厚の５０％以下であることを特徴とする付記１０記載の内視鏡。
【００９９】
（付記１２）前記チューブ状である固定部材は、その内径が取り付くべき外皮ゴムの外径以下よりなることを特徴とする付記８記載の内視鏡。
（付記１３）前記リング部材は、その内径が外皮ゴム及び固定部材を配した状態での湾曲管部の最大外径よりも大きく形成されていることを特徴とする付記１記載の内視鏡。
（付記１４）前記リング部材は、エラストマー等よりなる弾性を有するチューブ体よりなり、その内径が弾性変形により、外皮ゴム及び固定部材を配した状態での湾曲管部の最大外径よりも大きくなり、通常状態では、リング部材が配されている外皮ゴムの両端部外径以下であることを特徴とする付記１記載の内視鏡。
（付記１５）前記リング部材は、加熱収縮後にその内径が、該リング部材が配されている外皮ゴムの両端部外径以下であることを特徴とする付記３記載の内視鏡。
【０１００】
（付記１６）前記外装ゴムは、その両端部外周にテグス等の糸状体を巻き付け、さらに、糸状体を覆うように熱可塑性樹脂を加熱溶融し取りつけたことを特徴とする付記１記載の内視鏡。
【０１０１】
（付記１７）前記テグス等の糸状体は、外装ゴム両端部において疎に巻き付けられていることを特徴とする付記１６記載の内視鏡。
（付記１８）前記外装ゴムは両端部を糸状体にて巻き付け、糸状体の巻き付け力により水密的に先端構成部及び可撓管部に外装ゴムを配したことを特徴とする付記１記載の内視鏡。
【０１０２】
（付記１９）前記外装ゴムは、少なくともその両端部を、取り付くべき先端構成部外周及び可撓管部の外周の径よりも小さな径にて形成してあることを特徴とする付記１記載の内視鏡。
（付記２０）前記外装ゴムの両端小径部は、その幅が２ｍｍ以上であることを特徴とする付記１６記載の内視鏡。
（付記２１）前記外装ゴムの両端小径部内径は、取り付くべき先端構成部外周及び可撓管部外周の径の８５％以下となるように構成されていることを特徴とする付記１６記載の内視鏡。
【０１０３】
（付記２２）前記熱可塑性樹脂は、先端構成部の外装ゴムが配されない外周と外装ゴム外周及び可撓管部の外皮樹脂外周と外装ゴムの外周とに同時に配されていることを特徴とする付記１記載の内視鏡。
【０１０４】
（付記２３）前記可撓管部と湾曲管部を連結する接続口金は、可撓管部において、その一端を外皮樹脂外周に外挿し、外皮樹脂と接続口金間を接着剤または充填剤を配することで、接続口金を外皮樹脂に液密に接合してあることを特徴とする付記１記載の内視鏡。
【０１０５】
（付記２４）螺旋管、網管、外皮を順次積層した可撓管部と、湾曲可能な管状体、網管、外装ゴムを順次積層してなる湾曲管部の一端を接続管を介して連結し、前記湾曲管部の他端を先端構成部に接続する内視鏡の外装ゴム固定方法において、前記外装ゴムの両端部を先端構成部及び可撓管部に外装し、前記外装ゴムの両端部外周に固定部材を配置し、前記固定部材の外周をリング部材で覆い、前記リング部材と同時に前記固定部材を加熱溶融し、この後リング部材を除去することで、固定部材のみを外装ゴムの両端部に取り付けたことを特徴とする内視鏡の外装ゴム固定方法。
【０１０６】
（付記２５）前記リング部材に加熱部材を接触させることで、該リング部材と同時に熱可塑性樹脂を加熱溶融することを特徴とする付記２４記載の内視鏡の外装ゴム固定方法。
【０１０７】
（付記２６）前記リング部材が加熱部材であることを特徴とする付記２４記載の内視鏡の外装ゴム固定方法。
（付記２７）前記加熱部材は、少なくとも熱可塑性樹脂の端部をリング部材を介して加熱溶融することを特徴とする付記２６記載の内視鏡の外装ゴム固定方法。
（付記２８）前記加熱部材は、発熱部材が接続されて構成されていることを特徴とする付記２６記載の内視鏡の外装ゴム固定方法。
【０１０８】
（付記２９）前記発熱部材は、半田ごて、導電線等により構成されていることを特徴とする付記２８記載の内視鏡の外装ゴム固定方法。
（付記３０）前記加熱部材は、その加熱面が内視鏡の挿入部の半径方向に対し、円弧状に形成されていることを特徴とする付記２６記載の内視鏡の外装ゴム固定方法。
（付記３１）前記加熱部材は、その加熱面が内視鏡の挿入部の長手方向に対し、斜めに形成されていることを特徴とする付記２６記載の内視鏡の外装ゴム固定方法。
【０１０９】
（付記３２）前記加熱部材の加熱面で内視鏡の挿入部の長手方向に対し斜めに形成されてなる形状は、内視鏡の挿入部外表面と、熱可塑性樹脂の外表面を結ぶ角度以上にて形成される斜面であることを特徴とする付記２６記載の内視鏡の外装ゴム固定方法。
（付記３３）前記加熱部材に形成される円弧の内径は、内視鏡の挿入部の外径よりも大きな径よりなることを特徴とする付記３０記載の内視鏡の外装ゴム固定方法。
（付記３４）前記加熱部材にてリング部材を一定圧にて押圧し、熱可塑性樹脂を溶融することを特徴とする付記２６記載の内視鏡の外装ゴム固定方法。
【０１１０】
（付記３５）前記加熱部材はバネ等による付勢手段にて、リング部材に押圧されていることを特徴とする付記３４記載の内視鏡の外装ゴム固定方法。
（付記３６）前記加熱部材は、内視鏡の挿入部及び熱可塑性樹脂に対して、内視鏡の挿入部の中心軸を中心に回転可能に構成されていることを特徴とする付記２６記載の内視鏡の外装ゴム固定方法。
（付記３７）前記加熱部材の、加熱面は耐熱性と滑り性を有する層が設けてあることを特徴とする付記２６記載の内視鏡の外装ゴム固定方法。
【０１１１】
（付記３８）耐熱性と滑り性を有する層は、ＰＴＦＥ，ＦＥＰ等のフッ素樹脂より構成されていることを特徴とする付記３７記載の内視鏡の外装ゴム固定方法。
（付記３９）前記加熱部材は、１００℃以上に加熱され、常に一定温度を保つように発熱部材を制御して構成されていることを特徴とする付記２６記載の内視鏡の外装ゴム固定方法。
【０１１２】
（付記４０）前記リング部材及び熱可塑性樹脂は予め温風またはヒータ等により、加熱され、この後に加熱部材により加熱されることを特徴とする付記２４記載の内視鏡の外装ゴム固定方法。
【０１１３】
（付記４１）前記外装ゴムの両端部において、少なくとも固定部材が配される先端構成部及び可撓管部は、熱可塑性樹脂部にて形成されていることを特徴とする付記１記載の内視鏡。
【０１１４】
（付記４２）内視鏡の先端構成部及び可撓管部に構成された熱可塑性樹脂部は内視鏡の全周に亘り設けられていることを特徴とする付記４１記載の内視鏡。
（付記４３）前記熱可塑性樹脂部は、ポリカーボネイト、ポリスルホン、ポリエーテルケトン、ポリエーテルエーテルケトン等で形成されていることを特徴とする付記４１記載の内視鏡。
【０１１５】
（付記４４）前記先端構成部及び前記可撓管部に配される前記熱可塑性樹脂部は、先端構成部及び可撓管部に対して液密に固定されていることを特徴とする付記４１記載の内視鏡。
【０１１６】
付記１〜１５によれば、作業に高技能を有することなく、外装ゴムの湾曲管部への固定が簡便に実施できる内視鏡を提供できる。付記１６に記載の構成によると、付記１〜１５に記載の効果に加え、固定部材を溶融固着する際の作業性に確実性が増すという効果が得られる。付記１７〜２３によれば、外装ゴムを湾曲管部に気密的にかつ簡便に配置できる内視鏡を提供できる。
【０１１７】
付記２４〜４０によれば、作業に高技能を有することなく、外装ゴムの湾曲管部への固定が簡便に実施できる外装ゴムの固定方法を提供できる。さらに、外装ゴムの両端を糸締めする作業をなくし、本作業による作業の煩雑さと言う問題点を解決されるうえに、外装ゴムを湾曲管部へ容易にかつ確実に固定できるという効果が得られる。また、外装ゴムの両端の固定端を全周において滑らかに形成できると言う効果が得られる。
【０１１８】
付記２５〜３３によれば、内視鏡外径が異なる複数の種類の内視鏡においても、１種の加熱部材にて対応できると言う効果が得られるとともに、加熱部材の加熱面の劣化及び損傷を最小限に止どめることができる。
【０１１９】
【発明の効果】
以上説明したように、この発明によれば、外装ゴムの固定作業に高技能を有することなく、外装ゴムの湾曲管部への固定が簡便で、全周に亘って平滑に構成でき、体腔内への挿入性を向上できるという効果が得られる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】この発明の第１の実施形態を示す内視鏡システムの斜視図。
【図２】同実施形態の湾曲管部の縦断側面図。
【図３】同実施形態の可撓管部の縦断側面図。
【図４】同実施形態の湾曲管部の変形例を示す縦断側面図。
【図５】同実施形態の可撓管部の変形例を示す縦断側面図。
【図６】（ａ）〜（ｄ）は同実施形態の被覆ゴムの固定方法を示す縦断側面図。
【図７】同実施形態の変形例を示す湾曲管部の縦断側面図。
【図８】この発明の第２の実施形態の湾曲管部の縦断側面図。
【図９】同実施形態の被覆ゴムを示す半縦断側面図。
【図１０】同実施形態の被覆ゴムの接続構造を示す縦断側面図。
【図１１】同実施形態の被覆ゴムの接続構造の変形例を示す縦断側面図。
【図１２】同実施形態の被覆ゴムの接続構造の変形例を示す縦断側面図。
【図１３】同実施形態の被覆ゴムの接続構造の変形例を示す縦断側面図。
【図１４】同実施形態の被覆ゴムの接続構造の変形例を示す縦断側面図。
【図１５】同実施形態の外装体の変形例を示す斜視図。
【図１６】同実施形態の外装体の変形例を示す斜視図。
【図１７】この発明の第３の実施形態の外装体のインサート部材を示す平面図。
【図１８】同実施形態の外装体を示す縦断側面図。
【図１９】同実施形態の外装体の取付け構造を示す縦断側面図。
【図２０】この発明の第４の実施形態を示し、外装体を溶融する加熱成形器の斜視図。
【図２１】同実施形態の加熱成形器の一部を示す斜視図。
【図２２】同実施形態の加熱成形器によって加熱状態を示す縦断側面図。
【図２３】同実施形態の加熱成形器の変形例を示す縦断側面図。
【図２４】同実施形態の加熱成形器の変形例を示す縦断側面図。
【図２５】同実施形態の加熱成形器の変形例を示す縦断側面図。
【図２６】同実施形態の加熱成形器の変形例を示す縦断側面図。
【図２７】同実施形態の加熱成形器の変形例を示し、（ａ）は縦断正面図、（ｂ）は縦断側面図。
【符号の説明】
４…挿入部
６…可撓管部
７…湾曲管部
８…先端構成部
２７…網管
２９…被覆ゴム（外装ゴム）
３１…外装体（固定部材）
３２…リング部材[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an endoscope having an insertion portion in which a distal end constituting portion is provided at a distal end portion of a flexible tube portion via a bending tube portion.
[0002]
[Prior art]
For example, in a medical flexible endoscope, an insertion portion to be inserted into a body cavity is provided with a flexible tube portion, and a distal end configuration portion is provided at the distal end portion of the flexible tube portion via a curved tube portion. In order to keep the inside of the endoscope watertight, the outer skin member that covers the curved tube portion is usually covered with the outer periphery of the proximal end portion of the distal end configuration portion, and the proximal end side is the outer periphery of the distal end portion of the flexible tube portion. Is covered.
[0003]
The outer skin member is fixed by winding and binding a filamentous material such as Teggus around the outer periphery of the distal end portion of the outer skin member covered with the distal end constituent portion and the outer periphery of the distal end portion of the outer skin member covered with the flexible tube portion. I am doing so. And the fixed state of the outer skin member is strengthened by apply | coating an adhesive agent around a filamentous body.
[0004]
Further, as prior arts for fixing the outer skin member, for example, Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 63-14806, Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 62-23444 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-299319 are known.
[0005]
In Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 63-14806, the abutment portion of the outer skin of the main pipe and the outer skin of the curved pipe is fastened with a ring-shaped band, and Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 62-23444 discloses the outer skin of the main pipe and the outer skin of the curved pipe. An adhesive is applied to the outer peripheral surface of the butted portion and then fastened with a ring-shaped band. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-299319 discloses that the vicinity of the end portion of the outer skin member, the flexible tube portion, and the tip constituent portion is formed as a fixing portion made of a thermoplastic resin, and the fixing portion is fused and the vicinity of the end portion is formed. It is fixed.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the above-described technique of binding the outer skin member with a filamentous body and fixing it by applying an adhesive requires the outer surface to be smoothly formed because the adhesive application surface contacts the biological mucous membrane, etc. The work of applying and curing the adhesive smoothly requires high skill.
[0007]
Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 63-14806 discloses that the outer peripheral surface of the ring-shaped band disposed at the abutting portion of the outer shell of the main tube and the outer tube of the curved tube is equal to or lower than the same outer peripheral surface as each of the outer peripheral surfaces of the main tube and the curved tube. Therefore, it is necessary to form a step in the outer skin of the main tube and the outer skin of the bending tube, and the processing cost increases because the step portion is formed.
[0008]
In addition, at the part where the thickness of the outer shell of the main pipe where the ring-shaped band is arranged is thinned, the outer shell is easily peeled off from the lower net pipe due to thinning, and the outer shell of the main pipe is removed when the ring-shaped band is removed. There is a risk of peeling damage.
[0009]
In Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 62-23444, the ring-shaped band protrudes from the outer peripheral surfaces of the main tube and the curved tube, and it is necessary to smoothly apply and harden the paint or adhesive applied to both ends. However, in order to apply smoothly, a high skill is required like the above-mentioned problem.
[0010]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-299319 discloses that when the thermoplastic resin is fused, the end of the thermoplastic resin is continuously smooth from the outer peripheral surface of the thermoplastic resin toward the outer surface of the endoscope insertion portion. It is difficult to form and since the heating surface of the heating member is formed to be substantially the same as the outer diameter of the endoscope insertion portion, a plurality of heating operations are performed for endoscope insertion portions having different outer diameters. A member will be needed.
[0011]
In addition, the heating member must divide the outer periphery of the endoscope insertion portion into at least two parts and heat it, and after the fusion, the dividing line by the heating device enters the surface of the thermoplastic resin, and the outer part that contacts the body cavity It is difficult to form a smooth surface.
[0012]
The present invention has been made paying attention to the above circumstances, and the object thereof is to smoothly form a fixing member for the exterior rubber of the bending tube portion and to easily form the fixing member. An object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope capable of improving the insertion property when inserting a portion into a body cavity.
[0013]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a flexible tube portion in which a spiral tube, a mesh tube, and an outer skin are sequentially laminated, and one end of a curved tube portion in which a bendable tubular body, a mesh tube, and an exterior rubber are sequentially laminated. Through the connecting pipe In the flexible tube In an endoscope in which the other end of the bending tube portion is connected to the tip constituent portion, both ends of the exterior rubber are sheathed on the tip constituent portion and the flexible tube portion, A fixing member made of a substantially ring-shaped thermoplastic resin formed so that the inner diameter is smaller than the outer diameter of the outer rubber, and the outer diameter of the fixing member is the outer diameter of the outer rubber and the outer diameter of the fixing member It is larger than the outer diameter of the outer shell, and the inner diameter after shrinkage is smaller than the outer diameter of the outer rubber and outer shell. Cover with a ring member and heat the ring member and the fixing member And the fixing member After the melting, the ring member is removed, and only the fixing member is attached to both ends of the exterior rubber. And there exists no level | step difference in the connection part of the flexible tube part of the both ends of the exterior rubber | gum of a curved pipe part, and a front-end | tip structure part, and it has made it able to form smoothly.
[0014]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 to FIG. 7 show a first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the entire endoscope system 1, and reference numeral 2 in the figure is an endoscope. The endoscope 2 includes an operation unit 3, an insertion unit 4, and a universal cord 5. The insertion portion 4 includes a flexible tube portion 6, a bending tube portion 7 provided at the distal end portion of the flexible tube portion 6, and a distal end configuration portion 8 provided at the distal end portion of the bending tube portion 7. Yes.
[0015]
The tip configuration part 8 is provided with an illumination window 9, an observation window 10 provided with a CCD, a nozzle 11, an opening 12 of a suction conduit, and the like. Further, the operation unit 3 is selected as a bending operation knob 13 for bending the bending tube portion 7 in the vertical and horizontal directions, and a nozzle 11 for cleaning a lens surface by ejecting fluid such as water or air to the observation window 10. In addition, an air supply / water supply button 14 for ejecting gas and liquid and a suction button 15 for selectively collecting mucus in the body cavity are provided through the opening 12 of the suction conduit.
[0016]
Further, a connector 16 is provided at the tip of the universal cord 5, and this connector 16 is connected to the light source device 17. An image processing device 18 is mounted on the light source device 17, and an image signal of the observation image in the body cavity obtained by the CCD is transmitted to the image processing device 18 through a cable 19.
[0017]
FIG. 2 is a longitudinal side view of the bending tube portion 7, and a plurality of node rings 25 are rotatably connected to the inner layer as a bendable tubular body 20 by a joint pin 26. A mesh tube 27 formed by knitting metal or chemical fiber into a cylindrical shape is sheathed on the node ring 25, and both ends thereof are bonded or soldered to the node ring 25 disposed at both ends of the curved tube portion 7. It is fixed.
[0018]
Further, the mesh tube 27 is covered with a covering rubber 29 as a covering rubber made of a tube body. A distal end hard portion 30 made of a metal or a hard resin constituting the distal end constituting portion 8 is connected to the node ring 25 at the distal end constituting the bending tube portion 7. A distal end cover 35, which is a cap-shaped member made of an insulating material, is integrally fixed to the distal end hard portion 30.
[0019]
FIG. 3 is a longitudinal side view of the flexible tube portion 6 of the insertion portion 4. A spiral tube 36 in which a strip-shaped metal is formed in a spiral shape is provided on the inner layer, and a metal wire or chemical fiber is provided on the outer periphery thereof. A net tube 37 knitted into a shape is provided, and an outer skin 38 made of resin is laminated on the outer periphery of the net tube 37.
[0020]
At the ends of the spiral tube 36 and the mesh tube 37, a joint fixing portion 47 to be bonded with solder or an adhesive is formed, and the joint fixing portion 47 is hard and does not have flexibility. Further, a part of the outer skin 38 is peeled off from the distal end side of the flexible tube portion 6 of the insertion portion 4, and a connection tube 39 is fixed by adhesion or the like so as to be fitted on the mesh tube 37.
[0021]
The joint fixing portion 47 has a distance L from the end of the flexible tube portion 6. 1 The distance from the end of the flexible tube 6 from which the outer skin 38 is peeled off is L. 2 It has become. The node ring 25 on the proximal side of the bending tube portion 7 is externally fitted to the connection tube 39 and is fixed by screws or adhesion.
[0022]
As shown in FIG. 6, the covering rubber 29 is arranged so that one end thereof is fitted on the outer peripheral surface of the distal end hard portion 30 via an adhesive layer 33 and abuts on the end surface of the distal end cover 35. As shown in FIG. 3, the other end of the covering rubber 29 is externally fitted to a part of the connection pipe 39 and the net pipe 37 via the adhesive layer 33, and is disposed so as to contact the end face of the outer skin 38.
[0023]
Furthermore, the covering rubber 29 is tightly bound to the curved tube portion 7 by winding the filament 28 such as Teggs densely from the outer periphery at both ends. Further, an outer body 31 as a fixing member made of a thermoplastic resin or the like is disposed on the entire periphery of the upper layer portion around which the thread-like body 28 is wound, and the outer periphery of the outer body 31 is formed from a heat-shrinkable tube body. A ring member 32 is inserted.
[0024]
A ring-shaped member formed so that the outer diameter 31 of the exterior body 31 disposed at the end on the front end side of the covering rubber 29 is equal to or less than the outer diameter (corresponding to a in FIG. 2) of the covering rubber 29 disposed. It becomes more. Further, the exterior body 31 disposed at the end of the covering rubber 29 that contacts the outer skin 38 is formed so that the inner diameter thereof is equal to or less than the outer diameter (corresponding to b in FIG. 2) of the covering rubber 29 disposed. It consists of a ring-shaped member.
[0025]
At the end of the covering rubber 29 that comes into contact with the outer skin 38, the exterior body 31 has a distance of 1 on the outer peripheral surface of the outer skin 38 from the end of the outer skin 38. 1 It is arranged to be 1 1 Is L 1 -L 2 It is comprised so that it may become the following. In addition, the exterior body 31 may be not only a ring-shaped member but also a C-shaped member in which a part of the ring is cut or a sheet-shaped member.
[0026]
The ring member 32 has an inner diameter before contraction larger than an outer diameter of the externally fitted exterior body 31 on the distal end side, and the inner diameter after contraction is the covering rubber 29 and the distal end cover on which the exterior body 31 is disposed. It consists of a heat-shrinkable tube body smaller than the outer diameter of 35.
[0027]
In the ring member 32, the inner diameter before contraction on the side where the covering rubber 29 and the outer skin 38 abut is larger than the maximum outer diameter of the bending tube portion 7 including the outer diameter on which the exterior body 31 is disposed. The inner diameter after shrinkage is a heat-shrinkable tube body that is smaller than the outer diameters of the covering rubber 29 and the outer skin 38 on which the exterior body 31 is disposed.
[0028]
The ring member 32 is formed to be sufficiently wider than the width of the exterior body 31. Moreover, the shrinkage temperature of the ring member 32 is lower than the melting temperature of the exterior body 31, and a material that makes the melting temperature of the ring member 32 higher than the melting temperature of the exterior body 31 is used.
[0029]
The exterior body 31 is made of a thermoplastic resin such as a polystyrene resin, a polyolefin resin, a polyurethane resin, a polyester resin, a polyamide resin, or a polybutadiene resin.
[0030]
The exterior body 31 is made of black or a similar color. The ring member 32 is made of a fluororesin such as PTFE or FEP. The ring member 32 is made of transparent or translucent. The ring member 32 may be made of an elastically deformable elastomer other than the heat-shrinkable tube.
[0031]
At this time, the elastomer has a natural inner diameter smaller than the outer diameters of the tip cover 35, the covering rubber 29, the covering rubber 29, and the outer skin 38 on which the exterior body 31 is disposed, and the inner diameter when expanded by elastic deformation is smaller than the tip side. In the case where the outer cover 31 is disposed, the covering rubber 29 and the tip cover 35 are disposed on the side where the covering rubber 29 and the outer skin 38 come into contact with each other, including the outer diameter where the outer covering 31 is disposed. It is comprised so that it may become larger than an outer diameter. The front end cover 35 is provided with a step portion 34 whose outer diameter is made small at the entire circumference at the end portion in contact with the covering rubber 29.
[0032]
4 and 5 show a modified example, in the case where the tip cover 35 and the outer skin 38 are not formed of thermoplastic resin in the tip constituent portion 8 and the flexible tube portion 6 at both ends of the covering rubber 29. The first thermoplastic resin portion 70 and the second thermoplastic resin portion 71 formed from a thermoplastic resin are provided at least in a range where the exterior body 31 is exteriorly provided.
[0033]
The first thermoplastic resin portion 70 is bonded and fixed to the distal end hard portion 30 and the distal end cover 35 with an adhesive or the like in a liquid-tight manner. The second thermoplastic resin portion 71 is bonded and fixed to the outer skin 38 and the mesh tube 37 with an adhesive or the like in a liquid-tight manner. Further, the melting temperature of the first thermoplastic resin portion 70 and the second thermoplastic resin portion 71 is made of a material (polycarbonate, polysulfone, polyetherketone, polyetheretherketone, etc.) higher than the melting temperature of the outer casing 31. Is formed.
[0034]
Note that the observation direction of the endoscope 2 is not only the same as the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion 4, but also applies to a side view or a perspective endoscope in which the observation direction is different from the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion 4, as shown in FIG. Is done.
[0035]
Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described.
At one end, the covering rubber 29 is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the distal end hard portion 30 with an adhesive layer 33, and is further fastened to the distal end hard portion 30 with a thread-like body 28, and is airtightly joined to the distal end hard portion 30 at this site. The Further, the other end of the covering rubber 29 is in close contact with the outer peripheral surfaces of the connection pipe 39 and the net pipe 37 by the adhesive layer 33, and is further fastened to the net pipe 37 by the filament 28, and is airtightly joined to the net pipe 37 at this part. The
[0036]
As shown in FIG. 6A, since the inner diameter of the exterior body 31 is equal to or less than the outer diameter of the tip cover 35 and the covering rubber 29, the outer periphery 31 is arranged in close contact with the outer periphery of the tip cover 35 and the covering rubber 29. Can do. Further, the end portion of the exterior body 31 is positioned at the step portion 34 provided at the end portion of the front end cover 35, and the position where the exterior body 31 is disposed can be determined. Since the inner diameter of the ring member 32 is larger than the outer diameter of the exterior body 31, the ring member 32 can be easily extrapolated to the exterior body 31.
[0037]
As shown in FIG. 6 (b), after the exterior body 31 and the ring member 32 are exteriorized, the exterior body 31 is heated by the heater 40 that can blow warm air, so that the exterior body has a higher melting point than the ring member 32. Since the shrinkage start temperature of 31 is lower, the ring member 32 first shrinks so as to be in close contact with the outer periphery of the exterior body 31. Further, when the heating is continued, the ring member 32 contracts and the exterior body 31 melts. Since the melting temperature of the ring member 32 is higher than the melting temperature of the exterior body 31, as shown in FIG. 6C, the exterior body 31 is melted while the ring member 32 is in close contact with the outer periphery of the exterior body 31. It is melt bonded to the body 28, the covering rubber 29 and the tip cover 35.
[0038]
At this time, since the outer diameter of the ring member 32 after contraction is smaller than the outer diameters of the covering rubber 29 and the tip cover 35, both ends of the exterior body 31 are smoothly connected to the tip cover 35 and the covering rubber 29. To be melted and molded.
[0039]
In addition, since the exterior body 31 is formed of a thermoplastic resin at least in the lower layer in which the exterior body 31 is disposed, the molecular bonding force between the exterior body 31 and the thermoplastic resin disposed in the lower layer due to heat melting of the exterior body 31 is increased. Strongly, the exterior body 31 can be disposed in close contact with the endoscope.
[0040]
After the heating by the heater 40 is stopped and the exterior body 31 and the ring member 32 are cooled to the room temperature, the ring member 32 is removed. At this time, since the ring member 32 is made of a fluorine-based resin (for example, made of PTFE or FEP), the ring member 32 is not coupled to the exterior body 31 and can be easily removed.
[0041]
Furthermore, since the ring member 32 is made of a transparent material, the melting state of the exterior body 31 can be confirmed even when the ring member 32 is attached. Further, since the ring member 32 shrinks so as to uniformly cover the entire circumference of the exterior body 31 without unevenness, the outer peripheral surface of the exterior body 31 is removed after the ring member 32 is removed as shown in FIG. Forms smoothly.
[0042]
Since the exterior body 31 has a black color or a similar color, the appearance of the insertion portion 4 of the endoscope 2 after finishing is not impaired.
Similarly, at the end of the covering rubber 29 that contacts the outer skin 38, as shown in FIG. 7, the exterior body 31 can be melt-bonded to the outer periphery of the covering rubber 29, the thread-like body 28, and the outer skin 38.
[0043]
At this time, the ring member 32 extrapolated to this part has an inner diameter larger than the maximum outer diameter of the bending portion 8 in a state where the exterior body 31 is arranged, and therefore can be extrapolated to this part. Easy.
[0044]
Since the inner diameter of the outer casing 31 is equal to or smaller than the outer diameter of the covering rubber 29 and the tip cover 35, the outer casing 31 is expanded so as to be larger than the maximum outer diameter of the bending tube portion 7 when the outer casing 31 is a thermoplastic elastomer. And attach to this site.
[0045]
In addition, in the case where the ring member 32 is made of an elastomer, the outer body 31 is heated and melted by the elastic force of the elastomer as in the case of the heat-shrinkable tube, and is smoothly adhered and fixed to the endoscope 2 insertion portion 4. Can do. When the exterior body 31 cannot be expanded, a sheet-like or C-shaped one is used and the exterior part 31 is exteriorized.
[0046]
Since discontinuous portions on the circumference of the outer package 31 are joined at the time of heating and melting, the outer package 31 can be continuously arranged on the entire circumference after the ring member 32 is removed.
Further, since the exterior body 31 is disposed within the range of the joint fixing portion 47 that is a hard portion at the end of the flexible tube, even if the outer skin 38 is bent suddenly, No peeling from 38.
[0047]
Further, the heater 40 as the heating means is not limited to the hot air blowing means, but may be a heat source such as an incandescent bulb or an infrared lamp.
According to the first embodiment described above, the covering rubber 29 has one end between the tip hard portion 30 and the covering rubber 29 and the other end between the mesh tube 37 and the covering rubber 29 by the adhesive layer 33, and a thread-like body. The bending tube portion 7 is hermetically configured by the binding force of 28, and no liquid enters the inside of the bending tube portion 7 in this portion.
[0048]
Since the exterior body 31 is melted and fixed to the entire outer periphery of the thread-like body 28, the thread-like body 28 is not loosened and the binding force is not reduced. When attaching the covering rubber 29, the thread-like body 28 is wound around both ends of the covering rubber 29, and then the exterior body 31 and the ring member 32 are arranged and heated by the heater 40 to melt the exterior body 31. Since it can be fixed, both ends of the covering rubber 29 can be fixed in a short time. Moreover, the outer peripheral surface of the exterior body 31 can be smoothly formed by the ring member 32, and the appearance quality at this part can be easily and constantly maintained.
[0049]
8 to 16 show a second embodiment, and the same components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. As shown in FIG. 9, the inner diameter of both end portions of the covering rubber 29 is smaller than the inner diameter of the intermediate portion of the covering rubber 29. An inner diameter D formed small at one end of the covering rubber 29 1 Is the outer diameter d of the distal end hard portion 30 in FIG. 1 Of 85% or less. An inner diameter D formed small at the other end of the covering rubber 29 2 Is the outer diameter d of the connecting pipe 39 in FIG. 2 Of 85% or less. Further, the inner diameter of the intermediate portion of the covering rubber 29 is formed to be 85% or more and 120% or less with respect to the outer diameter of the mesh tube 27 that is covered with the covering rubber 29.
[0050]
Here, as shown in FIG. 10, a part of the connecting pipe 29 is arranged so as to be fitted around the entire circumference of the outer skin 38, and the outer peripheral surface of the mesh pipe 37 and the outer skin 38 and the inner side of the connecting pipe 39. The adhesive portion 48 by the peripheral surface is fixed by being bonded all around by a filler or an adhesive.
[0051]
Here, the outer peripheral surface of the connecting tube 39 may be drawn after the adhesive portion 48 is filled with an adhesive so that the outer peripheral surface of the connecting tube 39 is flush with the outer peripheral surface of the outer skin 38. Alternatively, on the surface where the connecting pipe 39 is fitted at the end of the outer skin 38, the same amount as the thickness of the connecting pipe 39 is scraped off, and the connecting pipe 39 is externally fitted to the part, and the outer surface of the outer skin 38 is flush with the outer surface. You may comprise so that it may become.
[0052]
In assembling the connecting pipe 39, as shown in FIG. 11, the outer skin 38 is formed to be the same end as the end of the flexible pipe portion 6, and the connecting pipe 39 is fitted on the outer peripheral surface of the outer skin 38. A structure that is bonded and fixed may be used.
[0053]
The distance from the end of the flexible tube portion 6 where the connecting tube 39 is disposed is configured to be equal to or less than a rigid distance formed by the joint fixing portion 47 of the flexible tube portion 6. The covering rubber 39 arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the connecting pipe 39 is arranged so that the end thereof protrudes to the outer skin 38 side than the end of the connecting pipe 39.
[0054]
At both ends of the covering rubber 29, one end of the covering rubber 29 is disposed on the outer periphery of the leading end hard portion 30 on the leading end side, and the end of the covering rubber 29 is in contact with the end of the leading end cover 35. Further, an exterior body 31 is disposed in close contact with the outer peripheral surfaces of the covering rubber 29 and the front end cover 35, and the outer body 31 is melted and fixed to the outer peripheral surfaces of the covering rubber 29 and the front end cover 35.
[0055]
At the end of the covering rubber 29 that comes into contact with the outer skin 38, an exterior body 31 is disposed so as to be in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the covering rubber 29 and the outer skin 38. It is melted and fixed on top.
[0056]
Further, the ring member 32 disposed on the outer periphery of the exterior body 31 in this part has an inner diameter before contraction that is larger than the outer diameter e of the exterior body 31 when the exterior body 31 is disposed, as shown in FIG. The inner diameter after the contraction is large and is configured to be smaller than the outer diameter of the outer skin 38.
[0057]
Here, the shape of the end portion disposed on the outer skin 38 side of the covering rubber 29 is not limited to the shape shown in FIG. 12, but the outer peripheral shape of the covering rubber 29 is reduced as shown in FIG. It may be formed in a tapered shape. Further, as shown in FIG. 14, a step portion having a small outer diameter may be formed.
[0058]
As shown in FIG. 15, the outer casing 31 has an inner diameter A that is smaller than the outer diameter a of the distal end portion. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 16, the exterior body 31 may be in a strip form.
[0059]
Next, the operation of the second embodiment will be described.
Since the inner diameter of the covering rubber 29 is smaller than the outer diameter of the distal end hard portion 30 where the end portion of the covering rubber 29 is disposed and the outer diameter of the connecting pipe 39 at both ends of the covering rubber 29, the covering rubber 29 is hard at the end. The portion 30 and the connecting pipe 39 are tightened, whereby the covering rubber 29 is disposed in an airtight manner in close contact with the distal end hard portion 30 and the connecting pipe 39.
[0060]
Since the connection pipe 29 is adhered and fixed to the outer periphery of the outer skin 38, the connection pipe 39 and the outer skin 38 are hermetically joined. Since the connecting pipe 39 is disposed below the range of the joint fixing part 47 that is a hard part of the flexible tube part 6, the connecting pipe 39 does not lengthen the hard part of the flexible tube part 6.
[0061]
Since the exterior body 31 is simultaneously disposed on the outer periphery of the covering rubber 29 and the outer periphery of the outer skin 38 at the portion where the connecting pipe 39 and the covering rubber 29 are in close contact with each other, the end portion of the covering rubber 29 is smoothly connected to the outer skin 38. No significant steps are formed.
[0062]
As shown in FIG. 13, the outer diameter of the outer cover 31 is made smoother than that of FIGS. 10 and 11 because the outer diameter of the covering rubber 29 is reduced as the end of the covering rubber 29 is connected to the outer skin 38 side. Can be connected to the outer peripheral surface.
[0063]
As shown in FIG. 14, by providing a stepped portion having a small outer diameter at the end of the covering rubber 29, the outer body 31 is disposed at this site, so that the thickness of the outer body 31 is increased. Thus, the outer diameter of the outer tube 31 can be smoothly connected to the outer skin 38 without increasing the outer diameter of the bending tube portion 7. Further, the position where the exterior body 31 should be arranged can be easily determined by the step provided on the covering rubber 29. Other operations are the same as those in the first embodiment, and a description thereof is omitted.
[0064]
According to the second embodiment described above, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the covering rubber 29 is obtained without impairing the waterproofness of the curved tube portion 7 and the smoothness of the outer peripheral surface due to both ends of the covering rubber 29. It is not necessary to dispose the thread-like body 28 at both ends, and in this respect, workability at the time of assembling and repairing the covering rubber 29 is facilitated.
[0065]
FIGS. 17 to 19 show a third embodiment. In addition to the first and second embodiments, the exterior body 31 is an insert member formed of a knitted wire made of metal or chemical fiber as shown in FIG. 41 is preliminarily integrally provided and molded therein.
[0066]
In addition, the insert member 41 is inserted into the entire periphery of the outer body 31 before the outer body 31 is melted and fixed onto the outer peripheral surfaces of the covering rubber 29 and the tip cover 35 and the covering rubber 29 and the outer skin 38. May be integrated with the exterior body 31 at the same time as melting and fixing.
[0067]
Here, the insert member 41 is disposed over the entire area of the exterior body 31, and when the exterior body 31 is melted and fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the covering rubber 29 and the tip cover 35 and the covering rubber 29 and the outer skin 38, The strand diameter is configured to be smaller than the thickness of the exterior body 31 so as not to be exposed to the outside.
[0068]
Therefore, in addition to the effects of the first and second embodiments, the breaking strength of the outer casing 31 is reinforced by the insert member 41 to increase, and the outer casing 31 that smoothly connects both ends of the covering rubber 29 is Resistance to loads such as rubbing due to mechanical factors is improved. Further, in addition to the effects of the first and second embodiments, the exterior body 31 disposed at both ends of the covering rubber 29 is not damaged even when the endoscope 2 is used for a long time.
[0069]
19 to 27 show a fourth embodiment, and the same components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. As shown in FIG. 19, a thermoforming device 42 made of metal or the like is provided from the outer peripheral surface of the ring member 32, which is a means for contacting the ring member 32 and melting the exterior body 31. The heating molding device 42 is provided with a heat generating means 43 made of a conductive wire (not shown), which is a heat source for raising the temperature of the heating molding device 42, and the heat generating means 43 is connected to a means for adjusting the amount of heat generation (not shown). Composed.
[0070]
The amount of heat generated by the heat generating means 43 is controlled such that the surface of the tapered portion 49 is higher than the melting point of the exterior body 31 and lower than the melting point of the ring member 32. Further, the heat molding device 42 may be divided into a plurality of parts, and is divided into a heat molding device 42 a and a heat molding device 42 b as shown in the figure, and the ring member 32 so as to be pressed toward the center of the endoscope 2. The exterior body 31 is heated through the heat forming unit 42, and at this time, the thermoforming device 42 is configured to rotate in the arrow direction with respect to the endoscope 2.
[0071]
As shown in FIG. 21, the heating surface forming unit 42 has a heating surface 48 that is in contact with the ring member 32 formed in an arc shape, and the cross section in the radial direction with respect to the arc of the heating surface 48 is in the direction of the end portion of the exterior body 31. A tapered portion 49 having a tapered shape is formed so that the inner diameter becomes smaller.
[0072]
The tapered portion 49 is configured such that the difference in diameter between the large diameter portion and the small diameter portion is greater than or equal to the difference between the outer diameter of the tip cover 35 and the outer diameter of the exterior body 31. When the ring member 32 is heated and melted through the exterior body 31, the thermoforming device 42 is configured to uniformly press in the arrow direction in FIG. 22.
[0073]
The cross-sectional shape in the radial direction with respect to the arc of the heating surface 48 of the heating molding device 42 is not limited to the shape as shown in FIG. 21, but is tapered so as to simultaneously press both ends of the exterior body 31 as shown in FIG. 49 may be provided in two places. At this time, the width of the thermoforming device 42 is formed wider than the width of the exterior body 31.
[0074]
In addition, a coating layer 57 made of PTFE or the like having heat resistance and low bonding with the exterior body 31 may be integrally formed on the heating surface 48 of the thermoforming device 42. In this case, the heating surface 48 may directly take contact with the exterior body 31 and take a means for heating and melting.
[0075]
Further, as shown in FIG. 24, in the same cross-sectional direction as FIG. 23, the front heating molder 42c and the rear heating molder 42d are divided into the front heating molding machine 42c and the rear heating molding machine 42d. Each is provided with a heating means 43. Further, an adjusting screw 51 for adjusting the width of the forward heating molder 42c and the rearward heating molder 42d is screwed into either one. Similarly, a guide 50 that is a pin-like member that can be inserted into a through-hole 53 provided in one of the front-side heat-molding device 42c and the rear-side heat-forming device 42d is provided on one side where the through-hole 53 is not provided. It is fixed.
[0076]
The adjusting screw 51 penetrates through one of the heating molding devices 42 that is not screwed, and a knob 52 for rotating the adjusting screw 51 is non-rotatably bonded to the end of the adjusting screw 51 that penetrates and protrudes by bonding or a screw or the like. It is fixed.
[0077]
Further, as shown in FIG. 25, the heating molding device 42 is formed such that the radius R of the heating surface 48 formed in an arc shape is larger than the radius r of the ring member 32 that abuts. In addition, as shown in FIG. 26, not only the heat generating means 43 but also a heat generating means such as a soldering iron 54 may be connected to the heating molding device 42 and heated.
[0078]
At this time, the thermoforming device 42 is provided with a mounting hole 55 in which a soldering iron 54 is housed, and is arranged so as to connect the inner space of the mounting hole 55 and the outside of the thermoforming device 42. An internal thread is formed. A fixing screw 56 is screwed onto the female screw. The mounting hole 55 is formed so that at least the tip of the soldering iron 54 to be inserted comes into contact therewith.
[0079]
Here, means for uniformly pressing the thermoforming device 42 against the ring member 32 will be described with reference to FIGS.
The heating and pressing device 66, which is a device for pressing and heating, is a heating molding device 42 that is a means for heating, an urging means 59 that is a means for pressing, and a heating means that is a means for causing the heating molding device 42 to generate heat. 43, a base 61 that receives the insertion portion 4 of the endoscope 2, and an arm 63 that connects the base 61 and the heating molding device 42.
[0080]
Here, a rod 60 made of a cylindrical or prismatic rod-like member extending perpendicularly to the heating surface 48 is integrally formed in the thermoforming device 42. The rod 60 is provided at one end not connected to the heat molding device 42 with a drop prevention member 65 that is formed large in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction.
[0081]
The rod 60 is a through hole formed in the rod hole 64, and is formed to be larger than the outer diameter of the rod 60 and smaller than the outer diameter of the removal preventing member 65. An urging means 59 made of a spring is loosely fitted on the outer periphery of the rod 60 at a position where the thermoforming device 42 and the arm 63 face each other, and the urging means 59 is formed with an outer diameter larger than the diameter of the rod hole 64. Has been.
[0082]
The base 61 is formed with a receiving portion 62 made of an arcuate groove for receiving the insertion portion 4 of the endoscope 2, and the receiving portion 62 has a radius larger than that of the ring member 32. Further, the receiving part 62 is provided at a position facing the heating surface 48 formed in the heating molding device 42.
[0083]
The arm 63 is formed so that one end can be integrally fixed to the base 61, and a part of the arm 63 is provided in parallel with a surface on which the receiving part 62 of the base 61 is formed. It should be noted that the heat source for generating heat from the thermoforming device 42 is not limited to the heat generating means 43 and may have the configuration shown in FIG.
[0084]
In the present embodiment, the heating molding device 42, the heating means 43, the urging means 59, the rod 60, the arm 63, and the coating layer 67 are all made of a material having resistance to heat generated by each.
[0085]
Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the thermoforming device 42 is brought into direct contact with the ring member 32, and the exterior body 31 is heated and melted while pressing the exterior body 31 via the ring member 32. The exterior body 31 can be molded along the surface shape of the heating surface 48. Since the heating by the thermoforming device 42 can be performed in a narrow range, only the outer package 31 can be heated and melted.
[0086]
By rotating the heating molding device 42 relative to the insertion portion 4 of the endoscope 2, it is possible to perform molding that matches the shape of the heating surface 48 on the entire circumference of the exterior body 31.
[0087]
Since the heating surface 48 of the thermoforming device 42 is controlled to a temperature at which the ring member 32 is not melted by the heat generating means 43 and the exterior body 31 is melted, the exterior body 31 is damaged during the operation by heating, The cover 35 or the outer skin 38 is not damaged.
[0088]
When the coating layer 67 is disposed on the heating surface 48, the surface of the heating surface 48 is not damaged by repeated operations, and even if the exterior body 31 is directly heated and melted without the ring member 32 being disposed, The exterior body 31 does not melt and adhere to the heating surface 48, and the exterior surface of the exterior body 31 can be molded smoothly.
[0089]
As shown in FIGS. 27A and 27B, the urging means 59 urges the thermoforming device 42 in the direction in which the ring member 32 is arranged against the arm 63, so that the heating surface 48 is moved to the ring member 32. Can always be pressed with a constant amount of force.
[0090]
Since the ring member 32 can enter and be disposed in the receiving portion 62, even if the insertion portion 4 of the endoscope 2 including the ring member 32 is rotated in the direction of the arrow in FIG. The center position of the insertion portion 4 is not deviated.
[0091]
Further, since the radius of the arc shape of the heating surface 48 is larger than the radius of the ring member 32, it corresponds to all products having the insertion portion 4 of the endoscope 2 having a radius smaller than the radius of the heating surface 48. It is possible.
[0092]
In the configuration shown in FIG. 24, by rotating the knob 52, it is possible to adjust the widths of the front heat molding device 43c and the rear heat molding device 42d. Can also be supported.
[0093]
In the configuration shown in FIG. 26, by using a soldering iron 54 instead of the heat generating means 43, the heating means 43 can be made commercially available, and no special heating means is required. In addition, since the high temperature portion at the tip of the soldering iron 54 is in contact with the heating molding device 42, the heating efficiency of the heating molding device 42 is good. The thermoforming device 42 and the soldering iron 54 can be easily attached and detached by screwing the fixing screw 56.
[0094]
Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is easy to form the end portion of the exterior body 31 into a desired shape and smoothly connect it to the outer peripheral surfaces of the covering rubber 29 and the tip cover 35 and the covering rubber 29 and the outer skin 38. .
[0095]
In addition, it is possible to easily reproduce the constant heating temperature and the amount of pressing force, and it is easy to keep the finished shape of the exterior body 31 constant. It is possible to work on the endoscope 2 having various outer diameters without depending on the outer diameter of the endoscope 2.
[0096]
According to each of the embodiments, the following configuration is obtained.
(Supplementary Note 1) One end of a flexible tube portion in which a spiral tube, a mesh tube, and an outer skin are sequentially laminated, and a curved tube portion in which a bendable tubular body, a mesh tube, and an exterior rubber are sequentially laminated are connected via a connection tube, In an endoscope in which the other end of the curved tube portion is connected to a tip constituent portion, both end portions of the exterior rubber are sheathed on the tip constituent portion and the flexible tube portion, and a fixing member is disposed on the outer periphery of both ends of the exterior rubber. The outer periphery of the fixing member is covered with a ring member, the ring member and the fixing member are heated and melted, and then the ring member is removed, so that only the fixing member is attached to both ends of the exterior rubber. Endoscope.
[0097]
(Supplementary note 2) The endoscope according to supplementary note 1, wherein the fixing member is made of a thermoplastic resin.
(Additional remark 3) The said ring member is a heat-shrinkable tube which shrinks | contracts by heating, The endoscope of Additional remark 1 characterized by the above-mentioned.
(Additional remark 4) The said ring member consists of fluorine resin, The endoscope of Additional remark 1 characterized by the above-mentioned.
(Additional remark 5) The said ring member consists of material whose melting | fusing point is higher than melting | fusing point of the fixing member which consists of thermoplastic resins, The endoscope of Additional remark 1 characterized by the above-mentioned.
(Supplementary note 6) The endoscope according to supplementary note 1, wherein the ring member is transparent.
[0098]
(Supplementary note 7) The endoscope according to supplementary note 3, wherein the ring member made of the heat-shrinkable tube is made of a material whose shrinkage temperature is lower than the melting point of the fixing member made of a thermoplastic resin.
(Supplementary note 8) The endoscope according to supplementary note 1, wherein the fixing member is formed in a tube shape.
(Supplementary note 9) The endoscope according to supplementary note 1, wherein the fixing member is made of a thermoplastic resin in which a net tube is integrally incorporated.
(Supplementary note 10) The endoscope according to supplementary note 9, wherein the mesh tube built in the fixing member is made of a chemical fiber or a metal strand.
(Supplementary note 11) The endoscope according to supplementary note 10, wherein the mesh pipe installed in the fixing member has an element wire diameter of 50% or less of a thickness of the fixing member.
[0099]
(Supplementary note 12) The endoscope according to supplementary note 8, wherein the tube-shaped fixing member has an inner diameter equal to or less than an outer diameter of an outer rubber to be attached.
(Supplementary note 13) The endoscope according to supplementary note 1, wherein the ring member is formed so that an inner diameter thereof is larger than a maximum outer diameter of the bending tube portion in a state where the outer rubber and the fixing member are arranged.
(Additional remark 14) The said ring member consists of a tube body which consists of elastomers etc., and the internal diameter becomes larger than the largest outer diameter of the curved pipe part in the state which has arrange | positioned the shell rubber and the fixing member by elastic deformation. The endoscope according to appendix 1, wherein, in a normal state, the outer diameter is equal to or less than both end portions of the outer rubber where the ring member is disposed.
(Supplementary note 15) The endoscope according to supplementary note 3, wherein an inner diameter of the ring member is equal to or less than an outer diameter of both end portions of the outer rubber where the ring member is disposed after the heat shrinkage.
[0100]
(Supplementary note 16) The internal appearance according to supplementary note 1, wherein the exterior rubber is formed by winding a thread-like body such as Tegs around the outer periphery of both ends, and further heat-melting and attaching a thermoplastic resin so as to cover the thread-like body. mirror.
[0101]
(Supplementary note 17) The endoscope according to supplementary note 16, wherein the filaments such as the tegus are sparsely wound around both ends of the exterior rubber.
(Supplementary note 18) The internal rubber according to Supplementary note 1, wherein the exterior rubber is wound on both ends by a thread-like body, and the exterior rubber is disposed on the tip constituent part and the flexible tube part in a watertight manner by the winding force of the filamentous body. Endoscope.
[0102]
(Additional remark 19) The said exterior rubber is formed in the diameter smaller than the diameter of the outer periphery of the front-end | tip structure part which should be attached | attached, and the outer periphery of a flexible tube part at least inside Endoscope.
(Supplementary note 20) The endoscope according to supplementary note 16, wherein a width of each of the small diameter portions at both ends of the exterior rubber is 2 mm or more.
(Additional remark 21) The inside diameter of both ends small diameter part of the said exterior rubber is comprised so that it may become 85% or less of the diameter of the front-end | tip structure part outer periphery which should be attached, and a flexible tube part outer periphery. Endoscope.
[0103]
(Supplementary Note 22) The thermoplastic resin is arranged at the same time on the outer periphery where the exterior rubber of the tip component portion is not disposed, the outer periphery of the exterior rubber, the outer periphery of the outer shell resin of the flexible tube portion, and the outer periphery of the exterior rubber. The endoscope according to appendix 1.
[0104]
(Supplementary Note 23) The connection cap for connecting the flexible tube portion and the bending tube portion is formed by extrapolating one end of the flexible tube portion to the outer periphery of the outer shell resin and arranging an adhesive or filler between the outer shell resin and the connection cap. Thus, the endoscope according to appendix 1, wherein the connection base is liquid-tightly joined to the outer resin.
[0105]
(Supplementary Note 24) A flexible tube in which a spiral tube, a mesh tube, and an outer skin are sequentially laminated, and one end of a curved tube portion in which a bendable tubular body, a mesh tube, and an exterior rubber are sequentially laminated are connected via a connection tube, In an endoscope exterior rubber fixing method in which the other end of the curved tube portion is connected to a distal end configuration portion, both end portions of the exterior rubber are sheathed on the distal end configuration portion and the flexible tube portion, and outer ends of both ends of the exterior rubber The fixing member is disposed on the outer periphery, the outer periphery of the fixing member is covered with a ring member, the fixing member is heated and melted simultaneously with the ring member, and then the ring member is removed, so that only the fixing member is attached to both ends of the exterior rubber. An exterior rubber fixing method for an endoscope, characterized in that the endoscope is attached to an endoscope.
[0106]
(Supplementary note 25) The endoscope exterior rubber fixing method according to supplementary note 24, wherein a thermoplastic resin is heated and melted simultaneously with the ring member by bringing the heating member into contact with the ring member.
[0107]
(Additional remark 26) The exterior rubber fixing method of the endoscope according to Additional remark 24, wherein the ring member is a heating member.
(Supplementary note 27) The endoscope exterior rubber fixing method according to supplementary note 26, wherein the heating member heats and melts at least an end portion of the thermoplastic resin through a ring member.
(Supplementary note 28) The endoscope exterior rubber fixing method according to supplementary note 26, wherein the heating member is configured by connecting a heating member.
[0108]
(Supplementary note 29) The endoscope outer rubber fixing method according to supplementary note 28, wherein the heat generating member is constituted by a soldering iron, a conductive wire or the like.
(Supplementary note 30) The endoscope outer rubber fixing method according to supplementary note 26, wherein the heating surface of the heating member is formed in an arc shape with respect to a radial direction of the insertion portion of the endoscope.
(Supplementary note 31) The endoscope outer rubber fixing method according to supplementary note 26, wherein the heating surface of the heating member is formed obliquely with respect to a longitudinal direction of the insertion portion of the endoscope.
[0109]
(Supplementary Note 32) The shape formed obliquely with respect to the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion of the endoscope on the heating surface of the heating member is an angle connecting the outer surface of the insertion portion of the endoscope and the outer surface of the thermoplastic resin. The method for fixing an exterior rubber of an endoscope according to appendix 26, wherein the slope is formed as described above.
(Supplementary note 33) The endoscope outer rubber fixing method according to supplementary note 30, wherein an inner diameter of an arc formed in the heating member is larger than an outer diameter of an insertion portion of the endoscope.
(Appendix 34) The endoscope exterior rubber fixing method according to appendix 26, wherein the ring member is pressed at a constant pressure by the heating member to melt the thermoplastic resin.
[0110]
(Supplementary note 35) The endoscope exterior rubber fixing method according to supplementary note 34, wherein the heating member is pressed against the ring member by a biasing means such as a spring.
(Supplementary note 36) The supplementary note 26, wherein the heating member is configured to be rotatable about the central axis of the insertion portion of the endoscope with respect to the insertion portion of the endoscope and the thermoplastic resin. Endoscope exterior rubber fixing method.
(Supplementary note 37) The endoscope exterior rubber fixing method according to supplementary note 26, wherein the heating surface of the heating member is provided with a layer having heat resistance and slipperiness.
[0111]
(Supplementary note 38) The endoscope outer rubber fixing method according to supplementary note 37, wherein the layer having heat resistance and slipperiness is made of a fluororesin such as PTFE or FEP.
(Supplementary note 39) The endoscope outer rubber fixing method according to supplementary note 26, wherein the heating member is configured to be heated to 100 ° C or higher and to control the heat generating member so as to always maintain a constant temperature. .
[0112]
(Supplementary note 40) The endoscope outer rubber fixing method according to supplementary note 24, wherein the ring member and the thermoplastic resin are heated in advance by hot air or a heater, and thereafter heated by the heating member.
[0113]
(Supplementary note 41) The internal view according to supplementary note 1, wherein at least both the distal end component portion and the flexible tube portion on which the fixing member is disposed are formed of a thermoplastic resin portion at both ends of the exterior rubber. mirror.
[0114]
(Additional remark 42) The endoscope of Additional remark 41 characterized by the thermoplastic resin part comprised by the front-end | tip structure part and flexible tube part of an endoscope being provided over the perimeter of an endoscope.
(Supplementary note 43) The endoscope according to supplementary note 41, wherein the thermoplastic resin portion is formed of polycarbonate, polysulfone, polyether ketone, polyether ether ketone, or the like.
[0115]
(Additional remark 44) The said thermoplastic resin part distribute | arranged to the said front-end | tip structure part and the said flexible tube part is fixed liquid-tightly with respect to a front-end | tip structure part and a flexible tube part, The additional note 41 characterized by the above-mentioned. The endoscope described.
[0116]
According to the supplementary notes 1 to 15, it is possible to provide an endoscope in which the exterior rubber can be easily fixed to the curved pipe portion without having high skill in work. According to the configuration described in the supplementary note 16, in addition to the effects described in the supplementary notes 1 to 15, there is an effect that the certainty increases in workability when the fixing member is melted and fixed. According to the appendices 17 to 23, it is possible to provide an endoscope in which the exterior rubber can be disposed in an airtight and simple manner on the curved tube portion.
[0117]
According to Supplementary Notes 24 to 40, it is possible to provide a method for fixing an exterior rubber that can easily perform the fixation of the exterior rubber to the curved pipe portion without having high skill in work. Furthermore, the work of tightening both ends of the exterior rubber is eliminated, the problem of complicated work by the present work is solved, and the effect that the exterior rubber can be easily and reliably fixed to the curved pipe portion is obtained. . Moreover, the effect that the fixed ends at both ends of the exterior rubber can be smoothly formed all around is obtained.
[0118]
According to Supplementary Notes 25 to 33, an effect that even one of a plurality of types of endoscopes having different endoscope outer diameters can be handled by one type of heating member is obtained, and the heating surface of the heating member is deteriorated and Damage can be minimized.
[0119]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it is easy to fix the outer rubber to the curved pipe portion without having high skill in fixing the outer rubber, and the outer rubber can be configured smoothly over the entire circumference. The effect that the insertion property into can be improved is obtained.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an endoscope system showing a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a longitudinal side view of the bending tube portion of the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a longitudinal side view of the flexible tube portion of the embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a longitudinal side view showing a modification of the bending tube portion of the embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a longitudinal side view showing a modification of the flexible tube portion of the embodiment.
FIGS. 6A to 6D are longitudinal side views showing a method of fixing a coated rubber according to the embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a longitudinal side view of a bending tube portion showing a modification of the embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a longitudinal side view of a bending tube portion according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a semi-vertical side view showing the coated rubber of the embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a longitudinal side view showing the connection structure of the coated rubber according to the embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a longitudinal side view showing a modification of the connection structure of the coated rubber according to the embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a longitudinal side view showing a modification of the connection structure of the coated rubber according to the embodiment.
FIG. 13 is a longitudinal side view showing a modification of the connection structure of the coated rubber according to the embodiment.
FIG. 14 is a longitudinal side view showing a modification of the connection structure of the coated rubber according to the embodiment.
FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a modification of the exterior body according to the embodiment.
FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a modification of the exterior body according to the embodiment.
FIG. 17 is a plan view showing an insert member of an exterior body according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 18 is a longitudinal side view showing the exterior body of the embodiment.
FIG. 19 is a longitudinal side view showing the mounting structure of the exterior body according to the embodiment.
FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a thermoforming machine for melting the exterior body according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing a part of the thermoforming device of the embodiment.
FIG. 22 is a longitudinal side view showing a heating state by the heating molding machine of the embodiment.
FIG. 23 is a longitudinal side view showing a modified example of the thermoforming device of the embodiment.
FIG. 24 is a longitudinal side view showing a modified example of the thermoforming device of the embodiment.
FIG. 25 is a longitudinal side view showing a modified example of the thermoforming device of the embodiment.
FIG. 26 is a longitudinal side view showing a modification of the heating molding machine of the embodiment.
FIGS. 27A and 27B show a modification of the thermoforming device of the embodiment, wherein FIG. 27A is a longitudinal front view, and FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
4 ... Insertion section
6 ... Flexible tube
7: Curved tube
8 ... tip component
27 ... Net tube
29 ... Coated rubber (exterior rubber)
31 ... Exterior body (fixing member)
32. Ring member

Claims (1)

螺旋管、網管、外皮を順次積層した可撓管部と、湾曲可能な管状体、網管、外装ゴムを順次積層してなる湾曲管部の一端を接続管を介して前記可撓管部に連結し、前記湾曲管部の他端を先端構成部に接続した内視鏡において、
前記外装ゴムの両端部を先端構成部及び可撓管部に外装し、
前記外装ゴムの両端部外周に、内径が前記外装ゴムの外径より小径となるように形成された略リング状の熱可塑性樹脂よりなる固定部材を嵌合し、
前記固定部材の外周を、収縮前の内径が前記外装ゴム及び外皮の外径よりも大きく、収縮後の内径が前記外装ゴム及び外皮の外径よりも小径となる熱収縮性のリング部材で覆い、
前記リング部材と前記固定部材を加熱して、前記固定部材を溶融し、この後リング部材を除去して前記固定部材のみを外装ゴムの両端部に取り付けたことを特徴とする内視鏡。Connect one end of the flexible tube part, which is a laminate of a spiral tube, a mesh tube, and an outer skin, and the bendable tube body, a mesh tube, and an exterior rubber, to the flexible tube part via a connecting tube. In an endoscope in which the other end of the bending tube portion is connected to the tip configuration portion,
Arming both ends of the exterior rubber to the tip component part and the flexible tube part,
Fitting a fixing member made of a substantially ring-shaped thermoplastic resin formed so that the inner diameter is smaller than the outer diameter of the exterior rubber, on the outer periphery of both ends of the exterior rubber,
The outer periphery of the fixing member is covered with a heat-shrinkable ring member whose inner diameter before shrinkage is larger than the outer diameter of the outer rubber and outer skin, and whose inner diameter after shrinkage is smaller than the outer diameter of the outer rubber and outer skin. ,
An endoscope in which the ring member and the fixing member are heated to melt the fixing member, and then the ring member is removed and only the fixing member is attached to both ends of the exterior rubber.
JP21722698A 1998-07-31 1998-07-31 Endoscope Expired - Fee Related JP4236305B2 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP21722698A JP4236305B2 (en) 1998-07-31 1998-07-31 Endoscope

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP21722698A JP4236305B2 (en) 1998-07-31 1998-07-31 Endoscope

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
JP2000041937A JP2000041937A (en) 2000-02-15
JP4236305B2 true JP4236305B2 (en) 2009-03-11

Family

ID=16700831

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
JP21722698A Expired - Fee Related JP4236305B2 (en) 1998-07-31 1998-07-31 Endoscope

Country Status (1)

Country Link
JP (1) JP4236305B2 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2021206063A1 (en) * 2020-04-09 2021-10-14 オリンパス株式会社 Endoscope, method for repairing endoscope, method for manufacturing endoscope, and method for manufacturing endoscope insertion part

Families Citing this family (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2006212278A (en) * 2005-02-04 2006-08-17 Pentax Corp Manufacturing method of insertion flexible tube, insertion flexible tube and endoscope
JP4619203B2 (en) * 2005-06-06 2011-01-26 Ｈｏｙａ株式会社 Fixing structure of the outer tube of the curved part of the endoscope
JP2007159854A (en) * 2005-12-14 2007-06-28 Pentax Corp Insertion part and endoscope
JP4932353B2 (en) * 2006-07-10 2012-05-16 オリンパスメディカルシステムズ株式会社 Endoscope and repair method
JP5186153B2 (en) * 2007-08-15 2013-04-17 Ｈｏｙａ株式会社 Endoscope bending structure
JP5420194B2 (en) * 2008-06-05 2014-02-19 オリンパスメディカルシステムズ株式会社 Endoscope
WO2014155793A1 (en) * 2013-03-28 2014-10-02 オリンパスメディカルシステムズ株式会社 Endoscope
CN110893689A (en) * 2019-12-23 2020-03-20 无锡安之卓医疗机器人有限公司 Capsule endoscope, hot melting system and hot melting connection method

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2021206063A1 (en) * 2020-04-09 2021-10-14 オリンパス株式会社 Endoscope, method for repairing endoscope, method for manufacturing endoscope, and method for manufacturing endoscope insertion part
JP7494417B2 (en) 2020-04-09 2024-06-04 オリンパス株式会社 ENDOSCOPE AND METHOD FOR REPAIRING ENDOSCOPE

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JP2000041937A (en) 2000-02-15

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
JP4236305B2 (en) Endoscope
US20130006051A1 (en) Video apparatus
EP1859725B1 (en) Endoscope and repair method of endoscope
JP3869509B2 (en) Endoscope
JP2002125916A (en) Endoscope
JP3569342B2 (en) Endoscope tip
JPH11137509A (en) Flexible tube for endoscope
JPH0650253U (en) Wire connection sleeve
JPH08140924A (en) Tip part of endoscope
JP3030105B2 (en) Endoscope
JP3517290B2 (en) Endoscope tip
JP3462602B2 (en) Endoscope tip
JPS6015527Y2 (en) Endoscope
JP3898941B2 (en) Method of connecting flexible tube for endoscope and annular connecting member
JP3504431B2 (en) Endoscope
JP4634661B2 (en) End of the endoscope
JPH07171091A (en) Front end of endoscope
JP4248652B2 (en) Optical cable manufacturing method and manufacturing apparatus
US20230173767A1 (en) Method of welding a sleeve to a tube, and device obtained thereby
JP2002209834A (en) Flexible pipe of endoscope and method for manufacturing the same
JP2001299925A (en) Catheter
JP2539199Y2 (en) Endoscope tip
JP2000271072A (en) Structure of tip part of endoscope insertion part
JP2000137154A (en) Production of optical cable
JPS63305836A (en) Endoscope

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
A621 Written request for application examination

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A621

Effective date: 20050517

A977 Report on retrieval

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A971007

Effective date: 20080401

A131 Notification of reasons for refusal

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A131

Effective date: 20080826

A521 Written amendment

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A523

Effective date: 20081015

TRDD Decision of grant or rejection written
A01 Written decision to grant a patent or to grant a registration (utility model)

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A01

Effective date: 20081125

A01 Written decision to grant a patent or to grant a registration (utility model)

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A01

A61 First payment of annual fees (during grant procedure)

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A61

Effective date: 20081216

FPAY Renewal fee payment (event date is renewal date of database)

Free format text: PAYMENT UNTIL: 20111226

Year of fee payment: 3

FPAY Renewal fee payment (event date is renewal date of database)

Free format text: PAYMENT UNTIL: 20111226

Year of fee payment: 3

FPAY Renewal fee payment (event date is renewal date of database)

Free format text: PAYMENT UNTIL: 20121226

Year of fee payment: 4

FPAY Renewal fee payment (event date is renewal date of database)

Free format text: PAYMENT UNTIL: 20131226

Year of fee payment: 5

LAPS Cancellation because of no payment of annual fees