JP4589950B2 - Endoscope flexible tube - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a flexible tube for an endoscope.

  In general, a flexible tube for an endoscope used for an insertion portion of an endoscope or a connection portion with a light source device can be used as a core material having a hollow portion whose outer periphery is covered with a mesh tube (braided body). It has a configuration in which a flexible outer skin is coated.

  Here, the medical endoscope needs to be disinfected and sterilized every time it is used in order to prevent infection and the like. As a method for sterilization and sterilization, high-pressure steam sterilization (autoclave) has been widespread instead of using a conventional disinfectant solution. In this high-pressure steam sterilization, the endoscope is exposed to high-temperature and high-pressure steam at about 135 ° C. and about 2 atm for about 5 to 20 minutes, for example.

  In order to make the endoscope compatible with this high-pressure steam sterilization, the outer skin of the flexible tube for the endoscope is required to have heat resistance that can withstand high temperatures during high-pressure steam sterilization. Therefore, as the material for the outer skin of the endoscope flexible tube, silicone rubber having excellent heat resistance and good moldability is mainly used.

  However, such a flexible tube for an endoscope has the following problems. That is, since the outer skin of the endoscope flexible tube made of a material mainly made of silicone rubber is easily permeable to water vapor, the hollow portion of the endoscope flexible tube is subjected to high-pressure steam sterilization. For example, a built-in material such as a fiber bundle is exposed to water vapor and the deterioration thereof is accelerated.

  In order to solve this problem, it is considered that the outer shell of the endoscope flexible tube has a two-layer structure of a material such as fluorine rubber having water vapor barrier properties and heat resistance and silicone rubber. In this case, since the vulcanization conditions are different between fluororubber and silicone rubber, it is necessary to perform extrusion molding in two steps to coat the outer shell onto the core material, resulting in a decrease in production efficiency and production cost. The problem of causing an increase arises.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a flexible tube for an endoscope that can be easily manufactured and can prevent deterioration and damage of a built-in object during high-pressure steam sterilization.

Such an object is achieved by the present inventions (1) to (7) below.
(1) a core material having a spiral tube formed by spirally winding a belt-like material at intervals,
A flexible tube for an endoscope having an outer skin coated on the outer periphery of the core material,
Having a water vapor barrier property, and having a sealing member for closing the gap,
The flexible tube for an endoscope , wherein the sealing member is formed by spirally winding a long object having a substantially “e” cross-sectional shape .

  As a result, it is possible to provide a flexible tube for an endoscope that is easy to manufacture and can prevent deterioration and damage of built-in items during high-pressure steam sterilization. In particular, by making the cross-sectional shape of the sealing member substantially “e” -shaped, the airtightness and liquid tightness between the spiral tube and the sealing member are improved, and water vapor can be blocked more reliably. it can.

  (2) The endoscope flexible tube according to (1), wherein the sealing member is made of a material containing a fluorine resin.
  Thereby, particularly excellent water vapor barrier properties, heat resistance and flexibility can be obtained. Therefore, an endoscope flexible tube particularly suitable for high-pressure steam sterilization can be obtained.

  (3) The sealing member includes a tetrafluoroethylene resin, a tetrafluoroethylene / hexafluoropropylene copolymer, a tetrafluoroethylene / perfluoroalkoxyethylene copolymer, and a tetrafluoroethylene / ethylene copolymer. For the endoscope according to (2), which is composed of any one selected from the group consisting of vinylidene fluoride resin, vinyl fluoride resin, chlorotrifluoroethylene resin and ethylene-chlorotrifluoroethylene resin Flexible tube.
  Thereby, the flexibility (softness | flexibility) of the flexible tube for endoscopes becomes more excellent.

  (4) The flexible tube for an endoscope according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the sealing member is provided in a spiral shape along the interval.
  Thereby, the outstanding flexibility (softness | flexibility) is obtained.

  (5) The flexible tube for an endoscope according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the maximum thickness of the long object forming the sealing member is larger than the maximum thickness of the belt-shaped material.

  (6) The sealing member is provided in a spiral shape along the interval, the inner diameter of the sealing member is smaller than the inner diameter of the spiral tube, and the outer diameter of the sealing member is the spiral. The flexible tube for an endoscope according to the above (5), which is larger than the outer diameter of the tube.

(7) The flexible tube for an endoscope according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the outer skin is made of a material containing silicone rubber.
As a result, the outer skin can have particularly excellent heat resistance and formability.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, while being easy to manufacture, the flexible tube for endoscopes which can prevent the penetration | invasion of the water vapor | steam to a hollow part (inside) is obtained. That is, even when placed in a humid heat environment such as high-pressure steam sterilization, it is possible to obtain a flexible tube for an endoscope that can prevent deterioration and damage of built-in objects disposed in the hollow portion.

  Moreover, the said effect can be achieved, maintaining the outstanding flexibility (softness | flexibility) of the flexible tube for endoscopes.

  In particular, when the sealing member is made of a material containing a fluororesin, particularly excellent water vapor barrier properties, heat resistance and flexibility can be obtained. Therefore, an endoscope flexible tube particularly suitable for high-pressure steam sterilization can be obtained.

  Further, when the outer skin is made of a material containing silicone rubber, excellent heat resistance can be obtained for the outer skin. Therefore, an endoscope flexible tube particularly suitable for high-pressure steam sterilization can be obtained. In this case, excellent moldability during production can also be obtained.

  Hereinafter, the flexible tube for endoscopes of the present invention will be described in detail based on a preferred embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 7 is an overall view showing an example of an endoscope having a flexible tube for an endoscope according to the present invention.
First, an overall configuration of an endoscope having an endoscope flexible tube according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the following description, the right side in FIG. 7 is referred to as “base end”, and the left side is referred to as “tip”.

  An endoscope (fiberscope) 10 shown in FIG. 7 includes a long insertion portion flexible tube 11 having flexibility (flexibility) and a bending portion provided on the distal end side of the insertion portion flexible tube 11. 12, provided on the proximal end side of the insertion portion flexible tube 11, provided on the proximal end side of the operation portion 13, provided on the proximal end side of the operation portion 13, provided on the proximal end side of the operation portion 13. An eyepiece 14 for directly observing an image, a long connecting portion flexible tube 15 whose one end is connected to the operation portion 13, and a light source insertion portion provided on the other end of the connecting portion flexible tube 15 16.

  Among these, the insertion part flexible tube 11 and the bending part 12 comprise the insertion part inserted in the lumen | bore of a biological body. For example, a built-in object (not shown) such as an optical fiber, an electric cable, a cable, or a tube is disposed and inserted into the insertion portion flexible tube 11 and the bending portion 12 (hollow portion).

  An operation lever 17 is installed in the operation unit 13. When the operation lever 17 is operated, a wire (not shown) disposed in the insertion portion flexible tube 11 is pulled, and the bending portion 12 is bent in two directions, and the bending direction and the degree of bending are remotely controlled. can do.

  The connecting portion flexible tube 15 and the light source insertion portion 16 constitute a connecting portion for a light source device (not shown). That is, a light source connector 161 is installed at the distal end of the light source insertion portion 16, and when the endoscope 10 is used, the light source connector 161 is inserted into the light source device, so that the endoscope 10 and the light source The apparatus is optically connected.

  The light emitted from the light source built in the light source device is emitted from the light source connector 161, the light source insertion portion 16, the connection portion flexible tube 15, the operation portion 13, the insertion portion flexible tube 11, and the light source device 161. It passes through a light guide (not shown) by an optical fiber bundle arranged continuously in the bending portion 12, and is irradiated on the observation site from the distal end portion 121 of the bending portion 12 to illuminate it.

  The reflected light (subject image) from the observation site illuminated by the illumination light is sent to an image guide (not shown) by an optical fiber bundle arranged continuously in the insertion portion flexible tube 11 and the operation portion 13. And transmitted to the eyepiece unit 14.

  An eyepiece lens (not shown) is installed inside the eyepiece 14, and reflected light that has reached through the image guide is observed through the eyepiece lens.

  The flexible tube for an endoscope of the present invention can be applied to the insertion portion flexible tube 11 and the connection portion flexible tube 15 in the endoscope 10 as described above.

  In addition, the flexible tube for an endoscope of the present invention is not limited to a fiber endoscope such as the endoscope 10, but can be an insertion portion flexible tube and a connection portion in various endoscopes such as an electronic endoscope. Needless to say, it can be applied to a flexible tube.

Next, the endoscope flexible tube of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a first embodiment of an endoscope flexible tube according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a curved state of the endoscope flexible tube shown in FIG. FIGS. 3 to 5 are longitudinal sectional views for explaining the manufacturing method of the flexible tube for an endoscope step by step, and FIG. 6 is a view in which the spiral tube assembly is temporarily fixed to the rod-like body as viewed in the axial direction. FIG.

  The endoscope flexible tube 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes a core member 2 having a hollow portion 21 and an outer skin 5 that covers the outer periphery of the core member 2. For example, a built-in object (not shown in the drawing) such as an optical fiber, an electric cable, a cable, or a tube can be disposed and inserted into the hollow portion 21.

  The core material 2 is a long object having a spiral tube 3 and a mesh tube (braided body) 4 that covers the outer periphery of the spiral tube 3, and has a function of ensuring mechanical strength in the endoscope flexible tube 1. Have In particular, by combining the spiral tube 3 and the mesh tube 4, the endoscope flexible tube 1 can ensure sufficient mechanical strength. Although not shown, the core material 2 can have higher mechanical strength by providing two or three spiral tubes 3.

  The spiral tube 3 is formed by winding a belt-like material with a uniform diameter in a spiral manner with an interval 31 therebetween. For example, stainless steel or copper alloy is preferably used as the material constituting the strip.

  The mesh tube 4 is formed by braiding a plurality of metal or non-metal thin wires 41 arranged side by side. As a material constituting the thin wire 41, for example, stainless steel, copper alloy, or the like is preferably used. Further, at least one of the thin wires 41 forming the mesh tube 4 may be coated with a synthetic resin (not shown).

The outer periphery of the core material 2 is covered with a flexible outer skin 5.
The constituent material of the outer skin 5 is not particularly limited, but preferably includes silicone rubber (silicone-based material). Since silicone rubber has excellent heat resistance, the flexible tube 1 for endoscope can be made compatible with high-pressure steam sterilization (autoclave). Therefore, even when high-pressure steam sterilization is repeatedly performed, there is little deterioration, and the life of the endoscope flexible tube 1 can be extended. Moreover, since silicone rubber is excellent in moldability, this can be easily performed when the outer skin 5 is coated on the outer periphery of the core material 2 by, for example, extrusion molding.

  The thickness of the outer skin 5 is not particularly limited, but is usually preferably 0.1 to 2 mm, and more preferably 0.2 to 1 mm.

  The outer skin 5 is preferably covered so that at least a part of the mesh tube 4 is embedded in the outer skin 5. Thereby, the following effects are obtained.

The bonding force between the outer skin 5 and the mesh tube 4 becomes strong, and the outer skin 5 is difficult to peel (separate) from the mesh tube 4. Thereby, the flexible tube 1 for endoscopes has excellent elasticity.
-The durability of the outer skin 5 is improved, and cracks and the like are less likely to occur.

  -The flexibility (elasticity) of the outer skin 5 can be adjusted as desired by selecting the material of the mesh tube 4, the density of the braid, and adjusting the thickness of the embedded portion.

  -While maintaining the performance of the endoscope flexible tube 1 such as strength, the outer diameter of the endoscope flexible tube 1 is reduced by the thickness of the mesh tube 4 (or the inner diameter is enlarged). )can do.

  Such an endoscope flexible tube 1 according to the present invention is characterized in that a sealing member 6 for closing the space (gap) 31 of the spiral tube 3 is provided.

  The sealing member 6 has a water vapor barrier property, and prevents water vapor from entering the inside of the endoscope flexible tube 1 (hollow part 21) under a humid heat environment such as during high-pressure steam sterilization. It has the function to do.

  The sealing member 6 is provided in a spiral shape along the interval 31. In other words, the sealing member 6 is formed by spirally winding a long object in the same direction as the spiral tube 3.

  Further, as is clear from FIG. 1, the thickness of the long object forming the sealing member 6 is larger than the thickness of the spiral tube 3 (strip-shaped material).

  Further, as apparent from FIG. 1, the sealing member 6 provided in a spiral shape has an inner diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the spiral tube 3 and an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the spiral tube 3. . That is, a concave line is formed along the spiral tube 3 on the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface of the spiral tube assembly 8 to be described later.

  As is clear from FIG. 1, the thickness (depth) of the recess formed on the outer peripheral surface of the spiral tube assembly 8 is the thickness (depth) of the recess formed on the inner peripheral surface. ) And is almost equal.

  Further, the sealing member 6 has a concave portion (groove) 61 into which the edge portion 32 of the strip-shaped material forming the spiral tube 3 is fitted. That is, the sealing member 6 is formed with a pair (two) of recesses 61 facing in opposite directions, and the edge 32 is inserted and fitted into the recess 61.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the cross-sectional shape of the long object which forms the sealing member 6 is substantially “E” shape having the concave portions 61 on both sides.

  At least a part of the edge 32 of the spiral tube 3 and at least a part of the inner surface of the recess 61 of the sealing member 6 are in contact with each other without a gap, and air tightness (liquid tightness) is ensured.

  Since the interval 31 of the spiral tube 3 is closed (sealed) by such a sealing member 6, when high-pressure steam sterilization or the like is performed on the endoscope 10, for example, Even when it passes through the outer skin 5 of the flexible tube 1 for endoscope, since the water vapor is blocked by the sealing member 6, it is prevented from entering the hollow portion 21 from the interval 31 of the spiral tube 3. The As a result, it is possible to prevent deterioration or damage caused by water vapor that has entered, for example, an optical fiber, a cable, or a tube disposed in the hollow portion 21 of the endoscope flexible tube 1.

In the present invention, the water vapor permeability of the spiral tube 3 (helical tube assembly 8) to which the sealing member 6 is attached is preferably 10 g / m ² · 24 hrs · 40 ° C. · 90% RH or less, preferably 2 g / m ^2. It is more preferably 24 hrs, 40 ° C., 90% RH or less. Thereby, the built-in object arrange | positioned in the hollow part 21 can be more reliably protected also in the humid heat environment, such as the time of high-pressure steam sterilization, for example. The water vapor permeability is measured by the method described in JIS K 7129 (Method A).

  As shown in FIG. 2, in such a curved state of the endoscope flexible tube 1, the interval 31 of the spiral tube 3 is enlarged (increased) outside the curve.

  Accordingly, the edge portion 32 of the spiral tube 3 is displaced outward in the concave portion 61 of the sealing member 6 on the curved outer side of the endoscope flexible tube 1. In other words, the insertion depth of the edge 32 into the recess 61 is shallow. Due to the displacement of the edge 32 in the recess 61, a gap 62 is formed between the bottom of the recess 61 and the end of the edge 32 outside the curve.

  As described above, since the edge portion 32 can be displaced in the concave portion 61 in accordance with the change of the interval 31 due to the bending of the endoscope flexible tube 1, the sealing member 6 is free of the helical tube 3. Allow to bend. In other words, the sealing member 6 does not hinder the bending of the spiral tube 3. Therefore, the flexible tube 1 for endoscope can obtain excellent flexibility (softness).

  Unlike the present invention, in the case where a layered (film-like) member covering the outer periphery or inner periphery of the spiral tube 3 is provided in order to prevent water vapor from entering the hollow portion 21, an endoscope is used. Since the layered member is stretched outside the bending of the flexible tube 1 for use to inhibit the bending, the flexibility (softness) of the flexible tube 1 for endoscope may be reduced. On the other hand, in the present invention, there is no such fear, and it is possible to prevent water vapor from entering the hollow portion 21 while maintaining excellent flexibility (softness).

  The concave portion 61 has such a depth (dimension) that the edge portion 32 does not come out of the concave portion 61 (does not come out) when the endoscope flexible tube 1 is curved with a practically minimum radius of curvature. Is preferred.

  In the illustrated configuration, the gap 62 is not formed when the endoscope flexible tube 1 is stretched (straight) (the state shown in FIG. 1). Unlike the above configuration, the configuration may be such that the gap 62 is formed even when the endoscope flexible tube 1 is stretched. In this case, it is possible to displace the edge portion 32 so as to be inserted deeper into the concave portion 61 (so that the gap 62 is reduced or eliminated) inside the bending state of the flexible tube for endoscope 1. . As a result, the degree of freedom of bending of the helical tube 3 is further increased, and the endoscope flexible tube 1 can obtain more excellent flexibility (softness).

  The constituent material of the sealing member 6 is not particularly limited. For example, tetrafluoroethylene resin (polytetrafluoroethylene: PTFE), tetrafluoroethylene / hexafluoropropylene copolymer (FEP resin), tetrafluoroethylene, Ethylene / perfluoroalkoxyethylene copolymer (PFA resin), tetrafluoroethylene / ethylene copolymer (ETFE resin), vinylidene fluoride resin (polyvinylidene fluoride: PVDF), vinyl fluoride resin (PVF resin), It is preferable that it contains fluorine-based resins such as chlorotrifluoroethylene resin (CTFE resin) and ethylene-chlorotrifluoroethylene resin (ECTFE resin).

  Thereby, the sealing member 6 has excellent water vapor barrier properties and heat resistance. Furthermore, the friction coefficient of the inner surface of the recess 61 is reduced, the frictional resistance with the edge 32 is reduced, and the flexibility (flexibility) of the endoscope flexible tube 1 is further improved.

  Although the manufacturing method of the endoscope flexible tube 1 as described above is not particularly limited, for example, it can be easily manufactured by the method described below.

The manufacturing method of the endoscope flexible tube includes the following steps.
[1] Step of manufacturing tube member 7 This step is a step of manufacturing tube member 7 as shown in FIG. The tube member 7 can be produced by, for example, a state in which a core metal (not shown) is inserted into the mesh tube 4 and covering the melted and kneaded material of the outer skin 5 by extrusion molding.

[2] Step of Producing Spiral Tube Assembly 8 by Combining Helical Tube 3 and Sealing Member 6 This step combines the spiral tube 3 and the sealing member 6 produced separately, respectively. 8 is a step of manufacturing the semiconductor device 8.

  Needless to say, the step [1] and the step [2] may be performed first or simultaneously.

  In this step, the spiral tube 3 and the sealing member 6 are combined so that the long sealing member 6 spirals along the interval 31 of the spiral tube 3.

  The spiral tube 3 and the sealing member 6 can be easily combined as follows. As shown in FIG. 3, the edge 32 is inserted into the recess 61 of the sealing member 6 at the end 33 of the spiral tube 3. Next, the sealing member 6 is slid along the interval 31 by rotating the sealing member 6 along the interval 31 (by rotating the sealing member 6 in the arrow direction in FIG. 3 with respect to the spiral tube 3). Are sent sequentially. In this way, when the sealing member 6 reaches the end opposite to the end 33, the spiral tube assembly 8 is obtained.

  The sealing member 6 may be formed so as to form a straight line in a natural state (a state where no external force is applied). However, as shown in FIG. 3, the sealing member 6 is the same as the spiral tube 3 in the natural state. It is preferably formed so as to form a spiral wound in the direction. Thereby, both can be combined more easily.

  The width of the recess 61 in the natural state of the sealing member 6 (the length indicated by H in FIG. 3) is not particularly limited, but the thickness of the edge 32 of the spiral tube 3 (the length indicated by h in FIG. 3). ) Shorter (H <h).

  Further, the length indicated by T in FIG. 3 in the natural state of the sealing member 6 is not particularly limited, but is longer than the interval 31 (length indicated by t in FIG. 3) in the natural state of the spiral tube 3 (T > T) is preferred.

  When the length indicated by H or T is within the above range, the adhesion between the edge portion 32 and the concave portion 61 becomes higher, and the penetration of water vapor into the hollow portion 21 during high-pressure steam sterilization or the like can be more reliably prevented. can do.

  Further, the outer diameter (the length indicated by D in FIG. 4) of the helical tube assembly 8 in the natural state (the state before the tube member 7 and the helical tube assembly 8 are combined) is the natural state of the tube member 7. It is preferably larger than the inner diameter (the length indicated by d in FIG. 4) in the state before the tube member 7 and the helical tube assembly 8 are combined. As a result, in a state where the tube member 7 and the spiral tube assembly 8 are combined, the spiral tube assembly 8 exerts a force to expand and return to its original size. The outer periphery is pressed against the inner periphery of the tube member 7. Therefore, even when a frictional force acts strongly between the tube member 7 and the spiral tube assembly 8 and the endoscope flexible tube 1 is repeatedly bent and deformed, they are not easily displaced from each other.

  The length ratio D / d indicated by D and d is not particularly limited, but is preferably 1.05 to 1.2, more preferably 1.1 to 1.15. preferable.

[3] Step of temporarily fixing the helical tube assembly 8 in a reduced diameter state In this step, in order to insert the helical tube assembly 8 into the tube member 7, the outer diameter of the helical tube assembly 8 is reduced. This is a temporary fixing process.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, at one end of the spiral tube 3, a bent portion 34 is formed by bending an end portion of a band-shaped material forming the spiral tube 3 toward the inner peripheral side.

  Next, the rod-shaped body 100 is inserted into the spiral tube assembly 8 from the other end. A groove 101 is formed at one end of the rod-shaped body 100, and the bent portion 34 is inserted into the groove 101 so that one end of the spiral tube assembly 8 does not rotate with respect to the rod-shaped body 100.

  Next, the other end of the spiral tube assembly 8 is twisted in the winding direction of the strip. As a result, the spiral tube assembly 8 is deformed so that the outer diameter D 'is gradually reduced.

  The other end of the spiral tube assembly 8 is twisted in the winding direction of the strip until the outer diameter D ′ of the spiral tube assembly 8 becomes smaller than the inner diameter d of the tube member 7 in the natural state. The other end of the solid body 8 is fixed to the rod-shaped body 100, and temporarily fixed so that the spiral tube assembly 8 does not recover to its original shape.

[4] Step of integrating tube member 7 and spiral tube assembly 8 The spiral tube assembly 8 temporarily fixed to the rod-shaped body 100 in a reduced diameter state is inserted into the tube member 7. Thereafter, the temporary fixing (fixing) of the spiral tube 3 to the rod-like body 100 at one end or both ends is released. Thereby, the spiral tube assembly 8 is expanded in diameter so as to return to the original shape, and the outer periphery of the spiral tube assembly 8 is in close contact with the inner periphery of the tube member 7. Next, the rod-shaped body 100 is removed, and both ends are cut as necessary to flatten both ends. Thereby, the tube member 7 and the helical tube assembly 8 are integrated, and the flexible tube 1 for endoscope is obtained.

  A base member (not shown) is attached to the end of the endoscope flexible tube 1 thus obtained in a liquid-tight (air-tight) manner by brazing or bonding with an adhesive. Connected to the operation unit 13 or the like.

Figure 8 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a reference example of the flexible tube, FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a curved state of the endoscopic flexible tube shown in FIG.

Will be described below, but reference example of the flexible tube with reference to these drawings, will focus on differences from the embodiment described above, the same matters will be omitted.

The endoscope flexible tube 1A of the present reference example is the same as that of the first embodiment except that the configuration of the sealing member is different.

The sealing member 9 of this reference example is provided in a spiral shape along the interval 31, similarly to the sealing member 6. That is, the sealing member 9 is formed by winding a long object (strip material) 91 in the same direction as the spiral tube 3.

  The sealing member 9 is provided so as to close (seal) the interval 31 of the spiral tube 3 from the inside. That is, the outer peripheral surface 92 of the sealing member 9 is in contact (contact) with the corner portions 321 of the edge portions 32 on both sides of the interval 31 from the inside.

  The sealing member 9 has a spiral shape even in a natural state (state of the sealing member 9 alone). The outer diameter of the sealing member 9 in the natural state is larger than the inner diameter of the spiral tube 3 in the endoscope flexible tube 1A. The outer diameter of the sealing member 9 in the natural state is preferably larger than the outer diameter of the spiral tube 3 in the endoscope flexible tube 1A.

  That is, the sealing member 9 is installed in the endoscope flexible tube 1A in a state where the diameter is reduced from the natural state. Therefore, the sealing member 9 exhibits a restoring force that attempts to return to its natural shape (expands its diameter) due to its elasticity, and the outer peripheral surface 92 is pressed against the corner portion 321 by this restoring force. Has been. Thereby, the outer peripheral surface 92 and the corner | angular part 321 are closely_contact | adhered without gap, and airtightness is ensured.

  As described above, the endoscope flexible tube 1A is hermetically sealed with the sealing member 9 at the interval 31 to prevent water vapor from entering the hollow portion 21 during high-pressure steam sterilization. Is done.

In this reference example , since the corner portion 321 of the edge portion 32 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface 92, a high contact surface pressure is obtained and the adhesion is higher. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent water vapor from entering the hollow portion 21.

  The constituent material of the sealing member 9 is not particularly limited as long as it has water vapor barrier properties, but from the viewpoint of obtaining higher water vapor barrier properties, stainless steel, aluminum or aluminum alloy, titanium or titanium alloy, copper or copper It is preferable to use various metal materials such as a base alloy. Thereby, a larger restoring force (elastic force) can be obtained, and the adhesion between the corner portion 321 of the edge portion 32 and the outer peripheral surface 92 can be further increased.

  In addition, one or both of the outer peripheral surface 92 and the corner portion 321 may be provided with a coating layer made of various synthetic resin materials or various rubber materials as one that exhibits a packing function.

In this reference example , the cross-sectional shape of the long object 91 is such that the portion facing the outside of the sealing member 9 is curved convexly. That is, as shown in FIG. 8, the outer peripheral surface 92 is a curved convex surface. This has the following two advantages.

  As a first advantage, since the central portion of the outer peripheral surface 92 is inserted into the space 31, the effect of preventing the sealing member 9 (long object 91) from being displaced with respect to the space 31 is exhibited. . Accordingly, even when the endoscope flexible tube 1A is repeatedly bent, the displacement of the sealing member 9 (long object 91) can be more reliably prevented.

  As a second advantage, as shown in FIG. 9, when the flexible tube for endoscope 1 </ b> A is bent and the width of the interval 31 is changed, the corner portion 321 reliably maintains the adhesion to the outer peripheral surface 92. However, it can slide smoothly. Therefore, even when the endoscope flexible tube 1A is curved, it is possible to more reliably prevent water vapor from entering the hollow portion 21. In addition, it is possible to prevent the flexibility of the endoscope flexible tube 1A from being lowered due to the provision of the sealing member 9.

  In the illustrated configuration, the inner surface of the long object 91 is a curved concave surface, but the shape of the inner surface of the long object 91 is not particularly limited and is flat. Also good. That is, the long object 91 may have an arcuate cross section. Further, the long object 91 is not limited to the one in which the outer peripheral surface 92 is a curved convex surface, but may have a cross-sectional shape of, for example, a V shape or a trapezoidal shape.

  In the configuration shown in the drawing, the long object 91 is formed by bending a strip-like material so that the cross-sectional shape is substantially an arc shape, and the outer surface of the arc is a curved outer surface. Thereby, the sealing member 9 in which the outer peripheral surface 92 becomes a curved convex surface can be obtained by a simple manufacturing process.

  Moreover, as a method of installing the sealing member 9 on the endoscope flexible tube 1A in a reduced diameter state, for example, the sealing member 9 is reduced in diameter to a member such as the rod-like body 100 and temporarily fixed. After this is inserted inside the spiral tube 3, this temporary fixing is released and the sealing member 9 is expanded in diameter, which can be easily performed.

  In addition, a protective film for protecting the built-in objects installed in the hollow portion 21 may be provided inside the sealing member 9.

Figure 10 is a longitudinal sectional view showing another reference example of the flexible tube, FIG. 11 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a curved state of the endoscopic flexible tube shown in FIG. 10.

Hereinafter, a description of another reference example of the flexible tube with reference to the figures, described focusing on differences from the embodiment and reference examples described above, the same matters will their description Omitted.

The endoscope flexible tube 1B of the present reference example is the same as the reference example except that a chamfered portion is formed at a portion of the spiral tube 3 that contacts the sealing member 9.

That is, in this reference example , the chamfered portion 322 is formed inside the edge portion 32 of the spiral tube 3. The outer peripheral surface 92 is in pressure contact with the chamfered portion 322. The chamfered portion 322 can be easily formed by chamfering the corner portion 321.

  In the illustrated configuration, the chamfered portion 322 is formed in a planar manner, but may be a concave surface corresponding to the outer peripheral surface 92.

In this reference example , the provision of such a chamfered portion 322 has the following three advantages.

  <1> As shown in FIG. 10, since the sealing member 9 (long object 91) is inserted deeper into the interval 31, the sealing member 9 can be arranged on the outer peripheral side, and thus The hollow portion 21 can be enlarged. That is, the installation space for built-in items such as optical fibers and tubes can be widened.

  <2> Since the insertion depth of the sealing member 9 (long object 91) into the interval 31 is increased, the effect of preventing the displacement of the sealing member 9 (long object 91) with respect to the interval 31 is more reliably exhibited. The

  <3> By increasing the contact area between the outer peripheral surface 92 and the spiral tube 3 (the chamfered portion 322), it is possible to further improve the adhesion (airtightness) between the outer peripheral surface 92 and the chamfered portion 322. In addition, as shown in FIG. 11, when the flexible tube for endoscope 1B is curved and the width of the interval 31 is changed, the chamfered portion 322 reliably maintains the adhesion to the outer peripheral surface 92, and more. It can slide smoothly. For this reason, it is possible to more reliably prevent water vapor from entering the hollow portion 21 during high-pressure steam sterilization. Moreover, the fall of the flexibility of the endoscope flexible tube 1B due to the provision of the sealing member 9 can be more reliably prevented.

  Note that the chamfered portion 322 may be provided with a coating layer made of various synthetic resin materials or various rubber materials so as to exhibit a packing function.

  As mentioned above, although the flexible tube for endoscopes of this invention was described about embodiment of illustration, this invention is not limited to this.

  Moreover, each part which comprises the flexible tube for endoscopes can be substituted with the thing of the arbitrary structures which can exhibit the same function.

  For example, the outer skin may be configured such that all or part of the outer skin is constituted by a multilayer laminate in which a plurality of layers (particularly layers of different materials) are laminated.

It is a longitudinal section showing a 1st embodiment of a flexible tube for endoscopes of the present invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the bending state of the flexible tube for endoscopes shown in FIG. It is a longitudinal section for explaining the manufacturing method of the flexible tube for endoscopes in order. It is a longitudinal section for explaining the manufacturing method of the flexible tube for endoscopes in order. It is a longitudinal section for explaining the manufacturing method of the flexible tube for endoscopes in order. It is the figure which looked at the state which temporarily fixed the spiral tube assembly to the rod-shaped body with the line of sight of the axial direction. 1 is an overall view showing an example of an endoscope having a flexible tube for an endoscope of the present invention. Reference Example of the flexible tube is a longitudinal sectional view showing a. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the bending state of the flexible tube for endoscopes shown in FIG. Another Example of the flexible tube is a longitudinal sectional view showing a. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the curved state of the flexible tube for endoscopes shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 1A, 1B Endoscope flexible tube 2 Core material 21 Hollow part 3 Spiral tube 31 Space | interval 32 Edge part 321 Corner | angular part 322 Chamfering part 33 End part 34 Bending part 4 Reticulated pipe 41 Fine wire 5 Outer skin 6 Sealing member 61 Recessed portion 62 Space 7 Tube member 8 Helical tube assembly 9 Sealing member 91 Long object 92 Outer peripheral surface 10 Endoscope 11 Insertion portion flexible tube 12 Bending portion 121 Tip portion 13 Operation portion 14 Eyepiece portion 15 Connection portion flexibility Tube 16 Light source insertion portion 161 Light source connector 17 Operation lever 100 Rod-like body 101 Groove

Claims (7)

A core material having a spiral tube formed by spirally winding a belt-like material, and
A flexible tube for an endoscope having an outer skin coated on the outer periphery of the core material,
Having a water vapor barrier property, and having a sealing member for closing the gap,
The flexible tube for an endoscope , wherein the sealing member is formed by spirally winding a long object having a substantially “e” cross-sectional shape .   The flexible tube for an endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the sealing member is made of a material containing a fluorine-based resin. The sealing member is composed of tetrafluoroethylene resin, tetrafluoroethylene / hexafluoropropylene copolymer, tetrafluoroethylene / perfluoroalkoxyethylene copolymer, tetrafluoroethylene / ethylene copolymer, vinylidene fluoride. The flexible tube for an endoscope according to claim 2 , wherein the flexible tube is made of any one selected from the group consisting of a ride resin, a vinyl fluoride resin, a chlorotrifluoroethylene resin, and an ethylene-chlorotrifluoroethylene resin. The flexible tube for an endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sealing member is provided in a spiral shape along the interval.   The flexible tube for an endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a maximum thickness of a long object forming the sealing member is larger than a maximum thickness of the strip-shaped member.   The sealing member is provided in a spiral shape along the interval, the inner diameter of the sealing member is smaller than the inner diameter of the spiral tube, and the outer diameter of the sealing member is the outer diameter of the spiral tube. The flexible tube for an endoscope according to claim 5, which is larger than the diameter.   The flexible tube for an endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the outer skin is made of a material containing silicone rubber.

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