JP5033306B2 - Method for manufacturing insertion portion flexible tube, insertion portion flexible tube, and endoscope - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a interpolation join the club flexible tube, to a flexible tube and endoscopic.

In the medical field, endoscopes are used for examination and diagnosis of the digestive tract and the like.
Such an endoscope includes an insertion portion flexible tube to be inserted into a body cavity, an operation portion for operating the insertion portion flexible tube, a connection portion flexible tube connected to the operation portion, and a connection portion. And a light source insertion portion connected to the distal end portion of the flexible tube.

  Among these, the insertion portion flexible tube has a long flexible tube portion and a bending portion that is connected to the distal end portion of the flexible tube portion and can be bent, and rotates the insertion portion flexible tube. By bending the bending portion, all directions in the body cavity can be observed.

  Usually, each of the flexible tube portion and the bending portion is configured by covering a core material with a flexible outer skin. And the connection of this flexible tube part and a bending part is performed as follows (for example, refer patent document 1).

  First, after joining the ends of the core of the flexible tube portion and the curved portion, the joint portion is covered with the outer skin of the curved portion, and the outer skin end of the flexible tube portion and the outer skin end of the curved portion are brought into contact with each other. Make contact.

  Next, the outer skin of the flexible tube and the outer skin of the curved portion are respectively bound with a thread at a portion sandwiching the boundary portion, and then an adhesive is applied from above the thread.

  By applying an adhesive agent on the yarn thus bound, the yarn is fixed to the outer skin of the flexible tube portion and the outer skin of the curved portion.

  However, depending on the constituent material of the outer skin of the flexible tube portion and the outer skin of the curved portion, the adhesive easily peels off, the thread loosens, and the liquid tightness between the flexible tube portion and the curved portion decreases. There is. When such a problem occurs, liquid such as disinfectant may enter the inside from this joint, and the endoscope may break down.

JP 2002-34900 A

  The object of the present invention is to provide a skin fixing capable of reliably fixing the outer skin to a member disposed on the inside thereof regardless of the type of material constituting the outer surface of the outer skin of the flexible tube for an endoscope. Insertion that can obtain high liquid tightness between the flexible tube portion and the bending portion regardless of the type of material constituting the outer surface of the outer skin of the method and the bending portion or the outer surface of the bending portion. An object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a flexible tube, an insertion portion flexible tube manufactured by the method for manufacturing the insertion portion flexible tube, and an endoscope including the insertion portion flexible tube.

Such an object is achieved by the present inventions (1) to (6) below.
(1) Inserted by connecting a bending portion including a core material and an outer skin covering the outer periphery of the core material to a distal end portion of a flexible tube portion including the core material and an outer skin covering the outer periphery of the core material. A method for producing an insertion portion flexible tube for producing a portion flexible tube,
Connecting the distal end portion of the core material of the flexible tube portion and the proximal end portion of the core material of the curved portion;
Contacting the distal end portion of the outer skin of the flexible tube portion and the proximal end portion of the outer skin of the bending portion;
A step of binding a distal end portion of the outer skin of the flexible tube portion and a base end portion of the outer skin of the bending portion with a thread from the outer surface side;
By covering the yarn, comprising the steps of forming a coating layer for fixing the thread, and
At least the outer surface and the coating layer of the outer skin of the flexible tube section, together, is composed of the same material for the port Rimechirupenten a primary material
The yarn is at least one of ports Riarireto and polyester is constructed as a main component,
The melt of the material of the coating layer was applied so as to cover the yarn manufacturing process of the flexible tube, wherein that you form the coating layer by curing.

Thereby, regardless of the type of material constituting the outer surface of the outer skin of the bending portion, high liquid tightness can be obtained between the flexible tube portion and the bending portion. As a result, an insertion portion flexible tube with high liquid tightness is obtained.
  In addition, by forming at least the outer surface of the outer skin of the flexible tube portion and the coating layer from the same kind of material, the adhesion between the coating layer and the outer skin of the flexible tube portion can be improved. Peeling from the yarn can be more reliably prevented.

(2) Inserting by connecting a bending portion including a core material and an outer skin covering the outer periphery of the core material to a distal end portion of a flexible tube portion including the core material and an outer skin covering the outer periphery of the core material A method for producing an insertion portion flexible tube for producing a portion flexible tube,
Connecting the distal end portion of the core material of the flexible tube portion and the proximal end portion of the core material of the curved portion;
Contacting the distal end portion of the outer skin of the flexible tube portion and the proximal end portion of the outer skin of the bending portion;
A step of binding a distal end portion of the outer skin of the flexible tube portion and a base end portion of the outer skin of the bending portion with a thread from the outer surface side;
By covering the yarn, comprising the steps of forming a coating layer for fixing the thread, and
At least the outer surface of the outer skin of the curved portion and the coating layer are made of the same kind of material mainly made of fluororubber,
The yarn is at least one of ports Riarireto and polyester is constructed as a main component,
The melt of the material of the coating layer was applied so as to cover the yarn manufacturing process of the flexible tube, wherein that you form the coating layer by curing.

Thereby, regardless of the type of material constituting the outer surface of the outer skin of the flexible tube portion, high liquid tightness can be obtained between the flexible tube portion and the curved portion. As a result, an insertion portion flexible tube with high liquid tightness is obtained.
  In addition, by forming at least the outer surface of the outer skin of the curved portion and the coating layer with the same kind of material, the adhesion between the coating layer and the outer skin of the curved portion can be improved, and the coating layer peels from the yarn. Can be more reliably prevented.

(3) An insertion portion flexible tube manufactured by the method for manufacturing an insertion portion flexible tube according to (1) or (2) .

Thereby, the insertion part flexible tube which has high liquid-tightness between a flexible tube part and a bending part is obtained.

(4) Insert formed by connecting a curved portion having a core material and an outer skin covering the outer periphery of the core material to a distal end portion of the flexible tube portion including the core material and an outer skin covering the outer periphery of the core material. A flexible tube,
The distal end portion of the core material of the flexible tube portion and the proximal end portion of the core material of the curved portion are connected,
In a state where the distal end portion of the outer skin of the flexible tube portion and the proximal end portion of the outer skin of the bending portion are in contact with each other, a thread that binds these from the outer surface side, and a coating layer that covers and fixes the thread Have
At least the outer surface and the coating layer of the outer skin of the flexible tube section, together, is composed of the same material for the port Rimechirupenten a primary material
The yarn is at least one of ports Riarireto and polyester is constructed as a main component,
The coating layer, the flexible tube, wherein a melt of the constituent material was applied so as to cover the yarn, the Der Rukoto those formed by curing.

Thereby, the insertion part flexible tube which has high liquid-tightness between a flexible tube part and a bending part is obtained.

(5) Insert formed by connecting a curved portion including a core material and an outer skin covering the outer periphery of the core material to a distal end portion of a flexible tube portion including the core material and an outer skin covering the outer periphery of the core material. A flexible tube,
The distal end portion of the core material of the flexible tube portion and the proximal end portion of the core material of the curved portion are connected,
In a state where the distal end portion of the outer skin of the flexible tube portion and the proximal end portion of the outer skin of the bending portion are in contact with each other, a thread for binding these from the outer surface side, and a coating layer for binding and fixing the thread Have
At least the outer surface of the outer skin of the curved portion and the coating layer are made of the same kind of material mainly made of fluororubber,
The yarn is at least one of ports Riarireto and polyester is constructed as a main component,
The coating layer, the flexible tube, wherein a melt of the constituent material was applied so as to cover the yarn, the Der Rukoto those formed by curing.

Thereby, the insertion part flexible tube which has high liquid-tightness between a flexible tube part and a bending part is obtained.

(6) An endoscope comprising the insertion portion flexible tube according to any one of (3) to (5 ) above.

Thereby, an endoscope having high liquid tightness can be obtained.

  According to the present invention, since high adhesion can be obtained between the covering layer and the yarn, the outer skin is arranged on the inner side regardless of the type of material constituting the outer surface of the outer skin of the endoscope flexible tube. It can be securely fixed to the member to be provided.

  Moreover, the adhesiveness of a thread | yarn and a coating layer can be improved more by selecting the structural material of a thread | yarn, and the constituent material of a coating layer.

  DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a skin fixing method, a manufacturing method for an insertion portion flexible tube, an insertion portion flexible tube, and an endoscope of the present invention will be described in detail based on preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is an overall view showing an embodiment when the endoscope of the present invention is applied to an electronic endoscope (electronic scope), and FIG. 2 is an insertion portion flexible tube provided in the electronic endoscope shown in FIG. It is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the structure of this. In the following description, the upper side in FIG. 1 is referred to as the “base end”, the lower side is referred to as the “tip”, the right side in FIG.

  An electronic endoscope 1 shown in FIG. 1 is connected to a long insertion portion flexible tube 2 having flexibility (flexibility) and a proximal end portion of the insertion portion flexible tube 2, and is held by an operator. An operation unit 6 for operating the entire electronic endoscope 1, a connection portion flexible tube 7 connected to the operation unit 6, and a light source insertion portion 8 connected to the distal end portion of the connection portion flexible tube 7. Have.

  The insertion portion flexible tube 2 is used by being inserted into a lumen (body cavity) of a living body, for example. As shown in FIG. 1, the insertion portion flexible tube 2 includes a flexible tube portion 3 and a bending portion 4 that is connected to a distal end portion of the flexible tube portion 3 and can be bent. Have.

  Each of the flexible tube portion 3 and the bending portion 4 is provided with a space in which a built-in material (not shown) such as an optical fiber, an image signal cable, or tubes (not shown) can be placed and inserted. It has been.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the flexible tube portion 3 includes a core material 31 and an outer skin 32 that covers the outer periphery of the core material 31.

  The core material 31 includes a spiral tube 311 and a mesh tube (braided body) 312 that covers the outer periphery of the spiral tube 311, and is formed as a long tube-like object as a whole.

  The spiral tube 311 is formed by winding a strip-like material with a uniform diameter in a spiral manner with a gap 313 therebetween. For example, stainless steel or copper alloy is preferably used as the material constituting the belt-like material.

  The mesh tube 312 is formed by braiding a plurality of metal or non-metallic thin wires. As a material constituting the fine wire, for example, stainless steel, copper alloy and the like are preferably used. Further, at least one of the fine wires forming the mesh tube 312 may be coated with a synthetic resin (not shown).

  The core material 31 is covered with an outer skin 32 except for the tip. The outer skin 32 is composed mainly of a resin material.

  The resin material is not particularly limited as long as it has flexibility (flexibility), and examples thereof include polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene-propylene copolymer, and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA). Polyolefin, cyclic polyolefin, modified polyolefin, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polystyrene, polyamide, polyimide, polyamideimide, polycarbonate, poly- (4-methylpentene-1), ionomer, acrylic resin, polymethyl methacrylate, acrylonitrile Butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS resin), acrylonitrile-styrene copolymer (AS resin), butadiene-styrene copolymer, polyoxymethylene, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), ethylene-vinyl alcohol co Polyester such as coalescence (EVOH), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polycyclohexane terephthalate (PCT), polyether, polyetherketone (PEK), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherimide, Polyacetal (POM), polyphenylene oxide, modified polyphenylene oxide, polysulfone, polyethersulfone, polyphenylene sulfide, polyarylate, polymethylpentene, aromatic polyester (liquid crystal polymer), polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, other fluororesins , Styrene, polyolefin, polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, polyester, polyamide, polybutadiene, Examples include various thermoplastic elastomers such as polyisoprene, fluororubber, chlorinated polyethylene, and copolymers, blends, and polymer alloys mainly composed of these, and one or more of these are combined. (For example, as a laminate of a plurality of layers).

  The average thicknesses of the outer skin 32 and the outer skin 42 to be described later can protect the built-in objects disposed in the flexible tube portion 3 and the bending portion 4, respectively. Although it will not specifically limit if it does not prevent flexibility and curvature, It is preferable that it is about 100-3000 micrometers, and it is more preferable that it is about 200-1000 micrometers.

As shown in FIG. 1, a scale 22 indicating the insertion depth into the body cavity is attached to the outer surface of the flexible tube portion 3. As a result, when the insertion portion flexible tube 2 is inserted into the body cavity, the tip of the insertion portion flexible tube 2 can be reliably guided to a desired position by operating while observing the scale 22. it can.
The bending portion 4 is connected to the distal end portion of the flexible tube portion 3.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the bending portion 4 includes a core material 41 and an outer skin 42 that covers the outer periphery of the core material 41.

  The core member 41 includes a node ring assembly 411 and a mesh tube 412 that covers the outer periphery of the node ring assembly 411, and is formed as a long tube-like object as a whole.

  The node ring assembly 411 is configured by arranging a plurality of node rings 411a having a substantially circular cross section in parallel along the center line A (axis). In these node rings 411a, adjacent node rings 411a are connected to each other by rivets (not shown) and can be tilted with respect to each other. As a material constituting the node ring 411a, for example, stainless steel, copper alloy, or the like is preferably used.

  The node rings 411a are provided with wire guides (not shown) for each predetermined number of node rings 411a. The wire guide is inserted into a bending operation wire that is connected to a rigid portion 5 to be described later and continuously disposed in the bending portion 4 and the flexible tube portion 3. For example, the bending operation wires are provided in two pairs as a pair. By pulling or releasing each bending operation wire, the bending portion 4 is operated to bend in an arbitrary direction with the inclination of the node ring 411a. The

  At this time, the bending operation wire is supported by the wire guide so as to be able to advance and retract in the distal direction and the proximal direction.

  The outer periphery of the node ring assembly 411 is covered with a mesh tube 412 having the same configuration as the mesh tube 312.

  The base end portion of the core material 41 is connected to the distal end portion of the core material 31 included in the flexible tube portion 3 via the connection tube 43.

On the outer periphery of the core material 41, both end portions of the core material 41 protrude and are covered with an outer skin 42.
Both end portions of the outer skin 42 cover the proximal end portion of the rigid portion 5 described later and the distal end portion of the core member 31 provided in the flexible tube portion 3. In other words, the proximal end portion of the rigid portion 5 and the distal end portion of the core material 31 are inserted (arranged) inside the both end portions of the outer skin 42, respectively.

  Then, by the outer skin fixing method of the present invention, the distal end portion of the outer skin 42 of the bending portion 4 is fixed to the hard portion 5 (member disposed inside the outer skin), and the proximal end portion of the outer skin 42 of the bending portion 4 and The distal end portion of the outer skin 32 of the flexible tube portion 3 is fixed to the core material 31 (a member disposed inside the outer skin) of the flexible tube portion 3.

The outer skin 42 is composed of a rubber material as a main material.
The rubber material is not particularly limited. For example, butadiene rubber such as natural rubber (NR), isoprene rubber (IR), butadiene rubber (BR, 1,2-BR), styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), chloroprene, and the like. Diene special rubber such as rubber (CR), butadiene-acrylonitrile rubber (NBR), butyl rubber (IIR), ethylene-propylene rubber (EPM, EPDM), acrylic rubber (ACM, ANM), halogenated butyl rubber (X-IIR) ) Olefin rubber, urethane rubber (AU, EU), etc., hydrin rubber (CO, ECO, GCO, EGCO) ether rubber, polysulfide rubber (T), etc., polysulfide rubber, silicone rubber (Q), fluoro rubber (FKM, FZ), chlorinated polyethylene (CM), etc. It is, singly or in combination of two or more of these (e.g., as a laminate such a plurality of layers) can be used.

  A rigid portion 5 is connected to the distal end portion of the curved portion 4. The rigid part 5 is composed of a cylindrical block body.

An imaging device (CCD) (not shown) that captures a subject image at an observation site is provided inside the rigid portion 5, and the imaging device is provided in the insertion portion flexible tube 2, the operation portion 6, and the connection portion. An image signal cable (not shown) continuously disposed in the flexible tube 7 is connected to an image signal connector 82 provided in the light source insertion portion 8.
Further, the distal end of the bending operation wire is fixed to the rigid portion 5.

  Although it does not specifically limit as a constituent material of the hard part 5, For example, stainless steel, aluminum or an aluminum alloy, titanium, or a titanium alloy etc. are mentioned.

  Further, a light source connector 81 is provided along with an image signal connector 82 at the distal end of the light source insertion portion 8, and the light source connector 81 and the image signal connector 82 are connected to a connection portion of a light source processor device (not shown). The light source insertion unit 8 is connected to the light source processor device. A monitor device (not shown) is connected to the light source processor device via a cable.

  The light emitted from the light source processor device is continuously arranged in the light source connector 81, the light source insertion portion 8, the connection portion flexible tube 7, the operation portion 6 and the insertion portion flexible tube 2. The light passes through a light guide (not shown), and the observation site is irradiated from the tip of the rigid portion 5 to illuminate. Such a light guide is configured by bundling a plurality of optical fibers made of, for example, quartz, multicomponent glass, plastic, or the like.

  The reflected light (subject image) from the observation site illuminated by the illumination light is imaged by the image sensor. The image sensor outputs an image signal corresponding to the captured subject image. This image signal is transmitted to the light source insertion unit 8 via the image signal cable.

Then, predetermined processing (for example, signal processing, image processing, etc.) is performed in the light source insertion unit 8 and the light source processor device, and then input to the monitor device. In the monitor device, an image (electronic image) captured by the image sensor, that is, an endoscope monitor image of a moving image is displayed.
Further, the operation unit 6 is provided with a first operation knob 61, a second operation knob 62, a first lock lever 63, and a second lock lever 64 on the upper surface in FIG. .
When the operation knobs 61 and 62 are rotated, a bending operation wire (not shown) disposed in the insertion portion flexible tube 2 is pulled, and the bending portion 4 is bent in four directions. You can change the direction.

  Further, when the lock levers 63 and 64 are rotated counterclockwise, the bending state (the bending state in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction) of the bending portion 4 can be fixed (held), respectively. When the rotation operation is performed, the bending portion 4 fixed in the bent state can be released.

  Further, a plurality (three in this embodiment) of control buttons 65, suction buttons 66, and air / liquid feeding buttons 67 are provided on the side surface (circumferential surface) in FIG.

  While the electronic endoscope 1 is connected to the light source processor device (external device), by pressing each control button 65, various operations of peripheral devices such as the light source processor device and the monitor device (for example, moving images of electronic images) And a still image, an electronic image filing system and an imaging device can be operated and / or stopped, and an electronic image recording device can be operated and / or stopped.

  The suction button 66 and the air / liquid supply button 67 are respectively formed continuously in the light source insertion portion 8, the connection portion flexible tube 7, the operation portion 6 and the insertion portion flexible tube 2, respectively. Has a function of opening and closing a suction channel and an air / liquid feeding channel (both not shown) opened at the distal end of the insertion portion flexible tube 2 and opened at the other end by the light source insertion portion 8.

  That is, before the suction button 66 and the air / liquid feeding button 67 are pressed, the suction channel and the air / liquid feeding channel are closed (the fluid cannot pass through), When the suction button 66 and the air / liquid feeding button 67 are pressed, the suction channel and the air / liquid feeding channel communicate with each other (the fluid can pass).

  When the electronic endoscope 1 is used, suction means is connected to the other end of the suction channel, and air supply / liquid supply means is connected to the other end of the air / liquid supply channel.

  Thereby, in a state where the suction channel is in communication, body fluid, blood, etc. in the body cavity can be sucked from the distal end of the insertion portion flexible tube 2, and in the state where the air / liquid supply channel is in communication, the insertion portion Liquid or gas can be supplied from the distal end of the flexible tube 2 into the body cavity.

  Next, the case where the outer skin fixing method of this invention is applied to the manufacturing method of the insertion part flexible tube 2 is demonstrated to an example.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram (partial longitudinal cross-sectional view) for explaining a method of manufacturing an insertion portion flexible tube to which the method of fixing the skin of the present invention is applied, and (b) and (c) in FIG. It is a figure which expands and shows the outer skin vicinity.

  [1] First, the flexible tube portion 3 in which the outer periphery of the core material 31 is covered with the outer skin 32 and the curved portion 4 in which the outer periphery of the core material 41 is covered with the outer skin 42 are prepared.

  [2] Next, as shown in FIG. 3A, the distal end portion of the core material 31 and the proximal end portion of the core material 41 are connected via a connecting pipe 43.

  [3] Next, the outer skin 42 is put on the distal end portion of the core member 31, and the base end portion is brought into contact with the distal end portion of the outer skin 32.

  [4] Next, as shown in FIG. 3B, the distal end portion of the outer skin 32 and the proximal end portion of the outer skin 42 are continuously bound from the outer surface side by the thread 9.

  Thereby, the outer skin 32 and the outer skin 42 are fixed with respect to the core material 31, and the liquid-tightness between the flexible tube part 3 and the bending part 4 is ensured.

  Although the average diameter of the thread | yarn 9 is not specifically limited, It is preferable that it is about 1-500 micrometers, and it is more preferable that it is about 10-300 micrometers. If the diameter of the yarn 9 is too small, depending on the constituent material and the like, it may be difficult to bind the outer skin 32 and the outer skin 42 sufficiently and fix them to the core material 31. If the diameter is too large, the outer diameter of the insertion portion flexible tube 2 at the portion fastened with the thread 9 becomes too large, and the patient's pain may increase when the insertion portion flexible tube 2 is inserted into the body cavity. .

[5] Next, as shown in FIG. 3C, a covering layer 10 that covers the yarn 9 is formed.
Thereby, the thread | yarn 9 is fixed by the coating layer 10, and the insertion part flexible tube 2 is obtained.

  In the present invention, the yarn 9 is made of a material having a high adhesion to the material constituting the coating layer 10.

  For this reason, regardless of the type of material constituting the outer surface of the outer skin 32 and the outer surface of the outer skin 42, high adhesion is exhibited between the yarn 9 and the covering layer 10, and the yarn 9 is more reliably secured to the covering layer 10. Can be fixed. Thereby, the unraveling and loosening of the thread | yarn 9 can be prevented suitably, and the liquid-tightness between the flexible tube part 3 and the curved part 4 is maintained over a long period of time.

  Here, the yarn 9 and the coating layer 10 are melted (compatible) with each other at their interface, or van der Waals force generated between the materials (molecules) constituting them, hydrogen bonding, and the like. It adheres by attracting.

  Moreover, the gap between the outer skin 32 and the outer skin 42 is closed by the coating layer 10, and the entry of moisture, contaminants, and the like from this boundary portion is reliably prevented.

  Further, the unevenness caused by the thread 9 formed on the outer surface of the insertion portion flexible tube 2 is alleviated or eliminated by the covering layer 10, so that the patient suffers pain when inserting the insertion portion flexible tube 2 into the body cavity. It is also possible to prevent the increase.

  Further, according to the present invention, high adhesion can be obtained between the yarn 9 and the covering layer 10, so that the adhesion between the covering layer 10 and the outer surface of the outer skin 32 and the outer surface of the outer skin 42 is not considered. As these constituent materials, materials that can suitably exhibit the characteristics required for each can be selected.

  By the way, if the constituent materials of the outer skin 32 and the outer skin 42 are selected with a focus on the characteristics required for each, the adhesiveness between the adhesive and the outer surface of the outer skin 32 or the outer surface of the outer skin 42 is determined in the conventional method. In some cases, the yarn 9 could not be sufficiently fixed.

  On the other hand, in the present invention, since the yarn 9 made of a material having high adhesion to the coating layer 10 is used, the outer surface of the outer skin 32 of the flexible tube portion 3 and / or the outer skin 42 of the curved portion 4 is used. Even when the outer surface is made of a material having low adhesion to the material constituting the coating layer 10, the yarn 9 can be reliably fixed by the coating layer 10.

  In other words, the present invention is particularly suitably applied when at least the outer surface of the outer skin 32 and / or at least the outer surface of the outer skin 42 is made of a material having low adhesion to the material constituting the coating layer 10. Is done.

  Such a coating layer 10 is, for example, I: various adhesives such as epoxy adhesives, urethane adhesives, acrylic adhesives, etc., II: the same kind of material constituting at least the outer surface of the outer skin 32, III : It can be composed of the same kind of material that constitutes at least the outer surface of the outer skin 42. In the case of II or III, the adhesion between the coating layer 10 and the outer skin 32 or the outer skin 42 can be improved, and the coating layer 10 can be more reliably prevented from peeling from the yarn 9. Further, in the case of II or III, the coating layer 10 is composed mainly of the resin material or the rubber material as described above, and therefore, when the electronic endoscope 1 is repeatedly sterilized, However, alteration and deterioration of the coating layer 10 can be prevented or suppressed. As a result, the high liquid tightness between the flexible tube portion 3 and the bending portion 4 can be more reliably maintained over a long period of time.

  In the case of I, the yarn 9 is preferably composed of at least one of polyphenylene sulfide, polyamide (nylon), polyarylate and polyester as a main material.

  In the case of II, particularly when at least the outer surfaces of the covering layer 10 and the outer skin 32 are each composed of at least one of polyolefin, polymethylpentene and fluororesin as a main material, the yarn 9 includes polyphenylene sulfide. A material composed mainly of at least one of polyamide (nylon), polyarylate, and polyester is preferably used.

  In the case of III, in particular, when at least the outer surfaces of the covering layer 10 and the outer skin 42 are respectively made of fluororubber as a main material, the yarn 9 includes polyphenylene sulfide, polyamide (nylon), polyarylate and polyester. What comprises at least 1 sort (s) as a main material is used suitably.

  Thus, by selecting the constituent material of the yarn 9 and the constituent material of the coating layer 10, the adhesion between the yarn 9 and the coating layer 10 can be further improved.

  In addition, the thread | yarn 9 may use the said material independently, and may be used in combination of 2 or more types. The yarn 9 may be composed of a single fiber (single wire), or may be an aggregate of fibers obtained by bundling, knitting, or twisting a plurality of fibers (single wire).

  The average thickness of the coating layer 10 is not particularly limited, but is preferably about 0.1 to 1 mm, and more preferably about 0.1 to 0.5 mm. If the thickness of the covering layer 10 is too small, the yarn 9 may not be sufficiently fixed depending on the constituent material, the diameter of the yarn 9, the arrangement density of the yarn 9 (number of wrinkles), If the thickness of the covering layer 10 is too large, the portion provided with the covering layer 10 of the insertion portion flexible tube 2 becomes too thick, and the patient's pain increases when the insertion portion flexible tube 2 is inserted into the body cavity. There is a risk.

  As described above, the illustrated embodiment of the skin fixing method, the manufacturing method of the insertion portion flexible tube, the insertion portion flexible tube, and the endoscope of the present invention has been described, but the present invention is not limited to these.

  For example, the outer skin fixing method of this invention can also add the process of the arbitrary objectives as needed.

  In addition, the method for fixing the outer skin of the present invention is also applied to, for example, fixing the outer skin of the insertion portion flexible tube to the operation portion, and fixing the outer skin of the connection portion flexible tube to the operation portion or the light source insertion portion. can do.

  Further, the configuration of each part of the endoscope can be replaced with an arbitrary one that can exhibit the same function, or an arbitrary configuration can be added.

  The endoscope of the present invention is not limited to an electronic endoscope, but may be an optical endoscope (fiberscope). Furthermore, the endoscope is not limited to a medical endoscope but is used for industrial purposes. It may be a mirror.

Next, specific examples of the present invention will be described.
1. Manufacture of electronic endoscope Ten electronic endoscopes shown in FIG. 1 were manufactured in each Example and each Comparative Example as follows.

Example 1
First, a hard part, a bending part and a flexible tube part as shown in FIG. 1 were prepared.

  Next, the base end portion of the hard portion was inserted inside the distal end portion of the outer skin of the curved portion, and the distal end portion of the core material of the flexible tube portion was inserted and fixed inside the base end portion.

  Next, the distal end portion of the outer skin of the bending portion, the proximal end portion of the outer skin of the bending portion, and the distal end portion of the outer skin of the flexible tube portion were bound with a polyphenylene sulfide thread (average diameter: 90 μm).

Next, an epoxy adhesive was applied to cover the yarn, and then heated at 80 ° C. for 2 hours. Thereby, the epoxy adhesive was cured to form a coating layer.
In addition, the average thickness of the coating layer was 0.15 mm.

Next, an electronic endoscope was manufactured using the obtained joined body (endoscopic insertion portion).
The configuration of each part is as shown below.

・ Hard part Constituent material: Aluminum alloy Shape: Cylindrical shape, change in outer diameter in 3 stages Outer diameter of middle part: 9mm

・ Bending part ・ Dimension of node ring assembly: Outer diameter 9mm × Inner diameter 7mm
Construction material of node ring: Stainless steel Construction material of mesh tube: Stainless steel ・ Dimension of outer skin: Outer diameter 10 mm × Inner diameter 9 mm (average thickness 500 μm)
Outer skin composition: Single layer construction Outer skin material: Fluoro rubber

・ Flexible tube part ・ Dimensions of core material: Outer diameter 9 mm × Inner diameter 7 mm
Constituent material of spiral tube: Stainless steel Constituent material of mesh tube: Stainless steel ・ Dimension of outer shell: Outer diameter 10 mm × Inner diameter 9 mm (average thickness 500 μm)
Outer skin composition: Two-layer construction Outer skin constituent material: Polyurethane thermoplastic elastomer (inner layer)
: Polymethylpentene (outer layer)

(Example 2)
First, the same hard part, bending part and flexible tube part as those in Example 1 were prepared.

  Next, the base end portion of the hard portion was inserted inside the distal end portion of the outer skin of the curved portion, and the distal end portion of the core material of the flexible tube portion was inserted and fixed inside the base end portion.

  Next, the distal end portion of the outer skin of the bending portion, the proximal end portion of the outer skin of the bending portion, and the distal end portion of the outer skin of the flexible tube portion were bound with a polyphenylene sulfide thread (average diameter: 90 μm).

Next, polymethylpentene in a molten state was applied so as to cover the yarn, and then cured. Thereby, the coating layer was formed.
In addition, the average thickness of the coating layer was 0.15 mm.
Next, an electronic endoscope was manufactured using the obtained joined body (endoscopic insertion portion).

(Example 3)
First, the same hard part, bending part and flexible tube part as those in Example 1 were prepared.

  Next, the base end portion of the hard portion was inserted inside the distal end portion of the outer skin of the curved portion, and the distal end portion of the core material of the flexible tube portion was inserted and fixed inside the base end portion.

  Next, the distal end portion of the outer skin of the bending portion, the proximal end portion of the outer skin of the bending portion, and the distal end portion of the outer skin of the flexible tube portion were bound with a polyphenylene sulfide thread (average diameter: 90 μm).

Next, a molten fluororubber was applied so as to cover the yarn and then cured. Thereby, the coating layer was formed.
In addition, the average thickness of the coating layer was 0.15 mm.
Next, an electronic endoscope was manufactured using the obtained joined body (endoscopic insertion portion).

(Comparative Example 1)
An electronic endoscope was manufactured in the same manner as in Example 1 except that silk thread was used as the thread.

(Comparative Example 2)
An electronic endoscope was manufactured in the same manner as in Example 2 except that silk thread was used as the thread.

(Comparative Example 3)
An electronic endoscope was manufactured in the same manner as in Example 3 except that silk thread was used as the thread.

2. Evaluation Each of the electronic endoscopes manufactured in each Example and each Comparative Example was repeatedly autoclaved and sterilized.
The conditions for one autoclave sterilization were 135 ° C. and 15 minutes.

For each electronic endoscope, after each autoclave sterilization was completed, the looseness of the yarn was confirmed and evaluated according to the following four criteria.
◎: The yarn is not loosened even after the end of 5000 times. ○: The yarn is slightly loosened at the end of 5000 times. Δ: The yarn is clearly loosened at the end of 5000 times. X: The yarn is finished at the end of 3000 times. There is obvious slack in

For each electronic endoscope, after each autoclave sterilization was completed, the tip of the insertion tube was immersed in warm water at 40 ° C. for 10 minutes, and then immersed in cold water at 0 ° C. The image quality was confirmed and evaluated according to the following four criteria.
◎: No change in the image quality of the subject even after the end of 5000 times ○: There is a slight decrease in the image quality of the subject image at the end of 5000 times △: The image quality of the subject image decreases at the end of 5000 times Yes ×: The image quality of the subject has deteriorated at the end of 3000 times. The results are shown in Table 1 below.

  As shown in Table 1, in the electronic endoscopes manufactured in each of the examples, the looseness of the yarn is not recognized or is only slightly recognized, and the image quality of the subject image is correlated with this. No change was observed, or a slight decrease was observed.

  On the other hand, in the electronic endoscopes manufactured in each comparative example, when the autoclave sterilization was repeated 3000 times, obvious slack was observed in the thread, and the image quality of the subject was affected by the cloudiness of the lens. There was a decrease due to.

1 is an overall view showing an embodiment when an endoscope of the present invention is applied to an electronic endoscope (electronic scope). It is a fragmentary longitudinal cross-section which shows the structure of the insertion part flexible tube with which the electronic endoscope shown in FIG. 1 is provided. It is a figure (partial longitudinal cross-sectional view) for demonstrating the manufacturing method of the insertion part flexible tube to which the skin fixing method of this invention is applied.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Electronic endoscope 2 Insertion part flexible tube 22 Scale 3 Flexible tube part 31 Core material 311 Spiral tube 312 Reticulated tube 313 Gap 32 Outer skin 4 Bending part 41 Core material 411 Node ring assembly 411a Node ring 412 Mesh tube 42 Outer skin 43 Connection pipe 5 Rigid part 6 Operation part 61 First operation knob 62 Second operation knob 63 First lock lever 64 Second lock lever 65 Control button 66 Suction button 67 Air supply / liquid supply button 7 Connection part flexible tube 8 Light source difference Insertion part 81 Light source connector 82 Image signal connector 9 Thread 10 Cover layer

Claims (6)

A flexible portion including a core material and an outer skin covering the outer periphery of the core material is connected to a bending portion including a core material and an outer skin covering the outer periphery of the core material, so that the insertion portion is flexible. A manufacturing method of an insertion portion flexible tube for manufacturing a tube,
Connecting the distal end portion of the core material of the flexible tube portion and the proximal end portion of the core material of the curved portion;
Contacting the distal end portion of the outer skin of the flexible tube portion and the proximal end portion of the outer skin of the bending portion;
A step of binding a distal end portion of the outer skin of the flexible tube portion and a base end portion of the outer skin of the bending portion with a thread from the outer surface side;
By covering the yarn, comprising the steps of forming a coating layer for fixing the thread, and
At least the outer surface and the coating layer of the outer skin of the flexible tube section, together, is composed of the same material for the port Rimechirupenten a primary material
The yarn is at least one of ports Riarireto and polyester is constructed as a main component,
The melt of the material of the coating layer was applied so as to cover the yarn manufacturing process of the flexible tube, wherein that you form the coating layer by curing. A flexible portion including a core material and an outer skin covering the outer periphery of the core material is connected to a bending portion including a core material and an outer skin covering the outer periphery of the core material, so that the insertion portion is flexible. A manufacturing method of an insertion portion flexible tube for manufacturing a tube,
Connecting the distal end portion of the core material of the flexible tube portion and the proximal end portion of the core material of the curved portion;
Contacting the distal end portion of the outer skin of the flexible tube portion and the proximal end portion of the outer skin of the bending portion;
A step of binding a distal end portion of the outer skin of the flexible tube portion and a base end portion of the outer skin of the bending portion with a thread from the outer surface side;
By covering the yarn, comprising the steps of forming a coating layer for fixing the thread, and
At least the outer surface of the outer skin of the curved portion and the coating layer are made of the same kind of material mainly made of fluororubber,
The yarn is at least one of ports Riarireto and polyester is constructed as a main component,
The melt of the material of the coating layer was applied so as to cover the yarn manufacturing process of the flexible tube, wherein that you form the coating layer by curing. An insertion portion flexible tube manufactured by the method for manufacturing an insertion portion flexible tube according to claim 1 . A flexible insertion section formed by connecting a bending portion having a core material and an outer skin covering the outer periphery of the core material to a distal end portion of the flexible tube portion including the core material and an outer skin covering the outer periphery of the core material. A tube,
The distal end portion of the core material of the flexible tube portion and the proximal end portion of the core material of the curved portion are connected,
In a state where the distal end portion of the outer skin of the flexible tube portion and the proximal end portion of the outer skin of the bending portion are in contact with each other, a thread that binds these from the outer surface side, and a coating layer that covers and fixes the thread Have
At least the outer surface and the coating layer of the outer skin of the flexible tube section, together, is composed of the same material for the port Rimechirupenten a primary material
The yarn is at least one of ports Riarireto and polyester is constructed as a main component,
The coating layer, the flexible tube, wherein a melt of the constituent material was applied so as to cover the yarn, the Der Rukoto those formed by curing. A flexible insertion section formed by connecting a bending portion having a core material and an outer skin covering the outer periphery of the core material to a distal end portion of the flexible tube portion including the core material and an outer skin covering the outer periphery of the core material. A tube,
The distal end portion of the core material of the flexible tube portion and the proximal end portion of the core material of the curved portion are connected,
In a state where the distal end portion of the outer skin of the flexible tube portion and the proximal end portion of the outer skin of the bending portion are in contact with each other, a thread for binding these from the outer surface side, and a coating layer for binding and fixing the thread Have
At least the outer surface of the outer skin of the curved portion and the coating layer are made of the same kind of material mainly made of fluororubber,
The yarn is at least one of ports Riarireto and polyester is constructed as a main component,
The coating layer, the flexible tube, wherein a melt of the constituent material was applied so as to cover the yarn, the Der Rukoto those formed by curing. An endoscope comprising the insertion portion flexible tube according to any one of claims 3 to 5 .

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