JPH0471524A - Flexible tube of endoscope - Google Patents
Flexible tube of endoscopeInfo
- Publication number
- JPH0471524A JPH0471524A JP2181470A JP18147090A JPH0471524A JP H0471524 A JPH0471524 A JP H0471524A JP 2181470 A JP2181470 A JP 2181470A JP 18147090 A JP18147090 A JP 18147090A JP H0471524 A JPH0471524 A JP H0471524A
- Authority
- JP
- Japan
- Prior art keywords
- flexible tube
- fluid
- main body
- hardness
- flexible
- 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.)
- Pending
Links
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 33
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 8
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 8
- 229920002725 thermoplastic elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 7
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 4
- 239000013307 optical fiber Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000005286 illumination Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000007769 metal material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920001875 Ebonite Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007599 discharging Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000013013 elastic material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000000806 elastomer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920003002 synthetic resin Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000000057 synthetic resin Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004804 winding Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
- A61B1/00064—Constructional details of the endoscope body
- A61B1/00071—Insertion part of the endoscope body
- A61B1/00078—Insertion part of the endoscope body with stiffening means
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Surgery (AREA)
- Biomedical Technology (AREA)
- Medical Informatics (AREA)
- Optics & Photonics (AREA)
- Pathology (AREA)
- Radiology & Medical Imaging (AREA)
- Biophysics (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
- Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy & Molecular Imaging (AREA)
- Molecular Biology (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Instruments For Viewing The Inside Of Hollow Bodies (AREA)
- Endoscopes (AREA)
Abstract
Description
【発明の詳細な説明】
［産業上の利用分野コ
この発明は内視鏡の挿入部に配設される内視鏡用可撓管
に関する。DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a flexible tube for an endoscope, which is disposed in an insertion section of an endoscope.
［従来の技術］
従来から内視鏡の挿入部に配設される内視鏡用可撓管と
して第８図に示す構成のものが知られている。これは、
内側に帯状の金属材料を螺旋状に巻回してなるフレック
ス１を配設し、このフレックス１の外周を網状に編成し
た管状のブレード２で覆い、さらにそのブレード２の外
周を熱可塑性エラストマー等によって形成された外被チ
ューブ３で覆う構成にしたものである。[Prior Art] Conventionally, a flexible tube for an endoscope disposed in an insertion portion of an endoscope has a structure shown in FIG. 8. this is,
A flex 1 made of a spirally wound band-shaped metal material is disposed inside, and the outer periphery of the flex 1 is covered with a tubular blade 2 knitted in a net shape, and the outer periphery of the blade 2 is further covered with thermoplastic elastomer or the like. The structure is such that it is covered with a formed jacket tube 3.
また、この種の内視鏡用可撓管として例えば実開昭６３
−１７２４０１号公報に示されているように内視鏡の挿
入部における先端部側の外被チューブ３部分を軟質の熱
可塑性エラストマーからなる軟質部３ａ、操作部側の外
被チューブ３部分を硬質の熱可塑性エラストマーからな
る硬質部３ｂによってそれぞれ形成し、両者の境界付近
を徐々に柔軟なエラストマーから硬いエラストマーに変
化する変移部分３ｃを設けたものが開示されている。In addition, as a flexible tube for this type of endoscope, for example,
As shown in Publication No. 172401, the 3 portions of the outer tube on the distal end side of the insertion section of the endoscope are made of a soft part 3a made of a soft thermoplastic elastomer, and the 3 portion of the outer tube on the operating section side is made of a hard tube. Disclosed is a hard part 3b made of a thermoplastic elastomer, and a transition part 3c that gradually changes from a soft elastomer to a hard elastomer near the boundary between the two.
［発明が解決しようとする課題］
一般に、内視鏡用可撓管の可撓性は外被チューブ３に使
用される熱可塑性エラストマー等の材質によって決まっ
ており、可撓管の可撓性を任意に調整することができな
い問題があった。そのため、例えば内視鏡の挿入部の挿
入条件等に合わせて可撓管の可撓性を任意に調整するこ
とができず、可撓管の挿入性の向上を図ることが難しい
問題があった。[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] Generally, the flexibility of a flexible tube for an endoscope is determined by the material such as thermoplastic elastomer used for the jacket tube 3. There was a problem that it could not be adjusted arbitrarily. Therefore, it is not possible to arbitrarily adjust the flexibility of the flexible tube according to the insertion conditions of the insertion section of the endoscope, for example, and it is difficult to improve the insertability of the flexible tube. .
また、実開昭６３−１７２４０１号公報のように硬さの
異なる２種類の熱可塑性エラストマーを混合して可撓管
の可撓性を変化させる場合であっても２種類の熱可塑性
エラストマーの材質と混合比とによって可撓管の可撓性
は一定状態に決められてしまうので、この場合も可撓管
の可撓性を任意に調整することができない問題があった
。In addition, even if two types of thermoplastic elastomers with different hardness are mixed to change the flexibility of the flexible tube as in Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 63-172401, the materials of the two types of thermoplastic elastomers may be different. Since the flexibility of the flexible tube is determined to be constant depending on the mixing ratio and the mixing ratio, there is also a problem in that the flexibility of the flexible tube cannot be arbitrarily adjusted.
この発明は上記事情に着目してなされたもので、可撓管
の可撓性を任意に調整することができ、可撓管の挿入性
を高めることができる内視鏡用可撓管を提供することを
目的とするものである。This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides a flexible tube for an endoscope in which the flexibility of the flexible tube can be arbitrarily adjusted and the insertability of the flexible tube can be improved. The purpose is to
［課題を解決するための手段］
この発明は可撓管本体に第１の可撓管とこの可撓管の外
周に配設された第２の可撓管とをそれぞれ設けるととも
に、これらの第１．第２の可撓管間に略環状の袋体を配
設し、この環状袋体内への流体の給排にともない前記可
撓管本体の硬さを調整させる硬さ調整手段を設けたもの
である。[Means for Solving the Problems] The present invention provides a first flexible tube and a second flexible tube disposed on the outer periphery of the flexible tube in a flexible tube body, and 1. A substantially annular bag is disposed between the second flexible tubes, and a hardness adjustment means is provided for adjusting the hardness of the flexible tube body as fluid is supplied and discharged into the annular bag. be.
［作用］
第１の可撓管と第２の可撓管との間の環状袋体内に流体
を供給しない状態では可撓管本体の硬さを小さくした柔
軟状態で保持させ、環状袋体内への流体の供給にともな
い可撓管本体の硬さを連続的に増大させる状態で可撓管
本体の硬さを調整させることにより、可撓管の可撓性を
任意に一調整し、可撓管の挿入性を高めるようにしたも
のである。[Function] When no fluid is supplied into the annular bag between the first flexible tube and the second flexible tube, the flexible tube main body is kept in a soft state with reduced hardness, and the fluid flows into the annular bag. By adjusting the hardness of the flexible tube body while continuously increasing the hardness of the flexible tube body as fluid is supplied, the flexibility of the flexible tube can be arbitrarily adjusted. This makes it easier to insert the tube.
［実施例コ
以下、この発明の第１の実施例を第１図乃至第３図を参
照して説明する。[Embodiment 1] A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.
第２図は内視鏡１１の概略構成を示すもので、１２は内
視鏡１１の手元側の操作部、１３はこの操作部１２に連
結された挿入部である。この場合、操作部１２には体腔
内等の観察対象部位を観察するための接眼部１４、挿入
部１３の先端部を湾曲操作する湾曲操作ノブ１５、送気
スイッチ１６、排気スイッチ１７がそれぞれ設けられて
いるとともに、図示しないライトガイドケーブルと送気
チューブとを収納するユニバーサルコード１８の一端が
連結されている。FIG. 2 shows a schematic configuration of the endoscope 11. Reference numeral 12 indicates an operating section on the proximal side of the endoscope 11, and reference numeral 13 indicates an insertion section connected to the operating section 12. In this case, the operation section 12 includes an eyepiece section 14 for observing the observation target region such as the inside of the body cavity, a bending operation knob 15 for bending the distal end of the insertion section 13, an air supply switch 16, and an exhaust switch 17. One end of a universal cord 18 that accommodates a light guide cable and an air supply tube (not shown) is connected thereto.
また、挿入部１３には先端側から先端構成部１９、この
先端構成部１９に接続された湾曲部２０および可撓管部
２１がそれぞれ設けられてＩ、）る。さらに、可撓管部
２１の内部には図示しない像伝達用光学繊維束および照
明用光学繊維束等が内蔵されている。Further, the insertion section 13 is provided with a distal end forming section 19, a bending section 20 connected to the distal end forming section 19, and a flexible tube section 21, respectively, from the distal side. Further, inside the flexible tube section 21, an image transmission optical fiber bundle, an illumination optical fiber bundle, etc. (not shown) are built-in.
第１図はこの発明の実施例の可撓管部２１の概略構成を
示すものである。また、第１図中で、２１ａは可撓管本
体である。この可撓管本体２１Ｈには内側に帯状の金属
材料を螺旋状に巻回してなるフレックス２２が配設され
ている。さらに、このフレックス２２の外周には網状に
編成した管状の内ブレード２３が覆われており、これら
のフレックス２２と内ブレード２３とによって第１の可
撓管２４が形成されている。FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a flexible tube section 21 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Moreover, in FIG. 1, 21a is a flexible tube main body. A flex 22 formed by spirally winding a band-shaped metal material is disposed inside the flexible tube main body 21H. Further, the outer periphery of the flex 22 is covered with a tubular inner braid 23 knitted in a net shape, and the flex 22 and the inner braid 23 form a first flexible tube 24 .
さらに、ブレード２３の外周には第２の可撓管２５が略
同心状態で、かつブレード２３の外周面から離間させた
状態で配設されている。この第２の可撓管２５は網状に
編成した管状の外ブレード２６によって形成されている
。この場合、外ブレード２６の先端部は口金２７の基端
部に連結されている。この口金２７の先端部は先端構成
部１９に連結されている。Furthermore, a second flexible tube 25 is arranged around the outer circumference of the blade 23 in a substantially concentric state and spaced apart from the outer circumferential surface of the blade 23 . This second flexible tube 25 is formed by a tubular outer braid 26 which is knitted in a net-like manner. In this case, the tip of the outer blade 26 is connected to the base end of the base 27. The tip of this cap 27 is connected to the tip component 19.
また、第１．第２の可撓管２４，２５間には弾性材料に
よって形成された略環状の袋体２８が配設されている。Also, 1st. A substantially annular bag body 28 made of an elastic material is disposed between the second flexible tubes 24 and 25.
この袋体２８の袋内部は空洞になっている。さらに、こ
の環状袋体２８の内周面には略管状の送気チューブ接続
部２８ａが突設されている。そして、この送気チューブ
接続部２８ａには送気チューブ２９の一端が接続されて
いる。The inside of this bag body 28 is hollow. Furthermore, a substantially tubular air supply tube connection portion 28a is provided protruding from the inner circumferential surface of the annular bag body 28. One end of an air supply tube 29 is connected to this air supply tube connection portion 28a.
この送気チューブ２９はフレックス２２内に像伝達用光
学繊維束および照明用光学繊維束とともに内蔵されてい
る。なお、環状袋体２８は可撓管部２１全体に亙り延設
されていてもよく、或いは可撓管部２１の一部に局部的
に配設してもよい。The air supply tube 29 is housed within the flex 22 together with an image transmission optical fiber bundle and an illumination optical fiber bundle. Note that the annular bag body 28 may extend over the entire flexible tube section 21, or may be locally disposed in a part of the flexible tube section 21.
さらに、第３図は環状袋体２８内の流体の給排機構を示
すものである。この場合、送気チューブ２９の基端部側
は操作部１２内で排気チニーブ３０と分岐されている。Furthermore, FIG. 3 shows a mechanism for supplying and discharging fluid within the annular bag body 28. As shown in FIG. In this case, the proximal end side of the air supply tube 29 is branched into the exhaust chinibe 30 within the operating section 12 .
また、操作部１２内の送気チューブ２９はユニバーサル
コード１８内を介して流体供給装置３１に接続されてい
る。Further, the air supply tube 29 in the operating section 12 is connected to the fluid supply device 31 via the universal cord 18 .
一方、操作部１２内には送気チューブ２９の流体流量を
調節する送気量調節手段３２が設けられている。この送
気量調節手段３２には送気チューブ２９内に介設された
開度調節可能な流量調節弁３２ａが設けられている。そ
して、この流量調節弁３２ａは操作部１２の送気スイッ
チ１６の操作と連動して駆動されるようになっている。On the other hand, an air supply amount adjusting means 32 for adjusting the fluid flow rate of the air supply tube 29 is provided in the operating section 12 . The air supply amount adjusting means 32 is provided with a flow rate control valve 32a which is interposed in the air supply tube 29 and whose opening degree can be adjusted. The flow control valve 32a is driven in conjunction with the operation of the air supply switch 16 of the operation section 12.
さらに、排気チューブ３０にも同様に排気量調節手段３
３が設けられている。この排気量調節手段３３には排気
チューブ３ｏ内に介設された開度調節可能な流量調節弁
３３ａが設けられている。Furthermore, the exhaust amount adjusting means 3 is also provided on the exhaust tube 30.
3 is provided. This exhaust amount adjusting means 33 is provided with a flow rate adjusting valve 33a which is interposed in the exhaust tube 3o and whose opening degree can be adjusted.
そして、この流量調節弁３３ａは操作部１２の排気スイ
ッチ１７の操作と連動して駆動されるようになっている
。The flow control valve 33a is driven in conjunction with the operation of the exhaust switch 17 of the operation section 12.
次に、上記構成の作用について説明する。Next, the operation of the above configuration will be explained.
まず、操作部１２の送気スイッチ１６によって流量調節
弁３２ａが全閉状態で保持されている状態では可撓管本
体２１ａの第１の可撓管２４と第２の可撓管２５との間
の環状袋体２８内に流体が供給されない状態で保持され
る。この状態では可撓管本体２１ａの硬さを小さくした
柔軟状態（可撓管本体２１ａの可撓性が大きい状態）で
保持される。First, when the flow rate control valve 32a is held in a fully closed state by the air supply switch 16 of the operating section 12, the gap between the first flexible tube 24 and the second flexible tube 25 of the flexible tube body 21a is The annular bag 28 is maintained in a state where no fluid is supplied thereto. In this state, the flexible tube main body 21a is maintained in a flexible state with a reduced hardness (a state in which the flexible tube main body 21a is highly flexible).
また、操作部１２の送気スイッチ１６の操作にともない
流量調節弁３２ａが開操作されると流量調節弁３２ａの
開度に応じた流量の流体が環状袋体２８内に供給される
。このように環状袋体２８内に流体が充填されると可撓
管本体２１ａの硬さを大きく （硬＜）シて可撓管本体
２１ａの可撓性を小さくすることができる。このとき、
排気スイッチ１７によって流量調節弁３３ａが開操作さ
れると環状袋体２８内の流体が外部に排気される。Further, when the flow rate control valve 32a is opened in response to the operation of the air supply switch 16 of the operation section 12, fluid is supplied into the annular bag body 28 at a flow rate corresponding to the opening degree of the flow rate control valve 32a. When the annular bag body 28 is filled with fluid in this way, the hardness of the flexible tube body 21a can be increased (harder than) and the flexibility of the flexible tube body 21a can be decreased. At this time,
When the flow rate control valve 33a is opened by the exhaust switch 17, the fluid inside the annular bag body 28 is exhausted to the outside.
そのため、これらの送気スイッチ１６および排気スイッ
チ１７の操作に応じて環状袋体２８内に供給される流体
の充填量を調整することができ、環状袋体２８内に供給
される流体の充填量に応じて可撓管本体２１ａの硬さを
適宜調整することができる。したがって、例えば流体供
給装置３１に設けられた流体圧力計等によって供給流体
の圧力を確認するとともに、この供給流体圧力と可撓管
本体２１ａの可撓性との関係を予め求めておくことによ
り、送気スイッチ１６および排気スイッチ１７の操作に
応じて可撓管本体２１ａの可撓性を任意に調整すること
ができ、可撓管本体２１ｇの挿入性を高めることができ
る。Therefore, the filling amount of fluid supplied into the annular bag body 28 can be adjusted according to the operation of the air supply switch 16 and the exhaust switch 17, and the filling amount of fluid supplied into the annular bag body 28 can be adjusted. The hardness of the flexible tube main body 21a can be adjusted as appropriate. Therefore, for example, by checking the pressure of the supplied fluid using a fluid pressure gauge or the like provided in the fluid supply device 31, and determining the relationship between the supplied fluid pressure and the flexibility of the flexible tube body 21a in advance, The flexibility of the flexible tube main body 21a can be arbitrarily adjusted according to the operation of the air supply switch 16 and the exhaust switch 17, and the insertability of the flexible tube main body 21g can be improved.
また、第４図乃至第７図はこの発明の第２の実施例を示
すものである。Further, FIGS. 4 to 7 show a second embodiment of the present invention.
これは、第１の実施例の可撓管本体２１ａの第１、第２
の可撓管２４，２５間に複数、例えば４個の環状袋体４
１ａ、４１ｂ、４１ｃ、４１ｄを設けたものである。こ
れらの環状袋体４１ａ〜４１ｄは第４図に示すように可
撓管本体２１ａの軸方向に沿って並設されている。さら
に、各環状袋体４１ａ〜４１ｄの内周面にはそれぞれ略
管状の送気チューブ接続部４２ ａ、 ４２ ｂ、 ４
２ ｃ。This corresponds to the first and second portions of the flexible tube main body 21a of the first embodiment.
A plurality of, for example, four, annular bags 4 are placed between the flexible tubes 24 and 25.
1a, 41b, 41c, and 41d are provided. These annular bags 41a to 41d are arranged in parallel along the axial direction of the flexible tube main body 21a, as shown in FIG. Further, substantially tubular air supply tube connecting portions 42 a, 42 b, 4 are provided on the inner peripheral surface of each of the annular bags 41 a to 41 d.
2 c.
４２ｄが突設されている。そして、各送気チューブ接続
部４２ａ〜４２ｄにはそれぞれ送気チューブ４３ａ、４
３ｂ、４３ｃ、４３ｄの一端が接続されている。この場
合、各送気チューブ接続部４２ａ〜４２ｄは第５図に示
すように４５＠間隔で配置されており、各送気チューブ
４３ａ〜４３ｄが互いに干渉しないようにフレックス２
２内に内蔵されている。42d is provided protrudingly. The air feeding tubes 43a and 4 are connected to the air feeding tube connecting portions 42a to 42d, respectively.
One ends of 3b, 43c, and 43d are connected. In this case, the air supply tube connecting portions 42a to 42d are arranged at intervals of 45@ as shown in FIG.
Built in 2.
また、第６図は各環状袋体４１ａ〜４１ｄ内の流体の給
排機構を示すものである。この場合、各送気チューブ４
３ａ〜４３ｄの基端部側は操作部１２内でそれぞれ排気
チューブ４４ａ、４４ｂ。Further, FIG. 6 shows a fluid supply/discharge mechanism within each of the annular bags 41a to 41d. In this case, each air tube 4
The proximal end sides of 3a to 43d are exhaust tubes 44a and 44b, respectively, within the operating section 12.
４４ｃ、４４ｄと分岐されている。なお、これらの排気
チューブ４４ａ〜４４ｄの他端部側は共通の排気チュー
ブ４４に連結されている。また、操作部１２内の各送気
チューブ４３ａ〜４３ｄはユニバーサルコード１８内を
介して流体供給装置３１に接続されている。It is branched into 44c and 44d. Note that the other ends of these exhaust tubes 44a to 44d are connected to a common exhaust tube 44. Further, each of the air supply tubes 43a to 43d in the operating section 12 is connected to the fluid supply device 31 via the universal cord 18.
さらに、操作部１２内には各送気チューブ４３ａ〜４３
ｄの流体流量を調節する送気量調節手段が設けられてい
る。この送気量調節手段には各送気チューブ４３ａ〜４
３ｄ内に介設された開度調節可能な流量調節弁４５ａ、
４５ｂ、４５ｃ。Furthermore, each air supply tube 43a to 43 is provided in the operation section 12.
An air supply amount adjusting means is provided to adjust the fluid flow rate of d. This air supply amount adjusting means includes each air supply tube 43a to 4.
a flow rate control valve 45a whose opening degree is adjustable, which is interposed within 3d;
45b, 45c.
４５ｄが設けられている。また、各排気チューブ４４ａ
〜４４ｄにも同様に排気量調節手段が設けられており、
この排気量調節手段には排気チューブ４４ａ〜４４ｄ内
に介設された開度調節可能な流量調節弁４６ ａ、 ４
６ ｂ、 ４６ ｃ、 ４６ ｄがそれぞれ設けられて
いる。そして、送気側の各流量調節弁４５ａ〜４５ｄは
第７図に示す操作部１２の送気スイッチ４７ａ、４７ｂ
、４７ｃ。45d is provided. In addition, each exhaust tube 44a
~44d is also provided with displacement adjustment means,
This exhaust amount adjusting means includes flow rate adjusting valves 46a, 4 whose opening degree can be adjusted and which are interposed in the exhaust tubes 44a to 44d.
6b, 46c, and 46d are provided, respectively. Each flow rate control valve 45a to 45d on the air supply side is connected to an air supply switch 47a, 47b of the operating section 12 shown in FIG.
, 47c.
４７ｄの操作と連動して駆動され、排気側の各流量調節
弁４６ａ〜４６ｄは操作部１２の排気スイッチ４８ａ、
４８ｂ、４８ｃ、４８ｄの操作と連動して駆動されるよ
うになっている。47d, each flow rate control valve 46a to 46d on the exhaust side is operated in conjunction with the operation of the exhaust switch 48a of the operating section 12,
It is designed to be driven in conjunction with the operations of 48b, 48c, and 48d.
そこで、上記構成のものにあっては４個の環状袋体４１
ａ、４１ｂ、４１ｃ、４１ｄ内への供給流体の充填量を
それぞれ異なる値に設定することにより、可撓管本体２
１ａの可撓性を軸方向の複数か所で変化させることがで
きる。例えば、可撓管本体２１ａの先端部側の環状袋体
４１ａ内への供給流体の充填量を小さくし、操作部１２
側の環状袋体４１ｄ内への供給流体の充填量を大きくす
ることにより、可撓管本体２１ａの可撓性を先端部側に
向かうにしたがって徐々に大きく （柔らかく）するこ
とができる。そのため、可撓管本体２１ａの可撓性を軸
方向の複数か所で連続的に変化させることができるので
、より一層の可撓管本体２１ａの挿入性の向上を図るこ
とができる。Therefore, in the structure described above, four annular bags 41
By setting the filling amount of the supply fluid into the insides of a, 41b, 41c, and 41d to different values, the flexible tube body 2
The flexibility of 1a can be changed at multiple locations in the axial direction. For example, by reducing the amount of fluid to be filled into the annular bag body 41a on the distal end side of the flexible tube body 21a,
By increasing the amount of fluid supplied into the side annular bag 41d, the flexibility of the flexible tube body 21a can be gradually increased (softened) toward the distal end side. Therefore, the flexibility of the flexible tube main body 21a can be continuously changed at a plurality of locations in the axial direction, so that the insertability of the flexible tube main body 21a can be further improved.
なお、この発明は上記各実施例に限定されるものではな
い。Note that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments.
例えば、上記実施例の内ブレード２３、外ブレード２６
の代わりに熱可塑性エラストマー等の合成樹脂によって
形成されたチューブを使用してもよい。また、作動流体
は液体でも空気でもよい。For example, the inner blade 23 and outer blade 26 of the above embodiment
Instead, a tube made of synthetic resin such as thermoplastic elastomer may be used. Moreover, the working fluid may be liquid or air.
さらに、その他この発明の要旨を逸脱しない範囲で種々
変形実施できることは勿論である。Furthermore, it goes without saying that various other modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention.
［発明の効果］
この発明によれば可撓管本体に第１の可撓管とこの可撓
管の外周に配設された第２の可撓管とをそれぞれ設ける
とともに、これらの第１．第２の可撓管間に略環状の袋
体を配設し、この環状袋体内への流体の給排にともない
前記可撓管本体の硬さを調整させる硬さ調整手段を設け
たので、可撓管の可撓性を任意に調整することができ、
可撓管の挿入性を高めることができる。[Effects of the Invention] According to the present invention, the flexible tube body is provided with a first flexible tube and a second flexible tube disposed around the outer circumference of the flexible tube, and the first flexible tube is provided with a first flexible tube and a second flexible tube disposed around the outer circumference of the flexible tube. A substantially annular bag is disposed between the second flexible tubes, and a hardness adjustment means is provided for adjusting the hardness of the flexible tube body as fluid is supplied and discharged into the annular bag. The flexibility of the flexible tube can be adjusted arbitrarily,
The insertability of the flexible tube can be improved.
第１図乃至第３図はこの発明の第１の実施例を示すもの
で、第１図は可撓管本体の要部の概略構成を示す縦断面
図、第２図は内視鏡全体の概略構成を示す斜視図、第３
図は流体の給排機構を示す概略構成図、第４図乃至第７
図はこの発明の第２の実施例を示すもので、第４図は可
撓管本体の要部の概略構成を示す縦断面図、第５図は第
４図のＡ−Ａ線断面図、第６図は流体の給排機構を示す
概略構成図、第７図は操作部の送気、排気スイッチを示
す平面図、第８図は従来例を示す可撓管本体の要部の縦
断面図である。
２１ａ・・・可撓管本体、２４・・・第１の可撓管、２
５−・・第２の可撓管、２８，４１ａ、４１ｂ。
４１ｃ、４１ｄ・・・環状袋体。
第６図
第７図1 to 3 show a first embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the schematic structure of the main part of the flexible tube body, and FIG. Perspective view showing the schematic configuration, 3rd
The figures are schematic configuration diagrams showing the fluid supply and discharge mechanism, Figures 4 to 7.
The drawings show a second embodiment of the present invention, in which Fig. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the main part of the flexible tube body, Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A in Fig. 4, Fig. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the fluid supply and discharge mechanism, Fig. 7 is a plan view showing the air supply and exhaust switch of the operating section, and Fig. 8 is a vertical cross section of the main part of the flexible tube body showing a conventional example. It is a diagram. 21a... Flexible tube main body, 24... First flexible tube, 2
5--Second flexible tube, 28, 41a, 41b. 41c, 41d... Annular bag body. Figure 6 Figure 7
Claims (1)
れた第２の可撓管とをそれぞれ設けるとともに、これら
の第１、第２の可撓管間に略環状の袋体を配設し、この
環状袋体内への流体の給排にともない前記可撓管本体の
硬さを調整させる硬さ調整手段を設けたことを特徴とす
る内視鏡用可撓管。A first flexible tube and a second flexible tube arranged around the outer periphery of the flexible tube are provided in the flexible tube body, and a substantially annular tube is formed between the first and second flexible tubes. A flexible tube for an endoscope, comprising: a bag body; and a hardness adjustment means for adjusting the hardness of the flexible tube body as fluid is supplied and discharged into the annular bag body. .
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2181470A JPH0471524A (en) | 1990-07-11 | 1990-07-11 | Flexible tube of endoscope |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2181470A JPH0471524A (en) | 1990-07-11 | 1990-07-11 | Flexible tube of endoscope |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| JPH0471524A true JPH0471524A (en) | 1992-03-06 |
Family
ID=16101320
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2181470A Pending JPH0471524A (en) | 1990-07-11 | 1990-07-11 | Flexible tube of endoscope |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JPH0471524A (en) |
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5482029A (en) * | 1992-06-26 | 1996-01-09 | Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba | Variable flexibility endoscope system |
| JP2003010105A (en) * | 2001-06-29 | 2003-01-14 | Olympus Optical Co Ltd | Endoscope system |
| JP2006075446A (en) * | 2004-09-13 | 2006-03-23 | Fujinon Corp | Endoscope |
| JP2009061173A (en) * | 2007-09-07 | 2009-03-26 | Olympus Corp | Endoscope apparatus |
-
1990
- 1990-07-11 JP JP2181470A patent/JPH0471524A/en active Pending
Cited By (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5482029A (en) * | 1992-06-26 | 1996-01-09 | Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba | Variable flexibility endoscope system |
| JP2003010105A (en) * | 2001-06-29 | 2003-01-14 | Olympus Optical Co Ltd | Endoscope system |
| JP2006075446A (en) * | 2004-09-13 | 2006-03-23 | Fujinon Corp | Endoscope |
| JP4578904B2 (en) * | 2004-09-13 | 2010-11-10 | 富士フイルム株式会社 | Endoscope |
| JP2009061173A (en) * | 2007-09-07 | 2009-03-26 | Olympus Corp | Endoscope apparatus |
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