JPS63125911A - Soft part of endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To securely prevent such trouble that a coating layer is peeled or broken by forming annular recessed parts in ferrules mounted on both end parts of a soft part structure body and storing projection streaks at both ends of the coating layer in the annular recessed parts. CONSTITUTION:The annular recessed parts 4a and 5a are formed in the outer peripheral surfaces of the ferrules 5 to be mounted on both end parts of the soft part structure body 1, and projection parts 6a to be positioned in the annular recessed parts 4a and 5a are formed at the end parts of the coating layer 6 formed on the outer periphery of the soft part structure body 1, thereby increasing the thickness of each end part of the coating layer 6. Thus, the projection parts 6a are formed at the end parts of the coating layer 6 to increase the thickness, and then the parts are reinforced to prevent the coating layer 6 from being peeled off the ferrules 4 and 5 and broken when the soft part is coupled with another member and also to form the outer shape of the soft part uniformly without any swelling part, etc. Further, the contact area between the coating layer 6 and ferrules 4 and 5 increases, so the sealing performance between then becomes excellent.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Industrial Field of Use] The present invention relates to a method for forming a flexible part used as an insertion part into an observation target part, a universal cord, etc. in medical and industrial endoscopes. It is.

[Prior art 1] In an endoscope, an insertion section into the observation target section is connected to the operation section main body, and a universal cord connected to a light source device, and the universal cord is connected to the insertion section via the operation section main body. An optical li transmits the illumination light from the light source device between
&m bundle and other built-in items such as air and water pipes are inserted as necessary. In addition to the above-mentioned device, the insertion section also has an optical m
A treatment tool insertion channel for inserting treatment tools such as fiber bundles and forceps is also provided.

Therefore, the insertion section and the universal cord described above are provided with a flexible part structure that forms an insertion passage for inserting the internal contents of each, and the insertion section has a The universal cord has a flexible hollow cylindrical structure so that it can be bent along the insertion path, and the universal cord has a flexible hollow cylindrical structure to ensure good operability in the operation unit body. are doing. Such a flexible part is made by attaching an appropriate number of metal wires such as stainless steel wire to a helical tube made of a spiral metal strip or a joint tube made of a plurality of ring members connected together with a predetermined number of strokes. A protective net is covered with a knitted protective net to constitute a flexible part structure in which an insertion passage for built-in objects is formed, and a flexible part structure is provided at both ends of the flexible part structure for connection to the operation part main body and other parts. It is formed by attaching the cap and covering its outer periphery with a synthetic resin that is soft and has good sliding properties, such as urethane resin.

Here, the above-mentioned coating layer may be formed into a tube and adhered to the outer periphery of the flexible part structure, or a synthetic resin melted by a molding method such as extrusion molding may be applied to the outer periphery of the flexible part structure. It is known that it is formed by doing this. When using the flexible part formed in this way as an insertion part of an endoscope or a light guide connector, when connecting them to the operation part main body, light guide connector, etc., the entire endoscope must be constructed in an airtight structure. Since these connections are made in a tight-fitting manner from the viewpoint of achieving this, there is a risk that the coating layer may peel off at the time of this connection. Therefore, in order to prevent the coating layer from peeling off, a device in which the coating layer is fixed to the cap by winding threads at both ends has been conventionally used.

[Problem to be Solved by the Invention 1] As mentioned above, fixing the ends of the coating layer with thread windings not only increases the number of manufacturing steps and makes the soft part of the product expensive, but also makes it difficult to fix the ends of the coating layer with thread windings alone. Not only is it impossible to reliably prevent peeling and tearing of the coating layer, but also there are disadvantages such as not being able to exhibit a sufficient sealing effect between the coating layer and the cap. When used as an insertion part, there is also a drawback that the outer diameter of the flexible part becomes larger because it bulges out by the amount of the thread.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a simple structure that can sufficiently fix the end of the coating layer constituting the flexible part to the cap. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a flexible part of an endoscope.

[Means for Solving the Problems 1] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention forms an annular recess on the outer peripheral surface of a cap that is attached to both ends of a flexible part structure, and The thickness of each end of the covering layer is increased by forming a protrusion at the end of the covering layer formed on the outer periphery of the structure to be placed in each of the annular recesses. Its characteristics are:

[Function] As mentioned above, by forming a protrusion at the end of the coating layer and increasing its wall thickness, that part is reinforced, which makes it easier to connect the flexible part to other members. Inconveniences such as the coating layer peeling off from the cap or tearing are prevented, and the outer shape of the flexible portion can be formed to be uniform without any bulges or the like. . Furthermore, since the contact area between the coating layer and the cap is increased, the sealing performance therebetween is also improved. Furthermore, by interposing an adhesive between the wall surface of the four annular parts of the cap and the coating layer, or by attaching an elastic ring to the four annular parts, the ends of the coating layer can be more firmly fixed. This also improves the sealing function.

[Example 1] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail. First, FIG. 1 shows the overall structure of the flexible part.

In the figure, 1 indicates a flexible part structure, and the flexible part structure 1 is knitted with a spiral tube 2 made of a spiral metal strip and a predetermined number of metal wires by a fixed number of strokes. The spiral tube 2 has a protective net 3 made of a mesh body formed by a spiral tube 2, and the spiral tube 2 is double-wound, with one wound on one side and the other wound on the outside in the opposite direction. The outer periphery of the spiral tube 2 thus formed is covered with a protective net 3. By combining the same number of soft strands and hard strands in each of the protective nets 3, when the strands are fed out from the reel and knitted, the change in tension in the strands is reduced. Even if there are some strands, it can be smoothly knitted without causing any slack or the like in some of the strands.

The flexible part structure 1 is formed as described above, and there are provided at both ends of the flexible part structure 1 so that it can be connected to the operating part main body, the hard end part of the insertion part, the light guide connector, etc. In order to do this, a cap 4.5 is attached, and each of the caps 4.5 is fixed by soldering in an opening formed in the circumference of the cap.

Each cap 4.5 has an annular recess 4a on its outer peripheral surface.
, 5a are formed.

Further, a coating layer 6 made of a smooth and flexible synthetic resin such as urethane resin is formed on the outer periphery of the flexible part structure 1. The coating layer 8 extends to the annular recesses 4a, 5a, and the ends of the coating layer 8 are formed with protrusions 8a, 8a located within the annular recesses 4a, 5a. It is thicker than the other parts. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2, the coating layer 6 is formed in the annular recesses 4a and 5a with an adhesive 7 applied thereto in advance.

As this adhesive, an adhesive having good compatibility with the resin forming the coating layer 6, such as a urethane adhesive or an epoxy adhesive, is preferably used. Furthermore, before the formation of the covering layer 6, a resin tape 8 is spirally wound around the flexible part structure 1, and this resin tape 8 may also be made of urethane resin or
Alternatively, the resin tape 8 is made of a resin material that is compatible with this resin, and is wound at a pitch such that the end side where the cap 5 is attached is rough and the end side where the cap 4 is attached is dense. .

Next, an example of a molding means for forming the coating layer 6 is shown in FIG. In the case shown in the same figure, the coating layer 6 is formed by extrusion molding means, but this molding means is not limited to extrusion molding, and even when extrusion molding means is used, It goes without saying that the coating layer 6 can be formed using a molding machine having a structure other than that shown in the drawings.

In the figure, 10 indicates a molding machine, and the molding machine 10 is
It is roughly composed of a well-known extrusion section 11 consisting of a hopper, a screw, etc., and a head section 12 for coating the outer peripheral surface of the flexible part structure l with the molten synthetic resin extruded by the extrusion section 11. There is.

The head part 12 includes a head inside the head, a cross head inside the head,
It is configured as a head section called a solid crosshead. This head section 12 is attached to a head support 13 that fixedly supports the head section 12. The head support 13 includes a gate 13a that serves as a passage for supplying the molten synthetic resin 20 extruded from the extrusion section 11 to the head section 12. The head section 12 is arranged in the manifold 1 in order to supply the coating layer 6 to the outer peripheral surface of the flexible section structure l with the molten resin 20 fed through the gate 13a.
It has a structure having a nipple 15 and a die 16 forming a shape of 4. The nipple 15 has a soft part structure 1
A conical recess 15b is provided for guiding the insertion of the conical recess 15b. Further, a conical convex portion 15c that forms the manifold 14 in cooperation with a conical concave portion 18a on the left end side of the die 16 is formed on the right end side of the nipple 15 in the figure. The molding machine 10 formed in this way has an inner peripheral wall 18b on the right side of the outlet of the manifold 14, which determines the thickness of the coating layer 6 formed on the outer periphery of the flexible part structure 1. In the figure, reference numeral 17 indicates a tightening bolt for preventing the nipple 15 and the die 16 from being pulled out, and the die 16 includes a protrusion 13b formed on the head support 13,
It is engaged by a protrusion 17a formed on the nipple 17 which is screwed onto the head support 13! Furthermore, a lock nut 18 is screwed into the nipple 15 so that the molding machine 10 is held in the assembled state.

The flexible portion is constructed as described above, and a method for manufacturing the flexible portion will now be described.

First, the spiral tube 2 is covered with a protective net 3 to form a flexible part structure 1, and the caps 4 and 5 are attached to both ends of the flexible part structure 1 so as to cover the protective net 3.
The respective metal plates 4 and 5 are fixed by means of soldering or the like.

After that, the protective net 3 of the flexible part structure 1 is impregnated with an adhesive by immersing it in an adhesive layer in advance, and the annular recesses 4a and 5a of the bases 4 and 5 are inserted.
Apply adhesive 7 to the inside as well. In this state, the resin tape 8 is wound around the outer periphery of the flexible portion structure 1.

After the resin tape 8 is wound as described above, the covering layer 6 is formed by supplying the molten synthetic resin 20 to the outer part of the flexible part structure 1 using the molding machine 10. That is, the tip of the flexible part structure l is inserted from the conical recess 15b side of the die 15, and the manifold 1 is inserted from the extrusion part 11 through the gate 13a of the head support 13.
4, the resin 20 is extruded with a predetermined pressure. The synthetic resin 20 thus supplied is coated on the outer periphery of the flexible part structure l while passing through the die 16, and the coating layer 6
is formed. The coating layer 8 is formed between the annular recesses 4a and 5a of the base 4.5, and therefore the resin 20 is applied to the annular recesses 4a and 5a.
Therefore, thick protrusions 6a are formed at both ends of the covering layer e.

Moreover, since the adhesive 7 is applied to the annular recesses 4a and 5a, when the hot melted resin 20 is filled into the annular recesses 4a and 5a, the adhesive 7 melts. As a result, the protrusions 6a are firmly fixed to the four annular parts 4a and 5a with adhesive, and there is no need to perform processes such as winding at the ends of the coating layer 6, which simplifies the manufacturing process. You will be able to do this. In addition, since no bulging portion is formed on the surface of the flexible portion, when used as an insertion portion, it is convenient to insert the soft portion into the observation target portion.

When forming this coating layer 6, the resin tape 8 wrapped around the outer circumferential surface of the flexible part structure 1 serves as a spacer, and at least the outer circumference of the flexible part structure 1 and the inner circumferential wall 16b of the die 16 are covered. Since a gap corresponding to the thickness of the resin tape 8 is formed between the flexible part structure 1 and the center of the inner circumferential wall 113b of the die 16, the deviation of the axis of the flexible part structure 1 from the center of the inner circumferential wall 113b of the die 16 is suppressed. Although the wall thickness in the circumferential direction becomes uniform, it is not necessarily necessary to wrap the resin tape 8 as long as the axis of the hostile part structure 1 can be strictly adjusted.

When using the flexible part formed as described above as an insertion part in an endoscope or a universal cord,
They can be assembled by connecting them to the main body of the operating section, the hard end portion of the insertion section, and the light guide connector. Here, in order to keep the inside liquid-tight when cleaning the endoscope, etc., the above-mentioned connecting part must be tightly fitted, but both ends of the coating layer 6 that constitutes the outermost periphery of this flexible part Thick protrusions 6a are formed on the ridges, and adhesive 7 is interposed between each of the protrusions 6a and the annular recesses 4a, 5a of the caps 4, 5. The coating layer 6 may peel off,
There will be no inconvenience such as tearing or damage. Further, since the end portions of the coating layer 6 are firmly fixed in this way, the sealing performance therebetween is improved.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, the annular recess 4a.

If the elastic rubber ring 30 is installed in a stretched state to a certain extent with or without an adhesive, and then the covering layer 6 is formed, the annular shape of the covering layer 6 can be The protrusions 6a formed in the recesses 4a and 5a are integrated with the elastic rubber ring 30, which is extremely effective in preventing peeling and tearing of the coating layer 6, and also prevents the elastic rubber ring 30 from sealing. Since the function of the ring is controlled, the sealing function is also improved.

[Effects of the Invention 1] As described in detail above, according to the present invention, an annular recess is formed in the cap that is attached to both ends of the flexible part structure, and the annular recesses are provided at both ends of the coating layer in each of the annular recesses. Since the protrusions are housed in the structure, there is no need to secure the ends of the coating layer by means such as thread winding, making it easier to manufacture the flexible parts, and improving the strength of the ends. Therefore, when the flexible portion is connected to another member, it is possible to reliably prevent the inconvenience of peeling or tearing of the coating layer.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 shows the configuration of a flexible part according to an embodiment of the present invention, the upper half shows a cross section of the flexible part, the lower half is an explanatory diagram showing the appearance with the coating layer removed, and FIG. 1 is an enlarged view of the main part of FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing an example of a forming means for forming a coating layer, and FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view of the main part showing another embodiment of the present invention. . 1: Soft portion structure, 2: Spiral tube, 3: Protective net, 4° 5: Cap, 4a, 5a: Annular recess, 6: Covering layer, 6a
: protrusion, 7: adhesive, 20: synthetic resin, 30: elastic rubber ring.

Claims (3)

[Claims] (1) Attaching caps to both ends of a flexible part structure made by covering a spiral tube or annular tube with a protective net and having an insertion passage for inserting a built-in object such as an optical fiber bundle,
In the flexible portion of the endoscope having a synthetic resin coating layer formed on the outer periphery, an annular recess is formed on the outer circumferential surface of each cap, and an annular recess is formed at an end of the coating layer. 1. A flexible portion of an endoscope, characterized in that the thickness of both ends of the coating layer is increased by forming protrusions that are located at the same positions. (2) The flexible portion of an endoscope according to claim (1), characterized in that an adhesive layer is formed within the annular recess. (3) Claims (1) or (2) characterized in that an elastic ring is inserted into the annular recess and the coating layer is bonded to the elastic ring. The soft part of the endoscope described.