JPWO2019058812A1 - How to assemble an endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for assembling an endoscope that efficiently applies grease to a necessary portion around an operation wire when assembling the endoscope is obtained. The method of assembling the endoscope includes connecting a plurality of angle rings 62 with pins 64, inserting an operation wire 72 into a guide portion 70 protruding in an inner circumferential direction of the angle ring 62, and connecting a plurality of angles. An attaching step of covering the outer periphery of the ring 62 with the cylindrical net 92, and pushing in the grease 104 from the outer surface side of the net 92 inward in the radial direction, and at least one of the operation wires 72 located inside the plurality of angle rings 62. And an application step of applying grease 104 to the portion.

Description

  The present disclosure relates to a method for assembling an endoscope.

  In Patent Document 1 below, a plurality of node rings forming a curved tube portion, a plurality of tubes fixed to the node ring, and a wire inserted into the tube and operated to bend the curved tube portion are described. An endoscope having the same is disclosed. In the structure of this endoscope, it is described that a tube is inserted through a wire guide of a node ring, and between the tube and the wire guide, grease or a fixed lubricant may be filled or coated. .

  Patent Literature 2 below discloses an endoscope containing a powdered lubricant made of molybdenum disulfide or the like for reducing frictional resistance of a sliding portion of an operation wire from the outside of a blade.

  Patent Literature 3 below discloses a connecting portion for applying a particulate first lubricant to at least one of an inner peripheral surface of an insertion portion and an outer peripheral surface of a built-in member, and connecting a curved tube to a guiding tube. An endoscope in which a gel-like second lubricant is applied between the endoscope and a built-in component is disclosed.

JP-A-2-261418 JP-A-61-122620 JP-A-10-118012

  However, in the endoscope described in Patent Literature 1, when the fixed lubricant is coated between the tube and the wire guide, the solid lubricant is moved from the sliding portion by the sliding of the tube and the wire guide. Peeling or loss occurs, and sliding resistance (that is, friction resistance) increases. Further, the endoscope described in Patent Document 1 does not describe a method of filling grease between a tube and a wire guide.

  In the endoscope described in Patent Literature 2, if a powdery lubricant made of molybdenum disulfide or the like is applied to the operation wire beforehand, the operator's fingers become dirty and the operation becomes complicated. Further, when a powder lubricant made of molybdenum disulfide or the like is introduced from the outside of the blade, it is difficult to control the amount or location of the powder lubricant.

  The endoscope described in Patent Document 3 does not describe how to apply the gel-like second lubricant between the connection portion and the built-in component. For example, when a grease-applied built-in object (wire) is inserted into a guide, grease may be scraped off the guide.

  An object of the present disclosure is to provide an endoscope assembling method that efficiently applies grease to a necessary portion around an operation wire when assembling the endoscope in consideration of the above fact.

  A method for assembling an endoscope according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes a connecting step of connecting a plurality of angle rings by a connection portion, and inserting an operation wire through a guide portion protruding in an inner circumferential direction of the angle ring, and A mounting step of covering the outer periphery of the plurality of angle rings with a tubular net, and pushing grease radially inward from the outer surface side of the net to at least a part of the operation wire located inside the plurality of angle rings. And an application step of applying grease.

  According to the endoscope assembling method according to the first aspect, the plurality of angle rings are connected by the connection portion. Then, the operation wire is inserted into the guide portion protruding in the inner circumferential direction of the angle ring, and the outer circumference of the plurality of angle rings is covered with a cylindrical net. Further, grease is pushed in from the outer surface side of the net radially inward, and the grease is applied to at least a part of the operation wire located inside the plurality of angle rings. Thereby, for example, compared to the case where the net is inserted into the angle ring connection body to which the plurality of angle rings are connected after applying grease to at least a part of the operation wire, the work table or the operator It is possible to suppress the fear that grease adheres to a part where the grease adheres to the finger and the grease does not want to adhere (for example, a joint between the angle ring and the net). Therefore, in the above-described method of assembling the endoscope, grease is efficiently applied to a necessary portion around the operation wire when assembling the endoscope, as compared with a case where a tubular net is covered after applying the grease. Can be.

  The method for assembling an endoscope according to the second aspect of the present disclosure is the method for assembling an endoscope according to the first aspect, wherein the application step is such that grease is pushed in from the outer surface side of the net inward in the radial direction. An injecting step of injecting grease into the interior of the net, and a grease attaching step of attaching the grease to the inner peripheral surface of the operation wire and the wire insertion hole of the guide portion by bending an angle ring connector to which a plurality of angle rings are connected. And

  According to the method for assembling an endoscope according to the second aspect, the application step includes an injection step and a grease attachment step, and the injection step pushes grease from the outer surface side of the net toward the radial inside. Inject grease inside the net. Further, the grease is attached to the inner peripheral surface of the operation wire and the wire insertion hole of the guide portion by bending the angle ring connecting body in the grease attaching step. Therefore, grease can be efficiently applied to a necessary portion around the operation wire when assembling the endoscope.

  An endoscope assembling method according to a third aspect of the present disclosure is the endoscope assembling method according to the first aspect or the second aspect, wherein the applying step includes a discharge device that discharges grease from the outer surface side of the net. To press grease radially inward of the net.

  According to the endoscope assembling method according to the third aspect, grease is more reliably applied to the periphery of the operation wire by press-fitting grease into the inside of the net in the radial direction using the discharge device from the outer surface side of the net. Grease is efficiently applied to a necessary portion around the operation wire. In addition, by using the discharge device, adhesion of grease to the operator's finger is suppressed, and workability is improved.

  According to a method for assembling an endoscope according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, in the method for assembling an endoscope according to the first aspect or the second aspect, the applying step applies grease from the outer surface side of the net, and performs a pressing process. Press the grease through the eye of the net in the radial direction of the net.

  According to the method of assembling an endoscope according to the fourth aspect, grease is applied from the outer surface side of the net, and the grease is pushed inward in the radial direction of the net through the eyes of the net by a pushing jig. Thereby, grease is more reliably applied around the operation wire, and grease is efficiently applied to a necessary portion around the operation wire.

  An endoscope assembling method according to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure is the endoscope assembling method according to the first aspect or the second aspect, wherein the applying step is a step of applying grease from the outer surface side of the net. And a second step of covering the outer periphery of the net with a heat-shrinkable tube before shrinking, a third step of shrinking the heat-shrinkable tube by heat, and pushing grease through the mesh of the net and inward in the radial direction of the net, And a fourth step of removing.

  According to the endoscope assembling method according to the fifth aspect, the grease is more reliably applied to the periphery of the operation wire by pushing grease from the outer surface side of the net with the heat-shrinkable tube. Grease is efficiently applied to the surface. Further, by using the heat-shrinkable tube, the adhesion of grease to the fingers of the worker is suppressed, and the workability is improved.

  An endoscope assembling method according to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure is the endoscope assembling method according to the first aspect or the second aspect, wherein the applying step is a first step of applying grease from the outer surface side of the net. By extrapolating the cover rubber in a state where the inner diameter of the cover rubber is increased by a negative pressure on the outer side in the radial direction of the net, and shrinking the cover rubber by removing the negative pressure to cover the net, the grease is applied to the net. Pushing in the net radially inward through the eye.

  According to the method of assembling the endoscope according to the sixth aspect, the grease is pushed in from the outer surface side of the net with the cover rubber, so that the grease is more reliably applied to the periphery of the operation wire, and the necessary portion around the operation wire is Grease is applied efficiently. Further, the use of the cover rubber suppresses grease from adhering to the fingers of the worker. In addition, the step of covering the cover rubber can also be performed, and the workability is improved.

  An endoscope assembling method according to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure is the endoscope assembling method according to the second aspect, wherein a cover rubber is covered on the radial outside of the net between the injection step and the grease attaching step. It has a rubber mounting step.

  According to the endoscope assembling method according to the seventh aspect, by performing the rubber mounting step before the grease adhering step, the grease injected into the end is bent out of the net by bending the angle ring connector. And grease is prevented from adhering to the operator's fingers. Further, there is no need to re-enter the grease that has come out, and the workability is improved.

  An endoscope assembling method according to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure is the endoscope assembling method according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the application step is performed from the outer surface side of the net. A step of applying grease along a portion where the operation wire is inserted.

  According to the endoscope assembling method according to the eighth aspect, in the applying step, grease is applied along a portion where the operation wire is inserted from the outer surface side of the net. Grease is efficiently applied to the surface.

  An endoscope assembling method according to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure is the endoscope assembling method according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein between the attaching step and the applying step, The method includes an insertion step of inserting a built-in object used for medical treatment and examination inside the plurality of angle rings in a radial direction, and the applying step includes removing grease in a state where the built-in object is inserted inside the plurality of angle rings in a radial direction. Apply.

  According to the endoscope assembling method according to the ninth aspect, after inserting the built-in object radially inward of the plurality of angle rings, grease is pushed in from the outer surface side of the net. Grease is prevented from adhering to an area other than the curved portion such as the end of the object.

  An endoscope assembling method according to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure is the endoscope assembling method according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein the application step is performed from the outer surface side of the net. Grease is pushed inward in the radial direction, and grease is applied only to a part of the operation wire located inside the plurality of angle rings.

  According to the endoscope assembling method according to the tenth aspect, in the applying step, the grease is pushed in from the outer surface side of the net inward in the radial direction, and a part of the operation wire located inside the plurality of angle rings Apply grease only to. Accordingly, by bending the angle ring connector, grease can be efficiently applied to a necessary portion around the operation wire at the time of assembling the endoscope.

  According to the present disclosure, grease can be efficiently applied to a necessary portion around the operation wire when assembling the endoscope.

1 is a perspective view illustrating an example of an endoscope according to the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an internal configuration of an angle portion of the endoscope shown in FIG. 1 and showing a plurality of angle rings viewed from an outer peripheral side. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state where an angle portion of the endoscope shown in FIG. 1 is cut along a plurality of angle rings. FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing a distal end side of an angle portion of the endoscope shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a flexible portion side of an angle portion of the endoscope shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view showing a state in which an operation wire is inserted through a guide portion in an angle portion of the endoscope, with a part cut away. FIG. 3 is a schematic conceptual diagram showing a state where an angle ring connector of an endoscope is bent by pulling an operation wire. It is sectional drawing which shows an example of the process of the assembly method of the endoscope which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is an example of the process of the assembly method of the endoscope which concerns on 1st Embodiment, Comprising: It is sectional drawing shown in the state which expanded the guide part vicinity. It is an example of the process of the assembling method of the endoscope which concerns on 1st Embodiment, and is a figure shown in the state which expanded the guide part vicinity seen from the axial direction. It is an example of the process of the assembling method of the endoscope which concerns on 1st Embodiment, Comprising: It is sectional drawing shown in the state which expanded the guide part vicinity seen from the inside of the angle ring. It is an example of the injection | pouring process in the assembling method of the endoscope which concerns on 1st Embodiment, Comprising: It is typical sectional drawing which shows the state which the grease reached the wire. FIG. 8B is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a grease attaching step in the method of assembling the endoscope according to the first embodiment, in which the angle ring connector is curved after the step illustrated in FIG. 8A. It is an example of the grease attaching step in the endoscope assembling method according to the first embodiment, and shows a state in which grease adheres to the guide portion after the step shown in FIG. 8B and spreads with the movement of the operation wire. It is a typical sectional view shown. It is an example of the injection | pouring process in the assembly method of the endoscope which concerns on 1st Embodiment, Comprising: It is a schematic cross section which shows the state in which grease does not reach a wire. It is an example of the grease attaching process in the method of assembling the endoscope according to the first embodiment, and is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state where the angle ring connector is curved after the process shown in FIG. 9A. It is an example of the grease attachment process in the method of assembling the endoscope according to the first embodiment, and is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which the curve of the angle ring connector is being returned to straight after the process shown in FIG. 9B. It is. It is an example of the grease attaching step in the method of assembling the endoscope according to the first embodiment, and shows a state in which grease adheres to the guide portion after the step shown in FIG. 9C and spreads with movement of the operation wire. It is a typical sectional view shown. It is sectional drawing which shows the 1st process in the assembly method of the endoscope which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the 2nd process in the assembly method of the endoscope which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the 1st process in the assembly method of the endoscope which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the 2nd process in the assembly method of the endoscope which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the 3rd process in the assembly method of the endoscope which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the 4th process in the assembly method of the endoscope which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the 1st process in the assembly method of the endoscope which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the 2nd process in the assembly method of the endoscope which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the 3rd process in the assembly method of the endoscope which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the 4th process in the assembly method of the endoscope which concerns on 4th Embodiment.

  Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Overall configuration of endoscope)
FIG. 1 conceptually illustrates an example of an endoscope to which an endoscope assembling method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is applied. As shown in FIG. 1, an endoscope 10 is inserted into a treatment section for performing treatment or examination of a body cavity (bronchi, stomach, etc.), and observes the inside of the body, captures a still image or a moving image, and collects a biological tissue. And the like.

The endoscope 10 captures (photographs) an image of an inspection region using a charge coupled device (CCD) sensor or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensor, and observes the inspection region and captures a moving image or a still image. This is a so-called electronic scope type endoscope. The endoscope 10 includes an insertion section 12, an operation section 14, a universal cord 16, an LG connector 18, and a video connector 20. The endoscope 10 of the present embodiment is suitably applicable to endoscopes for various uses such as bronchial, surgical, pharyngeal, digestive tract, and duodenal.

The insertion part 12 is a long part to be inserted into an examination part such as a body cavity. The insertion portion 12 has a distal end 24 which is a distal end on the insertion side (that is, an end opposite to the operation portion 14), an angle portion 26 connected to the distal end portion 24, and a flexible portion 28 connected to the angle portion 26.

The operation unit 14 is a part where the operation of the endoscope 10 is performed. The operation section 14 has a forceps port 32 for inserting a treatment tool such as a forceps, which communicates with a forceps hole (forceps channel) of the distal end section 24 of the insertion section 12, and for performing suction from the forceps hole of the distal end section 24. , An air supply / water supply button 36 for performing air supply / water supply from a nozzle (air supply / water supply channel) at the distal end portion 24, and the like.

Although the endoscope 10 in the illustrated example has functions of suction and air / water supply, the endoscope of the present disclosure may not have one or both functions of suction and air / water supply. Further, other functions may be provided instead of the suction and air / water supply functions or in addition to the suction / air / water supply functions.

Further, the operation section 14 is provided with two operation knobs 38 for bending the angle section 26 and a brake 42 for holding the angle section 26 in a bent state. The operation unit 14 bends the angle unit 26 in four directions, for example, up and down and left and right, by operating the operation knob 38. The operation knob 38 is configured to selectively tow four operation wires 72 to be described later to bend the angle portion 26 in the towing direction. The configuration for bending the angle portion 26 in the traction direction will be described later in detail.

In addition, the operation unit 14 of the endoscope 10 can be used to observe or view an image by an imaging unit (CCD sensor or CMOS sensor) such as a zoom switch, a still image shooting switch, a moving image shooting switch, and a freeze switch. Various switches for photographing are provided.

The LG (Light Guide) connector 18 is a part for connecting the endoscope 10 with a water supply unit, an air supply unit, a suction unit, and the like in a facility using the endoscope 10. In the LG connector 18, a water supply connector 50 for connecting the endoscope 10 to water supply (water supply) means of the facility, and an air supply connector 52 for connection to the above-described air supply means are arranged. The LG connector 18 is provided with a suction connector (not shown) for connecting to the above-described suction means. The LG connector 18 is also provided with an LG (Light Guide) rod 54 for connecting an illumination light source, an S terminal (not shown) for connecting an S code when using an electronic scalpel, and the like.

As described above, since the endoscope 10 is an electronic scope, the video connector 20 for connecting the processor device and the endoscope 10 is connected to the LG connector 18. Images (image data) captured by the imaging unit (CCD sensor or CMOS sensor) of the distal end portion 24 and various instructions on the operation section 14 are output from the video connector 20 to the processor device via the LG connector 18 by signal lines. You.

The universal cord (LG flexible part) 16 is a part that connects the LG connector 18 and the operation unit 14. The universal cord 16 has a water supply channel connected to the water supply connector 50, an air supply channel connected to the air supply connector 52, a suction channel connected to the suction connector, and an observation light emitted from the illumination light source to the LG rod 54 for propagation. A light guide, a signal line for transferring data of an image captured by an imaging unit at the distal end 24 or an instruction by an operation of the operation unit 14 are accommodated or inserted.

The suction channel is connected via a suction button 34 to a forceps channel communicating with a forceps hole in the distal end portion 24 of the insertion section 12. The water supply channel and the air supply channel are connected via an air supply / water supply button 36 to an air supply / water supply channel communicating with the nozzle of the distal end portion 24. The light guide is inserted through the operation unit 14 to the illumination lens at the distal end 24. Further, the signal line is inserted from the video connector 20 through the LG connector 18 and the operation unit 14 to the imaging unit at the distal end portion 24 as described above.

An imaging unit formed by integrally integrating a CCD sensor or a CMOS sensor, an imaging lens, and the like, and an illumination lens for irradiating observation light transmitted by a light guide to an observation site are provided at a distal end portion 24 which is a distal end of the insertion portion 12. Etc. are incorporated. The distal end portion 24 is also provided with a forceps hole for inserting forceps into the treatment section, a nozzle for performing air supply and water supply, and the like. These components are located at the tip of a built-in component 90 (see FIGS. 4A and 4B) described later.

The angle portion (bending portion) 26 as a bending portion is bent in the up-down direction and the left-right direction by operating two operation knobs 38 in the operation portion 14 in order to insert or position the distal end portion 24 at the target position. Is the area to be used. The angle part 26 will be described later in detail.

The flexible part 28 is a part that connects the distal end part 24 and the angle part 26 to the operation part 14, and is a long tube having sufficient flexibility for insertion into the inspection part. As described above, the flexible portion 28 and the angle portion 26 include a forceps channel (suction channel) for inserting forceps into the treatment target portion, and an air supply / water supply channel for performing air supply and water supply using the air supply / water supply button 36. (Air supply channel and water supply channel), a built-in unit equipped with a signal line for transferring data of an image captured by an imaging unit (CCD sensor or CMOS sensor) at the distal end portion 24, a light guide for transmitting illumination light, and the like. 90 (see FIGS. 4A and 4B) is inserted. In other words, the built-in component 90 is a component used for medical procedures and examinations. Further, an operation wire 72 to be described later for bending the angle portion 26 and the like are inserted through the flexible portion 28 and the angle portion 26.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the angle portion 26. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which the angle portion 26 is cut along the longitudinal direction. 4A and 4B are cross-sectional views showing a state where the angle portion 26 is cut along the longitudinal direction. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4B, the angle part 26 includes a plurality of substantially cylindrical angle rings (node rings) 62 and a plurality of pins as connection parts that connect (connect) the adjacent angle rings 62. 64. In the present embodiment, an angle ring connector 65 is formed by connecting a plurality of angle rings 62. The angle portion 26 includes a distal end ring 66 disposed on the distal end side of the plurality of angle rings 62 and a proximal end ring disposed on the proximal end side (the operation section 14 side shown in FIG. 1) of the plurality of angle rings 62. 68. The distal ring 66 and the adjacent angle ring 62 are connected by a pin 64, and the proximal ring 68 and the adjacent angle ring 62 are connected by a pin 64.

  Adjacent angle rings 62 are connected by pins 64 arranged at four locations in the circumferential direction of the angle ring 62. In the present embodiment, the angle rings 62 are connected by pins 64 arranged at four positions on the upper and lower sides and on both sides in FIGS. 2 and 3. A guide portion 70 is provided on the inner side of the pin 64 to protrude radially inward of the angle ring 62. Four operation wires 72 for bending the angle portion 26 are inserted through the guide portion 70. The four operation wires 72 are arranged along the axial direction of the angle portion 26, and do not cross each other (are arranged substantially in parallel). The guide 70 will be described later in detail.

  The distal ends of the four operation wires 72 are fixed to the distal ring 66 by the mounting portions 74 (see FIGS. 3 and 4A). The starting side of the upper and lower two operation wires 72 is wound around a rotating body 100 (see FIG. 6) of the operation unit 14 which will be described later. Although not shown, the starting points of the two left and right operation wires 72 are wound around another rotating body of the operation unit 14. In addition, the four operation wires 72 are inserted through a guide coil (contact spring) 76 formed by spirally winding a fine wire in a range from immediately after the rotating body to immediately before the angle portion 26.

As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the angle ring 62 extends so as to be curved in an arch shape in a direction intersecting with the axial direction of the angle portion 26 in a side view. The arch shape is formed substantially symmetrically (symmetric in the axial direction). In other words, a plurality of adjacent pair of angle rings 62 that are substantially bilaterally symmetric (symmetric in the axial direction) are arranged along the axial direction of the angle portion 26. When the upper and lower portions of the angle ring 62 are curved toward the distal end, a projecting portion 80 is formed at the upper and lower portions of the angle ring 62 so as to protrude toward the distal end. When the upper and lower portions of the angle ring 62 are curved to the opposite sides of the tip, a projection 82 is formed at the upper and lower portions of the angle ring 62 so as to project to the opposite side to the tip. Then, as shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 5, the upper and lower protrusions 80, 82 of the adjacent angle ring 62 are overlapped, and through holes 80A formed in these protrusions 80, 82 are formed. A rivet-shaped pin 64 is inserted through 82A. In the present embodiment, the inner diameter of the through-hole 80A is larger than the inner diameter of the through-hole 82A, and the pin 64 is engaged with the edge of the through-hole 82A of the protrusion 82. Thus, the adjacent angle rings 62 are rotatably connected to each other about the pin 64 as an axis.

  In addition, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, when the vertical intermediate portion of the angle ring 62 is curved toward the distal end, the vertical projecting portion of the angle ring 62 projects toward the distal end. Two protrusions 80 are formed. When the vertical intermediate portion of the angle ring 62 is curved to the opposite side to the tip, two projecting portions 82 projecting to the opposite side to the distal end are formed at the vertical intermediate portion of the angle ring 62. Have been. Then, the projections 80 and 82 at the intermediate portions in the vertical direction of the adjacent angle rings 62 are overlapped, and rivet-shaped pins 64 are inserted into through holes 80A and 82A (see FIG. 5) formed in these projections 80 and 82. Is inserted. Thus, the adjacent angle rings 62 are rotatably connected to each other about the pin 64 as an axis. The pins 64 at the upper and lower parts of the angle ring 62 and the pins 64 at the middle part in the vertical direction of the angle ring 62 are alternately arranged along the axial direction of the angle part 26.

The distal end ring 66 has one end that is flat, only the other end is curved to the opposite side to the distal end, and a protrusion 82 is formed at a vertical intermediate portion of the other end. . The protruding portion 82 of the tip ring 66 is overlapped with the protruding portion 80 provided at the intermediate portion of the adjacent angle ring 62 and connected by the pin 64. The tip ring 66 and the adjacent angle ring 62 are rotatably connected to each other by a pin 64. The base ring 68 has one end that is flat, only the other end curved toward the distal end, and a protruding portion 80 formed at the middle in the vertical direction of the other end. I have. The protruding portion 80 of the base ring 68 overlaps with a protruding portion 82 provided at an intermediate portion of the adjacent angle ring 62 and is connected by a pin 64. The base ring 68 and the angle ring 62 adjacent thereto are rotatably connected to each other by a pin 64.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the guide part 70 is formed integrally with the pin 64, and protrudes from the pin 64 radially inward (inner circumferential direction) of the angle ring 62. The guide portion 70 includes a tubular portion 70A, and the tubular portion 70A is formed with a guide hole 70B as a wire insertion hole that penetrates the angle rings 62 along the axial direction. An operation wire 72 is inserted into the guide hole 70B of the guide portion 70. In this embodiment, four operation wires 72 for bending the angle portion 26 are inserted into the guide holes 70B of the four guide portions 70 at the upper and lower sides and the intermediate portion on both sides in the vertical direction (FIGS. 2 to 4). 4). The inner diameter of the guide hole 70B is larger than the outer diameter of the operation wire 72. Thus, when the operation wire 72 is pulled, the operation wire 72 is guided by the wall of the guide hole 70B and moves in the axial direction.

  As shown in FIG. 4B, an attachment ring 102 to which one axial end of the guide coil 76 is fixed is provided on the inner peripheral side of the base ring 68. The outer diameter of one end of the mounting ring 102 in the axial direction (the end 24 side) is smaller than the inner diameter of the base ring 68, and the one end of the mounting ring 102 in the axial direction is the inner peripheral side of the base ring 68. Has been inserted. A through-hole 102A into which the operation wire 72 is movably inserted in the axial direction is formed at one end of the mounting ring 102 in the axial direction (the end portion 24 side). At the other end in the axial direction of the mounting ring 102 (on the side opposite to the distal end portion 24), four insertion portions 102B into which the one end in the axial direction of the guide coil 76 is inserted are formed. At an intermediate portion in the axial direction of the mounting ring 102, the insertion portion 102B and the through hole 102A communicate with each other. The inner diameter of the insertion portion 102B is larger than the inner diameter of the through hole 102A.

  A projection 102 </ b> C protruding radially outward is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the mounting ring 102, and the projection 102 </ b> C is in contact with the end surface of the base ring 68. In this state, the mounting ring 102 is fixed to the base ring 68 by, for example, bonding, soldering, laser welding, or the like. When one end of the guide coil 76 in the axial direction is inserted into the insertion portion 102B of the mounting ring 102, one end of the guide coil 76 in the axial direction is fixed to the mounting ring 102.

  As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, as described above, a built-in component 90 used for medical treatment and examination is inserted into the plurality of angle rings 62 in the angle portion 26. The distal end of the built-in component 90 is joined to a mounting portion (not shown) of the distal ring 66 by a joining portion (not shown) such as bonding or soldering.

  Further, a tubular (cylindrical in this embodiment) net 92 is covered (extrapolated) on the outer peripheral side of the plurality of angle rings 62. For example, the net 92 is formed of a metal mesh member. The distal end of the net 92 is fixed to the distal ring 66, and the proximal end of the net 92 is fixed to the proximal ring 68 by bonding, soldering, laser welding, or the like (not shown). Here, the distal ring 66 and the proximal ring 68 are examples of the angle ring of the present disclosure. The joint between the distal ring 66 and the distal end of the net 92 and the joint between the proximal ring 68 and the proximal end of the net 92 are examples of the joint between the angle ring and the net. Further, a cylindrical (in the present embodiment, cylindrical) cover rubber 94 is covered (externally inserted) on the outer peripheral side of the cylindrical net 92. 2 and 3, illustration of the built-in member 90, the net 92, and the cover rubber 94 is omitted for easy understanding of the configuration of the angle portion 26.

In the endoscope 10 of the present embodiment, the operation wire 72 is not particularly limited, and is a wire formed by twisting a metal wire, a plurality of twisted metal wires, a wire formed by twisting, or a single metal wire. Etc. can be used. However, in the endoscope 10 of the present embodiment, it is preferable that the operation wire 72 is not a single wire but a stranded wire (a twisted wire). Also, the diameter of the operation wire 72 is not particularly limited, and may be appropriately determined according to the type of the endoscope, the thickness of the insertion section 12, the built-in object 90 housed in the insertion section 12, and the like.

FIG. 6 conceptually shows a mechanism for bending the angle portion 26. As shown in FIG. 6, the upper and lower two operation wires 72 inserted into the angle portion 26 and the flexible portion 28 are connected on the operation portion 14 side, and the connected portion is wound around the rotating body 100. It is hung. For example, the rotating body 100 is a sprocket, and the two operation wires 72 are connected to the sprocket via a chain 73. Further, instead of this configuration, a configuration in which the connected portion of the two operation wires 72 is wound around a pulley as a rotating body may be employed. By operating one of the operation knobs 38 (see FIG. 1) provided on the operation unit 14, the rotation shaft 100A of the rotating body 100 is rotatably supported. Therefore, when the rotating body 100 rotates, one operation wire 72 is wound and pulled, and the other operation wire 72 is sent out in the opposite direction. For example, when the rotating body 100 rotates clockwise in FIG. 6, the upper operation wire 72 in FIG. 6 is wound and pulled in the direction of the arrow A, and the lower operation wire 72 in FIG. It is sent in the direction opposite to arrow A.

  As described above, the plurality of angle rings 62 arranged on the angle portion 26 are rotatably connected by the plurality of pins 64. Further, the two operation wires 72 are inserted through guide holes 70B (see FIGS. 4A and 4B) of the plurality of guide portions 70. Thereby, when the rotating body 100 rotates clockwise in FIG. 6 and the upper operation wire 72 is pulled in the arrow A direction and the lower operation wire 72 is sent out, the pulled operation wire 72 side Is set inside, the angle portion 26 is curved in accordance with the amount of traction. In FIG. 6, the angle portion 26 curves upward with respect to the flexible portion 28. Although not shown, when the rotating body 100 rotates in the reverse direction (counterclockwise), the lower operation wire 72 is pulled, and the upper operation wire 72 is sent out. The portion 26 curves downward with respect to the flexible portion 28.

  Although not shown, the two operation wires 72 in the middle in the vertical direction in FIGS. 4A and 4B are connected on the operation unit 14 side and are wound around another rotating body. When another rotating body is rotated by operating the other operation knob 38 (see FIG. 1), one operation wire 72 is wound and pulled, and the other operation wire 72 is sent out in reverse. Thus, the angled portion 26 is bent in the left-right direction with respect to the flexible portion 28 in accordance with the amount of pulling, with the pulled operation wire 72 side inward.

  In the endoscope 10, in order to reduce sliding resistance (friction) generated between the operation wire 72 and the wall surface of the guide hole 70B of the guide portion 70 when the operation wire 72 is pulled or fed, Grease 104 described later (see FIG. 7 and the like) is applied to the operation wire 72. When the sliding resistance (friction) occurs, the bending operability of the angle portion 26, for example, the rotational torque of the operation knob 38 (see FIG. 1) increases, so that it is necessary to reduce the sliding resistance (friction). 2 to 6, the grease 104 applied to the operation wire 72 is omitted for easy understanding of the configuration of the angle portion 26.

[Method of Assembling Endoscope of First Embodiment]
Next, a method of assembling the endoscope 10 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 7A to 9D.

(Each step of the endoscope assembly method)
As shown in FIG. 7A, in the method of assembling the endoscope 10 according to the first embodiment, first, a plurality of angle rings 62 are connected by pins 64 (connection step). In the present embodiment, when attention is paid to a certain angle ring 62, two upper and lower portions of the angle ring 62 adjacent to one side are connected by pins 64, and the upper and lower portions of the angle ring 62 adjacent to the other side are connected in the vertical direction. The two intermediate portions are connected by pins 64. This connection is repeated for a plurality of angle rings 62.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 7A, the operation wire 72 is inserted into the guide hole 70B (see FIG. 5) of the guide portion 70 protruding radially inward (inner circumferential direction) of the plurality of angle rings 62 (attaching step). ). In the present embodiment, four operation wires 72 are inserted into the guide holes 70B (see FIG. 5) of the four guide portions 70 on the upper side, the lower side, one side, and the other side of the plurality of angle rings 62. Insert (mounting process). Further, a cylindrical net 92 is put on the outer periphery of the plurality of angle rings 62 (externally inserted) (attaching step). Either the step of inserting the operation wire 72 through the plurality of guide portions 70 or the step of covering the outer circumference of the plurality of angle rings 62 with the cylindrical net 92 may be performed first.

  Next, the built-in object 90 used for medical treatment and examination is inserted radially inside the plurality of angle rings 62 (insertion step). Then, the distal end of the built-in object 90 is joined to the inner peripheral side of the distal end ring 66 constituting the distal end 24 of the endoscope 10. For example, the distal end of the built-in component 90 is bonded to the inner peripheral side of the distal end ring 66 by bonding, brazing, soldering, screws, or the like. Further, the flexible portion 28 is connected to the base ring 68 side of the plurality of angle rings 62.

  Next, as shown in FIGS. 7A to 9D, the grease 104 is pushed radially inward from the outer surface side of the net 92 into at least a part of the operation wire 72 located inside the plurality of angle rings 62, The grease 104 is applied to the operation wire 72 (application step). Hereinafter, the application step will be described more specifically. In the present embodiment, the application step includes an injection step and a grease attachment step described below.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7A, the grease 104 is pressed into the net 92 in the radial direction using a grease gun 110 as a discharge device for discharging the grease 104. That is, the grease 104 is injected into the inside of the plurality of angle rings 62 by press-fitting the grease 104 from the outer surface side of the net 92 radially inward using the grease gun 110 (injection step).

  Here, the grease gun 110 will be described. The grease gun 110 includes a cylindrical container 112 that accommodates the grease 104, a conductive portion 114 extending downward from the lower portion of the container 112, and a discharge portion 116 provided at a tip of the conductive portion 114. I have. The conduction portion 114 has a conduction hole 114A, and the grease 104 is drawn out from the container 112 toward the discharge portion 116. In addition, the discharge unit 116 includes a discharge port 116A having an inner diameter larger than the inner diameter of the conduction hole 114A, and the discharge port 116A is opened at a lower portion. Further, the discharge section 116 is provided with a nozzle 118 at the tip of the discharge port 116A. Further, the grease gun 110 includes a piston 120 disposed above the container 112. The piston 120 includes a pressing plate 120A that is inserted into the container 112 and presses the grease 104 in the container 112. The outer diameter of the pressing plate 120A is slightly smaller than the inner circumference of the container 112, and moves vertically while sliding on the inner wall of the container 112. The piston 120 may be pushed downward by a mechanical configuration, or may be pushed downward manually. When the piston 120 is pushed downward, the grease 104 in the container 112 is discharged from the nozzle 118 of the discharge unit 116 through the conduction unit 114.

  In the above-described grease gun 110, the inner diameter B1 of the discharge port 116A is larger than the dimension A1 from the guide portion 70 of the angle ring 62 to the edge of the angle ring 62. Accordingly, when the grease 104 is discharged from the discharge unit 116, the grease 104 is easily pushed into the inside of the angle ring 62 from between the adjacent angle rings 62 (gap).

  As the grease 104, for example, a lithium-based, urea-based, fluorine-based, or the like can be used. Among them, fluorine compounds are most preferable because of their high chemical stability. In addition, the grease 104 preferably has a mixing penetration at 25 ° C. of 180 to 420, more preferably 200 to 400, and even more preferably 220 to 385. A small penetration value indicates that the grease is hard, and a large penetration value indicates that the grease is soft. The mixing consistency is a value measured based on JIS K 2220 consistency testing method.

  In the present embodiment, the grease 104 is discharged by the grease gun 110 while rotating and axially moving the plurality of angle rings 62, so that the grease 104 is pressed into the net 92 radially inward from the outer surface side of the net 92. The grease 104 is injected into the plurality of angle rings 62 (injection step). At that time, the press-fitting of the grease 104 to the plurality of angle rings 62 is repeated in a spot manner. Thereby, as shown in FIGS. 7B to 7D, the grease 104 enters the inside of the angle ring 62 from between the adjacent angle rings 62 (gap) and adheres around the guide portion 70. That is, the grease 104 enters inside from between the adjacent angle rings 62 and goes around the guide portion 70. At this time, the grease 104 is crushed by the built-in member 90, so that the grease 104 can easily enter between the guide hole 70B of the guide portion 70 and the operation wire 72.

  Thereafter, the grease 104 is attached to the operation wire 72 and the inner peripheral surface of the guide hole 70B of the guide portion 70 by bending the angle ring connector 65 in the axial direction (grease attachment step).

  For example, FIG. 8A shows a case in which the grease 104 reaches the operation wire 72 while the angle ring connector 65 is in a straight state in the injection step. In this case, as shown in FIG. 8B, by bending the angle ring connector 65, the operation wire 72 moves in the axial direction (the direction of arrow B), and the grease 104 is torn off and adheres to the operation wire 72.

  As shown in FIG. 8C, when the angle ring connector 65 is further curved, the grease 104 rises and adheres to the operation wire 72, the grease 104 accumulates in the guide portion 70, and the grease 104 remaining on the operation wire 72. and so on. That is, the grease 104 spreads more and more as the operation wire 72 moves, and the grease 104 adheres to the operation wire 72 and the inner peripheral surface of the guide hole 70B of the guide portion 70 (see FIG. 7C).

  For example, FIG. 9A shows a case in which the grease 104 does not reach the operation wire 72 when the angle ring connector 65 is in the straight state in the injection step. In this case, as shown in FIG. 9B, by bending the angle ring connection body 65, the grease 104 rises and the operation wire 72 approaches the grease 104 at the same time, so that the grease 104 adheres to the operation wire 72. . Further, as shown in FIG. 9C, by returning the curvature of the angle ring connector 65, the operation wire 72 moves in the axial direction (the direction of arrow C), and the grease 104 is torn off and adheres to the operation wire 72.

  Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 9D, the grease 104 spreads more and more along with the movement of the operation wire 72, and the grease 104 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the operation wire 72 and the guide hole 70B of the guide unit 70 (see FIG. 7C). Adheres to

  In the present embodiment, the press-fitting of the grease 104 into the plurality of angle rings 62 in a spot manner is repeated, but the present disclosure is not limited to this method. For example, the grease 104 may be press-fitted from the outer surface side of the net 92 to the inside of the angle rings 62 in the radial direction of the plurality of angle rings 62 along the portion where the operation wire 72 is inserted.

  After the above application step, a cylindrical cover rubber 94 (see FIGS. 4A and 4B) is put on (externally inserted into) the radially outer side of the net 92 (rubber mounting step). The cover rubber 94 expands the inside diameter of the cover rubber 94 by applying a negative pressure to the cylindrical member disposed on the outer peripheral side of the cover rubber 94, and is disposed outside the net 92 in this state in the radial direction. Then, by releasing the negative pressure of the tubular member, the diameter of the cover rubber 94 is reduced, and the cover rubber 94 is placed on the outer side of the net 92 in the radial direction. Thereby, the angle part 26 of the endoscope 10 is created.

  Note that the grease attaching step of bending the angle ring connector 65 is preferably performed after the cover rubber 94 is extrapolated. Accordingly, the grease 104 injected into the inside can be prevented from coming out again from the mesh of the net 92 by bending the angle ring connector 65, and the grease 104 adheres to the fingers of the operator. Is suppressed. In addition, there is no need to re-enter the grease 104 that has come out, and the workability is improved.

  In the angle section 26 of the endoscope 10, the operation section 14 (see FIG. 1) further bends the angle section 26 in the up-down direction and the left-right direction, so that the operation wire 72 and the guide hole 70 </ b> B (FIG. The grease 104 enters between the inner peripheral surface of FIG. The grease 104 also enters between the pin 64 and the wall surface of the through hole 80A of the protrusion 80 (see FIG. 5) and between the protrusion 80 and the protrusion 82.

(Action and effect)
Next, the operation and effects of the first embodiment will be described.

  In the method for assembling the endoscope 10 according to the first embodiment, the grease gun 110 presses (presses) the grease 104 from the outer surface side of the net 92 inward in the radial direction, and inserts the grease 104 into at least a part of the operation wire 72. Is applied. Therefore, in the above-described method of assembling the endoscope 10, the grease 104 is efficiently applied to a necessary portion around the operation wire 72 when assembling the endoscope 10, as compared with a case where a tubular net is covered after applying the grease. Can be applied to the surface.

  For example, when assembling the angle portion using an operation wire to which grease or lubricating oil is applied in advance, particularly, a process of inserting the operation wire through a guide portion of a plurality of angle rings, a process of covering a net, and inserting a built-in component In a process or the like, there is a possibility that grease or lubricating oil may adhere to other components, fingers or a jig of an operator. For example, by adhering to parts inside multiple angle rings, various places such as work benches and jigs are contaminated, and it is necessary to remove grease and lubricating oil from unnecessary parts of fingers, jigs and parts And workability decreases. In addition, since grease or lubricating oil adheres to the places of adhesion, brazing, and soldering, the fixing strength is reduced and the burden of the removal operation is increased. In the case of grease, when the operation wire is inserted through the guide portions of the plurality of angle rings, the grease may be peeled off, and a sufficient amount of grease may not adhere to the operation wire.

  On the other hand, in the method of assembling the endoscope 10 described above, the grease 104 is pressed into the radial inside of the net 92 from the outer surface side of the net 92 using the grease gun 110. Further, by bending the angle ring connector 65 in the axial direction, the grease 104 is attached to the operation wire 72 and the inner peripheral surface of the guide hole 70B of the guide portion 70. This ensures that the grease 104 is applied to the sliding portion of the operation wire 72, and that the grease 104 is efficiently applied to necessary portions around the operation wire 72. Further, by using the grease gun 110, the grease 104 is prevented from adhering to the fingers of the worker, and the workability is improved. Further, since the cover rubber 94 can be put on immediately after the application of the grease 104, the grease 104 adhered to the surface of the net 92 can be prevented from adhering to a work table or a jig or the like in a process of proceeding to a subsequent step, and workability Does not impair.

  In the above-described method of assembling the endoscope 10, the grease 104 is pressed in from the outer surface side of the net 92 inward in the radial direction by the grease gun 110, and the grease 104 is applied to at least a part of the operation wire 72. Therefore, the grease 104 easily accumulates between the strands of the operation wire 72 and between the strands, and the lubricating performance can be stably maintained for a long time.

  In the above-described method of assembling the endoscope 10, the cover rubber 94 is put on the outer side of the net 92 in the radial direction after the step of applying the grease 104. Therefore, when the cover rubber 94 is put on the outer side of the net 92 in the radial direction, the grease 104 is prevented from being peeled off.

  In the above-described method of assembling the endoscope 10, the built-in member 90 is inserted radially inside the plurality of angle rings 62 between the step of attaching the net 92 and the like and the step of applying the grease 104. As a result, the grease 104 is pushed in from the outer surface side of the net 92 after the built-in object 90 is inserted radially inward of the plurality of angle rings 62. The grease 104 is prevented from adhering to a range other than the angle portion 26 such as.

  In the first embodiment, the grease gun 110 is used as a discharge device. However, the grease 104 may be press-fitted by a discharge device such as a syringe or a dispenser.

  Further, in the first embodiment, the application step includes an injection step and a grease attachment step, but the present disclosure is not limited to this method. For example, if grease is likely to adhere around the guide portion inside the angle ring when grease is press-fitted from the outer surface side of the net using a grease gun, the above-described grease adhesion step of bending the angle ring connector is performed. It is not necessary to provide it.

[Method of assembling endoscope according to second embodiment]
Next, a method of assembling the endoscope 10 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. In the second embodiment, when the same components, members, and the like as those in the first embodiment are provided, the same reference numerals are given and the detailed description is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 10, first, a plurality of angle rings 62 are connected by pins 64 (connection step). Next, the operation wire 72 is inserted into a guide hole 70B (see FIG. 5) of the guide portion 70 protruding radially inward (inner circumferential direction) of the plurality of angle rings 62 (attachment step). Further, a cylindrical net 92 is put on the outer periphery of the plurality of angle rings 62 (externally inserted) (attaching step). Next, the built-in component 90 is inserted inside the plurality of angle rings 62 in the radial direction (insertion step), and the tip of the built-in component 90 is joined to the inner peripheral side of the tip ring 66. That is, in the method of assembling the endoscope 10 according to the second embodiment, the steps from the connection step to the insertion step are the same as those in the first embodiment. Note that, among these steps, a step of connecting the flexible portion 28 to the base ring 68 side of the plurality of angle rings 62 is also included.

  In the method of assembling the endoscope 10 according to the second embodiment, an application step after the above-described insertion step is different from that of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, grease 104 is applied from the outer surface side of net 92. The grease 104 is applied to the outside of at least four operation wires 72 using, for example, a syringe (not shown). Further, for example, the grease 104 may be applied to the outside of at least four operation wires 72 while rotating and moving the plurality of angle rings 62 in the axial direction. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 11, the grease 104 is pushed inward in the radial direction of the net 92 through the eyes of the net 92 using a spatula 130 as a pushing jig (injection step in the coating step). The spatula 130 includes a rubber plate-shaped portion 130B supported at the tip of a support rod 130A. For example, the grease 104 is injected into the inside of the plurality of angle rings 62 by pushing the grease 104 inward in the radial direction of the net 92 using the spatula 130 while rotating and axially moving the plurality of angle rings 62 ( Injection step). As a result, the grease 104 enters the inside of the angle ring 62 from between the adjacent angle rings 62 (gap) and adheres around the guide portion 70. At this time, the grease 104 is crushed by the built-in component 90, so that the grease 104 easily enters between the guide hole 70B (see FIG. 5) of the guide portion 70 and the operation wire 72.

  Then, although not shown, the grease 104 is attached to the inner peripheral surface of the operation wire 72 and the guide hole 70B (see FIG. 5) of the guide portion 70 by bending the angle ring connector 65 in the axial direction. (Grease adhesion step in the application step).

  After the above application step, a cylindrical cover rubber 94 (see FIGS. 4A and 4B) is put on (externally inserted into) the radially outer side of the net 92 (rubber mounting step). Thereby, the angle part 26 of the endoscope 10 is created.

  Note that the grease attaching step of bending the angle ring connector 65 is preferably performed after the cover rubber 94 is extrapolated. Accordingly, the grease 104 injected into the inside can be prevented from coming out again from the mesh of the net 92 by bending the angle ring connector 65, and the grease 104 adheres to the fingers of the operator. Is suppressed. In addition, there is no need to re-enter the grease 104 that has come out, and the workability is improved.

  In the method of assembling the endoscope 10 according to the second embodiment, the grease 104 is pushed in from the outer surface side of the net 92 inward in the radial direction by the spatula 130, and the grease 104 is applied to at least a part of the operation wire 72. Therefore, in the above-described method of assembling the endoscope 10, the grease 104 is efficiently applied to a necessary portion around the operation wire 72 when assembling the endoscope 10, as compared with a case where a tubular net is covered after applying the grease. Can be applied to the surface.

  In the above-described method of assembling the endoscope 10, in the application step, the grease 104 is applied from the outer surface side of the net 92, and the spatula 130 pushes the grease 104 through the eyes of the net 92 inward in the radial direction of the net 92. . This ensures that the grease 104 is applied to the sliding portion of the operation wire 72, and that the grease 104 is efficiently applied to necessary portions around the operation wire 72.

  In the second embodiment, when the grease 104 is applied from the outer surface side of the net 92 in the step shown in FIG. 10, for example, a position where the operation wire 72 is inserted radially inside the plurality of angle rings 62. The grease 104 may be applied along.

  Further, in the second embodiment, the application step includes an injection step and a grease attachment step, but the present disclosure is not limited to this method. For example, when grease is pressed from the outer surface side of the net using a spatula, if grease is likely to adhere around the guide portion inside the angle ring, a grease adhesion step of bending the angle ring connection body is provided. It is not necessary.

[Method of assembling endoscope of third embodiment]
Next, a method of assembling the endoscope 10 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. In the third embodiment, the same components and members as those in the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 12, first, a plurality of angle rings 62 are connected by pins 64 (connection step). Next, the operation wire 72 is inserted into a guide hole 70B (see FIG. 5) of the guide portion 70 protruding radially inward (inner circumferential direction) of the plurality of angle rings 62 (attachment step). Further, a cylindrical net 92 is put on the outer periphery of the plurality of angle rings 62 (externally inserted) (attaching step). Next, the built-in component 90 is inserted inside the plurality of angle rings 62 in the radial direction (insertion step), and the tip of the built-in component 90 is joined to the inner peripheral side of the tip ring 66. That is, in the method of assembling the endoscope 10 of the third embodiment, the steps from the connection step to the insertion step are the same as those in the first embodiment. Note that, among these steps, a step of connecting the flexible portion 28 to the base ring 68 side of the plurality of angle rings 62 is also included.

  In the method of assembling the endoscope 10 according to the third embodiment, an application step after the above-described insertion step is different from the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12, in the application step, first, grease 104 is applied from the outer surface side of the net 92 (first step). The grease 104 is applied to the outside of at least four operation wires 72 using, for example, a syringe (not shown).

  Next, as shown in FIG. 13, a heat-shrinkable tube 140 before shrinking is put on the outer periphery of the net 92 (second step). Further, as shown in FIG. 14, the heat-shrinkable tube 140 is shrunk by heat, and the grease 104 is pushed through the eyes of the net 92 and radially inward of the net 92 (third step). As a result, the grease 104 enters the inside of the angle ring 62 from between the adjacent angle rings 62 (gap) and adheres around the guide portion 70. At this time, the grease 104 is crushed by the built-in component 90, so that the grease 104 easily enters between the guide hole 70B (see FIG. 5) of the guide portion 70 and the operation wire 72. In the present embodiment, the third step corresponds to an injection step of injecting the grease 104. Here, the heat-shrinkable tube 140 is formed using a plastic film that shrinks when heat is applied. The heat-shrinkable tube 140 has a property of shrinking by a maximum of 60 to 70% by heat treatment, for example.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 15, the heat-shrinkable tube 140 (see FIG. 14) on the outer peripheral side of the net 92 is removed (fourth step). The heat-shrinkable tube 140 is removed from the outer peripheral surface (that is, the outer surface side) of the net 92 by, for example, cutting with a cutter along the axial direction. Further, although not shown, the grease 104 is attached to the inner peripheral surface of the operation wire 72 and the guide hole 70B (see FIG. 5) of the guide portion 70 by bending the angle ring connector 65 in the axial direction. (Grease adhesion step). In the present embodiment, the grease adhering step is performed after the fourth step, but may be performed before the fourth step. Thus, the application step is completed.

  After the above application step, a cylindrical cover rubber 94 (see FIGS. 4A and 4B) is put on (externally inserted into) the radially outer side of the net 92 (rubber mounting step). Thereby, the angle part 26 of the endoscope 10 is created.

  Note that the grease attaching step of bending the angle ring connector 65 is preferably performed after the cover rubber 94 is extrapolated. Accordingly, the grease 104 injected into the inside can be prevented from coming out again from the mesh of the net 92 by bending the angle ring connector 65, and the grease 104 adheres to the fingers of the operator. Is suppressed. In addition, there is no need to re-enter the grease 104 that has come out, and the workability is improved.

  In the method of assembling the endoscope 10 according to the third embodiment, the grease 104 is pushed in from the outer surface side of the net 92 inward in the radial direction by the heat shrinkable tube 140, and the grease 104 is applied to at least a part of the operation wire 72. I do. Therefore, in the above-described method of assembling the endoscope 10, the grease 104 is efficiently applied to a necessary portion around the operation wire 72 when assembling the endoscope 10, as compared with a case where a tubular net is covered after applying the grease. Can be applied to the surface.

  In the method of assembling the endoscope 10 described above, the grease 104 is pushed in from the outer surface side of the net 92 by the heat-shrinkable tube 140, and the angle ring connector 65 is further bent. This ensures that the grease 104 is applied to the sliding portion of the operation wire 72, and that the grease 104 is efficiently applied to necessary portions around the operation wire 72. Further, by using the heat shrink tube 140, the grease 104 is prevented from adhering to the fingers of the worker, and the workability is improved.

  In the present embodiment, when the grease 104 is applied from the outer surface side of the net 92 in the first step shown in FIG. 12, for example, the operation wires 72 radially inside the plurality of angle rings 62 are inserted. Grease 104 may be applied along the location.

  Further, in the third embodiment, the application step includes an injection step and a grease attachment step, but the present disclosure is not limited to this method. For example, when pressing the grease from the outer surface side of the net using a heat-shrinkable tube, if the grease easily adheres around the guide portion inside the angle ring, a grease adhesion step of bending the angle ring connection body described above. May not be provided.

[Method of Assembling Endoscope of Fourth Embodiment]
Next, a method of assembling the endoscope 10 according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. In the fourth embodiment, when the same components, members, and the like as those in the first to third embodiments are provided, the same reference numerals are given and the detailed description is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 16, first, a plurality of angle rings 62 are connected by pins 64 (connection step). Next, the operation wire 72 is inserted into the guide hole 70B (see FIG. 5) of the guide portion 70 protruding radially inward (inner circumferential direction) of the plurality of angle rings 62, and the outer periphery of the plurality of angle rings 62. The tubular net 92 is covered (extrapolated) (attaching step). Next, the built-in component 90 is inserted inside the plurality of angle rings 62 in the radial direction (insertion step), and the tip of the built-in component 90 is joined to the inner peripheral side of the tip ring 66. That is, in the method of assembling the endoscope 10 of the fourth embodiment, the steps from the connection step to the insertion step are the same as those in the first embodiment. Note that, among these steps, a step of connecting the flexible portion 28 to the base ring 68 side of the plurality of angle rings 62 is also included.

  In the method of assembling the endoscope 10 according to the fourth embodiment, an application step after the above-described insertion step is different from that of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 16, in the application step, first, grease 104 is applied from the outer surface side of the net 92 (first step). The grease 104 is applied to the outside of at least four operation wires 72 using, for example, a syringe (not shown).

  Next, as shown in FIG. 17, the tubular member 150 is arranged on the outer peripheral side of the tubular cover rubber 94. Then, both ends of the cover rubber 94 in the axial direction are pushed back, and the cover rubber 94 is hooked on the both edges 150A of the cylindrical member 150 in the axial direction. A suction pipe 150 </ b> B that suctions air inside is formed at an intermediate portion in the axial direction of the tubular member 150. Then, air inside the tubular member 150 is sucked from the suction pipe 150B by a suction means (not shown), and the inside of the tubular member 150 is made to have a negative pressure, so that the outer peripheral surface of the cover rubber 94 becomes cylindrical member 150. And the inner diameter of the cover rubber 94 increases.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the cover rubber 94 is extrapolated outside the net 92 in the radial direction with the inner diameter of the cover rubber 94 increased. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 19, the negative pressure of the tubular member 150 is released, so that the cover rubber 94 is contracted and covers the net 92. As a result, the grease 104 is pushed by the cover rubber 94 through the eyes of the net 92 and radially inward of the net 92 (pushing step). As a result, the grease 104 enters the inside of the angle ring 62 from between the adjacent angle rings 62 (gap) and adheres around the guide portion 70. At this time, the grease 104 is crushed by the built-in component 90, so that the grease 104 easily enters between the guide hole 70B (see FIG. 5) of the guide portion 70 and the operation wire 72. In the present embodiment, the pushing step corresponds to an injection step of injecting the grease 104.

  Further, although not shown, after the pressing step, the grease 104 is bent in the axial direction by bending the angle ring connector 65 in the guide wire 70B of the operation wire 72 and the guide part 70 (see FIG. 5). Adhere to the peripheral surface (grease adhering step). Thus, the application step is completed. This coating step also serves as a rubber mounting step of covering the outside of the net 92 in the radial direction with the cover rubber 94. Thereby, the angle part 26 of the endoscope 10 is created.

  In the method of assembling the endoscope 10 according to the fourth embodiment, the grease 104 is pushed in from the outer surface side of the net 92 inward in the radial direction by the cover rubber 94, and the grease 104 is applied to at least a part of the operation wire 72. . Therefore, in the above-described method of assembling the endoscope 10, the grease 104 is efficiently applied to a necessary portion around the operation wire 72 when assembling the endoscope 10, as compared with a case where a tubular net is covered after applying the grease. Can be applied to the surface.

  In the above-described method of assembling the endoscope 10, the grease 104 is pushed in from the outer surface side of the net 92 by the cover rubber 94, and the angle ring connector 65 is further bent. This ensures that the grease 104 is applied to the sliding portion of the operation wire 72, and that the grease 104 is efficiently applied to necessary portions around the operation wire 72. In addition, the cover rubber 94 prevents the grease 104 from adhering to the operator's fingers, thereby improving workability. Further, a step of covering the cover rubber 94 can be performed, and workability is further improved.

  In the fourth embodiment, when the grease 104 is applied from the outer surface side of the net 92 in the first step shown in FIG. 16, for example, the operation wire 72 inside the plurality of angle rings 62 in the radial direction is inserted. The grease 104 may be applied along the existing location.

  Further, in the fourth embodiment, the application step includes an injection step and a grease attachment step, but the present disclosure is not limited to this method. For example, when pressing the grease from the outer surface side of the net using a cover rubber, if the grease easily adheres around the guide portion inside the angle ring, the grease adhesion step of bending the angle ring connection body is performed. It is not necessary to provide it.

  In the first to fourth embodiments, the shape of the angle ring 62, the position and shape of the pin 64, the position and shape of the guide 70, and the like that constitute the endoscope 10 can be changed. For example, in the endoscope 10, the guide portion 70 is provided on the inner peripheral side of the pin 64, but the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration, and an operation wire is inserted through the angle ring separately from the pin. A guide section may be provided. Further, the number of the operation wires 72 can be changed.

  According to the method of the present disclosure, the built-in components 90 are mutually connected, the built-in component 90 and the angle ring 62, the built-in component 90 and the guide portion 70, the built-in component 90 and the mounting ring 102, the built-in component 90 and the wire 72, and the wire 72 and the mounting. The grease 104 also provides lubrication between the ring 102, the angle rings 62, the angle ring 62 and the pin 64, the angle ring 62 and the net 92, the pin 64 and the net 92, the wires of the net 92, and the net 92 and the cover rubber 94. It is possible.

  As described above, the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described. However, it is needless to say that the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments and can be implemented in various modes without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Endoscope 12 Insertion part 14 Operation part 16 Universal cord 18 LG (Light Guide) connector 20 Video connector 24 Tip part 26 Angle part 28 Flexible part 32 Forceps port 34 Suction button 36 Air supply / water supply button 38 Operation knob 42 Brake 50 Water supply Connector 52 Air supply connector 54 LG (Light Guide) bar 62 Angle ring 64 Pin (connection part)
65 Angle ring connector 66 Tip ring 68 Base ring 70 Guide portion 70A Cylindrical portion 70B Guide hole (wire insertion hole)
72 Operation wire 74 Mounting part 76 Guide coil 80 Projecting parts 80A, 82A, 102A Through hole 82 Projecting part 90 Built-in 92 Net 94 Cover rubber 100 Rotating body 100A Rotating shaft 102 Mounting ring 102B Inserting part 102C Projection 104 Grease 110 Grease gun (discharge) apparatus)
112 Container 114 Conducting part 114A Conducting hole 116 Discharge part 116A Discharge port 118 Nozzle 120 Piston 120A Press plate 130 Spatula (pressing jig)
130A Support rod 130B Plate portion 140 Heat shrink tube 150 Cylindrical member 150A Edge portion 150B Suction tube

Claims (10)

A connection step of connecting a plurality of angle rings by a connection portion,
An attaching step of inserting an operating wire through a guide portion protruding in the inner circumferential direction of the angle ring, and covering a cylindrical net on the outer periphery of the plurality of angle rings,
Pushing the grease radially inward from the outer surface side of the net, an application step of applying the grease to at least a part of the operation wire located inside the plurality of angle rings,
A method of assembling an endoscope having the same. The coating step includes:
An injection step of injecting the grease into the interior of the net by pushing grease radially inward from the outer surface side of the net;
A grease attaching step of attaching the grease to an inner peripheral surface of a wire insertion hole of the operation wire and the guide portion by bending an angle ring connecting body to which the plurality of angle rings are connected;
The method for assembling an endoscope according to claim 1, comprising:   The endoscope assembling method according to claim 1, wherein the application step includes press-fitting the grease radially inward of the net using a discharge device that discharges the grease from an outer surface side of the net. .   3. The inside according to claim 1, wherein, in the applying step, the grease is applied from an outer surface side of the net, and the grease is pushed radially inward of the net through a mesh of the net by a pushing jig. How to assemble the endoscope. The coating step includes:
A first step of applying the grease from the outer surface side of the net,
A second step of covering the outer periphery of the net with a heat-shrinkable tube before shrinking,
A third step of shrinking the heat-shrinkable tube by heat and forcing the grease through the mesh of the net and radially inward of the net;
A fourth step of removing the heat-shrinkable tube;
The method for assembling an endoscope according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: The coating step includes:
A first step of applying the grease from the outer surface side of the net,
Outside the radial direction of the net, the cover rubber is extrapolated in a state in which the inner diameter of the cover rubber is increased by a negative pressure, and the cover rubber is contracted by removing the negative pressure to cover the net, thereby covering the grease. A pressing step of pushing the net radially inward of the net through the eyes of the net,
The method for assembling an endoscope according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising:   The method for assembling an endoscope according to claim 2, further comprising a rubber mounting step of covering a cover rubber on a radially outer side of the net between the injection step and the grease attaching step.   The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the applying step includes a step of applying the grease along a location where the operation wire is inserted from an outer surface side of the net. How to assemble the mirror. Between the attaching step and the applying step, including an inserting step of inserting a built-in substance used for medical treatment and inspection into a radially inner side of the plurality of angle rings,
The assembly of the endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, in the application step, the grease is applied in a state where the built-in object is inserted radially inward of the plurality of angle rings. Method. The coating step, wherein the grease is pushed radially inward from the outer surface side of the net to apply the grease to only a part of the operation wire located inside the plurality of angle rings. The method of assembling the endoscope according to claim 9.