WO2018066274A1

WO2018066274A1 - Endoscope

Info

Publication number: WO2018066274A1
Application number: PCT/JP2017/031213
Authority: WO
Inventors: 多惠三ッ谷
Original assignee: オリンパス株式会社
Priority date: 2016-10-06
Filing date: 2017-08-30
Publication date: 2018-04-12
Also published as: JP2020014487A

Abstract

This endoscope includes a flexible pipe provided with a spiral pipe in which a band member is wound around the longitudinal axis in a spiral shape, and an outer skin that covers the outer circumferential side of the spiral pipe. A mouthpiece is connected to the flexible pipe on one side in a direction along the longitudinal axis, and the spiral pipe is fixed to the outer circumference of the mouthpiece. A ring is provided on the outer circumferential side of the spiral pipe at the location where the spiral pipe is fixed to the outer circumference of the mouthpiece. A tube having flexibility covers the outer circumferential side of the ring, and a space between the outer skin of the flexible pipe and the tube is kept fluid-tight.

Description

Endoscope

The present invention relates to an endoscope provided with a flexible tube having a spiral tube and an outer skin covering the outer peripheral side of the spiral tube.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-329857 discloses an endoscope in which a flexible tube having a spiral tube and a sheath covering the outer peripheral side of the spiral tube is provided in the insertion portion. In this endoscope, both ends of the spiral tube are fixed to the base via an adhesive or the like in the direction along the longitudinal axis. In addition, a bending portion is connected to one end side of the flexible tube in the direction along the longitudinal axis via a base, and an operation portion is connected to the other end side of the flexible tube in the direction along the longitudinal axis via the base. Connected.

In the manufacture of an endoscope having a flexible tube as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-329857, it is required to securely fix the end of the spiral tube to the base in the direction along the longitudinal axis. In addition, when using an endoscope such as when moving an insertion portion in a lumen, even if an external force is applied, other parts such as a bending portion and an operation portion are connected to the flexible tube via a base. It is required to be reliably maintained.

An object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope in which an end portion of a spiral tube is securely fixed to a base, and a flexible tube is appropriately and firmly connected to another part through the base. .

In order to achieve the above object, an endoscope according to an aspect of the present invention includes a spiral tube including a belt member wound spirally around an axis of a longitudinal axis, and an outer skin that covers an outer peripheral side of the spiral tube. A flexible tube, connected to one side in the direction along the longitudinal axis with respect to the flexible tube, the spiral tube being fixed to the outer periphery, and the spiral tube on the outer periphery of the mouthpiece A ring provided on the outer peripheral side of the fixed portion, and a flexible tube that covers the outer peripheral side of the ring and keeps the fluid tight with the outer skin of the flexible tube.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an endoscope according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a configuration of a connection portion to the bending portion of the flexible tube portion according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of the ring according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view schematically showing a configuration of a ring according to a first modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a configuration of a connection portion to the bending portion of the flexible tube portion according to the second modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a configuration of a connection portion to the bending portion of the flexible tube portion according to the third modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a configuration of a connection portion of the flexible tube portion to the operation portion according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a connection configuration between the base end portion of the flexible tube portion and the base according to the second embodiment.

(First embodiment)
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an endoscope 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the endoscope 1 includes an elongated insertion portion 2, an operation portion 3 that can be held, and an elongated universal cord 5. The insertion part 2 has a longitudinal axis C as a central axis. Here, one side in the direction along the longitudinal axis C is defined as the distal end side (arrow C1 side), and the opposite side to the distal end side is defined as the proximal end side (arrow C2 side). In the insertion portion 2, the distal end configuration portion 6, the bending portion 7, and the flexible tube portion 8 are disposed in order from the distal end side.
The tip configuration part 6 forms the tip of the insertion part 2. The flexible tube portion 8 forms the proximal end of the insertion portion 2, and the operation portion 3 is connected to the proximal end side of the flexible tube portion 8. The flexible tube portion 8 is a flexible tube that is formed in an elongated shape along the longitudinal axis C and has flexibility.

The universal cord 5 has a longitudinal axis C ′ as a central axis. The end of one side (arrow C'1 side) of the universal cord 5 in the direction along the longitudinal axis C 'is connected to the operation unit 3.
Moreover, in the universal cord 5, the scope connector 9 is provided in the edge part of the other side (arrow C'2 side) about the direction along the longitudinal axis C '. The universal cord 5 is detachably connected to a peripheral device (not shown) used together with the endoscope 1 via the scope connector 9.
Examples of the peripheral device include known devices such as an image processing device, a light source device, a display device, an air supply device, a liquid supply device, and a suction device. The universal cord 5 is a flexible tube which is formed in an elongated shape along the longitudinal axis C ′ and has flexibility.

In the endoscope 1, a light guide (not shown) is extended through the inside of the insertion portion 2, the inside of the operation portion 3, and the inside of the universal cord 5, as in a known endoscope. . The light emitted from the light source device is guided through a light guide. Then, the light guided to the subject is irradiated through an illumination window (not shown) provided on the outer surface of the tip component 6.
Further, in the endoscope 1, an imaging element (not shown) such as a CCD or a CMOS is built in the distal end configuration portion 6, similarly to a known endoscope. The imaging element images a subject illuminated with illumination light through an observation window (not shown) provided on the outer surface of the tip component 6. Then, an imaging signal is transmitted from the imaging element to the above-described image processing device via an imaging cable (not shown) that extends through the inside of the insertion unit 2, the operation unit 3, and the universal cord 5. The As a result, an image of the subject is generated by the image processing device, and the generated image is displayed on the display device.

The bending portion 7 includes a bending tube 11. In the bending tube 11, a plurality of pieces 12 are continuously provided in the direction along the longitudinal axis C. Each of the pieces 12 is formed in a tubular shape, and is connected to the adjacent piece 12 in a direction along the longitudinal axis C so as to be rotatable. The piece 12 is preferably made of metal, and examples of the metal include SUS (stainless steel).
The bending portion 7 includes a cylindrical bending portion outer skin 13 that covers the outer peripheral side of the bending tube 11. The bending portion outer skin 13 forms the outer surface of the bending portion 7 and is exposed to the outside. The curved portion outer skin 13 is made of rubber, for example. Examples of the rubber material include fluorine rubber and silicone rubber. Therefore, the bending portion outer skin 13 becomes a flexible tube.

The operation unit 3 is provided with a bending knob 15 as a bending operation input unit.
A plurality of bending wires (not shown) are extended from the proximal end side to the distal end side inside the flexible tube portion 8 and the bending portion 7. Each distal end (one end) of the bending wire is connected to, for example, a piece 12 positioned closest to the distal end in the bending tube 11. In addition, each base end (the other end) of the bending wire is connected to, for example, a pulley or the like connected to the bending knob 15 in the operation unit 3.
Each of the bending wires is inserted through a corresponding coil pipe (not shown). Each of the coil pipes has a distal end fixed to the proximal end portion of the bending tube 11 or the distal end portion of the flexible tube portion 8 and a proximal end fixed to the operation portion 3.
When an operation is input through the bending knob 15, that is, when an operating force is applied to the bending knob 15, the bending wire moves along the longitudinal axis C. Thereby, each of the pieces 12 rotates with respect to the adjacent piece 12 in the direction along the longitudinal axis C, and the bending portion 7 is bent in the direction intersecting the longitudinal axis C. Therefore, the bending portion 7 is bent in the direction intersecting the longitudinal axis C when the operating force is transmitted from the operation portion 3, that is, the outside of the bending portion 7.
In some embodiments, two bending wires may be provided, and the bending portion 7 may be bent in two directions intersecting the longitudinal axis C. In another embodiment, four bending wires are provided. The bending portion 7 may be bendable in four directions intersecting the longitudinal axis C.
In this embodiment, the bending portion 7 is actively bent by transmitting an operating force from the outside. However, in one embodiment, the bending tube 11 is passively applied to the bending portion 7 by an external force from the lumen wall. A passive bending portion that is curved may be provided.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a connection portion of the flexible tube portion 8 that is a flexible tube to the bending portion 7. As shown in FIG. 2, the flexible tube portion 8 includes a spiral tube 21, a mesh tube 22, and an outer skin 23 in order from the inner peripheral side.
In the spiral tube 21, the band member 25 is spirally wound around the longitudinal axis C. The material of the band member 25 forming the spiral tube 21 is preferably a metal, and examples of the metal include SUS (stainless steel).
The outer skin 23 covers the outer peripheral side of the spiral tube 21 and is made of resin. Examples of the resin forming the outer skin 23 include urethane resin. Further, the outer skin 23 forms the outer surface of the flexible tube portion 8.
The mesh tube 22 is provided between the spiral tube 21 and the outer skin 23 in the radial direction, and extends along the longitudinal axis C. The mesh tube 22 includes a plurality of fibers 26 and is formed in a tube shape in which the plurality of fibers 26 are knitted. The material of the fiber 26 of the mesh tube 22 is preferably, for example, metal or resin, and examples of the metal include SUS (stainless steel).

The flexible tube portion 8 is connected to the bending portion 7 through a cylindrical base 30. The base 30 is formed of a metal such as SUS, for example, and is integrally formed in the present embodiment. The base 30 is connected to the distal end side which is one side in the direction along the longitudinal axis C with respect to the flexible tube portion 8. One end of the spiral tube 21 in the direction along the longitudinal axis C, that is, the tip of the spiral tube 21 is fixed to the outer periphery of the base 30. The spiral tube 21 is fixed to the outer periphery of the base 30 by any one of adhesive, soldering, brazing, and the like. In this embodiment, the spiral tube 21 is fixed to the outer periphery of the base 30 by the adhesive 28. It is preferable. Examples of the adhesive 28 include an epoxy resin.

A step surface 31 that forms a step in the radial direction is provided on the outer periphery of the base 30. The step surface 31 faces the flexible tube portion 8 side, that is, the proximal end side in the direction along the longitudinal axis C. In the site | part which continues on the flexible tube part 8 side of the level | step difference surface 31, the distance from the longitudinal axis C is small compared with the site | part which continues on the curved part 7 side of the level | step difference surface 31. In the present embodiment, the distal end of the spiral tube 21 contacts the step surface 31 from the proximal end side. Then, on the outer periphery of the base 30, the spiral tube 21 is fixed to the base end side from the step surface 31, that is, the site on the soft tube portion 8 side from the step surface 31.
In the present embodiment, the tip of the mesh tube 22 covers the outer peripheral side of the portion fixed to the outer periphery of the base 30 in the spiral tube 21. The distal end of the mesh tube 22 comes into contact with the step surface 31 from the proximal end side. The mesh tube 22 is fixed to the outer periphery of the spiral tube 21 and the base 30 by an adhesive 28.
Instead of the adhesive 28, the mesh tube 22 may be fixed to the outer periphery of the spiral tube 21 and the base 30 by soldering or brazing.

A ring 33 is attached to the outer peripheral side of the portion fixed to the outer periphery of the base 30 in the spiral tube 21. The ring 33 is preferably made of metal, and examples of the metal include SUS (stainless steel). The ring 33 is provided on the further outer peripheral side of the mesh tube 22. In the present embodiment, the ring 33 is located on the proximal end side with respect to the stepped surface 31 and is located on the distal end side with respect to the proximal end of the base 30. The ring 33 is fixed to the spiral tube 21 and the mesh tube 22 coaxially or substantially coaxially with the base 30, that is, coaxially or substantially coaxially with the longitudinal axis C.
Here, the ring 33 is fixed to the spiral tube 21 and the mesh tube 22 by any one of an adhesive, soldering, brazing, and the like. In this embodiment, the ring 33 is attached to the spiral tube 21 by the adhesive 28. It is preferable to be fixed to the mesh tube 22.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the ring 33. As shown in FIG. 3, in the present embodiment, the ring 33 is formed by connecting two

ring components

35A and 35B.
That is, the ring 33 can be divided into two

ring components

35A and 35B about the axis of the longitudinal axis C (the central axis of the ring 33). The ring structure 35A extends around the longitudinal axis C, for example, over a range of 180 ° or approximately 180 °. The ring structure 35B is extended over a range of 180 ° or approximately 180 ° different from the ring structure 35A around the longitudinal axis C. The ring 33 has an outer periphery 36, and the outer periphery 36 is formed on a smooth or substantially smooth surface.
In some embodiments, the ring 33 may be integrally formed. In another embodiment, the ring 33 may be divisible into three or more ring structures about the longitudinal axis C.

As shown in FIG. 2, in the present embodiment, the bending portion side base 37 is connected to the distal end side of the base 30.
The bending portion side base 37 is made of, for example, metal, and is connected to the base end side with respect to the piece 12 positioned closest to the base end side in the bending tube 11. The curved portion side base 37 abuts on the outer periphery of the base 30 at a portion on the tip side from the step surface 31 and is fixed to the base 30.
Here, in the range from the ring 33 through the step surface 31 to the base end portion of the bending portion side base 37, the outer peripheral surface of the coupling body of the ring 33, the base 30 and the bending portion side base 37 is smooth or substantially smooth. Preferably it is formed.
In one embodiment, the bending portion side base 37 is not provided, and the most proximal piece 12 may be directly connected to the base 30 from the distal end side. In this case, the piece 12 on the most proximal side comes into contact with the outer periphery of the base 30 at the tip side of the step surface 31 and is fixed to the base 30.

The bending portion outer skin (tube) 13 covers the outer peripheral side of the ring 33 and the outer peripheral side of the bending portion side base 37. In the present embodiment, the proximal end of the bending portion outer skin 13 is located on the proximal end side with respect to the ring 33 and is located on the distal end side with respect to the proximal end of the base 30. For this reason, the outer periphery of the ring 33 is covered with the bending portion skin 13 over the entire length from the base end to the tip end in the direction along the longitudinal axis C.
Therefore, in the range in which the ring 33 is extended, the base 30, the spiral tube 21, the mesh tube 22, the ring 33, and the bending portion outer skin 13 are arranged in this order from the inner peripheral side. In the present embodiment, the ring 33 is fixed to the inner periphery of the curved portion outer skin 13 with, for example, an adhesive 28.
Note that the ring 33 may be fixed to the inner periphery of the curved outer skin 13 by soldering or brazing instead of the adhesive 28.

The outer skin 23 of the flexible tube portion (flexible tube) 8 extends from the base end of the base 30 to the distal end side portion. For this reason, the front end of the outer skin 23 is located on the front end side from the base end of the base 30. The distal end of the outer skin 23 is located at the same or substantially the same position as the proximal end of the bending portion outer skin 13 in the direction along the longitudinal axis C, and faces the proximal end of the bending portion outer skin 13 from the proximal end side.
For this reason, the front-end | tip part of the outer skin 23 which is one end part of the outer skin 23 is adjacently provided in the base end side about the direction along the longitudinal axis C with respect to the site | part which coat | covers the outer peripheral side of the ring 33 in the curved part outer skin 13. . However, the distal end of the outer skin 23 is located on the proximal end side with respect to the distal end of the spiral tube 21, the distal end of the mesh tube 22, and the ring 33.
Because of the configuration as described above, between the base end of the base 30 and the tip of the outer skin 23 in the direction along the longitudinal axis C, the base 30, the spiral tube 21, the mesh tube 22, and the outer skin 23 are formed from the inner peripheral side. Arranged in order.

In addition, a thread 41 is wound around the outer periphery of a portion covering the outer peripheral side of the ring 33 in the bending portion outer skin (tube) 13 and the outer periphery of the distal end portion of the outer skin 23 (one end portion of the outer skin 23). That is, the thread 41 is wound around the outer periphery of the bending portion outer skin 13 and the outer periphery of the outer skin 23 in the range from the distal end portion of the outer skin 23 to the proximal end portion of the bending portion outer skin 13 in the direction along the longitudinal axis C. At the site where the thread 41 is wound, the bending portion outer skin 13 and the outer skin 23 of the flexible tube portion 8 are bound.
Further, at the portion where the thread 41 is wound, the outer periphery of the bending portion outer skin 13 and the outer periphery of the outer skin 23 are covered with a layer of the adhesive 42. Examples of the adhesive 42 include an epoxy resin.
With the above-described configuration, the thread 41 is wound around the outer periphery of the boundary between the outer skin 23 and the curved portion outer skin 13 and the vicinity thereof, and the outer periphery is covered with a layer of the adhesive 42.

In the present embodiment, the boundary between the outer skin 23 and the curved portion outer skin 13, that is, the gap between the proximal end of the curved portion outer skin 13 and the distal end of the outer skin 23 is kept liquid-tight by the thread 41 and the adhesive 42. . That is, the thread 41 and the adhesive 42 are liquid-tight between the one end portion of the outer skin 23 and the portion covering the outer peripheral side of the ring 33 in the bending portion outer skin 13 in the direction along the longitudinal axis C.
Thereby, the inflow of the liquid from the outside of the insertion part 2 through the space between the outer skin 23 and the bending part outer skin 13 to the inside of the insertion part 2 is prevented.

Next, a manufacturing method, operation, and effect of the endoscope 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.
In manufacturing the endoscope 1, the bending portion 7 is connected to the distal end side of the flexible tube portion 8, which is a flexible tube, via a base 30. In connecting the bending portion 7 to the flexible tube portion 8, first, the spiral tube 21 is fixed to the outer periphery of the base 30 with an adhesive 28 or a screw. At this time, the spiral tube 21 is fixed to the outer periphery of the base 30 at the base end side of the step surface 31.
Since the spiral tube 21 is fixed to the outer peripheral side of the base 30, the operator can easily visually confirm whether or not the adhesive 28 or the like is uniformly applied to the base 30. When the spiral tube 21 is fixed to the base 30 in a state where the adhesive 28 or the like is uniformly applied to the base 30, the distal end portion of the spiral tube 21 is securely fixed to the outer periphery of the base 30.

Then, the tip of the mesh tube 22 is fixed with an adhesive 28 or the like on the outer peripheral side of the portion fixed to the outer periphery of the base 30 in the spiral tube 21. Then, the ring 33 is fixed with an adhesive 28 or the like on the outer peripheral side of the portion fixed to the outer periphery of the base 30 in the spiral tube 21 and on the outer peripheral side of the mesh tube 22.
At this time, the ring 33 is fixed to the outer peripheral side of the mesh tube 22 without crimping the ring 33. For this reason, excessive tightening force is prevented from being applied to the mesh tube 22 by the ring 33, and damage to the tip of the mesh tube 22 is effectively prevented.

Moreover, in this embodiment, the ring 33 is comprised from two

ring structure

35A, 35B. For this reason, in the part where the spiral tube 21 is fixed to the base 30 in the direction along the longitudinal axis C, each of the

ring constituting bodies

35A and 35B is attached from the outer peripheral side, that is, from the direction intersecting the longitudinal axis C. Is possible. Accordingly, the ring 33 is easily attached to the outer peripheral side of the portion fixed to the outer periphery of the base 30 in the spiral tube 21 and to the outer peripheral side of the mesh tube 22.
At this time, the inner peripheral surfaces of the ring

constituent members

35A and 35B are moved along the longitudinal axis C by bringing the end portions of the ring constituent members 35A in the circumferential direction closer to the corresponding ones of the end portions of the ring constituent members 35B in the circumferential direction. Move toward the inner circumference. Thereby,

ring structure

35A, 35B is connected and the ring 33 is formed. In the embodiment in which the ring 33 is integrally formed, the coupling body of the base 30, the spiral tube 21, and the mesh tube 22 is inserted into the ring 33 from the tip side. Then, the ring 33 is moved to the base end side with respect to the base 30, the spiral tube 21, and the mesh tube 22 until the ring 33 is positioned on the outer peripheral side of the portion fixed to the outer periphery of the base 30 in the spiral tube 21. Thus, the ring 33 is attached to the flexible tube portion 8.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the ring 33 is formed from the two

ring structures

35A and 35B, and the

ring structures

35A and 35B are attached to the flexible tube portion (flexible tube) 8 from the outer peripheral side.
For this reason, compared with the case where a ring is integrated and it is necessary to insert a built-in object such as a cable and a cap 30 into the ring, the ring 33 can be reduced in diameter without being crimped. . As a result, it is possible to reduce the diameter of the portion of the flexible tube portion 8 connected to the bending portion 7 via the base 30.

When the ring 33 is fixed to the spiral tube 21 and the mesh tube 22, the bending portion side base 37 is attached to the base 30 from the distal end side. Then, the outer peripheral side of the ring 33 is covered with the bending portion outer skin 13 which is a tube, and the ring 33 is fixed to the inner periphery of the bending portion outer skin 13 with an adhesive 28 or the like.
Thereby, the front-end | tip part of the outer skin 23 is adjacently provided in the base end side with respect to the site | part which covers the outer peripheral side of the ring 33 in the curved part outer skin 13 about the direction along the longitudinal axis C.

Then, the thread 41 is wound around the outer periphery of the portion covering the outer peripheral side of the ring 33 in the bending portion outer skin 13 and the outer periphery of the distal end portion of the outer skin 23. And the site | part where the thread | yarn 41 is wound in the outer periphery of the bending part outer skin 13 and the outer periphery of the outer skin 23 is covered with the layer of the adhesive agent 42. FIG.
Thereby, between the one end part of the outer skin 23 and the site | part which coat | covers the outer peripheral side of the ring 33 in the curved part outer skin 13 about the direction along the longitudinal axis C becomes liquid-tight. For this reason, the inflow of liquid from the outside of the insertion portion 2 through the space between the outer skin 23 and the bending portion outer skin 13 to the inside of the insertion portion 2 is prevented, and the above-described imaging cable extending inside the insertion portion 2 and Adherence of liquid to the light guide or the like is effectively prevented.

Here, in this embodiment, the mesh tube 22 is covered on the outer peripheral side of the portion fixed to the base 30 of the spiral tube 21, and the outer periphery side of the mesh tube 22 is covered with the ring 33. For this reason, the ring 33 becomes a base of a portion around which the thread 41 is wound on the outer periphery of the bending portion outer skin 13. The outer periphery 36 of the ring 33 is a smooth or substantially smooth surface. For this reason, it is effectively prevented that an uneven surface is formed on the base of the portion around which the yarn 41 is wound on the outer periphery of the bending portion outer skin 13.
Accordingly, the thread 41 is appropriately wound around the outer periphery of the bending portion outer skin 13, and the bending portion outer skin 13 is appropriately bound by the thread 41. Therefore, the curved portion outer skin 13 is firmly attached to the flexible tube portion 8 and the base 30.

When observing a lumen using the endoscope 1, the insertion portion 2 is inserted into the lumen. Then, the subject is irradiated with the light guided by the light guide described above, and the lumen is observed while the subject is imaged by the image sensor.
Here, a large external force may act on the insertion portion 2 when the insertion portion 2 passes through a bent portion or the like of the lumen. When a large external force is applied to the insertion portion 2, there is a possibility that the adhesion between the base 30 and the spiral tube 21 by the adhesive 28 or the like may be lowered, for example.

In the present embodiment, the ring 33 is attached to the outer peripheral side of the portion fixed to the base 30 in the spiral tube 21. For this reason, in this embodiment, the spiral tube 21 and the mesh tube 22 are sandwiched between the base 30 and the ring 33 in the radial direction, and the flexible tube 21 and the mesh tube 22 are included via the base 30 and the ring 33. The tube portion (flexible tube) 8 is appropriately and firmly connected to the bending portion 7 which is another portion.
Therefore, even if the adhesion between the cap 30 and the spiral tube 21 is reduced by an external force or the like, the spiral tube 21 and the mesh tube 22 are sandwiched between the cap 30 and the ring 33. The tube 22 is appropriately connected to the bending portion 7 via the base 30. That is, even when an external force is applied, the connection between the bending portion 7 and the flexible tube portion 8 via the base 30 is reliably maintained.

(Modification of the first embodiment)
Also in the first modified example of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the ring 33 is formed of two ring structural bodies 35 </ b> A and 35 </ b> B as in the first embodiment.
However, in this modification, an engagement protrusion 43A and an engagement groove 45A are formed at one end of the ring structure 35A around the longitudinal axis C. Then, an engagement protrusion 43B and an engagement groove 45B are formed on the other end of the ring structure 35A about the longitudinal axis C.
In this modification, an engagement protrusion 47A and an engagement groove 48A are formed at one end of the ring structure 35B about the longitudinal axis C. An engagement protrusion 47B and an engagement groove 48B are formed at the other end of the ring structure 35B around the longitudinal axis C. Each of the

engagement protrusions

43A and 43B engages with a corresponding one of the

engagement grooves

48A and 48B, and each of the

engagement protrusions

47A and 47B engages with a corresponding one of the

engagement grooves

45A and 45B. As a result, the

ring structures

35A and 35B are connected to form the ring 33.

In the present modification, the

ring components

35A and 35B are connected as described above, and therefore the movement of the

ring members

35A and 35B in the direction along the longitudinal axis C in the ring 33 is restricted. Therefore, in the ring 33, the ring

structural bodies

35A and 35B are prevented from being displaced from each other in the direction along the longitudinal axis C.

Moreover, in the 2nd modification of 1st Embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the flange 51 which protrudes in an outer peripheral side is provided in the nozzle | cap | die 30. As shown in FIG.
FIG. 5 shows a configuration of a connection portion of the flexible tube portion 8 to the bending portion 7 in this modification, and the bending portion outer skin 13, the thread 41, and the adhesive 42 are omitted. In the present modification, the above-described step surface 31 is formed by the base end surface of the flange 51. Therefore, in this modification, the spiral tube 21 and the mesh tube 22 are fixed to the outer periphery of the base 30 at the base end side portion with respect to the flange 51. Also in this modification, the ring 33 is attached to the outer peripheral side of the portion fixed to the outer periphery of the base 30 in the spiral tube 21 and to the outer peripheral side of the mesh tube 22.
In the present modification, the step surface 52 is formed by the tip surface of the flange 51. The step surface 52 forms a step in the radial direction and faces the tip side.

In this modification, the tip of the ring 33 is located on the tip side with respect to the flange 51 and the step surface 52. The ring 33 is provided with a contact surface 53 that contacts the step surface 52 of the flange 51 from the front end side.
In the manufacture of the endoscope 1, the operator determines that the ring 33 is positioned at a desired position in the direction along the longitudinal axis C based on the contact surface 53 contacting the step surface 52. to decide. That is, the ring 33 is positioned in the direction along the longitudinal axis C based on the step surface 52 and the contact surface 53. Thereby, in manufacture of the insertion part 2, the ring 33 is attached to an appropriate position. Further, in this modification, the contact surface 53 contacts the stepped surface 52, thereby restricting the movement of the ring 33 toward the base end side with respect to the base 30. That is, when the ring 33 abuts on the flange 51, the movement of the ring 33 in the direction along the longitudinal axis C is restricted.
For this reason, for example, when the endoscope 1 is used, the ring 33 is effectively prevented from being displaced in the direction along the longitudinal axis C with respect to the base 30, the spiral tube 21, and the mesh tube 22.

Also, in this modification, the tip of the ring 33 is located on the tip side of the flange 51, so that a configuration in which the bending portion side base 37 is provided adjacent to the tip of the ring 33 can be realized. In such a configuration, by setting the outer diameter of the ring 33 and the outer diameter of the curved portion side base 37 to be the same or substantially the same, in the range from the ring 33 to the proximal end portion of the curved portion side base 37, the ring 33, The outer diameter of the connection body of the base 30 and the curved portion side base 37 is kept constant or substantially constant.

Moreover, in the 3rd modification of 1st Embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the nozzle | cap | die 30 is formed from the cylindrical 1st nozzle | cap | die structure 55 and the cylindrical 2nd nozzle | cap | die structure 56. FIG.
FIG. 6 shows a configuration of a connecting portion of the flexible tube portion 8 to the bending portion 7 in this modification, and the bending portion outer skin 13, the thread 41, and the adhesive 42 are omitted. In the present modification, the second base component 56 is opposite to the side where the flexible tube (flexible tube) 8 is located in the direction along the longitudinal axis C with respect to the first base component 55. That is, it is connected to the bending portion 7 side. In this modification, the step surface 31 is formed by the base end surface of the second base structure 56. Therefore, in this modification, the spiral tube 21 and the mesh tube 22 are fixed to the outer periphery of the first base component 55.
The ring 33 is located on the base end side with respect to the base end of the second base structure 56 that is the step surface 31. Further, the curved portion side base 37 abuts on the outer periphery of the second base configuration body 56 at the tip side of the step surface 31.

In this modification, since the base 30 is formed of two members, the first base structure 55 can be formed into a simple shape such as a cylindrical shape having a constant or substantially constant inner diameter and outer diameter, for example. Become. Since the first base structure 55 has a simple shape, the first base structure 55 can be formed even from a hard material that is generally considered difficult to process. The structural body 55 can be formed from a material harder than the second base structural body 56.
In this case, it is preferable that the 1st nozzle | cap | die structure 55 is formed, for example from a metal, and the 2nd nozzle | cap | die structure 56 is formed, for example from a metal. Examples of the metal forming the first base structure 55 include SUS, and examples of the metal forming the second base structure 56 include SUS or aluminum alloy that is softer than the first base structure 55. . The first base component 55 in which the distal end portion of the spiral tube 21 and the distal end portion of the mesh tube 22 are fixed to the outer periphery is formed of a hard material, so that a flexible tube portion including the spiral tube 21 and the mesh tube 22 (possible (Flexible tube) 8 is not easily crushed.

Further, in a certain modification, resin may be applied to the mesh tube 22, and the mesh tube 22 may be fixed to the inner periphery of the ring 33 by the applied resin. In another modification, the outer periphery 36 of the ring 33 may be roughened so that the curved portion outer skin 13 is easily adhered to the ring 33. However, in this case, the outer surface 36 is roughened to such an extent that an uneven surface is not formed on the outer periphery 36, and the influence of the rough surface treatment on the outer periphery 36 with respect to the work of winding the yarn 41 is small.

Also, in a certain modification, the mesh tube 22 may not be provided. In this case, the flexible tube portion (flexible tube) 8 is formed from the spiral tube 21 and the outer skin 23. Further, a ring 33 is directly fixed to the spiral tube 21 from the outer peripheral side at a portion fixed to the outer periphery of the base 30 in the spiral tube 21. The outer peripheral side of the ring 33 is covered with a curved portion outer skin (tube) 13.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the second embodiment, the configuration of the first embodiment is modified as follows. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the part same as 1st Embodiment, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a connection portion of the flexible tube portion (flexible tube) 8 of the present embodiment to the operation unit 3.
As shown in FIG. 7, in the connection portion of the flexible tube portion 8 to the operation portion 3, the operation portion side base 61 is connected to the frame 60 provided in the operation portion 3 from the distal end side. The frame 60 and the operation unit side base 61 are preferably formed of, for example, metal. The operation unit side base 61 is connected to the frame 60 while being inserted into the frame 60 from the distal end side. A ring-shaped seal member 62 is disposed between the inner periphery of the frame 60 and the outer periphery of the operation unit side base 61. The seal member 62 keeps the space between the inner periphery of the frame 60 and the outer periphery of the operation unit side base 61 liquid-tight.

Moreover, the cylindrical folding member 63 is provided in the connection part to the operation part 3 of the soft pipe part (flexible pipe) 8 (refer FIG. 1).
As shown in FIG. 7, the folding member 63 includes a folding body 67 and a connecting pipe portion 66. The connecting pipe portion 66 is preferably made of, for example, metal. The folding main body 67 is a flexible tube formed from, for example, resin.
The connecting pipe portion 66 covers the outer peripheral side of the frame 60 and the outer peripheral side of the operation portion side base 61, and the folding main body 67 covers the outer peripheral side of the connecting pipe portion 66. The connecting pipe portion 66 abuts on the outer periphery of the frame 60. Further, a ring-shaped seal member 65 is provided between the inner periphery of the connecting pipe portion 66 and the outer periphery of the operation unit side base 61. The seal member 65 keeps the space between the inner periphery of the connecting pipe portion 66 of the folding stop member 63 and the outer periphery of the operation portion side base 61 liquid-tight.

The base 70 is connected to the operation unit side base 61 from the tip side. The base 70 is made of, for example, metal and extends along the longitudinal axis C. Examples of the metal constituting the base 70 include SUS. With the base end portion of the base 70 inserted into the operation unit side base 61, the base 70 is connected to the operation unit side base 61. Further, a soft tube portion (flexible tube) 8 is connected to the base 70 from the tip side. Therefore, the flexible tube portion 8 is connected to the operation portion 3 which is another portion via the cylindrical base 70.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a connection configuration between the base end portion of the flexible tube portion (flexible tube) 8 and the base 70.
As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the proximal end portion of the spiral tube 21 is fixed to the outer periphery of the distal end portion of the base 70. The spiral tube 21 is fixed to the outer periphery of the base 70 by an adhesive 72, soldering or brazing. As the adhesive 72, for example, an epoxy resin or the like can be used in the same manner as the adhesive 28.
In the present embodiment, the proximal end portion of the mesh tube 22 covers the outer peripheral side of the portion fixed to the outer periphery of the base 70 in the spiral tube 21. The mesh tube 22 is fixed to the outer periphery of the spiral tube 21 and the base 70 with an adhesive 72 or the like.

A ring 71 is attached to the outer peripheral side of the portion fixed to the outer periphery of the base 70 in the spiral tube 21 and to the outer peripheral side of the mesh tube 22. The ring 71 has the same configuration as that of the ring 33 described above, and is preferably formed of, for example, metal. An example of such a metal is SUS. The ring 71 is located on the proximal end side with respect to the distal end of the base 70. The ring 71 is fixed to the spiral tube 21 and the mesh tube 22 coaxially or substantially coaxially with the base 70, that is, coaxially or substantially coaxially with the longitudinal axis C.
Here, the ring 71 is fixed to the spiral tube 21 and the mesh tube 22 by any one of an adhesive, soldering, brazing, and the like. In the present embodiment, the ring 71 is connected to the spiral tube 21 by the adhesive 72. It is preferable to be fixed to the mesh tube 22.

The outer skin 23 of the flexible tube portion (flexible tube) 8 is extended from the distal end of the base 70 to the proximal end portion. For this reason, the base end of the outer skin 23 is located closer to the base end side than the tip end of the base 70.
In the present embodiment, the base end of the outer skin 23 is located at the same or substantially the same position as the tip of the ring 71 in the direction along the longitudinal axis C. For this reason, the base end portion of the outer skin 23, which is one end portion of the outer skin 23, is adjacent to the distal end side in the direction along the longitudinal axis C with respect to the ring 71. However, the proximal end of the outer skin 23 is located on the distal end side with respect to the proximal end of the spiral tube 21 and the proximal end of the mesh tube 22.

At the connection portion of the flexible tube portion (flexible tube) 8 to the operation portion 3, the folding main body (tube) 67 of the folding member 63 covers the outer peripheral side of the ring 71 and the outer peripheral side of the base end portion of the outer skin 23. To do.
In the present embodiment, the outer periphery of the ring 71 is covered by the folding main body 67 over the entire length from the proximal end to the distal end in the direction along the longitudinal axis C. Therefore, in the range where the ring 71 is extended, the base 70, the spiral tube 21, the mesh tube 22, the ring 71, and the clasp body 67 are arranged in this order from the inner peripheral side.
In the present embodiment, the inner periphery of the clasp body 67 is in close contact with the outer periphery of the ring 71. As a result, the space between the inner periphery of the clasp body 67 and the outer periphery of the ring 71 is kept liquid-tight.

Further, when the folding main body 67 comes into close contact with the ring 71 from the outer peripheral side, the inner circumference of the folding main body (tube) 67 also comes into close contact with the outer circumference of the base end portion of the outer skin 23. For this reason, the folding main body 67 is kept liquid-tight also between the inner periphery of the folding main body 67 and the outer periphery of the outer skin 23. As described above, the space between the inner periphery of the clasp body 67 and the outer periphery of the ring 71 is kept fluid-tight, so that the insertion portion 2 can be inserted from the outside of the insertion portion 2 through the space between the outer shell 23 and the folding member 63. The liquid is prevented from flowing into the interior.

As described above, in this embodiment, the spiral tube 21 is fixed to the outer periphery of the base 70 in the same manner as the fixing of the spiral tube 21 to the base 30. And the ring 71 similar to the ring 33 is fixed to the outer peripheral side of the site | part fixed to the outer periphery of the nozzle | cap | die 70 in the spiral tube 21. FIG. The folding main body 67, which is a flexible tube like the bending portion outer skin 13, covers the outer peripheral side of the ring 71. Instead of using the thread 41 and the adhesive 42, the folding main body 67 is in close contact with the outer skin 23, so that the space between the folding main body 67 and the outer skin 23, which is the same tube as the bending portion outer skin 13, is maintained. It is. Therefore, also in this embodiment, there exists an effect | action and effect similar to 1st Embodiment.

(Modification of the second embodiment)
Note that the modification described above in the modification of the first embodiment can also be applied to a configuration in which the flexible tube (flexible tube) 8 is connected to the operation unit 3 as in the second embodiment.

(Other variations)
In a modification, in the endoscope 1, the configuration in which the flexible tube portion 8 is connected to the bending portion 7 as in the first embodiment, and the flexible tube portion 8 as in the second embodiment. Both of the configurations for connecting the to the operation unit 3 may be applied.

In the endoscope 1, the universal cord 5 is formed of a spiral tube similar to the spiral tube 21, a mesh tube similar to the mesh tube 22, and an outer shell similar to the outer skin 23, or the above-described mesh shape. The tube is not provided and is formed from the aforementioned spiral tube and skin.
For this reason, the structure which connects the flexible pipe part (flexible pipe | tube) 8 to the operation part 3 like 2nd Embodiment is the one side of the universal cord (flexible pipe | tube) 5 about the direction along longitudinal axis C '. The present invention can also be applied to a configuration in which the end on the arrow C′1 side in FIG.
In this case, a base similar to the base 70 and a similar ring of the ring 71 are used, and a folding member 73 (see FIG. 1) including a folding main body (tube) similar to the folding main body 67 is used.

Similarly, the configuration in which the flexible tube portion (flexible tube) 8 is connected to the operation portion 3 as in the second embodiment is the other side of the universal cord (flexible tube) 5 in the direction along the longitudinal axis C ′. The present invention can also be applied to a configuration in which the end of the arrow C′2 side in FIG.
In this case, a base similar to the base 70 and a ring similar to the ring 71 are used, and a folding member 75 (see FIG. 1) including a folding main body (tube) similar to the folding main body 67 is used.

In the above-described embodiments and the like, the flexible tube (8; 5) of the endoscope (1) includes a belt member (25) wound spirally around the axis of the longitudinal axis (C) ( 21) and a skin (23) covering the outer peripheral side of the spiral tube (21). A base (30; 70) is connected to one side of the flexible tube (8; 5) in the direction along the longitudinal axis (C), and a spiral tube (30; 70) is connected to the outer periphery of the base (30; 70). 21) is fixed.
In addition, a ring (33; 71) is provided on the outer peripheral side of the portion fixed to the outer periphery of the base (30; 70) in the spiral tube (21). The flexible tube (13; 67) covers the outer peripheral side of the ring (33; 71), and the outer skin (23) of the flexible tube (8; 5) and the tube (13; 67). The space is kept liquid tight.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. In addition, the embodiments may be appropriately combined as much as possible, and in that case, the combined effect can be obtained. Further, the above embodiments include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining a plurality of disclosed constituent elements.

Claims

A flexible tube comprising a helical tube comprising a band member wound spirally around the longitudinal axis, and an outer skin covering the outer peripheral side of the helical tube;
A base connected to one side of the flexible tube along the longitudinal axis, and the spiral tube is fixed to the outer periphery;
A ring provided on the outer peripheral side of the portion fixed to the outer periphery of the base in the spiral tube;
A flexible tube that covers the outer peripheral side of the ring and keeps fluid tight with the outer skin of the flexible tube;
An endoscope comprising:
The flexible tube includes a plurality of fibers, and is formed in a tube shape in which the fibers are knitted, and includes a mesh tube that extends between the spiral tube and the outer skin,
The mesh tube covers the outer peripheral side of the portion fixed to the outer periphery of the base in the spiral tube,
The ring is provided on the outer peripheral side of the mesh tube.
The endoscope according to claim 1.
For the direction along the longitudinal axis, one end of the outer skin is adjacent to a portion covering the outer peripheral side of the ring in the tube,
The endoscope is
In the tube, the outer periphery of the portion covering the outer peripheral side of the ring, and a thread that is wound around the outer periphery of the one end of the outer skin, and binds the tube and the outer skin in the wound portion;
An adhesive that covers the outer periphery of the tube and the outer periphery of the outer skin with a layer in the portion around which the yarn is wound;
Further comprising
The yarn and the adhesive keep liquid-tight between the one end portion of the outer skin and the portion covering the outer peripheral side of the ring in the tube in the direction along the longitudinal axis.
The endoscope according to claim 1.
The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein an inner circumference of the tube is in close contact with an outer circumference of the outer skin of the flexible tube, and a liquid-tight state is maintained between the inner circumference of the tube and the outer circumference of the outer skin.
A plurality of pieces are provided continuously in the direction along the longitudinal axis, curved in a direction intersecting the longitudinal axis, and the base along the longitudinal axis via the base on the one side of the flexible tube. Further comprising a curved tube connected to each other,
The tube is a bending portion skin that covers the outer peripheral side of the bending tube.
The endoscope according to claim 1.
The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the ring is fixed to the spiral tube coaxially or substantially coaxially with the base.
The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein an outer periphery of the ring has a smooth or substantially smooth surface.
The endoscope according to claim 1, further comprising an adhesive for fixing the spiral tube to the outer periphery of the base.
The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the ring includes a plurality of ring structures that are divided with respect to each other about the longitudinal axis and that are connected to each other to form the ring.
The base includes a flange protruding to the outer peripheral side,
The ring is restricted from moving in the direction along the longitudinal axis by contacting the flange.
The endoscope according to claim 1.
The base is
A first base structure in which the spiral tube is fixed to the outer periphery;
A second base structure connected to a side opposite to the side on which the flexible tube is located with respect to the first base structure in a direction along the longitudinal axis;
The endoscope according to claim 1, comprising: