WO2019058812A1

WO2019058812A1 - Method for assembling endoscope

Info

Publication number: WO2019058812A1
Application number: PCT/JP2018/030190
Authority: WO
Inventors: 卓郎浅岡
Original assignee: 富士フイルム株式会社
Priority date: 2017-09-25
Filing date: 2018-08-13
Publication date: 2019-03-28
Also published as: JPWO2019058812A1; JP6780126B2

Abstract

Provided is a method for assembling an endoscope by effectively applying grease where necessary in the vicinity of an operating wire when assembling the endoscope. This method for assembling an endoscope includes: a connecting step of connecting a plurality of angle rings 62 with pins 64; an attaching step of passing operating wires 72 through guide portions 70 projected in inner circumferential directions of the angle rings 62 and covering outer circumferences of the plurality of angle rings 62 with a tubular net 92; and an applying step of pushing grease 104 radially inward into the net 92 from the outer surface thereof and applying the grease 104 to at least a portion of the operating wires 72 positioned inside the plurality of angle rings 62.

Description

Method of assembling an endoscope

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

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

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

According to Patent Document 3 below, a particulate first lubricant is applied to at least one of the inner peripheral surface of the insertion portion and the outer peripheral surface of the internal component, and a connecting portion for connecting the curved tube to the guiding tube There is disclosed an endoscope in which a gel-like second lubricant is applied between itself and an internal component.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-261418 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 61-122620 Unexamined-Japanese-Patent No. 10-118012 gazette

However, in the endoscope described in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, when coating the fixed lubricant between the tube and the wire guide, the sliding of the tube and the wire guide causes the solid lubricant to slide from the sliding point. It peels off or disappears, and the sliding resistance (ie, frictional resistance) increases. Further, in the endoscope described in Patent Document 1, the method of filling the grease between the tube and the wire guide is not described.

In the endoscope described in Patent Document 2, if a lubricant containing powder such as molybdenum disulfide is applied to the operation wire first, the operator's fingers become dirty and the operation becomes complicated. In addition, when a powder lubricant made of molybdenum disulfide or the like is added from the outside of the blade, it is difficult to control the amount or location of powder lubricant adhesion.

The endoscope described in Patent Document 3 does not describe how to apply the gel-like second lubricant between the connection portion and the internal component. For example, when a greased internal body (wire) is inserted into a guide, the guide may be scratched.

In view of the above-described facts, the present disclosure has an object of providing an endoscope assembling method for efficiently applying grease to a necessary portion around an operation wire at the time of assembling the endoscope.

In the method of assembling an endoscope according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, an operation wire is inserted through a connecting step of connecting a plurality of angle rings by a connecting portion, and a guide portion projecting in the inner circumferential direction of the angle ring, Mounting the tubular net on the outer circumferences of the plurality of angle rings, pushing in the grease radially inward from the outer surface side of the net, and at least a part of the operation wire positioned inside the plurality of angle rings Applying a grease.

According to the method of assembling the endoscope according to the first aspect, the plurality of angle rings are connected by the connecting portion. Then, the operation wire is inserted into the guide portion protruding in the inner circumferential direction of the angle ring, and the outer periphery of the plurality of angle rings is covered with a tubular net. Furthermore, grease is pressed radially inward from the outer surface side of the net, and grease is applied to at least a part of the operation wires located inside the plurality of angle rings. Thereby, for example, after applying grease to at least a part of the operation wire, compared to the case where the net is inserted into a plurality of angle ring connectors connected with the plurality of angle rings, the work table or the operator It is possible to suppress the concern that grease may adhere to a part (eg, a joint between an angle ring and a net, etc.) where the grease does not adhere to the finger and it is not desirable to adhere the grease. Therefore, in the above-mentioned method of assembling an endoscope, as compared with the case of covering the tubular net after applying the grease, applying the grease efficiently to the necessary portion around the operation wire at the time of assembling the endoscope Can.

A method of assembling an endoscope according to a second aspect of the present disclosure is the method of assembling an endoscope according to the first aspect, wherein the applying step is performed by pressing grease radially inward from the outer surface side of the net. Injection process of injecting grease into the inside of the net and adhesion process of adhering grease to the inner circumferential surface of the wire insertion hole of the operation wire and guide section by curving the angle ring connection body to which a plurality of angle rings are connected And.

According to the endoscope assembling method of the second aspect, the applying step includes the injecting step and the grease attaching step, and pressing the grease radially inward from the outer surface side of the net by the injecting step Inject the grease into the inside of the net. Furthermore, the grease is adhered to the inner peripheral surface of the wire insertion hole of the operation wire and the guide portion by curving the angle ring connection body in the grease adhesion process. For this reason, grease can be efficiently applied to necessary portions around the operation wire when assembling the endoscope.

A method of assembling an endoscope according to a third aspect of the present disclosure is the method of assembling an endoscope according to the first aspect or the second aspect, wherein the applying step discharges grease from the outer surface side of the net. Use grease to press in radially inward of the net.

According to the method of assembling the endoscope according to the third aspect, the grease is securely applied to the periphery of the operation wire by pressing the grease from the outer surface side of the net to the inner side in the radial direction of the net using the discharge device. Grease is efficiently applied to necessary portions around the operation wire. In addition, by using the discharge device, adhesion of grease to the finger of the worker is suppressed, and the workability is improved.

A method of assembling an endoscope according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure is the method of assembling an endoscope according to the first aspect or the second aspect, wherein the applying step applies grease from the outer surface side of the net Press the grease through the eyes of the net and push the grease radially inward of the net.

According to the method of assembling an endoscope of 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 with a pressing jig. As a result, the grease is reliably applied to the periphery of the operation wire, and the grease is efficiently applied to necessary portions around the operation wire.

A method of assembling an endoscope according to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure is the method of assembling an endoscope 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. And a second step of covering the heat-shrinkable tube before shrinking on the outer periphery of the net, a third step of thermally shrinking the heat-shrinkable tube, and pushing the grease radially inward of the net through the mesh. And a fourth step of removing.

According to the method of assembling an endoscope according to the fifth aspect, by pressing the grease from the outer surface side of the net with the heat shrinking tube, the grease is surely applied to the periphery of the operation wire, and the necessary portion around the operation wire The grease is applied efficiently. Moreover, by using a heat-shrinkable tube, adhesion of grease to the finger of the worker is suppressed, and the workability is improved.

A method of assembling an endoscope according to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure is the method of assembling an endoscope 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. And, outside the radial direction of the net, the cover rubber is extrapolated in a state where the inner diameter of the cover rubber is increased by the negative pressure, and the cover rubber is contracted by removing the negative pressure and the grease is applied to the net. And c. Pushing in radially inward of the net through the eye.

According to the method of assembling the endoscope according to the sixth aspect, by pressing the grease from the outer surface side of the net by the cover rubber, the grease is surely applied to the periphery of the operation wire, and the necessary portion around the operation wire Grease is applied efficiently. Further, by using the cover rubber, adhesion of grease to the fingers of the worker is suppressed. Moreover, it can serve as the process of covering a cover rubber, and workability | operativity improves.

A method of assembling an endoscope according to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure is the method of assembling an endoscope according to the second aspect, including covering rubber radially outward of the net between the injecting step and the grease attaching step. It has a rubber mounting process.

According to the method of assembling an endoscope according to the seventh aspect, by performing the rubber attachment step prior to the grease attachment step, the grease injected into the inside comes out of the net by curving the angle ring connector. Can be prevented, and adhesion of grease to the fingers of the worker is suppressed. Moreover, there is no need to put the grease that has come out into the inside again, and the workability is improved.

In the method of assembling an endoscope according to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, in the method of assembling an endoscope according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the applying step is performed from the outer surface side of the net The process of apply | coating grease along the location where the operation wire is penetrated is included.

According to the method of assembling an endoscope according to the eighth aspect, in the applying step, the grease is applied along the location where the operation wire is inserted from the outer surface side of the net, so the necessary portion around the operation wire The grease is applied efficiently.

In a method of assembling an endoscope according to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, in the method of assembling an endoscope according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, the method of assembling an endoscope includes: Inserting the internals used for medical procedures and examinations radially inward of the plurality of angle rings, and the applying step includes grease in a state where the internals are inserted radially inward of the plurality of angle rings Apply

According to the method of assembling an endoscope according to the ninth aspect, after inserting the internals in the radial direction of the plurality of angle rings, the grease is pushed from the outer surface side of the net, so that the internals are inserted when inserting the internals. It is avoided that grease adheres to the range other than a curved part, such as an end of a thing.

In the method of assembling an endoscope according to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, in the method of assembling the endoscope according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, the applying step is performed from the outer surface side of the net Press the grease radially inwards and apply the grease only to a part of the operation wire located inside the plurality of angle rings.

According to the endoscope assembling method of the tenth aspect, in the applying step, the grease is pushed inward in the radial direction from the outer surface side of the net, and a portion of the operation wire located inside the plurality of angle rings Apply grease only. Thus, by bending the angle ring connection body, it is possible to apply grease efficiently to the necessary portion around the operation wire at the time of assembling the endoscope.

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

Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of an endoscope of the present disclosure. It is an internal structure of the angle part of the endoscope shown in FIG. 1, Comprising: It is a perspective view shown in the state which looked at several angle rings from the outer peripheral side. It is a perspective view shown in the state which cut | judged the angle part of the endoscope shown in FIG. 1 along several angle rings. It is sectional drawing which shows the front end side of the angle part of the endoscope shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the flexible part side of the angle part of the endoscope shown in FIG. It is the expansion perspective view which cut | disconnected the part which shows the state by which the operation wire was penetrated by the guide part in the angle part of an endoscope. It is a schematic conceptual diagram which shows the state which bent the angle ring connection of an endoscope by pulling of the operation wire. It is sectional drawing which shows an example of the process of the assembling 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 guide part vicinity. It is an example of the process of the assembling method of the endoscope which concerns on 1st Embodiment, Comprising: It is a figure shown in the state which expanded the guide part vicinity, seeing from the axial direction. 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, seeing from the inside of an 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 | attained to the wire. It is an example of the grease adhesion process in the assembling method of the endoscope which concerns on 1st Embodiment, Comprising: It is a schematic cross section which shows the state which the angle ring connection body curved after the process shown to FIG. 8A. It is an example of the grease adhesion process in the assembling method of the endoscope according to the first embodiment, and after the process shown in FIG. 8B, the grease adheres to the guide portion and spreads along with the movement of the operation wire. It is a typical sectional view showing. It is an example of the injection | pouring process in the assembly method of the endoscope which concerns on 1st Embodiment, Comprising: It is typical sectional drawing which shows the state which grease does not reach a wire. It is an example of the grease adhesion process in the assembling method of the endoscope which concerns on 1st Embodiment, Comprising: It is a schematic cross section which shows the state which the angle ring connection body curved after the process shown to FIG. 9A. It is an example of the grease adhesion process in the assembly method of the endoscope which concerns on 1st Embodiment, Comprising: Typical sectional drawing which shows the state in the middle of returning the curve of an angle ring connection to straight after the process shown to FIG. 9B. It is. It is an example of the grease adhesion process in the assembling method of the endoscope according to the first embodiment, and after the process shown in FIG. 9C, the grease adheres to the guide portion and spreads along with the movement of the operation wire. It is a typical sectional view showing. It is sectional drawing which shows the 1st process in the assembling method of the endoscope which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the 2nd process in the assembling method of the endoscope which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the 1st process in the assembling method of the endoscope which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the 2nd process in the assembling method of the endoscope which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the 3rd process in the assembling method of the endoscope which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the 4th process in the assembling method of the endoscope which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the 1st process in the assembling method of the endoscope which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the 2nd process in the assembling method of the endoscope which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the 3rd process in the assembling method of the endoscope which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the 4th process in the assembling 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 shows an example of an endoscope to which the method of assembling an endoscope according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is applied. As shown in FIG. 1, the endoscope 10 is inserted into a treatment unit for treatment or examination of a body cavity (bronchus, stomach, etc.) to observe the inside of the body, capture a still image or a moving image, or collect a living tissue. Take measures such as

The endoscope 10 captures (captures) an image of an examination site using a charge coupled device (CCD) sensor or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensor, and observes the examination site and captures a moving image or a still image. It is a so-called electronic scope type endoscope. The endoscope 10 is configured to have an insertion unit 12, an operation unit 14, a universal cord 16, an LG connector 18, and a video connector 20. The endoscope 10 of the present embodiment can be suitably used as an endoscope for various uses such as for bronchus, surgery, pharynx, gastrointestinal tract, duodenum and the like.

The insertion part 12 is a long site | part inserted in the test | inspection site | parts, such as a body cavity. The insertion portion 12 has a distal end portion 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 that operates the endoscope 10. In order to perform suction from the forceps hole of the distal end portion 24 and the forceps port 32 for inserting a treatment tool such as forceps, which communicates with the forceps hole (forceps channel) of the distal end portion 24 of the insertion portion 12 The suction button 34 and the air / water feed button 36 for feeding air or water from the nozzle (air / water feed channel) of the distal end portion 24 are disposed.

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

Furthermore, the operation portion 14 is provided with two operation knobs 38 for bending the angle portion 26 and a brake 42 for holding the angle portion 26 in a curved state. The operation unit 14 is configured to bend the angle unit 26 in, for example, four directions, upper and lower and left and right, by the operation of the operation knob 38. The operation knob 38 is configured to selectively pull four operation wires 72 described later to bend the angle portion 26 in the pulling direction. The configuration for curving the angled portion 26 in the pulling direction will be described in detail later.

The operation unit 14 of the endoscope 10 also observes 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, a freeze switch, etc. Various switches for photographing are provided.

The LG (Light Guide) connector 18 is a portion for connecting the endoscope 10 to a water supply unit, an air supply unit, a suction unit, and the like in a facility where the endoscope 10 is used. The LG connector 18 is provided with a water supply connector 50 for connecting the endoscope 10 and water supply (water supply) means of the facility, and an air supply connector 52 for connecting with the above-described air supply means. Further, in the LG connector 18, a suction connector (not shown) or the like for connecting to the above suction means is disposed. The LG connector 18 is also provided with an LG (Light Guide) rod 54 for connecting an illumination light source, and an S terminal (not shown) for connecting an S code when using an electronic knife.

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

The universal cord (LG flexible portion) 16 is a portion for connecting the LG connector 18 and the operation unit 14. In the universal cord 16, 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 propagation of observation light irradiated to the LG rod 54 from the illumination light source. The light guide, the instruction by the operation of the operation unit 14, and the signal line for transferring the data of the image photographed by the imaging unit of the tip unit 24 are accommodated or inserted.

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

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

The angled part (curved part) 26 as a curved part is curved in the vertical and horizontal directions by the operation of the two operation knobs 38 in the operation part 14 in order to insert the tip part 24 into the target position or to position it at the target position. Area. The angle portion 26 will be described in detail later.

The flexible portion 28 is a portion connecting the distal end portion 24 and the angle portion 26 and the operation portion 14 and is a long tube having sufficient flexibility for insertion into the examination portion. As described above, in the flexible portion 28 and the angle portion 26, the forceps channel (suction channel) for inserting the forceps into the treated portion, and the air / water channel for performing the air supply and water supply by the air / water supply button 36 (Air supply channel and water supply channel), a signal line for transferring data of an image captured by an imaging unit (CCD sensor or CMOS sensor) of the tip end part 24, a light guide for transmitting illumination light, etc. 90 (see FIGS. 4A and 4B) are inserted. In other words, the internals 90 are parts used for medical treatment and examination. Further, an operation wire 72 or the like, which will be described later, for bending the angle portion 26 is also inserted through the flexible portion 28 and the angle portion 26.

The configuration of the angle portion 26 is shown in a perspective view in FIG. Moreover, the state which cut | disconnected the angle part 26 along the longitudinal direction is shown by the perspective view by FIG. 4A and 4B are cross sectional views showing the angled portion 26 cut along the longitudinal direction. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4B, the angled portion 26 is a plurality of substantially cylindrical angle rings (node rings) 62 and a plurality of pins as connecting portions for connecting (connecting) adjacent angle rings 62. 64 and. In the present embodiment, the angle ring connector 65 is configured by connecting a plurality of angle rings 62. Further, the angle portion 26 is 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 portion 14 side shown in FIG. 1) of the plurality of angle rings 62. 68 and. The distal end ring 66 and the adjacent angle ring 62 are connected by a pin 64, and the proximal end ring 68 and the adjacent angle ring 62 are connected by a pin 64.

The adjacent angle rings 62 are connected by pins 64 arranged at four places in the circumferential direction of the angle rings 62. In the present embodiment, the angle rings 62 are connected by the pins 64 arranged at four positions on the upper and lower sides and both sides in FIGS. 2 and 3. At the inner side of the pin 64, a guide portion 70 which protrudes inward in the radial direction of the angle ring 62 is provided. Four operation wires 72 for bending the angle portion 26 are inserted in the guide portion 70. The four operation wires 72 are disposed along the axial direction of the angle portion 26 and are configured so as not to cross each other (arranged substantially in parallel). The guide unit 70 will be described in detail later.

The ends on the tip side of the four operation wires 72 are fixed to the tip ring 66 by the attachment portions 74 (see FIGS. 3 and 4A). Further, the starting point sides of the upper and lower two operation wires 72 are wound around a rotating body 100 (see FIG. 6) of the operation unit 14 described later. Moreover, although illustration is abbreviate | omitted, the starting point side of the two operation wires 72 on either side is wound around the other rotary body of the operation part 14. As shown in FIG. Further, the four operation wires 72 are inserted into a guide coil (contact spring) 76 formed by spirally winding an extremely 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 arch in a direction intersecting with the axial direction of the angle portion 26 in a side view, and the adjacent angle rings 62 The arch shape is formed substantially symmetrical (symmetrically in the axial direction). In other words, a pair of adjacent angle rings 62 substantially symmetrical (symmetrical in the axial direction) are arranged along the axial direction of the angle portion 26. When the upper part and the lower part of the angle ring 62 are curved toward the tip end, the protruding part 80 which protrudes to the tip end is formed in the upper part and the lower part of the angle ring 62. Further, when the upper and lower portions of the angle ring 62 are curved to the side opposite to the tip, protrusions 82 protruding to the side opposite to the tip are formed at the upper and lower portions of the angle ring 62. Then, as shown in FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B and FIG. 5, the upper and lower projecting

portions

80, 82 of the adjacent angle rings 62 are overlapped, and the through holes 80A formed in these projecting

portions

80, 82. A rivet-like 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 locked to the edge of the through hole 82A of the protrusion 82. Thus, adjacent angle rings 62 are rotatably connected to each other about the pin 64 as an axis.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, when the middle portion in the vertical direction of the angle ring 62 is curved to the tip side, the middle portion in the vertical direction of the angle ring 62 protrudes to the front end side. Two protrusions 80 are formed. Further, when the middle portion in the vertical direction of the angle ring 62 is curved to the side opposite to the tip, two projecting portions 82 protruding to the side opposite to the tip are formed in the middle portion in the vertical direction of the angle ring 62 It is done. Then,

protrusions

80 and 82 at middle portions in the vertical direction of adjacent angle rings 62 are overlapped, and rivet-like pins 64 are formed in through

holes

80A and 82A (see FIG. 5) formed in these

protrusions

80 and 82. Is inserted. Thus, adjacent angle rings 62 are rotatably connected to each other about the pin 64 as an axis. The upper and lower pins 64 of the angle ring 62 and the pins 64 in the middle in the vertical direction of the angle ring 62 are alternately arranged along the axial direction of the angle portion 26.

In the tip ring 66, one end is flat, only the other end is curved in the opposite direction to the tip, and a protrusion 82 is formed at the vertical middle of the other end. . The projecting portion 82 of the tip ring 66 is overlapped with the projecting portion 80 provided at the middle portion of the adjacent angle rings 62 and connected by the pin 64. The tip ring 66 and the angle ring 62 adjacent thereto are rotatably connected to each other by a pin 64. Further, the proximal end ring 68 is flat at one end, and only the other end is curved toward the distal end, and a protrusion 80 is formed in the vertical middle of the other end. There is. The projecting portion 80 of the proximal end ring 68 is overlapped with the projecting portion 82 provided in the middle portion of the adjacent angle rings 62 and connected by the pin 64. The proximal ring 68 and the adjacent angle ring 62 are pivotally connected to each other by a pin 64.

As shown in FIG. 5, the guide portion 70 is integrally formed 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 cylindrical portion 70A, and in the cylindrical portion 70A, a guide hole 70B is formed as a wire insertion hole penetrating in the axial direction of the plurality of angle rings 62. The operation wire 72 is inserted into the guide hole 70B of the guide portion 70. In the present embodiment, four operation wires 72 for bending the angle portion 26 are inserted through the guide holes 70B of the guide portions 70 at four places in the middle portions on both sides in the vertical and vertical directions (FIG. 2 to FIG. 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 to move in the axial direction.

As shown in FIG. 4B, on the inner peripheral side of the proximal end ring 68, a mounting ring 102 to which one axial end of the guide coil 76 is fixed is provided. The outer diameter of one end side (tip end 24 side) of the attachment ring 102 in the axial direction is smaller than the inner diameter of the proximal end ring 68, and the one end side of the attachment ring 102 in the axial direction is the inner peripheral side of the proximal end ring 68. Is inserted in the A through hole 102A through which the operation wire 72 is inserted so as to be movable in the axial direction is formed at one axial end (end side 24 side) of the attachment ring 102. At the other axial end (opposite to the tip 24) of the mounting ring 102, four insertion portions 102B are formed, into which the axial one ends of the guide coil 76 are respectively inserted. The insertion portion 102 </ b> B and the through hole 102 </ b> A communicate with each other at an axial intermediate portion of the mounting ring 102. The inner diameter of the insertion portion 102B is larger than the inner diameter of the through hole 102A.

Further, on the outer peripheral surface of the mounting ring 102, a protrusion 102C protruding outward in the radial direction is formed, and the protrusion 102C is in contact with the end surface of the proximal ring 68. In this state, the attachment ring 102 is fixed to the proximal end ring 68 by, for example, bonding, soldering, or laser welding. Further, one end portion of the guide coil 76 in the axial direction is fixed to the attachment ring 102 in the axial direction of the guide coil 76 in a state where the guide coil 76 is inserted into the insertion portion 102B of the attachment ring 102.

As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, as described above, the internals 90 used for medical treatment and examination are inserted into the inside of the plurality of angle rings 62 in the angle portion 26. The tip of the built-in article 90 is joined to the attachment (not shown) of the tip ring 66 by a joint (not shown) such as adhesion or soldering.

Further, on the outer peripheral side of the plurality of angle rings 62, a cylindrical (in the present embodiment, cylindrical) net 92 is covered (outlined). For example, the net 92 is configured by a metal mesh-like member. The distal end side of the net 92 is fixed to the distal end ring 66, and the proximal end side of the net 92 is fixed to the proximal end ring 68 by adhesion, soldering, laser welding or the like (not shown). Here, the distal end ring 66 and the proximal end ring 68 are an example of the angle ring of the present disclosure. The joint between the distal end ring 66 and the distal end of the net 92 and the joint between the proximal end ring 68 and the proximal end of the net 92 are examples of joints between the angle ring and the net. Furthermore, a cylindrical (in the present embodiment, cylindrical) cover rubber 94 is covered (externally inserted) on the outer peripheral side of the cylindrical net 92. In FIG.2 and FIG.3, in order to make the structure of the angle part 26 intelligible, illustration of the built-in thing 90, the net 92, and the cover rubber 94 is abbreviate | omitted.

Further, in the endoscope 10 of the present embodiment, the operation wire 72 is not particularly limited, and a wire formed by twisting a metal wire, a wire formed by twisting a plurality of metal stranded wires, a single wire metal wire Etc. can be used. However, in the endoscope 10 according to the present embodiment, it is preferable that the operation wire 72 be not a single wire but a stranded wire (a twist-like wire). Further, the diameter of the operation wire 72 is not particularly limited, and may be determined as appropriate according to the type of endoscope, the thickness of the insertion portion 12, the internals 90 accommodated in the insertion portion 12, and the like.

A mechanism for bending the angle portion 26 is conceptually shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, upper and lower two operation wires 72 inserted inside the angle portion 26 and the flexible portion 28 are connected at 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 connected portion of two operation wires 72 may be wound around a pulley as a rotating body. The rotation shaft 100A of the rotating body 100 is rotatably supported by the operation of one operation knob 38 (see FIG. 1) provided in the operation unit 14. Therefore, when the rotating body 100 rotates, one operation wire 72 is wound and pulled, and the other operation wire 72 is fed out in reverse. For example, when the rotating body 100 rotates clockwise in FIG. 6, the upper operation wire 72 in FIG. 6 is taken up and pulled in the direction of arrow A, and the lower operation wire 72 in FIG. It is sent out in the opposite direction to the arrow A.

As described above, the plurality of angle rings 62 disposed in the angle portion 26 are rotatably connected by the plurality of pins 64. Further, the two operation wires 72 are inserted into the guide holes 70B (see FIGS. 4A and 4B) of the plurality of guide portions 70. Thus, when the rotating body 100 is rotated clockwise in FIG. 6 and the upper operation wire 72 is pulled in the direction of arrow A and the lower operation wire 72 is fed out, the pulled operation wire 72 side is obtained. With the angle portion 26 curved according to the amount of pulling. In FIG. 6, the angled portion 26 curves upward with respect to the flexible portion 28. Further, 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 fed out, and the angle according to the pulling amount The portion 26 curves downward with respect to the flexible portion 28.

Although not shown, the two operation wires 72 at the middle portion in the vertical direction in FIGS. 4A and 4B are connected on the operation unit 14 side and wound around another rotating body. As the other rotary body is rotated by the operation of the other operation knob 38 (see FIG. 1), one operation wire 72 is wound and pulled, and the other operation wire 72 is fed out in reverse. As a result, the angled portion 26 is curved 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 turned inward.

In the above-described endoscope 10, in order to reduce the 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 out, Grease 104 (see FIG. 7 or the like) described later 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 it is necessary to reduce the sliding resistance (friction). 2 to 6, the grease 104 applied to the operation wire 72 is omitted in order to make the configuration of the angle portion 26 easy to understand.

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

(Each process of assembling method of endoscope)
As shown in FIG. 7A, in the method of assembling the endoscope 10 according to the first embodiment, first, the plurality of angle rings 62 are connected by the pins 64 (connection step). In the present embodiment, when focusing on one angle ring 62, the upper and lower two places of the angle ring 62 adjacent to one side are connected by the pins 64, and the vertical direction of the angle ring 62 adjacent to the other side is connected. 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 through the guide holes 70B (see FIG. 5) of the guide portions 70 that project radially inward (inwardly in the circumferential direction) of the plurality of angle rings 62 (attachment step ). In the present embodiment, four operation wires 72 are provided in the guide holes 70B (see FIG. 5) of the four guide portions 70 at the upper and lower sides of one of the plurality of angle rings 62 and one side and the other side. Insert (attachment process). Moreover, the cylindrical net 92 is covered on the outer periphery of the some angle ring 62 (it extrapolates) (attachment process). Either of the step of inserting the operation wire 72 into the plurality of guide portions 70 and the step of covering the outer periphery of the plurality of angle rings 62 with the tubular net 92 may be performed first.

Next, the internals 90 used for medical treatment and examination are inserted radially inward of the plurality of angle rings 62 (insertion step). Then, the distal end portion of the built-in object 90 is joined to the inner peripheral side of the distal end ring 66 constituting the distal end portion 24 of the endoscope 10. For example, the tip of the internal component 90 is joined to the inner peripheral side of the tip ring 66 by bonding, brazing, soldering, or a screw. Furthermore, the flexible portion 28 is connected to the proximal end ring 68 side of the plurality of angle rings 62.

Then, 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, Grease 104 is applied to the operation wire 72 (application step). Hereinafter, the application process will be described more specifically. In the present embodiment, the application process includes an injection process and a grease adhesion process described later.

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

Here, the grease gun 110 will be described. The grease gun 110 includes a cylindrical container 112 for housing the grease 104, a conducting part 114 extending downward from the lower part of the container 112, and a discharge part 116 provided at the tip of the conducting part 114. There is. The conduction portion 114 includes a conduction hole 114A, and the grease 104 is drawn from the container 112 toward the discharge portion 116. Moreover, the discharge part 116 is equipped with the discharge port 116A whose internal diameter is larger than the internal diameter of 114 A of conduction holes, and the discharge port 116A is opened to the lower part. Furthermore, in the discharge unit 116, a nozzle 118 is provided at the tip of the discharge port 116A. Also, the grease gun 110 is provided with a piston 120 disposed on the upper side of the container 112. The piston 120 is provided with a pressing plate 120A which is inserted into the container 112 and pushes 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 mechanical configuration, or may be pushed manually downward. By pressing the piston 120 downward, the grease 104 in the container 112 is discharged from the nozzle 118 of the discharge portion 116 through the conducting portion 114.

In the above 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. As a result, when the grease 104 is discharged from the discharge part 116, the grease 104 is easily pushed into the inside of the angle ring 62 from the space (gap) between the adjacent angle rings 62.

As the grease 104, for example, lithium, urea, fluorine or the like can be used. Among these, fluorine is the most preferable because of high chemical stability. The grease 104 preferably has a worked penetration at 25 ° C. of 180 to 420, more preferably 200 to 400, and still more preferably 220 to 385. The worked penetration indicates that the grease is hard when the numerical value is small and soft when the numerical value is large. The worked penetration is a value measured based on the JIS K 2220 consistency test 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, thereby pressing the grease 104 from the outer surface side of the net 92 radially inward of the net 92. , Grease 104 is injected into the inside of the plurality of angle rings 62 (injection step). At this time, the press-fitting of the grease 104 is repeated spotwise to the plurality of angle rings 62. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 7B to 7D, the grease 104 enters the inside of the angle ring 62 from the gap between the adjacent angle rings 62 and adheres to the periphery of the guide portion 70. That is, the grease 104 enters the inside from between adjacent angle rings 62 and wraps around the guide portion 70. At that time, the grease 104 is crushed by the built-in part 90, so that it becomes easy to get in between the guide hole 70B of the guide part 70 and the operation wire 72.

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

For example, FIG. 8A shows the case where the grease 104 has reached the operation wire 72 in the injection process with the angle ring connector 65 in a straight state. 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 and attached to the operation wire 72.

As shown in FIG. 8C, when the angle ring connector 65 is further curved, the grease 104 is raised and attached to the operation wire 72, the grease 104 accumulated 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 along with the movement of the operation wire 72, and the grease 104 adheres to the inner peripheral surface of the operation wire 72 and the guide hole 70B (see FIG. 7C) of the guide portion 70.

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

Thereby, 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 the inner circumferential surface of the operation wire 72 and the guide hole 70B (see FIG. 7C) of the guide portion 70. Adhere to

In the present embodiment, the press-fitting of the grease 104 is repeated spotwise to the plurality of angle rings 62, but the present disclosure is not limited to this method. For example, the grease 104 may be pressed in from the outer surface side of the net 92 along the location where the operation wires 72 radially inward of the plurality of angle rings 62 are inserted using the grease gun 110.

After the above-described application process, the cylindrical cover rubber 94 (see FIGS. 4A and 4B) is covered (externally inserted) on the radially outer side of the net 92 (rubber attachment process). The cover rubber 94 expands the inner 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 in this state, the cover rubber 94 is disposed radially outside the net 92. 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 in the radial direction of the net 92. Thereby, the angle part 26 of the endoscope 10 is created.

In addition, it is preferable to implement the grease adhesion process of curving the angle ring connecting body 65 after extrapolation of the cover rubber 94. As a result, the grease 104 injected into the inside can be prevented from coming out again from the mesh of the net 92 by curving the angle ring connector 65, and the grease 104 adheres to the finger of the worker Is suppressed. Moreover, there is no need to put the grease 104 coming out into the inside again, and the workability is improved.

In the angle section 26 of the endoscope 10 described above, the angle section 26 is further curved in the vertical and horizontal directions by the operation section 14 (see FIG. 1), whereby the operation wire 72 and the guide hole 70B of the guide section 70 (see FIG. The grease 104 penetrates between the inner circumferential surface of (5) and (5). Further, grease 104 also penetrates between the pin 80 and the wall surface of the through hole 80A (see FIG. 5) of the projecting portion 80 and between the projecting portion 80 and the projecting portion 82.

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

In the method of assembling the endoscope 10 according to the first embodiment, the grease 104 is pressed (pushed) in from the outer surface side of the net 92 radially inward from the outer surface side of the net 92, and grease 104 is applied to at least a part of the operation wire 72. Apply 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 at the time of assembling the endoscope 10 as compared with the case of covering the tubular net after applying the grease. Can be applied.

For example, when assembling the angle portion using an operation wire coated with grease or lubricating oil in advance, in particular, the step of inserting the operation wire into the guide portions of the plurality of angle rings, the step of covering the net, and the insertion of the internals Grease and lubricant may adhere to other components, workers fingers and jigs during the process. For example, by adhering to internal parts of multiple angle rings, various parts 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. As a result, the workability is reduced. In addition, adhesion of grease and lubricating oil to the places of adhesion, brazing, and soldering causes a decrease in fixing strength and an increase in the burden of removing work. In the case of grease, when the operation wire is inserted into 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 above-described method of assembling the endoscope 10, the grease 104 is press-fit from the outer surface side of the net 92 radially inward of the net 92 using the grease gun 110. Furthermore, by bending the angle ring connector 65 in the axial direction, the grease 104 is attached to the inner circumferential surface of the operation wire 72 and the guide hole 70B of the guide portion 70. Thereby, the grease 104 is reliably applied to the sliding portion of the operation wire 72, and the grease 104 is efficiently applied to necessary portions around the operation wire 72. Further, by using the grease gun 110, the adhesion of the grease 104 to the finger of the worker is suppressed, and the workability is improved. Furthermore, since the cover rubber 94 can be covered immediately after the application of the grease 104, the grease 104 adhering to the surface of the net 92 can be prevented from adhering to the work bench or jig in the process of proceeding to the subsequent steps. Do not lose

Further, in the above-described method of assembling the endoscope 10, the grease 104 is pressed in radially inward from the outer surface side of the net 92 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 is likely to be accumulated between the strands of the operation wire 72 and between the strands, and the lubricating performance can be stably maintained for a long time.

Further, in the method of assembling the endoscope 10 described above, the cover rubber 94 is placed on the radially outer side of the net 92 after the application process of the grease 104. Therefore, when the cover rubber 94 is placed on the radially outer side of the net 92, scraping of the grease 104 is suppressed.

Further, in the above-described method of assembling the endoscope 10, the internals 90 are inserted inside the plurality of angle rings 62 in the radial direction between the attaching process of the net 92 and the like and the applying process of the grease 104. As a result, after the internals 90 are inserted inside the plurality of angle rings 62 in the radial direction, the grease 104 is pushed from the outer surface side of the net 92. Therefore, the distal end of the internals 90 when the internals 90 are inserted. It is avoided that the grease 104 adheres to the range other than the angle part 26 such as.

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

In the first embodiment, the application process includes the injection process and the grease application process, but the present disclosure is not limited to this method. For example, if the grease is likely to adhere around the guide portion inside the angle ring when the grease is pressed in from the outer surface side of the net using a grease gun, the above-mentioned grease attachment step of curving the angle ring connection body It is not necessary to provide it.

[Assembling Method of 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 using FIGS. 10 to 11. In addition, in 2nd Embodiment, when it has the component same as 1st Embodiment, a member, etc., the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and detailed description is abbreviate | 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 the guide hole 70B (see FIG. 5) of the guide portion 70 which protrudes radially inward (inner circumferential direction) of the plurality of angle rings 62 (attachment step). Moreover, the cylindrical net 92 is covered on the outer periphery of the some angle ring 62 (it extrapolates) (attachment process). Next, the internals 90 are inserted radially inward of the plurality of angle rings 62 (insertion step), and the tip of the internals 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. In addition, the process of connecting the flexible part 28 in the proximal end ring 68 side of several angle ring 62 is also included in these processes.

In the method of assembling the endoscope 10 of the second embodiment, the coating process after the above-described insertion process is different from that of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, grease 104 is applied from the outer surface side of the net 92. The grease 104 is applied to the outside of at least four operation wires 72 using, for example, a syringe not shown. Also, 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 the spatula 130 as a pressing jig (injection step in the coating step). The spatula 130 includes a rubber plate-like portion 130B supported by the tip of the support bar 130A. For example, the grease 104 is injected inside the plurality of angle rings 62 by pushing the grease 104 radially inward of the net 92 using the spatula 130 while rotating and axially moving the plurality of angle rings 62 (see FIG. Injection process). As a result, the grease 104 enters the inside of the angle ring 62 from the gap between the adjacent angle rings 62 and adheres to the periphery of the guide portion 70. At that time, the grease 104 is crushed by the built-in part 90, so that it becomes easy to get in between the guide hole 70B (see FIG. 5) of the guide part 70 and the operation wire 72.

Thereafter, although not shown, the angle ring connector 65 is curved in the axial direction to attach the grease 104 to the inner peripheral surface of the operation wire 72 and the guide hole 70B (see FIG. 5) of the guide portion 70. (Grease adhesion process in a coating process).

After the above-described application process, the cylindrical cover rubber 94 (see FIGS. 4A and 4B) is covered (externally inserted) on the radially outer side of the net 92 (rubber attachment process). Thereby, the angle part 26 of the endoscope 10 is created.

In the method of assembling the endoscope 10 according to the second embodiment, the grease 104 is pushed radially inward from the outer surface side of the net 92 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 at the time of assembling the endoscope 10 as compared with the case of covering the tubular net after applying the grease. Can be applied.

Further, 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 grease 104 is pushed through the eyes of the net 92 with the spatula 130 into the radial inside of the net 92. . Thereby, the grease 104 is reliably applied to the sliding portion of the operation wire 72, and 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 process shown in FIG. 10, for example, the location where the operation wire 72 inside the radial direction of the plurality of angle rings 62 is inserted. The grease 104 may be applied along the

Moreover, in 2nd Embodiment, although the application | coating process contains an injection | pouring process and a grease adhesion process, this indication is not limited to this method. For example, when pressing grease from the outer surface side of the net using a spatula, if the grease is likely to adhere around the guide portion inside the angle ring, a grease adhesion process for curving the above-mentioned angle ring connection is provided. It does not have to be.

[Assembling Method of Endoscope According to Third Embodiment]
Next, a method of assembling the endoscope 10 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described using FIGS. 12 to 15. In addition, in 3rd Embodiment, when it has the component, the member, etc. same as 1st and 2nd embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and detailed description is abbreviate | 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 the guide hole 70B (see FIG. 5) of the guide portion 70 which protrudes radially inward (inner circumferential direction) of the plurality of angle rings 62 (attachment step). Moreover, the cylindrical net 92 is covered on the outer periphery of the some angle ring 62 (it extrapolates) (attachment process). Next, the internals 90 are inserted radially inward of the plurality of angle rings 62 (insertion step), and the tip of the internals 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 third embodiment, the steps from the connection step to the insertion step are the same as those in the first embodiment. In addition, the process of connecting the flexible part 28 in the proximal end ring 68 side of several angle ring 62 is also included in these processes.

In the method of assembling the endoscope 10 of the third embodiment, the coating process after the above-described insertion process is different from that of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12, in the coating step, grease 104 is first 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, the heat-shrinkable tube 140 before contraction is placed on the outer periphery of the net 92 (second step). Further, as shown in FIG. 14, the heat-shrinkable tube 140 is thermally shrunk to push the grease 104 radially inward of the net 92 through the eyes of the net 92 (third step). As a result, the grease 104 enters the inside of the angle ring 62 from the gap between the adjacent angle rings 62 and adheres to the periphery of the guide portion 70. At that time, the grease 104 is crushed by the built-in part 90, so that it becomes easy to get in between the guide hole 70B (see FIG. 5) of the guide part 70 and the operation wire 72. In the present embodiment, the third step corresponds to the injection step of injecting the grease 104. Here, the heat-shrinkable tube 140 is molded using a plastic film that shrinks by the application of heat. The heat shrinkable tube 140 has a property of shrinking up to 60 to 70% as an example by heat treatment.

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 (i.e., the outer surface side) of the net 92, for example, by cutting with the cutter along the axial direction. Furthermore, although illustration is omitted, by bending the angle ring connector 65 in the axial direction, 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. (Glyse adhesion process). In the present embodiment, the grease adhesion process is performed after the fourth process, but may be performed before the fourth process. Thus, the application process is completed.

In the method of assembling the endoscope 10 according to the third embodiment, the heat contraction tube 140 pushes the grease 104 radially inward from the outer surface side of the net 92 and applies the grease 104 to at least a part of the operation wire 72 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 at the time of assembling the endoscope 10 as compared with the case of covering the tubular net after applying the grease. Can be applied.

Further, in the above-described method of assembling the endoscope 10, the grease 104 is pushed from the outer surface side of the net 92 by the heat-shrinkable tube 140, and the angle ring connector 65 is further curved. Thereby, the grease 104 is reliably applied to the sliding portion of the operation wire 72, and the grease 104 is efficiently applied to necessary portions around the operation wire 72. Moreover, by using the heat-shrinkable tube 140, adhesion of the grease 104 to the finger of the worker is suppressed, 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 inside the radial direction of the plurality of angle rings 62 are inserted. Grease 104 may be applied along the portion.

In the third embodiment, the application process includes the injection process and the grease application process, but the present disclosure is not limited to this method. For example, when pressing grease from the outer surface side of the net using a heat-shrinkable tube, if the grease is likely to adhere around the guide portion inside the angle ring, the above-mentioned grease attachment process for bending the angle ring connection body There is no need to provide

[Assembling Method of Endoscope According to Fourth Embodiment]
Next, a method of assembling the endoscope 10 according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described using FIGS. 16 to 19. In the fourth embodiment, in the case where the same components, members and the like as in the first to third embodiments are provided, the same reference numerals are given and detailed description will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 16, first, a plurality of angle rings 62 are connected by pins 64 (connection step). Then, the operation wire 72 is inserted through the guide hole 70B (see FIG. 5) of the guide portion 70 which protrudes radially inward (inner circumferential direction) of the plurality of angle rings 62, and on the outer periphery of the plurality of angle rings 62. Cover the tubular net 92 (extrapolate) (attachment step). Next, the internals 90 are inserted radially inward of the plurality of angle rings 62 (insertion step), and the tip of the internals 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 fourth embodiment, the steps from the connection step to the insertion step are the same as those in the first embodiment. In addition, the process of connecting the flexible part 28 in the proximal end ring 68 side of several angle ring 62 is also included in these processes.

In the method of assembling the endoscope 10 of the fourth embodiment, the coating process after the above-described insertion process is different from that of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 16, in the coating 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 cylindrical member 150 is disposed on the outer peripheral side of the cylindrical cover rubber 94. Then, both end portions in the axial direction of the cover rubber 94 are pushed back and hooked to the edge portions 150 A on both sides in the axial direction of the cylindrical member 150. At an axial intermediate portion of the cylindrical member 150, a suction pipe 150B for suctioning internal air is formed. Then, the air inside the cylindrical member 150 is sucked from the suction pipe 150B by suction means (not shown), and the inside of the cylindrical member 150 is made negative pressure, whereby the outer peripheral surface of the cover rubber 94 becomes the cylindrical member 150. The inner diameter of the cover rubber 94 is increased.

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

Furthermore, although illustration is omitted, by bending the angle ring connecting member 65 in the axial direction after the pressing step, the grease 104 can be inserted into the operation wire 72 and the guide hole 70B of the guide portion 70 (see FIG. 5). Apply to the peripheral surface (grease adhesion process). Thus, the application process is completed. In this application step, the cover 92 is also used as a rubber mounting step for covering the cover rubber 94 on the radially outer side of the net 92. 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 cover rubber 94 pushes in the grease 104 radially inward from the outer surface side of the net 92 and applies the grease 104 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 at the time of assembling the endoscope 10 as compared with the case of covering the tubular net after applying the grease. Can be applied.

Further, in the above-described method of assembling the endoscope 10, the grease 104 is pushed from the outer surface side of the net 92 by the cover rubber 94, and the angle ring connector 65 is further curved. Thereby, the grease 104 is reliably applied to the sliding portion of the operation wire 72, and the grease 104 is efficiently applied to necessary portions around the operation wire 72. Further, the cover rubber 94 suppresses adhesion of the grease 104 to the finger of the worker, and the workability is improved. Furthermore, the process of covering the cover rubber 94 can also be performed, and the 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 radial direction of the plurality of angle rings 62 is inserted Grease 104 may be applied along the existing area.

Also, in the fourth embodiment, the application process includes the injection process and the grease application process, but the present disclosure is not limited to this method. For example, when pressing grease from the outer surface side of the net using a cover rubber, if the grease is likely to adhere around the guide portion inside the angle ring, the above-mentioned grease attachment process of curving the angle ring connection body It is not necessary to provide it.

In the first to fourth embodiments, the shape of the angle ring 62 constituting the endoscope 10, the position and the shape of the pin 64, the position and the shape of the guide portion 70, and the like 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 the operation ring is inserted into the angle ring separately from the pin. A guide may be provided. Also, the number of operation wires 72 can be changed.

According to the method of the present disclosure, the internal components 90, internal components 90 and angle rings 62, internal components 90 and guide portions 70, internal components 90 and mounting rings 102, internal components 90 and wires 72, and wires 72 are attached. Grease 104 is also responsible for 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 strands of the net 92, and the net 92 and the cover rubber 94. It is possible.

As mentioned above, although the Example of this indication was described, this indication is not limited at all to said Example, It can not be overemphasized that it can implement in a various aspect in the range which does not deviate from the summary of this indication.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Endoscope 12 Insertion part 14 Operation part 16 Universal code 18 LG (Light Guide) connector 20 Video | video connector 24 Tip part 26 Angle part 28 Flexible part 32 Forceps opening 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)
65 Angle ring connector 66 Tip ring 68 Base end ring 70 Guide part 70A Tubular part 70B Guide hole (wire insertion hole)
72 operation wire 74 attachment portion 76 guide coil 80

projection

80A, 82A, 102A through hole 82 projection 90 internal object 92 net 94 cover rubber 100 rotation body 100A rotation shaft 102 attachment ring 102B insertion portion 102C projection 104 grease 110 grease 110 (discharge apparatus)
112 container 114 conductive portion 114A conductive hole 116 discharge portion 116A discharge port 118 nozzle 120 piston 120A pressing plate 130 spatula (pressing jig)
130A Support bar 130B Plate-like portion 140 Heat-shrinkable tube 150 Tubular member 150A Edge 150B Suction tube

Claims

A connecting step of connecting a plurality of angle rings by a connecting portion;
Attaching the operation wire to the guide portion protruding in the inner circumferential direction of the angle ring and attaching a cylindrical net to the outer periphery of the plurality of angle rings;
Applying grease from the outer surface side of the net radially inward, and applying the grease to at least a part of the operation wires located inside the plurality of angle rings;
A method of assembling an endoscope comprising:
The application process is
Injecting the grease into the interior of the net by pressing the grease radially inward from the outer surface side of the net;
A grease adhering step of adhering the grease to the inner peripheral surface of the wire insertion hole of the operation wire and the guide portion by curving an angle ring connection body to which a plurality of the angle rings are connected;
A method of assembling an endoscope according to claim 1, comprising:
The method for assembling an endoscope according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in the applying step, the grease is pressed inward in the radial direction of the net using a discharge device that discharges the grease from the outer surface side of the net. .
3. The method according to claim 1, wherein in the applying step, the 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 with a pressing jig. How to assemble an endoscope.
The application process is
A first step of applying the grease from the outer surface side of the net;
A second step of covering the heat-shrinkable tube before contraction on the outer periphery of the net;
A third step of thermally shrinking the heat-shrinkable tube and pushing the grease radially inward of the net through the eyes of the net;
A fourth step of removing the heat shrinkable tube;
The method of assembling an endoscope according to claim 1 or 2, comprising
The application process is
A first step of applying the grease from the outer surface side of the net;
The grease is extrapolated outside the radial direction of the net in a state where the inner diameter of the cover rubber is increased by a negative pressure, and the cover rubber is contracted by covering the net by removing the negative pressure. And pushing in the radial direction of the net through the eyes of the net;
The method of assembling an endoscope according to claim 1 or 2, comprising
The method for assembling an endoscope according to claim 2, further comprising: a rubber attaching step of covering a cover rubber on the radially outer side of the net between the injecting step and the grease attaching step.
The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the applying step includes the step of applying the grease along a portion where the operation wire is inserted from the outer surface side of the net. How to assemble the mirror.
Between the attaching step and the applying step, an inserting step of radially inserting a built-in used for medical treatment and examination inside a plurality of the angle rings,
The assembly of the endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein in the applying step, the grease is applied in a state in which the internal component is inserted radially inward of the plurality of angle rings. Method.
The coating step comprises: pressing the grease radially inward from the outer surface side of the net, and applying the grease to only a part of the operation wires positioned inside the plurality of angle rings. A method of assembling an endoscope according to any one of the preceding claims.