Molding matrix for endoscope cap and method for manufacturing endoscope cap.

Abstract

The present invention facilitates release of an endoscope hood after a copolymerization reaction and prevents liquid leakage during the copolymerization reaction. A molding mold 1 for an endoscope hood comprises a hollow cylindrical member 20A that is open on both bottom surfaces. The hollow cylindrical member 20A is configured so as to be insertable into a cavity part 13 of a first member 10. The outer diameter rB of an annular part 30B is larger than the outer diameter rA of a body part 30A. The body part 30A is configured so as to be insertable into the hollow cylindrical member 20A. The radius r40 of a cavity part 43 of a fourth member 40 is larger than the outer shape r10 of the first member 10. The first member 10 and the fourth member 40 can be engaged with each other.

Description

1 / 13 Molding matrix for endoscope cap and method for manufacturing endoscope cap. Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a molding die for an endoscope hood and to a method for manufacturing the endoscope hood. Antecedent Technique

[0002] During surgery or examination using an endoscope, a transparent cap is attached to an extension portion (the insertion end portion) of the endoscope in order to confirm an ideal distance between the extension portion of the endoscope and biological tissue and to ensure a clear field of view. The cap is made of ABS, polycarbonate, vinyl chloride, silicone rubber, or similar material.

[0003] However, such a hood is attached for the purpose of confirming an ideal distance between the extension portion of the endoscope and the biological tissue and ensuring a field of view, but a camera lens and an illumination lens are not covered by the hood. Thus, there is the problem that bodily fluids or oil may adhere and the field of view may become obscured during examination or surgery using an endoscope to which the hood is attached. LIST OF QUOTES PATENT LITERATURE

[0004] Patent Literature 1: JP-A No. H11-047081 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION TECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0005] To solve this problem, it is conceivable to form an endoscope cap from a hydrogel formed using a hydrophilic monomer. As a method for forming the endoscope cap from a hydrogel, a material containing the hydrophilic monomer is inserted into a molding die made, for example, of plastic, and is subjected to Petition 870250079514, dated 05 / 09 / 2025, page 8 / 58 2 / 13 subjected to a copolymerization reaction by raising the temperature. The material subjected to the copolymerization reaction is hydrated and swollen to obtain an endoscope cap made of hydrogel. The shape of the endoscope cap obtained by the method corresponds to the shape of the molding matrix filled with the material containing the hydrophilic monomer.

[0006] However, when using the conventional molding matrix, there is the problem of high adhesion of the endoscope cap to the molding matrix, making it difficult to release the cap after the copolymerization reaction.

[0007] Furthermore, in conventional molding dies, when the material described above is injected into the molding die and subjected to the copolymerization reaction, the sealing property is low and liquid leakage is a problem.

[0008] Therefore, the present invention was developed to solve the problems described above, and an objective of the present invention is to provide a molding die for an endoscope hood and a method for manufacturing the endoscope hood that can facilitate the release of the endoscope hood after a copolymerization reaction and prevent leakage of liquid during the copolymerization reaction. SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM

[0009] A molding matrix for an endoscope hood, according to one embodiment, is summarized as including: a first cylindrical member having a first lower surface, a second lower surface, and an open cylindrical cavity in the second lower surface; two second semi-cylindrical members that are coupled together to form a hollow cylindrical member; a third member comprising a cylindrical portion of the main body having a first lower surface, a second lower surface, and an open cylindrical cavity in the second lower surface, and a portion Petition 870250079514, dated 05 / 09 / 2025, page 9 / 58 3 / 13 annular portion provided on the second lower surface; and a fourth cylindrical member having a first lower surface, a second lower surface, and an open cylindrical cavity on the second lower surface, wherein the hollow cylindrical member is open on both lower surfaces, the hollow cylindrical member is configured such that it is possible to insert the hollow cylindrical member into the cavity of the first member, an outer diameter of the annular portion is greater than an outer diameter of the main body portion, the main body portion is configured such that it is possible to insert the main body portion into the hollow cylindrical member, a radius of the cavity of the fourth member is greater than an outer diameter of the first member, and the first member and the fourth member are engageable with each other.

[0010] A method for manufacturing an endoscope hood according to an embodiment, wherein a first cylindrical member has a first inferior surface, a second inferior surface and an open cylindrical cavity in the second inferior surface, a third member includes a cylindrical portion of the main body having a first inferior surface, a second inferior surface and an open cylindrical cavity in the second inferior surface, and an annular portion that is provided on the second inferior surface and has an outer radius greater than the outer diameter of the main body portion, and a fourth cylindrical member has a first inferior surface, a second inferior surface and an open cylindrical cavity in the second inferior surface, the method is summarized as including the steps of: coupling two second semi-cylindrical members to form a hollow cylindrical member open on both inferior surfaces;Insert the hollow cylindrical member into the cavity of the first member; inject a mixture of monomers containing a hydrophilic monomer into an opening of the hollow cylindrical member; insert the main body portion of the third member into the opening of the hollow cylindrical member; and fit an opening of the fourth member. Petition 870250079514, dated 05 / 09 / 2025, page 10 / 58 4 / 13 member with an outer periphery of the first member to perform the heat treatment. ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a molding die for an endoscope hood and a method for manufacturing the endoscope hood that can facilitate the release of the endoscope hood after a copolymerization reaction and prevent leakage of liquid during the copolymerization reaction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Fig. 1 is an example of a perspective view of a molding matrix for an endoscope hood according to a modality. Fig. 2 is an example of a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a view illustrating an example of a first member 10 of a molding matrix 1 for an endoscope hood according to the embodiment. Fig. 4 is a view illustrating an example of a second member 20 of the molding matrix 1 for an endoscope hood, according to the embodiment. Fig. 5 is a view illustrating an example of a third member 30 of the molding matrix 1 for an endoscope hood, according to the embodiment. Fig. 6 is a view illustrating an example of a fourth member 40 of the molding matrix 1 for an endoscope hood, according to the embodiment. Figures 7A, 7B, 7C, and 7D are views that describe an example of a method for manufacturing the endoscope cap, according to the embodiment. Petition 870250079514, dated 05 / 09 / 2025, p. 11 / 58 5 / 13 DESCRIPTION OF THE MODALITIES

[0013] Hereafter, an embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, as appropriate. However, unnecessarily detailed descriptions may be omitted. For example, a detailed description of a well-known subject and a repeated description of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. This avoids unnecessary redundancy in the following description and facilitates better comprehension by those skilled in the art. Note that the inventors provide the accompanying drawings and the following description so that those skilled in the art may fully understand the present disclosure and do not intend to limit the subject matter described in the claims to the accompanying drawings and the following description.

[0014] In the description of the following drawings, the same or similar parts are indicated by the same reference numbers or by similar numbers. It should be noted that the drawings are schematic and that the proportions of the dimensions and similar parts may differ from the actual ones. Therefore, specific dimensions and similar parts must be determined considering the following description. In addition, the drawings may include parts with different dimensional relationships and proportions. First Mode

[0015] A molding die for an endoscope hood, according to a first embodiment of the present invention, will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 7. Fig. 1 is a view illustrating an example of a perspective view of a molding die 1 for an endoscope hood according to the present embodiment, Fig. 2 is an example of a cross-sectional view taken along a line XX of Fig. 1, Fig. 3 is a view illustrating an example of a first member 10 of the molding die 1 for an endoscope hood according to the present embodiment, Fig. 4 is a view Petition 870250079514, dated 05 / 09 / 2025, p. 12 / 58 Figure 6 / 13 illustrates an example of a second member 20 of the molding matrix 1 for an endoscope hood according to the present embodiment, Figure 5 is a view illustrating an example of a third member 30 of the molding matrix 1 for an endoscope hood according to the present embodiment, Figure 6 is a view illustrating an example of a fourth member 40 of the molding matrix 1 for an endoscope hood according to the present embodiment, and Figure 7 is a view to describe an example of a method for manufacturing the endoscope hood according to the present embodiment.

[0016] Molding die 1 for an endoscope hood, according to the present embodiment, is used for the manufacture of an endoscope hood made of hydrogel.

[0017] As illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, the molding matrix 1 includes the first member 10, the second members 20, the third member 30 and the fourth member 40.

[0018] The size of each member can be selected as appropriate, according to the shape of the target endoscope hood, and is not particularly limited.

[0019] Furthermore, the synthetic resin used in the molding matrix 1 for an endoscope hood, according to the present embodiment, preferably has chemical and thermal resistance sufficient to withstand an injection step of a mixture of monomers containing a hydrophilic monomer and the subjection of the mixture to a thermal polymerization reaction, for example. The mixture of monomers containing the hydrophilic monomer includes the hydrophilic monomer and a monomer copolymerizable with the same.

[0020] Examples of synthetic resin include polyethylene, polypropylene, alicyclic polyolefin, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, and thermoplastic elastomer. In the present invention, polypropylene is preferably used from the point of view of Petition 870250079514, dated 05 / 09 / 2025, page 13 / 58 7 / 13 moldability.

[0021] As illustrated in Fig. 3, the first member 10 is a cylindrical member with a first lower surface 11, a second lower surface 12 and a cylindrical cavity 13 open in the second lower surface 12.

[0022] As illustrated in Fig. 4, the second members 20 are two semi-cylindrical members coupled together to form a hollow cylindrical member 20A. As illustrated in Figs. 2 and 7(b), the hollow cylindrical member 20A is open on both lower surfaces 21A / 22A.

[0023] As illustrated in Fig. 5, the third member 30 is a cylindrical member with a cylindrical main body portion 30A and an annular portion 30B. The main portion 30A has a first lower surface 31, a second lower surface 32, and a cylindrical cavity 33 open on the second lower surface 32. The annular portion 30B is provided on the second lower surface 32.

[0024] As illustrated in Fig. 6, the fourth member 40 is a cylindrical member with a first lower surface 41, a second lower surface 42 and a cylindrical cavity 43 open in the second lower surface 42.

[0025] As illustrated in Fig. 7B, the hollow cylindrical member 20A is configured so that the cylindrical member 20A can be inserted into the cavity 13 of the first member 10.

[0026] Furthermore, as illustrated in Fig. 5, an external diameter re of the annular portion 30B of the third member 30 is larger than the external diameter γα of the main body portion 30A of the third member 30.

[0027] As illustrated in Fig. 7C, the main body portion 30A of the third member 30 is configured so that the main body portion 30A can be inserted into the hollow cylindrical member 20A.

[0028] Furthermore, as illustrated in Figs. 3 and 6, the radius r4o of Petition 870250079514, dated 05 / 09 / 2025, page 14 / 58 8 / 13 cavity 43 of the fourth member 40 is larger than the outer diameter of the first member 10.

[0029] Furthermore, as illustrated in Fig. 2, threads can be formed on an inner surface of the fourth member 40 and on an outer surface of the first member 10, and the first member 10 and the fourth member 40 can have a threaded cap structure to be engaged by the threads.

[0030] Note that the mixture of monomers containing the hydrophilic monomer for the production of the endoscope cap is injected into an opening S illustrated in Fig. 2.

[0031] According to the configuration described above, since the hollow cylindrical member 20A can be separated into two secondary members 20, the release of the endoscope cap after a copolymerization reaction can be facilitated.

[0032] Furthermore, according to the configuration described above, since the first member 10 and the fourth member 40 have the structure of a screw cap, the sealing property is improved, and it is possible to solve the problem of leakage of the mixture of monomers containing the hydrophilic monomer for the production of the endoscope cap.

[0033] Furthermore, as illustrated in Figs. 2 and 5, the first lower surface 31 of the third member 30 may be provided with a projecting portion 35 to form a forceps port that serves as the forceps entry and exit and a projecting portion 36 to form a water supply port that serves as the outlet for cleaning water in the resulting endoscope cap.

[0034] In the present embodiment, the endoscope cap is made of a hydrogel. Examples of hydrogels include a hydrogel formed using only a hydrophilic monomer and a hydrogel formed by the addition of a hydrophobic monomer, a crosslinkable monomer, or both. Petition 870250079514, dated 05 / 09 / 2025, page 15 / 58 9 / 13 to a hydrophilic monomer.

[0035] The hydrophilic monomer contributes to the water content of the hydrogel, while the hydrophobic monomer contributes to the action of adjusting the water content and swelling rate of the hydrogel, and affects the wettability and flexibility of the resulting endoscope cap.

[0036] In addition, the crosslinkable monomer can control the density of the hydrogel polymer chains, depending on its content, and can impart mechanical strength, shape stability and solvent resistance to the hydrogel.

[0037] As hydrophilic monomers, those possessing one or more hydrophilic groups in a molecule are preferred, and examples of these include 2-hydroxyethyl (meth)acrylate, 2-hydroxymethyl (meth)acrylate, hydroxypropyl (meth)acrylate, glycerol (meth)acrylate, acrylamide, N,N-dimethyl (meth)acrylamide, N,N-diethyl (meth)acrylamide, N-vinylpyrrolidone, diacetone acrylamide, N-vinylacetamide, (meth)acrylic acid, (meth)acryloxyethyl succinic acid, itaconic acid, methacrylamidopropyl triammonium chloride, 2,3-dihydroxypropyl (meth)acrylate and the like; and two or more hydrophilic monomers may be used in combination with each other.

[0038] The mixing ratio of the hydrophilic monomer is not particularly limited, but is preferably 50% by weight or more based on all polymerized components, as it affects the water content of the endoscope hood to be obtained. When the mixing ratio of the hydrophilic monomer is less than 50% by weight, an endoscope hood with sufficient water content cannot be obtained, which is not preferable, since the anti-fouling and anti-fogging properties of the endoscope hood may be deteriorated.

[0039] Examples of hydrophobic monomers include siloxanyl (meth)acrylate, trifluoroethyl (meth)acrylate, methacrylamide, trifluoroethyl (meth)acrylate and normal butyl (meth)acrylate, and two or more of these hydrophobic monomers may be used in combination. Petition 870250079514, dated 05 / 09 / 2025, page 16 / 58 10 / 13

[0040] The hydrophobic monomer can alter the water content of the resulting endoscope cap depending on the amount of mixing. However, when the mixing ratio of the hydrophobic monomer is high, the water content is extremely reduced and the flexibility of the resulting endoscope cap is reduced. Therefore, for example, the mixing ratio of the hydrophobic monomer is preferably less than 30% by weight relative to the total amount of monomers.

[0041] Examples of crosslinkable monomers include ethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, methylene bisacrylamide, 2-hydroxy-1,3-dimethacryloxypropane and trimethylolpropane triacrylate, and two or more of these may be used in combination.

[0042] A crosslinkable monomer mixture is preferably 0.1 to 10% by weight relative to the total amount of monomers, from the point of view of achieving an endoscope cap shape adjustment effect. When the mixture is less than 0.1% by weight, the mesh structure of the endoscope cap is insufficient, and when the mixture exceeds 10% by weight, the mesh structure is, conversely, excessive, and the endoscope cap becomes brittle and exhibits reduced flexibility.

[0043] Examples of a polymerization initiator to be used to polymerize a mixture of the monomers described above include peroxides such as lauroyl peroxide, cumene hydroperoxide, and benzoyl peroxide, which are general radical polymerization initiators; azobisvaleronitrile; and azobisisobutyronitrile. An additional amount of the polymerization initiator is preferably about 10 to 3500 ppm relative to the total amount of monomers.

[0044] The endoscope cap, according to the present embodiment, is molded into the desired shape after mixing one or more monomers described above, and is made of a single material.

[0045] As a step in obtaining a polymer, a mixed solution Petition 870250079514, dated 05 / 09 / 2025, page 17 / 58 11 / 13 of the monomers obtained by mixing the component monomers are placed in the molding die, whether metal, glass or plastic, and sealed, and the temperature is gradually or continuously raised in a thermostatic bath or similar, in the range of 30°C to 100°C. The copolymerization reaction is completed in 5 to 50 hours, allowing the production of a molding die containing a polymer. For polymerization, ultraviolet rays, electron beams, gamma rays and similar methods can be used.

[0046] As a step in obtaining the hydrogel, the molding die, after polymerization is complete, is cooled to room temperature, the polymer contained in the molding die is removed from the molding die, and the polymer is hydrated and swollen to form the hydrogel. Examples of the liquid (swelling liquid) to be used include, but are not limited to, water, physiological saline, isotonic buffer, and a solution obtained by mixing an organic solvent, such as ethanol, with these. The swelling liquid is heated to a temperature between 60°C and 100°C, and the polymer is immersed in the swelling liquid for a specified period of time to achieve the swelling state. Furthermore, it is preferable to remove unreacted monomers that adhere to the polymer during the swelling treatment.The resulting hydrogel can be molded by high-pressure steam sterilization at 110°C to 130°C for 10 to 60 minutes, immersed in a swelling fluid such as physiological saline.

[0047] Next, an example of a method for manufacturing the endoscope cap, according to the present embodiment, will be described with reference to Figs. 7A to 7D.

[0048] Firstly, as illustrated in Fig. 7A, the two second semi-cylindrical members 20 are coupled to form the hollow cylindrical member 20A, open on both lower surfaces 21A / 22A.

[0049] Secondly, as illustrated in Fig. 7B, the member Petition 870250079514, dated 05 / 09 / 2025, page 18 / 58 A hollow cylindrical 12 / 13 20A is inserted into cavity 13 of the first member 10.

[0050] Thirdly, a mixture of monomers containing a hydrophilic monomer is injected into an opening of the hollow cylindrical member 20A.

[0051] Fourthly, as illustrated in Fig. 7C, the main body portion 30A of the third member 30 is inserted into the opening of the hollow cylindrical member 20A.

[0052] Fifthly, as illustrated in Fig. 7D, after an opening of the fourth member 40 is engaged in an outer periphery of the first member 10, heat treatment is carried out in a range of 30°C to 100°C for 5 to 50 hours to obtain a copolymer. For example, the heat treatment consists of carrying out a copolymerization reaction by increasing the temperature.

[0053] Sixthly, after the separation of the first member 10 and the fourth member 40, the copolymer formed in their voids is removed, along with the second member 20 and the third member 30, from the first member 10, and then the second member 20 is split.

[0054] Seventhly, the copolymer adhered to the main portion 30A of the body of the third member 30 is immersed in a solution heated from 0°C to 100°C together with the third member 30 to be hydrated and swollen, thus removing the hydrogel from the third member 30.

[0055] Eighth, the resulting hydrogel is immersed in the swollen liquid and molded by means of high-pressure steam sterilization at 110°C to 130°C for 10 to 60 minutes.

[0056] According to molding matrix 1 for an endoscope hood, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to facilitate the release of the endoscope hood after the copolymerization reaction and prevent leakage of liquid during the copolymerization reaction.

[0057] As described above, the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiment described above, but it should be understood that Petition 870250079514, dated 05 / 09 / 2025, page 19 / 58 13 / 13 The present invention is not limited to the description and drawings that form part of the disclosure in such embodiment. Various alternative embodiments, examples and operations will be apparent to those skilled in the art from such disclosure. List of reference signs: molding matrix for endoscope hood, first limb, second limb. 20A hollow cylindrical member third member 30A portion of the main body 30B annular portion 35, 36 projection portion fourth limb 11, 31, 41 first lower surface 12, 32, 42 second lower surface 13, 33, 43 cavity γα outer diameter of the main body portion re outer diameter of the annular portion rw outer diameter of the first member Ro radius of the fourth limb cavity Petition 870250079514, dated 05 / 09 / 2025, page 20 / 58

Claims

1 / 2 CLAIMS 1. Molding matrix for an endoscope hood, characterized in that it comprises: a first cylindrical member having a first lower surface, a second lower surface and an open cylindrical cavity in the second lower surface; two second semi-cylindrical members that are coupled together to form a hollow cylindrical member; a third member comprising a cylindrical portion of the main body having a first lower surface, a second lower surface and an open cylindrical cavity in the second lower surface, and an annular portion disposed on the second lower surface;and a fourth cylindrical member having a first lower surface, a second lower surface, and an open cylindrical cavity in the second lower surface, wherein the hollow cylindrical member is open on both lower surfaces, the hollow cylindrical member is configured such that it is possible to insert the hollow cylindrical member into the cavity of the first member, an outer diameter of the annular portion is greater than the outer diameter of the main body portion, the main body portion is configured such that it is possible to insert the main body portion into the hollow cylindrical member, a radius of the cavity of the fourth member is greater than an outer diameter of the first member, and the first member and the fourth member are engageable with each other.

2. Molding matrix for an endoscope hood, from Petition 870250079514, dated 05 / 09 / 2025, page 21 / 58 2 / 2 according to claim 1, characterized in that a projection portion is provided on the first lower surface of the third member.

3. Method for manufacturing an endoscope cap, wherein a first cylindrical member has a first lower surface, a second lower surface and an open cylindrical cavity in the second lower surface, a third member includes a cylindrical portion of the main body having a first lower surface, a second lower surface and an open cylindrical cavity in the second lower surface, and an annular portion that is provided on the second lower surface and has an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the main body portion, and a fourth cylindrical member has a first lower surface, a second lower surface and an open cylindrical cavity in the second lower surface, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: coupling two second semi-cylindrical members to form a hollow cylindrical member open on both lower surfaces; inserting the hollow cylindrical member into the cavity of the first member;Inject a mixture of monomers containing a hydrophilic monomer into an opening of the hollow cylindrical member; insert the main body portion of the third member into the opening of the hollow cylindrical member; and engage an opening of the fourth member with an outer periphery of the first member to perform the heat treatment. Petition 870250079514, dated 05 / 09 / 2025, page 22 / 58;

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