Roller-free tubular connector that transmits rotational force from the endoscope insertion portion to the spiral tube

Abstract

A tubular connector for use with a spiral tube used on an insertion portion of an endoscope. The tubular connector includes: an outer surface; an inner surface; and a plurality of cams circumferentially spaced apart on the inner surface to protrude radially inward from the inner surface, the plurality of cams extending in the longitudinal direction of the tubular connector; wherein each of the plurality of cams has one or more cam surfaces configured to engage a rotating member to rotate the spiral tube. Alternatively, the plurality of cams may be formed directly on the inner surface of the spiral tube.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a rotational force transmitting connector, and more particularly, to a rollerless tubular connector for transmitting a rotational force from an insertion portion of an endoscope to a spiral tube rotatably disposed on the insertion portion. Background Art

[0002] Typically, an insertion portion of an insertion device, such as an endoscope, is inserted, for example, into a lumen. One known such endoscope that is inserted into a lumen is a self-propelled insertion device.

[0003] In this rotary self-propelled insertion device, a rotating cylinder called a spiral tube is provided, on which spiral fins are formed on a thin-walled tube. The spiral tube is rotatably arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion part of the endoscope. When the spiral tube rotates, the spiral fins contact the inner wall of the inner cavity, thereby generating a propulsion force. By this propulsion force, the insertion part is pushed in the insertion direction or the removal direction.

[0004] Conventional spiral tubes utilize two groups of rollers to rotate around the insertion portion of the endoscope. The first group of rollers is driven by a motor and is inside the insertion portion of the endoscope. The second group of rollers is arranged on the inner portion of the spiral tube, engages with the first group of rollers, and transmits the rotational force from the motor and the first group of rollers to the second group of rollers to rotate the spiral tube. A waterproof cover is arranged between the first and second groups of rollers and attached to the insertion portion of the endoscope to maintain a waterproof state in the insertion portion of the endoscope. This second group of rollers is either directly arranged on the inner surface of the spiral tube or arranged on the inner surface of a connector fastened to the inner surface of the spiral tube. The second group of bearings is usually a machined steel roller bearing, and a precision molded bearing retaining ring is required for placing it, as well as the associated inspection and assembly costs, which constitute a significant total cost of the spiral tube, and the spiral tube is usually a disposable item. Summary of the invention

[0005] Therefore, a tubular connector for use with a spiral tube is provided. The tubular connector comprises: an outer surface; an inner surface; and a plurality of cams circumferentially spaced apart on the inner surface to protrude radially inwardly from the inner surface, the plurality of cams extending in the longitudinal direction of the tubular connector; wherein each of the plurality of cams has one or more cam surfaces configured to engage a rotating member to rotate the spiral tube.

[0006] The plurality of cams may be formed from a different material than the material forming the rest of the tubular connector.

[0007] At least one or more cam surfaces of the plurality of cams may be configured to be coated with a material that is different from a material forming other portions of the tubular connector.

[0008] At least one or more cam surfaces of the plurality of cams may be configured to be formed of a material different from a material forming other portions of the plurality of cams.

[0009] A spiral tube for use with an endoscope insertion portion having a rotating member is also provided. The spiral tube comprises: a tube; a spiral fin disposed on an outer surface of the tube; and a plurality of cams circumferentially spaced apart to protrude radially inwardly from an inner surface of the tube, the plurality of cams extending in a longitudinal direction of the tubular connector; wherein each of the plurality of cams has one or more cam surfaces configured to engage the rotating member to rotate the spiral tube.

[0010] The spiral tube may also include a tubular connector having a plurality of cams, the tubular connector being fixed to the inner surface of the tube. The plurality of cams may be formed of a material different from the material forming the rest of the tubular connector. At least one or more cam surfaces of the plurality of cams may be configured to be coated with a material different from the material forming the rest of the tubular connector. At least one or more cam surfaces of the plurality of cams may be configured to be formed of a material different from the material forming the rest of the plurality of cams.

[0011] An endoscope system is also provided, comprising: an endoscope having an elongated insertion portion, the insertion portion having a rotating member; a spiral tube rotatably disposed on the insertion portion, the spiral tube comprising: a tube; a spiral fin disposed on the outer surface of the tube; and a plurality of cams circumferentially spaced apart to protrude radially inward from the inner surface of the tube, the plurality of cams extending in the longitudinal direction of the tubular connector; wherein each of the plurality of cams has one or more cam surfaces, the one or more cam surfaces being configured to engage the rotating member to rotate the spiral tube.

[0012] The endoscope system may also include a tubular connector having a plurality of cams, the tubular connector being fixed to the inner surface of the tube. The plurality of cams may be formed of a material different from the material forming the other parts of the tubular connector. At least one or more cam surfaces of the plurality of cams may be configured to be coated with a material different from the material forming the other parts of the tubular connector. At least one or more cam surfaces of the plurality of cams may be configured to be formed of a material different from the material forming the other parts of the plurality of cams. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like characters refer to like parts throughout the drawings, and in which:

[0014] Figure 1 An endoscope system is schematically shown having a helical tube rotatably disposed on an insertion portion of the endoscope.

[0015] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 The side surface of the operating portion of the endoscope is shown.

[0016] Figure 3 A cross section in the longitudinal axis direction of a connector including a connector for transmitting a rotational force from an insertion portion to a spiral tube is shown.

[0017] Figure 4 Shown along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG.

[0018] Figure 5 Shown in Figure 1 The connector is used on the inner surface of the spiral tube.

[0019] Figure 6a Shows Figure 4 Other embodiments of the cam surface

[0020] Figure 6b Shows Figure 4 Other embodiments of the cam surface. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Although the disclosed embodiments are particularly suitable for transmitting rotational force from an insertion portion to a spiral tube rotatably disposed on the insertion portion of an endoscope, and will be described below with reference to these embodiments, the devices and methods disclosed herein are not limited thereto, but are applicable to other types of tubular connectors for transmitting rotational force from one component to another through the tubular connector.

[0022] Figure 1 The endoscope apparatus 1 is schematically shown, which includes an endoscope system 10, which includes an endoscope 11 and a spiral tube 100 rotatably arranged on an insertion portion 16 of the endoscope 11. The endoscope 11 is inserted into an insertion object (for example, a serpentine intestinal tract such as a large intestine and a small intestine). The spiral tube 100 assists the endoscope 11 in being inserted into the insertion object. The endoscope system 10 includes the endoscope 11, a controller 12, a light source 13, an input device 14, and a display 15.

[0023] The endoscope 11 includes an insertion portion 16 inserted into the inner cavity and an operating portion 17 arranged on the proximal side of the insertion portion 16. The insertion portion 16 is an elongated tubular body on the distal side of the endoscope and extends in the longitudinal axis direction. The insertion portion 16 includes a distal rigid portion 18, a curved portion 19 arranged on the proximal side of the distal rigid portion 18, and a flexible tube portion 20 arranged on the proximal side of the curved portion 19. An illumination optical system, an observation system, an image sensor, etc., not shown, are included in the distal rigid portion 18. By controlling the operating portion 17 by the user, the curved portion 19 is bent in a desired direction. The flexible tube portion 20 is free to bend, for example, along the curved shape in the inner cavity into which the insertion portion 16 is inserted. In addition, a channel 21 extends inside the insertion portion 16 for inserting a drive shaft 51 therethrough, as described below.

[0024] The operation portion 17 is connected to the flexible tube portion 20 through a stopper 22. An optical fiber (whose distal end is connected to the illumination optical system of the distal rigid portion 18) and a cable (whose distal end is connected to the image sensor of the distal rigid portion 18) and the like extend through the interior of the insertion portion 16 to reach the operation portion 17. These optical fibers and cables are accommodated in a universal cable 23 extending from the proximal end side of the operation portion 17. A scope connector 24 is provided at the proximal end of the universal cable 23. The universal cable 23 is connected to the controller 12 and the light source 13 via the scope connector 24. The operation portion 17 is also provided with a drive source attachment port 25 that communicates with the channel 21 inside the insertion portion 16.

[0025] The controller 12 is electrically connected to the endoscope 11, the light source 13, the input device 14, and the display 15. The controller 12 controls the operation of the endoscope 11 and peripheral devices connected thereto (such as the light source 13 and the drive source 40 explained later). The controller 12 also includes an image processor (not shown). The light source 13 provides illumination light to the illumination optical system arranged in the distal rigid part 18 via an optical fiber. The user uses the input device 14 to input various instructions to the endoscope 11, etc. The display 15 displays an image obtained by the image sensor of the distal rigid part 18 and processed by the controller 12, as well as operation information of the endoscope, etc.

[0026] Figure 2 The operation section 17 of the endoscope 11 is shown. Figure 1 The operation portion 17 includes a treatment tool insertion port 26 that communicates with a treatment tool channel (not shown) extending inside the insertion portion 16. The treatment tool insertion port 26 communicates with the treatment tool channel (not shown) extending inside the insertion portion 16. Figure 1 The driving source attachment ports 25 are shown arranged side by side. A treatment tool such as an ultrasonic probe or biopsy forceps is inserted into the treatment tool insertion port 26 .

[0027] like Figure 2As shown, a bending operation knob 27 is provided on a side surface of the operating portion 17, and an operation for bending the bending portion 19 in a desired direction is input to the bending operation knob 27. Inside the operating portion 17, a proximal end of a bending wire (not shown) for bending the bending portion 19 is connected to a shaft connected to the bending operation knob 27. A distal end of the bending wire is connected to a distal end portion of the bending portion 19. When the user rotates the bending operation knob 27, the bending wire connected thereto is pulled and causes the bending portion 19 to bend.

[0028] The operation portion 17 is provided with various switches 28, 29, 30 and 31, such as an air supply / water supply switch, a suction switch, a shooting switch and a conversion switch for switching other predetermined functions. In addition, the operation portion 17 is provided with a rotation operation input switch 32 to output a signal for rotating the spiral tube 100 around the central axis A1 of the insertion portion 16 to the controller 12. When the user, for example, presses the position indicated by the reference numeral 32a, the rotation operation input switch 32 outputs a signal for rotating the spiral tube 100 in a first direction (e.g., clockwise), and when the position indicated by the reference numeral 32b is pressed, a signal for rotating the spiral tube 100 in a second direction (e.g., counterclockwise) opposite to the first direction is output to the control unit 12.

[0029] Refer again Figure 1 , a driving source 40 is attached to the driving source attachment port 25 for rotating and driving the spiral tube 100 around the central axis A1. The driving source 40 includes a motor body 41 having a rotating shaft and a motor cable 42 extending from the motor body 41. The outer periphery of the motor body 41 is retained on the driving source attachment port 25 by a retaining ring (not shown). The rotating shaft of the motor body 41 is connected to a driving shaft 51 described below. The proximal end of the motor cable 42 is electrically connected to the controller 12.

[0030] Refer to below Figure 1 The spiral tube 100 will be described. The spiral tube 100 includes a cylindrical tube body 110. The tube body 110 is a disposable tube detachably attached to the outer periphery of the insertion part 16. The tube body 110 extends along the longitudinal axis A2. When the tube body 110 is attached to the insertion part 16, the longitudinal axis A2 is coaxial with the above-mentioned rotation center axis A1. The tube body 110 is provided with an inner cavity 111 through which the insertion part 16 can be inserted over the entire length.

[0031] The pipe body 110 is a flexible pipe formed of a resin material such as polyurethane. The spiral fin 112 is formed on at least a portion of the outer periphery of the pipe body 110, and the spiral fin 112 is arranged in a clockwise spiral as viewed from the proximal direction. The spiral fin 112 is fixed to the pipe body 110 by bonding or welding, or is formed integrally with the pipe body 110, and protrudes from the outer periphery of the pipe body 110 in the radial direction. The spiral fin 112 is formed of, for example, polyurethane, TPE, silicon, etc.

[0032] The following will refer to Figure 3 , with respect to the driving force transmission mechanism 70, the attachment of the tube main body 110 of the spiral tube 100 and the insertion portion 16 (flexible tube portion 20) will be described. Figure 3 A cross section of the driving force transmission mechanism 70 including the tube main body 110 for rotating and driving the spiral tube 100 in the longitudinal axis direction is shown. Figure 4 It is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. Figure 3 As shown, the flexible tube portion 20 has a first flexible tube portion 20a and a second flexible tube portion 20b closer to the proximal side of the flexible tube portion 20 than the first flexible tube portion 20a. The first flexible tube portion 20a and the second flexible tube portion 20b are connected by a rigid base 33 arranged therebetween. At the insertion portion 16, a cavity 34 is formed in the base 33.

[0033] A stopper member 35 is provided on the outer periphery of the base 33. A receiving surface 36 is formed on the stopper member 35, against which the proximal end portion of the pipe main body 110 abuts. This prevents the pipe main body 110 from moving toward the proximal side when the pipe main body 110 is attached to the insertion portion 16. In addition, an annular engagement member 37 is provided on the outer periphery of the base 33, on which an annular groove 38 is formed. A claw 113 that engages with the groove 38 is provided on the pipe main body 110. When the pipe main body 110 is attached to the insertion portion 16, by engaging the groove 38 with the claw 113, the movement of the pipe main body 110 in the longitudinal direction is regulated.

[0034] A flexible drive shaft 51, a rotating gear 52, an internal gear 53, and an internal roller 54 (rotating member) having a circumferential surface are provided on the insertion portion 16 of the endoscope 11. Figure 4 In FIG. 5 , six inner rollers 54 are shown. However, the number of rollers is not limited to six.

[0035] like Figure 1As shown, the proximal end of the drive shaft 51 is connected to the rotating shaft of the motor body 41. The drive shaft 51 is arranged on the channel 21, and the channel 21 extends inside the insertion part 16. The drive shaft 51 is obtained by, for example, superimposing multiple layers obtained by braiding metal wires into a cylindrical mesh shape, or is formed by superimposing multiple layers of wire obtained by superimposing right-winding wires and left-winding wires, and has rotational fluidity relative to the motor body 41.

[0036] The rotating gear 52 is provided at the distal end of the driving shaft 51. The rotating gear 52 is arranged in the cavity 34 of the base 33, and has a proximal side attached to the driving shaft 51 and a distal side attached to the base 33 via support members 55, respectively. When a rotational force around the longitudinal axis is applied to the proximal end of the driving shaft 51, the driving shaft 51 rotates the rotating gear 52. An internal gear 53 is arranged on the outer periphery of the rotating gear 52, which covers the base 33 and is attached to the outer periphery of the base 33. The external teeth of the rotating gear 52 are meshed with the internal teeth of the internal gear 53. The internal gear 53 can rotate relative to the base 33 around the longitudinal axis as the rotation axis. The shaft 56 of the inner roller 54 is attached to the internal gear 53.

[0037] When the driving force from the motor body 41 of the driving source 40 is transmitted to the driving shaft 51, the rotating gear 52 rotates, and the internal gear 53 meshing with the rotating gear 52 rotates (revolves) in the circumferential direction. When the internal gear 53 rotates in the circumferential direction, the inner roller 54 rotates (revolves) in the circumferential direction.

[0038] On the outer periphery of the insertion portion 16, the inner gear 53 and the inner roller 54 are covered by a covering 60, which is a flexible cover member, such as formed of rubber. In other words, the covering 60 is formed into a cylindrical shape around its axis. The covering 60 is fixed to the base 33 at both ends in the longitudinal axis direction by a cover fixing member 61 (for example, by thread winding adhesion). The covering 60 is a waterproof cover member that provides a barrier or seal for protecting the inner gear 53, the inner roller 54 and other components arranged inside the insertion portion 16 from the external environment (preventing the intrusion of liquid, water or other liquids from the inside of the body cavity), and constitutes the outer cover of the insertion portion 16. The covering 60 allows the interior of the insertion portion 16 of the endoscope 11 to be kept watertight.

[0039] Cams 114 are arranged on the radially outer side of the cover 60, which correspond to each inner roller 54 and each engage the corresponding inner roller 54 to configure the driving force transmission mechanism 70. The cams 114 are provided on the inner periphery of the pipe main body 110 attached to the outer periphery of the insertion portion 16. The cams 114 may be integrally formed on the inner diameter of the pipe main body, or as Figure 5As shown, the tubular connector 200 is formed on the inner diameter of the pipe body 110, such as by ultrasonic welding, bonding, interference fit, etc. The tubular connector 200 and the spiral tube 100 attached thereto are assembled on the insertion portion 16, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 shown.

[0040] like Figure 5 As shown, the connector 200 includes an outer surface 202, which is fixed to the interior of the spiral tube 100 by methods known in the art, such as ultrasonic welding, bonding and interference fit. The connector 200 also includes an inner hole 204, which has a cam 114 protruding radially inward from the hole 204. The number of cams 114 matches the number of inner rollers 54. The cam 114 has cam surfaces 114a, 114b for engaging with the inner rollers 54. In the clockwise rotation direction of the spiral tube, one of the cam surfaces 114a, 114b engages with the inner roller 54, and in the counterclockwise rotation direction of the spiral tube, the other of the cam surfaces 114a, 114b engages with the inner roller 54.

[0041] The cam 114 may be integrally formed with the wall 206 of the connector 200, or may be formed separately therefrom and inserted into a corresponding slot 208 formed in the wall 206. Such a separately formed cam 114 may be secured in the slot 208 by any method known in the art, such as by insert molding, ultrasonic welding, bonding, or interference fit.

[0042] exist Figure 4 In the embodiment, six inner rollers 54 and six cams 114 are arranged at approximately equal intervals on the circumference of the hole 204, and the state is such that one inner roller 54 contacts one corresponding cam 114 with the cover 60 interposed therebetween. Figure 4 In other words, the inner periphery of the cover 60 contacts the inner roller 54 , and the outer periphery of the cover 60 contacts the cam 114 .

[0043] When the driving source 40 is driven, the driving force is transmitted from the driving source 40 via the driving shaft 51, the rotating gear 52 and the internal gear 53, so that the inner roller 54 rotates (revolves) around the rotation axis A1 (the axis of rotation). When the cam 114 slides on the cover 60, the inner roller 54 rolls (rotates) on the cover 60. Since the cover 60 is fixed to the base 33 by the cover fixing member 61, the cover 60 does not rotate relative to the insertion portion 16. However, the rotational movement of the internal gear 53 from the inner roller 54 is transmitted to the corresponding cam 114 adjacent to the inner roller 54 through the cover 60. Therefore, the driving force from the driving source 40 is transmitted from the driving force transmission mechanism 70 (driving shaft 51, rotating gear 52, internal gear 53, inner roller 54, cover 60 and cam 114) to the spiral tube 100, and the spiral tube 100 rotates around the rotation axis A1 and is driven. For example, when observing a curved organ such as the small intestine or large intestine, the spiral tube 100 advances while pushing the intestinal wall adjacent to the spiral fin 112 of the rotating tube body 110 toward the proximal side of the insertion portion 16 and helping the insertion portion 16 to be inserted deeply along the curved organ.

[0044] In this way, the endoscope apparatus 1 is provided with a driving force transmission mechanism 70 for rotating the spiral tube 100 attached to the outer periphery of the insertion portion 16 around the axis of the insertion portion 16. The driving force transmission mechanism 70 includes a first portion (an inner roller 54, or a bearing portion of a shaft 56 of the inner roller 54) which is connected to the driving source 40 and moves in a circumferential direction around a predetermined axis (here, the longitudinal axis of the insertion portion 16) by a driving force from the driving source 40. The driving force transmission mechanism 70 also includes a second portion (a cam 114) which is capable of moving in a circumferential direction around a predetermined axis and moves in a predetermined axial direction by contacting the first portion when the first portion moves. The cover 60 is arranged between the first portion and the second portion.

[0045] The material of the cam 114 should be selected to minimize the frictional resistance on the drive source 40 and minimize the torque required to operate the force transfer mechanism 70. In order to minimize the wear of the cam 114 during use, as well as the cumulative wear on the cover 60 of the endoscope, the material can be selected for the cam 114 to minimize friction and wear characteristics. However, it is not necessary to consider mechanical integrity and assembly for the selected material. For example, a material from the fluoropolymer group or the low friction polyester group can be selected. Such a material, such as HDPE, can balance all of the above requirements of the cam 114 and other parts of the spiral tube 100 or the connector 200. In one configuration, the spiral tube 100 can be formed of LDPE, and the connector 200 can be formed of HDPE, which enables the connector 200 to be ultrasonically welded to the spiral tube 100. This material also provides a suitable claw 113 engagement for locking the spiral tube 100 and the connector 200 to the groove 38 of the endoscope.

[0046] The integral cam 114 of the spiral tube 100 or connector 200 can be molded and eliminates the cost of conventional machined steel roller bearings, precision molded bearing retaining rings, and parts inspection and assembly time. In addition, the transmission efficiency is comparable to conventional bearing designs and, as described above, results in a significant reduction in component, assembly and inspection costs.

[0047] As mentioned above about Figure 5 As discussed above, the outer cam 114 may be formed separately from the wall 206 of the connector 200, and the wall 206 may be a material different from that of the connector 200. Alternatively, as Figure 6a As shown, only the cam surfaces 114a, 114b of the inner cam 114 that contacts the cover 60 can be made of another material 114c, 114d with lower friction and / or greater wear characteristics, while the requirements for other parts of the spiral tube 100 or connector 200 can be maximized, such as using cheaper materials, tolerances and / or materials that are easier to manufacture, and / or stronger materials. The spiral tube 100 or connector 200 requires rigidity in the locking structure, such as at the claw 113, to ensure that the spiral tube 100 remains on the mating groove 38 of the insertion part under tensile load. In this case, materials such as high-strength engineering polymers or reinforced polymers can be used. However, such materials often have the poor friction characteristics required for the cam 114 on the spiral tube 100 or connector 200.

[0048] For cam 114 or Figure 6a The material with lower friction and / or greater wear shown only for the cam surfaces 114a, 114b can have a different material 114c, 114d that is different from the other parts of the same cam 114. Such a material can be selected from the group of fluoropolymers or the group of low friction polyesters and can be formed at the cam surfaces 114a, 114b of the cam 114 by any method known in the art, such as a two-shot or insert molding process to distinguish the cam 114 and / or the cam surfaces 114a, 114b from the rest of the spiral tube 100 or connector 200, thereby being able to form a preferred material at the friction point while maintaining the desired material for other parts. The different materials 114c, 114d for the cam surfaces 114a, 114b can also be snapped into place, ultrasonically welded, or extruded with an interference fit.

[0049] In addition, if Figure 6bAs shown, surface texture and / or pattern 210 can be added to the cam surface 114a, 114b to maintain a lubricant film between the cam surface and the cover 60. This can be achieved by conventional mold polishing techniques or post-molding embossing. Such surface texture and / or pattern 210 can be used on the above-mentioned insert, or on the cam surface material 114c, 114d of the cam 114 that is integrally formed with the rest of the spiral tube 100 or connector 200.

[0050] In another embodiment, the cam surfaces 114a, 114b may be porous and infused with a water soluble lubricant to avoid exposure to water during use. For example, such porosity may be produced by additive manufacturing methods.

[0051] Although what is considered to be the preferred embodiment has been shown and described, it should of course be understood that various modifications and changes in form or details can be easily made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the exact form described and shown, but should be constructed to cover all modifications that may fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A tubular connector for use with a spiral tube, the tubular connector comprising: External surface; Inner surface; as well as a plurality of cams circumferentially spaced apart on the inner surface to protrude radially inwardly from the inner surface, the plurality of cams extending in the longitudinal direction of the tubular connector; wherein each of the plurality of cams has one or more cam surfaces configured to engage a rotating member to rotate the helical tube; The one or more cam surfaces are fixed relative to the inner surface; and Each cam is movable relative to the rotating member.

2. The tubular connector according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of cams are formed of a material that is different from the material forming the rest of the tubular connector.

3. The tubular connector according to claim 1, wherein: At least one or more cam surfaces of the plurality of cams are configured to be coated with a material that is different from a material forming other portions of the tubular connector.

4. The tubular connector according to claim 1, wherein: At least one or more cam surfaces of the plurality of cams are configured to be formed of a material different from a material forming other portions of the plurality of cams.

5. A helical tube for use with an insertion portion of an endoscope having a rotating member, the helical tube comprising: Tube; spiral fins disposed on the outer surface of the tube; as well as a plurality of cams circumferentially spaced apart to protrude radially inwardly from the inner surface of the tube, the plurality of cams extending in the longitudinal direction of the tubular connector; wherein each of the plurality of cams has one or more cam surfaces configured to engage a rotating member to rotate the helical tube; The one or more cam surfaces are fixed relative to the inner surface; and Each cam is movable relative to the rotating member.

6. The spiral tube of claim 5, further comprising a tubular connector having the plurality of cams, the tubular connector being fixed to an inner surface of the tube.

7. The spiral tube according to claim 6, wherein: The plurality of cams are formed of a material that is different from the material forming the rest of the tubular connector.

8. The spiral tube according to claim 6, wherein: At least one or more cam surfaces of the plurality of cams are configured to be coated with a material that is different from a material forming other portions of the tubular connector.

9. The spiral tube according to claim 6, wherein: At least one or more cam surfaces of the plurality of cams are configured to be formed of a material different from a material forming other portions of the plurality of cams.

10. An endoscope system, comprising: an endoscope having an elongated insertion portion having a rotating member; The spiral tube is rotatably arranged on the insertion part, and the spiral tube includes: Tube; spiral fins disposed on the outer surface of the tube; and a plurality of cams circumferentially spaced apart to protrude radially inwardly from the inner surface of the tube, the plurality of cams extending in the longitudinal direction of the tubular connector; wherein each of the plurality of cams has one or more cam surfaces configured to engage a rotating member to rotate the helical tube; The one or more cam surfaces are fixed relative to the inner surface; and Each cam is movable relative to the rotating member.

11. The endoscopic system of claim 10, further comprising a tubular connector having the plurality of cams, the tubular connector being fixed to an inner surface of the tube.

12. The endoscope system according to claim 11, wherein: The plurality of cams are formed of a material that is different from the material forming the rest of the tubular connector.

13. The endoscope system according to claim 11, wherein: At least one or more cam surfaces of the plurality of cams are configured to be coated with a material that is different from a material forming other portions of the tubular connector.

14. The endoscope system according to claim 11, wherein: At least one or more cam surfaces of the plurality of cams are configured to be formed of a material different from a material forming other portions of the plurality of cams.

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