Method for manufacturing flexible tube for endoscope, endoscope, and core material

Abstract

A manufacturing method of a flexible tube for an endoscope, an endoscope, and a core material, which can maintain a high-cleanliness work environment without using a friction-reducing agent, can ensure internal cleanliness of the flexible tube, and can contribute to improvement of productivity, the manufacturing method of the flexible tube for the endoscope having the following steps: a spiral tube (6) formed by winding a metal band spirally on an outer periphery of a core material (1) in a state where the core material is elongated in a long axis direction, the core material being obtained by tightly covering a first mesh tube (3) on an outer periphery of a rod-shaped resin member (2) having elasticity and stretchability; covering a second mesh tube (8) on an outer periphery of the spiral tube; covering resin (10a) on an outer periphery of the second mesh tube to form an outer skin (10), and allowing the resin to permeate through the second mesh tube to a surface of the spiral tube; and pulling out only the core material (1) from a layered tubular member (11) composed of the core material, the spiral tube, and the second mesh tube, and having an outer periphery covered with the outer skin.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a method of manufacturing an endoscope flexible tube, an endoscope provided with an endoscope flexible tube manufactured using the method of manufacturing an endoscope flexible tube, and a core material used in the manufacturing of an endoscope flexible tube. BACKGROUND

[0002] In conventional flexible endoscopes, for example, a general-purpose flexible wire, a flexible tube portion of an insertion portion, and the like are configured to have a flexible tube having flexibility. Such an endoscope flexible tube is generally configured by, for example, a layered tubular member in which a spiral tube, a mesh tube, and an outer skin are sequentially layered from an inner peripheral side.

[0003] Further, as a method of manufacturing an endoscope flexible tube in this form, various proposals have been made and put into practical use by, for example, Japanese Patent No. 3490647 and the like.

[0004] In the method of manufacturing an endoscope flexible tube disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 3490647 and the like, a spiral tube is wound around the outer peripheral surface of a core material after a friction-reducing agent (powder such as boron) is applied to the outer peripheral surface of the core material. The friction-reducing agent is applied in order to improve workability when the spiral tube is fitted around the outer periphery of the core material or when the core material is finally pulled out from the layered tubular member in which the spiral tube, the mesh tube, and the outer skin are sequentially formed around the core material.

[0005] However, the friction-reducing agent used in the method of manufacturing an endoscope flexible tube disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 3490647 and the like is scattered into the surrounding environment during manufacturing, which can deteriorate the work environment. In addition, the friction-reducing agent can adhere to a region other than a prescribed application region during the manufacturing of the flexible tube. In this case, there is a problem in that work such as cleaning or wiping of the friction-reducing agent adhering to the region other than the prescribed application region is required. Furthermore, the friction-reducing agent can remain inside the flexible tube (inside the spiral tube, and the like). The friction-reducing agent remaining inside the flexible tube leaks to the outside during the assembly process of the endoscope, which can impair the appearance of the product. In this case, work such as wiping of the friction-reducing agent is also required.

[0006] In the case of a so-called single-use endoscope that is discarded after being used only once, assembly and the like are generally performed in an environment in which cleanliness is maintained in a clean room or the like in order to suppress the mixing of foreign matter, bacteria, and the like during manufacturing.

[0007] In this case, if the conventional manufacturing method disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 3490647 and the like is applied, the friction-reducing agent can be scattered into the surrounding environment. Therefore, there is a problem in that it is not possible to maintain the cleanliness of the environment in the clean room or the like, and the manufacturing environment can be adversely affected.

[0008] Also, in the single-use endoscope, in consideration of internal sterilization processing and the like, a structure in which a flexible tube portion, a general-purpose flexible cord, or the like does not form a liquid-tight structure is sometimes adopted. In this case, if a friction-reducing agent or the like remains or adheres inside the flexible tube, the friction-reducing agent or the like can possibly leak to the outside at the time of carrying or the like. Therefore, in the case of the single-use endoscope, it is desirable to avoid the use of a friction-reducing agent or the like in the manufacturing process.

[0009] Therefore, in order to manufacture a flexible tube without using a friction-reducing agent, it is considered to use a hard rod-shaped member such as a metal raw material (for example, SUS or the like) using a material having good surface smoothness as a core material. However, in a core material composed of such a hard member, there is a problem in that it is difficult to continuously form an outer skin layer of a flexible tube in a state in which a plurality of core materials are connected, and the productivity is reduced. SUMMARY

[0010] An object of the present application is to provide a manufacturing method of an endoscope flexible tube, an endoscope provided with an endoscope flexible tube manufactured using the manufacturing method of the endoscope flexible tube, and a core material used at the time of manufacturing the endoscope flexible tube, which can maintain a high-cleanliness work environment without using a friction-reducing agent, can ensure the internal cleanliness of the endoscope flexible tube after manufacturing is completed, and can also contribute to an increase in productivity.

[0011] To achieve the above object, a manufacturing method of an endoscope flexible tube of one embodiment of the present application has the following steps: a spiral tube formed by winding a metal band spirally around the outer periphery of a core material in a state in which the core material is elongated in the long axis direction, the core material being obtained by tightly covering a first mesh tube around the outer periphery of a rod-shaped resin member having elasticity and stretchability; covering a second mesh tube around the outer periphery of the spiral tube; forming an outer skin by covering resin around the outer periphery of the second mesh tube; and pulling out only the core material from a layered tubular member composed of the core material, the spiral tube, and the second mesh tube, the outer periphery of the layered tubular member being covered with the outer skin.

[0012] An endoscope of one embodiment of the present application includes an insertion portion to be inserted into a subject, an operation portion, and a general-purpose flexible cord, and has: a spiral tube that is fitted around the outer periphery of a core material in a state in which the core material is elongated in the long axis direction, the spiral tube being formed by winding a metal band spirally, the core material being obtained by tightly covering a first mesh tube around the outer periphery of a rod-shaped resin member having elasticity and stretchability; a second mesh tube that is covered around the outer periphery of the spiral tube; and an outer skin that is formed by covering resin around the outer periphery of the second mesh tube, a flexible tube manufactured using a manufacturing method in which only the core material is pulled out from a layered tubular member composed of the core material, the spiral tube, and the second mesh tube, the outer periphery of the layered tubular member being covered with the outer skin, is applied to the insertion portion or the general-purpose flexible cord.

[0013] The core material of one embodiment of the present application is used when manufacturing an endoscope flexible tube made of a spiral tube, a mesh tube, and a resin outer skin, and is in a rod shape. The core material includes a rod-shaped resin member having elasticity and stretchability and having a predetermined length, and another mesh tube obtained by forming a metal mesh formed by bundling a plurality of metal wires into a tubular shape having a predetermined length, the mesh tube being formed so as to tightly cover the outer circumference of the rod-shaped resin member.

[0014] Objects and benefits of the present application will become more apparent from the following detailed description.

[0015] According to the present application, it is possible to provide a method for manufacturing an endoscope flexible tube, an endoscope provided with an endoscope flexible tube manufactured by the method for manufacturing an endoscope flexible tube, and a core material used when manufacturing an endoscope flexible tube, which can maintain a high-cleanliness work environment without using a friction-reducing agent, can ensure the internal cleanliness of the manufactured endoscope flexible tube, and can also contribute to an increase in productivity. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 is an external view schematically showing the entire structure of an endoscope system including an endoscope to which an endoscope flexible tube manufactured by the method for manufacturing an endoscope flexible tube of one embodiment of the present application is applied.

[0017] Figure 2 is a view showing the first half of a manufacturing process in the method for manufacturing an endoscope flexible tube of one embodiment of the present application.

[0018] Figure 3 is a view showing the structure of a core material used when manufacturing a flexible tube by the method for manufacturing an endoscope flexible tube of one embodiment of the present application.

[0019] Figure 4 is a view showing the third step of a manufacturing process in the method for manufacturing an endoscope flexible tube of one embodiment of the present application.

[0020] Figure 5 is a view showing the third step of a manufacturing process in the method for manufacturing an endoscope flexible tube of one embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The present application will be described below through an embodiment shown in the drawings. Each drawing used in the following description is schematically represented, and the size relationship, scale, and the like of each component are sometimes represented differently for each component in order to represent each component in a size recognizable on the drawing. Therefore, the number of each component, the shape of each component, the ratio of the size of each component, the relative positional relationship of each component, and the like described with respect to each drawing of the present application are not limited only to the illustrated mode.

[0022] First, before explaining the manufacturing method of the flexible tube for an endoscope of one embodiment of the present application, the outline structure of an endoscope to which the flexible tube for an endoscope manufactured by the manufacturing method is applied and an endoscope system including the endoscope will be briefly explained.

[0023] Figure 1 is an external view schematically showing the overall structure of an endoscope to which a flexible tube for an endoscope manufactured by the manufacturing method of the flexible tube for an endoscope of one embodiment of the present application is applied and an endoscope system including the endoscope. The structure of the endoscope system is basically the same as that of a general endoscope system of the past.

[0024] As shown in Figure 1 , the endoscope system 101 is mainly composed of an endoscope 102, a video processor 103, a light source device 104, a monitor device 105, and the like.

[0025] The endoscope 102 is an observation device that observes the inside of a body cavity of a subject such as a living body and captures an image of the inside of the body. The endoscope 102 is configured to have an insertion portion 106, an operation portion 107, a general-purpose cord 108, and the like.

[0026] The insertion portion 106 is a constituent unit composed of an elongated tube shape that is inserted into the body cavity of a subject or the like. The insertion portion 106 is configured to have a hard front end portion 106a provided on the front end side, a bendable bend portion 106b provided on the rear end of the front end portion 106a, and a long flexible tube portion 106c provided on the rear end of the bend portion 106b.

[0027] The operation portion 107 is provided on the base end side of the insertion portion 106 and is a constituent unit provided with various operation components that are held by a surgeon to perform the operation of the endoscope.

[0028] One end of the general-purpose cord 108 extends from the side portion of the operation portion 107 and is a constituent unit composed of an elongated tube shape. A connector 109 is provided on the other end of the general-purpose cord 108. The connector 109 is provided with an electrical contact portion and is a connection component that is detachably connected with respect to the light source device 104.

[0029] One end of the connection cable 110 is connected to the side of the connector 109. The other end of the connection cable 110 is connected to the video processor 103.

[0030] A camera element, an illuminating device, and the like are provided at the front end portion 106a of the insertion portion 106. Signal lines, optical fibers, and the like extending from these camera element, illuminating device, and the like are inserted inside the insertion portion 106, the operation portion 107, and the general-purpose cord 108, and are connected to the light source device 104 and the video processor 103 via the connector 109 and the connection cable 110.

[0031] The video processor 103 is a processor that receives a camera signal from the endoscope 102 and performs prescribed image processing. The video processor 103 is connected to the monitor device 105 via a connection cable not shown. Thus, an image signal for display obtained by the video processor 103 performing prescribed image processing is output to the monitor device 105. The monitor device 105 receives the image signal, and displays an image inside a body cavity taken by the endoscope 102.

[0032] The light source device 104 is a device that supplies illumination light for illuminating a subject. The illumination light supplied from the light source device 104 is transmitted to the front end portion 106a of the insertion portion 106 via an optical fiber inserted through the connector 109, the general-purpose cord 108, the operation portion 107, and the insertion portion 106. Then, the illumination light is irradiated toward the subject from the front surface of the front end portion 106a.

[0033] In the endoscope 102 included in the endoscope system 101 of such a structure, the flexible tube portion 106c of the insertion portion 106 and the general-purpose cord 108 are formed in an elongated tube shape that is long and flexible. In this case, in order to protect the signal cable and the like inserted inside while securing the flexibility of the flexible tube portion 106c and the general-purpose cord 108, an endoscope flexible tube is applied to the flexible tube portion 106c and the general-purpose cord 108 in the endoscope 102.

[0034] Here, the endoscope flexible tube generally has a configuration in which a spiral tube, a mesh tube, and an outer skin are laminated to form a tube shape. In this case, the spiral tube is formed in a tube shape by winding a thin plate-shaped member composed of metal, formed in a band shape, and having elasticity, in a spiral shape. The mesh tube is obtained by forming a metal mesh formed by bundling a plurality of metal wires into a tube shape, and is fitted to the outer periphery of the spiral tube. The outer skin is formed by curing a resin material, for example, and covers the outer peripheral surface of the mesh tube.

[0035] Next, the following uses Figures 2-5 A manufacturing method of the endoscope flexible tube of one embodiment of the present application will be described. Figures 2-5is a view that explains a manufacturing method of a flexible tube for an endoscope that is one embodiment of the present application. In this view, Figure 2 indicates the first half of a manufacturing process in the manufacturing method of the flexible tube for an endoscope of the present embodiment. Figure 3 is a view that indicates the structure of a core material used when a flexible tube is manufactured by the manufacturing method of the flexible tube for an endoscope of the present embodiment. Figure 4 , Figure 5 is a view that shows the third process of the manufacturing process in the manufacturing method of the flexible tube for an endoscope of the present embodiment.

[0036] First, in Figure 2 , the symbol [2A] indicates the first process in the manufacturing method of the flexible tube for an endoscope of the present embodiment.

[0037] This first process is a process of winding the spiral tube 6 on the outer periphery of the core material 1 in a state where the core material 1 is elongated in the longitudinal direction.

[0038] Here, the core material 1 is a rod-shaped member that has a prescribed length set to be slightly longer than the length of the flexible tube for an endoscope (refer to Figure 1 ) to be manufactured later, and the spiral tube 6 is wound on the outer peripheral surface of this rod-shaped member in the first process in the manufacturing method. That is, the core material 1 is a member that becomes a base for the shape of the flexible tube to be manufactured.

[0039] As shown in Figure 3 , the core material 1 is mainly composed of a rod-shaped resin member 2, a first mesh tube 3, a lap belt 4, and a coupling ring 5.

[0040] In addition, in Figure 3 , the symbol [3A] indicates a plan view of the core material. The symbol [3B] of this Figure 3 indicates a cross section along the [C] - [C] line. The symbol [3C] of this Figure 3 is a view that indicates the surface of the core material in detail. The symbol [3D] of this Figure 3 indicates an enlarged cross section (a cross section along the [D] - [D] line) of the core material.

[0041] The rod-shaped resin member 2 has elasticity and stretchability and is composed of a resin member (for example, a silicone rubber, a fluororubber material, or a synthetic resin material, etc.) that is integrally formed in a rod shape (for example, a cylindrical shape or a tubular shape, etc.).

[0042] It should be noted that the rod-shaped resin component 2 is more preferably made of a raw material with further heat resistance. That is, in the third step described later, a thermoplastic resin 10a (hereinafter simply referred to as resin 10a) in a molten state is coated on the outer periphery of the second intermediate product 9. At this time, the core material 1 is disposed inside the second intermediate product 9. When the outer skin 10 is coated on the outer periphery of the second intermediate product 9 using the extrusion molding machine 24, the outer periphery of the second intermediate product 9 is coated with molten resin 10a at, for example, about 250 degrees Celsius. This heat may be transferred to the rod-shaped resin component 2 of the internal core material 1. Therefore, taking this into consideration, the rod-shaped resin component 2 of the core material 1 is preferably made of a raw material with specified heat resistance.

[0043] The first mesh tube 3 is formed, for example, by forming a metal mesh into a tube shape from a bundle of braided wires, which is formed by bundling multiple metal wires together.

[0044] Furthermore, the core material 1 is formed by tightly covering the outer periphery of the rod-shaped resin component 2 with the first mesh tube 3. In this case, the first mesh tube 3 is compressed at both ends of the core material 1 and fixed by the overlap band 4. In addition, connecting rings 5 ​​are provided at both ends of the core material 1. These connecting rings 5 ​​are used to connect multiple core materials 1 in the second or third step (described later) of the manufacturing method of the endoscope flexible tube in this embodiment.

[0045] Furthermore, the core material 1 is formed to be slightly longer than the spiral tube 6. For example, the total length of the core material 1 is set to be approximately 50 to 100 mm longer than the spiral tube 6. That is, as... Figure 2 As shown, when the spiral tube 6 is fitted onto the core material 1, both ends of the core material 1 protrude from both ends of the spiral tube 6. Figure 2 The length is indicated by the symbol L. In this case, L is preferably around 25 to 50 mm.

[0046] Furthermore, the outer diameter of the core material 1 is set to be approximately equal to or larger than the inner diameter of the spiral tube 6. For example, as Figure 2 As shown, when the outer diameter of the core material 1 is designated as D1 and the inner diameter of the spiral tube 6 is designated as D2, and both the core material 1 and the spiral tube 6 are in their natural state,

[0047] The relationship is set as D1≥D2.

[0048] In addition, the first mesh tube 3 in the core material 1 is preferably configured as Figure 3 The braiding angle N shown is in the range of 40° to 70°. Furthermore, it is more preferable to set the braiding angle of the first mesh tube 3 in the core material 1 to the range of 50° to 65°.

[0049] In the first step of the manufacturing method of the flexible endoscope tube of this embodiment using the core material 1 configured in this way, the spiral tube 6 is fitted around the outer periphery of the core material 1. Here, the spiral tube 6 is formed into a tubular shape by winding a metal strip into a spiral.

[0050] First, such as Figure 2 As indicated by symbol [2A], the core material 1 is fixed to the fixing table 21 (e.g., a vise) of the fixing tension clamp 20. The wire 22 is connected to the connecting ring 5 of the core material 1 while it is fixed to the fixing table 21. At this time, the core material 1 and the wire 22 are aligned in their respective axial directions. Then, the wire 22 is inserted into the spiral tube 6. Furthermore, the spiral tube 6 is pre-formed into a tube shape.

[0051] In this state, if wire 22 is axially upward... Figure 2 When stretched in the direction of arrow X1, the core material 1 becomes a reduced-diameter state. In this case, the braiding angle of the first mesh tube 3 of the core material 1 changes due to stretching and compression. Thus, even the core material 1, whose outer periphery is covered by the first mesh tube 3, can expand and contract axially.

[0052] Thus, when the core material 1 is reduced in diameter by the wire 22, the outer diameter of the core material 1 is smaller than the inner diameter of the spiral tube 6 (D1 < D2). While maintaining the reduced diameter state of the core material 1, the spiral tube 6 is directed towards... Figure 3 The spiral tube 6 is positioned at a predetermined position on the outer periphery of the core material 1 by moving the arrow in the X2 direction.

[0053] After the spiral tube 6 is positioned at a predetermined location on the outer periphery of the core material 1, the tensile force on the core material 1 is released. As a result, the reduced diameter state of the core material 1 returns to its normal state. Thus, the core material 1 returns from the reduced diameter state to the normal state indicated by the outer diameter D1.

[0054] Here, as described above, when both the core material 1 and the spiral tube 6 are in their natural state, they are in a relationship of D1 ≥ D2. Furthermore, the core material 1 possesses elasticity and extensibility. Therefore, the diameter ratio... Figure 2 The core material 1 and the small spiral tube 6 are reliably fixed on the outer periphery of the core material 1.

[0055] Through this first process, the product is manufactured. Figure 2 The first intermediate manufactured product 7 is indicated by symbols [2B] and [2C]. Here, Figure 2 The symbol [2B] represents a top view of the first intermediate manufactured product 7. Figure 2 The symbol [2C] indicates the cross-section of the first intermediate manufactured product 7 along the line [A] to [A]. It should be noted that the first intermediate manufactured product 7 is a rod-shaped component configured to have a spiral tube 6 fitted around the outer periphery of the core material 1 at a specified position.

[0056] Next, the second step in the manufacturing method of the flexible tube for endoscope according to this embodiment is carried out. Figure 2 In the text, the symbols [2D] and [2E] represent the second intermediate product 9 manufactured by the second step in the manufacturing method of the flexible tube for endoscopes of this embodiment.

[0057] The second process is to manufacture the second intermediate product 9 by attaching the second mesh tube 8 to the outer periphery of the first intermediate product 7 (i.e., the outer periphery of the spiral tube 6) manufactured in the first process.

[0058] The second mesh tube 8 is similar to the first mesh tube 3, for example, it is formed by forming a metal mesh into a tube shape from a bundle of braided wires, which is formed by bundling multiple metal wires together.

[0059] In the second process, the second mesh tube 8 is arranged to cover the outer periphery of the first intermediate product 7 (spiral tube 6). The two ends of the second mesh tube 8 are secured using overlapping straps 4 in the contracted state. Furthermore, connecting rings 5 ​​are formed at the ends.

[0060] Through this second process, it is manufactured Figure 2 The second intermediate manufactured product 9 is indicated by the symbols [2D] and [2E]. Here, Figure 2 The symbol [2D] represents a top view of the second intermediate manufactured product 9. Figure 4 The symbol [2E] indicates the cross-section of the second intermediate product 9 along the line [B]~[B]. It should be noted that the second intermediate product 9 is a rod-shaped component in which the outer periphery of the first intermediate product 7 (core material 1, spiral tube 6) is covered by the second mesh tube 8.

[0061] Next, the third step in the manufacturing method of the flexible tube for endoscope according to this embodiment is carried out. Figure 4 This indicates the third step in the manufacturing method of the flexible endoscope tube according to this embodiment. It should be noted that... Figure 4 In the diagram, the enlarged symbol [4A] represents the process of forming the outer skin 10. In Figure 5 In the middle, the symbol [4B] roughly represents the entirety of the third process.

[0062] In addition, Figure 4 In the text, the symbols [5A] and [5B] represent the third intermediate product 11 manufactured by the third step in the manufacturing method of the flexible tube for endoscope of this embodiment.

[0063] The third process involves processing the second intermediate product 9 (i.e., the second mesh tube 8) through the outer periphery of the second intermediate product 9 manufactured in the second process. Figure 4The process includes an extrusion molding process to coat resin 10a to form an outer skin 10, thereby manufacturing a third intermediate product 11. The process also includes a process of cooling and curing the formed outer skin 10.

[0064] The outer skin 10 is formed by the cooling and curing of resin 10a. In the third process, the outer skin 10 is wrapped around the outer periphery of the second mesh tube 8 using a known extrusion molding machine 24.

[0065] When covering the outer periphery of the second intermediate product 9 (second mesh tube 8) with an outer skin 10 made of, for example, thermoplastic resin, the following procedure is performed. First, the first to third processes described above are repeated to pre-manufacture a plurality of second intermediate products 9.

[0066] Hooks, for example S-shaped or C-shaped, are hooked onto the connecting rings 5 ​​formed at each end of the plurality of second intermediate manufactured products 9, connecting the plurality of second intermediate manufactured products 9 into a long strip shape. Then, the long strip of second intermediate manufactured products 9 formed by connecting the plurality of second intermediate manufactured products 9 is wound around the supply roller 26.

[0067] The second intermediate product 9, wound around the supply roller 26, is pulled out from one end and passed through the extrusion molding machine 24 and the known cooling device 25 (in Figure 5 (A water-cooled device is illustrated in the diagram). Thus, the outer skin 10 is continuously wrapped around the outer periphery of the second intermediate product 9. In this way, while the outer skin 10 is wrapped around the outer periphery of the second intermediate product 9, the outer skin 10 is continuously wrapped and formed onto multiple second intermediate products 9. Afterwards, the third intermediate products 11 with the outer skin 10 formed are wound onto the winding roller 27 in multiple connected states. In order to proceed to the next process, the hook parts 23 of the third intermediate products 11 wound on the winding roller 27 are removed, separating them into individual third intermediate products 11.

[0068] In this case, during the third process, the outer surface of the hook component 23 is sometimes also coated with resin 10a. However, when separating the third intermediate manufactured product 11, it is sufficient to peel off the resin 10a from the connecting portion.

[0069] Through this third process, it is manufactured Figure 5 The third intermediate manufactured product 11 is indicated by symbols [5A] and [5B]. Here, Figure 5 The symbol [5A] represents a top view of the third intermediate manufactured product 11. Figure 5 The symbol [5B] indicates the cross-section of the third intermediate product 11 along the line [E] to [E]. It should be noted that the third intermediate product 11 is a stacked tubular component in which the outer periphery of the second intermediate product 9 (core material 1, spiral tube 6, second mesh tube 8) is covered by the outer skin 10.

[0070] Note that, in the second process described above, it can also be configured to be substantially the same process as the third process described above. That is, in the second process, the long shape in which the plurality of first intermediate products 7 are linked by the hook members 23 is formed, and the work of covering the second mesh tube 8 around each first intermediate product 7 can be performed continuously.

[0071] Next, a fourth process in the manufacturing method of the flexible tube for an endoscope according to the present embodiment is performed. In Figure 5 , the symbol [5C] indicates the fourth process. In addition, in Figure 5 , the symbols [5D], [5E] indicate the flexible tube for an endoscope 12 as the final product in the manufacturing method of the flexible tube for an endoscope according to the present embodiment.

[0072] The fourth process is a process of pulling out only the core member 1 from the third intermediate product 11 (the layered tubular member composed of the core member 1, the spiral tube 6, the second mesh tube 8, and the outer skin 10) manufactured by the third process.

[0073] In the fourth process, first, one end portion of the third intermediate product 11 is cut so that one end portion of the core member 1 is exposed to the outside. In Figure 5 , the double dotted line indicated by the symbol C indicates the cutting region.

[0074] Then, the other end portion of the third intermediate product 11 is fixed using a predetermined fixing jig 28. In this state, the linking ring 5 of the core member 1 exposed to the outside of one end portion of the third intermediate product 11 is pulled in the direction of the arrow X1 indicated in Figure 5 . As a result, the core member 1 is elongated due to its elasticity and stretchability, and becomes a reduced diameter state. Thus, the diameter of the core member 1 is smaller than the inner diameter of the spiral tube 6 inside the third intermediate product 11. Therefore, the core member 1 can be easily pulled out. The pulled-out core member 1 can be reused in the following manufacturing.

[0075] By the fourth process, the flexible tube for an endoscope 12 as the final product indicated by the symbols [5D], [5E] in Figure 5 is manufactured. Here, ​ the symbol [5D] indicates a plan view of the flexible tube for an endoscope 12. ​ the symbol [5E] indicates a cross section of the flexible tube for an endoscope 12 along the lines [F] to [F].

[0076] The flexible tube 12 of the endoscope insertion portion thus manufactured is cut to a predetermined length, both end portions are subjected to a predetermined treatment, and is assembled as a flexible tube portion of an endoscope or a general-purpose flexible cord.

[0077] Further, the manufacturing method of the flexible tube 12 for an endoscope according to the above embodiment is mainly used in a clean room where the air cleanliness is ensured, and the flexible tube 12 for an endoscope manufactured by the manufacturing method is applied to a flexible tube portion or a general cord in an endoscope of a general reusable type. Further, it can also be applied to a flexible tube portion or a general cord in a single-use endoscope having the same configuration as the above reusable endoscope, for example, which is discarded after being used only once.

[0078] As described above, according to the above embodiment, the manufacturing method of the flexible tube 12 for an endoscope can be prompted, in which the core material 1 having the elastic and stretchable rod-shaped resin member 2 and the first mesh tube 3 attached to the outer periphery of the rod-shaped resin member 2 are used, and the tubular member composed of the three layers of the spiral tube 6, the second mesh tube 8, and the outer skin 10 is manufactured. In the manufacturing method, the use of the antifriction agent used in the past is not required. Therefore, the high cleanliness in the work environment (the internal environment of the clean room or the like) can be maintained. At the same time, the internal cleanliness of the flexible tube 12 for an endoscope after the manufacturing is completed can be ensured. Further, the cleaning or wiping work of the antifriction agent attached to the product is not required, and the improvement of the productivity can be facilitated.

[0079] Further, the core material 1 is configured using the raw material having the elasticity and the stretchability, and thus in the third process in which the outer skin 10 is attached to the outer periphery of the second intermediate product 9, the long strip-shaped second intermediate product 9 obtained by linking a plurality of the second intermediate products 9 can be wound around the supply drum 26, and the third intermediate product 11 in which the outer skin 10 is formed can be wound around the winding drum 27. Thus, the attachment and formation of the outer skin 10 to the plurality of second intermediate products 9 can be continuously performed, and thus the flexible tube 12 for an endoscope can be manufactured at a high productivity.

[0080] Note that in the second process in which the plurality of first intermediate products 7 are processed by being linked, the further improvement of the productivity can also be facilitated.

[0081] Further, in the first process in which the spiral tube 6 is disposed by being fitted to the outer periphery of the core material 1 and the fourth process in which the core material 1 is pulled out from the third intermediate product 11, the core material 1 is stretched to be reduced in diameter. Thus, the spiral tube 6 can be extremely easily disposed on the outer periphery of the core material 1 or the core material 1 can be pulled out from the third intermediate product 11. Further, in either case, the arrangement disorder or damage of the spiral tube 6 due to the frictional force generated between the core material 1 and the spiral tube 6 does not occur.

[0082] The manufacturing method of each of the embodiments of the present application can be applied to the conventional endoscope, but is not limited thereto, and can also be applied to a single-use endoscope.

[0083] The present application is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications, applications can of course be implemented within the scope of the gist of the present application. Furthermore, the present application includes various stages in the above-described embodiments, and various applications can be extracted by appropriate combinations of the disclosed plurality of components. For example, even if several components are deleted from all the components shown in one of the above-described embodiments, the problem to be solved by the present application can be solved, and in a case where the effects of the present application are obtained, the structure in which the components are deleted can be extracted as the present application. Furthermore, the components in different embodiments can be appropriately combined. The present application is not limited by the specific embodiments described above, but is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method of manufacturing a flexible tube for an endoscope, characterized by, has the following steps: A spiral tube formed by winding a metal band spirally around the outer periphery of a core material in a state where the core material is elongated in the long axis direction, the core material being obtained by tightly covering a first mesh tube around the outer periphery of a rod-shaped resin member having elasticity and stretchability; wherein the outer diameter of the core material is not smaller than the inner diameter of the spiral tube when the core material and the spiral tube are in a natural state; and the weaving angle of the first mesh tube is in the range of 40 to 70 degrees; A second mesh tube is covered around the outer periphery of the spiral tube; A resin is covered around the outer periphery of the second mesh tube to form an outer skin; and Only the core material is pulled out from a layered tubular member composed of the core material, the spiral tube, and the second mesh tube, and the outer periphery of which is covered with the outer skin.

2. The method of manufacturing a flexible tube for an endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the outer skin is formed by extrusion molding to cover the outer periphery of the second mesh tube and is composed of a resin.

3. The method of manufacturing a flexible tube for an endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the rod-shaped resin member further has heat resistance.

4. The method of manufacturing a flexible tube for an endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the weaving angle of the first mesh tube is further in the range of 50 to 65 degrees.

5. An endoscope having an insertion section to be inserted into a subject, an operation section, and a general-purpose cord, characterized by comprising: the endoscope having: a spiral tube which is fitted around the outer periphery of a core material in a state where the core material is elongated in the long axis direction, the spiral tube being formed by winding a metal band spirally, the core material being obtained by tightly covering a first mesh tube around the outer periphery of a rod-shaped resin member having elasticity and stretchability; wherein the outer diameter of the core material is not smaller than the inner diameter of the spiral tube when the core material and the spiral tube are in a natural state; and the weaving angle of the first mesh tube is in the range of 40 to 70 degrees; a second mesh tube covered around the outer periphery of the spiral tube; and an outer skin formed by covering a resin around the outer periphery of the second mesh tube, a flexible tube for an endoscope manufactured by a manufacturing method in which only the core material is pulled out from a layered tubular member composed of the core material, the spiral tube, and the second mesh tube, and the outer periphery of which is covered with the outer skin, is applied to the insertion section or the general-purpose cord.

6. The endoscope according to claim 5, wherein the flexible tube for an endoscope is applied to the flexible tube section.

7. The endoscope according to claim 5, wherein the flexible tube for an endoscope is applied to the general-purpose cord.

8. The endoscope according to claim 5, wherein the flexible tube for an endoscope is manufactured in a clean room in which air cleanliness is ensured, the endoscope is a single-use endoscope which is discarded after being used only once.

9. A core material used in the manufacture of a flexible tube for an endoscope in which a spiral tube, a mesh tube, and a resin outer skin are layered, and which is rod-shaped, characterized by comprising: a rod-shaped resin member having elasticity and stretchability and having a prescribed length; and ​ Other net-shaped tube which is a metal net formed by bundling a plurality of metal wires to form a tube having a prescribed length, The other net-shaped tube is formed so as to tightly cover the outer periphery of the rod-shaped resin member; The spiral tube formed by winding a metal band spirally around the outer periphery of the core material, the outer diameter of the core material is not less than the inner diameter of the spiral tube when the core material and the spiral tube are in a natural state; the braid angle of the other net-shaped tube is in the range of 40 degrees to 70 degrees.

10. The core material according to claim 9, wherein The core material has a ring-shaped connecting member fixed to at least one end in the axial direction.

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