Joint ring, method for manufacturing joint ring, and method for manufacturing bending tube for endoscope

Abstract

Provided are a link, a method for manufacturing the link, and a method for manufacturing a flexible tube for an endoscope. A wire guide base material has a recess connected in a length direction. In the method for manufacturing the link, a plurality of wire guide base materials are joined to an inner peripheral surface of a tubular link base material in a manner parallel to a central axis of the link base material, and the link base material to which the plurality of wire guide base materials are joined is cut to manufacture a plurality of links. The wire guides of the plurality of links are each joined to a link body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a segment ring that engages with a wire guide and a segment ring body, a method for manufacturing a segment ring, and a method for manufacturing a curved tube for an endoscope having multiple segment rings. Background Technology

[0002] In endoscopes, there are types with a curved section in the insertion portion for changing the direction of the proximal end. The curved section is configured to rotatably connect multiple segment rings inside. Methods for manufacturing the segment rings provided in the curved section have been proposed previously.

[0003] For example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-159636 describes the following: A portion of each segment ring is deformed by stamping to form a line bearing member (line guide). Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, a joint ring has: a joint ring body having a first end face and a second end face; and a wire guide having a third end face and a fourth end face, the wire guide engaging with the joint ring body, wherein the first end face and the third end face are located at the same position in the direction of the central axis of the joint ring body, and the second end face and the fourth end face are located at the same position.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for manufacturing segment rings includes a plurality of segment rings, each having a wire guide member joined to a segment ring body. A wire guide member substrate, which serves as a substrate for the plurality of segment ring bodies, is joined to a segment ring substrate that forms a substrate for the plurality of segment ring bodies. The segment ring substrate joined to the wire guide member substrate is then cut to manufacture the plurality of segment rings. The wire guide member substrate has recesses connected in the length direction. The plurality of wire guide member substrates are joined to the inner circumferential surface of a tubular segment ring substrate in a manner parallel to the central axis of the segment ring substrate. The segment ring substrate joined to the plurality of wire guide member substrates is then cut away from the plurality of wire guide member substrates.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a curved endoscope tube involves joining a segmented ring substrate, which forms a substrate of multiple segmented rings, to a wire guide substrate, which forms a substrate of multiple wire guides. The segmented ring substrate joined to the wire guide substrate is then cut, thereby manufacturing a curved endoscope tube composed of the multiple segmented rings. Each of the multiple segmented rings has a wire guide attached to it. The wire guide substrate has recesses connected in the longitudinal direction. The multiple wire guide substrates are joined to the inner circumferential surface of the tubular segmented ring substrate in a manner parallel to the central axis of the segmented ring substrate. The segmented ring substrate joined to the multiple wire guide substrates and the multiple wire guide substrates are then cut, forming hinges that connect adjacent segmented rings and gaps for allowing adjacent segmented rings to bend without colliding with each other.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for manufacturing segment rings includes a plurality of segment rings, each having a wire guide member joined to a segment ring body. A wire guide member substrate, which serves as a substrate for the plurality of segment ring bodies, is joined to a segment ring substrate that forms a substrate for the plurality of segment ring bodies. The segment ring substrate joined to the wire guide member substrate is cut to manufacture a plurality of segment rings. The wire guide member substrate has recesses connected in the length direction. The plurality of wire guide member substrates are joined to a first surface of a flat segment ring substrate in a parallel manner, with the first surface on the inside and the segment ring substrate forming a circle around the central axis in a manner parallel to the central axis. The segment ring substrate joined to the plurality of wire guide member substrates and the plurality of wire guide member substrates are then cut.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a curved endoscope tube involves joining a segmented ring substrate, which forms a substrate of multiple segmented rings, to a wire guide substrate, which forms a substrate of multiple wire guides. The segmented ring substrate joined to the wire guide substrate is then cut, thereby manufacturing a curved endoscope tube composed of the multiple segmented rings. Each of the multiple segmented rings is joined with a wire guide. The wire guide substrate has recesses connected in the longitudinal direction. The multiple wire guide substrates are joined parallel to each other to a first surface of a flat segmented ring substrate, with the first surface on the inside and the multiple wire guide substrates forming a circle around the central axis in a manner parallel to the central axis. The segmented ring substrate joined to the multiple wire guide substrates and the multiple wire guide substrates are then cut, forming a hinge that connects adjacent segmented rings and a gap for allowing adjacent segmented rings to bend without colliding with each other. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of an endoscope according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a partial cross-sectional view showing the case where multiple joint rings are provided in the curved portion in the first embodiment described above.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing an example of a joint ring constituting the bending tube capable of bending in four directions in the first embodiment described above.

[0012] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the ring substrate, which is joined to the wire guide substrate, in the first embodiment described above, for illustrating the manufacturing method of a bent tube having multiple rings.

[0013] Figure 5This is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a bent tube having multiple joint rings in the first embodiment described above.

[0014] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the joint ring substrate that is joined to the wire guide substrate of the first modified example in the first embodiment described above.

[0015] Figure 7 This is a perspective view showing the structure of the wire guide substrate of the first modified example in the first embodiment described above.

[0016] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating another structural example of a ring substrate that is joined to the wire guide substrate of the first modified example in the first embodiment described above.

[0017] Figure 9 This is a perspective view showing the structure of the wire guide substrate in the first embodiment described above, representing a second modified example.

[0018] Figure 10 This is a perspective view showing the structure of the line guide substrate of the third modified example in the first embodiment described above.

[0019] Figure 11 This is a diagram used to illustrate the manufacturing method of the bent tube in the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 12 This is a flowchart used to explain the manufacturing method of the bent tube in the second embodiment described above.

[0021] Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the shape of a cross-section perpendicular to the length direction of the line guide substrate in the second embodiment described above.

[0022] Figure 14 This is a diagram used in the second embodiment described above to illustrate an example of joining a wire guide substrate to a joint ring substrate by a permanent bond based on stamping.

[0023] Figure 15 This is a diagram illustrating the structure for simply positioning the wire guide substrate relative to the segment ring substrate in the second embodiment described above.

[0024] Figure 16 This is a diagram used to illustrate the manufacturing method of the bent tube in the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 17 This is a diagram used to explain the process of circular machining in the third embodiment described above.

[0026] Figure 18This is a flowchart used to explain the manufacturing method of the bent tube in the third embodiment described above. Detailed Implementation

[0027] In a typical example of a bent tube consisting of 10 segments using 4 wires, the number of wire guides installed on the segments is 40. If one wire guide is installed on each segment at a time, for example, 40 manufacturing steps would be required, making the process complex and costly. Furthermore, sometimes the installation positions of the wire guides between multiple segments can deviate.

[0028] According to the embodiments described below, it is possible to provide a segment ring for installing a line guide with high positioning accuracy, a method for manufacturing the segment ring efficiently and at low cost, and a method for manufacturing a curved tube for endoscopes that can efficiently and at low cost manufacture a curved tube having multiple segment rings.

[0029] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0030] Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, identical or corresponding elements are appropriately labeled with the same reference numerals. Additionally, the accompanying drawings are merely schematic diagrams; it should be noted that, for the sake of simplification, the length relationships, length ratios, and quantities of elements within a single drawing may sometimes differ from reality. Moreover, among multiple drawings, there may sometimes be sections where the length relationships or ratios differ from each other.

[0031] [First Implementation Method]

[0032] Figures 1 to 10 This represents the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 This is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the endoscope 1 in the first embodiment.

[0033] Endoscope 1 is a device for observing and treating a subject. Endoscope 1 has: an insertion part 2, which is inserted into the subject; an operating part 3, which is connected to the base of the insertion part 2; and a universal cable 4, which extends from the operating part 3. Furthermore, the subject inserted into the insertion part 2 can be a biological object such as a human or animal, or a non-biological object such as machinery or a building; the subject is not limited to a specific object.

[0034] The insertion part 2 has a front end 2a, a curved part 2b and a tubular part 2c in sequence from the front end toward the base end.

[0035] The front end 2a has an illumination system and an observation system. The illumination system illuminates the subject with light, and the observation system captures the reflected light from the subject.

[0036] The bending portion 2b is connected to the base end side of the front end portion 2a, and is configured to be able to bend in two directions or in four directions (up, down, left, and right). If the bending portion 2b bends, the direction of the front end portion 2a changes, and the direction of observation based on the observation system and the direction of illumination light based on the illumination system will change. In addition, the bending portion 2b is bent to improve the insertability of the insertion portion 2 within the subject.

[0037] The tubular portion 2c is a tubular section that connects the base end of the curved portion 2b to the front end of the operating portion 3. The tubular portion 2c can be either a rigid, non-flexible form of the insertion portion 2 or a flexible form that flexes according to the shape of the inserted object. Endoscopes with a rigid insertion portion are generally called rigid endoscopes, and endoscopes with a flexible insertion portion are generally called flexible endoscopes. For example, in the medical field, rigid and flexible endoscopes are defined in ISO 8600-1:2015.

[0038] The operating part 3 is connected to the base end of the insertion part 2 and is the part used to perform various operations related to the endoscope 1 by hand. The operating part 3 includes, for example, a grip 3a, a bending operation knob 3b, multiple operation buttons 3c, and a treatment instrument insertion port 3d.

[0039] The gripping part 3a is the part for the operator to grip the endoscope 1 with their palm.

[0040] The bending operation knob 3b is an operating device that uses the thumb of the hand holding the handle 3a to bend the bending part 2b.

[0041] The multiple operation buttons 3c include, for example, an air / liquid delivery button, a suction button, and a camera-related button. The air / liquid delivery button is used to deliver air / liquid to the observation window at the front end 2a via an air / liquid delivery channel (not shown) and to clean the observation window. The suction button is used, for example, to aspirate fluid, mucous membranes, etc., from the subject via a treatment device channel that also serves as a suction channel. The camera-related button is, for example, a push-button switch for performing a release operation.

[0042] The treatment tool insertion port 3d is an opening on the base side of the treatment tool channel, for example, provided on the side of the front end of the gripping part 3a. Various treatment tools, such as pliers, are inserted into the treatment tool channel through the treatment tool insertion port 3d. An opening on the front end side of the treatment tool channel is provided at the front end 2a, and the front end of the treatment tool protrudes to perform various treatments.

[0043] The universal cable 4 extends from the side of the base end of the operating unit 3 and is connected to the endoscope processor and the light source device (not shown) via connector 4a.

[0044] Figure 2This is a partial cross-sectional view in the first embodiment, showing the case where a plurality of joint rings 5 ​​are provided in the curved portion 2b.

[0045] The curved section 2b includes: a curved tube 6 formed by rotatably connecting multiple segmented rings 5 ​​in series; and a flexible curved rubber member 7 covering the outer periphery of the curved tube 6. Furthermore, among the multiple segmented rings 5 ​​constituting the curved tube 6 for endoscopes, the segmented ring 5 closest to the front end is fixed to the base end side of the front end 2a, and the segmented ring 5 closest to the base end is fixed to the front end side of the tubular section 2c.

[0046] The front end of a curved wire (hereinafter appropriately referred to as wire) is fixed at the front end 2a. The base end of the wire, which is inserted into the insertion part 2, is connected to a pulley. This pulley rotates in conjunction with the bending operation knob 3b provided in the operation part 3. Furthermore, when the bending operation knob 3b is operated, the wire is stretched, causing the bending part 2b to bend, and the direction of the front end 2a changes.

[0047] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing an example of the joint ring 5 constituting the curved tube 6 capable of bending in four directions in the first embodiment.

[0048] The joint ring 5 has a cylindrical joint ring body 5a that forms the outer shape of the joint ring 5. The joint ring body 5a has a pair of hinge protrusions 5b on the first end face f1 in the direction of the central axis O, and a pair of hinge recesses 5c on the second end face f2 on the opposite side of the first end face f1.

[0049] The positions of a pair of hinge protrusions 5b about the central axis O are 180 degrees apart, and the positions of a pair of hinge recesses 5c about the central axis O are 180 degrees apart. Furthermore, the positions of the hinge protrusions 5b and the hinge recesses 5c about the central axis O are 90 degrees apart.

[0050] In addition, with Figure 3 Another link ring 5 is arranged adjacent to the hinge protrusion 5b side of the link ring 5 shown, and this link ring is in contact with... Figure 3 A hinge recess 5c is provided at the position corresponding to the hinge protrusion 5b of the hinge ring 5. The hinge protrusion 5b of the hinge ring 5 and the hinge recess 5c of the other hinge ring 5 can be rotatably engaged, and the bent tube 6 is bent, for example, in the left-right direction.

[0051] In addition, with Figure 3 Another link ring 5 is disposed adjacent to the hinge recess 5c side of the link ring 5 shown, and this other link ring 5 is in relation to... Figure 3 A hinge protrusion 5b is provided at the position corresponding to the hinge recess 5c. The hinge recess 5c of the joint ring 5 can be rotatably engaged with the hinge protrusion 5b of other joint rings 5, and the bent tube 6 is bent, for example, in the vertical direction.

[0052] Within the joint ring 5 of a bendable tube 6 capable of bending in four directions, bends related to bending in the left-right direction and bends related to bending in the up-down direction are inserted. Correspondingly, a pair of line guides 5d and a pair of line guides 5e are joined to the inner circumference of the joint ring body 5a. The pair of line guides 5d are, for example, guide members that guide the bends related to bending in the left-right direction. The pair of line guides 5e are, for example, guide members that guide the bends related to bending in the up-down direction.

[0053] Line guides 5d and 5e each have a third end face f3 and a fourth end face f4, respectively. In the joint ring 5, in the direction of the central axis O of the joint ring body 5a, the first end face f1 and the third end face f3 are located at the same position, and the second end face f2 and the fourth end face f4 are located at the same position. Here, the second end face f2 includes an end face that is concave in the direction of the central axis O by means of the hinge recess 5c. This construction, as will be explained later, is obtained by cutting the first end face f1 and the third end face f3 with the same face, and cutting the second end face f2 and the fourth end face f4 with another identical face.

[0054] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the ring substrate 11, which is joined to the wire guide substrate 12, for illustrating the manufacturing method of the bent tube 6 having a plurality of rings 5 ​​in the first embodiment. Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a bent tube 6 having multiple segment rings 5 ​​in the first embodiment.

[0055] The segment ring substrate 11 is the material that forms the basis for manufacturing multiple segment ring bodies 5a, and is formed into a long tubular shape. Hereinafter, an example of the segment ring substrate 11 being formed into a cylindrical shape will be described, but it is not limited to a cylindrical shape. Furthermore, in Figure 4 The example shown is a segment ring substrate 11 with 6 segment ring bodies 5a, but of course it is also possible to manufacture a segment ring substrate 11 with 2 to 5 or more segment ring bodies 5a.

[0056] The wire guide substrate 12 is the material that forms the basis for manufacturing the multiple wire guides 5d, 5e in the multiple segment rings 5. The wire guide substrate 12 is formed as a strip of the same length as the segment ring substrate 11. Figure 4 An example is shown where the wire guide substrate 12 is cylindrical, and the interior of the cylindrical wire guide substrate 12 has recesses connected in the longitudinal direction. As will be explained later, the wire guide substrate 12 is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and may not be cylindrical. The wire guide substrate 12 only needs to have recesses connected in the longitudinal direction, and the connection of the recesses can be continuous (e.g., see reference). Figure 9 It can also be intermittently connected (e.g., referencing...). Figure 10Regarding the recess mentioned here, the surface of the line guide substrate 12 opposite to the joint ring substrate 11 is configured to be concave in the direction away from the joint ring substrate 11 (in the direction close to the central axis O).

[0057] When it begins Figure 5 In the manufacturing method of the bent tube 6 shown, on the inner circumference of the cylindrical segment ring substrate 11, at positions around the central axis O of the segment ring substrate 11, for example at 90-degree angles, four wire guide substrates 12 are respectively positioned and joined at the positions parallel to the central axis O (step S1).

[0058] In the joining process, firstly, for example, a tool is used to position and fix the wire guide substrate 12 to the joint ring substrate 11. Then, the wire guide substrate 12 is joined to the joint ring substrate 11 by laser welding from the outside of the joint ring substrate 11. Figure 4 In the diagram, the laser-welded portion LS is shown by a dotted line. Furthermore, not limited to laser welding, spot welding, brazing, or other methods can also be used to join the wire guide substrate 12 to the segment ring substrate 11.

[0059] In addition, in order to Figure 4 The example shown is a curved tube 6 that can be bent in four directions: up, down, left, and right. Four wire guide substrates 12 are joined at positions 90 degrees apart around the central axis O. However, in the case of a curved tube 6 that can be bent in two directions, it is sufficient to join two wire guide substrates 12 at positions 180 degrees apart around the central axis O.

[0060] Next, the joint ring substrate 11, for example, which is joined with the four wire guide substrates 12, is moved along... Figure 4 The cutting line CL, indicated by the dashed line, is cut (step S2). Cutting is performed, for example, by laser processing that changes at least one of the output, number of scans, and focal position. Alternatively, cutting can be performed by a process that combines blade-based cutting and laser processing.

[0061] When along Figure 4 When the cutting line CL is cut, the hinge protrusions 5b and hinge recesses 5c of adjacent rings 5 ​​remain connected in a rotatable fit, and the detached portion 12d falls off, forming a gap for adjacent rings 5 ​​to bend without colliding with each other.

[0062] At this point, the first end face f1 and the second end face f2 of the main body 5a, and the third end face f3 and the fourth end face f4 of the wire guides 5d and 5e become cut surfaces. Furthermore, the first end face f1 and the third end face f3 are formed by a common cut surface, therefore they are in the same position along the central axis O. Similarly, the second end face f2 and the fourth end face f4 are formed by a common cut surface, therefore they are in the same position along the central axis O.

[0063] In this way, a bent tube 6 is created in which multiple joints 5 can be connected in a flexural manner.

[0064] Furthermore, the process of manufacturing a bent tube 6 in which multiple segment rings 5 ​​are assembled (manufacturing method of bent tube 6 for endoscope) has been described above, but it is also possible to change the cutting line CL to a process of manufacturing multiple segment rings 5 ​​that are not in an assembled state separately by cutting them apart at the cutting line CL (manufacturing method of segment rings 5).

[0065] Figure 6 The figure shows the joint ring substrate 11 that is engaged with the line guide substrate 12A of the first modified example in the first embodiment. Figure 7 This is a perspective view showing the structure of the wire guide substrate 12A of the first modified example enlarged in the first embodiment.

[0066] exist Figure 4 In the example, a cylindrical material was used as the substrate 12 for the wire guide, and Figure 6 and Figure 7 The cross-section of the wire guide substrate 12A shown, perpendicular to its length direction, is shaped as follows: it has a trapezoid without a base and two legs extending outwards from the base side of the trapezoid without a base. The trapezoidal portion without a base constitutes the wire receiving portion 12Aa, and the two legs constitute the joining portion 12Ab for engaging with the ring substrate 11. The side of the wire receiving portion 12Aa opposite to the ring substrate 11 forms a recess connected in the length direction of the wire guide substrate 12A. The joining portion 12Ab engages with the inner circumferential surface of the ring substrate 11; therefore, the cross-sectional shape of the joining portion 12Ab, perpendicular to its length direction, is an arc shape that matches the inner circumferential surface of the ring substrate 11.

[0067] Such a shape of line guide substrate 12A can be formed, for example, by sheet metal processing. If sheet metal processing is used in this way, the degree of freedom in the shape of the line guide substrate can be further increased.

[0068] like Figure 6 As shown, instead Figure 4 The wire guide substrate 12A is used instead of the wire guide substrate 12, and the joint portion 12Ab is joined to the joint ring substrate 11 in such a way that the wire can be accommodated between the wire receiving portion 12Aa and the inner peripheral surface of the joint ring substrate 11. As a joining method, laser welding, spot welding, brazing, etc. can be used, as described above.

[0069] Furthermore, if the wire guide substrate 12A is used, the contact area with the segment ring substrate 11 is increased compared to the cylindrical wire guide substrate 12, thereby improving the bonding strength between the segment ring substrate 11 and the wire guide substrate 12A. As a result, the strength of the manufactured segment ring 5 is improved, and consequently, the strength of the bent tube 6 itself is also improved.

[0070] Furthermore, the wire guide substrate 12A has a shape without a bottom edge in a cross-section perpendicular to the length direction. Therefore, it is similar to the cylindrical wire guide substrate 12 or the D-shaped wire guide substrate 12B described later (see reference). Figure 9 Compared to other materials, the protrusion height of the inner circumferential surface of the line guide substrate 12A and the interlocking ring substrate 11 can be reduced, allowing for more effective and flexible utilization of the internal space of the curved tube 6.

[0071] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing another structural example of the joint ring substrate 11 that is engaged with the line guide substrate 12A of the first modified example in the first embodiment.

[0072] exist Figure 6 In the example shown, the wire guide substrate 12A engages with the hinge protrusion 5b and the hinge recess 5c in the circumferential direction. Conversely, in Figure 8 In the example shown, the wire guide substrate 12A engages in the circumferential direction with the hinge protrusion 5b and the hinge recess 5c at a position offset by, for example, 45 degrees from the central axis O.

[0073] When the segment ring substrate 11, which is joined to the wire guide substrate 12A, is cut from the outer periphery by laser processing, the thickness of the wire guide substrate 12A varies in the laser irradiation direction, making it difficult to stabilize the cutting capability. It is assumed that when the cross-sectional shape of the hinge protrusion 5b and the hinge recess 5c becomes uneven due to unstable cutting capability, the buckling state of the two segment rings 5 ​​at a certain connection position may sometimes deviate from the buckling state of the two segment rings 5 ​​at other connection positions.

[0074] In contrast, if adopting Figure 8 In the structure shown, the hinge protrusion 5b and hinge recess 5c are fabricated by laser processing, which only requires cutting the thickness of the joint ring substrate 11. Therefore, the cutting capability can be easily stabilized. As a result, deviations in the buckling state based on the connection position can be suppressed, and the buckling state can be fixed at any connection position.

[0075] Furthermore, the location where it joins the wire guide substrate 12A is the location where the detached portion 12d is formed. Therefore, it is assumed that even if the cutting capability is unstable and the cross-sectional shape becomes uneven, it will not affect the bending performance.

[0076] Figure 9 This is a perspective view showing the structure of the line guide substrate 12B of the second modified example in the first embodiment.

[0077] The wire guide substrate 12B is a tubular material (tubular body) with a D-shaped cross-section perpendicular to the length direction (or, a portion of a circle cut by a chord, with the outer circumference formed by arcs and chords). The wire guide substrate 12B is composed of a protruding arc portion 12Ba in the D-shaped cross-section and a generally straight portion 12Bb of the chord portion. The generally straight portion 12Bb is the part that joins with the inner circumferential surface of the joint ring substrate 11. In order to improve the tightness during joining, the cross-sectional shape is formed to match the inner circumferential surface of the joint ring substrate 11.

[0078] If the wire guide substrate 12B is used, the contact area with the segment ring substrate 11 is increased compared to the cylindrical wire guide substrate 12, and the bonding strength between the segment ring substrate 11 and the wire guide substrate 12B is improved. As a result, the strength of the manufactured segment ring 5 is improved, and consequently, the strength of the bent tube 6 itself is also improved.

[0079] Figure 10 This is a perspective view showing the structure of the line guide substrate 12C in the third modified example of the first embodiment.

[0080] The line guide substrate 12C is made of a material in which protruding shaped portions 12Ca are intermittently formed at multiple locations along its length, relative to a generally straight portion 12Cb that is approximately straight in cross-section perpendicular to the length direction. The portion having only the generally straight portion 12Cb is a plate-like body that is approximately flat, while the portion having both the generally straight portion 12Cb and the protruding shaped portions 12Ca is a tubular body with a D-shaped cross-section perpendicular to the length direction. Recesses connected along the length direction of the line guide substrate 12C are formed on the inner surface of the tubular body.

[0081] Thus, the line guide substrate 12C has a structure in which plate-like and tubular bodies are alternately formed in the length direction. In addition, the generally straight portion 12Cb is the part that joins with the inner peripheral surface of the joint ring substrate 11. In order to improve the tightness during the joint, its cross-sectional shape is formed into an arc shape that matches the inner peripheral surface of the joint ring substrate 11.

[0082] For example, the segments are intermittently cut in a manner that leaves a generally straight portion 12Bb (generally straight portion 12Cb) facing the inner circumferential surface of the joint ring substrate 11. Figure 9 The tubular wire guide substrate 12B shown is thus formed Figure 10 The line guide substrate 12C is shown.

[0083] The plate-shaped body is disposed at the portion through which the cutting line CL passes, and the tubular body is disposed at the portion through which the cutting line CL does not pass. Therefore, the segment ring substrate 11, which engages with the wire guide substrate 12C, is cut off in the plate-shaped portion but not in the tubular portion.

[0084] Therefore, when the joint ring substrate 11, which is joined to the wire guide substrate 12C, is cut from the periphery by laser processing, the thickness on the cutting line CL during the passage of the plate-like body does not change. Thus, the cutting capability is stable and a uniform cross-sectional shape can be obtained. As a result, deviations in the buckling state based on the connection position can be suppressed, and the buckling state can be fixed at any connection position.

[0085] According to this first embodiment, after the segment ring substrate 11 is joined with the wire guide substrates 12, 12A, 12B, and 12C, they are cut together along a common cutting line CL. Therefore, it is not necessary to join multiple wire guides 5d and 5e separately on each segment ring body 5a, enabling the efficient and low-cost manufacture of multiple segment rings 5. Furthermore, the mounting positions of the wire guides 5d and 5e in the multiple segment rings 5 ​​will not deviate, thus enabling the acquisition of segment rings 5 ​​with wire guides 5d and 5e mounted with high positioning accuracy.

[0086] The segment ring substrate 11 and the wire guide substrates 12, 12A, 12B, and 12C before cutting are larger in size than the segment ring body 5a and the wire guides 5d and 5e after cutting. Therefore, positioning and joining operations during processing become easier.

[0087] Furthermore, since the joint ring substrate 11 has the same length as the wire guide substrates 12, 12A, 12B, and 12C, positioning the joint ring substrate 11 and the wire guide substrates 12, 12A, 12B, and 12C becomes easier.

[0088] Furthermore, by cutting along the cutting line CL, a curved tube 6 is formed by connecting multiple segment rings 5 ​​via hinge protrusions 5b and hinge recesses 5c, thus eliminating the need for a separate assembly process for the multiple segment rings 5. Therefore, it is possible to manufacture a curved tube 6 with multiple segment rings 5 ​​efficiently and at low cost.

[0089] [Second Implementation]

[0090] Figures 11 to 15 This represents the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11 This is a diagram used to illustrate the manufacturing method of the bent tube 6 in the second embodiment. Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating the manufacturing method of the bent tube 6 in the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for parts that are the same as in the first embodiment, and descriptions are omitted appropriately; the main focus is on explaining the differences.

[0091] The segment ring substrate 11A is the material that forms the basis for manufacturing multiple segment ring bodies 5a, such as Figure 11 As shown in column A, the joint ring substrate 11A is formed into a rectangular flat plate.

[0092] When it begins Figure 12When manufacturing the bent tube 6 shown, as follows: Figure 11 As shown in column B, relative to one of the two main surfaces of the rectangular joint ring substrate 11A, namely the first surface, four cylindrical wire guide substrates 12 (in the case of manufacturing a curved tube 6 capable of bending in four directions) are positioned and joined in such a way that they are parallel to, for example, the long side of the joint ring substrate 11A (the long side is given as an example here, but there are also cases where it is the short side. The same applies below), and adjacent wire guide substrates 12 are arranged at equal intervals (step S11).

[0093] Here, the length of the long side of the joint ring substrate 11A is the same as the length of the wire guide substrate 12. In addition, the distance between the long sides of the wire guide substrates 12 at both ends and the joint ring substrate 11A is, for example, half the distance between adjacent wire guide substrates 12 (however, it may not be half as long as the sum of the distance between the left end wire guide substrate 12 and the left end long side and the distance between the right end wire guide substrate 12 and the right end long side is the same as the distance between adjacent wire guide substrates 12).

[0094] exist Figure 11 In column B, the laser-welded portion LS is shown by a dotted column. As for the joining method, it is not limited to laser welding; spot welding, brazing, etc., can also be used, as described above.

[0095] Subsequently, with the short side of the segment ring substrate 11A forming a circle, the segment ring substrate 11A, which is joined to the wire guide substrate 12, is circularly machined around the central axis O, such that the first surface of the wire guide substrate 12, which is joined with four cylindrical tubes, is on the inside. Figure 11 As shown in column C, it is formed into a cylindrical shape (step S12).

[0096] The subsequent cutting process (step S13) is the same as in the first embodiment. Figure 5 The process described in step S2 is the same.

[0097] Figure 13 This is a diagram showing an example of the shape of a cross-section perpendicular to the length direction of the line guide substrate in the second embodiment.

[0098] Figure 13 Column A shows that Figure 11 The cross-sectional shape of the cylindrical wire guide substrate 12 when it is joined to the joint ring substrate 11A is shown in column C. The wire guide substrate 12 is joined to the joint ring substrate 11A with a width D.

[0099] Figure 13 The wire guide substrate 12D shown in column B is a tubular structure with a D-shaped cross-section, composed of a protruding portion 12Da and a straight portion 12Db. The wire guide substrate 12D and... Figure 9Similar to the line guide substrate 12B, but the arc angle range of the protruding shape portion 12Da is formed to be larger than that of the protruding shape portion 12Ba of the line guide substrate 12B, resulting in a more rounded shape.

[0100] Furthermore, the wire guide substrate 12B is joined to the inner circumferential surface of the tubular segment ring substrate 11, therefore, the cross-section of the generally straight portion 12Bb is arc-shaped. In contrast, the wire guide substrate 12D is joined to the first surface of the flat wire guide substrate 12A, therefore, the cross-section of the straight portion 12Db is straight. Moreover, the wire guide substrate 12D is joined to the segment ring substrate 11A with a width DD. The width DD is the length of the chord in the D-shaped cross-section composed of an arc and a chord.

[0101] Figure 13 The wire guide substrate 12E shown in column C is a tubular shape with a rectangular (e.g., square) cross-section. The wire guide substrate 12E is joined to the joint ring substrate 11A with a width DE. The width DE is, for example, the length of one side of a square.

[0102] Figure 13 The line guide substrate 12F shown in column D is a tubular structure with an isosceles trapezoidal cross-section. The long base of the line guide substrate 12F is joined to the joint ring substrate 11A within a width DF. The width DF is the length of the long base of the isosceles trapezoid.

[0103] Figure 13 The wire guide substrate 12G shown in column E is a tubular structure with a hexagonal (e.g., regular hexagonal) cross-section. One side of the wire guide substrate 12G is joined to the joint ring substrate 11A with a width DG. The width DG is, for example, the length of one side of the regular hexagon.

[0104] If the cross-sectional areas of the internal spaces of the wire guide substrates 12, 12D, 12E, 12F, and 12G are the same, then the widths DD, DE, DF, and DG are all larger than the width D. Therefore, the contact area between the wire guide substrates 12D, 12E, 12F, and 12G and the junction ring substrate 11A is larger than that of the wire guide substrate 12, which can improve the bonding strength.

[0105] In addition, such as Figure 13 As shown in column A, the cylindrical wire guide substrate 12 creates a dead space DS between itself and the junction ring substrate 11A, making it difficult to configure other components. In contrast, the wire guide substrates 12D, 12E, and 12F do not create dead spaces DS, thus allowing for more efficient and flexible use of the internal space of the curved tube 6.

[0106] Regarding usage Figure 13The appropriate wire guide substrate can be selected from the various cross-sectional shapes of the wire guide substrates 12, 12D, 12E, 12F, and 12G shown, depending on the layout of the components inserted into the curved tube 6.

[0107] also, Figure 13 The various cross-sectional shapes of the line guide substrates shown can also be applied to other embodiments. Additionally, the first embodiment can be used... Figure 10 The structure of the wire guide substrate with alternating tubular and plate-like structures shown is applicable to wire guide substrates of various cross-sectional shapes in this embodiment, and can also be applied to other embodiments.

[0108] Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating an example of joining the wire guide substrate 12D to the joint ring substrate 11 by a permanent bonding based on stamping in the second embodiment described above.

[0109] exist Figure 14 In the example, it is shown that... Figure 13 The line guide substrate 12D has the cross-sectional shape shown in column B, and Figure 10 An example of a wire guide substrate 12D, which is provided with alternating tubular and plate-like structures, being joined to a segment ring substrate 11A, as shown.

[0110] Figure 14 Column A represents the 3D model. Figure 14 Column B shows a perspective view of the wire guide substrate 12D and the joint ring substrate 11A cut through section 14B-14B in column A.

[0111] The wire guide substrate 12D is positioned on the joint ring substrate 11A and permanently bonded by stamping, thereby forming, for example, a boss 12Dc pressed from the straight portion 12Db of the wire guide substrate 12D toward the joint ring substrate 11A, and the boss 11Ac protrudes downward from the lower surface of the joint ring substrate 11A on the opposite side of the boss 12Dc.

[0112] In addition, during the stamping process, each segment ring 5 can be cut off, thus improving production efficiency.

[0113] Figure 15 This is a diagram illustrating the structure for simply positioning the wire guide substrate 12 relative to the segment ring substrate 11A in the second embodiment described above.

[0114] When a cylindrical wire guide substrate 12 is placed on a flat ring substrate 11A, it sometimes rolls.

[0115] Figure 15Column A represents an example of a wire guide substrate 12 placed on a joint ring substrate 11A rotating about an axis perpendicular to the main surface of the joint ring substrate 11A.

[0116] Figure 15 Column B shows an example of a line guide substrate 12 placed on a joint ring substrate 11A and rolling along the main surface of the joint ring substrate 11A.

[0117] Therefore, as Figure 15 As shown in column C, the segment ring substrate 11A is cut and bent using laser processing to form a positioning shape portion 11Aa, for example, for clamping the wire guide substrate 12. Specifically, an H-shaped cut is formed in the segment ring substrate 11A by laser processing and then bent to form a positioning shape portion 11Aa with two columnar portions standing upright and clamping a rectangular hole. In the illustrated example, two sets of positioning shape portions 11Aa are formed in the long side direction of the segment ring substrate 11A (the direction corresponding to the length direction of the wire guide substrate 12).

[0118] Therefore, as Figure 15 As shown in column D, the wire guide substrate 12 can be positioned on the joint ring substrate 11A without the use of additional tools, and the joining process can be performed in the positioned state.

[0119] According to this second embodiment, the same effect as the first embodiment described above is obtained, and since a flat segment ring substrate 11A is used, the bonding operation of the wire guide substrate 12 relative to the segment ring substrate 11A becomes easier.

[0120] [Third Implementation Method]

[0121] Figures 16 to 18 This represents the third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 16 This diagram illustrates the manufacturing method of the bent tube 6 in the third embodiment. In the third embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for parts that are the same as in the first and second embodiments, and descriptions are omitted appropriately; the main differences are explained. Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example of manufacturing a bent tube 6 capable of bending in four directions is also described.

[0122] In this embodiment, a bent tube 6 combining two types of joint rings is manufactured using two joint ring substrates 11X and 11Y.

[0123] The segment ring substrate 11X is the material that forms the basis for manufacturing multiple segment ring bodies 5Xa, such as Figure 16 As shown in column A1, it is formed into a rectangular flat plate.

[0124] The segment ring substrate 11Y is the basic material for manufacturing multiple segment ring bodies 5Ya, such as Figure 16As shown in column B1, it is formed into a rectangular flat plate. The joint ring substrate 11Y and the joint ring substrate 11X have the same shape and the same size.

[0125] Figure 18 This is a flowchart illustrating the manufacturing method of the bent tube 6 in the third embodiment.

[0126] When it begins Figure 18 When manufacturing the bent tube 6 shown, as follows: Figure 16 As shown in column A2, two tubular wire guide substrates 12 are arranged, for example, parallel to the long side of the joint ring substrate 11X (and therefore, in a mutually parallel manner) relative to one of the two main surfaces of the rectangular joint ring substrate 11X, namely the first surface. Here, the length of the long side of the joint ring substrate 11X is the same as the length of the wire guide substrate 12.

[0127] The positioning and configuration are performed as follows. When the length of the short side of the joint ring substrate 11X is set to W, the first line guide substrate 12 is positioned at a position (W / 8) starting from one long side (e.g., the long side on the left), and the second line guide substrate 12 is positioned at a position (5×W / 8) starting from that one long side.

[0128] After positioning and configuration, the two wire guide substrates 12 are joined to the segment ring substrate 11X (step S21). Figure 16 In column A2 and column B2 as described below, the laser-welded portion LS is shown by dots. As for the joining method, it is not limited to laser welding; spot welding, brazing, etc., can also be used, as described above.

[0129] Next, as Figure 16 As shown in column B2, two cylindrical wire guide substrates 12 are arranged, for example, parallel to the long sides of the segment ring substrate 11Y (and therefore, in a mutually parallel manner) relative to one of the two main surfaces of the rectangular segment ring substrate 11Y, namely the first surface. Here, the length of the long side of the segment ring substrate 11Y is the same as the length of the wire guide substrate 12.

[0130] The positioning and configuration are performed as follows: The length of the short side of the joint ring substrate 11Y is W, which is the same as the length of the short side of the joint ring substrate 11X. The first wire guide substrate 12 is positioned at a position (3×W / 8) starting from one of the long sides (e.g., the left long side) of the joint ring substrate 11Y, and the second wire guide substrate 12 is positioned at a position (7×W / 8) starting from that one long side.

[0131] After positioning and configuration, the two wire guide substrates 12 are joined to the joint ring substrate 11Y using the same joining method as in step S21 (step S22).

[0132] Furthermore, the processes in step S21 and step S22 can be performed in reverse order or simultaneously in parallel.

[0133] Next, with the segment ring substrate 11X, which is joined to the two wire guide substrates 12, positioned and fixed, it is cut, for example, by laser processing. This forms a plurality of segment ring bodies 5Xa connected to the outer frame 11Xa before circular processing. Two wire guides 5d, formed by cutting a portion of the two wire guide substrates 12, are formed on the segment ring bodies 5Xa.

[0134] Furthermore, the joint ring body 5Xa manufactured in this embodiment and Figure 3 The structure is slightly different. The first end face f1 has a pair of hinge protrusions 5Xb, and the second end face f2 has a pair of hinge protrusions 5Xb whose positions around the central axis O are 90 degrees different from the hinge protrusions 5Xb of the first end face f1 (wherein, the hinge body 5Xa of the hinge ring 5 at a certain part is labeled as 5Xa1 due to the different configuration of the hinge protrusions 5Xb).

[0135] Therefore, when assembled as a bent tube 6, the hinge protrusion 5Xb is further stamped in such a way that its position is offset from that of the hinge protrusion 5Yb of the joint ring body 5Ya (described later) in the wall thickness direction. During this stamping process, the following processing is also performed: as described later. Figure 16 As shown in column 4, when the joint ring substrate 11X and the joint ring substrate 11Y coincide, the joint ring body 5Xa and the joint ring body 5Ya are arranged on the same plane.

[0136] Subsequently, electropolishing is performed to smooth the surface, and a coating is formed by de Vries coating (step S23) (see reference). Figure 16 (Column A3).

[0137] For the segment ring substrate 11Y that is joined to the substrate 12 of the two wire guides, the same laser-based cutting, stamping, electrolytic polishing, and de Vries coating processes as in step S23 are also performed, thereby forming multiple segment ring bodies 5Ya that are connected to the outer frame 11Ya and subjected to circular processing (step S24) (see Figure 16 (Column B3). Two wire guides 5e are formed in the joint ring body 5Ya by cutting a portion of the two wire guide substrate 12.

[0138] Furthermore, regarding the joint ring substrate 11Y, the joint ring body 5Ya of the joint ring 5 located at a specific location, specifically at both ends of the bent tube 6, is designated as 5Ya1 and 5Ya2 due to the different configurations of the hinge protrusions 5Yb.

[0139] Furthermore, the processes in step S23 and step S24 can be performed in reverse order or simultaneously in parallel.

[0140] After that, as Figure 16 As shown in column 4, the joint ring substrate 11X and joint ring substrate 11Y are aligned at the corners. Thus, the joint ring body 5Xa and joint ring body 5Ya are alternately arranged on the same plane along the long side direction of the joint ring substrate 11X and joint ring substrate 11Y.

[0141] After the joint ring substrate 11X and joint ring substrate 11Y are aligned, except for the connection between the joint ring body 5Ya1, 5Ya2 of the joint ring 5 located at both ends of the bent tube 6 and the outer frame 11Ya, the connection between the joint ring body 5Xa, 5Xa1 and the outer frame 11Xa, as well as the connection between the joint ring body 5Ya and the outer frame 11Ya, are cut off and circular processing is performed. Figure 17 This is a diagram used to illustrate the process of circular machining in the third embodiment.

[0142] Figure 17 Column A shows the flat, plate-shaped segment ring bodies 5Xa and 5Ya before circular machining. As shown, line guides 5d and 5e are arranged alternately at equal intervals.

[0143] Circular machining includes processes such as forming a circle, joining, and cutting.

[0144] When starting the circular machining process, the first step is to perform a rounding process, such as... Figure 17 As shown in column B, the joint ring bodies 5Xa and 5Ya are rolled into an arc shape from both ends, for example, with the first surface that engages with the line guides 5d and 5e on the inside.

[0145] When the rounding process is further carried out, such as Figure 17 As shown in column C, the main body of the joint ring 5Xa and 5Ya is formed as a curved cross section (the three-dimensional terrain becomes a curved surface).

[0146] Furthermore, when the rounding process is completed, such as Figure 17 As shown in column C, the joint ring bodies 5Xa and 5Ya are formed into a circular tube centered on the central axis O. Then, the two ends of the joint ring bodies 5Xa and 5Ya (including 5Xa1, 5Ya1, and 5Ya2) are joined together through a joining process.

[0147] When the joining process is completed, the result is Figure 16 The curved tube 6 is connected to the outer frame 11Ya as shown in the fifth column. The curved tube 6 is manufactured by cutting it off from the outer frame 11Ya through a cutting process from this state (step S25).

[0148] According to this third embodiment, the same effect as the first and second embodiments described above is obtained, and the method of manufacturing the joint ring 5 (bent tube 6) by dividing it into two flat joint ring substrates 11X and 11Y is adopted. Therefore, the process of setting other parts besides the wire guides 5d and 5e on the joint ring 5 (bent tube 6) becomes easier.

[0149] In addition, by offsetting the hinge protrusion 5Xb and hinge protrusion 5Yb in the wall thickness direction, the bending angle of the bent tube 6 can be increased.

[0150] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be further modified and embodied by adapting the constituent elements without departing from its spirit during the implementation phase. Additionally, various inventive methods can be formed by appropriately combining the multiple constituent elements disclosed in the above embodiments. For example, some constituent elements may be deleted from all the constituent elements shown in the embodiments. Furthermore, constituent elements from different embodiments may be appropriately combined. Thus, various modifications and applications are naturally possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A joint ring, the joint ring comprising: The segmental ring body has a first end face and a second end face; as well as A wire guide having a third end face and a fourth end face, the wire guide engaging with the segment ring body. In the direction of the central axis of the segment ring body, the first end face and the third end face are located at the same position, and the second end face and the fourth end face are located at the same position; In this configuration, each of the plurality of segment rings has a wire guide member engaged with a segment ring body. A wire guide member substrate, which serves as the substrate for the plurality of wire guide members, is joined to the segment ring substrate, which forms the substrate for the plurality of segment ring bodies. The segment ring substrates engaged with the wire guide member substrates are then cut to produce the plurality of segment rings. The line guide substrate has recesses connected in the longitudinal direction. Multiple line guide substrates are joined to the inner circumferential surface of the tubular segment ring substrate in a manner parallel to the central axis of the segment ring substrate. The segment ring substrate, which is engaged with the plurality of line guide substrates, is cut off from the plurality of line guide substrates; The second end face includes a concave surface recessed towards the central axis, a portion of which is located at the same position as the fourth end face. in, The line guide substrate is alternately formed with plate-like bodies and tubular bodies along its length, and the recess is formed on the inner surface of the tubular body. The plurality of wire guide substrates are cut by cutting the plate without cutting the tubular body.

2. The joint ring according to claim 1, wherein, The segment ring substrate and the line guide substrate have the same length.

3. The joint ring according to claim 1, wherein, The segmental ring substrate is in the shape of a cylindrical tube.

4. The joint ring according to claim 1, wherein, The tubular wire guide substrate is formed by intermittently cutting the tubular wire guide substrate in such a way that a surface facing the inner circumference of the segmental ring substrate is left. The wire guide substrate on which the plate-like body and the tubular body are alternately formed is thus formed.

5. A curved tube for an endoscope, the curved tube for an endoscope being composed of a plurality of segmented rings connected together, the segmented rings comprising: The segmental ring body has a first end face and a second end face; as well as A wire guide having a third end face and a fourth end face, the wire guide engaging with the segment ring body. In the direction of the central axis of the segment ring body, the first end face and the third end face are located at the same position, and the second end face and the fourth end face are located at the same position; In this process, a curved endoscope tube is manufactured by joining a segmented ring substrate, which forms a substrate of multiple segmented rings, to a wire guide substrate, which forms a substrate of multiple wire guides. The segmented ring substrate joined to the wire guide substrate is then cut, thereby producing a curved endoscope tube formed by the connection of the multiple segmented rings. Each of the multiple segmented rings has a wire guide attached to it. The line guide substrate has recesses connected in the longitudinal direction. Multiple line guide substrates are joined to the inner circumferential surface of the tubular segment ring substrate in a manner parallel to the central axis of the segment ring substrate. The segment ring substrate and the plurality of line guide substrates that are engaged with the plurality of line guide substrates are cut off to form a hinge that connects adjacent segment rings to each other and a gap for adjacent segment rings to bend without colliding with each other. The second end face includes a concave surface recessed towards the central axis, a portion of which is located at the same position as the fourth end face; in, The line guide substrate is alternately formed with plate-like bodies and tubular bodies along its length, and the recess is formed on the inner surface of the tubular body. The plurality of wire guide substrates are cut by cutting the plate without cutting the tubular body.

6. The curved tube for endoscopy according to claim 5, wherein, The segment ring substrate and the line guide substrate have the same length.

7. The curved tube for endoscopy according to claim 5, wherein, The segmental ring substrate is in the shape of a cylindrical tube.

8. The curved tube for endoscopy according to claim 5, wherein, The tubular wire guide substrate is formed by intermittently cutting the tubular wire guide substrate in such a way that a surface facing the inner circumference of the segmental ring substrate is left. The wire guide substrate on which the plate-like body and the tubular body are alternately formed is thus formed.

9. A joint ring, the joint ring comprising: The segmental ring body has a first end face and a second end face; as well as A wire guide having a third end face and a fourth end face, the wire guide engaging with the segment ring body. In the direction of the central axis of the segment ring body, the first end face and the third end face are located at the same position, and the second end face and the fourth end face are located at the same position; In this configuration, each of the plurality of segment rings has a wire guide member engaged with a segment ring body. A wire guide member substrate, which serves as the substrate for the plurality of wire guide members, is joined to the segment ring substrate, which forms the substrate for the plurality of segment ring bodies. The segment ring substrates engaged with the wire guide member substrates are then cut to produce the plurality of segment rings. The line guide substrate has recesses connected in the longitudinal direction. Multiple line guide substrates are joined to the first surface of a flat ring substrate in a parallel manner. The first surface is positioned on the inside, and the plurality of line guide substrates are arranged parallel to the central axis, so that the segmental ring substrate is formed into a circle around the central axis. The segment ring substrate and the plurality of line guide substrates that are engaged with the plurality of line guide substrates are cut off; The second end face includes a concave surface recessed towards the central axis, a portion of which is located at the same position as the fourth end face; in, The line guide substrate is alternately formed with plate-like bodies and tubular bodies along its length, and the recess is formed on the inner surface of the tubular body. The plurality of wire guide substrates are cut by cutting the plate without cutting the tubular body.

10. The joint ring according to claim 9, wherein, The line guide substrate is a tubular body, and the recess is formed on the inner surface of the tubular body.

11. The joint ring according to claim 9, wherein, The tubular wire guide substrate is formed by intermittently cutting the tubular wire guide substrate in such a way that the surface facing the first face of the segmental ring substrate is left open, thereby forming the wire guide substrate with the plate-like body and the tubular body alternately formed.

12. A curved tube for an endoscope, the curved tube being formed by connecting multiple segments, each segment comprising: The segmental ring body has a first end face and a second end face; as well as A wire guide having a third end face and a fourth end face, the wire guide engaging with the segment ring body. In the direction of the central axis of the segment ring body, the first end face and the third end face are located at the same position, and the second end face and the fourth end face are located at the same position; In this process, a curved endoscope tube is manufactured by joining a segmented ring substrate, which forms a substrate of multiple segmented rings, to a wire guide substrate, which forms a substrate of multiple wire guides. The segmented ring substrate joined to the wire guide substrate is then cut, thereby producing a curved endoscope tube formed by the connection of the multiple segmented rings. Each of the multiple segmented rings has a wire guide attached to it. The line guide substrate has recesses connected in the longitudinal direction. Multiple line guide substrates are joined to the first surface of a flat ring substrate in a parallel manner. The first surface is positioned on the inside, and the plurality of line guide substrates are arranged parallel to the central axis, so that the segmental ring substrate is formed into a circle around the central axis. The segment ring substrate and the plurality of line guide substrates, which are engaged with the plurality of line guide substrates, are cut off. Forming hinges that connect adjacent segments to each other and gaps that allow adjacent segments to buckle without colliding with each other; The second end face includes a concave surface recessed towards the central axis, a portion of which is located at the same position as the fourth end face; in, The line guide substrate is alternately formed with plate-like bodies and tubular bodies along its length, and the recess is formed on the inner surface of the tubular body. The plurality of wire guide substrates are cut by cutting the plate without cutting the tubular body.

13. The curved tube for endoscopy according to claim 12, wherein, The line guide substrate is a tubular body, and the recess is formed on the inner surface of the tubular body.

14. The curved tube for endoscopy according to claim 12, wherein, The tubular wire guide substrate is formed by intermittently cutting the tubular wire guide substrate in such a way that the surface facing the first face of the segmental ring substrate is left open, thereby forming the wire guide substrate with the plate-like body and the tubular body alternately formed.

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