Insertion tube and manufacturing method thereof, insertion part and endoscope

Abstract

The invention discloses an insertion tube and a manufacturing method thereof, an insertion part and an endoscope, and relates to the technical field of medical instruments, the insertion tube comprises an insertion body and an elastic tube, a first reinforcing layer and a second reinforcing layer are arranged in the insertion body, the second reinforcing layer is arranged outside the first reinforcing layer in a surrounding mode, and the first reinforcing layer is provided with a concave part. The first reinforcing layer and the second reinforcing layer can form double limiting and wrapping supporting on the elastic pipe, the concave shape of the concave part of the first reinforcing layer is utilized to be attached to the outer wall outline of the elastic pipe, and the outer side of the second reinforcing layer is matched for enclosing and restraining, so that the installation stability of the elastic pipe in the first channel can be greatly improved; bending moment generated by self-gravity, external force and the like of the elastic tube is effectively counteracted, the elastic tube is prevented from being bent under the action of self-gravity, external force and the like, the whole insertion tube is prevented from deforming along with bending of the elastic tube, and the form stability of the insertion tube in the cavity in the propelling process is guaranteed. And the straightness of a traction rope transmission path and the accurate conduction of a control instruction are ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of medical device technology, and in particular to an insertion tube, its manufacturing method, an insertion part, and an endoscope. Background Technology

[0002] An endoscope is a medical device used for the examination, diagnosis, and treatment of internal cavities and organs of the human body. It can be inserted into the body through natural cavities or tiny incisions. The endoscope has an insertion section that can be inserted into the body. This insertion section integrates a camera module, an illumination module, and an operating module, enabling real-time transmission of images from inside the body. This helps doctors visually identify lesions and allows for the use of specialized instruments to complete treatments, significantly reducing the invasiveness of traditional surgery.

[0003] In existing endoscopes, the insertion section has an elastic tube for the traction tether to pass through. However, this elastic tube may undergo irreversible deformation and bending, which may cause the entire insertion section to deform. This results in uneven stress distribution between the insertion section and the body cavity during advancement, and also generates resistance that hinders insertion, reducing the insertion effectiveness. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide an insertion tube, a method for manufacturing the same, an insertion part, and an endoscope, thereby improving or solving the aforementioned technical problems existing in the prior art.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides an insertion tube for the insertion part of an endoscope. The insertion tube includes an insertion body and an elastic tube. The insertion body has a first channel that extends through both ends of the insertion body. The elastic tube is installed in the first channel. A first reinforcing layer and a second reinforcing layer are disposed inside the insertion body. The second reinforcing layer surrounds the first reinforcing layer. The first reinforcing layer has a recessed portion that is recessed in a radially inward direction along the insertion body. The first channel is located between the recessed portion and the second reinforcing layer.

[0006] Secondly, this application provides an insertion part, which includes an insertion tube as described in the first aspect.

[0007] Thirdly, this application provides an endoscope including an insertion portion as described in the second aspect.

[0008] Fourthly, this application provides a method for manufacturing an insertion tube as described in the first aspect. The method includes providing a mandrel with a recessed area on its surface, forming a first reinforcing layer by weaving it on the outer periphery of the mandrel and forming a recessed portion of the first reinforcing layer by weaving it in the recessed area, providing an elastic tube, placing the elastic tube in the recessed portion, forming a second reinforcing layer by weaving it on the outer periphery of the first reinforcing layer to form an intermediate body, placing the intermediate body in an outer mold, and forming an insertion body by injection molding to obtain an insertion tube.

[0009] The technical solution adopted in this application achieves the following beneficial effects: The insert body has a first channel extending through both ends, and an elastic tube passes through this first channel for the traction rope to pass through. Simultaneously, the insert body contains a first reinforcing layer and a second reinforcing layer, with the second reinforcing layer surrounding the outside of the first reinforcing layer. The first reinforcing layer forms a recessed portion in the radially inward direction of the insert body, and the first channel is located between this recessed portion and the second reinforcing layer. The first and second reinforcing layers provide dual constraint and support for the elastic tube. The concave shape of the first reinforcing layer conforms to the outer contour of the elastic tube, and the outer enclosure constraint of the second reinforcing layer significantly improves the installation stability of the elastic tube within the first channel. This effectively counteracts the bending moment generated by the elastic tube's own weight and external forces, preventing the elastic tube from bending due to its own weight and external forces. It also prevents the insert tube from deforming due to the bending of the elastic tube, ensuring the morphological stability of the insert tube during its advancement within the cavity, and ensuring the straightness of the traction rope's transmission path and the precise transmission of control commands. This design avoids excessive pressure on the cavity mucosa caused by the curved convex side of the insertion part, eliminates unexpected deformation of the insertion part, prevents changes in the tension of the traction rope inside the insertion part, ensures the accuracy of steering control of the operating part, and significantly improves the control response accuracy of the insertion part. Attached Figure Description

[0010] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0011] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the insertion part shown in an exemplary embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an endoscope shown in an exemplary embodiment of this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the insertion tube shown in an exemplary embodiment of this application; Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the insertion tube shown in an exemplary embodiment of this application; Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Enlarged view of point a in the image; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the insertion part from another perspective, illustrating an exemplary embodiment of this application; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another structure of the insertion part, as shown in an exemplary embodiment of this application; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of another type of insertion part, as shown in an exemplary embodiment of this application; Figure 9 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing an insertion tube, as shown in an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0012] In the diagram: 100, insertion tube; 110, insertion body; 111, first channel; 1111, first sub-channel; 1112, second sub-channel; 112, first reinforcing layer; 1121, recess; 113, second reinforcing layer; 114, second channel; 120, elastic tube; 131, first section; 132, second section; 200, insertion part; 210, instrument tube; 220, active bending section; 230, first passive bending section; 240, second passive bending section; 300, endoscope; 310, operating handle. Detailed Implementation

[0013] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the technical solutions of this application will be described in detail below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other implementation methods obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0014] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification and claims of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and not to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such use of data can be interchanged where appropriate so that embodiments of this application can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein, and the objects distinguished by "first," "second," etc., are generally of the same class and the number of objects is not limited; for example, a first object can be one or more. Furthermore, in the specification and claims, "and / or" indicates at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0015] In the various embodiments of this application, "proximal end" and "far end" refer to the position of each component relative to the user in the usage environment. The end closer to the user is designated as the "proximal end", and the end farther from the user is designated as the "far end".

[0016] In existing technology, the two ends of the elastic tube are fixed to the opposite ends of the insertion part, but the middle part of the elastic tube is not fixed and can be movably positioned relative to the skin of the insertion part. Under its own weight and external forces, the elastic tube may undergo irreversible deformation and bending. The bent insertion part will generate resistance with the human body cavity during insertion, reducing the smoothness of insertion. In addition, this can cause the traction rope passing through the elastic tube to undergo unexpected deformation as the elastic tube bends, resulting in transmission lag or execution deviation of control commands such as steering from the operating part, significantly reducing the control response accuracy of the insertion part.

[0017] This application constrains the elastic tube inside the insertion tube, which allows the insertion tube to form a continuous fixing part over the elastic tube in the entire axial direction, thereby reducing the risk of deformation of the elastic tube.

[0018] This application provides an insertion tube 100, please refer to... Figure 1 The insertion tube 100 is used for the endoscope 300. See also... Figure 2 The endoscope 300 includes an insertion section 200 and an operating handle 310, the operating handle 310 being connected to the proximal end of the insertion section 200. An insertion tube 100 can be used in the insertion section 200 to enclose the functional components of the insertion section 200, the functional components being wire harnesses, snake bones, etc., without limitation.

[0019] Please see Figure 3 The insertion tube 100 may include an insertion body 110 and an elastic tube 120, with the elastic tube 120 disposed within the insertion body 110.

[0020] Please see Figure 3 The insertion body 110 has a first channel 111 that extends through both ends of the insertion body 110, and an elastic tube 120 is installed within the first channel 111. The elastic tube 120 is used for a traction rope to pass through, and the traction rope passes through the elastic tube 120. The distal end of the traction rope can be connected to the distal end of the insertion part 200, and the proximal end of the traction rope is connected to an operating handle 310, so that medical personnel can control the insertion part 200 to rotate to a preset direction by operating the operating handle 310.

[0021] Please see Figure 4 as well as Figure 5The insert body 110 contains a first reinforcing layer 112 and a second reinforcing layer 113. The second reinforcing layer 113 surrounds the first reinforcing layer 112. The first reinforcing layer 112 has a recessed portion 1121, which is recessed inward along the radial direction of the insert body 110. A first channel 111 is located between the recessed portion 1121 and the second reinforcing layer 113, and an elastic tube 120 can be fixed between the recessed portion 1121 and the second reinforcing layer 113. The recessed portion 1121 and the elastic tube 120 are correspondingly arranged, and their shapes and sizes are approximately the same. The first reinforcing layer 112 and the second reinforcing layer 113 form a double-limiting and covering support for the elastic tube 120. This significantly improves the installation stability of the elastic tube 120 within the first channel 111, effectively counteracting the bending moment generated by the elastic tube 120's own weight and external forces. This prevents the elastic tube 120 from bending due to its own weight and external forces, preventing the insertion tube 100 from deforming as a whole due to the bending of the elastic tube 120. It ensures the morphological stability of the insertion tube 100 during its advancement within the cavity, ensuring the straightness of the traction rope transmission path and the precise transmission of control commands. This eliminates the problem of inconsistent tension length of the traction rope caused by unexpected deformation of the elastic tube 120. This design prevents excessive pressure on the cavity mucosa caused by the convex side of the bent insertion part 200, eliminates unexpected deformation of the insertion part 200, prevents changes in the tension of the traction rope inside the insertion part 200, ensures the accuracy of the operating handle 310 in controlling the direction of the insertion part 200, and significantly improves the control response accuracy of the insertion part 200.

[0022] It should be noted that the elastic tube 120 can be an elastic metal tube, and its material can be stainless steel, etc. The elastic tube 120 can also be a spring tube, which can be bent under force and subsequently recover its deformation. Of course, in other cases, the elastic tube 120 can be integrally cut to form multiple bending notches, allowing the elastic tube 120 to deform and bend. The insertion body 110 can be integrally injection molded, and its material can be polyvinyl chloride, medical-grade polyurethane, or nylon elastomer, etc. The first reinforcing layer 112 and the second reinforcing layer 113 can be braided layers, which are formed by repeatedly winding multiple fiber bundles to form a densely interwoven braided layer, which can enhance the deformation resistance and structural stability of the insertion tube 100.

[0023] In one implementation, please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figure 4 as well as Figure 5The insertion body 110 may also have a second channel 114, separating the first channel 111 from the second channel 114. The second channel 114 allows the passage of an instrument tube 210 or cable, etc. The instrument tube 210 can penetrate the distal end face of the insertion part 200, and the cable can electrically connect to the camera module, lighting module, etc., of the insertion part 200. The inner wall of the second channel 114 is curved, and the outer surface of the elastic tube 120 is tangent to the curved surface. The inner wall of the second reinforcing layer 113 is set as a smooth curved surface, which allows for smooth insertion and operation of instruments, improving the assembly efficiency of the assembly personnel. The outer surface of the elastic tube 120 is tangentially fitted to this curved surface. The inner wall of the second reinforcing layer 113 restricts the radial position of the elastic tube 120, preventing the elastic tube 120 from encroaching on the internal space of the second channel 114, thus ensuring the layout space and functional stability of each pipeline. In addition, while ensuring that the insertion body 110 has sufficient thickness outside the elastic tube 120 to improve its strength, this also prevents the elastic tube 120 from shifting outward and causing the outer surface of the insertion tube 100 to bulge. This ensures that the outer surface of the insertion tube 100 remains smooth, thereby improving the insertion effect of the insertion part 200.

[0024] In the embodiments of this application, please refer to Figure 6The insertion tube 100 may include a first segment 131 and a second segment 132. The first segment 131 connects to the distal end of the second segment 132. The first segment 131 covers the active bending segment 220 and the first passive bending segment 230 of the insertion portion 200, and the second segment 132 covers the second passive bending segment 240 of the insertion portion 200. The hardness of the first segment 131 is less than that of the second segment 132. It should be noted that the insertion portion 200 includes an active bending segment 220, a first passive bending segment 230, and a second passive bending segment 240. The first passive bending segment 230 connects between the active bending segment 220 and the second passive bending segment 240. The hardness of the first segment 131 is less than that of the second segment 132. This hardness difference between the first segment 131 and the second segment 132 ensures that the hardness of the first passive bending segment 230 and the active bending segment 220 is less than that of the second passive bending segment 240. In contrast, when the insertion part 200 is bent under tension, the first passive bending segment 230 and the active bending segment 220, which have lower stiffness, will deform first, while the second passive bending segment 240, which has higher stiffness, will remain unchanged and will not deform in conjunction with the bending of the active bending segment 220. This effectively avoids interference from the bending action of the active bending segment 220 on the second passive bending segment 240, ensuring that the second passive bending segment 240, located in the human body cavity, will not undergo significant changes, thus improving safety. At the same time, the bending force transmitted from the active bending segment 220 is concentrated on the first passive bending segment 230, allowing the active bending segment 220 to bend at a larger angle using the first passive bending segment 230 as a fulcrum, thereby improving the bending flexibility and accuracy of the insertion part 200.

[0025] In one implementation, please refer to Figure 6 Both the first reinforcing layer 112 and the second reinforcing layer 113 extend from the proximal end to the distal end of the second segment 132. These layers enhance the structural strength of the second segment 132. The first and second reinforcing layers 112 and 113 do not extend into the first segment 131. This design creates a hardness difference between the first and second segments 131, meaning the hardness of the first segment 131 is less than that of the second segment 132. This effectively prevents the bending action of the active bending segment 220 from interfering with the second passive bending segment 240, ensuring that the second passive bending segment 240, located within the human body cavity, does not undergo significant changes, thus improving safety.

[0026] In another implementation, please refer to Figure 7One of the first reinforcing layer 112 and the second reinforcing layer 113 extends from the proximal end of the second segment 132 to the distal end of the second segment 132, while the other of the first reinforcing layer 112 and the second reinforcing layer 113 extends from the proximal end of the second segment 132 to the distal end of the first segment 131. This ensures that the first segment 131 is provided with only one of the first reinforcing layer 112 and the second reinforcing layer 113, while the second segment 132 can be provided with both the first reinforcing layer 112 and the second reinforcing layer 113. By adjusting the extension range of the reinforcing layers, this arrangement can create a difference in hardness between the first segment 131 and the second segment 132. This also effectively avoids interference from the bending action of the active bending segment 220 on the second passive bending segment 240, ensuring that the second passive bending segment 240, located in the human body cavity, does not undergo significant changes, thus improving safety in use.

[0027] In the embodiments of this application, please continue to refer to Figure 8 The number of first channels 111 and recesses 1121 can be one or more, such as 1, 2, 3, etc., and is not limited here. Multiple first channels 111 are distributed circumferentially around the insertion body 110, with each first channel 111 corresponding to a recess 1121. The multiple first channels 111 can be evenly spaced or have variable spacing, and are not limited here, depending on the specific implementation scenario or requirements. Each first channel 111 can be located in a corresponding recess 1121, and the first channel 111 is used to thread a corresponding traction rope. This satisfies the need for threading and pulling traction ropes in multiple directions. By pulling the traction rope in a particular first channel 111, the insertion part 200 can bend towards that side. Through the interconnected traction ropes in multiple first channels 111, multi-dimensional steering control of the front end of the insertion part 200 can be achieved, allowing it to be oriented towards a predetermined position, adapting to flexible operation in complex cavity environments.

[0028] This application provides an insertion part 200; please refer to the previous section. Figure 2 The insertion part 200 includes the insertion tube 100 as described above. This gives the insertion part 200 the beneficial effects of any of the aforementioned solutions, which will not be elaborated further here.

[0029] In one implementation, please refer to Figure 8The insertion section 200 may also include an instrument tube 210 through which an instrument can pass, such as a biopsy forceps or a laser fiber. Alternatively, in other cases, the instrument tube 210 may be injected with a medium, such as distilled water or a drug solution, without limitation. The instrument tube 210 is installed within the second channel 114 of the insertion tube 100. The wall of the first channel 111 protrudes relative to the inner wall of the second channel 114, and the wall of the first channel 111 abuts against the instrument tube 210. Furthermore, along the radial direction of the instrument tube 210, the wall of the first channel 111 abuts against the outer wall of the instrument tube 210. The wall of the first channel 111 and the wall of the insertion body 110 can simultaneously abut against the outer wall of the instrument tube 210, thereby fixing the instrument tube 210 relatively within the insertion tube 100. The structural strength of the insertion tube 100 is improved by the first reinforcing layer 112 and the second reinforcing layer 113. The abutment relationship forms a stable radial limit on the instrument tube 210, which prevents the instrument tube 210 from shifting, shaking or bending during the advancement or bending of the insertion part 200, and ensures the smooth delivery of the diagnostic and therapeutic instruments in the instrument tube 210.

[0030] For further information, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 8 The first channel 111 may include a first sub-channel 1111 and a second sub-channel 1112, which are spaced apart along the circumference of the insertion tube 100. Correspondingly, the recess 1121 may include a first sub-recess 1121 and a second sub-recess 1121, with the first sub-channel 1111 located at the first sub-recess 1121 and the second sub-channel 1112 located at the second sub-recess 1121. The first sub-channel 1111 and the second sub-channel 1112 are spaced apart along the circumference of the insertion tube 100, and the walls of the first sub-channel 1111 and the second sub-channel 1112 simultaneously abut against the instrument tube 210. The first sub-channel 1111 and the second sub-channel 1112 are distributed circumferentially along the insertion tube 100, and their walls are synchronously abutted against the outer wall of the instrument tube 210. Through the coordinated abutment action of the walls of the first sub-channel 1111 and the second sub-channel 1112, a multi-point limiting effect is formed, which improves the fixation stability of the insertion tube 100 on the instrument tube 210 and prevents the instrument tube 210 from shifting to one side.

[0031] Preferably, the first sub-channel 1111 and the second sub-channel 1112 are respectively located at opposite ends of the same diameter of the insertion tube 100. The first sub-channel 1111 and the second sub-channel 1112 can also be located at opposite ends of the same diameter of the insertion tube 100, utilizing symmetrically distributed contact forces to achieve balanced clamping of the instrument tube 210, ensuring uniform force on the instrument tube 210, further preventing positional displacement during the movement of the insertion part 200, and ensuring the reliability of instrument delivery. Furthermore, the first sub-channel 1111 and the second sub-channel 1112 can each be connected by at least two traction ropes. Because the first sub-channel 1111 and the second sub-channel 1112 are located on the same diameter, driving the traction ropes allows the insertion part 200 to bend radially, ensuring the bending effect of the insertion part 200.

[0032] In another implementation, please refer to [the original text]. Figure 6 The insertion section 200 includes an active bending section 220, a first passive bending section 230, and a second passive bending section 240. One end of the first passive bending section 230 is connected to the proximal end of the active bending section 220, and the other end is connected to the distal end of the second passive bending section 240. A first section 131 of the insertion tube 100 covers the active bending section 220 and the first passive bending section 230, and a second section 132 of the insertion tube 100 covers the second passive bending section 240. The active bending section 220 may include a snake bone, which can be integrally cut or riveted, etc., and is not limited thereto. The first section 131 has a lower hardness than the second section 132. Under certain conditions, the first passive bending section 230 and the active bending section 220 have even lower hardness. The second passive bending section 240 has a higher hardness. In comparison, the first passive bending segment 230, which has lower hardness, will deform first, while the second passive bending segment 240, which has higher hardness, can maintain its original shape and will not deform in conjunction with the bending of the active bending segment 220. This will not be elaborated further here.

[0033] This application also provides an endoscope 300, please refer to... Figure 2 The endoscope 300 includes the insertion portion 200 as described above. This gives the endoscope 300 the beneficial effects of any of the aforementioned solutions, which will not be elaborated further here. The endoscope 300 can be a bronchoscope, pyeloscope, esophagoscope, gastroscope, colonoscope, otoscope, rhinoscope, oral endoscope, laryngoscope, colposcope, laparoscope, arthroscope, etc. This application does not specifically limit the type of endoscope 300.

[0034] Please see Figure 9 This application also provides a method for manufacturing an insertion tube for the aforementioned insertion tube, the steps of which are as follows: Step S110: Provide a core mold with a recessed area on its surface. A first reinforcing layer is formed by weaving on the outer periphery of the core mold and a recessed portion of the first reinforcing layer is formed by weaving in the recessed area of ​​the core mold.

[0035] A mandrel is provided, which may be a columnar structure with recessed areas on its surface. These recessed areas have recessed structures that extend to opposite ends of the mandrel. A first reinforcing layer is formed by weaving the outer peripheral surface of the mandrel, during which one or more fiber bundles are cross-woven together on the surface of the mandrel to form the first reinforcing layer.

[0036] Simultaneously, weaving is completed in the pre-set recessed area of ​​the mandrel, so that the first reinforcing layer forms a recessed portion in the recessed area of ​​the mandrel. It should be noted that when low-tension fiber bundles are wound around the recessed area, the fiber bundles within the recessed structure naturally sink to form the recessed portion, while the fibers outside the recessed area remain flat due to normal weaving. Of course, in some other embodiments, the recessed portion can be formed by subsequently extruding the first reinforcing layer; this is not a limitation here. The recessed structure can be correspondingly set with the elastic tube of the inserted tube, and their shapes and sizes are correspondingly set. The shape of the recessed portion provides suitable installation space for the subsequent precise positioning of the elastic tube, ensuring the fit between the elastic tube and the first reinforcing layer.

[0037] Step S120: Provide an elastic tube, place the elastic tube in the recess, and form a second reinforcing layer by weaving it on the outer periphery of the first reinforcing layer to form an intermediate body.

[0038] A flexible tube is provided, which can be a spring tube or a metal tube, etc., without limitation. The metal tube can be composed of multiple segments riveted together, and can rotate in a certain direction. The flexible tube is placed in the recessed area, so that the outer wall of the flexible tube conforms to the contour of the recess. A second reinforcing layer is formed by weaving on the outer periphery of the first reinforcing layer. The flexible tube supports the second reinforcing layer, which remains flat in the recessed area. The double-layered structure of the first and second reinforcing layers firmly constrains the flexible tube in a predetermined position, forming a structurally stable intermediate body. This prevents radial displacement of the flexible tube during subsequent processing or use, alleviating or solving the problem of deformation common in existing flexible tubes. Simultaneously, the pre-positioning of the flexible tube by the first and second reinforcing layers reduces the need for positioning fixtures in subsequent processes, improving manufacturing efficiency. Of course, in some cases, adhesive can be injected into the intermediate body to facilitate its molding and prevent structural displacement.

[0039] Step S130: Place the intermediate body inside the outer mold and form the insertion body by injection molding to obtain the insertion tube.

[0040] An intermediate body is placed inside the cavity of an outer mold, and molten polymer material is molded onto the outside of the intermediate body using an injection molding process to form the insert body. After cooling and solidification, the insert body and the intermediate body form a strong, integrated structure to obtain the insert tube. This manufacturing method ensures the bonding precision of each layer, guaranteeing that the insert tube has good structural strength and handling stability during use.

[0041] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Unless otherwise specified, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0042] Furthermore, it should be noted that the scope of the methods and apparatus in the embodiments of this application is not limited to performing functions in the order shown or discussed, but may also include performing functions substantially simultaneously or in the reverse order, depending on the functions involved. For example, the described methods may be performed in a different order than described, and various steps may be added, omitted, or combined. In addition, features described with reference to certain examples may be combined in other examples.

[0043] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. An insertion tube for an insertion portion of an endoscope, characterized by, The insertion tube comprises an insertion body and an elastic tube, wherein: The insertion body has a first channel penetrating through both ends of the insertion body, and the elastic tube is installed in the first channel; The insertion body is provided with a first reinforcing layer and a second reinforcing layer, and the second reinforcing layer is arranged outside the first reinforcing layer; The first reinforcing layer has a recessed part which is recessed in the direction of the insertion body radially inward, and the first channel is located between the recessed part and the second reinforcing layer.

2. The insertion tube of claim 1, wherein, The insertion body also has a second channel, the first channel and the second channel are separated, the inner wall of the second channel is arc-shaped, and the outer surface of the elastic tube is tangent to the arc surface; And / or, the insertion tube comprises a first segment and a second segment, the first segment is connected to the distal end of the second segment, the first segment covers the active bending segment and the first passive bending segment of the insertion part, the second segment covers the second passive bending segment of the insertion part, and the hardness of the first segment is less than the hardness of the second segment.

3. The insertion tube of claim 2, wherein, The first reinforcing layer and the second reinforcing layer both extend from the proximal end of the second segment to the distal end of the second segment; Or, one of the first reinforcing layer and the second reinforcing layer extends from the proximal end of the second segment to the distal end of the second segment, and the other of the first reinforcing layer and the second reinforcing layer extends from the proximal end of the second segment to the distal end of the first segment.

4. The insertion tube of claim 1, wherein, The first reinforcing layer and the second reinforcing layer are both woven layers, and / or the elastic tube is an elastic metal tube.

5. The insertion tube of any of claims 1-4, wherein, The number of the first channel and the recessed part is one or more, and a plurality of first channels are distributed at intervals along the circumference of the insertion body, and the first channel and the recessed part correspond one by one.

6. An insertion portion characterized by, The insertion part comprises the insertion tube of any one of claims 1-5.

7. The insert of claim 6, wherein The insertion part also comprises an instrument tube, the instrument tube is installed in the second channel of the insertion tube, the wall of the first channel is protrudingly arranged relative to the inner wall of the second channel, and the wall of the first channel abuts against the instrument tube in the radial direction of the instrument tube; And / or, the insertion part comprises an active bending segment, a first passive bending segment and a second passive bending segment, one end of the first passive bending segment is connected to the proximal end of the active bending segment, and the other end is connected to the distal end of the second passive bending segment, the first segment of the insertion tube covers the active bending segment and the first passive bending segment, and the second segment of the insertion tube covers the second passive bending segment.

8. The insert of claim 7, wherein, The first channel comprises a first sub-channel and a second sub-channel, wherein: The first sub-channel and the second sub-channel are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the insertion tube, and the wall of the first sub-channel and the wall of the second sub-channel abut against the instrument tube at the same time; And / or, the first sub-channel and the second sub-channel are arranged at opposite ends on the same diameter of the insertion tube.

9. An endoscope characterized by comprising: The endoscope comprises the insertion part of any one of claims 6-8.

10. A method of manufacturing the insertion tube according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by, The manufacturing method comprises: A core mold is provided, a surface of the core mold having a recessed area, a first reinforcing layer is formed by braiding on an outer periphery of the core mold, and a recessed portion of the first reinforcing layer is formed in the recessed area; An elastic tube is provided, the elastic tube is placed at the recessed portion, and a second reinforcing layer is formed by braiding on an outer periphery of the first reinforcing layer to form an intermediate body; The intermediate body is placed in an outer mold, and an insertion body is formed by injection molding to obtain an insertion tube.

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