Flexible tube for an insertion device, insertion device and method for manufacturing a flexible tube for an insertion device

Abstract

A general cable (1) of an endoscope (9) includes an elongated tube (10) including a spiral tube (20) formed by winding a band-shaped plate in a spiral shape and a flexible tube (30) provided to an outer peripheral surface of the spiral tube (20), and having a first end (10A) and a second end (10B); two substantially cylindrical connectors consisting of a first connector (41) fixed to the first end (10A) and a second connector (42) fixed to the second end (10B); and a wire (50) having a third end (50A) fixed to the first connector (41) and a fourth end (50B) fixed to the second connector (42), the wire (50) being inserted in the tube (10) and having an elongation smaller than that of the tube (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of the present invention relate to a flexible tube for an insertion device, an insertion device, and a method for manufacturing a flexible tube for an insertion device. Background Technology

[0002] The universal cable of an endoscope, which is a flexible tube used as an insertion device, is the connection cable between the endoscope's operating part and the connector that connects to external devices (such as video processors and light source devices).

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-332818 discloses a general-purpose cable composed of a laminated structure, which consists of a spiral tube (i.e., a flexible body) formed by winding a strip of thin plate into a spiral shape, a mesh tube (i.e., a braided component) woven from metal wires or synthetic fibers, and an outer sheath (tube) formed from resin.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-332818 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] General-purpose cables without braided conduits (flexible conduits inserted into devices) tend to elongate more easily than conventional general-purpose cables due to external stress and changes over time. This can adversely affect conduits and signal lines that pass through them, potentially reducing reliability.

[0009] The purpose of this invention is to provide a flexible tube for an insertion device that ensures reliability, an insertion device that ensures reliability, and a method for manufacturing the flexible tube for the insertion device that ensures reliability.

[0010] Methods for solving problems

[0011] The flexible tube of the insertion device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: an elongated tube including a spiral tube formed by winding a strip-shaped plate into a spiral shape and a flexible tube disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the spiral tube, the tube having a first end and a second end; two connectors, each consisting of a first connector fixed to the first end and a second connector fixed to the second end; and a wire having a third end and a fourth end, the third end being fixed to the first connector and the fourth end being fixed to the second connector, the wire being inserted into the tube and having an elongation rate smaller than that of the tube.

[0012] The insertion device according to an embodiment of the present invention is an insertion device inserted into a subject body. The insertion device includes a flexible tube comprising: an elongated cylinder comprising a spiral tube formed by winding a strip of plate into a spiral shape and a flexible tube disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the spiral tube, the cylinder having a first end and a second end; two connectors consisting of a first connector fixed to the first end and a second connector fixed to the second end; and a wire having a third end and a fourth end, the third end fixed to the first connector and the fourth end fixed to the second connector, the wire being inserted into the cylinder and having an elongation rate smaller than that of the cylinder.

[0013] In the manufacturing method of the flexible tube of the insertion device according to an embodiment of the present invention, a spiral tube is formed by winding a strip of metal plate into a spiral shape along the length axis direction. A flexible tube extending along the length axis direction is disposed on the surface side of the spiral tube to form a cylinder. Connectors are installed at both ends of the cylinder. A wire with an elongation rate smaller than that of the cylinder is inserted into the cylinder, and both ends of the wire are fixed to each of the connectors.

[0014] Invention Effects

[0015] According to embodiments of the present invention, a flexible tube for an insertion device that ensures reliability, an insertion device that ensures reliability, and a method for manufacturing a flexible tube for an insertion device that ensures reliability can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0016] [ Figure 1 ] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional view of the endoscope used in the implementation method.

[0017] [ Figure 2 ] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional diagram of a general cable used in the implementation method.

[0018] [ Figure 3 ] Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 A sectional view along line III-III.

[0019] [ Figure 4 ] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of the general cable used in the implementation method.

[0020] [ Figure 5 ] Figure 5 This is a partial cross-sectional view of a general cable, a variation of the implementation method.

[0021] [ Figure 6 ] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a general-purpose cable according to an implementation method.

[0022] [ Figure 7 ] Figure 7 These are drawings of the core and mold used to manufacture the reference tube.

[0023] [ Figure 8A ] Figure 8A This is a cross-sectional view used to illustrate the manufacturing method of the tube in the reference example.

[0024] [ Figure 8B ] Figure 8B This is a cross-sectional view used to illustrate the manufacturing method of the tube in the reference example.

[0025] [ Figure 8C ] Figure 8C This is a cross-sectional view used to illustrate the manufacturing method of the tube in the reference example.

[0026] [ Figure 8D ] Figure 8D This is a cross-sectional view used to illustrate the manufacturing method of the tube in the reference example. Detailed Implementation

[0027] <Implementation Method>

[0028] The following description uses the accompanying drawings to illustrate a common cable for an endoscope with a flexible tube as an insertion device. The drawings based on the embodiments are schematic. The relationship between the thickness and width of the various parts in the drawings, the ratio of the thickness of each part, etc., differ from reality. The drawings also include parts with different dimensional relationships and ratios. Illustrations of some constituent elements and labeling are omitted in the drawings.

[0029] <Structure of an endoscope>

[0030] Figure 1 The endoscope 9 of the illustrated embodiment includes: an insertion part 90, which is inserted into the body of the subject; an operation part 94, which is provided at the base end of the insertion part 90; and a universal cable 1, which extends from the operation part 94. Multiple tubes such as channels (suction tubes) 80 and multiple signal lines are inserted through the universal cable 1.

[0031] As an example, Endoscope 9 is a disposable endoscope that is discarded after a single use. Endoscope 9 can be used for medical or industrial purposes.

[0032] The insertion portion 90 is continuously provided with a front end portion 91 on the front end side, a bent portion 92 disposed on the base end side of the front end portion 91, and an elongated flexible tube 93 connecting the base end side of the bent portion 92 to the operation portion 94. Although not shown, a camera unit, an illumination optical system, etc. are disposed on the rigid component 91A of the front end portion 91. The rigid component 91A is made of metal (e.g., stainless steel) or resin (e.g., epoxy resin, ABS resin).

[0033] Furthermore, the connecting portions of the various components of the insertion part 90 (front end 91 and bend 92, bend 92 and flexible tube 93, flexible tube 93 and operating part 94) are fixed by winding, and further reinforced by resin. Alternatively, the connecting portions may be fixed by pins instead of winding, or by resin alone. The connecting portions of the various components of the insertion part 90 (front end 91 and bend 92, bend 92 and flexible tube 93, flexible tube 93 and operating part 94) are fixed by pins, screws, rivets, etc., and further reinforced by resin such as adhesive. The connecting portions may also be fixed by resin alone or by pins, screws, rivets, etc.

[0034] The operation section 94 is provided with an insertion port H80 for introducing treatment instruments or the like into the treatment instrument channel of the insertion section 90. As will be described later, the channel 80 is not only a treatment instrument channel but also serves as a suction tube, and therefore has a Y-shaped branch 80Y.

[0035] The operating section 94 is equipped with various operating switches, including a bending operation knob 94A. Multiple bending operation lines (not shown) are fixed to the bending operation knob 94A, passing through the flexible tube 93, with each end fixed to a bending section 92. The bending section 92 bends according to the rotation of the bending operation knob 94A.

[0036] Although not shown in the figure, multiple elongated protrusions are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the connector of the flexible tube 93, engaging with multiple V-grooves on the inner surface of the fixing hole of the operating part 94. Therefore, during manufacturing, the rotation direction of the bending operation knob 94A can be easily aligned with the bending direction of the bending part 92. In addition, by forming more V-grooves than protrusions, fine adjustments to the rotation and bending directions are possible. For example, if the multiple V-grooves are formed at 5-degree intervals along the circumferential direction, the rotation and bending directions can be adjusted with an accuracy within 5 degrees, and the flexible tube 93 can be fixed to the operating part 94.

[0037] In an endoscope with a lifter protruding in the direction of the operating device in the rigid component 91A, a lifter operation line (not shown) for operating the lifter passes through the insertion part 90 and extends to the operating part 94B. Rotation of the operating rod 94B is converted into linear motion, for example, by a moving member held by two rails. The lifter operation line is connected to a rod connected to the moving member. Regarding the rod, the bending operation line, and the lifter operation line, a lubricating fluid (e.g., silicone oil) is coated on their outer surfaces to improve sliding with bearings, etc.

[0038] Various wires, including the universal cable 1, can be inserted into the resin tube through the insertion part 90. Instead of expensive fluoropolymers, a block copolymer composed of rigid polyamide blocks and flexible polyether blocks is preferred as the resin tube. Block copolymers are relatively inexpensive, and by controlling the composition and ratio of the multiple blocks, the desired softness / elasticity can be obtained without the need for plasticizers.

[0039] <Structure of a general-purpose cable>

[0040] Figures 2 to 4 The general-purpose cable 1 of the illustrated embodiment includes a tube 10, two connectors 40 made of resin, and a wire 50. The tube 10 includes a spiral tube 20 formed by winding a strip of plate into a spiral shape and a tube 30 made of flexible resin disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the spiral tube 20.

[0041] The elongated cylindrical tube 10 has a first end 10A and a second end 10B opposite to the first end 10A. Of the two generally cylindrical joints 40, the first joint 41 is fixed to the first end 10A of the tube 10, and the second joint 42 is fixed to the second end 10B of the tube 10.

[0042] The wire 50 has a third end 50A and a fourth end 50B on the opposite side of the third end 50A. The third end 50A of the wire 50 is fixed to the first connector 41, and the fourth end 50B is fixed to the second connector 42. The wire 50 is inserted into the cylinder 10, and its elongation ΔL50 is smaller than the elongation ΔL10 of the cylinder 10.

[0043] In this specification, the elongation ΔL is calculated based on the length L1 at room temperature (25°C) without load and the length L2 with one end fixed and a load of 40N applied to the other end. That is, the elongation ΔL% is (L2-L1) / L1×100.

[0044] Unlike conventional general-purpose cables, general-purpose cable 1 does not have a braided tube made of fine metal wires or synthetic fibers.

[0045] The price of Universal Cable 1 is lower than that of conventional universal cables with braided tubing, and it offers superior flexibility. Furthermore, Universal Cable 1 has lower torsional stiffness, resulting in better maneuverability than conventional universal cables. Moreover, Universal Cable 1 eliminates the need for angle adjustments at both ends of the connectors, thus reducing assembly time and simplifying manufacturing.

[0046] However, general-purpose cables without braided conduits tend to elongate more easily than conventional general-purpose cables due to external stress and changes over time. This can adversely affect conduits and signal lines that pass through them, potentially reducing reliability.

[0047] However, the general-purpose cable 1 has a wire 50 that limits the elongation deformation of the tube 10, ensuring flexibility, torsion resistance, and elongation prevention, thus guaranteeing reliability.

[0048] The following is a detailed description of the structure of the general cable 1.

[0049] The spiral tube 20 may also be made of a rigid resin plate with elasticity, rather than a metal plate. The tube 30 may be made of a soft resin such as polyurethane. Regarding the wire 50, a cable made of multiple strands of stainless steel twisted together is preferred due to its excellent flexibility. The wire 50 may also have its outer periphery covered with a resin film, or be inserted into a resin tube with an inner diameter approximately the same as the outer diameter of the wire 50.

[0050] The elongation rate ΔL50 of the wire 50 is preferably less than 10% of the elongation rate ΔL10 of the tube 10. If the elongation rate ΔL50 is less than 10% of the elongation rate ΔL10, the elongation deformation of the tube 10 can be limited, thus the reliability of the general-purpose cable 1 is high.

[0051] For example, the elongation ΔL10 of cylinder 10 is 0.7%, and the elongation ΔL50 of line 50 is 0.03%.

[0052] like Figure 2 As shown, the first connector 41 has a cutout C41 for inserting the wire 50 as a first through passage. The second connector 42 has a cutout C42 for inserting the wire 50 as a second through passage.

[0053] The third end 50A of the wire 50 is fixed to the outer surface 41SB of the first connector 41. The wire 50 passes through the tube 10 through the cut C41 and the fourth end 50B is fixed to the outer surface 42SB of the second connector 42 through the cut C42.

[0054] The third end 50A of the wire 50 is fixed to the first connector 41, extends on the outer surface 41SB in the direction opposite to that of the second connector 42, and then extends through the cut C41 into the cylinder 10 in the direction of the second connector 42. The fourth end 50B of the wire 50 is fixed to the second connector 42, extends on the outer surface 42SB in the direction opposite to that of the first connector 41, and then extends through the cut C42 into the cylinder 10 in the direction of the first connector 41. The wire 50 inserted into the cylinder 10 may also be fixed at at least one location on the inner surface of the cylinder 10.

[0055] A through-path can also be a through hole instead of a cut. However, inserting wire 50 is easier than inserting a through hole.

[0056] The wire 50 is fixed to the first connector 41 and the second connector 42 by various screws 62.

[0057] and Figure 4 and Figure 5 The first connector 41 shown is identical, although not illustrated. However, the second connector 42 also has an annular groove T40 for inserting the end of the cylinder 10. The groove T40 has an inner wall surface T40SA and an outer wall surface T40SB. The diameter D40A of the inner wall surface T40SA is slightly larger than the inner diameter D10A of the cylinder 10, and the diameter D40B of the outer wall surface T40SB is larger than the outer diameter D10B of the cylinder 10.

[0058] When the cylinder 10 is inserted into the groove T40, the cylinder 10 expands in diameter by being pressed into the groove T40, and the inner diameter D10A becomes the diameter of the inner wall surface of the groove T40. Since the end of the spiral tube 20, which is made of metal plate, is inserted into the groove T40 of the connector 40, the pipe and wiring inserted in the cylinder 10 will not be damaged by the end face of the metal plate.

[0059] The two connectors 40 are each made of a transparent material, such as polycarbonate resin, so the position of the front end of the cylinder 10 inserted into the groove T40 can be visually confirmed from the outside. Therefore, it can be confirmed that the front end of the cylinder 10 has been inserted into the designated position in the groove T40. The two connectors 40 may also be partially made of a transparent material, provided that the front end of the inserted cylinder 10 can be visually confirmed from the outside.

[0060] Adhesive 63 is filled in the space between the outer diameter D10B of the cylinder 10 and the outer wall surface T40SB of the groove T40. Since the cylinder 10 is fixed to the joint by adhesive 63 when inserted into the groove T40 of the connector 40, the cylinder 10 is firmly fixed to the connector.

[0061] That is, the cylinder 10, with adhesive 63 coated on its front end, is inserted into the groove T40, and the adhesive 63 is cured. The adhesive 63 is, for example, an ultraviolet-curing resin that can be cured in a short time. The ends of the spiral tube 20 and the tube 30 are simultaneously fixed to the joint 40. The fixing method using adhesive is simpler and cheaper than fixing methods using brazing or pins.

[0062] The connector 40 can also be joined to the cylinder 10 by a so-called crimping. That is, after inserting the end of the cylinder 10 into the groove T40 of the connector 40, a force is applied to the outer periphery of the connector 40 to plastically deform the connector 40, thereby firmly fixing the connector 40 to the cylinder 10. The fixing of the connector 40 to the cylinder 10 can also be achieved by using a combination of crimping and adhesive.

[0063] The first connector 41 of the universal cable 1 is fixed to the operating part 94 of the endoscope 9, and the second connector 42 is fixed to the connector 95 for connection with external equipment.

[0064] <Manufacturing Methods for General-Purpose Cables>

[0065] according to Figure 6The flowchart illustrates the manufacturing method of general-purpose cables.

[0066] <Step S10>

[0067] A slender spiral tube 20 is made by winding a strip of metal into a spiral shape along its length axis.

[0068] <Step S20>

[0069] A cylinder 10 is formed by inserting a helical tube 20 into a flexible tube 30. Specifically, for example, the cylinder 10 is formed by placing the flexible tube 30 on the surface side of the helical tube 20. For example, air is blown into the tube 30, and the helical tube 20 is inserted into the tube 30 in its expanded diameter state. Preferably, the inner diameter of the tube 30 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the helical tube 20.

[0070] <Step S30>

[0071] Connectors 40 are installed at both ends of the cylinder 10. That is, after the end of the cylinder 10 coated with adhesive 63 is pressed into the groove T40 of the connector 40, the adhesive 63 is cured. The adhesive 63 is, for example, a UV-curable polyurethane acrylate resin. Curing is performed by UV irradiation or a combination of UV irradiation and heat curing.

[0072] <Step S40>

[0073] A wire 50 with an elongation less than that of the tube 10 is inserted into the tube 10, and the third end 50A and the fourth end 50B of the wire 50 are fixed to the respective connectors 40. That is, a screw 62 with the end of the wire 50 wound around it is inserted into the threaded hole of the connector 40. Alternatively, the wire 50 can also be fixed by fasteners including screws or pins, or by adhesive.

[0074] The line 50 is set to a length such that when the cylinder 10 is configured in a straight state, the line 50 is approximately straight within the cylinder 10. In other words, the length of the line 50 is approximately the same as the length of the cylinder 10.

[0075] According to the general cable manufacturing method of this embodiment, low-cost general cables can be easily manufactured.

[0076] In addition, such as Figure 3 As shown, in the general-purpose cable 1, the wire 50 is inserted into the inner surface 20SA of the spiral tube 20. To prevent movement within the spiral tube 20, the wire 50 can also be fixed to a guide member (not shown) provided in the spiral tube 20. As already explained, the inner diameter of the tube 30 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the spiral tube 20, therefore, as Figure 5 As shown, line 50 can also be inserted between the outer surface 20SB of the spiral tube 20 and the inner surface 30SA of the tube 30.

[0077] <Reference Example>

[0078] As already explained, the endoscope 9 has a branch 80Y in its channel 80 (suction tube). Additionally, the endoscope 9 includes other channel tubes, such as air and water supply tubes (not shown). These air and water supply tubes also have a section, like the branch 80Y, where multiple tubes are connected together. If a Y-shaped tube made of metal is used to form this connection (branch), the cost increases. Even if a Y-shaped tube made of resin is used, the assembly cost is high, and the endoscope becomes waste when disposed of. Therefore, it is desirable to reduce costs by not using a Y-shaped tube.

[0079] To manufacture channels 81 such as air and water supply pipes with branching sections, such as... Figure 7 As shown, an upper mold 71, an upper core 72, a lower core 73, and a lower mold 74 are used. The outer peripheral surface of the core assembly consisting of the upper core 72 and the lower core 73 has the same shape as the inner peripheral surface of the hollow portion of the channel 81. The cross-section of one end of the upper core 72 and the lower core 73 is circular, and the cross-section of the other end is semi-circular. The upper core 72 and the lower core 73 are combined with their semi-circular cross-sections facing each other to form a core assembly.

[0080] The inner circumferential surface of a set of molds, which combines the upper mold 71 and the lower mold 74, has the same shape as the outer circumferential surface of the hollow part of the channel 81.

[0081] <Methods for Manufacturing Channels>

[0082] use Figures 8A to 8D Explain the method for manufacturing the channel. Figures 8A to 8D It is a cross-sectional view along the length of the channel.

[0083] like Figure 8A As shown, the cylindrical portion of the upper core 72 is inserted into the first resin tube 82, and the cylindrical portion of the lower core 73 is inserted into the second resin tube 83. A cylindrical portion consisting of the upper core 72 and the lower core 73 is inserted into the third resin tube 84.

[0084] The first resin tube 82, the second resin tube 83, and the third resin tube 84 are made of resin that melts when heated.

[0085] like Figure 8B As shown, a set of cores with the first resin tube 82, the second resin tube 83, and the third resin tube 84 inserted are arranged in the space between the upper mold 71 and the lower mold 74.

[0086] like Figure 8C As shown, when the opposing portions of the first resin tube 82 and the second resin tube 83 and the third resin tube 84 are heated, the opposing portions melt, and the three tubes are fused together.

[0087] like Figure 8D As shown, after removing the upper mold 71 and the lower mold 74, the upper core 72 and the lower core 73 are removed, thereby completing the channel 81 with the branch portion 80Y.

[0088] As explained above, in the manufacturing method of the air and water supply channels 81 of the endoscope 9, a first resin tube 82, through which a first fluid flows from the outside to the operating part 94, and a second resin tube 83, through which a treatment instrument is inserted from the operating part 94, are arranged side by side. A third resin tube 84, with one end disposed at the front end 91 of the insertion part 90 inserted into the subject and the other end disposed at the operating part 94, is positioned opposite the first resin tube 82 and the second resin tube 83. An upper core 72 is inserted through the first resin tube 82 and the third resin tube 84, and a lower core 73, which is combined with the upper core 72, is inserted through the second resin tube 83 and the third resin tube 84. The first resin tube 82, the second resin tube 83, and the third resin tube 84, through which the upper core 72 and the lower core 73 are inserted, are assembled between the upper mold 71 and the lower mold 74. Between the upper mold 71 and the lower mold 74, the portions of the first resin tube 82 and the second resin tube 83 that are opposite the third resin tube 84 are heated. By fusing the three tubes together at their opposite points, a channel 81 is created in which the first resin tube 82, the second resin tube 83, and the third resin tube 84 are connected by a branch.

[0089] Furthermore, the aforementioned manufacturing method of channel 81 is envisioned for a branch portion of the air and water supply pipe, but the same manufacturing method can also be applied to a branch portion of channel 80, namely 80Y, including a suction pipe.

[0090] In the above text, the flexible tube used as an insertion device was illustrated using the common cable of an endoscope as an example. However, the flexible tube can also be a catheter or the insertion part of an endoscope.

[0091] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications, combinations, and applications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0092] This application is based on priority claims made in US Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 621631, filed on January 17, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in the specification, claims and drawings.

[0093] Label Explanation

[0094] 1: General purpose cable; 9: Endoscope; 10: Tube; 20: Spiral tube; 20SA: Inner surface; 20SB: Outer surface; 30: pipe; 30SA: Inner surface; 40: Connector; 41: First connector; 41SB: Outer surface; 42: Second connector; 42SB: Outer surface; 50: line; 63: Adhesive; 71: Place the mold; 72: Upper core; 73: lower core; 74: Lower mold; 80, 81: Channels; 82: First resin tube; 83: Second resin tube; 84: Third resin tube; 90: Insertion section; 91: Front end; 92: Curved section; 93: Flexible tubing; 94: Operations Department. Claims (as amended under Article 19 of the Treaty) 1. [Modified] A flexible tube for insertion devices, characterized in that, The flexible tube of the insertion device has: An elongated tube comprising a spiral tube formed by winding a strip of plate into a spiral shape and a flexible tube disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the spiral tube, the tube having a first end and a second end; Two connectors, comprising a first connector fixed to the first end and having a first cut as a first through passage, and a second connector fixed to the second end; and The wire has a third end and a fourth end, the third end being fixed to the first connector via the first cut, and the fourth end being fixed to the second connector. The wire is inserted into the tube and has a smaller elongation than the tube. 2. The flexible tube of the insertion device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elongation of the line is less than 10% of the elongation of the cylinder. 3. The flexible tube of the insertion device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The line is inserted into the inner surface of the spiral tube. 4. The flexible tube of the insertion device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The line passes between the outer surface of the spiral tube and the inner surface of the tube. 5. [Modified] The flexible tube of the insertion device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second connector has a second cut that serves as a second through passage for the wire to be inserted. 6. [Modified] The flexible tube of the insertion device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The third end of the wire is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the first connector, the wire passes through the first cut, passes through the tube, passes through the second cut, and the fourth end of the wire is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the second connector. 7. [Modified] The flexible tube of the insertion device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The wire is fixed to the two connectors respectively by fasteners including screws or pins, which are fixed radially to the connectors. 8. The flexible tube of the insertion device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The third end of the line is fixed to the first connector, and the line extends to a side opposite to the direction in which the second connector is located, and then extends in the direction in which the second connector is located. 9. [Modified] The flexible tube of the insertion device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The fourth end of the wire is fixed to the second connector, and the wire extends to a side opposite to the direction in which the first connector is set, and then extends in the direction in which the first connector is set. 10. The flexible tube of the insertion device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The two connectors have annular grooves into which the first end or the second end of the cylinder is inserted. 11. The flexible tube of the insertion device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The groove has an inner wall surface with a diameter larger than the inner diameter of the cylinder and an outer wall surface with a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the cylinder. 12. The flexible tube of the insertion device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The two connectors allow for visual confirmation from the outside that the cylinder is inserted into the groove. 13. The flexible tube of the insertion device according to claim 12, characterized in that, At least a portion of each of the two connectors is made of a transparent material. 14. The flexible tube of the insertion device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The cylinder is fixed in the groove by an adhesive. 15. The flexible tube of the insertion device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The line includes a cable made of multiple strands of metal wire twisted together. 16. The flexible tube of the insertion device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The insertion device is a disposable endoscope that is discarded after single use. 17. The flexible tube of the insertion device according to claim 16, characterized in that, The flexible tube is the universal cable for the endoscope. The flexible tube does not have a braided component, which is a mesh tube made of fine metal wires or synthetic fibers that covers the spiral tube. 18. The flexible tube of the insertion device according to claim 17, characterized in that, The first connector is fixed to the operating part of the endoscope, and the second connector is fixed to a connector for connection with external devices. 19. [Modified] An insertion device, characterized in that, The insertion device includes a flexible tube that is inserted into the body of the patient. The flexible tube comprises: An elongated tube comprising a spiral tube formed by winding a strip of plate into a spiral shape and a flexible tube disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the spiral tube, the tube having a first end and a second end; Two connectors, comprising a first connector fixed to the first end and having a first cut as a first through passage, and a second connector fixed to the second end and having a second cut as a second through passage; and A wire having a third end and a fourth end, the third end being fixed to the first connector via the first cut and the fourth end being fixed to the second connector via the second cut, the wire being inserted into the tube and having an elongation less than that of the tube. 20. [Modified] A method for manufacturing a flexible tube for an insertion device, characterized in that, To create a spiral tube by winding a strip of metal into a spiral shape along its length axis. A cylinder having a first end and a second end is made by placing a flexible tube extending along the length axis on the surface side of the spiral tube. Connectors with slits are installed at both ends of the cylinder. A wire with an elongation rate less than that of the tube is inserted into the tube, and the two ends of the wire are fixed to the respective joints through the respective cuts. 21. [Additional] The flexible tube of the insertion device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The third end is wound around the fastener. 22. [Additional] The flexible tube of the insertion device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The fastener is fixed to a hole on the outer peripheral surface of the connector. Explanation or declaration (as amended in accordance with Article 19 of the Treaty) Based on the explanation of Article 19(1) of the Treaty Claims 1, 19 (20) “as the first incision of the first through-pathway” clearly define the first through-pathway as the first incision. It is clarified that "inserted into the tube" in the amended claims 1, 19, and 20 can also mean inserted between the outer surface of the spiral tube and the inner surface of the tube. The revised claims 5, 19, and (20) explicitly define the second through-pathway as a cut. The revised claim 6 clarifies that the "pipeline" is an incision. The amended claim 7 will Figure 3 The structure of Ming culture. The amended claim 9 changes the dependent relationship from claim 1 to claim 8. The amended claim 21 specifies "screws at the ends of the wires wound around". The amended claim 22 specifies that "the screw is inserted into the hole".

Claims

1. A flexible tube for insertion devices, characterized in that, have: An elongated cylinder comprising a spiral tube formed by winding a strip of plate into a spiral shape and a flexible tube disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the spiral tube, the cylinder having a first end and a second end; Two connectors, comprising a first connector fixed to the first end and a second connector fixed to the second end; and The wire has a third end and a fourth end, the third end being fixed to the first connector and the fourth end being fixed to the second connector. The wire is inserted into the tube and has an elongation rate smaller than that of the tube.

2. The flexible tube of the insertion device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elongation of the line is less than 10% of the elongation of the cylinder.

3. The flexible tube of the insertion device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The line is inserted into the inner surface of the spiral tube.

4. The flexible tube of the insertion device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The line passes between the outer surface of the spiral tube and the inner surface of the tube.

5. The flexible tube of the insertion device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first connector has a first through passage for the wire to pass through, and the second connector has a second through passage for the wire to pass through.

6. The flexible tube of the insertion device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The third end of the wire is fixed to the outer surface of the first connector, the wire passes through the first through passage, passes through the cylinder, and passes through the second through passage, and the fourth end of the wire is fixed to the outer surface of the second connector.

7. The flexible tube of the insertion device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The wires are secured to the two connectors respectively by fasteners including screws or pins.

8. The flexible tube of the insertion device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The third end of the line is fixed to the first connector, and the line extends to a side opposite to the direction in which the second connector is located, and then extends in the direction in which the second connector is located.

9. The flexible tube of the insertion device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fourth end of the wire is fixed to the second connector, and the wire extends to a side opposite to the direction in which the first connector is set, and then extends in the direction in which the first connector is set.

10. The flexible tube of the insertion device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The two connectors have annular grooves into which the first end or the second end of the cylinder is inserted.

11. The flexible tube of the insertion device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The groove has an inner wall surface with a diameter larger than the inner diameter of the cylinder and an outer wall surface with a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the cylinder.

12. The flexible tube of the insertion device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The two connectors allow for visual confirmation from the outside that the cylinder is inserted into the groove.

13. The flexible tube of the insertion device according to claim 12, characterized in that, At least a portion of each of the two connectors is made of a transparent material.

14. The flexible tube of the insertion device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The cylinder is fixed in the groove by an adhesive.

15. The flexible tube of the insertion device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The line includes a cable made of multiple strands of metal wire twisted together.

16. The flexible tube of the insertion device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The insertion device is a disposable endoscope that is discarded after single use.

17. The flexible tube of the insertion device according to claim 16, characterized in that, The flexible tube is the universal cable for the endoscope. The flexible tube does not have a braided component, which is a mesh tube made of fine metal wires or synthetic fibers that covers the spiral tube.

18. The flexible tube of the insertion device according to claim 17, characterized in that, The first connector is fixed to the operating part of the endoscope, and the second connector is fixed to a connector for connection with external devices.

19. An insertion device, characterized in that, The insertion device includes a flexible tube that is inserted into the body of the patient. The flexible tube comprises: An elongated cylinder comprising a spiral tube formed by winding a strip of plate into a spiral shape and a flexible tube disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the spiral tube, the cylinder having a first end and a second end; Two connectors, comprising a first connector fixed to the first end and a second connector fixed to the second end; and The wire has a third end and a fourth end, the third end being fixed to the first connector and the fourth end being fixed to the second connector. The wire is inserted into the tube and has an elongation rate smaller than that of the tube.

20. A method for manufacturing a flexible tube for an insertion device, characterized in that, To create a spiral tube by winding a strip of metal into a spiral shape along its length axis. A flexible tube extending along the length axis is disposed on the surface side of the helical tube to form a cylinder. Connectors are installed at both ends of the cylinder. A wire with an elongation rate smaller than that of the cylinder is inserted into the cylinder, and both ends of the wire are fixed to the respective connectors.

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