Rigidity-variable insertion tube, endoscope and medical instrument

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the technical field of endoscope preparation, and particularly relates to a rigidity-variable insertion tube, an endoscope and a medical instrument. The insertion tube comprises a flexible assembly and a first coating attached to the surface of the flexible assembly. The first coating comprises a resin layer and a phase change layer; the resin layer is attached to the surface of the flexible assembly; the resin layer is tubular; the phase change layer is used for adjusting the rigidity of the insertion tube; the phase change layer is wrapped by the resin layer; and the phase change layer is tubular. The rigidity of the insertion tube changes along with the temperature, the rigidity is reduced in the heating process, the rigidity is increased in the cooling process, and intelligent response to external temperature change stimulation is achieved. The resin layer and the phase change layer are arranged in the first coating of the insert tube, and the phase change layer is arranged in the resin layer, so that the rigidity of the insert tube can be adjusted, and the rigidity change of the insert tube can be realized in a short time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model belongs to the technical field of endoscope preparation, and in particular relates to an insertion tube with variable rigidity, an endoscope and a medical device. Background Art

[0002] Endoscope is a commonly used medical device, which consists of a head, a bending part, an insertion tube, an operating part and a light guide. In the medical field, endoscopes are widely used in various examinations and surgeries. In order to improve the efficiency of endoscope advancement and the flexibility of endoscope manipulation, the insertion tube is required to have variable stiffness. Endoscope insertion tubes with fixed stiffness are easily affected by the differences between doctors and patients and are difficult to meet the needs of personalized applications. In addition, the insertion tubes with variable stiffness have complex processes, low production efficiency, high equipment precision requirements and high costs. Utility Model Content

[0003] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by the utility model is to overcome the defects that the stiffness of the insertion tube in the prior art endoscope is a fixed value, which is difficult to meet personalized usage requirements, and the insertion tube structure and process are complex and costly, thereby providing an insertion tube, endoscope and medical device with variable stiffness.

[0004] To this end, the utility model provides the following technical solutions.

[0005] A first aspect of the utility model provides an insertion tube with variable stiffness, comprising a flexible component and a first coating attached to a surface of the flexible component;

[0006] The first coating comprises:

[0007] A resin layer, the resin layer being attached to the surface of the flexible component; the resin layer being in a tubular shape;

[0008] A phase change layer, the rigidity of which is variable to adjust the rigidity of the insertion tube; the phase change layer is wrapped by the resin layer; and the phase change layer is in a tubular shape.

[0009] Further, along the direction of the insertion tube, the phase change layer includes at least a first phase change layer;

[0010] The thickness of the first phase change layer decreases along the axial direction of the insertion tube.

[0011] Furthermore, the thickness of the resin layer is 0.1-2 mm;

[0012] The thickness of the phase change layer is 0.05-1 mm, and the thickness of the phase change layer does not exceed the thickness of the resin layer.

[0013] Furthermore, along the cross section of the insertion tube in the axial direction, the cross section shape of the phase change layer in the tube wall of the insertion tube is polygonal, fan-shaped or circular.

[0014] Further, along the axial direction of the insertion tube, the length of the phase change layer is 1 / 6-5 / 6 of the length of the resin layer.

[0015] Further, the flexible component includes a spring and a plurality of metal wires wound around the spring;

[0016] A plurality of metal wires wound around the spring form a mesh on the surface of the spring;

[0017] The interior of the flexible component is a hollow structure.

[0018] Further, the insertion tube further comprises a coil;

[0019] The coil is disposed between the resin layer and the phase change layer.

[0020] A second aspect of the utility model provides an endoscope, comprising the above-mentioned insertion tube.

[0021] The endoscope includes a bending portion and an operating portion; the insertion tube is disposed between the bending portion and the operating portion;

[0022] Along the direction of the insertion tube, the phase change layer includes at least a first phase change layer;

[0023] The thickness of the first phase change layer decreases gradually from the bending portion to the operating portion.

[0024] A third aspect of the utility model provides a medical device, comprising the above-mentioned insertion tube or the above-mentioned endoscope.

[0025] The technical solution of this utility model has the following advantages:

[0026] 1. The utility model provides an insertion tube with variable stiffness, comprising a flexible component and a first coating layer attached to the surface of the flexible component; the first coating layer comprises a resin layer and a phase change layer; the resin layer is attached to the surface of the flexible component; the resin layer is tubular; the phase change layer, the stiffness of the phase change layer is variable to adjust the stiffness of the insertion tube; the phase change layer is arranged inside the resin layer and wrapped by the resin layer; the phase change layer is tubular. The stiffness of the insertion tube changes with temperature, the rigidity decreases during heating, and the rigidity increases during cooling, realizing intelligent response to external temperature change stimuli. A resin layer and a phase change layer are arranged in the first coating layer of the insertion tube, and the phase change layer is arranged inside the resin layer, so that the stiffness of the insertion tube can be adjusted and the stiffness change of the insertion tube can be realized in a short time.

[0027] In addition, the insertion tube provided by the utility model has a simple structure, which reduces the process difficulty and production cost.

[0028] 2. The variable stiffness insertion tube provided by the utility model can achieve the purpose of gradual stiffness transition by controlling the thickness of the phase change layer. As the temperature changes, the stiffness of various parts of the insertion tube becomes differentiated, thereby improving the efficiency of the microscope advancement. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] In order to more clearly illustrate the specific implementation methods of the utility model or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings required for use in the specific implementation methods or the description of the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some implementation methods of the utility model. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying creative work.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of the insertion tube of Embodiment 1 of the utility model;

[0031] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first coating in the tube wall of the insertion tube of Example 1 of the utility model;

[0032] Figure 3 This is another schematic diagram of the structure of the first coating in the tube wall of the insertion tube of Example 1 of the utility model;

[0033] Figure 4 This is another schematic diagram of the structure of the first coating in the tube wall of the insertion tube of Example 1 of the utility model;

[0034] Figure 5 This is a positional relationship diagram of the coil and the phase change layer in Example 1 of the utility model;

[0035] Figure 6 This is a schematic structural diagram of an endoscope according to Embodiment 1 of the present utility model;

[0036] Reference numerals:

[0037] 1-first coating; 2-metal wire; 3-second coating; 4-spring; 5-solder; 6-resin layer; 7-phase change layer; 8-coil; 9-light guide; 10-operating part; 11-insertion tube; 12-bending part; 13-head end;

[0038] 7-1-the first phase change layer; 7-2-the second phase change layer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] The following embodiments are provided for a better understanding of the present invention, but are not limited to the best implementation mode described herein, and do not constitute limitations on the content and protection scope of the present invention. Any product identical or similar to the present invention obtained by anyone under the inspiration of the present invention or by combining the features of the present invention with other prior arts shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0040] If no specific experimental steps or conditions are specified in the examples, the conventional experimental steps or conditions described in the literature in the field can be used. If no manufacturer is specified for the reagents or instruments used, they are all conventional reagent products that can be obtained commercially.

[0041] Example 1

[0042] This embodiment provides an insertion tube with variable stiffness, such as Figure 1 As shown, it includes a flexible component and a first coating 1 attached to the surface of the flexible component;

[0043] like Figure 2 As shown, the first coating 1 comprises:

[0044] A resin layer 6, the resin layer 6 is attached to the surface of the flexible component; the resin layer is in a tubular shape;

[0045] The phase change layer 7 has a variable rigidity to adjust the rigidity of the insertion tube. The phase change layer is arranged inside the resin layer and is wrapped by the resin layer 6. The phase change layer is in a tubular shape.

[0046] The rigidity of the insertion tube provided by the utility model changes with temperature, the rigidity decreases during heating, and the rigidity increases during cooling, thus realizing dynamic response to external temperature change stimulation. A resin layer and a phase change layer are provided in the first coating of the insertion tube, and the phase change layer is provided inside the resin layer and wrapped, so that the rigidity of the insertion tube can be adjusted, and the rigidity change of the insertion tube can be realized in a short time. In addition, the insertion tube also has the advantages of simple structure, low process difficulty and low cost.

[0047] The principle of the change of the stiffness of the insertion tube with temperature in the utility model is as follows: the insertion tube is heat treated to increase the temperature, and the temperature is raised to above the phase change melting point of the crystalline component in the phase change layer, the crystalline component undergoes a melting process, and the crystalline chain segment undergoes a phase transition from a crystalline state to an amorphous state, thereby realizing the transition from rigidity to flexibility; during cooling, the heat diffuses, the temperature drops to the crystallization temperature of the crystalline component, and crystallization begins, which increases the stiffness of the insertion tube, thereby realizing the adjustment of the stiffness of the insertion tube with temperature change. Furthermore, during heating, since heat transfer takes a period of time, a delayed response to temperature is shown, so that different positions of the insertion tube realize stiffness changes at different times, which is convenient for improving the efficiency of the mirror.

[0048] In some embodiments, Figure 2As shown, along the direction of the insertion tube, the phase change layer 7 includes at least a first phase change layer, and the thickness of the first phase change layer decreases along the axial direction of the insertion tube. The purpose of gradual transition of the stiffness of the insertion tube can be achieved by adjusting the heating temperature.

[0049] In some embodiments, the thickness of the resin layer is 0.1-2 mm;

[0050] The thickness of the phase change layer is 0.05-1 mm, and the thickness of the phase change layer does not exceed the thickness of the resin layer.

[0051] The stiffness of the insertion tube can be better adjusted by controlling the thickness of the phase change layer. Furthermore, the material of the phase change layer is a flexible phase change material, such as a polyurethane phase change material. The material of the resin layer is a commonly used resin in the art, such as polyurethane resin (TPU), polyamide resin, polyester resin, rubber, etc. The resin layer and the phase change layer can be prepared by brushing, spraying, spin coating, dipping, extrusion, etc.

[0052] As an alternative embodiment, the phase change layer 7 includes at least a first phase change layer 7-1 and a second phase change layer 7-2; the thickness of the first phase change layer 7-1 decreases along the insertion direction of the tube; the thickness of the second phase change layer 7-2 is a fixed value, such as Figure 4 The thickness of the first phase change layer and the second phase change layer can be designed according to the requirements in the art.

[0053] In some embodiments, the cross-section of the phase change layer 7 in the tube wall of the insertion tube along the axial direction of the insertion tube is in the shape of a polygon, a sector or a circle. Specifically, the polygon can be a triangle, a trapezoid, a square, a rectangle, etc. Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, this field can be selected according to usage requirements.

[0054] In some embodiments, along the axial direction of the insertion tube, the length of the phase change layer 7 is 1 / 6-5 / 6 of the length of the resin layer. Preferably, the length of the phase change layer is 1 / 3-2 / 3 of the length of the resin layer. Specifically, the length of the phase change layer is 1 / 4, 5 / 12, 7 / 12, etc. of the length of the resin layer.

[0055] In some embodiments, the flexible component includes a spring 4 and a plurality of metal wires 2 wound around the spring; the plurality of metal wires 2 wound around the spring form a mesh on the surface of the spring, and the interior of the flexible component is a hollow structure. Specifically, the material of the metal wire can be but is not limited to stainless steel, copper, iron, aluminum, etc.; the material of the spring can be but is not limited to stainless steel, etc., and the spring is spiral. There is no specific limitation on the size of the metal wire and the size of the spring, and the art can select according to actual needs. Specifically, when preparing the flexible component, first fix the spring on a core rod to keep the inner diameter of the spring stable, and then use a braiding machine to braid it so that the metal wire is wrapped around the outer surface of the spring to cover it, and the metal wire wrapped around the spring forms a mesh to obtain a flexible component.

[0056] In some embodiments, the insertion tube further comprises a coil 8; the coil is disposed between the resin layer and the phase change layer. Figure 5 By setting the coil, the insertion tube can be heated for a long time and stably, which makes it easy to adjust the stiffness of the insertion tube.

[0057] As an alternative embodiment, the insertion tube may be heated by a water bath, an oven, light, hot air, radiation, or the like.

[0058] In some embodiments, the insertion tube further includes a second coating 3, which is disposed on the outer surface of the first coating. The second coating is formed by brushing, spraying, spin coating, dipping, etc. The second coating mainly serves to improve the chemical resistance, lubrication and wear resistance of the insertion tube. The second coating includes but is not limited to one or more of an elastomeric coating, a wear-resistant coating, a hydrophilic coating, and an antibacterial coating.

[0059] In some embodiments, solder 5 is further provided at both ends of the insertion tube to prevent the metal wires of the mesh structure from loosening and facilitate connection with other structural units of the medical device.

[0060] This embodiment also provides an endoscope, such as Figure 6 As shown; the endoscope includes a bending portion 12 and an operating portion 10; the insertion tube 11 is disposed between the bending portion 12 and the operating portion 10;

[0061] Along the direction of the insertion tube, the phase change layer includes at least a first phase change layer;

[0062] The thickness of the first phase change layer decreases gradually from the bending portion to the operating portion.

[0063] The endoscope comprises an insertion tube provided by the utility model, the rigidity of the insertion tube can change with temperature, thereby improving the endoscope advancement efficiency and the flexibility of the scope body manipulation, and broadening the application of the endoscope.

[0064] Example 2

[0065] This embodiment provides an insertion tube with variable stiffness, such as Figure 1 As shown, including:

[0066] The flexible component comprises a spring and a plurality of metal wires wound around the spring. The spring is spiral-shaped and made of stainless steel. The metal wires are made of stainless steel. The interior of the flexible component is a hollow structure.

[0067] A first coating layer attached to the surface of the flexible component; the first coating layer includes a resin layer and a phase change layer; the resin layer is arranged on the surface of the flexible component, and the phase change layer is arranged inside the resin layer and is wrapped by the resin layer; along the axial direction of the insertion tube, the thickness of the phase change layer decreases successively, the thickness of the resin layer is 1mm, and the maximum thickness of the phase change layer is 0.7mm; the cross-sectional shape of the phase change layer on the tube wall of the insertion tube is triangular; the length of the phase change layer is 7 / 12 of the length of the resin layer; the phase change layer material is polyurethane phase change resin, and the resin layer material is polyester resin.

[0068] The electric heating coil is arranged between the phase change layer and the resin layer.

[0069] The second coating layer is arranged on the outer surface of the first coating layer and is made of polyester resin, and its hardness is not higher than that of the resin layer.

[0070] The method for preparing the above insertion tube comprises the following steps:

[0071] (1) Preparation of flexible components: The helical spring is fixed on a core rod to keep the inner diameter of the spring stable, and a braiding machine is used to weave the spring so that the metal wire is wound around the surface of the spring to cover it. The metal wire wound around the spring forms a mesh to obtain a flexible component.

[0072] (2) Preparation of the first coating: using a polyurethane phase change resin as the phase change layer and a polyester resin as the resin layer; dissolving the polyurethane phase change resin in dimethylformamide and the polyester resin in dimethylformamide to prepare solutions with a mass concentration of 20%; then spraying the polyester resin solution on the outside of the flexible component; when the polyester resin forms a certain thickness, drying it, spraying the polyurethane phase change resin solution again to form a phase change layer of a certain thickness; after the phase change layer is dried, grinding it so that its thickness decreases from the bending portion to the operating portion; then spraying the polyester resin solution again to adjust the overall diameter of the insertion tube to be consistent, thereby forming a first coating on the surface of the flexible component.

[0073] A hydrophilic coating is sprayed on the outer surface of the resin layer to form a second coating, which plays a lubricating role and protects the scale of the insertion tube, and then the core rod is taken out.

[0074] This embodiment also provides an endoscope, such as Figure 6As shown, it includes the above-mentioned insertion tube, and also includes a bending portion 12 and an operating portion 10. The insertion tube 11 is arranged between the bending portion 12 and the operating portion 10. The thickness of the phase change layer decreases along the direction from the bending portion to the operating portion. The endoscope also includes a light guide portion and a head end portion. The light guide portion 9 is connected to the operating portion 10, and the head end portion 13 is connected to the bending portion 12.

[0075] Obviously, the above embodiments are merely examples for the purpose of clear explanation, and are not intended to limit the implementation methods. For those skilled in the art, other different forms of changes or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is not necessary and impossible to list all the implementation methods here. The obvious changes or modifications derived from these are still within the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

1. An insertion tube with variable stiffness, characterized in that: comprising a flexible component and a first coating attached to a surface of the flexible component; The first coating comprises: A resin layer, the resin layer being attached to the surface of the flexible component; the resin layer being in a tubular shape; A phase change layer, the rigidity of which is variable to adjust the rigidity of the insertion tube; the phase change layer is arranged inside the resin layer and is wrapped by the resin layer; the phase change layer is in a tubular shape.

2. The insertion tube according to claim 1, characterized in that Along the direction of the insertion tube, the phase change layer includes at least a first phase change layer; The thickness of the first phase change layer decreases along the axial direction of the insertion tube.

3. The insertion tube according to claim 1, characterized in that The thickness of the resin layer is 0.1-2 mm; The thickness of the phase change layer is 0.05-1 mm, and the thickness of the phase change layer does not exceed the thickness of the resin layer.

4. The insertion tube according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: Along the axial direction of the insertion tube, the length of the phase change layer is 1 / 6 to 5 / 6 of the length of the resin layer.

5. The insertion tube according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: In the cross section along the axial direction of the insertion tube, the cross section shape of the phase change layer in the tube wall of the insertion tube is polygonal, fan-shaped or circular.

6. The insertion tube according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The flexible component includes a spring and a plurality of metal wires wound around the spring; A plurality of metal wires wound around the spring form a mesh on the surface of the spring; The interior of the flexible component is a hollow structure.

7. The insertion tube according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The insertion tube also includes a coil; The coil is disposed between the resin layer and the phase change layer.

8. An endoscope, characterized in that: Comprising the insertion tube according to any one of claims 1-7.

9. The endoscope according to claim 8, characterized in that The endoscope includes a bending portion and an operating portion; the insertion tube is disposed between the bending portion and the operating portion; Along the direction of the insertion tube, the phase change layer includes at least a first phase change layer; The thickness of the first phase change layer decreases gradually from the bending portion to the operating portion.

10. A medical device, characterized in that: It comprises the insertion tube according to any one of claims 1 to 7 or the endoscope according to any one of claims 8 to 9.

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