Insertion tube and endoscope
By providing an increasing thickness adhesive layer on the outside of the metal assembly of the insert tube, the problems of stiffness variability and connection reliability of the insert tube are solved, and the effect of simplifying production and improving service life is achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202421910517.X
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-08-07
- Publication Date
- 2025-07-25
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-08-07
AI Technical Summary
In the prior art, the process of preparing insert tubes with variable stiffness properties is complicated, and the adhesion performance between the resin layer and the metal layer is poor, resulting in a decrease in service life and operation accuracy.
An adhesive layer is provided on the outside of the metal assembly of the insertion tube. The adhesive layer is divided into three parts with increasing thickness from the proximal end to the distal end to achieve stiffness variability, and the metal assembly and the resin layer are connected through the adhesive layer to improve connection reliability.
The production process is simplified, the cost is reduced, the service life and operation accuracy of the insertion tube are enhanced, and the peeling and bulging problems between the resin layer and the metal layer are reduced.
Smart Images
Figure CN223143466U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of medical devices, in particular to an insertion tube and an endoscope. Background Art
[0002] An endoscope is a commonly used medical device, which is composed of a head end, a bending part, an insertion tube, an operation part, a light guide part, etc. Among them, the insertion tube is a tubular structure, usually including a metal layer, a resin layer and a coating arranged in sequence from the inside to the outside. In the medical field, endoscopes are widely used in various examinations and surgeries. To improve the mirror insertion efficiency and the flexibility of the mirror body control, it is required that the insertion tube has variable stiffness performance. However, the process of preparing an insertion tube with variable stiffness performance is complex, and there are deficiencies such as high equipment accuracy requirements and high costs. In addition, the adhesion performance between the resin layer and the metal layer is poor. During long-term bending use and repeated cleaning and disinfection processes, the resin layer and the metal layer may peel off and bulge, resulting in a decrease in the tightness between the resin layer and the metal layer, affecting the service life of the endoscope insertion tube and the precise operation of doctors. Summary of the Utility Model
[0003] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by the utility model is to overcome the defects that it is relatively difficult to prepare an insertion tube with variable stiffness performance in the related art, and the reliability of the connection between the resin layer and the metal layer of the prepared insertion tube is poor, and to provide an insertion tube and an endoscope.
[0004] In a first aspect, the utility model provides an insertion tube, which is applied to an endoscope. The endoscope includes a bending part. The insertion tube has a proximal end connected to the bending part and a distal end away from the bending part. The insertion tube includes: a metal component, which is configured as a tubular structure; a bonding layer, which is an adhesive layer and covers and bonds to the outside of the metal component. From the proximal end to the distal end, the bonding layer includes a first part, a transition part and a second part connected in sequence, and the thicknesses of the first part, the transition part and the second part increase gradually; a resin layer, which covers and bonds to the outside of the bonding layer.
[0005] Optionally, from the proximal end to the distal end, the thickness of the first part gradually increases; or, the thicknesses of the first part are the same.
[0006] Optionally, the thickness range of the first part is 0.01 - 0.5 mm.
[0007] Optionally, from the proximal end to the distal end, the thickness of the second part gradually increases; or, the thicknesses of the second part are the same.
[0008] Optionally, the thickness range of the second part is 0.05 - 1 mm.
[0009] Optionally, from the proximal end to the distal end, the thickness of the transition part gradually increases; or, the thickness of the transition part increases step by step.
[0010] Optionally, the length of the transition portion is greater than the length of the first portion and greater than the length of the second portion.
[0011] Optionally, the adhesive layer is a polyurethane adhesive layer, and / or an epoxy resin adhesive layer, and / or a silicone adhesive layer, and / or an acrylamide adhesive layer.
[0012] Optionally, the metal component includes a spring layer and a braided layer, and the braided layer is coated on the outside of the spring layer.
[0013] In a second aspect, the present utility model further provides an endoscope, including: an operation part, a bending part, and an insertion tube as described above, and the insertion tube is connected between the operation part and the bending part.
[0014] In the above technical solution, in the direction from the proximal end to the distal end of the insertion tube, the thicknesses of the first portion, the transition portion, and the second portion increase, so that the stiffness of the three portions of the adhesive layer shows an increasing trend, thereby realizing the differentiation of the bending stiffness at different positions of the insertion tube and meeting the actual use requirements.
[0015] By using the technical solution of the present utility model, an adhesive layer is added between the metal component and the resin layer, and the variable stiffness of the insertion tube is realized through the change of the thickness of the adhesive layer. There is no need for complex production equipment and production processes, which reduces the production difficulty and production cost. Moreover, the adhesive layer is connected between the metal component and the resin layer, further increasing the reliability of the connection between the metal component and the resin layer, reducing or even eliminating problems such as peeling and bulging between the resin layer and the metal braided tube, and ensuring the service life of the insertion tube and the accuracy of operation. Description of the Drawings
[0016] In order to more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present utility model or the technical solutions in the related art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for use in the description of the specific embodiments or the related art. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are some embodiments of the present utility model. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other drawings can also be obtained based on these drawings.
[0017] Figure 1 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the insertion tube in some embodiments of the present utility model;
[0018] Figure 2 It is a schematic structural view of the adhesive layer in some embodiments of the present utility model;
[0019] Figure 3 It is a schematic structural view of the adhesive layer in some other embodiments of the present utility model;
[0020] Figure 4 It is a schematic structural view of the adhesive layer in some other embodiments of the present utility model;
[0021] Figure 5 Structural schematic diagram of the bonding layer in some other embodiments of the present utility model;
[0022] Figure 6 Structural schematic diagram of the endoscope in some embodiments of the present utility model.
[0023] Explanation of reference numerals:
[0024] 1. Insertion tube; 1a. Proximal end; 1b. Distal end; 11. Spring layer; 12. Braided layer; 13. Bonding layer; 131. First part; 132. Transition part; 133. Second part; 14. Resin layer; 15. Coating; 2. Bending part; 3. Operating part. Detailed implementation manners
[0025] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present utility model clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present utility model. Apparently, the described embodiments are some but not all of the embodiments of the present utility model. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present utility model without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present utility model.
[0026] The following will be combined with Figures 1 to 6 Describe the embodiments of the present utility model.
[0027] According to an embodiment of the present utility model, on the one hand, an insertion tube 1 is provided, which is applied to an endoscope. The endoscope includes a bending part 2. The insertion tube 1 has a proximal end 1a connected to the bending part 2 and a distal end 1b away from the bending part 2. Specifically, the insertion tube 1 includes a metal component, a bonding layer 13, and a resin layer 14 that are connected in sequence from the inside to the outside. Among them, the metal component is configured as a tubular structure. The bonding layer 13 is an adhesive layer, which covers and bonds to the outside of the metal component. The resin layer 14 covers and bonds to the outside of the bonding layer 13. And, from the proximal end 1a to the distal end 1b, the bonding layer 13 includes a first part 131, a transition part 132, and a second part 133 that are connected in sequence. The thicknesses of the first part 131, the transition part 132, and the second part 133 increase.
[0028] In this embodiment, along the direction from the proximal end 1a to the distal end 1b of the insertion tube 1, the thicknesses of the first part 131, the transition part 132, and the second part 133 increase, so that the stiffnesses of the three parts of the bonding layer 13 show an increasing trend, thereby realizing the differentiation of the bending stiffness at different positions of the insertion tube 1 and meeting the actual use requirements.
[0029] Using the technical solution of the present utility model, an adhesive layer 13 is added between the metal component and the resin layer 14. By changing the thickness of the adhesive layer 13, the stiffness of the insertion tube 1 can be made variable. Without the need for complex production equipment and production processes, the production difficulty and production cost are reduced. Moreover, the adhesive layer 13 is connected between the metal component and the resin layer 14, further increasing the reliability of the connection between the metal component and the resin layer 14, reducing or even eliminating problems such as peeling and bulging between the resin layer 14 and the metal braided net tube, and ensuring the service life of the insertion tube 1 and the accuracy of operation.
[0030] It should be noted that, as Figure 1 shown, Figure 1 a partial cross-sectional view of the insertion tube in the extending direction is shown. The thickness of the adhesive layer 13 refers to the dimension of the adhesive layer 13 in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the insertion tube 1.
[0031] It should be noted that the present utility model does not limit the specific composition of the material of the adhesive layer 13, as long as it has good adhesion performance to the metal component and the resin layer 14. Exemplarily, the material of the adhesive layer 13 includes but is not limited to one or a mixture of polyurethane adhesives, epoxy resin adhesives, silicone adhesives, acrylamide adhesives and their modified adhesives. The above-mentioned adhesive layer 13 is obtained by methods such as but not limited to brushing, spraying, spin coating, dipping, etc. on the outer surface of the metal component. The process is simple and easy to prepare. That is to say, the adhesive layer 13 in the present utility model can be a polyurethane adhesive layer, and / or an epoxy resin adhesive layer, and / or a silicone adhesive layer, and / or an acrylamide adhesive layer, etc., which has good adhesion performance and enables reliable adhesion between the metal component and the resin layer 14.
[0032] Exemplarily, the thickness range of the adhesive layer 13 can be 0.01 - 1 mm, preferably 0.01 - 0.2 mm, to avoid the adhesive layer 13 being too thick and increasing the radial dimension of the insertion tube 1.
[0033] Furthermore, in some embodiments, as Figure 2 shown, in the direction from the proximal end 1a to the distal end 1b, the thickness of the first part 131 is the same, and the thickness of the second part 133 is also the same. The thickness of the transition part 132 connected between the first part 131 and the second part 133 is between the first part 131 and the second part 133 and gradually increases. The adhesive layer 13 of this embodiment is convenient for selecting a better thickness according to the requirement of the stiffness change of the insertion tube 1.
[0034] Or, in some embodiments, as Figure 3 shown, in the direction from the proximal end 1a to the distal end 1b, the thicknesses of the first part 131, the transition part 132 and the second part 133 gradually increase. The uniformity of the stiffness change of the insertion tube 1 in this embodiment is relatively high.
[0035] Alternatively, in some embodiments, as Figure 4 shown, in the direction along the proximal end 1a to the distal end 1b, the thickness of the first part 131 is the same, and the thickness of the second part 133 is also the same. The thickness of the transition part 132 connected between the first part 131 and the second part 133 is between the first part 131 and the second part 133, and the thickness increases step by step. The production process of the adhesive layer 13 in this embodiment is simple and easier to obtain. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the step-by-step increase in the thickness of the transition part 132 means that the transition part 132 includes multiple regions along the length direction. In the direction from the proximal end 1a to the distal end 1b of the insertion tube 1, the thickness of the multiple regions gradually increases, and the thickness of each region is uniform in its own length direction.
[0036] In the above embodiment, the thickness of the first part 131 at the proximal end 1a is the smallest and the stiffness is also the smallest. Therefore, the stiffness of the proximal end 1a of the insertion tube 1 made is the smallest; while the thickness of the second part 133 at the distal end 1b is the largest and the stiffness is also the largest. Therefore, the stiffness of the distal end 1b of the insertion tube 1 made is the largest; and the stiffness of the part of the insertion tube 1 corresponding to the transition part 132 is between the proximal end 1a and the distal end 1b. By setting the adhesive layer and dividing the adhesive layer into three regions with different thicknesses in the above embodiment, the stiffness change at different positions of the insertion tube 1 is realized.
[0037] It should be noted that the length of the transition part 132 is greater than the length of the first part 131 and greater than the length of the second part 133. Among them, the lengths of the first part 131, the transition part 132, and the second part 133 all refer to the dimensions in the extending direction of the insertion tube 1. The transition part 132 can be further divided into regions such that the thickness of the divided regions increases step by step or gradually increases in the direction from the proximal end 1a to the distal end 1b to meet the stiffness change of the overall structure of the insertion tube 1.
[0038] It can be understood that in some embodiments not shown in the figures, the first part 131 and the second part 133 can also be further divided into regions such that the thickness of the first part 131 and the second part 133 increases step by step in the direction from the proximal end 1a to the distal end 1b.
[0039] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the thickness range of the first part 131 is 0.01 - 0.5 mm, preferably 0.01 - 0.05 mm. The thickness range of the second part 133 is 0.05 - 1 mm, preferably 0.05 - 0.1 mm. The present invention does not specifically limit the thickness range of the transition part 132. In the above embodiment, the thickness range of the transition part 132 only needs to be between the first part 131 and the second part 133.
[0040] Further, as Figures 2 - 4 shown, the bonding layer 13 includes an inner side close to the metal component and an outer side close to the resin layer 14. On the inner side of the bonding layer 13, the first part 131, the transition part 132, and the second part 133 have the same dimensions in the radial direction of the insertion tube 1. On the outer side of the bonding layer 13, the dimensions of the first part 131, the transition part 132, and the second part 133 in the radial direction of the insertion tube 1 increase.
[0041] Correspondingly, the above-mentioned resin layer 14 includes an inner side close to the bonding layer 13 and an outer side facing away from the bonding layer 13. On the inner side of the resin layer 14, in the direction from the proximal end 1a to the distal end 1b, the dimensions of the resin layer 14 in the radial direction of the insertion tube 1 decrease. On the outer side of the resin layer 14, in the direction from the proximal end 1a to the distal end 1b, the dimensions of the resin layer 14 in the radial direction of the insertion tube 1 are the same. Since the thickness variation range of the bonding layer 13 is small, the thickness variation range of the resin layer 14 is also small, and the change in the stiffness of the resin layer 14 is less affected by the thickness. Therefore, the change in the thickness of the resin layer 14 will not affect the change in the stiffness of the insertion tube 1.
[0042] Among them, the resin layer 14 is a thermoplastic elastomer, and the material of the resin layer 14 includes but is not limited to one of polyester resin, polyurethane resin, polyamide resin, and polyolefin resin, and the stiffness of the resin layer 14 is in the range of Shore hardness 70A - 80D. In some embodiments, the resin layer 14 is a thermoplastic polyurethane resin (TPU), and the above-mentioned resin layer 14 is obtained by methods such as extrusion, injection molding, injection, and coating on the surface of the bonding layer 13.
[0043] In the above embodiments, the first part 131, the transition part 132, and the second part 133 are preferably made of the same material to ensure that the stiffness of the three changes with the thickness. Alternatively, the first part 131, the transition part 132, and the second part 133 can also be made of different materials as long as it does not affect the trend of the stiffness changing with the thickness.
[0044] In other embodiments, as Figure 5 shown, the thicknesses of the first part 131, the transition part 132, and the second part 133 can also be the same. By using different materials with different stiffness ranges to make the first part 131, the transition part 132, and the second part 133 respectively, the stiffness of the first part 131, the transition part 132, and the second part 133 increases. Alternatively, by using the same material to make the first part 131, the transition part 132, and the second part 133 with different stiffnesses, the stiffness of the first part 131, the transition part 132, and the second part 133 increases. In this embodiment, the thickness range of the bonding layer 13, that is, the first part 131, the transition part 132, and the second part 133, is 0.01 - 1 mm, preferably 0.01 - 0.1 mm.
[0045] It can be understood that, in this embodiment, the length of the transition portion 132 is greater than the length of the first portion 131 and greater than the length of the second portion 133. The transition portion 132 may include a plurality of regions along the length direction, and the stiffness of each region gradually increases in the direction from the proximal end 1a to the distal end 1b.
[0046] It can be understood that the metal component is the support structure of the insertion tube 1, and the shape and structure of the adhesive layer 13 and the resin layer 14 successively coated on the outer side of the metal component depend on the metal component. Among them, the metal component is configured as a tubular structure. Correspondingly, the adhesive layer 13 and the resin layer 14 are also generally configured as tubular structures, specifically, they can be circular tubular, square tubular or flat tubular structures, as long as the function of inserting the insertion tube 1 into the inner cavity of the object to be inspected can be realized. In some embodiments, all three are configured as circular tubular structures.
[0047] As Figure 1 shown, the metal component includes a spring layer 11 and a braided layer 12, and the braided layer 12 is coated on the outer side of the spring layer 11. Among them, the material of the spring layer 11 can be spring steel and is in a spiral shape. The material of the braided layer 12 can be stainless steel wire and is in a mesh shape. Both the spring layer 11 and the braided layer 12 have a certain flexibility, which is convenient for bending deformation. Exemplarily, as Figure 1 shown, a coating 15 is further coated on the outer side of the resin layer 14 to further protect the insertion tube 1. During actual production, a spiral coiled metal spring (right-handed or left-handed) is fixed on a mandrel to form the above-mentioned spring layer 11; then, a braiding machine is used to braid on the outer side of the spring layer 11 to form a braided layer 12 covering the above-mentioned spring layer 11. Among them, the diameter size of the stainless steel wire used for the braided layer 12 can be adaptively selected according to actual needs.
[0048] In a second aspect, the present invention also provides an endoscope, as Figure 6 shown, which includes an operation part 3, a bending part 2 and the insertion tube 1 described in the above embodiment. Among them, the insertion tube 1 is connected between the operation part 3 and the bending part 2, and the insertion tube 1 has a proximal end 1a connected to the bending part 2 and a distal end 1b far from the bending part 2. Specifically, the insertion tube 1 includes a metal component, an adhesive layer 13 and a resin layer 14 connected in sequence from the inside to the outside. Among them, the metal component is configured as a tubular structure, the adhesive layer 13 is coated on the outer side of the metal component, and the resin layer 14 is connected to the outer side of the adhesive layer 13. And, from the proximal end 1a to the distal end 1b, the adhesive layer 13 includes a first portion 131, a transition portion 132 and a second portion 133 connected in sequence, and the thicknesses of the first portion 131, the transition portion 132 and the second portion 133 increase gradually.
[0049] Since the endoscope of the present utility model includes the insertion tube 1 described in the above embodiments and has the same technical effects as the insertion tube 1 of the present utility model, the description thereof will not be repeated herein.
[0050] Although the embodiments of the present utility model have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present utility model, and such modifications and variations fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.
Claims
1. An insertion tube, applied to an endoscope, the endoscope including a bending portion (2), characterized in that, The insertion tube (1) has a proximal end (1a) connected to the bending part (2) and a distal end (1b) away from the bending part (2); the insertion tube (1) includes: a metal component configured as a tubular structure; a bonding layer (13), which is an adhesive layer, and the bonding layer covers and bonds to the outer side of the metal component; from the proximal end (1a) to the distal end (1b), the bonding layer (13) includes a first part (131), a transition part (132) and a second part (133) connected in sequence, and the thicknesses of the first part (131), the transition part (132) and the second part (133) increase; a resin layer (14) covering and bonding to the outer side of the bonding layer (13).
2. The insertion tube according to claim 1, characterized in that, From the proximal end (1a) to the distal end (1b), the thickness of the first part (131) gradually increases; or, the thickness of the first part (131) is the same.
3. The insertion tube according to claim 2, characterized in that, The thickness range of the first part (131) is 0.01 - 0.5 mm.
4. The insertion tube according to claim 1, wherein, From the proximal end (1a) to the distal end (1b), the thickness of the second part (133) gradually increases; or, the thickness of the second part (133) is the same.
5. The insertion tube according to claim 4, characterized in that, The thickness range of the second part (133) is 0.05 - 1 mm.
6. The insertion tube according to claim 1, characterized in that, From the proximal end (1a) to the distal end (1b), the thickness of the transition part (132) gradually increases; or, the thickness of the transition part (132) increases step by step.
7. The insertion tube according to claim 6, characterized in that, The length of the transition part (132) is greater than the length of the first part (131) and greater than the length of the second part (133).
8. The insertion tube according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The bonding layer (13) is a polyurethane adhesive layer, and / or an epoxy resin adhesive layer, and / or a silicone adhesive layer, and / or an acrylamide adhesive layer.
9. The insertion tube according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The metal component includes a spring layer (11) and a braided layer (12), and the braided layer (12) covers the outer side of the spring layer (11).
10. An endoscope, characterized in that, including: an operation part (3); a bending part (2); The insertion tube (1) according to any one of claims 1 - 9, and the insertion tube (1) is connected between the operation part (3) and the bending part (2).