Endoscope insertion tube and endoscope
By introducing a self-healing resin and coating layer into the endoscope insertion tube, the problem of outer material wear is solved, achieving self-repair and cost reduction, extending service life and reducing maintenance costs.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-29
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-03
AI Technical Summary
The outer material of the endoscope insertion tube is prone to wear, cracks and breakage during long-term use, resulting in a shortened service life and high and complicated repair costs.
It adopts a structural design of a metal elastic layer, a metal braided layer and a self-healing layer. The self-healing layer includes a self-healing resin layer and a self-healing coating layer, which are bonded to the metal braided layer by an adhesive layer. It has the ability to self-heal and can repair damage under heating, light or radiation conditions.
It improves the service life of the insertion tube, reduces repair and maintenance costs, and the self-healing material is safe and pollution-free, thus reducing manufacturing costs.
Smart Images
Figure CN224070397U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of endoscope technology, specifically to an endoscope insertion tube and an endoscope. Background Technology
[0002] like Figure 1 As shown, the endoscope includes an operating section 1', an insertion tube 2', a bending section 3', and a tip 4'. The insertion tube 2' mainly comprises, from the inside out, a metal spring, a metal braided mesh, an elastomeric resin, and a coating.
[0003] In related technologies, the elastomeric resin and coating are the outer layer materials of the insertion tube 2'. During long-term use, these materials are affected by bending forces and improper cleaning operations, leading to wear, cracks, deformation, and even breakage, severely impacting the service life of the insertion tube 2'. Repairing the outer layer material of the insertion tube 2' is complex, difficult, and costly; after damage, the insertion tube 2' often needs to be replaced, increasing the cost of medical equipment. Utility Model Content
[0004] In view of this, the present invention provides an endoscope insertion tube and an endoscope to solve the problem that the outer layer material of the endoscope insertion tube in the related art is easily damaged, which affects the service life of the insertion tube.
[0005] In a first aspect, this utility model provides an endoscope insertion tube, comprising:
[0006] Metallic elastic layer;
[0007] A metal braided layer is fitted over the outside of the metal elastic layer;
[0008] The self-healing layer includes a self-healing resin layer and a self-healing coating layer; the self-healing resin layer is disposed outside the metal braided layer, and the material of the self-healing resin layer includes a thermoplastic elastomer with self-healing capabilities; the self-healing coating layer is disposed outside the self-healing resin layer, and the material of the self-healing coating layer includes a coating with self-healing capabilities; an adhesive layer is provided between the self-healing resin layer and the metal braided layer, and the self-healing resin layer is bonded to the outer wall of the metal braided layer through the adhesive layer.
[0009] Beneficial effects: The outer surface of the endoscope insertion tube in this structure is a self-healing layer. When the outer surface of the insertion tube is scratched or damaged due to improper use by the operator, the self-healing layer can repair the outer surface of the insertion tube under conditions such as heating, light exposure, or radiation. The repair of the outer surface of the insertion tube is convenient and cost-effective, thereby effectively improving the service life of the insertion tube. There is no need to replace the insertion tube when the outer surface of the insertion tube is damaged, thus reducing the maintenance and repair costs of medical equipment.
[0010] The self-healing resin layer is bonded to the outer wall of the metal braided layer through an adhesive layer, thereby firmly fixing the self-healing resin layer to the metal braided layer, ensuring the adhesion and long-term sealing performance between the self-healing resin layer and the metal braided layer, and effectively preventing the self-healing resin layer from peeling off from the metal braided layer.
[0011] In one optional embodiment, the thickness of the self-healing layer is 0.2 mm to 2.0 mm.
[0012] Beneficial effects: The self-healing layer has a moderate thickness, which can ensure both the wear resistance and self-healing ability of the insertion tube, as well as its flexibility.
[0013] In one optional embodiment, the outer wall of the self-healing coating layer is provided with scale lines, and the material of the self-healing coating layer is a transparent material.
[0014] Beneficial effect: The graduation lines can be observed from the outside of the self-healing coating layer. When operating the endoscope, the operator can observe the insertion depth of the endoscope through the graduation lines on the insertion tube, thereby helping the operator to make judgments.
[0015] In one optional embodiment, the thickness of the self-healing coating layer is 0.01mm-0.10mm.
[0016] Beneficial effects: The self-healing coating layer has a moderate thickness, preventing it from being too thin to provide adequate wear resistance and protection for the graduation lines. The moderate thickness effectively prevents damage to the graduation lines; simultaneously, the thickness of the self-healing coating layer is less than or equal to 0.1 mm to ensure the flexibility of the insertion tube.
[0017] In one alternative embodiment, the adhesive layer is made of at least one of polyurethane adhesive, epoxy resin adhesive, silicone adhesive, and acrylamide adhesive.
[0018] In one alternative embodiment, the material of the self-healing resin layer includes a self-healing polyurethane material.
[0019] Beneficial effects: Self-healing polyurethane materials have high repair efficiency and relatively low manufacturing costs, which can reduce the manufacturing cost of insertion tubes; in addition, self-healing polyurethane materials are non-polluting, non-toxic, and have high safety in use, and do not cause any harm to the environment after the insertion tubes are discarded.
[0020] In one optional embodiment, the self-healing resin layer contains at least one of imine bonds, disulfide bonds, diselenide bonds, borate ester bonds, and DA reaction dynamic covalent bonds.
[0021] In one alternative embodiment, the self-healing resin layer (301) has a Shore hardness of 70A-80D.
[0022] In one alternative embodiment, the material of the self-healing coating layer includes a fluorinated self-healing polyurethane coating.
[0023] Beneficial effects: Fluorine-containing self-healing polyurethane coatings can repair themselves when damaged. In addition, the fluorine in the coatings can reduce the friction coefficient of the insertion tube, reduce friction during endoscope insertion, thereby increasing the insertion speed and reducing patient discomfort.
[0024] Secondly, the present invention also provides an endoscope, comprising an endoscope insertion tube, an operating part, a bending part, and a head end, as described above, wherein the two ends of the insertion tube are respectively connected to the operating part and the bending part.
[0025] Beneficial effects: The endoscope with this structure has a self-healing layer on the outer surface of its insertion tube. When the outer surface of the insertion tube is scratched or damaged due to improper use by the operator, the self-healing layer can repair the outer surface of the insertion tube under conditions such as heating, light, or radiation. The repair of the outer surface of the insertion tube is convenient and low in cost, thereby effectively improving the service life of the insertion tube. There is no need to replace the insertion tube when the outer surface of the insertion tube is damaged, thus reducing the maintenance and repair costs of the endoscope equipment. Attached Figure Description
[0026] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the specific embodiments or related technologies of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or related technologies will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.
[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the endoscope described in the background section of this utility model;
[0028] Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of the insertion tube structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0029] Figure 3 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the self-healing layer of the insertion tube according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0030] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the preparation process of the fluorinated self-healing polyurethane coating according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0031] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the self-healing mechanism of the self-healing layer in an embodiment of this utility model.
[0032] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:
[0033] 1' Operating section; 2' Insertion tube; 3' Bending section; 4' Head end;
[0034] 1. Metal elastic layer; 2. Metal braided layer; 301. Self-healing resin layer; 302. Self-healing coating layer; 4. Graduation lines. Detailed Implementation
[0035] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.
[0036] The outer layer of the endoscope insertion tube in related technologies consists of elastomeric resin and a coating. During long-term use, this outer layer is susceptible to wear, cracking, deformation, and breakage due to factors such as bending forces and improper cleaning operations, severely impacting the tube's lifespan. Repairing the insertion tube is inconvenient and costly; often, replacement is necessary to ensure its continued usability after damage.
[0037] The following is combined with Figures 2 to 5 The following describes embodiments of the present invention.
[0038] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an endoscope insertion tube is provided, comprising a metal elastic layer 1, a metal braided layer 2, and a self-healing layer.
[0039] The metal braided layer 2 is fitted over the metal elastic layer 1. The self-healing layer includes a self-healing resin layer 301 and a self-healing coating layer 302. The self-healing resin layer 301 is disposed outside the metal braided layer 2, and its material includes a thermoplastic elastomer with self-healing capabilities. The self-healing coating layer 302 is disposed outside the self-healing resin layer 301, and its material includes a coating with self-healing capabilities. An adhesive layer is provided between the self-healing resin layer 301 and the metal braided layer 2, and the self-healing resin layer 301 is bonded to the outer wall of the metal braided layer 2 through the adhesive layer.
[0040] The outer surface of the endoscope insertion tube in this structure is a self-healing layer. When the outer surface of the insertion tube is scratched or damaged due to improper use by the operator, the self-healing layer can repair the outer surface of the insertion tube under conditions such as heating, light exposure, or radiation. The repair of the outer surface of the insertion tube is convenient and cost-effective, thereby effectively improving the service life of the insertion tube. There is no need to replace the insertion tube when the outer surface of the insertion tube is damaged, which can reduce the maintenance and repair costs of medical equipment.
[0041] During long-term use, the self-healing resin layer 301 may peel off from the metal braided layer 2 due to prolonged bending and twisting. To solve this problem, this invention also provides an adhesive layer between the self-healing resin layer 301 and the metal braided layer 2. The self-healing resin layer 301 is bonded to the outer wall of the metal braided layer 2 through the adhesive layer, thereby firmly fixing the self-healing resin layer 301 to the metal braided layer 2, ensuring the adhesion and long-term sealing performance between the self-healing resin layer 301 and the metal braided layer 2, and effectively preventing the self-healing resin layer 301 from peeling off from the metal braided layer 2.
[0042] The self-healing resin layer 301 is connected to the internal metal braided layer 2 and metal elastic layer 1. The material of the self-healing resin layer 301 includes a thermoplastic elastomer with self-healing capabilities. The self-healing resin layer 301, together with the metal braided layer 2 and metal elastic layer 1, ensures the flexibility of the insertion tube.
[0043] The self-healing coating layer 302 is applied to the outer wall of the self-healing resin layer 301, which serves to protect the self-healing resin layer 301 and resist wear.
[0044] In some embodiments, the total thickness of the self-healing resin layer 301 and the self-healing coating layer 302 is 0.2mm-2.0mm. The moderate thickness of the self-healing layer ensures both the wear resistance and self-healing capability of the insertion tube, as well as its flexibility.
[0045] like Figure 3As shown, the self-healing coating layer 302 has graduation lines 4 on its outer wall. The material of the self-healing coating layer 302 is transparent, and the graduation lines 4 can be observed from the outside of the self-healing coating layer 302. When the operator operates the endoscope, they can observe the depth of endoscope insertion through the graduation lines 4 on the insertion tube, thereby helping the operator to make a judgment.
[0046] In some embodiments, the thickness of the self-healing coating layer 302 is 0.01mm-0.10mm. A moderate thickness of the self-healing coating layer 302 prevents it from being too thin to provide adequate wear resistance and also prevents it from being too thin to adequately protect the graduation lines 4. A moderate thickness of the self-healing coating layer 302 effectively prevents damage to the graduation lines 4. If the self-healing coating layer 302 is too thick, it will increase the overall rigidity of the insertion tube, which will affect its normal use. Therefore, the thickness of the self-healing coating layer 302 in this invention is less than or equal to 0.10mm to ensure the flexibility of the insertion tube.
[0047] In some embodiments, the adhesive layer material includes at least one of polyurethane adhesive, epoxy resin adhesive, silicone adhesive, and acrylamide adhesive.
[0048] Specifically, in this embodiment, the adhesive layer is formed by methods such as brushing, spraying, spin coating, and dipping.
[0049] The hardness of the self-healing resin layer 301 is in the range of Shore hardness 70A-80D. It can be formed on the outside of the metal woven mesh by extrusion, injection molding, injection, coating and other methods. The self-healing resin layer 301 material contains at least one of dynamic covalent bonds such as disulfide bond, diselenide bond, borate ester bond, and DA reaction. The self-healing resin layer 301 can repair damage under conditions such as heating, light, and irradiation.
[0050] Preferably, in some embodiments, the material of the self-healing resin layer 301 includes a self-healing polyurethane material. Self-healing polyurethane materials have high repair efficiency and relatively low manufacturing costs, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the insertion tube; furthermore, self-healing polyurethane materials are non-polluting, non-toxic, and highly safe to use, posing no harm to the environment after the insertion tube is discarded.
[0051] In some embodiments, the self-healing resin layer 301 contains at least one of imine bonds, disulfide bonds, diselenide bonds, borate ester bonds, and DA reaction dynamic covalent bonds, which are configured such that the dynamic covalent bonds can be reversibly broken and formed under appropriate conditions.
[0052] In other embodiments, the material of the self-healing resin layer 301 may also include any thermoplastic elastomer with self-healing capabilities.
[0053] In related technologies, the outer coating of the insertion tube of endoscopes has a high coefficient of friction. During the advancement of the endoscope, the friction between the outer wall of the insertion tube and the tissue contact point is significant, which affects the advancement speed and increases patient discomfort. In some embodiments, the self-healing coating layer 302 is made of fluorinated self-healing polyurethane coating. Fluorinated self-healing polyurethane coating can self-repair upon damage, and the fluorine content in the coating reduces the coefficient of friction of the insertion tube, decreasing friction during advancement, thereby increasing the advancement speed and alleviating patient discomfort.
[0054] The self-healing coating is applied by methods not limited to brushing, spraying, spinning, or dipping to form a self-healing coating layer 302 on the outer wall of the self-healing resin layer 301.
[0055] The material of the self-healing coating layer 302 is preferably a DA-reaction-based self-healing polyurethane coating, which can repair damage through the DA reaction in the structure of the DA-reaction-based self-healing polyurethane coating.
[0056] For example, DA reaction self-healing polyurethane coatings are synthesized from dihydroxy perfluoropolyether (molecular weight 500-5000), diisocyanate (OCN-R1-NCO), furan derivatives, and bismaleimide. The diisocyanate includes, but is not limited to, one of 4,4′-diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI), 4,4′-dicyclohexylmethane diisocyanate (HMDI), isoflurone diisocyanate (IPDI), 2,4-toluene diisocyanate (TDI), and hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI). The furan derivative contains either an amino group or a hydroxyl group, and can be furfurylamine, furfuryl alcohol, etc.
[0057] The preparation and repair process of the self-healing layer of the insertion tube of this invention are described below with reference to specific embodiments.
[0058] In the preparation of fluorinated self-healing polyurethane coatings, 4,4′-dicyclohexylmethane diisocyanate (HMDI) and fluorinated polyether diol (C12H6F20O2) are used to prepare an NCO-terminated polyurethane prepolymer. This prepolymer is then further synthesized with furfurylamine to form a prepolymer with furan end groups at both ends. Finally, this prepolymer is combined with a bifunctional bismaleimide to obtain the fluorinated self-healing polyurethane coating. The preparation flow chart of the fluorinated self-healing polyurethane coating is shown below. Figure 4 As shown, the repair equation for the self-healing layer is as follows: Figure 5 As shown, where Figure 5 The specific conditions can be heating, light exposure, or irradiation.
[0059] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, the metal elastic layer 1 includes a metal spring. The metal braided layer 2 is wound around the outside of the metal spring.
[0060] According to an embodiment of the present invention, another aspect provides an endoscope, including the aforementioned endoscope insertion tube, operating part, bending part, and head end. The two ends of the insertion tube are respectively connected to the operating part and the bending part.
[0061] The endoscope with this structure has a self-healing layer on the outer surface of its insertion tube. When the outer surface of the insertion tube is scratched or damaged due to improper use by the operator, the self-healing layer can repair the outer surface of the insertion tube under conditions such as heating, light, or radiation. The repair of the outer surface of the insertion tube is convenient and cost-effective, thereby effectively improving the service life of the insertion tube. There is no need to replace the insertion tube when the outer surface of the insertion tube is damaged, thus reducing the maintenance and repair costs of the endoscope equipment.
[0062] Although embodiments of the present invention 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 invention, and such modifications and variations all fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.
Claims
1. An endoscope insertion tube characterized by comprising: It comprises: a metal elastic layer (1); a metal braided layer (2) sleeved outside the metal elastic layer (1); a self-repairing layer comprising a self-repairing resin layer (301) and a self-repairing coating layer (302); the self-repairing resin layer (301) is arranged outside the metal braided layer (2), the material of the self-repairing resin layer (301) comprises a thermoplastic elastomer with self-repairing capability; the self-repairing coating layer (302) is arranged outside the self-repairing resin layer (301), the material of the self-repairing coating layer (302) comprises a coating with self-repairing capability; an adhesive layer is arranged between the self-repairing resin layer (301) and the metal braided layer (2), and the self-repairing resin layer (301) is adhered to the outer wall of the metal braided layer (2) through the adhesive layer.
2. The endoscope insertion tube according to claim 1, characterized by The total thickness of the self-repairing resin layer (301) and the self-repairing coating layer (302) is 0.2mm-2.0mm.
3. The endoscope insertion tube according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by A scale line (4) is arranged on the outer wall of the self-repairing coating layer (302), and the material of the self-repairing coating layer (302) is transparent.
4. The endoscope insertion tube according to claim 3, characterized by The thickness of the self-repairing coating layer (302) is 0.01mm-0.10mm.
5. The endoscope insertion tube according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by The material of the adhesive layer comprises at least one of polyurethane adhesive, epoxy resin adhesive, silicone adhesive and acrylamide adhesive.
6. The endoscope insertion tube according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by The material of the self-repairing resin layer (301) comprises self-repairing polyurethane material.
7. The endoscope insertion tube according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by The self-repairing resin layer (301) contains at least one of imine bond, disulfide bond, diselenide bond, borate ester bond and DA reaction dynamic covalent bond.
8. The endoscope insertion tube according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by The material of the self-repairing coating layer (302) comprises fluorine-containing self-repairing polyurethane coating.
9. The endoscope insertion tube according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by The Shore hardness of the self-repairing resin layer (301) is 70A-80D.
10. An endoscope characterized by comprising: It comprises an endoscope insertion tube, an operating part, a bending part and a head end part according to any one of claims 1 to 9, and two ends of the insertion tube are connected with the operating part and the bending part respectively.