Endoscope insertion tube and endoscope
By employing a braided mesh tube and resin layer design in the endoscopic insertion tube, the problem of reduced controllability caused by delamination of the insertion tube is solved, resulting in a more stable support structure and a longer service life, thus improving the overall performance and economy of the insertion tube.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-03
AI Technical Summary
After prolonged use, the outer plastic layer and the inner metal tube layer of the endoscope insertion tube are prone to delamination, resulting in poor controllability, reduced pushing performance, inability to function properly, and shortened service life.
The braided mesh tube is made of multiple threads. The threads are coated with a first resin layer on the outer surface of the metal wire body, and a second resin layer is wrapped around the outer periphery of the braided mesh tube to enhance the connection strength. An outer coating is also coated on the outer surface for protection. The cross-sectional diameter of the threads is controlled within the range of 0.05mm to 0.15mm.
It improves the overall integrity and durability of the insertion tube, enhances controllability and pushing performance, extends service life, reduces maintenance costs, ensures airtightness and watertightness, and improves work efficiency.
Smart Images
Figure CN224070401U_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] An endoscope is a commonly used medical device consisting of an operating section and an insertion section located at the front end of the operating section. The insertion section includes an insertion tube and a tip. During use, the endoscope insertion tube is inserted into the organ to be examined, allowing direct visualization of the affected area. Endoscopic surgery offers advantages such as minimal invasiveness, less pain, and faster recovery.
[0003] In related technologies, after long-term use, the outer plastic layer and the inner metal tube layer of the endoscope insertion tube are prone to delamination, which makes the endoscope insertion tube less controllable, reduces or eliminates its pushing performance, and makes it unusable, thus reducing the service life of the insertion tube. Utility Model Content
[0004] In view of this, the present invention provides an endoscope insertion tube and an endoscope to solve the problem that after long-term use, the outer plastic layer and the inner metal tube layer of the endoscope insertion tube are prone to delamination, which makes the endoscope insertion tube less controllable, reduces or loses its pushing performance, and makes it unusable, thus reducing its service life.
[0005] In a first aspect, the present invention provides an endoscope insertion tube, comprising a braided mesh tube, a spring inner tube, and a second resin layer; the braided mesh tube is woven from multiple threads, the threads comprising a metal wire body and a first resin layer, the first resin layer being coated on the outer surface of the metal wire body; the braided mesh tube is sleeved on the outer periphery of the spring inner tube; the second resin layer covers the outer periphery of the braided mesh tube.
[0006] Beneficial effects: Because the wire is made by coating the outer surface of the metal wire body with a first resin layer, it not only enhances the mechanical strength and wear resistance of the wire, but also optimizes its surface properties, providing a good foundation for the subsequent multi-layer composite of the braided mesh tube. After wrapping the outer surface of the braided mesh tube with a second resin layer, the adhesion between the braided mesh tube and the second resin layer is increased, making the connection between the second resin layer and the braided mesh tube more secure, avoiding the delamination defect between the second resin layer and the braided mesh tube, improving the integrity and durability of the insertion tube, providing a more stable and reliable support structure for the insertion tube, thereby improving the controllability of the insertion tube, facilitating the forward transmission of torque, thus improving the pushing performance of the insertion tube, extending the service life of the insertion tube, reducing maintenance costs, and improving work efficiency.
[0007] In one alternative embodiment, the first resin layer is a liquid curable resin.
[0008] Beneficial effects: Setting the first resin layer as a liquid curable resin, due to the excellent coatability of liquid curable resin, when the liquid curable resin is in liquid state, it can be uniformly coated on the outer surface of the metal wire body. This not only ensures the continuity and uniformity of the coating, but also effectively avoids the performance degradation caused by uneven coating. Furthermore, the coatability of the liquid state simplifies the operation process, reduces the requirements for coating equipment and technology, thereby improving production efficiency. Because the liquid curable resin is curable, it can be cured on the outer surface of the metal wire body, and during the curing process, it can tightly wrap around the outer surface of the metal wire body, forming a good interfacial bond with the metal wire body, ensuring a tight connection and synergistic effect between the two, facilitating the weaving of the braided mesh tube, and making the operation simple and convenient.
[0009] In one alternative embodiment, the liquid curable resin comprises a resin material and an organic volatile solvent, the organic volatile solvent being used to dissolve the resin material and mix with the resin material.
[0010] Beneficial effects: By using resin materials and organic volatile solvents to make liquid curable resin, after the organic volatile solvents have completely evaporated, not only are bubbles and defects that may be generated during the curing process avoided, ensuring that the resin material can tightly wrap the outer surface of the metal wire body, but also ensuring that no organic volatile solvents remain in the cured resin material, avoiding the negative impact that the residue of organic volatile solvents may have on the resin material, and ensuring the original properties of the resin material.
[0011] In one optional embodiment, the resin material includes thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer, thermoplastic polyester elastomer, thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer, and thermoplastic polyamide elastomer.
[0012] Beneficial effects: The resin material contains thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer, thermoplastic polyester elastomer, thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer, and thermoplastic polyamide elastomer, which gives the resin material properties such as wear resistance, oil resistance, cold resistance, as well as good toughness and ductility.
[0013] In one alternative embodiment, the organic volatile solvent includes acetone, N,N-dimethylformamide, dimethylacetamide, toluene, cyclohexanone, and tetrahydrofuran.
[0014] Beneficial effects: Organic volatile solvents contain acetone, N,N-dimethylformamide, dimethylacetamide, toluene, cyclohexanone, and tetrahydrofuran, which gives them good dissolving power.
[0015] In one alternative embodiment, the solution concentration of the liquid curable resin is in the range of 1% to 50%.
[0016] Beneficial effects: Controlling the concentration of the liquid curable resin solution within the range of 1% to 50% has several advantages. First, a lower concentration ensures good fluidity of the liquid curable resin, facilitating direct immersion of the metal wire body in the liquid curable resin and ensuring full contact between the liquid curable resin and the outer surface of the metal wire body. This effectively avoids problems such as uneven coating or missed coating, achieving complete coverage of the first resin layer on the outer surface of the metal wire body. Second, an appropriate concentration can also reduce the amount of volatile organic solvents used while ensuring coating quality, lowering production costs and mitigating the environmental impact of volatile organic solvent evaporation during subsequent curing.
[0017] In one alternative embodiment, the cross-sectional diameter of the filament is in the range of 0.05 mm to 0.15 mm.
[0018] Beneficial effects: By controlling the cross-sectional diameter of the silk thread within the range of 0.05mm to 0.15mm, it is easier to control the outer diameter of the braided mesh tube made of silk thread, thereby further controlling the outer diameter of the insertion tube and ensuring that the specifications of the resulting insertion tube meet the requirements.
[0019] In one alternative embodiment, the endoscope insertion tube further includes an outer coating layer, which is coated on the outer surface of the second resin layer.
[0020] Beneficial effects: Coating the outer surface of the second resin layer with an outer coating can protect the second resin layer, prevent wear on the second resin layer during the use of the insertion tube, extend the service life of the insertion tube, and improve the overall durability and reliability of the insertion tube.
[0021] In one alternative embodiment, the outer coating is a clear coat.
[0022] Beneficial effects: By setting the outer coating to a glossy finish, the outer surface of the insertion tube can be made to have a bright and delicate effect, which enhances the aesthetics and texture of the insertion tube. Furthermore, since the glossy finish has good wear resistance, stain resistance, aging resistance and corrosion resistance, it can protect the surface of the insertion tube and extend its service life.
[0023] Secondly, this utility model also provides an endoscope, including the aforementioned endoscope insertion tube.
[0024] Beneficial effects: The stronger connection between the second resin layer and the braided mesh tube in the insertion tube prevents delamination defects. Eliminating delamination not only improves the structural integrity of the insertion tube but also significantly reduces the potential leakage risk caused by material delamination. This ensures the endoscope maintains its proper airtightness and watertightness during use, keeping the precision components inside the endoscope dry and clean. By enhancing the connection between the second resin layer and the braided mesh tube, the overall durability and fatigue resistance of the insertion tube are significantly improved. During frequent bending, twisting, and insertion / removal, the insertion tube better resists deformation and wear, greatly extending its service life. By reducing the frequency of maintenance and replacement, this indirectly extends the endoscope's lifespan and improves overall economic efficiency. Attached Figure Description
[0025] 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.
[0026] Figure 1 This is a side sectional view of the thread according to an embodiment of the present utility model;
[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the endoscope in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0028] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:
[0029] 1. Metal wire body; 2. First resin layer; 3. Operating part; 4. Insertion tube; 5. Head end. Detailed Implementation
[0030] 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.
[0031] The following is combined with Figures 1 to 2 The following describes embodiments of the present invention.
[0032] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an endoscope insertion tube is provided, comprising a braided mesh tube, a spring inner tube, and a second resin layer; the braided mesh tube is woven from multiple threads, the threads comprising a metal wire body 1 and a first resin layer 2, the first resin layer 2 being coated on the outer surface of the metal wire body 1; the braided mesh tube is sleeved on the outer periphery of the spring inner tube; the second resin layer covers the outer periphery of the braided mesh tube.
[0033] Because the wire is made by coating the outer surface of the metal wire body 1 with a first resin layer 2, it not only enhances the mechanical strength and wear resistance of the wire, but also optimizes its surface properties, providing a good foundation for the subsequent multi-layer composite of the braided mesh tube. After wrapping the outer surface of the braided mesh tube with a second resin layer, the adhesion between the braided mesh tube and the second resin layer is increased, making the connection between the second resin layer and the braided mesh tube more solid, avoiding the delamination defect between the second resin layer and the braided mesh tube, improving the integrity and durability of the insertion tube 4, providing a more stable and reliable support structure for the insertion tube 4, thereby improving the controllability of the insertion tube 4, which is conducive to the forward transmission of torque, thus improving the pushing performance of the insertion tube 4, extending the service life of the insertion tube 4, reducing maintenance costs, and improving work efficiency.
[0034] Specifically, the second resin layer can be provided in two or more layers along the radial direction of the braided mesh tube.
[0035] In a specific embodiment, a first resin layer 2 is coated on the outer surface of the metal wire body 1 to form a filament, and then multiple filaments are woven together to form a braided mesh tube.
[0036] In one embodiment, the first resin layer 2 is a liquid curable resin.
[0037] The first resin layer 2 is set as a liquid curable resin. Due to the excellent coatability of liquid curable resin, when the liquid curable resin is in liquid state, it can be uniformly coated on the outer surface of the metal wire body 1. This not only ensures the continuity and uniformity of the coating, but also effectively avoids the performance degradation caused by uneven coating. Furthermore, the coatability of the liquid state simplifies the operation process, reduces the requirements for coating equipment and technology, and thus improves production efficiency. Because the liquid curable resin is curable, it can be cured on the outer surface of the metal wire body 1, and during the curing process, it can tightly wrap around the outer surface of the metal wire body 1, forming a good interface bond with the metal wire body 1. This ensures a tight connection and synergistic effect between the two, which facilitates the weaving of the braided mesh tube and makes the operation simple and convenient.
[0038] In some embodiments, an adhesive layer may also be provided between the second resin layer and the metal mesh tube. The adhesive layer may be epoxy resin, polyurethane, or nylon, etc. The adhesive layer can further enhance the adhesion between the second resin layer and the metal mesh tube, making the connection between the second resin layer and the braided mesh tube more secure.
[0039] In one embodiment, the liquid curable resin comprises a resin material and an organic volatile solvent, wherein the organic volatile solvent is used to dissolve the resin material and mix with the resin material.
[0040] By using resin materials and organic volatile solvents to prepare liquid curable resin, after the organic volatile solvents have completely evaporated, not only are bubbles and defects that may be generated during the curing process avoided, ensuring that the resin material can be tightly wrapped around the outer surface of the metal wire body 1, but also ensuring that no organic volatile solvents remain in the cured resin material, avoiding the negative impact that the residue of organic volatile solvents may have on the resin material, and ensuring the original properties of the resin material.
[0041] In one embodiment, the resin material includes thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer, thermoplastic polyester elastomer, thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer, and thermoplastic polyamide elastomer.
[0042] The resin material contains thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers, thermoplastic polyester elastomers, thermoplastic polyolefin elastomers, and thermoplastic polyamide elastomers, which gives the resin material properties such as wear resistance, oil resistance, cold resistance, as well as good toughness and ductility.
[0043] Specifically, resin materials may also include polyvinyl chloride, polysulfone, etc.
[0044] In one embodiment, the organic volatile solvent includes acetone, N,N-dimethylformamide, dimethylacetamide, toluene, cyclohexanone, and tetrahydrofuran.
[0045] Organic volatile solvents contain acetone, N,N-dimethylformamide, dimethylacetamide, toluene, cyclohexanone, and tetrahydrofuran, which gives them good dissolving power.
[0046] Specifically, organic volatile solvents may also include ethanol, butanol, ethyl acetate, etc.
[0047] In one embodiment, the solution concentration of the liquid curable resin is in the range of 1% to 50%.
[0048] By controlling the concentration of the liquid curable resin solution within the range of 1% to 50%, on the one hand, a lower concentration ensures that the liquid curable resin has good fluidity, making it easy to directly immerse the metal wire body 1 in the liquid curable resin, and also ensures that the liquid curable resin is in full contact with the outer surface of the metal wire body 1, thereby effectively avoiding problems such as uneven coating or missed coating, and realizing the complete coating of the first resin layer 2 on the outer surface of the metal wire body 1; on the other hand, an appropriate concentration can also reduce the amount of volatile organic solvents used while ensuring the coating quality, reducing production costs, and mitigating the environmental impact of volatile organic solvent evaporation during subsequent curing.
[0049] In a specific embodiment, the pretreated metal wire body 1 is completely immersed in a liquid curable resin solution. By immersion, the liquid curable resin fully wets the outer surface of the metal wire body 1. As the immersion time progresses, a uniform and continuous first resin layer 2 coating is gradually formed on the surface of the metal wire body 1. Subsequently, through curing processes such as heating or natural drying, the liquid curable resin gradually cures and tightly coats the outer surface of the metal wire body 1.
[0050] In one embodiment of this example, the concentration of the liquid curable resin solution is 1%; in another embodiment of this example, the concentration of the liquid curable resin solution is 50%.
[0051] In some embodiments, the solution concentration of the liquid curable resin is in the range of 10% to 30%.
[0052] In one embodiment of this example, the concentration of the liquid curable resin solution is 10%; in another embodiment of this example, the concentration of the liquid curable resin solution is 30%.
[0053] In one embodiment, the cross-sectional diameter of the filament is in the range of 0.05 mm to 0.15 mm.
[0054] By controlling the cross-sectional diameter of the silk thread within the range of 0.05mm to 0.15mm, it is easier to control the outer diameter of the braided mesh tube made of the silk thread, thereby further controlling the outer diameter of the insertion tube 4, so that the specifications of the insertion tube 4 produced meet the requirements.
[0055] In one embodiment of this example, the cross-sectional diameter of the wire is 0.05 mm; in another embodiment of this example, the cross-sectional diameter of the wire is 0.15 mm.
[0056] In one embodiment, the endoscope insertion tube further includes an outer coating layer, which is coated on the outer surface of the second resin layer.
[0057] Applying an outer coating to the outer surface of the second resin layer can protect the second resin layer, prevent wear on the second resin layer during use of the insertion tube 4, and extend the service life of the insertion tube 4.
[0058] In one embodiment, the outer coating is a clear coat.
[0059] Setting the outer coating to a glossy finish can give the outer surface of the insertion tube 4 a bright and delicate effect, enhancing the aesthetics and texture of the insertion tube 4. Furthermore, since the glossy finish has good wear resistance, stain resistance, aging resistance and corrosion resistance, it can protect the surface of the insertion tube 4, extend the service life of the insertion tube 4, and improve the overall durability and reliability of the insertion tube 4.
[0060] According to an embodiment of the present invention, another aspect provides an endoscope including the aforementioned endoscope insertion tube.
[0061] Because the connection between the second resin layer and the braided mesh tube in the insertion tube 4 is more robust, the delamination defect between the second resin layer and the braided mesh tube is avoided. The elimination of the delamination defect not only improves the structural integrity of the insertion tube 4, but also significantly reduces the potential leakage risk caused by material delamination. This ensures that the endoscope can maintain its proper airtightness and watertightness during use, and ensures that the precision components inside the endoscope can be kept dry and clean. By strengthening the connection between the second resin layer and the braided mesh tube, the overall durability and fatigue resistance of the insertion tube 4 are significantly improved. During frequent bending, twisting, and insertion and removal, the insertion tube 4 can better resist deformation and wear, greatly extending the service life of the insertion tube 4. By reducing the frequency of maintenance and replacement, the service life of the endoscope is indirectly extended, improving the overall economy.
[0062] Specifically, the operation unit 3 consists of an insertion part disposed at the front end of the operation unit 3, wherein the insertion part includes an insertion tube 4 and a head end 5.
[0063] In a specific implementation, the resin material is first dissolved using an organic volatile solvent and mixed with the resin material to form a solution. The metal wire body 1 is then completely immersed in the solution. After immersion, the wire is removed. After the organic volatile solvent has completely evaporated, the wire is split and woven into a braided mesh tube using a wire splitting machine. Then, oil, dust, and other impurities on the surface of the braided mesh tube and the inner spring tube are removed to ensure that the surfaces of the braided mesh tube and the inner spring tube are clean. The braided mesh tube is then wrapped around the outer surface of the inner spring tube. A second resin layer is then used to wrap around the outer periphery of the braided mesh tube, and a varnish is applied to the outer surface of the outermost second resin layer. After the treatment is completed, the insertion tube 4 is inspected as a finished product. Once the inspection is passed, the preparation of the insertion tube 4 is complete.
[0064] 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: The endoscope insertion tube comprises: a braided mesh tube braided by a plurality of wires, the wires comprising a metal wire body (1) and a first resin layer (2) coated on an outer surface of the metal wire body (1); a spring inner tube, the braided mesh tube being sleeved on an outer periphery of the spring inner tube; a second resin layer coated on an outer periphery of the braided mesh tube.
2. The endoscope insertion tube according to claim 1, characterized by The first resin layer (2) is a liquid curable resin.
3. The endoscope insertion tube according to claim 2, characterized by The liquid curable resin comprises a resin material and an organic volatile solvent used for dissolving and mixing with the resin material.
4. The endoscope insertion tube according to claim 3, characterized by The resin material comprises a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer, a thermoplastic polyester elastomer, a thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer, and a thermoplastic polyamide elastomer.
5. The endoscope insertion tube according to claim 3, characterized by The organic volatile solvent comprises acetone, N,N-dimethylformamide, dimethylacetamide, toluene, cyclohexanone, and tetrahydrofuran.
6. The endoscope insertion tube according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that, The solution concentration of the liquid curable resin is in a range of 1% to 50%.
7. The endoscope insertion tube according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The cross-sectional diameter of the wire is in a range of 0.05 mm to 0.15 mm.
8. The endoscope insertion tube according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by The endoscope insertion tube further comprises an outer coating layer coated on an outer surface of the second resin layer.
9. The endoscope insertion tube of claim 8, wherein The outer coating layer is a light paint.
10. An endoscope characterized by comprising: The endoscope insertion tube according to any one of claims 1 to 9.