Protective cover for a curved endoscope section and method for attaching it

Abstract

Endoscope (10), comprising: a tubular connector section (14) provided along its axial direction from its rear end face with at least one first and one second section (14C, 14B); a tubular protective sheath (23) covering a curved section (13) of the endoscope (10), the protective sheath (23) covering with its own end the outer circumference of the first section (14C) of the connector section (14) from the rear end face of the connector section (14), while the protective sheath (23) does not cover the outer circumference of the second section (14B) of the connector section (14); a thread-like element (32) wrapped around the outer circumference of the end of the protective sheath (23) to secure the end of the protective sheath (23) to the first section (14C) of the connector section (14); an adhesive (33) applied to the outer circumference of the end of the protective sheath (23) such that it thread-like element (32) covered;and a ring element (34) which is placed on the outer circumference of the end of the protective sheath (23) such that it covers the adhesive (33), wherein the ring element (34) is bonded to the thread-like element (32) with its inner circumferential surface by the adhesive (33), wherein the ring element (34) comprises a ring section (34A) with a small diameter and a ring section (34B) with a large diameter, the inner diameter of which is larger than that of the ring section (34A) with a small diameter, and the ring section (34B) with a large diameter is arranged outside the end of the protective sheath (23) such that it covers the thread-like element (32), and the ring section (34A) with a small diameter covers the second section (14B) of the connecting section (14) and is bonded directly to the second section (14B) of the connecting section (14) by the adhesive (33).

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to an endoscope in which an end of a protective sheath provided for a curved section is attached to a front end of the endoscope or to a connecting tube for connecting a curved section to a flexible section with a thread-like element, and to a method for manufacturing the endoscope. 2. Description of the related technology

[0002] In an endoscope, the curved section is created by covering a braided tube with a curved tube comprising multiple interconnected curved sections, and subsequently covering the braided tube with a tubular rubber sheath. The sheath has a front end that covers the outer circumference of the front end of the endoscope, while its rear end covers a connecting tube that joins the curved section to a flexible tube. The front and rear ends of the sheath are secured to the outer circumference of the front end and the connecting tube, respectively, by a coiled thread to create a watertight seal inside the endoscope.

[0003] To prevent the thread from falling off, a known method involves applying an adhesive to a wound thread to coat it (see patent document No. 1). Alternatively, instead of using the adhesive, either another thread is used whose outer circumference is coated with thermoplastic resin (see patent document No. 2), or an annular external body made of thermoplastic resin is arranged on the wound thread (see patent document No. 3). In both cases, after applying a heat-shrink tube to cover the wound thread or the external body, the tube is heated so that the thread is encased in molten thermoplastic resin. After heating, in patent documents 2 and 3, the heat-shrink tube is removed from one end of the covering. Patent document no. 1: Unexamined Japanese patent publication (Heisei) no. 6-319677 Patent document no. 2: Unexamined Japanese patent publication no. 2008-55052 Patent document no. 3: Japanese patent publication no. 4236305 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONAL TASKS OF INVENTION

[0004] The endoscope is generally disinfected or sterilized during daily use by immersion in chemicals, etc. In the endoscope disclosed in the aforementioned patent documents, a thread-like element is protected from the chemicals by the adhesive or thermoplastic resin. However, since the adhesive or thermoplastic resin is exposed on the outer circumference of the endoscope, there is a possibility that the adhesive or thermoplastic resin may wear out prematurely due to exposure to the chemicals, resulting in a situation where the thread-like element is not adequately protected. There is also a possibility that such worn-out adhesive or thermoplastic resin could detach and remain in the human body.

[0005] In the manufacturing process described in patent document No. 1, the coating function of the adhesive tends to vary considerably due to the manual labor involved, and the thickness of the adhesive must also be increased to improve its chemical resistance. If the adhesive is made thicker or applied unevenly in this way, it can lead to problems such as increased difficulty in inserting an endoscope or similar instrument.

[0006] In the manufacturing process described in patent document No. 2, there is also the possibility that, once the thermoplastic resin has melted on the outer circumference of the thread, the thread may be worn down to such an extent that its constricting force for fixing it to the protective sheath for the curved section is reduced. Furthermore, if air is introduced between the thread and the shrink tubing when the thread is coated, air bubbles may form on the surface of the thermoplastic resin, leading to an uneven surface condition. Both patent documents No. 2 and 3 also indicate that the shrink tubing is cut for removal. Therefore, there is a possibility that the surface of the thermoplastic resin could be damaged when the tubing is cut.

[0007] Taking into account the problems mentioned above, one object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope that is able to protect an adhesive used to cover a thread-like element by preventing the thread-like element and the adhesive from wearing down, and by preventing the adhesive from becoming thicker, thus improving the insertability of an endoscope. MEANS OF SOLVING THE TASKS

[0008] According to the present invention, an endoscope is provided comprising: a tubular protective sheath provided for a curved section, which covers a curved section of an endoscope, wherein the protective sheath for the curved section covers with its own end an outer circumference of a connecting section in the form of a tube; a thread-like element which is wound around the outer circumference of the end to fasten the end to the connecting section; an adhesive which is applied to the outer circumference of the end in such a way that it covers the thread-like element; and a ring element which is placed on the outer circumference of the end in such a way that it covers the adhesive, wherein the ring element is bonded to the thread-like element with its inner circumferential surface by the adhesive.

[0009] The aforementioned connecting section is provided along its axial direction from one end face with at least a first section, such as a small-diameter section, and a second section, such as a large-diameter section. The small-diameter section has a smaller outer diameter than the large-diameter section. Preferably, the protective sleeve for the curved section is designed such that it covers the connecting section through one end face of the connecting section, such that the end covers the outer circumference of the first section, while the sleeve for the curved section does not cover the outer circumference of the second section. In particular, the ring element is arranged to extend both the first and second sections and is also bonded directly to the outer circumference of the second section by means of the adhesive.

[0010] For example, the ring element comprises a small-diameter ring section and a large-diameter ring section, the inner diameter of which is larger than that of the small-diameter ring section. The large-diameter ring section covers the first section, while the small-diameter ring section covers the second section. Furthermore, the separation distance between the thread-like element and the inner circumferential surface of the ring element is preferably greater than the distance between the outer circumferential surface of the second section and the inner circumferential surface of the ring element. The separation distance between the thread-like element and the inner circumferential surface of the ring element is, for example, less than 0.05 mm. Additionally, the end is arranged in a concave portion of the connecting section.

[0011] Preferably, the protective sheath for the curved section has a shoulder section located near the end, which has a reduced diameter due to the constriction with the thread-like element. The outer diameter of the shoulder section tapers gradually, and the ring element has an end positioned to abut the shoulder section. A surface of the ring element that is at least partially in contact with the adhesive can be either roughened or irregularly textured. The connecting section is, for example, a connecting tube for joining a front end or the curved section of an endoscope to its flexible section.

[0012] According to the present invention, a method for manufacturing an endoscope is also provided, comprising a first step in which an end of a tubular protective sheath for the curved section of an endoscope is allowed to cover the outer circumference of a connecting section, a second step in which a thread-like element is wound around the outer circumference of the end in order to attach the end to the connecting section, a third step in which an adhesive is applied to the outer circumference of the end in such a way that it covers the thread-like element, and a fourth step in which a ring element is placed on the outer circumference of the end in such a way that it covers the adhesive and thereby the inner circumferential surface of the ring element is bonded to the thread-like element with the adhesive. IMPACT OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Since the adhesive is covered with the ring element to protect the thread-like element, the present invention prevents wear of the thread-like element and the adhesive, and furthermore prevents the wall thickness of a part of the wound thread-like element from increasing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic view showing the overall structure of an endoscope;

[0015] Fig. Figure 2 is a cutaway sectional view showing a connection structure between a front end of the endoscope and its curved section;

[0016] Fig. Figure 3 is a section view showing a connection structure between the curved section and a flexible section;

[0017] Fig. Figure 4 is an enlarged perspective view showing the structure of a ring element;

[0018] Fig. Figure 5 is a section view illustrating a manufacturing process of the endoscope;

[0019] Fig. Figure 6 is a sectioned view illustrating the manufacturing process of the endoscope; and

[0020] Fig. Figure 7 is a section view illustrating the manufacturing process of the endoscope. Reference symbol list 10 Endoscope 11 Introductory section 12 flexible section 13 curved section 14 Front end of endoscope (connection section) 14B Large diameter section (second section) 14C large diameter section (first section) 14D ring-shaped groove (concave part) 23 Protective cover for the curved section 23A front protective cover end 23B rear protective cover end 23C middle section 23D, 23F Shoulder section 30 Connecting pipe (connection section) 32, 42 thread-like element 33, 43 Adhesives 34, 44 Ring element 34A Small diameter ring section 34B Large diameter ring section DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EXECUTION EXAMPLES

[0021] An embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic view of an endoscope according to an embodiment of the present invention. As in Fig. As shown in 1, the endoscope includes 10 an introductory section 11 , a manipulation section 15 , which is used to operate the endoscope 10 is seized by a user, a connector section 16 to connect the endoscope 10 with a processor (not shown). The introductory section 11 includes a flexible section12 with flexibility, a curved section 13 , which has a front end of the curved section 13 is connected, and a front end of the endoscope 14 , which is connected to the front end of the curved section 13 is connected. The manipulation section 15 is through a universal cable section 17 with the connector section 16 tied together.

[0022] An image acquisition device (not shown) is located in the front end of the endoscope. 14 arranged so that an image signal of an object, acquired by the image acquisition device, is transmitted to the processor. Furthermore, a light guide (not shown) passes through the connector section. 16 all the way to the front end 14 The endoscope is inserted into the endoscope. Illumination light is transmitted from the front end of the endoscope through the light guide. 14 beamed onto the object.

[0023] Fig. Figure 2 is an enlarged sectional view showing a connecting section between the front end of the endoscope and the curved section. Fig. Figure 3 is an enlarged sectional view showing a connecting section between the curved section and the flexible section. The curved section 13 includes a curved tube 21 , a braided tube 22 , which is the outer circumference of the bent tube 21 covered, and a tubular casing 23 for the curved section that forms the outer circumference of the braided tube 22 covered and also made of elastic material, such as rubber. The curved tube 21 consists of an elongated tube containing a multitude of curved pieces. 24 features which are rotatably connected to each other by rivets. The curved tube 21 is controlled remotely via a wire guide (not shown) from the manipulation section15 bent.

[0024] As in Fig. As shown in 2, this is the front end of the endoscope. 14 A tubular element made of hard resin, metal, or the like. The front end of the endoscope. 14 is along its axial direction from the rear end with a section 14A with a large diameter, a section 14C with a small diameter and a section 14B with a large diameter. The section 14C The section with a smaller diameter has a smaller outer diameter than the sections. 14B , 14A with a large diameter, so that a ring-shaped groove (ring-shaped concave part) 14D on the outer perimeter side of the section 14C is designed with a small diameter. The front end of the endoscope 14 is with the bent pipe 21 through the section 14Aconnected with a large diameter, which at the rear end connects to the front end of the bent tube 21 is connected (a curved piece) 24 on the front side).

[0025] As in Fig. Figure 3 shows the rear end of the curved section. 13 through a connecting pipe 30 with the curved flexible 12 connected. The connecting pipe 30 is a tubular element that forms a section 30A with a small diameter at the front end and a section 30B with a large diameter at the rear end, which has a larger outer diameter than the section 30A with a small diameter, includes the section 30A with a small diameter, its outer circumferential surface is divided by a shoulder section 30C with the outer circumferential surface of the section 30B connected with a large diameter. The rear end of the bent tube 21(a curved piece 24 (on the rearmost side) is in the section 30A with a small diameter connecting pipe 30 inserted in such a way that the curved section 13 with the connecting pipe 30 is connected.

[0026] The curved pipe 21 is with the braided tube 22 covered and the back end is connected to the front end of the section 30A connected with a small diameter. The rear end of the braided tube 22 is characterized by a thread-like element 31 of the braided tube, which is wrapped around the outer circumference of the braided tube, at the outer circumferential surface of the rearmost bent piece 24 of the bent tube 21 attached. The protective cover 23 for the curved section that forms the outer circumference of the braided tube 22 is covered with a front protective cover end 23A, which forms part of the front end of the endoscope 14 (see Fig. 2) covered, and a rear protective cover end 23B configured to form part of the connecting pipe 30 covered (see Fig. 3).

[0027] The flexible section 12 includes a tubular protective cover 29 for the flexible pipe, which defines the outer circumference of a flexible pipe 28 covered. The flexible tube 28 includes a spiral tube 26 and a braided tube 27 , which is the outer circumference of the spiral tube 26 covered. The front end of the flexible tube 28 is in the section 30B with a large diameter and is also located on an inner section of the section 30B attached with a large diameter. The front end 29A the protective case 29 The flexible pipe is arranged in such a way that it covers the section 30Bwith a large diameter connecting pipe 30 covered, and furthermore, an inner circumferential surface of the front end is connected to the outer circumferential surface of the section 30B glued together with a large diameter.

[0028] The following is a structure in which the front end (front protective sheath end) 23A the protective case 23 for the curved section at the front end of the endoscope 14 is attached, in detail with reference to Fig. 2 described. As in Fig. 2 shown, covers the protective cover 23 for the curved section, the front end of the endoscope 14 from the rear end to the section 14C with a small diameter so that the front end of the protective cover 23A in the ring-shaped groove 14D is arranged. It should be noted that the protective cover 23 for the curved section is not arranged in such a way that it covers the section 14Bwith a large diameter front end of the endoscope 14 covered.

[0029] The one in the ring-shaped groove 14D arranged front protective cover end 23A is at the front end of the endoscope 14 through a thread-like element 32 attached, which is wrapped around the outer circumference of the front end of the protective cover. An adhesive. 33 is thus on the outer circumference of the front protective cover end 23A upset that it was the thread-like element 32 covered, and furthermore, it is a ring element 34 so placed on the outer circumference of the front protective cover end that it holds the adhesive 33 covered. The adhesive 33 The thread-like element covers 32 , to protect it, and also glues the ring element 34 to the thread-like element 32 , to prevent the ring element 34 from the front end of the protective cover 23A solves.

[0030] The front end of the protective cover 23A is in the ring-shaped groove 14D arranged and is furthermore separated from the thread-like element 32 so constricted that the diameter of the front end is reduced. The outer diameter of the front protective cover end 23 It is smaller than the original diameter (the inherent diameter) of the protective sheath for the curved section. More precisely: a shoulder section. 23D with a gradually tapered outer diameter is located near the front end of the protective cover. 23A trained. For the sake of simplicity, part of the protective cover 23 The curved section, whose outer diameter is not reduced due to the absence of externally exerted pressure, is referred to in the following explanation as the "middle section". 23C " designated.

[0031] Metals, such as stainless steel, or resins, such as polyphenylene oxide, polyetherimide (ULTEM) and polyphensulfone, can be used in the construction of the ring element. 34 These resins are used because they are excellent in terms of biocompatibility, chemical resistance, machinability, and strength, making them suitable for use in the construction of the ring element. Preferably, the ring element consists of... 34 Metal is used because it can be processed into thin layers while still retaining its high strength. Adhesives with biocompatibility and high chemical resistance, such as epoxy resin, are also suitable. 33 available.

[0032] As in Fig. As shown in 4, the ring element 34 formed in the form of a thin, generally circular ring and also consists of a ring section 34A with a small diameter at the front end and a ring section 34Bwith a large diameter at the rear end, whose inner diameter is larger than that of the ring section 34A It has a small diameter. The inner circumferential surface of the ring section 34A with a small diameter is related to the inner circumferential surface of the ring section 34B with large diameter through a shoulder section 34C connected. The inner diameters of the ring section 34A with small diameter and the ring section 34B Those with a large diameter are always constant. The outer diameter of the ring section 34A The area of ​​the ring segment decreases with decreasing diameter compared to the decreasing distance from the front end. In other words: The outer circumferential area of ​​the ring segment 34AThe small diameter endoscope is conically shaped. By employing such a configuration, the invention ensures improved operability of the endoscope and a reduction in the time required to insert the front end of the endoscope. 14 is necessary in a body cavity of a patient being examined. The outer diameter of the ring section is... 34B constant with large diameter.

[0033] As in Fig. As shown in 2, the ring element 34 arranged so that it includes the section 14B with large diameter and the section 14C with a small diameter at the front end of the endoscope 14 expanded. More precisely, the ring section 34B with a large diameter outside the front end of the protective cover 23A arranged so that it is the thread-like element 32 covered, while also through the adhesive 33 to the thread-like element 32is glued. The ring section 34A The small diameter section is arranged so that it aligns with the outer diameter of the section. 14B with a large diameter front end of the endoscope 14 fits together.

[0034] The outer circumference of the front protective cover end 23A applied adhesives 33 is arranged in such a way that it is partially between the ring section 34A with small diameter and the section 14B with a large diameter penetrates, causing the ring section 34A with a small diameter on the outer circumferential surface of the section 14B It can bond with a large diameter. Furthermore, the adhesive... 33 arranged so that it also fits between a rear end face of the ring section 34B with large diameter and the shoulder section 23D penetrates. Consequently, the rear end face of the ring section abuts 34Bwith large diameter through the adhesive 33 to the shoulder area 23D and therefore adheres via the adhesive 33 at the shoulder area 23D Preferably, the rear end face of the ring section 34B with a large diameter by gluing to the shoulder section 23D connected while being pressed against it. Consequently, the aforementioned posterior end surface and the shoulder section are 23D due to the elasticity of the shoulder area 23D essentially held tightly together, resulting in improved airtightness of the front end of the endoscope. 14 is guaranteed.

[0035] Since the front protective cover end 23A has a smaller outer diameter than the middle section 23CA shoulder exists between the outer circumferential surfaces of the former and the latter. According to the present embodiment, the shoulder is formed by the thread-like element. 32 , the adhesive 33 and the ring element 34 eliminated, so that the outer circumferential surface of the ring element 34 lies on the same plane as the outer circumferential surface of the middle section 23C The outer diameter of the ring section 34B With a large diameter, the outer diameter of the middle part is therefore used. 23C the protective case 23 Adapted for the curved section.

[0036] The inner circumferential surface of the ring section 34B with a large diameter is arranged in such a way that it is separated from the thread-like element. 32 is removed. It is desirable that there be a separating distance (space) 11 between the inner circumferential surface of the ring section 34Bwith a large diameter and the thread-like element 32 greater than a distance between the inner circumferential surface of the ring section 34A with a small diameter and the outer circumferential surface of the section 14B with a large diameter, but smaller than 0.05 mm. Since the thread-like element 32 from the ring section 34B The adhesive applied between the large diameter prevents the separation. 33 , that the thread-like element with the ring element 34 comes into contact. Furthermore, the thread-like element 33 , due to the intervening adhesive, completely coated with the adhesive 33 coated and also sufficiently protected by the adhesive. Because of the gap 11 If the thickness is kept smaller than 0.05 mm, the ring element is prevented from functioning. 34 during a later-mentioned adhesive wiping process, etc., it is moved eccentrically.

[0037] The inner circumferential surface of the ring section 34A with a small diameter is arranged so that it runs along the outer circumferential surface of the section. 14B with a large diameter front end of the endoscope 14 The inner diameter of the ring section 34A With a small diameter, it is generally equal to the outer diameter of the section. 14B with a large diameter. This configuration also prevents the ring element from... 34 during the adhesive wiping process mentioned later, etc., it is shifted eccentrically.

[0038] The following is a design in which the rear end (rear protective cover end) 236 the protective case 23 for the curved section on the connecting pipe 30 is attached, with reference to Fig. 3 described. It should be noted that structures not explicitly mentioned in the following description, for example materials for the thread-like element, the adhesive or the ring element, are the same as those in the versions where the front protective cover end 23A at the front end of the endoscope 14 is attached.

[0039] As in Fig. 3 shown, covers the protective cover 23 for the curved section the connecting pipe 30 from the front end of the connecting pipe 30 from such a way that the rear protective cover end 236 the section 30A with a small diameter connecting pipe 30 covered. The section is... 30B with a large diameter connecting pipe 30 not from the protective case 23 for the curved section, but is instead covered by the protective cover 29The flexible section is covered, as mentioned above. The rear end face of the rear protective cover end 20B abuts the anterior end surfaces of the shoulder section 30C or the protective cover 29 For the flexible tube. The rear protective sheath end. 23B is characterized by a thread-like element 42 , which is wrapped around the outer circumference of the rear protective cover end, at the section 30A attached with a small diameter.

[0040] The section 30A With a small diameter, it has a smaller diameter than its anteroposterior sections (the thread-like element). 31 for the braided tube and the section 30B (with a large diameter), in order to form a ring-shaped concave part on its outer circumferential surface 50 to form, in which the rear protective cover end 23B is arranged. Then the rear end of the protective cover is 23B through the thread-like element42 constricted, and thus its diameter is reduced to a correspondingly smaller diameter compared to its anteroposterior protective sheath (i.e., the middle section). 23C the protective case 23 for the curved section that contains the thread-like element 31 covered for the braided tube, and the front end 29A the protective case 29 to obtain the flexible tube). Consequently, the outer circumferential side of the rear protective cover end is 29B indented relative to the outer circumferential surfaces of the anteroposterior protective sheath sections, thus forming a ring-shaped concave part 51 It should be noted that the outer circumference of the rear protective cover end 23B through a conically tapered shoulder section 23F , which forms one side wall of the ring-shaped concave part 51 forms, with the middle section 23C is connected.

[0041] The interior of the ring-shaped concave part 51 (i.e., the outer perimeter side of the rear protective cover end) 23B ) is with the adhesive 43 filled, in which the thread-like element 42 is enveloped. Furthermore, the outer circumferential surface of the rear end of the protective cover is affected. 23B a ring element 44 positioned so that it forms the ring-shaped concave part 51 includes and the adhesive 43 covered.

[0042] The ring element 44 It is designed as a thin-walled circular ring with constant inner and outer diameters. The ring element 44 is through the ring-shaped concave part 51 Filling adhesives 43 sticking to the thread-like element 42 and on the outer circumferential surface of the rear protective cover end 23B attached. It should be noted that, since the interior of the concave part contains the thread-like element 42absorbs, is filled with the adhesive, the thread-like element 42 is completely coated with the adhesive. Consequently, the thread-like element is prevented from... 42 with the inner circumferential surface of the ring element 44 comes into contact.

[0043] The ring-shaped concave part 51 The filling adhesive also occupies the space between the front end of the ring element. 44 and the stage section 23F The front end of the ring element 44 because it penetrates through the adhesive 43 to the step section 23F and is with the adhesive 43 to the step section 23F glued. The rear end of the ring element 44 is on the outer circumferential side of the front end 29A the protective case 29 arranged for the flexible section. The adhesive 43 in the ring-shaped concave part 51partially covers the outer circumference of the front end. 29A , so that the rear end of the ring element 44 also with the adhesive 43 to the front end 29A It is glued.

[0044] The following describes a method for manufacturing the endoscope according to an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the Fig. 5 to Fig. 7 described. As in Fig. As shown in section 5, the manufacturing process is designed so that the protective cover is made first. 23 for the curved section, the curved part 13 and part of the front end of the endoscope 14 so that the front end of the protective cover can be covered 12A into the ring-shaped groove 14D of the front protective cover end 14 is fitted in. Then the thread-like element is 32 with several turns around the outer circumference of the front end of the protective cover 23Awrapped, thus the front protective cover end 23A at the front end of the endoscope 14 is attached.

[0045] As in Fig. As shown in 6, the adhesive is then 33 in the form of a liquid or fluid onto the outer circumferential surface of the front protective cover end 23A from the outside of the thread-like element 32 applied. The adhesive 33 is applied in such a way that it covers the section 14B with a large diameter front end of the endoscope 14 , the front end of the protective cover 23A and also the shoulder area 23D covered.

[0046] Before the adhesive 33 when it hardens or becomes solid, then the ring element 34 on the outer perimeter of the section 14B with a large diameter front end of the endoscope 14 attached, and subsequently the ring element is 34pushed backwards until it reached the shoulder section 23D this causes the ring element to collapse. 34 on the outer circumference of the front protective cover end 23A set as in Fig. 7 shown.

[0047] The volume of the area between the ring element 23 and the front end of the endoscope 14 applied adhesive 33 is larger than the gap. If the ring element 34 The space between the ring element is thus the area between the ring element. 34 and the front end of the endoscope 14 The ring element is completely filled with adhesive and no air bubbles remain inside. 34 .

[0048] Thus, the adhesive fills 33 the space between the ring section 34B with a large diameter and the front protective end 23A completely, to the ring section 34B with a large diameter attached to the thread-like element 32and the outer circumferential surface of the front protective cover end 23A to glue. The adhesive is also applied between the ring section 34A with a small diameter and the section 14B applied with a large diameter to cover the ring section 34A with small diameter to the section 14B to glue large diameters. The adhesive 33 Furthermore, it is placed between the rear end surface of the ring section 34B with large diameter and the shoulder section 23D applied to the rear end face of the ring section 34B with a large diameter at the shoulder section 23D to glue.

[0049] If the ring element 34 When applied, the adhesive penetrates 33 partially outside the ring element 34 , as in Fig. 7 shown. The excess adhesive 33Any excess adhesive that seeps outwards is wiped away before it hardens or sets. The adhesive is then applied. 33 heated and dried, etc., so that it hardens or becomes solid, so that the endoscope, as in Fig. 2 shown, is finished.

[0050] Since the procedure for attaching the rear protective cover end 23b on the connecting pipe and also for attaching the ring element 44 Similar to the procedure mentioned above, the description has been omitted. However, the ring element 44 before covering the curved section 13 with the protective case 23 for the curved section on the outer circumference of the flexible section 12 so that the ring element 44 behind the connecting pipe 30 is positioned. After applying the adhesive, the ring element is then 44 moved forward until the front end of the ring element reaches the shoulder section 23FD impacts, causing the ring element 44 on the outer circumference of the rear protective cover end 23B This procedure is necessary because it would be difficult to remove the ring element. 44 to be attached by moving it from the front, as the protective cover 23 for the curved part covered curved part 13 is formed with a section whose outer diameter is larger than the inner diameter of the ring section 44 is (i.e. the middle section) 44 ).

[0051] Since the adhesives 33 , 43 , which serve to protectively cover the thread-like elements 32 , 42 can be used, according to the present embodiment as mentioned above, by the ring elements 33 , 44 The adhesives are covered and rarely exposed to the external environment of the endoscope. 33 , 43It is protected against wear and tear caused by chemicals to which it is exposed. Consequently, the endoscope's resistance can be maintained, and the adhesives can also be prevented from failing. 33 , 43 detach without affecting the respective thickness of the adhesives 33 , 43 is increased.

[0052] Even if the adhesives are not applied evenly, the adhesives within the ring elements would be suitable for the endoscope's manufacturing process. 33 , 34 at the time when the ring elements 33 , 44 They can be applied evenly, and therefore it is possible to improve the workability during the manufacturing of an endoscope as well as the production.

[0053] Furthermore, when attaching the ring elements 34 and 44 to the ends 23A and 23BAn operator simply needs to move the ring elements until they reach the shoulder sections. 23D or 23F to initiate. Therefore, it is possible to initiate the ring elements. 33 , 44 to arrange the mounting positions in their fixed position without adjusting them, without any readjustment of their position after installation. Since the ring element 33 , which is located at the front end of the protective cover 23A is attached to the front end of the endoscope 14 ring section to be attached 34A Because it has a small diameter, it is possible to attach the ring element with greater stability to the outer circumference of the front protective cover end. 23A to attach.

[0054] It should be noted that the inner circumferential surfaces of the ring elements 34 , 44 They may either have a rough surface or be irregularized through thread cutting, etc. In the section... 14BAlternatively, with a large diameter, the part of its outer circumferential surface that corresponds to the ring section can be used. 34A It is covered with a small diameter and has a rough surface. The respective surfaces of the ring elements 34 , 44 and the front end of the endoscope 14 etc., can therefore have a rough surface or irregularities. If such a design is used, it is possible to reduce the adhesive strength of the components on the ring elements. 34 , 44 effective adhesive 33 , 43 to increase their anchoring forces. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0055] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0056] JP 6-319677

[0003] JP 2008-55052

[0003] JP 4236305

[0003]

Claims

[1] Endoscope, including: a tubular protective sheath designed for a curved section, covering a curved section of an endoscope, wherein the protective sheath for the curved section covers with its own end an outer circumference of a connecting section in the form of a tube; a thread-like element that is wrapped around the outer circumference of the end to secure the end to the connecting section; an adhesive applied to the outer circumference of the end in such a way as to cover the thread-like element; and a ring element which is placed on the outer circumference of the end in such a way that it covers the adhesive, wherein the ring element is glued to the thread-like element with its inner circumferential surface by the adhesive. [2] Endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the connecting section is provided along its axial direction from one end side with at least a first and a second section, The protective cover for the curved section is suitable for covering the connecting element over one end side of the connecting section in such a way that the end of the outer circumference of the first section is covered, while the protective cover for the curved section does not cover the outer circumference of the second section, and The ring element is arranged in such a way that it extends the first and second sections and is also glued directly to the outer circumference of the second section by means of the adhesive. [3] Endoscope according to claim 2, wherein the ring element comprises a ring section with a small diameter and a ring section with a large diameter, the inner diameter of which is larger than that of the ring section with a small diameter, and The ring section with a large diameter covers the first section, while the ring section with a small diameter covers the second section. [4] Endoscope according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the second section is a large diameter section, while the first section is a small diameter section whose outer diameter is smaller than that of the large diameter section. [5] Endoscope according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein a separating distance between the thread-like element and the inner circumferential surface of the ring element is greater than a distance between the outer circumferential surface of the second section and the inner circumferential surface of the ring element. [6] Endoscope according to claim 5, wherein the separating distance between the thread-like element and the inner circumferential surface of the ring element is less than 0.05 mm. [7] Endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the end is arranged in a concave part of the connecting section. [8] Endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the protective sheath for the curved section has a shoulder section arranged near the end, which has a reduced diameter due to constriction with the thread-like element, with the shoulder section having a gradually tapered outer diameter, and The ring element is positioned with one end so that it abuts the shoulder section. [9] Endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the surface of the ring element which is in contact with the adhesive, at least partially, either has a rough surface or is provided with irregularities. [10] Endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the connecting section is a connecting tube for connecting a front end of the endoscope or the curved section of an endoscope to a flexible endoscope section. [11] Method for manufacturing an endoscope, comprising: a first step in which one end of a tubular protective sheath for the curved section is enabled to cover the curved section of an endoscope, covering the outer circumference of a connecting section; a second step in which a thread-like element is wrapped around the outer circumference of the end in order to secure the end to the connecting section; a third step in which an adhesive is applied to the outer circumference of the end in such a way that it covers the thread-like element; and a fourth step in which a ring element is placed on the outer circumference of the end in such a way that it covers the adhesive, in order to glue the inner circumferential surface of the ring element to the thread-like element with the adhesive.