Standing table molding method and endoscope

Abstract

To provide a standing table molding method and endoscope capable of performing molding of a standing table to be integrally molded with an operation wire with a simple operation.SOLUTION: A standing table molding method includes: a process for allowing an operation wire 40 to be arranged by penetration inside a cavity to be formed by metal molds 302, 304 in a state where the metal molds 302, 304 are superimposed, a guide surface formation member 305 is superimposed, and then, a direction vertical to a separating direction A of the metal molds 302, 304 is allowed to coincide with an axial direction of the operation wire 40; a process for filling the cavity by injection with a molding material being the material of a standing table 36 so as to integrally mold the standing table 36 and the operation wire 40; and a process for separating the molds 302, 304 after molding the standing table 36. The standing table 36 is formed by separating the molds 302, 304 in the separating direction at positions of the operation wire 40 and a rotational axis 36B of the standing table 36.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 16

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for molding a stand and an endoscope, and more particularly to a method for molding a stand in which the stand and an operating wire are directly connected, and an endoscope equipped with the molded stand. [Background technology]

[0002] In endoscopes, various treatment tools are introduced through a treatment tool introduction port provided in the operating section and then led out through a treatment tool lead-out port opened at the distal end of the insertion section for use in treatment. For example, treatment tools such as guidewires or contrast tubes are used in duodenoscopes. Treatment tools such as puncture needles are used in ultrasound endoscopes. Treatment tools such as forceps or snares are used in other direct-viewing endoscopes and oblique-viewing endoscopes. It is necessary to change the lead-out direction of such treatment tools at the distal end in order to treat a desired location within the subject. For this reason, a stand is provided at the distal end of the insertion section to change the lead-out direction of the treatment tool. The endoscope also has a treatment tool standing mechanism that changes the position of the stand between an upright position and a reclined position.

[0003] A known treatment instrument erection mechanism is a wire-pulling (open type) mechanism in which the tip of a control wire is directly attached to the erection base. In this mechanism, the base end of the control wire is connected to an operation lever provided in the operation unit, and the erection base is rotated around the rotation axis by pushing or pulling the control wire with the operation lever, thereby changing the position of the erection base between an erect position and a collapsed position.

[0004] Methods for directly attaching the tip of the operating wire to the stand include brazing, welding, or caulking the operating wire to the stand.

[0005] Furthermore, as a method for forming an elevator, Patent Document 1 below describes integrally forming a forceps raising wire and a forceps raising base. Patent Document 2 describes fixing a tip of a traction / pressure member to the elevator by soldering or the like. Furthermore, Patent Document 3 describes integrally forming a wire insertion passage for inserting an operating wire when forming a treatment instrument elevator. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 6-315459 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2016 / 27574 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-299728 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] In the forceps elevator (elevator) described in Patent Document 1, the forceps elevator wire (operation wire) is inserted into the elevator from the side of the forceps elevator, and because the insertion direction of the forceps elevator wire differs from the axial direction of the forceps elevator wire, the forceps elevator wire needs to be bent during molding, making the manufacturing process complicated.In the elevator (elevator) described in Patent Document 2, the traction and pressure member (operation wire) also needs to be bent.

[0008] In addition, in Patent Document 2, the traction and pressure member and the elevator are fixed by soldering, and the traction and pressure member and the elevator are not integrally molded. In the treatment tool erecting device described in Patent Document 3, the wire insertion passage formed in the treatment tool elevator is formed by integral molding, etc., and the operation wire and the treatment tool elevator are not integrally formed.

[0009] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a method for molding a stand that is integrally molded with an operating wire through simple operations, and an endoscope. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to achieve the object of the present invention, the method for molding a stand according to the present invention is a method for molding a stand that is placed on a tip main body provided at the tip side of the insertion portion of an endoscope, integrally with an operating wire, and includes the steps of overlapping a first mold and a second mold that can be separated in a separation direction, and, with the separation direction and the wire axial direction of the operating wire aligned, passing the operating wire through a cavity formed by the first mold and the second mold, injecting and filling a molding material that is the material of the stand into the cavity to integrally mold the stand and the operating wire, and after molding the stand, separating the first mold and the second mold in the separation direction.

[0011] In order to achieve the object of the present invention, the method for molding a stand according to the present invention is a method for molding a stand that is placed on a tip main body provided at the tip side of the insertion portion of an endoscope, integrally with an operating wire, and includes the steps of overlapping a first mold and a second mold that can be separated in the separation direction, and aligning the direction perpendicular to the separation direction with the wire axial direction of the operating wire, and inserting the operating wire into a cavity formed by the first mold and the second mold, injecting and filling a molding material that is the material of the stand into the cavity to integrally mold the stand and the operating wire, and after molding the stand, separating the first mold and the second mold in the separation direction.

[0012] In order to achieve the object of the present invention, the endoscope of the present invention comprises an operating section having an operating member, an insertion section provided at the tip side of the operating section, a tip main body provided at the tip side of the insertion section, a stand provided on the tip main body and arranged to be freely rotatable, and an operating wire that rotates the stand by being pushed and pulled in accordance with the operation of the operating member, and the stand is an integrally molded body that is molded integrally with the operating wire using a first mold and a second mold that can be separated in the wire axial direction of the operating wire. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, it is easy to place the operating wire inside the cavity, and by separating the first mold and the second mold in the separation direction, it is also easy to remove the molded stand. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an endoscope system including an endoscope. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the distal end portion of the endoscope. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the tip body shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the cap shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the elevator and the operating wire. [Figure 6] 3A to 3C are diagrams illustrating a method for forming the stand of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 3A to 3C are diagrams illustrating a method for forming the stand of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 3A to 3C are diagrams illustrating a method for forming the stand of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] 3A to 3C are diagrams illustrating a method for forming the stand of the first embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a view of the standing platform from the back side. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a mold used in the method for molding the stand of the first embodiment. [Figure 12] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating a method for forming the stand of the second embodiment. [Figure 13] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating a method for forming the stand of the second embodiment. [Figure 14] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating a method for forming the stand of the second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of a mold used in the method for molding the stand of the third embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the positional relationship between the separation position of the mold and the stand. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is an exploded view of a mold used in the method for molding the stand of the third embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a stand formed by a method for forming a stand according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of a mold used in the method for molding a stand according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the positional relationship between the separation position of the mold and the stand. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The method for forming an elevator and an endoscope according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0016] 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an endoscope system 12 equipped with a stand molded by the method for molding a stand of the present invention. The endoscope system 12 includes an endoscope 10, a processor device 14, a light source device 16, and a display 18.

[0017] The endoscope 10 includes an operation section 22 provided with an upright operation lever 20, which is an operation member, and an insertion section 24 provided on the distal end side of the operation section 22 and inserted into the subject.

[0018] The insertion section 24 has a longitudinal axis Ax extending from the base end to the tip, and is provided with, in this order from the base end to the tip, a flexible section 26, a bending section 28, and a tip section 30. The detailed configuration of the tip section 30 will be described later, but first, the general configuration of the tip section 30 will be described.

[0019] Fig. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the tip portion 30. Here, the endoscope 10 (see Fig. 1) of the embodiment is a side-viewing endoscope used as, for example, a duodenoscope, and the tip portion 30 in Fig. 2 has the configuration of a side-viewing endoscope.

[0020] 3 is a perspective view of a tip portion main body 32 constituting the tip portion 30. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a cap 34 constituting the tip portion 30. As shown in FIG. 2, the tip portion 30 has a tip portion main body 32 and a cap 34. The cap 34 is detachably attached to the tip portion main body 32. The tip portion main body 32 is provided on the tip side of the insertion section 24 (see FIG. 1). The tip portion main body 32 is provided with a stand 36 having a treatment tool guide surface 36A described below. FIGS. 2 and 4 show the stand 36 in a reclined position.

[0021] 2 also shows various components disposed inside the insertion section 24 of the endoscope 10 (see FIG. 1). Specifically, a stand 36 and a control wire 40 for operating the distal end of a treatment tool (not shown) to change the direction in which the distal end of the treatment tool is led out of the distal end body 32, and an air / water supply tube 42 are provided. The control wire 40 is directly connected to the stand 36, and the stand 36 and the control wire 40 are molded together as an integrally formed body when the stand 36 is molded. Also provided, although not shown in FIG. 2, are components such as a treatment tool channel leading to the distal end body 32, angle wires for operating to change the bending direction of the bending section 28 (see FIG. 1), a signal cable for transmitting image signals, and a light guide for transmitting illumination light.

[0022] In this specification, a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system of three axes (X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis) will be used for explanation. That is, when viewing the distal end portion 30 from the operation unit 22, if the direction in which a treatment tool (not shown) is introduced by the raising table 36 is defined as the upward direction, the upward direction is defined as the Z(+) direction, and the opposite downward direction is defined as the Z(-) direction. The rightward direction at this time is defined as the X(+) direction, and the leftward direction at this time is defined as the X(-) direction. The forward direction (the direction toward the distal end of the insertion portion 24 in the direction of the longitudinal axis Ax) at this time is defined as the Y(+) direction, and the rearward direction (the direction toward the proximal end of the insertion portion 24 in the direction of the longitudinal axis Ax) is defined as the Y(-) direction. The Y-axis direction, which includes the Y(+) and Y(-) directions, is parallel to the direction of the longitudinal axis Ax of the insertion portion 24. The Z-axis direction is perpendicular to the direction of the longitudinal axis Ax. The X-axis direction is perpendicular to the Z-axis direction.

[0023] Returning to Figure 1, the operation section 22 is configured to have a generally cylindrical shape overall. This operation section 22 has an operation section main body 46 to which the raising operation lever 20 is rotatably provided, and a grip section 48 connected to the operation section main body 46. The base end of the insertion section 24 is provided on the tip side of the grip section 48 via an anti-break tube 50. This grip section 48 is the part that is grasped by the surgeon when operating the endoscope 10.

[0024] The operation unit main body 46 is also provided with a universal cable 52. A light source connector 54 is provided at the tip side of this universal cable 52. An electric connector 56 is branched from the light source connector 54. The electric connector 56 is connected to the processor device 14, and the light source connector 54 is connected to the light source device 16.

[0025] In addition, an air / water supply button 57 and a suction button 59 are provided side by side on the operation unit main body 46. When the air / water supply button 57 is operated, air and water are supplied to the air / water supply tube 42 in FIG. 2, and the air and water can be sprayed from the air / water supply nozzle 58 provided on the tip portion main body 32. The air / water supply button 57 in FIG. 1 has two operation stages. Air is supplied to the air / water supply tube 42 by operation in the first stage. Water is supplied to the air / water supply tube 42 by operation in the second stage.

[0026] Furthermore, when the suction button 59 in FIG. 1 is operated, body fluids such as blood can be sucked from the treatment tool outlet 60 provided in the distal end body 32 in FIG. 2 via a treatment tool channel (not shown).

[0027] 1, a pair of angle knobs 62, 62 for bending the bending portion 28 are disposed on the operation portion main body 46. The pair of angle knobs 62, 62 are provided so as to be rotatable on the same axis.

[0028] The erection control lever 20 is rotatably provided on the same axis as the angle knobs 62, 62. The erection control lever 20 is rotated by the surgeon's hand while gripping the grip portion 48. When the erection control lever 20 is rotated, the control wire 40 in FIG. 2 is pushed or pulled in accordance with the operation of the erection control lever 20. By operating the control wire 40 in this manner, the position of the erection platform 36 connected to the tip end of the control wire 40 is changed between a reclined position shown in FIG. 2 and an erect position (not shown).

[0029] 1, the grip portion 48 of the operation unit 22 has a treatment tool introduction port 64 for introducing a treatment tool. The treatment tool (not shown) introduced from the treatment tool introduction port 64 with the distal end leading is inserted into a treatment tool channel (not shown) and is led out from a treatment tool lead port 60 provided in the distal end main body 32.

[0030] 1, the flexible section 26 of the insertion section 24 has a spiral tube (not shown) made by spirally winding a thin elastic metal strip. The flexible section 26 is constructed by covering the outside of the spiral tube with a tubular mesh body woven with metal wires, and then covering the outer surface of the mesh body with an outer skin made of resin.

[0031] The bending section 28 of the insertion section 24 has a structure in which a plurality of angle rings (not shown) are rotatably connected to one another. The bending section 28 is formed by covering the outer periphery of this structure with a tubular mesh body woven with metal wires, and then covering the outer periphery of this mesh body with a tubular outer skin made of rubber. From the bending section 28 thus configured to the angle knobs 62, 62, for example, four angle wires (not shown) are arranged, and by rotating the angle knobs 62, 62, these angle wires are pushed and pulled, thereby bending the bending section 28 up, down, left, and right.

[0032] The endoscope 10 of the embodiment is a side-viewing endoscope used as, for example, a duodenoscope, and the insertion section 24 is inserted into a subject via the oral cavity. The insertion section 24 is inserted from the esophagus through the stomach to the duodenum, and a predetermined procedure such as an examination or treatment is performed.

[0033] Examples of treatment tools used in the endoscope 10 of the embodiment include biopsy forceps having a cup at the tip that can collect biological tissue, an EST (Endoscopic Sphincterotomy) knife, and an imaging tube.

[0034] Next, the structure of the tip portion 30 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0035] As shown in Fig. 2, the tip portion 30 includes a tip portion main body 32 and a cap 34 that is detachably attached to the tip portion main body 32. As shown in Fig. 3, the tip portion main body 32 has a partition wall 68 that protrudes in the Y(+) direction. When the cap 34 is attached to the tip portion main body 32, the partition wall 68 of the tip portion main body 34 and the wall portion 34B of the cap 34 form an elevator storage space 66. The elevator storage space 66 is located in the X(+) direction of the partition wall 68 and in the Y(+) direction of the treatment tool outlet 60. The tip portion main body 32 is made of a corrosion-resistant metal material.

[0036] 2 and 3, an illumination window 74 and an observation window 76 are disposed adjacent to each other in the Y direction on an upper surface 68A on the Z(+) side of the partition wall 68. The observation window 76 makes it possible to observe the field of view in the Z(+) direction where the stand housing space 66 opens.

[0037] The air and water nozzle 58 is provided on the tip body 32 and faces the observation window 76. The observation window 76 is cleaned by air and water sprayed from the air and water nozzle 58.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 3, the partition 68 has an optical system housing chamber 72 therein. The optical system housing chamber 72 houses an illumination unit (not shown) and an imaging unit (not shown). The illumination unit includes an illumination lens (not shown) arranged on the side of the illumination window 74 that faces the optical system housing chamber 72, and a light guide (not shown) arranged so that its distal end faces the illumination lens. The light guide is disposed on the universal cable 52 from the insertion section 24 of the endoscope 10 (see FIG. 1) via the operation section 22. The proximal end of the light guide is connected to the light source connector 54. When the light source connector 54 is connected to the light source device 16, the illumination light from the light source device 16 is transmitted to the illumination lens via the light guide. The illumination light is irradiated from the illumination window 74 onto a field of view existing in the Z(+) direction.

[0039] The photographing unit includes a photographing optical system (not shown) disposed inside the observation window 76, and an imaging element (not shown) of the CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) type or CCD (charge coupled device) type. The tip of a signal cable (not shown) is connected to the imaging element. The signal cable is disposed from the insertion portion 24 of the endoscope 10 (see FIG. 1) to the universal cable 52 via the operation unit 22. The base end of the signal cable is connected to the electrical connector 56. When the electrical connector 56 is connected to the processor device 14, an imaging signal of the subject image obtained by the photographing unit is transmitted to the processor device 14 via the signal cable. The imaging signal is subjected to image processing by the processor device 14, and then displayed as the subject image on the display 18.

[0040] The distal end body 32 has a stopper portion 63 on the proximal end side. The stopper portion 63 engages with a stoppered portion provided on the proximal end side surface of the abutting member 37, which will be described later. The distal end body 32 is provided with a through-hole 61 for inserting the operating wire 40 (not shown).

[0041] As shown in Fig. 4, the cap 34 has a wall portion 34B formed in a generally cylindrical shape with a sealed tip end. A generally rectangular opening window 34A is defined by the wall portion 34B in a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the cap 34. A bearing 34C extending in the Y(+) direction is formed inside the cap 34. The bearing 34C has a plate shape with a height in the Z(+) direction. The cap 34 is made of an elastic material, for example, a rubber material such as fluororubber or silicone rubber, or a resin material such as polysulfone or polycarbonate.

[0042] The rotation shaft 36B of the stand 36 is supported by a through-hole (not shown) of the bearing 34C. The rotation shaft 36B is a rod-shaped member having a length in the X-axis direction perpendicular to the bearing 34C. The rotation shaft 36B is molded integrally with the stand 36 when the stand 36 is molded. Alternatively, the rotation shaft 36B may be installed by providing a through-hole (not shown) in the stand 36 and inserting a rod-shaped member into the through-hole.

[0043] As will be described later, the operation wire 40 is directly connected to and attached to the stand 36. The operation wire 40 is attached to the distal end side of the stand 36 at a position adjacent to the treatment tool guide surface 36A.

[0044] In this embodiment, the stand 36 is attached to the cap 34 shown in Fig. 4, and the cap 34 with the stand 36 is used as a single component. The operating wire 40 is connected to the stand 36.

[0045] The opening window 34A of the cap 34 is opened in the Z(+) direction. That is, the opening direction of the opening window 34A of the cap 34 is a direction perpendicular to the direction of the longitudinal axis Ax of the insertion portion and perpendicular to the axial direction (X direction) of the rotation shaft 36B.

[0046] The cap 34 has an abutment member 37 integrally molded with the wall portion 34B. The abutment member 37 is made of a resin material. The abutment member 37 is disposed on the base end side (Y(-) direction side) of the opening window 34A. The abutment member 37 as a whole protrudes in the Y(+) direction. Integral molding means that the product (cap 34 and abutment member 37) is molded integrally at the same time as the parts are joined, without using adhesive or mechanical joining.

[0047] When the treatment using the endoscope 10 is completed, the cap 34 including the operating wire 40 and the erector 36 is removed from the tip body 32 and discarded, for example, as a disposable item.

[0048] 2, when the cap 34 is attached to the distal end body 32, the cap 34 forms a stand accommodating space 66, and the opening window 34A opens in the Z(+) direction. The treatment tool outlet 60 of the distal end body 32 communicates with the opening window 34A via the stand accommodating space 66. The abutment member 37 is located in the Z(+) direction relative to the treatment tool outlet 60, and is provided at a position facing the treatment tool guide surface 36A when the stand 36 is in the upright position.

[0049] (Method of forming a standing platform) Next, a method for molding a stand will be described. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a stand molded by the method for molding a stand of the present invention. The stand 36 is directly connected to the operating wire 40, and when molding the stand 36, the stand 36 and the operating wire 40 are molded integrally.

[0050] First Embodiment A description will be given of a method for molding the stand of the first embodiment of the stand 36. The molding method for the stand of the first embodiment is a method for molding the stand 36 continuously.

[0051] 6 to 10 are diagrams illustrating a method for molding the stand of the first embodiment, and Figures 6, 7, 8, and 10 are plan sectional views cut at the position of the operating wire 40. Note that the structures inside the cavities 106 of the first mold 102 and the second mold 104 are omitted to simplify the drawings.

[0052] The stand 36 is molded using a mold 100 consisting of a first mold 102 and a second mold 104. The first mold 102 and the second mold 104 can be separated in the separation direction indicated by arrow A (hereinafter referred to as "separation direction A"). The second mold 104 can be further separated into a first member 104A and a second member 104B in the separation direction indicated by arrow B (hereinafter referred to as "separation direction B"). By overlapping the first mold 102 and the second mold 104, a cavity 106 corresponding to the stand 36 is formed therein. The first mold 102 has a through-hole 110A for inserting the operation wire 40 into the cavity 106. Furthermore, the second mold 104 has a through-hole 110B at a position opposite to the through-hole 110A of the first mold 102 for inserting the operation wire 40 from the cavity 106 to the outside of the second mold 104. The through-hole 110B of the second mold 104 is formed by the groove of the first member 104A and the groove of the second member 104B.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 6 , the erector 36 is formed by overlapping a first mold 102 and a second mold 104. The operation wire 40 passes through a through-hole 110A provided in the first mold 102 and is disposed inside the cavity 106, and also passes through a through-hole 110B in the second mold 104. The operation wire 40 is disposed so as to pass from the first mold 102 side through the cavity 106 and exit to the second mold 104 side. At this time, the operation wire 40 and the mold 100 are disposed with the wire axis direction of the operation wire 40 aligned with the separation direction A. Note that "aligning the wire axis direction of the operation wire 40 with the separation direction A" does not necessarily mean that the wire axis direction of the operation wire 40 and the separation direction A are completely identical, and may include a degree of misalignment that allows the erector 36 to be removed by moving it in the same direction as the separation direction A.

[0054] 7, molding material 108, which is the material of stand 36, is injected and filled into cavity 106. Resin can be used as molding material 108, and molten resin is filled into cavity 106. For example, PEEK (Poly Ether Ether Ketone) can be used as resin. Alternatively, metal can be used as molding material 108, and molten metal can be filled into cavity 106 by MIM (Metal Injection Molding).

[0055] When PEEK is used as the material for the stand 36, the molding temperature for the stand 36 is 350°C or higher and 400°C or lower, so it is preferable to use SUS (Stainless Steel: melting point approximately 1400°C) as the material for the operation wire 40. Furthermore, when a metal is used as the material, the molding temperature for the stand 36 is 1200°C or higher and 1400°C or lower, so it is preferable to use tungsten (melting point approximately 3400°C) as the material for the operation wire 40.

[0056] After the molding material 108 is filled into the cavity 106, the molding material 108 is cooled to solidify, thereby forming the stand 36 with the operating wire 40 disposed inside the stand 36.

[0057] 8, after the erection base 36 is formed, the first mold 102 and the second mold 104 are separated in a separation direction A, and the second mold 104 is separated into a first member 104A and a second member 104B in a separation direction B. Since the separation direction A of the first mold 102 and the second mold 104 coincides with the axial direction of the operation wire 40, by moving the second mold together with the erection base 36 in the axial direction of the operation wire 40, the erection base 36 can be separated from the first mold 102 without bending the operation wire 40.

[0058] Because the stand 36 is moved together with the second mold 104 in the same direction as the separation direction A, the stand 36 can be separated from the first mold 102 while the first mold 102 remains fixed. The stand 36 separated from the first mold 102 can be pulled out along the wire axial direction of the operation wire 40 from between the separated first member 104A and second member 104B.

[0059] After the raising table 36 is separated from the mold 100, the mold 100 is superimposed again as shown in FIG. 9. After the raising table 36 is removed from the mold 100, the operation wire 40 is cut. The operation wire 40 on the treatment tool guide surface 36A side of the raising table 36 is cut to a length that allows it to be connected to the raising operation lever 20 shown in FIG. 1. Furthermore, the operation wire 40 protruding from the back surface 36C side of the raising table 36 opposite the treatment tool guide surface 36A is cut along the back surface 36C. FIG. 10 is a view of the raising table 36 as seen from the back surface 36C side. On the back surface 36C side of the raising table 36, the protruding operation wire 40 is cut, forming an exposed portion 36E where the operation wire 40 is exposed. On the treatment tool guide surface 36A side of the raising table 36, as shown in FIG. 5, the operation wire 40 is directly connected to a connection portion 36D provided on the side of the treatment tool guide surface 36A.

[0060] After the stand 36 is removed, the overlapped mold 100 returns to the process of FIG. 6, and the molding material 108 for molding the stand 36 is filled into the cavity 106, thereby continuously molding the stand 36.

[0061] 11 is a perspective view of the mold 100. The first mold 102 and the second mold 104 are preferably separated in a separation direction A at a position that passes through the center (axial center) of the rotation shaft 36B of the stand 36. By setting the separation position of the first mold 102 and the second mold 104 at the center of the rotation shaft 36B, the first mold 102 and the second mold 104 can be easily separated from the stand 36 having the rotation shaft 36B.

[0062] The separation position between the first mold 102 and the second mold 104 is not limited to a position passing through the center of the rotation shaft 36B, and the center of the rotation shaft 36B may be on the second mold 104 side, or the mold 100 may be designed so that the rotation shaft 36B is located on the second mold 104 side. The second mold 104 can be separated into the first member 104A and the second member 104B in the separation direction B, and therefore the rotation shaft 36B can be removed from the second mold 104 by separating them in the separation direction B.

[0063] The above describes the separation position between the first mold 102 and the second mold 104 when the rotation shaft 36B is molded integrally with the stand 36. However, the rotation shaft 36B may be a separate member, and the stand 36 may have a hole through which the rotation shaft 36B is inserted. When a hole is provided in the stand 36, an axial member is provided in the second mold 104 at a position corresponding to the hole in the stand 36. Because the second mold 104 can be separated into the first member 104A and the second member 104B, separating the second mold 104 allows the axial member to be removed and the hole to be formed. Note that the axial member for forming the hole does not have to be provided in the second mold 104, and may be disposed in the cavity 106 as a separate member from the first mold 102 and the second mold 104. When the axial member for forming the hole is a separate member, the separation position between the first mold 102 and the second mold 104 is not particularly limited.

[0064] As in the method for molding the stand of this embodiment, by aligning the wire axis direction of the operation wire 40 with the separation direction A of the first mold 102 and the second mold 104, the stand 36 and the second mold 104 can be pulled out while the first mold 102 is fixed. Also, by fixing the first mold 102, the molds can be easily overlapped. Furthermore, since the stand 36 can be continuously molded with the operation wire 40 always passing through the first mold 102, the positioning of the operation wire 40 can be easily performed. Therefore, the stand 36 can be easily molded continuously.

[0065] Furthermore, since the treatment tool guide surface 36A is formed in a concave shape with respect to the wire axial direction of the operation wire 40, the treatment tool guide surface 36A can be easily formed in a shape that matches the shape of the contact member 37.

[0066] Second Embodiment The method for forming the stand in the second embodiment is a method for forming the stand one by one.

[0067] 12 to 14 are diagrams illustrating the molding method of the stand of the second embodiment, and are plan cross-sectional views cut at the portion of the operating wire 40. The molding method of the stand of the second embodiment is not continuous molding, so the first mold 202 and the second mold 204 are separated, but the second mold 204 is not separated, which is different from the molding method of the stand of the first embodiment. Note that the structure inside the cavity 106 of the first mold 202 and the second mold 204 is omitted to simplify the drawings.

[0068] The stand is molded using a mold 200 consisting of a first mold 202 and a second mold 204. By overlapping the first mold 202 and the second mold 204, a cavity 206 corresponding to the stand 36 is formed therein. The second mold 202 has a through-hole 210 for inserting the operation wire 40 into the cavity 206.

[0069] To form the stand 36, first, the first mold 202 and the second mold 204 are placed together as shown in Fig. 12. The operation wire 40 passes through a through-hole 210 provided in the first mold 202, and the tip of the operation wire 40 is placed inside the cavity 206. At this time, the operation wire 40 is placed so that the wire axis direction and the separation direction A of the first mold 202 and the second mold 204 coincide with each other.

[0070] 13, the molding material 108, which is the material of the stand 36, is injected and filled into the cavity 206. The same material as that used in the first embodiment can be used as the molding material. After the molding material 108 is filled into the cavity, it is cooled to solidify the molding material 108, and the stand 36 with the operation wire 40 inserted therein is formed.

[0071] Finally, the first mold 202 and the second mold 204 are separated in the separation direction A, and the stand 36 is removed from the mold 200. The separation direction A of the first mold 202 and the second mold 204 coincides with the axial direction of the operation wire 40, so by separating the first mold 202 and the second mold 204 in the separation direction A, the stand 36 can be easily removed from the mold 200.

[0072] In this embodiment as well, by separating the second mold 204 in the separation direction A while keeping the first mold 202 fixed, the stand 36 and the second mold 204 can be separated from the first mold 202. By removing the stand 36 in the separation direction A of the mold 200, the operation wire 40 can also be removed from the mold 200.

[0073] When the rotation shaft 36B is integrally molded with the stand 36, the separation position between the first mold 202 and the second mold 204 is a position that passes through the center (axial center) of the rotation shaft 36B. When the rotation shaft 36B is a separate member and a hole for inserting the rotation shaft 36B is provided, it is preferable to dispose the shaft member for forming the hole as a separate member, separate from the first mold 202 and the second mold 204.

[0074] <Third embodiment> The method for molding a stand of the third embodiment differs from the methods for molding a stand of the first and second embodiments in that, in the method for continuously molding a stand, the separation direction A of the first mold and the second mold is perpendicular to the wire axial direction of the operating wire 40.

[0075] Fig. 15 is a side cross-sectional view of a mold used in the method for molding the stand of the third embodiment. Fig. 16 is a schematic diagram illustrating the positional relationship between the separation position of the mold and the stand, as seen from the wire axial direction of the operation wire. In Fig. 16, the stand 36 molded in the mold 300 is shown by a transparent line (broken line).

[0076] The mold 300 used in the method for molding the stand of the third embodiment is composed of a first mold 302 and a second mold 304. The first mold 302 and the second mold 304 can be separated in a separation direction A relative to the axial direction of the operation wire 40. As shown in FIG. 16 , the mold 300 also has a guide surface forming member 305 for forming the treatment tool guide surface 36A of the stand 36. By providing the guide surface forming member 305, it is possible to easily form the treatment tool guide surface 36A into a desired shape that makes it easy to guide the treatment tool, or a shape that matches the shape of the abutment member 37.

[0077] The erector 36 is formed by overlapping a first mold 302 and a second mold 304, and then overlapping a guide surface forming member 305 for forming the treatment tool guide surface 36A of the erector 36 to form a cavity 306. As shown in FIG. 16 , the operation wire 40 is inserted between the first mold 302 and the second mold 304. That is, the operation wire 40 is inserted and disposed in the cavity 306 with the direction perpendicular to the separation direction A of the first mold 302 and the second mold 304 aligned with the wire axial direction of the operation wire 40. After the operation wire 40 is disposed in the cavity 306, a molding material is filled in. After the molding material is filled, the molding material is cooled and solidified to form the erector 36 with the operation wire 40 disposed therein.

[0078] 17, after the standing base 36 is formed, the first mold 302 and the second mold 304 are separated in a separation direction A perpendicular to the axial direction of the operation wire 40, and the guide surface forming member 305 is slid in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the operation wire 40. The formed standing base 36 can be extracted from between the first mold 302 and the second mold 304 separated in the separation direction A.

[0079] After the stand 36 is removed from the mold 300, the first mold 302, the second mold 304, and the guide surface forming member 305 are overlapped again. The overlapped mold 300 has a molding material filled into the cavity 306, and the stand 36 is continuously molded.

[0080] As in the molding method of the first embodiment, the operation wire 40 is cut on the treatment tool guide surface 36A side to a length that allows connection to the standing operation lever 20. In addition, the operation wire 40 protruding from the back surface 36C side is cut along the back surface 36C.

[0081] In the mold 300 used in the molding method of the stand 36 of the third embodiment, the first mold 302 and the second mold 304 are separated at the position of the operation wire 40 and the position of the rotation axis 36B, as shown in Fig. 16. This allows the first mold 302 and the second mold 304 to be separated in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the operation wire 40.

[0082] The rotation shaft 36B may be a separate member from the stand 36. In this case, a hole for inserting the rotation shaft 36B is formed in the stand 36 by placing an axis member for forming the hole in the cavity 306.

[0083] In the third embodiment, when the molded stand 36 is removed from the mold 300, it is necessary to move both the first mold 302 and the second mold 304 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the operation wire 40. Therefore, when the first mold 302 and the second mold 304 are overlapped, it is necessary to position the operation wire 40.

[0084] <Fourth embodiment> 18 to 20 are diagrams illustrating a method for molding a stand according to the fourth embodiment. Fig. 18 is a perspective view of a stand 136 molded by the method for molding a stand according to the fourth embodiment. In the method for molding a stand according to the fourth embodiment, similar to the method for molding a stand according to the third embodiment, the stand 136 is molded with the wire axial direction of the operation wire 40 aligned in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the first mold 402 and the second mold 404 are separated. In addition, the stand 136 molded by the method for molding a stand according to the fourth embodiment differs from the stand 36 shown in Fig. 5 in that the treatment tool guide surface 136A is flat.

[0085] In the molding method of the stand of the fourth embodiment, the treatment tool guide surface 136A is a flat surface instead of a concave curved portion, so that the stand 136 can be molded without providing the guide surface forming member 305 used in the molding method of the third embodiment. That is, in the molding method of the fourth embodiment, the stand can be molded using a mold 400 composed of two members, a first mold 402 and a second mold 404.

[0086] Fig. 19 is a side cross-sectional view of a mold used in the method for molding a stand according to the fourth embodiment, and Fig. 20 is a schematic diagram illustrating the positional relationship between the separation position of the mold and the stand, as viewed from the axial direction of the operation wire. In Fig. 20, the stand 136 molded in the mold 400 is shown by a transparent line (broken line).

[0087] The first mold 402 and the second mold 404 are separated at the position of the operation wire 40 and the rotation axis 136B. This allows the first mold 402 and the second mold 404 to be separated in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the operation wire 40. The portion corresponding to the treatment tool guide surface 136A is preferably molded using either the first mold 402 or 404 so that no connecting portion is formed on the treatment tool guide surface 136A of the standing table 136 to be molded. In FIG. 20 , the treatment tool guide surface 136A is molded using the first mold 402. By not forming a connecting portion on the treatment tool guide surface 136A, the treatment tool led out from the treatment tool lead-out port 60 can be smoothly guided. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 10 Endoscopy 12 Endoscopy System 14 Processor unit 16 Light source device 18 Display 20 Standing operation lever 22 Control section 24 Insertion section 26 Soft part 28 Curved section 30 Tip 32 Tip body 34 Cap 34A Opening window 34B Wall section 34C bearing 36, 136 Standing platform 36A, 136A Treatment tool guide surface 36B Rotating shaft 36C back side 36D Connection 36E Exposed part 37 Contact member 40 Control wire 42 Air and water supply tube 46 Operation unit body 48 Gripping part 50 Anti-break pipe 52 Universal Cable 54 Light source connector 56 Electrical Connectors 57 Air and water supply button 58 Air and water supply nozzle 59 Suction button 60 Treatment tool outlet 61 Through hole 62 Angle knob 63 Stopper part 64 Treatment tool introduction port 66 Standing platform storage space 68 Bulkhead 68A Top 72 Optical Containment Room 74 Lighting window 76 Observation window 100, 200, 300, 400 molds 102, 202, 302, 402 First mold 104, 204, 304, 404 2nd mold 104A First member 104B Second member 106, 206, 306 cavities 108 Molding materials 110A, 110B, 210 through hole 305 Guide surface forming member A, B separation direction Longitudinal axis of Ax insertion section

Claims

1. A method for molding a stand, the stand being disposed on a distal end portion main body provided at the distal end side of an insertion portion of an endoscope, and having a treatment tool guide surface, integrally molding the stand with an operation wire, comprising: a step of placing the operation wire between a first mold and a second mold that are separable in a separation direction, overlapping the first mold and the second mold, further overlapping a guide surface forming member for forming the treatment tool guide surface, and arranging the operation wire to penetrate through a cavity formed by the first mold and the second mold, with a direction perpendicular to the separation direction and a wire axial direction of the operation wire being aligned; a step of injecting and filling a molding material that is a material of the stand into the cavity to integrally mold the stand and the operating wire; and a step of separating the first mold and the second mold in the separation direction after molding the stand, the stand has a rotation axis, and the first mold and the second mold are separated in the separation direction at the positions of the operation wire and the rotation axis to be molded. How to mold a standing platform.

2. the raising table has a back surface disposed on the opposite side of the treatment tool guide surface, and after separating the first mold and the second mold, cutting the operation wire protruding from the back surface side of the treatment tool guide surface.

2. A method for forming an elevator according to claim 1.

3. The molding material is a molten resin.

3. A method for forming a stand according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the molding material is a molten metal, The molten metal is filled into the cavity by metal powder injection molding.

3. A method for forming a stand according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The material of the operating wire is tungsten.

5. A method for forming an elevator according to claim 4.

6. The first mold and the second mold are provided with a first groove portion and a second groove portion that form the cavity, respectively. A method for forming a stand according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. an operating unit having an operating member; an insertion section provided at the distal end side of the operation section; a distal end portion main body provided at the distal end side of the insertion portion; A stand provided on the tip portion main body and arranged to be freely rotatable; an operating wire that is pushed and pulled in response to the operation of the operating member to rotate the stand; The stand is formed by the stand forming method according to any one of claims 1 to 6. Endoscope.

8. The stand includes a treatment tool guide surface and a back surface disposed on the opposite side of the treatment tool guide surface, a connecting portion for connecting to the operation wire on the treatment tool guide surface side; The operation wire connected to the connection part passes through the inside of the stand and has an exposed part exposed on the back side. The endoscope according to claim 7.

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