JP3196351B2 - Method for manufacturing flexible tube of endoscope - Google Patents
Method for manufacturing flexible tube of endoscopeInfo
- Publication number
- JP3196351B2 JP3196351B2 JP24402592A JP24402592A JP3196351B2 JP 3196351 B2 JP3196351 B2 JP 3196351B2 JP 24402592 A JP24402592 A JP 24402592A JP 24402592 A JP24402592 A JP 24402592A JP 3196351 B2 JP3196351 B2 JP 3196351B2
- Authority
- JP
- Japan
- Prior art keywords
- flexible tube
- hardness
- coating layer
- top coat
- net
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 title claims description 6
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 5
- 239000011247 coating layer Substances 0.000 claims description 25
- 239000010410 layer Substances 0.000 claims description 22
- 229920002803 thermoplastic polyurethane Polymers 0.000 claims description 18
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 claims description 15
- 238000004132 cross linking Methods 0.000 claims description 13
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 claims description 12
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 claims description 12
- IQPQWNKOIGAROB-UHFFFAOYSA-N isocyanate group Chemical group [N-]=C=O IQPQWNKOIGAROB-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000001029 thermal curing Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 10
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 10
- 239000011347 resin Substances 0.000 description 8
- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 description 8
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 5
- 238000013007 heat curing Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000009954 braiding Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000001723 curing Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000001125 extrusion Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000004804 winding Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000005299 abrasion Methods 0.000 description 2
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000011282 treatment Methods 0.000 description 2
- AVWRKZWQTYIKIY-UHFFFAOYSA-N urea-1-carboxylic acid Chemical compound NC(=O)NC(O)=O AVWRKZWQTYIKIY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- JOYRKODLDBILNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N urethane group Chemical group NC(=O)OCC JOYRKODLDBILNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 101150096674 C20L gene Proteins 0.000 description 1
- KXDHJXZQYSOELW-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbamic acid Chemical group NC(O)=O KXDHJXZQYSOELW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 102220543923 Protocadherin-10_F16L_mutation Human genes 0.000 description 1
- 101100445889 Vaccinia virus (strain Copenhagen) F16L gene Proteins 0.000 description 1
- 101100445891 Vaccinia virus (strain Western Reserve) VACWR055 gene Proteins 0.000 description 1
- 239000004202 carbamide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 210000001072 colon Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 125000004435 hydrogen atom Chemical group [H]* 0.000 description 1
- 238000010030 laminating Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007747 plating Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920001228 polyisocyanate Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000005056 polyisocyanate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910001220 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010935 stainless steel Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
- A61B1/00064—Constructional details of the endoscope body
- A61B1/00071—Insertion part of the endoscope body
- A61B1/00078—Insertion part of the endoscope body with stiffening means
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Surgery (AREA)
- Biomedical Technology (AREA)
- Medical Informatics (AREA)
- Optics & Photonics (AREA)
- Pathology (AREA)
- Radiology & Medical Imaging (AREA)
- Biophysics (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
- Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy & Molecular Imaging (AREA)
- Molecular Biology (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Endoscopes (AREA)
- Instruments For Viewing The Inside Of Hollow Bodies (AREA)
Description
【発明の詳細な説明】DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
【０００１】[0001]
【産業上の利用分野】本発明は、医療用等として用いら
れる内視鏡の挿入部における可撓管の製造方法に関する
ものである。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a flexible tube in an insertion portion of an endoscope used for medical purposes or the like.
【０００２】[0002]
【従来の技術】内視鏡は、本体操作部に体腔等の内部に
挿入される挿入部を連設してなるものであって、この挿
入部はその本体操作部への連設側から大半の長さ部分は
可撓管で占め、この可撓管の先端にはアングル部が、ま
たアングル部の先端には先端部本体が連設されている。
ここで、可撓管が備えなければならない特性としては、
挿入経路に沿って自由に曲がるようになっており、しか
も内部に各種の部材が挿通される関係等から、耐潰性に
優れていなければならない。このために、可撓管は、通
常、ばね性を有する金属帯片を螺旋状に巻回することに
よって管状の構造体を形成し、この構造体に金属素線を
編組してなるネットを外装した上で、このネットに接着
剤を塗布して、さらにその上に柔軟性を有する樹脂材か
らなる被覆層を積層し、最外表面に耐薬品性，耐摩耗
性，滑り性等の特性を備えたトップコート層を形成する
ように構成している。2. Description of the Related Art An endoscope is provided with an insertion portion inserted into a body cavity or the like connected to a main body operation portion, and this insertion portion is mostly provided from the side connected to the main body operation portion. The length of the flexible tube is occupied by a flexible tube. An angle portion is provided at the tip of the flexible tube, and a tip body is continuously provided at the tip of the angle portion.
Here, the characteristics that the flexible tube must have are:
It must be able to bend freely along the insertion path, and must have excellent crush resistance due to the relationship between various members inserted therein. For this purpose, a flexible tube is usually formed by spirally winding a metal strip having a spring property to form a tubular structure, and a net formed by braiding a metal element wire around the structure is used as an outer sheath. After that, an adhesive is applied to this net, and a coating layer made of a flexible resin material is further laminated on the net. The properties such as chemical resistance, abrasion resistance, and slipperiness are applied to the outermost surface. It is configured to form a provided top coat layer.
【０００３】ところで、例えば大腸鏡等にあっては、Ｓ
字結腸を通過させる等の関係から、先端部分がより可撓
性が良好でなければならない。これに対して、基端側の
部分は、押し込み推力を十分に発揮させるために、ある
程度硬くなっている方が好ましい。即ち、内視鏡の挿入
操作の操作性を良好ならしめるには、可撓管は先端側が
最も可撓性に富み、この最可撓な先端部位から基端側に
向けて連続的に硬さが増すように構成する必要がある。[0003] For example, in a colonoscope or the like, S
The tip must be more flexible, for example, to allow passage through the colon. On the other hand, it is preferable that the portion on the base end side is hardened to some extent in order to sufficiently exert the pushing thrust. That is, in order to improve the operability of the insertion operation of the endoscope, the flexible tube is most flexible at the distal end side, and has a continuous hardness from the most flexible distal end portion toward the proximal end side. Needs to be configured to increase.
【０００４】このように、可撓管の軸線方向における硬
さの変化を持たせるために、従来から種々の提案がなさ
れている。例えば、構造体を構成する金属帯片の厚みや
幅を変えたり、部分的に表面処理を行ったりするように
構成したものや、またネットに着目して、軸線方向に編
組の仕方を変えたり、素線の太さを変化させたりするよ
うに構成したものもある。さらには、被覆層の厚みを変
えることによって、可撓管の軸線方向の硬さに変化を持
たせるようにしたものも知られている。[0004] As described above, various proposals have conventionally been made to change the hardness of the flexible tube in the axial direction. For example, by changing the thickness and width of the metal strips that make up the structure, or by partially treating the surface, or by changing the way of braiding in the axial direction by focusing on the net In some cases, the thickness of the wire is changed. Further, there is also known a structure in which the hardness of the flexible tube in the axial direction is changed by changing the thickness of the coating layer.
【０００５】[0005]
【発明が解決しようとする課題】前述したように構成す
れば、可撓管にある程度の硬さの変化を持たせることが
できるが、いずれもその製造が困難であり、しかも可撓
管の全体にわたって所期の目的に適合するように連続的
に硬さの変化を持たせることができないという問題点も
ある。With the construction described above, it is possible to provide the flexible tube with a certain degree of change in hardness, but it is difficult to manufacture any of the flexible tubes, and furthermore, the entire flexible tube is difficult to manufacture. In addition, there is a problem that the hardness cannot be continuously changed so as to meet the intended purpose.
【０００６】本発明は、従来技術における以上のような
課題を解決するためになされたものであって、極めて容
易に、しかも連続的に可撓管の硬さに変化を持たせるこ
とができるようにすることを目的とするものである。SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems in the prior art, and can change the hardness of a flexible tube very easily and continuously. It is intended to be.
【０００７】[0007]
【課題を解決するための手段】前述した目的を達成する
ために、本発明は、保形性を有する構造体に、直接また
は間にネットを介して被覆層を外装すると共に接着剤で
固定し、さらにこの被覆層の表面にトップコート層を積
層させてなる内視鏡の可撓管を製造する方法であって、
前記被覆層，接着剤またはトップコート層の少なくとも
いずれか一つの部材をウレタン樹脂で形成し、少なくと
も構造体に被覆層を外装させた後に加熱するに当って、
加熱温度または加熱時間の少なくとも一方を可撓管の軸
線方向に変えて熱キュアリングし、ウレタン樹脂中の未
反応のイソシアネート基の架橋の進行度合いを変えるこ
とによって、可撓管の硬さが軸線方向に変化させること
をその特徴とするものである。SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a structure having a shape-retaining property, in which a coating layer is provided directly or via a net between outer layers and fixed with an adhesive. A method for producing a flexible tube of an endoscope, further comprising laminating a top coat layer on the surface of the coating layer,
At least one member of the coating layer, the adhesive or the top coat layer is formed of urethane resin, and heating is performed after at least covering the coating layer on the structure .
At least one of the heating temperature or the heating time is changed in the axial direction of the flexible tube heat curing, non-urethane resin
It is possible to change the degree of crosslinking of isocyanate groups in the reaction.
Thus, the hardness of the flexible tube is changed in the axial direction .
【０００８】[0008]
【作用】可撓管を構成する部材としては、既に説明した
ように、螺旋管等からなる構造体と、ネットと、被覆層
及びトップコート層とから概略構成されるが、このうち
被覆層及びトップコート層と、被覆層とネットとを接着
するための接着剤は、耐薬品性，変形追従性等から、ウ
レタン樹脂が用いられるのが一般的である。As described above, the member constituting the flexible tube is roughly composed of a structure made of a spiral tube, etc., a net, a coating layer and a top coat layer. As the adhesive for bonding the top coat layer, the coating layer and the net, urethane resin is generally used from the viewpoint of chemical resistance, deformation followability and the like.
【０００９】ウレタン樹脂は、熱を加えると、熱架橋が
進行して硬度が上がる。この熱架橋は種々の熱反応の結
果に基づくもので、この熱架橋反応は概略以下に示すよ
うなものが含まれる。即ち、ウレタン樹脂はポリイソシ
アネート化合物と、このイソシアネート基に反応する活
性水素を２個以上有する化合物との反応により得られる
ものであるが、樹脂中には未反応のまま残されたイソシ
アネート基を有している。そして、この樹脂に１２０℃
以上の熱を加えると、未反応のイソシアネート基が樹脂
の骨格中のカルバメート基（ウレタン基）とアロファネ
ート架橋することになる。また、樹脂の製造過程で、イ
ソシアネート基と空気中の湿分とが反応して尿素結合さ
れるが、１１０℃以上に加熱すると、未反応イソシアネ
ート基と架橋反応して、ビュレット結合を生じるように
なる。When heat is applied to the urethane resin, thermal crosslinking proceeds and the hardness increases. This thermal crosslinking is based on the results of various thermal reactions, and the thermal crosslinking reactions include those generally described below. That is, the urethane resin is obtained by reacting a polyisocyanate compound with a compound having two or more active hydrogens that react with the isocyanate group, but the resin has an isocyanate group left unreacted. are doing. Then, add 120 ° C to this resin.
When the above-mentioned heat is applied, unreacted isocyanate groups are crosslinked with carbamate groups (urethane groups) in the skeleton of the resin by allophanate. Also, in the process of producing the resin, the isocyanate group reacts with the moisture in the air to form a urea bond. Become.
【００１０】以上のことから、ウレタン樹脂を１１０℃
以上に加熱すると、その硬さが変化する。しかも、この
硬さの度合いは、加えられる熱と時間とによって制御が
可能である。From the above, the urethane resin is heated at 110 ° C.
When heated above, its hardness changes. Moreover, the degree of the hardness can be controlled by the applied heat and time.
【００１１】本発明は以上のような知見に基づき、トッ
プコート層を形成する前の段階、またはトップコート層
を形成した後の段階で、熱キュアリングを行うようにし
た。しかも、可撓管の軸線方向において、この熱キュア
リングにおける温度または時間の少なくとも一方を変化
させる。これによって、可撓管の軸線方向に硬さの変化
を持たせることができ、また温度，時間の要素を正確に
制御することによって、連続的に、しかも所望の硬度特
性を持たせることができる。According to the present invention, based on the above findings, thermal curing is performed at a stage before forming the top coat layer or at a stage after forming the top coat layer. In addition, at least one of the temperature and the time in the thermal curing is changed in the axial direction of the flexible tube. As a result, the hardness can be varied in the axial direction of the flexible tube, and the desired hardness characteristics can be provided continuously and precisely by controlling the temperature and time factors accurately. .
【００１２】而して、例えば被覆層をウレタン樹脂で形
成した場合において、可撓管の先端側で要求される硬度
のものを用いて押出成形等の手段で接着剤を塗布したネ
ットの上に積層する。そして、トップコート層を形成し
た後、またはそれ以前に加熱炉中で熱架橋反応を生じさ
せることによって、これを部分的に硬化させる。そし
て、この加熱炉の炉内温度に勾配を持たせるか、または
炉内滞留時間を変化させるか、またはその双方の制御を
行うようにすることによって、先端側が要求される可撓
性を保持し、基端側に向けて連続的に硬度が大きくな
る。また、トップコート層をウレタン樹脂で形成する場
合には、このトップコート層を被覆層上に積層した後に
熱キュアリングを行うようにする。Thus, for example, when the coating layer is formed of urethane resin, a flexible tube having a hardness required at the distal end side is coated on an adhesive-coated net by means of extrusion or the like. Laminate. After the top coat layer is formed or before the top coat layer is formed, it is partially cured by causing a thermal crosslinking reaction in a heating furnace. By maintaining a gradient in the furnace temperature of the heating furnace, changing the residence time in the furnace, or controlling both of them, the flexibility required at the tip side is maintained. The hardness continuously increases toward the base end side. When the top coat layer is formed of a urethane resin, thermal curing is performed after the top coat layer is laminated on the coating layer.
【００１３】[0013]
【実施例】以下、本発明の実施例を図面に基づいて詳細
に説明する。まず、図１に内視鏡の全体構成を示し、次
に図２にその可撓管の構成を示す。図中において、１は
内視鏡の本体操作部、２は挿入部、３はユニバーサルコ
ードである。挿入部２は、その本体操作部１への連設側
から大半の部分が可撓管４で構成され、可撓管４の先端
には、アングル部５及び先端硬質部６が順次連設されて
いる。Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. First, FIG. 1 shows an entire configuration of the endoscope, and FIG. 2 shows a configuration of the flexible tube. In the figure, 1 is a main body operation unit of the endoscope, 2 is an insertion unit, and 3 is a universal cord. Most of the insertion section 2 is formed of a flexible tube 4 from the side connected to the main body operation section 1, and an angle section 5 and a distal end hard section 6 are sequentially connected to the distal end of the flexible tube 4. ing.
【００１４】可撓管４は、その最内側に構造体として、
ばね性を有する金属帯片を螺旋状に巻回することにより
管状となした螺旋管１０を有し、この螺旋管１０は、通
常、相互に巻回方向を変えた２重螺旋管から構成され
る。この螺旋管１０にはネット１１が外装される。この
ネット１１は、ステンレス等の金属素線を所定の持ち
数，打ち数で螺旋管１０の外側に編組される。そして、
このネット１１を外装した後に、ネット１１の表面に接
着剤が塗布されて、被覆層１２が押出成形等の手段によ
って積層される。ここで、被覆層１２は、柔軟性，耐薬
品性，変形追従性等の見地から、ウレタン樹脂が用いら
れ、また接着剤もこの被覆層１２との馴染み性及び変形
追従性等の観点からウレタン樹脂が用いられる。さら
に、被覆層１２の上にはトップコート層１３が積層され
ている。このトップコート層１３もウレタン樹脂で形成
されており、これによって耐薬品性，耐摩耗性，滑り性
等を良好ならしめると共に、被覆層１２との馴染み性が
良好となる。The flexible tube 4 has a structure on the innermost side thereof,
A spiral tube 10 is formed by spirally winding a metal strip having a spring property into a tubular shape, and the spiral tube 10 is usually formed of a double spiral tube in which the winding directions are mutually changed. You. A net 11 is provided on the spiral tube 10. The net 11 is formed by braiding a metal wire such as stainless steel on the outside of the spiral tube 10 with a predetermined number of holdings and a predetermined number of hits. And
After the net 11 is packaged, an adhesive is applied to the surface of the net 11, and the coating layer 12 is laminated by means such as extrusion molding. Here, urethane resin is used for the coating layer 12 from the viewpoints of flexibility, chemical resistance, deformation followability, and the like, and the adhesive is also made of urethane from the viewpoints of compatibility with the cover layer 12 and deformation followability. Resin is used. Further, a top coat layer 13 is laminated on the cover layer 12. The top coat layer 13 is also formed of a urethane resin, whereby the chemical resistance, abrasion resistance, slipperiness and the like are improved, and the compatibility with the coating layer 12 is improved.
【００１５】以上のように構成される可撓管４は以下の
ようにして製造される。まず、２重の螺旋管１０を形成
し、この螺旋管１０にネット１１を外装する。このネッ
ト１１は、予め編組しておき、これを螺旋管１０に外装
するようにしても良いが、螺旋管１０の外周に直接編組
するようにしても良い。そして、このネット１１に接着
剤を塗布した上で、被覆層１２をその上に積層する。こ
の被覆層１２は、例えば押出成形等によって容易に形成
できる。The flexible tube 4 configured as described above is manufactured as follows. First, a double spiral tube 10 is formed, and the spiral tube 10 is covered with a net 11. The net 11 may be braided in advance, and the net may be sheathed on the spiral tube 10, or may be braided directly on the outer periphery of the spiral tube 10. Then, after applying an adhesive to the net 11, a coating layer 12 is laminated thereon. This coating layer 12 can be easily formed by, for example, extrusion molding or the like.
【００１６】ここで、被覆層１２の材質は、ウレタン樹
脂であるが、その硬度としては、可撓管４全体のうち、
最も柔軟性が必要な部位の硬度のものとする。この被覆
層１２を形成し、さらにトップコート層１３が積層され
た可撓管４における被覆層１２，トップコート層１３及
び接着剤のウレタン樹脂を熱キュアリングさせて、熱架
橋を進行させる。しかも、この熱キュアリングを制御す
ることによって、可撓管４の軸線方向に硬さの変化を持
たせるようにする。Here, the material of the coating layer 12 is a urethane resin.
The hardness of the part where the most flexibility is required. The coating layer 12 is formed, and the coating layer 12, the top coat layer 13 and the urethane resin of the adhesive in the flexible tube 4 on which the top coat layer 13 is further laminated are thermally cured to progress thermal crosslinking. In addition, by controlling the thermal curing, the hardness of the flexible tube 4 is changed in the axial direction.
【００１７】而して、ウレタン樹脂のアロファネート架
橋及びビュレット架橋は、約１１０℃以上に加熱するこ
とにより開始し、温度を上昇させると、それに応じて架
橋の度合いが増す。ただし、１５０℃を越えると、この
樹脂が軟化するおそれがある。従って、加熱温度として
は、好ましくは１１０℃〜１５０℃とする。また、架橋
が進行するのには、ある程度の時間が必要である。従っ
て、硬さの度合いは、加熱温度と加熱時間との２つの要
素により制御できる。例えば、硬度Ｈｓ６５のウレタン
樹脂を種々の温度で加熱した時におけるそれぞれ熱架橋
による硬度の度合いの変化を、表１に示す。ここで、実
際は、１０５℃の加熱でもある程度は硬さに変化が生じ
るが、その変化の度合いが少なく、実用上においては、
１１０℃以上に加熱するのが効率上から有利である。Thus, allophanate crosslinking and burette crosslinking of the urethane resin are initiated by heating to about 110 ° C. or higher, and as the temperature is increased, the degree of crosslinking increases accordingly. However, if the temperature exceeds 150 ° C., the resin may be softened. Therefore, the heating temperature is preferably 110 ° C to 150 ° C. Also, a certain amount of time is required for the crosslinking to proceed. Therefore, the degree of hardness can be controlled by two factors, the heating temperature and the heating time. For example, Table 1 shows a change in the degree of hardness due to thermal crosslinking when a urethane resin having a hardness of Hs65 is heated at various temperatures. Here, actually, even if heating at 105 ° C., the hardness changes to some extent, but the degree of the change is small, and in practice,
Heating to 110 ° C. or more is advantageous from the viewpoint of efficiency.
【００１８】表１Table 1
【００１９】従って、樹脂のキュアリング温度を制御す
るか、またはキュアリング時間を制御するか、さらには
その両方を制御することによって、所望の硬さにするこ
とができる。Therefore, the desired hardness can be obtained by controlling the curing temperature of the resin, the curing time, or both.
【００２０】そこで、図３に示したように、円筒状の炉
２０を用い、この炉２０に複数のバンドヒータ２１を装
着して、炉２０内に温度勾配を持たせた状態で加熱す
る。即ち、炉２０の先端側の温度を、例えば１５０℃と
し、基端側の温度を１１０℃に設定して、その間に連続
的な温度変化を持たせる。そして、この炉２０内におい
て、可撓管４を、その一端が炉２０の外に位置させ、大
半が炉２０内に収納する状態に設置して、バンドヒータ
２１によって炉２０内を５〜１５時間程度加熱して熱キ
ュアリングを行う。これによって、可撓管４は、熱が加
わらない先端部分が最も柔軟で、基端側に向かうに応じ
て硬さが増すようになり、基端部が最も硬くなる。Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, a cylindrical furnace 20 is used, a plurality of band heaters 21 are mounted on the furnace 20, and the furnace 20 is heated with a temperature gradient. That is, the temperature on the front end side of the furnace 20 is set to, for example, 150 ° C., and the temperature on the base end side is set to 110 ° C., so that a continuous temperature change is provided between them. In the furnace 20, the flexible tube 4 is placed such that one end thereof is located outside the furnace 20 and most of the flexible tube 4 is housed in the furnace 20. Heat for about an hour to perform heat curing. As a result, the flexible tube 4 is the most flexible at the distal end to which heat is not applied, and increases in hardness as it goes toward the proximal end, so that the proximal end is the hardest.
【００２１】また、図４に示したように、ヒータ３０ａ
を装着した炉３０内は均一な温度状態となし、可撓管４
を支持杆３１に挿通させて、この支持杆３１を可動ブロ
ック３２に連結して、この可動ブロック３２を送りねじ
３３と、この送りねじ３３を回転駆動するモータ３４と
からなる送り手段に連結する構成とすることもできる。
このように構成することによって、支持杆３１に可撓管
４を挿通させた状態で、この支持杆３１を炉３０内に挿
入し、支持杆３１に装着されている可撓管４を炉３０内
に位置させて、ヒータ３０ａを作動させることにより炉
３０内を、例えば１２０℃程度に加熱する。そして、モ
ータ３４を作動させて、炉３０から可撓管４を装着した
支持杆３１を徐々に引き出す。この引き出し速度は、可
撓管４が５〜１５時間程度で炉３０から完全に引き出さ
れるように調整する。これによって、可撓管４のうち、
炉３０内の滞留時間に応じて架橋の進行度合いが増し、
連続的な硬さの変化を持たせることができる。As shown in FIG. 4, the heater 30a
The inside of the furnace 30 equipped with a flexible tube is kept at a uniform temperature.
Is inserted into the support rod 31, the support rod 31 is connected to the movable block 32, and the movable block 32 is connected to feed means including a feed screw 33 and a motor 34 for driving the feed screw 33 to rotate. It can also be configured.
With this configuration, with the flexible tube 4 inserted through the support rod 31, the support rod 31 is inserted into the furnace 30, and the flexible tube 4 attached to the support rod 31 is The furnace 30 is heated to, for example, about 120 ° C. by operating the heater 30a. Then, the support rod 31 on which the flexible tube 4 is mounted is gradually pulled out of the furnace 30 by operating the motor 34. The drawing speed is adjusted so that the flexible tube 4 is completely drawn out of the furnace 30 in about 5 to 15 hours. Thereby, of the flexible tube 4,
Depending on the residence time in the furnace 30, the degree of progress of crosslinking increases,
It can have a continuous change in hardness.
【００２２】ところで、内視鏡の挿入部２はその全体が
体内に挿入されるのではなく、その一部分は体外に位置
するようになる。そして、この体外に位置する部位を完
全に剛体とすると、問題が生じることもあるが、かなり
硬くした方が、十分な押し込み推力が得られる等、挿入
操作性に優れたものとなる。しかも、この部位は軸線方
向に硬さの変化を持たせなくとも実用上差し支えない。
即ち、硬さの変化を持たせるのは、体内に挿入される部
位だけとなし、体外に位置する部位は、例えばネット１
１をめっき処理を施す等、他の処理によって硬さを持た
せるようにすることも可能であり、この場合には、当該
の部位は均一な硬さとなるように処理することもでき、
また他の方法で所望の硬さがえられる場合には、熱処理
を施さなくとも良い。Incidentally, the insertion section 2 of the endoscope is not entirely inserted into the body, but a part thereof is located outside the body. If the part located outside the body is made completely rigid, a problem may occur. However, when the part is made extremely hard, the insertion operability is excellent, such as a sufficient pushing thrust can be obtained. Moreover, this portion does not matter in practical use without having a change in hardness in the axial direction.
That is, only the part to be inserted into the body has a change in hardness, and the part located outside the body is, for example, a net 1
It is also possible to give hardness by other treatments such as plating treatment of 1, etc., in this case, it is also possible to treat such a portion to have uniform hardness,
If the desired hardness can be obtained by another method, it is not necessary to perform the heat treatment.
【００２３】[0023]
【発明の効果】以上説明したように、本発明は、被覆
層，接着剤またはトップコート層の少なくともいずれか
一つの部材をウレタン樹脂で形成し、少なくとも構造体
に被覆層を外装させた後に、温度または時間の少なくと
も一方を可撓管の軸線方向に変えてウレタン樹脂の熱キ
ュアリングを行うようにしたので、極めて容易に可撓管
の軸線方向における硬さを自由に変化させることがで
き、かつ硬さの制御も厳格に行うことができるようにな
る。As described above, according to the present invention, at least one member of the coating layer, the adhesive and the top coat layer is formed of urethane resin, and after at least the structure is covered with the coating layer, Since the heat curing of the urethane resin is performed by changing at least one of the temperature and the time in the axial direction of the flexible tube, the hardness in the axial direction of the flexible tube can be freely changed extremely easily, In addition, the hardness can be strictly controlled.
【図１】内視鏡の全体構成図である。FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an endoscope.
【図２】可撓管の構成説明図である。FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration of a flexible tube.
【図３】可撓管の熱キュアリングを行うための装置構成
の一例を示す説明図である。FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an apparatus configuration for performing heat curing of a flexible tube.
【図４】可撓管の熱キュアリングするための装置構成の
他の例を示す説明図である。FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing another example of an apparatus configuration for thermally curing a flexible tube.
２ 挿入部 ４ 可撓管 １０ 螺旋管 １１ ネット １２ 被覆層 １３ トップコート層 ２０，３０ 炉 ２１ バンドヒータ ３０ａ ヒータ 2 Insertion part 4 Flexible tube 10 Spiral tube 11 Net 12 Coating layer 13 Top coat layer 20, 30 Furnace 21 Band heater 30a Heater
【表１】 [Table 1]
───────────────────────────────────────────────────── フロントページの続き (58)調査した分野(Int.Cl.7，ＤＢ名) A61B 1/00 - 1/32 G02B 23/24 F16L 11/00 - 11/18 C08G 18/67 実用ファイル（ＰＡＴＯＬＩＳ) 特許ファイル（ＰＡＴＯＬＩＳ)──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (58) Fields surveyed (Int. Cl. 7 , DB name) A61B 1/00-1/32 G02B 23/24 F16L 11/00-11/18 C08G 18/67 Practical files ( (PATOLIS) Patent file (PATOLIS)
Claims (1)
にネットを介して被覆層を外装すると共に接着剤で固定
し、さらにこの被覆層の表面にトップコート層を積層さ
せてなる内視鏡の可撓管を製造する方法であって、 前記被覆層，接着剤またはトップコート層の少なくとも
いずれか一つの部材をウレタン樹脂で形成し、 少なくとも構造体に被覆層を外装させた後に加熱するに
当って、 加熱 温度または加熱時間の少なくとも一方を可撓管の軸
線方向に変えて熱キュアリングし、ウレタン樹脂中の未
反応のイソシアネート基の架橋の進行度合いを変えるこ
とによって、可撓管の硬さが軸線方向に変化させること
を特徴とする内視鏡の可撓管の製造方法。1. A structure having a shape-retaining structure, in which a coating layer is externally provided directly or through a net and fixed with an adhesive, and a top coat layer is laminated on the surface of the coating layer. A method for manufacturing a flexible tube for an endoscope, wherein at least one member of the coating layer, the adhesive, and the top coat layer is formed of urethane resin, and heating is performed after at least covering the structure with the coating layer. To do
At this time, at least one of the heating temperature and the heating time is changed in the axial direction of the flexible tube, and thermal curing is performed, so that the uncured urethane resin has
It is possible to change the degree of crosslinking of isocyanate groups in the reaction.
Wherein the hardness of the flexible tube is changed in the axial direction .
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP24402592A JP3196351B2 (en) | 1992-08-21 | 1992-08-21 | Method for manufacturing flexible tube of endoscope |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP24402592A JP3196351B2 (en) | 1992-08-21 | 1992-08-21 | Method for manufacturing flexible tube of endoscope |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| JPH0663009A JPH0663009A (en) | 1994-03-08 |
| JP3196351B2 true JP3196351B2 (en) | 2001-08-06 |
Family
ID=17112594
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP24402592A Expired - Fee Related JP3196351B2 (en) | 1992-08-21 | 1992-08-21 | Method for manufacturing flexible tube of endoscope |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JP3196351B2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP3808918B2 (en) * | 1995-08-18 | 2006-08-16 | オリンパス株式会社 | Endoscope optical system |
| JP2002224020A (en) * | 2001-02-02 | 2002-08-13 | Asahi Optical Co Ltd | Method of manufacturing outer sheath for endoscope flexible tube and outer skin for endoscope flexible tube |
| JP2002253490A (en) * | 2001-02-28 | 2002-09-10 | Asahi Optical Co Ltd | Method of manufacturing outer sheath for endoscope flexible tube and outer skin for endoscope flexible tube |
| JP4542465B2 (en) * | 2005-04-27 | 2010-09-15 | オリンパスメディカルシステムズ株式会社 | Endoscope flexible tube manufacturing apparatus |
| JP2009268635A (en) * | 2008-05-02 | 2009-11-19 | Hoya Corp | Endoscope light guide flexible tube and manufacturing method of its outer sheath layer |
| CN107567563B (en) * | 2015-03-03 | 2021-08-20 | 泰特弗莱克斯商业公司 | Composite Hose Assemblies |
-
1992
- 1992-08-21 JP JP24402592A patent/JP3196351B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JPH0663009A (en) | 1994-03-08 |
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