阅读说明：本技术 医疗设备用管及医疗设备 (Tube for medical device and medical device ) 是由 高尾洁 于 2020-03-30 设计创作，主要内容包括：本通道管包括内层管、外层部和金属编织带。内层管在外周面具有与轴向不平行的槽,由弹性体或具有挠性的树脂构成。外层部填埋槽并覆盖外周,由比内层管的基材软质的弹性体树脂构成。金属编织带在外层部中只配置在槽以外的部位,由金属线形成。(The channel pipe comprises an inner layer pipe, an outer layer part and a metal braided belt. The inner tube has a groove on its outer circumferential surface, which is not parallel to the axial direction, and is made of an elastic body or a flexible resin. The outer layer portion fills the groove and covers the outer periphery, and is made of an elastomer resin softer than the base material of the inner layer tube. The metal braided strap is arranged only at a portion other than the groove in the outer layer portion and is formed of a metal wire.)

1. A tube for medical equipment, comprising:

an inner tube having a groove on an outer circumferential surface thereof, the groove being not parallel to an axial direction, the inner tube being made of an elastomer or a resin having flexibility;

an outer layer that fills the groove of the inner pipe and covers the outer periphery of the inner pipe, the outer layer being made of an elastomer resin softer than the base material of the inner pipe; and

and a braided band which is arranged only at a portion other than the groove in the outer layer, and which is formed of a metal wire.

2. The tube for medical device according to claim 1,

the outer layer is divided into at least 2 layers,

the innermost layer is the layer that fills the groove of the inner tube,

the braided band is disposed only in a layer other than the innermost layer.

3. The tube for medical device according to claim 1,

the inner layer pipe is made of Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

4. The tube for medical device according to claim 1,

the outer layer is made of fluororubber.

5. A medical device having the tube for medical device according to claim 1.

6. The medical device of claim 5,

the medical device is an endoscope.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a tube for medical equipment and medical equipment.

The present application claims priority based on Japanese patent application No. 2019-074162, filed in Japan on 9/4/9/2019, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Background

In recent years, improvement of properties such as flexibility, kink resistance, and abrasion resistance has been strongly required for medical equipment tubes.

For example, in the case of a medical device tube used for an endoscope channel tube, improvement in flexibility and kink resistance is required in order to achieve excellent operability. Furthermore, in order to prevent wear caused by repeated insertion and removal of a treatment instrument such as forceps, it is required to improve wear resistance.

For example, in the treatment instrument insertion channel described in patent document 1, a mesh made of stainless steel wires is attached to a tube body made of a polyurethane resin having an inner surface coating made of teflon (registered trademark) formed on the inner surface. A covering layer made of urethane resin is formed on the net attachment portion. The net is easily stretched when it is bent, and therefore has a small resistance to bending. Furthermore, the mesh has shape retention.

The endoscope tube described in patent document 2 includes: a tube main body composed of a fluororesin; a reinforcing band wound around the outer circumferential surface of the pipe body; and a polyurethane outer skin covering the tube main body from above the reinforcing belt. The reinforcing tape has a reinforcing mesh formed of polyester resin wires, and anisotropy is imparted to the rigidity in the axial direction and the circumferential direction.

Prior art documents

Patent document

Patent document 1: japanese laid-open patent publication No. 3-205022

Patent document 2: japanese laid-open patent application No. 2010-29435

Disclosure of Invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

In the technique described in patent document 1, a hard metal mesh is disposed outside the tube main body. When a treatment instrument such as forceps is inserted into and removed from the treatment instrument insertion channel in a state where the endoscope is bent, the tube main body may be rubbed and worn by the treatment instrument in a state where the tube main body is strongly pressed by the treatment instrument and the metal mesh.

The technique described in patent document 2 uses a reinforcing mesh made of a polyester resin, and therefore has a smaller shape-retaining effect than the case of using a metal mesh. Therefore, when the endoscope is bent, the endoscope is easily pressed by, for example, a convex member in the snake tube and deformed into a flat shape. When the inside of the endoscope tube is narrowed, the treatment instrument such as forceps may be worn by rubbing against the tube main body when the treatment instrument is inserted into or removed from the tube main body.

The following embodiments have been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide a medical device tube capable of reducing wear of an inner circumferential portion while maintaining flexibility and kink resistance.

Further, an object of the present invention is to provide a medical device having the medical device tube of the present invention, which can improve durability.

Means for solving the problems

In order to solve the above problem, a medical device tube according to claim 1 includes: an inner tube having a groove on an outer circumferential surface thereof, the groove being not parallel to an axial direction, the inner tube being made of an elastomer or a resin having flexibility; an outer layer that fills the groove of the inner pipe and covers the outer periphery of the inner pipe, the outer layer being made of an elastomer resin softer than the base material of the inner pipe; and a braided band disposed only at a portion other than the groove in the outer layer, the braided band being formed of a metal wire.

According to the 2 nd aspect, in the medical device tube according to the 1 st aspect, the outer layer may be divided into at least two layers, the innermost layer may be a layer filling the groove of the inner layer tube, and the braided band may be disposed only in a layer other than the innermost layer.

According to the 3 rd aspect, in the medical device tube according to the 1 st aspect, a material of the inner tube may contain Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

According to the 4 th aspect, in the medical device tube according to the 1 st aspect, a material of the outer layer may include a fluororubber.

The medical device according to claim 5 includes the medical device tube.

According to the 6 th aspect, in the medical device according to the 5 th aspect, the medical device may be an endoscope.

[ Effect of the invention ]

According to the medical device tube according to each of the above aspects, abrasion of the inner peripheral portion can be reduced while maintaining flexibility and kink resistance.

According to the medical device of the above aspect, durability can be improved by providing the medical device tube of each aspect.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a configuration example of a medical device according to embodiment 1 of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view showing a structural example of a tube for medical equipment according to embodiment 1 of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the tube for medical equipment.

Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the tube for medical equipment of the comparative example.

Fig. 5 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view showing a structural example of a medical device tube according to embodiment 2 of the present invention.

Fig. 6 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view showing a structural example of a medical device tube according to a modification (modification 1) of the embodiment.

Fig. 7 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view showing a structural example of the medical device tube of comparative example 1.

Fig. 8 is a schematic view showing a test method for evaluating wear resistance.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing a test method for flexibility evaluation.

Detailed Description

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings, the same or corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals and common descriptions thereof are omitted even when the embodiments are different.

[ embodiment 1]

The following describes a tube for medical equipment and medical equipment according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a configuration example of a medical device according to embodiment 1 of the present invention.

As shown in fig. 1, an endoscope 100 (medical device) of the present embodiment includes an insertion portion 101 and an operation portion 105.

The insertion portion 101 is configured to be inserted into the body of a patient. The insertion portion 101 is tubular. The insertion portion 101 has flexibility. The insertion portion 101 includes a distal end portion 104, a bending portion 103, and a flexible tube portion 102 in this order from the distal end side in the insertion direction. A channel tube 10 (tube for medical device) for inserting a treatment instrument therethrough is provided in the longitudinal direction inside the insertion portion 101.

The distal end portion 104 is disposed at the foremost end portion of the endoscope 100. The tip portion 104 has a cylindrical outer shape. The distal end portion 104 includes an imaging element and an imaging optical system therein. An imaging window and an illumination window are provided at the distal end of the distal end portion 104.

Further, an opening 104a communicating with the inside of the passage tube 10 is formed at the tip of the tip portion 104.

The bending portion 103 is connected to the proximal end side of the distal end portion 104. The bent portion 103 changes the orientation of the tip portion 104. The bending portion 103 is a bendable tubular portion.

The bending portion 103 includes, for example, a plurality of nodal rings. The plurality of pitch rings are annular. Each link ring is rotatably coupled to an adjacent link ring. In the bending portion 103, a plurality of angle lines are inserted through the inside of the plurality of pitch rings.

Further, components such as electric wiring, light guide, and channel tube 10 are housed inside the bending portion 103. The electric wiring is connected to the image pickup element of the distal end portion 104. The light guide extends to the vicinity of the illumination window.

The channel tube 10 is an elongated tubular member constituting a treatment instrument channel through which an unillustrated treatment instrument is inserted. The distal end of the passage tube 10 is connected to the opening portion 104 a. The detailed structure of the passage tube 10 will be described later.

The electric wiring, optical waveguide, and channel tube 10 is inserted through the inside of a flexible tube portion 102 described later, and extends to an operation portion 105 described later.

The flexible tube portion 102 is a tubular portion connecting the bending portion 103 and an operation portion 105 described later.

The flexible tube portion 102 has, for example, a coil and an outer sheath, which are not shown. The coil is a member in which a metal or resin strip-shaped member is wound in a spiral shape. The outer skin is disposed at the outermost portion of the flexible tube portion 102. The outer skin is a tube covering the outer periphery of the coil. The outer skin is formed of a flexible resin material.

Although not particularly shown, 2-line angular lines including at least the 1 st angular line and the 2 nd angular line are arranged inside the flexible tube portion 102. Each angle line is inserted through the coil sheath. Each angle line extends from the bent portion 103 toward the proximal end side.

Similarly to the bending portion 103, the above-described electric wiring, optical guide, channel tube 10, and the like are inserted into the flexible tube portion 102.

The operation unit 105 is a device portion for an operator to perform an operation of the endoscope 100. As the operation performed by the operator through the operation unit 105, for example, an operation of pulling the angle line for the purpose of changing the bending amount of the bending portion 103 may be mentioned. The operation unit 105 includes an operation unit body that the operator grips and various operation members provided on the operation unit body. For example, the various operation members may be operation knobs, operation switches, and the like.

A treatment instrument insertion portion 106 is provided at the distal end of the operation portion 105.

The treatment instrument insertion section 106 has an insertion port 106a into which a treatment instrument is inserted. The proximal end of the channel tube 10 is connected to the insertion port 106 a.

Next, a detailed structure of the passage tube 10 according to the present embodiment will be described.

Fig. 2 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view showing a structural example of a tube for medical equipment according to embodiment 1 of the present invention.

As shown in fig. 2, the duct tube 10 of the present embodiment includes an inner layer tube 1 and an outer layer portion L1 (outer layer).

The passage tube 10 is a flexible tube for medical equipment. The channel tube 10 of the present embodiment is used as a treatment instrument channel into which a treatment instrument or the like is inserted in the endoscope 100.

However, the medical device using the channel tube 10 is not limited to an endoscope. The passage tube 10 is particularly suitable for applications in which a hard member is inserted through the inside. For example, the channel tube 10 may be used as an air/water supply tube, a catheter for a treatment instrument, or the like.

The inner tube 1 is a tubular member made of resin and having a through hole formed therein and extending in the longitudinal direction. The length of the inner tube 1 is not particularly limited as long as it can be inserted into the body of a patient through the endoscope 100. For example, the length of the inner tube 1 may be 400mm to 3000 mm.

An insertion member having an equiaxial or tubular shape such as a treatment instrument or a catheter can be inserted through the inner circumferential surface 1a in which the through hole is formed.

The inner peripheral surface 1a is repeatedly cleaned. In view of the easiness of cleaning, the inner peripheral surface 1a is more preferably a smooth surface. When the inner peripheral surface 1a is a smooth surface, the treatment instrument or the like inserted through the inner peripheral surface 1a also slides more smoothly.

At least the portion exposed as the inner peripheral surface 1a may be made of a non-porous material so that the inner peripheral surface 1a becomes a smooth surface.

In the example shown in fig. 2, the inner peripheral surface 1a is a smooth cylindrical surface.

The outer peripheral portion of the inner pipe 1 is constituted by an outer peripheral surface 1 b. The outer peripheral surface 1b forms the outermost portion of the inner pipe 1.

The thickness of the inner layer tube 1 may be 0.1mm or more and 1.0mm or less. The thickness of the inner layer tube 1 is more preferably 0.3mm or more and 0.5mm or less.

The outer circumferential surface 1b is formed with a groove 1c recessed toward the inner circumferential surface 1 a. The groove 1c extends non-parallel to the central axis O of the inner pipe 1.

The outer peripheral surface 1b may not be a smooth surface since it is covered with an outer layer portion L1 described later together with the groove 1 c. However, in the example shown in fig. 2, the outer peripheral surface 1b is a smooth cylindrical surface coaxial with the inner peripheral surface 1 a.

The shape of the groove 1c is not particularly limited as long as the flexibility of the inner pipe 1 can be improved.

For example, the groove 1c may be a single spiral groove or a plurality of spiral grooves. For example, the groove 1c may be formed in a mesh shape in which a plurality of spiral grooves having different turning directions or turning angles intersect. Further, the groove 1c may be formed discontinuously.

The cross-sectional shape of the groove 1c is also not particularly limited. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the groove 1C may be a C-shape such as a semicircular shape or a semi-elliptical shape, a U-shape, a triangular shape or a (V-shape), a rectangular shape or a polygonal shape.

In the example shown in fig. 2, the groove 1c is a spiral groove that revolves along the outer peripheral surface 1 b. The cross-sectional shape of the groove 1C is a C-shape formed by an arc having a central angle of 180 ° or less.

The groove width, depth, and turning pitch of the grooves 1c are not particularly limited as long as the necessary flexibility can be imparted to the inner pipe 1.

For example, the groove width of the groove 1c may be 0.2mm or more and 2mm or less. The groove width of the groove 1c is more preferably 0.3mm or more and 0.6mm or less.

For example, the depth of the groove 1c may be 0.05mm or more and 5mm or less. The depth of the groove 1c is more preferably 0.15mm or more and 0.3mm or less.

For example, the pitch of the grooves 1c may be 1mm to 20 mm. The pitch of the grooves 1c is more preferably 2mm to 10 mm.

The outer circumferential surface 1b and the groove 1c may be surface-treated as necessary in order to improve the adhesion to an outer layer portion L1 described later. For example, the outer circumferential surface 1b and the groove 1c may be subjected to chemical etching treatment using a sodium metal solution or the like, treatment using plasma irradiation, polishing treatment using machining, or the like.

As the material of the inner pipe 1, an appropriate resin capable of obtaining flexibility required as the inner pipe 1 is used. In order to suppress wear of the inner peripheral surface 1a, a resin having good sliding properties is more preferably used as the material of the inner pipe 1.

The material of the inner tube 1 is preferably a resin having excellent chemical resistance, biocompatibility, washing sterilization, air tightness, liquid tightness, etc., according to the requirements of the medical equipment to be used.

As the material of the inner layer tube 1, for example, general-purpose plastics such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, and the like can be used.

As the material of the inner tube 1, for example, engineering plastics such as polycarbonate, polyacetal, and polyamide can be used.

As the material of the inner layer tube 1, for example, super engineering plastics such as polysulfone, polyimide, polyether nitrile, and the like can be used.

As the material of the inner layer tube 1, for example, a fluororesin such as Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), an ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer, a tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene copolymer, or the like can be used.

As the material of the inner layer tube 1, for example, a thermoplastic elastomer such as a fluorine-based thermoplastic elastomer can be used.

The above materials may be used alone for the inner layer tube 1, or may be used as a composite material in which a plurality of materials are combined. When the inner pipe 1 is made of a composite material, the composite material may be made by dispersing and blending a plurality of materials. In the case of using the composite material for the inner layer tube 1, the plurality of materials may have a layered configuration.

Among the above materials, the inner tube 1 is more preferably made of a non-porous fluororesin from the viewpoint of excellent chemical resistance to chemicals used for sterilization treatment and the like. The nonporous fluororesin is excellent in biocompatibility, cleaning and sterilizing properties, air tightness and liquid tightness.

Further, since the fluororesin is also excellent in slidability, the frictional force against a hard member such as a treatment instrument is reduced. This further improves the kink resistance in reducing the amount of wear of the inner peripheral surface 1 a.

Among fluororesins, PTFE is particularly preferable because it is particularly excellent in chemical resistance.

The outer layer portion L1 is a tubular layered portion surrounding the groove 1c and the outer peripheral surface 1b of the inner layer tube 1. The outer layer portion L1 has an elastomer layer 2 made of an elastomer resin softer than the resin material of the inner layer tube 1.

The elastomer layer 2 fills the groove 1c of the inner pipe 1 and covers the outer peripheral surface 1b (outer periphery). The inner surface 2a of the elastomer layer 2 is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface 1b and the groove 1 c. The outer peripheral surface 2b of the elastomer layer 2 is cylindrical surface-shaped coaxial with the central axis O.

The material of the elastomer layer 2 is not particularly limited as long as it is softer than the resin material (base material) of the inner tube 1. Here, the degree of softness is defined by the magnitude of the elastic modulus of the resin. That is, an elastomer resin having a lower elastic modulus than the resin material of the inner pipe 1 is used as the material of the elastomer layer 2.

As the material of the elastomer layer 2, for example, a thermoplastic elastomer such as a polyurethane thermoplastic elastomer can be used.

As the material of the elastomer layer 2, for example, vulcanized rubbers such as isoprene rubber, butyl rubber, ethylene-propylene rubber, chloroprene rubber, nitrile rubber, silicone rubber, urethane rubber, and fluorine rubber can be used.

The above-mentioned materials may be used alone for the elastomer layer 2, or may be used as a composite material in which a plurality of materials are combined. When a composite material is used for the elastomer layer 2, a composite material in which a plurality of materials are dispersed and blended may be used. When a composite material is used for the elastomer layer 2, the plurality of materials may have a layered configuration.

As the material of the elastic body layer 2, a porous body or a foam formed of the above-described material or composite material can be used. In this case, the flexibility of the passage tube 10 can be further improved.

When a plurality of materials are used for the elastic body layer 2, different materials may be used in the longitudinal direction. In this case, the characteristics of the passage tube 10 at each position in the longitudinal direction can be changed according to the material characteristics.

For example, as the material of the elastic body layer 2, a material having a different longitudinal elastic modulus in the longitudinal direction may be used. In this case, the flexibility of the passage tube 10 can be changed in the longitudinal direction.

For example, as the material of the elastic body layer 2, vulcanized rubber may be used at a portion inserted into the bent portion 103, and a thermoplastic elastomer may be used at another portion. In this case, since the vulcanized rubber having excellent buckling resistance and elongation characteristics is used in the bending portion 103 to which the bending load is applied, durability and flexibility can be improved. Since the thermoplastic elastomer having high hardness is used in other portions, the insertion property of the endoscope can be improved.

Among the above materials, particularly preferable materials for the elastomer layer 2 include peroxide-crosslinked rubber and thermoplastic elastomers in which peroxide-crosslinked rubber is dispersed. As the peroxide crosslinking, organic peroxide crosslinking is more preferable.

Specific examples of such particularly preferred materials include peroxide-crosslinked fluororubbers and polyurethane elastomers in which silicone rubber particles are dispersed.

The peroxide crosslinked rubber or the thermoplastic elastomer in which the peroxide crosslinked rubber is dispersed has excellent flexibility and is difficult to adhere to the metal braided belt 3 described later. As a result, the stretchability of the outer layer portion L1 is improved. Thereby, the flexibility of the passage tube 10 is further improved.

If necessary, additives other than the elastomer resin may be added to the interior of the elastomer layer 2. For example, carbon, silica, alumina, or the like may be added to the elastomer layer 2.

A metal woven tape 3 (woven tape) is disposed inside the elastic body layer 2. However, the metal braided strap 3 is disposed only at a portion other than the groove 1c inside the outer layer portion L1. That is, the metal braided band 3 is not included in the elastic body layer 2 of the filling groove 1 c. Specifically, the metal braided belt 3 is disposed between the outer circumferential surface 1b and the outer circumferential surface 2b in the layer thickness direction of the elastic body layer 2.

As an example, the metal braided band 3 shown in fig. 2 is disposed in contact with the outer peripheral surface 1 b. However, a layer portion composed only of the elastic body layer 2 may be formed at least in a part between the metal braided band 3 and the outer circumferential surface 1 b.

The metal braid 3 serves to reinforce the passage tube 10.

The metal braided strap 3 is a mesh body formed of metal wires (metal wires).

The shape of the metal wire rod is not particularly limited. Examples of the shape of the wire include a round wire, a flat wire, and a twisted wire. For example, the thickness (thickness) of the metal wire in the thickness direction of the metal braided band 3 may be 0.03mm or more and 0.3mm or less. The thickness (thickness) of the metal wire rod is more preferably 0.05mm or more and 0.15mm or less.

The metal wire used for the metal braided strap 3 may be a single type of wire, or may be a combination of a plurality of types of wires different in at least one of material and shape. In the case of using a plurality of kinds of wires in the metal braided band 3, they may be twisted with each other, and the arrangement positions may be different from each other.

For example, the metal braided strap 3 may be a mesh body braided by metal wires or a mesh body interwoven. The method of knitting or interlacing the metal wire material is not particularly limited as long as the strength and flexibility required for the metal knitted tape 3 can be obtained. Examples of the weaving method or the interlacing method of the mesh body include plain weave, twill weave, satin weave, and knotless mesh.

In the example shown in fig. 2, the metal braided strap 3 is formed of a cylindrical mesh body in which metal wires are obliquely woven every two crossing wires.

Since the metal braided strap 3 is formed of a mesh body, there is a gap between the metal wires, which communicates in the thickness direction of the metal braided strap 3 (the radial direction of the passage tube 10).

The metal braid 3 is embedded in the elastomer layer 2. Therefore, the elastic body layer 2 penetrates through the gap of the metal braided band 3. The elastic body layer 2 is formed with a layer portion continuous from the outer peripheral surface 2b to the outer peripheral surface 1b and the groove 1c except for the portion excluded by the metal braided band 3.

With this configuration, the metal braided band 3 is integrated with the elastic body layer 2 inside the elastic body layer 2.

Examples of the material of the metal wire used for the metal woven tape 3 include copper, copper alloy, piano wire, stainless steel, titanium alloy, nickel-titanium alloy, tungsten alloy, nickel alloy, cobalt alloy, and amorphous metal.

As a material of the metal wire rod, a metal which is excellent in toughness and is hard to corrode by autoclave sterilization is more preferable. Examples of the metal having particularly excellent toughness and corrosion resistance include stainless steel.

Next, a method for manufacturing the channel tube 10 will be described.

First, the inner tube 1 having the groove 1c is prepared.

The groove 1c may be formed at the time of molding the inner pipe 1, or may be formed by removing a cylindrical pipe to be the inner pipe 1 after manufacturing the cylindrical pipe.

Then, the metal braid 3 is laminated around the outer peripheral surface 1b of the inner tube 1. Then, the elastic body layer 2 is formed so as to cover the metal braided band 3.

For forming the elastomer layer 2, for example, extrusion molding may be used. The elastic body layer 2 is closely attached to the outer peripheral surface 1b of the inner tube 1 and the surface of the groove 1c through the mesh-like gaps of the woven metal band 3.

Thus, the metal braided band 3 is embedded in the elastic body layer 2, and the outer layer portion L1 is formed.

Thus, the passage tube 10 is manufactured.

The function of the passage tube 10 will be explained.

Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the medical device tube according to embodiment 1 of the present invention.

A groove 1c that is not parallel to the central axis O is formed in the outer periphery of the inner pipe 1. If a cross section including the center axis O is taken, the groove cross section of the transverse groove 1c appears at a position apart in the longitudinal direction of the inner pipe 1. As shown in the schematic cross section of the inner side of the bend in fig. 3, when the inner pipe 1 is subjected to the bend in the direction of bending the central axis O, the bending stress in the compression direction becomes the largest and the surface in the bend, and the grooves 1c are deformed in the direction of narrowing the width of each groove. Since the thickness of the inner pipe 1 is small, the inner pipe 1 is bent from the bottom of each groove 1c inside the bend. Although not particularly shown, on the surface on the outer side of the bending, the groove width of each groove 1c on the outer side of the bending is widened by the bending stress in the tensile direction, and the groove is bent from the groove bottom of each groove 1 c.

Thus, the inner pipe 1 is bent into an arcuate shape as a whole.

When the grooves 1c are formed uniformly in the circumferential direction and the axial direction (longitudinal direction) of the inner pipe 1, the flexibility of the inner pipe 1 is uniform in the circumferential direction and the axial direction.

In the passage tube 10, a part of the elastomer layer 2 is buried in each groove 1 c. Therefore, the inner layer tube 1 is difficult to bend to some extent as compared with the inner layer tube 1 alone. However, since the elastic body layer 2 is softer than the material of the inner pipe 1, the inner pipe 1 does not bend due to deformation of the interference grooves 1 c. As a result, more flexibility can be obtained than in the case where the elastic body layer 2 is laminated on the inner pipe having no groove 1 c.

Further, by filling the groove 1c with the elastomer resin of the elastomer layer 2, it is possible to prevent the groove 1c from being completely flattened in the groove width direction. Therefore, buckling due to the squashing of the groove 1c is not caused, and the V-shape is prevented from being deformed into an acute angle shape.

For example, in the case where an inner pipe having no groove 1c is used in place of the inner pipe 1 in the passage pipe 10, the inner pipe has higher rigidity than the inner pipe 1. Therefore, the passage pipe using the inner pipe is less flexible than the passage pipe 10.

In this case, it is also possible to secure flexibility by reducing the thickness of the inner pipe. However, when the thickness of the inner pipe is reduced, the amount of wear of the inner surface of the inner pipe is reduced, and thus the durability of the inner pipe may be reduced.

For example, when the outer peripheral surface of the inner pipe is provided with a groove to improve flexibility, the inner pipe may be formed with a groove extending parallel to the central axis O. In this case, the inner layer tube is easily bent by the amount of the second moment of area reduction, and therefore, the flexibility is increased as compared with the case where the same groove is not provided.

However, if the groove extends in a direction perpendicular to the bending direction, a local low-rigidity portion that is easily bent at the time of bending is not formed. In this case, in order to obtain the same flexibility as in the present embodiment, it is necessary to uniformly reduce the bending rigidity of the inner pipe in the longitudinal direction, and therefore it is necessary to form a plurality of grooves in the circumferential direction or to form a groove deeper than the groove 1 c. As a result, the inner pipe has low rigidity as a whole, and the partially thin portion becomes more, so that the durability may be reduced.

In the tunnel tube 10, the outer layer portion L1 including the hard metal braid 3 is laminated on the outer periphery of the inner layer tube 1.

Since the elastic layer 2 of the outer layer portion L1 is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface 1b and the groove 1c of the inner tube 1, when an external force for deforming the inner tube 1 is received, for example, the external force is also transmitted from the inner tube 1 to the outer layer portion L1. The outer layer portion L1 is deformed in the same manner as the inner layer tube 1. Since the elastomer layer 2 is made of an elastomer resin softer than the inner tube 1, it is easily deformed together with the inner tube 1.

Since the metal braided band 3 is formed of a mesh body, the shape of the mesh changes with the deformation of the outer layer portion L1, and flexibility is imparted. Further, the metal braided band 3 has stretchability in the direction along the center axis O of the inner tube 1 due to the change in the shape of the mesh.

The metal braided strap 3 is formed of a metal wire material harder than the material of the inner tube 1, and therefore has shape retention to maintain a cylindrical shape against an external force. Thereby, the metal braided band 3 functions as a reinforcing member that suppresses deformation of the inner tube 1 integrated by the elastomer layer 2.

For example, when an external force acts to crush the inner tube 1 in the radial direction, or when the duct tube 10 bends, the inner tube 1 becomes a member that resists the crush of the inner peripheral surface 1 a.

Thus, the passage tube 10 is reinforced by the outer layer portion L1 without impairing flexibility.

According to the duct tube 10, since the outer layer portion L1 has the metal braid 3 having a shape-retaining action, the kink resistance is further improved. Further, since the metal braid 3 is easily expanded and contracted in the direction along the center axis O, the resistance to bending received by the passage tube 10 becomes small. As a result, the flexibility of the passage tube 10 is further improved.

In the passage tube 10, the metal braid 3 is disposed only at a portion other than the groove 1 c. This action will be described in comparison with the comparative example shown in fig. 4.

Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the tube for medical equipment of the comparative example.

The tunnel tube 210 of the comparative example has the metal braid 203 in place of the metal braid 3 in the outer layer portion L1 of the tunnel tube 10.

The metal braided strap 203 is formed of a mesh body formed of metal wires, as in the metal braided strap 3. However, a part of the metal wires of the metal braided band 203 enters the inside of the groove 1c together with the elastomer layer 2. In the example shown in fig. 4, one metal wire of the metal braid 203 enters the vicinity of the bottom of the groove 1 c.

At this time, both the hard metal wire and the soft elastic body layer 2 are embedded in the groove 1c of the passage pipe 210. Since the elastic body layer 2 excludes the volume of the metal wire, the amount of deformation of the groove 1c is lower than that of the groove 1c in the passage tube 10. Thus, the passage tube 210 is less flexible than the passage tube 10.

Further, the number of the elastic body layers 2 that enter between the groove bottom of the groove 1c and the metal wire material filled in the groove 1c is also reduced, and therefore the cushioning property of the elastic body layers 2 between the metal wire material and the inner tube 1 is also reduced.

As shown in fig. 3 and 4, when the treatment instrument T is inserted in a state where the channel tubes 10 and 210 are bent, the treatment instrument T abuts on the convex portion of the inner peripheral surface 1a or slides with respect to the convex portion of the inner peripheral surface 1 a.

As shown in fig. 3, in the channel tube 10, the metal braid 3 and the treatment instrument T are separated from each other by a thickness T1 of the inner tube 1 or more with the inner tube 1 and the elastic body layer 2 interposed therebetween.

In particular, on the back side of the curved top portion of the inner tube 1, the metal wire 3a closest to the treatment instrument T and the elastic body layer 2 of the buried groove 1c are opposed to each other through the treatment instrument T.

Therefore, when the inner tube 1 is pressed by the metal wire 3a by an external force received from the treatment instrument T, the stress transmitted to the metal wire 3a by the deformation of the elastic body layer 2 in the groove 1c is reduced. For example, when the groove 1c is deformed toward the metal woven belt 3 as indicated by the two-dot chain line, the elastic body layer 2 is crushed, and the external force transmitted to the metal wire 3a and the reaction to the treatment instrument T are reduced. Thus, the soft elastomer layer 2 in the groove 1c functions as a cushion material (cushion).

As a result, since the sliding friction between the treatment instrument T and the inner circumferential surface 1a is reduced, the wear of the inner circumferential surface 1a can be suppressed from increasing.

Further, even if the wear of the inner peripheral surface 1a progresses, the metal wire 3a is not exposed until the thickness T1 is worn, and thus the sliding property with the treatment instrument T can be maintained.

In contrast, as shown in fig. 4, in the channel tube 210 of the comparative example, the metal wire 3b having the shortest distance between the braided metal band 203 and the treatment instrument T is separated from the treatment instrument T by a distance T2 (where T2< T1). The metal wire 3b faces the treatment instrument T with the inner tube 1 interposed from the inner peripheral surface 1a to the bottom of the groove 1c and without the elastic layer 2 interposed therebetween.

The inner tube 1 is harder than the elastomer layer 2 and has low cushioning properties. Therefore, the external force received from the treatment instrument T is more easily transmitted to the metal wire 3b than in the case of interposing the elastic layer 2. Therefore, since the reaction from the metal wire 3b is increased, the sliding friction of the treatment instrument T is increased as compared with the channel tube 10, and the abrasion of the inner peripheral surface 1a is promoted.

Since the wear margin of the inner peripheral surface 1a is only the thickness t2, the metal wire 3b is exposed in a shorter time than the passage tube 10. As a result, the sliding property with the treatment instrument T is deteriorated.

As described above, according to the passage tube 10 of the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce wear of the inner peripheral portion while maintaining flexibility and kink resistance. Further, according to the endoscope 100 of the present embodiment, durability can be improved by providing the channel tube 10.

[ 2 nd embodiment ]

Next, a tube for medical equipment according to embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described.

Fig. 5 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view showing a structural example of a medical device tube according to embodiment 2 of the present invention.

As shown in fig. 1, a channel tube 20 (tube for medical device) of the present embodiment can be used for the endoscope 100 of embodiment 1 in place of the channel tube 10 of embodiment 1.

As shown in fig. 5, the duct tube 20 includes an inner tube 11 and an outer layer portion L11 (outer layer) instead of the inner tube 1 and the outer layer portion L1 of the medical device tube 10 according to embodiment 1.

The following description focuses on differences from embodiment 1.

The inner pipe 11 includes a groove 11c instead of the groove 1c of the inner pipe 1 in embodiment 1. The groove 11c is a single spiral groove similar to the groove 1c, except that the cross-sectional shape is a V-shape.

The material of the inner pipe 11 can be selected from materials suitable for the inner pipe 1 of embodiment 1.

The outer layer portion L11 is made of an elastomer resin softer than the resin material (base material) of the inner layer tube 11. The outer layer portion L11 is divided into at least 2 layers, and includes a cushion layer L11A (the innermost layer of the outer layer) and a reinforcing layer L11B (the layer other than the innermost layer of the outer layer). In the example shown in fig. 5, the outer layer portion L1 is composed of a cushion layer L11A and a reinforcing layer L11B. For example, one or more layers made of an elastomer resin softer than the resin material of the inner tube 11 may be provided between the cushion layer L11A and the reinforcing layer L11B or on the reinforcing layer L11B.

The buffer layer L11A is a tubular layered portion surrounding the groove 11c and the outer peripheral surface 1b of the inner tube 11. The cushion layer L11A has an elastomer layer 12A made of an elastomer resin softer than the resin material of the inner tube 11. However, the metal braid 3 is not included inside the buffer layer L11A.

The elastomer layer 12A fills the groove 11c of the inner tube 11 and covers the outer peripheral surface 1b (outer periphery). The inner surface 12A of the elastomer layer 12A is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface 1b and the groove 11 c.

The outer peripheral surface 12b of the elastomer layer 12A is cylindrical surface-shaped coaxial with the central axis O.

The material of the elastomer layer 12A may be selected from materials suitable for the elastomer layer 2 in embodiment 1. The material of the elastomer layer 12A may be the same as or different from the material of the elastomer layer 2 in embodiment 1.

However, it is more preferable to use a material softer than the later-described elastomer layer 12B for the elastomer layer 12A.

The reinforcing layer L11B is a tubular layered portion that surrounds the cushion layer L11A from the outside. One or more intermediate layers made of an elastomer resin may be interposed between the reinforcing layer L11B and the cushion layer L11A. Further, one or more outer layers made of an elastomer resin may be laminated outside the reinforcing layer L11B.

In the example shown in fig. 5, the reinforcing layer L11B is closely laminated on the outer peripheral surface 12b of the cushion layer L11A, and forms the outermost layer of the passage tube 20.

The reinforcement layer L11B has an elastomer layer 12B made of an elastomer resin softer than the resin material of the inner tube 11. The inner circumferential surface 12c of the elastomer layer 12B is in close contact with the outer circumferential surface 12B of the elastomer layer 12A. The outer peripheral surface 12d of the elastomer layer 12B is cylindrical surface-shaped coaxial with the central axis O.

The material of the elastomer layer 12B may be selected from materials suitable for the elastomer layer 2 in embodiment 1. The material of the elastic body layer 12B may be the same as or different from the material of the elastic body layer 2 in embodiment 1, as long as it is different from the material of the elastic body layer 12A.

However, it is more preferable to use a material softer than the elastomer layer 12A for the elastomer layer 12B.

The same metal braid 3 as in embodiment 1 is embedded in the elastic body layer 12B. Therefore, the elastic body layer 12B penetrates the gap of the metal braided band 3. The elastic body layer 12B forms a layer portion continuous from the outer peripheral surface 12d to the inner peripheral surface 12c except for the portion excluded by the metal braided band 3.

With this configuration, the metal braided band 3 is integrated with the elastic body layer 12B inside the elastic body layer 12B.

As an example, the metal braided band 3 shown in fig. 5 is disposed in contact with the outer peripheral surface 12b of the elastic body layer 12A. However, a layer portion composed only of the elastic body layer 12B may be formed at least in a part between the metal braided band 3 and the outer peripheral surface 12B.

Since the metal braided strap 3 of the present embodiment is disposed only inside the reinforcing layer L11B, it is disposed only in a portion other than the groove 11c inside the outer layer portion L11.

In order to manufacture such a passage tube 20, the inner tube 11 is prepared in the same manner as in embodiment 1. Then, the buffer layer L11A is formed on the outer peripheral surface 11b of the inner pipe 11 and the surface of the groove 11c by, for example, extrusion molding.

Then, the elastic body layer 12B is formed by extrusion molding in a state where the metal braided band 3 is disposed on the outer peripheral surface 12B.

Thus, the passage tube 20 is manufactured.

The channel tube 20 is different from the groove 1c according to embodiment 1 in that the sectional shape of the groove 11c in the inner tube 11 is not particularly limited in that the groove has a V-shaped sectional shape. In the tunnel tube 20, the metal braid 3 and the reinforcing layer L11B are disposed in the reinforcing layer L11B with the cushion layer L11A interposed therebetween, which is different from the metal braid 3 disposed only in a portion other than the groove 1c in the inner layer portion L1 of the elastomer layer 2 according to the above-described embodiment 1. Further, according to the duct 20, since the material of the elastic layers 12A and 12B is different, the outer layer portion L11 is constituted by at least 2 layers, which is different from the outer layer portion L1 according to embodiment 1 described above in that only the elastic layer 2 is provided.

However, even if the groove shape of the groove 11c is V-shaped, the inner pipe 11 having flexibility equivalent to that of the inner pipe 1 can be formed by appropriately adjusting the groove width, depth, turning pitch, and the like. The groove 11c is filled with an elastomer layer 12A softer than the material of the inner tube 11, and a reinforcing layer L11B having a metal braided band 3 is laminated outside the cushion layer L11A.

Therefore, according to the channel tube 20 of the present embodiment, as in embodiment 1, it is possible to reduce wear of the inner peripheral portion while maintaining flexibility and kink resistance.

In particular, in the present embodiment, since the elastic body layer 12A is also disposed on the outer peripheral surface 1b of the inner tube 11, cushioning properties due to deformation of the elastic body layer 12A are also provided on the outer peripheral surface 1 b. Therefore, the external force from the treatment instrument is not easily transmitted to the metal wire on the outer peripheral surface 1b, in addition to the metal wire on the groove 11 c. As a result, the wear of the inner circumferential surface 1a can be further reduced.

According to the channel tube 20, since the buffer layer L11A is provided, the external force applied from the outside to the reinforcing layer L11B is dispersed by the metal braid 3, and then further dispersed by the buffer property of the elastomer layer 12A, and the stress is relaxed. Therefore, the pressing force applied to the passage tube 20 from the outside is also less likely to be transmitted to the inner tube 11. Therefore, even when the treatment instrument is slid in a state where a pressing force is applied from the outside of the channel tube 20, local abrasion caused by a hard member such as the treatment instrument sliding on the inner peripheral surface 1a can be reduced.

In the passage tube 20, the type of the elastomer resin used for filling the grooves 11c and the type of the elastomer resin used for arranging the metal braid 3 may be different. Therefore, for example, by using a softer material for the elastomer layer 12A, the cushioning effect can be improved. By using a harder material for the elastomer layer 12B, the strength of the outermost portion can be improved.

Further, since the passage tube 20 is manufactured by disposing the braided metal band 3 after the outer periphery of the inner tube 11 is covered with the elastomer layer 12A, it is possible to prevent a part of the braided metal band 3 from being disposed in the groove 11c due to manufacturing variations and the like.

[ 1 st modification ]

A tube for medical equipment according to a modification (1 st modification) of embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described.

Fig. 6 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view showing a structural example of a medical device tube according to a modification (1 st modification) of embodiment 2 of the present invention.

As shown in fig. 1, a channel tube 30 (a tube for medical equipment) of the present modification can be used for the endoscope 100 of embodiment 1 in place of the channel tube 10 of embodiment 1.

As shown in fig. 6, the passage tube 30 has an inner tube 21 instead of the inner tube 11 of the medical device tube 20 according to embodiment 2.

The following description focuses on differences between the present modification and embodiment 2.

The inner pipe 21 has grooves 21c instead of the grooves 11c of the inner pipe 11 in embodiment 2. The grooves 21c are formed in a mesh shape in which two spiral grooves having different turning directions intersect each other. The groove 21c has a V-shaped cross section.

The convolution angles of the two helical flutes may be different from each other, but in the example shown in fig. 6, the convolution angles are equal to each other. The intersecting positions of the spiral grooves are on a straight line parallel to the central axis O, which is opposed to each other in the radial direction. However, the crossing position of the spiral grooves is not limited thereto.

The duct 30 is different from the duct 20 only in the shape of the groove 21c in the inner tube 21, and therefore can be manufactured in the same manner as in embodiment 2 except that the inner tube 21 is prepared instead of the inner tube 11.

According to the passage tube 30, the same function as the passage tube 20 of embodiment 2 is provided except that the shape of the groove 21c is different.

Therefore, according to the passage tube 30 of the present modification, as in embodiment 2, it is possible to reduce wear of the inner peripheral portion while maintaining flexibility and kink resistance.

In the above embodiment 1, the case where the metal braid 3 is disposed on the outer peripheral surface 1b of the inner pipe 1 has been described as an example. However, in embodiment 1, only the layer portion of the elastic body layer 2 may be formed between the outer peripheral surface 1b and the metal braided band 3. For example, the elastic body layer 2 may be formed in a state where the metal braided band 3 is disposed away from the outer peripheral surface 1b, or the elastic body layer 2 may be formed in two layers as in embodiment 2.

According to such a configuration, since only the cushion layer of the elastic body layer 2 is formed between the metal braid 3 and the outer circumferential surface 1b, the same operation as that of embodiment 2 is provided due to the cushion property of the elastic body layer 2 between the metal braid 3 and the outer circumferential surface 1b, as in embodiment 2.

In the above description of embodiment 2, the buffer layer L11A is used as an example to fill the groove 11c and cover the outer circumferential surface 1 b. However, the buffer layer L11A may fill only the groove 11 c. In this case, although the configuration is substantially the same as that of embodiment 1, the types of the elastomer resin of the filling groove 11c and the elastomer resin including the metal braided band 3 are different, and therefore the elastomer resin to be used can be optimized according to the respective applications.

[ examples ]

Next, examples 1 to 3 of the medical device tube corresponding to the above-described embodiments 1 and 2 and modification 1 will be described together with comparative examples 1 and 2.

[ example 1]

Example 1 is an example corresponding to the passage tube 10 (see fig. 1) of embodiment 1 described above.

The inner tube 1 of example 1 is configured such that a groove 1c formed of a single spiral groove is formed in the outer peripheral surface 1b of a cylindrical tube having an inner diameter of 3.2mm and a wall thickness of 0.4 mm.

The cross-sectional shape of the groove 1c is a semicircle having a radius of 0.2 mm. The pitch of the grooves 1c was set to 0.8 mm.

As the material of the inner tube 1, polytetrafluoroethylene was used.

The thickness of the outer layer portion L1 from the outer peripheral surface 1b was set to 0.3 mm. As the material of the outer layer portion L1, fluororubber was used.

The metal braid 3 is formed by twirling a piano wire having a diameter of 0.1 mm. The conditions of the knitting method of the metal braided strap 3 are a holding count (ち count) 1, a beating count (ち count) 16, and 30 PPI.

The passage tube 10 of example 1 was fabricated in the following manner.

After the inner tube 1 is prepared, the inner tube 1 is subjected to surface treatment by plasma irradiation. Then, the outer peripheral portion of the inner tube 1 was coated with a fluororubber so as to have a layer thickness of 0.3mm by extrusion molding with the metal braid 3 disposed thereon. The metal braided belt 3 is arranged outside the outer peripheral surface 1b without entering the groove 1 c.

[ example 2]

Example 2 is an example corresponding to the passage tube 20 (see fig. 2) of embodiment 2 described above.

The inner pipe 11 in example 2 is configured such that a groove 11c is formed in the outer peripheral surface 1b of the same cylindrical pipe as in example 1.

The cross-sectional shape of the groove 11c is an isosceles triangle having an opening width of 0.4mm and a depth of 0.2 mm. The pitch of the grooves 11c was set to 0.8mm, as in example 1.

The outer diameter of the outer peripheral surface 11b of the cushion layer L11A is set to 4.2 mm. Silicon rubber was used as the material of the buffer layer L11A.

The reinforcing layer L11B is configured in the same manner as the outer layer portion L1 of example 1, except that it is laminated on the outer circumferential surface 11 b.

The channel tube 20 of example 2 was manufactured in the same manner as in example 1, except that the inner tube 11 was used instead of the inner tube 1, and after the cushion layer L11A was formed on the inner tube 11 by extrusion molding, the reinforcing layer L11B was formed in the same manner as in example 1.

(example 3)

Example 3 is an example corresponding to the passage tube 30 (see fig. 3) of modification 1 of embodiment 2 described above. The channel tube 30 of example 3 is configured in the same manner as in example 2, except that the inner tube 21 having the groove 21c is used instead of the inner tube 11.

The cross-sectional shape of the groove 21c is an isosceles triangle having an opening width of 0.2mm and a depth of 0.2 mm. The groove 21c has a pitch of 0.8mm and is formed of 2 spiral grooves which are turned oppositely to each other.

The channel tube 30 of example 3 was produced in the same manner as in example 2, except that the inner tube 21 was used instead of the inner tube 11.

Comparative example 1

Comparative example 1 is an example in which the groove 1c was eliminated in example 1. The following description will focus on differences from example 1.

Fig. 7 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view showing a structural example of the medical device tube of comparative example 1. As shown in fig. 7, the passage tube 40 of comparative example 1 includes an inner tube 31 instead of the inner tube 1 of example 1.

The inner tube 31 is a cylindrical tube having an inner diameter of 3.2mm and a wall thickness of 0.4mm, and the outer peripheral surface 31b of the inner tube 31 is a smooth cylindrical surface. Therefore, the outer layer portion L31 (outer layer) in this embodiment includes the elastic body layer 2 made of fluororubber having a thickness of 0.3mm from the outer peripheral surface 31b, and the metal braided belt 3 arranged on the outer peripheral surface 31b in the same manner as in embodiment 1.

The channel tube 40 of comparative example 1 was produced in the same manner as in example 1, except that the inner tube 31 was used instead of the inner tube 1.

Comparative example 2

As shown in fig. 7, the passage tube 50 of comparative example 2 includes an inner tube 41 instead of the inner tube 31 of the passage tube 40 of comparative example 1.

The inner pipe 41 is configured in the same manner as the inner pipe 31 of comparative example 1, except that the thickness is 0.2 mm.

The duct 50 of comparative example 2 was produced in the same manner as in comparative example 1, except that the inner tube 41 was used instead of the inner tube 31.

[ evaluation ]

The test specimens of the channel tubes of examples 1 to 3 and comparative examples 1 and 2 were evaluated for wear resistance, flexibility, and outer diameter of the channel tube.

The evaluation results are shown in the following [ table 1 ].

TABLE 1

[ abrasion resistance ]

It can be said that the smaller the amount of wear of the surface of the inner tube caused by insertion and removal of a treatment instrument such as forceps, the better the channel tube. Therefore, after a test in which the forceps were repeatedly inserted and removed from the test specimen of the bent channel tube, the amount of wear of the worn portion was evaluated.

Fig. 8 is a schematic view showing a test method for evaluating wear resistance.

In the wear resistance evaluation, as shown in fig. 8, the test sample S is wound around a cylindrical winding jig 60 having a curvature radius R of 9(mm) for half a circumference and held in a state bent at 180 °. A columnar pressing jig 61 having an outer diameter D of 1.6(mm) is pressed against the bent portion of the test sample S with a pressing force F of 1 (N). The pressing jig 61 presses the top of the convex curved portion of the test sample S toward the center of the winding jig 60 in a direction parallel to the linear portion of the test sample S.

In this state, the biopsy forceps 62 are inserted from the end of the test sample S. The biopsy forceps 62 is inserted and removed so as to reciprocate at a speed of 30mm/sec within the range of the bending portion of the test specimen S. FB-25K (trade name; manufactured by Olympus, Inc.) was used as the biopsy forceps 62.

The biopsy forceps 62 were inserted and removed 10000 times for each sample S, with 1 round trip being 1 time. Then, the sample S is cut into a circular piece, and the amount of wear of the worn portion by the biopsy forceps 62 is measured using a microscope.

The abrasion resistance was evaluated as "excellent" when the abrasion loss was less than 0.01mm ("AA" (very good) in table 1); when the thickness is 0.01mm or more and less than 0.05mm, the thickness is "good" (a (good) in table 1); when the thickness is 0.05mm or more, "defective" (no good "in [ table 1 ]).

[ flexibility ]

The flexibility was evaluated by the amount of penetration required to bend the test sample S by three-point bending.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing a test method for flexibility evaluation.

As shown in fig. 9, in order to form the fulcrum at both ends, the two pulleys 64A and 64B having a radius of 5mm are disposed at equal heights by spacing L2 equal to 100 (mm). The sample S is placed on the pulleys 64A and 64B. The contact portion 65a of the push-pull gauge 65 contacts a portion located in the middle of the pulleys 64A, 64B from above. A pulley having a radius of 5mm is provided on the contact portion 65 a. The push-pull gauge 65 is pressed downward at a speed of 20mm/sec with a stroke of 40 mm. At this time, the peak value of the pushing-in force is measured by the push-pull gauge 65.

As evaluation criteria, when the peak value of the pressing force is less than 0.6N, it is set as "good" (AA (front good) in [ table 1 ]), when it is not less than 0.6N and less than 0.7N, it is set as "good" (a (good) in [ table 1 ]), and when it is not less than 0.7N, it is set as "bad" (C (no good) in [ table 1 ]).

[ evaluation results ]

As shown in table 1, the results of the evaluation of examples 1 to 3 were all "a" or "AA" in terms of abrasion resistance and flexibility, and therefore the overall evaluation was "good" (a "(good) in table 1).

The abrasion resistance was particularly excellent in example 2. In example 2, the cushioning layer L11A disposed inside the metal braid 3 functions as a cushioning layer, and therefore, it is considered that the abrasion resistance is improved as compared with example 1.

The flexibility is particularly excellent in example 3 in which the groove 21c of the inner pipe 21 has a structure in which 2 helical grooves intersect (hereinafter referred to as a double helical groove). In example 3, the number of grooves and the volume were increased by forming the double spiral groove, and as a result, the double spiral groove was easily bent, and the flexibility was improved as compared with examples 1 to 2.

While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above together with examples, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and examples. Addition, omission, replacement, and other changes in configuration may be made within the scope not departing from the spirit of the present invention.

The present invention is not limited by the above description, but is only limited by the appended claims.

Industrial applicability

According to the above-described embodiment and modification, it is possible to provide a medical tube capable of reducing abrasion of an inner peripheral portion while maintaining flexibility and kink resistance, and to provide a medical apparatus capable of improving durability by including the medical tube.

Description of the reference symbols

1. 11, 21, 31 inner layer pipe

1a inner peripheral surface

1b, 11b outer peripheral surface

1c, 11c, 21c groove

2. 12A, 12B elastomer layer

3 Metal braided belt (braided belt)

3a Metal wire (Metal wire)

10. 20, 30 channel tube (tube for medical equipment)

100 endoscope (medical equipment)

106 treatment tool insertion part

L1, L11, L31 outer layer part (outer layer)

L11A buffer layer (innermost of the outer layers)

L11B reinforcing layer (layer other than the innermost of the outer layers)

Central axis of O

T-treatment instrument

The claims (modification according to treaty clause 19)

(modified) a tube for medical equipment, comprising:

an inner tube having a groove on an outer circumferential surface thereof, the groove being not parallel to an axial direction, the inner tube being made of an elastomer or a resin having flexibility;

an outer layer that fills the groove of the inner pipe and covers the outer periphery of the inner pipe, the outer layer being made of an elastomer resin softer than the base material of the inner pipe; and

a braided band disposed only at a portion other than the groove in the outer layer, the braided band being formed of a metal wire,

the outer layer is divided into at least 2 layers,

the innermost layer is the layer that fills the groove of the inner tube,

the braided band is disposed only in a layer other than the innermost layer.

(modified) the tube for medical device according to claim 1, wherein,

the inner layer pipe is made of Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

(modified) the tube for medical device according to claim 1, wherein,

the outer layer is made of fluororubber.

(modified) a medical device having the tube for a medical device according to claim 1.

(modified) the medical device of claim 4, wherein,

the medical device is an endoscope.

(deletion)

Statement or declaration (modification according to treaty clause 19)

In claim 1, as shown in the attached part, the structure of the "tube for medical device" is modified to be clear according to the description of claim 2 at the time of international application. Claim 2 at the time of filing is therefore deleted.

Claims 2 to 5 are renumbered in the order of claims 3 to 6 in the international application, and are substantially the same as the contents described in these claims.