Patent Publication Number: US-2022225858-A1

Title: Endoscope and manufacturing method for endoscope

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation application of PCT/JP2019/040318 filed on Oct. 11, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by this reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to an endoscope and, more particularly, to a structure of an end portion of an endoscope insertion section and a manufacturing method for the endoscope. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     In recent years, in a medical field, an industrial field, and the like, an endoscope configured to enable an operator to, by inserting an insertion section having an elongated tube shape into a body cavity or the like of a subject, observe a desired test target site in the body cavity or the like has been widely used. 
     An endoscope insertion section in the endoscope of this type generally includes a bending section that is capable of actively bending with bending operation performed on an operation member of an operation section and a flexible tube that receives an external force to passively bend. 
     As a conventional endoscope insertion section, for example, an endoscope insertion section of a so-called torque tube form formed by a three-layer structure including a tubular inner layer resin tube, a metal net wire (a braid) having a tube shape covering an outer surface of the inner layer resin tube, and an outer layer resin tube covering an outer surface of the metal net wire has been widely adopted. If such an endoscope insertion section of the three-layer structure is adopted, it is possible to realize a configuration having satisfactory transmissivity of rotation torque while maintaining a desired small diameter of the endoscope insertion section. 
     In the endoscope insertion section of the conventional type having such a configuration, as contrivance for realizing a thinner configuration while keeping initial performance, a member less easily bonded by an adhesive in nature (for example, a thermosetting member) is sometimes adopted as the outer layer resin tube. 
     On the other hand, in the conventional endoscope insertion section, for measures against static electricity and measures against unnecessary radiation of electromagnetic waves, for example, an endoscope insertion section adopting a configuration for dropping the metal net wire to a ground of an endoscope system including an endoscope to secure electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) has been widely adopted. 
     For example, an endoscope disclose by International Publication No. 2014/168000 includes a treatment instrument channel, a center of which is disposed in any one quadrant of an orthogonal coordinate system having a center of an insertion section as an origin, and a plurality of small signal cables, a center of each of which is disposed, in a bending section, in a quadrant different from the quadrant in which the treatment instrument channel is disposed of quadrants divided by one axis Y of the orthogonal coordinate system extending in an up-down direction in which the bending section bends. With this configuration, the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) is secured and a plurality of cables are efficiently disposed not to buckle in the bending section to reduce the insertion section in diameter. 
     For example, as disclosed by Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2004-329857 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2011-67384, in order to fix an end portion of an endoscope insertion section to a predetermined part on an inside of an operation section, work for peeling, for example, a part of an outer layer resin tube to expose a metal net wire and applying fixing by bonding, soldering, or the like is performed. Then, work for securing a ground by, for example, binding the metal net wire and screwing the metal net wire to a terminal or soldering another lead wire to the metal net wire is performed. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An endoscope according to an aspect of the present invention includes: an endoscope insertion section in which a resin layer is formed in an outer circumference of a net-like pipe made of metal formed along a longitudinal axis; and a conductive member, a part of one side edge portion of which pierces through the resin layer and comes into contact with the net-like pipe to conduct electricity, wherein at the one side edge portion of the conductive member, a pointed portion that cuts a part of the resin layer and comes into contact with the net-like pipe is formed. 
     A manufacturing method for an endoscope according to an aspect of the present invention includes: forming a resin layer in an outer circumference of a net-like pipe made of metal; cutting a part of the resin layer with a pointed portion formed in a part of a conductive member; and bringing the pointed portion into contact with the net-like pipe to conduct electricity. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of an endoscope of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a plan view (a view in a direction indicated by an arrow sign [ 2 ] in  FIG. 1 ) showing an operation section of the endoscope shown in  FIG. 1 : 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view enlarging and showing an end portion of an endoscope insertion section in a first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is an assembly perspective view showing the end portion of the endoscope insertion section in the first embodiment of the present invention: 
         FIG. 5  is a sectional view taken along a cut section indicated by a sign [ 5 ] and indicated using an alternate long and two short dashes line in  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is an assembly perspective view enlarging and showing an end portion of an endoscope insertion section in a second embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a sectional view taken along a cut section indicated by a sign [ 7 ] and indicated using an alternate long and two short dashes line in  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a plan view in an arrow sign [ 8 ] direction in  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a plan view of an end portion of an endoscope insertion section in a third embodiment of the present invention viewed from an upper surface (a view in an arrow sign [ 9 ] direction in  FIG. 10 ): 
         FIG. 10  is a longitudinal sectional view of the end portion of the endoscope insertion section in the third embodiment of the present invention: 
         FIG. 11  is an assembly perspective view enlarging and showing an end portion of an endoscope insertion section in a fourth embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12  is an exploded perspective view showing the end portion of the endoscope insertion section in the fourth embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13  is a plan view extracting, enlarging, and showing only a conductive member in the fourth embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 14  is a plan view in an arrow sign [ 14 ] direction in  FIG. 11 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     In general, in the conventional endoscopes disclosed by International Publication No. 2014/168000, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2004-329857, and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2011-67384 described above and the like, time and cost are required for work relating to a manufacturing process. Therefore, there is a strong demand for simplification and omission of these kinds of work. 
     According to embodiments of the present invention explained below, it is possible to provide an endoscope inexpensive and excellent in electric safety in which, when an endoscope insertion section is fixed to a predetermined position of an operation section, the endoscope insertion section can be easily fixed by only simple assembly work and conductivity between an endoscope system and a metal net wire can be secured in a simple configuration and a stable state. 
     The present invention is explained below with reference to illustrated embodiments. 
     The respective drawings used for the following explanation are schematically shown. In order to show respective components in degrees of sizes recognizable on the drawings, dimension relations, scales, and the like of respective members are sometimes differentiated for each of the components and shown. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to only illustrated forms concerning quantities of the respective components, shapes of the respective components, ratios of sizes of the respective components, relative positional relations among the respective components, and the like described in the respective drawings. 
     First, a schematic configuration about an endoscope of the present invention is briefly explained below with reference to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 1  is a plan view showing the schematic configuration of the endoscope of the present invention.  FIG. 2  is a plan view showing an operation section of the endoscope shown in  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 2  is a view in a direction indicated by an arrow sign [ 2 ] in  FIG. 1 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , an endoscope  1  includes an endoscope insertion section (hereinafter simply abbreviated as insertion section)  2  formed in an elongated shape and an operation section  3  connected on a proximal end side of the insertion section  2 . The endoscope  1  is, for example, an illustration of an endoscope for renal pelvis and urinary organs (nephroscope). 
     The insertion section  2  is configured by a tubular member having flexibility. The insertion section  2  is configured by consecutively connecting a distal end portion  6 , a bending section  7 , and a flexible tube section  8  in order from a distal end side along a longitudinal axis (hereinafter referred to as major axis) Ax. 
     Inside the distal end portion  6 , although illustration is omitted, an image pickup unit for observing a test target site in a subject and picking up an image, an illumination unit that irradiates a region including the test target site with illumination light, and the like are disposed. Note that detailed explanation is omitted about a configuration of the distal end portion  6  assuming that the distal end portion  6  has the same configuration as a distal end portion of an insertion section of a conventional endoscope of the same type. 
     The bending section  7  is a bending mechanism that is formed by a plurality of bending pieces coupled along the major axis Ax and is actively bent by a predetermined bending mechanism (not shown). Note that detailed explanation is omitted about a configuration of the bending section  7  as well assuming that the bending section  7  has the same configuration as a bending section of the conventional endoscope of the same type. 
     The flexible tube section  8  is configured by a tubular member having flexibility capable of passively bending. Although illustration is omitted, a plurality of bending wires included in the bending mechanism, a signal cable extended from the image pickup unit of the distal end portion  6 , a light guide that supplies illumination light to the illumination unit of the distal end portion  6 , a treatment instrument insertion channel, and the like are inserted through an inside of the flexible tube section  8 . 
     A main part of the operation section  3  is configured by a bending preventing portion  30 , a grasping section  31 , an operation section main body  32 , and the like. 
     The bending preventing portion  30  is disposed to cover an outer surface of a connecting portion of a proximal end of the flexible tube section  8  of the insertion section  2  and a distal end of the operation section  3 . Consequently, the bending preventing portion  30  prevents forced bending near a proximal end portion of the flexible tube section  8 . 
     The grasping section  31  is a part grasped by, for example, fingers of a user. The grasping section  31  is connected to a proximal end of the bending preventing portion  30 . The grasping section  31  is formed to have a shape for enabling the user to grasp and operate the grasping section  31  with either a left hand or a right hand. 
     A treatment instrument insertion section  35  is formed in a part close to a distal end of the grasping section  31 . The treatment instrument insertion section  35  is formed to include a treatment instrument insertion port  35   a  communicating with a treatment instrument insertion channel (not shown). The treatment instrument insertion port  35   a  is an opening into which various kinds of treatment instruments are inserted. Consequently, the treatment instruments are inserted into and removed from the treatment instrument insertion channel through the treatment instrument insertion port  35   a.    
     The operation section main body  32  is connected to a proximal end side of the grasping section  31 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , a universal cord  4  is extended from a side surface of the operation section main body  32 . An endoscope connector and the like (not shown) are provided at a distal end of the universal cord  4 . 
     An operation button group  40  for performing various kinds of operation of the endoscope  1  is provided on one side surface side of the operation section main body  32 . The operation button group  40  includes, for example, a suction button  41  and a button switch  42 . 
     The suction button  41  is an operation member detachably attachable to a suction cylinder  43  (see  FIG. 2 ) provided in the operation section main body  32 . The button switch  42  is, for example, a plurality of operation members of a push button type. Any functions desired by the user among various functions concerning the endoscope  1  can be allocated to the plurality of operation members of the button switch  42 . 
     An operation lever member  45  in a bending operation device (not shown; present inside the operation section  3 ) for performing active bending operation for the bending section  7  is provided on another side surface of the operation section main body  32 . The operation lever member  45  is mainly configured by a finger rest section  46  and a lever  45 . Although illustration is omitted, a proximal end of the lever  45  is axially supported to be tiltable in up-down and left-right directions with a spindle  45   j  as a rotation center axis with respect to an internal fixing section of the operation section  3 . The finger rest section  46  is fixed to a distal end of the lever  45 . 
     The lever  45  is configured to be able to be tilted in directions indicated by arrow signs U, D, R, and L shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2  and intermediate directions of the directions by a finger of the user pressed against the finger rest section  46 . Tilting operation of the lever  45  is operation associated with the bending operation of the bending section  7 . Note that detailed explanation is omitted about the other components of the operation section  3  assuming that the other components are the same as the other components of the operation section of the conventional endoscope of the same type. 
     In the endoscope  1  configured as explained above, one end portion of the insertion section  2  is guided into the inside of the operation section  3  and fixed using predetermined means on the inside of the operation section  3 . 
     First Embodiment 
     Structure of an end portion of an endoscope insertion section in a first embodiment of the present invention is explained below with reference to  FIG. 3  to  FIG. 5 . 
     Note that the respective embodiments of the present invention relate to, in an endoscope insertion section, structure of an end portion on a side different from an end portion where a distal end portion is provided, the end portion being an end portion on a side guided into an inside of an operation section. 
       FIG. 3  to  FIG. 5  are diagrams enlarging and showing the end portion of the endoscope insertion section in the first embodiment of the present invention. Among the figures,  FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view showing the end portion of the endoscope insertion section in the present embodiment.  FIG. 4  is an assembly perspective view showing the end portion of the endoscope insertion section in the present embodiment.  FIG. 5  is a sectional view taken along a cut section indicated by a sign [ 5 ] and indicated using an alternate long and two short dashes line in  FIG. 4 . 
     A pipe sleeve  51  into which a part of the insertion section  2  is inserted and a conductive member  52  are disposed at an end portion of the insertion section  2  of an endoscope in the present embodiment. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , the insertion section  2  is formed by a torque tube form of three-layer structure by a tubular inner layer resin tube  2   a , a tubular net-like pipe  2   b  made of metal, and a tubular outer layer resin tube  2   c  and is formed in an elongated tube shape as a whole. 
     The inner layer resin tube  2   a  is a tubular member made of resin and having flexibility, through an inside of which an image pickup signal cable, a control cable, and the like are inserted. 
     The net-like pipe  2   b  made of metal covers an outer surface of the inner layer resin tube  2   a  and is formed in a tubular shape along the major axis Ax. The net-like pipe  2   b  is formed by braiding a thin wire material made of metal in a tubular shape and is provided between the outer surface of the inner layer resin tube  2   a  and an inner surface of the outer layer resin tube  2   c.    
     The outer layer resin tube  2   c  is a tubular resin layer made of resin and having flexibility that covers an outer circumference of the net-like pipe  2   b.    
     The pipe sleeve  51  is formed to include an insertion hole  51   c  through which a part of the insertion section  2  is inserted, a cutout  51   b , and a screw hole  51   a . Illustration of the pipe sleeve  51  itself is omitted. However, the pipe sleeve  51  is a connecting member fixed to a fixing portion (not shown) on the inside of the operation section  3  using predetermined fixing means (not shown: for example, screw fastening or bonding). 
     The cutout  51   b  is formed such that a part of a side surface of the insertion section  2  can be visually recognized in a state in which the insertion section  2  is inserted into the insertion hole  51   c  of the pipe sleeve  51 . 
     The screw hole  51   a  corresponds to a screw  52   a  for fixing the conductive member  52  to the pipe sleeve  51  when the conductive member  52  is inserted into the cutout  51   b  and disposed in a predetermined position in the cutout  51   b . Therefore, the screw hole  51   a  is formed in a predetermined position near the cutout  51   b.    
     The conductive member  52  is a plate-like member having, for example, a shape and a size insertable into the cutout  51   b  and formed using, for example, a metal member. The conductive member  52  includes a proximal end portion having the screw hole  51   a  and a slope  52   s  formed to incline from the proximal end portion to a distal end side. Further, in the conductive member  52 , a pointed portion  52   b  is formed at one side edge portion which is a part of a circumferential edge portion of the slope  52   s . The pointed portion  52   b  is formed to cut a part of the outer layer resin tube  2   c  (a resin layer) to come into contact with the net-like pipe  2   b  when the conductive member  52  is inserted into the cutout  51   b  and disposed in the predetermined position in the cutout  51   b . Therefore, the pointed portion  52   b  is formed thin and sharp and formed in a so-called edge shape to, for example, cut the outer layer resin tube  2   c  and reach the net-like pipe  2   b.    
     An earth cable  53  functioning as an earth section electrically earthed to an endoscope system (not shown) including the endoscope  1  is connected and fixed to the conductive member  52  using soldering or the like. The earth cable  53  is extended from the operation section  3  to the endoscope system (not shown) through the universal cord  4 . 
     With such a configuration, when the conductive member  52  is inserted into the cutout  51   b  and disposed in the predetermined position in the cutout  51   b , electrical conductivity is secured between the net-like pipe  2   b  and the endoscope system (not shown) through the conductive member  52  and the earth cable  53 . 
     When the conductive member  52  is inserted into the cutout  51   b  and disposed in the predetermined position in the cutout  51   b , the conductive member  52  is fixed to the pipe sleeve  51  using the screw  52   a , which is a fastening member. At this time, the conductive member  52  is in a state in which the pointed portion  52   b  cuts a part of the outer layer resin tube  2   c  and is in contact with the net-like pipe  2   b . At this time, the conductive member  52  is in a state in which the pointed portion  52   b  cuts and bites into a part of the outer layer resin tube  2   c  to be fixed to the insertion section  2 . In other words, the conductive member  52  is in a state in which a part of the pointed portion  52   b  pierces through the outer layer resin tube  2   c  and comes into contact with the net-like pipe  2   b  and is fixed to the insertion section  2 . 
     Further, when the conductive member  52  is inserted into the cutout  51   b  and disposed in the predetermined position in the cutout  51   b , as shown in  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5 , a surface S including the slope  52   s  as a part thereof is disposed to cross (that is, nonparallelly to) the major axis Ax. The pointed portion  52   b  is formed such that an axis Y 1  extending along the pointed portion  52   b  and a plane orthogonal to the major axis Ax are parallel. 
     In other words, when the conductive member  52  is inserted into the cutout  51   b  and disposed in the predetermined position in the cutout  51   b , the conductive member  52  is disposed in the cutout  51   b  such that the surface S including the slope  52   s  as a part thereof and the major axis Ax cross at a predetermined angle. 
     More specifically, for example, a case in which the conductive member  52  is disposed with respect to the insertion section  2  such that the surface S has an angle of approximately 45 degrees with respect to the major axis Ax is illustrated. 
     The other components of the endoscope  1  are substantially the same as components of a conventional endoscope generally put to practical use. 
     An end portion of the insertion section  2  in the present embodiment configured as explained above is assembled, for example, in a procedure explained below. 
     First, a part of the end portion of the insertion section  2  is inserted into the insertion hole  51   c  of the pipe sleeve  51 . A part of the insertion section  2  is disposed in a predetermined part of the pipe sleeve  51 . 
     Subsequently, the conductive member  52  is inserted into the cutout  51   b  of the pipe sleeve  51 . At this time, the pointed portion  52   b  at one side edge portion of the conductive member  52  is disposed to cut a part of the outer layer resin tube  2   c  of the insertion section  2  and thereafter come into contact with the net-like pipe  2   b  of the insertion section  2 . In this state, the conductive member  52  is fixed to the pipe sleeve  51  by, for example, the screw  52   a.    
     The earth cable  53  is connected and fixed to the conductive member  52  using soldering or the like. Therefore, as explained above, the conductive member  52  and the net-like pipe  2   b  of the insertion section  2  are set in a contact state, whereby the net-like pipe  2   b  and the endoscope system (not shown) are in an electrically conductive state through the conductive member  52  and the earth cable  53 . 
     As explained above, according to the first embodiment, the endoscope  1  includes the insertion section  2  in which the outer layer resin tube  2   c  (the resin layer) is formed in the outer circumference of the net-like pipe  2   b  made of metal formed along the major axis Ax, the pipe sleeve  51  into which a part of the insertion section  2  is inserted, the cutout  51   b  formed in the pipe sleeve  51 , and the conductive member  52  inserted into the cutout  51   b , the pointed portion  52   b  at one side edge portion of the conductive member  52  coming into contact with the net-like pipe  2   b  to conduct electricity. 
     With this configuration, in the present embodiment, it is possible to set, with a simple configuration, the conductive member  52  and the net-like pipe  2   b  of the insertion section  2  in the contact state. Consequently, it is possible to easily secure an electrically conductive state between the net-like pipe  2   b  and the endoscope system (not shown). 
     With the configuration in the present embodiment, compared with a conventional product, it is possible to simplify structure and contribute to simplification of a manufacturing process. Therefore, it is possible to contribute to a reduction in manufacturing cost as well. 
     Second Embodiment 
     Next, an endoscope in a second embodiment of the present invention is explained below with reference to  FIG. 6  to  FIG. 8 . 
       FIG. 6  to  FIG. 8  are diagrams enlarging and showing an end portion of an endoscope insertion section in the second embodiment of the present invention. Among the figure,  FIG. 6  is an assembly perspective view showing the end portion of the endoscope insertion section in the present embodiment.  FIG. 7  is a sectional view taken along a cut section indicated by a sign [ 7 ] and indicated using an alternate long and two short dashes line in  FIG. 6 .  FIG. 8  is a plan view in an arrow sign [ 8 ] direction in  FIG. 7 . 
     A basic configuration in the present embodiment is substantially the same as the basic configuration in the first embodiment explained above. The present embodiment is only different in that the endoscope further includes an adhesive  54  as a fixing member for fixing the conductive member  52  to the insertion section  2 . Therefore, the same components as the components in the first embodiment explained above are denoted by the same reference numerals and signs and explanation of the components is omitted. 
     In the present embodiment, the conductive member  52  is fixed to the insertion section  2  using the adhesive  54 , which is the fixing member. 
     Therefore, the adhesive  54  is charged in the cutout  51   b  when the conductive member  52  is inserted into the cutout  51   b  of the pipe sleeve  51  and disposed in a predetermined position and the pointed portion  52   b  comes into contact with the net-like pipe  2   b . At this time, in the cutout  51   b , the adhesive  54  is charged to cover at least an outer surface of a portion where the pointed portion  52   b  is cut into the outer layer resin tube  2   c  of the insertion section  2 . 
     Note that, as the adhesive  54 , it is desirable to apply an adhesive in which thermosetting resin such as epoxy resin is used. In this case, depending on a material applied to the outer layer resin tube  2   c , it is also likely that the adhesive  54  has a weak effect of bonding action to the outer layer resin tube  2   c . However, even in this case, the adhesive  54  can function as the fixing member for fixing the conductive member  52  to the insertion section  2  by being charged in the cutout  51   b  of the pipe sleeve  51 . The other components are completely the same as the other components in the first embodiment. 
     As explained above, according to the second embodiment, the endoscope further includes the fixing member (the adhesive  54 ) for fixing the conductive member  52  to the insertion section  2 . 
     With the configuration in the present embodiment, the same effects as the effects in the first embodiment explained above can be obtained. At the same time, in the present embodiment, since the adhesive  54  is charged in the cutout  51   b , a contact state of the conductive member  52  and the net-like pipe  2   b  of the insertion section  2  can be maintained in a more secure and stable state. 
     Further, when the insertion section  2  is inserted into the insertion hole  51   c  of the pipe sleeve  51 , the conductive member  52  is inserted into the cutout  51   b , and the pointed portion  52   b  of the conductive member  52  is disposed in a state in which the pointed portion  52   b  is cut into the outer layer resin tube  2   c  of the insertion section  2 , for example, if an amount of force in a direction along the major axis Ax is applied to the insertion section  2 , it is likely that a skin of the outer layer resin tube  2   c  is cut by the pointed portion  52   b . However, in the configuration in the present embodiment, the adhesive  54  is charged in the cutout  51   b . At this time, at least the adhesive  54  is charged to cover the outer surface of the portion where the pointed portion  52   b  is cut into the outer layer resin tube  2   c  of the insertion section  2 . Therefore, when an amount of force in a predetermined direction is applied to the insertion section  2 , the adhesive  54  prevents the outer layer resin tube  2   c  from being cut. Therefore, the adhesive  54  functions as the fixing member for fixing the conductive member  52  to the insertion section  2 . Consequently, it is possible to surely secure a stable electrically conductive state between the net-like pipe  2   b  and the endoscope system (not shown). 
     Third Embodiment 
     In the first and second embodiments explained above, as a disposition form of the conductive member  52 , only a form in which the axis Y 1  extending along the pointed portion  52   b  is orthogonal to the major axis Ax is explained. However, the disposition form is not limited to this example. 
     A third embodiment of the present invention explained next is an illustration of a case in which a disposition form of a conductive member is different from the disposition form in the first and second embodiments explained above. A basic configuration in the present embodiment is substantially the same as the basic configurations in the first and second embodiments explained above. In the present embodiment, the disposition form of the conductive member, in particular, disposition of a pointed portion is only different. Therefore, the same components as the components in the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals and signs and explanation of the components is omitted. 
       FIG. 9  and  FIG. 10  are diagrams enlarging and showing an end portion of an endoscope insertion section in the third embodiment of the present invention. Of the figures,  FIG. 9  is a plan view of the end portion of the endoscope insertion section in the present embodiment viewed from an upper surface (a view in an arrow sign [ 9 ] direction in  FIG. 10 ).  FIG. 10  is a longitudinal sectional view of the end portion of the endoscope insertion section in the present embodiment (a view equivalent to  FIG. 7  in the second embodiment). 
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , a pointed portion  52 Ab of a conductive member  52 A in the present embodiment is formed in a tilted form at a predetermined inclination angle with respect to a longitudinal direction of the conductive member  52 A. In this case, when the conductive member  52 A is disposed in a predetermined position in the cutout  51   b , the pointed portion  52 Ab is formed such that a plane orthogonal to the major axis Ax and an axis Y 2  extending along the pointed portion  52 Ab cross (that is, are nonparallel). 
     In this case as well, the conductive member  52 A is disposed in the cutout  51   b  such that, as in the second embodiment explained above, a surface S 1  including the slope  52   s  as a part thereof is nonparallel to the major axis Ax and the surface S 1  and the major axis Ax cross at a predetermined angle. As in the second embodiment explained above, the adhesive  54  is charged in the cutout  51   b . The other components are completely the same as the other components in the second embodiment explained above. 
     According to the third embodiment configured as explained above, the same effects as the effects in the second embodiment explained above can be obtained. At the same time, according to the present embodiment, the plane orthogonal to the major axis Ax and the axis Y 2  extending along the pointed portion  52 Ab are formed to cross (that is, nonparallel) when the conductive member  52 A is disposed in the predetermined position in the cutout  51   b . With this configuration, it is possible to easily and surely prevent movement in a rotating direction around the major axis Ax of the insertion section  2  (see a sign R in  FIG. 9 ) in addition to movement in a direction along the major axis Ax of the insertion section  2  (movement in a forward and backward direction). 
     Therefore, with the configuration in the present embodiment, it is possible to more surely perform fixing of the conductive member  52 A to the insertion section  2  and more surely secure electric stability. 
     Fourth Embodiment 
     Next, an end portion of an endoscope insertion section in a fourth embodiment of the present invention is explained below with reference to  FIG. 11  to  FIG. 14 . 
       FIG. 11  to  FIG. 14  are diagrams enlarging and showing the end portion of the endoscope insertion section in the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Among the figures,  FIG. 11  is an assembly perspective view showing the end portion of the endoscope insertion section in the present embodiment.  FIG. 12  is an exploded perspective view showing the end portion of the endoscope insertion section in the present embodiment.  FIG. 13  is a plan view extracting, enlarging, and showing only a conductive member in the present embodiment.  FIG. 14  is a plan view in an arrow sign [ 14 ] direction in  FIG. 11 . 
     A basic configuration in the present embodiment is substantially the same as the basic configurations in the respective embodiments explained above. In the present embodiment, forms of a pipe sleeve  51 B and a conductive member  52 B are slightly different. Therefore, the same components as the components in the embodiments explained above are denoted by the same reference numerals and signs and explanation of the components is omitted. Only different portions are explained below. 
     As shown in  FIG. 11  and the like, the pipe sleeve  51 B in the present embodiment is formed to include a main body  51 Bx having a bottomed box shape. The main body  51 Bx includes an opening  51 Bb on a surface facing a bottom surface. The opening  51 Bb is formed such that a part of a side surface of the insertion section  2  can be visually recognized in a state in which the insertion section  2  is inserted into an insertion hole  51 Bc of the pipe sleeve  51 B. Therefore, the opening  51 Bb of the pipe sleeve  51 B in the present embodiment is a part equivalent to the cutout ( 51   b ) of the pipe sleeve ( 51 ) in the respective embodiments explained above. 
     In the main body  51 Bx, the insertion hole  51 Bc, through which the end portion of the insertion section  2  is inserted in the major axis Ax direction, is formed on each of two wall surfaces among four inner wall surfaces excluding the bottom surface. In this case, the insertion hole  51 Bc is formed to dispose the end portion of the insertion section  2  in a direction in the major axis Ax direction. 
     On the other hand, a guide groove  51 Be for guiding the conductive member  52 B into the main body  51 Bx w % ben the conductive member  52 B is disposed in a predetermined position in the main body  51 Bx is formed in each of the other two wall surfaces among the four inner wall surfaces excluding the bottom surface. 
     In this case, two guide grooves  51 Be have a function of guiding both side edge portions  52 Bs of the conductive member  52 B when the conductive member  52 B is disposed in the predetermined position in the main body  51 Bx. The two guide grooves  51 Be guide the conductive member  52 B to a position where a pointed portion  52 Bb of the conductive member  52 B cuts into the outer layer resin tube  2   c  (not shown) of the insertion section  2  and further comes into contact with the net-like pipe  2   b  (not shown). In this case, the guide groove  51 Be is set to have an inclination angle of approximately 45 degrees with respect to the major axis Ax of the insertion section  2 . 
     On the other hand, as shown in  FIG. 13  and the like, the conductive member  52 B in the present embodiment is formed to include a plate-like main body section  52 Bc and an arm section  52 Be. The plate-like main body section  52 Bc includes a slope  52   s  formed to incline from a connecting section to the arm section  52 Be. 
     A cut-in section  52 Bd is formed in a substantially center portion of the plate-like main body section  52 Bc. The pointed portion  52 Bb is formed in each of opposed two inner sides of the cut-in section  52 Bd. In other words, the conductive member  52 B includes a plurality of pointed portions  52 Bb formed to be opposed in a so-called V shape. Note that the plurality of pointed portions  52 Bb may be formed in a U shape. 
     Axes Y 3  and Y 4  (see  FIG. 13  and  FIG. 14 ) extending along each of the plurality of (in the present embodiment, two) pointed portions  52 Bb are formed in parallel to the slope  52   s . A surface S 3  including the slope  52   s  as a part thereof is disposed nonparallelly to the major axis Ax. Therefore, the surface S 3  is formed to have a predetermined inclination angle with respect to the axis Ax when the conductive member  52 B is disposed in a predetermined position in the main body  51 Bx of the pipe sleeve  51 B. 
     With such a configuration, the plurality of pointed portions  52 Bb are disposed to hold a part of the insertion section  2  inserted into the pipe sleeve  51 B and exposed from the opening  51 Bb when the conductive member  52 B is inserted into the opening  51 Bb, which is a cutout, along the guide groove  51 Be. At this time, contact sections  52 Bb 1  are formed in a predetermined dimension such that the plurality of pointed portions  52 Bb cuts into the outer layer resin tube  2   c  (not shown) of the insertion section  2  and further comes into contact with the net-like pipe  2   b  (not shown) to conduct electricity. More specifically, a distance between the contact sections  52 Bb 1  in contact with the net-like pipe  2   b  among distances among the plurality of pointed portions  52 Bb is formed to be smaller than an inner diameter of the outer layer resin tube  2   c  and equal to or larger than an inner diameter of the net-like pipe  2   b.    
     The arm section  52 Be is a part formed to extend from one side edge portion of the plate-like main body section  52 Bc. The earth cable  53 , which is an earth section, is connected and fixed to the arm section  52 Be using soldering or the like. The other components are basically substantially the same as the other components in the respective embodiments explained above. 
     In the present embodiment configured as explained above, the two pointed portions  52 Bb of the conductive member  52 B are disposed to hold a part of the insertion section  2  in a state in which the insertion section  2  is inserted through the insertion hole  51 Bc of the pipe sleeve  51 B and in a state in which the conductive member  52 B is guided along the guide groove  51 Be and inserted into the main body  51 Bx of the pipe sleeve  51 B and disposed in a predetermined position. At this time, the two pointed portions  52 Bb cut into the outer layer resin tube  2   c  (not shown) of the insertion section  2  and the contact sections  52 Bb 1  further come into contact with the net-like pipe  2   b  (not shown) to conduct electricity. 
     In this state, the adhesive  54  functioning as the fixing member is charged from the opening  51 Bb of the main body  51 Bx of the pipe sleeve  51 B. Consequently, the conductive member  52 B is in a state in which the conductive member  52 B is fixed to the insertion section  2 . 
     As explained above, according to the fourth embodiment, substantially the same effects as the effects in the respective embodiments explained above can be obtained. Further, according to the present embodiment, the guide groove  51 Be for guiding insertion in order to dispose the conductive member  52 B in the predetermined position is formed in the main body  51 Bx of the pipe sleeve  51 B. 
     Therefore, with this configuration, it is possible to easily and surely perform work for inserting and disposing the conductive member  52 B in the main body  51 Bx of the pipe sleeve  51 B. Since the disposition of the conductive member  52 B is surely performed, it is possible to surely bring the pointed portions  52 Bb of the conductive member  52 B into contact with the net-like pipe  2   b  of the insertion section  2  in a stable state. Therefore, it is possible to more surely secure electric stability. 
     Further, in the present embodiment, the plurality of pointed portions  52 Bb are provided in the conductive member  52 B. The plurality of pointed portions  52 Bb are provided to face each other. The plurality of pointed portions  52 Bb are disposed to hold the insertion section  2  when the conductive member  52 B is disposed in the main body  51 Bx of the pipe sleeve  51 B. At this time, the plurality of pointed portions  52 Bb cut in to hold the outer layer resin tube  2   c  (not shown) of the insertion section  2  and come into contact with and hold the net-like pipe  2   b . Consequently, in the configuration in the present embodiment, the conductive member  52 B is in a state in which the conductive member  52 B is more strongly fixed to the insertion section  2 . Therefore, it is possible to more surely secure electric stability. 
     Since the plurality of pointed portions  52 Bb are disposed to hold the insertion section  2 , it is possible to easily and surely secure conductivity of the conductive member  52 B and the net-like pipe  2   b  even with a smaller amount of force. 
     Note that, in the second to fourth embodiments explained above, an example is only explained in which the adhesive is used as the fixing member for fixing the conductive member to the insertion section. However, the fixing member is not limited to this. As the fixing member, besides the adhesive, other members such as an adhesive tape and a clip member can be applied. 
     The present invention is not limited to the embodiments explained above. It goes without saying that various modifications and applications can be carried out within a range not departing from the gist of the invention. Further, inventions in various stages are included in the embodiments. Various inventions can be extracted by appropriate combinations in the disclosed plurality of constituent elements. For example, when the problems to be solved by the invention can be solved and the effects of the invention can be obtained even if several constituent elements are deleted from all the constituent elements explained in the one embodiment, a configuration from which the constituent elements are deleted can be extracted as the invention. Further, constituent elements in different embodiments may be combined as appropriate. The present invention is not limited by a specific implementation mode of the invention other than being limited by the appended claims.