Endoscope bending portion heddle connection structure

Abstract

The application discloses an endoscope bending part snake bone connecting structure and relates to the technical field of endoscopes, in order to solve the problems that the existing endoscope cover is relatively large, the foreign body sensation of a patient is relatively serious when the endoscope is moved, the existing snake bone structure can only be bent in one plane, and the gap existing simultaneously can clamp the patient and cause harm. The endoscope bending part snake bone connecting structure comprises a snake bone structure rotatably connected to the bottom of an endoscope outer cylinder; a set of telescopic steering rings rotatably connected between every two groups of the snake bone structures; a set of endoscope heads rotatably connected to the bottom of the bottommost group of the snake bone structures; and a set of operation handles slidably connected to the inside of the endoscope outer cylinder. The telescopic steering ring composed of a scissors mechanism controls the length of the snake bone structure, changes the peeping position of a camera, reduces the movement of the endoscope outer cylinder, and reduces the harm to the patient. The snake bone structure is covered by a telescopic protective net, the gap of the snake bone structure is filled, and the snake bone structure is prevented from clamping the patient and causing unnecessary harm when being bent.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of endoscope technology, specifically to a snake-bone connection structure for the curved part of an endoscope. Background Technology

[0002] An endoscope is an instrument containing an image sensor, optical lens, light source, and mechanical devices. It can enter the stomach through the mouth or other natural orifices into the body. Endoscopes can be used to see lesions that cannot be seen by X-rays, so they are very useful to doctors and have become an indispensable tool in modern medicine. In order to increase the support and lifespan of the endoscope tip, a curved structure that simulates the spine of an animal, like a snake, has been added to the tip of the endoscope.

[0003] For example, Chinese invention patent application number CN201610548724.9 discloses a serpentine joint mechanism for a single-port minimally invasive robot. It includes a serpentine joint and a serpentine skeleton structure. The serpentine joint includes elastic plates, with an upper elastic plate and a lower elastic plate interlocking to form a middle channel. The upper and lower elastic plates form a conjugate curve structure. The middle elastic plate is slidably connected within the middle channel, and its rear part is connected to a linear motion drive source via a middle connecting block. The serpentine skeleton structure includes multiple identical serpentine units, whose hollow channels together form a serpentine channel. The elastic plates of the serpentine joint are installed within the serpentine channel. The linear motion drive source controls the relative sliding of the middle elastic plates to control the movement of the serpentine skeleton. This structure is more compact, easier to assemble, and can more effectively avoid tool collisions during surgical procedures.

[0004] Based on the above, the existing snake-bone structure at the front of the endoscope is relatively wide, resulting in a larger endoscope sheath and causing severe foreign body sensation for patients when moving the endoscope to observe the condition. Furthermore, the existing snake-bone structure is a single sheet-like structure, making it difficult to add other structures. The fixed angle of the snake-bone structure means it can only bend in one horizontal direction, and there are gaps between the units of each snake-bone structure, which may trap the patient and cause unnecessary injury when the snake-bone structure bends. Therefore, it does not meet the current requirements. To address this, we propose a snake-bone connection structure for the bending section of the endoscope. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a snake-bone connection structure for the bending section of an endoscope, in order to solve the problems mentioned in the background art, such as the existing snake-bone structure at the front of the endoscope being relatively wide, resulting in a larger endoscope sheath and a more severe foreign body sensation for the patient when moving the endoscope to observe the condition; the existing snake-bone structure being a single sheet structure, making it difficult to add other structures; the fixed angle of the snake-bone structure, which means it can only bend in one horizontal direction; and the gaps between the units of each snake-bone structure, which may trap the patient and cause unnecessary injury when the snake-bone structure bends.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a snake-bone connection structure for the curved section of an endoscope, comprising an endoscope outer cylinder; a snake-bone structure is rotatably connected to the bottom of the endoscope outer cylinder; a telescopic steering ring is rotatably connected between every two sets of the snake-bone structures; a set of endoscope lenses is rotatably connected to the bottom of the bottom set of the snake-bone structures, and a set of cameras is fixedly connected to the bottom of the endoscope lenses; an operating handle is slidably connected inside the endoscope outer cylinder, and a set of endoscope rods is fixedly connected to the bottom of the operating handles, with the bottom of the endoscope rods fixedly connected to the endoscope lenses.

[0007] Preferably, the snake bone structure further includes protruding joints and concave joints. Each snake bone structure has a set of protruding joints at the upper part. The protruding joints are annular structures. Two sets of corresponding hinge shafts are provided at the bottom of the protruding joints. The snake bone structure has a set of concave joints at the lower part. The connecting rod of the groove of the concave joint is hinged to the hinge shaft of the protruding joint.

[0008] Preferably, a set of handles is fixedly connected to the top of the endoscope outer tube, and a set of steering limiting strips are fixedly connected to the top of the protruding joints and the bottom of the concave joints of the snake bone structure, respectively. The steering limiting strip at the top of the protruding joints is rotatably connected to the bottom of the endoscope outer tube.

[0009] Preferably, the telescopic steering ring rotates between two sets of snake-bone structures. The telescopic steering ring is provided with upper and lower parts. Both parts of the telescopic steering ring are provided with two sets of T-shaped scissor grooves. The annular scissor arm is composed of two sets of intersecting support arms. The connecting rods of the annular scissor arm support arms are slidably connected in the scissor grooves.

[0010] Preferably, a set of support springs is fixedly connected to the bottom of the outer cylinder of the endoscope, the bottom of the support springs is fixedly connected to the top of the endoscope lens, and a set of cameras is fixedly connected to the bottom of the endoscope lens.

[0011] Preferably, the operating handle is slidably connected to the outer cylinder of the endoscope, and a set of endoscope rods is provided at the bottom of the operating handle and fixedly connected to the endoscope lens. A set of flexible steering rods is fixedly connected to the upper and lower sides of the inside of the operating handle, and the steering rods are fixedly connected to the upper and lower ends of the endoscope lens.

[0012] Preferably, the bottom of the endoscope outer cylinder is provided with a set of protective net limiting grooves, and the top of the endoscope lens is threadedly connected to a set of protective net covers. The protective net covers are fastened to the bottom of the telescopic protective net, and the top of the telescopic protective net is fastened to the protective net limiting groove.

[0013] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0014] By setting the snake-bone structure as independent protruding and concave segments, the snake-bone structure maintains its existing swing and expansion capabilities while possessing independence. By setting a telescopic steering ring composed of a scissor mechanism, the length change of the snake-bone structure is controlled to adjust the viewing position of the camera at the bottom of the endoscope, reducing the movement of the endoscope's outer tube and mitigating harm to the patient. A telescopic protective net covers the snake-bone structure, filling the gaps in the snake-bone structure and preventing the snake-bone structure from trapping the patient and causing unnecessary injury when it bends. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a partial axial side structure of the main body of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a partial axial cross-sectional structure of the main body of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 3 A partial axial side view of the main body of the present invention with the telescopic protective net removed;

[0018] Figure 4 This is a partial axial side view of the disassembled endoscopic lens of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the snake-bone structure and telescopic steering ring of the present invention on the axle side;

[0020] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the axial cross-sectional structure of the telescopic steering ring of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the axial cross-sectional structure of the snake-bone structure and telescopic steering ring of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a partial axial structure of the present invention;

[0023] In the diagram: 1. Endoscope outer tube; 101. Handle; 102. Protective net limiting groove; 103. Support spring; 2. Snake-bone structure; 201. Protruding joint; 202. Concave joint; 203. Steering limiting strip; 3. Telescopic steering ring; 301. Scissor groove; 302. Annular scissor arm; 4. Operating handle; 401. Steering rod; 402. Endoscope rod; 5. Endoscope lens; 501. Protective net cover; 502. Telescopic protective net; 503. Camera. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments.

[0025] Please see Figures 1 to 8 An embodiment of the present invention provides a serpentine connection structure for the curved part of an endoscope, comprising an endoscope outer cylinder 1; a serpentine structure 2 rotatably connected to the bottom of the endoscope outer cylinder 1; a telescopic steering ring 3 rotatably connected between every two sets of serpentine structures 2; a set of endoscope lenses 5 rotatably connected to the bottom of the bottom set of serpentine structures 2, and a set of cameras 503 fixedly connected to the bottom of the endoscope lenses 5; a set of operating handles 4 slidably connected inside the endoscope outer cylinder 1, and a set of endoscope rods 402 fixedly connected to the bottom of the operating handles 4, with the bottom of the endoscope rods 402 fixedly connected to the endoscope lenses 5.

[0026] Furthermore, the snake bone structure 2 also includes raised joints 201 and concave joints 202. Each snake bone structure 2 has a set of raised joints 201 on its upper part. The raised joints 201 are ring-shaped and have two sets of corresponding hinge shafts at their bottom. The snake bone structure 2 has a set of concave joints 202 on its lower part. The connecting rod of the groove of the concave joint 202 is hinged to the hinge shaft of the raised joint 201. In use, by setting the snake bone structure 2 as independent raised joints 201 and concave joints 202, the snake bone structure 2 can maintain its existing swing and expandability while having independence. The snake bone structure 2 with flat ends has stronger expandability and can add more functions.

[0027] Furthermore, a set of handles 101 is fixedly connected to the top of the endoscope outer tube 1. A set of steering limiting strips 203 are fixedly connected to the top of the protruding joint 201 and the bottom of the concave joint 202 of the snake bone structure 2, respectively. The steering limiting strip 203 at the top of the protruding joint 201 is rotatably connected to the bottom of the endoscope outer tube 1. In use, the handles 101 are set to increase friction, making it easier for the operator to hold. The endoscope outer tube 1 is connected to the snake bone structure 2 through the steering limiting strips 203, so that the snake bone structure 2 can rotate at the bottom of the endoscope outer tube 1.

[0028] Furthermore, the telescopic steering ring 3 rotates between the two sets of snake-bone structures 2. The telescopic steering ring 3 is provided with upper and lower parts, and both parts of the telescopic steering ring 3 are provided with two sets of T-shaped scissor grooves 301. The annular scissor arm 302 is composed of two sets of intersecting arms. The connecting rods of the annular scissor arm 302 are slidably connected in the scissor grooves 301. In use, the telescopic steering ring 3 is engaged with the steering limit strip 203, allowing the snake-bone structure 2 to rotate within the telescopic steering ring 3. The telescopic steering ring 3 forms a scissor mechanism by allowing the annular scissor arm 302 to slide in the scissor grooves 301, which allows the distance between the upper and lower parts of the telescopic steering ring 3 to be changed, thereby controlling the length of the snake-bone structure 2.

[0029] Furthermore, a set of support springs 103 are fixedly connected to the bottom of the endoscope outer tube 1. The bottom of the support springs 103 is fixedly connected to the top of the endoscope lens 5. A set of cameras 503 are fixedly connected to the bottom of the endoscope lens 5. In use, the elasticity of the support springs 103 holds the endoscope lens 5 in place, increasing the distance between the two sets of snake bone structures 2. The distance of the telescopic steering ring 3 is changed, causing the cameras 503 at the bottom of the endoscope lens 5 to change their viewing position, reducing the movement of the endoscope outer tube 1 and alleviating harm to the patient.

[0030] Furthermore, the operating handle 4 is slidably connected to the outer cylinder 1 of the endoscope. A set of endoscope rods 402 are fixedly connected to the endoscope lens 5 at the bottom of the operating handle 4. A set of flexible steering rods 401 are fixedly connected to the upper and lower sides of the inside of the operating handle 4. The steering rods 401 are fixedly connected to the upper and lower ends of the endoscope lens 5. In use, the operator pulls the operating handle 4 to make the endoscope rods 402 move the endoscope lens 5 upward. The upward movement of the endoscope lens 5 compresses the telescopic steering ring 3 to change the observation position. By pulling the upper or lower steering rods 401, the operator can make the endoscope lens 5 press against the snake bone structure 2 upward or downward to achieve swinging.

[0031] Furthermore, a set of protective mesh limiting grooves 102 are provided at the bottom of the endoscope outer tube 1, and a set of protective mesh covers 501 are threadedly connected to the top of the endoscope lens 5. The protective mesh covers 501 are tightly connected to the bottom of the telescopic protective mesh 502, and the top of the telescopic protective mesh 502 is tightly connected to the protective mesh limiting grooves 102. In use, the top of the telescopic protective mesh 502 is nested into the protective mesh limiting grooves 102, the telescopic protective mesh 502 is placed on the top of the endoscope lens 5, and the telescopic protective mesh 502 is fixed by tightening the protective mesh covers 501. The telescopic protective mesh 502 covers the snake bone structure 2, fills the gaps of the snake bone structure 2, and prevents the snake bone structure 2 from pinching the patient and causing unnecessary injury when it bends.

[0032] Working principle: During use, the handle 101 increases friction, making it easier for the operator to hold the endoscope outer tube 1 and control the endoscope lens 5. By pulling the operating handle 4, the operator moves the endoscope rod 402, which in turn moves the endoscope lens 5. This causes the endoscope lens 5 to compress the annular scissor arm 302 in the scissor groove 301, changing the position of the telescopic steering ring 3 and the camera 503 at the bottom of the endoscope lens 5. This reduces the movement of the endoscope outer tube 1 and lessens harm to the patient. By pulling the upper or lower steering rod 401, the operator presses the endoscope lens 5 upward or downward against the independent protruding joints 201 and concave joints 202 inside the snake bone structure 2. This causes the protruding joints 201 and concave joints 202 to hinge and rotate, allowing the snake bone structure 2 to swing. The endoscope lens 5 swings synchronously to observe different positions. At the same time, the operator can rotate the operating handle 4, allowing the endoscope lens 5 to rotate within the telescopic steering ring 3 of the snake bone structure 2.

[0033] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that the invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered in all respects as exemplary and non-limiting, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within the present invention. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A snake-bone connection structure for the curved section of an endoscope, characterized in that: The endoscope includes an outer tube (1); a snake bone structure (2) is rotatably connected to the bottom of the outer tube (1); a telescopic steering ring (3) is rotatably connected between every two sets of snake bone structures (2); a set of endoscope lenses (5) is rotatably connected to the bottom of the bottom set of snake bone structures (2), and a set of cameras (503) is fixedly connected to the bottom of the endoscope lenses (5); an operating handle (4) is slidably connected inside the outer tube (1), and an endoscope rod (402) is fixedly connected to the bottom of the operating handle (4), and the endoscope rod (402) is fixedly connected to the bottom of the endoscope lenses (5); The snake bone structure (2) also includes a protruding bone segment (201) and a concave bone segment (202). Each snake bone structure (2) has a set of protruding bone segments (201) on its upper part. The protruding bone segments (201) are ring structures. Two sets of corresponding hinge shafts are provided at the bottom of the protruding bone segments (201). A set of concave bone segments (202) is provided at the lower part of the snake bone structure (2). The connecting rod of the groove of the concave bone segment (202) is hinged to the hinge shaft of the protruding bone segment (201). The telescopic steering ring (3) rotates between two sets of snake bone structures (2). The telescopic steering ring (3) is provided with upper and lower parts. Both parts of the telescopic steering ring (3) are provided with two sets of T-shaped scissor grooves (301). The annular scissor arm (302) is composed of two sets of intersecting arms. The connecting rods of the annular scissor arm (302) are slidably connected in the scissor grooves (301).

2. The serpentine connection structure for the curved section of an endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that: A set of handles (101) is fixedly connected to the top of the endoscope outer tube (1). A set of steering limit strips (203) are fixedly connected to the top of the protruding bone segment (201) and the bottom of the concave bone segment (202) of the snake bone structure (2). The steering limit strip (203) at the top of the protruding bone segment (201) is rotatably connected to the bottom of the endoscope outer tube (1).

3. The serpentine connection structure for the curved section of an endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that: The endoscope outer tube (1) is fixedly connected to a set of support springs (103) at the bottom. The bottom of the support springs (103) is fixedly connected to the top of the endoscope lens (5). The endoscope lens (5) is fixedly connected to a set of cameras (503) at the bottom.

4. The serpentine connection structure for the curved section of an endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that: The operating handle (4) is slidably connected to the outer cylinder (1) of the endoscope. A set of endoscope rods (402) is provided at the bottom of the operating handle (4) and is fixedly connected to the endoscope lens (5). A set of soft steering rods (401) is fixedly connected to the upper and lower sides of the inside of the operating handle (4). The steering rods (401) are fixedly connected to the upper and lower ends of the endoscope lens (5).

5. The serpentine connection structure for the curved section of an endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that: The endoscope outer cylinder (1) is provided with a set of protective net limiting grooves (102) at the bottom. The endoscope lens (5) is threadedly connected to a set of protective net covers (501). The protective net covers (501) are fastened to the bottom of the telescopic protective net (502), and the top of the telescopic protective net (502) is fastened to the protective net limiting groove (102).

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