Medical endoscope light guide fiber bonding process

Abstract

The application provides a medical endoscope light guide fiber gluing process and relates to the field of medical devices. The medical endoscope light guide fiber gluing process specifically comprises the following steps: S1. mirror body assembly. When the process provided in the application is used, the combination strength of the medical endoscope light guide fiber and the mirror body can be greatly improved, the temperature resistance, impact resistance and corrosion resistance of the endoscope can be greatly improved, the damage of high temperature, high pressure and low temperature plasma disinfection to the endoscope can be greatly reduced, the disinfection frequency and time can be reduced, the water seepage and corrosion of the endoscope can be greatly reduced, the service life of the endoscope can be greatly prolonged, the penetration of the adhesive can be strengthened and ensured, the outer mirror tube, the inner mirror tube and the light guide fiber can be tightly adhered, drip irrigation is carried out in a certain temperature environment, the inside can be effectively and massively penetrated, the density, saturation and effectiveness of the gluing can be ensured, and the occurrence of air bubbles and leaks can be reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical devices, specifically to the bonding process of optical fiber guides for medical endoscopes. Background Technology

[0002] Rigid endoscopes are the most convenient, direct, and effective medical instruments for medical personnel to observe internal lesions and tissues. They offer advantages such as high image clarity and realistic colors, and are easy to operate. With the expanding use of rigid endoscopes, doctors in various departments are using them more frequently. During the production and maintenance of rigid endoscopes, the assembly of the main body requires embedding optical fiber filaments (with single-core diameters of 20µm-50µm, and fiber bundles consisting of hundreds of filaments of the same or mixed diameters) into a stainless steel slot to provide a visible light source for the optical observation system.

[0003] The production and processing of the endoscope body involves assembly, glue application, drying, grinding, cutting, and polishing. Deep processing is performed on the length, field of view, and chamfering of the outer tube edge to determine standard lengths and angles, resulting in a semi-finished product conforming to national and company standards. Similar bonding processes are used for the optical fiber filaments at the front end and rear light inlet. Existing domestically produced rigid endoscopes use essentially similar adhesives and room-temperature glue application processes. These adhesives have excellent bonding ability for optical fibers, but their bonding strength to stainless steel and other materials is significantly reduced. The resulting mechanical strength and temperature resistance are poor. They are prone to aging, delamination, and cracking under prolonged high temperatures. These types of optical adhesives are mostly used in products with low strength and low temperature requirements. These adhesives are not fully transparent; after curing, their color gradually changes to yellow, dark red, or black depending on temperature, with more pronounced discoloration at sustained temperatures of 120-150 degrees Celsius. Rigid endoscopes require repeated sterilization to ensure safe use. Domestically produced rigid endoscopes often have shorter lifespans and exhibit significant quality differences compared to similar imported brands. Because the optical fiber at the tip is directly exposed, variations in the bonding process of the fiber bundle, influenced by temperature and other factors, affect the lifespan of the rigid endoscope. This leads to fiber breakage, cracking, uneven brightness, yellowing, and other problems. In severe cases, it can cause the optical fiber at the endoscope head to detach, the fiber to become dim, and water to seep into the inner layer. Rigid endoscopes in these situations are unusable and require return to the factory for repair. Summary of the Invention

[0004] (a) Technical problems to be solved

[0005] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a bonding process for optical fibers in medical endoscopes. This process solves the problems of significant reduction in the lifespan of optical fibers due to wear, delamination, detachment, cracking, breakage, and yellowing caused by aging under high temperature and high pressure conditions. It also solves the problems of water ingress and corrosion inside the endoscope caused by wear after high-temperature or low-temperature ion sterilization.

[0006] (II) Technical Solution

[0007] 1. To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a bonding process for optical fiber guides in medical endoscopes, specifically including the following steps:

[0008] S1. Lens assembly

[0009] The optical fiber is inserted into the gap between the outer and inner endoscope tubes. The rear optical fiber is bundled into a circular body and then inserted into the optical cone base to form the mirror body. The initially assembled optical fiber and optical cone base are fixed by a bracket.

[0010] S2. Preheating of the microscope body

[0011] Use a large-diameter hot air gun with constant temperature or a hair dryer with high and low temperature adjustment to preheat the entire front head, the optical fiber at the rear light inlet, and the optical cone base that need to be coated with glue, with the temperature controlled at 60℃-70℃.

[0012] S3. Adhesive drip irrigation

[0013] Quickly drip the mixed transparent adhesive onto the optical fiber filament. The adhesive penetrates into the interior through the optical fiber filament. After the first drip is completed, continue heating and drip again while observing the penetration of the adhesive. Stop heating when it is confirmed that no more adhesive is penetrating and leave a portion of the adhesive on the optical fiber filament.

[0014] S4. Heat curing

[0015] After the drip irrigation process is completed, a small frosted incandescent bulb of 40-60W is used for initial curing. The bulb irradiation range is the same as that for preheating. The bulb and the mirror body are kept at a safe distance of 2-3cm. After the initial curing is completed, it is transferred to a low temperature oven for a second curing at a temperature of 70℃-80℃ for 2-3 hours.

[0016] S5. Curing and Cooling

[0017] After the second curing is completed, remove it and let it cool at room temperature. After standing for several hours, put it back into the oven for the third curing at a temperature of 90℃-100℃ for 0.5-1 hour. After the final curing is completed, remove it and let it cool at room temperature.

[0018] S6. Final Processing

[0019] After the bonding and curing process is completed, the external optical fiber adhesive is subjected to rough grinding, fine grinding, and polishing operations to achieve the final shape.

[0020] Preferably, the total length of the optical fiber in S1 is greater than the standard length of the endoscope, and both ends are provided with an appropriate amount of exposed optical fiber.

[0021] Preferably, in step S2, a constant temperature hot air gun is used with a temperature set at 70℃-80℃, the optical fiber is fixed upward and retains a preheating section of 4-6cm in length, and the optical cone base preheats the metal body that is in direct contact with the optical fiber for 3-5 minutes.

[0022] Preferably, the drip penetration of the adhesive in S3 is observed using an electron microscope or a handheld 4-10x magnifying glass. The adhesive used is a fully transparent adhesive that has been specially formulated.

[0023] Preferably, the initial curing temperature in S4 is 40℃-60℃, the time is 1-2 hours, the irradiation range of the bulb is to ensure that the preheated part has a length range of 4-6cm, and the preheating time of the optical cone base to the metal body in direct contact with the optical fiber filament is 3-5 minutes.

[0024] Preferably, during the rough grinding, fine grinding, and polishing processes in S6, the endoscope tube, the outer endoscope tube, and the optical fiber adhesive are processed simultaneously while retaining a certain length of the endoscope tube.

[0025] Preferably, the medical endoscope body includes a light cone base, the light cone base including an eyepiece cover, an eyepiece, a light cone, a fiber optic bundle, an eyepiece window, and a field aperture. A fiber optic adhesive is embedded at the midpoint of one side of the light cone base, the fiber optic adhesive including an external endoscope tube, a fiber optic filament, an endoscope tube, a rod-shaped lens, a prism, an objective lens, a negative lens, and a protective sheet.

[0026] (III) Beneficial Effects

[0027] This invention provides a bonding process for optical fibers guiding medical endoscopes. It offers the following advantages:

[0028] 1. This invention provides a bonding process for optical fiber guides in medical endoscopes. This bonding process can strengthen and ensure the penetration of adhesive, so that the external endoscope tube, the internal endoscope tube, and the optical fiber filaments can be tightly bonded. Furthermore, it specifies that drip irrigation should be carried out in a certain temperature environment, which can effectively and extensively penetrate into the interior, ensuring the density, saturation, and effectiveness of the bonding, and reducing the occurrence of air bubbles and voids.

[0029] 2. This invention provides a bonding process for optical fibers in medical endoscopes. When the process method provided in this invention is used, it can significantly improve the bonding strength between the optical fiber filament and the endoscope body, significantly improve the endoscope's temperature resistance, impact resistance, and corrosion resistance, significantly reduce the damage to the endoscope caused by high temperature, high pressure, and low temperature plasma sterilization, and reduce the number and time of sterilization, significantly reduce the possibility of water seepage and corrosion of the endoscope, and ultimately significantly extend the service life of the endoscope. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the endoscope of the present invention.

[0031] The components include: 1. Optical cone base; 2. Optical fiber composite; 3. Eyepiece cover; 4. Eyepiece; 5. Optical cone; 6. Optical fiber bundle; 7. Eyepiece window; 8. Field aperture; 9. External endoscope tube; 10. Optical fiber filament; 11. Internal endoscope tube; 12. Rod lens; 13. Prism; 14. Objective lens; 15. Negative lens; and 16. Protective film. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0033] Example:

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment of the invention provides a medical endoscope body, including a light cone base 1. The light cone base 1 includes an eyepiece cover 3, an eyepiece 4, a light cone 5, an optical fiber bundle 6, an eyepiece window 7, and a field aperture 8. An optical fiber adhesive 2 is embedded at the midpoint of one side of the light cone base 1. The optical fiber adhesive 2 includes an external endoscope tube 9, an optical fiber filament 10, an endoscope tube 11, a rod-shaped lens 12, a prism 13, an objective lens 14, a negative lens 15, and a protective sheet 16.

[0035] According to the appendix Figure 1 As shown, the optical fiber 10 serves as the transmission carrier at the connection point between the front end head and the rear end optical cone 5 of the medical endoscope, transmitting the illumination light source required by the endoscope.

[0036] The bonding process for optical fibers in medical endoscopes specifically includes the following steps:

[0037] S1. Lens assembly

[0038] The optical fiber 10 is inserted into the gap between the outer endoscope tube 9 and the inner endoscope tube 11. The rear end of the optical fiber 10 is bundled into a circular body and then inserted into the optical cone base 1 to form the mirror body. The initially assembled optical fiber 10 and the optical cone base 1 are fixed by the bracket.

[0039] The total length of the optical fiber 10 is greater than the standard length of the endoscope, with appropriate amounts of optical fiber 10 exposed at both ends to ensure sufficient quantity and effective length within the endoscope. Excess optical fiber 10 at the front end and the optical cone base 1 needs to be trimmed to retain an appropriate length of optical fiber 10 exposed.

[0040] S2. Preheating of the microscope body

[0041] Use a constant temperature large-diameter hot air gun or a hair dryer with high and low temperature adjustment to preheat the optical fiber 10 at the front end and the light inlet at the rear end, as well as the optical cone base 1, which need to be coated with glue. The temperature should be controlled at 60℃-70℃.

[0042] A constant-temperature hot air gun is used, with the temperature set between 70℃ and 80℃. The optical fiber 10 is fixed upwards. The diameter and length of the endoscope's front end vary, ensuring that the preheating section has a length range of 4-6 cm. The rear optical cone base 1 preheats the metal body that is in direct contact with the optical fiber 10. The preheating time is 3-5 minutes. At the same time, the ambient temperature must also be taken into account, and the preheating time should be adjusted appropriately to ensure uniform temperature.

[0043] S3. Adhesive drip irrigation

[0044] The mixed, completely transparent adhesive is quickly dripped onto the optical fiber filament 10. The adhesive has good flowability at room temperature and flows very easily when heated. The adhesive penetrates into the interior of the optical fiber filament 10. Throughout the dripping process, the penetration of the adhesive can be observed using an electron microscope or a handheld 4-10x magnifying glass. After the first dripping is completed, heating continues, and dripping is repeated while observing the penetration of the adhesive. Heating is stopped once it is confirmed that no further penetration has occurred, and a portion of the adhesive is left on the optical fiber filament 10.

[0045] The adhesive is a specially formulated, fully transparent compound, namely W-glue or G-glue. This adhesive is resistant to temperatures above 500℃ and is suitable for bonding metals, ceramics, and glass. It features high adhesive strength, high hardness, and high mechanical strength, and is non-toxic, non-irritating, water-resistant, temperature-resistant, corrosion-resistant, and acid and alkali-resistant, making it widely applicable to various medical devices and equipment. At room temperature, the initial curing time is ≥12 hours, and the complete curing time is ≥36 hours. In environments of 50℃-80℃, initial curing requires 2-4 hours. Segmented heating and curing results in even better strength and overall performance.

[0046] S4. Heat curing

[0047] After the drip irrigation process is completed, a small 40-60W frosted incandescent bulb is used for initial curing. The bulb's illumination range is the same as during preheating, and a safe distance of 2-3 cm is maintained between the bulb and the mirror. The initial curing temperature is 40℃-60℃, and the time is 1-2 hours. After the initial curing is complete, the adhesive is not fully cured, so the glued areas should not be touched. The area is then transferred to a low-temperature oven for a second curing at 70℃-80℃ for 2-3 hours.

[0048] S5. Curing and Cooling

[0049] After the second curing is completed, remove it and let it cool at room temperature. After standing for several hours, put it back into the oven for the third curing at a temperature of 90℃-100℃ for 0.5-1 hour. After the final curing is completed, remove it and let it cool at room temperature.

[0050] S6. Final Processing

[0051] After the bonding and curing process is completed, the external optical fiber adhesive 2 is subjected to rough grinding, fine grinding and polishing operations to achieve the final shape. During the rough grinding, fine grinding and polishing process, the endoscope tube 11, the outer endoscope tube 9 and the optical fiber adhesive 2 are processed simultaneously and a certain length of the endoscope tube is retained to ensure the design length of the entire endoscope.

[0052] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A bonding process for optical fibers guiding medical endoscopes, characterized in that, Specifically, the following steps are included: S1. Lens assembly The optical fiber filament (10) is inserted into the gap between the outer endoscope tube (9) and the inner endoscope tube (11). The optical fiber filament (10) at the rear end is bundled into a circular body and then inserted into the optical cone base (1) to form the endoscope body. The optical fiber filament (10) and the optical cone base (1) that have been preliminarily assembled are fixed together by a bracket. S2. Preheating of the microscope body Using a constant-temperature large-diameter hot air gun or a hair dryer with high and low temperature adjustment, preheat the optical fiber filament (10) at the front end and the light inlet at the rear end, as well as the optical cone base (1), which need to be coated with glue, and control the temperature at 60℃~70℃; using a constant-temperature hot air gun with the temperature set at 70℃~80℃, fix the optical fiber filament (10) upward and retain a preheated part with a length range of 4~6cm, and preheat the metal body that is in direct contact with the optical fiber filament (10) for 3~5 minutes; S3. Adhesive drip irrigation Quickly drip the mixed transparent adhesive onto the optical fiber filament (10). The adhesive penetrates into the interior through the optical fiber filament (10). After the first dripping is completed, continue heating and dripping again. At the same time, observe the penetration of the adhesive. Stop heating after confirming that it no longer penetrates and leave a portion of adhesive on the optical fiber filament (10). S4. Heat curing After the drip irrigation process is completed, a small frosted incandescent bulb of 40-60W is used for initial curing. The bulb irradiation range is the same as that for preheating. The bulb and the mirror body are kept at a safe distance of 2-3cm. After the initial curing is completed, it is transferred to a low temperature oven for a second curing at a temperature of 70℃-80℃ for 2-3 hours. The initial curing temperature is 40℃-60℃ for 1-2 hours. The bulb irradiation range is to ensure that the preheated part has a length range of 4-6cm. The optical cone base (1) preheats the metal body that is in direct contact with the optical fiber filament (10) for 3-5 minutes. S5. Curing and Cooling After the second curing is completed, remove it and cool it at room temperature. After standing for several hours, put it back into the oven for the third curing at 90℃~100℃ for 0.5~1 hour. After the final curing is completed, remove it and cool it at room temperature. S6. Final Processing After completing the bonding and curing process, the external optical fiber adhesive (2) is subjected to coarse grinding, fine grinding and polishing operations to achieve the final shaping.

2. The bonding process for the optical fiber guide of the medical endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that: The total length of the optical fiber filament (10) in S1 is greater than the standard length of the endoscope, and both ends are provided with exposed optical fiber filaments (10).

3. The bonding process for the optical fiber guide of the medical endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that: The drip penetration of the adhesive in S3 is observed using an electron microscope or a handheld 4-10x magnifying glass. The adhesive used is a transparent adhesive.

4. The bonding process for the optical fiber guide of the medical endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that: During the rough grinding, fine grinding, and polishing processes in S6, the endoscope tube (11), the outer endoscope tube (9), and the optical fiber adhesive (2) are processed simultaneously.

5. A medical endoscope body, manufactured by the bonding process described in any one of claims 1-4, comprising a light cone base (1), characterized in that: The optical cone base (1) includes an eyepiece cover (3), an eyepiece (4), an optical cone (5), an optical fiber bundle (6), an eyepiece window (7), and a field stop (8). An optical fiber adhesive (2) is embedded at the midpoint of one side of the optical cone base (1). The optical fiber adhesive (2) includes an outer endoscope tube (9), an optical fiber filament (10), an inner endoscope tube (11), a rod-shaped lens (12), a prism (13), an objective lens (14), a negative lens (15), and a protective sheet (16).

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