Installation method of endoscope and light guide assembly in endoscope

Abstract

This application relates to the technical field of medical devices, and more particularly to an endoscope and a method for installing a light guide component in the endoscope. The endoscope includes an outer tube, an inner tube, and a guide member. The inner tube is eccentrically fitted inside the outer tube, forming an installation space between the inner and outer tubes. The guide member is respectively fitted and connected to the outer wall of the inner tube and the inner wall of the outer tube, such that the thickness of the guide member matches the radial distance between the inner and outer tubes. The guide member is used to define the position of the light guide component, ensuring that the angle formed by the light-emitting end of the light guide component relative to the axis of the inner tube is a first preset angle. During the installation of the light guide component, the guide member can define the position of the light guide component, ensuring that the angle formed by the light-emitting end of the light guide component relative to the axis of the inner tube is the first preset angle. The light emitted from the light guide component can illuminate in a preset direction, ensuring uniform illumination.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of medical devices, and more particularly to an endoscope and a method for installing a light guide component in the endoscope. Background Technology

[0002] Rigid endoscopes are increasingly used in the medical field and have become widespread in minimally invasive surgery. A rigid endoscope consists of an imaging optical path and an illumination optical path, and the final image quality is influenced by both. The imaging and illumination optical paths are located in two separate, unconnected channels. The illumination optical path provides active illumination for the imaging scene, guiding light from the light source to the end of the rigid endoscope to illuminate the observed object (tissues, organs, lesions, etc.) for observation. The illumination optical path typically uses a bundle of glass optical fibers for light guidance. The light spot formed by the light emanating from the fiber needs to be relatively uniform within a certain range. Because the dynamic range of image sensors such as CMOS and CCD is limited, the more uniform the illumination of the observed object, the higher the contrast of the image. Therefore, the uniformity of illumination within the field of view affects the uniformity of the entire image.

[0003] To achieve a wider field of view for easier observation during minimally invasive surgery, the end of the rigid endoscope's working section is angled, such as 12, 30, 70, or 90 degrees. However, the end of the optical fiber is difficult to match this angle, which can easily lead to uneven illumination of the emitted light. This can severely affect image uniformity, resulting in uneven brightness and darkness in the image, thus impacting the surgical outcome. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the problem of uneven illumination caused by light spots easily forming from the light emitted from endoscopes in existing technologies, resulting in one side being brighter and the other darker, this invention provides an endoscope and a method for installing a light guide component within the endoscope. This method aims to limit the emission direction of the light guide component within the endoscope, thereby resolving the aforementioned technical problem.

[0005] A first aspect of the present invention provides an endoscope comprising:

[0006] outer tube;

[0007] An inner tube is eccentrically fitted inside the outer tube, forming an installation space between the inner tube and the outer tube; and

[0008] The guide is fitted and connected to the outer wall of the inner tube and the inner wall of the outer tube respectively, so that the thickness of the guide matches the radial distance between the inner tube and the outer tube. The guide is used to define the position of the light guide assembly, so that the first included angle formed by the light guide assembly at the light-emitting end of the endoscope with respect to the axis of the inner tube is a first preset angle.

[0009] Furthermore, the guide member is welded, bonded, or integrally formed with the inner tube.

[0010] Furthermore, at least one end of the guide member in the circumferential direction is formed with a guide surface, the guide surface including a first guide surface, wherein: the first guide surface is a plane, and the first guide surface forms the first included angle with the axis of the inner tube.

[0011] Furthermore, at least one end of the guide member in the circumferential direction is formed with a guide surface, the guide surface including a first guide surface, wherein: the first guide surface is a curved surface, and the cross-section of the first guide surface near the light-emitting end of the endoscope forms the first included angle with the axis of the inner tube.

[0012] Furthermore, the guide surface also includes a second guide surface, which is further away from the light-emitting end of the endoscope relative to the first guide surface.

[0013] Furthermore, the second guide surface is parallel to the axis of the inner tube.

[0014] Furthermore, the guide member is symmetrical about a plane that passes through both the axis of the inner tube and the axis of the outer tube.

[0015] Furthermore, multiple guide members are provided.

[0016] Furthermore, the endoscope also includes a light guide assembly disposed within the installation space.

[0017] A second aspect of the present invention provides a method for installing a light guide assembly in an endoscope, implemented using the endoscope provided in the first aspect of the present invention. The installation method includes:

[0018] The light guide assembly is inserted into the installation space and extends out of the light-emitting end of the endoscope;

[0019] The position of the light guide assembly is defined by the guide member, so that the angle formed by the light guide assembly at the light-emitting end of the endoscope with respect to the axis of the inner tube is a first preset angle.

[0020] The light guide assembly is fixed to the guide member and the mounting space is sealed; and

[0021] Remove the portion of the light guide assembly that extends beyond the light-emitting end of the endoscope.

[0022] In the endoscope provided by the embodiment of the present invention, a guide is provided between the eccentrically arranged outer tube and the inner tube. During the installation of the light guide assembly, the position of the light guide assembly can be limited by the guide, so that the angle formed by the light-emitting end of the endoscope with respect to the axis of the inner tube is a first preset angle, and the light emitted by the light guide assembly can be irradiated in a preset direction to ensure the uniformity of illumination. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort. In addition, in the drawings, the same parts use the same reference numerals, and the drawings are not drawn to scale.

[0024] Figure 1 This diagram shows the front view structure of the endoscope provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 2 Show Figure 1 The diagram shows a three-dimensional structure of the endoscope.

[0026] Figure 3 A three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the guide member of the first structure provided in the embodiment of this application is shown;

[0027] Figure 4 Show Figure 3 A top view of the guide component shown;

[0028] Figure 5 Show Figure 3 The diagram shows a front view of the guide component.

[0029] Figure 6 Show Figure 3 The diagram shows a three-dimensional structure of the guide component and inner tube assembly.

[0030] Figure 7 Show Figure 3 The diagram shows a front view of the guide component and inner tube assembly.

[0031] Figure 8 Show Figure 3 The cross-sectional view shown is of the guide component assembled with the inner tube.

[0032] Figure 9 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the guide component with the second type of structure is shown;

[0033] Figure 10 Show Figure 8 The cross-sectional view shown is of the guide component assembled with the inner tube.

[0034] Figure 11 Show Figure 3 The guide and Figure 9 The guide member shown is simultaneously assembled with the inner tube in a cross-sectional view; and

[0035] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the guide component of the third type is shown.

[0036] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0037] 1. Outer tube; 2. Inner tube; 3. Installation space; 4. Guide component; 401. Guide surface; 4011. First guide surface; 4012. Second guide surface; 402. Limiting surface; 4-1. First guide component; 4-2. Second guide component; 4-3. Third guide component; 5. Light guide assembly; 6. Base; 7. Eyepiece assembly; 8. Eyepiece cover; 9. Protective window; 10. Connector; 11. Objective lens assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0038] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0039] The endoscope provided in this invention is used to enter the area to be observed or to acquire images through various natural or artificial channels. It can be an industrial endoscope or a medical endoscope. For example, the endoscope can be a rigid endoscope used in the medical field, including but not limited to laparoscopes, hysteroscopes, otolaryngoscopes, arthroscopes, and discoscopes. The accompanying drawings and specific embodiments in this invention are illustrated using a rigid endoscope as an example. They are merely illustrative examples and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this invention. Those skilled in the art can use the endoscope provided in this invention in other fields as needed.

[0040] Figure 1 This diagram shows the front view structure of the endoscope provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 Show Figure 1 The diagram shown is a three-dimensional representation of the endoscope. Figures 3-5 This shows a schematic diagram of the guide component of the first type. Figure 6 This diagram shows a three-dimensional structure of the guide member and inner tube assembly in the first type of design. Figure 7The diagram shows a front view of the first type of structure with the guide member and inner tube assembled. Figure 8 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the guide member and inner tube assembly of the first structure. Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the guide component with the second structure is shown. Figure 10 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the guide member and inner tube assembly in the second structure. Figure 11 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the guide member with the first structure and the guide member with the second structure, both assembled with the inner tube. Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the guide component of the third type is shown.

[0041] like Figure 1 , 2 As shown in Figures 6, 7, 8, 10, and 11, the endoscope's structure mainly comprises two tubes: an outer tube 1 and an inner tube 2. The inner tube 2 is fitted inside the outer tube 1, forming an installation space 3 between them. The inner tube 2 houses and supports the imaging optical components. During endoscope assembly, the inner tube 2, carrying the optical components, is pushed into the outer tube 1, thus the installation space 3 between the inner and outer tubes supports the light guide component 5. The space inside the inner tube 2 is not connected to the installation space 3, ensuring that the optical components inside the inner tube 2 do not interfere with each other. During endoscope assembly, the light guide component 5 is introduced into this installation space 3 as an illumination path and extends along the axial direction of the outer tube 1 to the end of the endoscope, i.e., the light-emitting end. The two ends of this installation space 3 are then sealed, and the light guide component 5 is fixed. Finally, the excess light guide component 5 at both ends is removed to complete the endoscope assembly.

[0042] like Figure 1 and 2 As shown, a base 6, an eyepiece assembly 7, and an eyepiece cover 8 are sequentially arranged at the end of the outer tube 1 away from the light-emitting end. The eyepiece cover 8 covers the eyepiece assembly 7. A protective window 9 is provided at the end of the inner tube 2 away from the base 6. A connector 10 is also provided on the base 6. The extension direction of the optical component connector 10 is offset from the axis of the inner tube 2 or the outer tube 1. The light guide assembly 5 is preferably composed of a series of ultra-fine optical fibers such as glass or quartz. A light source is provided at the connector 10. One end of the light guide assembly 5 is connected to the light source at the connector 10 on the base 6 and extends along the installation space 3 between the inner tube 2 and the outer tube 1 towards the end where the protective window 9 is provided. The light guide assembly 5 is used to conduct the light emitted by the light source to the end of the endoscope where the protective window 9 is provided, illuminating the observation area of ​​the endoscope.

[0043] The optical components mainly include objective lens assembly 11, rod lens and eyepiece assembly 7. Objective lens assembly 11 is located between rod lens and protective window 9. After light guide assembly 5 transmits light from the light source to the observation area at the front end of the endoscope, it will illuminate the observation area. After being reflected by the observation area, it enters objective lens assembly 11 through protective window 9. The inverted image formed by objective lens assembly 11 is converted into an upright image by rod lens and transmitted to eyepiece assembly 7. After being magnified by eyepiece assembly 7, it is available for the operator to observe.

[0044] Typically, the object observed by an endoscope is not simply located directly in front of the inner canal along its axis, but rather obliquely in front of it. Therefore, to obtain a wider field of view, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the optical axis L of the endoscope's objective lens assembly 11 and protective window 9 is tilted relative to the axial direction M of the inner tube 2. The optical axis L of the objective lens assembly 11 and the axial direction M of the inner tube 2 form a second angle β. This allows the lateral area to be observed through the objective lens, thus expanding the field of view. This second angle β is a second preset angle. It should be noted that there are two angles between the optical axis L of the objective lens assembly 11 and the axial direction M of the inner tube 2, and the two are complementary. The smaller of the two is selected as the second angle β. The value of the second preset angle can be specifically selected as needed, such as 10°, 20°, 30°, 50°, 70°, etc. Of course, the value of the second preset angle can also be 0°, that is, the optical axis L of the objective lens assembly 11 is parallel or collinear with the axial direction M of the inner tube 2. In this case, the end of the endoscope is not tilted.

[0045] In the above embodiment, although the problem of the field of view is solved by setting the optical axis L of the objective lens assembly 11 to form a second included angle β with the axial direction M of the inner tube 2, the objective end of the endoscope usually needs to be inserted into the dark cavity space to work, and needs to be illuminated by the light emitted by the light guide assembly 5. The light guide assembly 5 extends roughly along the axial direction in the installation space 3 between the inner tube 2 and the outer tube 1. It is difficult for the end of the light guide assembly 5 to match the direction of the optical axis L of the objective lens assembly 11, which leads to the light emitted by the light guide assembly 5 not being able to uniformly and accurately illuminate the area to be observed, affecting the imaging of the endoscope.

[0046] In view of this, embodiments of the present invention further improve the structure of the endoscope, such as... Figure 7 , 8As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the inner tube 2 and outer tube 1 are eccentrically positioned, and a guide member 4 is introduced. The guide member 4 is fitted and connected to the outer wall of the inner tube 2 and the inner wall of the outer tube 1, respectively, so that the thickness of at least a portion of the guide member 4 matches the radial distance between the inner tube 2 and the outer tube 1. The guide member 4 is used to define the position of the light guide assembly 5, so that the extension direction N of the light guide assembly 5 at the light-emitting end of the endoscope forms a first angle α with respect to the axial direction M of the inner tube 2. The angle α of the first angle is a first preset angle. When assembling the endoscope, the light guide assembly 5 extends along the axial direction of the outer tube 1 to the light-emitting end of the endoscope. The position of the light guide assembly 5 in the installation space 3 is defined by the guide member 4, so that the first angle α formed by the light guide assembly 5 at the light-emitting end of the endoscope with respect to the axial direction M of the inner tube 2 is the first preset angle. Since the extension direction of the light-emitting end of the light guide assembly 5 is the direction of the emitted light, the light emitted by the light guide assembly 5 can illuminate in the preset direction, ensuring the accuracy and uniformity of the illumination position. It should be noted that there are two included angles between the extension direction N of the light-emitting end of the light guide component 5 and the axial direction M of the inner tube 2, and the two are complementary. The smaller of the two is selected as the first included angle α. The end of the light guide component 5 may be straight, in which case the first included angle α is the angle between the end of the straight light guide component 5 and the axial direction M of the inner tube 2; the end of the light guide component 5 may be curved, in which case the first included angle α is the angle between the tangent at the light-emitting point of the curved light guide component 5 and the axial direction M of the inner tube 2, so as to ensure that the first included angle α is the angle formed between the light emitted from the light guide component 5 and the axis of the inner tube 2. The value of the first preset angle can be specifically selected according to the observation area of ​​the objective lens. The principle is to ensure that the illumination range of the light emitted from the light guide component 5 is the observation area of ​​the objective lens component 11. The first preset angle is preferably the same as the second preset angle, so that the direction of the light emitted from the light guide component 5 is parallel to the optical axis L of the objective lens component 11, which can obtain a more ideal illumination effect. However, there may be a deviation between the first preset angle and the second preset angle. This is because the observation area of ​​the objective lens component 11 is a circular area formed on the observation surface around the optical axis L, rather than just a point on the extension line of the optical axis L of the objective lens component 11. Even if the first preset angle is different from the second preset angle, the light emitted from the light guide component 5 may still be within the observation area of ​​the objective lens component 11. In this case, it is permissible for the first preset angle to be a value other than the second preset angle. Those skilled in the art can make corresponding adjustments and selections according to the field of view of the objective lens component 11 in the product and the application scenario of the product. No further restrictions are imposed here.

[0047] In the above embodiment, the eccentric arrangement of the inner tube 2 and the outer tube 1 should be understood as follows: the inner tube 2 is fitted inside the outer tube 1, and the axial direction M of the inner tube 2 is parallel to but not collinear with the axis of the outer tube 1. Thus, the cross-section of the installation space 3 between the inner tube 2 and the outer tube 1 appears as a ring or crescent shape with a width varying circumferentially. For example... Figure 8 and Figure 11 As shown, when the outer wall of the inner tube 2 is not in contact with the inner wall of the outer tube 1, the cross-section of the installation space 3 is a ring whose width varies circumferentially; as Figure 10 As shown, when the outer wall of the inner tube 2 is in contact with the inner wall of the outer tube 1, the cross-section of the installation space 3 is crescent-shaped. In this case, there is a contact connection between the inner tube 2 and the outer tube 1. When the installation space 3 is filled, a direct contact force can be formed between the inner tube 2 and the outer tube 1, and the coaxiality of the inner tube 2 is not easily damaged. The shape of the installation space 3 formed by the eccentric arrangement of the inner tube 2 and the outer tube 1 is beneficial for the positioning of the guide 4 within the installation space 3. The guide 4 is fitted and connected to the outer wall of the inner tube 2 and the inner wall of the outer tube 1 respectively, so that the thickness of the guide 4 matches the radial distance between the inner tube 2 and the outer tube 1. In this case, the guide 4 is shaped within the installation space 3. Since the radial dimension of the installation space 3 changes continuously along the circumference, the thickness of the guide 4 also changes continuously along the circumference. The rotation of the guide 4 in at least one of the counterclockwise and clockwise directions is restricted. Specifically, when the guide member 4 crosses a plane that simultaneously passes through the axial direction M of the inner tube 2 and the axis of the outer tube 1, its thickness in the circumferential direction will exhibit two variations: either thicker at both ends and thinner in the middle, or thinner at both ends and thicker in the middle. In this case, the guide member 4 will be restricted by the installation space 3 whether it rotates counterclockwise or clockwise. When the guide member 4 does not cross a plane that simultaneously passes through the axial direction M of the inner tube 2 and the axis of the outer tube 1, its thickness in the circumferential direction will exhibit two variations: either gradually increasing or gradually decreasing. In this case, the guide member 4 will be restricted by the installation space 3 whether it rotates counterclockwise or clockwise, but will not be restricted by the installation space 3 in the other case. The conformal fit between the guide member 4 and the eccentrically positioned installation space 3 assists in the positioning of the guide member 4 within the installation space 3, facilitating rapid assembly and detachable assembly of the structure. During assembly, it is only necessary to insert the guide member 4 axially into the installation space 3.

[0048] It should be noted that in some embodiments, the guide 4 is fitted and connected to the outer wall of the inner tube 2 and the inner wall of the outer tube 1, respectively. Furthermore, the thickness of a portion of the guide 4 can be matched to the radial distance between the inner tube 2 and the outer tube 1; that is, a portion of the guide 4 facing the inner wall of the outer tube 1 is connected to the inner wall of the outer tube 1, and / or a portion of the guide 4 facing the outer wall of the inner tube 2 is connected to the outer wall of the inner tube 2. In this case, a portion of the guide 4 is conformally arranged within the installation space 3. Since the thickness of a portion of the guide 4 also changes continuously along the circumference, the rotation of the guide 4 in at least one direction (counterclockwise or clockwise) is similarly limited by the shape of the installation space 3, thus achieving the inventive objective of this application. In this case, the volume and weight of the guide 4 can be reduced, helping to reduce the overall weight and cost of the endoscope.

[0049] Based on the above embodiments, in order to further achieve the fixing effect of the guide 4, the guide 4 can also be fixed together with the inner tube 2 by necessary means. For example, the guide 4 can be attached to the inner tube 2 by means of welding, bonding, etc. The welding methods include, but are not limited to, laser welding, fusion welding and brazing. The guide 4 can also be directly processed on the inner tube 2.

[0050] To guide and position the light guide assembly 5, the guide component 4 is preferably made of a material with a certain degree of rigidity, such as metal, glass, or resin. However, considering cost and reducing the weight of the endoscope, the guide component 4 is preferably made of a resin material with a certain degree of rigidity. The resin guide component 4 is typically fixed to the inner tube 2 by adhesive bonding. However, medical endoscopes require high-temperature and high-pressure steam sterilization before and after use. At high temperatures, the adhesive layer between the guide component 4 and the inner tube 2 may detach or lose its adhesion, affecting the fixation effect of the guide component 4. Therefore, to achieve effective fixation between the resin guide component 4 and the inner tube 2, technicians apply a metal plating layer to the side of the guide component 4 facing the inner tube 2. This metal plating layer enables welding to the outer wall of the inner tube 2, overcoming the difficulty of welding resin materials to metal inner tubes 2. This achieves effective fixation between the guide component 4 and the inner tube 2, resulting in high connection strength and resistance to high temperature and pressure, improving connection reliability compared to traditional adhesive bonding.

[0051] The specific structure of the guide member 4 provided in the embodiments of this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0052] like Figure 3-12As shown, the guide member 4 provided in this embodiment of the invention has a guide surface 401 formed at least one end in the circumferential direction. The guide surface 401 includes at least a first guide surface 4011, and may also include a second guide surface 4012 if necessary. When the guide surface 401 includes the first guide surface 4011 and the second guide surface 4012, the second guide surface 4012 is further away from the light-emitting end of the endoscope than the first guide surface 4011. The function of the first guide surface 4011 is to allow the light-emitting end of the light guide assembly 5 to extend in the expected direction according to its structure, and finally obtain the emitted light in the expected direction. The function of the second guide surface 4012 is to limit and fix a part of the light guide assembly 5 adjacent to the light-emitting end, and to provide auxiliary positioning for the light-emitting end of the light guide assembly 5 to be positioned on the first guide surface 4011, so as to avoid the part of the light guide assembly 5 adjacent to the light-emitting end being too scattered and messy, which would interfere with or disturb the bending positioning of the light-emitting end of the light guide assembly 5. The second guide surface 4012 is preferably parallel to the axial direction M of the inner tube 2, so that the light guide component 5 extending along the second guide surface 4012 is gathered and fixed, and extends parallel to the axial direction M of the inner tube 2, in preparation for the light guide component 5 to bend in the direction of the light output end.

[0053] In some implementations, such as Figure 3-5 and Figure 9 As shown, the first guide surface 4011 is a plane. At this time, the angle between the first guide surface 4011 and the axial direction M of the inner tube 2 is the aforementioned first angle α, the size of which is the first preset angle. The guide surface 401 is located at the circumferential end of the guide member 4, and it belongs to the end face of the guide member 4. During use, the light guide component 5 is positioned and guided by the first guide surface 4011. The light guide component 5 is attached to the first guide surface 4011 by external force, so that the light-emitting end of the light guide component 5 and the first guide surface 4011 are set to form a straight line segment, which extends along the direction of the first guide surface 4011. The light-emitting end of the light guide component 5 is attached to and parallel to the first guide surface 4011. The angle of the light-emitting end of the light guide component 5 is limited by the angle of the first guide surface 4011. Finally, the positioned light guide component 5 is fixed in the installation space 3. Since the light guide component 5 is usually made of optical fiber, which is brittle and has low mechanical strength, in order to prevent the light guide component 5 from breaking, in this embodiment, a smooth transition surface is formed between the first guide surface 4011 and the second guide surface 4012, so that the light guide component 5 can transition from the second guide surface 4012 to the first guide surface 4011 along a curved surface, avoiding damage caused by sharp bending of the light guide component 5.

[0054] In another implementation, such as Figure 12As shown, at least one end of the guide member 4 provided in the embodiment of the present invention has a guide surface 401 formed in the circumferential direction. The guide surface 401 includes a first guide surface 4011, which is a curved surface. At this time, the first angle α between the tangent surface of the first guide surface 4011 near the end of the end of the endoscope and the axial direction M of the inner tube 2 is the first angle mentioned above, and its size is a first preset angle. The guide surface 401 is located at the circumferential end of the guide member 4. It is the end face formed by the guide member 4 in its thickness direction. During use, the light guide assembly 5 is positioned and guided by the first guide surface 4011. External force causes the light guide assembly 5 to adhere to the first guide surface 4011, so that the light-emitting end of the light guide assembly 5 and the first guide surface 4011 are shaped to form a curved segment, extending along the direction of the first guide surface 4011. The light guide assembly 5 adheres to and bends with the first guide surface 4011. The angle of the light-emitting end of the light guide assembly 5 is limited by the angle of the tangent at the end of the first guide surface 4011. Finally, the positioned light guide assembly 5 is fixed in the installation space 3. By setting the first guide surface 4011 as a curved surface, the light-emitting end of the light guide assembly 5 can achieve a gentle bend. When the guide surface 401 has a second guide surface 4012, the light guide assembly 5 can also smoothly transition from the second guide surface 4012 to the first guide surface 4011, avoiding damage caused by sharp bending of the light guide assembly 5.

[0055] like Figure 9 and 12 As shown, the guide member 4 provided in this embodiment of the invention can form the aforementioned guide surface 401 at one end in its circumferential direction. In this case, the light guide assembly 5 is disposed within the mounting space 3 on one side of the guide member 4, and the light guide assembly 5 is positioned via the guide surface 401. Figure 3 and 4 As shown, the guide member 4 provided in this embodiment of the invention can also form the aforementioned guide surface 401 at both ends of its circumference. In this case, the light guide component 5 is disposed in the installation space 3 on both sides of the guide member 4, and the light guide components 5 on both sides are positioned by their respective corresponding guide surface 401. The number of guide members 4 disposed in the installation space 3 is not specifically limited. Optionally, only one guide member 4 is disposed in the installation space 3, and this guide member 4 can be provided with one guide surface 401 or two guide surfaces 401. Optionally, two guide members 4 are disposed in the installation space 3, and both guide members 4 can be provided with one guide surface 401, or each can be provided with two guide surfaces 401, or one guide member 4 can be provided with one guide surface 401 and the other guide member 4 can be provided with two guide surfaces 401. Optionally, technicians can dispose of three or more guide members 4 in the installation space 3 as needed.

[0056] In some embodiments of the present invention, the guide member 4 is symmetrical about the plane that passes through the axial direction M of the inner tube 2 and the axis of the outer tube 1. In this way, the part of the installation space 3 that is not filled by the guide member 4 is still symmetrical about the plane that passes through the axial direction M of the inner tube 2 and the axis of the outer tube 1. This allows the light guide component 5 disposed in the installation space 3 to be symmetrical about the above-mentioned symmetrical plane, which can make the lighting effect more uniform.

[0057] Optionally, such as Figure 8 As shown, a guide 4 is provided, which spans a plane that passes through both the axial direction M of the inner tube 2 and the axis of the outer tube 1. The guide 4 is symmetrical about this plane, and the mounting spaces 3 on both sides of the guide 4 are also symmetrical about this plane. The mounting spaces 3 on both sides of the guide 4 are used to set the light guide components 5. The two ends of the guide 4 in the circumferential direction are provided with guide surfaces 401. At this time, the guide 4 will be restricted by the mounting space 3 whether it rotates counterclockwise or clockwise, thus achieving good positioning. The light guide components 5 on both sides are positioned by the guide surfaces 401. The symmetrical arrangement of the light guide components on both sides ensures the uniformity of the lighting effect.

[0058] Optionally, such as Figure 10 As shown, there are two guide members 4, which are located on opposite sides of the plane passing through the axial direction M of the inner tube 2 and the axis of the outer tube 1, respectively. The two guide members 4 are symmetrical about this plane. The part of the installation space 3 that is not filled by the guide members 4 is also symmetrical about this plane. The installation space 3 between the two guide members 4 is used to set the light guide assembly 5. The light guide assembly 5 is provided with two sets corresponding to the two guide members 4. One end of the guide member 4 is provided with a guide surface 401 in the circumferential direction. At this time, the rotation of the guide member 4 in one direction in the installation space 3 will be restricted by the installation space 3, realizing the limit in one direction. The two light guide assemblies 5 are positioned by the guide surfaces 401 of the two guide members 4 respectively. The two sets of light guide assemblies 5 are arranged symmetrically to ensure the uniformity of the lighting effect.

[0059] Optionally, such as Figure 11As shown, there are three guide members 4. The first guide member 4-1 spans the plane that passes through both the axial direction M of the inner tube 2 and the axis of the outer tube 1. The first guide member 4-1 is symmetrical about the plane. Both ends of the first guide member 4-1 in the circumferential direction are provided with guide surfaces 401. The second guide member 4-2 and the third guide member 4-3 are located on both sides of the plane that passes through the axial direction M of the inner tube 2 and the axis of the outer tube 1, respectively. The second guide member 4-2 and the third guide member 4-3 are symmetrical about the plane. Both the second guide member 4-2 and the third guide member 4-3 have a guide surface 401 at one end in the circumferential direction. At this time, the portion of the installation space 3 not filled by the three guide members 4 is also symmetrically arranged about the plane. The installation space 3 between the first guide member 4-1 and the second guide member 4-2, and the installation space 3 between the first guide member 4-1 and the third guide member 4-3 are used to set the light guide assembly 5. The installation space 3 between the second guide member 4-2 and the third guide member 4-3 is also set with the light guide assembly 5. The light guide assembly 5 is provided with four sets of two guide surfaces 401 corresponding to the first guide member 4-1, one guide surface 401 of the second guide member 4-2, and one guide surface 401 of the third guide member 4-3, respectively. The four sets of light guide assemblies 5 are symmetrically arranged to ensure the uniformity of the lighting effect.

[0060] In some embodiments, such as Figure 6 As shown, the guide member 4 forms a limiting surface 402 on its axially upward end face near the light-emitting end of the endoscope. The limiting surface 402 is arranged parallel to the protective window 9, that is, the limiting surface 402 is perpendicular to the optical axis L of the objective lens assembly 11. The angle between the limiting surface 402 and the radial direction of the inner tube 2 is a second preset angle. This allows the limiting surface 402 of the guide member 4 to be flush with the end face of the inner tube 2, which facilitates the installation and positioning of the guide member 4 between the inner tube 2 and the outer tube 1 and can play a role in preventing mistakes.

[0061] It should be noted that in the technical solution provided in the embodiments of the present invention, the light guide component 5 can be temporarily assembled when the endoscope is used. The present invention protects endoscopes without the light guide component 5 as well as endoscopes with the light guide component 5.

[0062] This invention provides a method for installing a light guide assembly 5 in an endoscope, used to assemble the light guide assembly 5 with the endoscope provided in the above embodiments of this invention. Taking the case of setting a guide member 4 as an example, the assembly process of the light guide assembly 5 in the endoscope is described as follows:

[0063] Step S1: Insert the light guide assembly 5 into the installation space 3 and extend it out of the light-emitting end of the endoscope. As shown in the figure, there are two sets of light guide assemblies 5 and one guide member 4. One end of the light guide assembly 5 is connected to the light source at the connector 10 on the base 6, and extends along the installation space 3 between the inner tube 2 and the outer tube 1 towards the end of the endoscope where the protective window 9 is located. The two sets of light guide assemblies 5 are respectively inserted into the installation spaces 3 on both sides of the guide member 4, and the ends of the two sets of light guide assemblies 5 extend out of the light-emitting end of the endoscope.

[0064] Step S2: The position of the light guide component 5 is defined by the guide member 4, so that the angle formed by the light guide component 5 at the light-emitting end of the endoscope relative to the axial direction M of the inner tube 2 is a first preset angle. Specifically, the part of the light guide component 5 extending out of the endoscope can be applied by hand or tool to apply external force to press the light guide component 5 tightly against the guide surface 401 of the guide member 4. The part of the light guide component 5 corresponding to the first guide surface 4011 is bent according to the shape of the first guide surface 4011, so that the angle formed by the light guide component 5 at the light-emitting end of the endoscope relative to the axial direction M of the inner tube 2 is the first preset angle.

[0065] Step S3: Fix the light guide assembly 5 onto the guide member 4 and seal the installation space 3. Specifically, the light guide assembly 5 can be fixed with a curing adhesive to form a whole, preventing the light guide assembly 5 from moving and sealing the installation space 3.

[0066] Step S4: Remove the portion of the light guide assembly 5 extending beyond the light-emitting end of the endoscope. Specifically, excess light guide assembly 5 can be cut off using tools, and the end face can be ground and polished.

[0067] It should be noted that the terms "one embodiment," "embodiment," "exemplary embodiment," "some embodiments," etc., mentioned in the specification indicate that the described embodiment may include a specific feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes that specific feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Moreover, when a specific feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, implementing such a feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments, whether explicitly described or not, is within the knowledge scope of those skilled in the art.

[0068] It should be readily understood that the terms “on,” “above,” and “on top of” in this disclosure should be interpreted in the broadest possible sense, such that “on” means not only “directly on something” but also “on something” with an intermediate feature or layer therebetween, and that “above” or “on top of” means not only “on something” but also “on something” without an intermediate feature or layer therebetween (i.e., directly on something).

[0069] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0070] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. An endoscope, characterized by, The application relates to an endoscope, which comprises the following parts: an outer tube; an inner tube, which forms an installation space with the outer tube; a guide part arranged in the installation space, the guide part being connected with the outer wall of the inner tube and the inner wall of the outer tube respectively, so that the thickness of at least part of the guide part matches the radial distance between the inner tube and the outer tube, the inner tube being eccentrically sleeved in the outer tube, so that the thickness of the guide part changes along the circumference when the radial dimension of the installation space changes along the circumference; the guide part is used for limiting the position of a light guide assembly, so that the first included angle formed between the light exit end of the light guide assembly and the axis of the inner tube is a first preset angle; an objective assembly arranged in the inner tube, the second included angle formed between the optical axis of the objective assembly and the axis of the inner tube being a second preset angle. The guide part is welded, bonded or integrally formed with the inner tube.

2. The endoscope of claim 1, wherein, At least one end of the guide part in the circumferential direction is provided with a guide surface, and the guide surface comprises a first guide surface, wherein:

3. The endoscope of claim 1, wherein, the first guide surface is a plane, and the first guide surface forms the first included angle with the axis of the inner tube. At least one end of the guide part in the circumferential direction is provided with a guide surface, and the guide surface comprises a first guide surface, wherein: the first guide surface is a curved surface, and the tangent plane of the first guide surface near one end of the light exit end of the endoscope forms the first included angle with the axis of the inner tube.

4. The endoscope of claim 1, wherein, The guide surface further comprises a second guide surface, and the second guide surface is farther away from the light exit end of the endoscope than the first guide surface.

5. The endoscope according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by The second guide surface is parallel to the axis of the inner tube.

6. The endoscope of claim 5, wherein, The guide part is symmetrical to the plane which simultaneously passes through the axis of the inner tube and the axis of the outer tube.

7. The endoscope of claim 1, wherein, The guide part is provided with a plurality of guide parts.

8. The endoscope of claim 1, wherein, The application further comprises a light guide assembly arranged in the installation space.

9. The endoscope of claim 1, wherein, The first preset angle is determined according to the observation area of the objective assembly, wherein the observation area of the objective assembly is a circular area formed on an observation plane around the optical axis.

10. The endoscope of any one of claims 1 to 4, 6 to 9, wherein, The first preset angle is the same as the second preset angle.

11. The endoscope of any one of claims 1 to 4, 6 to 9, wherein, The application relates to an endoscope, which comprises the following parts:

12. A method of installing a light guide assembly in an endoscope, by means of an endoscope according to any one of claims 1-11, characterized in that, the light guide assembly is inserted into the installation space and extends out of the light exit end of the endoscope; the position of the light guide assembly is limited by the guide part, so that the included angle formed between the light exit end of the light guide assembly and the axis of the inner tube is a first preset angle; the light guide assembly is fixed on the guide part and the installation space is sealed; and the part of the light guide assembly extending out of the light exit end of the endoscope is removed. ​

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