An active bending tube, an insertion part and an endoscope of an endoscope

Abstract

The present invention provides an active bending tube, an insertion part and an endoscope of an endoscope, belonging to the technical field of endoscopes. A spiral first gap is provided on the tube wall of the active bending tube. A plurality of fastening components are arranged along the axial direction of the active bending tube. The fastening components include protrusions and grooves located on both sides of the first gap. The protrusions can be rotationally matched with the grooves to bend the active bending tube. In the same fastening component, along the spiral direction of the first gap, the relatively lower end in the radial direction of the active bending tube at both ends of the groove is the first end, and the relatively higher end is the second end. A stop portion is provided at the first end, and the stop portion protrudes relative to the spiral extension track corresponding to the second end. The stop portion is used to cooperate with the protrusion for stopping. By providing a stop portion protruding from the spiral extension track corresponding to the second end on the first side of the groove, the present invention enhances the limiting effect of the groove on the protrusion, and both the groove and the stop portion can cooperate with the protrusion to avoid torsion when the active bending tube bends.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of endoscopes, and particularly relates to an active bending tube, an insertion part and an endoscope of an endoscope. Background Art

[0002] Endoscopes are widely used in modern medicine. During specific use, the active bending section of the insertion part can be bent by pulling the traction rope, so as to control the bending direction of the front end of the insertion part and obtain image information of the target position.

[0003] The active bending section of the existing endoscope is generally formed by connecting multiple snake bone units. However, due to the large processing difficulty and complex process of the structure of the snake bone unit, the US Patent No. US20070233043A1 discloses a flexible device shaft with inclined spiral winding, providing a shaft with spiral gaps. While realizing the bending function of the active bending section, it simplifies the structure of the active bending section, reduces the processing difficulty and simplifies the processing process. However, when the active bending section of this structure bends, a torsional phenomenon will occur, resulting in a change in the position of instruments such as the camera module at the distal end of the active bending section, affecting the normal use of the instruments. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide an active bending tube, an insertion part and an endoscope of an endoscope to solve the above-mentioned technical problems existing in the prior art.

[0005] This application is implemented as follows:

[0006] In the first aspect, this application provides an active bending tube of an endoscope. The tube wall of the active bending tube is provided with a spiral first gap. The active bending tube is provided with a plurality of fastening components along its axial direction. The fastening components include protrusions and grooves located on both sides of the first gap. The protrusions can be rotationally matched with the grooves to bend the active bending tube. In the same fastening component, along the spiral direction of the first gap, the relatively lower end in the radial direction of the active bending tube of the two ends of the groove is the first end, and the relatively higher end is the second end. The first end is provided with a stop portion, and the stop portion protrudes relative to the spiral extension trajectory corresponding to the second end. The stop portion is used to cooperate with the protrusion for stopping.

[0007] In the above technical solution, by arranging the fastening components at the position of the first gap, when the active bending tube bends, the protrusions and grooves of the fastening components can be rotationally matched, which does not affect the bending of the active bending tube. Moreover, since a stop portion is provided at the first end of the groove, no matter which side the active bending tube bends towards, the groove can limit and stop the protrusion, preventing the protrusion from disengaging from the groove, thereby avoiding torsion of the active bending tube during bending.

[0008] Further, in the same fastening component, the second end of the groove and the free end of the stop portion are both located in the same cross-section of the active bending tube.

[0009] Further, the edge of the stop portion facing away from the groove and the corresponding portion of the active bending tube are smoothly transitioned at the edge of the first gap.

[0010] Further, the vertical distance from the free end of the stop portion to the spiral extension trajectory corresponding to the second end is less than the length of the stop portion along the spiral extension trajectory corresponding to the second end.

[0011] Further, the surfaces of the protrusion and the groove close to each other are both arc surfaces.

[0012] Further, the central angle corresponding to the protrusion is less than or equal to 180 degrees.

[0013] Further, the fastening component further includes an avoidance groove. The avoidance groove and the protrusion are on the same side of the first gap. The avoidance groove is located on the side of the spiral extension trajectories corresponding to both ends of the protrusion away from the groove, and the avoidance groove is used to accommodate the stop portion.

[0014] Further, in the same fastening component, the free end of the stop portion is configured to move in the avoidance groove.

[0015] In a second aspect, the present application provides an insertion portion of an endoscope, including the active bending tube of the endoscope described above.

[0016] In a third aspect, the present application provides an endoscope, including the insertion portion of the endoscope described above.

[0017] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0018] 1. In the present invention, by providing a protrusion and a groove, and using the groove to limit the position of the protrusion, when the active bending tube is bent, the groove and the protrusion cooperate to limit the torsion generated when the active bending tube is bent, so that the active bending tube can be used normally. Moreover, the stop portion at the first end of the groove is protruded relative to the spiral extension trajectory corresponding to the second end, enhancing the limiting effect of the first end on the protrusion. By preventing the protrusion from disengaging from the groove, it is ensured that the active bending tube can correctly achieve rotation, and it is ensured that the insertion portion of the endoscope can accurately achieve the rotation function and rotate at an accurate angle when in use.

[0019] 2. In the present invention, by providing the cooperation of the groove and the protrusion, the active bending tubes on both sides of the first gap can rotate synchronously, ensuring that when the active bending tube is bent and rotated, its multiple snake bone rings can rotate synchronously, and the distal end of the active bending tube can accurately achieve bending.

[0020] 3. In the present invention, by providing an avoidance groove on the active bending tube on one side of the protrusion, which can cooperate with the stop portion, the avoidance groove can accommodate the stop portion, avoiding the situation that when the active bending tube bends, the stop portion abuts against the active bending tube on the side of the protrusion, resulting in the active bending tube being unable to bend to the preset direction;

[0021] 4. In the present invention, by setting the stop portion to move in the avoidance groove all the time, the stop portion is always in a stable connection state with the avoidance groove, thereby further restricting the torsion that occurs when the active bending tube bends;

[0022] 5. In the present invention, the surfaces of the protrusion and the groove that are close to each other are set as arc surface structures, so that the protrusion can rotate smoothly on the surface of the groove. While restricting the protrusion, it does not affect the bending of the active bending tube. Moreover, part of the protrusion is located in the groove, and the protrusion can support the active bending tubes on both sides of the first gap. When the active bending tube is pulled and bent by the traction rope, the protrusion and the groove can quickly buckle together and then rotate and cooperate, with little impact on the length of the active bending tube, and there will be no problem of misalignment in the buckling between the groove and the protrusion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for use in the embodiments of the present invention or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the following described drawings are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other drawings can also be obtained based on these drawings.

[0024] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the active bending tube provided by the first embodiment of the present application;

[0025] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of the active bending tube without a stop portion provided by the first embodiment of the present application;

[0026] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the active bending tube without a stop portion provided by the first embodiment of the present application bending towards the second end;

[0027] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the active bending tube without a stop portion provided by the first embodiment of the present application bending towards the first end;

[0028] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of the active bending tube provided by the first embodiment of the present application;

[0029] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of the active bending tube provided by the first embodiment of the present application bending towards the second end;

[0030] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram of the active bending tube provided by the first embodiment of the present application bending towards the first end;

[0031] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of the active bending tube provided by the second embodiment of the present application;

[0032] Figure 9 It is a schematic diagram of the active bending tube provided by the second embodiment of the present application bending towards the first end;

[0033] Figure 10 It is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of the active bending tube provided by the third embodiment of the present application;

[0034] Figure 11 It is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of the active bending tube provided by the fourth embodiment of the present application;

[0035] Figure 12 It is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the active bending section provided by the fifth embodiment of the present application.

[0036] 100 - Active bending tube, 110 - First gap, 120 - Buckling component, 121 - Protrusion, 122 - Groove, 122a - First end, 122b - Second end, 123 - Avoidance groove, 124 - Stopping portion, 124a - Free end, 130 - Traction channel, 200 - Braided mesh, 300 - Skin, b1 - Helical extension trajectory, b2 - Helical extension trajectory, c - Cross section, L1 - Vertical distance, L2 - Length of the stopping portion, L3 - First width, L4 - Second width. Detailed implementation manners

[0037] The following description provides many different embodiments or examples for implementing different features of the present invention. The elements and arrangements described in the following specific examples are only used to concisely express the present invention, and they are only examples and not intended to limit the present invention.

[0038] It should be noted that in each embodiment of the present application, "proximal end" and "distal end" refer to the relative distances from the user in the usage environment of the endoscope and its accessories. Among them, the end closer to the user is designated as the "proximal end", and the end farther from the user is designated as the "distal end".

[0039] Embodiments of the present application provide an active bending tube for an endoscope, in combination with Figures 1 to 12As shown in the figure, the tube wall of the active bending tube 100 is provided with a spiral first gap 110. The active bending tube 100 is provided with a plurality of fastening components 120 along its axial direction. When the active bending tube 100 is bent, the plurality of fastening components 120 can connect the active bending tube 100 on both sides of the first gap 110, avoiding the phenomenon of torsion of the active bending tube 100. The fastening component 120 includes a protrusion 121 and a groove 122 located on both sides of the first gap 110. The protrusion 121 can be rotationally matched with the groove 122 to bend the active bending tube 100. When the active bending tube 100 is bent under the drive of an external force, the protrusion 121 can be fastened in the groove 122, and as the active bending tube 100 bends, the protrusion 121 can rotate relative to the groove 122 to ensure that the active bending tube 100 can be bent smoothly. For ease of understanding, the x-direction and y-direction are set in the attached drawings. The x-direction represents the axial direction of the active bending tube 100, and the y-direction represents the radial direction of the active bending tube 100.

[0040] The spiral first gap 110 on the active bending tube 100 divides the active bending tube 100 into a plurality of snake bone rings connected end to end in sequence. If the fastening component 120 is not provided on the active bending tube 100, when the active bending tube 100 is bent, relative rotation will occur between adjacent two snake bone rings, resulting in torsion of the active bending tube 100. Setting the fastening component 120 can limit the relative positions of adjacent two snake bone rings, avoiding the situation where torsion of the active bending tube 100 is caused by relative rotation between adjacent snake bone rings. If torsion occurs, the insertion part cannot be bent in the preset direction and angle, which will affect the use of instruments such as the camera module at the distal end of the active bending tube 100.

[0041] In the same fastening component 120, along the spiral direction of the first gap 110, a stop portion 124 is provided at the first end 122a of the groove 122. The first end 122a is the lower end relative to the radial direction of the active bending tube 100 among the two ends of the groove 122. The other end of the groove 122 along the spiral direction of the first gap 110 is the second end 122b, and the second end 122b is the higher end relative to the radial direction of the active bending tube 100 among the two ends of the groove 122; the stop portion 124 protrudes relative to the spiral extension trajectory b1 corresponding to the second end 122b, and the stop portion 124 is used for cooperation with the protrusion 121 for stopping.

[0042] Explanation of the spiral extension trajectory b1. Specifically, it is the spiral extension trajectory of the side wall of the second end 122b on the active bending tube 100 along the first gap 110.

[0043] Since the helix of the first gap 110 is inclined relative to the radial direction of the active bending tube 100, when the active bending tube 100 bends towards the first end 122a and towards the second end 122b, the positions where the protrusion 121 rotates in the groove 122 are different, and the limiting effect of the groove 122 on the protrusion 121 is also different. If the stop portion 124 is not provided at the first end 122a, then when the active bending tube 100 bends towards the second end 122b, the limiting effect of the first end 122a on the protrusion 121 is weak. Therefore, the stop portion 124 needs to be provided at the first end 122a to enhance the limiting effect of the groove 122 on the protrusion 121.

[0044] Specifically, as shown in Figures 2 to 4 , when the stop portion 124 is not provided at the first end 122a, the spiral extension trajectory b1 corresponding to the first end 122a is the same as the spiral extension trajectory b1 corresponding to the second end 122b at this time. Along the spiral direction of the first gap 110, the first end 122a is at a low point relative to the radial direction of the active bending tube 100, that is, the first end 122a is recessed from the radial direction of the active bending tube 100, and the second end 122b is at a high point relative to the radial direction of the active bending tube 100, that is, the second end 122b protrudes from the radial direction of the active bending tube 100; in other reference methods, the direction from the protrusion 121 to the groove 122 can be regarded as the spiral rising direction of the first gap 110, and the first end 122a is located behind the spiral extension direction of the first gap 110 relative to the second end 122b. Taking Figure 2 as an example, the first end 122a is located above the left of the second end 122b. At this time, if the protrusion 121 is moved upward or downward along the radial direction of the active bending tube 100, when the protrusion 121 is moved upward, the protrusion 121 is easily separated from the groove 122 at the first end 122a, and when the protrusion 121 is moved downward, the protrusion 121 is not easily separated from the position of the second end 122b because, compared with the second end 122b, the first end 122a has less restriction on the protrusion 121 in the radial direction.

[0045] When the active bending tube 100 bends, the protrusion 121 rotates in the groove 122. When the active bending tube 100 bends towards the second end 122b, as shown in Figure 3 , at this time, only the first end 122a of the active bending tube 100 will have a situation where the restriction on the protrusion 121 is insufficient and the protrusion 121 is easily separated from the groove 122 at the first end 122a. When the active bending tube 100 bends towards the first end 122a, as shown in Figure 4As shown, at this time, only the second end 122b of the active bending tube 100 will have insufficient restriction on the protrusion 121, and the protrusion 121 is easy to be separated from the groove 122 from the second end 122b. However, since the restriction effect of the first end 122a on the protrusion 121 is smaller than that of the second end 122b, when the active bending tube 100 bends toward the second end 122b, the first end 122a rotates with the bending of the active bending tube 100, and the position of the first end 122a relative to the first end 122a is Figure 2 Therefore, the limiting effect of the first end 122a on the protrusion 121 is further reduced. When the active bending tube 100 is twisted during bending, the protrusion 121 is more likely to detach from the first end 122a, and the twisting of the active bending tube 100 cannot be restricted, which affects the normal use of the active bending tube 100. Therefore, in the embodiment of the present application, the first end 122a needs to be provided with a stopper 124 to increase the limiting effect of the first end 122a on the protrusion 121 and prevent the protrusion 121 from detaching from the first end 122a.

[0046] Combination Figures 5 to 7 As shown, Figure 5 In the embodiment, when the groove 122 and the protrusion 121 are not rotated, the stopper 124 is protruded toward the protrusion 121, and the stopper 124 is protruded relative to the spiral extension track b1 corresponding to the second end 122b. The stopper 124 can enhance the limiting effect on the protrusion 121. When the active bending tube 100 is bent toward the second end 122b, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 As shown, even if the stopper 124 moves toward the left, relative to Figure 3 The first end 122a position in Figure 6 The free end 124a of the stopper 124 in the embodiment has a stronger restriction on the protrusion 121, thereby avoiding the situation that the first end 122a cannot restrict the torsion of the active bending tube 100. When the protrusion degree of the stopper 124 is appropriate, the structure of the stopper 124 will not abut on the active bending tube 100 on the side where the protrusion is located, affecting the normal cooperation between the protrusion 121 and the groove 122 when the active bending tube 100 is bent toward the first end 122a; when the active bending tube 100 is bent toward the first end 122a, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown, although the second end 122 b will also rotate toward the left, the protrusion 121 is not easily separated from the groove 122 because the second end 122 b itself has a strong limiting effect on the protrusion 121 .

[0047] In this application, by setting the rotational cooperation between the groove 122 and the protrusion 121, it is ensured that when the active bending tube 100 is pulled by the traction rope, the active bending tube 100 can be bent smoothly. Moreover, a stop portion 124 protruding towards the protrusion 121 is provided at the first end 122a of the groove 122 to enhance the restrictive effect on the protrusion 121. When the active bending tube 100 bends, the protrusion 121 can cooperate with the groove 122 to limit the torsion generated when the active bending tube 100 bends, avoiding the situation where the diameter of part of the active bending tube 100 may increase or decrease when the active bending tube 100 bends. At the same time, the connection between the active bending tubes 100 on both sides of the first gap 110 is also enhanced, avoiding relative rotation between the active bending tubes 100 on both sides of the first gap 110, and the protrusion 121 is not easily detached from the groove 122, so that the active bending tube 100 can be used normally; compared with the active bending tube 100 formed by splicing multiple snake bone units, the active bending tube 100 with a spiral structure has a simple processing technology, low cost, and reduces the assembly difficulty.

[0048] In specific use, there are also two sets of traction channels 130 on the active bending tube 100. The set of traction channels 130 includes multiple traction channels 130 arranged along the axial direction of the active bending tube 100. The traction rope passes through the traction channels 130, thereby realizing the pulling of the active bending tube 100. One set of traction channels 130 corresponds to one bending direction of the active bending tube 100; in this application, multiple fastening components 120 arranged along the axial direction of the active bending tube 100 are defined as a set of fastening components 120. To enhance the structural stability of the active bending tube 100, there are two sets of fastening components 120 on the active bending tube 100. The two sets of fastening components 120 and the two sets of traction channels 130 are arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction of the active bending tube 100. There is one set of traction channels 130 between the two sets of fastening components 120. Moreover, to ensure that the active bending tube 100 can be bent smoothly and without torsion, the two sets of fastening components 120 and the two sets of traction channels 130 are evenly arranged in the circumferential direction of the active bending tube 100.

[0049] After the active bending tube 100 is divided into multiple snake bone rings connected end to end by the first gap 110, a fastening component 120 is provided between any two adjacent snake bone rings. When the active bending tube 100 bends, the adjacent snake bone rings restrict each other to avoid torsion, so as to ensure the normal bending and use of the active bending tube 100; in addition, in the implementation provided in this application, the directions from the protrusion 121 to the groove 122 in multiple fastening components 120 need to be the same, which is convenient for manufacturing and production; however, in other implementation manners, the directions from the protrusion 121 to the groove 122 in different fastening components 120 may also be different.

[0050] To ensure the rotational fit between the groove 122 and the protrusion 121, the surfaces of the protrusion 121 and the groove 122 that are close to each other are both arc surfaces, preferably circular arc surfaces. After the protrusion 121 is snapped into the groove 122, the surfaces in contact with each other can rotate relative to each other to adapt to the bending of the active bending tube 100. Preferably, any part of the surface of the groove 122 can fit on the surface of the protrusion 121 to increase the friction between the protrusion 121 and the groove 122 and prevent the protrusion 121 and the groove 122 from disengaging. To achieve the effect that the active bending tube 100 can be bent when the protrusion 121 and the groove 122 are in rotational fit, after the protrusion 121 is snapped into the groove 122, part of the surface of the protrusion 121 does not contact the groove 122, and this part of the surface serves as the rotational allowance to achieve the rotational fit effect between the protrusion 121 and the groove 122. Generally, the protruding degree of the protrusion 121 is greater than the recessed degree of the groove 122.

[0051] Combined Figure 5 As shown, the central angle corresponding to the protrusion 121 is less than or equal to 180 degrees. The central angle of the protrusion 121 refers to the angle formed by the connection lines between the two ends of the protrusion 121 and the center of the arc surface of the active bending tube 100, and the maximum value of this angle is 180 degrees. When the arc surface on the surface of the protrusion 121 is a circular arc surface, the protrusion 121 is a minor arc convex block. The strength of the protrusion 121 in this structure is strong. Define the width of the protrusion 121 along the spiral extension trajectory b2 corresponding to the two ends of the protrusion 121 as the first width L3. The protrusion 121 has multiple first widths L3 with different values, and the multiple first widths L3 of the protrusion 121 gradually increase along the direction from the groove 122 to the protrusion 121 in the same snap-fit component 120, so that the widths at the two ends of the protrusion 121 are the maximum widths. Define this width as the second width L4. The second width L4 is the maximum value among the multiple first widths L3, that is, along the spiral direction of the first gap 110, the widths at the two ends of the protrusion 121 are the widest. The position where the structural strength of the protrusion 121 is the greatest is the position connected to the active bending tube 100 to make the connection between the protrusion 121 and the active bending tube 100 more stable. When the protrusion 121 is subjected to the acting force during the torsion of the active bending tube 100, the protrusion 121 and the active bending tube 100 bear the part of the torsional force together. If the first width L3 does not gradually increase but first increases and then decreases, it will cause the second width L4 not to be the maximum value among the first widths L3, and the protrusion 121 will present a necking structure. Then, when the protrusion 121 is subjected to the torsion of the active bending tube 100, stress concentration is likely to occur at the connection position between the protrusion 121 and the active bending tube 100, and cracks will appear at the connection position, ultimately causing the protrusion 121 to disengage from the active bending tube 100 and damaging the structure of the active bending tube 100.

[0052] Since the active bending tube 100 will bend only when it is pulled by the traction rope, the length of the first gap 110 on one side of the active bending tube 100 is shortened, and the active bending tube 100 is bent, and the engagement and rotation of the protrusion 121 and the groove 122 occur simultaneously. In some embodiments, when the active bending tube 100 is not bent, the protrusion 121 and the groove 122 are already in a buckled state, and the surface of the protrusion 121 and the surface of the groove 122 fit each other. Under this structure, when the active bending tube 100 is bent, on the one hand, because the protrusion 121 supports the active bending tube 100 on both sides of the first gap 110, the length of the active bending tube 100 will not change, which is more convenient for operators to operate. At the same time, there is no need to worry about the problem of buckling between the protrusion 121 and the groove 122. In actual implementation, due to the limitation of the manufacturing process, when the active bending tube 100 is not bent, the protrusion 121 and the groove 122 cannot be completely fitted together, and there is always a small gap between the groove 122 and the protrusion 121. At this time, the part of the protrusion 121 close to the groove 122 is located in the groove 122, but because the gap is too small, when the active bending tube 100 is pulled by the traction rope, the protrusion 121 and the groove 122 can be quickly buckled together, and then rotated to match, which has little effect on the length of the active bending tube 100, and there will be no problem of buckling misalignment between the groove 122 and the protrusion 121.

[0053] The active bending tube 100 in the embodiment of the present application can be formed by an integral hollow tube, and then a spiral gap is set on the wall of the hollow tube. The stopper 124 and the active bending tube 100 are an integrally formed structure. The protrusions 121, the grooves 122 and the stopper 124 on both sides of the first gap 110 can be formed by adjusting the trajectory and width of the gap, so that the active bending tube 100 finally formed is an integrally formed structure, which enhances the strength and stability of the structure and avoids breakage, bending and the like during use. In other embodiments, the stopper 124 can be set separately from the active bending tube 100, and the stopper 124 is fixed to the active bending tube 100 by bonding or other means.

[0054] The protrusion degree of the stopper 124 relative to the spiral extension trajectory b1 corresponding to the second end 122b should not be too large. Generally, the connecting line between the free end 124a of the stopper 124 and the second end 122b can be located in the same cross-section c of the active bending tube 100. The free end 124a of the stopper 124 refers to the end of the stopper 124 away from the end of the active bending tube 100 where the groove 122 is located, so as to achieve the same limiting effect on the protrusion 121 at both ends of the groove 122. No matter which side the active bending tube 100 bends, the protrusion 121 of the active bending tube 100 can be subject to the same limiting effect, thereby avoiding the active bending tube 100 from twisting.

[0055] In one embodiment, the edge of the stop portion 124 facing away from the groove 122 needs to be smoothly transitioned with the corresponding portion of the active bending tube 100 at the edge of the first gap 110, so as to avoid the occurrence of a fold angle between the stop portion 124 and the active bending tube 100, and avoid stress concentration when the stop portion 124 performs stopping. When the stop portion 124 restricts the torsion of the active bending tube 100, the acting force of the protrusion 121 on the stop portion 124 will not cause a crack between the stop portion 124 and the active bending tube 100.

[0056] Meanwhile, the vertical distance L1 from the free end 124a of the stop portion 124 to the spiral extension trajectory b1 corresponding to the second end 122b needs to be less than the stop portion length L2 of the stop portion 124 along the spiral extension trajectory b1 corresponding to the second end 122b, so as to increase the cross-sectional area of the stop portion 124 in the x-axis direction, improve the strength of the stop portion 124, and improve the anti-damage performance of the stop portion 124. When the stop portion 124 is subjected to the acting force of the protrusion 121, the stop portion 124 can jointly bear the acting force of the protrusion 121 with the active bending tube 100. Since the strength of the stop portion 124 itself is strong enough, when the protrusion 121 abuts against the stop portion 124, the stop portion 124 is not easily damaged; if the vertical distance L1 from the free end 124a of the stop portion 124 to the spiral extension trajectory b1 corresponding to the second end 122b is greater than the length of the stop portion 124 along the spiral extension trajectory b1 corresponding to the second end 122b, the cross-sectional area of the stop portion 124 in the x-axis decreases, and the strength of the stop portion 124 is small. When the stop portion 124 is subjected to the acting force of the protrusion 121, on the one hand, the stop portion 124 alone bears most of the acting force, and the strength of the stop portion 124 itself is low, and the stop portion 124 is prone to fracture. If the active bending tube 100 is an integral structure, when one stop portion 124 is damaged, it will affect the operation of the active bending section, and all need to be replaced during replacement. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the strength of the stop portion 124, which can enhance the service life of the active bending tube 100.

[0057] In order to avoid the influence of the existence of the stop portion 124 on the normal bending of the active bending tube 100, the fastening member 120 further includes an avoidance groove 123. The avoidance groove 123 and the protrusion 121 are located on the same side of the first gap 110. The avoidance groove 123 is located on the side away from the groove 122 of the corresponding spiral extension trajectories b2 at both ends of the protrusion 121, and the avoidance groove 123 is used to accommodate the stop portion 124.

[0058] Explanation of the spiral extension trajectory b2. Specifically, it is the spiral trajectory along which the side walls on one side at both ends of the protrusion 121 on the active bending tube 100 extend along the first gap.

[0059] In specific use, since the active bending tube 100 is a hollow cylinder structure, the first gap 110 is a cylindrical helix on the active bending tube 100. The helix angle determines the position of the stop portion 124 at the first end 122a. When the helix angle is appropriate, the free end 124a of the stop portion 124 and the second end 122b are both located in the same cross-section c of the active bending tube 100. When the active bending tube 100 bends towards the first end 122a side, the stop portion 124 will not abut against the active bending tube 100 on the side where the protrusion 121 is located. The stop portion 124 will not affect the normal rotation of the protrusion 121 in the groove 122, nor will it affect the normal bending of the active bending tube 100, as Figure 5 shown.

[0060] If the helix angle is too large, at this time, if the free end 124a of the stop portion 124 and the second end 122b are both located in the same cross-section c of the active bending tube 100, the protrusion degree of the stop portion 124 increases. Combining Figure 8 and Figure 9 shown, when the active bending tube 100 bends towards the first end 122a side, the stop portion 124 will abut against the active bending tube 100 on the side where the protrusion 121 is located, resulting in the protrusion 121 being unable to continue rotating in the groove 122, thus affecting the normal bending of the active bending tube 100. Therefore, it is necessary to set an avoidance groove 123 on the active bending tube 100 on the side where the protrusion 121 is located. The structure of the avoidance groove 123 corresponds to the structure of the stop portion 124. When the active bending tube 100 bends towards the first end 122a side, the stop portion 124 can be buckled in the avoidance groove 123, thereby avoiding the influence of the stop portion 124 on the bending of the active bending tube 100; in addition, when the helix angle continues to increase, the protrusion degree of the stop portion 124 continues to increase, and there will also be a situation where the stop portion 124 is already located in the avoidance groove 123 when the active bending tube 100 has not rotated yet, as Figure 10 shown. In this structure, the avoidance groove 123 needs to have a certain margin, so that when the active bending tube 100 bends towards the first end 122a, the first end 122a can continue to move towards the avoidance groove 123.

[0061] In another implementation, the protrusion degree of the stop portion 124 can be increased. There is no need to set that the second end 122b of the groove 122 and the free end 124a of the stop portion 124 are both located in the same cross-section c of the active bending tube 100. The stop portion 124 is configured to always move in the avoidance groove 123. Whether the active bending tube 100 bends or not, and whether the active bending tube 100 bends towards the first end 122a or towards the second end 122b, the stop portion 124 always moves in the avoidance groove 123. Combining Figure 11As shown, the stop portion 124 is always engaged with the avoidance groove 123 to limit the torsion that occurs when the active bending tube 100 bends. The cooperation between the two is stable, and at the same time, the stop portion 124 will not disengage from the avoidance groove 123.

[0062] An embodiment of the present application further provides an insertion portion of an endoscope, including the active bending tube 100 of the endoscope mentioned in any of the foregoing solutions.

[0063] When the active bending tube 100 bends, due to the characteristics of the spiral structure, the first gap 110 on the active bending tube 100 will change as the active bending tube 100 bends. The first gap 110 near the bending side shrinks, and the first gap 110 far from the bending side expands. If the structure of the conventional active bending section is adopted and a skin 300 is wrapped outside the active bending tube 100, since the skin 300 has a certain elasticity, when the active bending tube 100 bends, the shrinking first gap 110 is likely to clamp the skin 300. When the active bending tube 100 returns from the bent state to the vertical state, the expanding first gap 110 is also likely to clamp the skin 300 when it returns to its original state, affecting the normal bending of the active bending tube 100. Therefore, in order to avoid the situation where the first gap 110 clamps the skin 300, a braided net 200 needs to be sleeved outside the active bending tube 100, and the skin 300 is arranged outside the braided net 200. Combining Figure 12 As shown, the braided net 200 is generally made of metal and does not have elasticity. When the active bending tube 100 bends or returns from the bent state, the first gap 110 will not clamp the metal net, ensuring that the active bending tube 100 can be bent and used normally. Moreover, since the metal braided net 200 has no elasticity, it can have a certain limiting effect on the active bending tube 100. When the active bending tube 100 bends, the metal braided net 200 restricts the position of the active bending tube 100, avoiding misalignment between the joints formed by the first gap 110 when the active bending tube 100 bends.

[0064] An embodiment of the present application further provides an endoscope, including the insertion portion of the endoscope mentioned in any of the foregoing solutions. The endoscope of the embodiment of the present application can be a bronchoscope, a pyeloscope, an esophagoscope, a gastroscope, a colonoscope, an otoscope, a nasal endoscope, an oral endoscope, a laryngoscope, a vaginoscope, a laparoscope, an arthroscope, etc. The present application does not specifically limit the types of endoscopes.

[0065] The above are only the preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, and improvements made within the spirit and principle of the present invention shall be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An active bending tube of an endoscope, characterized in that, The tube wall of the active bending tube (100) is provided with a spiral first gap (110). The active bending tube (100) is provided with a plurality of fastening components (120) along its axial direction. The fastening components (120) include protrusions (121) and grooves (122) located on both sides of the first gap (110). The protrusions (121) can be rotationally matched with the grooves (122) to bend the active bending tube (100). In the same fastening component (120), along the spiral direction of the first gap (110), the two ends of the groove (122) are respectively a first end (122a) and a second end (122b); and in the axial direction of the active bending tube (100), along the direction from the protrusion (121) in the same fastening component (120) pointing to the groove (122), they are successively the second end (122b) and the first end (122a). The first end (122a) is provided with a stop portion (124). The stop portion (124) protrudes relative to the spiral extension trajectory (b1) corresponding to the second end (122b). The stop portion (124) is used to cooperate with the protrusion (121) for stopping. The vertical distance from the free end (124a) of the stop portion (124) to the spiral extension trajectory (b1) corresponding to the second end (122b) is less than the length of the stop portion (124) along the spiral extension trajectory (b1) corresponding to the second end (122b).

2. The active bending tube of an endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the same fastening component (120), the second end (122b) of the groove (122) and the free end (124a) of the stop portion (124) are both located in the same cross-section (c) of the active bending tube (100).

3. The active bending tube of an endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that, The edge of the stop portion (124) facing away from the groove (122) and the corresponding part on the active bending tube (100) are smoothly transitioned at the first gap (110).

4. The active bending tube of an endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that, The surfaces of the protrusion (121) and the groove (122) close to each other are both arc surfaces.

5. The active bending tube of an endoscope according to claim 4, characterized in that, The central angle corresponding to the protrusion (121) is less than or equal to 180 degrees.

6. The active bending tube of an endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fastening component (120) further includes an avoidance groove (123). The avoidance groove (123) is on the same side of the first gap (110) as the protrusion (121). The avoidance groove (123) is located on the side away from the groove (122) of the spiral extension trajectories (b2) corresponding to both ends of the protrusion (121). The avoidance groove (123) is used to accommodate the stop portion (124).

7. The active bending tube of an endoscope according to claim 6, characterized in that, In the same fastening component (120), the free end (124a) of the stop portion (124) is configured to move in the avoidance groove (123).

8. An insertion part of an endoscope, characterized in that, The active bending tube of the endoscope according to any one of claims 1-7.

9. An endoscope, characterized in that, The insertion part of the endoscope according to claim 8.

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