A rigid adjustable insertion portion, sheath and endoscope

Abstract

The application discloses a rigid adjustable insertion part, a sheath and an endoscope, and relates to the technical field of medical devices. The rigid adjustable insertion part comprises an insertion part body and a first force applying element. The insertion part body is provided with a first bending section. The first bending section is in a tubular structure and is divided into a plurality of first bending units arranged along the axial direction by a first cutting seam. Adjacent first bending units are in close contact with each other, so that the first bending section has a first bending stiffness. The first force applying element is used for applying a driving force to the first bending section, so that any two adjacent first bending units abut and press each other, so that the first bending section has a second bending stiffness greater than the first bending stiffness. Through cooperation of the first bending section and the first force applying element, the bending stiffness of the first bending section can be adjusted, so that the insertion part body can adjust its bending resistance according to the use site.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of medical device technology, and particularly relates to a rigid adjustable insertion part, sheath, and endoscope. Background Technology

[0002] An endoscope is a commonly used medical device that can be inserted into the human body through natural or artificial channels to provide doctors with comprehensive diagnostic information for disease treatment. An endoscope typically consists of an insertion part for insertion into the body, a handle for controlling the bending of the insertion part's end, and a display device for showing the internal environment of the body. Through the coordination of these three parts, the endoscope enables visualization of the human body's interior, exploration of lesions, and treatment.

[0003] The insertion section typically includes an active bending section and a passive bending section. The active bending section is bent by the handle, which can adjust the orientation of the insertion section end, thereby expanding the range of the internal environment of the human body that can be obtained. It also facilitates guiding the insertion section to adapt to the direction of the human body passage and penetrate deeper into the human body. At this time, the passive bending section can also penetrate deeper into the human body passage under the guidance of the active bending section.

[0004] In addition, endoscopes sometimes include a sheath, which is inserted into the body passage to form a stable channel for repeated entry and exit of the insertion part. Some sheaths also have an adjustable end, allowing them to be bent to adapt to the direction of the body passage and penetrate deeper into the body by adjusting the curvature of the sheath end.

[0005] The aforementioned active bending section, passive bending section, and sheath all possess the characteristic of being flexible to adapt to the complex natural passages of the human body. However, when the insertion part or sheath is inserted into the human body, the active bending section, passive bending section, and sheath are easily bent by the pressure of the human tissue around the passage. This increases the pressure on the human tissue around the passage during insertion, making it inconvenient to insert the endoscope into the human body and causing damage to the human tissue. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This invention discloses a rigidly adjustable insertion part, sheath, and endoscope to solve the technical problem in related technologies that, during the insertion of an endoscope into the human body, it increases the compression of the tissues around the human passage, making it inconvenient to insert the endoscope into the human body and causing damage to human tissues.

[0007] To solve the above problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0008] In a first aspect, this application provides a rigidly adjustable insertion part, including an insertion part body and a first force-applying member; the insertion part body is provided with a first curved section, the first curved section is tubular in shape, the first curved section is divided into a plurality of first curved units by a first slit, the plurality of first curved units are arranged along the axial direction of the first curved section, and the facing surfaces of adjacent first curved units are in contact with each other, so that the first curved section has a first bending stiffness; the first force-applying member is fixedly connected to the first curved section, and the first force-applying member is used to apply a driving force to the first curved section along the axial direction, so that the facing surfaces of any two adjacent first curved units abut and press against each other, so that the first curved section has a second bending stiffness, the second bending stiffness being greater than the first bending stiffness.

[0009] The technical solution adopted in this invention can achieve the following beneficial effects:

[0010] The present invention provides a rigidly adjustable insertion part, which can adjust the bending stiffness of the first bending section by applying a driving force to the first bending section through a first force-applying member, so that the insertion part body can adjust its own bending resistance according to the application environment.

[0011] Specifically, on the one hand, in scenarios where the insertion part needs to be inserted into the human body, a driving force is applied to the first bending segment by the first force-applying component. This causes each of the first bending units to tend to move in the direction of the driving force, thereby causing each of the first bending units in the first bending segment to sequentially abut against adjacent first bending units along the direction of the driving force, until all the first bending units are completely abutted together and squeezed against each other. This increases the bending stiffness of the first bending segment from a first bending stiffness to a second bending stiffness. It is understandable that for the first bending segment, relative rotation between adjacent first bending units is required to achieve bending. However, at this time, all the first bending units remain abutted against adjacent first bending units under the constraint of the driving force, making it difficult to generate relative rotation. This increases the bending stiffness of the first bending segment, making the second bending stiffness greater than the first bending stiffness. Therefore, the first curved section is difficult to bend under the limitation of the driving force. At this time, the first curved section is in a rigid state that is difficult to bend and is not easy to bend under the compression of the human tissue around the channel. This allows the first curved section of the insertion part to smoothly enter the human body through the human body channel, reducing damage to human tissue during the process of penetrating the human body.

[0012] On the other hand, after the insertion part reaches the target position, the driving force applied by the first force-applying member to the first bending segment is canceled. At this time, the bending stiffness of the adjacent first bending unit is restored to the first bending stiffness. There is a first slit between the two adjacent first bending units, so the first bending segment is easier to bend to adapt to the complex natural passage of the human body. At the same time, the range of the internal environment of the human body that the bending device can obtain can be increased, thereby improving the limited field of vision of the doctor's operation.

[0013] Optionally, the first force-applying member is fixedly connected to one of the distal and proximal ends of the first bending segment. The first force-applying member is used to apply a driving force to the first bending segment in the direction of the other of the distal and proximal ends, so that the first bending unit moves in the direction of the other of the distal and proximal ends, and causes the opposing surfaces of any two adjacent first bending units to abut against each other.

[0014] Optionally, the rigidly adjustable insertion part further includes a support part, which is divided into multiple support units by a first slit. The support units are located on the first bending unit, and the opposing surfaces of adjacent support units are in contact with each other. When the first force-applying member applies a driving force to the first bending segment along the axial direction, the opposing surfaces of any two adjacent support units abut and press against each other.

[0015] Optionally, the support unit is provided with a through hole, which passes through the opposing surface of the support unit that abuts against the adjacent support unit, and the first force-applying member is slidably disposed in the through hole of each support unit.

[0016] Optionally, the first bending segment is divided into multiple independently arranged tubular components by a first slit, and the tubular structure serves as the first bending unit; or, the first bending segment is divided into multiple integrally arranged spiral components by a first slit, and the spiral components serve as the first bending unit.

[0017] Optionally, the first force-applying member is located within the annular region of the first bending unit; or, the first force-applying member is located outside the annular region of the first bending unit.

[0018] Optionally, the first force-applying component includes multiple traction ropes, the distal ends of which are connected to the first curved section, and the multiple traction ropes are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the first curved section.

[0019] In some optional embodiments, the first bending segment is a passive bending segment, and the first force-applying member is fixedly connected to the passive bending segment; or, the first bending segment is an active bending segment, and the first force-applying member is fixedly connected to the distal end of the active bending segment.

[0020] In some other alternative embodiments, the first bending segment is a passive bending segment and an active bending segment connected to each other, wherein the passive bending segment is fixedly connected to the first force-applying member; or, the active bending segment is fixedly connected to the first force-applying member; or, both the passive bending segment and the active bending segment are fixedly connected to the first force-applying member.

[0021] Secondly, this application provides a sheath tube, including a sheath tube body and a second force-applying member; the sheath tube body is provided with a second curved section, the second curved section having a tubular structure, the second curved section being divided into multiple second curved units by a second slit, the multiple second curved units being arranged along the axial direction of the second curved section, the facing surfaces of adjacent second curved units being in contact with each other, so that the second curved section has a third bending stiffness; the second force-applying member is fixedly connected to the second curved section, the second force-applying member being used to apply a driving force to the second curved section along the axial direction, so that the facing surfaces of any two adjacent second curved units abut and compress each other, so that the second curved section has a fourth bending stiffness, the fourth bending stiffness being greater than the third bending stiffness.

[0022] The technical solution adopted in this invention can achieve the following beneficial effects:

[0023] The present invention provides a sheath tube that can adjust the bending stiffness of the second bending section by applying a driving force to the second bending section through a second force-applying member, so that the sheath tube body can adjust its bending resistance according to the application environment.

[0024] Specifically, on the one hand, in scenarios where the sheath needs to be inserted into the human body, a driving force is applied to the second bending segment by the second force-applying component. This causes each second bending unit to tend to move in the direction of the driving force, thereby causing each second bending unit in the second bending segment to sequentially abut against adjacent second bending units along the direction of the driving force, until all second bending units are completely abutted together and squeezed against each other. This increases the bending stiffness of the second bending segment from the third bending stiffness to the fourth bending stiffness. It is understandable that for the second bending segment, relative rotation between adjacent second bending units is required to achieve bending. However, at this point, all second bending units remain abutted against adjacent second bending units under the constraint of the driving force, making relative rotation difficult. This enhances the bending stiffness of the second bending segment, making the fourth bending stiffness greater than the third bending stiffness. Therefore, the second curved section is difficult to bend under the limitation of the driving force. At this time, the second curved section is in a rigid state that is difficult to bend and is not easy to bend under the compression of the human tissue around the channel. This allows the second curved section of the sheath body to smoothly enter the human body through the human body channel, reducing the damage to human tissue during the process of penetrating the human body.

[0025] On the other hand, after the sheath reaches the target position, the driving force applied to the second bending segment by the second force-applying member is removed. At this time, the bending stiffness of the adjacent second bending unit is restored to the third bending stiffness, and there is a second slit between the two adjacent second bending units. As a result, the second bending segment is easier to bend to adapt to the complex natural passage of the human body.

[0026] Thirdly, this application provides an endoscope, including a handle, an insertion part of the endoscope described above, and a sheath described above, wherein the handle is connected to the insertion part, and the sheath is sleeved outside the insertion part.

[0027] The technical solution adopted in this invention can achieve the following beneficial effects:

[0028] The present invention provides an endoscope that allows the insertion part and / or sheath to be inserted into the human body channel via a handle, thereby enabling convenient operation of the device. Attached Figure Description

[0029] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention 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 only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the first curved section of the embodiment of this application having a spiral structure;

[0031] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the first curved segment in an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a portion of the curved section in an embodiment of this application during bending;

[0033] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a portion of the bent section in a rigid state according to an embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the first bending segment in the insertion part of the embodiment of this application, which is only a passive bending segment;

[0035] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Internal structure diagram;

[0036] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing that the first bending segment in the insertion part of the embodiment of this application consists of an interconnected passive bending segment and an active bending segment;

[0037] Figure 8 yes Figure 7A schematic diagram of its internal structure;

[0038] Figure 9 yes Figure 7 Another internal structure diagram;

[0039] Figure 10 yes Figure 7 Another internal structure diagram;

[0040] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the first curved segment in an embodiment of this application when it is a segmented structure;

[0041] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the sheath in an embodiment of this application.

[0042] In the diagram: 100 - first bending section, 110 - first bending unit, 120 - first slit, 200 - traction rope, 300 - support unit, 310 - through hole, 400 - passive bending section, 500 - active bending section, 600 - sheath, 700 - second bending section, 710 - second bending unit, 720 - second slit. Detailed Implementation

[0043] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of this invention will be described in detail below. Obviously, the described embodiments are merely some embodiments of this invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this invention, all other implementation methods obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0044] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification and claims of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and not to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such use of data can be interchanged where appropriate so that embodiments of this application can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein, and the objects distinguished by "first," "second," etc., are generally of the same class and the number of objects is not limited; for example, a first object can be one or more. Furthermore, in the specification and claims, "and / or" indicates at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0045] In the various embodiments of this application, "near end" and "far end" refer to the distance of each component from the user in the usage environment. The end closer to the user is designated as the "near end", and the end farther from the user is designated as the "far end".

[0046] The following description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, details a rigidly adjustable insertion section, sheath, and endoscope provided in this application through specific embodiments and application scenarios.

[0047] In a first aspect, this application provides a rigidly adjustable insertion part, including an insertion part body and a first force-applying member. The insertion part body is provided with a first bending section 100. The first bending section 100 has a tubular structure. The first bending section 100 is divided into a plurality of first bending units 110 by a first slit 120. The plurality of first bending units 110 are arranged along the axial direction of the first bending section 100. The facing surfaces 110 of adjacent first bending units are in contact with each other, so that the first bending section 100 has a first bending stiffness.

[0048] The first force-applying component is fixedly connected to the first bending segment 100. The first force-applying component is used to apply a driving force to the first bending segment 100 along the axial direction, so that the opposing surfaces of any two adjacent first bending units 110 abut against each other and squeeze each other, so that the first bending segment 100 has a second bending stiffness, which is greater than the first bending stiffness.

[0049] The bending of the insertion part body is mainly achieved by bending the first bending segment 100, which is achieved by rotating the mutually fitted first bending units 110 in a direction away from each other. The ability of the first bending segment 100 to resist bending deformation due to its own elasticity or the external wrapping layer is the first bending stiffness.

[0050] When the first force-applying component applies a driving force to the first bending unit 110, all the first bending units 110 on the first bending section 100 abut against each other under the action of the driving force. The adjacent first bending units 110 are restricted by the driving force and it is difficult for them to rotate relative to each other, which makes it difficult for the first bending section 100 to bend. At this time, the bending stiffness of the first bending section 100 is increased from the first bending stiffness to the second bending stiffness, and it is in a rigid state that is difficult to bend. At this time, the first bending section 100 is difficult to bend under the compression of the human tissue around the channel, thereby enabling the first bending section 100 of the insertion part body to smoothly enter the human body from the human body channel and reduce the damage to the human tissue during the process of penetrating the human body.

[0051] It can be understood that the greater the driving force, the more closely all the first bending units 110 on the first bending segment 100 abut against each other, and the stronger the second bending stiffness of the first bending segment 100.

[0052] After the insertion of the insertion part is completed, the driving force applied by the first force-applying member to the first bending section 100 is stopped. At this time, the bending stiffness of the first bending section 100 is restored to the first bending stiffness, and the first bending units 110 can rotate more easily. As a result, the first bending section 100 can be bent more easily, thereby adapting to complex human body natural passages and continuing to penetrate into human body natural passages in the future. In addition, it can also increase the range of the internal environment of the human body that the device can obtain, thereby improving the doctor's operating field of vision.

[0053] In summary, by applying a driving force to the first bending segment 100 through the first force-applying component, the bending stiffness of the first bending segment 100 can be adjusted, thereby enabling the insertion part to be inserted into the human body in a rigid state and then subjected to controllable bending. This effectively reduces damage to human tissues throughout the process and ensures the surgeon's subsequent surgical procedures.

[0054] Specifically, for the first bending section 100, in order to cut the tube body into shape along the first slit 120, only one slit, namely the first slit 120, will be cut between adjacent first bending units 110 during the production process. No part of the tube body will be cut off, thus saving materials.

[0055] At this point, the first slit 120 refers to a slit that is considered to have no width. It can be cut using laser cutting or other cutting processes that can create tiny slits, such as wire cutting.

[0056] It should be noted that although cutting processes such as laser cutting inevitably produce gaps with a small width during cutting, this small width is an allowable error caused by production and will not have too much impact on the technical effect of this application. Therefore, it can be temporarily ignored when describing the technical effect, and the first cut 120 can be regarded as having no width.

[0057] Based on this, the first curved segment 100 can be a segmented structure or a spiral structure:

[0058] When the first curved segment 100 is a segmented structure, such as Figure 11 As shown, the first bending unit 110 is an independently set tubular component. Multiple first bending units 110 abut together to form a long tube structure, serving as the required first bending section 100. The first bending unit 110 can be manufactured by cutting the tube body into multiple independent short tubes through a first slit 120, treating each short tube as a first bending unit 110, and abutting them together to form the required first bending section 100. The first bending section 100 is wrapped with an outer wrapping layer, which limits the movement of each short tube, allowing them to naturally abut together without external force, and the adjacent short tubes form the first slit 120.

[0059] When the first curved segment 100 has a spiral structure, such as Figure 1 As shown, the first bending unit 110 is a spiral component. Multiple first bending units 110 are an integrated structure, abutting against each other to form a tubular structure, serving as the required first bending segment 100. The production method of the first bending unit 110 can be as follows: the tubular body is cut into a spiral structure along the spiral direction through a first slit 120. This spiral structure is then sequentially divided into multiple first bending units 110 at different positions along its central axis. In this case, the multiple first bending units 110 are essentially an integrated structure interconnected, and they can naturally abut against each other without being subjected to external force, forming the required first bending segment 100. Adjacent first bending units 110 form the first slit 120. The first bending segment 100 may also be wrapped with an external wrapping layer to further limit the positioning of each first bending unit 110, reducing the possibility of misalignment or nesting between adjacent first bending units 110.

[0060] It should be noted that the outer wrapping layer surrounding the first curved segment 100 is a conventional technique in the art. This layer also serves to prevent direct contact between the first curved segment 100 and surrounding human tissues within the human body passage, thus avoiding damage to these tissues during insertion. Furthermore, the outer wrapping layer generally possesses a certain degree of elasticity to accommodate relative rotation between adjacent first curved units 110, thereby ensuring the bending of the first curved segment 100. Although the outer wrapping layer is not shown in the accompanying drawings, its presence does not impede the understanding of those skilled in the art.

[0061] When the first bending segment 100 is a spiral structure, since it is an integrated structure, each first bending unit 110 is more stable in the state of mutual contact, ensuring the stability of the rigid state of the first bending segment 100 and having good technical effect. Therefore, the following explanation takes the first bending segment 100 as a spiral structure.

[0062] When the first bending segment 100 has a spiral structure, since the first slit 120 has no width, each of the first bending units 110 naturally abuts against each other. This natural state refers to the absence of plastic or elastic deformation in the first bending units 110. Therefore, when the first bending units 110 are moved by a driving force, causing the opposing surfaces of any two adjacent first bending units 110 to abut against each other, it is essentially a process of restoring all the first bending units 110 to their natural state. At this time, any two adjacent first bending units 110 can naturally abut against each other with little or no plastic or elastic deformation. This avoids the situation where the opposing surfaces of adjacent first bending units 110 deform due to plastic or elastic deformation, leading to changes in the position or shape of the opposing surfaces, ultimately resulting in unstable abutment or even misalignment. Based on this, the contact and engagement of two adjacent first bending units 110 under this structure is relatively stable, and it is not easy for them to misalign or nest with each other, thereby improving the stability of the rigid state of the first bending segment 100.

[0063] Since the two adjacent first bending units 110 are naturally abutted together, the outer wrapping layer does not easily enter between the two adjacent first bending units 110, nor does it obstruct the mutual abutment of the two adjacent first bending units 110.

[0064] like Figure 3 As shown, when the first bending segment 100 bends, at least part of the edges of the opposing surfaces of two adjacent first bending units 110 facing the bending direction remain abutting together to form a rotating part. The opposing surfaces on the opposite side of the bending direction move away from each other about the rotating part as the axis and increase the distance between them. At this time, the part of the outer wrapping layer outside the first bending segment 100 facing the bending direction is blocked by the rotating part and will not enter between the two adjacent first bending units 110, eliminating the possibility of the outer wrapping layer being clamped. At the same time, the part of the outer wrapping layer outside the first bending segment 100 facing away from the bending direction is pulled by the two adjacent first bending units 110, producing elastic deformation and being stretched. At this time, the part of the adjacent first bending units 110 facing away from the bending direction is pulled by the elastic force of the outer wrapping layer and always tends to approach each other until they abut each other, thereby further improving the rigidity of the first bending segment 100.

[0065] Based on the bending mechanism of the first bending segment 100, it can be seen that in the first bending segment 100, from... Figure 4 The rigid state change shown is as follows Figure 3In the curved structure shown, there are still some opposing surfaces between adjacent first bending units 110, so the length change of the first bending segment 100 is small. This avoids the situation where the length of the first bending segment 100 increases sharply when the driving force is removed from the first force-applying member, thereby eliminating the possibility that the sudden increase in the length of the first bending segment 100 will eventually impact the human body and cause internal injury.

[0066] In one or more embodiments, the insertion portion further includes a support portion, which is divided into a plurality of support units 300 by a first slit 120. The support units 300 are located on the first bending unit 110, and the facing surfaces 110 of adjacent support units 300 are in contact with each other.

[0067] When the first force-applying component applies a driving force to the first bending section 100 along the axial direction, the opposing surfaces of any two adjacent support units 300 abut against each other and press against each other.

[0068] At this time, the support unit 300 can support the first bending unit 110 to which it belongs, reducing to some extent the possibility of excessive outward or inward deformation of the first bending unit 110 under the action of driving force and the compression of adjacent first bending units 110. This reduces the possibility of adjacent first bending units 110 misaligning or nesting with each other due to excessive deformation, and improves the stability of the first bending segment 100 in a rigid state. In addition, all the support units 300 that abut together can support the entire first bending segment 100 in a rigid state, thereby enhancing the strength of the first bending segment 100 in a rigid state, reducing the possibility of deformation of the first bending unit 110 during the process of the first bending segment 100 maintaining a rigid state, and further improving the stability of the first bending segment 100 in a rigid state.

[0069] In order to further improve the strength of the first bending segment 100 and reduce the possibility of excessive deformation of the first bending segment 100, the first bending segment 100 is preferably made of metal.

[0070] In the production of the first bending section 100, several long rods can be fixed directly on a tube body serving as the first bending section 100 along the length direction. While cutting along the first slit 120 direction on the tube body, the long rods are cut simultaneously. Thus, while the tube body forms the spiral structure of the first bending section 100, the long rods are cut into support units 300 connected to each first bending unit 110, thereby reducing the production difficulty and cost of the bent tube and the support units 300.

[0071] In one or more embodiments, the cooperation between the first force-applying member and the first bending segment 100 can be as follows: the first force-applying member is fixedly connected to the proximal end of the first bending segment 100, and the first force-applying member is used to apply a driving force toward the distal end to the first bending segment 100, so that the first bending unit 110 moves toward the distal end and the opposing surfaces of any two adjacent first bending units 110 abut against each other.

[0072] Specifically, at this point, a pulling member can be used to pull the distal end of the first bending segment 100 to limit the distal end of the first bending segment 100 and prevent it from moving further away. Then, the first force-applying member applies a thrust toward the distal end to the proximal end of the first bending segment 100. This thrust is the driving force, which causes the first bending unit 110 to move toward the distal end until the opposing surfaces of any two adjacent first bending units 110 abut against each other.

[0073] It should be noted that the endoscope insertion section itself has a component that connects to the distal end of the first curved section 100. In this case, the component can be regarded as a pulling member, which limits the distal end of the first curved section 100. Therefore, it is not necessary to set up other components as pulling members. The component that connects to the distal end of the first curved section 100 is known to those skilled in the art, so it will not be described in detail.

[0074] In one or more other embodiments, the first bending segment may also be: a first force-applying member is fixedly connected to the distal end of the first bending segment 100, the first force-applying member is used to apply a driving force toward the proximal end of the first bending segment 100, so that the first bending unit 110 moves toward the proximal end and the opposing surfaces of any two adjacent first bending units 110 abut against each other.

[0075] At this time, the first force-applying member can be a flexible structure, such as a bendable strip or line structure, with the distal end of the first force-applying member connected to the distal end of the first bending segment 100, and the proximal end of the first force-applying member extending from the proximal end of the first bending segment 100. By pulling the proximal end of the first force-applying member, the first force-applying member applies a pulling force toward the proximal end to the distal end of the first bending segment 100. This pulling force is the driving force, so that the first bending unit 110 moves toward the proximal end until the opposing surfaces of any two adjacent first bending units 110 abut against each other.

[0076] The following description uses the structure in which the first force-applying member is fixedly connected to the far end of the first bending segment 100 as an example.

[0077] At this time, the method of fixing the first force-applying member to the far end of the first bending section 100 can be by means of gluing, welding, snap-fitting, etc., as long as it can be ensured that the first force-applying member and the far end of the first bending section 100 are fixed firmly enough.

[0078] In one or more embodiments, the first force-applying member is slidably disposed within each of the first bending units 110.

[0079] Understandably, when the first force-applying member applies tension to the distal end of the first bending segment 100, the first force-applying member will become taut. If the first bending segment 100 is in a bending-side-bending state, the taut middle portion of the first force-applying member will tend to move towards the bending side. This will cause the middle portion of the first force-applying member to compress other components within the first bending segment 100, resulting in damage or unnecessary wear. Therefore, by sliding the first force-applying member within each first bending unit 110, it is possible to prevent the first force-applying member from moving towards the bending side while taut, thereby avoiding compression of other components and preventing damage or unnecessary wear.

[0080] Based on this, a through hole can be provided in the first bending unit 110 for passing through the first force-applying member and sliding.

[0081] In one or more embodiments, in addition to providing a through hole in the first bending unit 110, a through hole 310 may also be provided on the support unit 300. The through hole 310 passes through the opposing surface of the support unit 300 that abuts against the adjacent support unit 300, and the first force-applying member is slidably disposed in the through hole 310 of each support unit 300.

[0082] At this time, the through hole 310 is the aforementioned through hole, which is set on the support unit 300. It makes reasonable use of space, reduces the extra space required for the first bending unit 110 to slide and cooperate with the first force-applying member, and does not affect the strength of the first bending unit 110.

[0083] By sliding the first force-applying member within the support unit 300 along the opposing surfaces of the support unit 300, the first force-applying member is prevented from moving towards the bending side under tension. Simultaneously, the first force-applying member is restricted by the limiting portion and can only slide along the extending direction of the through hole 310 in the support unit 300. Force analysis of a single first bending unit 110 shows that the direction of the tensile force is restricted by the through hole 310, applying force only to the location of its adjacent first bending unit 110 in the proximal direction. This ensures that all first bending units 110 can move towards the proximal end, ultimately causing the opposing surfaces of any two adjacent first bending units 110 to abut against each other.

[0084] Furthermore, at this time, the first force-applying member is confined within the support unit 300. When the opposing surfaces of adjacent support units 300 are in contact with each other, they are blocked by the first force-applying member and cannot be misaligned. This further improves the support stability between adjacent first bending units 110, reduces or even eliminates the possibility of misalignment between adjacent first bending units 110, and ensures the stability of the first bending segment 100 in a rigid state.

[0085] Among them, for the support unit 300, a short tube adapted to the first force-applying member can be selected. In this case, the long bar is a long tube adapted to the first bending section 100, and the short tube is formed along the first cut 120.

[0086] In one or more embodiments, the first force-applying component may be a traction rope 200.

[0087] The traction rope 200 can be made elastic or non-elastic. When the traction rope 200 is non-elastic or has low elasticity, such as a metal rope, the traction rope 200 can withstand a sufficiently large tensile force to increase the upper limit of the rigidity of the bending section.

[0088] When the traction rope 200 has elasticity, such as a rubber rope, the magnitude of the tension is reflected in the elongated length of the traction rope 200, making it easier to control the magnitude of the tension and adjust the rigidity of the bending section.

[0089] However, considering the small size of the human passage, the elastic traction rope 200 is unlikely to provide sufficient tension. Therefore, the traction rope 200 is preferably made of metal wire.

[0090] To ensure that the traction rope 200 can provide sufficient tension, in one or more embodiments, the first force-applying member has multiple traction ropes 200, the distal ends of which are connected to the distal end of the first curved section 100, and the tension is ensured by the combined force of the multiple traction ropes 200.

[0091] Preferably, the distal ends of the multiple traction ropes 200 are arranged circumferentially at intervals along the distal end of the first bending section 100, thereby ensuring that the tension applied to the distal end of the first bending section 100 is relatively balanced, so that the opposing surfaces of each first bending unit 110 can be firmly pressed together under the action of tension.

[0092] Preferably, the distal ends of the multiple traction ropes 200 are evenly spaced circumferentially along the distal end of the first curved section 100. Specifically, when there are two traction ropes 200, the angle between the lines connecting the distal ends of the two traction ropes 200 to the central axis is 180°; when there are three traction ropes 200, the angle between the lines connecting the distal ends of the three traction ropes 200 to the central axis is 120°; when there are four traction ropes 200, the angle between the lines connecting the distal ends of the four traction ropes 200 to the central axis is 90°; and so on. From the perspective of space utilization, the number of traction ropes 200 is preferably two to four, as shown in the figure of two ropes.

[0093] In one or more embodiments, the first slit 120 is perpendicular to the central axis of the first bending unit 110. At this time, the cutting direction of the first slit 120 has a 90° angle with the central axis of the first bending unit 110, that is, they are perpendicular to each other. Thus, the tension is applied to the first bending unit 110 only along the central axis direction, avoiding the generation of radial force and reducing the possibility of deformation of the first bending unit 110.

[0094] Specifically, the first bending unit 110 is broken along the first slit 120. When cutting the first bolt slit, the cutting direction is generally from the outside of the tube to the inside of the tube to form the first slit 120. If the cutting direction of the first slit 120 has a certain angle with the central axis of the first bending unit 110 that is not 90°, then the opposing surfaces of adjacent first bending units 110 and / or support units 300 have a corresponding certain angle. When the first bending segment 100 is in a rigid state due to the tension, the tension will form a radial component under the guidance of the angle between the opposing surfaces. This component may cause the first bending unit 110 to deform radially, causing the first bending unit 110 to deform and affecting the stability of the rigid state of the first bending segment 100.

[0095] By making the cutting direction of the first slit 120 form a 90° angle with the central axis of the first bending unit 110, the angle between the facing surfaces of adjacent first bending units 110 and / or support units 300 and the central axis is 90°. The compressive force on these facing surfaces from adjacent first bending units 110 and / or support units 300 can only be dispersed into circumferential and axial components, making it less likely for the first bending units 110 and / or support units 300 to deform, thereby improving the stability of the rigid state of the first bending segment 100.

[0096] In one or more embodiments, the first force-applying member is located outside the annular region of the first bending unit 110. At this time, multiple traction ropes 200 in the first force-applying member are simultaneously connected to the outside of the first bending segment 100, which can apply a balanced tension to the first bending segment 100, so that the resultant force formed by all the tensions is applied to the first bending segment 100 along the axial direction, causing each of the first bending units 110 to squeeze each other along the axial direction.

[0097] Furthermore, in one or more other embodiments, the first force-applying member is located within the annular region of the first bending unit 110, thereby placing the traction rope 200 inside or on the inner side of each first bending segment 100.

[0098] When the traction rope 200 is inside or on the inner side of each first bending segment 100, the connection position of the traction rope 200 is inside the first bending segment 100, and the tension applied to the distal end of the first bending segment 100 is all within the first bending segment 100. It can be understood that, between adjacent first bending units 110, the rotating portion that can be formed must be located outside the facing surface of the adjacent first bending units 110. At this time, the tension within the first bending segment 100 must be located on the side of the rotating portion closer to the central axis of the first bending segment 100, and can only apply force to the first bending unit 110 along its proximal end. In this case, the tension will only cause... Each first bending unit 110 tends to rotate towards the near end about the rotating part as the axis. Under this tendency, adjacent first bending units 110 can only rotate towards the near end to abut against each other, but will not move away from each other. Therefore, even if the tension of the multiple traction ropes 200 is different, it will only cause each first bending unit 110 to squeeze against each other along the axial direction, making it difficult for adjacent first bending units 110 to rotate relative to each other, making it difficult for the first bending section 100 to bend. This eliminates the precision requirement of the tension of the traction rope 200, reduces the installation difficulty of the traction rope 200, and ensures that the first bending section 100 is easier to adjust rigidity.

[0099] In several embodiments, the first bending segment 100 can be simply the active bending segment 500. In this case, the first force-applying member is fixedly connected to the distal end of the active bending segment 500, and the rigidity of the active bending segment 500 can be controlled independently through the first force-applying member; alternatively, it can be as follows: Figure 5-6 As shown, only the passive bending section 400 is shown. At this time, the first force-applying member is fixedly connected to the far end of the passive bending section 400. The rigidity of the passive bending section 400 can be controlled independently through the first force-applying member.

[0100] For the first curved segment 100, in several other embodiments, such as Figure 7-10As shown, the first bending segment 100 consists of a passive bending segment 400 and an active bending segment 500 connected to each other. The proximal end of the active bending segment 500 is connected to the distal end of the passive bending segment 400. At this time, both the passive bending segment 400 and the active bending segment 500 include multiple first bending units 110. The multiple first bending units 110 form a spiral structure, and two adjacent first bending units 110 are separated along the first cut 120.

[0101] Based on this, the passive bending section 400 and the active bending section 500 can be cut and formed from the same tube body to form an integrated structure.

[0102] The connection relationship between the first force-applying component and the first bending segment 100 can be as follows: Figure 8 As shown, the distal end of the passive bending segment 400 is fixedly connected to the first force-applying component. At this time, the rigidity of the passive bending segment 400 is controlled independently through the first force-applying component, and the bending adjustment function of the active bending segment 500 itself is used to maintain it at a suitable bending amplitude, thereby allowing the first bending segment 100 to be inserted into the human body in a rigid state. At this time, the operator needs to operate both the first force-applying component of the passive bending segment 400 and the original bending components of the active bending segment 500.

[0103] Or, such as Figure 9 As shown, the distal end of the active bending segment 500 is fixedly connected to the first force-applying component. At this time, the rigidity shared by the active bending segment 500 and the passive bending segment 400 is controlled by the first force-applying component, thereby allowing the first bending segment 100 to be inserted into the human body in a rigid state. At this time, the operator only needs to operate the first force-applying component of the active bending segment 500.

[0104] Or, such as Figure 10 As shown, the distal end of the passive bending segment 400 is fixedly connected to a first force-applying component, and the distal end of the active bending segment 500 is fixedly connected to another first force-applying component. The rigidity of the active bending segment 500 and the passive bending segment 400 are controlled by the two first force-applying components, thereby allowing the first bending segment 100 to be rigidly inserted into the human body. At this time, the operator needs to operate the first force-applying components of the passive bending segment 400 and the active bending segment 500 respectively.

[0105] Therefore, from the perspective of ease of operation, it is preferable to fix the distal end of the active bending section 500 to the first force-applying member.

[0106] Secondly, this application provides a sheath 600, such as Figure 12As shown, it includes a sheath body and a second force-applying component. The sheath body is provided with a second bending section 700. The second bending section 700 has a tubular structure. The second bending section 700 is divided into multiple second bending units 710 by a second slit 720. The multiple second bending units 710 are arranged along the axial direction of the second bending section 700. The facing surfaces 710 of adjacent second bending units are in contact with each other, so that the second bending section 700 has a third bending stiffness.

[0107] The second force-applying member is fixedly connected to the second bending segment 700. The second force-applying member is used to apply a driving force to the second bending segment 700 along the axial direction, so that the opposing surfaces of any two adjacent second bending units 710 abut against each other and squeeze each other, so that the second bending segment 700 has a fourth bending stiffness, which is greater than the third bending stiffness.

[0108] The second bending segment 700 and the second force-applying component are matched in the same way as the first bending segment 100 and the first force-applying component. The bending stiffness of the second bending segment 700 can be increased from the third bending stiffness to the fourth bending stiffness under the driving force of the second force-applying component, thereby increasing the bending difficulty of the second bending segment 700 and making it easier to bend when the second force-applying component no longer applies a driving force. The technical effect achieved is the same, and will not be elaborated further here.

[0109] Those skilled in the art will understand that, in practical applications, an outer wrapping layer is also required on the second bending segment 700. Since the setting of an outer wrapping layer is a conventional technical means in the art, although the outer wrapping layer is not shown in the accompanying drawings, it does not affect the understanding of those skilled in the art.

[0110] Thirdly, this application provides an endoscope, including a handle, an insertion part of an endoscope provided in the above embodiments, and a sheath 600 provided in the above embodiments. The handle is connected to the insertion part, and the sheath 600 is sleeved outside the insertion part.

[0111] When the driving force is a pulling force, a pulling part can be provided in the handle to connect the pulling part and the proximal end of the first traction rope 200 and / or the second traction rope 200 of the sheath 600 to apply a pulling force toward the proximal end to the first traction rope 200 and / or the second traction rope 200, thereby enabling the first traction rope 200 and / or the second traction rope 200 to provide a corresponding pulling force.

[0112] It should be noted that, in this document, 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 that element. Furthermore, it should be noted that the scope of the methods and apparatuses in the embodiments of this application is not limited to performing functions in the order shown or discussed, but may also include performing functions substantially simultaneously or in the reverse order, depending on the functions involved. For example, the described methods may be performed in a different order than described, and various steps may be added, omitted, or combined. Additionally, features described with reference to certain examples may be combined in other examples.

[0113] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A rigidly adjustable insertion part, characterized in that, include: The insertion part body is provided with a first curved section (100). The first curved section (100) has a tubular structure. The first curved section (100) is divided into multiple first curved units (110) by a first slit (120). The first slit is cut by a cutting process that forms a micro-slit. The micro-slit is an allowable error caused by production. The multiple first curved units (110) are arranged along the axial direction of the first curved section (100). The facing surfaces of any adjacent first curved units are in contact with each other, so that the first curved section (100) has a first bending stiffness. The first force-applying component is fixedly connected to the first bending segment (100). The first force-applying component is used to apply a driving force to the first bending segment (100) along the axial direction, so that the opposing surfaces of any two adjacent first bending units (110) abut against each other and squeeze each other, so that the first bending segment (100) has a second bending stiffness, which is greater than the first bending stiffness. When changing from the second bending stiffness state to the first bending stiffness state, there are still some opposing surfaces between the adjacent first bending units (110), so that when the first force-applying member cancels the driving force applied to the first bending segment (100), the length of the first bending segment (100) will not increase sharply. The first bending segment (100) is wrapped with an outer wrapping layer, so that each first bending unit abuts together in a natural state without being subjected to external force. The natural state means that the first bending unit does not undergo plastic or elastic deformation. When the first bending segment (100) bends, the part on the outer wrapping layer outside the first bending segment facing the bending direction will not enter between the two adjacent first bending units. The part on the outer wrapping layer outside the first bending segment (100) facing away from the bending direction is pulled by the two adjacent first bending units (110), resulting in elastic deformation and being stretched. At this time, the two adjacent first bending units (110) facing away from the bending direction are pulled by the elastic force of the outer wrapping layer, and always have a tendency to approach each other until they abut each other.

2. The rigidly adjustable insertion part according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first force-applying member is fixedly connected to one of the distal and proximal ends of the first bending segment (100). The first force-applying member is used to apply a driving force to the first bending segment (100) in the direction of the other of the distal and proximal ends, so that the first bending unit (110) moves in the direction of the other of the distal and proximal ends, and causes the opposing surfaces of any two adjacent first bending units (110) to abut against each other.

3. The rigidly adjustable insertion part according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a support portion, which is divided into multiple support units (300) by a first slit (120). The support units (300) are located on the first bending unit (110), and the facing surfaces of adjacent support units (300) are in contact with each other. When the first force-applying member applies a driving force to the first bending segment (100) along the axial direction, the opposing surfaces of any two adjacent support units (300) abut against each other and press against each other.

4. The rigidly adjustable insertion part according to claim 3, characterized in that, The support unit (300) is provided with a through hole (310), which passes through the opposing surface of the support unit (300) that abuts against the adjacent support unit (300). The first force-applying member is slidably disposed in the through hole (310) of each support unit (300).

5. The rigidly adjustable insertion part according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first bending segment (100) is divided into multiple independently arranged tubular components by a first slit (120), and the tubular structure serves as the first bending unit (110). Alternatively, the first curved segment (100) may be divided into a plurality of integrally formed spiral components by a first slit (120), the spiral components serving as the first curved unit (110).

6. The rigidly adjustable insertion part according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first force-applying component is located within the annular region of the first bending unit (110); Alternatively, the first force-applying member may be located outside the annular region of the first bending unit (110).

7. The rigidly adjustable insertion part according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first force-applying component includes multiple traction ropes (200), which are connected to the first curved section (100) and are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the first curved section (100).

8. A rigidly adjustable insertion part according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The first bending segment (100) is a passive bending segment (400), and the first force-applying member is fixedly connected to the passive bending segment (400); Alternatively, the first bending segment (100) is an active bending segment (500), and the first force-applying member is fixedly connected to the active bending segment (500); Alternatively, the first bending segment (100) may be a passive bending segment (400) and an active bending segment (500) that are connected to each other. The passive bending segment (400) is fixedly connected to the first force-applying member; or, the active bending segment (500) is fixedly connected to the first force-applying member; or, both the passive bending segment (400) and the active bending segment (500) are fixedly connected to the first force-applying member.

9. A sheath, characterized in that, include: The sheath body is provided with a second curved section (700), which has a tubular structure. The second curved section (700) is divided into multiple second curved units (710) by a second slit (720). The second slit is cut by a cutting process that forms a micro-slit, which is an allowable error caused by production. The multiple second curved units (710) are arranged along the axial direction of the second curved section (700), and the facing surfaces of any adjacent second curved units are in contact with each other, so that the second curved section (700) has a third bending stiffness. The second force-applying component is fixedly connected to the second bending segment (700). The second force-applying component is used to apply a driving force to the second bending segment (700) along the axial direction, so that the opposing surfaces of any two adjacent second bending units (710) abut against each other and squeeze each other, so that the second bending segment (700) has a fourth bending stiffness, which is greater than the third bending stiffness. When the bending stiffness changes from the fourth bending stiffness state to the third bending stiffness state, there are still some opposing surfaces between the adjacent second bending units (710), so that when the second force-applying member cancels the driving force applied to the second bending unit (710), the length of the second bending segment (700) will not increase sharply. The second bending segment (700) is wrapped with an outer wrapping layer, so that each second bending unit abuts together in a natural state without being subjected to external force. The natural state means that the second bending unit does not undergo plastic or elastic deformation. When the second bending segment (700) bends, the part on the outer wrapping layer outside the second bending segment facing the bending direction will not enter between the two adjacent second bending units. The part on the outer wrapping layer outside the second bending segment (700) facing away from the bending direction is pulled by the two adjacent second bending units (710), resulting in elastic deformation and being stretched. At this time, the two adjacent second bending units (710) facing away from the bending direction are pulled by the elastic force of the outer wrapping layer, and always have a tendency to approach each other until they abut each other.

10. An endoscope, characterized in that, The device includes a handle, a rigidly adjustable insertion part as described in any one of claims 1-8, and a sheath (600) as described in claim 9, wherein the handle is connected to the insertion part, and the sheath (600) is sleeved outside the insertion part.

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