Endoscope device

Abstract

An endoscope device includes an endoscope body, an inner tube, and an outer tube. The endoscope body has a body distal end portion, the inner tube has at least a portion protruding beyond the body distal end portion and has an inner tube distal end portion distal from the body distal end portion. The inner tube has a first inner tube aperture proximate the body distal end portion and a second inner tube aperture proximate the inner tube distal end portion. The outer tube is configured to at least partially encase the protruding portion of the inner tube. The outer tube has a first outer tube aperture proximate the body distal end portion and a second outer tube aperture proximate the inner tube distal end portion. Relative positions between the first inner tube aperture and the first outer tube aperture and between the second inner tube aperture and the second outer tube aperture are changeable by a rotational inter-motion between the inner tube and the outer tube.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to endoscopic devices. In particular, it relates to functional endoscopic devices comprising inner and outer tubes having openings at their proximal and distal ends, respectively. Background Technology

[0002] Endoscopic devices with blades mounted at the distal end and image acquisition function are now widely used, and in existing endoscopic devices, outer and inner tubes are often used in combination.

[0003] However, during the surgical procedure, dirt accumulates on the endoscope lens, reducing visibility. When setting up the opening for rinsing the lens, concerns must still be raised regarding reduced suction when aspirating tissue. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide an endoscope device with openings in the inner and outer tubes to provide multiple functions. For example, by providing corresponding openings on the inner and outer tubes, it is possible to simultaneously aspirate and cut tissue while rinsing the endoscope lens, thus maintaining good visibility during the surgical procedure. However, the application of the endoscope device of this invention is not limited to this. It can also be applied to other functions.

[0005] This invention provides an endoscope device comprising: an endoscope body, an inner tube, and an outer tube. The endoscope body has a distal end portion, and the inner tube at least partially protrudes from the distal end portion of the body and has a distal end portion of the inner tube remote from the distal end portion of the body. The inner tube has a first inner tube opening near the distal end portion of the body. The outer tube is configured to at least partially cover the protruding portion of the inner tube. The outer tube has a first outer tube opening near the distal end portion of the body and a second outer tube opening near the distal end portion of the inner tube. The inner tube and the outer tube are movable relative to each other to change the relative position between the first inner tube opening and the first outer tube opening. Furthermore, when the first inner tube opening overlaps and communicates with the first outer tube opening, the inner tube at least partially obscures the second outer tube opening.

[0006] In one embodiment, the mutual movement between the inner tube and the outer tube is a linear movement along a radial direction of the inner tube.

[0007] In one embodiment, the first outer tube opening and the second outer tube opening are located on the same side of the inner tube.

[0008] In one embodiment, when the first inner tube opening overlaps and communicates with the first outer tube opening, the second inner tube opening and the second outer tube opening may only partially overlap and communicate or not overlap and communicate.

[0009] In one embodiment, the first inner tube opening and the second inner tube opening are located on different sides of the inner tube, and the mutual movement of the inner tube is a rotational movement.

[0010] In one embodiment, when the second inner tube opening overlaps with the second outer tube opening, the first inner tube opening and the first outer tube opening face opposite sides of the inner tube.

[0011] In one embodiment, the second outer tube opening is larger than the first outer tube opening.

[0012] In one embodiment, the size of the second outer tube opening is more than five times the size of the first outer tube opening.

[0013] In one embodiment, when the second outer tube opening overlaps with the second inner tube opening through the mutual movement, the endoscope body draws liquid or cuts an object through the second outer tube opening and the second inner tube opening.

[0014] In one embodiment, an endoscope lens is provided at the distal end of the body; when the mutual movement between the inner tube and the outer tube causes the opening of the first outer tube to overlap with the opening of the first inner tube, the endoscope body washes or removes contaminants from the endoscope lens through the opening of the first outer tube and the opening of the first inner tube.

[0015] In one embodiment, the outer tube has a first end and a second end opposite to each other, wherein the second end is disposed corresponding to the distal end of the inner tube, and the opening of the first outer tube is within 3 mm closer to the second end relative to the endoscope lens or within 1 mm further away from the second end relative to the endoscope lens.

[0016] In one embodiment, the radial distance between the first outer tube opening and the endoscope lens is the same as the radial distance between the first inner tube opening and the endoscope lens in the first direction.

[0017] In one embodiment, when the first inner tube opening overlaps with the first outer tube opening, the center position of the second inner tube opening is opposite to the side of the second outer tube opening facing the inner tube.

[0018] In one embodiment, the wall thickness of the inner tube near the first inner tube opening is thinner than the wall thickness of the inner tube at other locations.

[0019] In one embodiment, the inner tube has a recessed area, and the first inner tube opening is located on the recessed area.

[0020] In one embodiment, on a virtual cross-section of the inner tube, the regions surrounding the first inner tube opening and the second inner tube opening are each below a central angle of 180 degrees. Similarly, on a virtual cross-section of the outer tube, the regions surrounding the first outer tube opening and the second outer tube opening are each below a central angle of 180 degrees.

[0021] Through the above embodiments, the endoscope device has different functions at its proximal end near the camera module and at its distal end opposite the proximal end. For example, the distal end has the function of suctioning and cutting the object to be used, and the proximal end has the function of rinsing the endoscope. Furthermore, the two functions can be used alternately by rotating the inner tube. However, the application of the endoscope device of the present invention is not limited to this. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1A This is a perspective view of an embodiment of the endoscope device of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 1B This is an exploded view of an embodiment of the endoscope device of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 1C This is a side view schematic diagram of an embodiment of the endoscope device of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 1D This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram showing the interior of the endoscopic device of the present invention with the outer ring removed, according to one embodiment of the device.

[0026] Figure 2A This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of an embodiment of the endoscopic device shown after the outer tube has been removed.

[0027] Figure 2B This is a side view of one embodiment of the endoscopic device shown, after the outer tube has been removed.

[0028] Figure 2C This is a rear view of one embodiment of the endoscopic device shown, after the outer tube has been removed.

[0029] Figure 2D This is a perspective view from another direction of one embodiment of the endoscopic device shown, after the outer tube has been removed.

[0030] Figure 3A From Figure 1A The illustrated embodiment is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the inner tube rotated 180 degrees.

[0031] Figure 3B for Figure 3A The illustrated embodiment is a three-dimensional schematic diagram after the outer tube has been removed.

[0032] Figure 3C for Figure 3B Side view of the embodiment shown.

[0033] Figure 3D for Figure 3B Rear view of the embodiment shown.

[0034] Figure 3E for Figure 3B The front view of the embodiment shown is taken from the distal end of the inner tube.

[0035] Figure 4A This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the inner tube and outer tube in one embodiment of the endoscope device of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 4B This is a top view of the inner tube in one embodiment of the endoscopic device of the present invention, viewed from the distal end of the inner tube.

[0037] Figure 5A This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the inner tube and outer tube in a variation of the endoscope device of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 5B This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a variation of the endoscope device of the present invention with the inner tube in a first position.

[0039] Figure 5C This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a variant embodiment of the endoscope device of the present invention with the inner tube in the second position.

[0040] Explanation of key component symbols:

[0041] 1 Endoscopic device

[0042] 10 Endoscope body

[0043] 11. Distal end of the body

[0044] 20 inner tube

[0045] 21. Distal end of inner tube

[0046] 22 First inner tube opening

[0047] 23 Second inner tube opening

[0048] 24 Depression Area

[0049] 30 outer tube

[0050] 31 First End

[0051] 32 Second End

[0052] 33 First outer tube opening

[0053] 34 Second outer tube opening

[0054] 50 Outer Ring

[0055] 50A Endoscopic Lens

[0056] 51 camera module

[0057] D1 First Direction

[0058] d-spacing

[0059] ID inner diameter

[0060] OD outer diameter

[0061] IS inner surface

[0062] OS outer surface Detailed Implementation

[0063] It should be understood that although the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or parts, these elements, components, regions, and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or part from another element, component, region, layer, or part.

[0064] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not restrictive. As used herein, unless the content clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms, including “at least one.” “Or” means “and / or.” As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It should also be understood that, when used in this specification, the terms “comprising” and / or “comprising” specify the presence of the stated features, areas, integrals, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, areas, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0065] Furthermore, relative terms such as “down” or “bottom” and “up” or “top” may be used herein to describe the relationship between one element and another, as illustrated in the figures. It should be understood that relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device beyond those shown in the figures. For example, if a device in one figure is flipped, an element described as being “down” to other elements will be oriented “up” to other elements. Thus, the exemplary term “down” can include both “down” and “up” orientations, depending on the specific orientation of the figure. Similarly, if a device in one figure is flipped, an element described as being “below” or “under” other elements will be oriented “above” other elements. Thus, the exemplary term “below” or “under” can include both “up” and “down” orientations.

[0066] Please see Figures 1A-1C , Figures 1A-1C These are, respectively, a perspective view, an exploded view, and a side view of an embodiment of the endoscope device 1 of the present invention. Figures 1A-1CThe endoscope device 1 shown includes an endoscope body 10, an inner tube 20, and an outer tube 30. The endoscope body 10 has a distal end portion 11, and at least a portion of the inner tube 20 protrudes from the distal end portion 11, with the end of the portion protruding from the distal end portion 11 being the distal end portion 21 of the inner tube. The outer tube 30 is configured to at least partially cover the inner tube 20 and has a first end 31 and a second end 32 opposite each other along a first direction D1, wherein the second end 32 is disposed corresponding to the distal end portion 21 of the inner tube (in other words, the first end 31 is the proximal end, and the second end 32 is the distal end), but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0067] In this embodiment, an outer ring 50 housing a camera module may be provided at the distal end 11 of the main body, and an endoscope lens 50A is provided on the outer ring 50. The shape of the outer ring 50 may be, for example, semi-circular, to cover a portion of the endoscope body 10 and / or the outer tube 30. Continuing from the above, please refer to... Figure 1D , Figure 1D This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram showing the interior of the endoscope device 1 after removing the outer ring 50. As described above, the endoscope device 1 may have a camera module 51 housed within the outer ring 50. The camera module 51 can be various shapes such as square, round, or rectangular. However, the size and shape of the outer ring 50 and the camera module 51 of the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0068] like Figures 1A-1C As shown, the outer tube 30 has a first outer tube opening 33 near the first end 31 and the distal end 11 of the body, and a second outer tube opening 34 near the second end 32 and the distal end 21 of the inner tube. In this embodiment, although the diameters (sizes) of the first outer tube opening 33 and the second outer tube opening 34 are not limited, in the virtual cross-section of the outer tube 30, the regions surrounding the outer tube 30 with the first outer tube opening 33 and the second outer tube opening 34 are preferably at a central angle of 180 degrees or less. The diameter (size) of the second outer tube opening 34 is larger than the diameter (size) of the first outer tube opening 33, and preferably more than five times the diameter (size) of the first outer tube opening 33. Furthermore, the first outer tube opening 33 is preferably collinear with the second outer tube opening 34 along the first direction D1 (i.e., located on the same side of the outer tube 30). However, this invention is not limited thereto. As long as the first outer tube opening 33 and the second outer tube opening 34 are located on the same side of the outer tube 30, they can also be non-collinear in the first direction D1. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the distance between the center of the first outer tube opening 33 and the center of the second outer tube opening 34 is approximately 1.5 cm, but the distance between the first outer tube opening 33 and the second outer tube opening 34 is not limited to this. Next, please refer to... Figures 2A-2D , Figures 2A-2D These are, respectively, a three-dimensional schematic diagram, a side view, a rear view, and a three-dimensional schematic diagram viewed from another angle, showing an embodiment of the endoscope device 1 after the outer tube 30 has been removed. Figures 2A-2DAs shown, the inner tube 20 has a first inner tube opening 22 near the distal end 11 of the body and a second inner tube opening 23 near the distal end 21 of the inner tube. In this embodiment, the first inner tube opening 22 and the second inner tube opening 23 are located on different sides of the inner tube 20. For example, when the first inner tube opening 22 is located on the first side (not shown) of the inner tube 20, the second inner tube opening 23 is located on the second side (not shown) of the inner tube 20 opposite to the first side. With this design, when the second inner tube opening 23 overlaps and communicates with the second outer tube opening 34 (e.g. Figure 1A As shown, the first inner tube opening 22 and the first outer tube opening 33 do not overlap or communicate with each other. In this case, the angle between the center position of the first inner tube opening 22 and the center position of the first outer tube opening 33 is preferably 180 degrees, such that the first inner tube opening 22 and the first outer tube opening 33 face opposite sides of the inner tube 20 (for example, when the first outer tube opening 33 faces upward, the first inner tube opening 22 faces downward). However, this invention is not limited to this; the first inner tube opening 22 and the second inner tube opening 23 only need to be located on different sides of the inner tube 20.

[0069] In this embodiment, as described above, the diameter (size) of the second outer tube opening 34 is larger than the diameter (size) of the first outer tube opening 33. Therefore, when the second inner tube opening 23 overlaps with the second outer tube opening 34 (e.g., Figure 1A When (as shown), the main suction force can be concentrated in the distal part. Furthermore, although the dimensions of the first inner tube opening 22 and the second inner tube opening 23 are not limited, in the virtual cross-section of the inner tube 20, the areas of the first inner tube opening 22 and the second inner tube opening 23 surrounding the inner tube 20 preferably have a central angle of 180 degrees or less. With this design, under the premise that the second inner tube opening 23 and the second outer tube opening 34 are located on different planes, when the second inner tube opening 23 and the second outer tube opening 34 overlap and connect (as shown), Figure 1A As shown, this ensures that the first inner tube opening 22 does not overlap or communicate with the first outer tube opening 33. However, the size of the opening in this invention is not limited to this, and the size of the opening is appropriately adjusted according to the actual position of each opening. In addition, in this embodiment, the size of the second outer tube opening 34 may be the same as or slightly smaller than the second inner tube opening 23, but this invention is not limited thereto.

[0070] In this embodiment, the inner tube 20 is rotatable, and as shown... Figure 1B , Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown, the second inner tube opening 23 has a beveled surface and is concave compared to the inner tube 20. Therefore, when the inner tube 20 rotates, the edge of the second inner tube opening 23 can be used as a blade. Additionally, as... Figure 1A , Figure 1B and Figure 1DAs shown, the second outer tube opening 34 also has a beveled surface and is concave compared to the outer tube 30. Therefore, when the second inner tube opening 23 overlaps and connects with the second outer tube opening 34 (as shown), Figure 1A As shown, the endoscope body 10 draws liquid or uses the distal end 21 of the inner tube to access the object (e.g., patient's body tissue), through the overlapping and interconnected second inner tube opening 23 and second outer tube opening 34. The relative positions between the second inner tube opening 23 and second outer tube opening 34, and between the first inner tube opening 22 and first outer tube opening 33, can be changed by the mutual movement (e.g., rotational or back-and-forth movement) generated by the inner tube 20 and outer tube 30. The overlapping and interconnected second inner tube opening 23 and second outer tube opening 34, and the overlapping and interconnected first inner tube opening 22 and first outer tube opening 33, can be used for different purposes. Specific examples of detailed applications will be described later.

[0071] Please see Figures 3A-3E , Figure 3A From Figure 1A The illustrated embodiment is a three-dimensional diagram showing the inner tube 20 rotated 180 degrees. Figure 3B From Figure 3A The illustrated embodiment is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the removal of the outer tube 30. Figures 3C-3E They are respectively Figure 3B The illustrated embodiment includes a side view, a rear view, and a perspective view from another direction (i.e., Figures 3B-3D From respectively Figures 2A-2D The illustrated embodiment shows the inner tube 20 rotated 180 degrees and a front view viewed from the distal end of the inner tube. Figures 3A-3BAs shown, the inner tube 20 can be rotated (e.g., by using a motor installed in the endoscope body 10) to change the relative position of the first inner tube opening 22 and the first outer tube opening 33, so that the first inner tube opening 22 and the first outer tube opening 33 overlap and communicate with each other. At this time, the second inner tube opening 23 and the second outer tube opening 34 do not completely overlap and communicate, and at least a portion of the second outer tube opening 34 is blocked by the inner tube 20. For example, the second inner tube opening 23 faces away from the second outer tube opening 34. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In different embodiments, when the second inner tube opening 23 and the second outer tube opening 34 overlap and communicate, the first inner tube opening 22 and the first outer tube opening 33 can be partially communicated, or when the first inner tube opening 22 and the first outer tube opening 33 overlap and communicate, the second inner tube opening 23 and the second outer tube opening 34 can also be partially communicated. And during the interaction time, both sets of openings can also be in a state of partial overlap and communication. The distance between the first inner tube opening 22 and the distal end 11 of the body is preferably approximately the same as the distance between the first outer tube opening 33 and the distal end 11 of the body, so that the first inner tube opening 22 and the first outer tube opening 33 overlap and communicate with each other during the rotation of the inner tube 20. The wall thickness of the inner tube 20 is thinner near the first inner tube opening 22 compared to other parts (i.e., the aperture is smaller than other parts). Therefore, even when the first inner tube opening 22 does not overlap and communicate with the first outer tube opening 33, the liquid transported through the inner tube 20 can still flow along... Figure 3E The liquid is ejected from the first outer tube opening 33 via the path (i.e., the gap between the inner tube 20 and the outer tube 30). Specifically, the liquid behind can be transported forward from the inside of the inner tube 20, and the excised tissue or dirt sucked up by the first outer tube opening 33 can also be conducted backward from the inside of the inner tube 20. Therefore, it can be used to rinse the endoscope lens 50A on the outer ring 50. When the first inner tube opening 22 rotates to overlap and connect with the first outer tube opening 33, it can be used to suck up contaminants on the endoscope lens 50A through the overlapping and connected first inner tube opening 22 and first outer tube opening 33. By repeatedly using the rinsing or suction functions of the inner tube 20 and the outer tube 30 at different positions, the best cleaning effect can be achieved. The aperture (size) of the first inner tube opening 22 can be the same as, slightly larger than or smaller than, the aperture (size) of the first outer tube opening 33, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0072] With this configuration, the endoscope body 10 of the present invention uses the rotation of the inner tube 20 to alternately perform suction (cutting the object to be used, etc.) and rinsing of the endoscope lens 50A or to remove dirt from the lens. Therefore, for example, during the operation, the endoscope lens 50A can be prevented from becoming contaminated and the visibility reduced.

[0073] In this embodiment, the distance between the first inner tube opening 22 and the endoscope lens 50A in the first direction D1 should be the same as the distance between the first outer tube opening 33 and the endoscope lens 50A. For example... Figure 3A As shown, the first outer tube opening 33 is closer to the second end 32 than the endoscope lens 50A, and the distance d between them is preferably within 3 mm. However, in different embodiments, the first outer tube opening 33 may also be slightly farther away from the second end 32 than the endoscope lens 50A (that is, the first outer tube opening 33 overlaps with the outer ring 50), and the distance between them is preferably within 1.0 mm. By having the first outer tube opening 33 located within its range (when the direction toward the second end 32 is taken as the positive direction, the first outer tube opening 33 is located within -1.0 mm to 3.0 mm centered on the endoscope lens 50A), the efficiency of the endoscope body 10 in rinsing the endoscope lens 50A or aspirating contaminants from the endoscope lens 50A can be improved. However, the purpose of the first outer tube opening 33 and the first inner tube opening 22 near the first end 31 and the distal end 11 of the body is not limited to rinsing the endoscope lens 50A or removing contaminants from the endoscope lens 50A, and the distance between the first outer tube opening 33 and the distal end 11 of the body can be adjusted according to the actual use.

[0074] In one embodiment, when the first inner tube opening 22 and the first outer tube opening 33 overlap and communicate (e.g. Figure 3A When the second inner tube opening 23 and the second outer tube opening 34 are aligned, the angle between their centers is 180 degrees, such that the second inner tube opening 23 and the second outer tube opening 34 face different directions (for example, when the second outer tube opening 34 faces upward, the second inner tube opening 23 faces downward). However, the angle between the second inner tube opening 23 and the second outer tube opening 34 is not limited to 180 degrees.

[0075] Next, the other requirements for the inner tube 20 and the outer tube 30 will be further explained. Please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figure 4A and Figure 4B , Figure 4A This is a perspective view of the inner tube 20 and outer tube 30 in one embodiment of the endoscope device 1 of the present invention. Figure 4B This is a top view of the inner tube 20 in one embodiment of the endoscope device 1 of the present invention, viewed from the distal end 21 of the inner tube. In this embodiment, the inner diameter ID of the outer tube 30 is... Figure 4A (as shown) and the outer diameter OD of the inner tube 20 Figure 4B As shown, the outer tube 30 has a diameter ID that is roughly the same as the inner tube 20, or the inner diameter ID of the outer tube 30 is slightly larger than the outer diameter OD of the inner tube 20. Therefore, when the outer tube 30 covers the inner tube 20, the outer surface OS of the inner tube 20 and the inner surface IS of the outer tube are in close contact. For example, Figure 4AAs shown, the outer surface OS of the inner tube 20 has a recessed region 24, and the first inner tube opening 22 is located on the recessed region 24. The recessed region 24 can be, for example, an annular region surrounding the inner tube 20, and therefore the outer diameter of the recessed region 24 is smaller than that of other regions of the inner tube 20. With this design, when the first inner tube opening 22 does not overlap and communicate with the first outer tube opening 33, the liquid transported through the outer tube 30 can still be ejected from the first outer tube opening 33 along this recessed path.

[0076] In the above embodiments, the inner tube 20 changes the relative position between the first inner tube opening 22 and the first outer tube opening 33 and the relative position between the second inner tube opening 23 and the second outer tube opening 34 by rotational movement. However, in a variation of the present invention, the mutual movement between the inner tube 20 and the outer tube 30 is not limited to rotational movement.

[0077] Specifically, please refer to Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 5C . Figure 5A This is a perspective view of the inner tube 20 and outer tube 30 in a modified embodiment of the endoscopic device of the present invention, and Figure 5B and Figure 5C These are cross-sectional schematic diagrams of the inner tube 20 in the first and second positions in the variant embodiment. The difference between this variant embodiment and the previous embodiment is that the inner tube 20 may not have a second inner tube opening 23, and the inner tube 20 moves to the first position by linear motion along the first direction D1 (i.e., the radial direction of the inner tube 20). Figure 5B (as shown) and the second position ( Figure 5C (as shown) to change the relative position between the first inner tube opening 22 and the first outer tube opening 33 and to switch the second outer tube opening 34 between an open state and a covered state, and the distal end 21 of the inner tube can be used as a blade, etc. Figure 5B To prepare the cutting position, the second outer tube opening 34 is open to allow for the aspiration of tissue or fluid, while the first outer tube opening 33 is closed. Figure 5C As the inner tube continues to extend to the end, the second outer tube opening 34 is closed, while the first outer tube opening 33 and the first inner tube opening 22 are connected together. Therefore, the overlapping and connected first outer tube opening 33 and first inner tube opening 22 form a situation where tissue or liquid can be aspirated.

[0078] In this variant embodiment, when the inner tube 20 is in the first position ( Figure 5B When the inner tube 20 is in the second position (as shown), since the distal end 21 of the inner tube does not block the second outer tube opening 34 and the first inner tube opening 22 is not overlapping and connected with the first outer tube opening 33 but is offset from each other, the endoscope body 10 can aspirate tissue or fluid through the open second outer tube opening 34. On the other hand, when the inner tube 20 is in the second position (as shown), Figure 5CWhen the first inner tube opening 22 and the first outer tube opening 33 overlap and communicate with each other, and the inner tube 20 blocks the second outer tube opening 34, the endoscope body 10 sprays out the liquid (e.g., medical water) transported through the outer tube 30 through the overlapping and communicating first inner tube opening 22 and first outer tube opening 33 to rinse the endoscope lens or absorb contaminants.

[0079] In summary, in the embodiments of the present invention, the time point when the first outer tube opening 33 is in the open state is staggered with the time point when the second outer tube opening 34 is in the open state by the mutual movement between the inner tube 20 and the outer tube 30 (e.g., rotational movement or linear movement along the radial direction of the inner tube 20). Therefore, by the repeated action of the inner tube 20, suction and cleaning of the endoscope lens can be performed continuously and alternately.

[0080] In this way, sufficient suction at the distal end of the endoscope device is ensured while contaminants are simultaneously rinsed or removed from the endoscope lens, thus reducing visibility loss due to contamination during endoscope use. However, this application and use are merely exemplary, and the application of the endoscope device of the present invention is not limited to this. Furthermore, as long as the time point at which the first outer tube opening 33 is in the open state is partially staggered from the time point at which the second outer tube opening 34 is in the open state, the mutual movement between the inner tube 20 and the outer tube 30, as well as the configuration of various openings, are not limited to the above embodiments.

[0081] The above description is merely a few preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that various changes and modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from its spirit and principles. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is defined by the scope claimed in the appended applications, and that various possible substitutions, combinations, modifications, and uses, etc., within the spirit of the present invention, do not exceed the scope defined by the appended applications.

Claims

1. An endoscope device comprising: An endoscope body having a distal end portion; An inner tube, at least a portion of which protrudes from the distal end of the body, and the portion having a distal end of the inner tube away from the distal end of the body, the inner tube having a first inner tube opening near the distal end of the body; and An outer tube is configured to at least partially cover a portion of the inner tube, wherein the outer tube has a first outer tube opening near the distal end of the body and a second outer tube opening near the distal end of the inner tube, and the inner tube and the outer tube are movable relative to each other to change the relative position between the first inner tube opening and the first outer tube opening. Furthermore, when the opening of the first inner tube overlaps and communicates with the opening of the first outer tube, the inner tube at least partially blocks the opening of the second outer tube. Its features are, The inner tube has a second inner tube opening near the distal end of the inner tube. The mutual movement between the inner tube and the outer tube changes the relative position between the first inner tube opening and the first outer tube opening. When the first inner tube opening and the first outer tube opening overlap and communicate, the second inner tube opening and the second outer tube opening only partially overlap and communicate or do not overlap and communicate.

2. The endoscope device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The mutual movement between the inner tube and the outer tube is a linear movement along a radial direction of the inner tube.

3. The endoscope device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The first outer tube opening and the second outer tube opening are located on the same side of the inner tube.

4. The endoscope device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The first inner tube opening and the second inner tube opening are located on different sides of the inner tube, and the mutual movement of the inner tube is a rotational movement.

5. The endoscope device as described in claim 4, characterized in that, When the second inner tube opening overlaps with the second outer tube opening, the first inner tube opening and the first outer tube opening face opposite sides of the inner tube.

6. The endoscope device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The second outer tube opening is larger than the first outer tube opening.

7. The endoscope device as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The size of the second outer tube opening is more than five times the size of the first outer tube opening.

8. The endoscope device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, When the second outer tube opening overlaps with the second inner tube opening through the mutual movement, the endoscope body can draw liquid or cut a target tissue through the second outer tube opening and the second inner tube opening.

9. The endoscope device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, An endoscope lens is provided at the distal end of the main body; when the mutual movement between the inner tube and the outer tube causes the opening of the first outer tube to overlap with the opening of the first inner tube, the endoscope body washes or removes contaminants from the endoscope lens through the opening of the first outer tube and the opening of the first inner tube.

10. The endoscope device as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that, The outer tube has a first end and a second end, wherein the second end is disposed corresponding to the distal end of the inner tube, and the opening of the first outer tube is within 3 mm closer to the second end relative to the endoscope lens or within 1 mm further away from the second end relative to the endoscope lens.

11. The endoscope device as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that, The radial distance between the first outer tube opening and the endoscope lens is the same as the radial distance between the first inner tube opening and the endoscope lens in a first direction.

12. The endoscope device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, When the first inner tube opening overlaps with the first outer tube opening, the center position of the second inner tube opening and the second outer tube opening are respectively facing the opposite side of the inner tube.

13. The endoscope device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The wall thickness of the inner tube near the opening of the first inner tube is thinner than the wall thickness of the inner tube at other locations.

14. The endoscope device as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that, The inner tube has a recessed area, and the first inner tube opening is located on the recessed area.

15. The endoscope device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, On a virtual cross-section of the inner tube, the areas surrounding the first and second inner tube openings are each below a central angle of 180 degrees. Furthermore, on a virtual cross-section of the outer tube, the areas surrounding the first and second outer tube openings are each below a central angle of 180 degrees.

Images