Flexible surgical instrument

Abstract

The application discloses a flexible surgical instrument, which comprises a shell assembly and a flexible instrument body. The shell assembly comprises N shell parts which are connected in series, wherein N is greater than or equal to 3. The inner wall surface of the outermost shell part is provided with a thread groove, and the outermost shell part is further provided with a lead-out part. The outer wall surface of the innermost shell part is also provided with a thread groove, and the inner wall surface and the outer wall surface of the remaining N-2 shell parts are respectively provided with thread grooves with opposite rotation directions. The adjacent two shell parts are threadedly connected. The flexible instrument body is wound in the thread grooves of the adjacent two shell parts, and the flexible instrument body is inserted into the lead-out part. The flexible surgical instrument can release and store a longer flexible instrument body, and the axial size is not large, so that the operation can be conveniently performed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of surgical instrument technology, and specifically to a flexible surgical instrument. Background Technology

[0002] Flexible surgical instruments, such as clamps, electrocoagulation and electrocautery instruments, injection instruments, and guide instruments, typically consist of a housing assembly and a flexible instrument body. The housing assembly includes an inner shell and an outer shell, which are threaded together. The flexible instrument body is housed within the threaded groove of the inner shell or outer shell. Therefore, if the flexible instrument body is long, the length of both the inner and outer shells needs to be extended, resulting in an excessively large axial dimension of the housing assembly, which is detrimental to operation.

[0003] Therefore, how to provide a solution to overcome or alleviate the above-mentioned defects remains a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved by those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a flexible surgical instrument that can release and store a relatively long flexible instrument body, with a small axial dimension, making it easy to operate.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides a flexible surgical instrument, comprising: a shell assembly comprising N nested shell parts, N≥3, wherein the inner wall surface of the outermost shell part is provided with a threaded groove, and the outermost shell part is also provided with a guide part; the outer wall surface of the innermost shell part is also provided with a threaded groove; the inner and outer wall surfaces of the remaining N-2 shell parts are respectively provided with threaded grooves in opposite directions; adjacent shell parts are threadedly connected; and a flexible instrument body, the flexible instrument body being wound around the threaded grooves of adjacent shell parts, and the flexible instrument body being inserted into the guide part.

[0006] Optionally, the remaining N-2 layers of the shell are provided with through holes for the flexible device body to pass through.

[0007] Optionally, it also includes an elastic limiting mechanism, which allows two adjacent shell parts to switch between a retracted position and a released position by rotation. When the two adjacent shell parts are in the retracted position, the elastic limiting mechanism can restrict the two adjacent shell parts from rotating toward the released position.

[0008] Optionally, in two adjacent shell portions, one is provided with a mounting hole and the other is provided with a limiting fit portion; the elastic limiting mechanism includes a threaded adjusting member, a first elastic member and a first limiting portion, the threaded adjusting member is threadedly fitted into the mounting hole, the first elastic member is located in the mounting hole, a portion of the first limiting portion can extend out of the mounting hole and be inserted into the limiting fit portion, and the first elastic member is disposed between the threaded adjusting member and the first limiting portion.

[0009] Optionally, one of the two adjacent shell portions is provided with a second limiting portion. When the two adjacent shell portions are in the released position, the elastic limiting mechanism can cooperate with the second limiting portion to restrict the two adjacent shell portions from rotating toward the stored position.

[0010] Optionally, the system further includes a sterile plate and a base, the sterile plate being located between the base and the housing assembly, both of which are mounted on the housing assembly.

[0011] Optionally, the housing assembly is provided with a first snap-fit ​​component, the first snap-fit ​​component including a first snap head and a second elastic member, the sterile plate is provided with a second snap-fit ​​component and an installation channel, the second snap-fit ​​component including a second snap head, the second snap head being slidably fitted into the installation channel, and the base being provided with a locking slot; in the assembled state, the second elastic member can act on the second snap head through the first snap head, the first snap head can snap into the installation channel, and the second snap head can snap into the locking slot.

[0012] Optionally, the second snap-fit ​​component further includes a third elastic element, which interacts with the second snap-fit ​​head and can drive the second snap-fit ​​head to separate from the snap-fit ​​slot.

[0013] Optionally, the sterile plate includes multiple separate plates, with adjacent plates forming an installation channel, and the second clip can slide within the installation channel.

[0014] Optionally, it also includes a pressing component mounted on the housing assembly, the pressing component being capable of acting on the first card head to move the first card head away from the second card head.

[0015] The flexible surgical instrument provided in this embodiment of the invention employs at least three nested shells, with each adjacent shell connected by threads, and each adjacent shell can accommodate a flexible instrument body. Thus, without changing the axial dimension, this flexible surgical instrument can accommodate and deploy longer flexible instrument bodies, such as those used in colonoscopes, especially colonoscopes.

[0016] Furthermore, for the N-2 shell layers between the outermost and innermost shell layers, the spiral directions of the threaded grooves on their inner and outer walls are opposite. Thus, for any one of these N-2 shell layers, the threaded connection directions of its inner and outer shells are opposite. When the flexible instrument body is released, both its inner and outer shells displace towards the same side of its axial direction. Therefore, after the flexible instrument body is released, the axial dimension of the flexible surgical instrument's shell assembly remains essentially unchanged compared to a shell assembly consisting of only two shell layers.

[0017] Therefore, the flexible surgical instrument provided in this embodiment of the invention has a small axial dimension whether the flexible instrument body is fully retracted or fully released, making it easy to operate. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the flexible surgical instrument provided by the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the housing assembly from one perspective.

[0020] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A partial enlarged view of the connection between the intermediate elastic limiting mechanism, the outer shell, and the middle shell;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the housing assembly from another perspective;

[0022] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A partial enlarged view of the connection between the elastic limiting mechanism, the inner shell, and the intermediate shell;

[0023] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the split structure of the housing assembly;

[0024] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the intermediate shell structure;

[0025] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the outer shell, middle shell, and inner shell in their initial state.

[0026] Figure 9 This is a structural diagram showing the outer shell and middle shell in the fully released position, and the inner shell and middle side shell in the fully stored position.

[0027] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure when the outer shell and the middle shell are in the fully released position, and the inner shell and the middle side shell are also in the fully released position.

[0028] Figure 11 for Figure 1 Exploded view;

[0029] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a sterile plate;

[0030] Figure 13 for Figure 12 A sectional view;

[0031] Figure 14 for Figure 1 A sectional view;

[0032] Figure 15 This is a magnified view of the connection between the first and second snap-fit ​​components.

[0033] The annotations in the attached figures are explained as follows:

[0034] 1. Housing assembly; 11. Outer shell portion; 111. Outlet portion; 112. First mounting hole; 12. Middle shell portion; 121. Through hole; 122. First limiting mating portion; 123. Second limiting mating portion; 124. Second limiting portion; 13. Inner shell portion; 131. Second mounting hole; 14. Drive seat; 141. Third mounting hole; 15. First snap-fit ​​component; 151. First snap head; 152. Second elastic element; 153. Stop block; 154. Flexible connector; 16. Top cover; 17. Pressing component; 18. Elastic limiting mechanism; 181. Threaded adjustment component; 182. First elastic element; 183. First limiting portion;

[0035] 2. Flexible instrument body;

[0036] 3. Sterile plate, 3a. Separating plate, 31. Second snap-fit ​​component, 311. Second snap-fit ​​head, 312. Third elastic element, 32. Installation channel, 33. Transmission barrel;

[0037] 4 bases, 41 bayonet mounts;

[0038] 5. Driver components. Detailed Implementation

[0039] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions of the present invention, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0040] In embodiments of the present invention, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined with "first," "second," and "third" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature.

[0041] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation", "connection" and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, "linking" can be a detachable connection or a non-detachable connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium.

[0042] The directional terms mentioned in the embodiments of the present invention, such as "inner" and "outer", are only for reference to the direction of the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the directional terms used are for better and clearer explanation and understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of the present invention.

[0043] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, the term "multiple" refers to two or more. Furthermore, when using "multiple" to describe the quantity of different components, it does not indicate a quantitative relationship between these components.

[0044] In the description of embodiments of the present invention, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover a 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 limitation, 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.

[0045] Please refer to Figures 1-10 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the flexible surgical instrument provided by the present invention. Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the housing assembly from one perspective. Figure 3 for Figure 2 A partially enlarged view of the connection between the intermediate elastic limiting mechanism, the outer shell, and the middle shell. Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the housing assembly from another perspective. Figure 5 for Figure 4 A partial enlarged view of the connection between the elastic limiting mechanism, the inner shell, and the intermediate shell. Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the split structure of the housing assembly. Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the intermediate shell structure. Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the outer shell, middle shell, and inner shell in their initial state. Figure 9 This is a structural diagram showing the outer shell and middle shell in the fully released position, and the inner shell and middle side shell in the fully retracted position. Figure 10This is a schematic diagram of the structure when the outer shell and the middle shell are in the fully released position, and the inner shell and the middle side shell are also in the fully released position.

[0046] like Figures 1-7 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a flexible surgical instrument, including a housing assembly 1 and a flexible instrument body 2.

[0047] The housing assembly 1 comprises N nested housing parts, where N ≥ 3, meaning it can include at least three nested housing parts. The outermost housing part has a threaded groove on its inner wall surface and also has a discharge part 111, which can be a discharge tube or discharge port, etc. The innermost housing part also has a threaded groove on its outer wall surface. The remaining N-2 housing parts have threaded grooves on both their inner and outer wall surfaces; however, the directions of the threaded grooves on the inner and outer wall surfaces of these housing parts are opposite. Adjacent housing parts are threaded together.

[0048] The flexible instrument body 2 can be a clamp, electrocoagulation or electrosurgery device, injection device, guide device, etc., and its type is not limited here. In practical applications, those skilled in the art can determine it based on specific usage needs. The flexible instrument body 2 is wound in the threaded grooves of two adjacent shell parts, and the flexible instrument body 2 is inserted into the outlet part 111.

[0049] In the above-described embodiment, the present invention employs at least three nested shells, with each adjacent shell connected by a thread, and each adjacent shell can accommodate a flexible instrument body 2. Thus, without changing the axial dimension, this flexible surgical instrument can accommodate and release longer flexible instrument bodies 2, such as those used in colonoscopes, especially colonoscopes.

[0050] Furthermore, for the N-2 shell layers between the outermost and innermost shell layers, the spiral directions of the threaded grooves on their inner and outer walls are opposite. Thus, for any one of these N-2 shell layers, the threaded connection directions of its inner and outer shells are opposite. When the flexible instrument body 2 is released, both its inner and outer shells displace towards the same side of its axial direction. Therefore, after the flexible instrument body 2 is released, the axial dimension of the shell assembly 1 of the flexible surgical instrument provided in this embodiment of the invention remains essentially unchanged compared to a shell assembly consisting of only two shell layers.

[0051] Therefore, the flexible surgical instrument provided in this embodiment of the invention has a small axial dimension whether the flexible instrument body 2 is fully retracted or fully released, making it easy to operate.

[0052] For each shell part of the housing assembly 1, the outermost shell part can be called the outer shell part 11, and the aforementioned outlet part 111 can be provided in the outer shell part 11. The innermost shell part can be called the inner shell part 13, and the remaining N-2 shell parts can be called the intermediate shell parts 12. The inner wall surface and the outer wall surface of the intermediate shell part 12 are provided with threaded grooves, and the rotation direction of the threaded grooves on the inner wall surface and the outer wall surface of the intermediate shell part 12 is opposite.

[0053] The number of intermediate shell parts 12 can be one. Alternatively, the number of intermediate shell parts 12 can be multiple, in which case the intermediate shell parts 12 can be nested together; among the intermediate shell parts 12, the outermost intermediate shell part 12 can be connected to the outer shell part 11, and the innermost intermediate shell part 12 can be connected to the inner shell part 13.

[0054] For ease of description, this embodiment of the invention uses an example where the number of intermediate shell portions 12 is one (i.e., N=3) to illustrate the principle of the invention. Specifically, as... Figure 8 As shown, in the initial state, the outer shell 11 is in the fully retracted position relative to the middle shell 12, and the middle shell 12 is also in the fully retracted position relative to the inner shell 13. Since the outlet 111 is located in the outer shell 11, when it is necessary to release the flexible device body 2, the flexible device body 2 between the outer shell 11 and the middle shell 12 can be released first, combined with... Figure 9 The outer shell 11 can be displaced downward relative to the middle shell 12 until it is in the fully released position relative to the middle shell 12. Then, the flexible device body 2 between the middle shell 12 and the inner shell 13 can be released. Since the spiral grooves on the inner and outer sides of the middle shell 12 rotate in opposite directions, the middle shell 12 is displaced upward relative to the inner shell 13 until it is in the fully released position relative to the inner shell 13. Figure 10 As shown, at this time, the outer shell 11 and the inner shell 13 are both located on the same axial side of the middle shell 12. Compared with a shell assembly that only includes two shells, in this embodiment of the invention, the axial dimension of the shell assembly 1 after the flexible device body 2 is fully released is basically not increased, and it can be easily operated.

[0055] In practical applications, the rotation of each shell layer can be performed manually by staff or automatically by means of drive components.

[0056] In a specific example, such as Figure 1As shown, the flexible surgical instrument provided in this embodiment of the invention may further include a drive component 5, which can be connected to the housing component 1, thereby driving the various shell parts of the housing component 1 to rotate relative to each other. The specific type of the drive component 5 is not limited here. In practical applications, those skilled in the art can determine it according to specific application requirements and installation environment; for example, the drive component 5 may include a motor.

[0057] The driving force of the drive component 5 can be applied to the inner shell 13. Combined with... Figure 2 and Figure 4 The inner shell 13 may be equipped with a drive seat 14. The drive seat 14 can be connected to the inner shell 13 by means of snap-fit, riveting, welding, screw connection, etc., so that the two can rotate synchronously. The drive assembly 5 can be connected to the inner shell 13 through the drive seat 14 to indirectly drive the inner shell 13. Of course, the drive assembly 5 can also be directly connected to the inner shell 13 to directly drive the inner shell 13 to rotate, which is also feasible, as long as the technical purpose of driving the inner shell 13 to rotate is met.

[0058] like Figure 7 As shown, the intermediate shell 12 may be provided with a through hole 121 for the flexible device body 2 to pass through, thereby enabling the flexible device body 2 to be distributed on both the inner and outer sides of the intermediate shell 12.

[0059] The distribution of through holes 121 in the intermediate shell portion 12 is related to the number of intermediate shell portions 12, the specific location of each intermediate shell portion 12, and the location of the outlet portion 111 in the outer shell portion 11. For a design where only one intermediate shell portion 12 exists, combined with... Figures 8-10 When the outlet portion 111 is located above the outer shell portion 11, the through hole 121 can be located below the intermediate shell portion 12. Thus, when the flexible device body 2 between the outer shell portion 11 and the intermediate shell portion 12 is released, the outer shell portion 11 is displaced downward relative to the intermediate shell portion 12. When the outlet portion 111 is located below the outer shell portion 11, the through hole 121 can be located above the intermediate shell portion 12. Thus, when the flexible device body 2 between the outer shell portion 11 and the intermediate shell portion 12 is released, the outer shell portion 11 is displaced upward relative to the intermediate shell portion 12.

[0060] In some optional implementations, the flexible surgical instrument provided in this embodiment of the invention may further include an elastic limiting mechanism 18. When two adjacent shells are in the retracted position, the elastic limiting mechanism 18 can restrict the two adjacent shells from rotating towards the released position. Thus, during transportation, the two adjacent shells of the flexible surgical instrument provided by this invention are less likely to rotate automatically, and the structural stability of the entire flexible surgical instrument can be relatively high. When it is necessary to rotate the two adjacent shells, the rotational driving force output manually by the operator or automatically by the driving element can enable the two adjacent shells to overcome the limiting effect of the elastic limiting mechanism 18, so as not to affect the normal operation of the shell assembly 1.

[0061] Here, the embodiments of the present invention do not limit the specific structural form of the above-mentioned elastic limiting mechanism 18. In practical applications, those skilled in the art can make settings according to specific needs, as long as they can meet the requirements of use.

[0062] Of two adjacent shell sections, one may have a mounting hole, and the other may have a limiting fit. The limiting fit can be a hole-shaped structure that penetrates the corresponding shell section along the thickness direction, or it can be a groove-shaped structure that does not penetrate the corresponding shell section along the thickness direction.

[0063] In a specific example, the elastic limiting mechanism 18 may include a threaded adjusting member 181, a first elastic member 182, and a first limiting part 183. The threaded adjusting member 181 may be a set screw or similar component, which can be threaded into a mounting hole. The first elastic member 182 may be located in the mounting hole and can be a linear spring. Linear springs are available in many models, making them easy to obtain and select. Linear springs also have good elastic deformation and elastic recovery capabilities, which can better meet the requirements of use. Alternatively, the first elastic member 182 may also be a tension rope or an elastomer made of materials with a certain elastic deformation capability, such as rubber. A portion of the first limiting part 183 can extend out of the mounting hole and insert into a limiting mating part. The first elastic member 182 may be positioned between the threaded adjusting member 181 and the first limiting part 183.

[0064] Using the above scheme, when the two adjacent shell parts rotate relative to each other until the first limiting part 183 and the limiting mating part are facing each other, the first limiting part 183 can be inserted into the limiting mating part due to the elastic force of the first elastic member 182, thereby restricting the relative rotation of the two adjacent shell parts. The threaded adjustment member 181 can adjust the force applied by the first elastic member 182, which can change the tightness of the first limiting part 183 and the limiting mating part. When the externally applied rotational driving force is large, the first limiting part 183 can slide out from the limiting mating part, and the two adjacent shell parts can rotate relative to each other to separate, which can ensure that the flexible surgical instrument provided by the present invention can normally release and store the flexible instrument body 2.

[0065] For a housing assembly 1 comprising N shell sections, the number of the aforementioned elastic limiting mechanisms 18 can be N-1. For example, for a scheme where N=3, the number of the aforementioned elastic limiting mechanisms 18 can be two, and the two elastic limiting mechanisms 18 can be located between the outer shell section 11 and the middle shell section 12, and between the middle shell section 12 and the inner shell section 13, respectively. For ease of explanation later, the elastic limiting mechanism 18 between the outer shell section 11 and the middle shell section 12 can be referred to as the first limiting mechanism, and the elastic limiting mechanism 18 between the middle shell section 12 and the inner shell section 13 can be referred to as the second limiting mechanism.

[0066] Combination Figure 2 and Figure 3 The mounting hole provided in the outer shell portion 11 can be referred to as the first mounting hole 112, and the limiting fitting portion provided in the middle shell portion 12 can be referred to as the first limiting fitting portion 122. A first limiting mechanism can be provided in the first mounting hole 112. The first mounting hole 112 can be a stepped hole, and correspondingly, the first limiting portion 183 can also have a stepped structure. In this way, the first limiting portion 183 can be largely prevented from dislodging from the first mounting hole 112. It should be understood that the aforementioned first mounting hole 112 can also be provided in the middle shell portion 12, and correspondingly, the aforementioned first limiting fitting portion 122 can also be provided in the outer shell portion 11. This does not affect the functional realization of the first limiting mechanism.

[0067] Combination Figure 4 and Figure 5The mounting hole provided in the inner shell portion 13 can be referred to as the second mounting hole 131, and the limiting fitting portion provided in the intermediate shell portion 12 can be referred to as the second limiting fitting portion 123. A second limiting mechanism can be provided in the second mounting hole 131. The second mounting hole 131 can be a stepped hole, and correspondingly, the first limiting portion 183 can also have a stepped structure. In this way, the first limiting portion 183 can be largely prevented from dislodging from the second mounting hole 131. It should be understood that the aforementioned second mounting hole 131 can also be provided in the intermediate shell portion 12, and correspondingly, the aforementioned second limiting fitting portion 123 can also be provided in the inner shell portion 13. This does not affect the functional realization of the second limiting mechanism.

[0068] One of the two adjacent shell sections may also be provided with a second limiting part 124, which may specifically be a protrusion or other structure. When the two adjacent shell sections rotate to the fully released position, the elastic limiting mechanism 18 can cooperate with the second limiting part 124 to restrict the rotation of the two adjacent shell sections towards the fully retracted position.

[0069] To better understand the working principle of the flexible surgical instrument provided by the present invention and the function of its various components, the following embodiments of the present invention will also be combined with Figures 2-10 A more detailed explanation will follow.

[0070] When it is necessary to release the flexible device body 2, a rotational driving force along the first rotation direction can be applied to the inner shell 13 (directly or through the drive seat 14). Due to the action of the second limiting mechanism, the inner shell 13 and the middle shell 12 can rotate together, while a force is generated between the outlet portion 111 of the outer shell 11 and the flexible device body 2 inside it. This overcomes the limiting effect of the first limiting mechanism between the middle shell 12 and the outer shell 11, allowing the outer shell 11 to rotate relative to the middle shell 12 to release the flexible device body 2 between the outer shell 11 and the middle shell 12, until the outer shell 11 moves relative to the middle shell 12 to the release completion position. Figure 9 As shown, at this time, the first limiting part 183 of the first limiting mechanism has passed the second limiting part 124 of the intermediate shell part 12 along the first rotation direction. When a rotational driving force along the first rotation direction is further applied to the inner shell part 13, due to the action of the flexible device body 2, the outlet part 111, and the through hole 121, the outer shell part 11 and the intermediate shell part 12 will not rotate relative to each other. In this way, the limiting effect of the second limiting mechanism between the intermediate shell part 12 and the inner shell part 13 is overcome, and the intermediate shell part 12 can rotate relative to the inner shell part 13 to release the flexible device body 2 between the intermediate shell part 12 and the inner shell part 13, until the intermediate shell part 12 moves relative to the inner shell part 13 to the release position, as shown. Figure 10 As shown.

[0071] When the flexible device body 2 needs to be stored, a rotational driving force along a second rotation direction can be applied to the inner shell 13. This second rotation direction is opposite to the first rotation direction. At this time, the first limiting part 183 of the first limiting mechanism can abut against the second limiting part 124 of the intermediate shell 12 along the second rotation direction, allowing the outer shell 11 and the intermediate shell 12 to rotate together relative to the inner shell 13. The flexible device body 2 can then be stored between the intermediate shell 12 and the inner shell 13 until the intermediate shell 12 moves relative to the inner shell 13 to the fully stored position. Figure 9 As shown, at this time, the first limiting part 183 of the second limiting mechanism can be inserted into the second limiting mating part 123. When a rotational driving force along the second rotation direction is further applied to the inner shell part 13, the inner shell part 13 and the middle shell part 12 can rotate together under the action of the second limiting mechanism. The first limiting part 183 of the first limiting mechanism can cross the second limiting part 124 along the second rotation direction. The outer shell part 11 can rotate relative to the middle shell part 12. The flexible device body 2 can be stored between the outer shell part 11 and the middle shell part 12 until the outer shell part 11 moves relative to the middle shell part 12 to the storage position, such as... Figure 8 As shown, at this time, the first limiting part 183 of the first limiting mechanism can be inserted into the first limiting mating part 122.

[0072] The housing assembly 1 may also include a top cover 16, which may be connected to one of the housing portions, for example, to the intermediate housing portion 12.

[0073] Please refer to Figures 11-15 , Figure 11 for Figure 1 Exploded view, Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a sterile plate. Figure 13 for Figure 12 sectional view, Figure 14 for Figure 1 sectional view, Figure 15 This is a magnified view of the connection between the first and second snap-fit ​​components.

[0074] like Figures 11-15 As shown, the flexible surgical instrument provided by the present invention may further include a sterile plate 3 and a base 4. The sterile plate 3 may be located between the base 4 and the housing assembly 1, and both the sterile plate 3 and the base 4 may be installed on the housing assembly 1. The sterile plate 3 has better antibacterial and antistatic functions, which can reduce the impact of external bacteria and other contaminants on the flexible instrument body 2 inside the housing assembly 1, thereby improving the safety of the flexible surgical instrument provided by the present invention.

[0075] In some implementations, the sterile plate 3 and the base 4 can be installed separately on the housing assembly 1. For example, the sterile plate 3 can be installed on the housing assembly 1 first, and then the base 4 can be installed on either the sterile plate 3 or the housing assembly 1. This provides better installation flexibility for the sterile plate 3 and the base 4, and allows for a wider variety of installation methods.

[0076] In other implementations, the housing assembly 1 may be provided with a first snap-fit ​​component 15, which may include a first snap-fit ​​head 151 and a second elastic member 152; the sterile plate 3 may be configured with a second snap-fit ​​component 31 and an installation channel 32, the second snap-fit ​​component 31 may include a second snap-fit ​​head 311, which can slide within the installation channel 32 to adjust its position; the base 4 is provided with a latch 41. In the assembled state, the second elastic member 152 can act on the second snap-fit ​​head 311 through the first snap-fit ​​head 151, so that the first snap-fit ​​head 151 can snap into the installation channel 32 and the second snap-fit ​​head 311 can snap into the latch 41.

[0077] In this way, the connection of the housing assembly 1, the sterile plate 3, and the base 4 can be achieved simultaneously, making installation faster. Correspondingly, when it is necessary to disassemble the housing assembly 1, the sterile plate 3, and the base 4, it is only necessary to release the force between the first clip 151 and the second clip 311. This allows the first clip 151 to be disengaged from the installation channel 32 and the second clip 311 to be disengaged from the slot 41 simultaneously, thereby enabling the disassembly of the housing assembly 1, the sterile plate 3, and the base 4, which can also be done quickly.

[0078] In detail, such as Figure 15 As shown, the drive seat 14 may be provided with a third mounting hole 141, and the first snap-fit ​​component 15 may further include a stop 153. The stop 153 may be installed at the end of the third mounting hole 141 away from the second snap-fit ​​component 31. The second elastic member 152 may be located in the third mounting hole 141. The structure of the second elastic member 152 may refer to the aforementioned first elastic member 182. One end of the second elastic member 152 may interact with the stop 153, and the other end may interact with the first snap-fit ​​head 151. The second elastic member 152 can generate an elastic force on the first snap-fit ​​head 151 so that the first snap-fit ​​head 151 can be kept in the extended position, thereby generating a force on the second snap-fit ​​head 311.

[0079] Furthermore, the flexible surgical instrument provided in this embodiment of the invention may also include a pressing component 17, which may be installed on the housing assembly 1 and may be displaced relative to the housing assembly 1 to act on the first locking head 151, thereby switching the first locking head 151 to the retracted position and relieving the force exerted by the first locking head 151 on the second locking head 311, thereby enabling the separation of the housing assembly 1, the sterile plate 3 and the base 4.

[0080] Here, the embodiments of the present invention do not limit the specific structure of the pressing component 17 and the specific connection structure between the pressing component 17 and the first card head 151. In practical applications, those skilled in the art can determine the specific structure by combining the movement direction of the pressing component 17 and the first card head 151, as long as it meets the requirements of use.

[0081] In some implementations, the pressing component 17 and the first card head 151 can move in the same direction. In this implementation, the pressing component 17 can be directly and fixedly connected to the first card head 151, and the second elastic element 152 can drive the first card head 151 and the pressing component 17 to move synchronously. When the pressing component 17 is pressed, the pressing component 17 can also directly drive the first card head 151 to move.

[0082] In some other implementations, the movement directions of the pressing component 17 and the first card head 151 may be inconsistent; see details below. Figure 15 In this configuration, the pressing component 17 and the first locking head 151 are not directly connected, allowing for greater installation flexibility and more diverse installation positions. In this implementation, the pressing component 17 can be connected to the first locking head 151 via a flexible connector 154, such as a flexible rope, to accommodate movements of the pressing component 17 and the first locking head 151 in different directions. Furthermore, when the second elastic member 152 acts on the first locking head 151, it does not synchronously displace the pressing component 17, thus reducing the elasticity requirements for the second elastic member 152.

[0083] The second snap-fit ​​component 31 may further include a third elastic element 312. The structure of the third elastic element 312 can refer to the aforementioned first elastic element 182. The third elastic element 312 can interact with the second snap-fit ​​head 311. After the force exerted by the first snap-fit ​​head 151 on the second snap-fit ​​head 311 is eliminated, the third elastic element 312 can drive the second snap-fit ​​head 311 to separate from the snap-fit ​​slot 41, thereby automatically realizing the separation of the sterile plate 3 and the base 4.

[0084] Here, the embodiments of the present invention do not limit the number of the first snap-fit ​​component 15, the second snap-fit ​​component 31, and the bayonet 41. In practical applications, those skilled in the art can make adjustments according to specific needs, as long as the requirements for use are met. However, it should be noted that the number of the first snap-fit ​​component 15, the second snap-fit ​​component 31, and the bayonet 41 are consistent and maintain a one-to-one corresponding assembly relationship.

[0085] Furthermore, when the movement directions of the pressing component 17 and the first locking head 151 are not consistent, regardless of the number of the first locking components 15, the number of pressing components 17 can be one. The pressing component 17 can simultaneously drive multiple first locking heads 151 to switch to the retracted position. In this way, the number of pressing components 17 can be relatively small, and the structure of the flexible surgical instrument provided by the present invention can be relatively simple.

[0086] like Figure 13 As shown, the mounting channel 32 can be a stepped hole, and the second snap-fit ​​connector 311 can have a stepped structure. The two working together can largely prevent the second snap-fit ​​connector 311 from coming out of the mounting channel 32. The third elastic member 312 can be located in the mounting channel 32 and can exert a force on the second snap-fit ​​connector 311.

[0087] Combination Figure 12 The sterile plate 3 can be a split structure, including multiple plates 3a. Each plate 3a can be arranged circumferentially, and two adjacent plates 3a can be enclosed to form the above-mentioned installation channel 32, so as to facilitate the formation of the installation channel 32.

[0088] The sterile plate 3 may also be equipped with a transmission barrel 33, which can move a certain distance axially relative to the sterile plate 33, but will not disengage from the sterile plate 33. The transmission barrel 33 can also rotate relative to the sterile plate 3 to transmit the required displacement. The connection method between the transmission barrel 33 and the sterile plate 3 is not the focus of this application and will not be described in detail here. In practical applications, those skilled in the art can determine it by referring to relevant technologies.

[0089] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications without departing from the principle of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A flexible surgical instrument, characterized in that, include: The housing assembly includes N nested housing parts, where N≥3. The inner wall surface of the outermost housing part is provided with a threaded groove, and the outermost housing part is also provided with a guide part. The outer wall surface of the innermost housing part is also provided with a threaded groove. The inner and outer wall surfaces of the remaining N-2 layers of housing parts are respectively provided with threaded grooves with opposite directions of rotation. Adjacent housing parts are threadedly connected. A flexible device body, the flexible device body being wound in the threaded grooves of two adjacent shell portions, and the flexible device body being inserted into the outlet portion.

2. The flexible surgical instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that, The remaining N-2 layers of the shell are all provided with through holes for the flexible device body to pass through.

3. The flexible surgical instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an elastic limiting mechanism, which allows two adjacent shell parts to switch between a retracted position and a released position by rotation. When the two adjacent shell parts are in the retracted position, the elastic limiting mechanism can restrict the two adjacent shell parts from rotating toward the released position.

4. The flexible surgical instrument according to claim 3, characterized in that, Of the two adjacent shell portions, one is provided with a mounting hole, and the other is provided with a limiting fit portion; The elastic limiting mechanism includes a threaded adjusting member, a first elastic member, and a first limiting part. The threaded adjusting member is threadedly fitted into the mounting hole. The first elastic member is located in the mounting hole. A portion of the first limiting part can extend out of the mounting hole and be inserted into the limiting mating part. The first elastic member is disposed between the threaded adjusting member and the first limiting part.

5. The flexible surgical instrument according to claim 3, characterized in that, One of the two adjacent shell portions is provided with a second limiting portion. When the two adjacent shell portions are in the released position, the elastic limiting mechanism can cooperate with the second limiting portion to restrict the two adjacent shell portions from rotating toward the stored position.

6. The flexible surgical instrument according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, It also includes a sterile plate and a base, the sterile plate being located between the base and the housing assembly, both of which are mounted on the housing assembly.

7. The flexible surgical instrument according to claim 6, characterized in that, The housing assembly is provided with a first snap-fit ​​component, the first snap-fit ​​component including a first snap head and a second elastic element; the sterile plate is provided with a second snap-fit ​​component and an installation channel; the second snap-fit ​​component includes a second snap head, the second snap head being slidably fitted into the installation channel; and the base is provided with a snap-fit ​​opening. In the assembled state, the second elastic member can act on the second clip through the first clip, the first clip can be inserted into the mounting channel, and the second clip can be inserted into the slot.

8. The flexible surgical instrument according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second snap-fit ​​component further includes a third elastic element, which interacts with the second snap-fit ​​head and can drive the second snap-fit ​​head to separate from the snap-fit ​​slot.

9. The flexible surgical instrument according to claim 7, characterized in that, The sterile plate includes multiple separate plates, with adjacent plates forming an installation channel, and the second clip can slide within the installation channel.

10. The flexible surgical instrument according to claim 7, characterized in that, It also includes a pressing component, which is mounted on the housing assembly and is capable of acting on the first card head to move the first card head away from the second card head.

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