Method of assembling an endoscope tip

Abstract

The application discloses an endoscope head assembly method, comprising the following steps: providing a first adhesive material, and pre-adhering and fixing a probe device and a mounting cavity through the first adhesive material; when the first adhesive material meets a first preset condition, providing a second adhesive material, and finally adhering and fixing the probe device and the mounting cavity through the second adhesive material; wherein the adhering and fixing speed of the first adhesive material under a specific stimulus is greater than the adhering and fixing speed of the second adhesive material. The application helps to improve the assembly efficiency and quality of the endoscope head as a whole.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical device manufacturing and assembly technology, specifically to an assembly method for an endoscope lens. Background Technology

[0002] Existing endoscopes typically include a headstock, as well as CMOS sensors, lenses, and fiber optic cables mounted on the headstock. The headstock also has a working channel.

[0003] The assembly sequence of existing endoscope lenses is generally as follows:

[0004] 1. First, apply epoxy adhesive to the mounting holes of the lens on the headstock, then install the lens and allow the epoxy adhesive to cure.

[0005] 2. Apply epoxy adhesive to the front end of the fiber bundle (the part that needs to be inserted into the head end holder) and insert it into the corresponding fiber mounting hole on the head end holder. Let the epoxy adhesive cure.

[0006] 3. Continue to apply epoxy adhesive to the front end of the CMOS (the part that needs to be inserted into the head unit) and insert it into the corresponding CMOS mounting hole in the head unit. Wait for the epoxy adhesive to cure.

[0007] 4. Inspect the front surface of the head-end mount. Use epoxy adhesive to fill the gaps between the lens and the head-end mount, as well as the gaps between the CMOS and the head-end mount. After the epoxy adhesive has cured, continue assembling the working channel.

[0008] Based on this, the existing assembly of the endoscope lens has the following disadvantages:

[0009] 1. Due to the unique characteristics of endoscope products, the headstock, CMOS, lens, and fiber bundle are all relatively small in size, making the above assembly process difficult to operate.

[0010] 2. Epoxy adhesive cannot be cured instantly. The assembly positions of the lens, fiber bundle, CMOS and head unit are prone to misalignment. If the fiber bundle is not completely attached to the lens and epoxy adhesive overflows between them, it can easily affect the light throughput and make it inconvenient for later lens repair. The assembly position of the CMOS on the front surface of the head unit cannot be guaranteed to be consistent.

[0011] 3. Epoxy adhesive is fluid before curing, which can easily lead to excessive adhesive overflow. Excess adhesive needs to be cleaned promptly after each use. If adhesive adheres to the fiber segment extending beyond the headstock and is not cleaned properly, it can harden after curing, reducing the fiber's lifespan. Additionally, excess adhesive on lenses and CMOS sensors must be cleaned promptly; otherwise, it can affect image quality after curing.

[0012] 4. The assembly process requires waiting for the epoxy adhesive to cure 4 times, which is too many times and results in low assembly efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0013] The main objective of this invention is to propose an assembly method for endoscope lenses, which aims to solve the problems of inconvenient assembly operations and low assembly quality in traditional endoscope lens assembly operations.

[0014] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention proposes an assembly method for an endoscope tip, wherein the endoscope tip includes at least a headstock and an probe, the headstock including a mounting cavity, and the probe being mounted within the mounting cavity; characterized in that the assembly method for the endoscope tip includes:

[0015] Provide a first adhesive material, and pre-bond and fix the probe device and the mounting cavity using the first adhesive material; and,

[0016] A second adhesive material is provided, and the probe and the mounting cavity are finally bonded and fixed using the second adhesive material;

[0017] Wherein, the bonding and fixing speed of the first adhesive material under a specific stimulus is greater than that of the second adhesive material.

[0018] Optionally, the probing device includes separately arranged components and cables, and the assembly method of the endoscope end includes:

[0019] An assembly fixture is provided, in which the head end seat is positioned and installed, and the front end of the cable is inserted into the rear cavity of the mounting cavity of the head end seat.

[0020] Provide a first adhesive material, and pre-bond and fix the front end of the cable and the mounting cavity using the first adhesive material; and,

[0021] The components are installed into the front cavity of the mounting cavity, and the components and the front end of the cable are pre-bonded and fixed using the first adhesive material.

[0022] A second adhesive material is provided, and the components, cables, and mounting cavity are finally bonded and fixed using the second adhesive material.

[0023] Optionally, the detection device includes an illumination component, the component is a lens, and the cable is an optical fiber bundle.

[0024] Optionally, the first adhesive material includes a light-curing adhesive, and the specific stimulus is light irradiation of a set wavelength; and / or,

[0025] The second adhesive material includes epoxy resin adhesive.

[0026] Optionally, the assembly fixture includes a first fixture body, the first fixture body having a limiting groove, the front side wall of the limiting groove forming a stop wall, and the stop wall having a protrusion.

[0027] The step of positioning the headstock at the assembly fixture and inserting the front end of the cable into the rear cavity of the mounting cavity of the headstock includes:

[0028] The headstock is positioned and installed within the limiting groove, such that the stop wall abuts against the front surface of the headstock, and the protrusion is inserted into the front cavity of the mounting channel of the headstock; and...

[0029] Insert the front end of the cable into the rear cavity of the mounting cavity from back to front until the front end of the cable abuts against the protrusion.

[0030] Optionally, the first tooling body includes a first base and a second base, which are detachably connected and together form the limiting groove when connected.

[0031] Optionally, before the step of mounting the component into the front cavity section of the mounting cavity, the method further includes:

[0032] Remove the protrusion from the front section of the mounting cavity so that the front end of the cable is exposed within the front section of the mounting cavity.

[0033] Optionally, the assembly fixture further includes a second fixture body, the second fixture body having at least one operating hole extending vertically; after the step of removing the protrusion from the front cavity of the mounting cavity so that the front end of the cable is exposed in the front cavity of the mounting cavity, and before the step of installing the component into the front cavity of the mounting cavity, the fixture further includes:

[0034] After removing the head end seat from the limiting groove of the first tooling body, insert the head end seat into the operating hole, so that the front end of the cable is vertically exposed in the front cavity section of the mounting cavity.

[0035] Optionally, the step of finally bonding and fixing the probe and the mounting cavity using the second adhesive material includes:

[0036] The second adhesive material is filled into the gap between the probe and the mounting cavity;

[0037] The probing surface of the probing device is cleaned; and,

[0038] An operating element is provided, and the second adhesive material at the gap is adjusted by the operating element so that the second adhesive material fills the gap.

[0039] Optionally, the probing device and the mounting cavity have a first connected region;

[0040] In the step of providing a first adhesive material and pre-bonding and fixing the probe device and the mounting cavity with the first adhesive material, the first adhesive material is used to pre-bond and fix a portion of the first region; and,

[0041] In the step of providing a second adhesive material and using the second adhesive material to finally bond and fix the probe and the mounting cavity, the second adhesive material shall at least finally bond and fix the remaining portion of the first region.

[0042] Optionally, a second region is connected between the component and the front end of the cable;

[0043] In the step of installing the component into the front cavity of the mounting cavity and pre-bonding and fixing the component and the front end of the cable with the first adhesive material, the first adhesive material pre-bonds and fixes the entire second area.

[0044] In the technical solution provided by this invention, the first adhesive material has a relatively faster bonding and fixing speed under specific stimuli, which helps to quickly pre-bond the probe and the mounting cavity, avoiding defects such as probe misalignment and glue overflow during the waiting period for the bonding to take effect. After the probe and the mounting cavity are pre-bonded, their relative positions are basically fixed, which helps to allow sufficient time for the second adhesive material to take effect and, to a certain extent, avoids the defect of the probe surface being contaminated due to glue overflow. The second adhesive material can strengthen the bonding of the already bonded parts between the probe and the mounting cavity and supplement the bonding of the unbonded parts without increasing the number of bonding operations, thereby helping to improve the overall assembly efficiency and assembly quality of the endoscope. Attached Figure Description

[0045] 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 the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0046] Figure 1A schematic flowchart of an embodiment of the assembly method for the endoscope lens end provided by the present invention;

[0047] Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the assembly fixture for the endoscope lens end provided by the present invention;

[0048] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the endoscope lens tip before assembly;

[0049] Figure 4 for Figure 2 Assembly diagram of the main body of the first tooling and the endoscope lens end;

[0050] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A first-view exploded view of the main structure of the first tooling body;

[0051] Figure 6 for Figure 4 Exploded view of the first and second bases from a second perspective;

[0052] Figure 7 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the assembly of the second tooling body and the endoscope lens.

[0053] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0054] 100 First tooling body; 110 First base; 110a First bending base section; 110b First bending recess; 111 First groove; 112 Stop wall; 113 Protrusion; 120 Second base; 120a Second bending base section; 120b Second bending recess; 121 Second groove; 122 Limiting structure; 123 Third groove; 130 Connector; 131 Bolt; 132 Wing nut; 141 Connecting protrusion; 142 Connecting recess; 200 Second tooling body; 210 Operating hole; 300 Endoscope lens end; 310 Head end seat; 311a First mounting cavity; 311b Second mounting cavity; 312a First component; 312b Second component; 313a First cable; 313b Second cable.

[0055] The realization of the objective, functional features and advantages of the present invention will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0056] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0057] It should be noted that if the embodiments of the present invention involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0058] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this invention involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the meaning of "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions; for example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this invention.

[0059] Please see Figures 2 to 7 The present invention provides an assembly tool for an endoscope lens end, namely an assembly tool for assembling the endoscope lens end 300 of an endoscope.

[0060] First, it should be noted that in the following embodiments, the endoscope lens end 300 and the assembly fixture are described using examples with front-back and up-down directions. These directions are intersecting and can be perpendicular to each other. However, it is understood that the front-back and up-down directions do not constitute a limitation on the orientation of the endoscope lens end 300 and the assembly fixture during use; they are only used to indicate the relative orientation of the components when the endoscope lens end 300 and the assembly fixture are in a certain state. In this state, the up-down direction is also the vertical direction of gravity.

[0061] Based on this, please refer to the following for details. Figure 3The endoscope's endoscope tip 300 includes a tip base 310 and a probing device. The tip base 310 extends generally in a front-to-back direction. The tip base 310 has a mounting cavity and a working channel extending in both directions. The mounting cavity and the working channel are spaced apart and independently arranged along the radial direction of the tip base 310 (i.e., in a direction substantially perpendicular to the front-to-back direction). The working channel allows external instruments to pass through.

[0062] The mounting cavity provides a space for the installation of probes. The probes may include components and cables. The components are mounted in the front section of the mounting cavity, and the probe surfaces of the components are exposed on the front surface of the headstock 310. The cables pass through the rear section of the mounting cavity, with the front end of the cables connected to the components and the rear end of the cables mounted on the endoscope body.

[0063] The components and cables in the probe device can be pre-connected as a single unit. For example, when the component is an imaging device such as a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor), the imaging device can be pre-connected with cables; or when the component is a light source device such as an LED, the light source device can also be pre-connected with cables. See attached for details. Figure 3 The first component 312a and the first cable 313a are included.

[0064] Of course, the components and cables in the probe device can also be separately assembled into the head-end base 310. For example, when the component is a light-guiding lens and the cable is an optical fiber bundle, the optical fiber bundle guides the external light source to the lens and penetrates the lens to achieve the purpose of illuminating the front side of the head-end base 310. See attached figure for details. Figure 3 The second component 312b and the second cable 313b are included.

[0065] Therefore, the number, size, and shape of the installation cavities vary depending on the specific design of the probe. For example... Figure 3 In this configuration, the probing devices can be configured as three, including a combination of a first component 312a and a first cable 313a, and a combination of two second components 312b and a second cable 313b. Correspondingly, the mounting cavities can also be configured as three, namely a first mounting cavity 311a for mounting the first component 312a and the first cable 313a, and a second mounting cavity 311b for mounting the second component 312b and the second cable 313b.

[0066] To assemble the endoscope lens end 300 as described above, please refer to... Figures 4 to 7In this embodiment, the assembly fixture includes a first fixture body 100. The first fixture body 100 has a limiting groove, and the front wall of the limiting groove forms a stop wall 112. The stop wall 112 has a protrusion 113. The limiting groove is a groove structure that limits the installation of the head end seat 310, at least restricting the head end seat 310 from offset relative to the first fixture body 100, for example, in the front-back and / or up-down directions. When the head end seat 310 is installed in the limiting groove, the front-back direction of the head end seat 310 is consistent with the front-back direction of the first fixture body 100. The front wall of the limiting groove stops and limits the front surface of the head end seat 310, forming the stop wall 112; the protrusion 113 of the limiting groove can be partially inserted into the mounting cavity (e.g.), thereby stopping and limiting the probe installed in the mounting cavity.

[0067] Therefore, in one embodiment, a limiting groove can be provided to limit the installation of the head end seat 310 by matching its size. In this case, the protrusion 113 can be configured to be telescopically configurable relative to the stop wall 112, retracting to make room during the installation of the head end seat 310 into the limiting groove, and extending to be inserted into the corresponding installation cavity when the head end seat 310 is fully installed into the limiting groove.

[0068] Alternatively, in one embodiment, the first tooling body 100 includes a first base 110 and a limiting structure 122. The upper surface of the first base 110 forms a placement area for placing the headstock 310. The limiting structure 122 is fixed relative to the first base 110 and limits the headstock 310 to the placement area. The first base 110 has a rearward-facing stop wall 112 on the front side of the placement area. The stop wall 112 has at least one rearward-facing protrusion 113 that abuts against the front surface of the headstock 310. The protrusion 113 extends from front to back into at least one mounting cavity of the headstock 310.

[0069] In the technical solution provided by this invention, with the joint cooperation of the first base 110 and the limiting structure 122, the head end seat 310 can be stably limited in the placement area, and the front surface of the head end seat 310 abuts against the stop wall 112, which facilitates improving the stability of the head end seat 310 relative to the first base 110 and helps in the subsequent operation of inserting the front end of the cable into the mounting cavity of the head end seat 310; since the protrusion 113 is inserted into the mounting cavity of the head end seat 310 from front to back, it helps to stop the cable inserted into the mounting cavity and can form a relatively accurate pre-position for the cable insertion operation, which facilitates the subsequent operation of the cable. The bonding between the cable and the mounting cavity completes the pre-fixation between the cable and the headstock 310. Then, by operating the protrusion 113 to move out from the front of the mounting cavity, the exposed mounting cavity can be used to install components such as CMOS or lenses corresponding to the cable. During this process, the position between the cable and the headstock 310 is basically fixed, and the mounting space reserved for the components in the mounting cavity is relatively suitable, which helps to improve the assembly yield of the components in the mounting cavity. Finally, by fixing the installation of the cable, the headstock 310 and the components in pairs, it helps to improve the overall assembly efficiency and assembly quality of the endoscope lens end 300.

[0070] It is understood that, as described above, the protrusion 113 is mainly designed for the second component 312b, the second cable 313b, and the second mounting cavity 311b. The portion of the stop wall 112 corresponding to the first component 312a, the first cable 313a, and the first mounting cavity 311a can be set as a flat surface, or, depending on the installation requirements of the first component 312a and the first cable 313a, it can be provided with an externally convex structure or an internally concave structure. Therefore, for ease of understanding, the first component 312a is taken as an imaging device, and the second component 312b is taken as a lens, as an example. The assembly of the second component 312b, the second cable 313b, and the second mounting cavity 311b will be explained in detail below.

[0071] The specific design of the limiting structure 122 is not limited. It can be, but is not limited to, stopping and limiting through a stop, magnetic limiting through a magnetic structure, adsorption limiting through an adsorption structure, or increasing frictional interference through an interference structure.

[0072] Specifically, in one embodiment, the protrusion height of the protrusion 113 relative to the stop wall 112 is set to be approximately equal to the thickness of the component installed into the corresponding mounting cavity. During the installation of the second cable 313b, the protrusion 113 limits and stops the front end of the second cable 313b, facilitating the insertion of the second cable 313b into place. When installing the second component 312b, by removing the protrusion 113 from the second mounting cavity 311b, the vacated front section of the second mounting cavity 311b is just large enough for the second component 312b to be installed, ensuring that the relative position between the front ends of the second component 312b and the second cable 313b after installation meets the requirements. In this way, it helps to reduce, to some extent, the inconvenience of assembly operations caused by the small size of the headstock 310, the second component 312b, and the second cable 313b.

[0073] In view of the above, the first tooling body 100 can limit the installation of the head end seat 310 through a limiting groove. The limiting groove can be directly defined by the first base 110. Alternatively, in one embodiment, please refer to... Figures 4 to 7 The first base 110 has a first groove 111 extending through the rear surface of the first base 110 on its upper surface. The first groove 111 defines the placement area, and the front wall of the first groove 111 forms the stop wall 112. The first tooling body 100 also includes a second base 120. The second base 120 has a second groove 121 extending through the front surface of the second base 120 on its upper surface. The second base 120 is detachably connected to the first base 110. When connected, the rear wall of the second groove 121 and the stop wall 112 together clamp and limit the head end seat 310, forming the limiting structure 122. Thus, the limiting groove is defined by the first base 110 and the second base 120, so that when the first base 110 and the second base 120 are disassembled, the limiting effect of the limiting groove on the head end seat 310 is released, and the head end seat 310 can be installed and removed. Conversely, when the first base 110 and the second base 120 are installed and fixed, the limiting effect of the limiting groove on the head end seat 310 is formed, which helps to prevent the head end seat 310 from shifting relative to the first tooling body 100.

[0074] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the upper surface of the second base 120 is further provided with a third groove 123 penetrating the rear surface of the second base 120. The front wall of the third groove 123 is partially connected to the rear wall of the second groove 121 to allow the cable installed in the corresponding mounting cavity to pass through. The third groove 123 is located on the side of the second groove 121 away from the first groove 111. On the one hand, the third groove 123 forms sufficient space for the second cable 313b to pass through, so that the front end of the second cable 313b can be inserted into the second mounting cavity 311b without obstruction; on the other hand, the third groove 123 can, to a certain extent, accurately guide the insertion process of the second cable 313b, so that the second cable 313b is inserted into the second mounting cavity 311b in a relatively accurate direction, which helps to ensure accurate insertion of the second cable 313b.

[0075] Furthermore, in one embodiment, in the direction from the bottom of the groove to the opening of the groove, the local sections of the first groove 111 and / or the second groove 121 near their own openings are configured with gradually increasing groove widths. Specifically, taking the first groove 111 as an example, in the direction from the bottom of the groove to the opening of the groove, the first groove 111 includes a first groove section and a second groove section that are connected. The groove width of the first groove section is set to be adapted to the size of the head end seat 310 in the corresponding direction, thereby enabling the head end seat 310 to be limited in the corresponding direction. The groove width of the second groove section is set to gradually increase, forming an inclined guide surface, which can guide the head end seat 310 to the first groove section. In addition, the flared opening of the second groove section helps to reserve sufficient space for the user to operate the insertion and removal of the head end seat 310.

[0076] There are several ways to achieve a detachable connection between the first base 110 and the second base 120, such as one or more of the following methods: screw fixing, snap-fit ​​fixing, magnetic fixing, adhesive fixing, etc. Specifically, for example... Figures 4 to 7 In one embodiment, the first base 110 and the second base 120 are respectively provided with connecting holes in the front-rear direction at corresponding positions; the first tooling body 100 also includes a connector 130, which connects the connecting holes of the first base 110 and the second base 120 in sequence.

[0077] Specifically, internal threads can be provided in the connecting holes, and external threads can be provided in the connecting member 130. The detachable connection between the connecting member 130 and the first base 110 and the second base 120 is achieved through the threaded engagement of the internal and external threads. Alternatively, the connecting member 130 can include a bolt 131 and a nut. One end of the bolt 131 forms an enlarged stop structure, and the other end of the bolt 131 passes through the two connecting holes in sequence and then engages with the nut through a threaded connection. To increase the operability of the nut, the nut can specifically be a wing nut 132, making it easier for the user to rotate.

[0078] Please see Figures 4 to 7 In one embodiment, one of the connecting surfaces of the first base 110 and the second base 120 is provided with a connecting protrusion 141, and the other is provided with a connecting recess 142. The connecting protrusion 141 and the connecting recess 142 are fitted together. The provision of the connecting recess 142 and the connecting protrusion 141 helps to accurately position the assembly of the first base 110 and the second base 120, avoiding deviations in the assembly position or instability of the first base 110 and the second base 120, which would affect the assembly process and quality of the endoscope lens end 300.

[0079] Specifically, in one embodiment, the first base 110 and the second base 120 are bent to form two bent base segments, with a bending recess defined between the two bent base segments. One of the bent base segments of the first base 110 and the second base 120 is inserted into the bending recess of the other. One of the mutually inserted bent base segments and the bending recess has a connecting protrusion 141, and the other has a connecting recess 142. The first base 110 is bent to form two first bent base segments 110a. One first bent base segment 110a protrudes forward from the upper part of the other first bent base segment 110a. The recess between the two first bent base segments 110a is a first bending recess 110b. The second base 120 is bent to form two second bent base segments 120a. One of the second bent base segments 120a protrudes rearward and is disposed at the lower part of the other second bent base segment 120a. The recess between the two second bent base segments 120a is a second bent recess 120b. When the first base 110 and the second base 120 are connected, the forward-protruding first bent base segment 110a extends into the second bent recess 120b, and the rearward-protruding second bent base segment 120a extends into the first bent recess 110b. The first base 110 and the second base 120 are connected by a concave-convex fit, and the forward-protruding first bent base segment 110a in the first base 110 is supported on the rearward-protruding second bent base segment 120a in the second base 120, which helps to stably connect the first base 110 and the second base 120 in the front-back direction and the vertical direction, respectively.

[0080] Based on any of the above embodiments, please refer to... Figure 2 and Figure 7 In one embodiment, the assembly fixture for the endoscope lens further includes a second fixture body 200. The second fixture body 200 has at least one operating hole 210 for inserting the headpiece base 310, on which a cable is mounted. The front surface of the headpiece base 310 is exposed through the operating hole 210. The extension direction of the operating hole 210 can be set according to actual needs, for example, it can be front-back or up-down. The operating hole 210 facilitates the insertion of the headpiece base 310 after it has been removed from the first fixture body 100, thus exposing the front cavity section into which the protrusion 113 on the second mounting cavity 311b is inserted, allowing the second component 312b to be installed.

[0081] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the second tooling body 200 is provided with a plurality of operating holes 210, wherein at least two of the operating holes 210 have different diameters. In this way, operating holes 210 of various specifications can be pre-formed on the same second tooling body 200, facilitating the assembly of various sizes of endoscope lens ends 300. The plurality of operating holes 210 can be distributed at any location on the second tooling body 200, for example, penetrating through the middle of the second tooling body 200, or penetrating through the edge of the second tooling body 200.

[0082] In view of any of the above embodiments, please refer to Figure 1 The present invention provides an assembly method for an endoscope lens end, comprising:

[0083] Step S200: Provide a first adhesive material, and pre-bond and fix the probe and the mounting cavity using the first adhesive material;

[0084] Before performing step S200, the following steps may optionally be included:

[0085] Step S100: Provide an assembly fixture, limit the installation of the head end seat 310 at the assembly fixture, and insert the probe into the mounting cavity of the head end seat 310;

[0086] In this embodiment, the assembly fixture can limit the installation of the head end base 310, so that the position of the head end base 310 relative to the assembly fixture is relatively fixed, thereby facilitating the operation of inserting the probe into the mounting cavity of the head end base 310.

[0087] When the probing device includes the first component 312a and the first cable 313a as described above, since the two are pre-connected as a whole, the first component 312a and the first cable 313a can be directly inserted into the first mounting cavity 311a of the head end seat 310.

[0088] When the probing device includes the second component 312b and the second cable 313b as described above, since they are separate components, the second cable 313b and the second component 312b need to be installed sequentially into the second mounting cavity 311b of the headstock 310. Therefore, in one embodiment, step S100 specifically includes step S110: providing an assembly fixture, positioning the headstock 310 at the assembly fixture, and inserting the front end of the cable into the rear cavity of the mounting cavity of the headstock 310. In this embodiment, after the headstock 310 is fixed relative to the assembly fixture, the front end of the second cable 313b can be optionally inserted into the rear cavity of the second mounting cavity 311b. Compared to the prior art where the second component 312b is installed first, this embodiment can fully utilize the longer length of the second cable 313b, facilitating handheld insertion by the user. Furthermore, when the second component 312b is installed after the second cable 313b has completed the subsequent pre-bonding and fixing operation, the front end of the second cable 313b can be used to assist in the positioning and limiting of the second component 312b, thereby simplifying the installation of the smaller second component 312b and effectively preventing the second component 312b from malfunctioning due to positional and orientational deviations.

[0089] Of course, depending on the specific structure of the assembly tooling, the specific installation operation of the probe relative to the mounting cavity will also be different.

[0090] In one embodiment, when the assembly fixture as described above includes a first fixture body 100, the first fixture body 100 having a limiting groove, the front wall of the limiting groove forming a stop wall 112, and the stop wall 112 having a protrusion 113, the step S110 of limiting and installing the head end seat 310 at the assembly fixture and inserting the front end of the cable into the rear cavity of the mounting cavity of the head end seat 310 specifically includes:

[0091] Step S111: The headstock 310 is positioned and installed into the limiting groove, such that the stop wall 112 abuts against the front surface of the headstock 310, and the protrusion 113 is inserted into the front cavity of the mounting channel of the headstock 310; and,

[0092] Step S112: Insert the front end of the cable into the rear cavity of the mounting cavity from back to front until the front end of the cable abuts against the protrusion 113.

[0093] In this embodiment, the limiting groove circumferentially limits the head end seat 310, and the stop wall 112 can effectively abut against the front surface of the head end seat 310, forming a stop surface for the entire head end seat 310. The protrusion 113 is inserted into the front cavity section of the second mounting cavity 311b, which helps to reserve mounting space for the second component 312b and can form a stop surface for the second cable 313b.

[0094] Furthermore, when the first tooling body 100 includes a first base 110 and a second base 120, as described above, the first base 110 and the second base 120 are detachably connected and together form the limiting groove when connected. By operating the first base 110 and the second base 120 to assemble and disassemble, it is more convenient for the head end seat 310 to be limited and disengaged within the limiting groove.

[0095] Next, in step S200, since the bonding and fixing speed of the first adhesive material is faster under specific stimulation, that is, the flow time of the first adhesive material is shortened, it helps to reduce the probability of the first adhesive material overflowing poorly, and can effectively avoid the relative displacement of the probing device and the mounting cavity during the waiting period for curing.

[0096] The first adhesive material can be applied at any location between the probe and the mounting cavity, for example, completely filling the gap between the probe and the mounting cavity, or partially filling the gap between the probe and the mounting cavity. Partial filling can be achieved, for example, by dispensing adhesive along the circumference of the mounting cavity and / or along the axial direction of the mounting cavity.

[0097] Specifically, when the probe includes the first component 312a and the first cable 313a as described above, the first adhesive material can be disposed between the inner wall of the first component 312a and the first mounting cavity 311a, and / or disposed between the first cable 313a and the inner wall of the first mounting cavity 311a.

[0098] Alternatively, when the probing device includes the second component 312b and the second cable 313b as described above, in one embodiment, step S200 specifically includes:

[0099] Step S210: Provide a first adhesive material and pre-bond and fix the front end of the cable and the mounting cavity with the first adhesive material;

[0100] Step S240: When the first adhesive material meets the first preset condition, the component is installed into the front cavity of the mounting cavity, and the component and the front end of the cable are pre-bonded and fixed by the first adhesive material.

[0101] In this embodiment, the front section of the second cable 313b and the rear section of the second mounting cavity 311b are bonded together using the first adhesive material, either in whole or in part. This avoids the first adhesive material being placed in the front section of the second mounting cavity 311b in advance, which could lead to poor installation of the second component 312b.

[0102] Then, when the first adhesive material between the front section of the second cable 313b and the rear section of the second mounting cavity 311b meets the first preset condition, the second component 312b can continue to be installed into the front section of the second mounting cavity 311b, and the front ends of the second component 312b and the second cable 313b are also connected by the first adhesive material. The pre-bonding between the front section of the second cable 313b and the rear section of the second mounting cavity 311b can basically fix the relative position between the second cable 313b and the second cable 313b, thereby making the installation position of the second component 312b in the front section of the second mounting cavity 311b more accurate and the installation more stable. Furthermore, pre-bonding the second component 312b and the second cable 313b helps to eliminate the gap between the second component 312b and the second cable 313b, preventing the subsequent second adhesive material from penetrating into the gap between the second component 312b and the second cable 313b. This facilitates the subsequent removal of the second component 312b and the second cable 313b and helps to reduce damage to the second cable 313b and the second component 312b during the removal operation.

[0103] The first preset condition is not specifically limited and may include, but is not limited to, the first adhesive material being completely cured or reaching a preset degree of curing.

[0104] Furthermore, when the assembly fixture as described above includes a first fixture body 100, before step S240: the step of installing the component into the front cavity section of the mounting cavity, the following is also included:

[0105] Step S220: Remove the protrusion 113 from the front cavity of the mounting cavity so that the front end of the cable is exposed in the front cavity of the mounting cavity.

[0106] In this embodiment, as described above, the protrusion 113 can reserve installation space for the second component 312b during the insertion of the second cable 313b, and stop the front end of the second cable 313b. When the pre-bonding and fixing are completed between the second cable 313b and the rear cavity section of the second mounting cavity 311b, the protrusion 113 completes the auxiliary role of the installation of the second cable 313b, and can be removed from the front cavity section of the second mounting cavity 311b, thereby exposing the front cavity section of the second mounting cavity 311b, which facilitates the installation of the second component 312b.

[0107] Furthermore, in one embodiment, after step S220 and before step S240, the method further includes:

[0108] Step S230: Adjust the orientation of the head end seat 310 so that the front end of the cable is vertically exposed in the front cavity of the mounting cavity.

[0109] It is understood that the direction of insertion of the second cable 313b and the direction of installation of the second component 312b are not the same. To increase the ease of installation for both the second cable 313b and the second component 312b, in step S100, the headstock 310 can be adjusted by the first fixture body 100 to a position suitable for insertion of the second cable 313b. Then, in step S230, the headstock 310 is adjusted to a position suitable for installation of the second component 312b.

[0110] Specifically, there are several ways to achieve the objective of step S230:

[0111] In one embodiment, when the assembly fixture only includes the first fixture body 100, the orientation of the head end seat 310 can be adjusted by adjusting the orientation of the stop wall 112 of the first fixture body 100.

[0112] Alternatively, in one embodiment, the assembly fixture further includes a second fixture body 200, the second fixture body 200 having at least one operating hole 210 extending through it in the vertical direction; in this case, step S230 specifically includes:

[0113] Step S231: After removing the head end seat 310 from the limiting groove of the first tooling body 100, insert the head end seat 310 into the operating hole 210, so that the front end of the cable is vertically exposed in the front cavity section of the mounting cavity.

[0114] In this way, the orientation of the head end seat 310 can be adjusted by transferring the head end seat 310 and the second cable 313b as a whole to the second tooling body 200 and by using the orientation of the operating hole 210 in the second tooling body 200.

[0115] Step S300: When the first adhesive material meets the first preset condition, a second adhesive material is provided, and the probe device and the mounting cavity are finally bonded and fixed by the second adhesive material;

[0116] In this embodiment, after the pre-bonding and fixing operation between the probe and the mounting cavity is completed, sufficient time and operational convenience are reserved to complete the supplementary bonding and reinforcement bonding between the probe and the mounting cavity.

[0117] Specifically, when the probe includes the second component 312b and the second cable 313b as described above, step S300 specifically includes:

[0118] Step S310: When the first adhesive material meets the first preset condition, a second adhesive material is provided, and the components, the cable and the mounting cavity are finally bonded and fixed by the second adhesive material.

[0119] When the first adhesive material between the front ends of the second component 312b and the second cable 313b meets the first preset condition, that is, the pre-bonding and fixing of the second component 312b and the second cable 313b in the second mounting cavity 311b is basically completed, the remaining parts between the front cavity section of the second component 312b and the second mounting cavity 311b and the rear cavity section of the second mounting cavity 311b can be finally bonded and fixed by the second adhesive material.

[0120] The bonding procedure for the second adhesive material between the probe and the mounting cavity can be, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0121] Step S311: Fill the gap between the probe and the mounting cavity with the second adhesive material;

[0122] Step S312: When the second adhesive material meets the second preset condition, the detection surface of the detection device is cleaned; and,

[0123] Step S313: Provide an operating component and adjust the second adhesive material at the gap through the operating component so that the second adhesive material fills the gap.

[0124] In this embodiment, taking the installation of the second component 312b and the second cable 313b as an example: the second adhesive material can be set in any way between the front cavity section of the second component 312b and the second mounting cavity 311b, and in the remaining part between the second cable 313b and the second mounting cavity 311b. Since the bonding and fixing speed of the first adhesive material under a specific stimulus is greater than that of the second adhesive material, that is, the bonding and fixing speed of the second adhesive material is relatively slow, its fluidity can be fully utilized during its longer curing time. In particular, under the action of the operating hole 210 extending in the vertical direction, the second adhesive material naturally flows to the front cavity section of the second component 312b and the second mounting cavity 311b, and the second cable 313b and the second mounting cavity 311b.

[0125] During this process, the probe surface of the second component 312b can be cleaned, for example, by wiping the surface of the CMOS and the second adhesive material on the surface of the lens with a lint-free cotton swab dipped in alcohol.

[0126] Finally, the operating component can be, for example, a probe structure whose size and shape are adapted to the gaps between the front cavity section of the second component 312b and the second mounting cavity 311b, and between the second cable 313b and the rear cavity section of the second mounting cavity 311b. Through the movement of the operating component, the second adhesive material in the gaps between the front cavity section of the second component 312b and the second mounting cavity 311b, and between the second cable 313b and the rear cavity section of the second mounting cavity 311b, can flow more evenly and fully, and can also eliminate air bubbles in the second adhesive material to a certain extent. Furthermore, when the operating component is a needle structure capable of injecting the second adhesive material, it can also achieve more precise and targeted replenishment of the second adhesive material in the gaps between the front cavity section of the second component 312b and the second mounting cavity 311b, and between the second cable 313b and the rear cavity section of the second mounting cavity 311b.

[0127] Similarly, the second preset condition is not limited in specific terms, and may include, but is not limited to, the complete curing of the second adhesive material or the completion of a preset degree of curing.

[0128] In the technical solution provided by this invention, the assembly fixture securely limits the headstock 310, thereby facilitating the insertion of the probe into the mounting cavity and reducing the operational difficulty between the headstock 310 and the probe. The first adhesive material has a relatively faster bonding and fixing speed under specific stimuli, which helps to quickly pre-bond the probe and the mounting cavity, avoiding defects such as probe misalignment or glue overflow during the waiting period for the bonding to take effect. After the probe and the mounting cavity are pre-bonded, their relative positions are basically fixed, which helps to allow sufficient time for the second adhesive material to take effect and, to a certain extent, avoids the defect of contamination of the probe surface due to glue overflow. The second adhesive material can strengthen the bonding of the already bonded parts between the probe and the mounting cavity and supplement the bonding of the unbonded parts without increasing the number of bonding operations, thereby helping to improve the overall assembly efficiency and quality of the endoscope end 300.

[0129] Based on any of the above embodiments, in a further embodiment, the fluidity of the first adhesive material can be set to be less than that of the second adhesive material. This allows the fluidity of the first adhesive material to be reduced as much as possible during the curing process, avoiding defects such as adhesive overflow.

[0130] Specifically, in one embodiment, the first adhesive material includes a UV-curable adhesive, and the specific stimulus is light irradiation of a set wavelength. For example, the first adhesive material is a UV-curable adhesive, which can cure and bond more quickly under UV light irradiation. And / or, in one embodiment, the second adhesive material includes an epoxy resin adhesive. Epoxy resin adhesive can cure at room temperature, which helps reduce the environmental requirements for curing the second adhesive material and allows the epoxy resin to flow sufficiently to completely fill the gap between the probe device and the mounting cavity.

[0131] It should be noted that the first adhesive material and the second adhesive material can be configured to bond the same part between the probe and the mounting cavity twice, so as to strengthen the fixation.

[0132] Alternatively, the first and second adhesive materials can be configured to bond different portions of the probe and the mounting cavity separately. Specifically, if the probe and the mounting cavity are defined to have a first connected region, then in step S100, the first adhesive material pre-bonds and fixes a portion of the first region; and in step S200, the second adhesive material finally bonds and fixes at least the remaining portion of the first region. The portion bonded and fixed by the first adhesive material only needs to achieve the purpose of pre-fixing the probe within the mounting cavity; for example, a ring of the first adhesive material can be coated around the periphery of an optical fiber bundle or a CMOS imaging device, and the remaining portion can be coated with the second adhesive material.

[0133] Furthermore, if a second region is defined as being connected between the front end of the component and the cable, then in step 240, the first adhesive material pre-bonds and fixes the entire second region. That is, the first adhesive material bonds and fixes the entire front end of the lens and the fiber bundle to avoid gaps forming between them, which would cause some of the second adhesive material to enter the connection between the lens and the fiber bundle when the second adhesive material is subsequently applied.

[0134] In view of the above, based on the following Figures 1 to 7 The assembly unit shown can complete the assembly process of the endoscope lens end in the following 300 steps:

[0135] First, place the head end seat 310 in the first groove 111 of the first base 110, with the front surface of the head end seat 310 facing the stop wall 112 and the second mounting cavity 311b of the head end seat 310 aligned with the protrusion 113.

[0136] Next, the second base 120 is assembled with the first base 110, and the second groove 121 is matched with the first groove 111, so that the rear side wall of the second groove 121 presses the rear side surface of the head end seat 310, and together with the stop wall 112, clamps and limits the head end seat 310, and so that the protrusion is placed in the front cavity section of the second mounting cavity 311b.

[0137] The front end of the second cable 313b passes through the third groove 123 and the second groove 121 in sequence and extends into the rear cavity of the second mounting cavity 311b until the front end of the second cable 313b abuts against the protrusion 113.

[0138] Apply UV-curable adhesive to pre-bond and fix the front section of the second cable 313b and the rear section of the second mounting cavity 311b.

[0139] When the first component 312a and the first cable 313a are provided, the first component 312a and the first cable 313a are similarly installed into the first mounting cavity 311a and fixed by light-curing adhesive.

[0140] After the photocurable adhesive has cured, the head end holder 310 and the second cable 313b are removed from the first fixture body 100 as a whole and inserted into the second fixture body 200 in the vertical direction.

[0141] The second component 312b is installed into the front cavity of the second mounting cavity 311b, and the second component 312b, the second mounting cavity 311b, and the second cable 313b are bonded and fixed with light-curing adhesive.

[0142] After the photocurable adhesive has cured, epoxy resin is used to fill the gaps between the second component 312b, the second mounting cavity 311b, and the second cable 313b. After cleaning the probing surface of the second component 312b, the epoxy resin is used to evenly and fully fill all the gaps through the needle-shaped operating tool. After the epoxy resin has cured, the assembly of the endoscope end 300 is completed.

[0143] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structural transformations made using the contents of the present invention's specification and drawings under the inventive concept of the present invention, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for assembling an endoscope tip, the endoscope tip comprising at least a headstock and an probe, the headstock including a mounting cavity, the probe being mounted within the mounting cavity; characterized in that, The detection device includes separately arranged components and cables; The assembly method of the endoscope lens end includes: An assembly fixture is provided, the assembly fixture including a first fixture body, the first fixture body having a limiting groove, the front side wall of the limiting groove forming a stop wall, the stop wall having a protrusion; The head end seat is installed into the limiting groove, and the stop wall is positioned to abut against the front surface of the head end seat, and the protrusion is inserted into the front cavity section of the mounting cavity of the head end seat. Insert the front end of the cable into the rear cavity of the mounting cavity from back to front until the front end of the cable abuts against the protrusion. A first adhesive material is provided, and the front end of the cable and the mounting cavity are pre-bonded and fixed using the first adhesive material; The components are installed into the front cavity of the mounting cavity, and the components and the front end of the cable are pre-bonded and fixed using the first adhesive material. A second adhesive material is provided, and the components, cables, and mounting cavity are finally bonded and fixed using the second adhesive material; Wherein, the bonding and fixing speed of the first adhesive material under a specific stimulus is greater than that of the second adhesive material.

2. The assembly method of the endoscope lens end as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The detection device includes an illumination component, the component is a lens, and the cable is an optical fiber bundle.

3. The assembly method of the endoscope lens end as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first adhesive material includes a light-curing adhesive, and the specific stimulus is light irradiation of a set wavelength; and / or, The second adhesive material includes epoxy resin adhesive.

4. The assembly method of the endoscope lens end as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first tooling body includes a first base and a second base, which are detachably connected and together form the limiting groove when connected.

5. The assembly method of the endoscope lens end as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Before the step of installing the components into the front cavity section of the mounting cavity, the method further includes: Remove the protrusion from the front section of the mounting cavity so that the front end of the cable is exposed within the front section of the mounting cavity.

6. The assembly method of the endoscope lens end as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The assembly fixture further includes a second fixture body, the second fixture body having at least one operating hole extending vertically; after the step of removing the protrusion from the front cavity of the mounting cavity so that the front end of the cable is exposed in the front cavity of the mounting cavity, and before the step of installing the component into the front cavity of the mounting cavity, the fixture further includes: After removing the head end seat from the limiting groove of the first tooling body, insert the head end seat into the operating hole, so that the front end of the cable is vertically exposed in the front cavity section of the mounting cavity.

7. The assembly method of the endoscope lens end as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The step of finally bonding and fixing the components, cables, and mounting cavity using the second adhesive material includes: The second adhesive material is filled into the gap between the probe and the mounting cavity; The probing surface of the probing device is cleaned; and, An operating element is provided, and the second adhesive material at the gap is adjusted by the operating element so that the second adhesive material fills the gap.

8. The assembly method of the endoscope lens end as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The detection device and the mounting cavity have a first connected region; In the step of providing a first adhesive material and pre-bonding and fixing the front end of the cable and the mounting cavity with the first adhesive material, the first adhesive material pre-bonds and fixes a portion of the first area. as well as, In the step of providing a second adhesive material and using the second adhesive material to finally bond and fix the components, the cables, and the mounting cavity, the second adhesive material shall at least finally bond and fix the remaining portion of the first region.

9. The assembly method of the endoscope lens end as described in claim 1, characterized in that, There is a second area connecting the component and the front end of the cable; In the step of installing the component into the front cavity of the mounting cavity and pre-bonding and fixing the component and the front end of the cable with the first adhesive material, the first adhesive material pre-bonds and fixes the entire second area.

Images