Snake bone protection structure and endoscope

Abstract

The application relates to a snake bone protection structure and an endoscope, and relates to the technical field of snake bones. The protection structure comprises multiple protective sleeves and an elastic plugging assembly. The multiple protective sleeves are connected with a snake bone monomer through a buffer assembly and protect the snake bone monomer after being covered by the multiple protective sleeves. The elastic plugging assembly comprises a plugging ring, which is sleeved on the snake bone monomer and is pressed on the snake bone monomer and the two protective sleeves to perform plugging; and two positioning rings, which are arranged on the side walls of the plugging ring on the side close to the two protective sleeves, and the two positioning rings and the plugging ring cooperate to block external substances from contacting the snake bone monomer. According to the application, the plugging ring is always pressed on the two protective sleeves to perform plugging under the elastic force, and the positioning rings further block external substances from contacting the snake bone monomer, so that the blocking effect on the external substances is greatly improved, the service life of the protective sleeves is greatly improved, and the detection effect of the endoscope is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of snake bones, and in particular to a snake bone protective structure and endoscope. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of modern medical technology, ultrasound imaging technology has been widely used in imaging diagnosis in many fields such as the digestive and respiratory tracts, greatly improving the accuracy of medical examinations. In traditional medical examinations, doctors can only judge the condition based on the patient's symptoms, while endoscopy can penetrate deep into the body and directly image the lesion.

[0003] Endoscopes typically use medical-grade serpentine tubes to insert and change the direction of the examination probe. Commonly used medical-grade serpentine tubes are broadly classified into two types: one-piece and two-piece. One-piece medical-grade serpentine tubes are usually machined from a single tube body. Their advantage is that they require no assembly and can be used directly after processing. However, one-piece medical-grade serpentine tubes also have significant disadvantages: their bending range is not as good as two-piece medical-grade serpentine tubes, their angle variation is smaller, and their applicability is poor. Therefore, two-piece serpentine tubes were developed. Two-piece serpentine tubes are assembled by snapping together multiple individual serpentine units. There are assembly gaps between adjacent serpentine units, allowing them to rotate relative to each other at a certain angle, thus greatly improving the angle variation. Therefore, two-piece serpentine tubes significantly improve applicability.

[0004] The split-type snake bone tube needs to be wrapped with a protective tube for protection. The protective tube is a braided tube of the same strength, so its diameter and hardness are constant. When multiple snake bone units rotate, the tension on the protective tube at the connection between adjacent snake bone units is relatively large, which makes the protective tube easy to damage. At the same time, the turning angle of the snake bone unit near the probe is much larger and the direction changes more frequently than other snake bone units, which makes the protective tube at this point easy to damage, increases the risk of damage to the protective tube, reduces the protective effect of the protective tube on the snake bone, and reduces the lifespan of the snake bone. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To improve the protection of the snake skeleton and ensure the normal operation of the endoscope, this application provides a snake skeleton protection structure and an endoscope.

[0006] Firstly, this application provides a snake-bone protective structure, which adopts the following technical solution: A snake-bone protective structure includes multiple protective sleeves. Each protective sleeve is connected to a single snake-bone unit via a buffer assembly and covers the unit for protection. The buffer assembly extends when the protective sleeve is under tension and retracts after the tension disappears, providing cushioning protection. An elastic sealing assembly is fitted at the connection point of two adjacent snake-bone units, pressing against the two protective sleeves under elastic force for sealing. The elastic sealing assembly includes: A sealing ring is sleeved on the snake bone unit and presses against the snake bone unit and two protective sleeves under the action of elasticity to seal; Two positioning rings are disposed on the sidewalls of the sealing ring near the two protective sleeves and are respectively engaged with the buffer components located on the two protective sleeves. The two positioning rings and the sealing ring cooperate to prevent external substances from entering and contacting the snake bone monomer.

[0007] By adopting the above technical solution, the sealing ring is engaged with two buffer components through two positioning rings. The sealing ring is elastic, allowing it to press against the two protective sleeves and the snake-bone unit, thereby sealing the gap between the two adjacent protective sleeves. The rotation of the two adjacent snake-bone units drives the protective sleeves to rotate, and the protective sleeves squeeze the sealing ring. Under the action of elasticity, the sealing ring always presses against the two protective sleeves to seal. At the same time, the positioning rings not only position the sealing ring but also further prevent external substances from entering through the gap between the sealing ring and the protective sleeves and contacting the snake-bone unit, thus greatly improving the blocking effect against external substances and the protection effect of the snake-bone unit. The sealing ring is elastic, and when the snake-bone unit rotates, it drives the buffer components and positioning rings to rotate. Therefore, the positioning rings can rotate relative to the sealing ring, and the sealing ring can achieve both sealing and connection with the buffer components.

[0008] When the snake bone unit itself bends, it stretches the protective sleeve, which in turn stretches the buffer assembly. The buffer assembly elongates with the tension. When the tension disappears, the buffer assembly retracts, keeping the protective sleeve taut. This greatly extends the lifespan of the protective sleeve and significantly improves the protection of the snake bone unit. At the same time, the tautness of the protective sleeve also improves the convenience of using the snake bone and the comfort of the human body during examination, thus enhancing the examination results of the endoscope.

[0009] Furthermore, the material of the protective sleeve can be designed according to needs. The material of the protective sleeve on the snake bone unit connected to the inspection piece can be specially designed so that the protective sleeve can better meet the needs of multiple large-angle and multi-directional rotations without having to design the entire protective sleeve, thus reducing production costs. At the same time, a damaged individual protective sleeve can be removed and replaced separately, thereby improving the convenience of replacement and reducing the maintenance cost of the snake bone. This also increases the lifespan of the protective sleeve and reduces the production and maintenance costs of the snake bone, further improving the inspection effect of the endoscope.

[0010] Optionally, the buffer component includes: Two connecting rings are disposed at both ends of the snake-bone unit, and two positioning rings are snapped onto the two connecting rings; Two buffer rings are provided on two connecting rings and are elastic. The protective sleeve is provided on the two buffer rings and is in a tensile state under the elastic force of the buffer rings, and is used to cover the snake bone unit located between the two buffer rings.

[0011] By adopting the above technical solution, two buffer rings are fixedly installed on two connecting rings, and the protective sleeve is fixedly installed on two buffer rings. Therefore, the two buffer rings can extend when the protective sleeve is subjected to tension, or retract after the tension is removed, so that the protective sleeve is in a tensioned state. The connecting rings can be made of a relatively hard material to facilitate the fixing with the snake bone unit and the snapping of the two positioning rings, thereby facilitating the installation of the protective sleeve and the sealing ring. The buffer rings are made of a relatively soft and elastic material to buffer and tension the protective sleeve, thereby achieving better connection and buffering and tensioning of the protective sleeve.

[0012] Optionally, the sealing ring and the buffer ring are respectively provided with annular sealing cavities and buffer cavities, which are filled with inert gas for buffering and whose axes coincide with the axis of the snake bone unit.

[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, when two adjacent snake bone units rotate relative to each other, one side of the snake bone unit squeezes the sealing ring while the other side moves away from the sealing ring. Therefore, the gas in the sealing cavity of the squeezed part moves to the side of the snake bone unit away from the sealing cavity, thereby dispersing the squeezing force on the sealing ring. This allows the sealing ring to maintain its overall elasticity balance even after being squeezed, reducing the probability of the sealing ring being damaged due to excessive local stress.

[0014] Simultaneously, the protective sleeve pulls the buffer ring to move, thereby enlarging the buffer chamber. This causes the inert gas to move towards the enlarged area, while the amount of inert gas on the other side decreases, causing the buffer ring to retract and pull the slack protective sleeve to tighten. This achieves both buffering of the protective sleeve's tension and tightening of the retracted part of the protective sleeve, thus improving the protection effect on the snake skeleton. At the same time, the tightness of the protective sleeve also improves the convenience of using the snake skeleton and the comfort of the human body during inspection, thereby improving the inspection effect of the endoscope.

[0015] At the same time, the snake bone unit rotates at the turning point. The rotation of the snake bone unit also causes the sealing ring at the point where the snake bone unit is away from the sealing ring to expand. After the sealing ring expands, it is used to seal the gap. After the expanded sealing ring comes into contact with the human body, it acts as a buffer. The contact and compression of the human body also pushes the sealing ring to further improve the sealing effect, thereby further improving the protection effect of the snake bone and increasing the life of the snake bone.

[0016] Optionally, multiple protective covers are covered with a protective skin, which includes an inner braided layer and an outer protective layer. The inner braided layer is made of aramid yarn coated with a polymer coating and then woven into an inner mesh. The outer protective layer is made of an elastic polymer.

[0017] By adopting the above technical solution, the entire structure is protected by a protective skin. Therefore, when the snake bone unit rotates, it also drives the protective skin to rotate, thus achieving the protective effect and further improving the protection of the snake bone.

[0018] Optionally, a buffer tube that is elastic and presses against the protective sleeve is sleeved on the snake bone unit and located between the two connecting rings.

[0019] By adopting the above technical solution, the buffer tube can further support and buffer the protective sleeve, keeping the protection in a taut state. At the same time, when the protective sleeve is stretched, it squeezes the buffer tube to avoid displacement, thereby greatly improving the protection effect of the snake bone. In addition, the taut state of the protective sleeve also improves the convenience of using the snake bone and the comfort of the human body during the examination, thus improving the examination effect of the endoscope.

[0020] Secondly, the endoscope provided in this application adopts the following technical solution: An endoscope includes a handle, a plurality of snake-bone units in the shape of a cylinder mounted on the handle, adjacent snake-bone units being connected to each other by a fixing component, a detection element for inspection being disposed at the end of the snake-bone unit furthest from the handle, a protective structure being disposed on the plurality of snake-bone units, and an adjustment mechanism being disposed on the handle and connected to the snake-bone unit with the detection element for adjusting the angle of the detection element.

[0021] By adopting the above technical solution, multiple snake bone units are connected through a fixing component. After connection, the sealing ring presses against two protective sleeves and cooperates with the protective sleeves to protect the snake bone, improving the protection effect. Moreover, when a single protective sleeve or snake bone unit is damaged, it can be directly removed and replaced. It also facilitates the installation of the inspection piece, thereby greatly reducing the production and maintenance costs of the snake bone. At the same time, the angle of the inspection piece and the snake bone unit connected to the inspection is adjusted by the adjustment mechanism on the handle, which facilitates the movement of the snake bone and the inspection piece to the inspection position, improving the comfort of the human body during inspection and improving the inspection effect of the endoscope.

[0022] Optionally, the fixing component includes: A fixing ring is disposed on one end of the snake bone unit. The end of the snake bone unit away from the fixing ring is provided with a first mounting groove, a second mounting groove, and a third mounting groove that penetrate the inner and outer side walls of the snake bone unit. The first and second mounting grooves are opened along the axis of the snake bone unit, while the third mounting groove is opened radially along the snake bone unit. The first mounting groove is connected to the end of the snake bone unit away from the fixing ring, and the ends of the first and second mounting grooves close to the fixing ring are connected to the third mounting groove. Multiple first, second, and third mounting grooves are arranged in a circular array around the axis of the snake bone unit. Multiple fixing blocks are disposed on a fixing ring and corresponding to multiple first mounting slots; When the fixing ring extends into the snake bone unit, a rotation space is formed between it and the inner wall of the snake bone unit. The inner wall of the sealing ring presses against the outer wall of the fixing ring to position the snake bone unit, so that the fixing block enters the first mounting groove. Then, the fixing block passes through the third mounting groove and enters the second mounting groove. The sealing ring pushes the fixing block to press against the end of the second mounting groove away from the third mounting groove for positioning.

[0023] By adopting the above technical solution, firstly, one positioning ring on the sealing ring is inserted and engaged with the connecting ring on the preceding snake-bone unit, so that the sealing ring is installed on the preceding snake-bone unit. The two snake-bone units move closer to each other, so that the fixing ring and fixing block pass through the sealing ring and extend into the snake-bone unit, and so that multiple fixing blocks enter the first mounting groove. Then, the snake-bone unit is moved further, so that the fixing block moves to the connection between the first mounting groove and the third mounting groove, and at this time, the sealing ring presses against the two protective sleeves. Meanwhile, another positioning ring is inserted and engaged with the connecting ring located on the following snake-bone unit. Then, the snake-bone unit is rotated to move the fixing block to the connection between the third mounting groove and the second mounting groove. The fixing block is pressed against the second mounting groove for positioning under the elastic push of the sealing ring, thereby realizing the connection between the sealing ring and the two adjacent snake-bone units.

[0024] The sealing ring is positioned by pressing against the fixing ring on its inner wall, creating a gap between the fixing ring and the snake-bone unit, thus forming a rotation space. Therefore, when two adjacent snake-bone units rotate, the rotation space can avoid the snake-bone unit until the fixing ring comes into contact with the snake-bone unit, causing the snake-bone unit to bend. At the same time, the gap between the fixing ring and the third mounting groove can also avoid the snake-bone unit when two adjacent snake-bone units rotate. This prevents the snake-bone unit from bending when it rotates at a small angle, reducing the probability of the snake-bone unit bending and being damaged, thereby improving the lifespan of the snake-bone.

[0025] Optionally, the snake bone unit is provided with multiple arc-shaped clearance grooves arranged in a radial array around the snake bone unit axis.

[0026] By adopting the above technical solution, the avoidance groove allows the snake bone unit to avoid bending, reducing the difficulty of bending the snake bone unit and the probability of damage after bending, and improving the convenience and lifespan of the snake bone when changing direction.

[0027] Optionally, the adjustment mechanism includes: A rotating shaft is rotatably mounted on one end of the snake bone unit near the detection element, and the direction of rotation coincides with the axis of the snake bone unit. A driving component, which is disposed on the snake-bone unit and is used to drive the rotating shaft to rotate; Two guide components are arranged on the rotation shaft and in a circular array around the axis of the rotation shaft. A pull rope, the two ends of which are set on a rotating shaft and moved to the inner wall of the snake bone unit by two guide components, the pull rope passing through multiple snake bone units and a handle; An adjustment component is mounted on the handle and is used to drive the pull rope to move.

[0028] By adopting the above technical solution, the two ends of the pull rope are guided by the guide assembly and connected to the rotating shaft. At the same time, the pull rope extends to the machine body, and the adjustment assembly drives the pull rope to move, so that the pull rope can move from both sides of the rotating shaft and pull the rotating shaft and the snake bone unit to bend, thereby realizing the change of the snake bone direction. Moreover, the movement of the pull rope from both sides of the rotating shaft makes the middle position available for the placement of the detection component and the structure connected to the detection component, improving the neatness of the structure arrangement in the snake bone. When it is necessary to change the adjustment direction, the drive component is activated to drive the rotating shaft, the guide assembly and the pull rope to rotate simultaneously, and then the pull rope moves to realize the change of bending angle.

[0029] Optionally, the guiding component includes: A rotating rod, which is mounted on a rotating shaft and extends to the inner wall of the snake-bone unit; Multiple guide rings are fixedly mounted on the rotating rod at intervals along the direction from the rotation axis to the inner wall of the snake-bone unit.

[0030] By adopting the above technical solution, the pull rope passes through multiple guide rings and is connected to the rotating shaft, thereby moving the pull rope from the inner wall of the snake bone unit on both sides of the rotating shaft to the rotating shaft. This allows the pull rope to move along the required path, reducing the probability of misalignment and improving the lifespan of the snake bone.

[0031] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects: The sealing ring, under the action of elasticity, constantly presses against the two protective sleeves to seal them. The positioning ring further prevents external substances from entering and contacting the snake bone unit, thus greatly improving the blocking effect against external substances and enhancing the protection effect of the snake bone unit. The buffer component cushions the protective sleeves and keeps them in a taut state, thereby greatly improving the lifespan of the protective sleeves. At the same time, the taut state of the protective sleeves also improves the convenience of using the snake bone and the comfort of the human body during the examination, thus improving the examination effect of the endoscope.

[0032] The material of the protective sleeve can be designed according to needs, so that the protective sleeve can better meet the needs of multiple large-angle and multi-directional rotations without the need to design the entire protective sleeve, reducing production costs. At the same time, a single damaged protective sleeve can be removed and replaced separately, thereby improving the convenience of replacement and reducing the maintenance cost of the snake bone. This also increases the lifespan of the protective sleeve and reduces the production and maintenance costs of the snake bone, further improving the detection effect of the endoscope. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the protective structure; Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the protective structure located on two adjacent snake bones; Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Enlarged diagram of section A in the middle; Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of an endoscope; Figure 5 It is an exploded view of two adjacent snake bone units; Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Enlarged diagram of section B; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the adjustment mechanism in an endoscope, showing a cross-section of the snake bone unit.

[0034] Reference numerals: 1. Snake-bone unit; 11. Protective sleeve; 12. Handle; 13. Alignment groove; 14. Clearance groove; 15. First mounting groove; 16. Second mounting groove; 17. Third mounting groove; 18. Cover; 2. Buffer assembly; 21. Connecting ring; 22. Buffer ring; 23. Buffer cavity; 24. Buffer tube; 25. Snap-fit ​​groove; 3. Elastic sealing assembly; 31. Sealing ring; 32. Positioning ring; 33. Sealing cavity; 4. Fixing assembly; 41. Fixing ring; 42. Fixing block; 43. Rotation space; 5. Adjustment mechanism; 51. Rotating shaft; 52. Driving component; 53. Pull rope; 6. Guide assembly; 61. Rotating rod; 62. Guide ring. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1-7This application will be described in further detail.

[0036] This application discloses a snake-bone protective structure.

[0037] The snake skeleton is made up of multiple snake skeleton units 1 spliced ​​together. Adjacent snake skeleton units 1 can achieve a small relative rotation. The snake skeleton unit 1 is a hollow cylindrical structure.

[0038] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The snake-bone protective structure includes multiple protective sleeves 11, each corresponding to a snake-bone unit 1. The protective sleeves 11 are connected to the snake-bone units 1 via buffer components 2, which then cover and protect the snake-bone units 1. The buffer components 2 extend when the protective sleeves 11 are subjected to tension and retract after the tension is removed, thereby providing buffer protection for the protective sleeves 11. An elastic sealing component 3 is fitted at the connection between two adjacent snake-bone units 1. The elastic sealing component 3 presses against the two protective sleeves 11 under the action of elasticity, thereby sealing the gap between the two protective sleeves 11 and preventing external substances from entering and contacting the snake-bone units 1.

[0039] Multiple protective sleeves 11 are covered with a protective skin (not shown in the figure). The protective skin includes an inner braided layer and an outer protective layer. The inner braided layer is made of aramid yarn coated with a polymer coating and then woven into an inner mesh. The polymer coating is an elastic polymer, such as polyurethane, EPDM rubber, silicone rubber, polyvinyl chloride, or flexible epoxy resin. The outer protective layer is an elastic polymer, such as fluororubber, polyurethane, EPDM rubber, silicone rubber, or polyvinyl chloride, preferably fluororubber. The outer protective skin can be obtained by any one of three methods: liquid coating, hot extrusion, or compression molding.

[0040] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The buffer assembly 2 includes two connecting rings 21 and two buffer rings 22. The two connecting rings 21 are coaxially fixedly installed on the outer side walls of both ends of the snake bone unit 1, and the connecting rings 21 are made of metal. The opposite ends of the two connecting rings 21 are coaxially provided with snap-fit ​​grooves 25. The two buffer rings 22 are coaxially fixedly installed on the outer side walls of the two buffer rings 22 respectively. The buffer rings 22 are made of elastic material, such as medical rubber. The opposite ends of the two buffer rings 22 are flush with the two connecting rings 21. The buffer rings 22 are coaxially provided with annular buffer cavities 23, and the buffer cavities 23 are filled with inert gas for buffering, such as argon.

[0041] The protective sleeve 11 is fixedly installed at both ends on the opposite side walls of the two buffer rings 22. The protective sleeve 11 is in a tensile state under the tension of the two buffer rings 22. The protective sleeve 11 is used to cover and protect the buffer rings 22 away from the side wall of the connecting ring 21 and the snake bone unit 1 located between the two connecting rings 21. A buffer tube 24 is sleeved on the snake bone unit 1 located between the two connecting rings 21. The buffer tube 24 is made of elastic material, such as medical rubber. The two ends of the buffer tube 24 abut against the opposite end of the two connecting rings 21, and the outer side wall of the buffer tube 24 abuts against the inner side wall of the protective sleeve 11, thereby supporting the protective sleeve 11. At the same time, the movement of the protective sleeve 11 will also squeeze the buffer tube 24 to avoid displacement.

[0042] The bending of the snake bone unit 1 stretches one side of the protective sleeve 11 and the buffer ring 22, while the other side of the protective sleeve 11 remains relaxed. As a result, the buffer cavity 23 at the stretched area increases, causing the inert gas to move towards the increased buffer cavity 23. Meanwhile, the inert gas on the other side of the buffer cavity 23 decreases, causing the buffer ring 22 at the reduced gas area to retract and stretch the relaxed protective sleeve 11. This achieves buffering of the protective sleeve 11, improving the lifespan of the snake bone. It also keeps the relaxed protective sleeve 11 in a taut state, improving the convenience of using the snake bone and the comfort of the human body during testing.

[0043] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The elastic sealing assembly 3 includes a sealing ring 31 and two positioning rings 32. The sealing ring 31 is coaxially fitted onto the snake-bone unit 1 for positioning. The sealing ring 31 and the buffer ring 22 are made of the same material, which makes the sealing ring 31 elastic. An annular sealing cavity 33 is coaxially formed inside the sealing ring 31. The sealing cavity 33 is filled with an inert gas, namely argon. The inner sidewall of the sealing ring 31 is pressed against the outer sidewall of the snake-bone unit 1 under the action of elasticity. The positioning rings 32 are fixedly installed on the sidewall of the sealing ring 31 near the two snake-bone units 1. Positioning rings 32 are configured one-to-one with two snake-bone units 1, and the two positioning rings 32 are coaxially configured with the two connecting rings 21. The positioning rings 32 are engaged with the snap-fit ​​grooves 25 to connect the sealing rings 31 and the connecting rings 21. When the snake-bone unit 1 bends, it causes the connecting rings 21 and positioning rings 32 to rotate. Due to the elasticity of the sealing rings 31, the positioning rings 32 and sealing rings 31 can rotate relative to each other to avoid misalignment. The positioning rings 32 can rotate within the snap-fit ​​grooves 25, allowing the sealing rings 31 and positioning rings 32 to rotate relative to each other.

[0044] One of the positioning rings 32 on the sealing ring 31 is inserted into the connecting ring 21 to install the sealing ring 31 onto one end of the snake bone unit 1. Then, the next snake bone unit 1 is brought close to the previous snake bone unit 1 so that the other positioning ring 32 on the sealing ring 31 is inserted into the connecting ring 21. Then, the two snake bone units 1 are fixedly connected to install the sealing ring 31 at the connection between the two adjacent snake bone units 1. At this time, the sealing ring 31 is pressed against the outer wall of the snake bone unit 1 and the two protective sleeves 11 for positioning, thereby sealing the gap between the two adjacent protective sleeves 11.

[0045] When the snake bone unit 1 rotates relative to the other side, the rotation of the snake bone unit 1 drives the connecting ring 21 to rotate. One side of the connecting ring 21 moves away from the sealing ring 31 while the other side squeezes the sealing ring 31. The inert gas in the squeezed sealing cavity 33 moves towards the other side of the sealing cavity 33. This makes the pressure on the sealing ring 31 balanced by the movement of the inert gas after the local compression. This ensures that the sealing ring 31 is always pressed against the fixed sleeve for sealing. At the same time, it reduces the probability of the sealing ring 31 being damaged due to excessive local pressure, reduces the probability of external substances entering and contacting the snake bone, and improves the lifespan of the snake bone.

[0046] The working principle of this application embodiment is as follows: When the snake bone unit 1 rotates relative to the other side, the rotation of the snake bone unit 1 drives the connecting ring 21 to rotate. One side of the connecting ring 21 moves away from the sealing ring 31 while the other side squeezes the sealing ring 31. The inert gas in the squeezed sealing cavity 33 moves towards the other side of the sealing cavity 33. This makes the pressure on the sealing ring 31 balanced by the movement of the inert gas after the local compression. This ensures that the sealing ring 31 is always pressed against the fixed sleeve for sealing. At the same time, it reduces the probability of the sealing ring 31 being damaged due to excessive local pressure, reduces the probability of external substances entering and contacting the snake bone, and improves the lifespan of the snake bone.

[0047] The bending of the snake bone unit 1 stretches one side of the protective sleeve 11 and the buffer ring 22, while the other side of the protective sleeve 11 remains relaxed. As a result, the buffer cavity 23 at the stretched area increases, causing the inert gas to move towards the increased buffer cavity 23. Meanwhile, the inert gas on the other side of the buffer cavity 23 decreases, causing the buffer ring 22 at the reduced gas area to retract and stretch the relaxed protective sleeve 11. This achieves buffering of the protective sleeve 11, improving the lifespan of the snake bone. It also keeps the relaxed protective sleeve 11 in a taut state, improving the convenience of using the snake bone and the comfort of the human body during testing.

[0048] This application discloses an endoscope.

[0049] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5The endoscope includes a handle 12 and multiple snake-bone units 1 arranged on the handle 12 in the shape of a cylindrical tube. Adjacent snake-bone units 1 are connected to each other by a fixing component 4. Multiple clearance grooves 13 are formed on the snake-bone unit 1 around its axis and radially. The clearance grooves 13 penetrate the inner and outer walls of the snake-bone unit 1, thereby facilitating the bending of the snake-bone unit 1 and reducing the difficulty of bending and the probability of damage. A cover 18 is coaxially fixedly installed on the end of the snake-bone unit 1 furthest from the handle 12. An inspection component is fixedly installed on the cover 18. The inspection component can be a camera or other inspection structure. A protective sleeve 11 is installed on each snake-bone. An elastic sealing component 3 is fitted at the connection between two adjacent snake-bone units 1.

[0050] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 A clearance groove 14 is coaxially formed on the inner side wall of one end of the snake bone unit 1. A first mounting groove 15, a second mounting groove 16, and a third mounting groove 17 are formed on the end of the snake bone unit 1 near the clearance groove 14, which penetrate the inner and outer side walls of the snake bone unit 1. The first mounting groove 15 and the second mounting groove 16 are formed along the axis of the snake bone unit 1, while the third mounting groove 17 is formed radially along the snake bone unit 1. The first mounting groove 15 is connected to the end of the snake bone unit 1 where the clearance groove 14 is formed, and the ends of the first mounting groove 15 and the second mounting groove 16 away from the clearance groove 14 are both connected to the third mounting groove 17. Multiple first mounting grooves 15, second mounting grooves 16, and third mounting grooves 17 are arranged in a circular array around the axis of the snake bone unit 1, and the width of the three is the same.

[0051] The fixing component 4 includes a fixing ring 41 and multiple fixing blocks 42. The fixing ring 41 is coaxially fixedly installed on the end of the snake bone unit 1 facing away from the clearance groove 14. The inner diameters of the fixing ring 41 and the snake bone unit 1 are the same, while the outer diameter of the fixing ring 41 is smaller than the diameter of the clearance groove 14. The sealing ring 31 presses against the outer wall of the fixing ring 41 under the action of elasticity. When the fixing ring 41 passes through the inner wall of the sealing ring 31 and extends into the clearance groove 14, the sealing ring 31 presses against the outer wall of the fixing ring 41 under the action of elasticity for positioning. There is a gap between the outer wall of the sealing ring 31 and the inner wall of the clearance groove 14 to form a circular rotation space 43. The multiple fixing blocks 42 are arranged one-to-one with the multiple first mounting grooves 15. The multiple fixing blocks 42 are fixedly installed on the outer wall of the fixing ring 41, and the fixing blocks 42 can be inserted and engaged with the first mounting groove 15, the second mounting groove 16 and the third mounting groove 17.

[0052] Reference Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6First, one of the positioning rings 32 is inserted into one of the snake-bone units 1. Then, the two snake-bone units 1 are brought closer together, so that the fixing ring 41 and the fixing block 42 pass through the sealing ring 31 and extend into the clearance groove 14, and so that multiple fixing blocks 42 move into the first mounting groove 15. As the snake-bone unit 1 moves, the fixing block 42 moves to the connection between the first mounting groove 15 and the third mounting groove 17, so that the positioning ring 32 is inserted into the connecting ring 21 of the next snake-bone unit 1, and the sealing ring 31 presses against the two protective sleeves 11. The two snake-bone units 1 are pushed upwards and kept away from each other. Then, the snake-bone unit 1 is rotated so that the fixing block 42 is rotated to the connection between the second mounting groove 16 and the third mounting groove 17. Then, the fixing block 42 enters the second mounting groove 16 under the elastic force of the sealing ring 31, so that the fixing block 42 is pressed against the end of the second mounting groove 16 away from the third mounting groove 17 for positioning, preventing the fixing block 42 from detaching from the second mounting groove 16, thereby realizing the connection of two adjacent snake-bone units 1, and then completing the connection of multiple snake-bone units 1.

[0053] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 7 The handle 12 is provided with an adjustment mechanism 5 connected to the cover 18 and used to adjust the angle of the detection piece. The adjustment mechanism 5 includes a rotating shaft 51, a drive component 52, two guide components 6, a pull rope 53 and an adjustment component. The end of the cover 18 near the inside of the snake bone unit 1 is fixedly mounted with a mounting bracket. The rotating shaft 51 is rotatably mounted on the mounting bracket and coincides with the axis of the snake bone unit 1. The drive component 52 is a motor. The drive component 52 is fixedly mounted on the mounting bracket and connected to the rotating shaft 51. The drive component 52 is used to drive the rotating shaft 51 to rotate.

[0054] Two guide components 6 are arranged on the rotating shaft 51 and arranged in a circular array around the axis of the rotating shaft 51. The two ends of the pull rope 53 are fixedly installed on the rotating shaft 51, and the pull rope 53 is guided to the inner wall of the snake bone unit 1 through the two guide components 6. At the same time, the pull rope 53 passes through multiple snake bone units 1 and the handle 12. The guide component 6 includes a rotating rod 61 and multiple guide rings 62. The rotating rod 61 is fixedly installed on the rotating shaft 51 and extends from the rotating shaft 51 to near the inner wall of the snake bone unit 1. At the same time, guide rings for guiding the pull rope 53 are also fixedly installed on the inner wall of the snake bone unit 1.

[0055] Multiple guide rings 62 are fixedly installed on the rotating rod 61, and the multiple guide rings 62 are spaced apart along the direction from the rotating shaft 51 to the inner wall of the snake bone unit 1, so that the pull rope 53 can move from both sides of the rotating shaft 51 to pull the rotating shaft 51 and the snake bone unit 1 to bend.

[0056] The adjustment component is located on the handle 12 and is used to drive the pull rope 53 to move. The adjustment component uses an existing take-up reel. The pull rope 53 is wound on the take-up reel. The rotation of the take-up reel will pull the pull rope 53 to move. The take-up reel can be driven manually or by a motor, etc.

[0057] The working principle of this application embodiment is as follows: First, insert one of the positioning rings 32 into one of the snake-bone units 1. Then, bring the two snake-bone units 1 closer together, so that the fixing ring 41 and the fixing block 42 pass through the sealing ring 31 and extend into the clearance groove 14. Move the multiple fixing blocks 42 to the connection between the first mounting groove 15 and the third mounting groove 17, so that the positioning ring 32 is inserted into the connecting ring 21 of the next snake-bone unit 1. The sealing ring 31 presses against the two protective sleeves 11 and pushes the two snake-bone units 1 to keep them away from each other. Then, rotate the snake-bone unit 1 so that the fixing block 42 rotates to the second mounting groove 16 and the third mounting groove 17. At the connection of the three mounting slots 17, the fixing block 42 enters the second mounting slot 16 under the elastic force of the sealing ring 31 and presses against the second mounting slot 16 for positioning, thereby realizing the connection of two adjacent snake bone units 1, and then completing the connection of multiple snake bone units 1. The sealing ring 31 is used to seal the gap between two adjacent protective sleeves 11 under the action of elastic force, and the sealing ring 31 prevents the fixing block 42 from detaching from the second mounting slot 16, thereby realizing the connection of multiple snake bone units 1. At the same time, the protective sleeve 11 protects the snake bone unit 1, further improving the life of the snake bone.

[0058] The adjustment component starts the drive to move the pull rope 53, while the drive component 52 drives the two rotating rods 61 and the multiple guide rings 62 connected to them to rotate, thereby adjusting the bending direction of the snake bone unit 1. Then the adjustment component starts the drive to move the pull rope 53. The movement of the pull rope 53 pulls the rotating shaft 51 and the snake bone unit 1 to bend. When it is necessary to change the bending direction, the drive component 52 continues to start to adjust, which improves the convenience of the snake bone when changing direction, thereby improving the convenience of the snake bone when using it. This makes the snake bone more adaptable to the detection position and improves the comfort of human body detection.

[0059] The above are all preferred embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A snake-bone protective structure, characterized in that: The device includes multiple protective sleeves (11), which are connected to the snake bone unit (1) through a buffer assembly (2) and cover the snake bone unit (1) for protection. The buffer assembly (2) extends when the protective sleeve (11) is subjected to tension and retracts after the tension disappears, and is used to buffer and protect the protective sleeve (11). An elastic sealing assembly (3) is provided at the connection between two adjacent snake bone units (1) to press against the two protective sleeves (11) for sealing under the action of elastic force. The elastic sealing assembly (3) includes a sealing ring (31), which is fitted on the snake bone unit (1) and presses against the snake bone unit (1) and the two protective sleeves (11) for sealing under the action of elastic force. Two positioning rings (32) are set on the side wall of the sealing ring (31) near the two protective sleeves (11) and respectively engage with the buffer assembly (2) located on the two protective sleeves (11). The two positioning rings (32) and the sealing ring (31) work together to prevent external substances from entering and contact the snake bone monomer (1). The buffer assembly (2) includes: two connecting rings (21), which are disposed at both ends of the snake bone unit (1), and two positioning rings (32) snapped onto the two connecting rings (21); two buffer rings (22), which are disposed on the two connecting rings (21) and are elastic, and the protective sleeve (11) is disposed on the two buffer rings (22) and is in a tensioned state under the elastic force of the buffer rings (22) and is used to cover the snake bone unit (1) located between the two buffer rings (22); The sealing ring (31) and the buffer ring (22) are respectively provided with annular sealing cavities (33) and buffer cavities (23). The sealing cavities (33) and buffer cavities (23) are filled with inert gas for buffering and their axes coincide with the axis of the snake bone unit (1).

2. The snake-bone protective structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: Multiple protective sleeves (11) are covered with protective skin, the protective skin includes an inner braided layer and an outer protective layer, the inner braided layer yarn is aramid yarn covered with a polymer coating and then woven into an inner braided mesh, and the outer protective layer is an elastic polymer.

3. The snake-bone protective structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: A buffer tube (24) that is elastic and presses against the protective sleeve (11) is sleeved on the snake bone unit (1) and located between the two connecting rings (21).

4. An endoscope, characterized in that: The device includes a handle (12) and a plurality of snake-bone units (1) arranged on the handle (12) and in the shape of a cylindrical tube. Two adjacent snake-bone units (1) are connected to each other by a fixing component (4). The end of the snake-bone unit (1) furthest from the handle (12) is provided with a detection element for inspection. The plurality of snake-bone units (1) are provided with a protective structure as described in any one of claims 1-3. The handle (12) is provided with an adjustment mechanism (5) connected to the snake-bone unit (1) on which the detection element is provided and used to adjust the angle of the detection element.

5. An endoscope according to claim 4, characterized in that: The fixing component (4) includes: a fixing ring (41), which is disposed on one end of the snake bone unit (1). The end of the snake bone unit (1) away from the fixing ring (41) is provided with a first mounting groove (15), a second mounting groove (16) and a third mounting groove (17) that penetrate the inner and outer side walls of the snake bone unit (1). The first mounting groove (15) and the second mounting groove (16) are opened along the axis of the snake bone unit (1) and the third mounting groove (17) is opened radially along the snake bone unit (1). The first mounting groove (15) is connected to the end of the snake bone unit (1) away from the fixing ring (41). The ends of the first mounting groove (15) and the second mounting groove (16) near the fixing ring (41) are connected to the third mounting groove (17). The first mounting groove (15), the second mounting groove (16) and the third mounting groove (17) are arranged in a circumferential array around the axis of the snake bone unit (1). Multiple fixing blocks (42) are arranged on a fixing ring (41) and corresponding to multiple first mounting slots (15). When the fixing ring (41) extends into the snake bone unit (1), a rotation space (43) is formed between it and the inner wall of the snake bone unit (1). The inner wall of the sealing ring (31) presses against the outer wall of the fixing ring (41) to position the snake bone unit (1), so that the fixing block (42) enters the first mounting slot (15). Then the fixing block (42) passes through the third mounting slot (17) and enters the second mounting slot (16). The sealing ring (31) pushes the fixing block (42) to press against the end of the second mounting slot (16) away from the third mounting slot (17) for positioning.

6. An endoscope according to claim 4, characterized in that: The snake bone unit (1) has multiple arc-shaped clearance grooves (13) evenly arranged around the axis and radial direction of the snake bone unit (1).

7. An endoscope according to claim 4, characterized in that: The adjustment mechanism (5) includes: a rotating shaft (51), which is rotatably mounted on one end of the snake bone unit (1) near the detection element and whose rotation direction coincides with the axis of the snake bone unit (1); a driving member (52), which is mounted on the snake bone unit (1) and is used to drive the rotating shaft (51) to rotate; two guide components (6), which are mounted on the rotating shaft (51) and arranged in a circumferential array around the axis of the rotating shaft (51); a pull rope (53), which is mounted on the rotating shaft (51) at both ends and moved to the inner wall of the snake bone unit (1) through the two guide components (6), and the pull rope (53) passes through multiple snake bone units (1) and a handle (12); and an adjustment component, which is mounted on the handle (12) and is used to drive the pull rope (53) to move.

8. An endoscope according to claim 7, characterized in that: The guide assembly (6) includes: a rotating rod (61) which is disposed on a rotating shaft (51) and extends to the inner wall of the snake bone unit (1); and a plurality of guide rings (62) which are fixedly installed on the rotating rod (61) at intervals along the direction from the rotating shaft (51) to the inner wall of the snake bone unit (1).

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