A high-temperature resistant optical endoscope integrating thermal protection and contaminant purging functions

Abstract

This invention discloses a high-temperature resistant optical endoscope integrating thermal protection and contaminant purging functions, relating to the field of optical endoscope technology. The endoscope body, from front to back, comprises an endoscope front end, an endoscope middle end, and an endoscope rear end. The endoscope body includes an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve. An optical imaging module and an optomechanical component module are installed inside the inner sleeve. A thermal protection and contaminant purging module is located between the inner and outer sleeves. This module includes a cooling gas channel, a coolant inlet channel, and a coolant return channel. The cooling gas channel has a cooling gas inlet channel and a cooling gas outlet channel at both ends. The coolant inlet channel has a coolant inlet channel at one end, and the coolant return channel has a coolant outlet channel at one end. The coolant inlet channel and the coolant return channel are connected at one end on the endoscope front end. This invention enables efficient cooling and contaminant purging of the endoscope.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of optical endoscope technology, and in particular to a high-temperature resistant optical endoscope that integrates thermal protection and contaminant purging functions. Background Technology

[0002] Optical endoscopes, as industrial monitoring devices, are widely used in aerospace, metal smelting, and non-destructive testing fields due to their advantages such as high imaging clarity, portability, and minimal damage to the monitored object. In these applications, endoscopes may face harsh operating environments characterized by high temperatures and high pollution. For example, the temperatures of commonly used industrial steel furnaces exceed 1600℃, while the turbine inlet temperature of fourth-generation turbofan engines reaches approximately 1700℃. Both environments contain large amounts of particulate pollutants generated during combustion. In such high-temperature, high-pollution environments, excessively high temperatures can cause thermal deformation of optical components, affecting optical imaging quality, and may even exceed the temperature resistance limits of optical components or mechanical structures, leading to endoscope failure or damage. Particulate pollutants may also deposit on the surface of optical components, affecting optical imaging and even corroding the components, causing damage. Therefore, developing optical endoscopes with thermal protection and purging functions to effectively protect them in high-temperature and high-pollution environments is of great significance for the normal use of optical endoscopes in harsh environments such as high temperature and high pollution.

[0003] Existing general industrial optical endoscopes generally lack cooling and contaminant purging devices, and their maximum operating temperature does not exceed 300℃, making them difficult to use in high-temperature and high-pollution environments. Some high-temperature resistant optical endoscopes use cooling devices that include cooling air or cooling water, which can provide some cooling and contaminant purging functions. However, due to unreasonable design of the cooling and purging structure, they have problems such as low upper temperature resistance and insufficient anti-pollution capabilities, which greatly limits the application of existing optical endoscopes in high-temperature and high-pollution environments.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need in the field for a high-temperature resistant optical endoscope that integrates thermal protection and contaminant purging functions to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a high-temperature resistant optical endoscope that integrates thermal protection and contaminant purging functions to solve the problems existing in the prior art. It is equipped with a thermal protection and contaminant purging module to cool the overall structure of the endoscope to ensure that it operates within a safe temperature range. At the same time, it purifies the optical imaging components to avoid the adhesion of impurities that interfere with imaging, so that the endoscope can still provide clear imaging of the area to be observed in high-temperature and high-pollution environments.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following solution:

[0007] This invention discloses a high-temperature resistant optical endoscope with integrated thermal protection and contaminant purging functions, comprising an endoscope body, wherein the endoscope body consists of an endoscope front end, an endoscope middle end, and an endoscope rear end from front to back. The endoscope body includes an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve. An optical imaging module and an optomechanical component module are installed on the inner side of the inner sleeve. The optomechanical component module is used to fix the optical imaging module.

[0008] A thermal protection and contaminant purging module is provided between the inner and outer sheaths. This module includes a cooling gas channel, a coolant inflow channel, and a coolant return channel. The cooling gas channel has a cooling gas inlet channel and a cooling gas outlet channel at each end. The cooling gas inlet channel is located at the rear end of the endoscope, and the cooling gas outlet channel is located at the front end of the endoscope. Cooling gas enters through the cooling gas inlet channel and exits through the cooling gas outlet channel, and the exiting cooling gas can purify the front of the endoscope. The end portion is purged. One end of the coolant inlet channel is provided with a coolant inlet channel, which is located on the rear end of the endoscope. The other end of the coolant inlet channel is located at the front end of the endoscope. One end of the coolant return channel is provided with a coolant outlet channel, which is located on the rear end of the endoscope. The other end of the coolant return channel is located at the front end of the endoscope. The ends of the coolant inlet channel and the coolant return channel located at the front end of the endoscope are connected.

[0009] Preferably, a liquid-liquid separator and a gas-liquid separator are further provided between the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve. The gas-liquid separator and the inner sleeve form the cooling gas passage, the gas-liquid separator and the liquid-liquid separator form the coolant inflow passage, and the liquid-liquid separator and the outer sleeve form the coolant return passage.

[0010] A threaded mounting ring is connected between the front end of the outer sleeve and the front end of the gas-liquid partition. The threaded mounting ring, the outer sleeve, the liquid-liquid partition, and the gas-liquid partition form a coolant turning channel. The coolant inflow channel and the coolant return channel are connected through the coolant turning channel.

[0011] Preferably, the outer sleeve, the liquid-liquid separator, and the gas-liquid separator are all smooth, circular straight tubes;

[0012] The liquid-liquid separator and the gas-liquid separator are made of stainless steel.

[0013] The outer sleeve is made of stainless steel or a nickel-based alloy.

[0014] Preferably, the inner sleeve includes an objective lens sleeve, an optical extension sleeve assembly, and an optical fixation sleeve connected sequentially from front to back, wherein the optical extension sleeve assembly includes multiple optical extension sleeves connected sequentially from end to end;

[0015] The objective lens sleeve is threaded to a prism mount at its front end;

[0016] The objective lens sleeve has a supporting rib on its outer side, which abuts against the inner side of the gas-liquid separator.

[0017] Preferably, the outer sleeve located at the rear end of the endoscope is provided with an outer flange, and the rear end of the outer flange is sequentially connected to a coolant outlet structure, a coolant inlet structure, and a cooling gas inlet structure. The cooling gas inlet channel is provided on the cooling gas inlet structure, the coolant inlet channel is provided on the coolant inlet structure, and the coolant outlet channel is provided on the coolant outlet structure.

[0018] The cooling gas inlet end structure is threadedly connected to an optical sleeve cap, which is used to abut against the rear end of the optical fixing sleeve.

[0019] A mounting gasket is provided between the rear end of the cooling gas inlet structure and the optical fixing sleeve;

[0020] The outer sleeve is also provided with an interface shell, which is located outside the coolant outlet structure, the coolant inlet structure and the cooling gas inlet structure.

[0021] Preferably, the outer side of the prism seat is provided with a threaded end cap, and the inner side between the outer side of the prism seat and the threaded end cap is provided with a cooling gas turning channel.

[0022] The threaded end cap is provided with multiple air film cooling holes, which are circular through holes.

[0023] Preferably, the outer wall of the threaded end cap is provided with a heat radiation suppression layer, and the material of the heat radiation suppression layer is gold or platinum.

[0024] Preferably, the optical imaging module includes a right-angle prism, a first convex lens, a second convex lens, a first concave lens, a third convex lens, a first relay lens, a second relay lens, a third relay lens, and a fourth relay lens;

[0025] The right-angle prism is installed inside the prism base, and the prism base is provided with an observation port. The incident surface of the right-angle prism is located at the observation port.

[0026] The first convex lens, the second convex lens, the first concave lens, and the third convex lens are sequentially arranged inside the objective lens sleeve from front to back, and the second convex lens and the first concave lens are bonded and fixed.

[0027] The first relay lens, the second relay lens, the third relay lens, and the fourth relay lens are sequentially disposed from front to back within the optical extension sleeve assembly located in the middle of the endoscope;

[0028] The optical axes of the first convex lens, the second convex lens, the first concave lens, the third convex lens, the first relay lens, the second relay lens, the third relay lens, and the fourth relay lens are coaxially arranged.

[0029] Preferably, the right-angle prism has a square groove, and a prism pad and the right-angle prism are installed in the square groove, with the inclined surface of the prism pad in contact with the inclined surface of the right-angle prism.

[0030] Preferably, the optomechanical component module includes a prism retaining ring, a first lens top ring, a second lens top ring, and multiple lens retaining rings;

[0031] The prism retaining ring is installed in the mounting groove of the prism base, the front end of the prism retaining ring abuts against the right-angle prism, and the rear end of the prism retaining ring abuts against the front end of the objective lens sleeve.

[0032] The first lens top ring is installed inside the objective lens sleeve, the front end of the first lens top ring abuts against the first convex lens, and the rear end of the first lens top ring abuts against the second convex lens;

[0033] The second lens top ring is installed inside the objective lens sleeve, the front end of the second lens top ring abuts against the first concave lens, and the rear end of the second lens top ring abuts against the third convex lens;

[0034] A lens retainer is provided at the rear end of the third convex lens, at both ends of the first relay lens, at both ends of the second relay lens, at both ends of the third relay lens, and at both ends of the fourth relay lens.

[0035] The present invention achieves the following technical effects compared to the prior art:

[0036] Advantage 1: High upper temperature resistance (approximately 1700℃): This invention is equipped with a cooling air channel, a coolant inflow channel, and a coolant return channel. Through this integrated design of a double-layer liquid cooling channel and a single-layer air cooling channel, the endoscope body is cooled. It makes full use of the cooling capacity of the cooling air and coolant, solving the problems of low cooling medium utilization efficiency and insufficient thermal protection in existing independent air cooling or liquid cooling technologies. It can effectively improve the high temperature resistance of the endoscope body, enabling the endoscope body to still provide clear imaging of the area to be observed even in high temperature environments.

[0037] Advantage 2: Good anti-pollution effect: The present invention uses a single-layer air-cooling channel design that integrates thermal protection and purging functions to give full play to the purging function of the cooling gas on the optical imaging module at the front end of the endoscope. This solves the problem of avoiding the deposition of contaminants and impurities on the optical components at the front end of the endoscope in the existing technical solutions, and ensures that the endoscope can clearly image the area to be observed in a highly polluted environment.

[0038] Advantage 3: Small working outer diameter of endoscope body (≤30mm): The present invention adopts a smooth straight tube cooling channel design, combined with the miniaturized and compact design of optical and mechanical components, to keep the endoscope body with a small working outer diameter, which solves the problem that the outer diameter of the endoscope in the prior art is too large to work in a narrow space, and can ensure its applicability in a narrow space.

[0039] Fourthly, the liquid cooling channel is less prone to blockage by impurities: This invention adopts a smooth straight pipe design with low flow resistance in the cooling channel, which solves the problem of impurities in the coolant clogging the liquid cooling channel in the existing threaded channel liquid cooling channel technology due to the complex structure and small flow area of ​​the threaded channel. This reduces the risk of blockage in the coolant inlet and return channels of the endoscope body, reduces the frequency of disassembly and cleaning of the coolant inlet and return channels, and improves the safety and efficiency of the endoscope body during long-term operation.

[0040] Advantage 5: Modular design allows for individual disassembly and replacement of components, facilitating maintenance: The modular design of each structure in this invention solves the defects of existing endoscopes, which are difficult to disassemble and maintain. This facilitates the disassembly and replacement of components and makes it easier to maintain the endoscope body. Attached Figure Description

[0041] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0042] Figure 1 This is an overall schematic diagram of the high-temperature resistant optical endoscope integrating thermal protection and contaminant purging functions according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the optical imaging module and optomechanical component module in a high-temperature resistant optical endoscope that integrates thermal protection and contaminant purging functions according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 3 This is an internal cross-sectional view of a high-temperature resistant optical endoscope integrating thermal protection and contaminant purging functions, as described in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Enlarged view of part AA in the image;

[0046] Figure 5 for Figure 3 Enlarged view of part BB in the image;

[0047] Figure 6 for Figure 3 A magnified view of the CC portion in the image;

[0048] Figure 7 for Figure 6 Sectional view of the EE portion in the diagram;

[0049] In the diagram: 1-Rear end of endoscope; 2-Middle part of endoscope; 3-Tear end of endoscope; 01-Cooling gas channel; 02-Coolant inlet channel; 03-Coolant return channel; 011-Cooling gas inlet channel; 012-Cooling gas bend channel; 013-Cooling gas outlet channel; 021-Coolant inlet channel; 022-Coolant bend channel; 031-Coolant outlet channel; 101-Coolant outlet structure; 102-Coolant inlet structure; 103-Cooling gas inlet structure; 104-Outer flange; 105-Outer sleeve; 106-Liquid-liquid separator; 107-Gas-liquid separator; 108-Optical extension sleeve Components; 109-Optical fixing sleeve; 110-Optical sleeve cover; 111-Mounting washer; 112-Interface housing; 201-First relay lens; 202-Second relay lens; 203-Third relay lens; 204-Fourth relay lens; 205-Lens retaining ring; 301-Threaded end cap; 302-Prism mount; 303-Prism pad; 304-Right angle prism; 305-Prism retaining ring; 306-Threaded mounting ring; 307-First convex lens; 308-First lens top ring; 309-Second convex lens; 310-First concave lens; 311-Second lens top ring; 312-Third convex lens; 313-Objective lens sleeve. Detailed Implementation

[0050] 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 some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0051] The purpose of this invention is to provide a high-temperature resistant optical endoscope that integrates thermal protection and contaminant purging functions to solve the problems existing in the prior art. It is equipped with a thermal protection and contaminant purging module to cool the overall structure of the endoscope to ensure that it operates within a safe temperature range. At the same time, it purifies the optical imaging components to avoid the adhesion of impurities that interfere with imaging, so that the endoscope can still provide clear imaging of the area to be observed in high-temperature and high-pollution environments.

[0052] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0053] like Figures 1-7 As shown, this invention provides a high-temperature resistant optical endoscope integrating thermal protection and contaminant purging functions. The endoscope body comprises an endoscope main body, which, from front to back, consists of an endoscope front end portion 3, an endoscope middle portion 2, and an endoscope rear end portion 1. These three portions share common structures and each has its own unique structure. From an internal and external perspective, the endoscope main body includes an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve 105. An optical imaging module and an optomechanical component module are installed on the inner side of the inner sleeve. The optical imaging module is used to achieve imaging, allowing operators to visually perceive the detected image. Of course, if it is necessary to transmit the visual image to a backend computer (which is not included in this embodiment), additional visual processing modules are required, including but not limited to image sensors or cameras. The visual processing module is then connected to the backend computer via wires. These are existing technologies and will not be elaborated upon here. The optomechanical component module is used to fix the optical imaging module.

[0054] The endoscope's rear end portion 1 is located outside the high-temperature zone during actual use. If necessary, a vision processing module can be installed for image reception, processing, and transmission. The endoscope's middle portion 2 is located within the high-temperature zone during actual use. It forms a transmission optical path to transmit the image formed by the optical imaging module, supports the optical imaging module, and assists the thermal protection and contaminant purging module in forming a cooling medium channel. It also transports cooling gas and cooling liquid to provide thermal protection for the endoscope body. The endoscope's front end portion 3 is located within the high-temperature zone during actual use. It forms an imaging optical path to image the surface to be observed, supports the optical imaging module, and assists the thermal protection and contaminant purging module in forming a cooling medium channel. It also transports cooling gas and cooling liquid to provide thermal protection for the endoscope's front end structure.

[0055] A thermal protection and contaminant purging module is provided between the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve 105. This module includes a cooling gas channel 01, a coolant inflow channel 02, and a coolant return channel 03 arranged sequentially from the inside out. The cooling gas channel 01 has a cooling gas inlet channel 011 and a cooling gas outlet channel 013 at its two ends. The cooling gas inlet channel 011 is located on the rear end portion 1 of the endoscope, and the cooling gas outlet channel 013 is located on the front end portion 3 of the endoscope. Cooling gas enters through the cooling gas inlet channel 011 and exits through the cooling gas outlet channel 013, purging the front end portion 3 of the endoscope. One end of the coolant inflow channel 02 has a coolant inlet channel 021 located on the rear end portion 1 of the endoscope, and the other end of the coolant inflow channel 02 is located at the front end portion 3 of the endoscope. One end of the coolant return channel 03 is provided with a coolant outlet channel 031, which is located on the rear end portion 1 of the endoscope. The other end of the coolant return channel 03 is located at the front end portion 3 of the endoscope. The coolant inflow channel 02 and the end of the coolant return channel 03 located on the front end portion 3 of the endoscope are connected.

[0056] In practical use, the cooling gas channel 01 is the innermost cooling medium heat exchange channel, used to transmit cooling gas as the cooling medium for the endoscope body. Its rear end is connected to the cooling gas inlet channel 011, and its front end is connected to the cooling gas outlet channel 013. Specifically, the cooling gas enters the cooling gas channel 01 through the cooling gas inlet channel 011, is transmitted through the cooling gas channel 01, and passes sequentially through the rear end part 1, the middle part 2, and the front end part 3 of the endoscope, and finally exits from the cooling gas outlet channel 013 and leaves the endoscope body. It should be noted that when the cooling gas is blown out, it can sweep away impurities on the front end part 3 of the endoscope. At the same time, due to the positive pressure of the cooling gas, it is difficult for external impurities to adhere to the front end part 3 of the endoscope. The coolant inflow channel 02 and coolant return channel 03 are respectively the middle layer and outermost layer cooling medium heat exchange channels, both used to transfer coolant as the cooling medium for the endoscope body. The rear end of the coolant inflow channel 02 is connected to the coolant inlet channel 021, and its front end is connected to the front end of the coolant return channel 03. The rear end of the coolant return channel 03 is connected to the coolant outlet channel 031. Specifically, the coolant enters the coolant inflow channel 02 through the coolant inlet channel 021, and then flows through the coolant inflow channel 03... 2. The fluid is transmitted sequentially through the endoscope's rear end portion 1, the middle end portion 2, and the front end portion 3. Then, it is turned at the front end portion 3 and enters the coolant return channel 03. It is then transmitted through the coolant return channel 03 and sequentially through the endoscope's front end portion 3, the middle end portion 2, and the rear end portion 1. Finally, it leaves the endoscope body through the coolant outlet channel 031. With the dual thermal protection of cooling gas and coolant, the endoscope body can still operate normally even in high-temperature working environments.

[0057] In this embodiment, a liquid-liquid partition 106 and a gas-liquid partition 107 are further provided between the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve 105. Both the liquid-liquid partition 106 and the gas-liquid partition 107 are circular tube structures. The space between the gas-liquid partition 107 and the inner sleeve is the cooling gas channel 01. The space between the gas-liquid partition 107 and the liquid-liquid partition 106 is the coolant inflow channel 02. The space between the liquid-liquid partition 106 and the outer sleeve 105 is the coolant return channel 03.

[0058] like Figure 6As shown, a threaded mounting ring 306 is connected between the front end of the outer sleeve 105 and the front end of the gas-liquid partition 107. The threaded mounting ring 306, the outer sleeve 105, the liquid-liquid partition 106 and the gas-liquid partition 107 form a coolant turning channel 022. The coolant inflow channel 02 and the coolant return channel 03 are connected through the coolant turning channel 022. The coolant from the coolant inflow channel 02 turns 180° in the coolant turning channel 022 and then flows into the coolant return channel 03.

[0059] For the cooling gas, after entering the rear end portion 1 of the endoscope through the cooling gas inlet channel 011, the cooling gas undergoes cylindrical flow around the outer side of the inner sleeve, and then flows forward through the cooling gas channel 01, entering the middle portion 2 and the front end portion 3 of the endoscope. For the cooling liquid, after entering the rear end portion 1 of the endoscope through the cooling liquid inlet channel 021, the cooling liquid undergoes cylindrical flow around the outer side of the gas-liquid partition 107, and then flows forward through the cooling liquid inlet channel 02, flowing into the middle portion 2 and the front end portion 3 of the endoscope. After flowing through the middle portion 2 and the front end portion 3 of the endoscope, the cooling liquid undergoes a 180° turn in its overall flow direction at the cooling liquid turning channel 022, flows from the front end portion 3 into the cooling liquid return channel 03 and flows backward along the cooling liquid return channel 03, and finally flows out of the endoscope body through the cooling liquid outlet channel 031.

[0060] In this embodiment, the outer sleeve 105, the liquid-liquid separator 106, and the gas-liquid separator 107 are all common smooth circular straight tubes.

[0061] The working temperature of the liquid-liquid separator 106 and the gas-liquid separator 107 is no higher than 300°C, and the material is a common alloy material with low cost, specifically stainless steel.

[0062] The material of the outer sleeve 105 can be selected from common alloy materials or high-temperature alloy materials according to the actual application environment temperature, specifically stainless steel or nickel-based alloy.

[0063] In this embodiment, the inner sleeve includes an objective lens sleeve 313, an optical extension sleeve assembly 108, and an optical fixing sleeve 109 connected sequentially from front to back. The optical extension sleeve assembly 108 includes multiple optical extension sleeves connected sequentially from end to end, and the connection between two adjacent tubes is a threaded connection.

[0064] In addition, the front end of the objective lens sleeve 313 is threadedly connected to a prism base 302, and the prism base 302 is provided with an observation port for collecting images.

[0065] The objective lens sleeve 313 is provided with six supporting ribs along the circumference. The outer side of the supporting ribs abuts against the inner side of the gas-liquid partition 107, which is used to support and position the objective lens sleeve 313 and the gas-liquid partition 107. At the same time, it rectifies the cooling gas in the cooling gas channel 01, making the flow of cooling gas in the endoscope front end structure more stable.

[0066] In this embodiment, as Figure 4 As shown, an outer flange 104 is provided on the outer sleeve 105 located at the rear end of the endoscope 1. The rear end of the outer flange 104 is sequentially connected to a coolant outlet structure 101, a coolant inlet structure 102, and a cooling gas inlet structure 103. The cooling gas inlet channel 011 is provided on the cooling gas inlet structure 103, the coolant inlet channel 021 is provided on the coolant inlet structure 102, and the coolant outlet channel 031 is provided on the coolant outlet structure 101.

[0067] Specifically, the coolant outlet structure 101, coolant inlet structure 102, and cooling gas inlet structure 103 are all provided with flange structures, and the coolant outlet structure 101, coolant inlet structure 102, and cooling gas inlet structure 103 are connected and fixed in sequence from front to back through flange structures. Of course, the outer flange 104 is also directly connected and fixed to the coolant outlet structure 101 through a flange structure.

[0068] Furthermore, the rear edge of the liquid-liquid partition 106 is welded and fixed to the rear edge of the coolant outlet structure 101, and mates with the front edge of the coolant inlet structure 102; the rear edge of the gas-liquid partition 107 is welded and fixed to the rear edge of the coolant inlet structure 102, and mates with the front edge of the cooling gas inlet structure 103.

[0069] An optical sleeve cap 110 is threaded onto the cooling gas inlet end structure 103. The optical fixing sleeve 109 is located in the inner layer of the cooling gas inlet end structure 103. The optical sleeve cap 110 is used to abut against the rear end of the optical fixing sleeve 109.

[0070] An installation washer 111 is provided between the rear end of the cooling gas inlet end structure 103 and the optical fixing sleeve 109. The installation washer 111 is located between the boss of the optical fixing sleeve 109 and the internal step of the cooling gas inlet end structure 103, and is used to assist in the installation, fixing and sealing of the optical fixing sleeve 109.

[0071] Furthermore, an interface housing 112 is connected to the outer rear end of the outer sleeve 105 by welding or threading. The interface housing 112 is located outside the coolant outlet structure 101, the coolant inlet structure 102, and the cooling gas inlet structure 103, and is used to protect these structures. The coolant outlet channel 031, coolant inlet channel 021, and cooling gas inlet channel 011 all extend through the interface housing 112, facilitating their connection to adjacent pipe fittings.

[0072] In this embodiment, as Figure 6 As shown, a threaded end cap 301 is provided on the outer side of the prism seat 302, and a cooling gas turning channel 012 is provided on the inner side between the outer side of the prism seat 302 and the threaded end cap 301. Furthermore, the threaded end cap 301 has multiple film cooling holes, specifically four, and each film cooling hole is a circular through hole. When the cooling gas flows within the cooling gas channel 01, a portion passes through the cooling gas turning channel 012 and flows out from the film cooling holes on the threaded end cap 301, thereby enhancing the cooling of the threaded end cap 301 and forming a film of air at the endoscope tip 3, thus suppressing heat transfer from the external high-temperature environment to the endoscope body and achieving efficient thermal protection for the endoscope tip 3. The other portion flows out from the air outlet on the prism seat 302, thereby purging the observation port on the prism seat 302 and providing positive pressure to prevent external impurities from entering the observation port.

[0073] In this embodiment, a heat radiation suppression layer is provided on the outer wall of the threaded end cap 301. The heat radiation suppression layer is a metal coating, specifically made of gold or platinum. Furthermore, the heat radiation suppression layer is manufactured using a magnetron sputtering process, thereby achieving high-temperature resistance.

[0074] In this embodiment, the optical imaging module includes a right-angle prism 304, a first convex lens 307, a second convex lens 309, a first concave lens 310, a third convex lens 312, a first relay lens 201, a second relay lens 202, a third relay lens 203, and a fourth relay lens 204.

[0075] The right-angle prism 304 is installed inside the prism base 302, and the prism base 302 is provided with a conical observation port. The incident surface of the right-angle prism 304 is located at the inner end of the observation port.

[0076] The first convex lens 307, the second convex lens 309, the first concave lens 310, and the third convex lens 312 are sequentially arranged from front to back within the objective lens sleeve 313, and are coaxially arranged. One transmission surface (i.e., the exit surface) of the right-angle prism 304 is perpendicular to the optical axis of the first convex lens 307, the second convex lens 309, the first concave lens 310, and the third convex lens 312, and the center of the transmission surface is located on the optical axis of the first convex lens 307, the second convex lens 309, the first concave lens 310, and the third convex lens 312. The other transmission surface (i.e., the incident surface) of the right-angle prism 304 is parallel to the optical axis of the first convex lens 307, the second convex lens 309, the first concave lens 310, and the third convex lens 312. The adjacent surfaces of the second convex lens 309 and the first concave lens 310 are shaped and fixed by adhesive bonding.

[0077] The first relay lens 201, the second relay lens 202, the third relay lens 203, and the fourth relay lens 204 are sequentially disposed from front to back within the optical extension sleeve assembly 108 located at the middle portion 2 of the endoscope. The optical axes of the first convex lens 307, the second convex lens 309, the first concave lens 310, the third convex lens 312, the first relay lens 201, the second relay lens 202, the third relay lens 203, and the fourth relay lens 204 are coaxially arranged.

[0078] Specifically, the light emitted from the surface to be observed undergoes internal reflection on the reflective surface of the right-angle prism 304, and is reflected to the first convex lens 307. It then passes sequentially through the second convex lens 309, the first concave lens 310, and the third convex lens 312, where it is imaged on the image plane at the rear end of the third convex lens 312. The resulting image is then transmitted sequentially through the first relay lens 201, the second relay lens 202, the third relay lens 203, and the fourth relay lens 204 to reach the rear end of the endoscope body, where the user can directly view it. Of course, if it is necessary to transmit the image to a backend computer, a visual processing module, such as a camera or image sensor, needs to be added to the rear end of the endoscope body.

[0079] In this embodiment, the right-angle prism 304 has a square groove, and a prism pad 303 and the right-angle prism 304 are installed in the square groove. The inclined surface of the prism pad 303 is in contact with the inclined surface of the right-angle prism 304. To ensure the cooling effect of the thermal protection and contaminant purging module on the right-angle prism 304, preferably, thermally conductive silicone grease is filled in the gap between the right-angle prism 304, the prism seat 302, and the prism pad 303.

[0080] In this embodiment, the optomechanical component module includes a prism retaining ring 305, a first lens top ring 308, a second lens top ring 311, and multiple lens retaining rings 205.

[0081] The prism retaining ring 305 is installed in the mounting groove of the prism base 302. The mounting groove is a stepped circular hole. The front end of the prism retaining ring 305 abuts against the right-angle prism 304, and the rear end of the prism retaining ring 305 abuts against the front end of the objective lens sleeve 313. When the prism base 302 and the objective lens sleeve 313 are fastened by threads, the objective lens sleeve 313 applies pressure to the prism retaining ring 305. The center hole of the prism retaining ring 305 is a circular hole, and the contact surface between the right-angle prism 304 and the prism retaining ring 305 is a square, so that the right-angle prism 304 can be fixed in the prism base 302 by the prism retaining ring 305.

[0082] The first lens top ring 308 is mounted on the corresponding step of the objective lens sleeve 313. The front end of the first lens top ring 308 is tangent to and abuts against the mirror surface of the first convex lens 307, and the rear end of the first lens top ring 308 is tangent to and abuts against the mirror surface of the second convex lens 309.

[0083] The second lens top ring 311 is mounted on the corresponding step inside the objective lens sleeve 313. The front end of the second lens top ring 311 is tangent to and abuts against the mirror surface of the first concave lens 310, and the rear end of the second lens top ring 311 is tangent to and abuts against the mirror surface of the third convex lens 312.

[0084] A lens retaining ring 205 is provided at the rear end of the third convex lens 312, the front and rear ends of the first relay lens 201, the front and rear ends of the second relay lens 202, the front and rear ends of the third relay lens 203, and the front and rear ends of the fourth relay lens 204, in order to fix the third convex lens 312, the first relay lens 201, the second relay lens 202, the third relay lens 203, and the fourth relay lens 204.

[0085] To facilitate understanding of the cooling medium flow channel structure in the endoscope tip portion 3, such as Figure 7 As shown, the outer sleeve 105 and the liquid-liquid partition 106 constitute the coolant return channel 03, the liquid-liquid partition 106 and the gas-liquid partition 107 constitute the coolant inflow channel 02, and the gas-liquid partition 107 and the inner sleeve constitute the cooling gas channel 01.

[0086] In summary, this invention provides a high-temperature resistant optical endoscope integrating thermal protection and contaminant purging functions, comprising: an optical imaging module, an optomechanical component module, and a thermal protection and contaminant purging module; the optical imaging module is used to image the area to be observed; the optomechanical component module is used to fix and support optical elements, and works in conjunction with the thermal protection and contaminant purging module to form a transport channel for cooling medium; the thermal protection and contaminant purging module is used to cool the overall structure of the endoscope and purge the optical imaging module, protecting the optical imaging module from normal operation in high-temperature and high-pollution environments.

[0087] This invention achieves cooling and purging of the endoscope body through an integrated design of a double-layer liquid cooling channel and a single-layer air cooling channel, thereby effectively improving the high-temperature resistance and anti-contamination performance of the endoscope body. This allows it to still provide clear imaging of the area to be observed in high-temperature and high-contamination environments. In addition, by adopting a smooth straight-tube cooling channel design, combined with the miniaturized and compact design of optical and mechanical components, the endoscope body maintains a small working outer diameter, thus ensuring its applicability in confined spaces. Ultimately, while maintaining a small working outer diameter of the endoscope body, the upper limit of its working temperature resistance is effectively improved. This solves the technical difficulty of small optical endoscopes working normally in high-temperature, high-contamination, and confined space environments. It has the advantages of high upper temperature resistance, contamination resistance, small working outer diameter, less susceptibility to impurities clogging the liquid cooling channel, and convenient disassembly and replacement.

[0088] Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this invention. The descriptions of the above embodiments are only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of this invention. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that, based on the ideas of this invention, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this invention.

Claims

1. A high-temperature-resistant optical endoscope integrated with heat protection and contaminant purging functions, characterized in that: The endoscope comprises an endoscope body, which sequentially comprises an endoscope front end part (3), an endoscope middle part (2) and an endoscope rear end part (1) from front to back, and comprises an inner layer sleeve and an outer layer sleeve (105), an optical imaging module and an optical machine assembly module are mounted on the inner side of the inner layer sleeve, and the optical machine assembly module is used for fixing the optical imaging module; A heat protection and contaminant blowing module is arranged between the inner layer sleeve and the outer layer sleeve (105), and the heat protection and contaminant blowing module comprises a cooling gas passage (01), a cooling liquid inflow passage (02) and a cooling liquid return passage (03), both ends of the cooling gas passage (01) are respectively provided with a cooling gas inlet passage (011) and a cooling gas outlet passage (013), the cooling gas inlet passage (011) is arranged on the endoscope rear end part (1), the cooling gas outlet passage (013) is arranged on the endoscope front end part (3), cooling gas is introduced from the cooling gas inlet passage (011) and blown out from the cooling gas outlet passage (013), and the blown-out cooling gas can blow the endoscope front end part (3), one end of the cooling liquid inflow passage (02) is provided with a cooling liquid inlet passage (021), the cooling liquid inlet passage (021) is arranged on the endoscope rear end part (1), the other end of the cooling liquid inflow passage (02) is located at the endoscope front end part (3), one end of the cooling liquid return passage (03) is provided with a cooling liquid outlet passage (031), the cooling liquid outlet passage (031) is arranged on the endoscope rear end part (1), the other end of the cooling liquid return passage (03) is located at the endoscope front end part (3), and one end of the cooling liquid inflow passage (02) and the cooling liquid return passage (03) are connected and communicated.

2. The integrated thermal protection and contaminant purge function high temperature resistant optical endoscope of claim 1, wherein: A liquid-liquid separation layer (106) and a gas-liquid separation layer (107) are further arranged between the inner layer sleeve and the outer layer sleeve (105), the gas-liquid separation layer (107) and the inner layer sleeve form the cooling gas passage (01), the gas-liquid separation layer (107) and the liquid-liquid separation layer (106) form the cooling liquid inflow passage (02), and the liquid-liquid separation layer (106) and the outer layer sleeve (105) form the cooling liquid return passage (03); A threaded mounting ring (306) is connected between the front end of the outer layer sleeve (105) and the front end of the gas-liquid separation layer (107), a cooling liquid turning passage (022) is formed between the threaded mounting ring (306), the outer layer sleeve (105), the liquid-liquid separation layer (106) and the gas-liquid separation layer (107), and the cooling liquid inflow passage (02) and the cooling liquid return passage (03) are connected and communicated through the cooling liquid turning passage (022).

3. The integrated thermal protection and contaminant purge function high temperature resistant optical endoscope of claim 2, wherein: The outer layer sleeve (105), the liquid-liquid separation layer (106) and the gas-liquid separation layer (107) are all smooth circular straight pipes. The material of the liquid-liquid barrier (106) and the gas-liquid barrier (107) is stainless steel; The material of the outer sleeve (105) is stainless steel or nickel-based alloy.

4. The integrated thermal protection and contaminant purge function high temperature resistant optical endoscope of claim 2, wherein: The inner sleeve includes an objective sleeve (313), an optical extension sleeve assembly (108), and an optical fixing sleeve (109) connected in sequence from front to back, wherein the optical extension sleeve assembly (108) includes a plurality of optical extension sleeves connected in sequence from front to back. The front end of the objective sleeve (313) is threadedly connected with a prism seat (302); The objective sleeve (313) has a support rib on the outside, which abuts against the inside of the gas-liquid barrier (107).

5. The integrated thermal protection and contaminant purge function high temperature resistant optical endoscope of claim 4, wherein: The outer sleeve (105) at the rear end of the endoscope (1) is provided with an outer flange (104), the rear end of which is connected in sequence with a cooling liquid outlet end structure (101), a cooling liquid inlet end structure (102), and a cooling gas inlet end structure (103), the cooling gas inlet channel (011) is provided on the cooling gas inlet end structure (103), the cooling liquid inlet channel (021) is provided on the cooling liquid inlet end structure (102), and the cooling liquid outlet channel (031) is provided on the cooling liquid outlet end structure (101); The cooling gas inlet end structure (103) is threadedly connected with an optical sleeve gland (110), which abuts against the rear end of the optical fixing sleeve (109); A mounting washer (111) is arranged between the rear end of the cooling gas inlet end structure (103) and the optical fixing sleeve (109); The outer sleeve (105) is further provided with an interface housing (112) on the outside of the cooling liquid outlet end structure (101), the cooling liquid inlet end structure (102), and the cooling gas inlet end structure (103).

6. The integrated thermal protection and contaminant purge function high temperature resistant optical endoscope of claim 4, wherein: The outside of the prism seat (302) is provided with a threaded end cover (301), and a cooling gas turning channel (012) is arranged between the outside of the prism seat (302) and the inside of the threaded end cover (301); The threaded end cover (301) is provided with a plurality of gas film cooling holes, which are circular through holes.

7. The integrated thermal protection and contaminant purge function high-temperature-resistant optical endoscope of claim 6, wherein: The outside wall of the threaded end cover (301) is provided with a heat radiation suppression layer, and the material of the heat radiation suppression layer is gold or platinum.

8. The integrated thermal protection and contaminant purge function high temperature resistant optical endoscope of claim 4, wherein: The optical imaging module includes a right-angle prism (304), a first convex lens (307), a second convex lens (309), a first concave lens (310), a third convex lens (312), a first relay lens (201), a second relay lens (202), a third relay lens (203), and a fourth relay lens (204); The right-angle prism (304) is installed in the prism seat (302), the prism seat (302) is provided with a viewing port, and the incident surface of the right-angle prism (304) is located at the viewing port; The first convex lens (307), the second convex lens (309), the first concave lens (310) and the third convex lens (312) are sequentially arranged in the objective lens sleeve (313) from front to back, and the second convex lens (309) and the first concave lens (310) are fixedly bonded; The first relay lens (201), the second relay lens (202), the third relay lens (203) and the fourth relay lens (204) are sequentially arranged in the optical extension sleeve assembly (108) at the intermediate position (2) of the endoscope from front to back; The optical axes of the first convex lens (307), the second convex lens (309), the first concave lens (310), the third convex lens (312), the first relay lens (201), the second relay lens (202), the third relay lens (203) and the fourth relay lens (204) are coaxially arranged.

9. The integrated thermal protection and contaminant purge function high-temperature-resistant optical endoscope of claim 8, wherein: The right-angle prism (304) is provided with a square groove, and the prism pad (303) and the right-angle prism (304) are installed in the square groove, and the inclined surface of the prism pad (303) is in contact with the inclined surface of the right-angle prism (304).

10. The integrated thermal protection and contaminant purge function high temperature resistant optical endoscope of claim 8, wherein: The optical-mechanical assembly module comprises a prism pressing ring (305), a first lens top ring (308), a second lens top ring (311) and a plurality of lens pressing rings (205); The prism pressing ring (305) is installed in the mounting groove in the prism seat (302), the front end of the prism pressing ring (305) abuts against the right-angle prism (304), and the rear end of the prism pressing ring (305) abuts against the front end of the objective lens sleeve (313); The first lens top ring (308) is installed in the objective lens sleeve (313), the front end of the first lens top ring (308) abuts against the first convex lens (307), and the rear end of the first lens top ring (308) abuts against the second convex lens (309); The second lens top ring (311) is installed in the objective lens sleeve (313), the front end of the second lens top ring (311) abuts against the first concave lens (310), and the rear end of the second lens top ring (311) abuts against the third convex lens (312); The rear end of the third convex lens (312), the front and rear ends of the first relay lens (201), the front and rear ends of the second relay lens (202), the front and rear ends of the third relay lens (203) and the front and rear ends of the fourth relay lens (204) are provided with a lens pressing ring (205).

Images