An endoscope

Abstract

This invention belongs to the field of medical device technology and discloses an endoscope. The endoscope includes a serpentine joint, an instrument channel, and a camera core wire. A traction wire threading structure is provided on the serpentine joint for the traction wire to pass through. The wall thickness of the traction wire threading structure on the side facing the center of the serpentine joint is less than the wall thickness on the side away from the center of the serpentine joint. The instrument channel is disposed within the serpentine joint, forming a cavity. The axis of the instrument channel is parallel to the axis of the serpentine joint. This embodiment of the endoscope can increase the internal space of the serpentine joint while effectively reducing the outer diameter of the serpentine joint, allowing the endoscope to enter extremely narrow cavities at lesion sites, such as the digestive tract of pediatric patients or severely narrowed lesion areas. This provides opportunities for observation and treatment of these patients, increasing the product's market coverage and application scenarios.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical device technology, and more particularly to an endoscope. Background Technology

[0002] Medical endoscopes are key medical instruments widely used for examinations and minimally invasive surgeries in the body's natural cavities, such as the digestive and respiratory tracts. The serpentine segment at the end of the insertion section is typically composed of multiple articulated serpentine segments. The serpentine segment is used to carry wires or accommodate other functional components, and the bending of the serpentine segment is controlled by pulling on the operating wires that pass through the serpentine segments.

[0003] Snake-bone joints typically have wire grooves for the operating steel wires to pass through. Currently, the structural design of these wire grooves fails to optimize the limited internal space of the snake-bone joint, resulting in the inefficient use of valuable internal space and wasted space. Therefore, it is necessary to increase the outer diameter of the snake-bone joint to ensure that the internal structure can accommodate wires and functional components.

[0004] The excessively large outer diameter of the snake joint prevents the endoscope from entering extremely narrow cavities at the lesion site, such as the digestive tract of pediatric patients or severely narrowed lesion areas. This results in the loss of opportunities to observe and treat these patients, limiting the product's market coverage and application scenarios. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an endoscope that can improve the utilization rate of the internal space of the snake joint, effectively reduce the outer diameter of the snake joint, and increase the product's market coverage and application scenarios.

[0006] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] An endoscope is provided, comprising:

[0008] A snake-bone joint, wherein a traction wire threading structure is provided on the snake-bone joint, the traction wire threading structure is used for the traction wire to pass through, and the wall thickness of the side of the traction wire threading structure facing the center of the snake-bone joint is less than the wall thickness of the side of the traction wire threading structure away from the center of the snake-bone joint.

[0009] An instrument channel is disposed within the snake-bone joint, forming a cavity within the instrument channel, and the axis of the instrument channel is parallel to the axis of the snake-bone joint.

[0010] In some possible implementations, the thickness of the groove wall of the traction wire threading structure gradually decreases from the side away from the center of the snake joint to the side closer to the center of the snake joint.

[0011] In some possible implementations, the wall thickness of the traction wire threading structure on the side facing the center of the snake joint is less than or equal to half the wall thickness of the side of the traction wire threading structure away from the center of the snake joint.

[0012] In some possible implementations, there are two traction wire threading structures, which are located on opposite sides of the line connecting the center of the instrument channel and the center of the snake joint, and both traction wire threading structures are located on the same side of the center of the instrument channel.

[0013] In some possible implementations, the angle between the line connecting the centers of the two traction wire threading structures and the center of the snake joint is less than 180°.

[0014] In some possible implementations, the angle between the line connecting the center of the two traction wire threading structures and the center of the snake joint is greater than 100°.

[0015] In some possible implementations, the two traction wire threading structures are symmetrically arranged relative to the line connecting the center of the instrument channel and the center of the snake joint.

[0016] In some possible implementations, the snake joint portion bends toward the center of the snake joint to form the traction wire threading structure.

[0017] In some possible implementations, the inner wall of the snake-bone joint is connected to a wire loop, which forms the traction wire threading structure.

[0018] In some possible implementations, there are multiple snake joints, which are sequentially hinged along their axial direction.

[0019] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0020] This invention provides an endoscope. The endoscope includes a serpentine joint and an instrument channel. A traction wire threading structure is provided on the serpentine joint for the traction wire to pass through. The wall thickness of the traction wire threading structure on the side facing the center of the serpentine joint is less than the wall thickness on the side away from the center. By thinning the wall thickness on the side facing the center of the traction wire threading structure, the internal space of the serpentine joint can be increased. Simultaneously, the wall thickness on the side away from the center remains unchanged, ensuring that the traction wire threading structure has sufficient strength. The instrument channel is located within the serpentine joint, forming a cavity. The axis of the instrument channel is parallel to the axis of the serpentine joint. This design improves the utilization rate of the internal space of the serpentine joint and avoids space waste. The endoscope in this embodiment can increase the internal space of the snake joint while effectively reducing the outer diameter of the snake joint, allowing the endoscope to enter extremely narrow cavities at the lesion site, such as the digestive tract of pediatric patients or severely narrowed lesion areas, thus providing opportunities for observation and treatment of these patients, increasing the market coverage and application scenarios of the product. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the endoscope provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the endoscope provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0023] In the picture:

[0024] 1. Snake-bone joint; 11. Traction wire threading structure; 12. Steel wire loop; 2. Instrument channel; 21. Cavity; 3. Camera core wire; 4. Traction wire. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar components or components having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0026] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection or a detachable connection; a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; or the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0027] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature being directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0028] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0029] Example 1:

[0030] like Figure 1 As shown, the design of the traction wire threading structure 11 on the serpentine joint 1 of the medical endoscope fails to optimize the arrangement of the limited internal space of the serpentine joint 1. This results in a large amount of valuable internal space being inefficiently occupied, leading to space waste. It is necessary to increase the outer diameter of the serpentine joint 1 to ensure that the wires and functional components can be accommodated within it. However, an excessively large outer diameter of the serpentine joint 1 prevents the endoscope from entering extremely narrow cavities at lesion sites, such as the digestive tract of pediatric patients or severely narrowed lesion areas, thus losing the opportunity to observe and treat these patients and limiting the product's market coverage and application scenarios. Therefore, this embodiment designs an endoscope that can improve the utilization rate of the internal space of the serpentine joint 1, effectively reduce the outer diameter of the serpentine joint 1, and expand the product's market coverage and application scenarios.

[0031] The endoscope provided in this embodiment includes a serpentine joint 1 and an instrument channel 2. A traction wire threading structure 11 is provided on the serpentine joint 1 for the traction wire 4 to pass through. The wall thickness of the traction wire threading structure 11 on the side facing the center of the serpentine joint 1 is less than the wall thickness on the side away from the center of the serpentine joint 1. By thinning the wall thickness of the traction wire threading structure 11 on the side facing the center of the serpentine joint 1, the internal space of the serpentine joint 1 can be increased. At the same time, the wall thickness of the traction wire threading structure 11 on the side away from the center of the serpentine joint 1 remains unchanged, ensuring that the traction wire threading structure 11 has a certain strength. The instrument channel 2 is disposed within the serpentine joint 1, forming a cavity 21. The axis of the instrument channel 2 is parallel to the axis of the serpentine joint 1. This arrangement can improve the utilization rate of the internal space of the serpentine joint 1 and avoid space waste.

[0032] Specifically, the endoscope also includes a camera core wire 3, which is disposed within the serpentine joint 1 and extends axially along the serpentine joint 1. The outer diameter of the camera core wire 3 is smaller than the outer diameter of the instrument channel 2. Both the instrument channel 2 and the camera core wire 3 are fitted to the inner wall of the serpentine joint 1, and the axes of the instrument channel 2, the serpentine joint 1, and the camera core wire 3 are in the same plane, further improving the utilization rate of the internal space of the serpentine joint 1. The traction wire 4 can be a steel wire.

[0033] The endoscope in this embodiment can increase the internal space of the snake joint 1 while effectively reducing the outer diameter of the snake joint 1, allowing the endoscope to enter extremely narrow cavities at the lesion site, such as the digestive tract of pediatric patients or severely narrowed lesion areas, thereby providing opportunities for observation and treatment of these patients and increasing the market coverage and application scenarios of the product.

[0034] Optionally, the snake joint 1 is bent toward the center of the snake joint 1 to form the traction wire threading structure 11. Specifically, an incision is made on the snake joint 1 by laser cutting, and the portions on both sides of the incision are bent toward the center of the snake joint 1. The bent snake joint 1 is connected by a pressing process to form the traction wire threading structure 11, through which the traction wire 4 passes.

[0035] Optionally, the wall thickness of the traction wire threading structure 11 gradually decreases from the side away from the center of the snake joint 1 to the side closer to the center of the snake joint 1. This can increase the internal space of the snake joint 1, avoid stress concentration, and improve the structural strength of the traction wire threading structure 11. Thus, without affecting the lifespan and bending state of the endoscope, the internal space occupancy rate of the snake joint 1 is increased, thereby reducing the working outer diameter of the endoscope.

[0036] Optionally, the wall thickness of the traction wire threading structure 11 on the side facing the center of the snake joint 1 is less than or equal to half the wall thickness of the side of the traction wire threading structure 11 away from the center of the snake joint 1, to avoid the traction wire threading structure 11 having too thin a groove wall on the side facing the center of the snake joint 1, which would reduce the strength of the traction wire threading structure 11. Specifically, the wall thickness of the traction wire threading structure 11 on the side facing the center of the snake joint 1 is X, and the wall thickness of the traction wire threading structure 11 on the side away from the center of the snake joint 1 is T. Wherein, X is greater than or equal to 0.5T, and X is less than T. X can be 0.6T, 0.7T, 0.8T, or 0.9T, etc., and this embodiment does not limit this.

[0037] Optionally, two traction wire threading structures 11 are provided, located on opposite sides of the line connecting the center of the instrument channel 2 and the center of the snake joint 1. Each traction wire threading structure 11 contains a traction wire 4, which facilitates control of the movement of the snake joint 1 through the two traction wires 4. The fact that both traction wire threading structures 11 are located on the same side of the center of the instrument channel 2 improves the utilization of the internal space of the snake joint 1. In other embodiments, multiple traction wire threading structures 11 may also be provided.

[0038] Optionally, the angle between the line connecting the center of the two traction wire threading structures 11 and the center of the snake joint 1 is less than 180°, which further improves the utilization rate of the internal space of the snake joint 1. This ensures that the instrument channel 2 with the largest outer diameter can be placed within the effective inner diameter range of the snake joint 1, and effectively avoids the instrument channel 2 being squeezed by the side wall of the traction wire threading structure 11, thus avoiding the restriction of the movement space of the components inside the snake joint 1 and improving the smoothness of the passage of the components inside the snake joint 1.

[0039] Specifically, since the outer diameter of the camera core wire 3 is smaller than the outer diameter of the instrument channel 2, both traction wire threading structures 11 are set on the side close to the camera core wire 3, so that a small installation space and a large installation space are formed inside the snake joint 1. The camera core wire 3 is located in the small installation space and the instrument channel 2 is located in the large installation space, making full use of the internal space of the snake joint 1, thereby reducing the outer diameter of the snake joint 1.

[0040] Optionally, the angle between the line connecting the center of the two traction wire threading structures 11 and the center of the snake joint 1 is greater than 100°, so that the small installation space has a certain size, ensuring that the camera core wire 3 can pass through the small installation space. Specifically, the angle between the line connecting the center of the two traction wire threading structures 11 and the center of the snake joint 1 can be 120°, 140°, 150° or 170°, etc., and this embodiment does not limit this.

[0041] Optionally, the two traction wire threading structures 11 are symmetrically arranged with respect to the line connecting the center of the instrument channel 2 and the center of the snake joint 1. Specifically, the two traction wire threading structures 11 are symmetrical at an angle N° on the axial cross-section of the snake joint 1, where N is less than 40°. In other embodiments, the two traction wire threading structures 11 can also be arranged asymmetrically, as long as the camera core wire 3 can pass through the small installation space and the instrument channel 2 can pass through the large installation space.

[0042] Optionally, multiple snake-bone joints 1 are provided, and the multiple snake-bone joints 1 are hinged sequentially along their axial direction to form a snake-bone segment.

[0043] Example 2:

[0044] like Figure 2As shown, the difference from Embodiment 1 is that in Embodiment 2, the inner wall of the snake joint 1 is connected to a wire loop 12, which forms a traction wire threading structure 11. Specifically, the wall thickness of the wire loop 12 on the side facing the center of the snake joint 1 is less than the wall thickness of the side facing away from the center of the snake joint 1. The wire loop 12 is welded to the inner wall of the snake joint 1.

[0045] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make other variations or modifications based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. An endoscope, characterized in that, include: Snake joint (1), the snake joint (1) is provided with a traction wire threading structure (11), the traction wire threading structure (11) is used for the traction wire (4) to pass through, the wall thickness of the traction wire threading structure (11) on the side facing the center of the snake joint (1) is less than the wall thickness of the traction wire threading structure (11) on the side away from the center of the snake joint (1). Instrument channel (2), the instrument channel (2) is disposed in the snake joint (1), a cavity (21) is formed in the instrument channel (2), and the axis of the instrument channel (2) is parallel to the axis of the snake joint (1); The wall thickness of the traction wire threading structure (11) gradually decreases from the side away from the center of the snake joint (1) to the side closer to the center of the snake joint (1), while the wall thickness of the side of the traction wire threading structure (11) away from the center of the snake joint (1) remains unchanged.

2. The endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that, The wall thickness of the traction wire threading structure (11) on the side facing the center of the snake joint (1) is greater than or equal to half the wall thickness of the side of the traction wire threading structure (11) away from the center of the snake joint (1).

3. The endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that, There are two traction wire threading structures (11). The two traction wire threading structures (11) are located on both sides of the line connecting the center of the instrument channel (2) and the center of the snake bone joint (1). The two traction wire threading structures (11) are located on the same side of the center of the instrument channel (2).

4. The endoscope according to claim 3, characterized in that, The angle between the line connecting the center of the two traction wire threading structures (11) and the center of the snake bone joint (1) is less than 180°.

5. The endoscope according to claim 4, characterized in that, The angle between the line connecting the center of the two traction wire threading structures (11) and the center of the snake joint (1) is greater than 100°.

6. The endoscope according to claim 3, characterized in that, The two traction wire threading structures (11) are symmetrically arranged with respect to the line connecting the center of the instrument channel (2) and the center of the snake joint (1).

7. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The snake joint (1) portion bends toward the center of the snake joint (1) to form the traction wire threading structure (11).

8. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The inner wall of the snake joint (1) is connected to a wire loop (12), which forms the traction wire threading structure (11).

9. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The snake-bone joint (1) is provided in multiple ways, and the multiple snake-bone joints (1) are hinged sequentially along their axial direction.

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