Bent tube, insertion portion, and endoscope

Abstract

The application discloses a curved tube, an insertion part and an endoscope, and relates to the technical field of medical devices. The curved tube comprises a first tube structure and a plurality of segment tubes. The first tube structure is used for accommodating an elongated structural member. The plurality of segment tubes are arranged at the first tube structure in a spaced manner along the extension direction of the first tube structure, and two adjacent segment tubes can rotate relative to each other with the first tube structure therebetween as support to realize the bending of the curved tube. The first tube structure penetrates each segment tube in turn. The curved tube structure is beneficial to reducing the radial size of the curved tube by sharing the first tube structure with the pivoting structure of the curved tube.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of medical devices, in particular to a curved tube, an insertion part and an endoscope. BACKGROUND

[0002] An endoscope is a medical device used to examine internal organs and tissues in the human body. It consists of a flexible tubular structure and a small camera that can be inserted into the body through natural openings such as the mouth, nose, esophagus, stomach, intestines, or incisions. Endoscopes are usually combined with a light source and image sensor, allowing doctors to clearly observe internal structures and make diagnoses and treatments.

[0003] In order to better diagnose and treat lesions in some narrow spaces in the body, it is necessary to make the insertion part of the endoscope smaller. SUMMARY

[0004] The present application discloses a curved tube, an insertion part and an endoscope to solve the technical problem of the large size of the insertion part in the prior art.

[0005] To solve the above problems, the present application adopts the following technical solutions:

[0006] Some embodiments of the present application provide a curved tube. The endoscope includes an elongated structure and an insertion part. The elongated structure extends along the insertion part and is disposed in the insertion part. The curved tube is used for the insertion part. The curved tube includes a first tube structure and a plurality of segment tubes. The first tube structure is used to accommodate the elongated structure. The plurality of segment tubes are arranged in the first tube structure along the extension direction of the first tube structure, and the adjacent two segment tubes can rotate relative to each other with the first tube structure therebetween as support to realize the bending of the curved tube. The first tube structure sequentially penetrates each segment tube.

[0007] Some schemes of the present application also provide an insertion part. The insertion part includes an elongated structure and a curved tube according to some embodiments of the present application. The elongated structure is disposed in the first tube structure.

[0008] Some schemes of the present application also provide an endoscope. The endoscope includes the insertion part according to the present application.

[0009] The technical solutions adopted by the present application can achieve the following beneficial effects:

[0010] In the curved pipe provided by the present application, each segment pipe can be connected by the first pipe structure, and the support between the two adjacent segment pipes can be provided by the first pipe structure and / or the elongated structural member located in the first pipe structure, so that the two adjacent segment pipes can be relatively rotated by the deformation of the first pipe structure and / or the elongated structural member, and then the bending of the curved pipe is realized. In this embodiment, the first pipe structure containing the elongated structural member is used as the connection between the two adjacent segment pipes, which can be used not only for containing the elongated structural member of the insertion part, but also for providing the pivot shaft for the deflection between the segment pipes, so that one structure has two purposes, which is beneficial to simplify the structure of the curved pipe and save the radial space of the curved pipe. Therefore, in the case that the curved pipe is used for the insertion part, it is beneficial to reduce the radial size of the insertion part. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0011] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application or the prior art, the drawings needed to be used in the embodiments or the prior art description will be briefly introduced. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present application, and other drawings can be obtained by those skilled in the art without creative labor.

[0012] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the insertion part provided by some embodiments of the present application Figure 1 ;

[0013] Figure 2 is an enlarged schematic diagram of A in Figure 1 ;

[0014] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the cross section of the insertion part provided by some embodiments of the present application Figure 1 ;

[0015] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the cross section of the segment pipe provided by some embodiments of the present application Figure 1 ;

[0016] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the cross section of the insertion part provided by some embodiments of the present application Figure 2 ;

[0017] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the cross section of the segment pipe provided by some embodiments of the present application Figure 2 ;

[0018] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the cross section of the insertion part provided by some embodiments of the present application Figure 3 ;

[0019] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the cross section of the segment pipe provided by some embodiments of the present application Figure 3 ;

[0020] Figure 9 is a schematic view of an insertion part provided by some embodiments of the present application Figure 2 ;

[0021] Figure 10 is an enlarged schematic view at B in Figure 9

[0022] Figure 11 is a schematic view of an endoscope provided by some embodiments of the present application.

[0023] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 10-elongated structural member; 20-insertion part; 21-bent tube; 22-front end seat; 23-electrical element; 24-second tube structure; 25-insertion tube; 26-skin; 30-pulling rope; 40-sleeve; 50-handle; 100-first tube structure; 200-segmented tube; 210-tube wall; 201-mounting groove; 202-mounting hole; 300-connection part. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] In order to make the objects, technical solutions and advantages of the present application clearer, the technical solutions of the present application will be described in detail below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some of the embodiments of the present application, but not all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative work fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0025] The terms "first", "second", and the like in the specification and claims of the present application are used to distinguish similar objects, and are not used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that the data used in this way can be interchanged under appropriate circumstances, so that the embodiments of the present application can be implemented in an order other than those illustrated or described herein, and the objects distinguished by "first", "second", etc. are usually a class, and are not limited to the number of objects, for example, the first object can be one or more. In addition, "and / or" in the specification and claims means at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / ", generally indicates that the front and rear associated objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0026] In the embodiments of the present application, "proximal end" and "distal end" refer to the relative position of the endoscope and its accessories to the user along the extension direction of the endoscope and its accessories in the use environment, wherein the end closer to the user is designated as the "proximal end", and the end farther away from the user is designated as the "distal end".

[0027] The embodiments of the present application will be described in detail below in combination with the accompanying drawings Figures 1 to 11 The bent tube, the insertion part and the endoscope provided by the embodiments of the present application will be described in detail through specific embodiments and application scenarios. ​

[0028] Referring to Figure 11 Some embodiments of the present application provide an endoscope. Exemplarily, the endoscope comprises a handle 50 and an insertion portion 20 connected with the handle 50. The handle 50 is a basic structural member which can provide mounting basis for other components and also provide a holding position for an operator. The insertion portion 20 is an elongated member. Specifically, the insertion portion 20 can be used to enter a cavity. Exemplarily, the insertion portion 20 is provided with a light source and a camera module at an end away from the handle 50, so that the insertion portion 20 can acquire image information in the cavity. Exemplarily, the cavity can be, but is not limited to, a natural cavity, an artificial cavity of a human body, an animal body or a production device.

[0029] The present application provides a curved tube. Exemplarily, as shown in Figure 1 , the curved tube 21 can be used in an endoscope insertion portion 20.

[0030] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the curved tube 21 comprises a first tube structure 100 and a plurality of segment tubes 200. The plurality of segment tubes 200 are arranged along the extension direction of the first tube structure 100 and are spaced apart from each other on the first tube structure 100. Exemplarily, the extension direction of the first tube structure 100 is the direction shown in F of Figure 1 . Referring to Figure 2 , two adjacent segment tubes 200 can rotate relative to each other with the first tube structure 100 therebetween to realize the bending of the curved tube 21. The first tube structure 100 sequentially penetrates each segment tube 200. Exemplarily, the extension direction of the first tube structure 100 sequentially penetrates each segment tube 200.

[0031] In the above scheme, the first tube structure 100 can provide a pivot axis for the deflection between the segment tubes 200, and also form a space for accommodating other components, realizing two purposes with one structure, thereby benefiting the simplification of the structure of the curved tube 21. In the case where the curved tube 21 is used in the insertion portion 20, it is beneficial to reduce the radial size of the insertion portion 20.

[0032] In some embodiments, the curved tube 21 is used for an insertion portion 20 of an endoscope. The endoscope further comprises an elongated structure 10. Exemplarily, the elongated structure 10 extends along and is disposed within the insertion portion 20. A first tube structure 100 can be used to accommodate the elongated structure 10. In this way, the first tube structure 100 can not only constrain and accommodate the elongated structure 10 to avoid the elongated structure 10 being pressed or entangled with other components, but also can use the elongated structure 10 to provide support for the first tube structure 100, and further can use the structural strength of the elongated structure 10 to improve the reliability of the pivot positions of two adjacent segment tubes 200 in the curved tube 21. In addition, the first tube structure 100 forms a pivot structure between the segment tubes 200, which can make the elongated structure 10 always in the same plane as the rotation axis of the pivot structure, thereby beneficially reducing the deformation amount of the elongated structure 10.

[0033] In some embodiments, the elongated structure 10 is part of the endoscope structure. Considering that the elongated structure 10 can provide support for the first tube structure 100, in the process of manufacturing the curved tube 21 of the endoscope, the thickness of the tube wall of the first tube structure 100 can be appropriately reduced according to the strength of the elongated structure 10 to save the radial space of the curved tube 21. Exemplarily, the greater the strength of the elongated structure 10, the smaller the thickness of the tube wall of the corresponding first tube structure 100 can be. Wherein, the strength of the elongated structure 10 in the present embodiment refers to the ability of the elongated structure 10 to resist plastic deformation or fracture under external force.

[0034] In some embodiments, the elongated structure 10 can be, but is not limited to, a cable, a medium delivery tube, an optical fiber provided in the endoscope, or an operating instrument integrated in the endoscope. Wherein, the operating instrument in the present embodiment can be, but is not limited to, a stone basket, a laser optical fiber, a lasso structure, a biopsy forceps, a puncture needle, etc.

[0035] Referring to Figure 2 In some embodiments, the first tube structure 100 comprises a spiral tube. Specifically, the first tube structure 100 can be a spiral tube. Exemplarily, the spiral tube can be, but is not limited to, a spring tube. The first tube structure 100 provided as a spiral tube is beneficial to reduce the bending resistance of the curved tube 21. In some embodiments, the first tube structure 100 further comprises a cylindrical structure covering the spiral tube structure to improve the sealing performance of the first tube structure 100.

[0036] In some embodiments, the first tube structure 100 comprises at least one of a metal spiral tube and / or a metal braided tube. In this way, the first tube structure 100 is beneficial to reduce the interference of external electromagnetic fields with the elongated structure 10 in the first tube structure 100. In the case that the elongated structure 10 itself generates electromagnetic signals, the interference of the electromagnetic signals generated by the elongated structure 10 with other electrical structures in the environment can also be reduced.

[0037] In some embodiments, the first tube structure 100 can also be a tube structure wrapped outside the elongated structural member 10. That is, the first tube structure 100 is an outer structure of the elongated structural member 10. For example, the first tube structure 100 is an insulation layer wrapped outside a cable core. For another example, the elongated structural member 10 is a stone extraction basket, and the first tube structure 100 can be a tube structure wrapped outside the stone extraction basket.

[0038] Referring to Figures 3 to 8 , at least a portion of the first tube structure 100 is embedded in the tube wall 210 of the segment tube 200, and the first tube structure 100 axially penetrates the segment tube 200. In this embodiment, the first tube structure 100 can share at least a portion of the space in the radial direction with the tube wall 210 of the segment tube 200, thereby benefiting the reduction of the size of the curved tube 21. For example, referring to Figure 4 and Figure 6 , the outer peripheral wall or the inner side wall of the segment tube 200 is provided with a mounting groove 201. Referring to Figure 3 and Figure 7 , the first tube structure 100 is embedded in the mounting groove 201.

[0039] Referring to Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the mounting groove 201 is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the segment tube 200, and the first tube structure 100 does not protrude from the outer peripheral wall of the segment tube 200. This embodiment is beneficial to maintain the external shape of the curved tube 21. For example, the first tube structure 100 is tangent to the outer peripheral wall of the segment tube 200.

[0040] Referring to Figure 7 and Figure 8 , in some embodiments, the mounting groove 201 penetrates the outer peripheral wall of the segment tube 200 in the radial direction of the segment tube 200. This embodiment can further achieve the sharing of the space in the radial direction between the first tube structure 100 and the tube wall 210 of the segment tube 200, thereby benefiting the reduction of the radial size of the curved tube 21. In addition, in the process of bending the curved tube 21, the groove width of the mounting groove 201 can better adapt to the deformation of the first tube structure 100 to increase or decrease, thereby benefiting the reduction of the stress on the first tube structure 100.

[0041] Referring to Figures 3 to 8 , in some embodiments, the first tube structure 100 is in contact with the inner wall of the mounting groove 201. The groove width of the mounting groove 201 is smaller than the diameter of the first tube structure 100. For example, the groove width of the mounting groove 201 is the width D1 shown in Figure 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 8 . In this embodiment, the first tube structure 100 can be radially limited by the groove wall of the mounting groove 201, thereby benefiting the reliability of the assembly of the first tube structure 100 and the segment tube 200.

[0042] In some further solutions, as shown in Figure 4 and Figure 6 , the mounting groove 201 is recessed along the radial direction of the segment pipe 200 from the outer wall or the inner wall of the segment pipe 200. That is, the groove depth direction of the mounting groove 201 is the radial direction of the segment pipe 200. Specifically, the groove depth direction of the mounting groove 201 is the direction shown by D2 in Figure 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 8 . In this embodiment, the groove wall of the mounting groove 201 can be supported on both sides of the first pipe structure 100 in the bending direction of the curved pipe 21, so that the segment pipe 200 can provide support for the first pipe structure 100 during the bending of the curved pipe 21.

[0043] In addition, in some embodiments, the structure forming the groove wall of the mounting groove 201 of the segment pipe 200 can be deformed in a direction away from each other under the action of the first pipe structure 100 during the bending of the curved pipe 21. This is beneficial to disperse the bending deformation of the first pipe structure 100 along the extension direction of the first pipe structure 100, and is beneficial to avoid excessive local bending curvature of the first pipe structure 100.

[0044] In some embodiments, the segment pipe 200 can be formed by injection molding. For example, the segment pipe 200 is injection molded on the first pipe structure 100. Specifically, the first pipe structure 100 can be pre-embedded in the injection mold, so that the first pipe structure 100 can be connected to each segment pipe 200 by injection molding. For example, the injection molded part at least partially wraps around the outer periphery of the first pipe structure 100.

[0045] In addition, in the case of a spiral pipe, at least part of the injection molded segment pipe 200 can be embedded in the groove formed on the outer surface of the spiral pipe, so that the first pipe structure 100 and the segment pipe 200 are more reliable, which is beneficial to improve the reliability of the curved pipe 21.

[0046] In some embodiments, the segment pipe 200 and the first pipe structure 100 are welded and / or bonded. The welding here can be a bonding or hot melt connection between non-metal structures, or between non-metal structures and metal structures, or a welding between metal structures. Specifically, the mounting groove 201 can be prepared in advance on the segment pipe 200, and then the first pipe structure 100 is assembled into the mounting groove 201. Finally, the segment pipe 200 and the first pipe structure 100 are fixed by welding or bonding process.

[0047] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2The curved tube 21 further comprises a connecting portion 300. The connecting portion 300 is arranged between two adjacent segment tubes 200 and connects the two adjacent segment tubes 200. For example, the connecting portion 300 can be a pivot structure. For example, the pivot structure adopted by the connecting portion 300 can be, but is not limited to, a riveting structure of a riveted curved tube, a ring buckle structure of a metal tube through laser cutting, or a pivot structure connected through a variable structure.

[0048] With reference to Figure 2 The connecting portion 300 can be an integral structure with the segment tube 200. Specifically, the connecting portion 300 is bent and deformed by reducing the cross section of the connecting portion 300, and then the two adjacent segment tubes 200 are supported and bent relative to the connecting portion 300.

[0049] With reference to Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some embodiments, the connecting portion 300 is located on the two sides of the segment tube 200 opposite to the first tube structure 100. The two adjacent segment tubes 200 are supported and rotated relative to each other by the first tube structure 100 and the connecting portion 300 therebetween to realize the bending of the insertion portion 20.

[0050] In some embodiments, the curved tube 21 comprises two first tube structures 100 arranged on the two opposite sides of the segment tube 200 to form a pivot structure between the two adjacent segment tubes 200 through the two first tube structures 100.

[0051] With reference to Figure 9 and Figure 10 The endoscope further comprises a traction rope 30. The traction rope 30 is used to drive the bending of the curved tube 21. The segment tube 200 is further provided with a mounting hole 202 for mounting the traction rope 30 for driving the bending of the curved tube 21. The mounting hole 202 is arranged on at least one side of the first radial direction of the segment tube 200 along the axial direction of the segment tube 200, and the first tube structure 100 is arranged on one side of the second radial direction of the segment tube 200, and the first radial direction intersects the second radial direction.

[0052] In some embodiments, the mounting hole 202 is arranged to be offset towards the side close to the first pipe structure 100. In this embodiment, the force applied by the traction rope 30 on the segment pipe 200 can be distributed to the side of the pivot structure formed by the first pipe structure 100. This is beneficial to reduce the force on the side of the connecting portion 300. Therefore, during the preparation of the curved pipe 21, the distance by which the mounting hole 202 is offset towards the side close to the first pipe structure 100 can be adjusted according to the strength of the elongated structural member 10. For example, the greater the strength of the elongated structural member 10, the greater the distance by which the mounting hole 202 is offset towards the side close to the first pipe structure 100. Since the mounting hole 202 is arranged to be offset towards the side close to the first pipe structure 100, the force on the side of the connecting portion 300 can be reduced. Therefore, during the preparation, the radial dimension of the connecting portion 300 can be reduced, which is beneficial to reduce the radial dimension of the curved pipe 21.

[0053] It should be noted that the driving structure for driving the curved pipe 21 to bend by pulling the traction rope 30 can adopt the related structure in the prior art. Therefore, the principle and the driving structure for driving the curved pipe 21 to bend by pulling the traction rope 30 will not be described in this embodiment.

[0054] On the other hand, some embodiments of the present application also disclose an insertion portion 20. The insertion portion 20 can be used in an endoscope. The insertion portion 20 comprises the curved pipe 21 described in the present application. The insertion portion 20 has the same structure as the curved pipe 21 and can achieve the same or similar technical effects as the curved pipe 21 described in the present application.

[0055] In some embodiments, the insertion portion 20 further comprises the elongated structural member 10. For example, the elongated structural member 10 is arranged in the first pipe structure 100. In this way, the shape characteristics and the spatial position of the elongated structural member 10 can be constrained by the first pipe structure 100, which is beneficial to prevent the elongated structural member 10 from being squeezed or entangled with other components. In addition, the arrangement of the elongated structural member 10 in the first pipe structure 100 can make the elongated structural member 10 closer to the axis of relative rotation of two adjacent segment pipes 200. Therefore, this structure is beneficial to reduce the deformation of the elongated structural member 10 during the bending of the curved pipe 21, so as to achieve the purpose of protecting the elongated structural member 10.

[0056] In some embodiments, the elongated structural member 10 has a small strength and is easy to be damaged. The first pipe structure 100 is arranged in a clearance fit with the elongated structural member 10. In this way, the force on the elongated structural member 10 can be effectively reduced during the bending of the curved pipe 21, so as to achieve the purpose of protecting the elongated structural member 10.

[0057] In some embodiments, the elongated structure 10 has a large strength and can withstand a sufficient axial force. The first tube structure 100 is attached to the outer peripheral wall of the elongated structure 10. The structure is beneficial for the first tube structure 100 to transmit the force to the elongated structure 10 during the bending of the bending tube 21, and is further beneficial for reducing the stress of the elongated structure 10. Therefore, the scheme is beneficial for thinning the wall thickness of the first tube structure 100 and reducing the radial size of the insertion portion 20. For example, the elongated structure 10 is an operating instrument integrated in the insertion portion 20 of the endoscope. Since the operating instrument generally has a large strength, it can provide sufficient support force for the two adjacent segment tubes 200. Therefore, the two adjacent segment tubes 200 can be supported by the operating instrument in the first tube structure 100 to rotate relative to each other to achieve the bending of the bending tube 21.

[0058] The insertion portion 20 further includes a front end seat 22 and an electrical element 23 arranged on the front end seat 22. The front end seat 22 is connected to the segment tube 200 at the distal end of the bending tube 21. The electrical element 23 is at least partially axially opposite to the distal end of the first tube structure 100. The electrical element 23 is connected to the elongated structure 10, and the elongated structure 10 can transmit energy and / or fluid medium to the electrical element 23. For example, the electrical element 23 includes at least one of a nozzle, a temperature sensor, and a pressure sensor. The first tube structure 100 is at least partially opposite to the electrical element 23, which is beneficial for reducing the radial space occupied by the electrical element 23 and the elongated structure 10.

[0059] Referring to Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 7 , in some embodiments, the insertion portion 20 further includes a second tube structure 24. The second tube structure 24 extends through the segment tubes 200 along the extension direction of the insertion portion 20. The distal end of the second tube structure 24 extends through the distal end surface of the front end seat 22, and the second tube structure 24 is arranged radially along the segment tubes 200 with the first tube structure 100. In this embodiment, the electrical element 23 is at least partially axially opposite to the distal end of the first tube structure 100, which is beneficial for reducing or eliminating the bending curvature of the second tube structure 24 in the insertion portion 20, and thus can improve the passability of the second tube structure 24. It should be noted that the passability of the second tube structure 24 refers to the resistance of the medium passing through the second tube structure 24. The smaller the resistance of the medium passing through the second tube structure 24, the better the passability.

[0060] Referring to Figure 9 and Figure 10 , in some embodiments, the electrical element 23 includes a camera module. In this embodiment, Figure 9 and Figure 10 the dashed portion schematically shows the structure of the electrical element 23 and the elongated structure 10 inside the front end seat 22. The elongated structure 10 includes power lines and / or signal lines.

[0061] In some embodiments, the curved tube 21 comprises two first tube structures 100, which are arranged on two opposite sides of the segment tube 200. The elongated structure 10 comprises power lines and signal lines, and the two first tube structures 100 accommodate the power lines and the signal lines respectively. This embodiment is beneficial to prevent the power lines from interfering with the signal lines, and is beneficial to reduce the noise of signal transmission.

[0062] In some embodiments, the first tube structure 100 and the elongated structure 10 can be two parts of a functional device. For example, the first tube structure 100 and the elongated structure 10 are combined to form a cable. In some embodiments, the first tube structure 100 and the elongated structure 10 can also be combined to form an operating instrument.

[0063] In some embodiments, the electrical element 23 comprises at least one of a nozzle, a temperature sensor, a light source, and a pressure sensor.

[0064] Referring to Figure 9 In some embodiments, the insertion portion 20 further comprises an insertion tube 25. The distal end of the insertion tube 25 is connected to the proximal end of the curved tube 21. During the process of inserting the insertion portion 20 into the cavity, the insertion tube 25 can be bent and deformed to adapt to the shape of the cavity.

[0065] Referring to Figure 9 The insertion portion 20 further comprises a sleeve 40. For example, the sleeve 40 is arranged along the extension direction of the insertion tube 25 and is used to accommodate the traction rope 30. Optionally, the sleeve 40 is in sliding fit with the traction rope 30, and the distal end of the sleeve 40 is fixedly arranged opposite to the proximal end of the curved tube 21. Specifically, the traction rope 30 can be pulled to slide along the sleeve 40 and pull the curved tube 21 to bend.

[0066] Some embodiments of the present application also provide an endoscope. The endoscope has the same structure as the insertion portion 20 disclosed in at least one embodiment of the present application, and can achieve the same or similar technical effects. Here, the same will not be described in detail.

[0067] Referring to Figure 11 In some embodiments, the endoscope further comprises a handle 50. For example, the handle 50 is a basic structural member and can provide a mounting base for other components. For example, the handle 50 is connected to the proximal end of the insertion portion 20, and the insertion portion 20 is provided with a traction mechanism that can drive the curved tube 21 to bend. In this way, the operator can hold the handle 50 and operate the structure on the handle 50 to drive the curved tube 21 to bend.

[0068] It should be noted that, in the present document, the terms "comprising", "comprises" or any other variant thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but can also include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element preceded by "comprises a" does not, without more constraints, foreclose the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the recited element. Also, it is to be noted that the scope of the methods and apparatus of this application are not limited by the order of the steps or the sequence for performing the steps, as some steps can occur in different order or concurrently, and some steps can be skipped or added, such as described in alternative examples. Also, features described in relation to certain examples can be combined in other examples.

[0069] The above description is only specific embodiments of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto, and any person skilled in the art can easily think of changes or replacements within the technical range disclosed by the present application, which should be covered by the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A curved pipe, characterized in that, The endoscope includes an elongated structural member (10) and an insertion part (20). The elongated structural member (10) extends along the insertion part (20) and is disposed within the insertion part (20). The elongated structural member (10) is a cable. A curved tube (21) can be used in the insertion part (20). The curved tube (21) includes a first tube structure (100) and multiple segment tubes (200). The first tube structure (100) can be used to accommodate the elongated structural member (10). Multiple segment tubes (200) are fixedly disposed at intervals along the extension direction of the first tube structure (100) on the first tube structure (100). Two adjacent segment tubes (200) can rotate relative to each other with the first tube structure (100) between them as a support, so as to realize the bending of the curved tube (21). A first tube structure (100) passes through each segment tube (200) in sequence.

2. The bent pipe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first tube structure (100) includes at least one of a metal spiral tube and / or a metal braided tube; And / or, at least a portion of the first tube structure (100) is embedded in the tube wall (210) of the segment tube (200), and the first tube structure (100) extends through the segment tube (200) axially. And / or, the segmental tube (200) is injection molded onto the first tube structure (100); Alternatively, the segmental tube (200) may be welded and fixed to the first tube structure (100); And / or, the bent tube (21) further includes a connecting part (300), which is disposed between two adjacent segment tubes (200) and connects the two adjacent segment tubes (200). The connecting part (300) and the first tube structure (100) are located on opposite sides of the segment tubes (200) in the radial direction. The two connected segment tubes (200) can rotate relative to each other with the first tube structure (100) and the connecting part (300) as supports, so as to realize the bending of the insertion part (20).

3. The bent pipe according to claim 2, characterized in that, The segment tube (200) has an installation groove (201) on its outer peripheral wall or inner side wall. The first tube structure (100) is embedded in the installation groove (201). When the installation groove (201) is located on the outer peripheral wall of the segment tube (200), the first tube structure (100) does not protrude from the outer peripheral wall of the segment tube (200).

4. The bent pipe according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first tube structure (100) is fitted to the inner wall of the mounting groove (201), and the width of the mounting groove (201) is smaller than the diameter of the first tube structure (100).

5. The bent pipe according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The endoscope also includes a traction rope (30) for driving the bending tube (21) to bend. The segment tube (200) is also provided with a mounting hole (202) for mounting the traction rope (30) for driving the bending tube (21) to bend. The mounting hole (202) is provided on at least one side of the first radial direction of the segment tube (200) along the axial direction of the segment tube (200). The first tube structure (100) is provided on one side of the second radial direction of the segment tube (200). The first radial direction intersects the second radial direction. And / or, the curved tube (21) includes two first tube structures (100) disposed on opposite sides of the segment tube (200).

6. An insertion part, characterized in that, The insertion portion includes an elongated structural member (10) and a curved tube as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the elongated structural member (10) is disposed within the first tube structure (100).

7. The insertion portion according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first tube structure (100) is clearance-fitted with the elongated structural member (10); Alternatively, the first tube structure (100) is attached to the outer peripheral wall of the elongated structural member (10).

8. The insertion portion according to claim 6, characterized in that, The insertion part (20) further includes a front end seat (22) and an electrical component (23) disposed on the front end seat (22). The front end seat (22) is connected to the segment tube (200) at the distal end of the curved tube (21). The electrical component (23) is axially opposite to at least a portion of the distal end of the first tube structure (100). The electrical component (23) is connected to the elongated structural member (10), and the elongated structural member (10) can transmit energy to the electrical component (23).

9. The insertion portion according to claim 8, characterized in that, The insertion part (20) further includes a second tube structure (24), which extends through the segment tube (200) along the extension direction of the insertion part (20). The distal end of the second tube structure (24) extends through the distal end face of the front end seat (22), and the second tube structure (24) and the first tube structure (100) are arranged along the segment tube (200). And / or, the electrical component (23) includes a camera module, and the elongated structural member (10) includes power lines and / or signal lines; Alternatively, the electrical component (23) may include at least one of a light source, a temperature sensor, and a pressure sensor.

10. An endoscope, characterized in that, Includes the insertion portion as described in any one of claims 5 to 9.

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