Endoscope suitable for autoclaving at high temperature and high pressure

Abstract

The present application relates to a kind of endoscope suitable for high temperature high pressure sterilization, comprising: handle, for holding to operate endoscope;Scope pole, for enter sex observation use, scope pole is sealedly connected with handle and jointly forms internal cavity, internal cavity is used to accommodate electronic component;The side of internal cavity is provided with channel with outside communication, channel is equipped with valve device, valve device is used to control gas flow direction as the one-way flow of internal cavity to outside, when the gas pressure of internal cavity is higher than the gas pressure of outside, valve device allows the gas of internal cavity to flow to outside along channel, wherein the valve device includes sequentially spaced one-way valve and overflow piece along the direction of the one-way flow.The synergistic effect of both, in the process of high temperature high pressure sterilization, the valve device of the endoscope of the present application has the effect of double sealing, also can quickly discharge the high pressure gas of internal cavity to outside through channel, to guarantee the structural integrity and performance stability of endoscope.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of medical device technology for observing the inside of body cavities or tubes through visual inspection or photography in medical diagnosis or treatment, and specifically relates to an endoscope suitable for high temperature and high pressure sterilization. Background Technology

[0002] Endoscopes, as key equipment in modern medicine, are inserted into the body through natural cavities or minimally invasive surgical incisions, providing real-time, high-definition anatomical images and greatly assisting medical professionals in diagnosis, surgery, and treatment. Based on the number of uses, endoscopes can be divided into disposable endoscopes and reusable endoscopes. The latter must undergo strict sterilization before reuse, and their proper handling is a core aspect of medical infection control.

[0003] Since the promulgation of the "Technical Operation Specifications for Endoscope Cleaning and Disinfection" in 2004, my country has systematically established an operational framework for endoscope cleaning and disinfection. This specification requires medical institutions to establish specialized systems and zoning, clearly defining the handling procedures for flexible and rigid endoscopes. Subsequently, the standards have been continuously refined, such as the 2016 industry standard "Technical Specifications for Cleaning and Disinfection of Flexible Endoscopes" (WS 507-2016) and the 2023 group standard "Technical Specifications for Cleaning, Disinfection and Sterilization of Rigid Endoscopic Surgical Instruments" (T / GDNSA-001-2023), which together constitute the current rigorous technical basis system.

[0004] According to the Spalding classification principle, instruments that come into contact with sterile tissue / blood (such as laparoscopes and arthroscopes) must be sterilized; instruments that come into contact with mucous membranes (such as gastroscopes and colonoscopes) must achieve a high level of sterilization. Currently, the mainstream sterilization methods mainly include low-temperature sterilization technologies (such as low-temperature plasma sterilization, ethylene oxide sterilization, and peracetic acid low-temperature liquid sterilization) and high-temperature, high-pressure sterilization technologies (such as pressure steam sterilization). Among these, high-temperature, high-pressure sterilization has become the preferred method when the instrument material allows, due to its absolutely reliable sterilization efficacy, short processing cycle, and low operating cost.

[0005] However, rigid endoscopes can be divided into optical endoscopes and electronic endoscopes based on their imaging principles. The structural differences between the two directly determine their adaptability to sterilization methods. Rigid optical endoscopes use pure optical lenses or fiber optics to transmit images, without electronic components, and can usually withstand high-temperature and high-pressure sterilization. Rigid electronic endoscopes, on the other hand, integrate CCD / CMOS image sensors and circuitry at the front end. Their electronic components generally cannot withstand high-temperature and high-humidity environments, so they currently mainly rely on low-temperature sterilization technology for disinfection. This limitation makes the development of electronic endoscopes adaptable to high-temperature and high-pressure sterilization a critical challenge for the industry.

[0006] Using rigid electronic endoscopes for high-temperature and high-pressure sterilization mainly faces three interrelated technical challenges:

[0007] Sealing requirements: The mirror body must be absolutely sealed to prevent high-temperature and high-pressure steam from entering and damaging the internal precision electronic components.

[0008] Internal high-pressure gas release requirement: The air remaining inside the mirror may form a negative pressure due to the contraction of the air when it is cooled, or the encapsulated gas may expand when it is heated. If the pressure cannot be balanced, it may cause liquid absorption or structural damage to the mirror.

[0009] User operation complexity: Ideally, structural improvements should not significantly increase the steps and difficulty for clinical staff in pre-sterilization preparation or post-sterilization handling.

[0010] Crucially, a technical paradox exists between sealing and pressure release: pursuing absolute sealing hinders the necessary release of internal gases, while setting up pressure release channels may compromise the integrity of the seal and increase the risk of air ingress. Therefore, to overcome this bottleneck, it is imperative to innovate the structure of existing rigid electronic endoscopes and develop a reliable solution that can simultaneously address the challenges of sealing and pressure balance. This would enable them to adapt to efficient and economical high-temperature and high-pressure sterilization processes, meeting the diverse needs of clinical practice. Summary of the Invention

[0011] To address the challenges of high-temperature and high-pressure sterilization of rigid electronic endoscopes in existing technologies, this invention provides an endoscope suitable for high-temperature and high-pressure sterilization, which not only simplifies operation but also effectively solves the problems of endoscope body sealing and high-pressure gas release.

[0012] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0013] Endoscopes suitable for high-temperature and high-pressure sterilization include:

[0014] A handle for gripping and operating the endoscope;

[0015] The telescope rod is used for in-depth observation. The telescope rod and the handle are sealed together and together form an internal cavity for accommodating electronic components.

[0016] One side of the internal cavity is provided with a channel communicating with the outside of the endoscope. A valve device is provided on the channel. The valve device is located in the internal cavity and is used to control the gas flow direction to be unidirectional flow from the internal cavity to the outside.

[0017] When the gas pressure in the internal cavity is higher than the external gas pressure, the valve device allows the gas in the internal cavity to flow to the outside along the channel; wherein, the valve device includes a one-way valve and an overflow element arranged sequentially at intervals along the unidirectional flow direction.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0019] This invention is suitable for endoscopes subjected to high-temperature and high-pressure sterilization. Because the valve device is located on the channel and within the internal cavity of the endoscope, it is an integral, non-removable structure after assembly. Users do not need to perform additional steps before high-temperature and high-pressure sterilization, significantly simplifying the process and avoiding the risk of human error or omission. Furthermore, the valve device includes a one-way valve and an overflow component. Through their coordinated operation, a double-sealing effect is achieved, effectively ensuring excellent airtightness and watertightness of the endoscope during cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization. This fundamentally prevents external cleaning liquids and high-temperature, high-pressure steam from intruding into the internal cavity, thereby protecting precision electronic components from corrosion and short-circuit damage. Moreover, during high-temperature and high-pressure sterilization, when the high-pressure gas pressure generated inside the endoscope exceeds the external gas pressure, the valve device can automatically and quickly discharge the excess gas from the internal cavity. This active pressure relief mechanism avoids shell deformation or internal structural damage caused by internal pressure accumulation, ensuring the structural integrity and performance stability of the endoscope. Furthermore, this design allows the endoscope to be fully compatible with pre-vacuum sterilization processes. During the vacuuming phase, the gas inside the endoscope's cavity can be expelled, thus maintaining a near-vacuum low-pressure state inside throughout the entire high-temperature, high-pressure sterilization process. This further reduces the thermal expansion effect, thereby better protecting the delicate internal electronic components. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the appearance of a handheld endoscope.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a handheld endoscope suitable for high-temperature and high-pressure sterilization, as shown in the embodiment.

[0022] Figure 3 for Figure 2 An exploded view of the handheld endoscope shown.

[0023] Figure 4 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the rear end of the handheld endoscope shown.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the end-cap support in an embodiment of a handheld endoscope;

[0025] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a one-way valve in an embodiment of a handheld endoscope;

[0026] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the overflow component in an embodiment of a handheld endoscope;

[0027] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a handheld endoscope suitable for high-temperature and high-pressure sterilization, as shown in the embodiment.

[0028] Figure 9 To be Figure 8 The channel at the end of the endoscope is magnified in part to show the one-way valve opening state and the gas flow direction.

[0029] Figure 10 for Figure 8 Exploded view of the handheld endoscope shown;

[0030] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the end-cap support in an embodiment of a handheld endoscope;

[0031] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the rear end cap of the handle housing in an embodiment of a handheld endoscope;

[0032] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the connecting bracket in an embodiment of a handheld endoscope, viewed from one angle.

[0033] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the connecting bracket in an embodiment of a handheld endoscope from another perspective.

[0034] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the front housing of the handle shell in an embodiment of a handheld endoscope;

[0035] Figure 16 This is a process diagram for high-temperature and high-pressure sterilization; in the diagram, the horizontal X axis represents time, the vertical Y axis represents temperature (solid line) or saturated vapor pressure (dashed line), a represents the heating stage, b represents the sterilization stage, and c represents the cooling stage. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0037] Endoscopes include handheld endoscopes used in general laparoscopic surgery, and robotic endoscopes used in conjunction with surgical robot systems. Handheld endoscopes and robotic endoscopes have the same or similar structures, and the same or similar structures will be referred to in the same figures and described uniformly.

[0038] Electronic endoscopes can be seen Figure 1 (For example, a handheld endoscope) typically includes a handle 1 for operating the endoscope, with a telescope rod 2 connected to the front end of the handle 1. The front end of the telescope rod 2 has an image acquisition window 101 and an illumination window 102, wherein an optical glass is mounted on the image acquisition window 101. The telescope rod 2 houses an image sensor assembly (not shown) and an imaging lens assembly (not shown). The handle 1 houses electronic components such as a control circuit board 10, as well as a light source line 9 for electrical connection (see...). Figure 2The endoscope includes a light source line 9 and a signal transmission line (not shown). The light source line 9 and the signal transmission line are typically led out from the rear end of the handle 1 for connection to an external endoscope processing system (not shown). In some embodiments, the endoscope's stem 2 has a certain rigidity so that the stem 2 will not bend when it enters the abdominal cavity for observation.

[0039] Electronic endoscopes require sterilization after each use for future applications. Common sterilization methods include low-temperature plasma sterilization and high-temperature, high-pressure sterilization. Before sterilization, the electronic endoscope needs to be immersed in a cleaning solution for washing. During washing, it is necessary to prevent the cleaning solution from flowing back into the endoscope's interior. High-temperature, high-pressure sterilization typically involves three stages: heating, sterilization, and cooling. The temperature and pressure changes inside and outside the electronic endoscope are complex.

[0040] To address the aforementioned issues, existing solutions for electronic endoscopes have significant drawbacks: First, some products employ a completely sealed structure to maintain the endoscope's airtightness, thus preventing the release of internal high-pressure gas. This poses a risk of damage to internal precision electronic components and even endoscope rupture due to the high-pressure gas. Second, another type of product requires the installation of external sealing components (such as a cap) before immersion cleaning to maintain the endoscope's watertightness, and the installation of an external, detachable one-way valve before high-temperature autoclaving to release internal high-pressure gas. Even with the external one-way valve used to release high-pressure gas from the endoscope's internal cavity to regulate pressure, maintaining the endoscope's airtightness during pressure adjustment remains a challenge. Furthermore, in actual cleaning and sterilization processes, this additional step of installing external sealing components or detachable one-way valves not only increases the complexity of endoscope cleaning and sterilization operations but also introduces a significant risk of endoscope damage due to omissions in installation. Its operability and reliability are both insufficient.

[0041] This solution optimizes and improves the design to address the aforementioned issues, taking user convenience as the starting point. It designs an endoscope suitable for high-temperature and high-pressure sterilization, with a simple structure that does not require external sealing parts or detachable one-way valves. During the cleaning and sterilization process, it can ensure good airtightness and watertightness, and can also effectively and quickly adjust the internal pressure of the endoscope during high-temperature and high-pressure sterilization.

[0042] Please see details. Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 10This embodiment of an endoscope suitable for high-temperature and high-pressure sterilization includes: a handle 1 for gripping and operating the endoscope; and a stylus 2 for invasive observation. The stylus 2 and handle 1 are sealed together and form an internal cavity 3, which houses electronic components (such as an image sensor assembly, a control circuit board 10, etc.). A channel 5 communicating with the outside of the endoscope is provided on one side of the internal cavity 3. A valve device 6 is provided on the channel 5, located within the internal cavity 3. The valve device 6 controls the gas flow direction to be unidirectional, from the internal cavity 3 to the outside. When the gas pressure in the internal cavity 3 is higher than the external gas pressure, the valve device 6 allows the gas in the internal cavity 3 to flow outward along the channel 5. When the gas pressure in the internal cavity 3 is no longer higher than the external gas pressure, the valve device 6 automatically closes. When the valve device 6 is closed, the internal cavity 3 is completely sealed, with a sealing performance approaching IP68. The valve device 6 includes a one-way valve 61 and an overflow component 62 arranged sequentially at intervals along the unidirectional flow direction. Through the synergistic action of the one-way valve 61 and the overflow component 62, the endoscope achieves a double-sealing effect, maintaining good airtightness and watertightness. This valve device is located inside the endoscope and is fixed integrally with the channel; it cannot be disassembled during use and requires no additional external sealing parts, such as a cap. After use, it can be directly cleaned and sterilized, making the process convenient and quick, ensuring the cleanliness and performance of the endoscope.

[0043] In some embodiments, see Figure 2 and Figure 8 The mirror rod 2 is sealed and fixedly connected to the handle 1, forming the internal cavity 3. Optionally, the sealed and fixed connection can be a combination of a threaded connection and an elastic sealing ring, or it can be a welded connection; no specific limitation is made here.

[0044] The endoscope in this embodiment, during the high-temperature and high-pressure sterilization process, can be referred to... Figure 16 During the heating phase a, the gas inside the sterilization chamber begins to heat up. As the gas temperature rises, heat conduction causes a rapid increase in the temperature and pressure of the gas inside the endoscope, creating a pressure difference with the outside. In this embodiment, the endoscope is equipped with a channel 5 and a valve device 6 that allows only the gas in the internal cavity 3 to flow outwards through the channel 5. When the gas pressure in the internal cavity 3 is higher than the external gas pressure (e.g., higher than a set value), the valve device 6 is forced open by the high-pressure gas, quickly expelling the high-pressure gas from the internal cavity 3 through the channel 5 to the outside, effectively preventing damage to the endoscope's outer shell and internal precision electronic components. When the gas pressure in the internal cavity 3 is no longer higher than the external gas pressure, the valve device 6 automatically closes to prevent the intrusion of external gas, ensuring good airtightness of the endoscope.

[0045] See also Figure 16 During sterilization stage b, the temperature and pressure of the high-temperature steam in the sterilization chamber no longer increase and remain stable.

[0046] During cooling phase c, the temperature and pressure of the high-temperature steam in the sterilization chamber decrease over time. In both phases, if the gas pressure in the internal cavity 3 is higher than the external gas pressure, the valve device 6 will automatically open to further discharge gas; if the gas pressure in the internal cavity 3 is not higher than the external gas pressure, the valve device 6 will remain closed.

[0047] In order to remove air from the sterilization chamber and allow saturated steam to fully penetrate the outer surface of the endoscope for better sterilization, the sterilization chamber can be evacuated before the heating stage of high temperature and high pressure sterilization. The endoscope in this embodiment is still fully compatible with the pre-vacuum sterilization process.

[0048] For the endoscope in this embodiment, when the sterilization chamber is evacuated, if the gas pressure inside the endoscope's internal cavity 3 is higher than the external gas pressure, the valve device 6 will automatically open, allowing the air in the internal cavity 3 to be discharged through the channel 5, thus creating a near-vacuum state for the endoscope before high-temperature and high-pressure sterilization. During the subsequent heating stage, saturated steam enters the sterilization chamber, and the internal cavity 3 of the endoscope remains in a near-vacuum low-pressure state. The valve device 6 will remain closed, preventing external steam from entering the internal cavity 3 through the channel 5. Since a vacuum itself is a good insulator, it further weakens the thermal expansion effect, effectively preventing the external high-temperature saturated steam from transferring heat to the internal cavity 3 via thermal conduction, thereby better maintaining the working performance and lifespan of the internal precision electronic components. This improves the adaptability of the electronic endoscope to the high-temperature and high-pressure sterilization process, effectively ensuring the performance and lifespan of the electronic endoscope.

[0049] In this embodiment, the channel 5 can be located at any position on the handle 1 or the mirror rod 2, and can have any structural form, as long as it performs the above-mentioned functions. The specific structure of the valve device 6 will be further described later.

[0050] See also Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 8 and Figure 9In some embodiments, the handle 1 includes a handle housing 11, and the channel 5 includes a through hole 111 disposed on the handle housing 11. That is, the channel 5 may consist only of the through hole 111, or the through hole 111 may be a component of the channel 5, and the valve device 6 may be attached to the channel 5 in any possible form. For example, a one-way valve 61 and an overflow element 62 may be disposed in the internal cavity 3 and sequentially attached to the through hole 111 to achieve its one-way exhaust function. Preferably, the through hole is a circular hole with an inner diameter greater than or equal to 2 mm.

[0051] In some embodiments, see Figure 2 , Figure 5 , Figure 8 and Figure 11 The handle housing 11 is sealed with an end-sealing bracket 7, which is located in the internal cavity 3. The channel 5 includes an outer channel 71 disposed on the end-sealing bracket 7, which communicates with the through hole 111. The channel is formed by the aforementioned outer channel and through hole located on the two components respectively, and a valve device, such as an overflow component, can be installed using the structure of the two components.

[0052] In some embodiments, see Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 14 A connecting bracket 8 is fixedly connected to the other side of the end-sealing bracket 7 (e.g., the side away from the through hole 111). The channel 5 includes an inner channel 81 disposed on the connecting bracket 8, and the inner channel 81 communicates with the outer channel 71. Similarly, by forming the channel through the aforementioned inner channel, outer channel, and through hole located on the three components respectively, valve devices, such as check valves and overflow components, can be installed using the structure of the three components.

[0053] In some embodiments, see Figure 2 and Figure 8 The one-way valve 61 is positioned between the end-sealing bracket 7 and the connecting bracket 8 to block the inner channel 81; and / or the overflow component 62 is positioned between the end-sealing bracket 7 and the handle housing 11 to block the outer channel 71. This structural arrangement makes full use of the connection points of two adjacent components among the three parts, and the aforementioned one-way valve and overflow component can be easily fixed.

[0054] In some embodiments, see Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 8 , Figure 11 and Figure 12In some embodiments, to facilitate wire harness lead-out, the end-cap bracket 7 is also provided with a light source interface 73 and a signal transmission interface 74. The handle housing 11 is provided with a first hole 118 and a second hole 119 corresponding to the light source interface 73 and the signal transmission interface 74, respectively. The signal transmission interface 74 is sealed to the second hole 119. The light source connector 91 of the light source wire 9 passes through the light source interface 73 and the first hole 118 and is sealed to the first hole 118. The light source connector 91 is connected to an external light source end (not shown) (e.g., threaded connection) to realize the transmission of light. The signal connector (not shown) of the signal transmission wire is sealed to the signal transmission interface 74 (e.g., threaded connection) to realize signal transmission, thereby ensuring the sealing of the internal cavity. In some embodiments, the channel 5 is located between the light source interface 73 and the signal transmission interface 74. The overflow member 62, which is disposed outside the channel 5, has its outer end not exceeding the end face of the through hole 111. Therefore, when viewed from outside the endoscope, the external outlet of the through hole 111 can be clearly identified, while the outer end of the overflow member 62 is not exposed on the surface of the endoscope.

[0055] By setting the channel on one side of the handle and forming it through the aforementioned components, it is convenient to arrange the internal structure of the electronic endoscope, facilitates the layout and installation of various components, and makes the external outlet of the through hole clearly visible from the outside of the endoscope, maintaining the aesthetics of the electronic endoscope. It also facilitates the fixation of internal electronic components, such as the control circuit board, which can be fixedly connected to the connecting bracket.

[0056] Please see Figure 6 and Figure 9 In some embodiments, the one-way valve 61 includes a clamping part 611, a blocking part 612, and a connecting part 613 connecting the clamping part 611 and the blocking part 612, wherein the connecting part 613 is elastic. The clamping part 611 is clamped and fixed, and the movement of the blocking part 612 is achieved by the elasticity of the connecting part 613, thereby realizing the opening and closing of the one-way valve 61. The one-way valve designed in this way has a simple structure, is easy to assemble, and does not require other components to achieve its one-way opening and closing function.

[0057] In some embodiments, the clamping part 611, the sealing part 612, and the connecting part 613 are integrally formed elastic components, such as rubber components. By maintaining the overall elasticity of the one-way valve, the clamping and fixing of the clamping part and the sealing effect of the sealing part can be better guaranteed, and the manufacturing process can also be simplified.

[0058] In some embodiments, see Figure 5 , Figure 9 and Figure 11The end-sealing bracket 7 is also provided with a clearance groove 72 on the side near the connecting bracket 8. The clearance groove 72 communicates with the outer channel 71 and is used for the movement of the one-way valve 61. The clearance groove is designed to ensure the function of the one-way valve with a specific structure.

[0059] In some embodiments, see Figure 9 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 At least one of the connecting bracket 8 and the end-sealing bracket 7 is provided with a first groove 82 for accommodating the one-way valve 61; and / or at least one of the end-sealing bracket 7 and the handle housing 11 is provided with a second groove 120 for accommodating the overflow component. The first groove helps to initially position the one-way valve and ensure the clamping and fixing effect of the clamping part, while the second groove helps to initially position the overflow component.

[0060] In some embodiments, see Figure 6 , Figure 9 and Figure 13 The pressing part 611 can be an outer ring, the sealing part 612 can be a protrusion, such as a protrusion with a conical surface, and the connecting part 613 can be an elastic rib. The outer ring is sandwiched between the end-sealing bracket 7 and the connecting bracket 8. The middle part of the outer ring is connected to the protrusion through the elastic rib. The outer dimensions of the protrusion are larger than the outline dimensions of the orifice 811 of the inner channel 81, so that the protrusion abuts against the orifice 811 of the inner channel 81. The outer circumference of the protrusion is connected to the outer ring through several circumferentially spaced elastic ribs, and the gaps between the elastic ribs form a flow hole 614. By pressing and sealing the outer ring with the aforementioned one-way valve, the gas in the internal cavity can be effectively prevented from overflowing from the connection between the connecting bracket and the end-sealing bracket into the clearance groove, thereby ensuring the sealing of the internal cavity.

[0061] With the above settings, see Figure 6 , Figure 9 and Figure 13The one-way valve 61, through the pre-compression action of the end-sealing bracket 7 and the connecting bracket 8, causes the protrusion to block the opening 811 of the inner channel 81. When the gas pressure in the internal cavity 3 is higher than the external gas pressure and reaches a set value, the high-pressure gas inside compresses the protrusion toward the clearance groove 72. The protrusion causes the elastic rib to deform and generate elastic force. The high-pressure gas overcomes the elastic force of the elastic rib and causes the elastic rib to further deform elastically, causing the protrusion to detach from the opening 811 of the inner channel 81 and no longer block the inner channel 81. The gas in the internal cavity 3 is discharged to the outside through the flow hole 614, the clearance groove 72, the outer channel 71, and the through hole 111. After the gas pressure in the internal cavity 3 decreases, the elastic rib rebounds, causing the protrusion to reset and block the opening 811 of the inner channel 81 again. The one-way valve in this embodiment is low in cost, small in size, easy to process and install, and has good sealing performance.

[0062] In some embodiments, see Figure 6 and Figure 9 The outer ring, elastic rib, and protrusion of the one-way valve 61 are integrally molded rubber parts or elastic parts made of other materials. The end of the protrusion facing the inner channel 81 is conical. At least a portion of the conical protrusion extends into the inner channel 81, and the outer contour surface of the conical protrusion abuts against the orifice 811 of the inner channel 81, which can effectively block the inner channel and improve the sealing effect.

[0063] In some embodiments, see Figure 7 The overflow component 62 is an elastic component, such as a high-temperature resistant rubber component integrally molded, or other high-temperature resistant elastic materials integrally molded. The elasticity of the overflow component ensures its good overflow function.

[0064] In some embodiments, see Figure 7 The overflow component 62 includes a through overflow channel 623, the inner diameter or equivalent diameter of which is 0.001mm-1.000mm. Preferably, the inner diameter or equivalent diameter can be 0.005mm or 0.010mm. In some embodiments, the cross-section of the overflow channel can be circular, rectangular, triangular, or other irregular shapes. Limiting the inner diameter or equivalent diameter of the overflow channel to the aforementioned range ensures rapid venting when the overflow component is opened and maintains good airtightness and watertightness when closed.

[0065] When the gas pressure in the internal cavity 3 is higher than the external gas pressure, the high-pressure gas can force the overflow channel 623 open. When the gas pressure in the internal cavity is not higher than the external gas pressure, the overflow channel 623 will close due to its own elasticity, and the overflow channel 623 in the closed state is basically without gaps. Because the overflow component is closer to the outside, even if the external steam pressure is higher than the gas pressure in the internal cavity, it is difficult to force the overflow channel open from the outside and cause external steam to flow back into the internal cavity. In other words, the overflow component plays a crucial first-line anti-backflow role.

[0066] In some embodiments, see Figure 7 , Figure 9 and Figure 12 The overflow component 62 is sealed within the outer channel 71, and the overflow component 62 is cylindrical in shape. A guide hole 621 is provided on the overflow component 62, which communicates with the outer channel 71. The overflow channel 623 extends through the bottom wall of the guide hole 621. A clamping ring 622 is also provided on the side of the overflow component 62 facing the end-sealing bracket 7. An annular groove 624 is provided on the outer circumference of the clamping ring 622. The clamping ring 622 is placed within the second groove 120, and is pressed down by the handle housing 11 and the end-sealing bracket 7. After the clamping ring 622 is compressed, it effectively prevents gas in the internal cavity from overflowing from the connection between the end-sealing bracket and the handle housing into the through hole. The annular groove design facilitates the compression installation of the clamping ring.

[0067] In some embodiments, during manufacturing, a plurality of needle-punched micro-holes can be formed on the bottom wall of the guide hole 621 by needle punching. The diameter of the micro-holes is very small, so as to serve as an overflow channel 623. Of course, other methods can also be used to form the overflow channel.

[0068] The above setup ensures a secure connection and fixation of the overflow component, guaranteeing optimal performance. The guide hole positioned near the outer channel facilitates one-way opening of the overflow channel for venting, while the overflow channel's location near the exterior of the endoscope provides a good first-level backflow prevention seal.

[0069] In some embodiments, see Figure 2 and Figure 8 The handle 1 includes a handle housing 11, and the telescope 2 includes a telescope housing 22 and a telescope base 21. The telescope housing 22 and the telescope base 21 are sealed together (e.g., by welding or by fixing with a sealing ring). The telescope housing 22, the telescope base 21, and the handle housing 11 together form the internal cavity 3. The telescope base 21 is sealed to one end of the handle housing 11, and the other end of the handle housing 11 is sealed to an end-sealing bracket 7.

[0070] To prevent damage to the endoscope housing caused by the high-temperature and high-pressure steam in the sterilization chamber (such as crushing damage caused by high pressure or material failure caused by high temperature), the exposed handle housing 11, the endoscope shaft housing 22, and the endoscope shaft base 21 are all made of high-strength metal materials, such as stainless steel, aluminum alloy, titanium alloy, nickel-based alloy, cobalt-based alloy, iron-based alloy, etc.; high-strength non-metallic materials, such as engineering plastics, epoxy resin, polyamide, polyetheretherketone, etc., can also be used.

[0071] During use, the endoscope handle 1 is held, and static electricity may be generated by the user. If the endoscope housing (such as the handle housing, shaft housing, and shaft mount) is made of a metal material with good conductivity, high-voltage static charge can be transferred to the patient's body through the handle 1 and shaft 2, potentially causing electric shock. It may also interfere with or damage precision electronic components such as the high-precision image sensor assembly inside the distal end of the shaft 2. To avoid these problems, an insulating element 4 can be provided between the shaft mount 21 and the handle housing 11 to ensure an insulated connection between the shaft and the handle.

[0072] As previously described, handheld and machine-held endoscopes share similar or identical structures. The following section will further elaborate on the differences in their structures.

[0073] In some embodiments, see Figures 2 to 4 The handle housing 11 of the handheld endoscope is a one-piece molded cylindrical shell, including an open front port 116 and a rear end plate 115. In some embodiments, the cross-section of the cylindrical shell can be circular or non-circular.

[0074] In some embodiments, see Figure 2 and Figure 3 The insulating component 4 includes an insulating outer ring 46 and an insulating inner support 47 installed inside the insulating outer ring 46. The insulating outer ring 46 is fitted inside the front port 116 of the handle housing 11. A first sealing ring 461 is sandwiched between the insulating outer ring 46 and the lens mount 21, and a second sealing ring 462 is sandwiched between the handle housing 11 and the insulating outer ring 46. Fasteners (such as screws) pass through the insulating inner support 47 from back to front and connect to and tighten the lens mount 21.

[0075] In some embodiments, during assembly, see Figure 2 and Figure 3The overflow component 62, end-sealing bracket 7, one-way valve 61, connecting bracket 8, insulating outer ring 46, and insulating inner bracket 47 with lens rod 2 are sequentially placed into the handle housing 11 from front to back. The rear end of the end-sealing bracket 7 abuts against the rear sealing plate 115 of the handle housing 11 to press the overflow component 62. The rear end of the connecting bracket 8 abuts against the end-sealing bracket 7 and is fixedly connected by fasteners to press the one-way valve 61. The front end of the connecting bracket 8 abuts against the insulating inner bracket 47 and is fixedly connected by fasteners. The insulating outer ring 46 is sleeved inside the front port 116 of the handle housing 11, and the insulating inner bracket 47 with lens rod 2 is sleeved inside the insulating outer ring 46. The insulating component 4 and the rear sealing plate 115 restrict the intermediate components in the front-back direction. The rear sealing plate 115 is axially fixed by the external light source end and / or the signal connector of the signal transmission line. Non-restrictive, the connection between the connecting bracket 8 and the insulating inner bracket 47 and the end-sealing bracket 7 can also be performed before the insulating inner bracket 47 is connected to the mirror rod seat 21.

[0076] Handheld endoscope, see Figure 8 , Figure 10 , Figure 12 and Figure 15 The handle housing 11 includes a front housing 110 with a cylindrical structure and a rear cover 114. The front housing 110 includes a front sealing plate 112 and an open rear port 117. A circular hole 113 is provided through the front sealing plate 112. The rear port 117 is fitted with a rear cover 114 for sealing.

[0077] In some embodiments, see Figure 8 , Figure 10 and Figure 15 The insulating component 4 is an integral plate-shaped component. A third sealing ring 411 is sandwiched between the insulating component 4 and the mirror rod seat 21, and a fourth sealing ring 412 is sandwiched between the insulating component 4 and the front sealing plate 112. Fasteners (such as screws) pass through the insulating component 4 from front to back and connect and tighten the mirror rod seat 21. The rear end cover 114 is sealed and connected to the rear port 117.

[0078] In some embodiments, during assembly, see Figure 8 , Figure 10 and Figure 15The insulating component 4 with lens rod 2, connecting bracket 8, one-way valve 61, end seal bracket 7, and overflow component 62 are sequentially placed into the front housing 110 from back to front, and then the rear end cover 114 is placed on top. The lens rod 2 extends out of the circular hole 113 of the front sealing plate 112 of the front housing 110. The front end of the connecting bracket 8 abuts against the insulating component 4 and is fixedly connected by fasteners. The rear end of the connecting bracket 8 abuts against the end seal bracket 7 and is fixedly connected by fasteners to press the one-way valve 61. The rear end of the end seal bracket 7 abuts against the rear end cover 114 to press the overflow component 62. The insulating component 4 and the rear end cover 114 restrict the intermediate components in the front-rear direction. The rear end cover 114 is axially fixed by an external light source end and / or a signal connector of a signal transmission line.

[0079] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention, and all such modifications or substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. Endoscopes suitable for high-temperature and high-pressure sterilization, including: A handle for gripping and operating the endoscope; The telescope rod is used for in-depth observation. The telescope rod and the handle are sealed together and together form an internal cavity for accommodating electronic components. The feature is that: a channel communicating with the outside of the endoscope is provided on one side of the internal cavity, a valve device is provided on the channel, the valve device is located in the internal cavity, and the valve device is used to control the gas in the internal cavity to flow unidirectionally to the outside; When the gas pressure in the internal cavity is higher than the external gas pressure, the valve device allows the gas in the internal cavity to flow to the outside along the channel; wherein, the valve device includes a one-way valve and an overflow component arranged sequentially at intervals along the unidirectional flow direction, and through the synergistic action of the one-way valve and the overflow component, the endoscope has a double sealing effect; The one-way valve includes a pressing part, a sealing part, and a connecting part connecting the pressing part and the sealing part, the connecting part being elastic; the overflow element includes a through overflow channel, the cross-sectional inner diameter or equivalent diameter of the overflow channel being in the range of 0.001mm-1.000mm.

2. The endoscope suitable for high-temperature and high-pressure sterilization according to claim 1, characterized in that: The handle includes a handle housing, and the channel includes a through hole disposed on the handle housing.

3. The endoscope suitable for high-temperature and high-pressure sterilization according to claim 2, characterized in that: The handle housing is sealed with an end-sealing bracket, which is located in the internal cavity. The channel includes an outer channel disposed on the end-sealing bracket, which communicates with the through hole.

4. The endoscope suitable for high-temperature and high-pressure sterilization according to claim 3, characterized in that: The end-sealing bracket is fixedly connected to a connecting bracket, and the channel includes an inner channel disposed on the connecting bracket, the inner channel communicating with the outer channel.

5. The endoscope suitable for high-temperature and high-pressure sterilization according to claim 1, characterized in that: The handle includes a handle housing, the internal cavity is provided with an end-sealing bracket and a connecting bracket, the one-way valve is placed between the end-sealing bracket and the connecting bracket; and / or the overflow component is placed between the end-sealing bracket and the handle housing.

6. The endoscope suitable for high-temperature and high-pressure sterilization according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pressing part, sealing part, and connecting part are integrally formed elastic components.

7. The endoscope suitable for high-temperature and high-pressure sterilization according to claim 4, characterized in that: The end-sealing bracket is also provided with a clearance groove on the side near the connecting bracket. The clearance groove is connected to the outer channel and is used for the movement of the one-way valve.

8. The endoscope suitable for high-temperature and high-pressure sterilization according to claim 5, characterized in that: At least one of the connecting bracket and the end-sealing bracket is provided with a first groove for accommodating a one-way valve; and / or at least one of the end-sealing bracket and the handle housing is provided with a second groove for accommodating an overflow component.

9. The endoscope suitable for high-temperature and high-pressure sterilization according to claim 4, characterized in that: The one-way valve includes a sealing part, which is a protrusion. The outer dimensions of the protrusion are larger than the outline dimensions of the orifice of the inner channel.

10. The endoscope suitable for high-temperature and high-pressure sterilization according to claim 1, characterized in that: The overflow component is an elastic component.

11. The endoscope suitable for high-temperature and high-pressure sterilization according to claim 1, characterized in that: The overflow component is also provided with a guide hole, and the overflow channel is formed through the bottom wall of the guide hole.

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