Industrial endoscope

Abstract

The industrial endoscope comprises an operating handle, an imaging optical fiber bundle and a flexible base tube, and the imaging optical fiber bundle is arranged in the flexible base tube in a penetrating mode; the traction guide assembly comprises a plurality of partition units distributed at intervals in the axial direction of the flexible base pipe, and each partition unit comprises a tubular body fixedly arranged on the outer wall of the flexible base pipe in a sleeving mode and a traction channel; the far ends of the four traction wires are fixed to the head end of the flexible base tube, and the near ends of the four traction wires are connected to an operation handle. According to the four-way guide mechanism, a snake bone structure formed by matching a rivet and a pin shaft is omitted, the thin-wall pipe is directly used for bonding, the outer diameter of the four-way guide mechanism is successfully controlled within 0.96 mm, the outer diameter of the effective use part even can reach 0.91 mm-0. 95 mm, deflection in the upper direction, the lower direction, the left direction and the right direction is achieved, the deflection angle can reach 45 degrees or above, and the view field of a superfine endoscope is greatly expanded; and by utilizing the self-lubricating characteristic of the polyimide material and the special design of the bevel protection tube, the traction wire moves smoothly, and the hand feeling is smooth.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of industrial and medical endoscopy technology, specifically to an industrial endoscope. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of precision manufacturing industries (such as the inspection of film pores in aero-engine blades) and minimally invasive medical technologies, the demand for ultra-fine endoscopes is becoming increasingly urgent. In many application scenarios, the insertion aperture is less than 1.0 mm and the internal structure is complex, requiring the endoscope not only to "get in" but also to "see everything" inside. This requires the endoscope to have flexible guiding function (i.e., the ability to control the probe to bend up, down, left, and right).

[0003] However, existing endoscopic guidance technologies mainly rely on "snake" structures. Traditional snake structures are usually composed of multiple metal links connected by rivets or pins, or they use laser-cut metal tube structures.

[0004] Size Limitations: Traditional riveted serpentine joints are limited by processing technology and mechanical strength, making it difficult to achieve a diameter of less than 1.0 mm. Even with laser cutting technology, when the diameter is less than 1 mm, the remaining connecting beams are too thin and are prone to metal fatigue fracture during repeated bending.

[0005] Complex structure: In an extremely small space (e.g., 0.9mm in diameter), it is necessary to accommodate imaging optical fibers, illumination optical fibers, and arrange four traction steel wires. Traditional independent guide tube designs would lead to insufficient space and cause the outer diameter to exceed the standard.

[0006] Current technological gap: Most ultra-fine endoscopes with a diameter of less than 1mm on the market are non-guided "flexible endoscopes" or simple endoscopes with only a single bending direction, which cannot achieve precise control in all directions (four-way head swing).

[0007] Therefore, how to design a structure that can achieve a four-way deflection angle of more than 45 degrees while ensuring that the outer diameter is less than 1 mm (or even less than 0.96 mm) and has sufficient durability and stability is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved by those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide an industrial endoscope that adopts the design concept of "differential control line snake bone" and uses a combination of flexible base tube and segmented partitions to break through the size limitations of traditional mechanical snake bone.

[0009] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: An industrial endoscope includes an operating handle, an imaging fiber bundle, and a flexible base tube. The flexible base tube is an elastic tubular component that serves as the main skeleton of the endoscope, and the imaging fiber bundle passes through the interior of the flexible base tube. The traction guide assembly includes a plurality of partition units spaced apart along the axial direction of the flexible base tube. Each partition unit includes a tubular body fixedly sleeved on the outer wall of the flexible base tube, and a traction channel disposed between the tubular body and the flexible base tube. Four traction wires pass through the traction channel and are distributed at 90-degree intervals around the circumference of the flexible base tube; the distal end of each traction wire is fixed to the head end of the flexible base tube, and the proximal end is connected to the operating handle. An outer covering layer is fitted over the outside of the traction guide assembly; A head end fixing sleeve is provided at the head end of the flexible base tube. The ends of the four traction wires are sealed between the head end fixing sleeve and the tube wall of the flexible base tube by adhesive, and the ends of the traction wires are not exposed. By pulling the traction wires in any direction, the flexible base tube is forced to produce a slight bend at the gap between the adjacent partition units, which then accumulates to form a macroscopic deflection.

[0010] Preferably, the maximum outer diameter of the partition unit is no greater than 0.96 mm.

[0011] Preferably, the flexible base tube is a nickel-titanium alloy tube with shape memory function, which uses its superelasticity and memory properties as a rebound support. Its outer diameter is 0.60mm-0.70mm and its wall thickness is 0.02mm-0.04mm. It can automatically return to a straight state after the traction force is removed.

[0012] Preferably, the traction channel includes a thin-diameter protective tube disposed inside the tubular body and glued along the axial direction; the inner diameter of the thin-diameter protective tube is larger than the diameter of the traction wire; the two ends of the thin-diameter protective tube are cut into bevels, and the included angle of the bevels is preferably 45 degrees, so as to reduce the frictional resistance of the traction wire when bending.

[0013] Preferably, the partition units are arranged with varying spacing along the axial direction of the flexible base tube: in the non-bending area near the handle, the spacing between adjacent partition units is a first distance; in the bendable area near the head end, the spacing between adjacent partition units gradually increases to a second and a third distance; the first distance is 2 mm, the second distance is 4 mm-5 mm, and the third distance is 8 mm. In the root area where significant bending is not required or high rigidity is needed, the partition spacing is smaller (e.g., 2 mm); in the head end area where significant bending is required, the partition spacing gradually increases (e.g., 4 mm, 5 mm, 8 mm), thereby optimizing the bending curvature and avoiding base tube breakage. Each partition unit consists of a polyimide tube (joint sleeve) and an embedded thin-diameter sheath. The traction wire passes through the thin-diameter sheath, which protects the traction wire from getting stuck. By bonding these partition units axially at intervals on the flexible base tube, the traction wire forms a "chord" between the partition units. When the traction wire is pulled, a tiny bending moment (micro-string effect) is generated on the exposed base tube section that is not covered by the partition. The accumulation of multiple tiny bends ultimately achieves a large-angle deflection at the head end.

[0014] Preferably, the four traction wires are distributed in four directions: up, down, left, and right; the tubular body includes a first directional partition and a second directional partition; the first directional partition is used to fix the traction channels in the left and right directions, and the second directional partition is used to fix the traction channels in the up and down directions; the first directional partition and the second directional partition are alternately arranged on the flexible base tube, and adjacent sets of partitions are fixed by adhesive.

[0015] Preferably, the outer covering layer includes a metal mesh layer; the metal mesh layer is woven from stainless steel flat wires, the flat wires being approximately 0.012 mm thick and approximately 0.063 mm wide; the proximal end of the metal mesh layer is welded to a spring tube for providing tension cushioning at the operating handle.

[0016] Preferably, the traction wire is a tungsten alloy steel wire with a diameter of 0.07 mm.

[0017] Preferably, the tubular body of the partition unit is made of polyimide material. The thin tube made of polyimide material allows the traction wire to slide on the tubular body with very little friction, thus having lubricating properties. Its inner diameter is about 0.8 mm, and its wall thickness is extremely thin to meet the limitation that the total outer diameter of the endoscope is less than 1 mm.

[0018] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: 1. Extreme miniaturization: By eliminating the serpentine structure of rivets and pins, and directly using thin-walled tubing for bonding, the outer diameter is successfully controlled within 0.96mm, and the effective outer diameter can even reach 0.91mm-0.95mm.

[0019] 2. Four-way flexible control: It can deflect in four directions: up, down, left, and right, with deflection angles all exceeding 45 degrees, greatly expanding the field of view of the ultra-thin endoscope.

[0020] 3. Low friction design: Utilizing the self-lubricating properties of polyimide material and a special beveled tube design, the traction wire moves smoothly and feels effortless. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an industrial endoscope provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the traction guide assembly in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural rendering of the traction guide component in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection relationship between the outer covering layer and the traction guide assembly in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional rendering of the connection relationship between the outer covering layer and the traction guide assembly in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 yes Figure 4 Enlarged view of section A.

[0023] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Flexible base tube; 2. Tubular body; 3. Traction wire; 4. Metal mesh layer; 5. Small diameter protective tube; 6. Spring tube; 7. Operating handle. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0025] Example 1, such as Figures 1 to 6As shown, an industrial endoscope includes an operating handle 7, an imaging fiber bundle, and a flexible base tube 1, which is an elastic tubular component serving as the main skeleton of the endoscope. The imaging fiber bundle passes through the interior of the flexible base tube 1. The flexible base tube 1 is a nickel-titanium alloy tube with shape memory function, with an outer diameter of 0.60mm-0.70mm and a wall thickness of 0.02mm-0.04mm. The traction guide assembly includes multiple partition units spaced apart along the axial direction of the flexible base tube 1. The maximum outer diameter of the partition unit is no more than 0.96 mm. Each partition unit includes a tubular body 2 fixedly sleeved on the outer wall of the flexible base tube 1, and a traction channel disposed between the tubular body 2 and the flexible base tube 1. The tubular body 2 is made of polyimide material with an inner diameter of about 0.8 mm. Polyimide has extremely high insulation strength and wear resistance, and the tube wall is extremely thin, making it suitable for miniaturization. The partition units are arranged with varying spacing along the axial direction of the flexible base tube 1: in the non-bending area near the handle, the spacing between adjacent partition units is the first distance; in the bendable area near the head end, the spacing between adjacent partition units gradually increases to the second and third distances; the first distance is 2mm, the second distance is 4mm-5mm, and the third distance is 8mm. As the spacing increases, the length of the flexible base tube exposed between the two rigid partitions increases. When the traction wire is tightened, the longer spacing section is more likely to generate a larger bending chord height. This progressive spacing design (differential design) makes the bending curve of the endoscope smoother and the stress distribution more reasonable, avoiding root breakage and achieving the requirement that the length of the deflection part be controlled within 200mm. The traction channel includes a thin-diameter protective tube 5 installed inside the tubular body 2 and glued axially. The inner diameter of the thin-diameter protective tube 5 is larger than the diameter of the traction wire 3. Both ends of the thin-diameter protective tube 5 are cut into bevels, with the included angle of the bevels preferably being 45 degrees. The thin-diameter protective tube 5 is a polyimide tube with an inner diameter of 0.12 mm and a length of 14 mm. Its key feature is the 45° bevel cut at both ends, giving it a parallelogram shape. This design prevents the steel wire from scratching the tube opening when bending, ensuring smooth movement.

[0026] Four traction wires 3 pass through the traction channel and are distributed at 90-degree intervals around the circumference of the flexible base tube 1; the distal ends of the four traction wires 3 are fixed to the head end of the flexible base tube 1, and the proximal ends are connected to the operating handle. Specifically, the traction wire 3 is a tungsten alloy steel wire with a diameter of 0.07 mm. The four traction wires 3 are distributed in four directions: up, down, left, and right. Tungsten wire has a high modulus, small tensile deformation under stress, and precise control. The tubular body 2 includes a first directional partition and a second directional partition. The first directional partition is used to fix the traction channels in the left and right directions, and the second directional partition is used to fix the traction channels in the up and down directions. The first directional partition and the second directional partition are arranged alternately on the flexible base tube 1. The outer covering layer, fitted over the traction guide assembly, includes a metal mesh layer 4. The metal mesh layer 4 is woven from stainless steel flat wires with a thickness of approximately 0.012 mm and a width of approximately 0.063 mm. The metal mesh layer 4, made of 0.012 mm * 0.063 mm stainless steel flat wires, is fitted on the outermost layer to protect the internal structure and prevent wear. The proximal end of the metal mesh layer 4 is welded to a spring tube 8 to provide tension cushioning at the operating handle. This design allows the metal mesh to have a certain axial stretching allowance when the endoscope is bent, preventing the mesh from breaking or wrinkling.

[0027] A head end fixing sleeve is provided at the head end of the flexible base tube 1, and the ends of the four traction wires 3 are sealed between the head end fixing sleeve and the tube wall of the flexible base tube 1 by adhesive, and the ends of the traction wires 3 are not exposed.

[0028] The present invention also provides a method for assembling the above-mentioned industrial endoscope, comprising the following steps: S1: Prefabricated component: Insert the traction wire into the narrow diameter sheath and place the narrow diameter sheath into the tubular body of the partition unit; S2: Pipe insertion and positioning: Insert the above components through the flexible base tube; S3: Segmented bonding: Adjust the position of the partition units sequentially from the near end to the far end, and use adhesive to bond and fix the partition units to the flexible base tube; among which, strictly control the spacing between adjacent partition units to form a predetermined bending gradient; S4: Head end curing: Fix the distal end of the traction wire to the front end of the flexible base tube; S5: Mesh Covering: Apply and secure a metal mesh layer; S6: Tension Adjustment: Introduce the near end of the traction wire into the handle, and eliminate the backlash of the traction wire by adjusting the tension adjustment screw until the force is uniform in all directions.

[0029] This invention breaks through traditional thinking. Instead of trying to shrink the complex mechanical hinges, it utilizes the material properties (superelasticity of nickel-titanium alloy, strength and lubricity of polyimide, and high modulus of tungsten wire) combined with geometric design (variable pitch differential chord length) to create a "soft skeleton" guiding system. This not only solves the problem that four-way guide mirrors cannot be manufactured below 1mm, but also greatly reduces production costs due to its simple structure, making it easy to mass-produce.

[0030] This "differential control line snake bone" structure also has scalability. By superimposing a new swing head device on the existing mechanism, it is theoretically possible to achieve multi-segment bending or more complex spatial motion trajectories (such as S-shaped bending), providing a new technical path for future ultra-miniature interventional medical devices.

[0031] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this invention without departing from its spirit and scope. Therefore, if these modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this invention and their equivalents, this invention also intends to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. An industrial endoscope, comprising an operating handle (7) and an imaging fiber bundle, characterized in that, Also includes: The flexible base tube (1) is an elastic tubular component that serves as the main skeleton of the endoscope, and the imaging fiber bundle passes through the interior of the flexible base tube (1). The traction guide assembly includes multiple partition units spaced apart along the axial direction of the flexible base tube (1). Each partition unit includes a tubular body (2) fixedly sleeved on the outer wall of the flexible base tube (1) and a traction channel disposed between the tubular body (2) and the flexible base tube (1). Four traction wires (3) pass through the traction channel respectively and are distributed at 90-degree intervals in the circumferential direction of the flexible base tube (1); the distal end of the traction wire (3) is fixed to the head end of the flexible base tube (1), and the proximal end is connected to the operating handle. An outer covering layer is fitted over the outside of the traction guide assembly; A head end fixing sleeve is provided at the head end of the flexible base tube (1), and the ends of the four traction wires (3) are sealed between the head end fixing sleeve and the tube wall of the flexible base tube (1) by adhesive, and the ends of the traction wires (3) are not exposed.

2. An industrial endoscope as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The maximum outer diameter of the partition unit is no greater than 0.96 mm.

3. An industrial endoscope as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The flexible base tube (1) is a nickel-titanium alloy tube with shape memory function, with an outer diameter of 0.60mm-0.70mm and a wall thickness of 0.02mm-0.04mm.

4. An industrial endoscope as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The traction channel includes a thin-diameter protective tube (5) that is disposed inside the tubular body (2) and glued along the axial direction; the inner diameter of the thin-diameter protective tube (5) is larger than the diameter of the traction wire (3); the two ends of the thin-diameter protective tube (5) are cut into bevels, and the included angle of the bevels is preferably 45 degrees.

5. An industrial endoscope as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The partition units are arranged with varying spacing along the axial direction of the flexible base tube (1): in the non-bending area near the handle, the spacing between adjacent partition units is a first distance; in the bendable area near the head end, the spacing between adjacent partition units gradually increases to a second distance and a third distance; the first distance is 2mm, the second distance is 4mm-5mm, and the third distance is 8mm.

6. An industrial endoscope as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The four traction wires (3) are distributed in four directions: up, down, left, and right; the tubular body (2) includes a first direction partition and a second direction partition; the first direction partition is used to fix the traction channels in the left and right directions, and the second direction partition is used to fix the traction channels in the up and down directions; the first direction partition and the second direction partition are arranged alternately on the flexible base tube (1).

7. An industrial endoscope as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The outer covering layer includes a metal mesh layer (4); the metal mesh layer (4) is woven from stainless steel flat wires, the thickness of which is about 0.012 mm and the width of which is about 0.063 mm; the proximal end of the metal mesh layer (4) is welded to a spring tube (6) for providing tension cushioning at the operating handle.

8. An industrial endoscope as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The traction wire (3) is a tungsten alloy steel wire with a diameter of 0.07 mm.

9. An industrial endoscope as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The tubular body (2) is made of polyimide material and has an inner diameter of about 0.8 mm.

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