Clamping mechanism and endoscope

Abstract

The invention discloses a clamping mechanism and an endoscope, and relates to the technical field of medical instruments. According to the technical scheme, the device is characterized by comprising a first moving seat, a second moving seat and a third moving seat which are arranged in a shell, the first elastic piece is arranged between the first moving seat and the shell; the second elastic piece is arranged between the first moving seat and the second moving seat; the third elastic piece is arranged between the second moving seat and the third moving seat; the near end of the driving outer tube is connected with the first moving seat, and the near end of the driving inner wire is connected with the second moving seat; under the action of the elastic force of the second elastic piece, the first moving seat and the second moving seat tend to be away from each other, so that the clamp assembly is in a closed state. The active closing function of the clamp assembly is achieved through the elastic force, the situation that the clamp assembly and the working channel of the endoscope are clamped can be avoided, damage is avoided, and safety is improved.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Chinese Patent CN120713443A discloses an endoscope with a built-in gripping mechanism, including an endoscope body and a gripping mechanism disposed within the endoscope body. The endoscope body includes an endoscope handle and an insertion tube connected to the endoscope handle, with an instrument channel disposed within the insertion tube. The gripping mechanism includes a clamp assembly, a drive outer tube, and a drive inner wire, with the distal ends of the drive outer tube and the drive inner wire respectively connected to the clamp assembly. The gripping mechanism also includes a gripping mechanism housing disposed within the endoscope handle, and a first movable seat and a second movable seat disposed within the gripping mechanism housing. The proximal end of the drive outer tube is connected to the first movable seat, and the proximal end of the drive inner wire is connected to the second movable seat. The drive outer tube extends into the instrument channel. When the second movable seat is fixed relative to the gripping mechanism housing, the first movable seat moves relative to the gripping mechanism housing toward the distal end to control the clamp assembly to perform a gripping action.

[0003] However, in the aforementioned patent, the clamp assembly achieves closure by binding the instrument channel, which may result in the clamp assembly and the instrument channel getting stuck. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the shortcomings of the existing technology, one of the objectives of the present invention is to provide a clamping mechanism that achieves the active closing function of the clamping assembly through elastic force, which can prevent the clamping assembly from getting stuck between the working channel of the endoscope, avoid damage, and improve safety.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: A clamping mechanism includes a clamping assembly, a drive outer tube, a drive inner wire, and a housing, wherein the distal ends of the drive outer tube and the drive inner wire are respectively connected to the clamping assembly. It also includes a first movable seat, a second movable seat, and a third movable seat disposed within the housing, as well as a first elastic member disposed between the first movable seat and the housing, a second elastic member disposed between the first movable seat and the second movable seat, and a third elastic member disposed between the second movable seat and the third movable seat; The proximal end of the drive outer tube is connected to the first movable seat, and the proximal end of the drive inner wire is connected to the second movable seat. Under the elastic force of the second elastic element, the first and second movable seats tend to move away from each other, thereby putting the clamp assembly in a closed state.

[0006] Furthermore, the preload of the first elastic element is less than the preload of the second elastic element, and the preload of the second elastic element is less than the preload of the third elastic element.

[0007] Furthermore, after the elastic force of the first elastic element that has undergone deformation is greater than the preload of the second elastic element, the second movable seat moves toward the distal end relative to the first movable seat, causing the clamp assembly to switch from the closed state to the open state.

[0008] Furthermore, after the second movable seat becomes immobile relative to the housing, the first movable seat moves toward the distal end relative to the housing, causing the clamp assembly to switch from an open state to a closed state.

[0009] Furthermore, the housing is provided with a limiting surface that cooperates with the second movable seat.

[0010] Furthermore, a limit transmission assembly is provided between the first movable seat and the third movable seat.

[0011] Furthermore, the limiting transmission assembly includes a limiting surface and a transmission surface disposed on the third movable seat, and a limiting post disposed on the first movable seat; the limiting surface and the transmission surface are arranged at relative intervals, and the limiting post is located between the limiting surface and the transmission surface. The elastic force of the second elastic element causes the limiting post and the limiting surface to tend to move closer to each other.

[0012] Furthermore, the third movable seat is provided with a limiting groove that cooperates with the limiting post, and the two inner end faces of the limiting groove form a limiting surface and a transmission surface, respectively.

[0013] Furthermore, the first elastic element includes a compression spring, the second elastic element includes a compression spring, and the third elastic element includes a compression spring.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope that includes the above-described clamping mechanism.

[0015] In summary, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: 1. The active closing function of the clamp assembly is achieved through elastic force, which can prevent the clamp assembly from getting stuck between the clamp assembly and the working channel of the endoscope, thus avoiding damage and improving safety; 2. The limit transmission assembly integrates two functions, and has the advantages of simple structure and convenient assembly; 3. The forward extension and opening / closing movements of the gripping mechanism are more precise and controllable, and the movement is smoother. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the clamping mechanism in Example 1. Figure 1 ; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the clamping mechanism in Example 1. Figure 2 ; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the clamping mechanism in Example 1. Figure 3 ; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the clamping mechanism in Example 1. Figure 4 ; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the clamping mechanism in Example 1. Figure 5 ; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first movable seat and the third movable seat in Embodiment 1.

[0017] In the figure: 1. Housing; 11. First clearance groove; 12. Limiting surface; 2. Clamp assembly; 31. Drive outer tube; 32. Drive inner thread; 4. First moving seat; 41. First support plate; 42. Limiting post; 5. Second moving seat; 51. Limiting protrusion; 6. Third moving seat; 61. Second clearance groove; 62. Second support plate; 63. Limiting groove; 631. Limiting surface; 632. Transmission surface; 71. First elastic element; 72. Second elastic element; 73. Third elastic element; 8. Control assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] This specific embodiment is merely an explanation of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. After reading this specification, those skilled in the art can make modifications to this embodiment without contributing any inventive step, but such modifications are protected by patent law as long as they are within the scope of the claims of the present invention. Example 1:

[0020] A gripping mechanism, which may be a biopsy forceps, retrieval forceps, foreign body forceps, stone retrieval basket, etc., is used to remove human tissue or other foreign bodies under endoscopic conditions, and is not specifically limited herein.

[0021] Reference Figures 1 to 6 In this embodiment, the clamping mechanism includes a clamping assembly 2, a driving outer tube 31, a driving inner wire 32, and a housing 1. The distal ends of the driving outer tube 31 and the driving inner wire 32 are respectively connected to the clamping assembly 2. Specifically, the driving inner wire 32 passes through the driving outer tube 31 and can move relative to the driving outer tube 31. That is, the movement of the driving inner wire 32 toward the proximal end relative to the driving outer tube 31, or the movement of the driving outer tube 31 toward the distal end relative to the driving inner wire 32, can control the clamping assembly 2 to switch from an open state to a closed state. The structure of the clamping assembly 2 is prior art and will not be described in detail here.

[0022] Reference Figures 1 to 6 In this embodiment, the clamping mechanism further includes a first movable seat 4, a second movable seat 5, and a third movable seat 6 disposed within the housing 1, as well as a first elastic member 71 disposed between the first movable seat 4 and the housing 1, a second elastic member 72 disposed between the first movable seat 4 and the second movable seat 5, and a third elastic member 73 disposed between the second movable seat 5 and the third movable seat 6; in addition, the clamping mechanism also includes a control component 8 acting on the third movable seat 6, which drives the third movable seat 6 to move.

[0023] Reference Figures 1 to 6 Specifically, the proximal end of the drive outer tube 31 is connected to the first movable seat 4, so the drive outer tube 31 and the first movable seat 4 move synchronously along the axial direction; the proximal end of the drive inner wire 32 is connected to the second movable seat 5, so the drive inner wire 32 and the second movable seat 5 move synchronously along the axial direction; the drive inner wire 32 passes through the drive outer tube 31, so the drive inner wire 32 also passes through the first movable seat 4.

[0024] Reference Figures 1 to 6 The second movable seat 5 passes through the third movable seat 6, and the second movable seat 5 is provided with a radially extending limiting protrusion 51; the housing 1 and the third movable seat 6 are respectively provided with a first clearance groove 11 and a second clearance groove 61 that cooperate with the limiting protrusion 51; that is, the limiting protrusion 51 can move relative to the third movable seat 6 along the second clearance groove 61, and the limiting protrusion 51 can move relative to the housing 1 along the first clearance groove 11; the distal inner end face of the first clearance groove 11 forms a limiting surface 12. When the limiting protrusion 51 moves toward the distal end to contact the limiting surface 12, the second movable seat 5 cannot continue to move toward the distal end relative to the housing 1; however, the second movable seat 5 is continuously subjected to a force toward the distal end, so that the second movable seat 5 is fixed relative to the housing 1 during this process.

[0025] Reference Figures 1 to 6 A limit transmission assembly is provided between the first movable seat 4 and the third movable seat 6. The limit transmission assembly serves two purposes: firstly, it limits the movement of the first movable seat 4 and the third movable seat 6 to prevent them from separating under the action of elastic force; secondly, it serves a transmission function, so that the third movable seat 6 drives the first movable seat 4 to move toward the far end through the transmission assembly.

[0026] Reference Figures 1 to 6 Specifically, the limiting transmission assembly includes a limiting surface 631 and a transmission surface 632 disposed on the third movable seat 6, and a limiting post 42 disposed on the first movable seat 4; the limiting surface 631 and the transmission surface 632 are arranged at relative intervals, and the limiting post 42 is located between the limiting surface 631 and the transmission surface 632; the elastic force of the second elastic member 72 and the third elastic member 73 causes the limiting post 42 and the limiting surface 631 to tend to approach each other, so the limiting surface 631 plays a limiting role.

[0027] Reference Figures 1 to 6 Specifically, the first movable seat 4 is provided with a first support plate 41 extending radially, and the third movable seat 6 is provided with a second support plate 62 extending radially; the limiting post 42 passes through the first support plate 41, and the second support plate 62 is provided with a limiting groove 63 extending axially; wherein, the inner end face of the far end of the limiting groove 63 forms a limiting surface 631, and the inner end face of the near end of the limiting groove 63 forms a transmission surface 632; the limiting post 42 passes through the limiting groove 63, and the limiting post 42 is located between the limiting surface 631 and the transmission surface 632; in this embodiment, the limiting transmission assembly integrates two functions, and has the advantages of simple structure and convenient assembly. In other optional embodiments, the specific structure of the limiting transmission assembly can also be adjusted as needed, and the limiting transmission assembly can also be divided into two independent parts, which is not limited here.

[0028] Reference Figures 1 to 6 Preferably, in this embodiment, the preload of the first elastic element 71 is less than the preload of the second elastic element 72, and the preload of the second elastic element 72 is less than the preload of the third elastic element 73; wherein, the first elastic element 71, the second elastic element 72 and the third elastic element 73 are all compression springs.

[0029] Reference Figures 1 to 6 Under the elastic force of the second elastic element 72, the first movable seat 4 and the second movable seat 5 tend to move away from each other, thereby putting the clamp assembly 2 in a closed state. The elastic force of the second elastic element 72 is transmitted to the third movable seat 6 through the second movable seat 5 and the third elastic element 73, causing the first movable seat 4 and the third movable seat 6 to move away from each other, and then the limiting post 42 contacts the limiting surface 631. In the initial state, the clamping mechanism has the limiting post 42 in contact with the limiting surface 631, and the clamp assembly 2 is in a closed state. That is to say, the limiting surface 631 and the transmission surface 632 provide a clearance stroke, so that the first movable seat 4 and the second movable seat 5 can move away from each other under the elastic force of the second elastic element 72, thereby putting the clamp assembly 2 in a closed state.

[0030] Reference Figures 1 to 6 Specifically, in this embodiment, the clamping mechanism is used in conjunction with the endoscope, that is, the drive tube 31 needs to be inserted into the working channel of the endoscope; before the endoscope tube extends to the designated position, the clamping assembly 2 is located in the working channel of the endoscope, and the clamping assembly 2 is in a closed state under the elastic force of the second elastic member 72, rather than being constrained by the space of the working channel; therefore, when the clamping assembly 2 in the closed state moves in the working channel, it will not get stuck, thereby avoiding damage to the clamping mechanism or the endoscope and improving safety.

[0031] The working principle is as follows: After the endoscope tube reaches the designated position, press the control component 8 to drive the third moving seat 6 to move toward the distal end. Then the third moving seat 6, the third elastic element 73, the second moving seat 5, the second elastic element 72 and the first moving seat 4 move synchronously, so that the clamping assembly 2 extends out of the endoscope's working channel in the closed state.

[0032] During the movement of the first movable seat 4 relative to the housing 1, the first elastic element 71 is compressed.

[0033] When the elastic force of the compressed first elastic element 71 is greater than the preload of the second elastic element 72, and the preload of the third elastic element 73 is also greater than the preload of the second elastic element 72, the first moving seat 4 remains stationary relative to the housing 1, while the third moving seat 6, the third elastic element 73, and the second moving seat 5 continue to move synchronously and compress the second elastic element 72; that is, the inner thread 32 moves toward the far end relative to the outer tube 31, causing the clamp assembly 2 to switch from the closed state to the open state.

[0034] That is, the clamp assembly 2 moves in a closed state within the working channel of the endoscope, extends out, and then switches to an open state, thereby enabling it to perform a clamping action.

[0035] When the limiting protrusion 51 moves to contact the limiting surface 12 on the housing 1, the second moving seat 5 can no longer move towards the far end relative to the housing 1; then the third moving seat 6 drives the first moving seat 4 to continue moving towards the far end through the transmission surface 632 and the limiting post 42, the first moving seat 4 continues to compress the first elastic element 71, and the third moving seat 6 compresses the third elastic element 73; the second moving seat 5 is fixed relative to the housing 1, and the first moving seat 4 moves towards the far end relative to the housing 1, that is, the driving outer tube 31 moves towards the far end relative to the driving inner thread 32, so that the clamp assembly 2 switches from the open state to the closed state and performs the clamping action; wherein, the second elastic element 72 resets and extends.

[0036] After the clamping action is performed, the control component 8 is released, and the clamping mechanism resets and moves. The control component 8 drives the third moving seat 6 to move towards the proximal end. The first elastic element 71 and the third elastic element 73 reset and extend, releasing elastic force and promoting the reset movement of the first moving seat 4, the second elastic element 72, the second moving seat 5, and the third moving seat 6. During the reset process, the second elastic element 72 will not be compressed, so the clamping assembly 2 enters the working channel of the endoscope in a closed state without getting stuck.

[0037] That is, the clamp assembly 2 moves from a closed state to an extended state within the working channel of the endoscope, then switches to an open state, and then switches from an open state to a closed state to perform a clamping action. After that, it moves back into the working channel of the endoscope in a closed state. This can prevent the clamp assembly 2 from getting stuck between itself and the working channel of the endoscope, avoid damage, and improve safety. Example 2:

[0038] An endoscope, as referenced Figures 1 to 6 It includes the gripping mechanism in Embodiment 1.

Claims

1. A clamping mechanism, comprising a clamping assembly, a drive outer tube, a drive inner wire, and a housing, wherein the distal ends of the drive outer tube and the drive inner wire are respectively connected to the clamping assembly; Its features are: It also includes a first movable seat, a second movable seat, and a third movable seat disposed within the housing, as well as a first elastic member disposed between the first movable seat and the housing, a second elastic member disposed between the first movable seat and the second movable seat, and a third elastic member disposed between the second movable seat and the third movable seat; The proximal end of the drive outer tube is connected to the first movable seat, and the proximal end of the drive inner wire is connected to the second movable seat. Under the elastic force of the second elastic element, the first and second movable seats tend to move away from each other, thereby putting the clamp assembly in a closed state.

2. The clamping mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The preload of the first elastic element is less than the preload of the second elastic element, and the preload of the second elastic element is less than the preload of the third elastic element.

3. The clamping mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: After the elastic force of the first elastic element that has undergone deformation is greater than the preload of the second elastic element, the second movable seat moves toward the far end relative to the first movable seat, causing the clamp assembly to switch from the closed state to the open state.

4. The clamping mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: After the second movable seat becomes immobile relative to the housing, the first movable seat moves toward the far end relative to the housing, causing the clamp assembly to switch from an open state to a closed state.

5. The clamping mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that: The housing is provided with a limiting surface that cooperates with the second movable seat.

6. The clamping mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: A limit transmission assembly is provided between the first movable seat and the third movable seat.

7. The clamping mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that: The limiting transmission assembly includes a limiting surface and a transmission surface disposed on the third movable seat, and a limiting post disposed on the first movable seat; the limiting surface and the transmission surface are arranged at relative intervals, and the limiting post is located between the limiting surface and the transmission surface. The elastic force of the second elastic element causes the limiting post and the limiting surface to tend to move closer to each other.

8. The clamping mechanism according to claim 7, characterized in that: The third movable seat is provided with a limiting groove that cooperates with the limiting post, and the two inner end faces of the limiting groove form a limiting surface and a transmission surface, respectively.

9. The clamping mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first elastic element includes a compression spring, the second elastic element includes a compression spring, and the third elastic element includes a compression spring.

10. An endoscope, characterized in that: The clamping mechanism includes any one of claims 1-9.

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