Magnetic connection structure for endoscope

Abstract

The application provides an endoscope magnetic attraction connecting structure and belongs to the technical field of endoscopes. It solves the problem that the existing cable and endoscope body are connected as a whole, which causes inconvenience in sterilizing the endoscope body. It comprises a socket and a plug which is arranged in butt joint with the socket. One end of the socket is blocked, and a thimble and a first magnet are arranged at the blocked end. One end of the plug is blocked, and a spring needle and a second magnet are arranged at the blocked end. The spring needle corresponds to the thimble one by one, and the second magnet corresponds to the first magnet one by one and is arranged to be attracted. When the plug and the socket are in butt joint under the attraction of the first magnet and the second magnet, the thimble and the corresponding spring needle are connected. The plug and the socket are connected through magnetic attraction, the thimble and the spring needle are connected to realize the transmission of electrical signals, the connection is reliable and convenient, and it is beneficial to separately sterilize the endoscope body after the connection is disconnected, thereby reducing the sterilization time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of endoscope technology and relates to an endoscope magnetic connection structure. Background Technology

[0002] An endoscope is a commonly used surgical instrument. Its internal components include a camera module, an illumination module, and various cables. Due to its high cost, endoscopes are typically reused after sterilization to reduce overall costs.

[0003] Traditional endoscopes often employ an integrated design of the endoscope and cables. During sterilization, the cables must be immersed along with the endoscope, resulting in a long sterilization cycle and low efficiency. Some attempts have attempted to design a plug-in, detachable structure for the endoscope and cables, allowing the endoscope to be removed separately to shorten sterilization time. However, such plug-in interfaces typically lack effective sealing mechanisms. During immersion sterilization, disinfectant can easily seep into the endoscope through gaps in the interface, potentially corroding delicate internal electronic components. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to address the aforementioned problems in existing technologies by proposing a magnetic connection structure for endoscopes that is easy to disassemble and has good sealing performance.

[0005] The objective of this invention can be achieved through the following technical solutions:

[0006] An endoscope magnetic connection structure includes a socket and a plug that mates with the socket. One end of the socket near the plug is sealed, and the sealed end is provided with at least one pin and at least one first magnet. The other end of the plug near the socket is sealed, and the sealed end is provided with a number of spring pins equal to the number of pins and a number of second magnets equal to the number of first magnets. The spring pins correspond one-to-one with the pins, and the second magnets correspond one-to-one with the first magnets and are attracted to each other. When the plug and socket are connected under the attraction of the first magnets and the second magnets, the pins and their corresponding spring pins are engaged.

[0007] The magnetic attraction between the first and second magnets allows the plug and socket to connect. The pin and its corresponding spring pin connect to transmit electrical signals. The connection is reliable and convenient. It is also convenient to disconnect the endoscope body from the connection point and sterilize it separately, which can reduce sterilization time and prevent disinfectant from entering the endoscope body.

[0008] In the aforementioned magnetic connection structure for the endoscope, the plug has an extension sleeve extending axially to the outside of the socket. A positioning key is located on the inner side of the extension sleeve, and an axially extending positioning groove is located on the outer side of the socket. The end of the positioning groove near the plug passes through the socket, and the positioning key extends into and slides within the positioning groove. The positioning key and positioning groove ensure the uniqueness of the circumferential position of the plug and socket, preventing misalignment of the ejector pin and spring pin.

[0009] In the above-mentioned magnetic connection structure for endoscopes, the inner side of the extension sleeve is provided with multiple circumferentially distributed mounting holes. The mounting holes are provided with spring pieces and locking components. The corresponding position of the socket is provided with an annular locking groove. When the plug is connected to the socket, the locking component is engaged into the locking groove under the elastic force of the spring piece.

[0010] The locking mechanism prevents accidental removal. When the locking mechanism is engaged in the locking groove under the elastic force of the spring, the locking mechanism remains inside the mounting hole, thus achieving axial positioning of the extension sleeve and the socket.

[0011] In the above-mentioned magnetic connection structure for endoscopes, the end of the extension sleeve away from the plug is provided with a clearance gap communicating with the mounting hole between it and the socket. An unlocking sleeve is slidably provided on the outside of the extension sleeve. The end of the unlocking sleeve near the socket has an unlocking ring that extends into the clearance gap. The locking member is provided with a guide slope. When the unlocking sleeve is pulled toward the plug, the unlocking ring squeezes the guide slope to disengage the locking member from the locking groove.

[0012] The clearance is annular and extends axially along the socket. The unlocking ring is also annular and extends axially along the socket. When the unlocking sleeve is pulled towards the plug, the unlocking ring moves along with it. By pressing the guide slope, the locking element can disengage from the locking groove, thereby achieving axial unlocking of the extension sleeve and the socket. The guide slope is positioned towards the unlocking ring.

[0013] In the above-mentioned magnetic connection structure for endoscopes, a first limiting ring is provided on the outside of the extension sleeve, and a second limiting ring is provided on the inside of the unlocking sleeve. The second limiting ring is located on the side of the first limiting ring away from the plug, and a compression spring is provided between the two.

[0014] One end of the compression spring acts on the first limiting ring, and the other end acts on the second limiting ring. Under the action of the spring's elastic force, it drives the unlocking sleeve to move towards the socket. When unlocking is required, the unlocking sleeve is pulled along the direction of the compression spring. The spring compresses, and the unlocking ring, in conjunction with the guide ramp, allows the locking element to disengage from the locking groove. After the external force acting on the unlocking sleeve is released, the compression returns to its original position, causing the unlocking ring to disengage from the guide ramp. Under the action of the spring's elastic force, the locking element re-enters the locking groove.

[0015] In the above-mentioned magnetic connection structure for endoscopes, the socket is sealed with a first mounting component at one end near the plug. The first mounting component has a plurality of first mounting holes that correspond one-to-one with the ejector pins. The ejector pins are sealed in the corresponding first mounting holes. The first magnet is disposed in the first mounting component.

[0016] In the above-mentioned endoscope magnetic connection structure, the first mounting component includes a first mounting plate and a second mounting plate that fit together. The first mounting hole passes through the first mounting plate and the second mounting plate. The side of the first mounting plate / second mounting plate facing the second mounting plate / first mounting plate is provided with a plurality of first mounting cavities corresponding to the first magnet. The first magnet is installed in the corresponding first mounting cavity.

[0017] In the above-mentioned magnetic connection structure for endoscopes, a second mounting component is sealed at one end of the plug near the socket. The second mounting component has a plurality of second mounting holes that correspond one-to-one with the spring pins. The spring pins are sealed in the corresponding second mounting holes. The second magnet is disposed in the second mounting component.

[0018] In the above-mentioned endoscope magnetic connection structure, the second mounting component includes a third mounting plate and a fourth mounting plate that fit together. The second mounting hole passes through the third mounting plate and the fourth mounting plate. The third mounting plate / fourth mounting plate has a plurality of second mounting cavities corresponding to the second magnet on the side facing the fourth mounting plate / third mounting plate. The second magnet is installed in the corresponding second mounting cavity.

[0019] In the aforementioned magnetic connection structure for the endoscope, the plug has a limiting step inside, and the second mounting component abuts against the limiting step. The plug is externally threaded with a plug sleeve, and the end of the plug sleeve away from the socket has an annular inner protrusion. An inner fixing cylinder, a buffer ring, and a cable fixing cylinder are axially positioned between the annular inner protrusion and the second mounting component. The buffer ring is made of rubber and serves a cushioning function.

[0020] During installation, the second mounting component is placed against the limiting step, the inner fixing cylinder is placed against the second mounting component, the buffer ring is placed against the inner fixing cylinder, the cable fixing cylinder is placed against the buffer ring, and the inner protrusion of the ring is placed against the cable fixing cylinder. The cable fixing cylinder is connected to the cable, and the other end of the cable is connected to the endoscope's main unit.

[0021] The above structure only achieves axial positioning. To achieve circumferential positioning, a first keyway is provided on the inner side of the plug, and a second keyway is provided on the outer side of the second mounting component. The second keyway is positioned opposite to the first keyway, and a flat key is provided within both the second and first keyways. The same structure can be used to circumferentially limit the movement of the first mounting component.

[0022] Compared with existing technologies, this magnetic connection structure for endoscopes has the following advantages:

[0023] The magnetic attraction between the first and second magnets allows the plug and socket to quickly align. Accurate alignment is achieved through positioning keys and positioning slots, and the plug and socket are prevented from loosening through extension sleeves, springs, and locking devices, ensuring a stable and reliable connection. At the same time, it is convenient to disassemble the plug and socket, which is beneficial for sterilizing the endoscope body separately and improving sterilization efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is an axial cross-sectional view of the magnetic connection structure of this endoscope.

[0025] Figure 2 This is an axial sectional view of the socket and its internal structure provided by the present invention.

[0026] Figure 3 This is an axial sectional view of the second mounting plate provided by the present invention.

[0027] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Left view of the second mounting plate.

[0028] Figure 5 This is an axial sectional view of the plug and its internal structure provided by the present invention.

[0029] Figure 6 This is an axial sectional view of the plug provided by the present invention.

[0030] Figure 7 This is a radial sectional view of the plug through the mounting hole provided by the present invention.

[0031] Figure 8 This is an axial sectional view of the fourth mounting plate provided by the present invention.

[0032] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 Right view of the fourth mounting plate.

[0033] In the diagram, 10 is the socket; 101 is the positioning groove; 102 is the locking groove; 103 is the first mounting plate; 1031 is the first mounting hole; 104 is the second mounting plate; 1041 is the first mounting cavity; 11 is the ejector pin; 12 is the first magnet; 20 is the plug; 201 is the extension sleeve; 2011 is the mounting hole; 202 is the clearance gap; 203 is the unlocking sleeve; 2031 is the unlocking ring; 204 is the first limiting ring; 205 is the second limiting ring; 206 is the compression spring; 207 is the third mounting plate; 2071 is the second mounting hole; 208 is the fourth mounting plate; 2081 is the second mounting cavity; 209 is the limiting step; 21 is the spring pin; 22 is the second magnet; 23 is the positioning key; 24 is the spring piece; 25 is the locking element; 26 is the plug outer sleeve; 27 is the inner fixing cylinder; 28 is the buffer ring; and 29 is the cable fixing cylinder. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The following are specific embodiments of the present invention, which are described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0035] This endoscope's magnetic connection structure is located between the endoscope body and the cable, such as... Figure 1 As shown, it includes a socket 10 connected to the endoscope body and a plug 20 mated with the socket 10. One end of the socket 10 near the plug 20 is sealed by a first mounting member. The first mounting member contains a plurality of pins 11 and a plurality of first magnets 12. One end of the plug 20 near the socket 10 is sealed by a second mounting member. The second mounting member contains a number of spring pins 21 equal to the number of pins 11 and a number of second magnets 22 equal to the number of first magnets 12. The spring pins 21 correspond one-to-one with the pins 11, and the second magnets 22 correspond one-to-one with the first magnets 12 and are attracted to each other. When the plug 20 and the socket 10 are mated under the attraction of the first magnets 12 and the second magnets 22, the pins 11 and the corresponding spring pins 21 are connected.

[0036] In order to achieve circumferential positioning of the second mounting component, a first keyway is provided on the inner side of the plug 20, and a second keyway is provided on the outer side of the second mounting component. The second keyway is arranged opposite to the first keyway, and a flat key is provided in the second keyway and the first keyway.

[0037] Similarly, the keyway structure can be used to circumferentially limit the first mounting component.

[0038] Specifically, such as Figure 4 As shown, there are six ejector pins 11, one of which is centrally located at the center of the first mounting component, and the other five are evenly arranged around the central ejector pin 11. There are five first magnets 12, also evenly arranged around the central ejector pin 11. Figure 9As shown, there are 6 spring pins 21, one of which is centrally located at the center of the second mounting component, and the other 5 are evenly arranged around the spring pin 21 located at the center. There are 5 second magnets 22, which are also evenly arranged around the spring pin 21 located at the center.

[0039] To facilitate the installation of the ejector pin 11 and the first magnet 12, the first mounting component has six first mounting holes 20111031, each corresponding to one of the ejector pins 11. The ejector pin 11 is sealed within its corresponding first mounting hole 20111031. Specifically, as shown... Figure 2 As shown, the first mounting component includes a first mounting plate 103 and a second mounting plate 104 that fit together, and a first mounting hole 20111031 that passes through the first mounting plate 103 and the second mounting plate 104, as shown. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the second mounting plate 104 has five first mounting cavities 1041 on the side facing the first mounting plate 103, which are corresponding to the first magnet 12. The first magnet 12 is installed in the corresponding first mounting cavity 1041.

[0040] To facilitate the installation of the spring pin 21 and the second magnet 22, the second mounting component has six second mounting holes 2071, each corresponding to a spring pin 21. The spring pin 21 is sealed within its corresponding second mounting hole 2071. Specifically, as shown... Figure 5 As shown, the second mounting component includes a third mounting plate 207 and a fourth mounting plate 208 that fit together, and a second mounting hole 2071 that passes through the third mounting plate 207 and the fourth mounting plate 208, as shown. Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the fourth mounting plate 208 has five second mounting cavities 2081 on the side facing the third mounting plate 207, which are corresponding to the second magnet 22. The second magnet 22 is installed in the corresponding second mounting cavity 2081.

[0041] The magnetic attraction between the first magnet 12 and the second magnet 22 allows the plug 20 to connect with the socket 10. The pin 11 and the corresponding spring pin 21 connect to transmit electrical signals. The connection is reliable and convenient. It is beneficial to sterilize the endoscope body separately after disconnection from the connection point, which can reduce sterilization time and prevent disinfectant from entering the endoscope body.

[0042] The endoscope body has a camera module at the front end. The first signal line of the camera module is connected to one of the pins 11. A second signal line is provided in the cable and is connected to one of the spring pins 21. The spring pin 21 connected to the second signal line is set to correspond with the pin 11 connected to the first signal line to realize the transmission of image signals.

[0043] A light source is installed inside the endoscope, and an optical fiber is installed at the front of the light source, with the tip of the optical fiber extending to the front of the endoscope body. The positive and negative power lines of the light source are respectively connected to different pins 11, and the spring pins 21 corresponding to these two pins 11 are also respectively connected to the positive and negative power lines located in the cable, realizing the electrical connection between the light source and the host.

[0044] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the plug 20 is provided with an extension sleeve 201 that extends axially to the outside of the socket 10, and the inner side of the extension sleeve 201 is provided with a positioning key 23, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the outer side of the socket 10 is provided with an axially extending positioning groove 101. The positioning groove 101 is disposed through the socket 10 near the end of the plug 20. Figure 1 As shown, the positioning key 23 extends into and slides within the positioning groove 101. The positioning key 23 and the positioning groove 101 ensure the uniqueness of the circumferential position of the plug 20 and the socket 10.

[0045] like Figure 5-7 As shown, the inner side of the extension sleeve 201 is also provided with three circumferentially distributed mounting holes 2011, and each mounting hole 2011 is provided with a spring piece 24 and a locking element 25, as shown. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the socket 10 has an annular locking groove 102 at the corresponding position. When the plug 20 mates with the socket 10, the locking member 25 is engaged in the locking groove 102 under the elastic force of the spring piece 24. When the locking member 25 is engaged in the locking groove 102 under the elastic force of the spring piece 24, the locking member 25 part is still located in the mounting hole 2011, which can realize the axial positioning of the extension sleeve 201 and the socket 10.

[0046] like Figure 1 and Figure 5 As shown, an extension sleeve 201, away from the plug 20, has a clearance gap 202 communicating with the mounting hole 2011 between its end and the socket 10. The clearance gap 202 is annular and extends axially along the socket 10. An unlocking sleeve 203 is slidably provided outside the extension sleeve 201. The end of the unlocking sleeve 203 near the socket 10 has an unlocking ring portion 2031 that extends into the clearance gap 202. The unlocking ring portion 2031 is annular and extends axially along the socket 10. The locking member 25 has a guide slope facing the unlocking ring portion 2031. When the unlocking sleeve 203 is pulled toward the plug 20, the unlocking ring portion 2031 moves together. By pressing the guide slope, the locking member 25 can disengage from the locking groove 102, thereby achieving axial unlocking of the extension sleeve 201 and the socket 10.

[0047] like Figure 1 and Figure 5As shown, the extension sleeve 201 has a first limiting ring 204 on its outer side, and the unlocking sleeve 203 has a second limiting ring 205 on its inner side. The second limiting ring 205 is located on the side of the first limiting ring 204 away from the plug 20, and a compression spring 206 is provided between them. One end of the compression spring 206 acts on the first limiting ring 204, and the other end acts on the second limiting ring 205. Under the action of the spring force of the compression spring 206, the unlocking sleeve 203 is driven to move towards the socket 10. When unlocking is required, the unlocking sleeve 203 is pulled along the direction of the compression spring 206. The compression spring 206 is compressed, and the unlocking ring 2031, in conjunction with the guide slope, allows the locking member 25 to disengage from the locking groove 102. After the external force acting on the unlocking sleeve 203 is released, the compression is reset, causing the unlocking ring 2031 to disengage from the guide slope. Under the action of the spring force of the spring piece 24, the locking member 25 re-enters the locking groove 102.

[0048] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the plug 20 has a limiting step 209 inside, and the second mounting piece abuts against the limiting step 209. Figure 5 As shown, the plug 20 is externally threaded to a plug sleeve 26. The end of the plug sleeve 26 away from the socket 10 is provided with an annular inner protrusion. An inner fixing cylinder 27, a buffer ring 28 and a cable fixing cylinder 29 are axially positioned between the annular inner protrusion and the second mounting component. The buffer ring 28 is made of rubber and plays a buffering role. The cable is connected to the cable fixing cylinder 29.

[0049] During installation, the second mounting component is placed against the limiting step 209, the inner fixing cylinder 27 is placed against the second mounting component, the buffer ring 28 is placed against the inner fixing cylinder 27, the cable fixing cylinder 29 is placed against the buffer ring 28, and the inner protrusion of the ring is placed against the cable fixing cylinder 29. The cable fixing cylinder 29 is connected to the cable, and the other end of the cable is connected to the main unit of the endoscope.

[0050] The specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the spirit of the invention. Those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains may make various modifications or additions to the described specific embodiments or use similar methods to substitute them, without departing from the spirit of the invention or exceeding the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An endoscope magnetic connection structure, characterized in that, The device includes a socket (10) and a plug (20) that is connected to the socket (10). The socket (10) is sealed at one end near the plug (20), and the sealed end is provided with at least one pin (11) and at least one first magnet (12). The plug (20) is sealed at one end near the socket (10), and the sealed end is provided with a number of spring pins (21) equal to the number of pins (11) and a number of second magnets (22) equal to the number of first magnets (12). The spring pins (21) correspond one-to-one with the pins (11), and the second magnets (22) correspond one-to-one with the first magnets (12) and are attracted to each other. When the plug (20) and the socket (10) are connected under the attraction of the first magnets (12) and the second magnets (22), the pins (11) and the corresponding spring pins (21) are connected.

2. The endoscope magnetic connection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plug (20) is provided with an extension sleeve (201) extending axially to the outside of the socket (10). The inner side of the extension sleeve (201) is provided with a positioning key (23). The outer side of the socket (10) is provided with an axially extending positioning groove (101). The positioning groove (101) is located near the end of the plug (20) and passes through the socket (10). The positioning key (23) extends into and slides in the positioning groove (101).

3. The endoscope magnetic connection structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The inner side of the extension sleeve (201) is also provided with a plurality of circumferentially distributed mounting holes (2011). The mounting holes (2011) are provided with spring pieces (24) and locking pieces (25). The corresponding position of the socket (10) is provided with an annular locking groove (102). When the plug (20) is connected to the socket (10), the locking piece (25) is locked into the locking groove (102) under the elastic force of the spring piece (24).

4. The endoscope magnetic connection structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The extension sleeve (201) has a clearance gap (202) communicating with the mounting hole (2011) between the end away from the plug (20) and the socket (10). The extension sleeve (201) has an unlocking sleeve (203) slidably provided outside. The end of the unlocking sleeve (203) near the socket (10) has an unlocking ring (2031) that extends into the clearance gap (202). The locking member (25) has a guide slope. When the unlocking sleeve (203) is pulled toward the plug (20), the unlocking ring (2031) squeezes the guide slope to make the locking member (25) disengage from the locking groove (102).

5. The endoscope magnetic connection structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The extension sleeve (201) has a first limiting ring (204) on its outside and a second limiting ring (205) on its inside. The second limiting ring (205) is located on the side of the first limiting ring (204) away from the plug (20) and a compression spring (206) is provided between the two.

6. The endoscope magnetic connection structure according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, characterized in that, The socket (10) is sealed with a first mounting component at one end near the plug (20). The first mounting component has a plurality of first mounting holes (1031) that correspond one-to-one with the pin (11). The pin (11) is sealed in the corresponding first mounting hole (1031). The first magnet (12) is disposed in the first mounting component.

7. The endoscope magnetic connection structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first mounting component includes a first mounting plate (103) and a second mounting plate (104) that fit together. The first mounting hole (1031) passes through the first mounting plate (103) and the second mounting plate (104). The first mounting plate (103) / second mounting plate (104) has a plurality of first mounting cavities (1041) corresponding to the first magnet (12) on the side facing the second mounting plate (104) / first mounting plate (103). The first magnet (12) is installed in the corresponding first mounting cavity (1041).

8. The endoscope magnetic connection structure according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, characterized in that, The plug (20) is sealed with a second mounting member at one end near the socket (10). The second mounting member has a plurality of second mounting holes (2071) that correspond one-to-one with the spring pin (21). The spring pin (21) is sealed in the corresponding second mounting hole (2071). The second magnet (22) is disposed in the second mounting member.

9. The endoscope magnetic connection structure according to claim 8, characterized in that, The second mounting component includes a third mounting plate (207) and a fourth mounting plate (208) that fit together. The second mounting hole (2071) passes through the third mounting plate (207) and the fourth mounting plate (208). The third mounting plate (207) / fourth mounting plate (208) has a plurality of second mounting cavities (2081) corresponding to the second magnet (22) on the side facing the fourth mounting plate (208) / third mounting plate (207). The second magnet (22) is installed in the corresponding second mounting cavity (2081).

10. The endoscope magnetic connection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plug (20) is provided with a limiting step (209), and the second mounting component abuts against the limiting step (209); the plug (20) is externally threaded with a plug sleeve (26), and the end of the plug sleeve (26) away from the socket (10) is provided with an annular inner protrusion (261). An inner fixing cylinder (27), a buffer ring (28) and a cable fixing cylinder (29) are axially positioned between the annular inner protrusion (261) and the second mounting component.

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