A nested telescopic endoscope with a rocker control for omnidirectional bending of the inner tube

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of medical devices, in particular to a nested telescopic endoscope with a rocker control inner tube omnidirectional bending function, which comprises a first shell, one side of the first shell is connected with a rope-driven outer tube, the inner side of the first shell is installed with a bearing ring, one end of the bearing ring is connected with a tight line shaft, and the outer side of the tight line shaft is sleeved with a bidirectional nut. The nested telescopic endoscope with the rocker control inner tube omnidirectional bending function is characterized in that, through cooperation of a bidirectional screw rod mechanism, a rocker control mechanism and a worm gear adjusting mechanism, multi-degree-of-freedom bending adjustment and telescopic control of an endoscope inner tube and an outer tube are realized, the observation range can be effectively expanded, observation dead angles can be reduced, and the checking and operation precision of complex regions such as nasal sinuses can be improved; meanwhile, a mechanical control structure is adopted, complex electric driving is not needed, the structure is compact, the adjustment is accurate, the operation is convenient, and the fatigue degree of doctors during long-time operation can be effectively reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical device technology, and in particular to a nested retractable endoscope with a rocker arm controlling the omnidirectional bending of the inner tube. Background Technology

[0002] Endoscopic equipment is widely used in otolaryngology, gastroenterology, and minimally invasive surgery. Sinus endoscopes are primarily used for examining lesions within the sinuses, observing tissues, and assisting in minimally invasive treatments. Current endoscopes typically include a handheld unit, an insertion catheter, and an imaging component. Doctors adjust the field of view by pushing the catheter, rotating the endoscope, or adjusting its curved structure. However, existing telescopic endoscopes, particularly traditional sinus endoscopes, often employ fixed-angle lens structures or achieve localized bending adjustments through unidirectional traction. Their overall degree of adjustment is relatively low, making them prone to errors in narrow and complex areas like the sinuses. Blind spots in observation: When lesions are located in curved or deep areas, doctors often need to frequently adjust the endoscope's position or even repeatedly insert and remove it, which not only increases examination time but also easily increases patient discomfort. In addition, although some existing endoscopes adopt multi-directional adjustment structures, most of them rely on motor drives, multi-level linkage components, or complex electronic control systems to achieve adjustment. Their internal structures are complex, their volume is large, and their manufacturing costs are high. Furthermore, they are prone to drive delays, decreased adjustment accuracy, or electrical failures during long-term use. Therefore, there is a need for a nested telescopic endoscope with a rocker arm that controls the omnidirectional bending of the inner tube.

[0003] To address the aforementioned issues, a search revealed a patent with publication number CN202355393U that discloses a multi-station automated rotary tooling system. The system includes: a flexible hose and a hose control device; the hose has a freely bendable movable component at its end; the hose control device includes: a motor, an eccentric wheel connected to the motor, and a moving shaft positioning plate; both sides of the eccentric wheel are connected to moving bearings, which are sleeved on the moving shaft; the moving shaft positioning plate has a limiting groove, and the moving shaft cooperates with the limiting groove, moving within the limiting groove; the moving shafts are connected by an elastic element. The movable shaft is connected to a control cable at its end, which passes through the inside of the flexible tube and connects to the movable component. There are two or more flexible tube control devices. While this invention has a simple structure and low production cost, making it suitable for market promotion, its overall structure mainly focuses on flexible tube bending control and lacks a nested telescopic structure with interconnected inner and outer tubes. When used in complex sinus areas, it is still prone to blind spots due to the limited adjustment range. Furthermore, its adjustment process relies mainly on a single control structure for bending, resulting in insufficient operational stability and adjustment accuracy.

[0004] In light of this, in-depth research into the aforementioned issues led to the creation of this case. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a nested retractable endoscope with a joystick-controlled omnidirectional bending of the inner tube, to solve the problems mentioned in the background art. Traditional sinus endoscopes mostly use a fixed-angle lens structure or achieve local bending adjustment through unidirectional traction, resulting in low overall adjustment freedom. In narrow and complex areas such as the sinuses, blind spots are easily created. When lesions are located in bending or deep areas, doctors often need to frequently adjust the endoscope's posture or even repeatedly insert and remove it, increasing examination time and patient discomfort. Furthermore, while some existing endoscopes employ multi-directional adjustment structures, they mostly rely on motor drives, multi-level linkage components, or complex electronic control systems for adjustment. These systems are complex, bulky, and costly to manufacture, and are prone to problems such as drive delay, decreased adjustment accuracy, or electrical malfunctions during long-term use.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a nested retractable endoscope with a rocker-controlled omnidirectional bending inner tube, comprising a first outer shell, A rope drive outer tube is connected to one side of the first housing, a bearing ring is installed on the inner side of the first housing, a tensioning spool is connected to one end of the bearing ring, a double-ended nut is sleeved on the outer side of the tensioning spool, a double-ended lead screw is threaded to the inner side of the double-ended nut, a connecting rod is connected to one end of the double-ended lead screw, a second housing is provided at one end of the first housing, a worm gear is provided on the inner side of the second housing, and a worm is meshed with the outer side of the worm gear.

[0007] Preferably, a first knob is rotatably connected to one end of the first outer shell, and a second outer shell is rotatably fitted onto one end of the first knob.

[0008] Preferably, the inner ends of the first housing are fitted with bearing rings, and the two ends of the tensioning shaft are connected to bearing rings.

[0009] Preferably, one end of the first outer shell is connected to a bearing sleeve, and the inner side of the bearing sleeve is connected to a rope drive outer tube.

[0010] Preferably, both ends of the bidirectional lead screw are fitted with bidirectional nuts, and one end of the bidirectional lead screw is connected to a connecting rod.

[0011] Preferably, a hand handle is connected to the lower part of the second housing, and a circuit board is installed on the inner side of the hand handle.

[0012] Preferably, a slider is connected to the outer side of the connecting rod, and a slide rail is installed on the inner side of the second housing.

[0013] Preferably, a second knob is fitted on one side of the hand handle, and a worm gear is connected to the inner side of the second knob.

[0014] Preferably, one end of the second outer shell is connected to a third outer shell, and a lead screw sleeve is provided on the inner side of the third outer shell, and a rocker lever is provided on the inner side of the lead screw sleeve.

[0015] Preferably, an inner rope drive tube is provided inside the outer rope drive tube, a lens is connected to the inner side of the inner rope drive tube, and a working channel is provided through one end of the inner rope drive tube.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: 1. This nested retractable endoscope with a rocker-controlled omnidirectional bending inner tube utilizes a combination of a two-way lead screw, a two-way nut, a tensioning shaft, and a rope-driven outer tube to achieve stable traction adjustment of the outer tube, enabling single-degree-of-freedom bending control. Simultaneously, the rocker lever provides multi-directional control of the traction wire within the inner tube, allowing for omnidirectional bending. Compared to traditional endoscopes that rely solely on overall rotation or unidirectional adjustment, this significantly expands the field of view, reduces blind spots in complex areas such as sinuses, improves the accuracy of lesion observation and enhances the surgeon's operational flexibility. Furthermore, the mechanical rocker control structure replaces the traditional manual push-adjustment method, reducing hand fatigue during prolonged operation and improving stability and safety during examinations and minimally invasive surgeries.

[0017] 2. This nested telescopic endoscope with a rocker-controlled omnidirectional bending inner tube utilizes a stable reduction transmission structure formed by a worm gear and worm shaft. This ensures excellent transmission stability and self-locking performance when the first knob drives the second outer shell for telescopic adjustment, preventing positional deviation after adjustment. Simultaneously, the cooperation of the slide rail and slider provides stable guidance for the connecting rod, improving the smoothness of endoscope telescopic adjustment. Furthermore, the overall mechanical transmission structure eliminates the need for a complex electric drive system. Compared to existing electrically adjustable endoscopes, it offers advantages such as simple structure, low manufacturing cost, low failure rate, and convenient maintenance. The working channel facilitates the passage of medical instruments such as balloon guidewires and flexible forceps through the rope-driven inner tube into the lesion area, allowing for simultaneous observation and auxiliary treatment operations. This enhances the overall performance of the endoscope and its applicability to primary healthcare institutions. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the overall structure of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the third outer shell of the present invention used in conjunction with the lead screw sleeve; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the rope drive of the present invention.

[0019] In the diagram: 1. First outer shell; 2. Bearing sleeve; 3. Second outer shell; 4. Rope drive outer tube; 5. First knob; 6. Hand handle; 7. Rope drive inner tube; 8. Bearing ring; 9. Tensioning spool; 10. Double-acting nut; 11. Double-acting lead screw; 12. Connecting rod; 13. Slide rail; 14. Slider; 15. Worm gear; 16. Second knob; 17. Circuit board; 18. Lead screw sleeve; 19. Third outer shell; 20. Rocker lever; 21. Lens; 22. Working channel; 23. Worm gear. Detailed Implementation

[0020] 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.

[0021] Please see Figure 1-4 This invention provides a technical solution: a nested retractable endoscope with a rocker-controlled omnidirectional bending of the inner tube, comprising a first outer shell 1. A rope-driven outer tube 4 is connected to one side of the first outer shell 1. A bearing ring 8 is installed on the inner side of the first outer shell 1. A tensioning shaft 9 is connected to one end of the bearing ring 8. A double-acting nut 10 is sleeved on the outer side of the tensioning shaft 9. A double-acting screw 11 is threadedly connected to the inner side of the double-acting nut 10. A connecting rod 12 is connected to one end of the double-acting screw 11. A second outer shell 3 is provided at one end of the first outer shell 1. A worm gear 15 is provided on the inner side of the second outer shell 3. A worm 23 is meshed on the outer side of the worm gear 15. By setting the double-acting screw 11, the double-acting nut 10 can move synchronously in opposite directions on the outer side of the double-acting screw 11. The tensioning shaft 9 synchronously winds up and down the traction line, thereby driving the rope-driven outer tube 4 to bend in the corresponding direction, realizing stable adjustment of the bending angle of the outer tube and improving the overall observation range of the endoscope.

[0022] Furthermore, a first knob 5 is rotatably connected to one end of the first outer shell 1, and a second outer shell 3 is rotatably fitted onto one end of the first knob 5. By setting the first knob 5, the operator can drive the second outer shell 3 to perform axial extension and retraction adjustment, thereby controlling the extension length of the rope drive inner tube 7 and improving the adaptability to use in different inspection environments.

[0023] Furthermore, the inner ends of the first outer shell 1 are equipped with bearing rings 8, and the two ends of the tensioning shaft 9 are connected with bearing rings 8. By setting the bearing rings 8, the tensioning shaft 9 is supported and its rotation is limited, ensuring that the tensioning shaft 9 maintains stable rotation during the winding and unwinding of the traction line, avoiding deviation or shaking, and improving the stability of the outer tube bending control.

[0024] Furthermore, a bearing sleeve 2 is connected to one end of the first outer shell 1, and a rope drive outer tube 4 is connected to the inner side of the bearing sleeve 2. The bearing sleeve 2 is used to support and guide the rope drive outer tube 4, thereby improving the connection stability between the rope drive outer tube 4 and the first outer shell 1, and reducing the shaking phenomenon of the rope drive outer tube 4 during bending.

[0025] Furthermore, the two ends of the bidirectional lead screw 11 are fitted with bidirectional nuts 10, and one end of the bidirectional lead screw 11 is connected to a connecting rod 12. By setting the bidirectional nuts 10, the bidirectional lead screw 11 can drive the two sides of the structure to perform synchronous linkage adjustment at the same time when rotating, thereby improving the synchronicity and force balance when the rope-driven outer tube 4 is bent.

[0026] Furthermore, a hand handle 6 is connected to the lower part of the second housing 3. A circuit board 17 is installed on the inner side of the hand handle 6. The hand handle 6 facilitates stable one-handed gripping by the operator. At the same time, the circuit board 17 provides electrical connection support for the lens 21 and the illumination assembly, thereby improving the stability of endoscopic image acquisition.

[0027] Furthermore, a slider 14 is connected to the outer side of the connecting rod 12, and a slide rail 13 is installed on the inner side of the second housing 3. The slide rail 13 is used to guide and limit the movement trajectory of the slider 14 and the connecting rod 12 in a straight line, so that the second housing 3 can maintain stable movement during the extension and retraction adjustment process and avoid deviation or jamming.

[0028] Furthermore, a second knob 16 is fitted on one side of the handle 6, and a worm gear 23 is connected to the inner side of the second knob 16. The second knob 16 allows the operator to manually drive the worm gear 23 to rotate, and the deceleration control is achieved through the meshing transmission between the worm gear 23 and the worm wheel 15, which improves the accuracy and stability of the adjustment. At the same time, the worm wheel and worm gear structure forms a self-locking effect to prevent automatic rotation after adjustment.

[0029] Furthermore, one end of the second outer shell 3 is connected to the third outer shell 19. The inner side of the third outer shell 19 is provided with a lead screw sleeve 18, and the inner side of the lead screw sleeve 18 is provided with a rocker lever 20. By setting the rocker lever 20, the operator can control the synchronous movement of the internal traction line by moving it in multiple directions, thereby driving the rope-driven inner tube 7 to bend in all directions and realize the omnidirectional adjustment of the endoscope end.

[0030] Furthermore, a rope-driven inner tube 7 is provided inside the outer rope-driven tube 4, and a lens 21 is connected to the inner side of the inner rope-driven inner tube 7. A working channel 22 is provided through one end of the inner rope-driven inner tube 7. The working channel 22 facilitates the passage of medical instruments such as balloon guidewires and flexible forceps through the inner rope-driven inner tube 7 into the lesion area, enabling the endoscope to perform auxiliary treatment operations while observing, thereby improving the overall performance of the device.

[0031] Working principle: First, the operator holds the device by the handle 6 and slowly inserts the outer cable-driven tube 4 and the inner cable-driven tube 7 into the patient's sinuses or the corresponding examination area. During insertion, the operator rotates the first knob 5 to move the second outer shell 3 axially. Simultaneously, the first knob 5 drives the internal worm gear 23 to rotate, forming a meshing transmission between the worm gear 23 and the worm wheel 15. This causes the connecting rod 12 to slide stably within the slide rail 13, and the slider 14 provides guidance and limitation, achieving stable extension and retraction adjustment of the inner cable-driven tube 7. During adjustment, the worm gear structure has a deceleration and self-locking function, preventing positional rotation after adjustment and improving the stability of extension and retraction positioning. Then, the operator rotates the bidirectional lead screw 11, causing the bidirectional nut 10 to move synchronously in the same or opposite directions along the bidirectional lead screw 11. During movement, the tensioning shaft 9 simultaneously winds up and unwinds the traction wire, thereby changing the force state of the traction wire inside the rope-driven outer tube 4, causing the rope-driven outer tube 4 to bend in the corresponding direction, achieving single-degree-of-freedom directional adjustment of the outer tube. At the same time, the bearing ring 8 provides stable support for the tensioning shaft 9, ensuring smooth winding and unwinding. Subsequently, the operator moves the rocker lever 20, which drives multiple sets of traction wires inside to be pulled or released synchronously, allowing the rope-driven inner tube 7 to bend in all directions, achieving omnidirectional adjustment of the endoscope tip. During the examination, the lens 21 acquires real-time images of the lesion area and transmits signals through the circuit board 17. Simultaneously, the working channel 22 delivers medical instruments such as balloon guidewires and flexible forceps into the lesion area to complete auxiliary treatment operations, thereby improving the endoscope's ability to examine complex areas and its adaptability to minimally invasive surgery.

[0032] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A nested retractable endoscope with a rocker-controlled omnidirectional bending inner tube, comprising a first outer shell (1), characterized in that: A rope drive outer tube (4) is connected to one side of the first outer shell (1). A bearing ring (8) is installed on the inner side of the first outer shell (1). A tensioning shaft (9) is connected to one end of the bearing ring (8). A double-ended nut (10) is sleeved on the outer side of the tensioning shaft (9). A double-ended screw (11) is threaded on the inner side of the double-ended nut (10). A connecting rod (12) is connected to one end of the double-ended screw (11). A second outer shell (3) is provided at one end of the first outer shell (1). A worm gear (15) is provided on the inner side of the second outer shell (3). A worm (23) is meshed on the outer side of the worm gear (15).

2. The nested retractable endoscope with omnidirectional bending of the inner tube controlled by a rocker arm according to claim 1, characterized in that: One end of the first outer shell (1) is rotatably connected to a first knob (5), and one end of the first knob (5) is rotatably fitted with a second outer shell (3).

3. A nested retractable endoscope with omnidirectional bending of the inner tube controlled by a rocker arm, as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The first outer shell (1) has bearing rings (8) installed at both ends of its inner side, and the tensioning shaft (9) is connected to the bearing rings (8) at both ends.

4. A nested retractable endoscope with omnidirectional bending of the inner tube controlled by a rocker arm, as described in claim 1, characterized in that: One end of the first outer shell (1) is connected to a bearing sleeve (2), and the inner side of the bearing sleeve (2) is connected to a rope drive outer tube (4).

5. A nested telescopic endoscope with omnidirectional bending of the inner tube controlled by a rocker arm as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The two ends of the bidirectional lead screw (11) are fitted with bidirectional nuts (10), and one end of the bidirectional lead screw (11) is connected to a connecting rod (12).

6. A nested retractable endoscope with omnidirectional bending of the inner tube controlled by a rocker arm, as described in claim 1, characterized in that: A hand handle (6) is connected to the lower part of the second outer shell (3), and a circuit board (17) is installed on the inner side of the hand handle (6).

7. A nested telescopic endoscope with omnidirectional bending of the inner tube controlled by a rocker arm, as described in claim 5, characterized in that: A slider (14) is connected to the outside of the connecting rod (12), and a slide rail (13) is installed on the inside of the second housing (3).

8. A nested retractable endoscope with omnidirectional bending of the inner tube controlled by a rocker arm, as described in claim 6, characterized in that: A second knob (16) is fitted on one side of the hand handle (6), and a worm gear (23) is connected to the inside of the second knob (16).

9. A nested telescopic endoscope with omnidirectional bending of the inner tube controlled by a rocker arm, as described in claim 1, characterized in that: One end of the second outer shell (3) is connected to a third outer shell (19), and a lead screw sleeve (18) is provided on the inner side of the third outer shell (19), and a rocker lever (20) is provided on the inner side of the lead screw sleeve (18).

10. A nested retractable endoscope with omnidirectional bending of the inner tube controlled by a rocker arm, as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The inner side of the outer rope drive tube (4) is provided with an inner rope drive tube (7), and the inner side of the inner rope drive tube (7) is connected to a lens (21). One end of the inner rope drive tube (7) is provided with a working channel (22).

Images