Endoscope and method of assembling the same

Abstract

This invention discloses an endoscope and its assembly method, relating to the field of medical device technology. The method includes the following steps: installing an actuating component and a positioning plate onto a first housing to form a first housing assembly; assembling an insertion part, a traction component, and a traction wheel into an insertion part module; installing the insertion part at the distal end of the first housing, and securing the proximal end of the insertion part to the first housing; securing the traction wheel to the positioning plate; installing a circuit module inside the first housing, positioning the circuit module above the traction component of the insertion part module; installing a suction module on the first housing, positioning the suction module above the circuit module; and covering the first housing with a second housing, sealing the connection between the insertion part and the first and second housings. This method not only improves assembly efficiency but also facilitates automated mechanical assembly and allows for easy disassembly and reassembly of the traction wheel and positioning plate, thus facilitating the adjustment of the insertion part module's placement.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical device technology, and in particular to an endoscope and its assembly method. Background Technology

[0002] An endoscope is a commonly used medical device that can directly enter human cavities for examination, providing doctors with comprehensive diagnostic information. An endoscope typically includes: an insertion part for insertion into the body, a handle for controlling the bending of the insertion part's tip, and a display device for showing the internal environment of the body's natural cavities. Through the coordination of these three parts, an endoscope can achieve visualization of the human body's interior, exploration of lesions, and treatment.

[0003] The endoscope handle typically houses a traction assembly for controlling the bending of the insertion tip, a circuit board for signal connection, and other structures. The endoscope handle housing also includes a suction valve, a photographing button, and an instrument channel. Due to the numerous structures and small components involved in the endoscope handle, the assembly of related endoscopes is usually done manually, placing each component into its predetermined position on the handle housing. This assembly method is not only inefficient but also costly.

[0004] Therefore, providing an endoscope that can improve assembly efficiency and reduce costs is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved by those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention discloses an endoscope and its assembly method to solve the technical problems of low assembly efficiency and high cost in related technologies where endoscopes are assembled manually.

[0006] To solve the above problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: The first aspect of the present invention provides a method for assembling an endoscope.

[0007] The present invention discloses an assembly method for an endoscope, wherein the endoscope comprises a housing module, an insertion part module, a circuit module, and a suction module, the housing module comprising a first housing and a second housing, and the assembly method comprising the following steps: Step 100: Install the actuating element and the positioning plate onto the first housing respectively to form the first housing assembly; Step 200: After assembling the insertion part, traction assembly and traction wheel into the insertion part module, install the insertion part on the far end of the first housing, and fix the proximal end of the insertion part to the first housing, and fix the traction wheel to the positioning plate; Step 300: Install the circuit module inside the first housing and position the circuit module above the traction component of the insertion module; Step 400: Install the suction module onto the first housing and position the suction module above the circuit module; Step 500: Cover the first housing with the second housing and seal the connection between the insertion part and the first and second housings.

[0008] A second aspect of the present invention provides an endoscope.

[0009] An endoscope assembled using the assembly method of any one of the technical solutions of this invention includes a housing module, an insertion module, a circuit module, and a suction module. The housing module includes a first housing and a second housing, which overlap each other, forming an installation chamber within the first and second housings. The first housing is provided with a toggle element and a positioning plate, and the toggle element and the positioning plate are engaged and fixed to the first housing. The insertion module includes an insertion part, a traction component, and a traction wheel. The distal end of the traction component is fixedly connected to the distal end of the insertion part, and the proximal end of the traction component is fixed to the traction wheel. The insertion part is located at the distal end of the first housing, and the traction wheel is engaged and fixed to the positioning disc. The circuit module is located inside the mounting cavity and above the traction assembly of the insertion module; The suction module is located inside the mounting cavity and above the circuit module.

[0010] The technical solution adopted in this invention can achieve the following beneficial effects: In the first aspect, the assembly method of the endoscope of the present invention includes a housing module, an insertion module, a circuit module, and a suction module. During assembly, the housing module, insertion module, circuit module, and suction module can be assembled separately first, and then the modules can be brought together in the assembly workshop to complete the assembly of the whole machine. During the assembly of the whole machine, the assembly of each module can be achieved through mechanical automation, such as by using a robotic arm to pick up the corresponding modules and complete the assembly in sequence. This is beneficial to improving assembly efficiency and reducing production costs.

[0011] Secondly, in the assembly method of the endoscope of the present invention, when the insertion module is engaged with the first housing, the traction wheel can be positioned by the positioning plate on the first housing assembly; then, the traction wheel is snapped and fixed to the positioning plate to complete the assembly of the traction wheel. Compared with the traditional screw fixing, the assembly method of snapping and fixing the traction wheel to the positioning plate of the present invention not only improves the assembly efficiency, but also facilitates the realization of automated mechanical assembly, and makes it easy to disassemble and assemble the traction wheel and the positioning plate, thereby making it easy to adjust the placement position of the insertion module. Attached Figure Description

[0012] 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.

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the endoscope used in an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a first exploded view of the endoscope in the embodiment of this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the first housing assembly according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the first housing assembly according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the insertion module according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the insertion module and the first housing assembly in an embodiment of this application. Figure 7 This is a partial schematic diagram of the traction wheel and the first housing assembly in an embodiment of this application; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the cooperation between the traction wheel and the positioning plate in an embodiment of this application; Figure 9 This is a first exploded view of the traction wheel and positioning plate according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 10 This is a second exploded view of the traction wheel and positioning plate in an embodiment of this application; Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the toggle mechanism according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram showing the cooperation between the circuit module, the insertion part module, and the first housing assembly in an embodiment of this application; Figure 13 This is a partial schematic diagram of the circuit module in an embodiment of this application; Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the cable according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 15 This is a first schematic diagram of a circuit board according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 16 This is a second schematic diagram of the circuit board according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the interaction between the attraction module, the circuit module, the insertion module, and the first housing assembly in an embodiment of this application. Figure 18 This is a first schematic diagram of the attraction module according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 19 This is a second schematic diagram of the attraction module in an embodiment of this application; Figure 20 This is a first exploded view of the attraction module in an embodiment of this application; Figure 21 This is a second exploded view of the attraction module in an embodiment of this application; Figure 22 This is a second exploded view of the endoscope in the embodiment of this application.

[0014] In the diagram: 100, Housing module; 110, First housing; 111, Mounting hole; 112, Mounting bracket; 120, Second housing; 130, Actuating element; 131, Mounting post; 140, Positioning plate; 141, Positioning block; 142, Positioning protrusion; 143, Center hole; 144, Receiving groove; 150, Mounting chamber; 160, Sealing ring; 200, Insertion module; 210, Insertion part; 220, Traction assembly; 230, Traction wheel; 231, Positioning groove; 232, Positioning hole; 233, Snap-fit ​​part; 300, Circuit module; 310, Circuit board; 311, First connector; 312, Second connector; 313, Third connector; 31 4. Fourth connector; 320. Button; 330. Cable; 330a. First cable; 330b. Second cable; 330c. Third cable; 330d. Fourth cable; 331. First plug; 332. Second plug; 333. Third plug; 334. Fourth plug; 400. Suction module; 410. Suction valve; 420. T-connector; 421. First connector; 422. Second connector; 423. Third connector; 430. Connecting tube; 440. Connecting bracket; 451. Clip; 452. Clip hole; 453. First slot; 454. Second slot; 455. Slot; 456. Insert block; 500. First kit; 600. Second kit. Detailed Implementation

[0015] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of this invention will be described in detail below. Obviously, the described embodiments are merely some embodiments of this invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this invention, all other implementation methods obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0016] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification and claims of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and not to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such terms can be used interchangeably where appropriate so that embodiments of this application can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein, and the objects distinguished by "first," "second," etc., are generally of the same class and the number of objects is not limited; for example, a first object can be one or more. Furthermore, in the specification and claims, "and / or" indicates at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0017] In the various embodiments of this application, "near end" and "far end" refer to the distance of each component from the user in the usage environment. The end closer to the user is designated as the "near end", and the end farther from the user is designated as the "far end".

[0018] The assembly of related endoscopes is usually done manually, with each component being assembled into a predetermined position on the handle housing. This assembly method is not only inefficient but also costly.

[0019] To address this, this application provides an endoscope employing a modular assembly process. For example, during production, each module can be manufactured and assembled separately, then the modules are gathered in an assembly workshop, where they can be assembled mechanically and automatically. This improves assembly efficiency and reduces production costs. Particularly when the insertion module mates with the housing module, the traction wheel of the insertion module is engaged and fixed to the positioning disc on the first housing. This fixing method, compared to traditional screw fixing, not only improves assembly efficiency but also facilitates automated mechanical assembly. It also makes it easy to detach and reassemble the traction wheel and the positioning disc, thus facilitating adjustments to the placement of the insertion module.

[0020] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figures 1 to 22 The endoscope and its assembly method provided in this application will be described in detail through specific embodiments and application scenarios.

[0021] The endoscope in this embodiment includes a housing module 100, an insertion module 200, a circuit module 300, and a suction module 400, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown below, the main structure of each module is explained.

[0022] The housing module 100 in this embodiment includes a first housing 110 and a second housing 120, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown. The first housing 110 and the second housing 120 cover each other, and an installation chamber 150 is formed within the first housing 110 and the second housing 120. The installation chamber 150 is used to accommodate the insertion module 200, the circuit module 300, and the suction module 400, as shown. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown.

[0023] The insertion module 200 of this embodiment includes an insertion part 210, a traction assembly 220, and a traction wheel 230, such as Figure 5 As shown. The insertion part 210 includes an active bending section and a passive bending section. The active bending section is located at the distal end of the passive bending section. The distal end of the insertion part 210 is also provided with a camera module, a lighting module, etc. The structure of the insertion part 210 can be the same as that of the prior art, and will not be described in detail here. The distal end of the traction assembly 220 is fixedly connected to the distal end of the insertion part 210, and the proximal end of the traction assembly 220 is fixedly connected to the traction wheel 230, as shown. Figure 5 As shown. Thus, the rotation of the traction wheel 230 can drive the traction assembly 220 to move, thereby controlling the bending state of the distal end of the insertion part 210. For example, the traction assembly 220 includes a steel wire rope and a sheath sleeve fitted over the steel wire rope.

[0024] The circuit module 300 in this embodiment includes a circuit board 310, a button 320, and a cable 330, such as Figures 13-16 As shown. Cable 330 includes multiple sets, one end of which connects to the camera module, main unit, or button 320, and the other end of which connects to the circuit board 310, as shown. Figure 13 As shown. This enables electrical and / or signal connections between the circuit board 310 and various components.

[0025] The suction module 400 in this embodiment includes a suction valve 410, a three-way connector 420, a connecting pipe 430, and a connecting bracket 440, such as Figures 18-21 As shown. One end of the connecting pipe 430 is connected to the suction valve 410, and the other end of the connecting pipe 430 is connected to the first connector 421 of the tee connector 420, as shown. Figure 18 and Figure 19 As shown. The structures of the suction valve 410 and the tee connector 420 are the same as those in the prior art and will not be described again here. For example, the first connector 421 of the tee connector 420 is connected to the connecting tube 430, and the second connector 422 of the tee connector 420 is connected to the instrument channel in the insertion part 210, so that the treatment instrument can be inserted into the instrument channel through the third connector 423 of the tee connector 420, or a suction operation can be performed through the instrument channel and the third connector 423. The connecting bracket 440 is detachably connected to the suction valve 410 and the tee connector 420, and the connecting bracket 440 is also used to engage the connecting tube 430.

[0026] The assembly method between the housing module 100, the insertion module 200, the circuit module 300, and the attraction module 400 will be described below.

[0027] The assembly method of the endoscope in this embodiment includes the following steps: Step 100: Install the actuating element 130 and the positioning plate 140 onto the first housing 110 respectively, forming the first housing assembly, as shown below. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown. For example, the actuating element 130 and the positioning plate 140 are snap-fitted to the first housing 110.

[0028] Step 200: After assembling the insertion part 210, the traction assembly 220, and the traction wheel 230 into the insertion part module 200, install the insertion part 210 onto the distal end of the first housing 110, and secure the proximal end of the insertion part 210 to the first housing 110. Secure the traction wheel 230 to the positioning plate 140. Figures 5-7 As shown.

[0029] Step 300: Install the circuit module 300 inside the first housing 110, and position the circuit module 300 above the traction assembly 220 of the insertion module 200, such as... Figure 12 As shown.

[0030] Step 400: Install the attraction module 400 onto the first housing 110, positioning the attraction module 400 above the circuit module 300, as shown below. Figure 17 As shown.

[0031] Step 500: Cover the first housing 110 with the second housing 120, and seal the connection between the insertion part 210 and the first housing 110 and the second housing 120, as follows: Figure 1 and Figure 22 As shown.

[0032] For example, in this embodiment, the first housing assembly, insertion module 200, circuit module 300, and suction module 400 can be pre-assembled in their respective production workshops, and then the modules are brought together in the assembly workshop to complete the assembly of the whole machine. For example, in this embodiment, the first housing assembly, insertion module 200, circuit module 300, and suction module 400 can also be pre-assembled in the whole machine assembly workshop, and then the pre-assembled modules are assembled into the whole machine.

[0033] The assembly method of the endoscope in this embodiment includes a housing module 100, an insertion module 200, a circuit module 300, and a suction module 400. During assembly, the housing module 100, the insertion module 200, the circuit module 300, and the suction module 400 can be assembled separately first. Then, all modules are brought together in the assembly workshop to complete the assembly of the whole machine. During the assembly of the whole machine, the assembly of each module can be achieved through mechanical automation, such as by using a robotic arm to pick up the corresponding modules and complete the assembly in sequence. This helps to improve assembly efficiency and also reduces production costs.

[0034] On the other hand, in the assembly method of the endoscope in this embodiment, when the insertion module 200 is engaged with the first housing 110, the traction wheel 230 can be positioned by the positioning plate 140 on the first housing assembly; then, the traction wheel 230 is snapped and fixed to the positioning plate 140 to complete the assembly of the traction wheel 230. Compared with the traditional screw fixing, the assembly method of snapping and fixing the traction wheel 230 to the positioning plate 140 in this embodiment can not only improve the assembly efficiency, but also facilitate the realization of mechanical automation assembly, and also make it easy to disassemble and assemble the traction wheel 230 and the positioning plate 140, thereby making it easy to adjust the placement position of the insertion module 200.

[0035] like Figure 4 , Figure 9 and Figure 11 The first housing 110 has a mounting hole 111, and one end of the actuating member 130 is provided with a mounting post 131. The positioning disk 140 has a central hole 143. The mounting post 131 is a non-cylindrical structure, and the shape of the central hole 143 matches the mounting post 131. Thus, after the mounting post 131 is installed in the central hole 143, the positioning disk 140 can be rotated by the actuating member 130. Figure 11 As shown, the two opposite sides of the mounting post 131 are planar structures. However, the mounting post 131 and the positioning plate 140 can also be secured with fasteners (such as screws) to enhance the stability of their connection.

[0036] See also Figure 4 , Figure 7 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 The positioning plate 140 is also provided with a receiving groove 144, and the first housing assembly also includes a sealing ring 160. The receiving groove 144 is used to accommodate the sealing ring 160. In this embodiment, by providing the sealing ring 160, it is beneficial to maintain the sealing of the endoscope handle.

[0037] According to an optional implementation, in step 100, the first housing assembly is assembled as follows: the positioning plate 140 is placed inside the first housing 110, and the center hole 143 of the positioning plate 140 is coaxially arranged with the mounting hole 111 of the first housing 110; the actuating member 130 is placed outside the first housing 110, and the mounting post 131 of the actuating member 130 is inserted into the mounting hole 111, so that the mounting post 131 is engaged and fixed with the mounting hole 111 and the center hole 143.

[0038] Not limited to this, in step 100, the first housing assembly can also be assembled in the following manner: the actuating member 130 is placed on the outside of the first housing 110, and the mounting post 131 of the actuating member 130 is inserted into the mounting hole 111, so that the mounting post 131 protrudes out of the first housing 110; the positioning plate 140 is placed on the inside of the first housing 110, and the center hole 143 of the positioning plate 140 is engaged and fixed with the mounting post 131.

[0039] In this embodiment, the toggle member 130 and the positioning plate 140 can be assembled with the first housing 110 by means of the mounting post 131 on the toggle member 130. This assembly method is easy to achieve through mechanical automation.

[0040] like Figures 8-10 The positioning disk 140 has one of a positioning block 141 and a positioning groove 231, and the traction wheel 230 has the other of a positioning block 141 and a positioning groove 231. The positioning block 141 and the positioning groove 231 are engaged with each other. Specifically, the positioning disk 140 has a positioning block 141, and the traction wheel 230 has a positioning groove 231. The positioning block 141 and the positioning groove 231 are engaged with each other. Figures 8-10 As shown, the positioning block 141 has a square structure, and the shape of the positioning groove 231 matches the positioning block 141. Through the snap-fit ​​cooperation between the positioning block 141 and the positioning groove 231, not only can the traction wheel 230 be positioned, but the traction wheel 230 can also be rotated by the rotation of the positioning disc 140, thereby realizing the control of the bending state of the distal end of the insertion part 210.

[0041] See also Figure 7 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 The positioning disk 140 has one of a positioning protrusion 142 and a positioning hole 232, and the traction wheel 230 has the other of a positioning protrusion 142 and a positioning hole 232. The positioning protrusion 142 and the positioning hole 232 are engaged with each other. Specifically, the positioning disk 140 has a positioning protrusion 142, and the traction wheel 230 has a positioning hole 232. The positioning protrusion 142 and the positioning hole 232 are engaged with each other. Through the engaging cooperation of the positioning protrusion 142 and the positioning hole 232, not only can the traction wheel 230 be further positioned, but the consistency of rotation between the positioning disk 140 and the traction wheel 230 can also be further improved.

[0042] See also Figures 7-9 The traction wheel 230 and the positioning disk 140, which each have a positioning groove 231, are further provided with a locking part 233, which engages with the positioning block 141. Specifically, the locking part 233 is located on the side of the positioning groove 231. When the positioning block 141 engages with the positioning groove 231, the locking part 233 can also engage with the edge of the positioning block 141, thereby further improving the consistency of rotation between the positioning disk 140 and the traction wheel 230.

[0043] According to an optional implementation, in step 200, when the insertion module 200 and the housing module 100 are engaged, the proximal end of the insertion part 210 can be first engaged with the distal end of the first housing 110; and then the traction wheel 230 can be engaged and fixed with the positioning plate 140. Alternatively, when the insertion module 200 and the housing module 100 are engaged, the traction wheel 230 can be first engaged and fixed with the positioning plate 140; and then the proximal end of the insertion part 210 can be engaged and fixed with the distal end of the first housing 110.

[0044] According to an alternative embodiment, when the traction wheel 230 engages with the positioning disc 140, the positioning block 141 is engaged with the positioning groove 231, the positioning protrusion 142 is engaged with the positioning hole 232, and the engaging part 233 is engaged with the positioning block 141.

[0045] The assembly method between the traction wheel 230 and the positioning plate 140 in this embodiment is not only easy to achieve through mechanical automation, but also can simultaneously achieve the engagement of the positioning block 141 with the positioning groove 231, the engagement of the positioning protrusion 142 with the positioning hole 232, and the engagement of the engagement part 233 with the positioning block 141, thereby improving assembly efficiency.

[0046] like Figure 3 As shown, mounting brackets 112 are provided on opposite sides of the first housing 110, and the mounting brackets 112 are used to mount the circuit module 300. Specifically, the mounting brackets 112 are used to mount the circuit board 310.

[0047] According to an optional implementation, in step 300, when the circuit module 300 mates with the first housing 110, the circuit module 300 snaps into the first housing 110, as shown below. Figure 12 As shown. The assembly method between the circuit module 300 and the first housing 110 in this embodiment is easily achieved through mechanical automation.

[0048] Preferably, installing the circuit module 300 inside the first housing 110 includes the following steps: after snapping the circuit board 310, button 320, and cable 330 into the first housing 110, one end of the cable 330 is pluggably connected to the circuit board 310. The other end of the cable 330 is used to connect to the button 320, the main unit, and the camera module of the insertion part 210.

[0049] In this embodiment, after the circuit board 310, button 320 and cable 330 are snapped into the first housing 110, one end of the cable 330 is pluggably connected to the circuit board 310. This assembly method can avoid pulling on the connection point between the cable 330 and the circuit board 310 during the debugging and assembly process, thereby improving the reliability of the connection between the cable 330 and the circuit board 310.

[0050] like Figures 13-16 The circuit board 310 has one of a connector and a plug, and one end of the cable 330 has the other of a connector and a plug. The connector and the plug are pluggable. Specifically, the circuit board 310 has a connector, and one end of the cable 330 has a plug. The connector and the plug are pluggable.

[0051] See also Figure 13 and Figure 14 The cable 330 includes a first cable 330a, one end of which is connected to the camera module, and the other end of which is pluggably connected to the circuit board 310, thereby enabling signal connection between the camera module and the circuit board 310 via the first cable 330a. For example, the end of the first cable 330a connected to the circuit board 310 is provided with a first plug 331, and the circuit board 310 is provided with a first connector 311. The first plug 331 and the first connector 311 are pluggably connected. Figures 13-16 As shown.

[0052] See also Figure 13 and Figure 14 The cable 330 includes a second cable 330b, one end of which is connected to the host, and the other end of which is pluggably connected to the circuit board 310, thereby enabling signal connection between the circuit board 310 and the host via the second cable 330b. Specifically, the signal transmitted from the camera module to the circuit board 310 is transmitted to the host via the second cable 330b. For example, the end of the second cable 330b connected to the circuit board 310 is provided with a second plug 332, and the circuit board 310 is provided with a second connector 312. The second plug 332 and the second connector 312 are pluggably connected. Figures 13-16 As shown.

[0053] The second plug 332 is one of the male and female connectors of the small RF coaxial connector (IPEX), and the second connector 312 is the other of the male and female connectors of the small RF coaxial connector. For example... Figures 13-16 As shown, the second plug 332 is the male socket of a miniature radio frequency coaxial connector (IPEX), and the second connector 312 is the female socket of a miniature radio frequency coaxial connector. The miniature radio frequency coaxial connector (IPEX) can be a structure found in the prior art, and will not be described in detail here. In this embodiment, the second plug 332 and the second connector 312 are the male and female sockets of a miniature radio frequency coaxial connector. Compared to other types of connectors, they have superior anti-interference performance, thereby improving the image quality transmitted to the host.

[0054] Not limited to this, the second plug 332 and the second connector 312 can also be other types, such as straight-insertion connectors, strip connectors, snap-lock connectors or drawer-type connectors, etc.

[0055] See also Figure 13 and Figure 14 The cable 330 includes a third cable 330c. One end of the third cable 330c is connected to the host, and the other end is pluggably connected to the circuit board 310, thereby enabling signal connection between the circuit board 310 and the host through the third cable 330c. Specifically, power signals and / or button signals can be transmitted through the third cable 330c. For example, the end of the third cable 330c connected to the circuit board 310 is provided with a third plug 333, and the circuit board 310 is provided with a third connector 313. The third plug 333 and the third connector 313 are pluggably connected, such as... Figures 13-16 As shown.

[0056] See also Figure 13 and Figure 14 The cable 330 includes a fourth cable 330d, one end of which is connected to the button 320, and the other end of which is pluggably connected to the circuit board 310, thereby enabling signal connection between the button 320 and the circuit board 310 via the fourth cable 330d. For example, the end of the fourth cable 330d connected to the circuit board 310 is provided with a fourth plug 334, and the circuit board 310 is provided with a fourth connector 314. The fourth plug 334 and the fourth connector 314 are pluggably connected. Figures 13-16 As shown.

[0057] The first connector 311, the third connector 313, and the fourth connector 314 can be general-purpose connectors in the prior art. For example, the first connector 311, the third connector 313, and the fourth connector 314 can be a through-hole connector, a strip connector, a snap-fit ​​connector, or a drawer-type connector, etc. Each connector can have a structure found in the prior art, which will not be detailed here. Correspondingly, the first plug 331, the third plug 333, and the fourth plug 334 are connectors that mate with through-hole connectors, strip connectors, snap-fit ​​connectors, or drawer-type connectors, etc.

[0058] According to an optional implementation, in step 300, when the circuit module 300 mates with the first housing 110, after the circuit board 310, button 320, and cable 330 are assembled with the first housing 110, the first plug 331 is inserted into the first connector 311, the second plug 332 into the second connector 312, the third plug 333 into the third connector 313, and the fourth plug 334 into the fourth connector 314. This assembly method, compared to soldering the cable 330 to the circuit board 310, is not only easier to automate mechanically, but also avoids pulling on the connection points of the cable 330 and the circuit board 310 during debugging and assembly, thereby improving the reliability of the connection between the cable 330 and the circuit board 310. Furthermore, this assembly method allows for easy disassembly and reassembly of the cable 330 and the circuit board 310, facilitating the adjustment of the positions of the circuit board 310, button 320, and cable 330.

[0059] According to an optional implementation, in step 400, the suction module 400 is assembled as follows: the suction valve 410 and the tee connector 420 are connected to both ends of the connecting pipe 430, respectively; then, the connecting bracket 440 is placed on one side of the connecting pipe 430, and the connecting bracket 440 is snapped and fixed to the suction valve 410 and / or the tee connector 420, and the connecting bracket 440 is snapped and fixed to the connecting pipe 430. A schematic diagram of the assembled suction module 400 is shown below. Figure 18 and Figure 19 As shown. For example, the suction valve 410 and the tee fitting 420 are interference-fitted with the connecting pipe 430.

[0060] like Figures 18-21 As shown, the suction valve 410 and / or the tee connector 420 are provided with one of a buckle 451 and a locking hole 452, and the connecting bracket 440 is provided with the other of a buckle 451 and a locking hole 452, and the buckle 451 and the locking hole 452 are engaged. Specifically, the suction valve 410 and the tee connector 420 are provided with a buckle 451, and the connecting bracket 440 is provided with a locking hole 452. The connecting bracket 440 and the suction valve 410 and the tee connector 420 can be detachably connected through the buckle 451 and the locking hole 452.

[0061] See also Figure 19 and Figure 21 The connecting bracket 440 is also provided with a first slot 453, which engages with the connecting pipe 430. This allows the connecting pipe 430 to be fixed to the connecting bracket 440 via the first slot 453, thus supporting and / or constraining the connecting pipe 430. There is at least one first slot 453. Preferably, there are multiple first slots 453, spaced apart along the length of the connecting bracket 440, which enhances the reliability of the connection between the connecting bracket 440 and the connecting pipe 430.

[0062] When assembling the suction module 400, the buckle 451 and the locking hole 452 are engaged, and the first locking groove 453 is engaged with the connecting pipe 430. In this embodiment, the suction module 400 has mechanical connections between its components, without the need for adhesive, which facilitates the automated assembly of the suction module 400.

[0063] According to an optional embodiment, in step 400, when the suction module 400 is installed inside the first housing 110, the suction module 400 and the first housing 110 are fixedly connected by plugging and / or snapping. This assembly method facilitates the assembly of the suction module 400 through mechanical automation.

[0064] The suction valve 410 and / or the tee connector 420 are also detachably connected to the first housing 110 and / or the second housing 120. This facilitates the assembly of the various modules through mechanical automation. For example, the first housing 110 and / or the second housing 120 are also provided with a second slot 454, into which the suction valve 410 is engaged. Figure 3 As shown. The first housing 110 and / or the second housing 120 are further provided with one of a slot 455 and a plug 456, and the tee connector 420 is provided with the other of a slot 455 and a plug 456, with the slot 455 and plug 456 engaging in a plug-in fit. For example... Figure 3 , Figure 19 and Figure 21 As shown, the first housing 110 is provided with a slot 455, and the tee connector 420 is provided with a plug 456. The tee connector 420 and the first housing 110 can be connected and engaged through the slot 455 and the plug 456.

[0065] According to an optional embodiment, when the suction module 400 is engaged with the first housing 110, the suction valve 410 and the tee connector 420 are first snapped into the second slot 454; at the same time, the insert block 456 is inserted into the slot 455. This assembly method not only facilitates the assembly of the suction module 400 through mechanical automation, but also improves assembly efficiency.

[0066] According to an optional embodiment, in step 500, after the second housing 120 is placed over the first housing 110, the first fitting 500 and the second fitting 600 are sleeved onto the connection between the insertion part 210 and the first housing 110 and the second housing 120, thereby keeping the connection between the insertion part 210 and the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 sealed. Figure 1 and Figure 22 As shown.

[0067] The endoscope in this embodiment is assembled using the endoscope assembly method of any of the technical solutions in this embodiment. Specifically, the endoscope in this embodiment includes a housing module 100, an insertion module 200, a circuit module 300, and a suction module 400. The housing module 100 includes a first housing 110 and a second housing 120, which are fitted together. An installation chamber 150 is formed within the first housing 110 and the second housing 120. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown. The first housing 110 is provided with an actuating element 130 and a positioning disk 140, and the actuating element 130 and the positioning disk 140 are engaged and fixed to the first housing 110, as shown. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown; the insertion module 200 includes an insertion part 210, a traction assembly 220, and a traction wheel 230. The distal end of the traction assembly 220 is fixedly connected to the distal end of the insertion part 210, and the proximal end of the traction assembly 220 is fixed to the traction wheel 230. The insertion part 210 is located at the distal end of the first housing 110, and the traction wheel 230 is engaged and fixedly connected to the positioning plate 140. Figures 5-7 As shown; the circuit module 300 is located within the mounting chamber 150, and the circuit module 300 is positioned above the traction assembly 220 of the insertion module 200, as... Figure 12 As shown; the suction module 400 is located within the mounting chamber 150, and the suction module 400 is positioned above the circuit module 300, as shown. Figure 17 As shown.

[0068] The specific structures of the housing module 100, insertion module 200, circuit module 300 and attraction module 400 in this embodiment have been described in detail in the foregoing embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0069] In this embodiment, the endoscope can be assembled into various modules through mechanical automation during the overall assembly process, which improves assembly efficiency and reduces production costs. In addition, the traction wheel 230 and the positioning plate 140 are fixed by snap-fit, which, compared with the traditional screw fixing, not only improves assembly efficiency but also facilitates mechanical automation assembly. It also makes it easy to disassemble and assemble the traction wheel 230 and the positioning plate 140, thereby facilitating the adjustment of the placement position of the insertion module 200.

[0070] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Unless otherwise specified, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0071] Furthermore, it should be noted that the scope of the methods and apparatus in the embodiments of this application is not limited to performing functions in the order shown or discussed, but may also include performing functions substantially simultaneously or in the reverse order, depending on the functions involved. For example, the described methods may be performed in a different order than described, and various steps may be added, omitted, or combined. In addition, features described with reference to certain examples may be combined in other examples.

[0072] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for assembling an endoscope, characterized in that, The endoscope includes a housing module (100), an insertion module (200), a circuit module (300), and a suction module (400). The housing module (100) includes a first housing (110) and a second housing (120). The assembly method includes the following steps: Step 100: Install the actuating element (130) and the positioning plate (140) onto the first housing (110) respectively to form the first housing assembly; Step 200: After assembling the insertion part (210), traction assembly (220) and traction wheel (230) into the insertion part module (200), the insertion part (210) is installed on the far end of the first housing (110), and the proximal end of the insertion part (210) is snapped and fixed to the first housing (110), and the traction wheel (230) is snapped and fixed to the positioning plate (140); Step 300: Install the circuit module (300) inside the first housing (110) and position the circuit module (300) above the traction assembly (220) of the insertion module (200); Step 400: Install the attraction module (400) onto the first housing (110) and position the attraction module (400) above the circuit module (300); Step 500: Cover the first housing (110) with the second housing (120) and seal the connection between the insertion part (210) and the first housing (110) and the second housing (120).

2. The assembly method of the endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step 200, the traction wheel (230) and the positioning plate (140) are fixedly connected by the following structure: The positioning disk (140) is provided with one of a positioning block (141) and a positioning groove (231), and the traction wheel (230) is provided with the other of a positioning block (141) and a positioning groove (231), and the positioning block (141) and the positioning groove (231) are engaged with each other; And / or, the positioning disk (140) is provided with one of a positioning protrusion (142) and a positioning hole (232), and the traction wheel (230) is provided with the other of a positioning protrusion (142) and a positioning hole (232), and the positioning protrusion (142) and the positioning hole (232) are engaged with each other; When the insertion module (200) is engaged with the housing module (100), the positioning block (141) is engaged with the positioning groove (231), and / or the positioning protrusion (142) is engaged with the positioning hole (232).

3. The endoscope assembly method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The traction wheel (230) and the positioning plate (140) are also fixed by the following structure: The traction wheel (230) and the positioning plate (140) are provided with positioning grooves (231), and one of them is also provided with a snap-fit ​​part (233), which snaps into the positioning block (141); When the insertion module (200) is engaged with the housing module (100), the snap-fit ​​part (233) is also snapped with the positioning block (141).

4. The method for assembling an endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, In step 300, the circuit module (300) is snapped into the first housing (110), and the installation of the circuit module (300) inside the first housing (110) includes the following steps: After the circuit board (310), button (320) and cable (330) are snapped into the first housing (110), one end of the cable (330) is plugged into the circuit board (310); The other end of the cable (330) is used to connect to the button (320), the host, and the camera module of the insertion part (210).

5. The endoscope assembly method according to claim 4, characterized in that, One end of the cable (330) is pluggably connected to the circuit board (310) through the following structure: The circuit board (310) is provided with one of a connector and a plug, and one end of the cable (330) is provided with the other of a connector and a plug, and the connector and the plug are pluggable; When the circuit module (300) is engaged with the first housing (110), after the circuit board (310), button (320) and cable (330) are installed in place, the connector is then plugged into the plug.

6. The method for assembling an endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, In step 400, the suction module (400) is assembled as follows: the suction valve (410) and the tee connector (420) are connected to both ends of the connecting pipe (430) respectively, and then the connecting bracket (440) is placed on one side of the connecting pipe (430), and the connecting bracket (440) is snapped and fixed to the suction valve (410) and / or the tee connector (420), and the connecting bracket (440) is snapped and fixed to the connecting pipe (430); And / or, when the suction module (400) is installed in the first housing (110), the suction module (400) and the first housing (110) are fixedly connected by plugging and / or snapping.

7. The assembly method of the endoscope according to claim 6, characterized in that, The connecting bracket (440) is fixed to the suction valve (410) and / or the three-way connector (420) by the following structure: the suction valve (410) and / or the three-way connector (420) are provided with one of a buckle (451) and a locking hole (452), and the connecting bracket (440) is provided with the other of a buckle (451) and a locking hole (452), and the buckle (451) and the locking hole (452) are engaged in a locking fit. And / or, the connecting bracket (440) and the connecting pipe (430) are fixedly connected by the following structure: the connecting bracket (440) is also provided with a first slot (453), the first slot (453) is at least one, and the first slot (453) is engaged with the connecting pipe (430); When assembling the suction module (400), the buckle (451) and the card hole (452) are engaged, and / or the first card slot (453) is engaged with the connecting pipe (430).

8. The method for assembling an endoscope according to claim 6, characterized in that, The suction module (400) and the first housing (110) are connected and / or snap-fitted together by the following structure: The first housing (110) and / or the second housing (120) are further provided with one of a slot (455) and a plug (456), and the suction valve (410) and / or the three-way connector (420) are provided with the other of a slot (455) and a plug (456), wherein the slot (455) and the plug (456) are inserted into each other; When the suction module (400) engages with the first housing (110), the slot (455) is inserted into the plug (456).

9. The method for assembling an endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, In step 100, the first housing assembly is assembled in the following manner: The positioning disk (140) is placed inside the first housing (110), and the center hole (143) of the positioning disk (140) is coaxially arranged with the mounting hole (111) of the first housing (110); The actuating element (130) is placed outside the first housing (110), and the mounting post (131) of the actuating element (130) is inserted into the mounting hole (111) so that the mounting post (131) is engaged and fixed with the mounting hole (111) and the center hole (143).

10. An endoscope assembled using the assembly method of any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The endoscope includes a housing module (100), an insertion module (200), a circuit module (300), and a suction module (400). The housing module (100) includes a first housing (110) and a second housing (120), which are fitted together. An installation chamber (150) is formed within the first housing (110) and the second housing (120). The first housing (110) is provided with a toggle member (130) and a positioning plate (140), and the toggle member (130) and the positioning plate (140) are engaged and fixed to the first housing (110); The insertion module (200) includes an insertion part (210), a traction component (220), and a traction wheel (230). The distal end of the traction component (220) is fixedly connected to the distal end of the insertion part (210), and the proximal end of the traction component (220) is fixed to the traction wheel (230). The insertion part (210) is located at the distal end of the first housing (110), and the traction wheel (230) is engaged and fixed to the positioning plate (140). The circuit module (300) is located inside the mounting chamber (150) and above the traction assembly (220) of the insertion module (200); The suction module (400) is located inside the mounting chamber (150) and above the circuit module (300).

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