Endoscope tip assembly and method of assembling the same

Abstract

The application provides an endoscope front end assembly and an assembling method thereof. The front end assembly comprises a head end piece, a filling piece and a snake bone assembling joint. The head end piece comprises a main body part, a first space for accommodating a camera module and a second space for accommodating an instrument tube are arranged in the main body part, a connecting piece is connected to the rear end of the main body part, and the outer side surface of the connecting piece is a connecting surface. The filling piece comprises a filling piece main body, one end of the filling piece main body is inserted into the first space of the main body part, the other end of the filling piece main body extends out of the main body part, and a supporting surface is arranged on the other end of the filling piece main body. The snake bone assembling joint is connected to the rear end of the main body part, and the inner circumferential surface of the snake bone assembling joint is simultaneously attached to the connecting surface and the supporting surface. The application can solve the problem of low connection strength between the head end piece and the snake bone assembling joint without increasing the outer diameter and the axial size.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention provides an endoscope front end component and its assembly method, belonging to the field of electronic endoscope technology. Background Technology

[0002] The tip section of a medical electronic endoscope is typically connected to the snake-bone assembly section in the following way: a variable-diameter structure is set at the rear end of the tip section, and the tail section is inserted into the snake-bone assembly section with adhesive to achieve fixation. The overall outer diameter of the part of the electronic endoscope that is inserted into the human body is usually strictly limited. Because the rear end of the tip section needs to be inserted into or embedded in the snake-bone assembly section for connection, and the rear end of the tip section and the outer ring of the snake-bone assembly section usually need to be wrapped with snake-bone rubber, the outer diameter of the plastic structural parts of the tip and tail sections is therefore limited. At the same time, in order to meet the assembly requirements of internal components (such as camera modules and instrument tubes), a through-hole hollow channel must be reserved inside the tip section.

[0003] The aforementioned constraints lead to a severe structural contradiction in the tail section of the headpiece: on the one hand, to control the overall outer diameter, the outer wall of the tail section is extremely thin (very small, typically less than 0.15mm); on the other hand, to avoid the tail section being too long and obstructing the internal channels (affecting the installation of the camera module and instrument channels), the circumferential dimensions of the tail section are limited. Therefore, under the dual constraints of "short circumferential dimensions" and "thin-walled structure," the connection strength of the tail section of the headpiece is severely insufficient, making it extremely prone to breakage or detachment at the root of the tail section after assembly with the snake-bone assembly section, seriously affecting product yield and reliability.

[0004] Existing technologies have proposed several methods to enhance connection strength by adding connecting structures. For example, patent CN1113349810B provides a connection structure between the endoscope tip and the serpentine skeleton. This structure uses a tip, a connecting ring, and the serpentine skeleton with the same outer diameter. This connection method does not increase the outer diameter of the tip and the serpentine skeleton and can ensure a strong connection. However, the addition of a connecting ring between the tip and the serpentine skeleton increases the axial distance between the serpentine skeleton end and the tip, causing the bending initiation position of the serpentine skeleton to shift backward, resulting in a slower bending response and decreased bending performance.

[0005] In summary, the technical problem to be solved by this invention is how to improve the connection strength between the head end piece and the snake bone assembly section without increasing the outer diameter or axial dimension. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the problems existing in the prior art, the present invention provides an endoscope front end component and its assembly method, which can solve the problem of low connection strength between the head end component and the snake bone assembly section without increasing the outer diameter and axial dimensions.

[0007] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: In a first aspect, the present invention provides an endoscope front-end assembly, including a headpiece, a filler, and a snake-bone assembly. The headpiece includes a main body, which has a first space for accommodating a camera module and a second space for accommodating an instrument tube. A connector is connected to the rear end of the main body, and the outer surface of the connector is a connecting surface. The filler includes a filler body, one end of which is inserted into the first space of the main body, and the other end extends out of the main body and has a supporting surface. The snake-bone assembly is connected to the rear end of the main body, and the inner circumferential surface of the snake-bone assembly simultaneously conforms to the connecting surface and the supporting surface.

[0008] Preferably, the outer contour of the main body of the present invention is circular, and the outer contour of the snake bone assembly segment is also circular (this design facilitates the insertion of the head end into human organs and avoids tissue damage). Preferably, the snake bone assembly segment is generally annular in shape, with both its inner and outer circumferential surfaces having circular contours. A circular outer circumferential surface can avoid tissue damage, while a circular inner circumferential surface can provide a larger cavity space to accommodate structures such as instrument tube modules.

[0009] Preferably, the main body of the filler of the present invention is integrally injection molded. Similarly, the head end is also made by injection molding (to facilitate the production of fillers with complex contours), and the specific materials can be engineering plastics, medical plastics or medical polymers, such as PEEK (polyether ether ketone), PC (polycarbonate) and PPSU (polyphenylsulfone), etc.

[0010] Preferably, the outer diameter of the main body of the headpiece of the present invention is less than or equal to 3.2 mm, and the inner diameter of the instrument tube is greater than or equal to 1.2 mm (the circumference of the inner diameter of the instrument tube is greater than or equal to 3.768 mm). Preferably, the circumference of the instrument tube of the present invention is greater than 4 mm.

[0011] It should be noted that the main body has a first space for accommodating the camera module. Besides the camera module, this first space can also accommodate other components, including a portion of the filler body. The main body also has a second space for accommodating the instrument tube. This second space is solely for accommodating the instrument tube to ensure that its size is as large as possible.

[0012] It should be noted that the connector does not obstruct the first space and the second space; that is, the connector will not prevent the camera module from being inserted into the first space, nor will it prevent the instrument tube from being inserted into the second space. Structurally, the connector does not obstruct the first space and the second space, meaning that the connector does not protrude inward beyond the inner contours of the first space and the second space. This invention's design, where the connector does not obstruct the first and second spaces, avoids interference with the insertion of the camera module and instrument tube. This design reduces assembly difficulty, improves assembly efficiency, and prevents damage to the camera module or instrument tube caused by forced insertion. In this invention, the connecting surface is not limited to an arc-shaped surface; it can be a composite curved surface formed by splicing an arc-shaped surface and a straight surface. The supporting surface can also be correspondingly provided, as long as both can fit well with the inner circumferential surface of the snake-bone assembly section.

[0013] Preferably, both the connecting surface and the supporting surface are arc-shaped surfaces, and the supporting surface and the connecting surface are circumscribed together by a virtual cylindrical surface. The arc-shaped surface design better accommodates the circular cross-section of the snake-bone assembly section and the head end piece, thereby increasing the contact area (thus ensuring the connection strength at the joint) and ensuring that the size of the instrument tube is as large as possible.

[0014] In one specific implementation, the connector is provided with a first support structure on the side near the first space, and the main body is provided with a second support structure in the first space. The first support structure and the second support structure are respectively provided on both sides of the height direction of the first space. The main body of the filler is provided with a first limiting structure and a second limiting structure on opposite sides of the height direction. The main body of the filler is inserted into the first space, and the first limiting structure is in limiting cooperation with the first support structure, and the second limiting structure is in limiting cooperation with the second support structure.

[0015] It should be noted that since one end of the filler body extends outside the main body, only a portion of the filler body is inserted into the first space. The limiting structure and the supporting structure cooperate in a limiting manner (the first limiting structure cooperates with the first supporting structure, and the second limiting structure cooperates with the second supporting structure), which can restrict the displacement of the filler body in the height direction, width direction, and axial direction, so that the filler body can only be pulled out along the axial direction after it is installed, while it is limited and fixed in other directions.

[0016] It should be noted that limiting fit refers to a fit relationship that forms a positional constraint, such as a limiting fit formed by the mutual abutment, interlocking, and guiding between structural shapes. Examples include the abutment between surfaces, the fit between protrusions and grooves, and the limiting fit between stepped surfaces.

[0017] In one specific implementation, the first support structure has a first support surface and a second support surface that are perpendicular to each other; the first limiting structure has a first limiting surface and a second limiting surface that are perpendicular to each other; the first limiting surface is in contact with the first support surface, and the second limiting surface is in contact with the second support surface.

[0018] In one specific implementation, the second support structure has a third support surface and a fourth support surface that are perpendicular to each other; the second limiting structure has a third limiting surface and a fourth limiting surface that are perpendicular to each other; the third limiting surface is in contact with the third support surface, and the fourth limiting surface is in contact with the fourth support surface.

[0019] Preferably, a first limiting structure is provided at the upper part of the filler body in the height direction and a second limiting structure is provided at the lower part. The arc-shaped support surface is also provided at the upper part of the filler body in the height direction. In order not to hinder the setting of the arc-shaped support surface, the length of the first limiting structure is not the same as the length of the filler body. The length of the first limiting structure is equivalent to the length of the filler body inserted into the first space.

[0020] Preferably, the first limiting surface is fitted with the first supporting surface, and the second limiting surface is fitted with the second supporting surface. The third limiting surface is fitted with the third supporting surface, and the fourth limiting surface is fitted with the fourth supporting surface. This fitting can be a surface contact stop or a precision planar fit. In this invention, the main function is a contact stop, and the planar accuracy requirement for the surfaces is not very high.

[0021] By attaching two sets of mutually perpendicular surfaces, the movement of the filler body in the height and width directions and its rotation around the axial direction are restricted, while only the axial insertion and removal degrees of freedom are retained.

[0022] In one specific implementation, the front end of the support surface forms a limiting end face, the filler body is inserted into the first space, and the limiting end face abuts against the stop end face of the second support structure to limit the insertion depth of the filler body.

[0023] Preferably, the rear end face of the second support structure is a stop end face, which is located at the rear end of the main body and close to the outlet of the first space, and is perpendicular to the third support surface and the fourth support surface, and adjacent to the edge line formed by the intersection of the third support surface and the fourth support surface.

[0024] Preferably, the head assembly has a symmetrical structure about the central plane in the width direction. Specifically, the first space and the second space of the main body are both single and arranged along the central plane in the width direction; the connectors are two, respectively located on both sides of the central plane in the width direction and symmetrical about the central plane; the filler body is a single component, and all structural features of the filler body are arranged symmetrically about the central plane in the width direction.

[0025] This symmetrical layout has the following advantages: the filler has assembly tolerance in the width direction, which can avoid misassembly; the connecting surface of the connector and the supporting surface of the filler body together form the same virtual cylindrical surface, increasing the contact area of ​​the snake-bone assembly section; when the snake-bone assembly section drives the head end to bend, the symmetrical layout makes the torque evenly distributed in the width direction, improving bending stability; the LED lights of the camera module are respectively located on both radial sides of the camera and face the two light-transmitting panels at the front end of the head end, providing uniform illumination.

[0026] In one specific implementation, the filler body has a limiting protrusion extending along the length direction at its highest point in the height direction, the front end of the snake bone assembly section has an opening groove, the snake bone assembly section is connected to the rear end of the head end piece, and the limiting protrusion is inserted into the opening groove.

[0027] In this invention, the highest point of the filler body in the height direction is the highest point of the outer peripheral surface of the filler body in the height direction. This highest point is usually located in the middle region of the top surface of the filler body, and is located at the position of the maximum diameter of the outer contour of the filler body in the radial direction (since the first receiving groove is provided in the middle region of the top surface of the filler body in this invention, the highest point is closest to the first receiving groove).

[0028] The limiting protrusion is located at the highest point and extends along the length of the filler body, forming a long strip-shaped rib. Positioning the limiting protrusion at its highest point in the height direction offers the following advantages: the radial projection of the limiting protrusion perfectly corresponds to the opening groove on the inner wall of the snake-bone assembly section, facilitating guidance and positioning during assembly; the limiting protrusion's location at its maximum diameter ensures a more uniform distribution of shear force during circumferential stopping, preventing localized deformation of the filler or snake-bone assembly section due to eccentric forces. In short, the cooperation between the limiting protrusion and the opening groove not only achieves circumferential locking between the snake-bone assembly section and the head end piece but also further improves the overall assembly accuracy and torsional resistance of the front-end assembly.

[0029] In one specific implementation, the filler body has a second receiving groove extending along its length on the side facing the second space. The second receiving groove is arc-shaped, and the second receiving groove and the second space together enclose a circular or near-circular receiving cavity to accommodate the instrument tube.

[0030] It should be noted that the main body of the filler does not obstruct the second space. A near-circular cross-section is based on a central point, but allows for minor variations in curvature or planar segments in certain areas, while maintaining an overall roughly circular or slightly elliptical profile. Instrument tubes typically use a circular cross-section; the circular or near-circular receiving cavity fits tightly against the outer contour of the instrument tube, maximizing the passage diameter of the instrument channel while strictly controlling the outer diameter of the front-end components, thus improving the passage capacity of surgical instruments such as biopsy forceps and electrocautery.

[0031] Preferably, the instrument tube is made of a flexible material, such as medical polymer material, silicone or rubber material, etc. The instrument tube made of flexible material can fit a near-circular receiving cavity.

[0032] In one specific implementation, the outer diameter of the snake-bone assembly section is smaller than the outer diameter of the main body; a snake-bone rubber is connected to the outer periphery of the snake-bone assembly section, and the outer diameter of the snake-bone rubber is not greater than the outer diameter of the main body.

[0033] Preferably, the snake-bone rubber can be a tubular structure, directly fitted onto the outer periphery of the snake-bone assembly section. Alternatively, the snake-bone rubber can be a rubber strip, connected to the outer periphery of the snake-bone assembly section by winding, ensuring a seal between the snake-bone assembly sections. Preferably, the outer diameter of the snake-bone rubber is the same as the outer diameter of the main body.

[0034] In one specific implementation, the camera module includes a camera and two LED lights disposed on both sides of the camera in the width direction; the front end face of the main body is provided with two light-transmitting panels, the camera module is housed in the first space, and the two LED lights are respectively arranged facing the two light-transmitting panels; the rear end of the camera module has a module line, which is led out through a first receiving groove extending along the length direction on the top surface of the filler body to the outside of the head end piece and the filler.

[0035] Secondly, the present invention provides an assembly method based on the front-end component provided in the first aspect. The method includes the following steps: Step 1: Insert the camera module into the first space of the main body from the rear end of the main body, so that the LED light of the camera module faces the light-transmitting panel, and fix the camera module with glue.

[0036] In step one, the LED lights on both sides of the camera module are aligned with the two light-transmitting panels one by one. During assembly, the light-transmitting panels serve as physical positioning references to ensure the accurate insertion position of the camera module and prevent over-insertion.

[0037] After the camera module is in place, apply glue or adhesive to the camera slots in the camera and the main body to fix the camera module to the main body. This prevents displacement during subsequent assembly or use and also seals the camera area to prevent liquid from entering the main body.

[0038] Step 2: Insert the filler body into the first space. The first receiving groove of the filler body guides the module line to bend upward and passes through the first receiving groove, leading out to the outside of the main body and the filler body.

[0039] Preferably, in this step, when the filler body is inserted, its first limiting structure and second limiting structure respectively contact and engage with the surfaces of the first support structure and the second support structure to achieve assembly guidance and pre-positioning. When the filler body is fully inserted, its front limiting end face abuts against the rear end face of the second support structure, thereby limiting the insertion depth and preventing over-insertion that could cause the support surface to shift.

[0040] Step 3: Insert and fix the instrument tube in the second space of the main body.

[0041] Preferably, the instrument tube is inserted and fixed within the circular or near-circular cavity formed by the second receiving groove and the second space.

[0042] Preferably, the instrument tube is a circular instrument tube made of polymer material, which can deform under force and can match the circular or near-circular receiving cavity formed by the second space and the second receiving groove, so as to ensure the passage and smooth sliding of the instrument channel.

[0043] Step 4: Insert the snake-bone assembly section into the rear end of the main body, so that the limiting protrusion at the top of the filler body is accommodated in the opening groove at the front end of the snake-bone assembly section; and make the inner side of the snake-bone assembly section simultaneously fit against the connecting surface of the connector and the supporting surface of the filler body.

[0044] Thirdly, the present invention provides an electronic endoscope, including an operating part, an insertion part, and the aforementioned endoscope front end assembly, wherein the operating part is connected to the rear end of the insertion part, and the endoscope front end assembly is connected to the front end of the insertion part.

[0045] It should be noted that electronic endoscopes can include electronic ureteroscopes, electronic cystoscopes, electronic bronchoscopes, etc., and these electronic endoscopes can be disposable or reusable. Beneficial effects

[0046] In this invention, the inner circumferential surface of the snake-bone assembly section can simultaneously fit against the connecting surface and the supporting surface. Compared with the traditional connection method that relies solely on thin-wall bonding or small-area contact, this structure effectively increases the bonding or welding area, allowing stress to be evenly distributed over a larger range. Thus, without increasing the outer diameter, it significantly improves the connection strength between the head end and the snake-bone assembly section, solving the problem of thin-walled sections being prone to breakage. In this invention, the snake bone assembly section is directly connected to the rear end of the main body without adding an independent connecting ring or transition component. The snake bone assembly section can fit the two parts simultaneously within the shortest axial distance, thereby avoiding the problem of increased axial spacing caused by connecting rings in the prior art and improving the bending response speed and maneuverability of the snake bone end. The main body of the filler adopts an integrated structure of "internal insertion + external wrapping": its front end is inserted into the first space, and its rear end extends out and supports the snake assembly section together with the connector. This structure enables the filler to simultaneously perform the dual functions of filling the internal space and providing external connection support surface, reducing the number of independent parts and shortening the axial connection path. During the assembly process, the filler can form a structural reinforcement for the thin-walled area at the rear end of the head end part, and at the same time achieve precise coaxial positioning with the snake assembly section, thereby improving the overall rigidity and assembly accuracy of the front end component. The first support structure on the connector of this invention significantly improves its bending stiffness while engaging with the filler, preventing deformation during assembly or use. The filler body contacts the surfaces of the first and second support structures through its first and second limiting structures, respectively, to achieve assembly guidance and pre-positioning, limiting its displacement in the width and height directions. When the filler body is fully inserted into the first space, its front limiting end face abuts against the rear end face of the second support structure, limiting the insertion depth and preventing over-insertion that could cause the support surface to shift, thus ensuring the fitting accuracy with the snake-bone assembly section. The limiting protrusion on the filler body in the height direction inserts into the opening groove at the front end of the snake-bone assembly section, forming a circumferential stop fit to prevent the snake-bone assembly section from rotating relative to the head end piece. The present invention constrains the height, width and axial displacement of the filler body through the above-mentioned multiple limiting cooperation, so that it can only be pulled out along the axial direction, thereby improving assembly efficiency and ensuring assembly accuracy. Attached Figure Description

[0047] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the front-end component of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the head end piece and the filler in this invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the filler in this invention; Figure 4 for Figure 3 Structural diagrams from different perspectives; Figure 5 for Figure 3 A magnified view of a portion of the image; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the head end component in this invention; Figure 7 for Figure 6 Structural diagrams from different perspectives; Figure 8 for Figure 6 A magnified view of a portion of the image; Figure 9 for Figure 1 Structural diagrams from different perspectives; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-section of the head end component; Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the size effect of the front-end component of the present invention; Figure 12 This is an exploded view of the front-end component of the present invention; Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly process of the front-end component of the present invention.

[0048] Among them, 1. Head end piece; 11. Main body; 111. Second support structure; 1111. Third support surface; 1112. Fourth support surface; 112. Light-transmitting panel; 113. First space; 114. Second space; 12. Connector; 121. Connecting surface; 122. First support structure; 1221. First support surface; 1222. Second support surface; 2. Camera module; 3. Module line; 4. Filler; 40. Filler body; 41. Support surface; 42. First limiting structure; 421. First limiting surface; 422. Second limiting surface; 43. Second limiting structure; 431. Third limiting surface; 432. Fourth limiting surface; 44. Limiting end face; 45. Limiting protrusion; 46. First receiving groove; 47. Second receiving groove; 5. Instrument tube; 6. Snake bone assembly section; 61. Opening groove; 7. Snake bone rubber. Detailed Implementation

[0049] The invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0050] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined with "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0051] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0052] To avoid increasing the outer diameter of the head section, existing technologies typically employ two solutions. One is to add an intermediate component for a transitional connection, but this often increases the axial dimension between the head section and the snake-bone assembly, thus affecting bending flexibility. The second is to use a "plug-in" connection, which involves a groove and rib fit between the snake-bone assembly and the head section, using an interference fit for fixation.

[0053] However, for small-sized endoscopes (such as electronic ureteroscopes), the outer diameter of the tip is typically between 7.5FR and 10FR (i.e., 2.39mm to 3.18mm). The internal structure must also accommodate the camera module and instrument tubing (the minimum diameter of the instrument tubing is 1.2mm; the tubing must allow passage for guidewires, stone retrieval baskets, etc., so the current minimum diameter requirement for the instrument tubing is 1.2mm). Therefore, the wall thickness of the rib at the tail end of the tip is extremely thin, typically between 0.1mm and 0.15mm. Under these size constraints, the aforementioned "insertion-type" connection method is highly susceptible to rib breakage during assembly, resulting in insufficient assembly yield.

[0054] Based on this, the present invention provides an endoscope front end assembly. By setting a connector at the tail of the head end piece, which works together with the filler, the thin-walled rib structure is avoided without increasing the outer diameter or axial dimension, thus significantly improving the assembly yield and ensuring the connection strength between the front end piece and the snake bone assembly section.

[0055] This invention is a special design for electronic endoscopes with an insertion part outer diameter (head end outer diameter) of less than 3.2 mm, because when the head end outer diameter is less than 3.2 mm, the connection between the head end and the snake-like assembly section is most prone to breakage. When the insertion part outer diameter is greater than or equal to 3.2 mm, the wall thickness of the rib at the tail end of the head end can be made thicker, ensuring the connection strength between the head end and the snake-like assembly section. Of course, head end pieces with larger outer diameters (such as 4.1-5.3 mm) can also adopt the structure provided in the embodiments of this invention, and using this structure will also have the same effects.

[0056] This invention is applicable to headpieces made of non-metallic materials (such as plastic). The structure achieves a stable connection between the headpiece and the snake-bone assembly section by adding a filler in the internal cavity of the headpiece and connecting them in a split manner.

[0057] The present invention aims to solve the technical problem in the prior art that, due to the need to reserve an assembly channel for the camera module and instrument tube inside the head end piece, too much material is removed from the connection part between the head end piece and the snake bone assembly section, resulting in excessively thin walls and low strength.

[0058] This invention, by introducing a filler, achieves the following core technical effects: 1. The filler provides structural support to the thin-walled area at the rear end of the headpiece, significantly enhancing the bending resistance at the connection and effectively avoiding the risk of breakage; 2. This structure eliminates the need for external connecting rings or increased axial insertion depth, ensuring that the connection length between the headpiece and the snake-bone assembly section is minimized, thereby maintaining the excellent bending flexibility of the endoscope tip; 3. The filler provides precise axial and circumferential positioning during assembly, ensuring assembly accuracy and preventing damage to the thin-walled structure during pressing or bonding, significantly improving assembly yield. Example 1

[0059] like Figures 1 to 10 As shown, the present invention provides an endoscope tip assembly, mainly comprising a tip piece 1, a filler piece 4, and a snake-bone assembly section 6. This assembly achieves high connection strength, small outer diameter, and high bending flexibility through the transition connection of the filler piece 4 and the multi-curved surface fit.

[0060] Head end structure such as Figure 1 , Figures 6-10As shown, the head end 1 is integrally molded using medical-grade polymer materials (such as PEEK, PC, etc.) through injection molding. The entire part is symmetrically arranged about the center plane in the width direction and consists of the main body 11 and the connecting part 12.

[0061] like Figure 10 As shown, the main body 11 is cylindrical in shape, and its interior is divided into two functional areas radially: the first space 113 is located in the upper part and is used to accommodate the front end of the camera module 2 and the filler 4; the second space 114 is located in the lower part and is used to accommodate the instrument tube 5. The first space 113 and the second space 114 are arranged vertically in the radial section and do not interfere with each other, thereby ensuring the basic function of the head end piece within a limited outer diameter.

[0062] A light-transmitting panel 112 is embedded in the front opening of the main body 11. The light-transmitting panel 112 has the following combined functions: it has high light transmittance, ensuring that the camera module 2 captures clear images and that the LED light source is uniformly transmitted; during the installation of the camera module 2, it acts as a physical stop structure to ensure that the camera and the light-transmitting panel 112 maintain a predetermined distance, so as to avoid blurry images or light leakage due to improper installation.

[0063] like Figures 6-8 and Figure 10 As shown, connectors 12 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the rear end of the main body 11. The outer surface of the connector 12 is the connecting surface. The connecting surface 121 is not limited to an arc surface, but can be a composite curved surface formed by splicing an arc surface and a straight surface, or a straight surface, or an irregular surface. The supporting surface can also be set accordingly, as long as the two can fit well with the inner circumferential surface of the snake bone assembly section.

[0064] In this embodiment, the connecting surface is preferably an arc-shaped connecting surface 121, which is tangent to the support surface 41 of the subsequent filler 4 on the same virtual cylindrical surface, thereby providing continuous support for the snake bone assembly section 6.

[0065] A first support structure 122 is provided on the side of the connector 12 near the first space 113. This structure is formed by the connector 12 protruding inward, and structurally manifests as a reinforcing rib or boss. Its surface is machined with a first support surface 1221 and a second support surface 1222 that are perpendicular to each other. The first support structure 122 not only serves to form a limiting fit with the filler 4, but also significantly enhances the bending stiffness of the connector 12 itself, preventing deformation during assembly or use.

[0066] Correspondingly, the main body 11 is also provided with a second support structure 111 in the first space 113, which has a third support surface 1111 and a fourth support surface 1112 that are perpendicular to each other, for applying constraints to the filler 4 on the other side in the height direction.

[0067] Through the aforementioned bidirectional support structure, the filler 4 can obtain rigid clamping on both the upper and lower sides after being inserted into the first space 113, effectively restricting its rotation and axial movement.

[0068] Filler 4, etc. Figures 1-5 As shown, the filler 4 is a key transitional structure that enhances the connection strength between the head end piece 1 and the snake-bone assembly section 6, and adopts a design of "internal positioning + external support". The front end of the filler body 40 is inserted into the first space 113, and the rear end extends out of the body part 11. The outer surface of the extended section is provided with an arc-shaped support surface 41, the radius of curvature of which is completely consistent with the connection surface 121 of the connector 12, and the two are externally tangent to the same virtual cylindrical surface.

[0069] This design allows the inner wall of the snake-bone assembly section 6 to fit seamlessly with both the connecting surface 121 and the supporting surface 41, increasing the contact area between the snake-bone assembly section 6 and the head end piece 1, thereby significantly improving the bending and torsional resistance of the connection (increasing the connection strength at the connection point and preventing breakage).

[0070] The filler body 40 has a first limiting structure 42 and a second limiting structure 43 respectively on opposite sides in the height direction. The first limiting structure 42 has a first limiting surface 421 and a second limiting surface 422 that are perpendicular to each other and are in contact with the first support surface 1221 and the second support surface 1222 respectively. The second limiting structure 43 has a third limiting surface 431 and a fourth limiting surface 432 that are perpendicular to each other and are in contact with the third support surface 1111 and the fourth support surface 1112 respectively.

[0071] The aforementioned L-shaped vertical mating structure not only serves as an assembly guide but also restricts the movement of the filler 4 in multiple degrees of freedom, significantly improving its torsional resistance.

[0072] The front end of the support surface 41 forms a limiting end face 44. When the filler body 40 is fully inserted into the first space 113, the limiting end face 44 abuts against the stop end face of the second support structure 111, thereby rigidly limiting the insertion depth and preventing the support surface 41 from shifting due to over-insertion, which would affect the fitting accuracy with the snake bone assembly section 6.

[0073] The filler body 40 has a limiting protrusion 45 extending along the length direction at its highest point in the height direction. After assembly, the limiting protrusion 45 is inserted into the opening groove 61 at the front end of the snake assembly section 6 to form a circumferential stop fit, preventing the snake assembly section 6 from rotating relative to the head end piece 1.

[0074] The top surface of the filler body 40 has a first receiving groove 46 extending along its length, which can accommodate and guide the module cable 3 of the camera module 2, avoiding the cable occupying additional radial space. The filler body 40 has a second receiving groove 47 on the side facing the second space 114. This receiving groove is arc-shaped and together with the second space 114, it forms a circular or near-circular receiving cavity for accommodating the instrument tube 5, ensuring the roundness and unobstructedness of the instrument channel.

[0075] Snake bone assembly joints Figure 1 and Figure 9 As shown, the snake-bone assembly section 6 is coaxially connected to the rear end of the head end piece 1, and its inner circumferential surface simultaneously conforms to the connecting surface 121 of the connector 12 and the supporting surface 41 of the filler 4. Since the connecting surface 121 and the supporting surface 41 are concentric, the snake-bone assembly section 6 can achieve a high degree of coaxiality, thereby ensuring the consistency of force transmission during the bending process.

[0076] The outer diameter of the snake bone assembly section 6 is smaller than that of the main body 11. Furthermore, the outer diameter of the main body 11 is 0.08 to 0.12 mm larger than that of the snake bone assembly section, which facilitates the subsequent covering with the snake bone rubber 7. The outer diameter of the snake bone rubber 7 is the same as that of the main body 11, thereby ensuring that the overall outer diameter of the insertion part is consistent and meets clinical requirements.

[0077] The opening groove 61 at the front end of the snake bone assembly section 6 engages with the limiting protrusion 45. This limiting engagement prevents the snake bone assembly section 6 from rotating after connection, further enhancing the circumferential rigidity and operational stability of the front end component.

[0078] like Figure 1 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the camera module 2 is housed at the front end of the first space 113, and includes a camera and two LED lights disposed on both sides of the camera's width. The two LED lights are respectively positioned opposite the two light-transmitting panels 112 at the front end of the main body 11 to provide uniform illumination.

[0079] Module cable 3 is led out from the rear end of camera module 2, passed through the first receiving slot 46 to the outside of the component, and then connected to the main control circuit board. This routing path protects the cable and avoids an increase in the radial dimension of the component due to wiring.

[0080] The instrument tube 5 is housed in a circular or near-circular cavity formed by the second space 114 and the second receiving groove 47, which ensures the passage diameter of the instrument channel while taking into account the compactness of the structure and the feasibility of manufacturing.

[0081] Figure 9 , Figure 10 and Figure 13As shown, the snake-bone rubber 7 is fitted around the outer periphery of the snake-bone assembly section 6 and extends forward to contact the rear end of the main body 11, forming a flexible covering layer for the snake-bone assembly section 6. Its main function is to seal and protect the internal metal snake-bone and assembly structure while ensuring bending flexibility.

[0082] The inner diameter of the snake-bone rubber 7 matches the outer diameter of the snake-bone assembly section 6, forming a tight fit after assembly to prevent relative slippage. The outer diameter of the snake-bone rubber 7 is equal to the outer diameter of the main body 11, thus ensuring a smooth transition between the outer surface of the snake-bone rubber 7 and the outer surface of the main body 11, without forming steps at the connection.

[0083] Since the snake bone assembly section 6 is directly coaxially connected to the rear end of the head end piece 1, and no additional connecting ring or extension structure is provided, the bending start position of the snake bone is basically aligned with the rear end of the head end piece 1. After the snake bone rubber 7 covers the snake bone assembly section 6, its bending section length is consistent with the effective working length of the snake bone, thereby ensuring that when the snake bone bends, the snake bone rubber 7 can deform synchronously and without generating additional bending lag or resistance.

[0084] Combined with the strength enhancement effect of the filler 4 on the connection part, the connection interface between the front end and the head end piece 1 of the snake-bone rubber 7 is not prone to creases, tears or separation during repeated bending, which significantly improves the durability of the front end component.

[0085] The snake-bone rubber 7 is typically made of medical-grade elastic materials (such as silicone, thermoplastic elastomers, etc.), possessing excellent biocompatibility and chemical corrosion resistance. It completely encapsulates the snake-bone assembly section 6 and part of the main body 11, effectively preventing bodily fluids, blood, and other external impurities from entering the internal metal snake-bone structure and assembly gaps, reducing the difficulty of cleaning and disinfection, and extending the product's service life.

[0086] When the front-end components are subjected to multiple bending and twisting operations, the snake-bone rubber 7 relies on its own elastic deformation ability to always adhere to and protect the internal structure, preventing cables, instrument tubes and assembly connection parts from being directly impacted by external forces.

[0087] The assembly method of the front-end component of the present invention is as follows: Pre-installation of camera module: The camera module 2 is inserted axially into the front end of the first space 113 of the head end piece 1 and fixed by adhesive bonding, so that the camera of the camera module 2 is precisely optically aligned with the light-transmitting panel 112, while ensuring that the LED lights on both sides are directly opposite the light-transmitting panel 112.

[0088] Filler assembly and module line arrangement: The filler body 40 is inserted into the first space 113 from back to front. During the insertion process, the module line 3 leading out from the rear end of the camera module 2 is guided to the top surface of the filler body 40 and accommodated in the first receiving groove 46 extending along the length direction, so as to avoid the module line 3 interfering with the assembly of the filler 4.

[0089] Meanwhile, the first limiting structure 42 and the second limiting structure 43 on the filler body 40 form surface contact with the first support structure 122 and the second support structure 111, respectively, to achieve assembly guidance and pre-positioning. When the filler body 40 is fully inserted, its front limiting end face 44 abuts against the rear end face of the second support structure 111, thereby limiting the insertion depth.

[0090] The connection strength between the filler 4 and the head end 1 can be further enhanced by bonding, so that the filler 4 forms a structural reinforcement for the thin-walled area at the rear end of the head end 1.

[0091] Instrument tube installation: Insert the instrument tube 5 axially into the second space 114 and align it with the receiving cavity formed by the second receiving groove 47. Then fix it by bonding or heat fusion to ensure that the instrument channel is unobstructed and the position is stable.

[0092] Coaxial assembly of the snake-bone assembly section: The snake-bone assembly section 6 is coaxially fitted onto the rear end of the head end piece 1. Since the connecting surface 121 of the connector 12 and the supporting surface 41 of the filler 4 have the same radius of curvature and are externally tangent to the same virtual cylindrical surface, the two together form a continuous supporting circumference, so that the inner surface of the snake-bone assembly section 6 simultaneously fits against the connecting surface 121 and the supporting surface 41, thereby achieving automatic centering and coaxial assembly.

[0093] During assembly, the limiting protrusion 45 on the top of the filler body 40 is inserted into the opening groove 61 at the front end of the snake assembly section 6, forming a circumferential stop fit to prevent the snake assembly section 6 from rotating relative to the head end part 1. Subsequently, the head end part 1, the filler 4, and the snake assembly section 6 are fixed together by bonding or hot melting, completing the assembly of the front end component.

[0094] like Figure 11 As shown, after adding the filler, this invention adds a 0.55mm contact arc length to the original 0.84mm contact arc length on one side, making the total effective contact arc length on one side 1.39mm. This solution significantly increases the contact area by segmenting the contact arc length in the circumferential direction, while the axial depth of the head end inserting into the snake-bone assembly section is not increased. This avoids the snake-bone bending starting position shifting backward, ensuring bending response speed and bending performance. At the same time, it significantly reduces the contact stress per unit area, improves pull-out resistance and torsional resistance, and increases the connection strength by at least (0.55 / 0.84)≈65%.

[0095] This invention incorporates a 0.31 mm interval between two contact arc lengths of 0.84 mm and 0.55 mm, creating a discontinuous contact distribution. This design effectively avoids stress concentration that might result from a single long arc length contact.

[0096] like Figure 11 As shown, using the structure of the present invention, the circumference of its instrument tube is approximately 4.24 mm (long half-axis 0.81 mm, short half-axis 0.525 mm, calculated circumference approximately 4.24 mm), which is equivalent to an instrument tube with a diameter of 1.35 mm. This not only meets the requirement that the diameter of the instrument tube is not less than 1.2 mm (circumference 3.768 mm), but also significantly increases the diameter (by 12.5%).

[0097] It should be noted that, as Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, since the outer diameter of the main body 11 is 0.10 mm larger than the outer diameter of the snake-bone assembly section (used for mounting the snake-bone rubber), and the wall thickness of the snake-bone assembly section is 0.14 mm, increasing the thickness dimension of the connector 12 would inevitably compress the wall thickness of the snake-bone assembly section or the thickness of the snake-bone rubber, affecting the structural strength of the snake-bone rubber and the snake-bone assembly section. Increasing the circumferential dimension of the connector would cause the connector 12 to obstruct the first and second spaces, hindering the installation of the camera module or instrument tube. This invention avoids this problem by using a filler component. Example 2

[0098] Example 2 is based on the same inventive concept as Example 1, and the parts that are repeated in Example 1 will not be described in this example.

[0099] This embodiment, based on the front-end component of the embodiment, provides a method for assembling the component, such as... Figure 13 As shown.

[0100] Step 1: Pre-installation and sealing of camera module like Figure 13 (a) Figure 13 As shown in (b), the camera module 2 is inserted into the first space 113 along the axial direction from the rear end of the main body 11, so that the camera at the front end of the camera module 2 is facing the light-transmitting panel 112 at the front end of the main body 11, and ensure that the LED lights on both sides of the camera module 2 are aligned with the two light-transmitting panels 112 respectively.

[0101] After the camera module 2 is in place, apply glue or apply adhesive to the contact area between the camera and the camera slot of the main body 11 to fix the camera module 2 to the main body 11.

[0102] This fixing method prevents the camera module 2 from shifting during subsequent assembly or use, ensuring optical imaging quality and light source emission efficiency. On the other hand, it forms a sealing barrier at the camera installation location, preventing bodily fluids or cleaning liquids from entering the interior of the main body 11 through gaps, thereby improving the product's sealing reliability.

[0103] Step 2: Filler assembly and module line guidance like Figure 13 (b) Figure 13 As shown in (c), the filler body 40 of the filler 4 is inserted into the first space 113 from back to front.

[0104] During insertion, the module line 3 extending from the rear end of the camera module 2 is guided upward and accommodated in the first receiving groove 46 on the top surface of the filler body 40, thus preventing the module line 3 from interfering with the assembly path of the filler 4.

[0105] When the filler body 40 is inserted, it achieves assembly guidance and pre-positioning by engaging with the surfaces of the first support structure 122 and the second support structure 111 through the first limiting structure 42 and the second limiting structure 43 respectively.

[0106] When the filler body 40 is fully inserted, its front limiting end face 44 abuts against the rear end face of the second support structure 111, thereby limiting the insertion depth and preventing over-insertion from causing the support surface 41 to shift position.

[0107] A small amount of adhesive can be applied between the filler 4 and the main body 11 to form a stable connection between them. The filler 4 provides structural reinforcement to the thin-walled area at the rear end of the main body 11, thereby improving the overall rigidity.

[0108] Step 3: Insert and fix the instrument tube 5 into the second space 114 of the main body.

[0109] like Figure 13 (c) Figure 13 As shown in (d), the instrument tube 5 is inserted and fixed in the second receiving groove 47 and the second space 114 together to form a circular or near-circular receiving cavity.

[0110] The instrument tube 5 is preferably a circular tube made of polymer material, which has good flexibility and deformation ability. It can undergo elastic or plastic micro-deformation when subjected to force, so as to closely match the circular or near-circular receiving cavity formed by the second space 114 and the second receiving groove 47, ensuring the passage and smooth sliding of the instrument channel.

[0111] After the instrument tube 5 is in place, it is fixed in the second space 114 by applying glue or heat fusion to prevent axial movement or rotation during subsequent assembly or use, thereby ensuring the stability and reliability of the instrument channel.

[0112] Step 4: Coaxial assembly and circumferential locking of the snake bone assembly section like Figure 13 (d) Figure 13 As shown in (e), the snake bone assembly section 6 is coaxially fitted onto the rear end of the main body 11 from back to front.

[0113] During assembly, the limiting protrusion 45 on the top of the filler body 40 is inserted into the opening groove 61 at the front end of the snake assembly section 6 to form a circumferential stop fit, preventing the snake assembly section 6 from rotating relative to the head end 1.

[0114] Since the connecting surface 121 of the connector 12 and the supporting surface 41 of the filler 4 have the same radius of curvature and are tangent to the same virtual cylindrical surface, they together form a continuous supporting circumference. When the snake-bone assembly section 6 is fully inserted into place, its inner surface simultaneously fits against the connecting surface 121 and the supporting surface 41, achieving automatic centering and coaxial assembly.

[0115] The snake bone assembly section 6 can be further fixed to the head end piece 1 and the filler piece 4 by adhesive bonding or welding (ultrasonic welding or laser welding) to ensure that the three form an integral structure, thereby improving the connection strength and bending and torsional resistance.

[0116] Step 5: Assemble the snake bone rubber assembly like Figure 13 (e) Figure 13 As shown in (f), the snake-bone rubber 7 is fitted from back to front onto the outer periphery of the assembled snake-bone assembly section 6, and the front end of the snake-bone rubber 7 abuts against the rear end of the main body 11.

[0117] The outer diameter of the snake-bone rubber 7 is consistent with the outer diameter of the main body 11, so that the outer surfaces of the two are smoothly transitioned and no obvious step is formed at the connection, thereby ensuring that the overall outer diameter of the insertion part meets the requirements for clinical use.

[0118] While covering the snake bone assembly section 6, the snake bone rubber 7 also seals and protects the internal structure, preventing body fluids, blood and impurities from entering the snake bone and assembly gaps. It also bends along with the snake bone due to its own elastic deformation ability, ensuring bending flexibility and durability. Example 3

[0119] Example 3 is based on the inventive concept of Example 1. This example provides an electronic endoscope, including an operating part, an insertion part, and an endoscope front end assembly as described in any one of Examples 1. The operating part is connected to the rear end of the insertion part, and the endoscope front end assembly is connected to the front end of the insertion part.

[0120] Both the operating section and the insertion section are conventional structures, and will not be described in detail in this embodiment. It should be noted that the electronic endoscope can be an electronic ureteroscope, an electronic cystoscope, an electronic bronchoscope, etc., and the above-mentioned electronic endoscopes can be disposable or reusable.

[0121] 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. An endoscope tip assembly, characterized in that, include: The head end piece (1) includes a main body (11), the main body (11) has a first space (113) for accommodating the camera module (2) and a second space (114) for accommodating the instrument tube (5), and a connector (12) is connected to the rear end of the main body (11), the outer side of the connector (12) is a connecting surface (121). The filler (4) includes a filler body (40), one end of which is inserted into the first space (113) of the main body (11) and the other end extends out of the main body (11), and is provided with a support surface (41). The snake-bone assembly section (6) is connected to the rear end of the main body (11), and the inner circumferential surface of the snake-bone assembly section (6) is simultaneously attached to the connecting surface (121) and the supporting surface (41).

2. The endoscope tip assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connector (12) has a first support structure (122) on the side near the first space (113), and the main body (11) has a second support structure (111) in the first space (113). The first support structure (122) and the second support structure (111) are respectively located on both sides of the height direction of the first space (113). The filler body (40) is provided with a first limiting structure (42) and a second limiting structure (43) on opposite sides of its height direction. The filler body (40) is inserted into the first space (113), and the first limiting structure (42) is in a limiting fit with the first support structure (122), and the second limiting structure (43) is in a limiting fit with the second support structure (111).

3. The endoscope tip assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first support structure (122) has a first support surface (1221) and a second support surface (1222) that are perpendicular to each other; the first limiting structure (42) has a first limiting surface (421) and a second limiting surface (422) that are perpendicular to each other. The first limiting surface (421) is in contact with the first supporting surface (1221), and the second limiting surface (422) is in contact with the second supporting surface (1222).

4. The endoscope tip assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second support structure (111) has a third support surface (1111) and a fourth support surface (1112) that are perpendicular to each other; the second limiting structure (43) has a third limiting surface (431) and a fourth limiting surface (432) that are perpendicular to each other. The third limiting surface (431) is in contact with the third supporting surface (1111), and the fourth limiting surface (432) is in contact with the fourth supporting surface (1112).

5. The endoscope tip assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The front end of the support surface (41) forms a limiting end face (44), the filler body (40) is inserted into the first space (113), and the limiting end face (44) abuts against the stop end face of the second support structure (111) to limit the insertion depth of the filler body (40).

6. The endoscope tip assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The filler body (40) has a limiting protrusion (45) extending along the length direction at the highest point in the height direction. The front end of the snake bone assembly section (6) has an opening groove (61). The snake bone assembly section (6) is connected to the rear end of the head end piece (1), and the limiting protrusion (45) is inserted into the opening groove (61).

7. The endoscope tip assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The filler body (40) has a second receiving groove (47) extending along the length direction on the side facing the second space (114). The second receiving groove (47) is arc-shaped. The second receiving groove (47) and the second space (114) together form a circular or nearly circular receiving cavity to accommodate the instrument tube (5). The connector (12) does not obstruct the first space (113) and the second space (114). Both the connecting surface (121) and the supporting surface (41) are arc-shaped surfaces, and the supporting surface (41) and the connecting surface (121) are circumscribed together on a virtual cylindrical surface.

8. The endoscope tip assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer diameter of the snake bone assembly section (6) is smaller than the outer diameter of the main body (11); a snake bone rubber (7) is connected to the outer periphery of the snake bone assembly section (6), and the outer diameter of the snake bone rubber (7) is not greater than the outer diameter of the main body (11). The camera module (2) includes a camera and two LED lights disposed on both sides of the camera in the width direction; the front end of the main body (11) is provided with two light-transmitting panels (112), the camera module (2) is housed in the first space (113), and the two LED lights are respectively arranged opposite to the two light-transmitting panels (112); The camera module (2) has a module line (3) at its rear end. The module line (3) is led out through a first receiving groove (46) extending along the length direction on the top surface of the filler body (40) to the outside of the head end piece (1) and the filler (4).

9. A method for assembling an endoscope tip assembly according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, include: Step 1: Insert the camera module (2) into the first space (113) of the main body (11) from the rear end of the main body (11), so that the LED light of the camera module (2) faces the light-transmitting panel (112), and fix the camera module (2). Step 2: Insert the filler body (40) of the filler (4) into the first space (113). The first receiving groove (46) of the filler body (40) guides the module line (3) to bend upward and makes the module line (3) pass through the first receiving groove (46) and lead out to the outside of the main body (11) and the filler body (40). Step 3: Insert and fix the instrument tube (5) into the second space (114) of the main body (11); Step 4: Insert the snake bone assembly section (6) into the rear end of the main body (11), so that the limiting protrusion (45) at the top of the filler body (40) is accommodated in the opening groove (61) at the front end of the snake bone assembly section (6); and make the inner side of the snake bone assembly section (6) simultaneously fit against the connecting surface (121) of the connector (12) and the supporting surface (41) of the filler body (40).

10. An electronic endoscope, characterized in that, It includes an operating part, an insertion part, and an endoscope tip assembly as described in any one of claims 1-8, wherein the operating part is connected to the rear end of the insertion part, and the endoscope tip assembly is connected to the front end of the insertion part.

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