Compact hard tube endoscope

Abstract

The utility model discloses a compact hard tube endoscope, and belongs to the technical field of medical instruments, the compact hard tube endoscope comprises an outer tube, an inner tube, a camera module, a rotating component and a handle, the inner tube is sleeved in the outer tube, a gap exists between the inner tube and the outer tube, and the outer tube and the inner tube extend into the handle from the far side end part to the near side. The inner tube comprises an inner tube body and an inner tube bending part, the outer tube comprises an outer tube body and an outer tube bending part, the camera module is arranged on the farthest outer wall of the inner tube bending part, the outer tube is rigid, at least the inner tube bending part of the inner tube is flexible, the rotating component is arranged near the far-side end part of the handle, and the rotating component is fixedly connected with the outer tube. When the rotating component is rotated, the outer tube rotates relative to the inner tube, and then the outer tube bending part drives the inner tube bending part to swing, so that the visual field range of the camera module is expanded. Compared with an existing hard tube endoscope, the hard tube endoscope is compact in structure, fewer in parts and easier to assemble.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of medical devices, and more particularly, to a compact rigid endoscope. Background Art

[0002] The emergence of endoscopes has brought great help to the detection and surgery of clinical patients with internal lesions. In order to expand the observation field of view, in some existing endoscope implementation schemes, generally, a flexible and bendable hose section is designed at the front end of the endoscope tube, and the camera module is installed on this hose. When performing clinical examinations, the front hose section can be bent by controlling it with the rear handle. For example, the front hose section is pulled and bent by a pulling member such as a wire connected to the front end inside, to change the observation direction, thereby expanding the field of view.

[0003] The number of parts in such implementation schemes is relatively large, the control operation of the field of view angle is laborious, and the overall structure of the endoscope is also relatively complex. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the present application provides a compact rigid endoscope, which can simply expand the field of view range while making the overall structure of the endoscope relatively compact.

[0005] To achieve the above object, the present application adopts the following implementation scheme:

[0006] A compact rigid endoscope, comprising: an outer tube, an inner tube, a camera module, and a handle. The inner tube is sleeved inside the outer tube, and there is a gap between the inner tube and the outer tube. The camera module is disposed on the outer wall of the farthest side of the inner tube. The distal end of the inner tube is substantially flush with the distal end of the outer tube. The outer tube and the inner tube extend from the distal end to the proximal end into the handle, and the proximal end of the handle has an opening communicating with the inner tube.

[0007] Further, the compact rigid endoscope further includes a rotating member. The inner tube includes an inner tube body and an inner tube bending portion. The outer tube includes an outer tube body and an outer tube bending portion. The camera module is disposed on the outer wall of the farthest side of the inner tube bending portion. The outer tube and the inner tube extend from the distal end through the end face of the rotating member into the handle. Among them, the outer tube is rigid, and at least the inner tube bending portion of the inner tube is flexible. The rotating member is fixedly connected to the outer tube, so that when the rotating member is rotated, the outer tube rotates relative to the inner tube, and then the outer tube bending portion drives the inner tube bending portion to swing.

[0008] Further, the rotating member is disposed near the distal end of the handle.

[0009] Further, the inner tube extends further within the handle than the outer tube within the handle, such that the proximal end of the outer tube can be sealed by a seal extending around the inner tube, wherein the side walls of the portions of the outer tube and the inner tube within the handle are respectively provided with a first orifice and a second orifice, and a first port and a second port corresponding to the first orifice and the second orifice respectively are provided on the side wall of the handle.

[0010] Further, the distal end of the handle forms a sealed connection with the end face of the rotating member through a seal, and the proximal end of the handle forms a sealed connection with the proximal end of the inner tube through a seal.

[0011] Further, the imaging module includes a base, an image capture device, and an illumination device. The base is fixedly connected to the outermost wall of the farthest side of the inner tube, and the image capture device and the illumination device are fixedly mounted on the base.

[0012] Further, the imaging module further includes a cable that extends proximally from the imaging module along the inner tube beyond the proximal end of the handle, and a small hole for the cable is provided on the proximal end of the handle.

[0013] In one embodiment, the rotating member is integrally formed with the outer tube.

[0014] Further, the side surface of the rotating member has an anti-slip arrangement.

[0015] Specifically, the anti-slip arrangement includes an alternating concave-convex structure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 is a front view of a compact rigid endoscope according to the present application.

[0017] Figure 2 is a left view of a compact rigid endoscope according to the present application.

[0018] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a compact rigid endoscope according to the present application.

[0019] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a compact rigid endoscope according to the present application with the handle housing removed.

[0020] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a compact rigid endoscope according to the present application with the outer tube removed.

[0021] Figure 6 is a view of the distal end of a compact rigid endoscope according to the present application.

[0022] Description of reference numerals in the schematic diagram:

[0023] 1. Outer tube body; 11. Outer tube bending part; 12. First orifice; 2. Inner tube body; 21. Inner tube bending part; 22. Second orifice; 3. Camera module; 31. Base; 32. Cable; 4. Rotating part; 5. Handle; 51. First port; 52. Second port; 53. Opening; 6. Seal; 7. Endoscope. Specific embodiments

[0024] In the following description, specific details such as specific system structures and technologies are presented for the purpose of illustration rather than limitation, so as to thoroughly understand the embodiments of the present application. However, those skilled in the art should clearly understand that the present application can also be implemented in other embodiments without these specific details.

[0025] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present application or the technical solutions in the prior art, the specific embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. To make the drawings concise, only the parts related to the invention are schematically shown in each figure, and they do not represent the actual structure of the product.

[0026] In addition, in the description of the present application, terms such as "first" and "second" are only used for distinguishing descriptions and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance. Moreover, in the description of the present application, "distal" only indicates the side of the component away from the operator during use, and "proximal" only indicates the side of the component close to the operator during use.

[0027] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 , Figure 1 is a front view of the compact rigid endoscope 7 according to the present application. Figure 2 is a left view of the compact rigid endoscope 7 according to the present application. The compact rigid endoscope 7 according to the present application includes an outer tube, an inner tube, a camera module 3 and a handle 5. The inner tube is sleeved inside the outer tube, and there is a gap between the outer tube and the inner tube, so that a fluid channel for fluid to flow in or out can be formed between the inner tube and the outer tube. The outer tube and the inner tube extend from their respective distal ends proximally into the handle 5, wherein the inner tube is fixedly connected to the handle 5, and an opening 53 communicating with the inner tube is provided at the proximal end of the handle 5. A medical device can be inserted into the inner tube through the opening 53, and the medical device can pass distally through the inner tube and extend out from the distal end of the inner tube to treat or sample a patient.

[0028] Generally, one of the fluid channel and the inner tube can be used as a fluid inflow channel, and the other of the fluid channel and the inner tube can be used as a fluid outflow channel. Specifically, during the process of the front end of the endoscope 7 entering the patient's body, some obstacles or bloodstains may be encountered, which will cause a certain blockage to the imaging module 3 and affect the shooting effect. At this time, normal saline can be injected through the fluid inflow channel, and the obstacles can be flushed away by the normal saline, or the bloodstains can be diluted, so as to clear the obstacles for the imaging module 3. After the shooting environment of the imaging module 3 is cleaned, the injected normal saline is sucked out through the fluid outflow channel by the liquid suction device, so that the shooting environment is clearer, and at the same time, the adverse effects on the patient caused by the liquid remaining in the patient's body are avoided.

[0029] The compact rigid endoscope 7 according to the present application further includes a rotating member 4, and the rotating member 4 is, for example, a knob, as Figure 3 best visible in Figure 3 is a perspective view of the compact rigid endoscope 7 according to the present application. The side surface of the rotating member 4 may have an anti-slip arrangement, so that the user can operate the knob stably during operation, especially when there is water stain or other liquid on the hand. The anti-slip arrangement can be in various forms. For example, a textured surface, a rubber or silicone cover, a two-material injection molding with alternating hard and soft materials, a specific pattern, etc. can be adopted. In one embodiment, an uneven structure with regular grooves and protrusions is used as the anti-slip arrangement.

[0030] For the compact rigid endoscope 7 according to the present application, the outer tube and the inner tube extend from their respective distal ends through the end face of the rotating member 4 into the handle 5. The rotating member 4 is arranged near the distal end of the handle 5, so that the operator can conveniently operate the rotating member 4 while holding the handle 5. The rotating member 4 can be fixedly connected to the outer tube by, for example, glue. In one embodiment, the rotating member 4 can be integrally formed with the outer tube. Due to this fixed connection between the rotating member 4 and the outer tube, and the fixed connection between the inner tube and the end of the handle 5, when the rotating member 4 is rotated, the outer tube can rotate relative to the inner tube.

[0031] In one embodiment of the present application, the outer tube includes an outer tube body 1 and an outer tube bent portion 11, and the inner tube includes an inner tube body 2 and an inner tube bent portion 21. In a preferred embodiment, the outer tube body 1 and the inner tube body 2 may be substantially parallel, and the outer tube may be rigid, while at least the inner tube bent portion 21 of the inner tube is flexible. Generally, different materials are usually used to manufacture the outer tube and the inner tube of the endoscope 7, and the selection of these materials is usually based on factors such as their biocompatibility, mechanical strength, flexibility, corrosion resistance, heat resistance, and whether they are easy to disinfect and sterilize.

[0032] For example, the outer tube can be made of stainless steel, while the inner tube can be made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or polyetheretherketone (PEEK). In the case where the outer tube is integrally formed with the rotating member 4, both the outer tube and the rotating member 4 can be made of stainless steel. In the case where the outer tube and the rotating member 4 are separate components, the rotating member 4 can also be made of aluminum, polycarbonate, polyoxymethylene (POM), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS) and other engineering plastics, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or silica gel, as well as ceramics.

[0033] In the case where the inner tube includes the inner tube bending portion 21, the imaging module 3 is disposed on the outer wall of the distal end of the inner tube bending portion 21 of the inner tube, so that the outer tube can be rotated by rotating the rotating member 4, and then the outer tube bending portion 11 drives the inner tube bending portion 21 to swing, thereby expanding the viewing range of the imaging module 3. Specifically, the angle between the inner tube bending portion 21 and the axis of the inner tube body 2 can be between 0 degree and 45 degrees, preferably between 10 degrees and 30 degrees. In addition, the axis of the inner tube bending portion 21 and the axis of the outer tube bending portion 11 may not be parallel, whereby a larger swing range of the inner tube bending portion 21 can be obtained when the outer tube rotates.

[0034] In the foregoing embodiment, the distal end of the inner tube and the distal end of the outer tube are substantially flush. In practice, the outer tube can protect the imaging module 3. Generally, the imaging module 3 should be disposed within the coverage of the outer tube, and the imaging module 3 should not be exposed outside the outer tube. Exposing the imaging module 3 outside the coverage of the outer tube will, on the one hand, make the imaging module 3 vulnerable to collision, scratching or distortion, and may not be able to maintain the correct focus distance and angle, thus affecting the quality of the image. On the other hand, it may also affect the accuracy and efficiency of the operation.

[0035] In contrast, there will also be problems if the imaging module 3 is set too deep inside the outer tube. For example, if it is set too deep, it may cause the viewing range of the imaging module 3 to be limited and the area that needs to be examined or operated cannot be captured, which will reduce the effectiveness of diagnosis and treatment; if it is set too deep, it may affect the lighting conditions, and the light source is too far from the target area, which may cause insufficient lighting and affect the clarity and details of the image. In the case of changing the viewing range of the imaging module 3 by bending the front end of the endoscope 7, a larger bending angle may be required to adjust the viewing angle, which will increase the operation difficulty and complexity. Therefore, in the case where the imaging module 3 is disposed on the outer wall of the distal end of the inner tube, the distal end of the inner tube and the distal end of the outer tube being substantially flush can both protect the imaging module 3 and maximize the viewing range of the imaging module 3.

[0036] See Figure 4 , Figure 4Figure 0 is a perspective view of the compact rigid endoscope 7 according to the present application with the housing of the handle 5 removed. As can be clearly seen from this figure, the inner tube extends proximally all the way into the proximal end of the handle 5 within the handle 5, while the outer tube only extends to approximately the middle position of the handle 5 within the handle 5. With this arrangement, the proximal end of the outer tube can be sealed by a seal 6 that extends around the inner tube, thereby forming a sealed fluid channel between the outer tube and the inner tube.

[0037] In addition, the side walls of the portions of the outer tube and the inner tube within the handle 5 are respectively provided with a first orifice 12 and a second orifice 22. Correspondingly, on the side wall of the handle 5, a first port 51 and a second port 52 are respectively provided that correspond to the first orifice 12 and the second orifice 22. And one of the first port 51 and the second port 52 forms a fluid communication with one of the first orifice 12 and the second orifice 22, and the other of the first port 51 and the second port 52 forms a fluid communication with the other of the first orifice 12 and the second orifice 22. Thus, one of the first port 51 and the second port 52 can be used as a liquid inlet, and the other of the first port 51 and the second port 52 can be used as a liquid outlet.

[0038] Furthermore, a sealed connection can be formed between the distal end of the handle 5 and the end face of the rotating member 4 through the seal 6, and a sealed connection can be formed between the proximal end of the handle 5 and the proximal end of the inner tube through the seal 6. Thus, a sealed environment can be formed within the handle 5 to keep the components within the handle 5 dry and clean. The seal 6 can include an O-ring made of an elastic material such as silicone, fluororubber (FKM), or perfluorinated rubber (FFKM). It is worth noting that the damping magnitude can be controlled by designing the O-rings between the distal end of the handle 5 and the end face of the rotating member 4, between the proximal end of the handle 5 and the proximal end of the inner tube, and between the proximal end of the outer tube and the seal 6 that extends around the inner tube to have different sizes, making it easier to rotate the outer tube.

[0039] In addition, the handle 5 of the endoscope 7 according to the present application can have an anti-slip arrangement. For example, a textured surface, a rubber or silicone covering, a two-material injection molding with alternating hard and soft materials, a specific pattern, etc. can be adopted. The handle 5 can be made of plastics such as acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS), polycarbonate, polyoxymethylene (POM), metals such as stainless steel, aluminum alloy, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), or silicone.

[0040] See Figure 5 and Figure 6 , Figure 5 Figure 18 is a perspective view of the compact rigid endoscope 7 according to the present application with the outer tube removed. Figure 6It is a view of the distal end of the compact rigid endoscope 7 according to the present application. In the compact rigid endoscope 7 according to the present application, the imaging module 3 includes a base 31, an image capture device, and a lighting device, as Figure 2 and Figure 6 can be seen. The image capture device can be a conventional small camera for capturing images and converting the images into electrical signals. The lighting device can include an LED or a cold light source transmitted by an optical fiber, for providing sufficient illumination to the examination or treatment area and minimizing the generation of excessive heat. The base 31 can be fixedly connected to the outer wall of the innermost tube at the farthest side, and the image capture device and the lighting device can be fixedly mounted on the base 31 by, for example, glue.

[0041] The base 31 for fixing and supporting the image capture device and the lighting device needs to provide sufficient mechanical stability to ensure that the image capture device does not displace or vibrate during the insertion and movement of the endoscope 7, thereby ensuring the clarity and quality of the images. In addition, the base 31 should provide appropriate electrical isolation to prevent electromagnetic interference. Additionally, since the endoscope 7 will be inserted into the human body, the material of the base 31 must be biocompatible and be able to withstand medical-grade disinfection and sterilization processes. Furthermore, to ensure the flexibility and operational convenience of the endoscope 7, the base 31 needs to be as small and lightweight as possible. Common materials for manufacturing the base 31 include metals such as stainless steel or aluminum alloy, engineering plastics such as polycarbonate (PC), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and ceramics.

[0042] The ways for the imaging module 3 to transmit images include wired transmission and wireless transmission, but wireless transmission has problems of signal interference and battery life. In an embodiment of the present application, the imaging module 3 includes a cable 32 that extends proximally from the imaging module 3 along the inner tube beyond the proximal end of the handle 5. Refer to Figure 5 , the cable 32 is used for data transmission and power supply. The cable 32 has a certain flexibility, durability, and is very thin. Each line in the cable 32 has a separate insulating layer to prevent short circuits and signal interference. There is a small hole for the cable 32 on the proximal end of the handle 5, and the cable 32 can extend through the small hole to the outside of the handle 5 to connect to the backend processing device and the power source.

[0043] Compared with the rigid endoscopes of the prior art, the structure of the rigid endoscope 7 according to the present application is compact and simple, with relatively fewer components and reduced assembly difficulty, making the rigid endoscope 7 according to the present application lower in cost and smaller in size, while achieving basically the same effects.

[0044] The above has schematically described the present application and its implementation manners. This description is not restrictive. What is shown in the drawings is only one of the implementation manners of the present application, and the actual structure is not limited thereto. Therefore, if those of ordinary skill in the art are inspired by it and, without departing from the gist of the creation of the present application, design similar structural manners and embodiments to this technical solution without creative efforts, they shall fall within the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A compact rigid tube endoscope, comprising: An outer tube, an inner tube, a camera module (3) and a handle (5), characterized in that the inner tube is sleeved inside the outer tube, and a gap exists between the inner tube and the outer tube, the camera module (3) is arranged on the outer wall at the farthest side of the inner tube, the distal end of the inner tube is flush with the distal end of the outer tube, the outer tube and the inner tube extend proximally from the distal end into the handle (5), and the proximal end of the handle (5) has an opening (53) connected to the inner tube.

2. The compact rigid tube endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a rotating component (4), the inner tube includes an inner tube body (2) and an inner tube bending portion (21), the outer tube includes an outer tube body (1) and an outer tube bending portion (11), the camera module (3) is arranged on the outer wall of the farthest side of the inner tube bending portion (21), the outer tube and the inner tube extend from the distal end through the end face of the rotating component (4) into the handle (5), wherein the outer tube is rigid, and at least the inner tube bending portion (21) of the inner tube is flexible, the rotating component (4) is fixedly connected to the outer tube, so that when the rotating component (4) is rotated, the outer tube rotates relative to the inner tube, thereby causing the outer tube bending portion (11) to drive the inner tube bending portion (21) to swing.

3. The compact rigid tube endoscope according to claim 2, characterized in that: The rotating component (4) is arranged near the distal end of the handle (5).

4. The compact rigid tube endoscope according to claim 2, characterized in that: The inner tube extends further within the handle (5) than the outer tube does, so that the proximal end of the outer tube can be sealed by a seal (6) extending around the inner tube, wherein the side walls of the portions of the outer tube and the inner tube within the handle (5) are respectively provided with a first orifice (12) and a second orifice (22), and the side walls of the handle (5) are provided with a first port (51) and a second port (52) corresponding to the first orifice (12) and the second orifice (22), respectively.

5. The compact rigid tube endoscope according to claim 4, characterized in that: The distal end of the handle (5) forms a sealing connection with the end surface of the rotating component (4) through a sealing member (6), and the proximal end of the handle (5) forms a sealing connection with the proximal end of the inner tube through a sealing member (6).

6. The compact rigid tube endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that: The camera module (3) comprises a base (31), an image capturing device and an illumination device; the base (31) is fixedly connected to the outer wall at the farthest side of the inner tube; and the image capturing device and the illumination device are fixedly mounted on the base (31).

7. The compact rigid tube endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The camera module (3) also includes a cable (32) extending proximally from the camera module (3) along the inner tube to outside the proximal end of the handle (5), and a small hole for the cable (32) is provided on the proximal end of the handle (5).

8. The compact rigid tube endoscope according to claim 5, characterized in that: The rotating component (4) is integrally formed with the outer tube.

9. The compact rigid tube endoscope according to claim 8, characterized in that: The side surface of the rotating component (4) has an anti-slip arrangement.

10. The compact rigid tube endoscope according to claim 9, characterized in that: The anti-slip arrangement comprises alternating concave and convex structures.

Images