Bending mechanism and endoscope

Abstract

The utility model relates to a bending mechanism and an endoscope. A bending mechanism is applied to an endoscope, and the bending mechanism comprises a snake bone assembly which is provided with an inner cavity penetrating in the axial direction of the snake bone assembly; the traction assembly comprises a fixing sleeve and a traction rope, the traction rope comprises a first section, a middle section and a second section which are connected in sequence, the fixing sleeve is arranged outside the middle section in a sleeving mode and fixedly connected with the middle section, and the fixing sleeve is fixedly installed at the far end of the inner cavity; the first section and the second section penetrate through different positions, arranged in the circumferential direction of the snake bone assembly, of the snake bone assembly in the axial direction and extend out of the near end of the snake bone assembly. According to the bending mechanism, the fixing structure of the traction rope can be simplified, so that the assembling process is simplified, and the assembling efficiency is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of medical devices, and in particular to a bending mechanism and an endoscope. Background Art

[0002] An endoscope is a diagnostic instrument that integrates traditional optics, ergonomics, precision mechanics, modern electronics, mathematics, and software. It enters the body through the mouth or other natural orifices. It can visualize lesions that other medical devices, such as X-rays, cannot, effectively assisting doctors in diagnosis and treatment. For example, an endoscope can help doctors visualize ulcers or tumors in a patient's stomach and develop the best treatment plan accordingly.

[0003] The endoscope includes a bending mechanism, which consists of a serpentine and a pull cord extending into the serpentine and fixed to its distal end. Pulling the pull cord bends the bending mechanism, thereby driving the end of the endoscope to rotate, changing the viewing angle of the endoscope tip and achieving clearer and more accurate observation. In related art, when the pull cord is fixed to the distal end of the serpentine, the fixing structure is relatively complex, the assembly time is long, and it is time-consuming and labor-intensive. Utility Model Content

[0004] Based on this, it is necessary to provide a bending mechanism and an endoscope to simplify the fixing structure of the pulling rope, thereby simplifying the assembly process and improving assembly efficiency.

[0005] A bending mechanism is applied to an endoscope, the bending mechanism comprising:

[0006] The snake bone component has an inner cavity extending through the snake bone component along its axis; and

[0007] The pulling assembly includes a fixing sleeve and a pulling rope, wherein the pulling rope includes a first section, a middle section and a second section connected in sequence, the fixing sleeve is arranged on the outside of the middle section and fixedly connected thereto, and the fixing sleeve is fixedly installed at the distal end of the inner cavity, the first section and the second section respectively pass through different positions of the snake bone assembly along its own circumference along the axial direction, and extend from the proximal end of the snake bone assembly.

[0008] In some embodiments, the inner wall of the snake bone assembly is provided with a limiting channel extending along the circumferential direction, and is also provided with a limiting member located at the far end of the limiting channel. The middle section passes through the limiting channel, and the limiting member is used to prevent the middle section from escaping from the limiting channel.

[0009] In some embodiments, a limiting member is provided at each end of the fixing sleeve, and the two limiting members are respectively used to prevent the areas of the middle section located at the two ends of the fixing sleeve from escaping from the limiting channel.

[0010] In some embodiments, a portion of the limiting channel located between the two limiting members forms a slot, the fixing sleeve is clamped in the slot, and is bonded or welded to a slot wall of the slot.

[0011] In some embodiments, the middle section is bonded or welded to the channel wall of the limiting channel.

[0012] In some embodiments, the limiting channel passes through the outer wall of the snake bone component along the wall thickness direction of the snake bone component.

[0013] In some embodiments, the fixing sleeve is bonded or welded to the outside of the middle section.

[0014] In some embodiments, the snake bone assembly has a first through hole and a second through hole extending along the axial direction, and the first through hole and the second through hole are arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction, the first section passes through the first through hole and extends from the proximal end of the snake bone assembly, and the second section passes through the second through hole and extends from the proximal end of the snake bone assembly.

[0015] In some embodiments, the pulling components are divided into two groups, and the two groups of pulling components are symmetrically arranged about the central axis of the inner cavity.

[0016] An endoscope comprises the above-mentioned bending mechanism and a head end portion, wherein the head end portion is connected to the distal end of the bending mechanism.

[0017] The above-mentioned bending mechanism and endoscope, the middle section of the pulling rope passes through the fixing sleeve and is fixedly connected thereto, and the fixing sleeve is fixedly installed at the distal end of the inner cavity, so that the middle section is indirectly fixed to the distal end of the snake bone inner cavity. The first section and the second section respectively pass through different positions of the snake bone component along its own circumference along the axial direction and extend from the proximal end of the snake bone component. Then, by pulling the first section or the second section, the snake bone will bend toward the position where the first section or the second section is located, thereby meeting the bending requirement. In the above-mentioned structure, it is only necessary to pass the middle section of the pulling rope through the fixing sleeve, fix the two, and fix the fixing sleeve to the distal end of the snake bone inner cavity to achieve the fixed installation of the pulling rope. The entire fixing structure is relatively simple, and it is relatively convenient and quick to assemble, and the assembly efficiency is also high. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of a bending mechanism in one embodiment of the present application.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded view of the snake bone component and the pulling component in one embodiment of the present application.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a partial enlarged view of the distal end of the bending mechanism (inner cavity of the snake bone component) in one embodiment of the present application.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a partially enlarged view of the distal end of the bending mechanism (outside of the snake bone component) in one embodiment of the present application.

[0022] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of a plan view of the distal end of the bending mechanism (seen from the distal end toward the proximal end) in one embodiment of the present application.

[0023] Reference numerals:

[0024] 100, snake bone assembly; 110, bone joint; 120, inner cavity; 130, limiting channel; 131, slot; 140, limiting member; 150, first through hole; 160, second through hole; 170, boss; 200, pulling assembly; 210, fixing sleeve; 220, pulling rope; 221, first section; 222, middle section; 223, second section. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of the present application more clearly understood, the specific embodiments of the present application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description sets forth many specific details to facilitate a full understanding of the present application. However, the present application can be implemented in many other ways than those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar improvements without violating the scope of the present application. Therefore, the present application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0026] In the description of this application, it should be understood that if the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc. appear, the orientation or position relationship indicated by these terms is based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, which is only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and does not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on this application.

[0027] In addition, if the terms "first" or "second" appear, these terms are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood to indicate or imply relative importance or implicitly specify the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature specified as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of such features. In the description of this application, if the term "plurality" appears, "plurality" means at least two, for example, two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0028] In this application, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," "connected," "fixed," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, these terms may refer to fixed connections, removable connections, or integration; mechanical connections or electrical connections; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediary; and internal communication between two components or interaction between two components, unless otherwise specified. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0029] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, if a first feature is described as being "above" or "below" a second feature, or similar descriptions, this may mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, when a first feature is described as being "above," "above," or "above" a second feature, it may mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a higher level than the second feature. When a first feature is described as being "below," "below," or "below" a second feature, it may mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a lower level than the second feature.

[0030] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "disposed on" another element, it may be directly on the other element or there may be an intermediate element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it may be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intermediate element. If any, the terms "vertical", "horizontal", "upper", "lower", "left", "right" and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only embodiment.

[0031] See Figures 1 to 3 The bending mechanism provided in one embodiment of the present application is applied to an endoscope, and the bending mechanism includes a snake bone component 100 and a pulling component 200. The snake bone component 100 has an inner cavity 120 that passes through it along its own axial direction. The pulling component 200 includes a fixing sleeve 210 and a pulling rope 220, and the pulling rope 220 includes a first section 221, an intermediate section 222, and a second section 223 that are connected in sequence. The fixing sleeve 210 is sleeved on the outside of the intermediate section 222 and fixedly connected thereto, and the fixing sleeve 210 is fixedly installed at the distal end of the inner cavity 120, and the first section 221 and the second section 223 respectively pass through different positions of the snake bone component 100 along its own circumference along the axial direction of the snake bone component 100 and extend from the proximal end of the snake bone component 100.

[0032] In the bending mechanism described above, the middle section 222 of the pull rope 220 passes through the fixing sleeve 210 and is fixedly connected thereto. The fixing sleeve 210 is fixedly mounted at the distal end of the inner cavity 120. Therefore, the middle section 222 is indirectly fixed to the distal end of the serpentine inner cavity 120. The first section 221 and the second section 223 respectively pass through the serpentine assembly 100 axially at different locations along its circumference and extend from the proximal end of the serpentine assembly 100. Pulling the proximal end of the first section 221 or the second section 223 causes the serpentine to bend toward the location of the first section 221 or the second section 223, thereby meeting the bending requirement. In this structure, the pull rope 220 can be fixedly mounted by simply passing the middle section 222 of the pull rope 220 through the fixing sleeve 210, securing the two, and then securing the fixing sleeve 210 to the distal end of the serpentine inner cavity 120. The entire fixing structure is relatively simple, and assembly is convenient, quick, and efficient.

[0033] It should be noted that the “proximal end” referred to in this application refers to the end close to the operator (medical staff), and the “distal end” refers to the end far away from the operator.

[0034] In this embodiment, the fixing sleeve 210 is a metal sleeve. The pulling rope 220 is a steel wire rope, which is strong, resistant to breakage, and harmless to the patient. The first section 221, the middle section 222, and the second section 223 are each different sections of the steel wire rope and are formed by bending the steel wire rope.

[0035] In the embodiment of the present application, the snake bone assembly 100 includes a plurality of joints 110 connected in sequence. The connection structure between the joints 110 can be selected from existing technologies and will not be described in detail here.

[0036] See Figures 2 to 4 In some embodiments, the inner wall of the snake bone assembly 100 is provided with a limiting channel 130 extending along the circumferential direction, and is also provided with a limiting member 140 located at the far end of the limiting channel 130. The middle section 222 passes through the limiting channel 130, and the limiting member 140 is used to prevent the middle section 222 from escaping from the limiting channel 130.

[0037] Specifically, the inner wall of the snake assembly 100 is provided with an inwardly projecting boss 170. The limiting channel 130 is formed at the distal end of the boss 170, and the limiting member 140 is connected to the distal end of the boss 170. In practice, the limiting member 140 and the boss 170 are both part of the snake assembly 100 and can be formed by integrally molding the snake assembly 100. The fixing sleeve 210 is fixed within the limiting channel 130. The middle section 222 is also located within the limiting channel 130. The ends of the middle section 222, after each extending through the limiting channel 130, are connected to the distal ends of the first section 221 and the second section 223, respectively. In other words, the middle region of the middle section 222 is located within the limiting channel 130 and is blocked by the limiting member 140, preventing it from exiting the limiting channel 130. The end regions of the middle section 222, after each extending through the limiting channel 130, are connected to the distal ends of the first section 221 and the second section 223, respectively.

[0038] In the above embodiment, the middle section 222 passes through the limiting channel 130 and is blocked from escaping from the limiting channel 130 by the limiting member 140, thereby limiting the position of the middle section 222 to prevent the areas at both ends of the fixing sleeve 210 in the middle section 222 from being stretched when the proximal end of the first section 221 or the proximal end of the second section 223 is pulled, thereby occupying part of the space of the inner cavity 120 and hindering the movement of other ropes and instruments in the inner cavity 120.

[0039] See Figures 2 to 4 In some embodiments, a limiting member 140 is provided at each end of the fixing sleeve 210 , and the two limiting members 140 are respectively used to prevent the areas on the middle section 222 located at both ends of the fixing sleeve 210 from escaping from the limiting channel 130 .

[0040] Specifically, two stoppers 140 are symmetrically disposed at both ends of the fixing sleeve 210, thereby preventing the regions at both ends of the fixing sleeve 210 from escaping from the limiting passage 130. This ensures that, regardless of whether the proximal end of the first section 221 or the second section 223 is pulled, the regions of the middle section 222 at both ends of the fixing sleeve 210 will not be stretched, thereby preventing the movement of other ropes and instruments within the inner cavity 120.

[0041] See Figures 2 to 4 In some embodiments, a portion of the limiting channel 130 between the two limiting members 140 forms a card slot 131 , and the fixing sleeve 210 is snapped into the card slot 131 and bonded or welded to the slot wall of the card slot 131 .

[0042] Specifically, the size of the slot 131 is adapted to that of the fixing sleeve 210, so that the fixing sleeve 210 will not easily fall out after being inserted into the slot 131, thereby ensuring the secure installation of the pulling rope 220. After the fixing sleeve 210 is inserted into the slot 131, it is simultaneously fixed to the slot wall of the slot 131 by welding or bonding to enhance the secure installation of the fixing sleeve 210 therein. This ensures that the fixing sleeve 210 is not easily separated from the snake bone assembly 100 when pulling the proximal end of the first section 221 or the second section 223.

[0043] See Figures 1 to 4 In some embodiments, the middle section 222 is bonded or welded to the channel wall of the limiting channel 130 , thereby further enhancing the firmness of the middle section 222 installed on the snake bone assembly 100 .

[0044] See Figures 2 to 4 In some embodiments, the limiting channel 130 passes through the outer wall of the snake bone component 100 along the wall thickness direction of the snake bone component 100.

[0045] Specifically, the slot 131 in the limiting channel 130 extends through the inner and outer walls of the snake-bone assembly 100 along the wall thickness direction of the snake-bone assembly 100. That is, the inner side of the slot 131 is connected to the inner cavity 120, and the outer side is connected to the external environment. The portions of the limiting channel 130 on either side of the slot 131 only extend outward through the outer wall of the snake-bone assembly 100, but do not extend inward through the inner wall of the snake-bone assembly 100. Therefore, when the proximal end of the first segment 221 or the proximal end of the second segment 223 is pulled, the inner channel walls on either side of the slot 131 in the limiting channel 130 prevent the middle segment 222 from escaping inward from the limiting channel 130. Having the entire limiting channel 130 extend outward through the outer wall of the snake-bone assembly 100 facilitates processing and reduces the difficulty of processing.

[0046] See Figures 2 to 4 In some embodiments, the fixing sleeve 210 is bonded or welded to the outside of the middle section 222 , thereby indirectly fixing the middle section 222 to the snake bone assembly 100 .

[0047] See Figures 2 to 4 In some embodiments, the snake bone component 100 has a first through hole 150 and a second through hole 160 that pass axially through the snake bone component 100, and the first through hole 150 and the second through hole 160 are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the snake bone component 100. The first section 221 passes through the first through hole 150 and extends from the proximal end of the snake bone component 100, and the second section 223 passes through the second through hole 160 and extends from the proximal end of the snake bone component 100.

[0048] Specifically, the first through-hole 150 and the second through-hole 160 are both disposed on the boss 170 and extend axially through the boss 170 along the snake assembly 100. The central angle between the first through-hole 150 and the second through-hole 160 is 90 degrees, thereby enabling bending in two opposite directions when the first segment 221 and the second segment 223 are pulled. Of course, in other embodiments, the central angle between the first through-hole 150 and the second through-hole 160 may be other angles.

[0049] See Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 5 In some embodiments, the pulling components 200 are divided into two groups, and the two groups of pulling components 200 are symmetrically arranged about the central axis of the inner cavity 120.

[0050] Specifically, the two pulling assemblies 200 have identical structures, with a central angle of 180 degrees between them, and are symmetrical about the central axis of the inner cavity 120. The pulling ropes 220 in both pulling assemblies 200 include a first section 221 and a second section 223. Therefore, a total of four rope sections extend from the proximal end of the snake assembly 100, and the central angle between any two of these four rope sections is 90 degrees. By pulling these four rope sections, the bending mechanism can achieve bending in four directions.

[0051] An endoscope provided in one embodiment of the present application includes the bending mechanism of any of the aforementioned embodiments, and further includes a tip portion connected to the distal end of the bending mechanism. Pulling the proximal ends of the first and second sections 221 and 223 of the bending mechanism causes the bending mechanism to bend, thereby causing the tip portion connected to the distal end of the bending mechanism to rotate, thereby changing the viewing angle of the tip portion and achieving clearer and more accurate observation.

[0052] The technical features of the above-mentioned embodiments can be combined arbitrarily. In order to make the description concise, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above-mentioned embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0053] The above-described embodiments merely represent several implementation methods of the present application. While the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that a person of ordinary skill in the art may make various modifications and improvements without departing from the spirit of the present application, and these modifications and improvements fall within the scope of protection of the present application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present patent application shall be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A bending mechanism, applied to an endoscope, characterized in that: The bending mechanism comprises: The snake bone component has an inner cavity extending through the snake bone component along its axis; and The pulling assembly includes a fixing sleeve and a pulling rope, wherein the pulling rope includes a first section, a middle section and a second section connected in sequence, the fixing sleeve is arranged on the outside of the middle section and fixedly connected thereto, and the fixing sleeve is fixedly installed at the distal end of the inner cavity, the first section and the second section respectively pass through different positions of the snake bone assembly along its own circumference along the axial direction, and extend from the proximal end of the snake bone assembly.

2. The bending mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner wall of the snake bone component is provided with a limiting channel extending along the circumferential direction, and is also provided with a limiting member located at the far end of the limiting channel. The middle section passes through the limiting channel, and the limiting member is used to prevent the middle section from escaping from the limiting channel.

3. The bending mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: A limiting member is provided at each end of the fixing sleeve, and the two limiting members are respectively used to prevent the areas of the middle section located at the two ends of the fixing sleeve from escaping from the limiting channel.

4. The bending mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that: A portion of the limiting channel located between the two limiting members forms a slot, and the fixing sleeve is clamped in the slot and bonded or welded to a slot wall of the slot.

5. The bending mechanism according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that: The middle section is bonded or welded to the channel wall of the limiting channel.

6. The bending mechanism according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that: The limiting channel passes through the outer wall of the snake bone component along the wall thickness direction of the snake bone component.

7. The bending mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The fixing sleeve is bonded or welded to the outside of the middle section.

8. The bending mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The snake bone component has a first through hole and a second through hole extending along the axial direction, and the first through hole and the second through hole are arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction. The first section passes through the first through hole and extends from the proximal end of the snake bone component, and the second section passes through the second through hole and extends from the proximal end of the snake bone component.

9. The bending mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: There are two groups of pulling components, and the two groups of pulling components are symmetrically arranged about the central axis of the inner cavity.

10. An endoscope, characterized in that: The endoscope includes the bending mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 9, and further includes a tip portion connected to a distal end of the bending mechanism.

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