Active bending section and insertion part of endoscope and endoscope

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of endoscopes, and discloses an active bending section of an endoscope, an insertion part and the endoscope, the active bending section comprises a bending pipe, the bending pipe comprises a plurality of snake bone units distributed in the axial direction of the bending pipe, and the adjacent snake bone units are connected and can be bent relatively to achieve the bending action of the active bending section; the elastic restraining piece is installed on the bent pipe, and the elastic restraining piece is at least arranged corresponding to the bent part on the near-end side of the bent pipe so as to increase the bending resistance of the snake bone unit on the near-end side of the bent pipe relative to the far-end side of the bent pipe. According to the embodiment of the invention, the elastic restraining piece is arranged on the bending pipe, bending resistance is formed on the snake bone unit, and therefore the bending path of the active bending section is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of endoscopes, and in particular to an active bending section, an insertion portion and an endoscope of an endoscope. Background Art

[0002] An endoscope can enter the human body through the body's natural channels (such as the mouth) through an insertion portion, assisting doctors in observing the patient's diseased areas and has been widely used in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.

[0003] In order to facilitate doctors to observe patient lesions from multiple positions and angles, the distal end of the insertion part of the endoscope includes an active bending section. The doctor can bend the active bending section through the snake-bone structure by controlling the lever on the operating handle.

[0004] In related technologies, when the active bending section of an endoscope bends, the bending is often driven by the contraction force of the stretched wire rope, which causes the proximal end of the active bending section to be stressed, resulting in a bending effect in which the proximal end of the active bending section bends first and then drives the distal end to bend. This makes the bending path of the active bending section very large, making it very inconvenient to operate when observing some small lesions (for example, lesions in the subrenal calyx, etc.), and it may even be impossible to observe the lesion site, making it difficult for doctors to use the endoscope. Utility Model Content

[0005] The present application provides an active bending section, an insertion portion and an endoscope of an endoscope, which are at least used to solve the problem that the bending path of the active bending section of the endoscope is too large when bending.

[0006] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an active bending section of an endoscope, comprising: a bending tube, wherein the bending tube comprises a plurality of serpentine units distributed along its axial direction, and adjacent serpentine units are connected and can be bent relative to each other to realize the bending action of the active bending section; an elastic constraint member, wherein the elastic constraint member is installed on the bending tube, and the elastic constraint member is arranged at least corresponding to the bending portion on the proximal side of the bending tube to increase the bending resistance of the serpentine unit on the proximal side of the bending tube relative to the distal side of the bending tube.

[0007] In some embodiments of the present application, the plurality of snake-bone units are cut and formed as one piece, or adjacent snake-bone units are connected by rivets.

[0008] In some embodiments of the present application, at least one of the two ends of the elastic constraint is fixedly connected to the snake-bone unit.

[0009] In some embodiments of the present application, the elastic coefficient of the elastic constraint member gradually increases from the distal end to the proximal end along the axial direction of the active bending section; or, the elastic constraint member is only arranged on the side of the bending tube close to the proximal end, and the elastic coefficient of the elastic constraint member remains unchanged along the axial direction of the active bending section.

[0010] In some embodiments of the present application, the active bending section includes the elastic constraint member arranged in the inner cavity of the bending tube, and / or, the active bending section includes the elastic constraint member arranged on the outer periphery of the bending tube, and / or, the active bending section includes the elastic constraint member arranged between adjacent snake bone units.

[0011] In some embodiments of the present application, the elastic constraint is an integral structure that is continuous along its axial direction;

[0012] Alternatively, the elastic constraint member includes a plurality of elastic units spaced apart along the axial direction thereof, and the elastic constraint member increases the bending resistance through the elastic units.

[0013] In some embodiments of the present application, the multiple elastic units are divided into multiple groups along the axial direction of the active bending segment, the elastic coefficient of each group of the elastic units gradually increases from the distal end to the proximal end along the axial direction of the active bending segment, and each group of the elastic units includes at least one elastic unit, and is arranged corresponding to a corresponding number of the bending parts.

[0014] In some embodiments of the present application, the elastic constraint member is a tube, and a guide channel is formed inside the tube along the axial direction of the active bending section.

[0015] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an insertion portion comprising the active bending section of the endoscope.

[0016] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an endoscope, comprising a handle and the insertion portion, wherein the handle is connected to the insertion portion.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this application are:

[0018] In the active bending section disclosed in this application, an elastic restraint is provided at the bend of the bending tube. This restraint increases the bending resistance at the proximal end of the bending tube. This makes bending more difficult at the proximal end, where the bending resistance is greater, and easier at the distal end, where the bending resistance is less. When tension is applied to the active bending section, the distal end bends first, followed by the proximal end. This shortens the bending path of the active bending section, thereby reducing the operating space required for the endoscope within the human body and facilitating operation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The drawings described herein are used to provide further understanding of the present application and constitute a part of the present application. The illustrative embodiments of the present application and their descriptions are used to explain the present application and do not constitute improper limitations on the present application.

[0020] In the attached figure:

[0021] Figure 1 An axonometric view of an active bending section disclosed in some embodiments of the present application;

[0022] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the active bending section disclosed in some embodiments of the present application;

[0023] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a partial structure of an active bending section disclosed in some embodiments of the present application;

[0024] Figure 4 This is another partial structural schematic diagram of the active bending section disclosed in some embodiments of the present application;

[0025] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the bending process of the active bending segment disclosed in some embodiments of the present application.

[0026] Description of reference numerals:

[0027] 1-Bending tube, 2-Elastic constraint, 3-Snake unit, 4-Guide channel. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] To make the purpose, technical solutions, and advantages of this application more clear, the following will provide a clear and complete description of the technical solutions of this application in conjunction with the specific embodiments of this application and the corresponding drawings. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of this application, not all of them. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0029] It should be noted that in each embodiment of the present application, "proximal end" and "distal end" refer to the distance between the endoscope and its accessories and the user in the use environment, wherein the end closer to the user is designated as the "proximal end" and the end farther from the user is designated as the "distal end".

[0030] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present application, the relevant technologies are first introduced below in conjunction with application scenarios.

[0031] Endoscopes, which can be inserted into the human body through an insertion section to observe and diagnose lesions, are widely used in the medical field. The distal end of the insertion section is equipped with an active bending section, which allows the insertion section to bend, facilitating operation from multiple angles.

[0032] In related technologies, the active bending section is driven to bend by the contraction force of the stretched wire rope, which causes the rear end of the active bending section to bend first, resulting in a bending effect in which the proximal end of the active bending section bends first, driving the distal end to bend. This results in a very large bending path for the active bending section. However, many lesions in the human body are confined, and the space available for doctors to operate the endoscope is limited, making it difficult to observe small areas.

[0033] In view of this, some embodiments of the present application provide an active bending section, an insertion portion and an endoscope of an endoscope, Figure 1-Figure 5 The technical solutions disclosed in each embodiment of this application are described in detail.

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, the active bending section disclosed in this specification includes a bending tube 1, an elastic constraint 2, and a snake-bone unit 3.

[0035] In an embodiment of the present application, the bending tube 1 includes a plurality of serpentine units 3 distributed along its axial direction, and adjacent serpentine units 3 are connected and can be bent relative to each other to realize the bending action of the active bending section; the elastic constraint part 2 is installed on the bending tube 1, and the elastic constraint part 2 is arranged at least corresponding to the bending part on the proximal side of the bending tube 1 to increase the bending resistance of the serpentine unit 3 on the proximal side of the bending tube 1 relative to the distal side of the bending tube 1.

[0036] In some embodiments, the snake-bone units 3 can be connected in a variety of ways, such as riveting, etc. In some embodiments, the plurality of snake-bone units 3 can also be cut and formed as one piece.

[0037] In some embodiments, as Figure 3 As shown, two adjacent snake-bone units 3 are connected by rivets and rotate relative to each other with the rivet position as the center. When the active bending section bends downward, the corresponding snake-bone unit 3 bends downward, the lower side of the bending tube 1 is compressed and contracted, and the upper side of the bending tube 1 is stretched and stretched; at the same time, the elastic constraint 2 installed in the bending tube 1 is also compressed and contracted on the lower side, and stretched and stretched on the upper side. At this time, since the elastic constraint 2 itself has the potential energy to return to the initial position, the upper side of the elastic constraint 2 has a force to resist its stretching, and the lower side has a force to resist its contraction, which is opposite to the direction of the force required for the bending action of the bending tube 1, thereby forming a bending resistance. Therefore, as Figure 5As shown, the elastic constraint 2 is disposed on the proximal end of the bending tube 1, increasing the bending resistance of the proximal end of the bending tube 1. This makes the distal end of the active bending section easier to bend, while the proximal end is more difficult to bend, thereby achieving the effect of the distal end of the active bending section bending first and the proximal end bending later. Because the distal end curls up due to bending, the bending radius can be reduced, thereby reducing the area swept by the active bending section during the entire bending process, facilitating the bending operation while protecting human tissue. Furthermore, because the elastic constraint 2 itself has the potential energy to return to its initial position, the elastic constraint 2 can also cause the bending tube 1 to rebound after bending, facilitating the recovery of the bending tube 1.

[0038] In some embodiments, the elastic constraint 2 can be connected to the snake unit 3 and set at any position in the curved tube 1 to form a bending constraint at that position. In some embodiments, the elastic constraint 2 can be set near the proximal end of the curved tube 1 to increase the bending resistance on the proximal end of the curved tube 1.

[0039] Specifically, such as Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, when the elastic constraint 2 is provided on the proximal end of the bending tube 1, the bending resistance on the proximal end of the bending tube 1 is increased, so that when the bending tube 1 bends, the bending resistance on the distal end is small, while the bending resistance on the proximal end is large. Therefore, when the active bending section is pulled by the wire rope to cause it to bend, the distal end of the bending tube 1 will bend first. At this time, the distal end of the bending tube 1 is curled up due to the bending. When the proximal end is further bent, the length of the curled distal end portion becomes smaller than when it is not bent, and the required bending path will also become smaller.

[0040] The various positions of the elastic constraint 2 can be connected to the snake unit 3 in a variety of ways, which are not limited in the embodiments of the present application. For example, the middle portion of the elastic constraint 2 in the axial direction can be glued to the snake unit 3 corresponding to the middle portion.

[0041] In another specific embodiment, at least one of the two ends of the elastic constraint 2 is fixedly connected to the serpentine unit 3. In a specific implementation, in order to ensure that the elastic constraint 2 does not excessively wobble within the internal space of the serpentine unit 3, causing its position deviation and affecting the bending sequence of the active bending section, at least one end of the elastic constraint 2 can be fixedly connected to the corresponding serpentine unit 3, so that no corresponding free end is generated on one side of the elastic constraint 2.

[0042] In some embodiments, there are various ways to fix the elastic constraint member 2 and the snake-bone unit 3, such as gluing, laser welding, etc.

[0043] Since it is often necessary to insert corresponding medical devices inside the endoscope during its use, a certain insertion channel needs to be left in the insertion part of the endoscope. In the embodiment of the present specification, by fixing at least one end of the elastic constraint 2 to the snake bone unit 3, it is possible to avoid the elastic constraint 2 from having a free end inside the snake bone unit 3, thereby blocking the internal channel of the snake bone unit 3 due to shaking or position displacement of the free end. At the same time, it is also possible to avoid the steel wire rope and the elastic constraint 2 from being entangled, pulled, or knotted with other components due to repeated bending inside the active bending section.

[0044] In the embodiments of the present application, the elastic coefficient of the elastic constraint member 2 can be set in various ways. In some embodiments, the elastic coefficient of the elastic constraint member 2 can gradually increase from the distal end to the proximal end along the axial direction of the active bending section.

[0045] Specifically, the greater the elastic coefficient, the greater the bending resistance provided by the elastic constraint 2, and the more difficult the corresponding portion is to bend. Therefore, when the elastic coefficient of the elastic constraint 2 at the distal end of the active bending segment is smaller and the elastic coefficient of the elastic constraint 2 at the proximal end is larger, the distal end of the active bending segment can be made easier to bend, while the proximal end is made more difficult to bend. This achieves the aforementioned effect of the distal end of the active bending segment bending first and the proximal end bending later, thereby reducing the bending path of the active bending segment.

[0046] In some embodiments, when the elastic constraint 2 is only provided on the side of the bending tube 1 close to the proximal end, the elastic coefficient of the elastic constraint 2 remains unchanged along the axial direction of the active bending section. At this time, no additional bending resistance is applied to the distal end of the bending tube 1, while the elastic constraint 2 is provided on the proximal side, which increases the bending resistance on the proximal side of the bending tube 1. The aforementioned effect of the distal end of the active bending section bending first and the proximal end bending later can also be achieved, thereby reducing the beneficial effect of the bending path when the active bending section bends. In addition, providing the elastic constraint 2 only on the proximal side can reduce the amount of the elastic constraint 2 used, thereby reducing costs. Moreover, since the overall elastic coefficient of the elastic constraint 2 does not change, it can also be easily processed and manufactured in the specific production process. At the same time, providing the elastic constraint 2 only on the proximal side can also reduce the space occupied by the elastic constraint 2 on the inner side of the active bending section, making it convenient to insert other components into the active bending section.

[0047] In some embodiments, the elastic constraint 2 can be provided continuously or in sections at multiple locations of the curved tube 1. For example, Figure 3 As shown, the elastic constraint 2 can be arranged in the inner cavity of the curved tube 1 to form a continuous integral structure along its axial direction.

[0048] In some embodiments, the active bending section includes an elastic constraint member 2 disposed in the inner cavity of the bending tube 1 .

[0049] like Figure 3 、 Figure 4 As shown, the elastic restraint 2 is disposed within the inner cavity of the curved tube 1, attached to the inner wall, and conforming to the relative bends between the serpentine units 3. In some embodiments, the elastic restraint 2 can be continuously distributed along the inner wall of the curved tube 1, or can be segmented or spaced apart at the curved portions of the curved tube 1 that require stretching or compression when bent.

[0050] In practice, disposing the elastic constraint 2 within the inner cavity of the bending tube 1 can reduce the space occupied by the elastic constraint 2 outside the insertion portion. Furthermore, when bending upward, the elastic constraint 2 can be prevented from protruding into the inner cavity or toward the periphery due to its length contraction during the stretching and contraction process. Similarly, when bending downward, the lower side will also protrude. These protrusions can cause the skin of the active bending section to be lifted, and at the same time, occupy space within the inner cavity of the bending tube 1, affecting the normal use of the endoscope.

[0051] In some embodiments, the active bending section includes an elastic constraint 2 provided on the outer periphery of the bending tube 1 .

[0052] Specifically, the elastic restraint 2 can be completely wrapped around the outer circumferential wall of the bending tube 1, or can be provided at a portion of the outer circumference of the bending tube 1 along the axial and circumferential directions of the active bending section. For example, the elastic restraint 2 can be provided only on the upper and lower sides of the bending tube 1, i.e., the portions of the bending tube 1 that need to be stretched or compressed when bending.

[0053] Providing the elastic restraint member 2 on the outer periphery of the curved tube 1 can prevent the elastic restraint member 2 from crowding out other filling components in the inner cavity of the snake bone unit 3 and narrowing the insertion channel of the medical device.

[0054] In some embodiments, the active bending section includes an elastic constraint member 2 disposed between adjacent snake-bone units 3 .

[0055] Specifically, the elastic constraint member 2 may be connected only between adjacent serpentine units 3 , and when the serpentine units 3 are bent relative to each other, the elastic constraint member 2 is stretched or compressed.

[0056] Compared with setting the elastic constraint 2 in the inner cavity or outer periphery of the curved tube 1, setting the elastic constraint 2 between adjacent serpentine units 3 can minimize the space occupied by the elastic constraint 2. In addition, this embodiment requires each serpentine unit 3 to be connected and fixed to the elastic constraint 2, which increases the density of the connection part and can further improve the connection stability between the two.

[0057] During the specific implementation process, different setting methods can be selected according to different usage requirements.

[0058] In some embodiments, the elastic constraint 2 can be an integral structure that is axially continuous along the active bending section; or, the elastic constraint 2 includes multiple elastic units distributed axially at intervals along the active bending section, and the elastic constraint 2 increases the bending resistance through the elastic units.

[0059] By configuring the elastic constraint 2 as an axially continuous, monolithic structure, its rigidity is maintained, while reducing the number of connection steps between the elastic constraint 2 and the serpentine unit 3 and simplifying assembly. By configuring the elastic constraint 2 as multiple elastic units spaced axially along the active bending section, the elastic units can be placed only where increased bending resistance is required, reducing unnecessary space and conserving material usage for the elastic constraint 2.

[0060] In some embodiments, multiple elastic units can be divided into multiple groups along the axial direction of the active bending segment, and the elastic coefficient of each group of elastic units gradually increases from the distal end to the proximal end along the axial direction of the active bending segment. Each group of elastic units includes at least one elastic unit and is arranged corresponding to a corresponding number of bending parts.

[0061] In some embodiments, the elastic units can be divided and arranged in various ways. For example, when each group of elastic units includes one elastic unit, the elastic unit can be arranged at the connection between adjacent serpentine units 3 to provide bending resistance to the bending portion between two adjacent serpentine units 3. For example, when each group of elastic units includes two elastic units, the elastic units can be arranged at the connection between two adjacent serpentine units 3 to provide bending resistance to the bending portion between the two adjacent serpentine units 3.

[0062] In the embodiments of the present application, by dividing the elastic constraint 2 into elastic unit groups, the corresponding elastic constraint 2 can be dynamically configured according to user needs, thereby achieving a more optimal bending path. Furthermore, by arranging the elastic constraint 2 in segments, the elastic coefficient of the elastic constraint 2 can be easily adjusted to better meet the bending requirements of the active bending segment.

[0063] In some embodiments, the elastic restraint 2 can be in various forms. For example, an elastic rope, an elastic band, etc. In some embodiments, as Figure 3 As shown, the elastic constraint member 2 can be a pipe, and a guide channel 4 is formed inside the pipe along the axial direction of the active bending section. Specifically, the elastic constraint member 2 can be a spring tube.

[0064] Since medical devices usually need to be inserted into the insertion part of the endoscope, or structures such as steel wire ropes that control the bending of the active bending section are set, the above-mentioned guide channel 4 can be formed inside the elastic constraint part 2 by setting a tubular elastic constraint part 2. On the one hand, the guide channel 4 can serve as a guide for the steel wire rope, assist the insertion step, and reduce the difficulty of insertion assembly. On the other hand, the guide channel 4 can serve as a fixed structure for the inserted instrument or component, providing support for the inserted instrument or component to prevent it from bending or shaking in the internal cavity of the snake bone unit 3, affecting the normal use of the endoscope.

[0065] An embodiment of the present application further provides an insertion portion, which includes the active bending section of the endoscope mentioned in any of the aforementioned schemes. In this way, the insertion portion has the beneficial effects of the active bending section of the endoscope mentioned above, which will not be repeated here.

[0066] An embodiment of the present application further provides an endoscope, comprising a handle and the aforementioned insertion portion, wherein the handle is connected to the insertion portion.

[0067] The endoscopes involved in the embodiments of the present application may be bronchoscopes, pyeloscopes, esophagoscopes, gastroscopes, colonoscopes, otoscopes, nasoscopes, stomatoscopes, laryngoscopes, colposcopes, laparoscopes, arthroscopes, etc. The embodiments of the present application do not impose any specific restrictions on the types of endoscopes.

[0068] The above embodiments of this application focus on the differences between the various embodiments. As long as the different optimization features between the various embodiments are not contradictory, they can be combined to form a better embodiment. Considering the simplicity of the text, they will not be repeated here.

[0069] The foregoing is merely an embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the present application. For those skilled in the art, the present application may have various modifications and variations. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present application should all be included within the scope of the claims of the present application.

Claims

1. An active bending section of an endoscope, characterized in that: include: A bending tube, comprising a plurality of snake-bone units distributed along its axial direction, wherein adjacent snake-bone units are connected and can bend relative to each other to achieve the bending action of the active bending section; An elastic constraint member is installed on the bending tube, and the elastic constraint member is arranged at least corresponding to the bending portion on the proximal side of the bending tube to increase the bending resistance of the snake bone unit on the proximal side of the bending tube relative to the distal side of the bending tube.

2. The active bending section of the endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plurality of snake bone units are cut and formed as one piece, or adjacent snake bone units are connected by rivets.

3. The active bending section of the endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that: At least one of the two ends of the elastic constraint is fixedly connected to the snake-bone unit.

4. The active bending section of the endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that: The elastic coefficient of the elastic constraint gradually increases from the distal end to the proximal end along the axial direction of the active bending section; Alternatively, the elastic constraint is only provided on the side of the bending tube close to the proximal end, and the elastic coefficient of the elastic constraint remains unchanged along the axial direction of the active bending section.

5. The active bending section of the endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that: The active bending section includes the elastic constraint member arranged in the inner cavity of the bending tube, and / or the active bending section includes the elastic constraint member arranged on the outer periphery of the bending tube, and / or the active bending section includes the elastic constraint member arranged between adjacent snake bone units.

6. The active bending section of the endoscope according to claim 5, characterized in that: The elastic restraining member is an integral structure that is continuous along its axial direction; Alternatively, the elastic constraint member includes a plurality of elastic units spaced apart along the axial direction thereof, and the elastic constraint member increases the bending resistance through the elastic units.

7. The active bending section of the endoscope according to claim 6, characterized in that: The multiple elastic units are divided into multiple groups along the axial direction of the active bending section, and the elastic coefficient of each group of the elastic units gradually increases from the distal end to the proximal end along the axial direction of the active bending section. Each group of the elastic units includes at least one elastic unit and is arranged corresponding to a corresponding number of the bending parts.

8. The active bending section of the endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that: The elastic restraining member is a pipe, and a guiding channel is formed inside the pipe along the axial direction of the active bending section.

9. An insertion portion, characterized in that: An active bending section comprising the endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. An endoscope, characterized in that: The invention comprises a handle and the insertion part according to claim 9, wherein the handle is connected to the insertion part.

Images