Endoscope bending assembly and endoscope

Abstract

The endoscope bending assembly comprises a plurality of middle bending joints, one end of each middle bending joint is provided with a first convex lug and a second convex lug which are oppositely arranged, and the other end of each middle bending joint is provided with a third convex lug and a fourth convex lug which are oppositely arranged; the first convex lug, the second convex lug, the third convex lug and the fourth convex lug are all provided with mounting holes penetrating in the radial direction of the middle bending joints, and the adjacent middle bending joints are rotationally connected through the mounting holes; in the same middle bending joint, the connecting line of the center of the mounting hole of the first convex lug and the center of the mounting hole of the second convex lug is a first connecting line, and the connecting line of the center of the mounting hole of the third convex lug and the center of the mounting hole of the fourth convex lug is a second connecting line; the middle bending joint comprises a first bending joint, and the first connecting line in the first bending joint is not parallel to the second connecting line. The problem that when an endoscope is bent, the tip of the endoscope possibly touches an insertion tube can be solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of endoscope technology, specifically to an endoscope bending assembly and an endoscope. Background Technology

[0002] The endoscope bending assembly is a crucial component of the endoscope. It achieves bending by axially pulling a steel cable, causing relative rotation between adjacent bending sections. Currently, the endoscope bending assembly can only bend within a single plane. When the endoscope needs to bend at a large angle, the tip may touch the insertion tube, obstructing the image view and hindering observation. Utility Model Content

[0003] This application provides an endoscope bending assembly and an endoscope, which can solve the problem that the tip of the endoscope may hit the insertion tube when it is bent.

[0004] According to one aspect of this application, one embodiment provides an endoscope bending assembly, comprising:

[0005] The system comprises multiple intermediate curved sections, each having a first lug and a second lug disposed opposite to each other at one end, and a third lug and a fourth lug disposed opposite to each other at the other end. Each of the first, second, third, and fourth lugs has a mounting hole extending radially through the intermediate curved section. Adjacent intermediate curved sections are rotatably connected to each other through these mounting holes. Within the same intermediate curved section, a first connecting line is formed by the center of the mounting hole of the first lug and the center of the mounting hole of the second lug, and a second connecting line is formed by the center of the mounting hole of the third lug and the center of the mounting hole of the fourth lug. The intermediate curved section includes a first curved section, in which the first connecting line and the second connecting line are not parallel.

[0006] In one embodiment, the intermediate curved section includes a plurality of first curved sections arranged adjacent to each other. Between each adjacent first curved section, the first lug and the third lug of the adjacent first curved section are rotatably connected to each other through a connecting shaft passing through the corresponding mounting hole. The second lug and the fourth lug of the adjacent first curved section are rotatably connected to each other through a connecting shaft passing through the corresponding mounting hole.

[0007] In one embodiment, the intermediate bend further includes a second bend, wherein the first connecting line in the second bend is parallel to the second connecting line.

[0008] In one embodiment, the intermediate bending joint includes a first bending joint group and a second bending joint group. The first bending joint group includes at least one first bending joint, and the second bending joint group includes at least one second bending joint. The first bending joint group and the second bending joint group are spaced apart. The lugs at the end of the first bending joint group and the lugs at the corresponding ends of the adjacent second bending joint group are rotatably connected to each other through the mounting holes.

[0009] In one embodiment, within the same first bending segment, the angle formed by the first connecting line and the second connecting line in the circumferential direction of the first bending segment is the rotation angle, and the rotation angle of each first bending segment is the same.

[0010] In one embodiment, the sidewall of the end of the intermediate curved section is provided with a recess corresponding to the position of the lug, and each lug protrudes from the bottom surface of the corresponding recess along the axial direction of the intermediate curved section from the end face of the intermediate curved section.

[0011] In one embodiment, the recess has a transition slope or transition arc surface on the side away from the lug, and the width of the recess at one end of the intermediate curved section is greater than the width of the recess at the other end.

[0012] In one embodiment, the axial length of the intermediate bend joint at the proximal end of the bending assembly is greater than the axial length of the intermediate bend joint at the distal end, and the axial lengths of the intermediate bend joints at the proximal end are equal, and the axial lengths of the intermediate bend joints at the distal end are equal.

[0013] Alternatively, the axial length of the intermediate bending section gradually decreases from the proximal end to the distal end along the direction of the bending assembly.

[0014] In one embodiment, the inner wall of the intermediate bending section is provided with an axial hole for the wire rope to pass through, and the axial holes of each intermediate bending section are connected to form a through hole.

[0015] According to another aspect of this application, one embodiment provides an endoscope including a handle, an insertion tube, and an endoscope bending assembly as described above, the bending assembly being connected to the distal end of the insertion tube, and the handle being connected to the proximal end of the insertion tube.

[0016] According to the above embodiments, the endoscope bending assembly and endoscope have a first bending joint. The first connecting line and the second connecting line in the first bending joint are not parallel, so that the bending joints connected at both ends of the first bending joint rotate at a certain angle in the circumferential direction of the first bending joint. When bending, the bending joints connected at both ends of the first bending joint rotate on different planes. When the bending assembly bends at a large angle, the tip of the endoscope will not touch the insertion part, thus avoiding interference, expanding the image field of view, and facilitating endoscope observation. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an endoscope bending assembly according to one embodiment;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an intermediate curved joint according to one embodiment;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first bending joint in one embodiment;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a structure in one embodiment where the first connecting line and the second connecting line have an included angle.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second bending joint in one embodiment;

[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a bending component under maximum bending angle according to one embodiment;

[0023] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of another structure of the endoscope bending assembly according to one embodiment;

[0024] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an endoscope according to another embodiment;

[0025] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0026] 1-Intermediate curved section; 11-First lug; 12-Second lug; 13-Third lug; 14-Fourth lug; 15-Mounting hole; 16-Recess; 17-Transition slope; 18-Axial hole; 101-First curved section; 102-Second curved section; 2-Tail section; 3-Head section; 4-Connecting shaft; 5-Bending assembly; 6-Insert tube; 7-Handle. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The present application will now be described in further detail with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings. Similar elements in different embodiments are referred to by related similar element reference numerals. In the following embodiments, many details are described to facilitate a better understanding of the present application. However, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that some features may be omitted in different situations, or may be replaced by other elements, materials, or methods. In some cases, certain operations related to the present application are not shown or described in the specification. This is to avoid obscuring the core parts of the present application with excessive description. For those skilled in the art, detailed description of these related operations is not necessary; they can fully understand the related operations based on the description in the specification and general technical knowledge in the art.

[0028] Furthermore, the features, operations, or characteristics described in the specification can be combined in any suitable manner to form various embodiments. At the same time, the steps or actions in the method description can be rearranged or adjusted in a manner obvious to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the various orders in the specification and drawings are only for the clear description of a particular embodiment and do not imply a necessary order, unless otherwise stated that a particular order must be followed.

[0029] The serial numbers assigned to components in this document, such as "first" and "second," are used only to distinguish the described objects and have no sequential or technical meaning. The terms "connection" and "linkage" used in this application, unless otherwise specified, include both direct and indirect connections (linkages).

[0030] Please see Figures 1 to 7 This application provides an endoscope bending assembly, including multiple intermediate bending sections 1 and other functional components as needed, which are described in detail below.

[0031] like Figures 1-4 As shown, one end of the intermediate curved section 1 has a first lug 11 and a second lug 12 arranged opposite to each other, and the other end of the intermediate curved section 1 has a third lug 13 and a fourth lug 14 arranged opposite to each other. The first lug 11, the second lug 12, the third lug 13, and the fourth lug 14 are all provided with mounting holes 15 that penetrate radially along the intermediate curved section 1. Adjacent intermediate curved sections 1 are rotatably connected to each other through the mounting holes 15. In the same intermediate curved section 1, the line connecting the center of the mounting hole 15 of the first lug 11 and the center of the mounting hole 15 of the second lug 12 is the first connecting line L1, and the line connecting the center of the mounting hole 15 of the third lug 13 and the center of the mounting hole 15 of the fourth lug 14 is the second connecting line L2. The intermediate curved section 1 includes a first curved section 101, and the first connecting line L1 and the second connecting line L2 in the first curved section 101 are not parallel.

[0032] It is understood that, in this embodiment, the multiple intermediate bending sections 1 are rotatably connected to each other through the mounting holes 15 to form a bending assembly with bending capability. The bending of this assembly enables controllable adjustment of the field of view of the imaging component at the distal end of the endoscope. This embodiment does not specifically limit the material of the intermediate bending sections 1; it can be, but is not limited to, metal. The intermediate bending sections 1 in this embodiment can have a similar cylindrical shape. The multiple intermediate bending sections 1 in this embodiment are arranged linearly, that is, each intermediate bending section 1 is connected end-to-end to form an extended line shape. In this embodiment, the lug protrudes axially from the end of the intermediate bending section 1 to facilitate connection with adjacent bending sections. This embodiment does not specifically limit the outer contour shape of the lug; for example, the outer contour shape of the lug can be any one or a combination of arcuate surfaces, planes, and inclined surfaces. In this embodiment, the first lug 11 and the second lug 12 are arranged opposite to each other, that is, the first lug 11 is located on one side of the end of the intermediate curved section 1, and the second lug 12 is located on the other side of the end of the intermediate curved section 1; similarly, the third lug 13 and the fourth lug 14 are arranged opposite to each other, that is, the third lug 13 is located on one side of the end of the intermediate curved section 1, and the fourth lug 14 is located on the other side of the end of the intermediate curved section 1. In some application scenarios, the included angle formed by the first lug 11 and the second lug 12 in the circumferential direction of the intermediate curved section 1, and the included angle formed by the third lug 13 and the fourth lug 14 in the circumferential direction of the intermediate curved section 1 can all be 180°, so that the first lug 11 and the second lug 12, the third lug 13 and the fourth lug 14 are all symmetrically arranged; in some application scenarios, the included angle formed by the first lug 11 and the second lug 12 in the circumferential direction of the intermediate curved section 1 can be less than 180°, and the included angle formed by the third lug 13 and the fourth lug 14 in the circumferential direction of the intermediate curved section 1 can also be less than 180°, which can be set as needed. In this embodiment, the mounting hole 15 is provided through, allowing the connecting shaft 4 to pass through the mounting holes 15 of two adjacent intermediate curved sections 1, thus rotatably connecting the two adjacent intermediate curved sections 1. This rotatable connection means that either of the two adjacent intermediate curved sections 1 can rotate around the other intermediate curved section 1. In this embodiment, the mounting hole 15 can be designed as a circular hole to achieve the rotatable connection.

[0033] In this embodiment, the intermediate bending section 1 has a first bending section 101. The first connecting line L1 and the second connecting line L2 of the first bending section 101 are not parallel, that is, the first connecting line L1 and the second connecting line L2 have a certain angle in the circumferential direction of the first bending section 101. After rotatable connection, the bending sections connected at both ends of the first bending section 101 rotate a certain angle in the circumferential direction of the first bending section 101. When bending, the bending sections connected at both ends of the first bending section 101 rotate on different planes. When the bending assembly bends at a large angle, such as Figure 6 As shown, the tip of the endoscope will not touch the insertion part, avoiding interference, expanding the field of view, and facilitating endoscopic observation.

[0034] In one embodiment, the intermediate bending joint 1 includes a plurality of adjacently arranged first bending joints 101. Between each adjacent first bending joint 101, a first lug 11 and a third lug 13 of the adjacent first bending joint 101 are rotatably connected to each other via a connecting shaft 4 passing through a corresponding mounting hole 15. Similarly, a second lug 12 and a fourth lug 14 of the adjacent first bending joint 101 are rotatably connected to each other via a connecting shaft 4 passing through a corresponding mounting hole 15. After the plurality of first bending joints 101 are rotatably connected, the bending joints connected at both ends of each first bending joint 101 are all rotated a certain angle in the circumferential direction of the first bending joint 101, such as... Figure 6 As shown, multiple first bending sections 101 can rotate spirally during bending. When the bending assembly bends at a large angle, the tip of the endoscope will not touch the insertion part. In this embodiment, there are two or more first bending sections 101. Specifically, the number of first bending sections 101 can be set as needed. In some application scenarios, only one first bending section 101 may be provided. The angle formed by the first connecting line and the second connecting line in the first bending section 101 in the circumferential direction can make the tip of the endoscope and the insertion part misaligned during bending. In one embodiment, the first lug 11 and the third lug 13 of the adjacent first bending section 101 can be riveted together by a connecting shaft 4. In this case, the connecting shaft 4 is a rivet, but it is not limited to this. The connecting shaft 4 can also be other structures.

[0035] In one embodiment, such as Figure 5 , Figure 7 As shown, the intermediate bending section 1 also includes a second bending section 102, in which the first connecting line L1 and the second connecting line L2 are parallel. When bending, the bending sections connected at both ends of the second bending section 102 rotate on the same plane. The combination of the first bending section 101 and the second bending section 102 is more conducive to realizing various bending forms of the bending component, so that the bending component can adapt to various application scenarios. Different arrangements of the first bending section 101 and the second bending section 102 can be set for different application scenarios.

[0036] In one embodiment, the intermediate bending section 1 includes a first bending section group and a second bending section group. The first bending section group includes at least one first bending section 101, and the second bending section group includes at least one second bending section 102. The first bending section group and the second bending section group are spaced apart, and the lugs at the ends of the first bending section group and the corresponding lugs at the ends of adjacent second bending section groups are rotatably connected to each other through mounting holes 15. In one embodiment, one first bending section group and two second bending section groups can be provided, with the first bending section group disposed between the two second bending section groups. Or, in another embodiment, as shown... Figure 7As shown, a first bending segment group and a second bending segment group can also be set, with the first bending segment group located near the far end of the bending component and the second bending segment group located near the proximal end of the bending component. In some application scenarios, the first bending segment group and the second bending segment group can also be set in any combination.

[0037] In one embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, in the same first bending section 101, the angle formed by the first connecting line L1 and the second connecting line L2 in the circumferential direction of the first bending section 101 is the rotation angle α, and the rotation angle α of each first bending section 101 is the same. When the rotation angle α is the same, each first bending section 101 can be manufactured with the same size, which simplifies the manufacturing process. In some application scenarios, the rotation angle α of each first bending section 101 may also be different; or the rotation angle α of the first bending section 101 may be partially the same and partially different. This embodiment does not limit the specific size of the rotation angle α. For example, in some application scenarios, the rotation angle α can be 7°-9°. In this embodiment, when the rotation angle α is a small value, the number of first bending sections 101 can be relatively increased, and when the rotation angle α is a large value, the number of first bending sections 101 can be relatively decreased.

[0038] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 5 As shown, the sidewall of the end of the intermediate bending section 1 has a recess 16 corresponding to the position of the lug. Each lug protrudes from the bottom surface of the corresponding recess 16 along the axial direction of the intermediate bending section 1. In this embodiment, the distance of the recess 16 from the central axis of the intermediate bending section 1 is less than the radius of the intermediate bending section 1. The first lug 11, the second lug 12, the third lug 13, and the fourth lug 14 all protrude from the bottom surface of the corresponding recess 16 along the axial direction of the intermediate bending section 1, so that the connection part between adjacent bending sections does not have a structure that protrudes from the outer periphery of the bending assembly, making the outer wall of the bending assembly smoother and avoiding discomfort caused by the sidewall protrusion structure. In this embodiment, the depth of the recess 16 recessed towards the center of the bending section can be set according to the thickness of the lug and the length of the connecting shaft 4. After connection by the connecting shaft 4, the connecting shaft 4 does not protrude from the outer periphery of the bending assembly.

[0039] In one embodiment, the recess 16 has a transition slope 17 or a transition arc surface on the side away from the lug, and the width of the recess 16 at one end of the intermediate bending joint 1 is greater than the width of the recess 16 at the other end. The transition slope 17 and the transition arc surface can achieve a smooth transition, avoiding discomfort caused by the stepped structure on the outer periphery of the bending joint. The width of the recess 16 at one end of the intermediate bending joint 1 is greater than the width of the recess 16 at the other end, wherein the wider recess 16 can provide sufficient rotation space for the lug to rotate, while the narrower recess 16 can relatively reduce the area of ​​the recess on the outer periphery of the bending joint.

[0040] In one embodiment, the axial length of the intermediate bending section 1 at the proximal end of the bending assembly is greater than the axial length of the intermediate bending section 1 at the distal end, and the axial lengths of all intermediate bending sections 1 at the proximal end are equal, as are the axial lengths of all intermediate bending sections 1 at the distal end. The larger axial length of the intermediate bending sections 1 at the proximal end ensures sufficient strength for the bending assembly, while the shorter axial length of the intermediate bending sections 1 at the distal end increases the flexibility of the bending assembly. In another embodiment, the axial length of the intermediate bending sections 1 may gradually decrease from the proximal end to the distal end of the bending assembly. This gradual decrease allows for a more natural bending shape. In some applications, the axial lengths of all intermediate bending sections may be equal or approximately equal.

[0041] In one embodiment, the inner wall of the intermediate bending section 1 is provided with an axial hole 18 for the wire rope to pass through, and the axial holes 18 of each intermediate bending section 1 are connected to form a through hole. The wire rope is fitted into the through hole, and the bending deformation of the bending component can be achieved by controlling the wire rope with a handle. In some embodiments, the axis of the through hole can be parallel to the axis of the bending component. When parallel, the control of the bending component's bending by adjusting the wire rope is better. In some application scenarios, the axis of the through hole can also be non-parallel to the axis of the bending component.

[0042] The bending assembly in this embodiment may further include a head section 3 and a tail section 2. Both the head section 3 and the tail section 2 have lugs at only one end, which are rotatably connected to the intermediate bending section 1. In this embodiment, the head section 3 is located at the distal end of the bending assembly for connecting to the imaging assembly, and the tail section 2 is located at the proximal end of the bending assembly for connecting to the insertion tube 6.

[0043] The endoscope bending assembly of the above embodiment has a first bending section 101. The first connecting line L1 and the second connecting line L2 in the first bending section 101 are not parallel, so that the bending sections connected at both ends of the first bending section 101 are rotated at a certain angle in the circumferential direction of the first bending section 101. When bending, the bending sections connected at both ends of the first bending section 101 rotate on different planes. When the bending assembly bends at a large angle, the tip of the endoscope will not touch the insertion part, avoiding interference, expanding the field of view of the image, and facilitating endoscope observation. When the first bending section 101 and the second bending section 102 are combined, various bending forms of the bending assembly can be realized, so that the bending assembly can be adapted to various application scenarios.

[0044] Please see Figure 8 This application also provides an endoscope, including a handle 7, an insertion tube 6, and an endoscope bending assembly 5 as described above. The bending assembly 5 is connected to the distal end of the insertion tube 6, and the handle 7 is connected to the proximal end of the insertion tube 6.

[0045] It is understood that the endoscope bending assembly 5 in this embodiment is the same as that in the above embodiments, and will not be described again here. The endoscope in this embodiment may also include an imaging assembly, which is directly mounted on the distal end of the bending assembly, or mounted on the distal end of the bending assembly 5 via a mounting member. The handle 7 in this embodiment is a control end, which can control the bending shape of the bending assembly 5 to adjust the visible area of ​​the imaging assembly in the body, facilitating surgery or examination. The endoscope in this embodiment may also be provided with other functional structures or components as needed, which will not be described in detail here.

[0046] The endoscope in the above embodiment has a first bending joint 101. The first connecting line and the second connecting line in the first bending joint 101 are not parallel, so that the bending joints connected at both ends of the first bending joint 101 rotate at a certain angle in the circumferential direction of the first bending joint 101. When bending, the bending joints connected at both ends of the first bending joint 101 rotate on different planes. When the bending assembly 5 bends at a large angle, the tip of the endoscope will not touch the insertion part, thus avoiding interference, expanding the field of view of the image, and facilitating the observation of the endoscope.

[0047] The above examples illustrate this application only to aid understanding and are not intended to limit its scope. Those skilled in the art to which this application pertains can make various simple deductions, modifications, or substitutions based on the ideas presented.

Claims

1. An endoscope bending assembly, characterized in that, include: The system comprises multiple intermediate curved sections, each having a first lug and a second lug disposed opposite to each other at one end, and a third lug and a fourth lug disposed opposite to each other at the other end. Each of the first, second, third, and fourth lugs has a mounting hole extending radially through the intermediate curved section. Adjacent intermediate curved sections are rotatably connected to each other through these mounting holes. Within the same intermediate curved section, a first connecting line is formed by the center of the mounting hole of the first lug and the center of the mounting hole of the second lug, and a second connecting line is formed by the center of the mounting hole of the third lug and the center of the mounting hole of the fourth lug. The intermediate curved section includes a first curved section, in which the first connecting line and the second connecting line are not parallel.

2. The endoscope bending assembly as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The intermediate curved section includes a plurality of first curved sections arranged adjacent to each other. Between each adjacent first curved section, the first lug and the third lug of the adjacent first curved section are rotatably connected to each other through a connecting shaft passing through the corresponding mounting hole. The second lug and the fourth lug of the adjacent first curved section are rotatably connected to each other through a connecting shaft passing through the corresponding mounting hole.

3. The endoscope bending assembly as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The intermediate bend also includes a second bend, wherein the first connecting line in the second bend is parallel to the second connecting line.

4. The endoscope bending assembly as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The intermediate curved section includes a first curved section group and a second curved section group. The first curved section group includes at least one first curved section, and the second curved section group includes at least one second curved section. The first curved section group and the second curved section group are spaced apart. The lugs at the end of the first curved section group and the lugs at the corresponding ends of the adjacent second curved section group are rotatably connected to each other through the mounting holes.

5. The endoscope bending assembly as described in any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, In the same first bending section, the angle formed by the first connecting line and the second connecting line in the circumferential direction of the first bending section is the rotation angle, and the rotation angle of each first bending section is the same.

6. The endoscope bending assembly as described in any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The sidewall at the end of the intermediate curved section has a recess corresponding to the position of the lug, and each lug protrudes from the bottom surface of the corresponding recess along the axial direction of the intermediate curved section from the end face of the intermediate curved section.

7. The endoscope bending assembly as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The recess is provided with a transition slope or transition arc surface on the side away from the lug, and the width of the recess at one end of the intermediate curved section is greater than the width of the recess at the other end.

8. The endoscope bending assembly as described in any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The axial length of the intermediate bending joint at the proximal end of the bending assembly is greater than the axial length of the intermediate bending joint at the distal end, and the axial lengths of the intermediate bending joints at the proximal end are equal, as are the axial lengths of the intermediate bending joints at the distal end. Alternatively, the axial length of the intermediate bending section gradually decreases from the proximal end to the distal end along the direction of the bending assembly.

9. The endoscope bending assembly as described in any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The inner wall of the intermediate bending section is provided with an axial hole for the steel wire rope to pass through, and the axial holes of each intermediate bending section are connected to form a through hole.

10. An endoscope, characterized in that, It includes a handle, an insertion tube, and an endoscope bending assembly as described in any one of claims 1-9, the bending assembly being connected to the distal end of the insertion tube and the handle being connected to the proximal end of the insertion tube.

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