Front end assembly, insertion part and endoscope

Abstract

The utility model discloses a front end assembly, insert portion and endoscope relates to medical instrument technical field, the front end assembly is used for endoscope, the front end assembly includes front end seat and camera module, the front end seat has the camera cavity, the side opening setting of camera cavity, the camera module is provided in the camera cavity, the camera cavity is provided with a first stop portion, the first stop portion is provided with a second stop portion, the second stop portion is provided with a second stop portion. The first abutting part supports the camera module in the axial direction of the front end seat. The side face of the camera cavity is open, and the camera module can be partially exposed in the opening. When the size of the front end seat is kept unchanged, interference of the side wall of the front end seat to the camera cavity can be reduced due to the arrangement of the opening, so that the size of the camera module can be set to be larger. Moreover, a first abutting part is arranged in the camera shooting cavity, the first abutting part can support the camera shooting module in the axial direction of the front end seat, and the first abutting part has a positioning function and can prevent the camera shooting module from falling off in the axial direction, namely the first abutting part can limit the camera shooting module in the axial direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of medical device technology, and in particular to a front end component, an insertion part, and an endoscope. Background Technology

[0002] An endoscope is a commonly used medical device that can directly enter the body's natural passages to provide doctors with comprehensive diagnostic information for disease treatment. An endoscope includes a tip assembly that can be inserted into the body through a cavity or surgical incision. The tip assembly is equipped with a camera module that captures images of the cavity and transmits them back to an external display device, allowing doctors to observe the internal condition.

[0003] However, while related technologies optimize size by exposing the camera module on the side of the front-end component, this also reduces the effectiveness of securing the camera module within the front-end component. This results in poor fixation of the camera module, making it prone to detachment, which reduces the reliability of the endoscope. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of the shortcomings of the above-mentioned related technologies, this application provides a front end component, an insertion part, and an endoscope to solve the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0005] This application provides a front-end assembly for an endoscope. The front-end assembly includes a front-end base and a camera module. The front-end base has a camera cavity with an open side. The camera module is disposed inside the camera cavity, and a first stop is provided inside the camera cavity. The first stop supports the camera module along the axial direction of the front-end base.

[0006] To achieve the above and other related objectives, this application provides an insertion part, including the front end component as described above.

[0007] To achieve the above and other related objectives, this application provides an endoscope including the insertion portion as described above.

[0008] The technical solution adopted in this utility model achieves the following beneficial effects: The camera module is installed inside the camera cavity, and the camera module can perform image acquisition within the front-end assembly. The camera cavity has an open side opening, allowing the camera module to be partially exposed within the opening. While maintaining the same volume of the front-end seat, the open design reduces interference from the side walls of the front-end seat to the camera cavity, thus allowing for a larger camera module. Furthermore, a first stop is provided inside the camera cavity, which supports the camera module axially along the front-end seat, enabling the camera module to be installed at a preset axial position. The first stop serves as a limiting support, preventing the camera module from deviating from the preset position, increasing the connection area between the camera module and the front-end seat, improving the fixation effect of the camera module, and thus enhancing the reliability of the endoscope. Attached Figure Description

[0009] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0010] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a front-end component shown in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0011] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the front-end mount structure shown in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0012] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a front-end component from another perspective, as illustrated in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0013] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a camera module shown in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0014] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the front-end mount from another perspective, illustrating an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0015] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a front-end component from another perspective, as shown in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0016] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an endoscope shown in an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0017] In the figure: 1. Endoscope; 100. Front end assembly; 110. Front end seat; 111. Camera cavity; 112. Illumination cavity; 113. First stop; 114. Second stop; 115. Instrument lumen; 116. Opening; 117. External opening; 120. Camera module; 121. Camera; 122. Flexible circuit board; 1221. First surface; 1222. Second surface; 123. Extension; 130. Illumination module; 140. Instrument tube; 200. Insertion part. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of this utility model will be described in detail below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this utility model, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other implementation methods obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0019] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification and claims of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and not to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such use of data can be interchanged where appropriate so that embodiments of this application can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein, and the objects distinguished by "first," "second," etc., are generally of the same class and the number of objects is not limited; for example, a first object can be one or more. Furthermore, in the specification and claims, "and / or" indicates at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0020] In the various embodiments of this application, "near end" and "far end" refer to the distance of each component from the user in the usage environment. The end closer to the user is designated as the "near end", and the end farther from the user is designated as the "far end".

[0021] In related technologies, the size is optimized by exposing the camera module on the side of the front-end component, but this also reduces the fixation effect of the camera module within the front-end component. Specifically, side exposure reduces the adhesive area between the camera module and the front-end mount, resulting in a decrease in fixation effectiveness. Furthermore, the proximal side of the camera module requires threading, and its bottom fixation is inherently poor. Combined with the reduced adhesive area on the side, this can cause the camera module to deviate significantly from its intended position. When performing lesion exploration inside the human body, there is a risk of the camera module detaching from the front-end mount, leading to the failure or partial failure of the endoscope's endoscopic visualization, severely impacting subsequent diagnostic and treatment procedures.

[0022] This application provides a front-end component 100, please refer to... Figure 1 The front end assembly 100 is used for the endoscope 1. Furthermore, the front end assembly 100 can be adapted to the distal end of the insertion portion 200 of the endoscope 1. The insertion portion 200 may have an actively bending section, allowing the front end assembly 100 to have different orientations and positions as operated by medical personnel.

[0023] Please see Figure 2 The front-end component 100 may include a front-end base 110 and a camera module 120, with the camera module 120 disposed within the front-end base 110.

[0024] The front-end mount 110 can be integrally injection molded, which improves the structural strength of the front-end mount 110 and provides support for the camera module 120, thereby improving the reliability of the front-end assembly 100. Alternatively, the front-end mount 110 can be assembled from multiple parts, which can be flexibly assembled to adapt to the more complex camera module 120.

[0025] Please continue reading. Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 The camera module 120 is installed in the front-end mount 110. The camera module 120 can collect image information in front of the front-end component 100 and transmit it back to the display device on the user side for medical staff to observe and use.

[0026] The camera module 120 may include a camera 121, which may be a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) camera or a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera, etc. This embodiment does not limit the type and size of the camera 121.

[0027] Please refer to the embodiments in this application. Figure 2 The front-end mount 110 has a camera cavity 111, and the camera module 120 is disposed within the camera cavity 111. The size and dimensions of the camera cavity 111 are adapted to fit the camera module 120. For example, the camera module 120 can be cubic in shape, and the camera cavity 111 can also be cubic in shape. The size of the camera cavity 111 is slightly larger than that of the camera module 120, and the camera module 120 can be installed within the camera cavity 111.

[0028] In the existing insertion portion 200, the camera module 120 is surrounded by the outer wall of the front end seat 110, and the skin covers the outer wall of the front end seat 110. The narrow insertion portion 200 thus has a two-layer structure, which significantly reduces the size of the camera module 120. In this embodiment, please refer to... Figure 1 The camera cavity 111 has an open side. For example, the camera cavity 111 has an exposed opening 117 on its side, which exposes the camera module 120. While keeping the volume of the front-end mount 110 unchanged, the open design reduces the interference of the side wall of the front-end mount 110 with the camera cavity 111, thereby allowing for a larger camera module 120. Furthermore, the open camera cavity 111 fully exposes the side of the camera module 120 to the assembly personnel's view, enabling clear judgment of whether the camera module 120 is properly installed and facilitating subsequent glue application, thus improving the reliability and efficiency of the assembly process.

[0029] In related technologies, there is a problem with the camera module 120 not being properly secured within the front-end mount 110. In this embodiment, please refer to... Figure 1 as well as Figure 3 A first stop portion 113 is provided inside the camera cavity 111. The first stop portion 113 can be an outer wall provided at the exposed opening 117, a protrusion or a recess provided on the cavity wall of the camera cavity 111, etc., and can be correspondingly provided to at least a portion of the camera module 120. For example, the first stop portion 113 is a protrusion provided on the cavity wall of the camera cavity 111, which can abut against at least a portion of the surface of the camera module 120 near the proximal end of the front end seat 110. The camera module 120 is installed in a preset axial position. The first stop portion 113 has a limiting support function, which can prevent the camera module 120 from deviating from the preset position, increase the connection area between the camera module 120 and the front end seat 110, improve the fixation effect of the camera module 120, and thus improve the reliability of the endoscope 1.

[0030] The first stop portion 113 can support the camera module 120 along the axial direction of the front end seat 110. Furthermore, the first stop portion 113 can provide positioning for the camera module 120 during the initial assembly stage, which can facilitate the positioning of the camera module 120 within the front end seat 110. During the subsequent bonding process, the first stop portion 113 can provide an adhesive surface, which can ensure the complete axial positioning of the camera module 120.

[0031] Furthermore, the first stop portion 113 can cooperate with the open design to achieve complete positioning of the camera module 120 on the front end seat 110. The exposed opening 117 formed by the open design can expose the camera module 120, and the wall forming the exposed opening 117 can also limit the camera module 120, with its limiting direction intersecting the axial direction. Therefore, the first stop portion 113 can cooperate with the open design to limit the camera module 120 in different directions, thereby improving the fixing effect of the camera module 120.

[0032] In a more specific embodiment, please refer to Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 The camera module 120 may include a camera 121 and a flexible circuit board 122 that are electrically connected to each other. The flexible circuit board 122 and the camera 121 can transmit power or signals, including but not limited to image signals, etc., which are not limited in this embodiment. The flexible circuit board 122 has the characteristics of being flexible and foldable, which reduces the difficulty of setting up the electrical connection with the camera 121.

[0033] Please see Figure 4The flexible circuit board 122 has a first surface 1221 and a second surface 1222 facing away from each other. A camera 121 is connected to the first surface 1221 and is electrically connected to it. The second surface 1222 abuts against a first stop portion 113. Furthermore, a portion of the second surface 1222 can be used to connect cables, which can be electrically connected to other power supply devices or display devices, and can transmit power or signals to the flexible circuit board 122. The remaining portion of the second surface 1222 abuts against the first stop portion 113, thus serving both positioning and power transmission functions. Furthermore, the camera module 120 and the first stop portion 113 provide a stable space for the flexible circuit board, preventing external forces from directly acting on the flexible circuit board 122 and improving its protective capabilities.

[0034] Furthermore, the camera 121 is fixedly connected to the front-end base 110, and the flexible circuit board 122 is clamped between the camera 121 and the first stop portion 113. Specifically, the camera 121 is larger in volume than the flexible circuit board 122, and the contact area between the camera 121 and the front-end base 110 is larger, which improves the connection strength between the two and effectively disperses the stress that may be generated, thereby further enhancing the fixing effect.

[0035] Meanwhile, please see Figure 3 The flexible circuit board 122 is clamped between the camera 121 and the first stop portion 113. This clamping arrangement creates a pre-tension between the camera 121 and the first stop portion 113, ensuring the flexible circuit board 122 remains in a stable position and providing additional fixing force through limiting constraints to prevent movement or vibration during operation. The camera 121 and the first stop portion 113 provide stable support for the circuit board, ensuring stable operation and reliable signal transmission. This arrangement prevents damage to the flexible circuit board 122 caused by pulling or squeezing between the camera 121 and the first stop portion 113, improving the safety of using the flexible circuit board 122.

[0036] In another embodiment, please refer to [the relevant document / reference]. Figure 2 as well as Figure 5The front-end base 110 may also have an illumination cavity 112, and the front-end assembly 100 further includes an illumination module 130. The illumination cavity 112 is adapted to the illumination module 130, and the illumination module 130 may be disposed within the illumination cavity 112. The illumination cavity 112 communicates with the camera cavity 111. Exemplarily, the illumination cavity 112 and the camera cavity 111 can communicate radially along the front-end base 110. Alternatively, the illumination cavity 112 and the camera cavity 111 can communicate in directions that intersect both the radial and axial directions of the front-end base 110. The interconnected arrangement of the two cavities can eliminate the partition between the illumination cavity 112 and the camera cavity 111, reduce the restriction of the partition on the internal volume of the cavity, and increase the usable space of the illumination module 130 and the camera module 120.

[0037] Please refer to the previous document. Figure 2 The lighting module 130 can illuminate the front of the front-end component 100 so that the camera module 120 can capture image information with sufficient brightness. The lighting module 130 may include LED beads, etc., and this embodiment does not limit the structure and type of the lighting module 130.

[0038] In addition, the front-end mount 110 has no structural limitations such as partitions, allowing installers to install both the camera module 120 and the lighting module 130 simultaneously. For example, the camera module 120 and the lighting module 130 can be pre-connected and then placed together into the front-end mount 110. This configuration improves the installation efficiency of the front-end assembly 100 and avoids installing the lighting module 130 within the confined lighting cavity 112.

[0039] Please also see Figure 4 The lighting module 130 is electrically connected to the flexible circuit board 122, which supplies power to the lighting module 130, reducing the use of cables. Furthermore, the flexible circuit board 122 has an extension 123 that extends into the lighting cavity 112 and is electrically connected to the lighting module 130. The extension 123 supports the lighting module 130 along the axial direction of the front end seat 110. The extension 123 is also deformable, allowing it to adapt to the layout requirements of different cavities within the front end seat 110. The extension 123 reduces the limitations of the relative positions of cables, the lighting module 130, and the camera module 120, greatly improving the flexibility of the relative arrangement of the camera module 120 and the lighting module 130.

[0040] Preferably, please refer to Figure 5A second stop portion 114 is provided within the lighting cavity 112. The second stop portion 114 can be a protrusion or depression formed on the cavity wall of the lighting cavity 112, etc., and this embodiment is not limited to this. The second stop portion 114 abuts against the proximal end of the lighting module 130 along the axial direction of the front end seat 110. When the lighting module 130 is working, it may be subjected to forces and vibrations from various directions. Through the axial support of the second stop portion 114, these external forces and vibrations are effectively alleviated and dispersed. This reduces the risk of performance degradation or damage caused by shaking or instability. At the same time, the second stop portion 114 provides an adhesive surface for bonding the lighting module 130 to improve the bonding firmness.

[0041] In addition, in some cases, with the camera cavity 111 and the illumination cavity 112 interconnected, the first stop portion 113 and the second stop portion 114 can be configured as a single unit. In other words, a single stop portion is provided in both the camera cavity 111 and the illumination cavity 112, which can simultaneously abut against both the camera module 120 and the illumination module 130. This simplifies the structure and quantity, increases the manufacturing difficulty of the integrated injection molding, and also improves its structural strength.

[0042] In the embodiments of this application, please refer to Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 The front end 110 may also have an instrument lumen 115 communicating with the camera cavity 111. For example, the instrument lumen 115 extends axially through the front end 110 and communicates radially with the camera cavity 111, and the instrument lumen 115 may be located on the side of the camera module 120 away from the exposed opening 117 of the camera cavity 111. This eliminates the need for a partition between the instrument lumen 115 and the camera cavity 111, reducing the restriction on the cavity volume imposed by the partition. The instrument lumen 115 is adapted to accommodate an instrument tube 140, which, when inserted into the instrument lumen 115, provides a limiting fit with the camera module 120. The instrument tube 140 is deformable and can apply elastic force to the camera module 120 to provide a limiting effect.

[0043] In addition, the interconnected camera cavity 111 and instrument lumen 115 can provide space for the deformation of the instrument tube 140. For example, after deformation, the instrument tube 140 can partially occupy the space of the camera cavity 111 other than the camera module 120, so as to improve the accuracy and safety of the operation by using instruments of different specifications.

[0044] In a more specific implementation, please refer to Figure 6An opening 116 is provided on the side of the instrument cavity 115 away from the camera cavity 111. The opening 116 penetrates the side wall of the front end seat 110 and communicates with the instrument cavity 115. The opening 116 extends from the distal end to the proximal end of the front end seat 110, and at least a portion of the wall of the instrument tube 140 is located within the opening 116. The instrument tube 140 occupies the peripheral space of the front end seat 110, which optimizes the layout and allows the size of the camera module 120 and the instrument tube 140 to be further increased without increasing the volume of the front end seat 110, thereby optimizing camera performance and image quality.

[0045] The surface of the cavity wall forming the instrument lumen 115 is configured in an arc shape, corresponding to the instrument tube 140, to constrain the radial movement of the instrument tube 140 in the front end seat 110. The arc-shaped structure effectively constrains the range of motion of the instrument tube 140, limiting its radial movement along the front end seat 110. This restraining effect directly limits the movement of the instrument tube 140 beyond a predetermined range, thereby ensuring the stability and accuracy of the instrument tube 140 during operation.

[0046] To achieve the above and other related objectives, this application provides an insertion part 200. Please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 7 The insertion part 200 includes the front end component 100 as described above. This gives the insertion part 200 the beneficial effects of any of the aforementioned solutions, which will not be elaborated further here.

[0047] To achieve the above and other related objectives, this application provides an endoscope 1. Please refer to [link to application]. Figure 7 The endoscope 1 includes the insertion portion 200 as described above. This gives the endoscope 1 the beneficial effects of any of the aforementioned solutions, which will not be elaborated further here. The endoscope 1 can be a bronchoscope, pyeloscope, esophagoscope, gastroscope, colonoscope, otoscope, rhinoscope, oral endoscope, laryngoscope, colposcope, laparoscope, arthroscope, etc. This application does not specifically limit the type of endoscope 1 or the application scenario of the endoscope 1.

[0048] The technical solution adopted by this utility model can achieve the following beneficial effects: The camera module 120 is installed in the camera cavity 111, and the camera module 120 can perform image acquisition within the front-end component 100. The side opening of the camera cavity 111 allows the camera module 120 to be partially exposed within the opening. While keeping the volume of the front-end seat 110 unchanged, the opening reduces the interference of the side wall of the front-end seat 110 with the camera cavity 111, thereby allowing the camera module 120 to be larger. Furthermore, a first stop portion 113 is provided inside the camera cavity 111, which can axially support the camera module 120 along the front-end seat 110, enabling the camera module 120 to be installed at a preset axial position. The first stop portion 113 has the function of limiting support, which can prevent the camera module 120 from deviating from the preset position, increase the connection area between the camera module 120 and the front end seat 110, improve the fixing effect of the camera module 120, and thus improve the reliability of the endoscope 1.

[0049] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Unless otherwise specified, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0050] Furthermore, it should be noted that the scope of the methods and apparatus in the embodiments of this application is not limited to performing functions in the order shown or discussed, but may also include performing functions substantially simultaneously or in the reverse order, depending on the functions involved. For example, the described methods may be performed in a different order than described, and various steps may be added, omitted, or combined. In addition, features described with reference to certain examples may be combined in other examples.

[0051] The above description is only a specific embodiment of this utility model, but the protection scope of this utility model is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A front-end component for an endoscope, characterized in that, The front-end components include: A front-end base having a camera cavity with an open side; and a camera module disposed within the camera cavity; The camera cavity is provided with a first stop portion, which supports the camera module along the axial direction of the front end seat.

2. The front-end component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The camera module includes a camera and a flexible circuit board that are electrically connected to each other. The flexible circuit board has a first surface and a second surface that are opposite to each other. The camera is connected to the first surface, and the second surface abuts against the first stop portion.

3. The front-end component according to claim 2, characterized in that, The camera is fixedly connected to the front end, and the flexible circuit board is clamped between the camera and the first stop portion.

4. The front-end component according to claim 2, characterized in that, The front-end unit also has an illumination cavity, which is connected to the camera cavity. The front-end assembly also includes an illumination module, which is disposed in the illumination cavity and electrically connected to the flexible circuit board.

5. The front-end component according to claim 4, characterized in that, The flexible circuit board has an extension that extends into the lighting cavity and is electrically connected to the lighting module. The extension supports the lighting module along the axial direction of the front end seat. And / or, a second stop portion is provided in the lighting cavity, the second stop portion abutting against the proximal end of the lighting module along the axial direction of the front end seat.

6. The front-end component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The front end also has an instrument cavity that is connected to the camera cavity. The instrument cavity is adapted to accommodate an instrument tube. When the instrument tube is inserted into the instrument cavity, the instrument tube is in a limiting fit with the camera module.

7. The front-end component according to claim 6, characterized in that, An opening is provided on the side of the instrument tube away from the camera cavity. The opening penetrates the side wall of the front end seat and communicates with the instrument tube. The opening extends from the distal end to the proximal end of the front end seat, and at least a portion of the tube wall of the instrument tube is located within the opening.

8. The front-end component according to claim 6, characterized in that, The surface of the cavity wall forming the instrument lumen is configured in an arc shape, and the arc shape is correspondingly arranged with respect to the instrument tube to constrain the radial movement of the instrument tube in the front end seat.

9. An insertion part, characterized in that, Includes the front-end component as described in any one of claims 1-8.

10. An endoscope, characterized in that, Includes the insertion portion as described in claim 9.

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