Snake bone structure and endoscope applying same

Abstract

The snake bone structure is cylindrical and comprises a first bent section and a second bent section which are connected in a clamped mode, and the second bent section is of a double-helix structure formed by matching an L-shaped inserting piece and an inserting groove. The snake bone structure formed by clamping the first bent section and the second bent section is provided, the rotating angle of the snake bone structure is multi-dimensional, the manufacturing process is simple, and the snake bone structure is convenient to widely apply, especially to endoscopes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of medical device technology, and in particular to a snake bone structure and an endoscope using the same. Background Technology

[0002] Snake-bone structures are commonly used in endoscopes, which enter the body through natural orifices or surgically to allow for precise detection and observation under the operator's control. Snake-bone structures typically consist of several snake-bone units, which work together to achieve overall bending, as illustrated in prior patents CN115251805A, CN207745111U, and CN215383857U.

[0003] However, most existing snake bone structures are formed by connecting single snake bone units, which limits the bending methods. Although some snake bone structures have two complete segments, increasing the bending dimension of the snake bone structure, the two bending segments are mostly connected by riveting, welding or adapters. The manufacturing process is cumbersome and complicated, and the assembly is difficult, which limits its application. Utility Model Content

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide a snake bone structure and an endoscope. The snake bone structure includes a first curved section and a second curved section that are snapped together. The manufacturing process is simple, and the second curved section can rotate in any direction through the cooperation of an L-shaped insert and a slot.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the snake bone structure provided by this utility model is formed into a cylindrical shape, including a first curved section and a second curved section;

[0006] The second curved section is a double helix structure formed by the first helical component and the second helical component;

[0007] The first spiral component includes a first connecting portion and a first spiral portion. The first spiral portion extends spirally from one end of the first connecting portion. The spiral edge of the first spiral portion extends along the axial direction of the snake bone structure to form a plurality of parallel extension portions. The ends of the plurality of extension portions are bent in the same direction to form a bent portion. The extension portions and the bent portions are formed into L-shaped inserts. A slot is formed between any adjacent L-shaped inserts.

[0008] The second spiral component includes a second connecting portion and a second spiral portion. The second spiral portion extends spirally from one end of the second connecting portion. The spiral edge of the second spiral portion extends along the axial direction of the snake bone structure to form a plurality of parallel extension portions. The ends of the plurality of extension portions are bent in the same direction to form a bent portion. The extension portions and the bent portions are formed into L-shaped inserts, and slots are formed between any adjacent L-shaped inserts.

[0009] The first spiral component and the second spiral component are movably connected by the cooperation of an L-shaped insert and a slot. The L-shaped insert can move along the depth direction of the slot within the slot.

[0010] The first curved segment includes a snake head end segment, and multiple snake bone units are connected in series at one end of the snake head end segment facing the second curved segment in a snap-fit ​​manner;

[0011] The end of the second connecting portion that extends away from the second spiral portion is formed as a connecting end that matches the end shape of the snake bone unit, and the connecting end engages with the snake bone unit at the end of the first curved segment.

[0012] Preferably, the length of the bent portion of the L-shaped insert is greater than the opening width of the slot and less than the width of the slot.

[0013] Preferably, the width of the bent portion of the L-shaped insert is smaller than the length of the extension portion.

[0014] Preferably, the extensions of the L-shaped insert are evenly distributed on the spiral edges of the first spiral portion and the spiral edges of the second spiral portion, and the lengths of the extensions are all equal.

[0015] The bending lengths of the L-shaped inserts are all equal.

[0016] Preferably, the thread helix angle of the first helical portion and the second helical portion is 3°-20°, and the lead is greater than the distance from the top of the L-shaped insert to the edge of the helix.

[0017] Preferably, the snake head end segment of the first curved section and the sidewall of the first connecting part are provided with positioning and orientation process holes.

[0018] Preferably, the snake-bone unit includes a main body, one end of which is formed with a first fan-shaped slider, a second fan-shaped slider, and a buckle arranged concentrically. The inner diameter of the first fan-shaped slider is larger than the outer diameter of the second fan-shaped slider, the inner diameter of the second fan-shaped slider is larger than the diameter of the buckle, the buckle is located at the center, a first fan-shaped sliding groove is formed between the inner edge of the first fan-shaped slider and the outer edge of the second fan-shaped slider, and a second fan-shaped sliding groove is formed between the edge of the buckle and the inner edge of the second fan-shaped slider.

[0019] At the other end of the main body, a third fan-shaped slider and a fourth fan-shaped slider are formed with the same center. The inner diameter of the third fan-shaped slider is larger than the outer diameter of the fourth fan-shaped slider. A third fan-shaped groove is formed between the outer edge of the third fan-shaped slider and the main body. A fourth fan-shaped groove is formed between the inner edge of the third fan-shaped slider and the outer edge of the fourth fan-shaped slider. A snap-fit ​​groove is formed around the inner edge of the fourth fan-shaped slider.

[0020] Adjacent snake-bone units are slidably connected through the cooperation between the first sector ring slider and the third sector ring groove, the second sector ring slider and the fourth sector ring groove, the third sector ring slider and the first sector ring groove, the fourth sector ring slider and the second sector ring groove, and the buckle and the buckle groove.

[0021] Preferably, the connecting end is formed as a third fan-shaped slider and a fourth fan-shaped slider arranged concentrically. The inner diameter of the third fan-shaped slider is larger than the outer diameter of the fourth fan-shaped slider. A third fan-shaped groove is formed between the outer edge of the third fan-shaped slider and the main body of the second spiral part. A fourth fan-shaped groove is formed between the inner edge of the third fan-shaped slider and the outer edge of the fourth fan-shaped slider. A snap-fit ​​groove is formed around the inner edge of the fourth fan-shaped slider.

[0022] The third and fourth ring sliders, the third and fourth ring grooves, and the snap-fit ​​grooves of the connecting end respectively cooperate with the first and second ring grooves, the first and second ring sliders, and the snap-fit ​​of the snake bone unit to achieve a slidable connection.

[0023] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model also provides an endoscope, including the aforementioned snake bone structure.

[0024] This invention provides a snake-bone structure consisting of a first curved segment and a second curved segment joined together. It has multiple rotation angles, a simple manufacturing process, and is easy to apply in a wide range of applications, especially in endoscopes. Attached Figure Description

[0025] To more clearly illustrate the technical solution of this utility model, the drawings used in this utility model 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 from these drawings without creative effort.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the snake bone structure of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the L-shaped insert and slot mating of an embodiment of the snake bone structure of this utility model, where θ is the thread helix angle;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the snap-fit ​​joint between the first and second curved sections of an embodiment of the snake bone structure of this utility model;

[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a snake bone unit according to an embodiment of the snake bone structure of this utility model;

[0030] Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of a snake bone unit according to an embodiment of the snake bone structure of this utility model, wherein both sides of the symmetrical snake bone unit can be used to snap onto adjacent snake bone units;

[0031] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a snake bone unit according to an embodiment of the snake bone structure of this utility model, wherein the snake bone unit is provided with a pressure ear;

[0032] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the bending of the first curved segment of an embodiment of the snake bone structure of this utility model;

[0033] In the figure, 1-first curved section; 11-snake head end segment; 12-snake head unit; 121-main body; 1201-first fan ring slider; 1202-second fan ring slider; 1203-buckle; 1204-first fan ring groove; 1205-second fan ring groove; 1206-third fan ring slider; 1207-fourth fan ring slider; 1208-third fan ring groove; 1209-fourth fan ring groove; 1210-buckle groove; 2-second curved section; 21-first spiral component; 22-second spiral component; 211-first connecting part; 212-first spiral part; 221-second connecting part; 222-second spiral part; 2211-connecting end; 3-L-shaped insert; 31-extension part; 32-bending part; 4-slot; 5-positioning and orientation process hole; 6-pressing ear; 7-process hole. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The technical solutions of this utility model will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this utility model. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this utility model without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0035] refer to Figures 1-5 The illustration shows a snake bone structure of the present invention, which is formed in a cylindrical shape, and the snake bone structure includes a first curved section and a second curved section;

[0036] The second curved section is a double helix structure formed by the first helical component and the second helical component;

[0037] The first spiral component includes a first connecting portion and a first spiral portion. The first spiral portion extends spirally from one end of the first connecting portion. The spiral edge of the first spiral portion extends along the axial direction of the snake bone structure to form a plurality of parallel extension portions. The ends of the plurality of extension portions are bent in the same direction to form a bent portion. The extension portions and the bent portions are formed into L-shaped inserts. A slot is formed between any adjacent L-shaped inserts.

[0038] The second spiral component includes a second connecting portion and a second spiral portion. The second spiral portion extends spirally from one end of the second connecting portion. The spiral edge of the second spiral portion extends along the axial direction of the snake bone structure to form a plurality of parallel extension portions. The ends of the plurality of extension portions are bent in the same direction to form a bent portion. The extension portions and the bent portions are formed into L-shaped inserts, and slots are formed between any adjacent L-shaped inserts.

[0039] The first spiral component and the second spiral component are movably connected by the cooperation of an L-shaped insert and a slot. The L-shaped insert can move along the depth direction of the slot within the slot.

[0040] The first curved segment includes a snake head end segment, and multiple snake bone units are connected in series at one end of the snake head end segment facing the second curved segment in a snap-fit ​​manner;

[0041] The end of the second connecting portion that extends away from the second spiral portion is formed as a connecting end that matches the end shape of the snake bone unit, and the connecting end engages with the snake bone unit at the end of the first curved segment.

[0042] In this embodiment of the invention, the snake-bone structure includes a first curved segment and a second curved segment. The two curved segments are movably connected by the cooperation of snap fasteners and slots. The snake-bone structure of this invention can be realized by an integral cutting process, for example, by cutting perpendicular to the normal line, which eliminates the assembly step. When other processes are used, for example, the snap fasteners and slots are processed first and then assembled. Since the two are connected by snap fasteners, assembly is also convenient. The second curved segment can be bent in all directions, increasing the bending dimension of the snake-bone structure.

[0043] In one specific embodiment, the length of the bent portion of the L-shaped insert is greater than the opening width of the slot and less than the width of the slot; preferably, the width of the bent portion of the L-shaped insert is less than the length of the extension portion; more preferably, the extension portions of the L-shaped insert are evenly distributed on the spiral edges of the first spiral portion and the spiral edges of the second spiral portion, and the lengths of the extension portions are all equal, and the lengths of the bent portions of the L-shaped insert are all equal. (Reference) Figure 2The diagram illustrates the engagement of the L-shaped inserts and slots of the first and second spiral portions. A slot is formed between two adjacent L-shaped inserts, with the slot opening width equal to the distance between adjacent bends and the slot width equal to the distance between adjacent extensions. When the bends of the L-shaped inserts are all located at the bottom of the slot, the second curved section is cylindrical, i.e., no bending occurs. The L-shaped inserts move within the slot along the slot depth (equivalent to the L-shaped inserts of the first and second spiral portions moving relative to each other along the extension direction) to achieve the bending of the second curved section. The degree of bending of the second curved section is determined by the difference between the length of the extension and the width of the bend; the greater the difference, the greater the degree of bending that the second curved section can achieve.

[0044] In one specific embodiment, the thread helix angle of the first helical portion and the second helical portion is 3°-20°, and the lead is greater than the sum of the width of the bend and the length of the extension.

[0045] In one specific implementation, reference is made to... Figure 4 The snake-bone unit includes a main body, one end of which is formed with a first fan-shaped slider, a second fan-shaped slider, and a buckle arranged concentrically. The inner diameter of the first fan-shaped slider is larger than the outer diameter of the second fan-shaped slider, and the inner diameter of the second fan-shaped slider is larger than the diameter of the buckle. The buckle is located at the center. A first fan-shaped sliding groove is formed between the inner edge of the first fan-shaped slider and the outer edge of the second fan-shaped slider. A second fan-shaped sliding groove is formed between the edge of the buckle and the inner edge of the second fan-shaped slider.

[0046] At the other end of the main body, a third fan-shaped slider and a fourth fan-shaped slider are formed with the same center. The inner diameter of the third fan-shaped slider is larger than the outer diameter of the fourth fan-shaped slider. A third fan-shaped groove is formed between the outer edge of the third fan-shaped slider and the main body. A fourth fan-shaped groove is formed between the inner edge of the third fan-shaped slider and the outer edge of the fourth fan-shaped slider. A snap-fit ​​groove is formed around the inner edge of the fourth fan-shaped slider.

[0047] Adjacent snake-bone units are slidably connected through the cooperation between the first sector ring slider and the third sector ring groove, the second sector ring slider and the fourth sector ring groove, the third sector ring slider and the first sector ring groove, the fourth sector ring slider and the second sector ring groove, and the buckle and the buckle groove.

[0048] In this specific embodiment, the snake-bone unit includes at least one set of the following structures: a first fan-shaped slider, a second fan-shaped slider, a buckle, a first fan-shaped sliding groove, a second fan-shaped sliding groove, a third fan-shaped slider, a fourth fan-shaped slider, a third fan-shaped sliding groove, a fourth fan-shaped sliding groove, and a buckle groove. All of the aforementioned structures are located on the same side of the snake-bone unit. Preferably, the snake-bone unit may further include two sets of the aforementioned structures, symmetrically distributed on both sides of the snake-bone unit, such as... Figure 5 As shown. In this specific embodiment, the arc length of the first fan-ring slider is less than the arc length of the third fan-ring groove, the arc length of the second fan-ring slider is less than the arc length of the fourth fan-ring groove, the arc length of the third fan-ring slider is less than the arc length of the first fan-ring groove, and the arc length of the fourth fan-ring slider is less than the arc length of the second fan-ring groove. The buckle is typically circular, and the buckle groove matches the buckle shape. The buckle rotates within the buckle groove in the plane where the buckle is located. When the buckle rotates, the first fan-ring slider slides within the third fan-ring groove, and the third fan-ring groove limits the first fan-ring slider. The second fan-ring slider slides within the fourth fan-ring groove, and the fourth fan-ring groove limits the second fan-ring slider. The third fan-ring slider slides within the first fan-ring groove, and the first fan-ring groove limits the third fan-ring slider. The fourth fan-ring slider slides within the second fan-ring groove, and the second fan-ring groove limits the fourth fan-ring slider. One of the bending forms that can be achieved by the first bending segment formed by the snake-bone unit of this utility model is as follows: Figure 7 As shown, in this invention, a more stable connection between snake-bone units is achieved through the cooperation of multiple fan-ring sliders and fan-ring grooves. Simultaneously, when the snake-bone structure is processed using a cutting method perpendicular to the normal line, the connection effect of the snake-bone structure at the processed point is good, and it is not easy for snake-bone units to detach or slide radially. When the snake-bone units are processed individually and then assembled, to prevent the snake-bone units from sliding radially and detaching, the contact surfaces of each fan-ring slider and each fan-ring groove can be set as beveled surfaces. For example, the edge of each fan-ring slider is an outer bevel, and the edge of each fan-ring groove is an inner bevel. The cooperation of the outer and inner bevels limits the radial sliding of adjacent snake-bone units. This is prior art and will not be elaborated further. Furthermore, this beveled surface cooperation method is also applicable to the cooperation of L-shaped inserts and slots, and can also prevent radial movement. It should be noted that the structures of other snake-bone units in the prior art can also be applied to this invention.

[0049] In one specific embodiment, the connecting end is formed as a third and fourth fan-shaped sliding block arranged concentrically. The inner diameter of the third fan-shaped sliding block is larger than the outer diameter of the fourth fan-shaped sliding block. A third fan-shaped sliding groove is formed between the outer edge of the third fan-shaped sliding block and the main body of the second spiral portion. A fourth fan-shaped sliding groove is formed between the inner edge of the third fan-shaped sliding block and the outer edge of the fourth fan-shaped sliding block. A snap-fit ​​groove is formed around the inner edge of the fourth fan-shaped sliding block. The third fan-shaped sliding block, fourth fan-shaped sliding block, third fan-shaped sliding groove, fourth fan-shaped sliding groove, and snap-fit ​​groove of the connecting end respectively cooperate with the first fan-shaped sliding groove, second fan-shaped sliding groove, first fan-shaped sliding block, second fan-shaped sliding block, and snap-fit ​​of the snake-bone unit to achieve a slidable connection. Understandably, this specific embodiment achieves the snap-fit ​​between the second curved section and the first curved section, and the movement mode at the snap-fit ​​point is the same as the movement mode between adjacent snake-bone units. (Refer to...) Figure 3 .

[0050] In one specific embodiment, positioning and orientation process holes are provided on the sidewalls of the snake-head end segment of the first curved section and the first connecting portion. Understandably, providing positioning and orientation process holes reduces the difficulty of positioning and orientation when connecting the snake-head structure to other structures. It should be noted that, generally, the two positioning and orientation process holes are located on the same side and are of the same size, but the position and size of the two positioning and orientation process holes can be adjusted according to requirements, for example, they may not be on the same side or may be of different sizes.

[0051] This invention also provides an endoscope comprising the snake-bone structure of the aforementioned embodiments. Therefore, this endoscope possesses at least all the beneficial effects of the aforementioned embodiments. Furthermore, it should be noted that when the snake-bone structure is applied to an endoscope, the first bending section corresponds to the active bending section, the second bending section corresponds to the passive bending section, and some snake-bone units (e.g., every other snake-bone unit, every two snake-bone units, or every five snake-bone units) have tabs to allow the traction wire to pass through and to limit the traction wire. The structure of the snake-bone unit with tabs is as follows: Figure 6 As shown; the first connecting part is connected to the main insertion tubing of the endoscope. It should be noted that when making the pressure lug, the serpentine structure is fitted onto the pressure lug core rod (slender strip). During the pressure lug process, most of the stress is transmitted circumferentially, and the serpentine unit may undergo radial deformation. In severe cases, it may even cause the serpentine unit to detach. Therefore, it is preferable to add a support core rod for the pressure lug core rod to provide certain support in the stamping direction. Thus, process holes need to be set between several groups of adjacent serpentine units. The support core rod enters the interior of the serpentine structure through the process holes to support the pressure lug core rod. Preferably, the number of process holes is at least one, and at most one more than the number of serpentine units.

[0052] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A serpentine structure formed in a cylindrical shape, characterized by, The snake-bone structure includes a first curved segment and a second curved segment; The second curved section is a double helix structure formed by the first helical component and the second helical component; The first spiral component includes a first connecting portion and a first spiral portion. The first spiral portion extends spirally from one end of the first connecting portion. The spiral edge of the first spiral portion extends along the axial direction of the snake bone structure to form a plurality of parallel extension portions. The ends of the plurality of extension portions are bent in the same direction to form a bent portion. The extension portions and the bent portions are formed into L-shaped inserts. A slot is formed between any adjacent L-shaped inserts. The second spiral component includes a second connecting portion and a second spiral portion. The second spiral portion extends spirally from one end of the second connecting portion. The spiral edge of the second spiral portion extends along the axial direction of the snake bone structure to form a plurality of parallel extension portions. The ends of the plurality of extension portions are bent in the same direction to form a bent portion. The extension portions and the bent portions are formed into L-shaped inserts, and slots are formed between any adjacent L-shaped inserts. The first spiral component and the second spiral component are movably connected by the cooperation of an L-shaped insert and a slot. The L-shaped insert can move along the depth direction of the slot within the slot. The first curved segment includes a snake head end segment, and multiple snake bone units are connected in series at one end of the snake head end segment facing the second curved segment in a snap-fit ​​manner; The end of the second connecting portion that extends away from the second spiral portion is formed as a connecting end that matches the end shape of the snake bone unit, and the connecting end engages with the snake bone unit at the end of the first curved segment.

2. The serpentine bone structure of claim 1, wherein, The length of the bent portion of the L-shaped insert is greater than the opening width of the slot, but less than the width of the slot.

3. The serpentine bone structure of claim 2, wherein, The width of the bent portion of the L-shaped insert is less than the length of the extension portion.

4. The serpentine bone structure of claim 2, wherein, The extensions of the L-shaped insert are evenly distributed on the spiral edges of the first spiral portion and the spiral edges of the second spiral portion, and the lengths of the extensions are all equal. The bending lengths of the L-shaped inserts are all equal.

5. The serpentine bone structure of claim 1, wherein, The thread helix angle of the first spiral part and the second spiral part is 3°-20°, and the lead is greater than the distance from the top of the L-shaped insert to the edge of the spiral.

6. The serpentine bone structure of claim 1, wherein, The snake head end segment of the first curved section and the sidewall of the first connecting part are provided with positioning and orientation process holes.

7. The serpentine bone structure of claim 1, wherein, The snake-bone unit includes a main body, one end of which is formed with a first fan-shaped slider, a second fan-shaped slider, and a buckle arranged concentrically. The inner diameter of the first fan-shaped slider is larger than the outer diameter of the second fan-shaped slider, and the inner diameter of the second fan-shaped slider is larger than the diameter of the buckle. The buckle is located at the center. A first fan-shaped sliding groove is formed between the inner edge of the first fan-shaped slider and the outer edge of the second fan-shaped slider. A second fan-shaped sliding groove is formed between the edge of the buckle and the inner edge of the second fan-shaped slider. At the other end of the main body, a third fan-shaped slider and a fourth fan-shaped slider are formed with the same center. The inner diameter of the third fan-shaped slider is larger than the outer diameter of the fourth fan-shaped slider. A third fan-shaped groove is formed between the outer edge of the third fan-shaped slider and the main body. A fourth fan-shaped groove is formed between the inner edge of the third fan-shaped slider and the outer edge of the fourth fan-shaped slider. A snap-fit ​​groove is formed around the inner edge of the fourth fan-shaped slider. Adjacent snake-bone units are slidably connected through the cooperation between the first sector ring slider and the third sector ring groove, the second sector ring slider and the fourth sector ring groove, the third sector ring slider and the first sector ring groove, the fourth sector ring slider and the second sector ring groove, and the buckle and the buckle groove.

8. The serpentine bone structure of claim 7, wherein, The connecting end is formed as a third fan-shaped slider and a fourth fan-shaped slider arranged in a circle. The inner diameter of the third fan-shaped slider is larger than the outer diameter of the fourth fan-shaped slider. A third fan-shaped groove is formed between the outer edge of the third fan-shaped slider and the main body of the second spiral part. A fourth fan-shaped groove is formed between the inner edge of the third fan-shaped slider and the outer edge of the fourth fan-shaped slider. A snap-fit ​​groove is formed around the inner edge of the fourth fan-shaped slider. The third and fourth fan ring sliders, the third and fourth fan ring grooves, and the snap-fit ​​grooves of the connecting end respectively cooperate with the first and second fan ring grooves, the first and second fan ring sliders, and the snap-fit ​​of the snake bone unit to achieve a slidable connection.

9. An endoscope characterized by comprising: Including the snake bone structure as described in any one of claims 1-8.

10. The endoscope of claim 9, wherein, The first curved section of the snake-bone structure is formed with a pressure lug and a process hole; The pressure bar is used to allow the traction wire to pass through; The number of process holes is at least one and at most one more than the number of snake bone units.

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