Endoscope and tip structure thereof

Abstract

The utility model relates to an endoscope and a tip structure thereof. The tip structure comprises a shell, a camera module, a lighting module and a working channel pipe, the shell is provided with a mounting cavity, and the mounting cavity penetrates through the front end and the rear end of the shell. The camera module is fixed in the mounting cavity, divides the mounting cavity into a working cavity and a lighting cavity which are mutually independent, and is used for acquiring an image of the target area. The illumination assembly is arranged in the illumination cavity and used for illuminating the target area so as to provide a clear view for the camera module. And the working channel tube is arranged in the working cavity in a penetrating manner and is used for perfusing or penetrating a surgical instrument. According to the endoscope and the tip structure thereof, the outer contour size of the tip structure can be effectively reduced, so that the tip structure can penetrate into a human body channel more easily, and harm to a patient is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of medical device technology, and in particular to endoscopes and their advanced structures. Background Technology

[0002] An endoscope is a commonly used medical device. An endoscope typically includes a handle, an insertion tip for reaching into the body, and a flexible tube connecting the handle and the tip. In clinical use, the tip is inserted into the body cavity through the flexible tube, and the handle controls the tube to move the tip in multiple directions to observe or surgically treat lesions within the body. Understandably, the smaller the tip size, the less harm to the patient and the faster the recovery.

[0003] However, in related technologies, the tip usually includes a working channel, a camera module and a lighting component. In order to facilitate the installation of these parts, multiple individual chambers need to be reserved inside the housing of the tip, and each individual chamber needs to be separated by a baffle with a certain wall thickness. These structures all increase the outer contour size of the tip to some extent, making it inconvenient for the tip to be inserted into the human body cavity. Utility Model Content

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide an endoscope and its tip structure to address the issue of how to facilitate the insertion of the tip into human cavities.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides an endoscope tip structure, comprising:

[0006] The housing has a mounting cavity that extends through the front and rear ends of the housing.

[0007] A camera module, which is fixed inside the mounting cavity and divides the mounting cavity into an independent working cavity and an illumination cavity;

[0008] Lighting assembly, the lighting assembly being disposed within the lighting cavity; and

[0009] A working channel pipe, which passes through the working cavity.

[0010] The technical solution will be further explained below:

[0011] In one embodiment, the mounting cavity includes a first mounting area and a second mounting area that are connected to each other. The first mounting area and the second mounting area are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the front end of the housing to the rear end of the housing. The camera module is fixed in the first mounting area, the lighting cavity is located in the first mounting area, and the working cavity is located in the second mounting area.

[0012] In one embodiment, a first limiting portion is formed between the first mounting area and the second mounting area. The first limiting portion has an opening that connects the first mounting area and the second mounting area. The first limiting portion cooperates with the camera module to limit the camera module in the first mounting area, and the camera module blocks the opening.

[0013] In one embodiment, the first limiting portion includes two protruding lugs, which are respectively protruding on two opposite cavity walls within the mounting cavity and respectively supported on both sides of the camera module, with the opening formed between the two protruding lugs.

[0014] In one embodiment, the camera module includes a bottom surface facing the second mounting area and a side surface connected at an angle to the bottom surface; each of the lugs includes a first limiting surface and a second limiting surface connected at an angle, the first limiting surface being limited to the bottom surface of the camera module, and the second limiting surface being limited to the side surface of the camera module.

[0015] In one embodiment, there are two illumination cavities, which are located on both sides of the camera module, and there are two illumination components, which are arranged in the two illumination cavities in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0016] In one embodiment, the mating gaps between any two of the mounting cavity wall, the camera module, the lighting assembly, and the working channel tube are filled with sealant.

[0017] In one embodiment, a limiting boss is provided in the mounting cavity, and the limiting boss abuts against the rear end of the camera module.

[0018] In one embodiment, a second limiting part is provided inside the lighting cavity, and the second limiting part cooperates with the lighting component to limit the lighting component inside the lighting cavity.

[0019] Secondly, this application also provides an endoscope including the aforementioned tip structure.

[0020] In the aforementioned endoscope's tip structure, a camera module fixed within the mounting cavity divides the cavity into independent working and illumination chambers. The illumination assembly is installed in the illumination chamber, and the working channel tube passes through it, thus achieving stable installation of the camera module, illumination module, and working channel. Furthermore, by using a camera module to divide the mounting cavity into independent working and illumination chambers, the need for a thick-walled partition within the mounting cavity is avoided. This prevents the partition from occupying space, allowing for more efficient use of the space within the mounting cavity. Consequently, the outer dimensions of the tip structure can be effectively reduced, making it easier to insert into the patient's body and minimizing potential harm. Simultaneously, the use of materials for partitions is eliminated, reducing costs. Moreover, the absence of a partition allows for faster installation of the camera module, improving assembly efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of this application. The illustrative embodiments of this application and their descriptions are used to explain this application and do not constitute an undue limitation of this application.

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Furthermore, the accompanying drawings are not drawn to a 1:1 scale, and the relative dimensions of the various components are shown as examples only and not necessarily to scale. In the accompanying drawings:

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the outer shell of the front structure in one embodiment.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure after the camera module is assembled into the housing, according to one embodiment.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the front-end structure of one embodiment.

[0027] Figure 4 for Figure 3 The front view of the tip structure shown.

[0028] Figure 5 for Figure 4 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the tip structure at section AA.

[0029] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0030] 10. Outer shell; 11. Mounting cavity; 111. First mounting area; 1111. Illumination cavity; 112. Second mounting area; 1121. Working cavity; 12. First limiting part; 121. Lug; 1211. First limiting surface; 1212. Second limiting surface; 122. Opening; 13. Limiting boss; 14. Second limiting part; 20. Camera module; 21. Bottom surface; 22. Side surface; 30. Illumination assembly; 40. Working channel tube. Detailed Implementation

[0031] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0032] In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" appear, these terms indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0033] Furthermore, where the terms "first" and "second" appear, these terms are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, where the term "multiple" appears, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0034] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0035] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the use of descriptions such as "above" or "below" the second feature indicates that the first and second features are in direct contact or indirect contact via an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. Similarly, "below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0036] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. If so, the terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0037] It should be noted that in the following text, "front end" refers to the end that is relatively far from the operator during clinical use, and "back end" refers to the end that is relatively close to the operator during clinical use.

[0038] One embodiment of this application provides an endoscope tip structure. Specifically, the tip structure of one embodiment includes a housing 10, a camera module 20, an illumination module, and a working channel tube 40, wherein, see... Figure 1 The outer casing 10 has a mounting cavity 11, which extends through the front and rear ends of the outer casing 10. Figure 2 The camera module 20 is fixed inside the mounting cavity 11, and the camera module 20 divides the mounting cavity 11 into an independent working cavity 1121 and an illumination cavity 1111. The camera module 20 is used to acquire images of the target area. Figure 3 as well as Figure 4The illumination component 30 is disposed in the illumination cavity 1111 and is used to illuminate the target area to provide a clear field of view for the camera module 20. The working channel tube 40 is disposed in the working cavity 1121 and is used for irrigation or insertion of surgical instruments.

[0039] In the aforementioned endoscope's tip structure, the mounting cavity 11 is divided into an independent working cavity 1121 and an illumination cavity 1111 by a camera module 20 fixed within the mounting cavity 11. An illumination assembly 30 is installed in the illumination cavity 1111, and a working channel tube 40 is inserted through the working cavity 1121, thus achieving stable installation of the camera module 20, the illumination module, and the working channel. Furthermore, by using the camera module 20 to divide the mounting cavity 11 into the independent working cavity 1121 and the illumination cavity 1111, the need for a thick-walled partition within the mounting cavity 11 is avoided. This prevents the partition from occupying space within the mounting cavity 11, allowing for more efficient use of space and effectively reducing the outer contour dimensions of the tip structure. This makes the tip structure easier to insert into the patient's passage, reducing potential harm. Simultaneously, the materials used for partitions are eliminated, thus reducing costs. Furthermore, the absence of a barrier allows for faster installation of the camera module 20, improving assembly efficiency.

[0040] See Figure 1 Optionally, in one embodiment, the mounting cavity 11 includes a first mounting area 111 and a second mounting area 112 that are connected to each other, and the first mounting area 111 and the second mounting area 112 are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the front end to the rear end of the housing 10. Figure 2 The camera module 20 is fixed to the first mounting area 111, the illumination cavity 1111 is located in the first mounting area 111, and the working cavity 1121 is located in the second mounting area 112. For example, the first mounting area 111 and the second mounting area 112 are arranged vertically. Thus, after assembly, both the camera module 20 and the illumination assembly 30 are located in the first mounting area 111 and above the working channel tube 40, ensuring that the illumination assembly 30 can provide a clear field of view for the camera module 20 when acquiring images, making the overall layout of the front-end structure more reasonable and compact.

[0041] See Figure 1 Optionally, in one embodiment, a first limiting portion 12 is formed between the first mounting area 111 and the second mounting area 112. The first limiting portion 12 has an opening 122 communicating with the first mounting area 111 and the second mounting area 112. The first limiting portion 12 cooperates with the camera module 20 to limit the camera module 20 to the first mounting area 111. Figure 2The camera module 20 blocks the opening 122. In this way, while fixing the camera module 20, the camera module 20 separates the first mounting area 111 from the second mounting area 112, so that the second mounting area 112 forms an independent working cavity 1121, and an independent lighting cavity 1111 is separated in the first mounting area 111.

[0042] See Figure 4 Optionally, in one embodiment, the first limiting part 12 includes two protruding ears 121, which protrude from two opposite cavity walls within the mounting cavity 11 and are respectively supported on both sides of the camera module 20. An opening 122 is formed between the two protruding ears 121. By using the two protruding ears 121 to support both sides of the camera module 20, the camera module 20 is fixed in the first mounting area 111. At the same time, the opening 122 between the two protruding ears 121 allows the top of the cylindrical or elliptical cylindrical working channel tube 40 to be embedded in the opening 122. Compared with the traditional solution that separates the camera module and the working channel tube by a closed baffle, the technical solution of this application makes full use of the space between the two protruding ears 121, making the assembly of the camera module 20 and the working channel tube 40 more compact and effectively reducing the outer contour size of the tip structure.

[0043] Specifically, see [link to relevant documentation] Figure 1 The camera module 20 includes a bottom surface 21 facing the second mounting area 112 and a side surface 22 connected at an angle to the bottom surface 21. Each lug 121 includes a first limiting surface 1211 and a second limiting surface 1212 connected at an angle. The first limiting surface 1211 is engaged with the bottom surface 21 of the camera module 20 to limit the vertical direction of the camera module 20, and the second limiting surface 1212 is engaged with the side surface 22 of the camera module 20 to limit the horizontal direction of the camera module 20.

[0044] Further, see Figure 1 In one embodiment, a limiting boss 13 is also provided within the mounting cavity 11. Combined with... Figure 5 The limiting boss 13 abuts against the rear end of the camera module 20, thereby limiting the front and rear directions of the camera module 20.

[0045] See Figure 4 In one embodiment, a second limiting part 14 is provided inside the lighting cavity 1111. The second limiting part 14 cooperates with the lighting component 30 to limit the lighting component 30 within the lighting cavity 1111. Exemplarily, the second limiting part 14 protrudes from the cavity wall of the lighting cavity 1111 and has a limiting groove that matches the outer contour of the lighting component 30. At least a portion of the lighting component 30 is embedded in the limiting groove, thereby limiting the lighting component 30 within the lighting cavity 1111.

[0046] Optionally, in one embodiment, the mating gaps between any two of the mounting cavity 11 wall, the camera module 20, the lighting assembly 30, and the working channel tube 40 are filled with sealant. The sealant further secures the camera module 20, the lighting assembly 30, and the working channel tube 40, while simultaneously sealing the mating gaps between these components and preventing liquid from entering the interior of the tip structure. Exemplarily, the sealant can be UV adhesive or other types of adhesive.

[0047] Optionally, there are two illumination cavities 1111, located on opposite sides of the camera module 20. There are also two illumination components 30, each corresponding to one of the two illumination cavities 1111. This ensures that both sides of the camera module 20 are illuminated by the illumination components 30, guaranteeing that the camera module 20 can acquire clear images.

[0048] This application also provides an endoscope in one embodiment, which includes the tip structure of any of the above embodiments. Exemplarily, the endoscope may further include an operating handle and a bendable tube, one end of which is connected to the rear end of the housing 10 of the tip structure, and the other end of which is connected to the operating handle.

[0049] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0050] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An endoscope tip structure characterized by, include: The housing has a mounting cavity that extends through the front and rear ends of the housing. A camera module, which is fixed inside the mounting cavity and divides the mounting cavity into an independent working cavity and an illumination cavity; The lighting assembly is disposed in the lighting cavity; as well as A working channel pipe, which passes through the working cavity.

2. The endoscope tip structure according to claim 1, characterized by The mounting cavity includes a first mounting area and a second mounting area that are connected to each other. The first mounting area and the second mounting area are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the front end of the housing to the rear end of the housing. The camera module is fixed in the first mounting area, the lighting cavity is located in the first mounting area, and the working cavity is located in the second mounting area.

3. The endoscope tip structure according to claim 2, characterized by A first limiting part is formed between the first mounting area and the second mounting area. The first limiting part has an opening that connects the first mounting area and the second mounting area. The first limiting part cooperates with the camera module to limit the camera module in the first mounting area, and the camera module blocks the opening.

4. The endoscope tip structure according to claim 3, characterized by The first limiting part includes two protruding ears, which are respectively protruding on two opposite cavity walls inside the mounting cavity, and are respectively supported on both sides of the camera module. The opening is formed between the two protruding ears.

5. The endoscope tip structure according to claim 4, characterized by The camera module includes a bottom surface facing the second mounting area and a side surface connected at an angle to the bottom surface; each of the lugs includes a first limiting surface and a second limiting surface connected at an angle, the first limiting surface being limited and engaged with the bottom surface of the camera module, and the second limiting surface being limited and engaged with the side surface of the camera module.

6. The endoscope tip structure according to claim 1, characterized by The number of lighting cavities is two, and the two lighting cavities are respectively located on both sides of the camera module. The number of lighting components is two, and the two lighting components are arranged in the two lighting cavities in a one-to-one correspondence.

7. The tip structure of the endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gaps between the cavity wall of the mounting cavity, the camera module, the lighting assembly, and any two of the working channel tubes are filled with sealant.

8. The endoscope tip structure according to claim 1, characterized by The mounting cavity is provided with a limiting boss, which abuts against the rear end of the camera module.

9. The endoscope tip structure according to claim 1, characterized by The lighting cavity is provided with a second limiting part, which cooperates with the lighting component to limit the lighting component within the lighting cavity.

10. An endoscope characterized by comprising: Includes the tip structure as described in any one of claims 1-9.

Images