Endoscope and endoscope assembly

Abstract

An endoscope assembly comprises an endoscope and a guide tube sheath. Wherein the endoscope comprises an endoscope tube, and a camera, a light source and a light insulation piece which are positioned at the far end of the endoscope tube; the far-end end face of the light insulation piece protrudes out of the light-emitting end face of the light source. The light insulation piece can abut against the light-transmitting lens at the far end of the guiding tube sheath when the endoscope tube is inserted into the guiding tube sheath. The far end of the guide tube sheath and / or the far end of the endoscope are / is provided with a deformable structure; the deformable structure can deform when the light insulation piece abuts against the light-transmitting lens, so that the far-end end face of the light insulation piece is attached to the light-transmitting lens. By means of the offset formed between the light insulation piece and the light emitting end face of the light source, when the endoscope is matched with the guide tube sheath, the far-end end face of the light insulation piece is tightly attached to the light-transmitting lens in a self-adaptive mode based on deformation generated by the deformable structure, so that the light receiving face of the camera is separated from the light emitting end face of the light source, and therefore the endoscope can be guided. Therefore, the light can be prevented from directly entering the camera after being reflected by the light-transmitting lens, and support is provided for improving the imaging quality, image definition and the like of the endoscope.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In clinical medicine, using endoscopes to explore, examine, and treat the body's natural cavities is currently the most commonly used minimally invasive diagnostic and treatment method, causing less damage to patients. Traditional endoscopes need to be reused after sterilization, while disposable endoscopes solve the problems of cross-infection and the need for repeated sterilization associated with traditional endoscopes. However, disposable endoscopes are more expensive, which is one of the important factors limiting their rapid development and widespread application.

[0003] In light of this, some alternative solutions exist that use disposable guide sheaths in conjunction with endoscopes to replace disposable endoscopes. For example, the portion of the disposable guide sheath inserted into the body is a closed design, and the distal end of the sheath is sealed with a lens (e.g., a transparent glass cover) that allows light to pass through. After the endoscope tube is inserted into the disposable guide sheath, imaging and detection can be performed without contact with the body. After the surgery, the disposable guide sheath is discarded, while the endoscope can be reused. This reduces the need for endoscope sterilization and also lowers costs. However, current methods using disposable guide sheaths with endoscopes still suffer from problems such as unclear images and poor image quality. Utility Model Content

[0004] The main technical problem addressed by this application is to provide an endoscope assembly and an endoscope used in the endoscope assembly, so as to improve image quality.

[0005] According to a first aspect, one embodiment provides an endoscope assembly, comprising:

[0006] A disposable guide tube sheath includes a guide tube and a light-transmitting lens; the light-transmitting lens is disposed at the distal end of the guide tube and closes the distal opening of the guide tube.

[0007] And an endoscope, including a tube and a camera, a light source and a light-blocking element located at the distal end of the tube; the light-blocking element is located between the camera and the light source in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the camera; in the direction of the optical axis of the camera, the distal end face of the light-blocking element protrudes beyond the light-emitting end face of the light source; the light-blocking element is capable of pressing against the light-transmitting lens when the guide tube is inserted into the tube;

[0008] The distal end of the guide tube sheath and / or the distal end of the endoscope also have a deformable structure; the deformable structure can deform when the light-blocking member presses against the light-transmitting lens, so that the distal end face of the light-blocking member fits against the light-transmitting lens, thereby separating the light-receiving surface of the camera from the light-emitting end face of the light source.

[0009] In one embodiment, in the direction of the optical axis of the camera, the distance between the distal end face of the light-blocking member and the emitting end face of the light source is between 0.15mm and 0.25mm.

[0010] In one embodiment, in the direction of the optical axis of the camera, the distal end face of the light-blocking member protrudes beyond the light-receiving surface of the camera, or the distal end face of the light-blocking member is flush with the light-receiving surface of the camera.

[0011] In one embodiment, the angle between the optical axis of the camera and the optical axis of the light source is equal to or greater than 0 degrees; and / or the angle between the optical axis of the camera and the center line of the lens tube is greater than 0 degrees.

[0012] In one embodiment, the light-blocking component includes a light-blocking tube segment, the proximal end of which is inserted into the lens tube, the distal end of which is inserted into the light-blocking tube segment, and the light source is located between the light-blocking tube segment and the lens tube; wherein the distal open end face of the light-blocking tube segment can press against and fit against the light-transmitting lens.

[0013] In one embodiment, the light-blocking member has an end cap and a plurality of sidewalls, the distal ends of which are connected to the edge of the end cap; the plurality of sidewalls are arranged around the geometric center of the end cap to form an accommodating space for accommodating the camera; wherein the light source is located between the sidewalls and the lens tube, the end cap is provided with a light-transmitting structure that allows light to enter the camera, and the end face of the end cap surrounding the light-transmitting structure can press against and adhere to the light-transmitting lens.

[0014] In one embodiment, the number of light sources is set to multiple, and the multiple light sources are distributed in different positions around the light-blocking member; or the light sources surround the light-blocking member.

[0015] In one embodiment, the light-transmitting lens is a flexible light-transmitting film capable of elastic deformation, and the deformable structure at the distal end of the guide tube sheath includes the flexible light-transmitting film; the flexible light-transmitting film can deform when pressed by the light-blocking member to fit against the distal end face of the light-blocking member.

[0016] According to a second aspect, one embodiment provides an endoscope including a tube and a camera, a light source, and a light-blocking element located at the distal end of the tube; the light-blocking element is located between the camera and the light source in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the camera; and the distal end face of the light-blocking element protrudes beyond the light-emitting end face of the light source in the direction of the optical axis of the camera.

[0017] The light-blocking component can press against the light-transmitting lens at the distal end of the guide tube sheath when the lens tube is inserted into the guide tube sheath, causing the light-transmitting lens to deform and fit against the distal end face of the light-blocking component, thereby separating the light-receiving surface of the camera from the light-emitting surface of the light source.

[0018] In one embodiment, in the direction of the optical axis of the camera, the distal end face of the light-blocking member protrudes beyond the light-receiving surface of the camera, or the distal end face of the light-blocking member is flush with the light-receiving surface of the camera.

[0019] The endoscope assembly according to the above embodiment includes an endoscope and a disposable guide tube sheath; wherein the endoscope includes a tube and a camera, a light source, and a light-blocking member located at the distal end of the tube; in the direction of the optical axis of the camera, the distal end face of the light-blocking member protrudes beyond the light-emitting end face of the light source; the light-blocking member can press against the light-transmitting lens at the distal end of the guide tube sheath when the tube is inserted into the guide tube sheath; the distal end of the guide tube sheath and / or the distal end of the endoscope has a deformable structure; the deformable structure can deform when the light-blocking member presses against the light-transmitting lens, so that the distal end face of the light-blocking member fits against the light-transmitting lens. By utilizing the gap between the light-blocking component and the light-emitting end face of the light source, when the endoscope is engaged with the guide tube sheath, the deformation generated by the deformable structure allows the distal end face of the light-blocking component to adaptively and tightly fit with the light-transmitting lens, thus separating the light-receiving surface of the camera from the light-emitting end face of the light source. This prevents light from being directly reflected by the light-transmitting lens and entering the camera, providing support for improving the imaging quality and image clarity of the endoscope. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram (a) of the assembly process of the endoscope and the guide tube sheath in one embodiment.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the optical path principle of an endoscope assembly in one embodiment.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the arrangement of light sources in one embodiment (I).

[0023] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the planar structure of an endoscope.

[0024] Figure 5This is a schematic diagram (II) of the arrangement of light sources in one embodiment.

[0025] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the planar structure of an endoscope.

[0026] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram (III) of the arrangement of light sources in one embodiment.

[0027] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram (II) of the assembly process of the endoscope and the guide tube sheath in one embodiment.

[0028] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram (III) of the assembly process of the endoscope and the guide tube sheath in one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The present application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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. Unless otherwise specified, the terms "connection" and "linkage" used in this application include both direct and indirect connections (linkages).

[0032] This article defines "proximal" and "distal" for components, such as the distal end of an endoscope. These proximal and distal ends are defined based on their distance from the operator during use. For example, the distal end of an endoscope refers to the end furthest from the endoscope handle, while the proximal end refers to the end where the endoscope handle is located. Similarly, the proximal end of a guide tube sheath refers to the end for endoscope insertion, while the distal end refers to the end inserted into the body and furthest from the endoscope handle. Here, "end" refers to the area at the end of a component, which can be understood as a region of a certain length at the end, and is not limited to the end face.

[0033] Currently, when endoscopes are combined with disposable guide tubes, the proximal end of the endoscope is directly connected to the proximal end of the guide tube, while the camera at the distal end of the endoscope is fitted with a rigid lens at the distal end of the guide tube. Due to manufacturing and assembly tolerances, the camera and lens may not fit perfectly together, leading to a series of optical problems such as glare and light loss during endoscopic imaging. For example, when the endoscope light source is turned on in insufficient ambient light, because the light-emitting surface of the light source has a certain light-emitting angle, some of the light is reflected back as it passes through the lens and directly enters the endoscope camera. The light entering the camera not only interferes with the doctor's vision but also causes problems such as reduced image clarity and image quality.

[0034] To resolve the above issues, please refer to [link / reference]. Figures 1 to 9 This application provides an endoscope assembly, including an endoscope adapted for combined use and a disposable guide tube sheath; wherein, the guide tube sheath includes a guide tube 11 and a transparent lens 12; the transparent lens 12 is located at the distal end of the guide tube 11 and closes the distal opening of the guide tube 11; for example, the transparent lens 12 can be fixed to the distal end of the guide tube 11 by any feasible method such as welding, bonding, snap-fitting, integral molding, chemical bonding, etc.

[0035] The endoscope includes a tube 21, a camera 22, a light source 23, a light shield 24, and other functional components (such as an endoscope handle) as needed. The camera 22, the light source 23, and the light shield 24 are located inside the distal end of the tube 21. The light source 23 is mainly used to provide illumination to the area to be examined, such as an organ within a patient's body. The camera 22 is mainly used to obtain image information of the area to be examined by external ambient light (such as light reflected from the area to be examined). The light shield 24 is located between the camera 22 and the light source 23 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the camera 22. The light shield 24 is mainly used to physically isolate light between the light source 23 and the camera 22 to prevent some of the light generated by the light source 23 from directly or reflected into the camera 22.

[0036] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 In the direction of the optical axis of the camera 22, the distal end face 24a of the light-blocking member 24 is flush with the light-receiving surface 22a of the camera 22, so that the distal end face 24a of the light-blocking member 24 and the light-receiving surface 22a of the camera 22 together form an abutting end face; the abutting end face protrudes from the distal end of the endoscope along the optical axis of the camera 22, so as to form a certain distance gap between the abutting end face and the light-receiving end face 23a of the light source 23. In this way, part of the light emitted by the light source 23 towards the camera 22 can be blocked by the light-blocking member 24, and will not directly illuminate the light-receiving surface 22a of the camera 22, thereby forming a physical isolation of light between the light source 23 and the camera 22.

[0037] It should be noted that camera 22 can be understood as a collection of related components such as optical lenses and image sensors; the light receiving surface 22a of camera 22 can have various possible structures or positions; for example, the light receiving surface 22a of camera 22 can be the distal end face of camera 22 (e.g., the outer end face of an optical lens); or, when a light-transmitting pad is stacked on the distal end face of camera 22, the outer end face of the light-transmitting pad on the side away from camera 22 is the light receiving surface 22a of camera 22. Light source 23 can be a light-emitting element disposed inside the distal end of lens tube 21, and the light emitting surface of this light-emitting element is the light-emitting end face 23a of light source 23. Light source 23 can also include a light-guiding element that plays a role in light transmission, for example, the light-emitting element is located at the near end of an optical fiber, and the distal end of the optical fiber is disposed inside the distal end of lens tube 21. In this case, the distal end of the optical fiber can be regarded as light source 23, and the distal end face of the optical fiber is the light-emitting end face 23a of light source 23.

[0038] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 8 The distal end of the guide tube sheath has a deformable structure. This deformable structure can deform when the distal end of the endoscope (specifically, the distal end of the endoscope tube 21) is inserted into the guide tube 11 and presses against the light-transmitting lens 12, so that the abutting end face formed by the light receiving surface 22a of the camera 22 and the distal end face of the light blocking member 24 fits against the light-transmitting lens 12. Specifically, when the endoscope and the guide tube sheath are used together, the endoscope tube 21 is inserted into the guide tube 11 from the proximal end of the guide tube 11. Based on the characteristic that the abutting end face protrudes relative to the light emitting end face 23a of the light source 23, the abutting end face will contact the light-transmitting lens 12. When the endoscope tube 21 is further inserted, the deformable structure will deform under the pressure of the endoscope (specifically, the light blocking member 24), so that the position and orientation of the abutting end face and the light-transmitting lens 12 are adapted, thereby achieving an adaptive and tight fit between the abutting end face and the light-transmitting lens 12.

[0039] For example, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2The light-transmitting lens 12 is made of a flexible light-transmitting film that can produce elastic deformation. For example, the light-transmitting lens 12 can be integrally molded from materials such as TPU, PVC, PE, EVA, PU, ​​PO, NFEP, etc. The light-transmitting lens 12 is fixed to the far end of the guide tube 11 in the form of closing the far end opening of the guide tube 11. For example, the periphery of the light-transmitting lens 12 is stacked on the far end opening end face of the guide tube 11 and fixed by any feasible method such as bonding, welding, snap-fitting, chemical bonding, etc.

[0040] On the one hand, by constructing the light-transmitting lens 12 as a deformable structure at the distal end of the guide tube sheath, when the lens tube 21 is inserted into the guide tube 11, and the distal end of the lens tube 21 continues to compress the flexible transparent film (for example, by pressing the flexible transparent film against the abutting end face), the flexible transparent film will undergo a certain deformation and produce a certain displacement. Thus, under the elastic force of the flexible transparent film, the flexible transparent film can adaptively and completely and tightly adhere to the abutting end face to form an anti-reflective structure; while the light generated by the light source 23 (see...) Figure 2 The light reflected by the light-blocking component 24 and the inner end face of the light-transmitting lens 12 can pass through the part of the flexible transparent film that is not attached to the end face to illuminate the area to be inspected, reducing the light that enters the camera 22 through direct reflection; at the same time, ambient light can also pass through the part of the flexible transparent film that is attached to the end face to enter the camera 22 better without changing the path, thereby improving image clarity and ensuring image quality.

[0041] On the other hand, because the flexible transparent membrane has a certain degree of elasticity, it can cover and adhere to the end face after deformation, forming a complete coverage of the distal end of the endoscope (e.g., the light receiving surface 22a of the camera 22). Therefore, it can be compatible with both cameras 22 with a viewing angle greater than 0 degrees and cameras 22 with a viewing angle equal to 0 degrees. At the same time, based on the elastic deformation characteristics of the flexible transparent membrane, the assembly tolerance requirements of the distal end of the endoscope tube 21 and the guide tube 11 in the length direction of the endoscope tube 21 can be effectively reduced. This is beneficial to reducing the manufacturing process requirements of related components, making the assembly and use of the endoscope and the guide tube sheath simpler and more convenient.

[0042] For example, please refer to Figure 8 The guide tube 11 includes a rigid section 11a and a deformable section 11b located at the distal end of the rigid section 11a. The deformable section 11b can be a tubular deformable section made of elastic material, a tubular deformable section with a corrugated structure, or a tubular deformable section assembled from a helical spring and an elastic waterproof membrane sleeve arranged inside the helical spring. The light-transmitting lens 12 can be a rigid lens (such as a rigid film, a transparent glass sheet, etc.). The light-transmitting lens 12 is fixed to the distal end of the deformable section 11b and closes the distal opening of the deformable section 11b.

[0043] Therefore, by constructing the deformable section 11b of the guide tube as a deformable structure at the distal end of the guide tube sheath, when the lens tube 21 is inserted into the guide tube 11 and then presses against the light-transmitting lens 12, the deformable section 11b of the guide tube can be stretched, bent, or deformed. Under the action of the elastic force of the deformable section 11b of the guide tube, the abutting end face and the light-transmitting lens 12 can be adaptively and tightly fitted. In this way, based on the cooperation between the light-blocking component 24, the camera 22, and the light-transmitting lens 12, an anti-reflective and adaptive fitting effect can be formed, effectively solving problems such as reflection and unclear images caused by manufacturing tolerances and assembly tolerances.

[0044] In other embodiments, the deformable structure at the distal end of the guide tube sheath can also be made in any other feasible way. For example, the light-transmitting lens 12 can be made of plastic film. In this case, the light-transmitting lens 12 can only be flexible and not elastic. Based on the characteristic that the light-transmitting lens 12 can be deformed, it can be constructed as a deformable structure at the distal end of the guide tube sheath. All these are not described in detail here.

[0045] Firstly, the structural deformation generated by the deformable structure allows at least a portion of the inner end face of the light-transmitting lens 12 to adaptively and tightly fit with the distal end face (specifically, the abutting end face) of the endoscope, thereby effectively improving the fit between the light receiving surface 22a of the camera 22 and the light-transmitting lens 12, reducing or even eliminating the gap between them, and providing support for reducing light loss, etc.

[0046] Secondly, based on the structural discontinuity between the contact end face (specifically, the distal end face 24a of the light-blocking component 24) and the light-emitting end face 23a of the light source 23, an anti-reflective structure can be formed when the contact end face is tightly attached to the light-transmitting lens 12, thereby preventing some of the light generated by the light source 23 from directly entering the camera 22 or entering the camera 22 after being reflected by the light-transmitting lens 12, so as to effectively improve the image quality and clarity of the endoscope.

[0047] Thirdly, by using the flexible and soft light-transmitting lens 12 in conjunction with the camera 22 and the light-blocking component 24, the endoscope and the guide tube sheath can be matched. This not only simplifies the manufacturing process of the relevant components of the endoscope assembly, but also effectively reduces the assembly precision requirements of the endoscope and the guide tube sheath, making it easier to disassemble, assemble, and operate the endoscope assembly.

[0048] It should be noted that, Figure 2 The solid line with an arrowhead represents the light emitted by the light source 23 and its propagation path, while the dashed line represents the light captured by the camera 23 and its propagation path.

[0049] In some embodiments, in the direction of the optical axis of the camera 22, the distal end face 24a of the light-blocking member 24 protrudes from both the light-receiving surface 22a of the camera 22 and the light-emitting end face 23a of the light source 23 towards the distal end of the endoscope. When the endoscope tube 21 is inserted into the guide tube 11, the light-blocking member 24 can be used to press against the light-transmitting lens 12, causing the deformable structure (e.g., a flexible light-transmitting film) at the distal end of the guide tube sheath to deform. Under the elastic force of the deformable structure, the distal end face 24a of the light-blocking member 24 adaptively fits the light-transmitting lens 12. In this way, the light-blocking member 24 can also be used to form a physical isolation between the light-receiving surface 22a of the camera 22 and the light-emitting end face 23a of the light source 23, preventing some of the light generated by the light source 23 from directly or through reflection by the light-transmitting lens 12 into the camera 22 (please refer to...). Figure 2 This improves the imaging quality of the endoscope and ensures image clarity.

[0050] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 1 to 3 , Figure 5 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 In the direction of the optical axis of the camera 22, the distal end face 24a or the abutting end face of the light-blocking member 24 protrudes beyond the distal opening end face 21d of the lens tube 21, while the emitting end face 23a of the light source 23 does not protrude beyond the distal opening end face 21d of the lens tube 21; for example, the distal opening end face 21d of the lens tube 21 protrudes beyond the emitting end face 23a of the light source 23, or the distal opening end face 21d of the lens tube 21 is flush with the emitting end face 23a of the light source 23. Thus, after the lens tube 21 is inserted into the guide tube 11, the distal end face 24a or the abutting end face of the light-blocking member 24 presses against the light-transmitting lens 12, which can be understood as neither the lens tube 21 nor the light source 23 will contact the light-transmitting lens 12; this is beneficial for the distal end face 24a or the abutting end face of the light-blocking member 24 to adaptively and tightly fit with the light-transmitting lens 12 under the action of the deformable structure.

[0051] In other embodiments, the distal opening end face 21d of the lens tube 21 may also be flush with the distal end face 24a or the abutting end face of the light blocking member 24, so that the distal opening end face 21d of the lens tube 21 and the distal end face 24a of the light blocking member 24 (or together with the light receiving surface 22a of the camera 22) form an abutting end face; thereby, by simultaneously pressing the light-transmitting lens 12 with the lens tube 21, the light blocking member 24, etc., the balance of force on the light-transmitting lens 12 or the deformable structure can be ensured, and the fit between the light-transmitting lens 12 and the distal end face 24a (or the abutting end face) of the light blocking member 24 can be improved.

[0052] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 5In the direction of the optical axis of the camera 22, the distance D1 between the distal end face 24a (or the abutting end face) of the light blocking member 24 and the light emitting end face 23a of the light source 23 is between 0.15mm and 0.25mm (e.g., 0.2mm); that is, a gap of 0.15mm-0.25mm is formed between the distal end face 24a of the light blocking member 24 and the light emitting end face 23a of the light source 23.

[0053] By limiting the discontinuity distance between the distal end face 24a (or the abutting end face) of the light-blocking member 24 and the light-emitting end face 23a, the light generated by the light source 23 can be transmitted directly from the part of the light-transmitting lens 12 that is not attached to the abutting end face as much as possible, thereby reducing the light reflected by the light-blocking member 24 or the light-transmitting lens 12, thereby improving the light utilization rate and reducing the light loss.

[0054] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 7 The distal end face 24a of the light-blocking member 24 is flush with or flush with the light-receiving surface 22a of the camera 22, so as to form a relatively complete abutting end face at the distal end of the endoscope. After the light-transmitting lens 12 is attached to the abutting end face, it is beneficial for external light to enter the camera 22 when the path changes, thereby providing support for improving image clarity and quality.

[0055] It should be noted that the term "flush" as used in this article (e.g., the distal end face 24a of the light-blocking component 24 is flush with the light-receiving surface 22a of the camera 22) refers to approximate flushness, while ideally it is absolutely flush. Slight deviations may occur during actual manufacturing, but deviations that do not affect the anti-reflective effect, fit, or image quality are also within the scope of protection of this application. Based on the same understanding, the phrase "flush and connected" means approximately connected, while ideally it is seamless. During actual manufacturing, there may be a certain gap between the distal end face 24a of the light-blocking component 24 and the light-receiving surface 22a of the camera 22 in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the camera 22, but this gap is less than a preset threshold to avoid affecting anti-reflective effect, image quality, etc., and is also within the scope of protection of this application.

[0056] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 5 The light-blocking member 24 has an end cap portion 24b and a plurality of side wall portions 24c, the distal ends of which are connected to the edge of the end cap portion 24b; the plurality of side wall portions 24c are arranged around the geometric center of the end cap portion 24b to form an accommodating space for accommodating the camera 22; at the same time, the end cap portion 24b is provided with a light-transmitting structure 24d that allows external ambient light to enter the camera 22 (see [reference]). Figure 3The end face of the end cap 24b surrounding the light-transmitting structure 24d serves as the distal end face 24a of the light-blocking member 24, acting to press against and adhere to the light-transmitting lens 12. The end cap 24b and the side wall 24c can be an integral structure. The light-transmitting structure 24d can be a through-hole structure extending through the end cap 24b along the optical axis of the camera 22, with the light-receiving surface 22a of the camera 22 located within the outline of the through-hole structure. Alternatively, all or part of the end cap 24b (e.g., the area covering and facing the light-receiving surface 22a of the camera 22) can also be made of a light-transmitting material, thus forming the light-transmitting structure 24d of the end cap 24b.

[0057] Regarding light source 23, please refer to Figures 3 to 6 The light source 23 is located between the side wall portion 24c and the distal tube wall of the lens tube 21. Multiple light sources 23 can be provided, distributed at different locations around the light-blocking member 24. For example, two light sources 23 are provided, symmetrically distributed on the left and right sides or top and bottom sides of the camera 22 in a projection plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the camera 22. Each light source 23 is separated from the camera 22 by a corresponding side wall portion 24c.

[0058] For example, please refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The number of light sources 23 is set to four, and the four light sources 23 are symmetrically distributed in pairs around the camera 22. Each light source 23 is separated from the camera 22 by a corresponding side wall portion 21c. Please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The number of light sources 23 is set to three, and the three light sources 23 are asymmetrically distributed on the left, right and lower sides of the camera 22. Of course, more light sources 23 can also be set, and the light sources 23 can be distributed symmetrically or asymmetrically around the camera 22, as long as each light source 23 can be separated from the camera 22 by the corresponding side wall portion 21c.

[0059] Therefore, the light-blocking member 24 can be used as a mounting carrier for the camera 22 (or together with the light source 23), integrating and firmly confining the camera 22 and the light source 23 at the distal end of the endoscope tube 21. This helps to reduce the outer diameter of the endoscope and lower the manufacturing cost. At the same time, the multiple light sources 23 ensure that the endoscope can provide sufficient illumination to the area to be examined, thereby ensuring the imaging effect of the camera 22. In addition, the structure of the side wall portion 24c and the end cap portion 24b can evenly and stably press and adhere the light-transmitting lens 12 to ensure the fit between the light-transmitting lens 12 and the abutting end face or the distal end face 24a of the light-blocking member 24, and can also effectively prevent light from being directly reflected by the light-transmitting lens 12 and entering the light receiving surface 22a of the camera 22.

[0060] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 7 and combined Figure 1 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 The light-blocking component 24 includes a light-blocking tube segment, the proximal end of which is inserted and fixed inside the lens tube 21, and the distal end of the camera 21 is inserted inside the light-blocking tube segment. The distal open end face of the light-blocking tube segment serves as the distal end face 24a of the light-blocking component 24, which acts as a pressure and fit against the light-transmitting lens 12. The light source 23 is located between the outer wall of the light-blocking tube segment and the inner wall of the lens tube 21. For example, multiple light sources 23 are arranged symmetrically or asymmetrically between the light-blocking tube segment and the lens tube 21, or the light sources 23 are arranged in a circle around the light-blocking tube segment between the light-blocking tube segment and the lens tube 21.

[0061] By using a light-blocking tube segment to house the camera 22, the light-receiving surface 22a of the camera 22 can be wrapped around the area enclosed by the far end face 24a of the light-blocking member 24. With the cooperation of the deformable structure and the light-transmitting lens 12, an all-round anti-reflective effect is achieved for the camera 22, ensuring that the area enclosed by the far end face 24a of the light-blocking member 24 will not receive light directly reflected by the light-transmitting lens 12; at the same time, it also helps to improve the flexibility of the arrangement of the light source 23.

[0062] In other embodiments, the light-blocking member 24 can also adopt other suitable structures. For example, the light-blocking member 24 can be constructed using the lens mount in the endoscope originally used to fix and install the camera 22. For instance, a stepped structure can be provided at the distal end of the lens mount, and the side wall of the stepped structure in the direction of the optical axis of the camera 22 can be used as the light-blocking member 24. The side wall of the stepped structure in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the camera 22 can be used to define the position of the light-emitting end face 23a of the light source 23. All these variations will not be elaborated upon here.

[0063] In some embodiments, the camera 22 and the light source 23 can be positioned at a certain angle at the distal end of the endoscope. For example, the angle between the optical axis of the camera 22 and the optical axis of the light source 23 can be 0 degrees (i.e., the optical axes are parallel). Alternatively, the angle between the optical axis of the camera 22 and the optical axis of the light source 23 can be greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees. Thus, based on the spatial relative position of the light source 23 and the camera 22, the endoscope can be endowed with different illumination capabilities to meet different application requirements.

[0064] In some embodiments, the endoscope tube 21 can be a rigid tube, and the angle between the centerline of the endoscope tube 21 and the optical axis of the camera 22 is greater than 0 degrees, that is, the viewing angle of the camera 22 is greater than 0 degrees. Based on the deformable structure (e.g., the light-transmitting lens 12) located at the distal end of the guide tube sheath, when assembling the endoscope and the guide tube sheath, the assembly precision requirements can be reduced, ensuring a tight fit between the distal end face 24a (or abutting end face) of the light-blocking component 24 and the light-transmitting lens 12. This also effectively increases the observation range of the endoscope, facilitating the doctor's observation of the operation of instruments in the instrument channel.

[0065] In some embodiments, the distal end of the endoscope has a deformable structure. When the endoscope (specifically, the endoscope tube 21) is inserted into the guide tube 11 and presses against the light-transmitting lens 12, the deformation caused by the deformable structure at the distal end of the endoscope can make the distal end face 24a (or the abutting end face) of the light-blocking member 24 tightly fit against the light-transmitting lens 12, thereby forming a good anti-reflective effect and ensuring image clarity and image quality.

[0066] For example, please refer to Figure 9 The endoscope tube 21 includes a first rigid section 21a, a deformable section 21b, and a second rigid section 21c. The deformable section 21b connects the distal end of the first rigid section 21a to the proximal end of the second rigid section 21c. This deformable section 21b can adopt a corrugated structure or be made of an elastic material (such as TPU, PVC, PE, EVA, PU, ​​PO, NFEP, etc.), similar to the aforementioned guide tube deformable section 11b. The light-blocking element 24, camera 22, and light source 23 are located in the second rigid section 21c. It is understood that the distal opening face of the second rigid tube section 21c is the distal opening face 21d of the endoscope tube 21. Thus, in the endoscope insertion guide tube 11, the deformable section 21b of the endoscope tube will deform (e.g., shrink or bend) under the pressure and obstruction of the light-transmitting lens 12 on the abutting end face (or light-blocking member 24), thereby making the distal end face 24a (or abutting end face) of the light-blocking member 24 adaptively and tightly fit with the inner end face of the light-transmitting lens 12, and forming an anti-reflective structure on the side or around the light receiving surface 22a of the camera 22.

[0067] In some embodiments, when the distal end of the endoscope has a deformable structure, the guide tube 11 can be a rigid tube, and the light-transmitting lens 12 can be a rigid diaphragm, glass plate, etc.; in this case, the angle between the centerline of the light-transmitting lens 12 and the centerline of the guide tube 11 can be set to be greater than 0 degrees. This allows the guide tube sheath to better adapt to the camera 22 with a viewing angle greater than 0 degrees, achieving both adaptive fitting of the contact end face to the light-transmitting lens 12 and increasing the observation range of the endoscope.

[0068] 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 assembly, characterized in that, include: A disposable guide tube sheath, comprising a guide tube and a light-transmitting lens; The light-transmitting lens is disposed at the distal end of the guide tube and closes the distal opening of the guide tube; And an endoscope, including a tube and a camera, a light source and a light-blocking element located at the distal end of the tube; the light-blocking element is located between the camera and the light source in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the camera; in the direction of the optical axis of the camera, the distal end face of the light-blocking element protrudes beyond the light-emitting end face of the light source; the light-blocking element is capable of pressing against the light-transmitting lens when the guide tube is inserted into the tube; The distal end of the guide tube sheath and / or the distal end of the endoscope also have a deformable structure; the deformable structure can deform when the light-blocking member presses against the light-transmitting lens, so that the distal end face of the light-blocking member fits against the light-transmitting lens, thereby separating the light-receiving surface of the camera from the light-emitting end face of the light source.

2. The endoscope assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, In the direction of the optical axis of the camera, the distance between the distal end face of the light-blocking component and the emitting end face of the light source is between 0.15mm and 0.25mm.

3. The endoscope assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, In the direction of the optical axis of the camera, the distal end face of the light-blocking member protrudes beyond the light-receiving surface of the camera, or the distal end face of the light-blocking member is flush with the light-receiving surface of the camera.

4. The endoscope assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The angle between the optical axis of the camera and the optical axis of the light source is equal to or greater than 0 degrees; and / or the angle between the optical axis of the camera and the center line of the lens tube is greater than 0 degrees.

5. The endoscope assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The light-blocking component includes a light-blocking tube segment, the proximal end of which is inserted into the lens tube, the distal end of which is inserted into the light-blocking tube segment, and the light source is located between the light-blocking tube segment and the lens tube; wherein, the distal open end face of the light-blocking tube segment can press against and fit against the light-transmitting lens.

6. The endoscope assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The light-blocking component has an end cap and multiple sidewalls, the distal ends of which are connected to the edge of the end cap. The multiple sidewalls are arranged around the geometric center of the end cap to form an accommodating space for accommodating the camera. The light source is located between the sidewalls and the lens tube. The end cap is provided with a light-transmitting structure that allows light to enter the camera. The end face of the end cap surrounding the light-transmitting structure can press against and adhere to the light-transmitting lens.

7. The endoscope assembly as claimed in claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The number of light sources is set to multiple, and the multiple light sources are distributed in different positions around the light-blocking member; or the light sources surround the light-blocking member.

8. The endoscope assembly as described in any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The light-transmitting lens is a flexible light-transmitting film capable of elastic deformation, and the deformable structure at the distal end of the guide tube sheath includes the flexible light-transmitting film; the flexible light-transmitting film can deform when pressed by the light-blocking member to fit against the distal end face of the light-blocking member.

9. An endoscope, characterized in that, It includes a lens tube and a camera, a light source, and a light-blocking component located at the distal end of the lens tube; the light-blocking component is located between the camera and the light source in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the camera; in the direction of the optical axis of the camera, the distal end face of the light-blocking component protrudes beyond the light-emitting end face of the light source; The light-blocking component can press against the light-transmitting lens at the distal end of the guide tube sheath when the lens tube is inserted into the guide tube sheath, causing the light-transmitting lens to deform and fit against the distal end face of the light-blocking component, thereby separating the light-receiving surface of the camera from the light-emitting surface of the light source.

10. The endoscope as described in claim 9, characterized in that, In the direction of the optical axis of the camera, the distal end face of the light-blocking member protrudes beyond the light-receiving surface of the camera, or the distal end face of the light-blocking member is flush with the light-receiving surface of the camera.

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