Endoscope bent tube and endoscope

Abstract

The utility model discloses an endoscope bent tube which comprises a plurality of joints which are connected in sequence, rotating pieces and clamping grooves are arranged among the joints, the rotating pieces are arranged at the ends of the joints and protrude in the axial direction of the joints, and limiting grooves are formed in the two sides of each rotating piece. The clamping groove is formed in the end of the joint and is concave inwards in the axial direction of the joint, and limiting pieces are arranged on the two sides of the clamping groove. And one of the connecting groove and the connecting piece is arranged on the rotating piece, and the other one of the connecting groove and the connecting piece is arranged in the clamping groove. When two adjacent joints are connected, the rotating piece of one joint is rotatably clamped into the clamping groove of the other joint, the limiting pieces surround the limiting grooves in the two sides of the rotating piece, and the connecting pieces are clamped into the connecting grooves and rotate along with bending of the joints. The connecting grooves and the connecting pieces form a buckle structure, the connecting strength between the joints can be improved, the strength of the bent pipe is further improved, the limiting pieces surround the two sides of the rotating pieces for limiting, torsion at the joint connecting positions is reduced, twisting of the bent pipe in the circumferential direction is avoided, and the torsion resistance of the bent pipe is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of medical devices, and in particular to an endoscope curved tube and an endoscope. Background Technology

[0002] An endoscope is a widely used medical device for clinical examination and diagnosis. An endoscope includes a handle and an insertion section. The insertion section contains a curved tube, the curved portion of which is often called the "snake bone." As a crucial component of the endoscope, the snake bone is typically composed of multiple joints connected sequentially. The connection mechanism between two adjacent joints allows them to rotate relative to each other within a certain range. Bending and changing direction are achieved by pulling a traction cable placed inside the snake bone, forming the curved tube of the endoscope. However, because the snake bone is frequently bent, it is prone to breakage due to insufficient strength in the curved section. The strength of the curved tube affects the bending angle and performance of the endoscope insertion tube, and is a crucial indicator of the endoscope's performance. Therefore, it is necessary to provide an endoscope curved tube with higher strength. Utility Model Content

[0003] In order to overcome at least one of the technical problems of the prior art, the present invention provides an endoscope bending tube and an endoscope that can effectively enhance bending strength.

[0004] An endoscope bending tube is provided, comprising a plurality of joints connected in sequence, with a connecting mechanism between adjacent joints. The connecting mechanism includes a rotating plate and a retaining groove. The rotating plate is disposed at the end of the joint and protrudes along the axial direction of the joint, with limiting grooves on both sides of the rotating plate. The retaining groove is disposed at the end of the joint and recessed along the axial direction of the joint, with limiting pieces on both sides of the retaining groove. It also includes a limiting structure, comprising a connecting groove and a connecting piece, one of which is disposed on the rotating plate, and the other is disposed in the retaining groove. When two adjacent joints are connected, the rotating plate of one joint can be rotatably engaged in the retaining groove of the other joint, the limiting piece surrounds the limiting grooves on both sides of the rotating plate, and the connecting piece is engaged in the connecting groove and rotates with the bending of the joint.

[0005] The aforementioned endoscopic curved tube has at least the following beneficial effects: adjacent joints are connected by a rotating plate and a slot, and the connection strength is enhanced by a limiting structure. The connecting slot and the connecting plate form a snap-fit ​​structure, which can improve the connection strength between joints and further increase the strength of the curved tube. The limiting plate surrounds both sides of the rotating plate to limit the movement, reduce the torsion at the joint connection, avoid the circumferential twisting of the curved tube, and improve the torsional resistance of the curved tube.

[0006] In some embodiments of the aforementioned endoscopic curved tube, a secondary rotating plate is provided within the slot, a connecting groove is provided on the secondary rotating plate, a secondary locking groove is provided on the rotating plate, and the connecting piece is disposed within the secondary locking groove. The secondary rotating plate and the secondary locking groove are rotatably engaged. The secondary rotating plate and the secondary locking groove are used to house the connecting piece and the connecting groove, thereby improving the connection strength between the joints.

[0007] In some embodiments of the aforementioned endoscopic curved tube, the bottom of the connecting groove and the connecting piece is conical, with the bottom apex of the connecting piece abutting against the bottom apex of the connecting groove, allowing the connecting piece to rotate around the bottom apex. The conical structure, with its abutting apex, allows the connecting piece to be stably installed within the connecting groove and facilitates its rotation by pressing against the apex for restraint.

[0008] In some embodiments of the aforementioned endoscopic bending tube, the connecting piece includes a connecting body and a connecting root. The connecting root is located at the bottom of the connecting body and connects to the joint. The width of the connecting body is greater than the width of the connecting root. The connecting body forms a snap-fit ​​structure within the connecting groove, preventing the connecting body from detaching from the connecting groove, thus enhancing the connection strength of the mechanism and improving its bending and torsional resistance.

[0009] In some embodiments of the aforementioned endoscopic bending tube, the length of the connecting groove is greater than the length of the connecting piece, and the length of the limiting groove is greater than the length of the limiting piece. Gaps for the connecting piece to rotate are provided at both ends of the connecting groove, and gaps for the limiting piece to move are provided at both ends of the limiting groove. These gaps facilitate the rotation of the limiting piece and the connecting piece, and the length of these gaps affects the bending angle of the bending tube.

[0010] In some embodiments of the aforementioned endoscope curved tube, the two ends of the connecting piece (310) and the connecting groove (320) are rounded corners.

[0011] In some embodiments of the aforementioned endoscopic curved tube, the apex angles of the joint upper limit groove and the retaining groove facing the joint body are rounded, and the apex angle of the joint upper limit plate away from the joint body is also rounded. The rounded corner structure is more smooth, and the curved contact surface facilitates sliding, avoiding the problem of the apex angle of the limiting plate getting stuck in the limiting groove and unable to move, thus allowing smooth rotation between joints.

[0012] An endoscope is also provided, including any of the aforementioned endoscope bend tubes. The aforementioned endoscope bend tubes have high strength, and even with increased bending angles, the performance is not affected, resulting in better endoscope performance and a longer service life. Attached Figure Description

[0013] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly explained below. Obviously, the described drawings are only a part of the embodiments of this utility model, and not all of them. Those skilled in the art can obtain other design schemes and drawings based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0014] Figure 1 This is a front view of the first embodiment of the bent tube of this utility model;

[0015] Figure 2 This is a front view of the joint in the first embodiment of the curved tube of this utility model;

[0016] Figure 3 This is a front view of the joint in the second embodiment of the curved tube of this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0017] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model 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 utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0018] It should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to mechanical connections or electrical connections; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0019] Reference Figures 1 to 3 The invention discloses an endoscope bending tube, comprising a plurality of joints 10 connected in sequence, with a connecting mechanism provided between adjacent joints 10. Each connecting mechanism includes a rotating plate 110, a slot 210 and a limiting structure. The rotating plate 110 and the slot 210 are selectively disposed on one joint 10, and the other is disposed at an adjacent end of an adjacent joint 10. When connected, the rotating plate 110 and the slot 210 are rotatably engaged.

[0020] Specifically, the joint 10 can be a cylindrical or tubular structure made by laser cutting steel pipe. The rotating plate 110 and the slot 210 in each connecting mechanism are located at the ends of two adjacent joints 10, respectively. The rotating plate 110 is disposed at the end of the joint 10 and protrudes along the axial direction of the joint 10. Limiting grooves 120 are symmetrically arranged on the pipe walls of the joint 10 on both sides of the rotating plate 110. The slot 210 is concave along the axial direction of the joint 10, and symmetrical limiting plates 220 are provided on both sides of the slot 210. When the two joints 10 are connected, the rotating plate 110 at the end of one joint 10 can be rotatably inserted into the slot 210 at the end of the other joint 10, and the limiting plates 220 are inserted into the limiting grooves 120 and surround both sides of the rotating plate 110. The rotating piece 110 rotates in the slot 210, and the limiting pieces 220 on both sides rotate simultaneously around the rotating piece 110 in the limiting grooves 120 on both sides, completing the rotation between the two joints 10, and realizing the bending activity of the curved tube formed by the connection of multiple joints 10.

[0021] Reference Appendix Figures 1 to 3 In the embodiment, the rotating plate 110 is circular, and adjacent joints 10 can rotate relative to each other around the center of the rotating plate 110, thereby achieving bending of the tube. The rotating plate 110 is connected to the body of the joint 10 through its root, and the gap between the body of the joint 10 and the two sides of the rotating plate 110 forms a limiting groove 120. The limiting groove 120 is symmetrically arranged on both sides of the rotating plate 110. The limiting piece 220 is symmetrically arranged along the central axis of the slot 210, and the shape of the limiting piece 220 is the same as that of the limiting groove 120, which is arc-shaped. After the rotating plate 110 is inserted into the slot 210, the limiting piece 220 surrounds the left and right sides of the rotating plate 110.

[0022] Depending on the bending direction of the curved tube, there can be two or more connecting mechanisms between the joints 10. Specifically, when bending is required in two directions, two sets of connecting mechanisms are provided between the two joints 10, and the two sets of connecting mechanisms are symmetrically arranged along the center of the joint 10. When bending is required in four directions, four sets of connecting mechanisms can be provided, and the four sets of connecting mechanisms are symmetrically arranged along the center of the joint 10. Other embodiments provide a corresponding number of connecting mechanisms according to requirements.

[0023] Multiple rotating plates 110, multiple retaining slots 210, or both rotating plates 110 and retaining slots 210 can be provided at one end of a joint 10. Specifically, rotating plates 110 and retaining slots 210 are evenly spaced at one end of a joint 10, and rotating plates 110 and retaining slots 210 are evenly spaced at the other end. The rotating plates 110 and retaining slots 210 at both ends correspond vertically, and the two joints 10 are connected vertically to form a rotatable tube. Alternatively, rotating plates 110 and retaining slots 210 are evenly spaced at one end of a joint 10, and rotating plates 110 and retaining slots 210 are evenly spaced at the other end, but the rotating plates 110 and retaining slots 210 at both ends are staggered vertically, and the two joints 10 are connected vertically in an staggered manner to form a rotatable tube. Alternatively, both ends of one joint 10 are provided with rotating plates 110, and both ends of another joint 10 are provided with retaining slots 210. The two types of joints 10 are rotatably connected to each other through the rotating plates 110 and retaining slots 210 at both ends. The specific structure of the joint 10 is not limited, as long as the adjacent ends of two adjacent joints 10 are rotatably connected by a rotating piece 110 and a slot 210 respectively, and a limit structure is provided for rotatable connection.

[0024] The limiting structure includes a connecting groove 320 and a connecting piece 310. The connecting groove 320 and the connecting piece 310 are optionally disposed on the rotating piece 110, and the other is disposed in the slot 210. The connecting piece 310 is inserted into the connecting groove 320 and rotates as the joint 10 bends. The connecting groove 320 and the connecting piece 310 form a snap-fit ​​structure, which can increase the connection strength between the connecting mechanisms and further increase the strength of the bent tube.

[0025] Reference Appendix Figure 2 In the first embodiment, the connecting piece 310 extends outward from the groove between the left limiting piece 210 and the right limiting piece 220, and the connecting groove 320 is located at the uppermost end of the rotating piece 110. (See attached diagram.) Figure 3 In the second embodiment, a secondary rotating piece 211 is provided in the slot 210, the connecting slot 320 is provided on the secondary rotating piece 211, the rotating piece 110 is provided with a secondary slot 111, and the connecting piece 310 is provided in the secondary slot 111.

[0026] The connecting piece 310 and the connecting groove 320 are respectively located on the rotating piece 110 and the retaining groove 210 of the two joints 10, adding a snap-fit ​​to the connection between the rotating piece 110 and the retaining groove 210, thereby enhancing the reliability of the connection mechanism when the joint 10 bends, and thus increasing the bending strength of the bent tube. Specifically, the connecting piece 310 includes a connecting body 311 and a connecting root 312, with the connecting root 312 located between the connecting body 311 and the joint 10. Furthermore, the width of the connecting body 311 is greater than the width of the connecting root 312. The connecting body 311 is essentially a retainer embedded in the connecting groove 320 and thus difficult for it to fall out of the connecting groove 320, thereby strengthening the connection between the rotating piece 110 and the retaining groove 210, resulting in greater connection strength between adjacent joints 10. Furthermore, the connecting piece 310 and the connecting groove 320 are fully enclosed snap-fit. When the connecting piece 310 is in motion, it is supported by the side walls of the connecting groove 320. When it is bent to the limit position, the limit and the side walls will stop it, resulting in better bending and torsion resistance.

[0027] In some embodiments, the connecting piece 310 can be circular, arc-shaped, or triangular, and correspondingly, the connecting groove 320 can be circular, arc-shaped, or fan-shaped, so that the connecting piece 310 can rotate inside the connecting groove 320.

[0028] Reference Appendix Figures 1 to 3 In the embodiment described, the bottoms of the connecting groove 320 and the connecting piece 310 are preferably conical. The bottom apex of the connecting piece 310 abuts against the bottom apex of the connecting groove 320, and the connecting piece 310 can rotate around the bottom apex. The bottom of the connecting groove 320 refers to the end of the connecting groove 320 facing the joint 10 body, and the bottom of the connecting piece 310 refers to the end away from the joint 10 body. The bottom apexes of the connecting grooves 320 and the connecting pieces 310 of adjacent joints 10 are close to each other. The conical structure has an abutting apex, which allows the connecting piece 310 to be stably installed in the connecting groove 320. During rotation, the connecting piece 310 presses against the apex as a fulcrum, which can play a stabilizing and supporting role, making the movement of the connecting piece 310 more stable and reliable.

[0029] Furthermore, the upper ends of the connecting piece 310 and the connecting groove 320 are arc-shaped, and the connecting body 311 and the connecting groove 320 are fan-shaped. The connecting piece 310 and the connecting groove 320 rotate towards each other along the arc edge of the fan shape. When the connecting piece 310 rotates to the edge of the connecting groove 320, their straight edges are in close contact, so that the connecting piece 310 is tightly pressed against the edge of the connecting groove 320. The larger contact surface between the connecting piece 310 and the connecting groove 320 provides more stable support, preventing the connecting piece 310 and the connecting groove 320 from separating from each other, and effectively improving the strength of the bent tube. Moreover, the fan-shaped structure is simple, suitable for processing in small-sized snake-shaped tubes, and can be adapted to different endoscopes.

[0030] Reference Appendix Figure 1 In the embodiment, the length of the connecting groove (320) is greater than the length of the connecting piece (310), and the length of the limiting groove (120) is greater than the length of the limiting piece (220). The connecting groove (320) has gaps at both ends for the connecting piece (310) to rotate, and the limiting groove (120) has gaps at both ends for the limiting piece (220) to move. When the bending tube is bent, the limiting piece 220 moves within the limiting groove 120, and the connecting piece 310 moves within the connecting groove 320. The larger the gaps between the limiting piece 220 and the connecting piece 310 within the limiting groove 120 and the connecting groove 320, the greater the range of motion of the two sets of connecting components, and the greater the bending angle of the bending tube. Increasing the length of the connecting groove 320 and the limiting groove 120 increases the bending angle of the bending tube, improving the performance of the endoscope.

[0031] Furthermore, the apex corners of the upper limit groove 120 and the locking groove 210 facing the joint 10 body are rounded, and the apex corner of the upper limit plate 220 away from the joint 10 body is also rounded. When the movement reaches its limit, the apex corner of the limit plate 220 will be pressed into the limit groove 120. The contact area between the two is set with a rounded corner structure, and the arc-shaped contact surface makes it easier to slide, avoiding the problem of the apex corner of the limit plate 220 getting stuck in the limit groove 120 and unable to move, so that the joints 10 can rotate smoothly.

[0032] An endoscope, comprising any of the aforementioned endoscope bend tubes, is also disclosed. The bend tube is strong, and an increased bending angle does not affect its effectiveness, resulting in a more powerful endoscope with a longer lifespan.

[0033] The above is a detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present utility model. The described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, those skilled in the art can make various equivalent modifications or substitutions without departing from the spirit of the present utility model. Other embodiments that can be obtained are all within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. An endoscope curved tube, comprising a plurality of joints (10) connected in sequence, characterized in that: A connecting mechanism is provided between adjacent joints (10), the connecting mechanism including Rotary plate (110), the rotating plate (110) is provided at the end of the joint (10) and protrudes along the axial direction of the joint (10), and the rotating plate (110) is provided with limiting grooves (120) on both sides. The groove (210) is provided at the end of the joint (10) and recessed along the axial direction of the joint (10). Limiting pieces (220) are provided on both sides of the groove (210). The limiting structure includes a connecting groove (320) and a connecting piece (310), wherein one of the connecting groove (320) and the connecting piece (310) is disposed on the rotating piece (110), and the other is disposed in the card slot (210); When two adjacent joints (10) are connected, the rotating piece (110) of one joint (10) can be rotatably inserted into the slot (210) of the other joint (10), the limiting piece (220) surrounds the limiting slots (120) on both sides of the rotating piece (110), and the connecting piece (310) is inserted into the connecting slot (320) and rotates with the bending of the joint (10).

2. The endoscope curved tube according to claim 1, characterized in that: The slot (210) is provided with a secondary rotating piece (211), the connecting slot (320) is provided on the secondary rotating piece (211), the rotating piece (110) is provided with a secondary slot (111), the connecting piece (310) is provided in the secondary slot (111), and the secondary rotating piece (211) and the secondary slot (111) are rotatably engaged.

3. The endoscope curved tube according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the connecting groove (320) and the connecting piece (310) is conical. The bottom apex of the connecting piece (310) abuts against the bottom apex of the connecting groove (320), and the connecting piece (310) can rotate around the bottom apex.

4. The endoscope curved tube according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting piece (310) includes a connecting body (311) and a connecting root (312). The connecting root (312) is located at the bottom of the connecting body (311) and connected to the joint (10). The width of the connecting body (311) is greater than the width of the connecting root (312).

5. The endoscope curved tube according to claim 1, characterized in that: The length of the connecting groove (320) is greater than the length of the connecting piece (310), the length of the limiting groove (120) is greater than the length of the limiting piece (220), the two ends of the connecting groove (320) have a gap for the connecting piece (310) to rotate, and the two ends of the limiting groove (120) have a gap for the limiting piece (220) to move.

6. The endoscope curved tube according to claim 1, characterized in that: The two ends of the connecting piece (310) and the connecting groove (320) are rounded.

7. The endoscope curved tube according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top corners of the upper limit groove (120) and the slot (210) of the joint (10) facing the body of the joint (10) are rounded, and the top corners of the upper limit plate (220) of the joint (10) away from the body of the joint (10) are rounded.

8. An endoscope, characterized in that: Includes the endoscope bend tube as described in any one of claims 1-7 above.

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