Endoscope bent tube and endoscope

Abstract

The utility model discloses an endoscope bending tube and an endoscope, a connecting mechanism is arranged between adjacent joints, the connecting structure I comprises a rotating sheet, the rotating sheet protrudes along the axial direction of the joints, the two sides of the rotating sheet are provided with limiting grooves, and clamping parts are arranged in the limiting grooves. The second connecting structure comprises a clamping groove, limiting pieces are arranged on the two sides of the clamping groove, the limiting pieces are arranged at the ends of the joints and extend and protrude, and clamping jaws are arranged at the ends of the limiting pieces. During connection, the limiting pieces surround the two sides of the rotating piece, the clamping jaws are clamped into the limiting grooves in a matched mode, and the clamping jaws abut against the clamping parts during movement. The clamping jaws and the limiting grooves increase the supporting force between the two joints, the reliability between the two joints is improved during bending, and therefore the effect of increasing the bending strength of the bent pipe is achieved, and the bent pipe is not prone to being broken off. And the limiting pieces are used for limiting on the two sides of the rotating piece, circumferential torsion of the two joints is reduced, circumferential torsion of the bent pipe 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 endoscope that can effectively enhance bending strength and torsional strength.

[0004] An endoscope bendable tube is provided, comprising a plurality of joints connected in sequence, with a connecting mechanism between adjacent joints. The connecting mechanism includes a first connecting structure and a second connecting structure. The first connecting structure includes a rotating plate disposed at the end of the joint, the rotating plate protruding along the axial direction of the joint, and limiting grooves provided on both sides of the rotating plate, with locking portions disposed within the limiting grooves. The second connecting structure includes a retaining groove disposed at the end of the joint, the retaining groove being concave along the axial direction of the joint, and limiting pieces disposed on both sides of the retaining groove, the limiting pieces being disposed at the end of the joint and extending protruding, with locking claws disposed at the ends of the limiting pieces. The first connecting structure and the second connecting structure are rotatably connected, the rotating plate being rotatably engaged in the retaining groove, the limiting pieces surrounding both sides of the rotating plate, the locking claws being engaged in the limiting grooves, and the locking portions limiting the locking claws.

[0005] The aforementioned endoscopic bending tube has at least the following beneficial effects: adjacent joints are connected by a rotating plate and a locking groove, and fixed and limited by a limiting plate and a limiting groove. The claws and locking parts increase the supporting force between the two joints, increasing the connection strength between the joints during bending, thereby increasing the bending strength of the bending tube and making it less prone to breakage. The limiting plates surround both sides of the rotating plate for limiting, reducing torsion at the joint connection, preventing circumferential twisting of the bending tube, and improving the torsional resistance of the bending tube.

[0006] In some embodiments of the aforementioned endoscopic bending tube, a connecting groove and a connecting piece are also provided. One of the connecting groove and the connecting piece is disposed on the rotating plate, and the other is disposed within a retaining groove. When connecting structure one and connecting structure two are connected, the connecting piece is engaged in the connecting groove and rotates with the bending of the joint. The connecting groove and the connecting piece form a snap-fit ​​structure, which can improve the connection strength between connecting structure one and connecting structure two, further increasing the strength of the bending tube.

[0007] In some embodiments of the aforementioned endoscopic bending tube, a secondary rotating plate is provided within the slot, a connecting groove is provided on the secondary rotating plate, a secondary slot is provided on the rotating plate, and the connecting piece is disposed within the secondary slot. The secondary rotating plate and the secondary slot are used to house the connecting piece and the connecting groove, thereby improving the connection strength between the joints.

[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 is confined within the connecting groove, preventing it from detaching from the groove. This enhances the connection strength of the mechanism and provides better bending and torsional resistance.

[0009] In some embodiments of the aforementioned endoscopic bending tube, the connecting body and the connecting groove are fan-shaped, with the tip of the connecting body pointing towards the adjacent joint and the tip of the connecting groove pointing towards the joint body. The arc-shaped portion of the fan-shaped structure allows the connecting piece to rotate within the connecting groove, while the straight edge of the fan-shaped structure acts as a limiting element, effectively improving the strength of the bending tube.

[0010] 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.

[0011] In some embodiments of the aforementioned endoscopic bending tube, the apex angle of the claw facing the adjacent joint is a rounded corner, and the corresponding apex angle within the limiting groove is also a rounded corner. When the claw moves to the end of the limiting groove, the apex angles press against each other, making the rounded corner structure more rounded and facilitating the sliding of the claw from within the limiting groove. This prevents the claw from getting stuck in the limiting groove when the bending tube reaches its bending limit.

[0012] In some embodiments of the aforementioned endoscopic bending tube, the jaws include protruding upper and lower jaws, and the locking portion includes an upper locking portion and a lower locking portion. When the jaws move to the end of the limiting groove, the upper and lower jaws abut against the upper and lower locking portions, respectively. The jaws at both ends increase the limiting portion between the jaws and the limiting groove, improving the connection strength between the jaws and the limiting groove, thereby increasing the overall bending and torsional strength of the bending tube.

[0013] An endoscope is also provided, comprising any of the aforementioned endoscope bend tubes. The aforementioned endoscope bend tubes are strong, and even with increased bending angles, their effectiveness is not affected, resulting in improved endoscope performance and a longer service life. Attached Figure Description

[0014] 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.

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first embodiment of the bent tube of this utility model;

[0016] Figure 2 This is a front view of the first embodiment of the bent tube of this utility model;

[0017] Figure 3 This is a front view of the joint in the first embodiment of the curved tube of this utility model;

[0018] Figure 4 This is a front view of the joint in the second embodiment of the curved tube of this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] Reference Figures 1 to 4 A curved endoscope tube is disclosed, comprising a plurality of joints 10 connected in sequence. A connecting mechanism is provided between adjacent joints 10. The connecting mechanism includes a first connecting structure and a second connecting structure. One of the first connecting structure and the second connecting structure is disposed on one joint 10, and the other is disposed at an adjacent end of an adjacent joint 10. When connected, the first connecting structure and the second connecting structure are rotatably engaged. The first connecting structure and the second connecting structure are respectively located at the adjacent ends of two adjacent joints 10, and the engagement of the first connecting structure and the second connecting structure achieves a rotatable connection between the joints 10.

[0022] Specifically, the joint 10 can be a cylindrical or tubular structure made by laser cutting of steel pipes, with attached... Figures 1 to 4 In this embodiment, one end of the joint 10 is provided with two connecting structures (first type), and the other end is provided with two connecting structures (second type). Depending on the bending direction requirements of the bending tube, one end of the joint 10 can have two or more connecting structures. Specifically, when bending is required in two directions, four connecting structures can be provided, each symmetrically paired with another. Or, when bending is required in three directions, six connecting structures can be provided, each symmetrically paired with another.

[0023] In some embodiments not shown, multiple connecting structures can be provided on one end of joint 10, and the structures at both ends of joint 10 can be identical. Specifically, one end of joint 10 is provided with connecting structure one and connecting structure two at even intervals, and the other end of joint 10 is provided with connecting structure one and connecting structure two at even intervals, with connecting structure one and connecting structure two at both ends staggered vertically. Alternatively, both ends of one joint 10 can be provided with connecting structure one, and both ends of another joint 10 can be provided with connecting structure two. The specific structure of joint 10 is not limited, as long as the adjacent ends of two adjacent joints 10 are connected by connecting structure one and connecting structure two respectively, and the two can rotate relative to each other when connected.

[0024] Specifically, the first connecting structure includes a rotating plate 110, which is disposed at the end of the joint 10 and protrudes along the axial direction of the joint 10. Limiting grooves 120 are provided on the walls of the joint 10 on both sides of the rotating plate 110, and locking portions 130 are provided within the limiting grooves 120. The second connecting structure includes a retaining groove 210 disposed at the end of the joint 10, which is concave along the axial direction of the joint 10. Limiting pieces 220 are provided on both sides of the retaining groove 210, which are disposed at the end of the joint 10 and extend protruding. A locking claw 230 is provided at the end of the limiting piece 220. When the first connecting structure and the second connecting structure are connected, the rotating plate 110 is rotatably engaged in the retaining groove 210, the limiting pieces 220 surround both sides of the rotating plate 110, the locking claw 230 is engaged within the limiting groove 120, and the locking portion 130 limits the locking claw 230.

[0025] Reference Appendix Figures 1 to 4 In the embodiment described, the rotating plate 110 is circular. After the connecting structure one and the connecting structure two are connected, they can rotate around the center of the rotating plate 110, thereby causing adjacent joints 10 to rotate and thus achieving the bending of the tube. The root of the rotating plate 110 is connected to the body of the joint 10, 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 of the connecting structure two is also symmetrically arranged along the central axis of the slot 210. The shape of the limiting piece 220 is the same as that of the limiting groove 120, which is arc-shaped. After the connecting structure one and the connecting structure two are connected, the limiting piece 220 surrounds the left and right sides of the rotating plate 110.

[0026] A locking part 130 is provided at the end of the limiting groove 120 that is far away from the rotating piece 110, and a claw 230 is provided at the end of the limiting piece 220. When the left limiting piece 220 is assembled into the limiting groove 120, the limiting piece 220 rotates around the rotating piece 110. When the claw 230 of the limiting piece 220 presses against the locking part 130 of the limiting groove 120, the locking part 130 restricts the limiting piece 210 from continuing to move. At this time, the limiting piece 220 on the other side moves to the inner end of the limiting groove 120 on that side, and the top of the limiting piece 220 presses against the end of the limiting groove 120. The joint 10 bends to the maximum angle on the left or right side. The clamping jaws 230, the locking portion 130, the limiting plate 220, and the limiting groove 120 press against each other to limit the rotation of the two joints 10, ensuring that the force is balanced when the joints 10 rotate to their maximum angle, thereby increasing the bending strength of the bent tube and preventing the two joints 10 from bending and breaking. The limiting plate 220 limits the rotating plate 110 on both sides, restricting the circumferential rotation of the rotating plate 110, reducing the torsion of the two joints 10, preventing the bent tube from twisting in the circumferential direction, and improving the torsional resistance of the bent tube.

[0027] Furthermore, a connecting groove 320 and a connecting piece 310 are also provided. The connecting groove 320 and the connecting piece 310 are selectively provided on the rotating piece 110, and the other is provided in the slot 210. When the first connecting structure and the second connecting structure are connected, the connecting piece 310 is inserted into the connecting groove 320 and rotates with the bending of the joint 10. The connecting groove 320 and the connecting piece 310 form a snap-fit ​​structure, which can improve the connection strength between the first connecting structure and the second connecting structure and further increase the strength of the bent tube.

[0028] Reference Appendix Figure 3 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 4 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.

[0029] The connecting piece 310 and the connecting groove 320 are located on the first and second connecting structures, respectively. When the joint 10 bends, they enhance the connection reliability between the first and second connecting structures, thereby 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. The width of the connecting body 311 is greater than the width of the connecting root 312. The connecting body 311 is essentially a locking block embedded in the connecting groove 320, preventing it from falling out of the groove. This prevents the rotating piece 110 from falling out of the slot 210, thus adding a connecting structure between the first and second connecting structures, resulting in greater connection strength between adjacent joints and better bending and torsional resistance.

[0030] 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.

[0031] Further, refer to the appendix. Figures 1 to 4In this embodiment, the connecting piece 310 and the connecting groove 320 are fan-shaped, with the tip of the connecting piece 310 pointing towards the adjacent joint 10 and the tip of the connecting groove 320 pointing towards the body of the joint 10. 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, causing the connecting piece 310 to press firmly 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 small-sized snake bones, and can be adapted to different endoscopes.

[0032] In the limiting groove 120, the length from the locking part 130 to the end of the limiting groove 120 is greater than the length of the pawl 230, and a gap is left in the limiting groove 120 for the pawl 230 to rotate. The length of the connecting groove 320 is greater than the length of the connecting piece 310, and a gap is left at both ends of the connecting groove 320 for the connecting piece 310 to rotate. When the bending tube is bent, the pawl 230 moves within the limiting groove 120, and the connecting piece 310 moves within the connecting groove 320. The greater the range of motion of the pawl 230 and the connecting piece 310 within the limiting groove 120 and the connecting groove 320, the greater the bending angle of the bending tube. Increasing the length of the connecting groove 320 and the limiting groove 120 can increase the bending angle of the bending tube.

[0033] Furthermore, the apex of the claw 230 facing the adjacent joint is a rounded corner, and the corresponding apex inside the limiting groove 120 is also a rounded corner. When the claw 230 moves to the end of the limiting groove 120, the apex inside the claw 230 will press against the apex inside the limiting groove 120, making the rounded corner more rounded, which facilitates the claw sliding from the limiting groove and avoids the situation where the claw and the sharp corner of the limiting groove get stuck together and cannot be separated when the bent tube is bent to the limit.

[0034] To increase connection strength, the claw 230 includes a protruding upper locking block 231 and a lower locking block 232, and the locking portion 130 includes an upper locking portion 131 and a lower locking portion 132. When the claw 230 moves to the end of the limiting groove 120, the upper locking block 231 and the lower locking block 232 press against the upper locking portion 131 and the lower locking portion 132, respectively. The contact surfaces of the upper locking block 231 and the lower locking block 232 with the upper locking portion 131 and the lower locking portion 132 are perpendicular to the surface of the claw 230. In other embodiments, the clamp between the protruding portions of the upper locking block 231 and the lower locking block 232 and the outer surface of the claw 230 is an acute angle, and the upper locking block 231 and the lower locking block 232 form hook portions for locking on both sides of the claw 230. The locking blocks at the top and bottom ends can increase the limiting part between the locking claw 230 and the limiting groove 120, thereby improving the connection strength between the locking claw 230 and the limiting groove 120, and thus increasing the overall bending and torsional strength of the bent tube.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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 Connection structure one, the connection structure one includes a rotating piece (110) disposed at the end of the joint (10), the rotating piece (110) protrudes along the axial direction of the joint (10), and limit grooves (120) are provided on both sides of the rotating piece (110), and a locking part (130) is provided in the limit groove (120). The second connection structure includes a groove (210) disposed at the end of the joint (10). The groove (210) is recessed along the axial direction of the joint (10). Limiting pieces (220) are provided on both sides of the groove (210). The limiting pieces (220) are disposed at the end of the joint (10) and extend protrusions. The end of the limiting piece (220) is provided with a claw (230). The connecting structure and the connecting structure are rotatably connected. The rotating piece (110) is rotatably inserted into the slot (210). The limiting piece (220) surrounds both sides of the rotating piece (110). The claw (230) is inserted into the limiting groove (120). The locking part (130) limits the claw (230).

2. The endoscope curved tube according to claim 1, characterized in that: It is also provided with a connecting groove (320) and a connecting piece (310). One of the connecting groove (320) and the connecting piece (310) is set on the rotating piece (110), and the other is set in the slot (210). When the first connecting structure and the second connecting structure are connected, the connecting piece (310) is inserted into the connecting groove (320) and rotates with the bending of the joint (10).

3. The endoscope curved tube according to claim 2, 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), and the connecting piece (310) is provided in the secondary slot (111).

4. The endoscope curved tube according to claim 2, 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 4, characterized in that: The connecting body (311) and the connecting groove (320) are fan-shaped, with the tip of the connecting body (311) pointing towards the adjacent joint (10) and the tip of the connecting groove (320) pointing towards the joint (10) body.

6. The endoscope curved tube according to claim 2, 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.

7. The endoscope curved tube according to claim 1, characterized in that: The apex of the claw (230) facing the adjacent joint is an arc-shaped rounded corner, and the corresponding apex of the limiting groove (120) is also an arc-shaped rounded corner.

8. The endoscope curved tube according to claim 1, characterized in that: The claw (230) includes a protruding upper locking block (231) and a lower locking block (232), and the locking part (130) includes an upper locking part (131) and a lower locking part (132). When the claw (230) moves to the end of the limiting groove (120), the upper locking block (231) and the lower locking block (232) press against the upper locking part (131) and the lower locking part (132) respectively.

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

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