Bent tube, insertion portion, and endoscope
By setting a circumferential limiting structure at the proximal end of the endoscope's curved tube, the problem of functional failure caused by torsion in the curved section is solved, extending the service life and improving the user experience.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- HUNAN VATHIN MEDICAL INSTR CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-04
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-09
AI Technical Summary
The bending function of the active bending section of the endoscope often fails near the end, mainly because the proximal part of the bending tube is subjected to excessive internal force, which leads to aggravated torsion and damage.
A circumferential limiting structure, such as a snap-fit protrusion and a snap-fit groove, is set on the proximal side of the bent pipe. Through circumferential limiting cooperation, torsion between bent sections is prevented, internal force accumulation is alleviated, and structural strength is improved.
It extends the lifespan of the endoscope, improves the user experience, ensures the normal function of the active bending segment, and reduces the probability of damage to the proximal side.
Smart Images
Figure CN224330916U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of medical device technology, and in particular to a curved tube, an insertion part, and an endoscope. Background Technology
[0002] With the continuous development of medical technology, endoscopes have been widely used in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. When using an endoscope, the active bending segment can be bent by pulling the distal end of the insertion part, thereby adjusting the orientation of the camera to accurately obtain image information.
[0003] In related technologies, the active bending section of the endoscope insertion part can be made of a cut-type bent tube, which can achieve the following beneficial effects: reducing the radial dimension of the active bending section and reducing processing costs. However, in practice, the active bending section using the above-mentioned bent tube often experiences partial bending failure near the end. Utility Model Content
[0004] This application provides a bending tube, an insertion part, and an endoscope, which can at least solve the problem of partial bending function failure near the end of the active bending section.
[0005] In one aspect, embodiments of this application provide a curved tube for the insertion portion of an endoscope.
[0006] The curved tube includes multiple slits arranged along its axial direction and multiple curved sections divided by the multiple slits, wherein: the curved tube includes a first curved section provided on one side of its proximal end, in which a circumferential limiting structure is provided between some adjacent curved sections, and the circumferential limiting structure is used to limit the fit in the circumferential direction of the curved tube.
[0007] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide an insertion portion, including the curved tube described in the first aspect of this application.
[0008] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide an endoscope including a handle and an insertion part as described in the second aspect of this application, wherein the handle is connected to the insertion part.
[0009] The technical solution adopted in this application can achieve the following beneficial effects:
[0010] In the curved tube disclosed in this application embodiment, a circumferential limiting structure is provided on the first curved segment near the proximal end of the curved tube to prevent torsion between the corresponding curved sections. This alleviates the accumulation and aggravation of internal forces on the proximal end of the curved tube to a certain extent, reduces the probability of damage to the curved tube on its proximal end, and ensures that the active curved segment of the endoscope can be used normally. Compared with related technologies, the endoscope using the curved tube of this application embodiment obviously achieves a longer service life and a better user experience. Attached Figure Description
[0011] The accompanying drawings, which are provided to further illustrate this application and form part of this application, illustrate exemplary embodiments of this application and are used to explain this application, but do not constitute an undue limitation of this application.
[0012] In the attached diagram:
[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the insertion part disclosed in some embodiments of this application;
[0014] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A magnified view of a section at point A in the middle;
[0015] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a bent tube disclosed in some embodiments of this application;
[0016] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A magnified view of a section at point B in the middle.
[0017] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:
[0018] 100 - Front-end components;
[0019] 200-Bent tube, 200a-First gap, 200b-Second gap, 200c-Bent joint, 200c1-Axial end face, 200d-Constraint piece, 200e-Guide groove, 210-First bent section, 211-Circumferential limiting structure, 211a-Snap-fit protrusion, 211b-Snap-fit groove, 220-Second bent section;
[0020] 300 - Adapter ring, 400 - Towing rope. Detailed Implementation
[0021] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the technical solutions of this application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with specific embodiments and corresponding drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.
[0022] In various embodiments of this application, "proximal end" and "distal end" refer to the position of the endoscope and its accessories relative to the user in the usage environment. The end closer to the user is designated as the "proximal end", and the end farther from the user is designated as the "distal end".
[0023] To facilitate understanding of the curved tube, insertion part, and endoscope provided in the embodiments of this application, the relevant technologies will first be introduced in conjunction with the application scenarios below.
[0024] In response to the common occurrence of bending kinetic energy failure in the active bending section of endoscopes near the end in practice, the inventors discovered through research that this is mainly caused by excessive internal force on the proximal part of the bending tube.
[0025] To elaborate, in commonly used cutting-type bending tubes, multiple slits are formed on their sidewalls. When the bending tube is under tension, the slits allow for relative rotation between adjacent bending sections, thus enabling the bending action of the active bending section of the insertion part. However, the presence of slits results in a lack of circumferential positioning constraints between the bending sections, making them prone to circumferential misalignment and causing the bending tube to twist circumferentially. Due to the accumulation of internal force from the distal to the proximal end of the bending tube, the internal force distribution is greater closer to the proximal end. Combined with the further aggravation of internal force in the proximal part of the bending tube caused by the torsional shape, the bending tube is prone to damage on its proximal side, leading to the failure of the bending function.
[0026] In view of this, some embodiments of this application provide a curved tube for the insertion portion of an endoscope.
[0027] Please see Figures 1-4 The curved tube 200 disclosed in this application includes a plurality of slits arranged along its axial direction and a plurality of curved sections 200c divided by the plurality of slits. The slits can form deformation space on the sidewall of the curved tube 200 to realize relative rotation between adjacent curved sections 200c, thereby realizing the bending action of the curved tube 200 along different segments along its axial direction.
[0028] In the embodiments of this application, the specific forming process of the bent tube 200 is not limited. The bent tube 200 can be a one-piece tube or a combination of multiple tubes. The gap can be formed by processes such as cutting and etching. Among them, photocutting technology can optimize processing efficiency and accuracy, and the formed bent tube 200 has higher overall strength. In some embodiments, the bent tube 200 can be a one-piece cut bent tube, that is, the bent tube 200 is formed by cutting a gap through a complete tube. This can further improve the strength characteristics of the bent tube 200 and achieve better damage resistance when dealing with torsion problems.
[0029] Meanwhile, the curved tube 200 of this application embodiment includes a first curved section 210 disposed on one side of its proximal end. In the first curved section 210, a circumferential limiting structure 211 is provided between some adjacent curved sections 200c, and the circumferential limiting structure 211 is used to limit the circumferential engagement of the curved tube 200.
[0030] Specifically, the distribution of the first bending segment 210 on the bending tube 200 needs to satisfy the requirement that it is distributed closer to the proximal end of the bending tube 200 relative to the axial middle of the bending tube 200. The first bending tube 200 may include the bending section 200c located at the proximal end of the bending tube 200, or it may not include the bending section 200c located at the proximal end of the bending tube 200.
[0031] Regarding the circumferential limiting structure 211 on the first bending segment 210, it can generate a limiting effect along the circumference of the bending tube 200 between corresponding adjacent bending joints 200c, that is, it provides resistance between the corresponding bending joints 200c to prevent circumferential positional misalignment between the bending joints 200c. This prevents torsional deformation in the area corresponding to the circumferential limiting structure 211 on the first bending segment 210, thus mitigating the accumulation and aggravation of internal forces on the proximal side of the bending tube 200 to a certain extent, reducing the probability of damage to the bending tube 200 on its proximal side, and ensuring the normal use of the active bending segment of the endoscope. Compared with related technologies, the endoscope using the bending tube 200 of this embodiment obviously achieves a longer service life and a better user experience.
[0032] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the circumferential limiting structure 211 includes a snap-fit protrusion 211a and a snap-fit groove 221b. Along the circumference of the curved tube 200, the snap-fit protrusion 211a engages with the snap-fit groove 221b to achieve a limiting fit. Specifically, during the process of the insertion part being forced to bend when inserted into the human body or being actively bent due to the operator's operation, the side wall of the snap-fit protrusion 211a and the groove wall of the snap-fit groove 221b limit and resist each other, thus achieving a limiting fit in the circumferential direction of the curved tube 200.
[0033] Of course, the specific type of the circumferential limiting structure 211 is not limited in the embodiments of this application. In another embodiment, the circumferential limiting structure 211 may include a first magnet and a second magnet, with the first magnet and the second magnet facing each other with opposite magnetic poles in the circumferential direction of the bent tube 200. If the bent tube 200 has a tendency to twist, a repulsive force can be generated between the first magnet and the second magnet to play a hindering role.
[0034] In the case where the circumferential limiting structure 211 includes a snap-fit protrusion 211a and a snap-fit groove 221b, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the bending tube 200 includes a plurality of guide grooves 200e provided on its side wall. The guide grooves 200e are used to pass through the traction rope 400. The bending section 200c corresponding to the guide groove 200e has a snap-fit protrusion 211a. In the first bending section 210, the snap groove 221b is arranged to avoid the bending section 200c corresponding to the guide groove 200e.
[0035] It should be understood that the traction rope 400 of the endoscope is used to transmit traction force. Its proximal end is usually connected to the traction wheel inside the endoscope handle. The operator can rotate the traction wheel by turning a lever, thereby applying traction force to the traction rope 400. Since the distal end of the traction rope 400 is fixed to the distal end of the insertion part, the traction force can be transmitted to the curved tube 200. The curved sections 200c of the curved tube 200 are closed through gaps to achieve the bending action of the curved tube 200. The guide groove 200e can constrain and guide the traction rope 400 that passes through it, which is beneficial for the traction rope 400 to transmit traction force and avoid wear. In the embodiments of this application, the guide groove 200e can be formed by pressing a constraint piece 200d on the side wall of the curved tube 200. Of course, the specific forming method and structure of the guide groove 200e are not limited in the embodiments of this application.
[0036] In this example, the structural strength of the bend 200c with the guide groove 200e decreases due to the presence of the guide groove 200e. By simultaneously providing a snap-fit protrusion 211a on the corresponding bend 200c, the snap-fit protrusion 211a can increase the solid structural volume of the bend 200c. By improving its structural strength, the loss of structural strength of the corresponding bend 200c caused by the opening of the guide groove 200e can be compensated. In this way, even if the corresponding bend 200c has the guide groove 200e, its structural strength can still be maintained at a high level, or even improved, thereby optimizing the damage resistance of the bend 200.
[0037] In addition, in this example, no retaining groove 221b is provided on the bending section 200c corresponding to the guide groove 200e. This avoids the situation where the structural strength of the bending section 200c is excessively reduced due to the simultaneous provision of the guide groove 200e and the retaining groove 221b, thereby reducing the risk of damage to the bending tube 200.
[0038] In some embodiments, when the circumferential limiting structure 211 includes a snap-fit protrusion 211a and a snap-fit groove 221b, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the curved tube 200 includes a plurality of guide grooves 200e provided on its side wall. The guide grooves 200e are used to thread the traction rope 400. In the circumferential direction of the curved tube 200, the circumferential limiting structure 211 is staggered with the guide grooves 200e.
[0039] It should be understood that, due to the gap, when the bent tube 200 is under stress, adjacent bent sections 200c will be squeezed towards each other and rotate relative to each other. In this case, the bent section 200c will be subjected to a relatively significant internal force in a direction roughly along the axial direction of the bent tube 200. In this example, based on the above layout, the guide groove 200e on the bent section 200c and the slot 221b in the circumferential limiting structure 211 will not be on the same straight path in the axial direction of the bent tube 200. That is to say, this arrangement staggers the areas with lower structural strength on the bent section 200c corresponding to the guide groove 200e and the slot 221b, thereby preventing the accumulation of internal forces and avoiding stress concentration that could damage the bent section 200c.
[0040] In some embodiments, when the circumferential limiting structure 211 includes a snap-fit protrusion 211a and a snap-fit groove 221b, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the curved tube 200 includes a plurality of guide grooves 200e provided on its side wall. The guide grooves 200e are used to pass through the traction rope 400. Along the circumference of the curved tube 200, the width D2 of the snap-fit protrusion 211a is 0.5 to 1.2 times the width D1 of the guide groove 200e.
[0041] It should be understood that the snap-fit protrusion 211a can improve the structural strength of the corresponding bending joint 200c, while the guide groove 200e will reduce the structural strength of the corresponding bending joint 200c. In this example, setting the width D2 of the snap-fit protrusion 211a to more than 0.5 times the width D1 of the guide groove 200e can ensure that the snap-fit protrusion 211a provides sufficient strength improvement to the bending joint 200c and reduces the risk of damage to the bending joint 200c. At the same time, setting the width D2 of the snap-fit protrusion 211a to less than 1.2 times the width D1 of the guide groove 200e ensures that the width of the snap-fit protrusion 211a should not be too large, thus avoiding the snap-fit protrusion 211a extending into the bending tube 200 between bending joints 200c and causing significant interference to the internal components. In addition, it also avoids the corresponding snap-fit groove 221b being too large and significantly reducing the structural strength of the corresponding bending joint 200c.
[0042] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the curved tube 200 includes a plurality of guide grooves 200e provided on its side wall, the guide grooves 200e being used to thread the traction rope 400, the guide grooves 200e provided near the proximal end of the curved tube 200 being between the curved section 200c located on the proximal end of the curved tube 200, and the ends of at least part of the gap being transitioned by an arc surface.
[0043] It should be understood that, in conjunction with the foregoing, the bending action of the bent pipe 200 is achieved through relative rotation between the bending joints 200c. During the relative rotation of the bending joints 200c, the opposite sides of the two pipe sections in the gap approach each other. As the gap extends, abrupt changes in the structural cross-section occur at the end of the bent pipe 200, resulting in stress concentration. In this example, through the above structural layout, an arc surface is provided at the end of the gap near its proximal end on the bent pipe 200. This arc surface allows for a smooth transition at the end of the corresponding gap, thereby reducing the degree of stress concentration at that location and reducing the risk of damage to the bent pipe 200 at that point.
[0044] In the embodiments where the corresponding circumferential limiting structure 211 includes a snap-fit protrusion 211a and a snap-fit groove 221b, the location of the circumferential limiting structure 211 is not limited. For example, the bent tube 200 includes a snap-fit protrusion 211a and a snap-fit groove 221b disposed on the radial surface of the corresponding bent section 200c.
[0045] In another embodiment, such as Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the bent tube 200 includes a snap-fit protrusion 211a and a snap-fit groove 221b provided on the axial end face 200c1 of the corresponding bent section 200c. With this arrangement, the snap-fit protrusion 211a and the snap-fit groove 221b utilize the axial layout space of the bent section 200c, thus not increasing the thickness of the bent section 200c, avoiding encroachment on the internal space of the bent tube 200, and eliminating the need to increase the radial dimension of the insertion part.
[0046] In some embodiments, the plurality of slots includes a first slot 200a and a second slot 200b, which are arranged radially opposite to each other along the curved tube 200; along the axial direction of the curved tube 200, the length of the slot 221b is less than the distance between adjacent first slots 200a and second slots 200b. See details for further information. Figure 1 and Figure 2 , Figure 2 The dashed line in the figure represents the circumferential extension path of the second slit 200b in the curved tube 200, while the bottom of the slot 221b is spaced apart from the dashed line to indicate that the length of the slot 221b is less than the distance between the corresponding first slit 200a and the second slit 200b.
[0047] It should be understood that, in this example, the bottom of the slot 221b is offset from the first gap 200a or the second gap 200b in the axial direction of the bent tube 200 by such an arrangement. That is, the bottom of the slot 221b will not coincide with the circumferential extension path of the first gap 200a or the second gap 200b. Both the slot 221b and the first gap 200a (or the second gap 200b) will reduce the structural strength of the bent tube 200. This arrangement can avoid excessive reduction in structural strength on the extension path of the bent tube 200 corresponding to the first gap 200a or the second gap 200b due to the slot 221b, thereby reducing the risk of damage to the corresponding part of the bent tube 200.
[0048] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the bent pipe 200 also includes a second bent section 220, which is located on the side of the first bent section 210 near the far end of the bent pipe 200. Along the axial direction of the bent pipe 200, the width of the bend 200c of the second bent section 220 is smaller than the width of the bend 200c of the second bent section 220.
[0049] It should be understood that with this layout, the width of the bending joint 200c of the second bending section 220 is smaller, which can improve the bending accuracy of the active bending section near its distal end. Specifically, this can be reflected in the more flexible angle adjustment of the front end component 100 of the insertion part, and the larger bending angle of the front section of the insertion part. At the same time, since the width of the bending joint 200c of the second bending section 220 is larger and there are fewer gaps that are prone to stress concentration, the overall strength of the bending tube 200 near its proximal end can be relatively improved, thereby reducing the risk of damage to this part.
[0050] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the bending tube 200 includes a plurality of guide grooves 200e provided on its sidewall. The guide grooves 200e are used to thread the traction rope 400. Except for the guide grooves 200e near the far end of the bending tube 200, at least four bending joints 200c are provided between adjacent guide grooves 200e. It should be understood that with this arrangement, the number of guide grooves 200e on the sidewall of the bending tube 200 is effectively reduced, which can reduce the impact of structural strength loss caused by opening guide grooves 200e to a certain extent. In addition, since the bending tube 200 of this embodiment is a structure that uses gaps to achieve bending action, there will be more internal force transmission between bending joints 200c. Therefore, even with a reduction in the number of guide grooves 200e, a good bending control effect can still be obtained.
[0051] Please see Figures 1-4Embodiments of this application also provide an insertion part, which includes the curved tube 200 mentioned in any of the foregoing solutions. This insertion part has the beneficial effects of the aforementioned curved tube 200, which will not be elaborated here.
[0052] Among them, such as Figure 1 As shown, the insertion part may include an adapter ring 300, which can be used to connect the bent tube 200 to the insertion tube (not shown in the figure) at the rear end of the insertion part.
[0053] Please see Figures 1-4 Embodiments of this application also provide an endoscope, which includes a handle (not shown in the accompanying drawings) and an insertion portion as mentioned in any of the foregoing solutions, with the handle connected to the insertion portion. Thus, this endoscope possesses the beneficial effects of the aforementioned insertion portion, which will not be elaborated upon here.
[0054] The endoscopes involved in the embodiments of this application may be bronchoscopes, pyeloscopes, esophagoscopes, gastroscopes, colonoscopes, otoscopes, rhinoscopes, oral endoscopes, laryngoscopes, colposcopes, laparoscopes, arthroscopes, etc. The embodiments of this application do not specifically limit the types of endoscopes.
[0055] The above embodiments of this application focus on describing the differences between the various embodiments. As long as the different optimization features between the various embodiments are not contradictory, they can be combined to form a better embodiment. For the sake of brevity, they will not be described in detail here.
[0056] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of the claims of this application.
Claims
1. A curved tube for insertion of an endoscope, characterized in that, The curved tube includes a plurality of slits arranged along its axial direction and a plurality of curved sections divided by the plurality of slits, wherein: The curved tube includes a first curved section located on one side of its proximal end. In the first curved section, a circumferential limiting structure is provided between some adjacent curved sections, and the circumferential limiting structure is used to limit the circumferential movement of the curved tube.
2. The bent pipe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The circumferential limiting structure includes a snap-fit protrusion and a snap-fit groove, and the curved tube includes multiple guide grooves on its side wall, the guide grooves being used to thread a traction rope, wherein: The bent section corresponding to the guide groove has the snap-fit protrusion, and in the first bent section, the snap-fit groove is disposed away from the bent section corresponding to the guide groove; and / or, in the circumferential direction of the bent tube, the circumferential limiting structure is misaligned with the guide groove; and / or, along the circumferential direction of the bent tube, the width of the snap-fit protrusion is 0.5 to 1.2 times the width of the guide groove.
3. The bent pipe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The curved tube includes a plurality of guide grooves provided on its sidewalls for threading a traction rope. Between the guide grooves located near the proximal end of the curved tube and the curved section located at its proximal end on the curved tube, at least a portion of the ends of the gaps are transitioned by an arc surface.
4. The bent pipe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The circumferential limiting structure includes a snap-fit protrusion and a snap-fit groove, wherein: the bent tube includes the snap-fit protrusion and the snap-fit groove disposed on the axial end face of the corresponding bent section; and / or, the bent tube includes the snap-fit protrusion and the snap-fit groove disposed on the radial surface of the corresponding bent section.
5. The bent pipe according to claim 4, characterized in that, The plurality of slots includes a first slot and a second slot, the first slot and the second slot being arranged opposite each other radially along the curved tube; along the axial direction of the curved tube, the length of the slot is less than the distance between adjacent first slots and second slots.
6. The bent tube according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The bent pipe further includes a second bent section, which is located on the side of the first bent section near the distal end of the bent pipe along the axial direction of the bent pipe. The width of the bend joint of the second bent section is smaller than the width of the bend joint of the second bent section.
7. The bent tube according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The curved tube includes a plurality of guide grooves provided on its sidewalls for threading a traction rope. Except for the guide groove near the far end of the curved tube, at least four curved sections are provided between adjacent guide grooves.
8. The bent tube according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The bent pipe is a one-piece cut bent pipe.
9. An insertion part, characterized in that, The curved tube includes any one of claims 1 to 8.
10. An endoscope, characterized in that, It includes a handle and the insertion part as described in claim 9, wherein the handle is connected to the insertion part.