Snake bone tube and endoscope assembly

Abstract

A snake-bone tube and endoscope assembly, relating to the field of medical devices, is disclosed. The snake-bone tube includes a first snake-bone tube body, a second snake-bone tube body, and a support tube body connected sequentially. The first snake-bone tube body is provided with an assembly for connecting a traction rope. The second snake-bone tube body includes a first curved section and a second curved section connected to each other. The first curved section is connected to the first snake-bone tube body and has multiple first turning incisions arranged in the extension direction of the snake-bone tube. The second curved section is connected to the support tube body and has multiple second turning incisions arranged in the extension direction of the snake-bone tube. The distance between the two ends of the first turning incisions is smaller than the distance between the two ends of the second turning incisions. This snake-bone tube design can improve the rigidity of the snake-bone tube, reduce the probability of breakage when the snake-bone tube is bent under stress, and improve safety.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of medical devices, specifically to a snake bone tube and an endoscope assembly. Background Technology

[0002] To facilitate the acquisition of images from more directions by the endoscope's tip, the tip of the endoscope is generally designed as a snake-like tube. This snake-like tube can be bent under external force, thereby adjusting the orientation of the tip and acquiring images from different directions.

[0003] The inventors discovered during their research that the existing snake-bone tube technology has at least the following drawbacks:

[0004] Snake-bone tubes have low rigidity and are prone to breakage. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention includes, for example, providing a snake-shaped tube and endoscope assembly that can improve the rigidity of the snake-shaped tube, reduce the probability of breakage when the snake-shaped tube is bent under stress, and improve safety.

[0006] The embodiments of this utility model can be implemented as follows:

[0007] In a first aspect, this utility model provides a snake-bone tube, comprising:

[0008] A first snake-bone tube body, a second snake-bone tube body, and a support tube body are connected in sequence; the first snake-bone tube body is provided with an assembly part for connecting a traction rope; the second snake-bone tube body includes a first curved section and a second curved section connected together, the first curved section is connected to the first snake-bone tube body, and the first curved section is provided with a plurality of first turning cuts arranged in the extension direction of the snake-bone tube; the second curved section is connected to the support tube body, and the second curved section is provided with a plurality of second turning cuts arranged in the extension direction of the snake-bone tube.

[0009] The distance between the two ends of the first turning cut is less than the distance between the two ends of the second turning cut.

[0010] In an optional implementation, the distance between the two ends of the plurality of second turning cuts gradually increases in the direction from the first snake-bone tube to the second snake-bone tube.

[0011] In an alternative implementation, a plurality of the first turning cuts are staggered in the extension direction of the snake tube.

[0012] In an optional embodiment, a plurality of the first turning cuts are arranged in a spiral structure around the axis of the snake tube.

[0013] In an alternative implementation, a plurality of the second turning cuts are staggered in the extension direction of the snake tube.

[0014] In an optional embodiment, a plurality of the second turning cuts are arranged in a spiral structure around the axis of the snake tube.

[0015] In an optional embodiment, the second snake-bone tube further includes a transition section connected to the second curved section, the transition section being connected to the support tube; the transition section is provided with a plurality of transition turning cuts spaced apart in the extension direction of the snake-bone tube; the distance between the two ends of the transition turning cuts in the circumferential direction of the snake-bone tube is greater than the distance between the two ends of the second turning cuts in the circumferential direction of the snake-bone tube.

[0016] In an alternative embodiment, adjacent transition turning cuts in the plurality of transition turning cuts are staggered in the extension direction of the snake tube.

[0017] In an alternative embodiment, the plurality of the transition turning cuts are arranged in a spiral structure around the axis of the snake tube.

[0018] In an optional embodiment, the first snake-bone tube, the second snake-bone tube, and the support tube are configured as an integral structure made of a single stainless steel tube by laser cutting.

[0019] Secondly, this utility model provides an endoscope assembly, the endoscope assembly comprising:

[0020] The handle, the traction wire, and the snake-bone tube as described in any of the foregoing embodiments are provided, wherein the end of the support tube is connected to the handle, one end of the traction wire is connected to the handle, and the other end passes through the snake-bone tube and is connected to the assembly part of the first snake-bone tube body.

[0021] The beneficial effects of this utility model embodiment include, for example:

[0022] In summary, the snake-bone tube provided in this embodiment, by designing the distance between the two ends of the second turning incision of the second snake-bone tube body to be greater than the distance between the two ends of the first turning incision of the first snake-bone tube body, can increase the stiffness of the second snake-bone tube body while maintaining good bending performance. This increases the stiffness of the snake-bone tube, reduces the probability of breakage during bending deformation, and improves safety. In other words, the distance between the two ends of both the first and second turning incisions is the length of the uncut region of the snake-bone tube. By increasing the length of the uncut region, the stiffness of the snake-bone tube can be increased, reducing the probability of breakage under stress and improving safety. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this utility model and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the snake-bone tube according to an embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the second snake-bone tube body according to an embodiment of this application.

[0026] icon:

[0027] 100-First snake-bone tube body; 110-Assembly part; 120-Snake-bone joint; 200-Second snake-bone tube body; 210-First bending section; 211-First turning incision; 220-Second bending section; 221-Second turning incision; 230-Transition section; 231-Transition turning incision; 300-Support tube body. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this utility model described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0029] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0030] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0031] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "inner," or "outer" are used to indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship in which the product is usually placed during use, they 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.

[0032] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be interpreted as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0033] It should be noted that, where there is no conflict, the features in the embodiments of this utility model can be combined with each other.

[0034] In the existing technology, the snake tube has multiple turning cuts, which are evenly spaced along the extension direction of the snake tube. That is, the distance between any adjacent turning cuts is equal. As a result, the snake tube has poor rigidity and is prone to breakage when bent under stress, which poses a safety hazard.

[0035] In view of this, the designers have provided a snake-bone tube that can improve rigidity, thereby reducing the probability of breakage and minimizing safety hazards.

[0036] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 This embodiment provides a snake-bone tube, including a first snake-bone tube body 100, a second snake-bone tube body 200, and a support tube body 300 connected in sequence; the first snake-bone tube body 100 is provided with an assembly part 110 for connecting a traction rope; the second snake-bone tube body 200 includes a first curved section 210 and a second curved section 220 connected together, the first curved section 210 is connected to the first snake-bone tube body 100, and the first curved section 210 is provided with a plurality of first turning cuts 211 arranged in the extension direction of the snake-bone tube; the second curved section 220 is connected to the support tube body 300, and the second curved section 220 is provided with a plurality of second turning cuts 221 arranged in the extension direction of the snake-bone tube; the distance between the two ends of the first turning cuts 211 is smaller than the distance between the two ends of the second turning cuts 221.

[0037] As described above, the snake bone tube provided in this embodiment is used as follows:

[0038] The first snake bone tube 100 is inserted into the patient's body with its end as the front end. The support tube 300 is located on the side closer to the patient's body, that is, the end of the support tube 300 is close to the surgeon. When the first snake bone tube 100 is subjected to force by the traction wire, the support tube 300 acts as a support structure. Both the first snake bone tube 100 and the second snake bone tube 200 are bent under force, thereby achieving the angle adjustment of the end of the first snake bone tube 100. This allows for obtaining surgical fields of view from different directions, improving surgical efficiency and success rate.

[0039] It should be understood that by designing the distance between the two ends of the second turning incision 221 of the second snake-bone tube 200 to be greater than the distance between the two ends of the first turning incision 211 of the first snake-bone tube 100, the stiffness of the second snake-bone tube 200 can be increased while maintaining good bending performance. This increases the stiffness of the snake-bone tube, reduces the probability of breakage during bending deformation, and improves safety. In other words, the distance between the two ends of the first turning incision 211 and the distance between the two ends of the second turning incision 221 are both the length of the uncut area of ​​the snake-bone tube. By increasing the length of the uncut area of ​​the snake-bone tube, the stiffness of the snake-bone tube can be increased, the probability of breakage under stress can be reduced, and safety can be improved.

[0040] The following embodiments illustrate the details of the snake-bone tube of this application by way of example.

[0041] Please refer to Figure 1 In this embodiment, optionally, the snake-bone tube includes a first snake-bone tube body 100, a second snake-bone tube body 200, and a supporting tube body 300 connected in sequence. The first snake-bone tube body 100 has less resistance to bending deformation than the second snake-bone tube body 200 and the transition tube body. In other words, the first snake-bone tube body 100 can bend more flexibly than the second snake-bone tube body 200 and the transition tube body, thereby increasing the angle of adjustment and obtaining a wider surgical field.

[0042] Please refer to Figure 1 The first snake-bone tube body 100 includes a plurality of snake-bone segments 120 that are hinged together in sequence. Adjacent snake-bone segments 120 are engaged and can rotate within a certain range. At the same time, the front end of the first snake-bone tube body 100 is provided with an assembly part 110, which can be a through hole.

[0043] Please refer to Figure 2The second snake-bone tube 200 includes a first curved section 210, a second curved section 220, and a transition section 230 connected in sequence, wherein the first curved section 210, the second curved section 220, and the transition section 230 can all be integrally designed. The front end of the first curved section 210 is engaged with the rear end of the first snake-bone tube 100 and can rotate relative to it, while the transition section 230 is connected to the support tube 300. It should be understood that the second snake-bone tube 200 and the support tube 300 can be configured as an integral structure.

[0044] Please refer to Figure 2 Specifically, the first curved section 210 is provided with a plurality of first turning cuts 211 arranged in the extension direction of the snake-bone tube. Each first turning cut 211 extends around the axis of the snake-bone tube, and the plane containing each first turning cut 211 is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the snake-bone tube. Furthermore, in the extension direction of the snake-bone tube, the plurality of first turning cuts 211 constitute a plurality of first sub-units in the extension direction of the snake-bone tube. The number of first turning cuts 211 in each first sub-unit is equal, and the plurality of first turning cuts 211 in the same first sub-unit are arranged in a spiral structure around the axis of the snake-bone tube. In other words, in the same first sub-unit, adjacent first turning cuts 211 are staggered in the extension direction of the snake-bone tube, and the staggered direction is consistent, that is, the plurality of first turning cuts 211 are staggered sequentially in a clockwise direction or in a counterclockwise direction.

[0045] Optionally, the distance between the multiple first turning cuts 211 of the first curved section 210 can be set to be equidistant, which is beneficial for processing. The area between the two ends of each first turning cut 211 in the circumferential direction of the snake tube is the first connecting part, which is also the position where the snake tube has not been cut off. Multiple uncut first connecting parts in the same first sub-unit are also arranged in a spiral structure.

[0046] Please refer to Figure 2 Similarly, the second curved section 220 is provided with a plurality of second turning cuts 221 arranged in the extension direction of the snake-bone tube. Each second turning cut 221 extends around the axis of the snake-bone tube, and the plane containing each second turning cut 221 is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the snake-bone tube. Furthermore, in the extension direction of the snake-bone tube, the plurality of second turning cuts 221 constitute a plurality of second sub-units in the extension direction of the snake-bone tube. The number of second turning cuts 221 in each second sub-unit is equal, and the plurality of second turning cuts 221 in the same second sub-unit are arranged in a spiral structure around the axis of the snake-bone tube. In other words, in the same second sub-unit, adjacent second turning cuts 221 are staggered in the extension direction of the snake-bone tube, and the staggered direction is consistent, that is, the plurality of second turning cuts 221 are all staggered sequentially in a clockwise direction or in a counterclockwise direction.

[0047] Optionally, the distance between adjacent second turning cuts 221 can be set to be equal. It should be understood that the area between the two ends of each second turning cut 221 in the circumferential direction of the snake tube is the second connecting part, which is also the position where the snake tube is not cut off. Multiple uncut second connecting parts in the same second sub-unit are also arranged in a spiral structure.

[0048] Please refer to Figure 2 Furthermore, the transition section 230 is provided with multiple transition turning cuts 231 arranged in the extension direction of the snake-bone tube. Each transition turning cut 231 extends around the axis of the snake-bone tube, and the plane containing each transition turning cut 231 is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the snake-bone tube. In addition, in the extension direction of the snake-bone tube, the multiple transition turning cuts 231 constitute multiple third sub-units in the extension direction of the snake-bone tube. The number of multiple transition turning cuts 231 in each third sub-unit is equal, and the multiple transition turning cuts 231 in the same third sub-unit are arranged in a spiral structure around the axis of the snake-bone tube. In other words, in the same third sub-unit, adjacent transition turning cuts 231 are staggered in the extension direction of the snake-bone tube, and the staggered direction is consistent; that is, the multiple transition turning cuts 231 are staggered sequentially in a clockwise direction or sequentially in a counterclockwise direction.

[0049] Meanwhile, the distance between the multiple transition turning cuts 231 of the transition section 230 can be set to be equal, which is beneficial for processing. The area between the two ends of each transition turning cut 231 in the circumferential direction of the snake tube is the third connecting part, which is also the position where the snake tube is not cut off. Multiple uncut third connecting parts in the same third sub-unit are also arranged in a spiral structure.

[0050] It should be noted that the number of first turning cuts 211 and second turning cuts 221 arranged in a spiral structure are equal. That is, the angle between adjacent first turning cuts 211 and adjacent second turning cuts 221 is equal. Thus, in the extension direction of the snake tube, since the distance between adjacent first turning cuts 211 is less than the distance between adjacent second turning cuts 221, there are more spiral structures formed by the first turning cuts 211 per unit length in the extension direction of the snake tube. In other words, there are more spiral structures formed by multiple first connecting parts. This makes the bending phase change resistance of the first bending segment 210 stronger than that of the second bending segment 220. As a result, the maximum bending arc occurs in the second bending segment 220. When a fracture occurs at the maximum bending arc, the fracture location is outside the body or closer to the body, reducing the safety risk.

[0051] Furthermore, the distance between adjacent second turning cuts 221 is not less than the distance between adjacent transition turning cuts 231.

[0052] Meanwhile, the length of the first connecting part is shorter than the length of the second connecting part, and the length of the second connecting part is no greater than the length of the third connecting part. This design ensures that the dimensions of the uncut areas of the snake-bone tube are not entirely uniform. The second bending section 220 and the transition section 230 have high stiffness and strong fracture resistance, making them less prone to breakage and improving safety. Furthermore, the stiffness of the second bending section 220, the transition section 230, and the supporting tube 300 gradually increases in a gradient. The transition section 230 provides a buffering effect, dispersing stress and reducing the risk of breakage at the connection point between the transition section 230 and the supporting tube 300.

[0053] It should be understood that the dimensions of the multiple first connecting parts can be set to be the same, and the dimensions of the multiple third connecting parts can be set to be the same. The dimensions of the multiple second connecting parts can gradually increase in the direction from the first snake-bone tube body 100 to the second snake-bone tube body 200, which can further improve the rigidity of the snake-bone tube.

[0054] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the snake-bone tube is made from a single stainless steel tube through laser cutting. That is, the first snake-bone tube body 100, the second snake-bone tube body 200, and the support tube body 300 are configured as an integral structure made from a single stainless steel tube through laser cutting. The process is simple, facilitating mass production; the cost is low, and it is easy to achieve single-use.

[0055] The snake bone tube provided in this embodiment has high rigidity and strong fracture resistance. When it is bent under stress, the maximum bending arc is located at the second bending segment 220, which moves towards the outside of the patient. When a fracture occurs, it will be closer to the outside of the patient or break directly outside the patient, reducing safety risks.

[0056] This embodiment also provides an endoscope assembly, including a handle, a traction wire, and a snake-bone tube. One end of the support tube 300 is connected to the handle, and one end of the traction wire is connected to the handle, while the other end passes through the snake-bone tube and connects to the assembly part 110 of the first snake-bone tube body 100. By operating the handle, the traction wire can be moved, thereby pulling the front end of the snake-bone tube. The snake-bone tube adapts to bending, adjusting the front end angle, expanding the surgical field of view, and making operation convenient and flexible. Furthermore, the snake-bone tube has high rigidity and is not easily broken; the maximum bending arc is located near or outside the body, facilitating removal even if broken, reducing safety risks.

[0057] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this utility model, but the protection scope of this utility model is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model should be determined by the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A snake-bone tube, characterized in that, include: A first snake-bone tube body (100), a second snake-bone tube body (200), and a support tube body (300) are connected in sequence; the first snake-bone tube body (100) is provided with an assembly part (110) for connecting a traction rope; the second snake-bone tube body (200) includes a first curved section (210) and a second curved section (220) connected together, the first curved section (210) is connected to the first snake-bone tube body (100), and the first curved section (210) is provided with a plurality of first turning cuts (211) arranged in the extension direction of the snake-bone tube; the second curved section (220) is connected to the support tube body (300), and the second curved section (220) is provided with a plurality of second turning cuts (221) arranged in the extension direction of the snake-bone tube; The distance between the two ends of the first turning cut (211) is less than the distance between the two ends of the second turning cut (221).

2. The snake-bone tube according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the direction from the first snake bone tube (100) to the second snake bone tube (200), the distance between the two ends of the plurality of second turning cuts (221) gradually increases.

3. The snake-bone tube according to claim 1, characterized in that: Multiple first turning cuts (211) are staggered in the extension direction of the snake tube.

4. The snake-bone tube according to claim 3, characterized in that: Multiple first turning cuts (211) are arranged in a spiral structure around the axis of the snake tube.

5. The snake-bone tube according to claim 1, characterized in that: Multiple second turning cuts (221) are staggered in the extension direction of the snake tube.

6. The snake-bone tube according to claim 5, characterized in that: Multiple second turning cuts (221) are arranged in a spiral structure around the axis of the snake tube.

7. The snake-bone tube according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second snake-bone tube body (200) further includes a transition section (230) connected to the second curved section (220), the transition section (230) being connected to the support tube body (300); the transition section (230) is provided with a plurality of transition turning cuts (231) spaced apart in the extension direction of the snake-bone tube; the distance between the two ends of the transition turning cuts (231) in the circumferential direction of the snake-bone tube is greater than the distance between the two ends of the second turning cuts (221) in the circumferential direction of the snake-bone tube.

8. The snake-bone tube according to claim 7, characterized in that: Adjacent transition turning cuts (231) among the plurality of said transition turning cuts (231) are staggered in the extension direction of the snake tube.

9. The snake-bone tube according to claim 7, characterized in that: The first snake bone tube body (100), the second snake bone tube body (200) and the support tube body (300) are configured as an integral structure made of a single stainless steel tube by laser cutting.

10. An endoscope assembly, characterized in that, The endoscope assembly includes: The handle, the traction wire, and the snake tube according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein one end of the support tube body (300) is connected to the handle, one end of the traction wire is connected to the handle, and the other end passes through the snake tube and is connected to the assembly part (110) of the first snake tube body (100).

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