For the tip of the endoscope assembly and the endoscope assembly

Abstract

This utility model relates to a tip portion for an endoscope assembly, characterized in that the tip portion comprises: a lens module; an illumination device having at least one illumination element; a tip tube circumferentially surrounding the lens module; and a tip cover at least partially disposed on the distal side of the tip tube and distally covering the distal end face of the tip tube. The beneficial effects include: since the tip tube is distally covered by the tip cover, the sharp tip opening or edge of the tip tube will not come into contact with or scratch human tissue. This utility model also relates to an endoscope assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of medical devices, specifically to an end-point for an endoscope assembly and an endoscope assembly. Background Technology

[0002] An electronic endoscope is a smear and detection instrument that integrates a camera, lighting device, circuitry, and software, and is widely used in the medical field. The medical field typically requires very high image clarity to facilitate diagnosis and treatment.

[0003] Several issues have been identified in surgical practice: the sharp edges of the tip may scratch human tissue; the lens of a bare camera is at risk of breaking upon impact; the reflection or transmission of light emitted by the lighting device at the lens location may create an aperture at the image boundary, interfering with the clarity of the image; when the lens module uses high-power LED lighting, it can cause excessive heat in the head section, resulting in phenomena such as image flickering; and the stainless steel tube cannot be bent to fit different human body passage shapes. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide an end-point for an endoscope assembly and an endoscope assembly that can at least solve one of the problems mentioned above.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model proposes a tip end for an endoscope assembly, characterized in that the tip end includes:

[0006] Lens module;

[0007] A lighting device having at least one lighting element;

[0008] Tip tube, the tip tube being disposed circumferentially around the lens module; and

[0009] A tip cover, which is at least partially disposed on the distal side of the tip tube and covers the distal end face of the tip tube from the distal side.

[0010] Beneficial effects include: the tip tube is covered from the distal side by the tip cover, so the sharp tip opening or edge of the tip tube (usually constructed as a thin-walled tube) will not come into contact with or scratch human tissue.

[0011] Advantageously, the tip cover has a disc-shaped base that abuts against the distal end face of the tip tube in the axial direction.

[0012] Advantageously, the tip cover has at least one boss extending proximally from the proximal side of its base, the tip cover being inserted into the tip tube with its boss.

[0013] Advantageously, a plurality of bosses are successively provided at intervals in the circumferential direction of the substrate, and the gap between adjacent bosses can accommodate the lighting device of the lighting apparatus.

[0014] Advantageously, the tip cover is made of plastic, and / or the tip tube is made of stainless steel or PEEK.

[0015] Advantageously, a protective lens is provided on the far side of the lens module, the protective lens being inserted into a through hole in the base of the tip cover.

[0016] Advantageously, the lens module is also inserted into the through hole at its distal end.

[0017] Advantageously, a radial gap is formed between the protective lens and the through hole, and between the lens module and the through hole, which is filled with adhesive.

[0018] Advantageously, the protective lens has a light-shielding measure on its outer peripheral surface to prevent light emitted by the lighting device from entering the protective lens from the outer peripheral surface.

[0019] Advantageously, the light-shielding measure is configured as an opaque coating applied to the outer peripheral surface of the protective lens or as an aluminum foil adhered to the outer peripheral surface of the protective lens.

[0020] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model also proposes an endoscope assembly having a distal end that is further away from the operator during use and a proximal end that is closer to the operator during use, characterized in that the endoscope assembly comprises:

[0021] The distal end portion of the endoscope assembly according to the present invention;

[0022] The operating section located at the proximal end; and

[0023] A rod portion is provided between the tip and the operating part.

[0024] Advantageously, the rod has an inner tube and an outer tube sleeved outside the inner tube, through which the wires of the lens module pass.

[0025] This design ensures that the wires are not visible and affect the aesthetics. In addition, the dual-tube design allows for the possibility of designing an inner tube that provides support and an outer tube that comes into contact with the human body, each tailored to specific functions.

[0026] Advantageously, the inner tube and the outer tube are configured to be flexible.

[0027] Advantageously, the inner tube is made of copper, and / or the outer tube is configured as a braided tube.

[0028] Advantageously, the tip has a connector that is fixedly connected to the tip tube on the inside side of the tip tube and fixedly connected to the inner tube on the other side.

[0029] Advantageously, the connector is fitted radially outside the lens module and / or the wire and spaced apart from it by a radial gap filled with a heat-dissipating material.

[0030] Heat dissipation materials, such as thermal silicone, can help to smoothly guide the heat generated at the lighting device to the inner tube.

[0031] Advantageously, the outer tube is inserted at its distal end between the connector and the tip tube, forming a radial gap with the tip tube, which is filled with glue.

[0032] Advantageously, both the connector and the inner tube are made of copper and are welded together.

[0033] The excellent thermal conductivity of copper allows the heat generated at the lighting fixture to be smoothly dissipated through the inner tube. Attached Figure Description

[0034] The present invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described in the drawings and detailed below. The drawings are as follows:

[0035] Figure 1 An illustrative perspective view of an endoscope assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0036] Figure 2 Show Figure 1 A partial perspective view of the bent rod of the endoscope assembly;

[0037] Figure 3 Show Figure 1 Exploded view of the tip of the endoscope assembly in the image;

[0038] Figure 4 Show Figure 1 A longitudinal sectional view of the tip of the endoscope assembly in the middle;

[0039] Figure 5a A perspective view from the front side shows the tip cover according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 5b The previous view shows the tip cover according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 5c The tip cover according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in a side view;

[0042] Figure 5dThe perspective view from the rear side shows the tip cover according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 5e The rear view shows the tip cover according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 6 The rear-view perspective view shows the installation state of the tip cover and the lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 7 The rear-view perspective view shows the installation status of the tip cover, lighting device, and PCB board according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 8 A perspective view of a bare lens module according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown schematically;

[0047] Figure 9 A perspective view schematically illustrating a bare lens module and a protective lens and lighting device mounted thereon according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 10a A protective lens according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in a perspective view;

[0049] Figure 10b Previous views show a protective lens according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 10c A protective lens according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in a side view;

[0051] Figure 11a A perspective view of the connector according to an embodiment of the present utility model is shown;

[0052] Figure 11b A side view shows the connector according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0053] Figure 11c A longitudinal sectional view shows the connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0054] In this specification, various systems, structures, and devices are schematically depicted in the accompanying drawings for illustrative purposes only. Not all features of actual systems, structures, and devices are described; for example, well-known functions or structures are not described in detail to avoid unnecessary detail that could obscure the invention. It should be understood that in any practical application, numerous implementation decisions are required to achieve the specific goals of the developer or user, and to comply with system-related and industry-related limitations, which may vary depending on the specific application. Furthermore, it should be understood that while such implementation decisions are complex and time-consuming, they are routine tasks for those skilled in the art who will benefit from this invention.

[0055] The terms and phrases used herein should be understood and interpreted in accordance with the understanding of those skilled in the art. The consistent use of terms or phrases herein is not intended to imply a specific definition, i.e., a definition different from the common and conventional meaning understood by those skilled in the art. For terms or phrases intended to have a specific meaning, i.e., a meaning different from that understood by those skilled in the art, such specific definition will be explicitly listed in the specification, giving the specific definition of the term or phrase directly and unambiguously.

[0056] Unless otherwise required by the content, throughout the following description, the word “including” and its variations, such as “comprising” and “having”, will be interpreted in an open-ended, inclusive sense, that is, as “including but not limited to”.

[0057] The following describes the tip portion 2 of the endoscope assembly 1 according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, and the endoscope assembly 1. The endoscope assembly 1 can be used as a disposable, detachable part of an electronic endoscope device. The endoscope assembly 1 can be used, for example, in nasopharyngeal surgery, where it can be inserted through the nasal cavity to reach the lesion site while simultaneously visualizing it on a connected display screen to show the condition of the lesion site for preoperative symptom identification or to perform the surgery under visualization during the procedure.

[0058] The endoscope assembly 1 may have a distal / distal end that is further away from the operator during surgery and a proximal / proximal end that is closer to the operator. The operator may be a physician or other personnel who operates the surgical electrode device 1 during surgery.

[0059] Figure 1The present invention provides an exemplary embodiment of a disposable endoscope assembly 1. The endoscope assembly 1 generally includes a proximal operating part 3 (configured herein as an operating handle) for the operator to hold and operate, a distal distal tip 2 that extends into the body to visualize lesions, and a rod 4 connecting the operating part 3 and the tip 2. An electrical connection wire 5 is connected to the proximal end of the operating part 3, the other end of which can be detachably connected to the main unit (not shown) of an electronic endoscope device via a plug.

[0060] Figure 2 The diagram schematically illustrates the bent rod 4 of the endoscope assembly 1, adapted to accommodate the corresponding curved shape of the body cavity passage. For this purpose, the rod 4 is designed to be flexible, as will be described below.

[0061] Figure 3 and Figure 4 The distal section of the endoscope assembly 1, including the tip section 2, is schematically shown in partial exploded and longitudinal sectional views. Generally, the tip section 2 has a distal tip cover 6, a lens module 7 centrally located within the tip section 2, a protective lens 8 located distal to the lens module 7, an illumination device including a PCB board 9 and an illumination device 10 surrounding the lens module 7, a tip tube 11 located outside the tip section 2 and near the tip cover 6, and a connector 12 located inside the tip tube 11 and near the illumination device. A rod portion 4, consisting of a support tube 13 and a medical braided tube 14 on its outer side, is also visible. These components and their connections are described in more detail below.

[0062] Figures 5a to 5e The tip cover 6 is schematically shown in different views. Here it can be seen that the tip cover 6 may have a generally disc-shaped base 601 with a centrally located square through-hole 602. Figure 4 The substrate 601 is disposed on the distal side of the tip tube 11 and abuts against the distal end face of the tip tube 11 in the axial direction. The circular outer circumferential surfaces of both the substrate 601 and the tip tube 11 are flush with each other, thus smoothly transitioning into each other. The substrate 601 covers the distal opening of the tip tube 11 from the distal side, except for its through hole 602.

[0063] In some existing tip designs, the front end face of the tip tube 11 is exposed directly and freely to the distal end, which can cause the thin-walled tip tube 11, typically made of metal such as stainless steel or PEEK (polyether ether ketone), to come into contact with and injure human tissue with its sharp tip edge. In contrast, the tip tube 11 of this invention is covered distally by the tip cover 6, thus preventing the sharp tip edge of the tip tube 11 from contacting human tissue. The tip cover 6, located at the distal end, can be made of (transparent) plastic, such as PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) or PC (polycarbonate), thereby creating a rounded edge on the distal surface of the tip cover 6 that contacts human tissue, preventing scratches.

[0064] The tip cover 6 may have multiple (four in this case) protrusions 603 extending proximally from the proximal side of its base 601. The diameter of the arcuate outer circumferential surface of these protrusions 603 is smaller than the diameter of the outer circumferential surface of the base 601, allowing the protrusions 603 to be inserted into the tip tube 11 in the installed state of the tip cover 6. The diameter of the arcuate outer circumferential surface of these protrusions 603 may also be smaller than the inner diameter of the tip cover 6, such that the protrusions 603 and the tip tube 11 form a clearance fit in the radial direction, which can be filled with adhesive, such as medical epoxy resin, after installation. These protrusions 603 are distributed, for example, evenly spaced in the circumferential direction, thereby forming a receiving gap 604 between every two adjacent protrusions 603.

[0065] See Figure 3 and Figure 9 The lighting device may include a PCB board 9 fixedly mounted on the lens module 7 and a plurality of four lighting devices 10, such as LEDs, fixedly disposed on the far side of the PCB board 9, spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. See also Figure 6 Each lighting device 10, in its installed state, can be accommodated in the receiving gap 604 between adjacent bosses 603. See also Figure 7 When installed, PCB board 9 can be placed against the near side of boss 603.

[0066] Figure 8 A perspective view of the bare lens module 7 is schematically shown. Here, the lens module 7 is visible to have a square cross-sectional shape, and a wire 15 is connected to its proximal end. This wire 15 passes through the hollow rod 4 and extends into the operating part 3. The lens module 7 itself may be a commercially available product, and its front lens element is easily broken. For this purpose, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 9 A protective lens 8 can be installed to completely cover the far end of the lens element, and the protective lens 8 can effectively protect the lens element from collision and breakage.

[0067] Figures 10a to 10cThe protective lens 8 is schematically shown in different views. The protective lens 8 can be made of transparent plastic or glass to avoid obstructing the view of the lesion in front. The protective lens 8 can be square to match the shape of the square lens module 7, or lens element, so that the two are radially flush. The protective lens 8 has a light-shielding measure 801 on its outer peripheral surface. This light-shielding measure 801 can be a coated opaque coating (here, a black coating) to shield the light emitted by the nearby illumination device 10, preventing light refraction or transmission from the outer peripheral surface of the protective lens 8 from affecting the imaging effect, or in other words, preventing the formation of an aperture at the imaging boundary that interferes with image clarity. Alternatively, aluminum foil or other light-shielding measures can be attached to the outer peripheral surface of the protective lens 8, instead of a coated opaque coating.

[0068] See Figure 4 The lens module 7, together with the distal protective lens 8, can be accommodated within the square through-hole 602 of the tip cover 6 in the installed state. Here, the protective lens 8 and the tip cover 6 can be flush with each other on their distal surfaces. The lens module 7 and the protective lens 8 can be radially clearance-fitted with the tip cover 6, and this clearance can be subsequently filled with adhesive, such as medical epoxy resin.

[0069] See Figure 3 and Figure 4 The rod 4 here includes a support tube 13 as an inner tube and a (medical) braided tube 14 sleeved on the support tube 13 as an outer tube. The support tube 13 can be passed through and protected by the wire 15 of the lens module 7. The support tube 13 here can be made of a flexible material, such as copper or brass, which allows the rod 4 to be bent at any angle by the operator according to the needs of the surgery to facilitate entry into the body cavity channel. The braided tube 14 itself is flexible and does not hinder the bending of the rod 4, and the braided tube 14 is a medical material that allows direct contact with human tissue. It is sleeved on the outside of the support tube 13 to prevent the support tube 13, which is not allowed to contact human tissue, from directly contacting human tissue.

[0070] Some existing rods 4 are made of a single stainless steel tube, lacking plasticity and unable to be bent arbitrarily to adapt to different shaped body cavity channels. Some existing rods 4 are made of copper rods with wires 15 wound around their outer periphery, but this results in an uneven and undulating appearance, poor aesthetics and consistency, and cumbersome assembly. In contrast, the rod 4 of this invention is composed of an internal support tube 13 and an external braided tube 14, which not only has plasticity but also allows the wires 15 to be guided from within, thus not affecting aesthetics.

[0071] Figures 11a to 11cThe connector 12 is schematically shown in different views. The connector 12 is generally tubular in shape. The connector 12 has a central support section 121 with the largest outer diameter, which is connected to… Figure 4 The support section 121 can be basically abutted against the inner side of the tip tube 11 in the installed state, or the two can be fitted with a small gap to (pre-)fix the connector 12 and the tip tube 11 to each other in the radial direction.

[0072] The connector 12 has a distal section 122 with a smaller outer diameter on the distal side of the support section 121. (Connection) Figure 4 The distal section 122, in its installed state, is spaced apart from the PCB board on its distal side, forming an axial gap, and also forms a radial gap with the inner surface of the tip tube 11. Additionally, the connector 12 is radially spaced and fitted onto the radially outer side of the lens module 7 and its conductor 15, thus forming a large radial gap 17 between them. Furthermore, radial gaps are also formed between the PCB board 9 and the lighting device 10 and the tip tube 11. These gaps can communicate with each other and are filled and sealed with a heat-dissipating material, such as thermal silicone.

[0073] The connector 12 has a proximal section 123 with a smaller outer diameter near the support section 121, which is used in conjunction with... Figure 4 The support tube 13 abuts its distal end against the internal step 125 of the proximal section 123 and is laser-welded thereto for axial and radial positioning. Furthermore, the connector 12, like the support tube 13, can be made of a material with good thermal conductivity, such as copper or brass.

[0074] Therefore, the heat generated at the lens module 7 can be easily transferred to the support tube 13 for heat dissipation through the thermal silicone mentioned above and the brass connector 12 with good heat dissipation.

[0075] Additionally, see also Figure 4 The braided tube 14 can be inserted at its distal end between the connector 12 and the tip tube 11 for radial positioning. A gap 18 can be formed between the proximal section 123 of the connector 12 and between the braided tube 14 and the tip tube 11, which can be filled with adhesive, such as medical epoxy resin.

[0076] Therefore, based on the presence of connector 12, the support tube 13 and braided tube 14 can be well (pre-)positioned and the tip 2 can be fixedly connected to the rod 4 at the same time.

[0077] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are merely for understanding and explaining the present invention, and do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make modifications based on the above embodiments, and all such modifications do not depart from the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An end piece for an endoscope assembly, characterized in that, The tip portion includes: Lens module; A lighting device having at least one lighting element; Tip tube, the tip tube being disposed circumferentially around the lens module; and A tip cover, which is at least partially disposed on the distal side of the tip tube and covers the distal end face of the tip tube from the distal side.

2. The endoscopic assembly tip according to claim 1, wherein, The tip cover has a disc-shaped base that abuts against the distal end face of the tip tube in the axial direction.

3. The endoscope assembly according to claim 2, wherein The tip cover has at least one boss extending proximally from the proximal side of its base, and the tip cover is inserted into the tip tube with its boss.

4. The endoscope assembly according to claim 3, wherein Multiple bosses are successively provided at intervals in the circumferential direction of the base, and the gap between adjacent bosses can accommodate the lighting device of the lighting device.

5. The endo-scope assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The tip cover is made of plastic, and / or the tip tube is made of stainless steel or PEEK.

6. The endoscope assembly tip of claim 2, wherein, A protective lens is provided on the far side of the lens module, and the protective lens is inserted into the through hole of the base of the tip cover.

7. The endoscopic assembly tip of claim 6, wherein, The lens module is also inserted into the through hole at its distal end.

8. The endoscopic assembly tip of claim 7, wherein, A radial gap is formed between the protective lens and the through hole, and between the lens module and the through hole, and the radial gap is filled with adhesive.

9. The tip end of the endoscope assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The protective lens has a light-shielding measure on its outer peripheral surface to prevent light emitted by the lighting device from entering the protective lens from the outer peripheral surface.

10. The endoscopic assembly tip of claim 9, wherein, The light-shielding measure is configured as an opaque coating applied to the outer peripheral surface of the protective lens or as an aluminum foil adhered to the outer peripheral surface of the protective lens.

11. An endoscope assembly having a distal end further from an operator when in use and a proximal end closer to the operator when in use, characterised in that, The endoscope assembly includes: The distal end portion for an endoscope assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10; The operating section located at the proximal end; and A rod portion is provided between the tip and the operating part.

12. The endoscope assembly of claim 11, wherein, The rod has an inner tube and an outer tube sleeved outside the inner tube, and the wires of the lens module pass through the inner tube.

13. The endoscope assembly of claim 12, wherein, The inner tube and the outer tube are configured to be flexible.

14. The endoscope assembly of claim 13, wherein, The inner tube is made of copper, and / or the outer tube is a braided tube.

15. The endoscope assembly of claim 12, wherein, The tip end has a connector, which is fixedly connected to the tip tube on one side and to the inner tube on the other side.

16. The endoscope assembly of claim 15, wherein, The connector is fitted on the radially outer side of the lens module and / or the wire and spaced apart by a radial gap, which is filled with heat dissipation material.

17. The endoscope assembly of claim 15, wherein, The outer tube is inserted at its distal end between the connector and the tip tube, forming a radial gap with the tip tube, which is filled with glue.

18. The endoscope assembly of claim 15, wherein, The connector and the inner tube are both made of copper and are welded together.

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