Endoscope insertion structure and endoscope

Abstract

This application relates to an endoscope insertion structure and an endoscope. The endoscope insertion structure includes: a curved section for adjusting the visible area of ​​the endoscope within the body; a protective tube fitted onto the curved section; and an adjacent section connected to the proximal end of the curved section. The adjacent section has at least one axially penetrating inner hole, and its distal end has an axially offset outer step surface and an inner step surface. The outer step surface intersects the outer wall surface of the adjacent section, and the inner step surface intersects the wall surface of the inner hole. The outer periphery of the outer step surface matches the outer periphery of the proximal end face of the protective tube. This achieves a smooth connection between the outer wall of the protective tube and the adjacent section, solving many problems caused by the step difference at the connection point and improving patient comfort.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of endoscopes, specifically to an endoscope insertion structure and an endoscope. Background Technology

[0002] An endoscope is a medical device consisting of a long, thin insertion structure that enters the human body through natural passages or surgical incisions to deliver an imaging component inside the body for comprehensive examination or treatment of internal organs. To adjust the visible area of ​​the imaging component within the body, the insertion structure typically includes a curved section and an adjacent section. The imaging component is either directly fixed to the end of the curved section or secured to the end of the curved section via a mounting bracket. Adjusting the curvature angle of the curved section allows for adjustment of the visible area of ​​the imaging component within the body.

[0003] Currently, there is a problem of discontinuous transition at the connection between the curved section and the adjacent section. The outer wall surface of the inserted structure has a step difference at this connection point, which causes the step difference part of the outer wall surface to scrape against human tissue during surgery or examination, causing discomfort to the patient. Repeated or prolonged scraping may even lead to abrasions and cross-infection. Utility Model Content

[0004] This application provides an endoscope insertion structure and an endoscope, which can solve the problem of the outer wall surface of the insertion structure having a step difference.

[0005] According to one aspect of this application, one embodiment provides an endoscope insertion structure and an endoscope, comprising:

[0006] The curved section is used to adjust the visible area of ​​the endoscope within the body;

[0007] The protective tube is sleeved on the curved section;

[0008] The adjacent segment is connected to the proximal end of the curved segment. The adjacent segment is provided with at least one axially penetrating inner hole. The distal end of the adjacent segment is provided with an axially offset outer step surface and an inner step surface. The outer step surface intersects with the outer wall surface of the adjacent segment, and the inner step surface intersects with the hole wall surface of the inner hole. The outer periphery of the outer step surface matches the outer periphery of the proximal end face of the protective tube.

[0009] In one embodiment, the outer step surface is located on the distal side of the inner step surface.

[0010] In one embodiment, the adjacent segment includes a pipe body, the distal end of which is provided with a groove, the groove communicating with the inner hole, the bottom surface of the groove being the inner stepped surface, and the distal end face of the pipe body being the outer stepped surface;

[0011] The distal end face of the tube body matches the proximal end face of the protective tube, the proximal end of the bent section is inserted into the groove and connected to the tube body, and the proximal end face of the bent section matches the bottom surface of the groove.

[0012] In one embodiment, the outer step surface is located on the proximal side of the inner step surface.

[0013] In one embodiment, the adjacent segment includes a tube body, the distal end face of which is provided with a protruding connecting shaft segment, the distal end face of which is the inner stepped surface, and the exposed portion of the distal end face of the tube body is the outer stepped surface; the insertion structure further includes a first connecting sleeve, which is located between the tube body and the protective tube and is sleeved on the connecting shaft segment, the length of the first connecting sleeve being greater than the length of the connecting shaft segment;

[0014] The proximal end face of the first connecting sleeve matches the outer step surface, the distal end face of the first connecting sleeve matches the proximal end face of the protective tube, the proximal end of the bent section is inserted into the first connecting sleeve, and the proximal end face of the bent section matches the distal end face of the connecting shaft section.

[0015] In one embodiment, the adjacent segment includes a tube body, the distal end face of which is provided with a protruding connecting shaft segment, the distal end face of which is the inner stepped surface, and the exposed portion of the distal end face of the tube body is the outer stepped surface; the insertion structure further includes a second connecting sleeve, which is sleeved on the connecting shaft segment, the outer diameter of the second connecting sleeve is smaller than the outer diameter of the tube body, and the length of the second connecting sleeve is greater than the length of the connecting shaft segment;

[0016] The proximal end of the protective tube covers the second connecting sleeve, and the outer periphery of the proximal end face of the protective tube matches the outer periphery of the outer step surface. The proximal end of the curved section is inserted into the second connecting sleeve, and the proximal end face of the curved section matches the distal end face of the connecting shaft section.

[0017] In one embodiment, the adjacent segment includes a tube body, the distal end face of the tube body is provided with a protruding connecting shaft segment, the distal end face of the connecting shaft segment is the inner stepped surface, and the exposed portion of the distal end face of the tube body is the outer stepped surface; the proximal end of the curved segment is sleeved on the connecting shaft segment.

[0018] The proximal end face of the protective tube matches the outer periphery of the outer step surface, and the proximal end face of the curved section matches the inner periphery of the outer step surface.

[0019] In one embodiment, the outer step surface and the inner step surface are perpendicular to the axial direction of the adjacent segment, and the outer step surface is connected to the proximal end face of the protective tube.

[0020] In one embodiment, the insertion structure further includes a heat-shrinkable sleeve wrapped around the connection between the protective tube, the bent section, and the adjacent section.

[0021] According to another aspect of this application, one embodiment provides an endoscope including: a handle, and an insertion structure as described above, the handle being connected to the proximal end of the adjacent segment.

[0022] According to the endoscopic insertion structure and endoscope of the above embodiments, an outer step surface and an inner step surface are provided at the distal end of the adjacent segment. The protective tube corresponds to the outer step surface. Therefore, by controlling the wall thickness of the protective tube, the outer diameter of the protective tube can be made the same as or approximately the same as the outer diameter of the outer step surface, achieving a smooth connection between the protective tube and the outer wall of the adjacent segment. This solves many problems caused by the step difference in the outer wall surface at the connection point and improves patient comfort. Simultaneously, the axial offset of the outer and inner step surfaces improves the stability of the connection between the adjacent segment and the curved segment. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an endoscope insertion structure according to one embodiment;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a structure in which the outer step surface is located at the far end of the inner step surface in one embodiment;

[0025] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of an insertion structure including a first connecting sleeve, according to one embodiment;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a first connecting sleeve fitted onto a connecting shaft segment according to one embodiment.

[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of an insertion structure including a second connecting sleeve, according to one embodiment.

[0028] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a structure in which a second connecting sleeve is fitted onto a connecting shaft segment according to one embodiment;

[0029] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure corresponding to the proximal end of the curved section and the outer step surface in one embodiment;

[0030] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of an insertion structure including a heat shrink tubing, according to one embodiment.

[0031] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a heat shrink tubing wrapped around a connection point according to one embodiment.

[0032] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0033] 1-Bending section; 2-Protective tube; 3-Adjacent section; 301-Outer step surface; 302-Inner step surface; 303-Inner hole; 31-Pipe body; 32-Connecting shaft section; 4-First connecting sleeve; 5-Second connecting sleeve; 6-Heat shrink tubing. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The present application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. Similar elements in different embodiments are referred to by related similar element reference numerals. In the following embodiments, many details are described to facilitate a better understanding of the present application. However, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that some features may be omitted in different situations, or may be replaced by other elements, materials, or methods. In some cases, certain operations related to the present application are not shown or described in the specification. This is to avoid obscuring the core parts of the present application with excessive description. For those skilled in the art, detailed description of these related operations is not necessary; they can fully understand the related operations based on the description in the specification and general technical knowledge in the art.

[0035] Furthermore, the features, operations, or characteristics described in the specification can be combined in any suitable manner to form various embodiments. At the same time, the steps or actions in the method description can be rearranged or adjusted in a manner obvious to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the various orders in the specification and drawings are only for the clear description of a particular embodiment and do not imply a necessary order, unless otherwise stated that a particular order must be followed.

[0036] The serial numbers assigned to components in this document, such as "first" and "second," are used only to distinguish the described objects and have no sequential or technical meaning. The terms "connection" and "linkage" used in this application, unless otherwise specified, include both direct and indirect connections (linkages).

[0037] The transition between the curved section and the adjacent section of an endoscope is often discontinuous, with a step difference on the outer wall of the insertion structure at this point. This step difference can cause friction against human tissue during surgery or examination, leading to patient discomfort. Repeated or prolonged friction can even result in abrasions and cross-infection. This application addresses this issue by incorporating an outer and inner stepped surface at the distal end of the adjacent section. The protective tube corresponds to the outer stepped surface, allowing for control over its wall thickness to ensure that its outer diameter is the same as or approximately the same as the outer stepped surface. This achieves a smooth connection between the protective tube and the outer wall of the adjacent section, resolving numerous problems caused by the step difference at the connection and improving patient comfort.

[0038] Please see Figures 1 to 9 This application provides an endoscope insertion structure, including a curved section 1, a protective tube 2, an adjacent section 3, and other functional components as needed, which are described in detail below.

[0039] In this embodiment, the curved section 1 is used to adjust the visible area of ​​the endoscope inside the body, and the protective tube 2 is sleeved on the curved section 1. It is understood that the curved section 1 is an adjustable axial segment. This embodiment does not limit the specific implementation of the curved section; any implementation is possible, such as, but not limited to, a prefabricated snake-like skeleton or a one-piece snake-like skeleton, and can be actively or passively curved. In this embodiment, the material of the curved section 1 can be, but is not limited to, metal. The protective tube 2 in this embodiment mainly serves a protective and insulating function, and its material can be, but is not limited to, plastic or rubber. In some embodiments, the distal end of the curved section 1 can also be connected to a mounting component for installing the imaging assembly of the endoscope, or the distal end of the curved section 1 can be directly used to install the imaging assembly. In this embodiment, to improve patient comfort, both the curved section 1 and the protective tube 2 can be cylindrical with smooth outer walls.

[0040] In this embodiment, the adjacent segment 3 is connected to the proximal end of the curved segment 1, and the adjacent segment 3 is provided with at least one axially penetrating inner hole 303. It is understood that the adjacent segment 3, located at the proximal end of the curved segment 1, mainly serves as a connection, allowing the curved segment 1 and the imaging component to be pushed into the patient's body. In one embodiment, the adjacent segment 3 is a flexible tube with low stiffness, whose shape can adapt to different insertion paths during insertion; in another embodiment, the adjacent segment 3 can also be a rigid tube with high stiffness, which has a certain strength and facilitates insertion. To improve patient comfort, the adjacent segment 3 can also be a cylindrical shape with a smooth outer wall. The inner hole 303 in this embodiment can be used, but is not limited to, for the passage of wires connecting the imaging component, and for ease of manufacturing, the inner hole 303 in the adjacent segment 3 can be a circular hole. This embodiment does not limit the number of inner holes 303. For example, the adjacent segment 3 may have only one inner hole 303, the axis of which coincides with the axis of the adjacent segment 3. Alternatively, the adjacent segment 3 may have two or more inner holes 303, each with a different function, which can be set as needed. In this embodiment, the proximal end of the curved segment 1 can be used to connect a handle for operation by the doctor. In this embodiment, the proximal end is the end closer to the control handle, and the distal end is the end closer to the imaging component. In this embodiment, the axial direction refers to the axis direction.

[0041] like Figures 2-7In this embodiment, the distal end of the adjacent segment 3 is provided with an axially offset outer step surface 301 and an inner step surface 302. The outer step surface 301 intersects with the outer wall surface of the adjacent segment 3, and the inner step surface 302 intersects with the wall surface of the inner hole 303. The outer periphery of the outer step surface 301 matches the outer periphery of the proximal end face of the protective tube 2. It can be understood that the axial offset in this embodiment means that the outer step surface 301 and the inner step surface 302 do not coincide in the axial direction of the adjacent segment 3, and there is a certain distance between them. When the adjacent segment 3, the curved segment 1, and the protective tube 2 are cylindrical, the outer step surface 301 and the inner step surface 302 can both be annular surfaces. In this embodiment, the outer periphery refers to the outer circle and the area close to the outer circle. In this embodiment, the matching means that the two objects have the same or approximately the same shape and size, and the two objects can overlap and contact each other, or the two objects have a small gap between them and are approximately overlapping. For example, in this embodiment, the outer peripheral shape and size of the outer step surface 301 can be the same as or approximately the same as the outer peripheral shape and size of the proximal end face of the protective tube 2. When they are approximately the same, their dimensions are within the allowable tolerance range, and the proximal end face of the protective tube 2 and the outer step surface 301 are in contact and overlap or approximately overlap. The protective tube 2 corresponds to the outer step surface 301, thereby allowing the outer diameter of the protective tube 2 to be the same as or approximately the same as the outer diameter of the outer step surface 301 by controlling the wall thickness of the protective tube 2. This achieves a smooth connection between the outer wall of the protective tube 2 and the adjacent segment 3, solving many problems caused by the step difference at the connection point and improving patient comfort.

[0042] In one embodiment, the difference between the outer diameter of the outer stepped surface 301 and the outer diameter of the protective tube 2 is less than 0.05 mm. In this embodiment, the difference can be 0, meaning the outer diameter of the outer stepped surface 301 and the outer diameter of the protective tube 2 can be the same; or the difference can be greater than 0 and less than 0.05 mm, and the difference is sufficiently small. In this case, after connection, there can be no or almost no step difference between the outer wall of the protective tube 2 and the outer wall of the adjacent segment 3, improving patient comfort. However, this is not the only possibility; depending on the actual situation, the difference between the outer diameter of the outer stepped surface 301 and the outer diameter of the protective tube 2 can also be equal to or slightly greater than 0.05 mm.

[0043] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2 The outer step surface 301 is located at the far end of the inner step surface 302, that is, the inner step surface 302 is located between the outer step surface 301 and the handle. At this time, an axial misalignment can be formed between the outer step surface 301 and the inner step surface 302. The radial dimension of the outer step surface 301 provides the wall thickness accommodation space for the protective tube 2, thereby realizing that the outer diameter of the protective tube 2 is consistent with the outer diameter of the outer step surface 301, achieving zero or slight step difference at the connection position.

[0044] In one embodiment, when the outer step surface 301 is located at the distal end of the inner step surface 302, the adjacent segment 3 may include a tube body 31. The distal end of the tube body 31 has a groove communicating with the inner hole 303. The bottom surface of the groove is the inner step surface 302, and the distal end face of the tube body 31 is the outer step surface 301. The distal end face of the tube body 31 matches the proximal end face of the protective tube 2. The proximal end of the bent segment 1 is inserted into the groove and connected to the tube body 31. The proximal end face of the bent segment 1 matches the bottom surface of the groove. The proximal end of the bent segment 1 is inserted into the groove because the bent segment 1 has high strength; its insertion into the groove increases the strength of the connection between the bent segment 1 and the adjacent segment 3. Furthermore, the insertion of the proximal end of the bent segment 1 into the groove facilitates manufacturing; during manufacturing, the bent segment 1 is first inserted into the groove to form an interconnection between the bent segment 1 and the adjacent segment 3. In one embodiment, the outer wall surface of the curved segment 1 can be bonded and fixed to the groove wall surface, and / or the proximal end face of the curved segment 1 can be bonded and fixed to the bottom surface of the groove. Since positioning is already established between the two during connection, there will be no displacement issue, resulting in higher connection precision and avoiding step differences caused by displacement during connection. In this embodiment, the step difference refers to the portion with a drop at the connection point between the two connected objects, and this drop is in the shape of a step.

[0045] In one embodiment, such as Figures 3-7 The outer step surface 301 is located near the inner step surface 302, meaning the outer step surface 301 is located between the inner step surface 302 and the handle. This also allows for an axial misalignment between the outer step surface 301 and the inner step surface 302. The radial dimension of the outer step surface 301 provides space for the wall thickness of the protective tube 2, thus ensuring that the outer diameter of the protective tube 2 matches the outer diameter of the outer step surface 301, achieving zero or minimal step difference at the connection point.

[0046] In one embodiment, such as Figure 3 , Figure 4 When the outer step surface 301 is located near the proximal end of the inner step surface 302, the adjacent segment 3 includes a tube body 31. The distal end face of the tube body 31 is provided with a protruding connecting shaft segment 32. The distal end face of the connecting shaft segment 32 is the inner step surface 302, and the exposed portion of the distal end face of the tube body 31 is the outer step surface 301. The insertion structure also includes a first connecting sleeve 4, which is located between the tube body 31 and the protective tube 2 and is sleeved on the connecting shaft segment 32. The length of the first connecting sleeve 4 is greater than the length of the connecting shaft segment 32. The proximal end face of the first connecting sleeve 4 matches the outer step surface 301, and the distal end face of the first connecting sleeve 4 matches the proximal end face of the protective tube 2. The proximal end of the bent segment 1 is inserted into the first connecting sleeve 4, and the proximal end face of the bent segment 1 matches the distal end face of the connecting shaft segment 32.

[0047] It is understood that in this embodiment, the exposed portion of the distal end face of the tube body 31 is the portion not covered by the connecting shaft segment 32. In this embodiment, the length of the first connecting sleeve 4 is greater than the length of the connecting shaft segment 32. The proximal end of the bent segment 1 can be inserted into the first connecting sleeve 4. Because the bent segment 1 has high strength, its insertion into the first connecting sleeve 4 can increase the strength of the connection between the bent segment 1 and the adjacent segment 3. During connection, the first connecting sleeve 4 is first placed on the connecting shaft segment 32, and then the bent segment 1 is inserted into the first connecting sleeve 4. The insertion of the bent segment 1 into the first connecting sleeve 4 can form a mutual positioning between the bent segment 1 and the adjacent segment 3. There will be no displacement problem between the bent segment 1 and the adjacent segment 3 during connection, resulting in higher connection accuracy and avoiding segment differences caused by displacement during connection. In this embodiment, the proximal end face of the first connecting sleeve 4 matches the outer step surface 301, meaning the shape and size of the proximal end face of the first connecting sleeve 4 are the same as or approximately the same as the shape and size of the outer step surface 301. The proximal end face of the first connecting sleeve 4 and the outer step surface 301 can overlap or have a small gap and are approximately overlapping. In one embodiment, the inner wall surface of the first connecting sleeve 4 can be bonded to the outer circumferential surface of the connecting shaft segment 32, and the outer wall surface of the bent segment 1 can be bonded to the inner wall surface of the first connecting sleeve 4; and / or, the proximal end face of the first connecting sleeve 4 can be bonded to the outer step surface 301, the proximal end face of the protective tube 2 can be bonded to the distal end face of the first connecting sleeve 4, and the proximal end face of the bent segment 1 can be bonded to the distal end face of the connecting shaft segment 32. In some application scenarios, the connection between the bent segment 1, the protective tube 2, the first connecting sleeve 4, and the adjacent segment 3 can also be fixed by other means, such as welding or interference fit, etc.

[0048] In the aforementioned embodiments, the material of the first connecting sleeve 4 can be the same as or different from the material of the protective tube 2 and the tube body 31. The first connecting sleeve 4 can be made of a harder material to increase the strength of the connection, thus improving the stability of the connection between the bent section 1 and the adjacent section 3. In some embodiments, the first connecting sleeve 4 can be made of a harder plastic or metal material. In this embodiment, the difference between any two of the outer diameters of the outer step surface 301, the first connecting sleeve 4, and the protective tube 2 can be less than 0.05 mm. In this embodiment, the difference can be 0, meaning the outer diameters of the outer step surface 301, the first connecting sleeve 4, and the protective tube 2 can be the same; or the difference can be greater than 0 and less than 0.05 mm. In this case, after connection, there can be no or almost no step difference between the outer walls of the protective tube 2, the first connecting sleeve 4, and the adjacent section 3, improving patient comfort. However, this is not the only possibility; depending on the actual situation, the difference between the outer diameters of the outer step surface 301, the first connecting sleeve 4, and the protective tube 2 can also be equal to or slightly greater than 0.05 mm.

[0049] In another embodiment, such as Figure 5 , Figure 6When the outer step surface 301 is located near the proximal end of the inner step surface 302, the adjacent segment 3 includes a tube body 31. The distal end face of the tube body 31 is provided with a protruding connecting shaft segment 32. The distal end face of the connecting shaft segment 32 is the inner step surface 302, and the exposed portion of the distal end face of the tube body 31 is the outer step surface 301. The insertion structure also includes a second connecting sleeve 5, which is sleeved on the connecting shaft segment 32. The proximal end of the second connecting sleeve 5 is connected to the exposed portion of the distal end face of the tube body 31. The outer diameter of the second connecting sleeve 5 is smaller than the outer diameter of the tube body 31, and the length of the second connecting sleeve 5 is greater than the length of the connecting shaft segment 32. The proximal end of the protective tube 2 covers the second connecting sleeve 5, and the outer periphery of the proximal end face of the protective tube 2 matches the outer periphery of the outer step surface 301. The proximal end of the bent segment 1 is inserted into the second connecting sleeve 5, and the proximal end face of the bent segment 1 matches the distal end face of the connecting shaft segment 32.

[0050] It is understood that in this embodiment, the exposed portion of the distal end face of the tube body 31 is not covered by the connecting shaft segment 32. Since the outer diameter of the second connecting sleeve 5 is smaller than the outer diameter of the tube body 31, the exposed portion of the distal end face of the tube body 31 is not completely covered by the second connecting sleeve 5, leaving an exposed area corresponding to the end face of the protective tube 2. In this embodiment, the length of the second connecting sleeve 5 is greater than the length of the connecting shaft segment 32. The proximal end of the bent segment 1 can be inserted into the second connecting sleeve 5. Because the bent segment 1 has high strength, its insertion into the second connecting sleeve 5 can also increase the strength of the connection between the bent segment 1 and the adjacent segment 3. The insertion of the bent segment 1 into the second connecting sleeve 5 can form a mutual positioning between the bent segment 1 and the adjacent segment 3. During connection, there will be no displacement between the bent segment 1 and the adjacent segment 3, resulting in higher connection accuracy and avoiding segment differences due to displacement during connection. Because the outer diameter of the second connecting sleeve 5 is smaller than the outer diameter of the tube body 31, the protective tube 2 can be directly connected to the tube body 31, reducing assembly steps. During connection, the second connecting sleeve 5 is fitted onto the connecting shaft segment 32, and the bent segment 1 is inserted into the second connecting sleeve 5. The second connecting sleeve 5 is then inserted into the protective tube 2 so that the protective tube 2 covers the second connecting sleeve 5. In one embodiment, the inner wall surface of the second connecting sleeve 5 can be bonded and fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the connecting shaft segment 32, the outer wall surface of the bent segment 1 can be bonded and fixed to the inner wall surface of the second connecting sleeve 5, and the outer circumferential surface of the second connecting sleeve 5 can be bonded and fixed to the inner wall surface of the proximal end of the protective tube 2; and / or, the proximal end face of the second connecting sleeve 5 can be bonded and fixed to the inner circumference of the outer step surface 301, the proximal end face of the protective tube 2 can be bonded and fixed to the outer circumference of the outer step surface 301, and the proximal end face of the bent segment 1 can be bonded and fixed to the distal end face of the connecting shaft segment 32. In some application scenarios, the connection between the bent section 1, the protective tube 2, the second connecting sleeve 5 and the adjacent section 3 can also be fixed by other means, such as welding or interference fit, etc. Alternatively, the second connecting sleeve 5 can be integrally formed and fixed with the tube body 31 when the tube body 31 is manufactured, and the proximal part of the second connecting sleeve 5 is embedded in the tube body 31 to form a fixed structure.

[0051] In the aforementioned embodiments, the material of the second connecting sleeve 5 can be the same as or different from the material of the protective tube 2 and the tube body 31. The second connecting sleeve 5 can be made of a harder material to increase the strength of the connection, thus improving the stability of the connection between the bent section 1 and the adjacent segment 3. In some embodiments, the second connecting sleeve 5 can be made of a harder plastic or metal. When made of metal, the second connecting sleeve 5 can be made thin enough, which facilitates the connection between the protective tube 2 and the tube body 31. Moreover, the protective tube 2 encloses the metal second connecting sleeve 5, forming insulation and preventing potential breakdown when the bent section 1 is also made of metal. In this embodiment, the difference between the outer diameter of the outer step surface 301 and the outer diameter of the protective tube 2 can be less than 0.05 mm. In this embodiment, the difference can be 0, and the outer diameter of the outer step surface 301 and the outer diameter of the protective tube 2 can be the same; or the difference can be greater than 0 and less than 0.05 mm. In this case, after connection, there can be no step difference or almost no step difference between the outer wall of the protective tube 2 and the outer wall of the adjacent segment 3, improving patient comfort. However, this is not the only possibility. Depending on the actual situation, the difference between the outer diameter of the outer step surface 301 and the outer diameter of the protective tube 2 can also be equal to or slightly greater than 0.05 mm.

[0052] In one embodiment, such as Figure 7 When the outer step surface 301 is located near the inner step surface 302, the adjacent section 3 includes a tube body 31. The distal end face of the tube body 31 is provided with a protruding connecting shaft section 32. The distal end face of the connecting shaft section 32 is the inner step surface 302, and the exposed portion of the distal end face of the tube body 31 is the outer step surface 301. The proximal end of the bent section 1 is fitted onto the connecting shaft section 32. The proximal end face of the protective tube 2 matches the outer periphery of the outer step surface 301, and the proximal end face of the bent section 1 matches the inner periphery of the outer step surface 301. Both the protective tube 2 and the bent section 1 correspond to the outer step surface 301, making assembly simpler and faster.

[0053] It is understood that the exposed portion of the distal end face of the tube body 31 is the portion not covered by the connecting shaft segment 32. The proximal end of the bent segment 1 is fitted onto the connecting shaft segment 32, forming a mutual positioning between the bent segment 1 and the adjacent segment 3. During connection, there will be no displacement between the bent segment 1 and the adjacent segment 3, resulting in higher connection precision and avoiding step differences due to displacement during connection. In one embodiment, the inner wall surface of the proximal end of the bent segment 1 can be bonded and fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the connecting shaft segment 32, and / or, the proximal end face of the bent segment 1 and the proximal end face of the protective tube 2 can be bonded and fixed to the outer step surface 301. In some application scenarios, the connection between the bent segment 1, the protective tube 2, and the adjacent segment 3 can also be fixed in other ways, such as an interference fit, where the protective tube 2 is interference-fitted onto the bent segment 1, and the bent segment 1 is interference-fitted onto the connecting shaft segment 32. In this embodiment, the difference between the outer diameter of the outer step surface 301 and the outer diameter of the protective tube 2 can be less than 0.05 mm. In this embodiment, the difference can be 0, meaning the outer diameter of the outer step surface 301 and the outer diameter of the protective tube 2 can be the same; or the difference can be greater than 0 and less than 0.05 mm. In this case, after connection, there can be no or almost no step difference between the outer wall of the protective tube 2 and the outer wall of the adjacent section 3, improving patient comfort. However, this is not the only possibility; depending on the actual situation, the difference between the outer diameter of the outer step surface 301 and the outer diameter of the protective tube 2 can also be equal to or slightly greater than 0.05 mm.

[0054] In one embodiment, the outer step surface 301 and the inner step surface 302 are perpendicular to the axial direction of the adjacent segment 3, and the outer step surface 301 is connected to the proximal end face of the protective tube 2. In this embodiment, the connection between the outer step surface 301 and the proximal end face of the protective tube 2 can be a direct connection or an indirect connection. For example, in an indirect connection, it can be fixed by the aforementioned first connecting sleeve 4. The connection method in this embodiment can be, but is not limited to, adhesive fixing. The perpendicularity of the outer step surface 301 and the inner step surface 302 to the axial direction of the adjacent segment 3 improves the force transmission between the bent segment 1, the protective tube 2, and the adjacent segment 3. In some application scenarios, the outer step surface 301 and the inner step surface 302 can also be inclined surfaces, curved surfaces, bent surfaces, etc., as needed.

[0055] In one embodiment, the curved section 1 also has an axially penetrating inner hole. The number of inner holes can be set as needed, for example, one, two, three, etc. In one application scenario, when both the curved section 1 and the adjacent section 3 have an inner hole, the inner hole diameter of the curved section 1 can be the same as or approximately the same as the inner hole diameter of the adjacent section 3. In this case, after connection, there can be no step difference or almost no step difference between the inner wall of the curved section 1 and the inner wall of the adjacent section 3, making the traction wire in the insertion structure run more smoothly and without bending resistance due to the step difference in the inner wall, thus improving the comfort of the doctor.

[0056] In one embodiment, such as Figure 8, Figure 9 The insertion structure also includes a heat-shrinkable sleeve 6, which wraps around the connection between the protective tube 2, the bent section 1, and the adjacent section 3. The heat-shrinkable sleeve 6 further increases the stability of the connection between the bent section 1 and the adjacent section 3. Moreover, the heat-shrinkable sleeve 6 is made of heat-shrinkable material, allowing for a sufficiently thin wall, preventing any step difference in the outer wall of the insertion structure due to its presence. Simultaneously, when the first connecting sleeve 4 and the second connecting sleeve 5 are made of metal, the heat-shrinkable sleeve 6 also provides insulation, preventing breakdown and improving the safety of the connection position.

[0057] The endoscope insertion structure provided in the above embodiment has an outer stepped surface 301 and an inner stepped surface 302 at the distal end of the adjacent segment 3. The protective tube 2 corresponds to the outer stepped surface 301. Therefore, by controlling the wall thickness of the protective tube 2, the outer diameter of the protective tube 2 can be made the same as or approximately the same as the outer diameter of the outer stepped surface 301, achieving a smooth connection between the outer wall of the protective tube 2 and the adjacent segment 3. This solves many problems caused by step differences at the connection point and improves patient comfort. When a groove is provided, or a first connecting sleeve 4 or a second connecting sleeve 5 is included, positioning during assembly can also be achieved, resulting in higher connection accuracy and avoiding step differences caused by displacement during connection.

[0058] Please see Figures 1 to 9 This application also provides an endoscope, including: a handle, and an insertion structure as described above, wherein the handle is connected to the proximal end of the adjacent segment 3.

[0059] It is understood that the insertion structure in this embodiment is the same as that in the above embodiments, and will not be described again here. In some embodiments, the endoscope in this embodiment may also include an imaging component, which is directly mounted at the distal end of the curved section 1, or mounted at the distal end of the curved section 1 via a mounting member. The bending angle of the curved section 1 can be controlled by a handle to adjust the visible area of ​​the imaging component within the body, facilitating surgery or examination. The endoscope in this embodiment may also be provided with other functional structures or components as needed, which will not be described in detail here.

[0060] In the endoscope provided in the above embodiment, the insertion structure has an outer stepped surface 301 and an inner stepped surface 302 at the distal end of the adjacent segment 3. The protective tube 2 corresponds to the outer stepped surface 301. Therefore, by controlling the wall thickness of the protective tube 2, the outer diameter of the protective tube 2 can be made the same as or approximately the same as the outer diameter of the outer stepped surface 301, achieving a smooth connection between the outer wall of the protective tube 2 and the adjacent segment 3. This solves many problems caused by step differences at the connection point and improves patient comfort. Simultaneously, the axial offset of the outer stepped surface 301 and the inner stepped surface 302 improves the stability of the connection between the adjacent segment 3 and the curved segment 1.

[0061] The above examples illustrate this application only to aid understanding and are not intended to limit its scope. Those skilled in the art to which this application pertains can make various simple deductions, modifications, or substitutions based on the ideas presented.

Claims

1. An endoscope insertion structure, characterized in that, include: The curved section is used to adjust the visible area of ​​the endoscope within the body; The protective tube is sleeved on the curved section; The adjacent segment is connected to the proximal end of the curved segment. The adjacent segment is provided with at least one axially penetrating inner hole. The distal end of the adjacent segment is provided with an axially offset outer step surface and an inner step surface. The outer step surface intersects with the outer wall surface of the adjacent segment, and the inner step surface intersects with the hole wall surface of the inner hole. The outer periphery of the outer step surface matches the outer periphery of the proximal end face of the protective tube.

2. The endoscope insertion structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The outer step surface is located on the far end side of the inner step surface.

3. The endoscope insertion structure as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The adjacent section includes a pipe body, the distal end of which is provided with a groove, the groove communicating with the inner hole, the bottom surface of the groove being the inner stepped surface, and the distal end face of the pipe body being the outer stepped surface; The distal end face of the tube body matches the proximal end face of the protective tube, the proximal end of the bent section is inserted into the groove and connected to the tube body, and the proximal end face of the bent section matches the bottom surface of the groove.

4. The endoscope insertion structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The outer step surface is located on the proximal side of the inner step surface.

5. The endoscope insertion structure as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The adjacent segment includes a tube body, the distal end face of which is provided with a protruding connecting shaft segment, the distal end face of which is the inner stepped surface, and the exposed portion of the distal end face of the tube body is the outer stepped surface; the insertion structure further includes a first connecting sleeve, which is located between the tube body and the protective tube and is sleeved on the connecting shaft segment, the length of the first connecting sleeve being greater than the length of the connecting shaft segment; The proximal end face of the first connecting sleeve matches the outer step surface, the distal end face of the first connecting sleeve matches the proximal end face of the protective tube, the proximal end of the bent section is inserted into the first connecting sleeve, and the proximal end face of the bent section matches the distal end face of the connecting shaft section.

6. The endoscope insertion structure as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The adjacent segment includes a tube body, the distal end face of which is provided with a protruding connecting shaft segment, the distal end face of which is the inner stepped surface, and the exposed portion of the distal end face of the tube body is the outer stepped surface; the insertion structure further includes a second connecting sleeve, which is sleeved on the connecting shaft segment, the outer diameter of the second connecting sleeve is smaller than the outer diameter of the tube body, and the length of the second connecting sleeve is greater than the length of the connecting shaft segment; The proximal end of the protective tube covers the second connecting sleeve, and the outer periphery of the proximal end face of the protective tube matches the outer periphery of the outer step surface. The proximal end of the curved section is inserted into the second connecting sleeve, and the proximal end face of the curved section matches the distal end face of the connecting shaft section.

7. The endoscope insertion structure as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The adjacent segment includes a tube body, the distal end face of which is provided with a protruding connecting shaft segment, the distal end face of which is the inner stepped surface, and the exposed portion of the distal end face of the tube body is the outer stepped surface; the proximal end of the curved segment is sleeved on the connecting shaft segment. The proximal end face of the protective tube matches the outer periphery of the outer step surface, and the proximal end face of the curved section matches the inner periphery of the outer step surface.

8. The endoscope insertion structure as described in any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The outer step surface and the inner step surface are perpendicular to the axial direction of the adjacent segment, and the outer step surface is connected to the proximal end face of the protective tube.

9. The endoscope insertion structure as described in any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The insertion structure also includes a heat-shrinkable sleeve, which wraps around the connection between the protective tube, the bent section, and the adjacent section.

10. The endoscope insertion structure as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The difference between the outer diameter of the outer step surface and the outer diameter of the protective tube is less than or equal to 0.05 mm.

11. The endoscope insertion structure as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The difference between any two of the outer diameters of the outer step surface, the first connecting sleeve, and the protective tube is less than or equal to 0.05 mm.

12. The endoscope insertion structure as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The difference between the outer diameter of the outer step surface and the outer diameter of the protective tube is less than or equal to 0.05 mm.

13. The endoscope insertion structure as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The difference between the outer diameter of the outer step surface and the outer diameter of the protective tube is less than or equal to 0.05 mm.

14. An endoscope, characterized in that, include: The handle, and the insertion structure as described in any one of claims 1-13, wherein the handle is connected to the proximal end of the adjacent segment.

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