Relay image conversion structure for endoscope

Abstract

The application provides a relay image conversion structure for an endoscope, which comprises a first relay assembly, two groups of second relay assemblies and a plurality of short mirror tubes; one end of one group of second relay assemblies is connected to the first relay assembly through a short mirror tube, and the other end is connected to the other group of second relay assemblies through a short mirror tube; the lengths of the first relay assembly and the second relay assemblies are different. The structure makes the dispersed relay image conversion system form an integral whole before being assembled into the endoscope inner tube, thereby reducing the assembly difficulty of the endoscope inner tube, cutting the work task, eliminating the wrong assembly and improving the assembly efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of endoscopic optical endoscopes, and more particularly to a relay image transfer structure for endoscopes. Background Technology

[0002] The internal structure of an endoscope mainly consists of an objective lens system, a relay image transfer system, and an eyepiece system. The relay image transfer system, composed of multiple rod lenses and spacers of varying sizes, is the longest in axial dimension and plays a crucial role in transmitting images within the system. With advancements in manufacturing technology and the development of minimally invasive surgery, endoscope tubes have become increasingly slender. However, internal lens requirements are constrained by design needs and rod lens manufacturing processes; the thinner the endoscope tube, the more rod lenses are needed, leading to increasingly stringent requirements for internal assembly procedures.

[0003] The current mainstream endoscope assembly process involves sequentially installing the lenses according to design requirements. This process has three major challenges: (1) Difficulty in assembling components: Inside the endoscope tube, the relay steering system is a whole, but before the endoscope is installed, the components are scattered, making it difficult to install them sequentially, especially for small short spacers. (2) High rework costs due to lens contamination: Especially for the key imaging lenses, once they are dirty, the image will be obscured, which is completely unacceptable. It is necessary to empty all the lenses from the inner tube and check the cleanliness of each lens surface. If there is dirt on the rod lens, it will affect the image quality, resulting in shadows in some parts of the image. (3) There is a high possibility of assembly errors: During the assembly of the endoscope tube, especially the rods of the relay steering system, there are many rods, and the design of the rods has the requirement of the direction of insertion. Once a rod is installed incorrectly, the endoscope image will be abnormal and cannot be displayed. Moreover, during the assembly process, it is impossible to confirm whether the assembly is correct or not. Only after the assembly is completely completed can the assembly be confirmed by whether there is a normal image. If an error occurs, all rods need to be emptied, the error is corrected, and then reassembled. The longer and thinner the endoscope, the more stringent the tolerance control of the inner diameter of the tube and the internal lens, and the low strength of the tube. Repeated assembly and disassembly will lead to abnormal risks of lens damage and tube bending.

[0004] Therefore, current relay image transfer systems for assembling endoscopes, especially for slender endoscopes, suffer from low production efficiency, low yield, and an increase in defective and scrapped parts. Utility Model Content

[0005] One of the purposes of this application is to provide a relay image transfer structure for endoscopes, which aims to solve the problem of difficult assembly of the relay image transfer system for endoscopes.

[0006] The technical solution of this application is:

[0007] An endoscopic relay image conversion structure includes a first relay component, two sets of second relay components, and multiple short endoscope tubes; one end of one set of second relay components is connected to the first relay component through the short endoscope tubes, and the other end is connected to the other set of second relay components through the short endoscope tubes; the first relay component and the second relay components have different lengths.

[0008] As one technical solution of this application, the first relay component includes multiple sets of rod lens assemblies, multiple long spacers, and a first endoscope tube; adjacent sets of rod lens assemblies are connected by the long spacers, and the rod lens assemblies and the long spacers are all installed in the inner cavity of the first endoscope tube, and the rod lens assemblies at both ends of the first endoscope tube extend out of the end of the first endoscope tube.

[0009] As one technical solution of this application, a first injection hole is provided at both ends of the first lens tube, and the rod lens assembly is fixed in the first lens tube by injecting ultraviolet glue into the first injection hole.

[0010] As one technical solution of this application, the rod lens assembly includes three, five, or seven groups, and the long spacers include two, four, or six.

[0011] As one technical solution of this application, the rod lens assembly includes a short spacer and two rod lenses, each rod lens being formed by bonding a cemented rod lens and a cemented lens; the two rod lenses face each other and are respectively installed on opposite sides of the short spacer, and one side of the short spacer is connected to one of the cemented lenses, and the other opposite side is connected to the other cemented lens.

[0012] As one technical solution of this application, the second relay component includes multiple sets of rod lens assemblies, multiple long spacers, and a second endoscope tube; adjacent sets of rod lens assemblies are connected by the long spacers, and the rod lens assemblies and the long spacers are all installed in the inner cavity of the second endoscope tube, with the rod lens assemblies at both ends of the second endoscope tube extending out of the end of the second endoscope tube.

[0013] As one technical solution of this application, a second injection hole is provided at both ends of the second endoscope tube, and the rod lens assembly is fixed in the second endoscope tube by injecting ultraviolet glue into the second injection hole.

[0014] As one technical solution of this application, the rod lens assembly includes two sets, and the long spacer includes two.

[0015] As one technical solution of this application, the rod lens assembly includes a short spacer and two rod lenses, each rod lens being formed by bonding a cemented rod lens and a cemented lens; the two rod lenses face each other and are respectively installed on opposite sides of the short spacer, and one side of the short spacer is connected to one of the cemented lenses, and the other opposite side is connected to the other cemented lens.

[0016] As one technical solution of this application, the short endoscope tube includes a short outer tube and a long spacer; the long spacer is installed in the inner cavity of the short outer tube; a third injection hole is provided at both ends of the short outer tube; by injecting ultraviolet glue into the third injection hole, the ends of the first relay component and the ends of the second relay component are respectively fixed to the two ends of the short outer tube.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this application are:

[0018] In the endoscopic relay image transfer structure of this application, the dispersed relay image transfer system is assembled into a whole before being inserted into the endoscope inner tube. This effectively reduces the assembly difficulty of the endoscope inner tube, divides the work tasks, eliminates incorrect assembly, and improves assembly efficiency. Simultaneously, by assembling the dispersed relay image transfer system into a whole before insertion into the endoscope inner tube, this structure improves the tube strength and bending resistance of the endoscope, especially long and narrow endoscopes. Furthermore, for rigid endoscopes of different types but the same diameter, this structure allows for the use of relay image transfer components of different sizes in different endoscopes, ensuring design consistency and component material versatility, improving production efficiency, and broadening its applicability. This design also reduces the difficulty of customization, allowing the tube length to be set according to customer needs, further expanding its applicability. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, 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 application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an endoscopic relay image transfer structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0021] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the first relay component provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 3 A schematic diagram showing the connection of the short endoscope tube provided in the embodiments of this application to the first relay component and the second relay component.

[0023] Icons: 1-First relay assembly; 2-Second relay assembly; 3-Short lens tube; 4-Long spacer; 5-First lens tube; 6-First injection hole; 7-Short spacer; 8-Cemented rod lens; 9-Cemented lens; 10-Second lens tube; 11-Second injection hole; 12-Short outer tube; 13-Third injection hole. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can typically be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0025] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this application provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0026] 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.

[0027] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "upper" and "lower" 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 utility model product is usually placed during use. They are only used to facilitate the description of this application and to simplify 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0028] Furthermore, in this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above or below" the first feature may include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Moreover, "above," "over," and "on" the first feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the first feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0029] Furthermore, terms such as "horizontal" and "vertical" do not imply that components must be absolutely horizontal or suspended, but rather that they can be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" simply means that its direction is more horizontal than "vertical," and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted.

[0030] In the description of this application, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "set up," "connected," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0031] Example:

[0032] Please refer to Figure 1 (Refer to) Figures 2 to 3 This application provides an endoscope relay image transfer structure, which mainly includes a first relay component 1, two sets of second relay components 2, and multiple short endoscope tubes 3; one end of one set of second relay components 2 is connected to the first relay component 1 through a short endoscope tube 3, and the other end is connected to another set of second relay components 2 through a short endoscope tube 3; the first relay component 1 and the second relay components 2 have the same structure, but the number of rod endoscope components in the two are different, and the lengths of the first endoscope tube 5 and the second endoscope tube 10 are different.

[0033] Furthermore, the first relay assembly 1 includes multiple sets of rod lens assemblies, multiple long spacers 4, and a first lens tube 5; adjacent sets of rod lens assemblies are connected by long spacers 4, and both the rod lens assemblies and long spacers 4 are installed in the inner cavity of the first lens tube 5, with the rod lens assemblies at both ends of the first lens tube 5 extending beyond the ends of the first lens tube 5. Each rod lens assembly includes a short spacer 7 and two rod lenses, each rod lens being formed by bonding a cemented rod lens 8 and a cemented lens 9 together; the two rod lenses face each other and are respectively installed on opposite sides of the short spacer 7, with one side of the short spacer 7 connected to one of the cemented lenses 9, and the other opposite side connected to the other cemented lens 9. Meanwhile, a first injection hole 6 is provided at both ends of the first lens tube 5. By injecting ultraviolet glue into the first injection hole 6, the glued rod lens 8 is fixed in the first lens tube 5. The ultraviolet glue is used to position and seal it, and the ends of the glued rod lens 8 extend beyond the ends of the first lens tube 5.

[0034] It should be noted that in this embodiment, three sets of rod lens assemblies can be used, thus ensuring the accuracy of assembling the first relay assembly 1. In other embodiments, five or seven sets can also be used, and the quantity and structure are not limited to those in this embodiment. Two long spacers 4 can be used, and in other embodiments, four or six can also be used, and the quantity and structure are not limited to those in this embodiment.

[0035] Furthermore, the second relay assembly 2 includes multiple sets of rod lens assemblies, multiple long spacers 4, and a second lens tube 10; adjacent sets of rod lens assemblies are connected by long spacers 4, and both the rod lens assemblies and long spacers 4 are installed in the inner cavity of the second lens tube 10. The rod lens assemblies at both ends of the second lens tube 10 extend beyond the ends of the second lens tube 10 to facilitate the assembly of subsequent structures. Each rod lens assembly includes a short spacer 7 and two rod lenses, each rod lens being formed by bonding a cemented rod lens 8 and a cemented lens 9 together; the two rod lenses face each other and are respectively installed on opposite sides of the short spacer 7, with one side of the short spacer 7 connected to one of the cemented lenses 9, and the other opposite side connected to the other cemented lens 9. Meanwhile, a second glue injection hole 11 is provided at both ends of the second lens tube 10. By injecting ultraviolet glue into the second glue injection hole 11, the glued rod lens 8 is fixed in the second lens tube 10. The ultraviolet glue is used to position and seal it, and the ends of the glued rod lens 8 extend out of the end of the second lens tube 10.

[0036] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the rod lens assembly can use two sets of equal parts, thus ensuring the accuracy of assembling the rod lens assembly into the second relay assembly 2 during assembly. The long spacer ring 4 can use two equal parts, and their quantity and structural form are not limited to those in this embodiment.

[0037] Furthermore, the short endoscope tube 3 includes a short outer tube 12 and a long spacer 4; the long spacer 4 is installed in the inner cavity of the short outer tube 12; a third injection hole 13 is provided at both ends of the short outer tube 12; by injecting ultraviolet glue into the third injection hole 13, the glued rod-shaped lens 8 at the end of the first relay component 1 and the glued rod-shaped lens 8 at the end of the second relay component 2 are respectively fixed to the two ends of the short outer tube 12, and the ultraviolet glue is used to position and seal them, so that the assembled first relay component 1 and second relay component 2 are further assembled into a whole through the short endoscope tube 3, thereby effectively reducing the assembly difficulty of the endoscope inner tube, dividing the work tasks, eliminating incorrect assembly, and improving assembly efficiency.

[0038] It should be noted that the outer diameter of the short outer tube 12 is the same as that of the first endoscope tube 5 and the second endoscope tube 10, and the outer diameter of the endoscope in the short outer tube 12 is the same as that of the long spacer 4. First relay components 1 and second relay components 2 of different lengths are sequentially installed at both ends of the short endoscope tube 3, positioned by the long spacer 4 inside the short endoscope tube 3, and sealed using UV adhesive. Depending on the application requirements of the endoscope, different sizes of relay image transfer systems can be achieved by using different numbers of first relay components 1 and second relay components 2, ensuring design consistency and material versatility. This design disassembles, assembles, and finally forms a unified, sealed relay image transfer system from a dispersed, numerous component system located outside the endoscope. This design facilitates assembly, reduces errors, and improves production efficiency.

[0039] The first lens tube 5 and the second lens tube 10 have different lengths, and both are capillary stainless steel tubes with a wall thickness not exceeding 0.1 mm, typically 0.06 mm, to ensure that their thickness does not affect the field of view of the optical path. Since the rod lens assembly is already oriented during assembly, the first relay assembly 1 and the second relay assembly 2 do not require directional control and can be installed either way, reducing the difficulty of subsequent assembly.

[0040] In summary, the endoscopic relay image transfer structure of this application assembles the dispersed relay image transfer systems into a single unit before insertion into the endoscope inner tube. This effectively reduces the assembly difficulty of the endoscope inner tube, divides the work tasks, eliminates incorrect assembly, and improves assembly efficiency. Simultaneously, by assembling the dispersed relay image transfer systems into a single unit before insertion into the endoscope inner tube, this structure improves the tube strength and bending resistance of endoscopes, especially long and narrow ones. Furthermore, for rigid endoscopes of different types but the same diameter, this structure allows for the use of relay image transfer components of different sizes in various endoscopes, ensuring design consistency and component material versatility, improving production efficiency, and broadening its applicability. This design also reduces the difficulty of customization, allowing the tube length to be set according to customer needs, further expanding its applicability.

[0041] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A relay image conversion structure for an endoscope, characterized in that, It includes a first relay assembly, two sets of second relay assemblies, and multiple short endoscope tubes; one end of one set of second relay assemblies is connected to the first relay assembly through the short endoscope tube, and the other end is connected to the other set of second relay assemblies through the short endoscope tube; the first relay assembly and the second relay assemblies have different lengths; the first relay assembly includes multiple sets of rod endoscope assemblies, multiple long spacers, and a first endoscope tube; adjacent sets of rod endoscope assemblies are connected by the long spacers, and the rod endoscope assemblies and the long spacers are all installed in the inner cavity of the first endoscope tube, and the rod endoscope assemblies at both ends of the first endoscope tube extend beyond the end of the first endoscope tube.

2. The endoscopic relay image conversion structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first end of the first endoscope tube has a first injection hole at each end. The rod lens assembly is fixed in the first endoscope tube by injecting ultraviolet glue into the first injection hole.

3. The endoscopic relay image conversion structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rod lens assembly includes three, five, or seven groups, and the long spacers include two, four, or six.

4. The endoscopic relay image conversion structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rod lens assembly includes a short spacer and two rod lenses. Each rod lens is formed by bonding a cemented rod lens and a cemented lens. The two rod lenses face each other and are respectively installed on opposite sides of the short spacer. One side of the short spacer is connected to one of the cemented lenses, and the other opposite side is connected to the other cemented lens.

5. The endoscopic relay image conversion structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second relay assembly includes multiple sets of rod lens assemblies, multiple long spacers, and a second endoscope tube; adjacent sets of rod lens assemblies are connected by the long spacers, and the rod lens assemblies and the long spacers are all installed in the inner cavity of the second endoscope tube, with the rod lens assemblies at both ends of the second endoscope tube extending out of the end of the second endoscope tube.

6. The endoscopic relay image conversion structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second end of the lens tube has a second injection hole at each end. The rod lens assembly is fixed in the second lens tube by injecting ultraviolet glue into the second injection hole.

7. The endoscopic relay image conversion structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, The rod lens assembly comprises two sets, and the long spacer comprises two.

8. The endoscopic relay image transfer structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, The rod lens assembly includes a short spacer and two rod lenses. Each rod lens is formed by bonding a cemented rod lens and a cemented lens. The two rod lenses face each other and are respectively installed on opposite sides of the short spacer. One side of the short spacer is connected to one of the cemented lenses, and the other opposite side is connected to the other cemented lens.

9. The endoscopic relay image conversion structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The short endoscope tube includes a short outer tube and a long spacer; the long spacer is installed in the inner cavity of the short outer tube; a third injection hole is provided at both ends of the short outer tube; by injecting ultraviolet glue into the third injection hole, the ends of the first relay component and the ends of the second relay component are respectively fixed to the two ends of the short outer tube.

Images