A tubular assembly and an endoscope

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of medical device technology, and provides a tube assembly and an endoscope. The tube assembly includes a snake-shaped tube, an insertion tube, and a connecting tube. The snake-shaped tube is used to guide the direction of insertion movement, the insertion tube is used to push the snake-shaped tube to move, and the connecting tube has a first end and a second end along the axial direction. The first end of the connecting tube is connected to the snake-shaped tube, and the second end of the connecting tube is connected to the insertion tube. In this way, the connection relationship between the connecting tube and the snake-shaped tube and the insertion tube can be adjusted according to the diameter relationship between the snake-shaped tube and the insertion tube, realizing the connection of snake-shaped tubes and insertion tubes with different size relationships, simplifying the connection method of snake-shaped tubes and insertion tubes, and reducing production costs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of medical device technology, and in particular to a tube assembly and an endoscope. Background Technology

[0002] An endoscope is a commonly used medical device. During use, the endoscope is inserted into the patient's body through natural openings or surgical incisions. Once the endoscope is guided to the organ to be examined, the doctor can directly visualize the lesions in that area. Endoscopes play a crucial role in surgical procedures to provide a clear and intuitive understanding of the lesion site and improve the accuracy of diagnosis.

[0003] The relevant endoscope includes a handle, insertion tube, skeleton, and tip. The skeleton and insertion tube are usually made of two different materials, and the two parts need to be connected by structural components to ensure product performance. The skeleton is usually made by cutting and machining metal tubes, and a few are made by injection molding plastic parts. The insertion tube is made of multi-layer composite tube. The metal skeleton and multi-layer composite insertion tube are generally connected by transparent injection molding parts or metal sleeves combined with adhesive.

[0004] The injection molding process for plastic injection molded parts has limitations. Sufficient wall thickness is required to guarantee a high yield rate in mass production. This can lead to components having an outer diameter that is too large or an inner diameter that is too small, failing to meet production or product performance requirements. Furthermore, due to the different materials and wall thicknesses of the serpentine frame and the insert tube, both the inner and outer diameters differ. Metal sleeves cannot achieve a proper connection transition, and using stamping flaring or turning processes would result in excessively high costs, hindering mass production. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of this, the present invention provides a tube assembly and an endoscope to solve the technical problem of the difficulty in connecting the snake bone tube and the insertion tube.

[0006] To solve the above problems, the technical solution of this utility model is implemented as follows:

[0007] A tube assembly for use in an endoscope, the tube assembly comprising: a snake-shaped tube for guiding the direction of insertion movement; an insertion tube for actuating the snake-shaped tube; and a connecting tube having opposing first and second ends along an axial direction; wherein the first end of the connecting tube is connected to the snake-shaped tube, and the second end of the connecting tube is connected to the insertion tube.

[0008] In some embodiments, the inner and outer diameters of the snake-bone tube and the insertion tube are equal; wherein, the first end of the connecting tube is inserted into the snake-bone tube, and the second end of the connecting tube is inserted into the insertion tube; or the first end of the connecting tube is sleeved outside the snake-bone tube, and the second end of the connecting tube is sleeved outside the insertion tube.

[0009] In some embodiments, at least the outer diameter of the snake-bone tube and the outer diameter of the insertion tube are not equal; wherein, the connecting tube includes a first tube body and a second tube body, the second end of the first tube body and the first end of the second tube body are connected, the snake-bone tube is connected to the second end of the first tube body, and the insertion tube is connected to the second end of the second tube body.

[0010] In some embodiments, the second end of the first tube is inserted into the first end of the second tube; or the second end of the first tube is sleeved outside the first end of the second tube.

[0011] In some embodiments, the snake-bone tube is sleeved outside the second end of the first tube body; the insertion tube is inserted inside the second end of the second tube body or the insertion tube is sleeved outside the second end of the second tube body.

[0012] In some embodiments, the snake-bone tube is inserted into the second end of the first tube body; the insertion tube is inserted into the second end of the second tube body or the insertion tube is sleeved outside the second end of the second tube body.

[0013] In some embodiments, a thermoplastic layer is provided on the outside of the tube assembly, and both the snake-bone tube and the connecting tube are metal fittings.

[0014] This utility model embodiment also provides an endoscope, comprising: a tube assembly as described in any of the above embodiments, wherein the tube assembly is assembled by the assembly method described in any of the above embodiments; a tip assembly inserted into one end of the tube assembly near the snake-like tube; and a handle connected to the other end of the tube assembly and at least controlling the operation of the tip assembly.

[0015] In some embodiments, the endoscope further includes a traction device, at least partially located in the internal channel of the tube assembly, one end of the traction device being connected to the snake-like tube and the other end extending to the handle portion to guide at least the movement of the tip assembly.

[0016] In some embodiments, the endoscope further includes a camera assembly mounted on the tip assembly and at least partially exposed on the surface of the tip assembly.

[0017] This utility model provides a tube assembly and endoscope. The tube assembly includes a snake-shaped tube, an insertion tube, and a connecting tube. The snake-shaped tube guides the direction of insertion movement, and the insertion tube propels the snake-shaped tube. The connecting tube has a first end and a second end along the axial direction. The first end of the connecting tube is connected to the snake-shaped tube, and the second end of the connecting tube is connected to the insertion tube. Thus, by setting the connecting tube and adjusting the connection relationship between the connecting tube and the snake-shaped tube, as well as between the connecting tube and the insertion tube, according to the diameter relationship between the snake-shaped tube and the insertion tube, the connection of snake-shaped tubes and insertion tubes with different diameters can be achieved under the connecting action of the connecting tube, simplifying the connection method of the snake-shaped tube and the insertion tube and reducing production costs. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the first assembly method of the tube assembly provided in this utility model embodiment;

[0019] Figure 2 A cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of the first assembly method of the tube assembly provided in the embodiment of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a structural schematic diagram of a second assembly method for the tube assembly provided in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0021] Figure 4 A cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of the second assembly method of the tube assembly provided in the embodiment of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 5 A cross-sectional structural diagram of the third assembly method of the tube assembly provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0023] Figure 6 A cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of the fourth assembly method of the tube assembly provided in this utility model embodiment;

[0024] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the endoscope provided in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0025] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0026] 1. Endoscope; 10. Tube assembly; 20. Tip assembly; 30. Handle; 101. Snake-bone tube; 102. Insertion tube; 103. Connecting tube; 1301. First end of connecting tube; 1302. Second end of connecting tube; 1031. First tube body; 1032. Second tube body. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model.

[0028] The specific technical features described in the specific embodiments can be combined in any suitable manner without contradiction. For example, different combinations of specific technical features can form different embodiments and technical solutions. To avoid unnecessary repetition, the various possible combinations of the specific technical features in this utility model will not be described separately.

[0029] In the following description, the terms "first," "second," and "..." are used merely to distinguish different objects and do not indicate that the objects have the sameness or relationship. It should be understood that the directional descriptions "above," "below," "outside," and "inside" refer to the orientation under normal use conditions, while "left" and "right" refer to the left and right directions shown in the corresponding diagrams, which may or may not be the left and right directions under normal use conditions.

[0030] It should be noted that the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Unless otherwise specified, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element. "A plurality of" means two or more.

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown in the figure, an embodiment of the present invention provides a tube assembly 10, which is applied to an endoscope 1. The tube assembly 10 includes a snake-shaped tube 101, an insertion tube 102, and a connecting tube 103. The snake-shaped tube 101 is bendable and deformable, thereby serving as at least a guide for the direction of insertion movement. The insertion tube 102 is used to transmit the driving force during pushing, thereby enabling the snake-shaped tube 101 to move. The connecting tube 103 has a first end 1301 and a second end 1302 opposite to each other in the axial direction. The first end 1301 of the connecting tube is connected to the snake-shaped tube 101, and the second end 1302 of the connecting tube is connected to the insertion tube 102.

[0032] Understandably, the tube assembly 10 in the endoscope 1 is used to enter the target location in the human body along the natural orifice or surgical opening, and to examine and perform surgery on the target location. The snake-bone tube 101 is flexible within the human body, and the insertion tube 102 propels the snake-bone tube 101 within the human body. The snake-bone tube 101 and the insertion tube 102 are connected at both ends of the connecting tube 103. Along the Z-axis, the connecting tube 103 has a first end 1301 and a second end 1302. The first end 1301 of the connecting tube... The first end 1302 of the connecting tube is inserted into the snake bone tube 101 or sleeved on the outside of the snake bone tube 101. The second end 1302 of the connecting tube is inserted into the insertion tube 102 or sleeved on the outside of the insertion tube 102. The specific connection method can be determined according to the diameter relationship between the connecting tube 103 and the snake bone tube 101 and the insertion tube 102. In this way, the snake bone tube 101 and the insertion tube 102 are directly connected into one unit through the connecting tube 103, simplifying the connection method of the snake bone tube 101 and the insertion tube 102 and reducing the connection difficulty of the tube assembly 10.

[0033] This utility model provides a tube assembly 10, including a snake-bone tube 101, an insertion tube 102, and a connecting tube 103. The snake-bone tube 101 is used to guide the direction of insertion movement, the insertion tube 102 is used to push the snake-bone tube 101 to move, and the connecting tube 103 has a first end and a second end along the axial direction. The first end 1301 of the connecting tube is connected to the snake-bone tube 101, and the second end 1302 of the connecting tube is connected to the insertion tube 102. In this way, by setting the connecting tube 103 and adjusting the connection relationship between the connecting tube 103 and the snake-bone tube 101 and the insertion tube 102 according to the diameter relationship between the snake-bone tube 101 and the insertion tube 102, the connection of snake-bone tubes 101 and insertion tubes 102 with different size relationships can be realized under the connecting action of the connecting tube 103, simplifying the connection method of snake-bone tubes 101 and insertion tubes 102 and reducing production costs.

[0034] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, when connecting the snake-bone tube 101 and the insertion tube 102, which have corresponding equal inner and outer diameters, the first end 1301 of the connecting tube can be inserted into the snake-bone tube 101, and the second end 1302 of the connecting tube can be inserted into the insertion tube 102; or the first end 1301 of the connecting tube can be sleeved outside the snake-bone tube 101, and the second end 1302 of the connecting tube can be sleeved outside the insertion tube 102. Alternatively, the outer diameter of the connecting tube 103 can be smaller than the inner diameter of the snake-bone tube 101 and the insertion tube 102, allowing the two ends of the connecting tube 103 to be inserted into the snake-bone tube 101 and the insertion tube 102 respectively. Or, the inner diameter of the connecting tube 103 can be larger than the outer diameter of the snake-bone tube 101 and the insertion tube 102, allowing the two ends of the connecting tube 103 to be sleeved outside the snake-bone tube 101 and the insertion tube 102 respectively. This connection method offers good flexibility.

[0035] Understandably, when the inner and outer diameters of the snake-bone tube 101 and the insertion tube 102 are equal, the connecting tube 103 has only one body. When the outer diameters of the snake-bone tube 101 and the insertion tube 102 are less than or equal to the inner diameter of the connecting tube 103, the snake-bone tube 101 is inserted into the first end 1301 of the connecting tube, and the insertion tube 102 is inserted into the second end 1302 of the connecting tube. The ends of the snake-bone tube 101 and the insertion tube 102 abut against each other inside the connecting tube 103 (see reference). Figure 2 When the inner diameters of the snake-bone tube 101 and the insertion tube 102 are greater than or equal to the outer diameter of the connecting tube, the snake-bone tube 101 is sleeved on the outside of the first end 1301 of the connecting tube, and the insertion tube 102 is sleeved on the outside of the second end 1302 of the connecting tube. The ends of the snake-bone tube 101 and the insertion tube 102 abut against each other on the outside of the connecting tube 103. After the connection of the snake-bone tube 101 and the connecting tube 103, and the insertion tube 102 and the connecting tube 103 are completed, the connection is processed to fix the tube assembly 10 into a whole. That is, the connection of the snake-bone tube 101 and the insertion tube 102 can be realized by a single connecting tube 103, simplifying the structure of the connecting tube 103. At the same time, by reducing the wall thickness of a single connecting tube 103, the wall thickness at the connection can be reduced, which makes it easier to reduce the outer diameter of the tube assembly 10 or increase the inner diameter of the tube assembly 10.

[0036] In this embodiment of the utility model, a snake-bone tube 101 and an insertion tube 102 with equal inner and outer diameters are connected as a whole by a single connecting tube 103. The snake-bone tube 101 and the insertion tube 102 can be inserted into the inside of the connecting tube 103 or sleeved on the outside of the connecting tube 103 to complete the connection, reducing the difficulty of the assembly process. At the same time, by limiting the wall thickness of the connecting tube 103, the wall thickness at the connection can be reduced, thereby reducing the outer or inner diameter of the tube assembly 10 and improving the structure of the tube assembly 10.

[0037] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, when connecting the snake-bone tube 101 and the insertion tube 102, which have at least different outer diameters, the connecting tube 103 can be configured to include a first tube body 1031 and a second tube body 1032, with the second end of the first tube body 1031 connected to the first end of the second tube body 1032, the snake-bone tube 101 connected to the first end of the first tube body 1031, and the insertion tube 102 connected to the second end of the second tube body 1032.

[0038] In other words, when the outer diameters of at least the snake-bone tube 101 and the insertion tube 102 are not equal, the connecting tube 103 has two tube bodies, namely, the connecting tube 103 is formed by connecting the first tube body 1031 and the second tube body 1032. Along the Z-axis, the first tube body 1031 and the second tube body 1032 each have a first end and a second end. During the connection of the first tube body 1031 and the second tube body 1032, the second end of the first tube body 1031 is connected to the first end of the second tube body 1032 to form the connecting tube 103. At this time, the first end of the first tube body 1031 is the first end 1301 of the connecting tube, and the second end of the second tube body 1032 is the second end 1302 of the connecting tube. The snake-bone tube 101 is connected to the first end of the first tube body 1031 (the first end 1301 of the connecting tube), and the insertion tube 102 is connected to the second end of the second tube body 1032 (the second end 1302 of the connecting tube). Since the inner and outer diameters of the snake bone tube 101 and the insertion tube 102 are different, there is a radial dimensional difference between the snake bone tube 101 and the insertion tube 102. At this time, the connection of the first tube body 1031 and the second tube body 1032 to form the connecting tube 103 can reduce the dimensional difference between the snake bone tube 101 and the insertion tube 102, so that the snake bone tube 101 and the insertion tube 102 can be smoothly connected, making the appearance of the connection more aesthetically pleasing.

[0039] It should be noted that the tube assembly 10 is usually inserted into the body by the snake bone tube 101. The term "first end" in this article refers to the end of the first tube 1031 and the second tube 1032 that is closer to the snake bone tube 101 along the Z-axis, and "second end" refers to the end of the first tube 1031 and the second tube 1032 that is farther away from the snake bone tube 101 along the Z-axis.

[0040] In this embodiment of the invention, when the outer diameters of the snake-bone tube 101 and the insertion tube 102 are at least unequal, a first tube body 1031 and a second tube body 1032 are provided. A connecting tube 103 is formed by connecting the first tube body 1031 and the second tube body 1032. The snake-bone tube 101 is then connected to the first tube body 1031, and the insertion tube 102 is connected to the second tube body 1032. The connection of the first tube body 1031 and the second tube body 1032 reduces the size difference between the snake-bone tube 101 and the insertion tube 102, allowing for a smooth transition at the connection point and improving the appearance of the product. At the same time, the connection between the snake-bone tube 101 and the insertion tube 102 is tighter, improving the sealing performance at the connection point and optimizing the product's performance.

[0041] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the second end of the first tube 1031 is inserted into the first end of the second tube 1032; or the second end of the first tube 1031 is sleeved outside the first end of the second tube 1032. Understandably, when the outer diameters of the snake-bone tube 101 and the insertion tube 102 are not equal, the connecting tube 103 uses a first tube body 1031 and a second tube body 1032 of different specifications. When the inner diameter of the first tube body 1031 is less than or equal to the outer diameter of the second tube body 1032, the second end of the first tube body 1031 is inserted into the inside of the first end of the second tube body 1032. When the outer diameter of the second tube body 1032 is less than or equal to the inner diameter of the first tube body 1031, the second end of the first tube body 1031 is sleeved on the outside of the first end of the second tube body 1032. After the connection and fixation of the first tube body 1031 and the second tube body 1032 are completed, the snake-bone tube 101 and the insertion tube 102 are connected together through the first tube body 1031 and the second tube body 1032. The connection method is adjusted according to the radial dimensions of the first tube body 1031 and the second tube body 1032, which improves the flexibility of the connecting tube 103 structure.

[0042] According to the dimensional relationship between the first pipe body 1031 and the second pipe body 1032, the connection method of this utility model is adjusted so that the connecting pipe 103 can be used for pipe connections of various sizes, thereby improving the flexibility of the connecting pipe 103 structure and reducing the assembly difficulty.

[0043] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the snake bone tube 101 is sleeved outside the first end of the first tube body 1031, and the insertion tube 102 is inserted inside the second end of the second tube body 1032 or sleeved outside the second end of the second tube body 1032.

[0044] Understandably, when the inner diameter of the snake-bone tube 101 is greater than or equal to the outer diameter of the first tube body 1031, the snake-bone tube 101 is sleeved outside the first end of the first tube body 1031. In this case, the insertion tube 102 and the second tube body 1032 have at least two connection methods: such as... Figure 4 As shown, when the outer diameter of the insertion tube 102 is less than or equal to the inner diameter of the second tube body 1032, the insertion tube 102 is inserted into the second end of the second tube body 1032, and abuts against the second end of the first tube body 1031 inside the second tube body 1032; as Figure 5 As shown, when the inner diameter of the insertion tube 102 is greater than or equal to the outer diameter of the second tube body 1032, the insertion tube 102 is sleeved on the outside of the second end of the second tube body 1032, and the insertion tube 102 abuts against the snake bone tube 101 on the outside of the second tube body 1032.

[0045] It should be noted that the above two connection methods are only examples. Depending on the actual size requirements, the second end of the first tube 1031 can be sleeved on the outside of the second tube 1032 or inserted into the inside of the second tube 1032, as long as the requirements of the snake bone tube 101 and the insertion tube 102 can be met.

[0046] In other embodiments, such as Figure 6 As shown, the snake bone tube 101 is inserted into the first end of the first tube body 1031, and the insertion tube 102 is inserted into the second end of the second tube body 1032 or the insertion tube 102 is sleeved outside the second end of the second tube body 1032.

[0047] Understandably, when the inner diameter of the snake-bone tube 101 is less than or equal to the outer diameter of the first tube body 1031, the snake-bone tube 101 is inserted into the first end of the first tube body 1031. In this case, the insertion tube 102 and the second tube body 1032 have at least two connection methods: such as... Figure 6 As shown, when the outer diameter of the insertion tube 102 is less than or equal to the inner diameter of the second tube body 1032, the insertion tube 102 is inserted into the second end of the second tube body 1032 and abuts against the snake bone tube 101 inside the second tube body 1032; when the inner diameter of the insertion tube 102 is greater than or equal to the outer diameter of the second tube body 1032, the insertion tube 102 is sleeved on the outside of the second end of the second tube body 1032 and abuts against the first tube body 1031 on the outside of the second tube body 1032.

[0048] It should be noted that the above two connection methods are only examples. Depending on the actual size requirements, the second end of the first tube 1031 can be sleeved on the outside of the second tube 1032 or inserted into the inside of the second tube 1032, as long as the requirements of the snake bone tube 101 and the insertion tube 102 can be met.

[0049] This utility model embodiment provides at least four assembly methods for connecting the connecting tube 103 to the insertion tube 102 and the snake bone tube 101. The method can be adjusted according to the actual size relationship between the insertion tube 102 and the second tube body 1032, so as to meet the tube body connection with multiple size relationships, improve the flexibility of the connection structure setting, and reduce the assembly difficulty and production cost.

[0050] In some embodiments, the inner and / or outer rings of the insertion tube 102 are provided with thermoplastic layers, and both the serpentine tube 101 and the connecting tube 103 are metal fittings. It is understood that both the serpentine tube 101 and the connecting tube 103 are metal fittings, and the serpentine tube 101 and the connecting tube 103 can be fixedly connected by welding. The inner and / or outer rings of the insertion tube 102 are provided with thermoplastic layers. When the insertion tube 102 is inserted into the second end 1302 of the connecting tube, the connection position is heated, and the thermoplastic layer of the outer ring of the insertion tube 102 fuses with the metal connecting tube 103. When the insertion tube 102 is sleeved outside the second end 1302 of the connecting tube, the connection position is heated, and the thermoplastic layer of the inner ring of the insertion tube 102 fuses with the metal connecting tube 103. Meanwhile, the metal connecting pipe 103 has strong ductility, making it easy to process the connecting pipe 103 into a thin-walled metal pipe. During the connection process, it will not increase the outer diameter of the pipe assembly 10 connection point, nor will it affect the inner diameter of the pipe assembly 10.

[0051] In this embodiment of the invention, a thermoplastic layer is provided on the inner and / or outer rings of the insertion tube 102, allowing the connecting tube 103 and the insertion tube 102 to be fixedly connected by heating. This reduces the complexity of the connection, simplifies the processing steps, and facilitates production and assembly. Simultaneously, the connecting tube 103 is made of thin-walled metal, minimizing its impact on the dimensions of the connection point of the tube assembly 10 and optimizing product performance.

[0052] This utility model embodiment also provides an assembly method applied to the assembly of the tube assembly 10, the assembly method including:

[0053] Compare the inner and outer diameters of the insertion tube 102 and the snake-bone tube 101 to obtain dimensional comparison information;

[0054] Based on the size comparison information, select the connection method between the insertion tube 102, the snake bone tube 101, and the connecting tube 103;

[0055] After selecting the connection method and completing the initial connection, perform connection processing at the connection points, and then check the assembly quality.

[0056] Understandably, before connecting the snake tube 101 and the insertion tube 102, the dimensional relationship between the insertion tube 102 and the snake tube 101 is compared. Then, the structure of the connecting tube 103 and the connection method with the connecting tube 103 are confirmed through the dimensional comparison information, and a preliminary connection is made. After the preliminary connection is completed, the connection is processed to ensure that the snake tube 101, the insertion tube 102 and the connecting tube 103 are tightly connected. Finally, the connection is further inspected to ensure the reliability of the connection process.

[0057] The assembly method provided in this embodiment of the utility model is based on the size comparison information of the snake tube 101 and the insertion tube 102. According to the size comparison information, a suitable connecting tube 103 and connection method are selected, and then connection processing and assembly inspection are performed. It is applicable to the connection of snake tube 101 and insertion tube 102 with various size relationships, effectively reducing production costs and improving product reliability.

[0058] In some embodiments, based on size comparison information, when the inner and outer diameters of the insertion tube 102 and the snake-bone tube 101 are equal, the first end 1301 of the connecting tube is inserted into or sleeved outside the snake-bone tube 101; the second end 1302 of the connecting tube is inserted into or sleeved outside the insertion tube 102; when at least the outer diameters of the insertion tube 102 and the snake-bone tube 101 are not equal, the connecting tube 103 is configured to include a first tube with a different inner diameter. The first tube 1031 and the second tube 1032 are configured such that, according to the size matching, the second end of the first tube 1031 is inserted into the first end of the second tube 1032 or the second end of the first tube 1031 is sleeved outside the first end of the second tube 1032; and the first end of the first tube 1031 is inserted into the snake bone tube 101 or sleeved outside the snake bone tube 101, and the second end of the second tube 1032 is inserted into the insertion tube 102 or sleeved outside the insertion tube 102.

[0059] Understandably, based on the size comparison information, when the inner and outer diameters of the insertion tube 102 and the snake-bone tube 101 are equal, the connecting tube 103 is a single pipe. The connection methods between the snake-bone tube 101, the insertion tube 102, and the connecting tube 103 are as follows:

[0060] The first connection method: the insertion tube 102 and the snake bone tube 101 are simultaneously sleeved on the outside of the connecting tube 103;

[0061] The second connection method: Insert tube 102 and snake bone tube 101 are simultaneously inserted into connecting tube 103.

[0062] When the outer diameters of at least the insertion tube 102 and the snake-bone tube 101 are not equal, the connecting tube 103 is configured to include a first tube body 1031 and a second tube body 1032 with different inner diameters. There are eight ways to connect the snake-bone tube 101 and the insertion tube 102 to the connecting tube 103:

[0063] The first connection method: the second end of the first tube 1031 is inserted into the first end of the second tube 1032, the snake bone tube 101 is sleeved outside the first end of the first tube 1031, and the insertion tube 102 is sleeved outside the second end of the second tube 1032.

[0064] The second connection method: the second end of the first tube 1031 is inserted into the first end of the second tube 1032, the snake bone tube 101 is sleeved outside the first end of the first tube 1031, and the insertion tube 102 is inserted into the second end of the second tube 1032.

[0065] The third connection method: the second end of the first tube 1031 is inserted into the first end of the second tube 1032, the snake bone tube 101 is inserted into the first end of the first tube 1031, and the insertion tube 102 is sleeved on the outside of the second end of the second tube 1032.

[0066] The fourth connection method: the second end of the first tube 1031 is inserted into the first end of the second tube 1032, the snake bone tube 101 is inserted into the first end of the first tube 1031, and the insertion tube 102 is inserted into the second end of the second tube 1032.

[0067] The fifth connection method: the second end of the first tube 1031 is sleeved outside the first end of the second tube 1032, the snake bone tube 101 is sleeved outside the first end of the first tube 1031, and the insertion tube 102 is sleeved outside the second end of the second tube 1032.

[0068] The sixth connection method: the second end of the first tube 1031 is sleeved outside the first end of the second tube 1032, the snake bone tube 101 is sleeved outside the first end of the first tube 1031, and the insertion tube 102 is inserted into the second end of the second tube 1032.

[0069] The seventh connection method: the second end of the first tube 1031 is sleeved outside the first end of the second tube 1032, the snake bone tube 101 is inserted into the first end of the first tube 1031, and the insertion tube 102 is sleeved outside the second end of the second tube 1032.

[0070] The eighth connection method: the second end of the first tube 1031 is sleeved outside the first end of the second tube 1032, the snake bone tube 101 is inserted into the first end of the first tube 1031, and the insertion tube 102 is inserted into the second end of the second tube 1032.

[0071] This embodiment of the utility model determines the structure of the connecting tube 103 based on the size information of the insertion tube 102 and the snake tube 101. At the same time, it further determines the connection method based on the size comparison information of the connecting tube 103 with the insertion tube 102 and the snake tube 101, so as to satisfy the tight connection between the insertion tube 102 and the snake tube 101 with various size relationships, ensure the reliability of the connection between the insertion tube 102 and the snake tube 101, improve the flexibility of the setting of the connecting tube 103, and reduce the production and assembly cost.

[0072] In some embodiments, the initial connection includes determining coaxiality and overlap length at each connection point using a fixture. Understandably, ensuring coaxiality is paramount in connecting the snake-bone tube 101 and the insertion tube 102 to ensure a smooth internal channel within the tube assembly 10, allowing instruments and liquids to be smoothly transported along the tube assembly 10 to the target location. Simultaneously, since the specifications of the connecting tube 103 need to be determined based on the dimensional relationship between the snake-bone tube 101 and the insertion tube 102, the insertion or fitting distance of the tube also needs to be determined according to the specifications of the tubes during connection, ensuring a tight connection between the snake-bone tube 101 and the insertion tube 102 without affecting the normal operation of the tube assembly 10.

[0073] The connection treatment includes a first connection treatment between the insertion tube 102 and the connecting tube 103, and a second connection treatment between the snake-bone tube 101 and the connecting tube 103. Specifically, the first connection treatment refers to heating the connection between the insertion tube 102 and the connecting tube 103 to a specified temperature range, so that the thermoplastic layer on the insertion tube 102 is fused together with the metal connecting tube 103; the second connection treatment refers to connecting the snake-bone tube 101 and the connecting tube 103 together by welding, which includes, but is not limited to, laser welding, resistance spot welding, and soldering.

[0074] This utility model embodiment uses a fixture to initially determine the connection position, improving the accuracy of the connection between the snake bone tube 101 and the insertion tube 102 and the connecting tube 103. At the same time, different treatments are performed according to the different tube materials to improve the reliability of the connection between the snake bone tube 101 and the insertion tube 102, thereby improving the quality of the connection of the tube assembly 10.

[0075] In some embodiments, checking the assembly quality includes at least checking at least one of the following: coaxiality, airtightness, and appearance between the insertion tube 102 and the connecting tube 103 after the connection is completed. It is understood that the insertion tube 102 and the connecting tube 103 are connected by heating. After the connection is completed, the assembly quality at the connection point needs to be checked, such as for coaxiality, airtightness, and appearance, to ensure the quality of the connection between the insertion tube 102 and the connecting tube 103.

[0076] This embodiment of the utility model performs quality inspection on the connection between the insertion tube 102 and the connecting tube 103 to prevent defective products from being produced due to poor connection between the insertion tube 102 and the connecting tube 103, thereby further ensuring product quality.

[0077] like Figure 7 As shown, this embodiment of the present invention also provides an endoscope 1 including a tube assembly 10, a tip assembly 20, and a handle portion 30. The tube assembly 10 is assembled using the assembly method described in any of the above embodiments, and the tip assembly 20 is inserted into the tube assembly 10 near the snake-bone tube 101 (see...). Figure 1 One end of the tube assembly 10 is connected to the other end of the tube body assembly 10, and at least controls the operation of the tip assembly 20.

[0078] Understandably, the tip assembly 20 is inserted at one end of the tube body assembly 10, and the other end of the tube body assembly 10 is connected to the handle portion 30. The tip assembly 20 extends inside the tube body assembly 10 to the handle portion 30. The handle portion 30 controls the working state of the tip assembly 20. Under the operation of the handle portion 30, the tube body assembly 10 pushes the tip assembly 20 to move towards the target position, and performs examination and surgery at the target position. The snake-bone tube 101 in the tube body assembly 10 can be flexibly bent inside the body, allowing the tip assembly 20 to smoothly reach the target position.

[0079] This embodiment of the invention extends the tip component 20 inside the tube body component 10 to the handle portion 30. The working state of the tip component 20 can be controlled simply by operating the handle portion 30, simplifying the structure, facilitating operation, and optimizing the user experience. Furthermore, the tube body component 10 in this endoscope 1 can adjust the connection relationship between the connecting tube 103 and the snake-bone tube 101 and the insertion tube 102 according to their diameter relationship, enabling connections of snake-bone tubes 101 and insertion tubes 102 with different diameters. This simplifies the connection method of the snake-bone tubes 101 and insertion tubes 102 and reduces production costs.

[0080] In some embodiments, the endoscope 1 further includes a traction device. The traction device is at least partially located within the internal channel of the tube assembly 10, with one end connected to the snake-like tube 101 and the other end extending to the handle portion 30 to guide the movement of the tip assembly 20. Understandably, the endoscope 1 also includes a traction device located within the internal channel of the tube assembly 10, with one end fixed to the snake-like tube 101 near the tip assembly 20 and the other end extending axially along the tube assembly 10 and to the handle portion 30. The operator can adjust the traction device at the handle portion 30 to control the bending of the snake-like tube 101, thereby adjusting the tip assembly 20 to accurately position it to the target location.

[0081] In this embodiment of the invention, the traction device extends from the tube assembly 10 to the tip assembly 20 and connects to the snake bone tube 101. By pulling the traction device at the handle 30, the tip assembly 20 can be guided to move. The operation is simple, the target position can be accurately located, and the precision of the surgery can be improved.

[0082] In some embodiments, the endoscope 1 further includes a camera assembly. The camera assembly is mounted on the tip assembly 20 and is at least partially exposed on the surface of the tip assembly 20. Understandably, the camera assembly is mounted on and exposed on the surface of the tip assembly 20. After the tip assembly 20 enters the body, the camera assembly captures images of the target location. The camera assembly is powered at least by a camera cable disposed in the tube assembly 10, extending axially along the tube assembly 10 to the camera assembly and connecting to it to maintain normal operation of the camera assembly.

[0083] This embodiment of the invention provides a camera component on the surface of the front component 20, enabling the camera component to capture images directly at the target location. This facilitates observation of the target location, obtains information about the condition at the target location, and improves the effectiveness of the surgery.

[0084] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A tube assembly for use in an endoscope, comprising: The tube assembly includes: The snake-bone tube is at least used to guide the direction of insertion. An insertion tube is used to drive the snake-like tube. The connecting pipe has a first end and a second end opposite to each other along the axial direction; The inner and outer diameters of the snake-bone tube and the insertion tube are equal; the first end of the connecting tube is inserted into the snake-bone tube, and the second end of the connecting tube is inserted into the insertion tube; or the first end of the connecting tube is sleeved outside the snake-bone tube, and the second end of the connecting tube is sleeved outside the insertion tube.

2. The tube assembly of claim 1, wherein, At least the outer diameter of the snake-bone tube and the outer diameter of the insertion tube are not equal; wherein, the connecting tube includes a first tube body and a second tube body, the second end of the first tube body and the first end of the second tube body are connected, the snake-bone tube is connected to the first end of the first tube body, and the insertion tube is connected to the second end of the second tube body.

3. The tube assembly of claim 2, wherein, The second end of the first tube is inserted into the first end of the second tube; or the second end of the first tube is sleeved outside the first end of the second tube.

4. The tube assembly of claim 2, wherein, The snake-bone tube is sleeved outside the first end of the first tube body; the insertion tube is inserted inside the second end of the second tube body or the insertion tube is sleeved outside the second end of the second tube body.

5. The tube assembly of claim 2, wherein, The snake-bone tube is inserted into the first end of the first tube body; the insertion tube is inserted into the second end of the second tube body or the insertion tube is sleeved on the outside of the second end of the second tube body.

6. The tube assembly of any one of claims 1-5, wherein, The inner and / or outer rings of the insertion tube are provided with a thermoplastic layer, and both the snake-bone tube and the connecting tube are metal fittings.

7. An endoscope characterized by comprising: include: The tube assembly according to any one of claims 1-6; The tip assembly is inserted into the tube body assembly at one end near the snake-bone tube; The handle is connected to the other end of the tube assembly and at least controls the operation of the tip assembly.

8. The endoscope of claim 7, wherein, The endoscope also includes: A traction device, at least partially located in the internal channel of the tube assembly, has one end connected to the snake-bone tube and the other end extending to the handle portion to guide at least the movement of the tip assembly.

9. The endoscope according to claim 7 or 8, characterized by The endoscope also includes: A camera assembly is mounted on the front-end assembly and is at least partially exposed on the surface of the front-end assembly.

Images