Clamping mechanism and endoscope system

Abstract

The utility model relates to medical instrument technical field, specifically disclose a kind of clamping mechanism and endoscope system. The clamping mechanism includes clamping seat, clamping component, elastic member and button. Clamping seat has the accommodation cavity for accommodating the connecting piece to be used;Clamping component includes at least two clamping pieces, at least one clamping piece movably arranged in clamping seat;Elastic member is used to provide the force of moving to opposite another clamping piece to movable clamping piece;Button is movably arranged in clamping seat, button has operating end and working end, operating end is moved to the center of accommodation cavity when being pressed, working end pushes movable clamping piece away from opposite another clamping piece, to release connecting piece to be used. The clamping mechanism, it can be realized with connecting piece to be used reliable connection simultaneously, when loosening or putting into connecting piece to be used, it is not necessary to rotate operation, directly through pressing button, compared with rotation, pressing operation is convenient to exert force while holding clamping seat with finger, greatly facilitate one-handed operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of medical device technology, and more specifically, to a clamping mechanism and an endoscope system. Background Technology

[0002] In minimally invasive surgery, endoscopes are inserted into the body through cavities or surgical incisions to diagnose internal conditions and perform examinations, diagnoses, and treatments. This technique offers advantages such as minimal trauma, short operation time, rapid healing, fewer postoperative complications, and lower costs.

[0003] An endoscope system mainly includes a light source system, an endoscope, an optical bayonet, a camera, a camera host, and a monitor. One end of the camera is connected to the optical bayonet, which is detachably connected to the endoscope for easy replacement, cleaning, and disinfection.

[0004] The connection between the optical bayonet and the endoscope is mostly a snap-fit ​​connection. The optical bayonet is equipped with a handle. Rotating the handle opens the jaws, allowing the endoscope's eyepiece to be inserted into the optical bayonet. Releasing the handle locks the endoscope in place. However, since the user needs to hold the endoscope with one hand and the optical bayonet with the other while rotating the handle, one-handed operation is very inconvenient, and there is a possibility that the optical bayonet may slip off accidentally when rotating the handle. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of this, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a clamping mechanism and an endoscope system, the structural design of which can effectively solve the problem of difficulty in single-handed operation of existing clamping mechanisms.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution:

[0007] A clamping mechanism for connecting parts to be connected, comprising:

[0008] The clamping base has a receiving cavity for accommodating the component to be connected;

[0009] The clamping assembly includes at least two clamping members, which are disposed opposite to each other and spaced apart on both sides of the receiving cavity. At least one of the clamping members is movably disposed on the clamping seat so that the two clamping members are brought closer or further apart.

[0010] An elastic element is provided to the movable clamping member to exert a force on the opposite clamping member so that the two clamping members clamp the member to be connected.

[0011] A button is movably disposed on the clamping base. The button has an operating end disposed outside the clamping base and a working end that contacts the movable clamping member. When the operating end is pressed, it moves toward the center of the receiving cavity, and the working end pushes the movable clamping member away from the opposite clamping member to release the member to be connected.

[0012] Optionally, in the above-mentioned clamping mechanism, the operating end is located on the opposite side of the movable clamping member, and a neck that bends around the receiving cavity is provided between the operating end and the working end.

[0013] Optionally, in the above-mentioned clamping mechanism, the operating end is disposed between the two clamping members, the working end is movably in contact with one end of the movable clamping member to push it to move, at least one of the two is provided with a guide surface for movably contacting the other, the moving direction of the button is at a preset angle with the moving direction of the clamping member, and the guide surface is inclined relative to both the moving direction of the button and the moving direction of the clamping member.

[0014] Optionally, in the above-described clamping mechanism, the operating end is connected to two working ends, and the two working ends respectively cooperate with the two clamping members to push the two clamping members away from each other. Optionally, in the above-described clamping mechanism, two buttons are respectively provided at both ends of the movable clamping member, and the two buttons are symmetrically arranged with respect to the moving direction of the clamping member.

[0015] Optionally, in the above clamping mechanism, the ends of the two clamping members that are in movable contact with the same button are all connected to the same elastic element, and the elastic element is a tension elastic element.

[0016] Optionally, the clamping seat in the above clamping mechanism is provided with an arc-shaped stop, which is located inside the tensile elastic member.

[0017] Optionally, in the above-described clamping mechanism, one of the movable clamping member and the working end is provided with a ball bearing, and the other is provided with a groove. The guide surface is located at the bottom of the groove, and the ball bearing is in rolling or sliding contact with the guide surface. Optionally, in the above-described clamping mechanism, the clamping seat is provided with a sliding hole, the button movably passes through the sliding hole, and the operating end is exposed outside the clamping seat.

[0018] Optionally, in the above-mentioned clamping mechanism, one of the movable clamping member and the clamping seat is provided with a guide groove, and the other is provided with a positioning pin. The positioning pin is located in the guide groove and can move relative to each other along the guide groove.

[0019] Optionally, in the above-described clamping mechanism, the clamping member includes a sidewall and a flange located at one end of the sidewall and extending toward the center of the receiving cavity. A groove is formed between the flange and the end face of the clamping seat facing the insertion direction of the component to be connected. The end face of the clamping seat facing the insertion direction of the component to be connected is used to abut against the head end of the component to be connected. The flange is used to abut against the transition portion of the component to be connected. The transition portion is connected to the head end of the component to be connected, and its outer diameter decreases in the direction opposite to the insertion direction.

[0020] Optionally, in the above-described clamping mechanism, the clamping seat includes:

[0021] Base;

[0022] An outer cover is disposed on the base. The outer cover has a receiving cavity for accommodating the component to be connected. The button passes through the outer cover. The clamping assembly is disposed in the annular cavity formed by the outer cover and the base.

[0023] The clamping mechanism provided by this utility model includes a clamping base, a clamping assembly, an elastic element, and a button. The clamping base has a receiving cavity for accommodating the parts to be connected. The clamping assembly includes at least two clamping members, which are disposed opposite each other and spaced apart on both sides of the receiving cavity. At least one clamping member is movably disposed on the clamping base to allow the two clamping members to move closer or further apart. The elastic element provides a force to the movable clamping member to move towards the opposite clamping member, thereby clamping the parts to be connected. The button is movably disposed on the clamping base and has an operating end located outside the clamping base and a working end in contact with the movable clamping member. When the operating end is pressed, it moves towards the center of the receiving cavity, and the working end pushes the movable clamping member away from the opposite clamping member to release the parts to be connected.

[0024] When connecting components using the clamping mechanism provided by this utility model, the user can hold the clamping base with one hand and press the button. The clamping components open away from each other under the action of the button. The user then holds the component to be connected with the other hand and inserts it between the clamping components. Releasing the button causes the clamping components to move closer together under the action of the elastic element, thus clamping the component and achieving a reliable connection between the clamping mechanism and the component. Removing the component from the clamping mechanism is done in the reverse process.

[0025] The clamping mechanism provided by this utility model can reliably connect with the part to be connected, and when releasing or placing the part to be connected, there is no need for rotation operation. It can be done directly by pressing the button. Compared with rotation, the pressing operation allows the fingers to apply force while holding the clamping base, thus greatly facilitating one-handed operation.

[0026] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model also provides an endoscope system including any of the aforementioned clamping mechanisms. Since the clamping mechanisms possess the aforementioned technical effects, the endoscope system having these clamping mechanisms should also possess the corresponding technical effects. Attached Figure Description

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0028] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the clamping mechanism according to a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the clamping mechanism holding the component to be connected according to a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 3 for Figure 2 An explosion diagram;

[0031] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the cooperation between the clamping assembly and the clamping base in a specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 5 for Figure 3 An explosion diagram;

[0033] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the clamping mechanism in the released state according to a specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the clamping mechanism in the clamping state according to a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 8 for Figure 6 A magnified view of a portion of the image;

[0036] Figure 9 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional schematic diagram of a clamping mechanism according to a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 10 This is an exploded view of the clamping seat of a clamping mechanism according to a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the base structure according to a specific embodiment of the present utility model;

[0039] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the outer cover of a specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure label:

[0041] 10-Clamping mechanism; 20-Component to be connected; 21-Head end; 22-Transition section;

[0042] 11-Clamping seat; 12-Clamping assembly; 13-Elastic element; 14-Button; 15-Ball; 16-Groove; 17-Guide surface; 18-Guide groove; 19-Positioning pin;

[0043] 111-Arc-shaped stop; 112-Base; 113-Outer cover; 101-Receiving cavity; 102-Mounting hole;

[0044] 121-Clamping component; 122-Side wall; 123-Flange; 124-Edge;

[0045] 141-Operating end; 142-Working end; 143-Key shaft. Detailed Implementation

[0046] This utility model discloses a clamping mechanism and an endoscope system to facilitate one-handed operation by the user.

[0047] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0048] The clamping mechanism provided by this utility model is used to connect components to be connected. It is applicable to, but not limited to, endoscope systems. For example, this clamping mechanism is used to connect an endoscope and a camera within an endoscope system. The eyepiece cover of the endoscope serves as the component to be connected, and the clamping mechanism achieves connection with the endoscope by clamping the eyepiece cover. One end of the camera is connected to the clamping mechanism. It can be understood that the clamping mechanism can be part of the camera and connected to the eyepiece cover, or it can be a separate connecting structure connected to the camera and used to clamp the eyepiece cover. Depending on the connection requirements between the camera and the endoscope, the clamping mechanism is provided with channels to facilitate signal transmission when the camera and endoscope are connected.

[0049] To achieve one-handed operation of the clamping mechanism, this invention employs a structure design where the clamping components cooperate with a button, replacing the traditional method of rotating the handle to drive the grippers to open. The clamping method utilizes elastic elements to provide clamping force to the clamping components, such as providing clamping force to two symmetrical clamping components to contact the eyepiece cover and thus clamp the endoscope. In this invention, pressing the button pushes the clamping components to move linearly, releasing the eyepiece cover, greatly facilitating operation. Furthermore, the clamping mechanism in this invention uses a limiting structure to create relative constraints between the components, ensuring that the clamping mechanism's position remains relatively fixed during each installation. The following embodiments mainly describe the structure of the clamping mechanism.

[0050] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 1-5 The clamping mechanism 10 provided by this utility model includes a clamping base 11, a clamping assembly 12, an elastic element 13, and a button 14. The clamping base 11 is the supporting body of the clamping mechanism 10. The clamping base 11 is disposed on a connecting component such as a camera, and can serve as part of the connecting component or as a separate connecting structure connected to the connecting component. The clamping base 11 has a receiving cavity 101 to accommodate the component 20 to be connected.

[0051] The clamping assembly 12 includes at least two clamping members 121, which are arranged opposite to each other and spaced apart. At least one clamping member 121 is movably disposed on the clamping base 11 so that the two clamping members 121 may move closer or further apart. It is understood that the number of clamping members 121 can be set as needed, and multiple clamping members 121 can clamp the member 20 to be connected from different directions.

[0052] Of the two opposing clamping members 121, at least one is a movable clamping member 121. That is, in one configuration, both clamping members 121 are movably disposed on the clamping base 11; in another configuration, one of the two clamping members 121 is movably disposed on the clamping base 11, while the other is fixedly disposed on the clamping base 11. It is understood that the clamping member 121 fixed on the clamping base 11 can be either a separate structure from the clamping base 11 and connected by a conventional fixing method, or it can be integrally formed with the clamping base 11, such as the clamping member 121 being formed as part of the clamping base 11. The two clamping members 121 are arranged opposite each other, and the direction of movement of the clamping member 121 is along the direction of approaching or moving away from the other clamping member 121. When both clamping members 121 are movable, they can move relative to each other to move closer or away from each other to move further apart. When one clamping member 121 is movable while the other is fixed to the clamping base 11, one clamping member 121 can move closer to or away from the other clamping member 121. The travel distance of the clamping member 121 can be set according to the specifications of the part 20 to be connected, so that the part 20 to be connected can be inserted between the two clamping members 121.

[0053] The elastic element 13 provides a force to the movable clamping element 121 to move towards the opposite clamping element 121, so that the two clamping elements 121 clamp the part 20 to be connected. Through the force provided by the elastic element 13, the two clamping elements 121 can be locked in the clamped position when no external force is applied. When the part 20 to be connected is inserted between the two clamping elements 121, the part 20 to be connected is reliably clamped. The magnitude of the force of the elastic element 13 is set according to the clamping force requirements, and is not specifically limited here. When both opposite clamping elements 121 are movable, the elastic element 13 can be provided separately for each of the two clamping elements 121, or the two clamping elements 121 can share the elastic element 13, that is, the elastic element 13 can simultaneously provide force to both movable clamping elements 121.

[0054] Button 14 is movably mounted on clamping base 11. The button has an operating end 141 located outside the clamping base 11 and a working end 142 in contact with a movable clamping member 121. When the operating end 141 is pressed, it moves towards the center of the receiving cavity 101. The working end 142 pushes the movable clamping member 121 away from the opposite clamping member 121, thus releasing the member 20 to be connected. The operating end 141 is used to receive user input. When an external force presses the operating end 141, causing button 14 to move towards the center of the receiving cavity 101, it must overcome the force of the elastic member 13. The working end 142, under force, moves towards the center of the receiving cavity 101 and drives the movable clamping member 121 outward, i.e., the two clamping members 121 move away from each other. Simultaneously, the clamping member 121 acts on the elastic member 13, causing it to deform. Therefore, when button 14 is released, the restoring force of the elastic member 13 can reset the clamping member 121.

[0055] When using the clamping mechanism provided by this utility model to connect the component 20, the user can hold the clamping base 11 with one hand and press the button 14. Under the action of the button 14, the clamping components 121 will move away from each other and open up. Figure 6 As shown. Hold the component to be connected 20 with your other hand and insert it between the two clamping members 121. Then release the button 14. The clamping members 121 will move closer together under the action of the elastic member 13, thereby clamping the component to be connected 20. Figure 7 As shown, a reliable connection is achieved with the component 20 to be connected. To remove the component 20 from the clamping mechanism, the operation is reversed.

[0056] The clamping mechanism provided by this utility model can reliably connect with the part to be connected 20. When releasing or placing the part to be connected 20, there is no need for rotation operation. It can be done directly by pressing the button 14. Compared with rotation, the pressing operation allows the fingers to apply force while holding the clamping seat 11, which greatly facilitates one-handed operation.

[0057] In some embodiments, the operating end 141 is located on the opposite side of the movable clamping member 121. By positioning the operating end 141 on the opposite side of the movable clamping member 121, when the operating end 141 is pressed, it causes the working end 142 to move accordingly toward the center of the receiving cavity 101. Consequently, the working end 142 acts on the opposite clamping member 121 to move away from the center of the receiving cavity 101, i.e., to move outward. With the above configuration, the movement direction of the working end 142 can be the same as the movement direction of the corresponding clamping member 121, resulting in a more direct effect.

[0058] Furthermore, a neck that bends around the receiving cavity 101 is provided between the operating end 141 and the working end 142. By providing a curved neck, it can avoid interfering with the middle of the receiving cavity 101, thereby effectively saving space in the receiving cavity 101. In other embodiments, the operating end 141 and the working end 142 can also be connected in a straight line, provided that the space layout within the receiving cavity 101 allows.

[0059] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 1-6 The operating end 141 is located between the two clamping members 121, and the working end 142 is movably in contact with one end of the movable clamping member 121 to push it to move. At least one of them is provided with a guide surface 17 for movably contacting the other. The moving direction of the button 14 forms a preset angle with the moving direction of the clamping member 121, and the guide surface 17 is inclined relative to both the moving direction of the button 14 and the moving direction of the clamping member 121. This embodiment differs from the above embodiment where the button 14 is pushed by the opposite side of the clamping member 121. In this embodiment, the operating end 141 is located between the two clamping members 121, and the working end 142 is movably in contact with one end of the movable clamping member 121 to push it to move. That is, the working end 142 pushes the clamping member 121 to move from the side end face of the clamping member 121. The moving direction of button 14 forms a preset angle with the moving direction of clamping member 121. At least one of the working end 142 and the movable clamping member 121 is provided with a guide surface 17 for movable contact with the other. This guide surface 17 is inclined relative to both the moving direction of button 14 and the moving direction of clamping member 121. It is understood that this inclination refers to an angle greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees. The moving direction of button 14 is not exactly the same as the moving direction of clamping member 121; sliding / rolling contact is achieved through the inclined guide surface 17. For example, the moving direction of clamping member 121 is along... Figure 4As shown in the vertical direction, button 14 is located at the left or right end of clamping member 121, used to push clamping member 121 up and down from the left or right end. It is understood that the preset included angle should be greater than 0 degrees and less than 180 degrees. Specifically, the moving direction of button 14 and the moving direction of clamping member 121 are respectively radial along different directions of the clamping base 11. The working end 142 and the movable clamping member 121 are in movable contact through an inclined guide surface 17 to achieve the conversion of the movement direction. The working end 142 and the clamping member 121 are arranged in the above-described relative positions and cooperation, which facilitates their layout on the clamping base 11 and achieves rational use of space.

[0060] At least one of the working end 142 and the movable clamping member 121 is provided with a guide surface 17 for movable contact with the other, which can take different forms. In one embodiment, the button 14 has a first guide surface that mates with the movable clamping member 121, and the movable clamping member 121 has a second guide surface that mates with the button 14. The first guide surface and the second guide surface are in surface contact. Both the first guide surface and the second guide surface are inclined relative to the movement direction of the button 14 and relative to the movement direction of the clamping member 121.

[0061] In another embodiment, button 14 has a first guide surface that engages with movable clamp 121, the first guide surface making point or line contact with clamp 121. The first guide surface is inclined relative to the direction of movement of button 14 and also inclined relative to the direction of movement of clamp 121.

[0062] In another embodiment, the movable clamp 121 has a second guide surface that mates with the button 14, the second guide surface making point or line contact with the button 14. The second guide surface is inclined relative to the direction of movement of the button 14 and also inclined relative to the direction of movement of the clamp 121.

[0063] In some embodiments, two clamping members 121 are provided at the radial ends of the clamping base 11, and the moving direction of the clamping members 121 is along the radial direction of the clamping base 11. The overall structure is compact and occupies little space. The moving direction of the button 14 is along the radial direction of the clamping base 11. For example, the moving direction of the button 14 is perpendicular to the moving direction of the clamping members 121, so as to facilitate pushing the clamping members 121 to move.

[0064] In some embodiments, the operating end 141 is connected to two working ends 142, which respectively cooperate with two clamping members 121 to push the two clamping members 121 away from each other. Two opposing clamping members 121 of the clamping assembly 12 are movably disposed on the clamping base 11, and a button 14 is disposed between the two clamping members 121. The two working ends 142 of the button 14 respectively act on the ends of the two clamping members 121. When the operating end 141 is positioned between the two movable clamping members 121, the two working ends 142 connected to the operating end 141 can act on the clamping members 121 at both ends respectively. When the operating end 141 is pressed, the two working ends 142 correspondingly push the two clamping members 121 away from each other. In this embodiment, a button 14 drives the movement of two clamping members 121, simplifying the structure and further facilitating user operation. The two clamping members 121 move together and clamp the member to be connected 20, making the force on the member to be connected 20 more even, thereby preventing the member to be connected 20 from being eccentric. It is understood that the pushing and engaging methods between the two working ends 142 and the corresponding clamping members 121 can be the same or different.

[0065] In some embodiments, a button 14 is provided at each end of the movable clamping member 121, and the two buttons 14 are symmetrically arranged with respect to the moving direction of the clamping member 121. By symmetrically arranging the two buttons 14, the user can move the clamping member 121 by pressing both buttons 14 simultaneously during operation. Therefore, when the elastic member 13 provides the same clamping force to the clamping member 121, the force required for the user to press a single button 14 is smaller, further facilitating user operation and improving the user experience.

[0066] In some specific examples, two buttons 14 are respectively located between the two ends of two movable clamping members 121, and each operating end 141 is connected to two working ends 142. For example, Figures 1-5 As shown, a button 14 is provided between the left and right ends of the two movable clamping members 121, and the moving direction of the two buttons 14 is perpendicular to the moving direction of the two clamping members 121. When the two buttons 14 at both ends are pressed simultaneously, each button 14 simultaneously drives the two clamping members 121 to move away from each other, increasing the distance between the two clamping members 121, thereby releasing the member to be connected 20 or making it easier to insert the member to be connected 20. With the above configuration, the clamping force on the member to be connected 20 is more uniform, which can avoid eccentricity, and pressing the button 14 requires less effort.

[0067] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 1-5Both clamping members 121 are connected to the same elastic element 13 at the ends that are in movable contact with the same button 14. That is, the two movable clamping members 121 that cooperate with the same button 14 are connected to the same elastic element, and the elastic element 13 acts on both movable clamping members 121 at the same time to provide clamping force, which simplifies the structure.

[0068] When buttons 14 are respectively provided at both ends of the movable clamping member 121, elastic members 13 can be respectively provided at both ends of the clamping member 121. Both elastic members 13 can provide clamping force to the movable clamping member 121. For example, the two elastic members 13 are symmetrically arranged relative to the clamping member 121. By providing two elastic members 13 corresponding to one movable clamping member 141, compared with only a single elastic member 13, the clamping force is distributed between the two elastic members 13 under the same clamping force, which helps to extend the service life of the elastic members 13 and provides a more uniform clamping force. For example, a button 14 is provided between each end of the two movable clamping members 121, and an elastic member 13 is connected between each end of the two clamping members 121.

[0069] In some embodiments, the elastic element 13 is a tension elastic element, with its two ends connected to two clamping elements 121 respectively, and the tension elastic element extending in an arc shape. Exemplarily, the elastic element 13 is a spring, such as a tension spring, which has a simple structure. The arc-shaped extension of the tension elastic element avoids obstruction of the connecting element 20, which has an arc-shaped outer circumference, making the overall structure of the clamping mechanism more compact and reducing space occupation.

[0070] In some embodiments, the clamping seat 11 is provided with an arc-shaped stop 111, which is located inside the tensile elastic member. The arc-shaped stop 111 on the clamping seat 11 can limit the tension elastic member, thereby preventing the tension elastic member from interfering with the member 20 to be connected after bending.

[0071] In the above embodiments, button 14 acts on the end of clamping member 121 opposite to another clamping member 121. In other embodiments, button 14 may also act on other positions of clamping member 121. For example, clamping member 121 has an inclined guide surface facing the insertion direction of the member to be connected 20. Working end 142 acts on the guide surface. When button 14 is pressed, the guide surface pushes clamping member 121 outward away from another clamping member 121. Specifically, button 14 may be located on a first side of clamping member 121, facing the insertion direction of the member to be connected 20. In other specific examples, button 14 may also be located on a second side of clamping member 121 opposite to the first side. Similarly, the downward movement of button 14 can be converted into outward movement of clamping member 121 through the corresponding inclined guide surface.

[0072] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 6 One of the movable clamping member 121 and the working end 142 is provided with a ball bearing 15, and the other is provided with the aforementioned guide surface 17. The ball bearing 15 and the guide surface 17 are in rolling or sliding contact. In one embodiment, the end of the working end 142 that mates with the movable clamping member 121 is provided with the ball bearing 15, and the clamping member 121 is provided with the guide surface 17. In another embodiment, the end of the movable clamping member 121 that mates with the working end 142 is provided with the ball bearing 15, and the working end 142 is provided with the guide surface 17. For example, the ball bearing 15 is a universal ball bearing, which is embedded in the working end 142 and can rotate freely at the end of the working end 142. When the working end 142 pushes the clamping member 121 to move, in order to reduce the friction between the two, a ball bearing 15 is provided on one of the clamping member 121 and the working end 142. When the working end 142 pushes the clamping member 121 to move, the two are subjected to rolling friction or line contact sliding friction, which significantly reduces the friction force and makes it less likely to cause clamping failure due to friction and wear. In addition, it is easier for the user to press the button 14, making it more convenient for the user to operate.

[0073] In some embodiments, the end face of the movable clamping member 121 and the working end 142 is provided with a groove 16, the extending direction of the groove 16 being parallel to the moving direction of the button 14, and the aforementioned guide surface 17 being provided at the bottom of the groove 16. Through the cooperation of the groove 16 and the ball bearing 15, the movement of the button 14 can be assisted in guiding and limiting its movement, making the movement of the button 14 more stable, thereby driving the clamping member 121 to move smoothly.

[0074] In some embodiments, the clamping base 11 is provided with a sliding hole 102, through which the button 14 movably passes, with the operating end 141 exposed outside the clamping base 11. By providing the sliding hole 102, the installation of the button 14 can be facilitated, allowing the operating end 141 to be exposed outside the clamping base 11 for easy user operation, while the working end is located inside the clamping base 11 to act on the clamping member 121. At the same time, the sliding hole 102 can limit and guide the movement of the button 14, preventing the button 14 from tilting and allowing the button 14 to slide along a preset path.

[0075] For example, please refer to Figure 9The key 14 includes a key shaft 143, a keycap, and a pusher. The key shaft 141 passes through a sliding hole 102. The keycap is located at the outer end of the key shaft 143 and serves as the operating end 141. The pusher is located at the inner end of the key shaft 143, with the end of the pusher facing the clamping member 121 serving as the working end 142. Specifically, both ends of the pusher serve as working ends 142 to cooperate with the two clamping members 121, pushing the two clamping members 121 away from each other. It is understood that the outer surface of the keycap can be flush with the outer surface of the clamping seat 11 or protrude from the outer surface of the clamping seat 11 for user operation. The pusher is located at the inner end of the key shaft 143, inside the clamping seat 11, and acts on the member 20 to be connected. If a ball bearing 15 is provided, the ball bearing 15 is located at the end of the pusher. It is understandable that the key switch 143, keycap, and pusher can be either an integral structure or a separate structure connected by conventional fixing methods to facilitate assembly. For example, the cross-section of the pusher is larger than the cross-section of the sliding hole 102, meaning the pusher cannot be inserted into the sliding hole 102, thus limiting the key 14 and preventing the keycap from detaching from the clamping seat 11. For example, the cross-section of the keycap is larger than the cross-section of the sliding hole 102. The larger cross-section increases the contact area with the user, facilitating operation, and also serves as a limit to restrict the maximum downward travel of the key 14. Of course, the maximum downward travel of the key 14 can also be limited by the maximum outward travel of the clamping member 121, such as by the maximum travel limited by the clamping seat 11, or by other limiting parts provided on the clamping seat 11.

[0076] To facilitate the assembly of button 14, key shaft 143 and push part are detachably connected. If the two are threaded together, during assembly, the push part is first placed inside the clamping seat 11, key shaft 143 is passed through the sliding hole 102, and then the push part is connected to key shaft 143.

[0077] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 1-5 One of the movable clamping member 121 and the clamping base 11 is provided with a guide groove 18, and the other is provided with a positioning pin 19. The positioning pin 19 is located in the guide groove 18 and can move relative to it. To ensure the movement direction of the clamping member 121, such as moving in a centrally symmetrical reciprocating pattern, one of the movable clamping member 121 and the clamping base 11 is provided with a guide groove 18, and the other is provided with a positioning pin 19. The positioning pin 19 cooperates with the guide groove 18 to limit and guide the movement, thus determining the movement direction of the clamping member 121. In one embodiment, the clamping base 11 is provided with a guide groove 18, and the clamping member 121 is provided with a positioning pin 19. When the clamping member 121 moves, the positioning pin 19 reciprocates along the guide groove 18. In another embodiment, the positions of the guide groove 18 and the positioning pin 19 can be interchanged.

[0078] In some embodiments, two clamping members 121 are movably disposed on the clamping base 11 along a centrally symmetrical direction. A ball bearing 15 is provided on the button 14, and the clamping members 121 are provided with a groove 16 and a positioning pin 19. The clamping base 11 is provided with a guide groove 18. When the clamping member 121 is released, pressing the button 14 drives the ball bearing 15 to roll purely within the groove 16 along the guide surface 17 at the bottom of the groove 16. Simultaneously, the ball bearing 15 exerts a force on the guide surface 17, resisting the force exerted by the elastic member 13 on the clamping member 121. This causes the clamping member 121 to move away from the clamping center along the centrally symmetrical direction using the guide groove 18 on the clamping base 11. Furthermore, the continuous application of force to the button 14 ensures that the ball bearing 15 rolls along the guide surface 17 to approach the clamping center, ultimately allowing the clamping member 121 to open and enabling the member to be connected 20 to be removed or inserted. The clamping principle of the clamping member 121 is the same. When the external force applied to the button 14 is removed, the restoring force of the elastic member 13 drives the clamping member 121 to move along the guide groove 18 towards the clamping center. At the same time, the clamping member 121 will apply a force to the ball 15, causing the ball 15 to roll back to the starting position in the guide surface 17, thereby driving the button 14 to move to the initial position.

[0079] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 9 The clamping member 121 includes a sidewall 122 and a flange 123 located at one end of the sidewall 122 and extending toward the center of the receiving cavity 101. A groove is formed between the flange 123 and the end face of the clamping seat 11 facing the insertion direction of the member 20 to be connected. The end face of the clamping seat 11 facing the insertion direction of the member 20 to be connected abuts against the head end 21 of the member 20 to be connected. The flange 123 abuts against the transition portion 22 of the member 20 to be connected. The transition portion 22 connects to the head end 21 of the member 20 to be connected, and its outer diameter decreases in the direction opposite to the insertion direction. For example, the outer diameter of the transition portion 22 gradually decreases from the end connected to the head end 21 to the other end. That is, the wall surface of the transition portion 22 is a frustum. The flange 123 abuts against the transition portion 22, which can apply a radial clamping force to the part to be connected 20 on the one hand, and generate an axial force on the other hand to restrict the movement of the part to be connected 20 in the direction away from the insertion clamping center, that is, to confine the part to be connected 20 in the slot and prevent it from coming out, thereby reliably connecting the part to be connected 20 to the clamping seat 11.

[0080] In some specific examples, the clamping member 121 is in the shape of an arcuate block, and the clamping member 121 has an arcuate edge 124 to abut against the transition portion 22 of the member 20 to be connected. Specifically, the transition portion 22 is a frustum with a gradually decreasing width. The edge 124 of the clamping member 121 abuts against the frustum to form a line contact.

[0081] In some embodiments, the clamping member 121 is used to make line contact or surface contact with the component 20 to be connected. By designing the shape of the clamping member 121 to make line contact or surface contact with the component 20 to be connected, the clamping reliability is significantly increased compared to point contact, preventing the endoscope from shaking or falling.

[0082] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 10-12 The clamping base 11 includes a base 112 and an outer cover 113. The base 112 may be formed as part of a connector or used for connection to a connector. The outer cover 113 is disposed on the base 112 and has a receiving cavity 101 for accommodating the component 20 to be connected. A button 14 is disposed on the outer cover 113, and the clamping assembly 12 is disposed within the outer cover 113. Exemplarily, the outer cover 113 is detachably connected to the base 112 to facilitate the assembly of the components. For example, a fixing hole is provided on the outer cover 113, and it is connected to the base 112 by screws. The clamping component 121 is disposed inside the outer cover 113 and not exposed, resulting in a cleaner overall clamping structure, and the outer cover 113 effectively protects the clamping component 121.

[0083] For example, please refer to Figures 10-12 The outer cover 113 and the base 112 are respectively provided with guide grooves 18, and the two ends of the clamping member 121 are respectively provided with positioning pins 19, and the positioning pins 19 at both ends are respectively inserted into the corresponding guide grooves 18 to slide along the guide grooves 18. In this way, the clamping member 121 can be limited and guided from both ends, so that the sliding of the clamping member 121 is more stable and reliable. It can be understood that the positioning pins 19 at both ends of the clamping member 121 can be an integral structure, such as the clamping member 121 is provided with a through hole and the positioning pin 19 passes through the through hole, or separate positioning pins 19 can be provided at both ends of the clamping member 121, or the positioning pins 19 at both ends of the clamping member 121 can be an integral structure with the clamping member 121.

[0084] Based on the clamping mechanism provided in the above embodiments, this utility model also provides an endoscope system, which includes an endoscope and any one of the clamping mechanisms in the above embodiments. The clamping component of the clamping mechanism is used to clamp the eyepiece cover of the endoscope. Since this endoscope system adopts the clamping mechanism in the above embodiments, the beneficial effects of this endoscope system can be found in the above embodiments.

[0085] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on the differences from other embodiments. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other.

[0086] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A clamping mechanism for connecting a component (20) to be connected, characterized in that, include: The clamping seat (11) has a receiving cavity (101) for receiving the member to be connected (20); The clamping assembly (12) includes at least two clamping members (121), which are disposed opposite to each other and spaced apart on both sides of the receiving cavity (101). At least one of the clamping members (121) is movably disposed on the clamping seat (11) so that the two clamping members (121) are close to or far apart. An elastic element (13) is provided to the movable clamping element (121) to move toward the other clamping element (121) so that the two clamping elements (121) clamp the member to be connected (20). A button (14) is movably disposed on the clamping seat (11). The button (14) has an operating end (141) disposed outside the clamping seat (11) and a working end (142) in contact with the movable clamping member (121). When the operating end (141) is pressed, it moves toward the center of the receiving cavity (101). The working end (142) pushes the movable clamping member (121) away from the other clamping member (121) to release the member to be connected (20).

2. The clamping mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The operating end (141) is located on the opposite side of the movable clamping member (121), and a neck that bends around the receiving cavity (101) is provided between the operating end (141) and the working end (142).

3. The clamping mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The operating end (141) is located between the two clamping members (121). The working end (142) is movably in contact with one end of the movable clamping member (121) to push it to move. At least one of them is provided with a guide surface (17) for movably contacting the other. The moving direction of the button (14) is at a preset angle with the moving direction of the clamping member (121), and the guide surface (17) is inclined relative to both the moving direction of the button (14) and the moving direction of the clamping member (121).

4. The clamping mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that, The operating end (141) is connected to two working ends (142), and the two working ends (142) cooperate with the two clamping members (121) respectively to push the two clamping members (121) away from each other.

5. The clamping mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that, Two buttons (14) are provided at each end of the movable clamping member (121), and the two buttons (14) are symmetrically arranged with respect to the moving direction of the clamping member (121).

6. The clamping mechanism according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, Both clamping members (121) are connected to the same elastic element (13) at one end of the button (14) that is in movable contact with the button (14). The elastic element (13) is a tension elastic element.

7. The clamping mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that, The clamping seat (11) is provided with an arc-shaped stop (111), which is located inside the tensile elastic member.

8. The clamping mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that, One of the movable clamping member (121) and the working end (142) is provided with a ball (15) and the other is provided with a groove (16). The guide surface (17) is located at the bottom of the groove (16), and the ball (15) and the guide surface (17) are in rolling contact or sliding contact.

9. The clamping mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamping base (11) is provided with a sliding hole (102), the button (14) is movable through the sliding hole (102), and the operating end (141) is exposed outside the clamping base (11).

10. The clamping mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, One of the movable clamping member (121) and the clamping seat (11) is provided with a guide groove (18), and the other is provided with a positioning pin (19). The positioning pin (19) is located in the guide groove (18) and can move relative to each other along the guide groove (18).

11. The clamping mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamping member (121) includes a side wall (122) and a flange (123) located at one end of the side wall (122) and extending toward the center of the receiving cavity (101). The flange (123) forms a groove with the end face of the clamping seat (11) facing the insertion direction of the component to be connected (20). The end face of the clamping seat (11) facing the insertion direction of the component to be connected (20) is used to abut against the head end (21) of the component to be connected (20). The flange (123) is used to abut against the transition portion (22) of the component to be connected (20). The transition portion (22) is connected to the head end (21) of the component to be connected (20) and its outer diameter decreases in the direction opposite to the insertion direction.

12. The clamping mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamping seat (11) includes: Base (112); The outer cover (113) is located on the base (112). The outer cover (113) has a receiving cavity (101) for accommodating the component to be connected (20). The button (14) passes through the outer cover (113). The clamping assembly (12) is located in the annular cavity formed by the outer cover (113) and the base (112).

13. An endoscope system comprising an endoscope, characterized in that, It also includes a clamping mechanism (10) as described in any one of claims 1-12, wherein the clamping component (12) of the clamping mechanism (10) is used to clamp the eyepiece cover of the endoscope.

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