Endoscope and insertion tube therefor

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of endoscopes, and particularly discloses an endoscope and an insertion tube thereof. The insertion tube comprises a core tube and a composite outer tube. The core tube is provided with a gap to realize bending. The composite outer tube is sleeved outside the core tube. Two ends of the composite outer tube are fixedly connected with the core tube. The composite outer tube comprises a mesh layer and an outer skin layer. The outer skin layer is covered outside the mesh layer, and at least part of the outer skin layer is embedded in the mesh holes of the mesh layer but does not protrude from the inner wall surface of the mesh layer. The insertion tube provided by the application adopts the sleeved core tube and composite outer tube. The composite outer tube is composed of the mesh layer and the outer skin layer, and the composite outer tube is entirely sleeved outside the core tube. The inner wall of the composite outer tube is substantially free of particle penetration into the gap of the core tube in the radial direction, so that the bending performance of the core tube is not adversely affected. Therefore, the endoscope and the insertion tube thereof provided by the application can provide good comprehensive use performance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of endoscopy technology, and more specifically, to an endoscope and its insertion tube. Background Technology

[0002] Medical endoscopes are mainly used to observe target locations inside the human body and to assist in minimally invasive or non-invasive treatments. Due to the complex and tortuous nature of the human body's passageways, the insertion part needs to have good bending stiffness to ensure the insertion of the endoscope. At the same time, to ensure that the internal channels do not fail, the insertion tube needs to have good radial support.

[0003] However, existing insertion tubes have poor bending performance, resulting in unsatisfactory performance. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, the purpose of this application is to provide an endoscope and its insertion tube, the structural design of which can effectively solve the problem of poor performance of conventional insertion tubes.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides the following technical solution:

[0006] An insertion tube for an endoscope, comprising:

[0007] A core tube, wherein the core tube has a slit to allow bending;

[0008] A composite outer tube is sleeved over the core tube, and both ends of the composite outer tube are fixedly connected to the core tube.

[0009] The composite outer tube includes a mesh layer and an outer skin layer. The outer skin layer covers the mesh layer and at least a portion of the outer skin layer is embedded in the mesh of the mesh layer but does not protrude from the inner wall surface of the mesh layer.

[0010] Optionally, in the insertion tube of the endoscope described above, the outer skin layer is extruded and formed outside the mesh layer to form the composite outer tube, provided that the mesh layer is fitted over the smooth and continuous tube body.

[0011] Optionally, in the insertion tube of the endoscope described above, the two ends of the composite outer tube are respectively bonded or welded to the core tube.

[0012] Optionally, in the insertion tube of the endoscope described above, the bending stiffness of the core tube gradually increases from the front end to the rear end.

[0013] Optionally, in the insertion tube of the endoscope described above, the width of the slit gradually decreases from the front end to the rear end of the core tube.

[0014] Optionally, in the insertion tube of the endoscope described above, the front end of the slit is provided with a first distance from the front end of the core tube, and the rear end of the slit is provided with a second distance from the rear end of the core tube.

[0015] Optionally, in the insertion tube of the endoscope described above, the core tube includes a hollow tube body, and the slit is cut and formed on the hollow tube body;

[0016] Alternatively, the core tube may comprise a strip-shaped plate that is spirally wound to form the slit.

[0017] Optionally, in the insertion tube of the endoscope described above, the core tube is a metal tube, the outer skin layer is a polymer material layer, and the mesh layer is a metal mesh layer or a polymer mesh layer.

[0018] Optionally, in the insertion tube of the endoscope described above, the mesh layer is a braided mesh layer made of woven silk threads.

[0019] The endoscope insertion tube provided in this application employs a sleeved core tube and a composite outer tube. The core tube provides support when the insertion tube is subjected to radial force in the circumferential direction, preventing radial deformation. Simultaneously, the gaps in the core tube allow for good bending. The composite outer tube is composed of a mesh layer and an outer skin layer, and is entirely sleeved over the core tube. Both ends of the composite outer tube are fixedly connected to the core tube. The composite outer tube ensures a smooth outer surface of the insertion tube without any sharp protrusions, preventing scratches during insertion. Furthermore, the composite outer tube gives the insertion tube excellent torsional resistance, providing good conductivity during doctor's operation, and ensuring that the insertion tube will not be elongated or shortened under axial tensile or compressive loads.

[0020] Furthermore, the composite outer tube provided in this application is composed of a mesh layer and an outer skin layer. The outer skin layer covers the mesh layer and is at least partially embedded within it, allowing for a tight bond between the outer skin layer and the mesh layer, preventing wrinkling during bending. Also, because the portion of the outer skin layer embedded in the mesh layer does not protrude from the inner wall of the mesh layer, after inserting the core tube into the composite outer tube, virtually no radially protruding particles seep into the gaps of the core tube from the inner wall of the composite outer tube, thus not adversely affecting the bending performance of the core tube. Therefore, the insertion tube provided in this application offers excellent overall performance.

[0021] To achieve the above objectives, this application also provides an endoscope comprising any of the aforementioned insertion tubes. Since the aforementioned insertion tubes possess the aforementioned technical effects, the endoscope having the insertion tube should also possess the corresponding technical effects. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application 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 application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the insertion tube of an endoscope according to a specific embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The front view of the insertion tube is shown;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the core tube structure according to a specific embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the core tube structure according to another specific embodiment of this application.

[0027] Figure label:

[0028] 1-Core tube; 11-Gap; 2-Composite outer tube; 21-Mesh layer; 22-Outer skin layer. Detailed Implementation

[0029] This application discloses an endoscope and its insertion tube, which can improve the performance of the insertion tube.

[0030] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0031] An endoscope includes an insertion section, an operating section, and a light guide section. The insertion section can enter the human body and, based on its function, includes a head end, a bending section, and an insertion tube. One end of the insertion tube connects to the bending section, and the other end connects to the operating section. In practical applications, the inventors of this application have discovered that the bending performance of existing insertion tubes is poor. The main reason for this is that existing insertion tubes are usually formed by first weaving a mesh around the outer surface of a spring inner tube to create an integral tube, and then forming a polymer layer on the outer surface of this integral tube through extrusion molding. To ensure a tight bond between the polymer layer and the mesh, a relatively high extrusion pressure is usually required. Due to the slits in the spring inner tube, the polymer material easily seeps into the mesh during extrusion, meaning the polymer layer extends into the slits of the spring inner tube, causing small raised particles on the inner surface, resulting in poor surface quality. Furthermore, the polymer material seeping into the slits causes the tube to become stuck during bending, thus affecting the bending process. Conversely, if the extrusion pressure is too low, the bonding performance between the mesh and the polymer material is poor, making it prone to wrinkling during bending.

[0032] To ensure that the insertion tube has good bending stiffness, radial support and torsional resistance, the insertion tube provided in this application adopts a combination structure of inner core tube and outer composite outer tube. Specifically, a mesh layer and an outer skin layer are combined to form a composite outer tube, which is then sleeved with the core tube. Unlike conventional methods that involve weaving a mesh around the core tube to form an integral tube and then extruding the integral tube with a polymer material, this application pre-combines a mesh layer and an outer skin layer to form a composite outer tube. The composite outer tube is then fitted over the core tube. Furthermore, the outer skin layer covers the mesh layer and is at least partially embedded within it, allowing for a tight bond between the outer skin layer and the mesh layer, preventing wrinkling during bending. Additionally, because the portion of the outer skin layer embedded in the mesh layer does not protrude from the inner wall of the mesh layer, after inserting the core tube into the composite outer tube, there is virtually no radially protruding particles penetrating the gaps in the core tube, thus not adversely affecting the bending performance of the core tube. Therefore, this insertion tube provides excellent performance.

[0033] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 1-2 The endoscope insertion tube provided in this application includes a core tube 1 and a composite outer tube 2. The core tube 1 has a slit 11 to allow for bending. The core tube 1 is the inner tube of the insertion tube, and the slit 11 provides good bending stiffness. Exemplarily, the slit extends spirally. It is understood that the width of the slit 11 and the pitch corresponding to the spiral extension of the slit 11 can be set according to the stiffness requirements of the core tube 1. The core tube 1 is used to provide radial support force, and its specific material can be set as needed to meet the radial support requirements.

[0034] The composite outer tube 2 is the outer tube of the insert tube, which is sleeved on the outside of the core tube 1. Both ends of the composite outer tube 2 are fixedly connected to the core tube 1. It can be understood that the middle part of the composite outer tube 2 can be fixedly connected to the core tube 1 or not; for ease of connection, it is sufficient to ensure that both ends of the composite outer tube 2 are connected to the core tube 1. The composite outer tube 2 includes a mesh layer 21 and an outer skin layer 22. The outer skin layer 22 covers the mesh layer 21, and the two are combined into one unit, forming an integral outer tube sleeved on the outside of the core tube 1. Both ends of the integral outer tube are fixedly connected to the core tube 1, forming an integral insert tube. In other words, the composite outer tube 2 is a prefabricated fitting assembled with the core tube 1. Because the composite outer tube 2 is formed separately, it is not affected by the gaps 11 on the core tube 1. At least a portion of the outer skin layer 22 is embedded in the mesh of the mesh layer 21 but does not protrude from the inner wall surface of the mesh layer 21.

[0035] The endoscope insertion tube provided in this application comprises a sleeved core tube 1 and a composite outer tube 2. The core tube 1 provides support when the insertion tube is subjected to radial force in the circumferential direction, preventing radial deformation. Simultaneously, the gap 11 on the core tube 1 ensures good bending performance. The composite outer tube 2 is composed of a mesh layer 21 and an outer skin layer 22, and is entirely sleeved over the core tube 1. Both ends of the composite outer tube 2 are fixedly connected to the core tube 1. The composite outer tube 2 ensures a smooth outer surface of the insertion tube without any sharp protrusions, preventing scratches during insertion. Furthermore, the composite outer tube 2 provides excellent torsional resistance, effectively transmitting signals during doctor's operation, and ensuring that the insertion tube does not elongate or shorten under axial tensile or compressive loads.

[0036] Furthermore, the composite outer tube 2 is composed of a mesh layer 21 and an outer skin layer 22. The outer skin layer 22 covers the mesh layer 21 and is at least partially embedded in the mesh layer 21, allowing the outer skin layer 22 and the mesh layer 21 to be tightly bonded together, making it less prone to wrinkling when bent. Also, since the portion of the outer skin layer 22 embedded in the mesh layer 21 does not protrude from the inner wall of the mesh layer 21, after the core tube 1 is inserted into the composite outer tube 2, there is virtually no radially protruding particulate matter penetrating into the gaps 11 of the core tube 1 from the inner wall of the composite outer tube 2, thus not adversely affecting the bending performance of the core tube 1. Therefore, the insertion tube provided in this application offers excellent overall performance.

[0037] In some embodiments, the outer skin layer 22 is extruded onto the outside of the mesh layer 21, which is fitted over a smooth and continuous tube, to form a composite outer tube 2. The mesh layer 21 and the outer skin layer 22 are integrated through extrusion molding. Specifically, during preparation, a smooth and continuous tube (such as a flexible tube) is first selected, and a mesh is woven into its surface. Then, the entire tube with the mesh layer is extruded on an extruder to cover the outer skin. The tube is then extracted to obtain the composite outer tube 2, which is then cut to the required length for later use. The outer skin layer 22 and the mesh layer 21 are extruded under the support of the smooth and continuous tube. Sufficient extrusion pressure can be used to ensure a tight bond between the outer skin layer 22 and the mesh layer 21. Specifically, the outer skin layer 22 can fully fill the hollow mesh of the mesh layer 21, and due to the obstruction of the smooth and continuous tube, the portion of the outer skin layer 22 embedded in the mesh layer 21 will not protrude from the inner wall of the mesh layer 21. Furthermore, this molding method allows for the easy cutting of the molded composite pipe into different lengths as needed, resulting in composite outer pipes 2 of different specifications, which helps improve the consistency and convenience of processing.

[0038] In some embodiments, the two ends of the composite outer tube 2 are respectively bonded or welded to the core tube 1. After the composite outer tube 2 is sleeved on the core tube 1, the two ends of the composite outer tube 2 can be fixedly connected to the core tube 1 by bonding or welding, thereby combining the composite outer tube 2 and the core tube 1 into an integral pipe fitting. The composite outer tube 2 and the core tube 1 are bonded or welded, the outer skin layer 22 will not affect the inner surface quality of the core tube 1, and the connection is reliable and the process is simple.

[0039] In some embodiments, the bending stiffness of the core tube 1 gradually increases from its front end to its rear end. Here, "front end" refers to the end furthest from the operator and closest to the target during endoscopic examination, while "rear end" refers to the end closest to the operator and furthest from the target. With this configuration, when the insertion tube is used in the endoscope, the front end is connected to the bending portion, and the rear end is connected to the operating portion. The end connected to the operating portion is relatively stiff, providing better insertion, while the end connected to the bending portion is relatively soft, offering good flexibility and providing better guidance during insertion, thus avoiding injury to the human body.

[0040] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 3 The slits 11 extend spirally, and the pitch varies along the axial direction of the core tube 1. Because the slits 11 are spirally distributed, the bending stiffness of the core tube 1 can be adjusted by controlling the pitch of the spirally distributed slits 11. Specifically, the pitch gradually increases from the front end of the core tube 1 where the slits 11 are located to the rear end, and the bending stiffness of the core tube 1 correspondingly gradually increases from the front end of the core tube 1 where the slits 11 are located to the rear end. For example, Figure 3In this design, the pitch P1 of the core tube 1 near the front bending section is smaller than the pitch P2 near the rear end. Therefore, the bending stiffness at the front end is smaller than that at the rear end, thus achieving a gradual increase in the overall stiffness of the core tube 1 from the front to the rear end. The stiffness of the core tube 1 is varied by changing the pitch, resulting in a simple structure and controllable stiffness.

[0041] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 4 The pitch of the slot 11 remains constant, while the width of the slot 11 varies along the axial direction of the core tube 1. The bending stiffness of the core tube 1 can be adjusted by controlling the width of the slot 11. Specifically, the width of the slot 11 gradually decreases from the front end to the rear end of the core tube 1, and the bending stiffness of the core tube 1 correspondingly gradually increases from the front end to the rear end of the core tube 1. For example, Figure 4 In the process, the width S1 of the gap 11 near the front bending section of the core tube 1 is greater than the width S2 of the gap 11 near the rear end. Therefore, the bending stiffness of the front end of the core tube 1 is smaller than that of the rear end, thereby achieving a gradual increase in the stiffness of the entire core tube 1 from the front end to the rear end.

[0042] In other embodiments, the pitch of the slit 11 varies along the axial direction of the core tube 1, and the width of the slit 11 also varies along the axial direction of the core tube 1. For example, the pitch of the slit 11 gradually increases from the front end to the rear end of the core tube 1, and the width of the slit 11 gradually decreases from the front end to the rear end of the core tube 1, thereby achieving a gradual increase in the stiffness of the core tube 1 from the front end where the slit 11 is provided to the rear end.

[0043] In some embodiments, the front end of the slit 11 is provided with a first distance L1 from the front end of the core tube 1, and the rear end of the slit 11 is provided with a second distance L2 from the rear end of the core tube 1. The first distance L1 and the second distance L2 may be the same or different. That is, the two ends of the slit 11 do not extend to the end of the core tube 1, and the two ends of the core tube 1 are respectively provided with complete circular portions, so that they can be easily connected to the bending portion and the operating portion.

[0044] In some embodiments, the distance between the front end of the composite outer tube 2 and the front end of the core tube 1 is equal to or slightly less than L1, and the distance between the rear end of the composite outer tube 2 and the rear end of the core tube 1 is equal to or slightly less than L2. That is, the composite outer tube 2 just covers or slightly extends beyond the position where the slit 11 is provided on the core tube 1, thus completely covering the slit 11 without affecting the connection between the core tube 1 and the bending portion and the operating portion. The specific sizes of the first spacing L1 and the second spacing L2 can be set according to the reliable connection requirements between the core tube 1 and the bending portion and the operating portion. For example, the first spacing L1 is smaller than the second spacing L2, and correspondingly, the distance between the front end of the composite outer tube 2 and the front end of the core tube 1 is smaller than the distance between the rear end of the composite outer tube 2 and the rear end of the core tube 1, so as to distinguish the two ends of the core tube 1 during installation, thereby facilitating their connection to the bending portion and the operating portion respectively.

[0045] In some embodiments, the core tube 1 includes a hollow tube body with a slit 11 cut into it. Specifically, the slit 11 is formed by cutting the hollow tube body, such as through laser cutting. During fabrication, the core tube 1 can be laser-cut from a hollow tube body, then the cut hollow tube body is fitted onto the composite outer tube 2, and finally the two are fixed together. The core tube 1, with the slit 11 formed by cutting into a hollow tube body, has good integrity, the cutting process is simple, and it is easy to form.

[0046] In other embodiments, the core tube 1 includes a strip-shaped plate that is spirally wound to form a slit 11. This embodiment differs from the previous embodiments in that the core tube 1 is not fabricated as a tube, but rather formed by spirally winding the plate. Forming the core tube 1 by winding the plate facilitates adjustment of the width and pitch of the slit 11, especially for core tubes where the width of the slit 11 varies along the axial direction of the core tube 1, or where the pitch varies along the axial direction of the core tube 1, thus reducing the difficulty of fabrication.

[0047] In some embodiments, the core tube 1 is a metal tube. The good structural strength and bending stiffness of metal are utilized to meet the requirements for bending and radial support of the core tube 1. For example, the core tube 1 is a steel tube, meaning that the material of the core tube 1 is steel.

[0048] In some embodiments, the outer skin layer 22 is a polymer material layer. The good elasticity of the polymer material satisfies the bending stiffness of the insertion tube and makes the outer surface of the insertion tube less likely to cause injury to the human body. Additionally, the insulating properties of the polymer material can also be utilized to provide insulation. For example, the outer skin layer 22 is made of nylon elastomer (ebax), thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (TPU), or other elastomer materials.

[0049] In some embodiments, the mesh layer 21 is a metal mesh layer or a polymer mesh layer. For example, the mesh layer 21 is made of metal materials such as stainless steel, or polymer materials such as aramid yarn or polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0050] In some embodiments, the mesh layer 21 is a braided layer made of woven threads. Using a braided layer facilitates molding and preparation. For example, fine filaments are woven onto the outer surface of a flexible tube, thus creating a braided layer on the outer surface of the tube. Then, a polymer material is continuously extruded onto this surface to form an outer skin layer 22. Finally, the flexible tube is extracted to form the composite outer tube 2. The filaments can be round or flat; no specific limitation is made here.

[0051] In some embodiments, the surface of the insertion tube is provided with scale markings to facilitate monitoring of the insertion depth during use.

[0052] Based on the insertion tubes provided in the above embodiments, this application also provides an endoscope, which includes any one of the insertion tubes in the above embodiments. Since this endoscope uses the insertion tubes in the above embodiments, the beneficial effects of this endoscope are explained in the above embodiments.

[0053] 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.

[0054] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to make or use this application. 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 this application. Therefore, this application 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. An insertion tube for an endoscope, characterized in that, include: Core tube (1), the core tube (1) is provided with a slit (11) to allow bending; A composite outer tube (2) is sleeved over the core tube (1), and both ends of the composite outer tube (2) are fixedly connected to the core tube (1); The composite outer tube (2) includes a mesh layer (21) and an outer skin layer (22). The outer skin layer (22) covers the mesh layer (21) and at least a portion of the outer skin layer (22) is embedded in the mesh of the mesh layer (21) but does not protrude from the inner wall surface of the mesh layer (21).

2. The insertion tube of the endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer skin layer (22) is extruded outside the mesh layer (21) to form the composite outer tube (2), with the mesh layer (21) being fitted over the smooth and continuous tube body.

3. The insertion tube of the endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that, The two ends of the composite outer tube (2) are respectively bonded or welded to the core tube (1).

4. The insertion tube of the endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that, From the front end to the rear end of the core tube (1), the bending stiffness of the core tube (1) gradually increases.

5. The insertion tube of the endoscope according to claim 4, characterized in that, The gap (11) extends in a spiral shape, and the pitch gradually increases from the front end to the rear end of the core tube (1); And / or, the width of the slit (11) gradually decreases from the front end to the rear end of the core tube (1).

6. The insertion tube of the endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that, The front end of the slit (11) is provided with a first gap (L1) from the front end of the core tube (1), and the rear end of the slit (11) is provided with a second gap (L2) from the rear end of the core tube (1).

7. The insertion tube of the endoscope according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The core tube (1) includes a hollow tube body, on which the slit (11) is cut and formed. or, The core tube (1) includes a strip-shaped plate that is spirally wound to form the slit (11).

8. The insertion tube of the endoscope according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The core tube (1) is a metal tube, the outer skin layer (22) is a polymer material layer, and the mesh layer (21) is a metal mesh layer or a polymer mesh layer.

9. The insertion tube of the endoscope according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The mesh layer (21) is woven from silk threads.

10. An endoscope, characterized in that, Including the insertion tube as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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