Flexible flow channel assembly, propulsion device, and endoscope system

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of flexible flow channel assemblies, propelling device and endoscope system, it is related to medical instrument technical field, solve the technical problem of lacking the device of auxiliary endoscope insertion human body cavity in relevant technology.The flexible flow channel assembly of the utility model, including at least two flexible tubes, flexible tube is distributed along the circumferential direction of the piece to be inserted, two ends of flexible tube are sealed, and make flexible tube inside form fluid passage, fluid passage is used to accommodate fluid.The flexible flow channel assembly of the utility model is used when propelling device, the loop curvature problem caused by force in insertion part proximal end can be avoided, this kind of propelling mode, not only can reduce the risk of intestinal perforation, and operator does not need to rely on experience to carry out loop operation, reduce the skill requirement to operator.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] An endoscope is a commonly used medical device that can directly enter the body's natural cavities for examination, enabling visualization of the internal organs, exploration of lesions, and treatment. A colonoscope is a type of endoscope that can be inserted through the anus into the colon and reach the cecum.

[0003] The human body consists of the rectum, sigmoid colon, descending colon, splenic flexure, transverse colon, hepatic flexure, and ascending colon, all located between the anus and cecum. Significant bends exist between adjacent sections of the colon. The traditional method of colonoscopy insertion involves the operator holding the endoscope and applying external force to push it into the colon until it reaches the cecum. However, when the insertion point is in a bend, loops may form. Even with continued force, the distal end of the insertion point may not advance along the colonic bend; instead, it may move against the colonic wall at the loop. Due to these loops, intestinal perforation is a risk during colonoscopy.

[0004] When loops occur during endoscopic insertion, the operator's experience is usually relied upon to untangle them before insertion can proceed. For example, the operator can move the colon by controlling the bending, twisting, and retraction of the insertion part to untangle the loop before continuing insertion. This method requires extremely high skill from the operator, who may need thousands of actual operations to successfully untangle loops when encountered.

[0005] Since there is a lack of devices in the existing technology to assist in the insertion of endoscopes into human cavities, providing an auxiliary component that can assist in the insertion of colonoscopes is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved by those skilled in the art. Utility Model Content

[0006] This utility model discloses a flexible flow channel assembly, a propulsion device, and an endoscope system to solve the technical problem of the lack of devices to assist in inserting an endoscope into human cavities in related technologies.

[0007] To solve the above problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: The first aspect of this invention provides a flexible flow channel assembly.

[0008] The flexible flow channel assembly of this utility model is used in a propulsion device. The flexible flow channel assembly includes at least two flexible tubes distributed along the circumferential direction of the part to be inserted. The two ends of the flexible tubes are sealed, and a fluid channel is formed inside the flexible tubes to contain fluid.

[0009] The second aspect of this utility model provides a propulsion device.

[0010] The propulsion device of this utility model includes a flexible flow channel assembly, which is the flexible flow channel assembly described in any of the technical solutions of this utility model. The flexible flow channel assembly is located on the outer periphery of the part to be inserted, and the distal end of the flexible flow channel assembly is connected to the distal region of the part to be inserted. The flexible flow channel assembly is stacked along the axial direction of the part to be inserted. The propulsion device also includes a flow guide, and the outlet of the flow guide is connected to the distal end of the stacked fluid channel portion of the flexible flow channel assembly.

[0011] The third aspect of this invention provides an endoscope system.

[0012] The endoscope system of this utility model includes a propulsion device and an endoscope body. The propulsion device is the propulsion device described in any of the technical solutions of this utility model. The endoscope body includes an insertion part and a handle connected to each other. The propulsion device is used to push the insertion part into the cavity.

[0013] The technical solution adopted in this utility model can achieve the following beneficial effects: In the first aspect, the flexible flow channel assembly of this utility model forms a fluid channel inside the flexible tube. When it is used in a propulsion device, the flexible flow channel assembly is initially stacked along the axial direction of the part to be inserted. By supplying fluid to the far end of the fluid channel, the flexible flow channel assembly can be extended along its axial direction, thereby pushing the part to be inserted to move by extending the flexible flow channel assembly along its axial direction.

[0014] As can be seen, when the flexible flow channel assembly of this utility model is used as an endoscope propulsion device, the insertable part can be pushed into the human cavity by the extension of the flexible flow channel assembly along its axial direction. Since the propulsive force generated by the fluid can always be located in the distal region of the insertable part, the looping problem caused by applying force to the proximal end of the insertable part can be avoided. This propulsion method can not only reduce the risk of intestinal perforation, but also eliminate the need for the operator to perform the unlooping operation based on experience, thus reducing the skill requirements of the operator and solving the technical problem of the extremely high requirements for the operator in the insertion of colonoscopes in related technologies.

[0015] The flexible flow channel assembly of this utility model solves the technical problem of the lack of devices to assist in inserting endoscopes into human cavities in related technologies.

[0016] Secondly, in the flexible flow channel assembly of this utility model, a fluid channel is formed inside the flexible tube. When the flexible flow channel assembly is fitted with the insert, the sealing at both ends of the fluid channel can be achieved through the sealing of the flexible tube itself, without the need for sealing between the two ends of the flexible tube and the insert. This ensures that the sealing of the fluid channel does not constrain the insert, thereby improving the reliability of the insert's forward movement.

[0017] Thirdly, the flexible flow channel assembly of this invention has at least two flexible tubes, thus having at least two fluid channels. This not only makes the diameter of each fluid channel smaller, so that when the flexible flow channel assembly of this invention is used to advance the endoscope and supply fluid into the fluid channels, the smaller diameter flow channels form smooth bends in the bending areas of the cavity, making it less likely for sharp bends to occur, thereby ensuring the reliability of the flexible flow channel assembly extending along its axial direction; it also reduces the friction between the inner side of the flexible tube and the part to be inserted, thereby improving the consistency of the stroke during the extension of the inner and outer sides of the flexible tube, ensuring that the flexible flow channel assembly can advance the part to be inserted into a longer cavity. Attached Figure Description

[0018] 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.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the cooperation between the propulsion device and the insertion part in related technologies; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the flexible flow channel assembly according to the first embodiment of this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the flexible flow channel assembly according to the second embodiment of this application; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the flexible flow channel assembly according to the third embodiment of this application; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the flexible flow channel assembly according to the fourth embodiment of this application; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the flexible flow channel assembly according to the fifth embodiment of this application; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the flexible flow channel assembly according to the sixth embodiment of this application; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the flexible flow channel assembly according to the seventh embodiment of this application; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the cooperation between the propulsion device and the insertion part in an embodiment of this application; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the propulsion device according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 11 This is a partial schematic diagram of the propulsion device according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of an endoscope system according to an embodiment of this application.

[0020] In the figure: 10, propulsion device; 20, endoscope body; 21, insertion part; 22, handle; 100, flexible flow channel assembly; 110, flexible tube; 120, fluid channel; 130, restraint part; 131, connection part; 132, inner membrane; 133, outer membrane; 200, flow guide; 210, outlet. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of this utility model will be described in detail below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this utility model, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other implementation methods obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0022] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification and claims of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and not to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such use of data can be interchanged where appropriate so that embodiments of this application can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein, and the objects distinguished by "first," "second," etc., are generally of the same class and the number of objects is not limited; for example, a first object can be one or more. Furthermore, in the specification and claims, "and / or" indicates at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0023] In the various embodiments of this application, "near end" and "far end" refer to the distance of each component from the user in the usage environment. The end closer to the user is designated as the "near end", and the end farther from the user is designated as the "far end".

[0024] In related technologies, during endoscope insertion, the operator holds the endoscope insertion part and applies force externally. When the insertion part is in a bending area, looping may occur. Due to the presence of looping, intestinal perforation can easily occur during insertion. To address this, this application provides a flexible flow channel assembly, a propulsion device, and an endoscope system. The fluid filled within the flexible flow channel assembly provides forward propulsion to the distal end of the insertion part. This insertion method avoids looping of the insertion part, thereby reducing the difficulty of endoscope insertion.

[0025] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figures 1 to 12 The flexible flow channel assembly, propulsion device, and endoscope system provided in this application will be described in detail through specific embodiments and application scenarios.

[0026] The first aspect of this embodiment describes the flexible flow channel assembly in detail.

[0027] The flexible flow channel assembly of this embodiment is used in a propulsion device. Specifically, the flexible flow channel assembly forms a fluid channel 120 in the propulsion device. The propulsion device is a device that moves a component to be inserted. For example, the component to be inserted is, for example, the insertion part 21 of an endoscope. The endoscope may be a digestive endoscope, esophagoscope, gastroscope, colonoscope, etc. For example, the component to be inserted is, for example, a sheath, and the insertion part 21 is inserted into the channel of the sheath.

[0028] The following explanation uses the insertion part 21 of an endoscope as an example.

[0029] The flexible flow channel assembly in this embodiment includes a flexible tube 110, such as Figure 2 As shown. The flexible tube 110 is a tubular structure and is made of a flexible material. A flexible material is a material that can deform under external force and has the characteristics of being soft and flexible, which facilitates the stacking of flexible flow channel components.

[0030] For example, the flexible tube 110 is made using a biocompatible membrane, thereby improving the safety of the propulsion device entering the body. For example, the flexible tube 110 is made using a PLA membrane, PVA membrane, TPU membrane, or PLGA membrane, etc.

[0031] For example, the flexible tube 110 can also be made of a composite flexible layer material. The composite flexible layer material includes a support layer and a composite layer, with the composite layer laminated onto at least one side of the support layer. For example, the support layer is a fabric, and the composite layer is a biocompatible membrane. Through the function of the support layer, the expansion of the biocompatible layer can be limited, avoiding the problem of the biocompatible layer rupturing due to expansion, thereby improving the lifespan of the biocompatible layer, and further improving the service life and safety of the flexible flow channel assembly.

[0032] Preferably, the number of flexible tubes 110 is at least two, such as Figure 2 As shown. Both ends of the flexible tube 110 are sealed, forming a fluid channel 120 inside the flexible tube 110. The fluid channel 120 is used to contain fluid, such as... Figure 2 and Figure 9 As shown. More preferably, the number of flexible tubes 110 is 3 to 8, thereby giving the flexible flow channel assembly 3 to 8 fluid channels 120. For example, the number and diameter of the flexible tubes 110 are such that, after expansion, the inner side of the flexible tube 110 just contacts the insertion portion 21, or there is a gap between the flexible tube 110 and the insertion portion 21, as shown. Figure 2 As shown.

[0033] The flexible flow channel assembly of this embodiment has at least two flexible tubes 110, thus having at least two fluid channels 120. This not only makes the diameter of each fluid channel 120 smaller, but also ensures that when the flexible flow channel assembly of this embodiment is used to advance the endoscope and to supply fluid into the fluid channel 120, the smaller diameter flow channel forms a smooth bend in the bending area of ​​the cavity, making it less prone to sharp bends, thereby ensuring the reliability of the flexible flow channel assembly extending along its axial direction. Furthermore, it reduces the friction between the inner side of the flexible tube 110 and the insertion part 21, thereby improving the consistency of the stroke during the extension of the inner and outer sides of the flexible tube 110, ensuring that the flexible flow channel assembly can advance the insertion part 21 into a longer cavity.

[0034] For example, the sealing at both ends of the flexible tube 110 refers to the sealing of the inner side (the side closer to the inserted component) and the outer side (the side farther from the inserted component) of the distal end of the flexible tube 110, and the sealing of the inner side and the outer side of the proximal end of the flexible tube 110. This means that the distal end of the flexible tube 110 is self-sealed, and the proximal end of the flexible tube 110 is also self-sealed. Alternatively, the sealing at both ends of the flexible tube 110 can also refer to the sealing of the distal end of the flexible tube 110 itself, and the sealing of the inner and outer sides of the proximal end of the flexible tube 110 with the guide member 200. For example, the sealing at both ends of the flexible tube 110 can be achieved through welding, gluing, or other methods.

[0035] The inventors discovered in their research that when the flexible flow channel assembly has only one flexible membrane, a fluid channel 120 is formed between the flexible membrane and the insertion part 21. In this structure, to achieve a seal on the fluid channel 120, both ends of the flexible membrane need to be sealed to the insertion part 21. Figure 1 As shown. When fluid is supplied into the fluid channel 120, the flexible membrane extends and can drive the insertion part 21 forward. However, since there are two sealing connection positions between the insertion part 21 and the flexible membrane, the insertion part 21 will be restricted by the proximal sealing connection position during the forward movement of the insertion part 21, which will prevent the insertion part 21 from moving forward, thus making it difficult for the insertion part 21 to enter the colon and reach the cecum.

[0036] In this embodiment of the flexible flow channel assembly, the sealing at both ends of the fluid channel 120 can be achieved through the sealing of the flexible tube 110 itself, without the need for sealing between the two ends of the flexible tube 110 and the insertion part 21 (e.g. Figure 9 As shown in the figure, the sealing of the fluid channel 120 will not restrict the insertion part 21, thereby improving the reliability of the insertion part 21 moving forward.

[0037] Preferably, the flexible tubes 110 are distributed along the circumferential direction of the part to be inserted, such as... Figure 2As shown. For example, along the circumferential direction of the insert, the spacing between adjacent flexible tubes 110 is the same, ensuring that the flexible tubes 110 are evenly distributed along the circumferential direction of the insertion portion 21, thereby ensuring uniform force distribution throughout the circumferential direction of the insertion portion 21. For example, along the circumferential direction of the insert, there are at least two different spacings between adjacent flexible tubes 110, resulting in a non-uniform distribution of the flexible tubes 110 along the circumferential direction of the insertion portion 21. In this configuration, the force distribution in the circumferential direction of the insertion portion 21 is uneven, which is beneficial for the bending of the insertion portion 21.

[0038] In this embodiment, the flexible flow channel assembly has a fluid channel 120 formed inside the flexible tube 110. When used as a propulsion device, the flexible flow channel assembly is initially stacked along the axial direction of the insertion part 21. The fluid supplied to the far end of the fluid channel 120 can extend the flexible flow channel assembly along its axial direction, thereby pushing the component to be inserted to move by extending the flexible flow channel assembly along its axial direction.

[0039] As can be seen, when the flexible flow channel assembly of this embodiment is used as an endoscope propulsion device, the insertion part 21 can be pushed into the human cavity by the extension of the flexible flow channel assembly along its axial direction. Since the propulsive force generated by the fluid can always be located in the distal region of the insertion part 21, the looping problem caused by applying force to the proximal end of the insertion part 21 can be avoided. This propulsion method can not only reduce the risk of intestinal perforation, but also eliminate the need for the operator to perform the unlooping operation based on experience, thereby reducing the skill requirements of the operator and solving the technical problem of the extremely high requirements for the operator in the insertion of colonoscopes in related technologies.

[0040] The flexible flow channel assembly of this embodiment solves the technical problem of the lack of devices for assisting the insertion of endoscopes into human cavities in related technologies.

[0041] According to an optional embodiment, the flexible flow channel assembly further includes a constraint portion 130, which is used to connect two adjacent flexible tubes 110, such as... Figures 3-8 As shown. For example, the constraint part 130 can be used to constrain all the flexible tubes 110, that is, the constraint part 130 is connected to each flexible tube 110, such as... Figures 3-8 As shown. For example, the constraint part 130 may also only constrain a portion of the flexible tube 110, that is, the constraint part 130 is connected to a portion of the flexible tube 110.

[0042] Preferably, the restraint portion 130 extends along the axial direction of the flexible tube 110. For example, the restraint portion 130 extends from the distal end face of the flexible tube 110 to the proximal end face; or the restraint portion 130 extends from the distal end face of the flexible tube 110 to the distal end of the folded portion.

[0043] Preferably, a plurality of constraint portions 130 are provided between two adjacent flexible tubes 110, and the constraint portions 130 are spaced apart along the axial direction of the flexible tubes 110. For example, the plurality of constraint portions 130 are spaced apart on the portion between the distal end face and the proximal end face of the flexible tube 110; or the plurality of constraint portions 130 are spaced apart on the distal end face of the flexible tube 110 to the distal end of the folded portion.

[0044] The flexible flow channel assembly of the preferred technical solution in this embodiment connects two adjacent flexible tubes 110 through the constraint part 130. The constraint part 130 can constrain the extension process of the two adjacent flexible tubes 110, so that the two adjacent flexible tubes 110 can extend synchronously, thereby ensuring the reliability of the forward movement of the insertion part 21.

[0045] Preferably, the constraint portion 130 is one or more of the connecting portion 131, the inner membrane 132, and the outer membrane 133, such as Figures 3-8 As shown.

[0046] More preferably, the connecting portion 131 is located between two adjacent flexible tubes 110, and the connecting portion 131 is used to fix the two adjacent flexible tubes 110 together, so that the two adjacent flexible tubes 110 can extend synchronously, such as Figure 3 As shown.

[0047] More preferably, the inner membrane 132 is located inside the annular structure surrounded by multiple flexible tubes 110, and the flexible tubes 110 are connected to the inner membrane 132, thereby allowing each flexible tube 110 connected to the inner membrane 132 to extend synchronously, such as... Figure 4 As shown. For example, the cross-section of the inner membrane 132 can be a closed-loop structure or an open-loop structure with a notch.

[0048] More preferably, the outer membrane 133 is located outside the annular structure enclosed by the multiple flexible tubes 110, and the flexible tubes 110 are connected to the outer membrane 133, thereby allowing each flexible tube 110 connected to the outer membrane 133 to extend synchronously, such as... Figure 6 As shown. For example, the cross-section of the outer membrane 133 can be a closed-loop structure or an open-loop structure with a notch.

[0049] For example, the constraint portion 130 is one of the connecting portion 131, the inner membrane 132, and the outer membrane 133. Figure 3 As shown, the constraint part 130 is a connecting part 131, which is used to connect two adjacent flexible tubes 110, so that each flexible tube 110 can extend synchronously. Figure 4As shown, the constraint portion 130 is an inner membrane 132, and each flexible tube 110 is connected to the outer wall of the inner membrane 132, so that each flexible tube 110 can extend synchronously. Alternatively, the constraint portion 130 can also be an outer membrane 133, and each flexible tube 110 can be connected to the inner wall of the outer membrane 133, so that each flexible tube 110 can extend synchronously.

[0050] For example, the constraint portion 130 includes two of the following: a connecting portion 131, an inner membrane 132, and an outer membrane 133. Figure 5 As shown, the constraint part 130 includes a connecting part 131 and an inner membrane 132. The connecting part 131 is used to connect two adjacent flexible tubes 110. Each flexible tube 110 is also connected to the outer wall of the inner membrane 132, so that each flexible tube 110 can maintain synchronous extension. Figure 6 As shown, the constraint part 130 includes a connecting part 131 and an outer membrane 133. The connecting part 131 is used to connect two adjacent flexible tubes 110. Each flexible tube 110 is connected to the inner wall of the outer membrane 133, so that each flexible tube 110 can maintain synchronous extension. Figure 7 As shown, the constraint part 130 includes an inner membrane 132 and an outer membrane 133. Each flexible tube 110 is connected to the outer wall of the inner membrane 132, and each flexible tube 110 is also connected to the inner wall of the outer membrane 133, so that each flexible tube 110 can maintain synchronous extension.

[0051] For example, the constraint portion 130 includes a connecting portion 131, an inner membrane 132, and an outer membrane 133. As... Figure 8 As shown, the connecting part 131 is used to connect two adjacent flexible tubes 110. Each flexible tube 110 is also connected to the outer wall of the inner membrane 132 and the inner wall of the outer membrane 133, so that each flexible tube 110 can maintain synchronous extension.

[0052] The constraint part 130 includes two or three of the following: the connecting part 131, the inner membrane 132, and the outer membrane 133, which can ensure the reliability of the synchronous extension of each flexible tube 110.

[0053] The second aspect of this embodiment describes the propulsion device in detail.

[0054] The propulsion device in this embodiment includes a flexible flow channel assembly 100, such as... Figures 9-11 As shown. The flexible flow channel assembly 100 is a flexible flow channel assembly of any technical solution in this embodiment, and the flexible flow channel assembly 100 is located on the outer periphery of the insert, the far end of the flexible flow channel assembly 100 is connected to the far end region of the insert, and the flexible flow channel assembly 100 is stacked along the axial direction of the insert.

[0055] Preferably, the propulsion device in this embodiment further includes a guide element 200, such as... Figure 9 and Figure 11As shown, the outlet 210 of the flow guide 200 is connected to the distal end of the stacked portion of the fluid channels 120 of the flexible flow channel assembly 100, thereby allowing the fluid flowing out through the flow guide 200 to be directly supplied to the distal end of the stacked portion of the fluid channels 120, causing the flexible flow channel assembly 100 to extend from the distal end to the proximal end. The arrangement of the flow guide 200 helps to reduce the frictional resistance experienced by the fluid in the fluid channels 120.

[0056] The flexible flow channel assembly 100 is stacked along the axial direction of the part to be inserted, which can mean that the flexible flow channel assembly 100 is stacked in an orderly manner along the axial direction of the part to be inserted, such as... Figure 9 As shown. The stacked state refers to the state in which the flexible flow channel assembly 100 is compressed along the axial direction. That is, when the flexible flow channel assembly 100 is in the stacked state, the length of the flexible flow channel assembly 100 in the axial direction is reduced compared with its natural length.

[0057] For example, for the insertion portion 21 of the endoscope, the distal region of the insert refers to: the portion between the proximal end face of the active bending section of the insertion portion 21 and the distal end face of the insertion portion 21; or the portion between the distal end of the passive bending section of the insertion portion 21 and the distal end face of the insertion portion 21.

[0058] The propulsion device of this embodiment has a flexible flow channel assembly according to any of the technical solutions in this embodiment. The flexible flow channel assembly 100 can push the insert into the human cavity by extending along the axial direction. Since the propulsive force generated by the fluid can always be located in the distal region of the insert, the looping problem caused by applying force to the proximal end of the insert can be avoided. This propulsion method can not only reduce the risk of intestinal perforation, but also eliminate the need for the operator to perform the unlooping operation based on experience, thus reducing the skill requirements of the operator.

[0059] The third aspect of this embodiment provides a detailed description of the endoscope system.

[0060] The endoscope system of this embodiment includes a propulsion device 10 and an endoscope body 20, such as Figure 12 As shown. The propulsion device 10 is the propulsion device of any technical solution in this embodiment. The endoscope body 20 includes an insertion part 21 and a handle 22 connected to each other, as shown. Figure 12 As shown. The propulsion device 10 is used to push the insertion part 21 into the cavity. The insertion part 21 and the handle 22 can be the same as those in the prior art, and will not be described in detail here.

[0061] The endoscope system of this embodiment has a propulsion device according to any of the technical solutions in this embodiment. The propulsion device can assist the insertion part 21 of the endoscope body 20 to enter the human cavity, which can reduce the risk of intestinal perforation and reduce the difficulty of inserting the insertion part 21.

[0062] It should be noted that, in this document, 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. Without further limitations, 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. Furthermore, it should be noted that the scope of the methods and apparatuses in the embodiments of this application is not limited to performing functions in the order shown or discussed, but may also include performing functions substantially simultaneously or in the reverse order, depending on the functions involved. For example, the described methods may be performed in a different order than described, and various steps may be added, omitted, or combined. Additionally, features described with reference to certain examples may be combined in other examples.

[0063] The above description is only a specific embodiment of this utility model, but the protection scope of this utility model is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A flexible flow channel assembly for use in a propulsion device, characterized in that, The flexible flow channel assembly includes at least two flexible tubes (110) distributed along the circumferential direction of the insert, with both ends of the flexible tubes (110) sealed and forming a fluid channel (120) inside the flexible tubes (110) for accommodating fluid.

2. The flexible flow channel assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a constraint part (130) for connecting two adjacent flexible tubes (110).

3. The flexible flow channel assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The constraint part (130) is one or more of the following: the connecting part (131), the inner membrane (132), and the outer membrane (133). The restraint portion (130) extends along the axial direction of the flexible tube (110); or There are multiple constraint portions (130) between two adjacent flexible tubes (110), and the constraint portions (130) are distributed at intervals along the axial direction of the flexible tubes (110).

4. The flexible flow channel assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The connecting part (131) is located between two adjacent flexible tubes (110), and the connecting part (131) is used to fix the two adjacent flexible tubes (110) together.

5. The flexible flow channel assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The inner membrane (132) is located inside the annular structure surrounded by the multiple flexible tubes (110), and the flexible tubes (110) are connected to the inner membrane (132).

6. The flexible flow channel assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The outer membrane (133) is located outside the annular structure enclosed by the multiple flexible tubes (110), and the flexible tubes (110) are connected to the outer membrane (133).

7. The flexible flow channel assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The number of flexible tubes (110) is 3 to 8.

8. The flexible flow channel assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, Along the circumferential direction of the component to be inserted, the spacing between two adjacent flexible tubes (110) is the same; or Along the circumferential direction of the insert, there are at least two types of spacing between two adjacent flexible tubes (110).

9. A propulsion device, characterized in that, Includes a flexible flow channel assembly (100), the flexible flow channel assembly (100) being any one of claims 1 to 8, and the flexible flow channel assembly (100) being located on the outer periphery of the insert, the distal end of the flexible flow channel assembly (100) being connected to the distal region of the insert, and the flexible flow channel assembly (100) being stacked along the axial direction of the insert; The propulsion device also includes a flow guide (200), the outlet (210) of which is connected to the distal end of the stacked portion of the fluid channel (120) of the flexible flow channel assembly (100).

10. An endoscope system, characterized in that, It includes a propulsion device (10) and an endoscope body (20), wherein the propulsion device (10) is the propulsion device according to claim 9, and the endoscope body (20) includes an insertion part (21) and a handle (22) connected to each other, and the propulsion device (10) is used to push the insertion part (21) into the cavity.

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