Snake bone connecting structure and endoscope

Abstract

The embodiment of the application provides a snake bone connecting structure and an endoscope. It relates to the technical field of medical devices. The snake bone connecting structure comprises a head bone joint, a plurality of middle bone joints and a tail bone joint which are sequentially hinged; the middle bone joint comprises a ring-shaped part and a plurality of first hinge parts, the plurality of first hinge parts are symmetrically arranged on the ring-shaped part, the first hinge part is hinged on the ring-shaped part of the adjacent middle bone joint, so that the two adjacent middle bone joints are deflected along the hinge axis of the first hinge part, and the adjacent first hinge parts of the adjacent middle bone joints are arranged in a staggered manner along the circumference of the ring-shaped part. The problem that the bending angle of the snake bone connecting structure in the endoscope is limited is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of medical device technology, and in particular to a snake-bone connection structure and an endoscope. Background Technology

[0002] The snake-bone connection structure is one of the core structural components of endoscopes (such as gastroscopes, colonoscopes, bronchoscopes, etc.), used to enable the bending function of the endoscope tip.

[0003] In related technologies, snake-bone connection structures are typically formed by connecting multiple spurs sequentially. Adjacent spurs are connected by rivets, and two adjacent spurs can be deflected relative to each other to achieve bending.

[0004] However, in existing snake-bone connection structures, the bending angle is limited, and the operation is not flexible enough. Utility Model Content

[0005] This application provides a snake-bone connection structure and an endoscope to solve the problem of limited bending angle of the snake-bone connection structure in the endoscope.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a snake-bone connection structure, including:

[0007] The first segment, multiple middle segments, and the tail segment are hinged together in sequence;

[0008] The middle segment includes an annular portion and a plurality of first hinge portions. The plurality of first hinge portions are symmetrically arranged on the annular portion. The first hinge portions are hinged to the annular portions of adjacent middle segments so that two adjacent middle segments are deflected along the hinge axis of the first hinge portion. The adjacent first hinge portions of adjacent middle segments are circumferentially offset along the annular portion.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the circumferential misalignment angle of the adjacent first hinge portion of the adjacent middle vertebrae along the annular portion is n, where 15°≤n≤60°.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the circumferential misalignment angle of the adjacent first hinge portion of the adjacent middle sacrum along the annular portion is n, where n is 30° or 45°.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the maximum bending angle between the proximal segment and the caudal segment is greater than or equal to 30° and less than or equal to 70°.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the middle segment further includes a plurality of second hinge portions symmetrically arranged on the annular portion, the second hinge portions being located at one end of the annular portion away from the first hinge portion, and the second hinge portions being hinged to the first hinge portion of the adjacent middle segment.

[0013] On the same central joint, the first hinge portion and the adjacent second hinge portion are circumferentially offset along the annular portion.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the annular portion includes an annular segment, a plurality of first planar segments, and a plurality of second planar segments, the annular segment, the first planar segments, and the second planar segments being connected to form a ring, and the plurality of first planar segments and the plurality of second planar segments being symmetrically arranged on the ring;

[0015] The first hinge portion is disposed on the corresponding first planar segment, and the outer side of the first hinge portion coincides with the outer plane of the first planar segment. The second hinge portion is disposed on the corresponding second planar segment, and the outer side of the second hinge portion coincides with the outer plane of the second planar segment.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the first planar segment protrudes from the annular segment, and the second planar segment is recessed within the annular segment, such that the first planar segment abuts against the outer surface of the second planar segment adjacent to the middle sacrum.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the snake-bone connection structure further includes a connector that passes through the second hinge portion and is fixedly connected to a first hinge portion of an adjacent middle segment, the second hinge portion being rotatable relative to the connector.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the maximum rotation angle between two adjacent annular portions is b, where 2° ≤ b ≤ 8°.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the number of the central vertebrae is greater than or equal to 8 and less than or equal to 16.

[0020] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide an endoscope including a snake-bone connection structure.

[0021] This application provides a snake-bone connection structure and an endoscope. The snake-bone connection structure includes a head segment, multiple middle segments, and a tail segment that are hinged sequentially. Each middle segment includes an annular portion and multiple first hinge portions. The multiple first hinge portions are symmetrically arranged on the annular portion. The first hinge portions are hinged to the annular portions of adjacent middle segments, so that two adjacent middle segments can deflect along the hinge axis of the first hinge portion. Adjacent first hinge portions of adjacent middle segments are circumferentially offset along the annular portion. By offsetting the hinge positions between adjacent middle segments, the deflection direction of the middle segments is increased, thereby improving the flexibility and operability of the endoscope. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application.

[0023] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the snake-bone connection structure provided in this application;

[0024] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the snake-bone connection structure provided in this application when it is bent;

[0025] Figure 3 For this Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the connection structure between the two middle vertebrae;

[0026] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the middle segment of the spine;

[0027] Figure 5 for Figure 1 A structural diagram of the middle segment of the vertebrae from another angle;

[0028] Figure 6 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the snake-bone connection structure provided in this application;

[0029] Figure 7 for Figure 6 Enlarged schematic diagram of the connecting component;

[0030] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the endoscope provided in this application;

[0031] Figure 9 for Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the connection structure between the snake bone and the endoscope.

[0032] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0033] 100. First sacral segment; 200. Middle sacral segment; 210. Annular portion; 211. Annular segment; 212. First planar segment; 213. Second planar segment; 220. First hinge portion; 230. Second hinge portion; 300. Tail sacral segment; 400. Connector; 500. Protective layer; 600. Insertion tube; 610. Connecting ring; 700. Main unit; 800. Head end.

[0034] The accompanying drawings illustrate specific embodiments of this application, which will be described in more detail below. These drawings and descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the concept in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of this application to those skilled in the art through reference to particular embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0035] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this application. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this application as detailed in the appended claims.

[0036] Snake-bone joint structures are typically formed by connecting multiple joints in sequence. Adjacent joints are connected by rivets, and two adjacent joints can be deflected relative to each other to achieve bending functionality.

[0037] However, in existing serpentine connection structures, the relatively simple connection method between adjacent segments significantly limits their bending angle and flexibility. Specifically, when endoscopes need to operate within complex human cavities, such as observing various corners of the stomach during gastroscopy or navigating the winding intestines during colonoscopy, existing serpentine connection structures may not provide sufficient bending angles to meet these needs. This not only increases the difficulty of the operation but may also affect the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the diagnosis. Therefore, existing serpentine connection structures have certain limitations in practical applications, especially in medical scenarios requiring high flexibility and large bending angles.

[0038] This application provides a snake-bone connection structure and an endoscope. The snake-bone connection structure includes a head segment, multiple middle segments, and a tail segment that are hinged sequentially. Each middle segment includes an annular portion and multiple first hinge portions. The multiple first hinge portions are symmetrically arranged on the annular portion, and the first hinge portions are hinged to the annular portions of adjacent middle segments, so that two adjacent middle segments can deflect along the hinge axis of the first hinge portion. Adjacent first hinge portions of adjacent middle segments are circumferentially offset along the annular portion. By offsetting the hinge positions between adjacent middle segments, the deflection direction of the middle segments is increased, thereby improving the flexibility and operability of the endoscope.

[0039] The technical solution of this application and how the technical solution of this application solves the above-mentioned technical problems are described in detail below with specific embodiments. These specific embodiments can be combined with each other, and the same or similar concepts or processes may not be described again in some embodiments. The embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0040] This application provides a snake-bone connection structure, referring to... Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 The snake-bone connection structure includes a head segment 100, multiple middle segments 200 and a tail segment 300 that are hinged together in sequence.

[0041] The middle segment 200 includes an annular portion 210 and a plurality of first hinge portions 220. The plurality of first hinge portions 220 are symmetrically arranged on the annular portion 210. The first hinge portions 220 are hinged to the annular portion 210 of adjacent middle segments 200, so that two adjacent middle segments 200 deflect along the hinge axis of the first hinge portion 220. The adjacent first hinge portions 220 of adjacent middle segments 200 are circumferentially offset along the annular portion 210.

[0042] By misaligning the hinge positions between adjacent middle segments 200, for example, after the hinge positions of the second and third segments are misaligned, the deflection direction of the middle segment 200 changes, thereby increasing the deflection direction of the middle segment 200 and thus improving the flexibility and operability of the endoscope.

[0043] For example, adjacent first hinge portions 220 of adjacent middle joints 200 are evenly staggered along the circumference of the annular portion 210.

[0044] When the hinge point of the middle segment 200 is misaligned by 180° in the circumferential direction, the middle segment 200 will have parallel hinge axes, thereby increasing the deflection angle of the overall structure.

[0045] In one possible implementation, refer to Figure 3The circumferential misalignment angle of the adjacent first hinge portion 220 of the adjacent middle segment 200 along the annular portion 210 is n, where 15°≤n≤60°.

[0046] For example, the circumferential misalignment angle n of the adjacent first hinge portion 220 of the adjacent middle joint 200 along the annular portion 210 can be 15° or 60°.

[0047] When the circumferential misalignment angle n of the adjacent first hinge portion 220 of the adjacent middle segment 200 along the annular portion 210 is 15°, the middle segment 200 has 24 deflection directions, and the 24 deflection directions cooperate with each other to achieve 360° circumferential deflection of the whole structure without dead angles, thereby improving the flexibility of the snake bone connection structure.

[0048] When the adjacent first hinge portion 220 of the adjacent middle segment 200 is misaligned by an angle n of 60° along the annular portion 210, the middle segment 200 has 6 deflection directions, and the 6 deflection directions cooperate with each other to achieve multi-sided deflection of the overall structure and improve the flexibility of the snake bone connection structure.

[0049] For example, the circumferential misalignment angle of the adjacent first hinge portion 220 of the adjacent middle joint 200 along the annular portion 210 is n, where n can also be 30° or 45°.

[0050] When the circumferential misalignment angle n of the adjacent first hinge portion 220 of the adjacent middle segment 200 along the annular portion 210 is 30°, the middle segment 200 has 12 deflection directions, and the 12 deflection directions cooperate with each other to achieve the deflection of the whole structure along the circumferential direction without dead angles, thereby improving the flexibility of the snake bone connection structure.

[0051] When the adjacent first hinge portion 220 of adjacent middle segments 200 is misaligned by an angle n of 45° along the circumferential direction of the annular portion 210, the middle segment 200 has eight deflection directions. These eight deflection directions work together to achieve circumferential deflection of the entire structure without any blind spots, improving the flexibility of the snake-bone connection structure and enabling it to adapt more flexibly to complex curved paths. In endoscopic applications, this means that the endoscope tip can be more precisely pointed at the target area, easily navigating various corners of the stomach (for gastroscopy), curved sections of the intestines (for colonoscopy), or narrow passages in the airway (for bronchoscope).

[0052] In one possible implementation, the maximum bending angle between the proximal segment 100 and the caudal segment 300 is greater than or equal to 30° and less than or equal to 70°.

[0053] For example, the maximum bending angle between the proximal segment 100 and the caudal segment 300 can be any value between 30° and 70°. By increasing the number of intermediate segments 200 and changing the distance between two adjacent intermediate segments 200, the maximum bending angle between the axis of the proximal segment 100 and the axis of the caudal segment 300 can be changed, thereby increasing the detection range of the endoscope.

[0054] Furthermore, the maximum bending angle between the proximal segment 100 and the caudal segment 300 should not exceed 70°. When the maximum bending angle between the proximal segment 100 and the caudal segment 300 is too large, the connecting structure between adjacent middle segments 100 will be subjected to excessive stress, damaging the snake's bone connection structure. At the same time, excessive bending angles also pose problems of injury to the human body and difficulty in control.

[0055] For example, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 4 The first hinge portion 220 can be a first lug, which is fixed to one end of the annular portion 210 and extends outside the annular portion 210. A first connecting hole is provided in the middle of the first lug, and the axes of the first connecting holes of the first lugs at the same end of the annular portion 210 coincide, so that the annular portion 210 can rotate about the axis of the first connecting hole. The end of the first lug away from the annular portion 210 is set in an arc shape to facilitate rotation and avoid obstruction during rotation.

[0056] In one possible implementation, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 4 The middle segment 200 also includes a plurality of second hinge portions 230, which are symmetrically arranged on the annular portion 210. The second hinge portion 230 is located at one end of the annular portion 210 away from the first hinge portion 220, and the second hinge portion 230 is hinged to the first hinge portion 220 of the adjacent middle segment 200.

[0057] On the same central joint 200, the first hinge portion 220 and the adjacent second hinge portion 230 are offset circumferentially along the annular portion 210.

[0058] For example, the second hinge portion 230 can be a second lug, which is fixed to the end of the annular portion 210 away from the first hinge portion 220 and extends outside the annular portion 210. A second connecting hole is provided in the middle of the second lug, and the axes of the second connecting holes of the second lugs at the same end of the annular portion 210 coincide, allowing the annular portion 210 to rotate about the axis of the second connecting hole. The end of the second lug away from the annular portion 210 is rounded to facilitate rotation and avoid obstruction during rotation. The second lug is hinged to the first lug on the adjacent middle segment 200.

[0059] For example, the first hinge portion 220 and the annular portion 210 are integrally formed. This makes manufacturing convenient and quick, provides high strength, and saves costs.

[0060] For example, the second hinge portion 230 is integrally formed with the annular portion 210. This makes manufacturing convenient and quick, provides high strength, and saves costs.

[0061] In one possible implementation, refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The annular portion 210 includes an annular segment 211, a plurality of first planar segments 212 and a plurality of second planar segments 213. The annular segment 211, the first planar segments 212 and the second planar segments 213 are connected to form a ring, and the plurality of first planar segments 212 and the plurality of second planar segments 213 are symmetrically arranged on the ring.

[0062] The first hinge portion 220 is disposed on the corresponding first planar segment 212, and the outer side surface of the first hinge portion 220 coincides with the outer side plane of the first planar segment 212. The second hinge portion 230 is disposed on the corresponding second planar segment 213, and the outer side surface of the second hinge portion 230 coincides with the outer side plane of the second planar segment 213.

[0063] By dividing the annular portion 210 into annular segment 211, a first planar segment 212, and a second planar segment 213, and respectively arranging the first hinge portion 220 and the second hinge portion 230 on the corresponding planar segments, the outer surface of the hinge portion coincides with the outer plane of the planar segment. This avoids the formation of multiple protrusions on the outer wall of the connection, thereby achieving a smooth outer surface, reducing friction and resistance with the inner wall of the human body cavity, and improving the operational flexibility and comfort of the endoscope in narrow or curved channels. It also enhances the stability of the structure, simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces production costs, and provides strong support for the efficient and safe use of the endoscope.

[0064] For example, refer to Figure 3 and Figure 5 Two first planar segments 212 and two second planar segments 213 are provided. The first planar segments 212, the second planar segments 213, and the annular segment 211 are integrally formed into a ring. The two first planar segments 212 are symmetrically arranged. The two second planar segments 213 are symmetrically arranged. The first hinge portion 220 is fixed to the first planar segment 212, and the second hinge portion 230 is fixed to the second planar segment 213. The smaller included angle between the line connecting the centers of the first planar segments 212 and the line connecting the centers of the second planar segments 213 is the circumferential misalignment angle η of the adjacent first hinge portions 220 of the adjacent middle joints 200 along the annular portion 210.

[0065] In one possible implementation, the first planar segment 212 protrudes from the annular segment 211, and the second planar segment 213 is recessed into the annular segment 211, such that the first planar segment 212 abuts against the outer surface of the second planar segment 213 of the adjacent middle segment 200.

[0066] For example, refer to Figure 5 The distance between the inner sides of the two first planar segments 212 is c, and the distance between the outer sides of the two second planar segments 213 is d, where c ≥ d, so that the second hinge portion 230 can be placed between the two first hinge portions 220.

[0067] For example, the distance c between the inner sides of the two first planar segments 212 is greater than the diameter of the annular segment 211, and the distance d between the outer sides of the two second planar segments 213 is less than the diameter of the annular segment 211.

[0068] In one possible implementation, refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 The snake-bone connection structure also includes a connector 400, which passes through the second hinge portion 230 and is fixedly connected to the first hinge portion 220 of the adjacent middle bone segment 200. The second hinge portion 230 can rotate relative to the connector 400.

[0069] For example, connector 400 can be a rivet.

[0070] For example, refer to Figure 7 The diameter of the first connecting hole on the first hinge portion 220 is smaller than the diameter of the second connecting hole on the second hinge portion 230. The rivet includes a limiting portion, a first cylindrical portion, and a second cylindrical portion, which are connected sequentially, with their diameters decreasing sequentially. The diameter of the limiting portion is larger than the diameter of the second connecting hole. The first cylindrical portion passes through the second connecting hole and has a clearance fit with it, allowing the second hinge portion 230 to rotate around the axis of the first cylindrical portion. The second cylindrical portion passes through the first connecting hole and is riveted to the outer wall of the first hinge portion 220, fixing the connector 400 to the second cylindrical portion. This arrangement of the rotating pair at the larger diameter first cylindrical portion and second connecting hole improves the rivet's wear resistance and thus increases its service life. Furthermore, the rivet's stationary position relative to the external first hinge portion 220 reduces damage to the protective layer 500 fitted onto the central joint 200.

[0071] For example, the snake-bone connection structure also includes a protective layer 500, which is a flexible protective sleeve fitted onto the middle joint 200.

[0072] In one possible implementation, the maximum rotation angle between two adjacent annular portions 210 is b, where 2° ≤ b ≤ 8°.

[0073] For example, the maximum rotation angle b between two adjacent annular portions 210 can be any value between 2° and 8°, without much restriction here.

[0074] In one possible implementation, the number of central joints 200 is greater than or equal to 8 and less than or equal to 16.

[0075] For example, the number of middle segments 200 can be set according to the maximum bending angle required by the serpentine connection structure. The number of middle segments 200 can be set to 8, 10, 12, 14, or 16. Of course, more middle segments 200 can be set when the serpentine connection structure requires a larger bending angle, which will not be elaborated on here.

[0076] For example, the proximal segment 100 near the middle segment 200 also has a second hinge portion 230. The tail segment 300 near the middle segment 200 also has a first hinge portion 220. The second hinge portion 230 on the proximal segment 100 and the first hinge portion 220 on the middle segment 200 are hinged together by a connector 400. The first hinge portion 220 on the tail segment 300 and the second hinge portion 230 on the middle segment 200 are hinged together by a connector 400.

[0077] For example, the first segment 100, the middle segment 200 and the tail segment 300 are all cylindrical structures, so that a connecting chamber is formed in the middle of the snake bone connecting structure for the passage of the endoscope's wiring and equipment.

[0078] This application provides an endoscope, as shown in the embodiments of the present application. Figure 8 and Figure 9 The endoscope includes a snake-bone connection structure, an insertion tube 600, and a main unit 700. The snake-bone connection structure is connected to the insertion tube 600, and the insertion tube 600 is connected to the main unit 700.

[0079] The end of the insertion tube is equipped with a connecting ring 610, which is connected to the tail segment 300 of the snake-bone connection structure by rivets. The endoscope also includes a head end 800, which is connected to the head segment 100 of the snake-bone connection structure by rivets. The head end 800 is electrically connected to the main unit 700 via a cable, and is equipped with a detection device and an illumination device. The cable of the head end 800 passes through the snake-bone connection structure and connects to the main unit 700 via the insertion tube 600.

[0080] The endoscope provided in this application embodiment has a snake-like connecting structure comprising a head segment 100, multiple middle segments 200, and a tail segment 300, which are hinged sequentially. Each middle segment 200 includes an annular portion 210 and multiple first hinge portions 220. The multiple first hinge portions 220 are symmetrically arranged on the annular portion 210, and each first hinge portion 220 is hinged to the annular portion 210 of an adjacent middle segment 200, causing two adjacent middle segments 200 to deflect along the hinge axis of the first hinge portion 220. Adjacent first hinge portions 220 of adjacent middle segments 200 are circumferentially offset along the annular portion 210. This offset of the hinge positions between adjacent middle segments 200 increases the deflection direction of the middle segments 200, thereby improving the flexibility and operability of the endoscope.

[0081] Finally, it should be noted that other embodiments of this application will readily conceive of by those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the application disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this application that follow the general principles of this application and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein, and is not limited to the precise structures described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and alterations may be made without departing from its scope. The scope of this application is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A snake-bone connection structure, characterized in that, include: The first segment, multiple middle segments, and the tail segment are hinged together in sequence; The middle segment includes an annular portion and a plurality of first hinge portions. The plurality of first hinge portions are symmetrically arranged on the annular portion. The first hinge portions are hinged to the annular portions of adjacent middle segments so that two adjacent middle segments are deflected along the hinge axis of the first hinge portion. The adjacent first hinge portions of adjacent middle segments are circumferentially offset along the annular portion.

2. The snake-bone connection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The circumferential misalignment angle of the adjacent first hinge portion of the adjacent middle segment along the annular portion is n, where 15°≤n≤60°.

3. The snake-bone connection structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The circumferential misalignment angle of the adjacent first hinge portion of the adjacent middle segment along the annular portion is n, where n is 30° or 45°.

4. The snake-bone connection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The maximum bending angle between the proximal segment and the caudal segment is greater than or equal to 30° and less than or equal to 70°.

5. The snake-bone connection structure according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The middle segment also includes a plurality of second hinge portions, which are symmetrically arranged on the annular portion. The second hinge portions are located at one end of the annular portion away from the first hinge portion, and the second hinge portions are hinged to the first hinge portion of the adjacent middle segment. On the same central joint, the first hinge portion and the adjacent second hinge portion are circumferentially offset along the annular portion.

6. The snake-bone connection structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, The annular portion includes an annular segment, a plurality of first planar segments, and a plurality of second planar segments. The annular segment, the first planar segments, and the second planar segments are connected to form a ring, and the plurality of first planar segments and the plurality of second planar segments are symmetrically arranged on the ring. The first hinge portion is disposed on the corresponding first planar segment, and the outer side of the first hinge portion coincides with the outer plane of the first planar segment. The second hinge portion is disposed on the corresponding second planar segment, and the outer side of the second hinge portion coincides with the outer plane of the second planar segment.

7. The snake-bone connection structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first planar segment protrudes from the annular segment, and the second planar segment is recessed within the annular segment, such that the first planar segment abuts against the outer surface of the second planar segment adjacent to the middle sacrum.

8. The snake-bone connection structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes a connector that passes through the second hinge portion and is fixedly connected to the first hinge portion of the adjacent middle sacrum, the second hinge portion being rotatable relative to the connector.

9. The snake-bone connection structure according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The maximum rotation angle between two adjacent annular portions is b, where 2° ≤ b ≤ 8°.

10. The snake-bone connection structure according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The number of the central vertebrae is greater than or equal to 8 and less than or equal to 16.

11. An endoscope, characterized in that, Includes any one of the snake-bone connection structures as described in claims 1-10.

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