Zoom adjustment mechanism and endoscope

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of medical devices, and particularly discloses a zoom adjusting mechanism and an endoscope. The zoom adjusting mechanism comprises a driving component, a transmission member, a zoom lens barrel, a sensing member and a sensor. One end of the transmission member is connected with the output end of the driving component, and the other end is connected with the zoom lens barrel. The driving component can drive the transmission member to move to drive the zoom lens barrel to move axially. The sensing member is arranged on the output end of the driving component or the transmission member. The sensor is used for detecting whether the sensing member is at an initial position. The initial position is the position of the sensing member when the driving component is at zero position. The zoom adjusting mechanism provided by the application guarantees the accuracy of focal length adjustment. Through cooperation of the sensing member and the sensor, the driving component can be returned to zero position, the transmission member can be returned to the initial position, and the zoom lens barrel is returned to the initial position, i.e. the starting position of zooming, so that accurate adjustment can be facilitated during focal length adjustment next time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of medical device technology, and more specifically, to a zoom adjustment mechanism and an endoscope. Background Technology

[0002] An endoscope is a medical device specifically designed to provide imaging examinations and treatments for the human digestive tract. During the examination, to improve the doctor's diagnostic efficiency, a wide field of view (wide-angle end) is first needed to observe the overall situation. After finding a suspicious lesion, a high resolution (magnification end) is needed to accurately locate and analyze the lesion, which requires adjusting the focal length of the endoscope.

[0003] Conventional endoscopes use a motor to drive a helical spring, which in turn moves the zoom lens barrel at the tip axially to adjust the focus. In developing this application, the inventors discovered at least the following problem in the prior art: if a sudden event occurs during the operation of the motor used for focusing, such as a power outage, the motor needs to find its zero position (i.e., the starting position) again; however, conventional motors do not have an automatic zeroing function.

[0004] In summary, how to effectively solve the problem of the difficulty in returning the focus adjustment mechanism to the starting position is a problem that needs to be solved by those skilled in the art. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of this, the purpose of this application is to provide a zoom adjustment mechanism and an endoscope, the structural design of which can effectively solve the problem of the difficulty in returning the zoom adjustment mechanism to the starting position.

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

[0007] A zoom adjustment mechanism, comprising:

[0008] Drive components;

[0009] A transmission component, one end of which is connected to the output end of the drive component;

[0010] The zoom lens barrel is connected to the other end of the transmission component, and the driving component can drive the transmission component to move so as to drive the zoom lens barrel to move axially.

[0011] A sensing element is disposed at the output end of the driving component or the transmission component;

[0012] A sensor is used to detect whether the sensing element is in an initial position, wherein the initial position is the position of the sensing element when the driving component is in the zero position.

[0013] Optionally, in the above-mentioned zoom adjustment mechanism, the driving component is a motor, the sensing element rotates with the output end of the motor, and the sensing element includes a sensing part that protrudes radially. When the sensing element is in the initial position, the sensor and the sensing part are arranged axially opposite each other.

[0014] Optionally, in the above zoom adjustment mechanism, the sensor is a photoelectric sensor, which includes a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter and the receiver are opposite to each other and spaced apart. The receiver is used to receive the light emitted by the transmitter. When the sensor is in the initial position, the sensor is blocked between the transmitter and the receiver.

[0015] Optionally, in the above-mentioned zoom adjustment mechanism, the transmission component includes:

[0016] A coupling, which is fixed to the output end of the drive component, and the drive component is used to drive the coupling to rotate.

[0017] The torque transmission element is flexible, and one end of the torque transmission element is connected to the coupling and rotates with the coupling;

[0018] A rotating shaft is located at the other end of the torque transmission component. The rotating shaft is connected to the zoom lens barrel, and the rotation of the rotating shaft can be converted into axial movement of the zoom lens barrel.

[0019] Optionally, in the above-mentioned zoom adjustment mechanism, the transmission component further includes a connecting component, the torque transmission component is fixed to the connecting component, the coupling is sleeved with the connecting component, and one of the coupling and the connecting component is provided with a protrusion, and the other is provided with a groove, the protrusion is provided in the groove, and the protrusion can slide along the axial direction of the groove.

[0020] Optionally, in the above-mentioned zoom adjustment mechanism, the end of the coupling away from the drive component is provided with a mounting hole, the connecting member is provided in the mounting hole, one of the groove or the protrusion is provided on the side wall of the mounting hole, and the other is provided on the outer side wall of the connecting member.

[0021] Optionally, in the above-described zoom adjustment mechanism, the groove is provided on the side wall of the mounting hole, and the groove extends to the end face of the coupling away from the drive component to form an opening;

[0022] Alternatively, the groove is provided on the outer side wall of the connector and extends to the end face of the connector facing the drive component to form an opening.

[0023] Optionally, in the above-mentioned zoom adjustment mechanism, the mounting hole is provided with a first limiting surface, which is used to abut against one end of the connector facing the driving component to limit its movement;

[0024] A second limiting surface is provided opposite to the coupling. The distance between the second limiting surface and the coupling is less than the axial length of the connecting member. The second limiting surface is used to abut against the end of the connecting member away from the driving component to limit its movement.

[0025] Optionally, the above-mentioned zoom adjustment mechanism further includes:

[0026] A protective tube is fitted over the torque transmission component;

[0027] A protective tube mounting base is provided on the operating part of an endoscope, with one end of the protective tube located on the protective tube mounting base.

[0028] The zoom adjustment mechanism provided in this application includes a drive component, a transmission component, a zoom lens barrel, a sensing component, and a sensor. One end of the transmission component is connected to the output end of the drive component, and the other end is connected to the zoom lens barrel. The drive component can drive the transmission component to move, thereby causing the zoom lens barrel to move axially. The sensing component is located at the output end of the drive component or on the transmission component. The sensor is used to detect whether the sensing component is in an initial position, wherein the initial position is the position of the sensing component when the drive component is in the zero position.

[0029] When the zoom adjustment mechanism provided in this application needs to be adjusted, the drive component is activated, causing its output end to move, which in turn drives the transmission component. The transmission component then moves the zoom lens barrel connected to it axially, thereby adjusting the focal length. Once the focal length is adjusted to a preset position, the drive component stops moving, and the zoom lens barrel remains in its current position. A sensor is located at the output end of the drive component or on the transmission component; therefore, the sensor moves along with the output end as it drives the transmission component. Through the cooperation of the sensor and the sensor unit, it is possible to detect whether the sensor unit is in its initial position. Therefore, the drive component can be controlled to return to the zero position based on the position of the sensor detected by the sensor.

[0030] In summary, the zoom adjustment mechanism provided in this application enables the drive component to return to the zero position, the corresponding transmission component to return to the initial position, and the zoom lens barrel to return to the initial position, i.e., the starting position of zoom, thereby facilitating precise adjustment during the next focal length adjustment.

[0031] Furthermore, the zoom adjustment mechanism provided in this application achieves focal length adjustment by driving the zoom lens barrel through a drive component. When used in an endoscope, regardless of whether the insertion tube is in a straight or bent state, the drive component and transmission component can transmit the driving force very precisely, ensuring the accuracy of focal length adjustment and positioning. At the same time, the structure is simple, the parts processing cost is low, and the production cost is reduced.

[0032] To achieve the above objectives, this application also provides an endoscope including any of the aforementioned zoom adjustment mechanisms. Since the aforementioned zoom adjustment mechanisms have the above-described technical effects, the endoscope having such a zoom adjustment mechanism should also have the corresponding technical effects. Attached Figure Description

[0033] 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.

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an endoscope;

[0035] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the zoom adjustment mechanism according to a specific embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 3 This is an enlarged schematic diagram of the zoom adjustment mechanism;

[0037] Figure 4 This is an enlarged schematic diagram of part A of the zoom adjustment mechanism;

[0038] Figure 5 for Figure 4 An explosion diagram;

[0039] Figure 6 for Figure 4 A cross-sectional schematic diagram;

[0040] Figure 7 This is an enlarged schematic diagram of part B of the zoom adjustment mechanism.

[0041] Figure label:

[0042] 100 - Insertion part; 200 - Operation part; 300 - Light guide part; 210 - Operation component; 110 - Zoom lens body; 120 - First lens body; 130 - Second lens body;

[0043] 1-Drive component; 2-Transmission component; 3-Sensing component; 4-Sensor; 5-Zoom lens barrel; 6-Protective tube; 7-Protective tube mounting base; 8-Drive component mounting base; 91-First locking screw; 92-Second locking screw; 93-Third locking screw; 94-Fourth locking screw;

[0044] 11-Output terminal;

[0045] 21-Coupling; 22-Torque transmission component; 23-Rotating shaft; 24-Connecting component; 25-Protrusion; 26-Groove; 211-Mounting hole; 212-Accommodation hole; 27-First limiting surface; 28-Second limiting surface; 231-Helical groove; 29-Limiting pin;

[0046] 31-Sensing part; 32-Mounting part;

[0047] 41 - Transmitter; 42 - Receiver. Detailed Implementation

[0048] This application discloses a zoom adjustment mechanism and an endoscope, so that the zoom adjustment mechanism can accurately return to the starting position.

[0049] 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.

[0050] The zoom adjustment mechanism provided in this application is applicable to, but not limited to, endoscopes, such as upper gastrointestinal endoscopes. Exemplarily, this zoom adjustment mechanism is used for adjusting the focal length of the image acquisition at the end of the endoscope lens. Please refer to... Figure 1 The endoscope includes an insertion section 100, an operating section 200, and a light guide section 300. The operating section 200 includes up / down knobs, left / right knobs, a water / air valve, a suction valve, and various functional operating components 210, allowing the operator to control the shape of the insertion section 100 and perform auxiliary functions. The insertion section 100 can enter the human body and, based on its function, includes a rigid tip, a curved section, and an insertion tube. The operating section 200 includes buttons and rotary knobs, among other operating components 210. The main function of the light guide section 300 is to transmit light generated by a light source to the tip of the endoscope, illuminating the object or tissue being observed.

[0051] The zoom adjustment mechanism includes a drive component 1, a transmission component 2, and a zoom lens barrel 5. The zoom lens barrel 5 is located at the head end, and a zoom lens body 110 is mounted on the zoom lens barrel 5 to move axially with the zoom lens barrel 5. The head end has a first lens body 120 and a second lens body 130 that cooperate with the zoom lens body 110, and both can be fixed to the head end. The first lens body 120 and the second lens body 130 are located at the front and rear ends of the zoom lens body 110, and specifically, all three can be coaxially arranged. The axial forward and backward movement of the zoom lens barrel 5 drives the axial forward and backward movement of the zoom lens body 110 on it, thereby changing the distance between the zoom lens body 110 and the first lens body 120 and the second lens body 130, thus achieving focal length adjustment. The transmission component 2 connects the zoom lens barrel 5 and the drive component 1, and is used to transmit the driving force output by the drive component 1 to the zoom lens barrel 5. The transmission component 2 can be located within the insertion part 100. The drive component 1 is located on the operation unit 200. Specifically, the operation unit 200 may be equipped with operation components 210 for controlling the start and stop of the drive component 1, such as buttons, knobs, and levers. The operator can control the drive component 1 by operating the operation components 210, such as by clicking the zoom button to control the operation of the drive component 1, thereby achieving focal length adjustment. In order to facilitate the drive component 1 to return to the zero position after encountering sudden situations such as power failure, the zoom adjustment mechanism provided in this application is equipped with a sensing element 3 and a sensor 4. The following embodiments mainly describe the structure of the zoom adjustment mechanism.

[0052] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 2-5The zoom adjustment mechanism provided in this application includes a drive component 1, a transmission component 2, a zoom lens barrel 5, a sensing component 3, and a sensor 4. The drive component 1 is the power device for the zoom adjustment mechanism and can be used to output torque. Exemplarily, the drive component 1 is a motor. In other examples, the drive component 1 can also be a telescopic drive component as needed. One end of the transmission component 2 is connected to the output end 11 of the drive component 1, and the other end is connected to the zoom lens barrel 5. It is understood that the transmission component 2 and the output end 11 of the drive component 1 can be directly connected, such as by fixing it to the output end 11 with screws. Alternatively, the transmission component 2 and the output end 11 of the drive component 1 can also be indirectly connected through an adapter. The transmission component 2 and the zoom lens barrel 5 can be directly connected or indirectly connected through other connecting components 24. The function of the transmission component 2 is to transmit the force output by the drive component 1 to the zoom lens barrel 5. When the drive component 1 outputs torque, the transmission component 2 is also used to convert the torque into axial movement of the zoom lens barrel 5. The driving component 1 can drive the transmission component 2 to move, thereby causing the zoom lens barrel 5 to move axially. The sensing component 3 is located at the output end 11 of the driving component 1 or the transmission component 2, so that the sensing component 3 can move synchronously with the output end 11 or synchronously with the transmission component 2. The sensor 4 cooperates with the sensing component 3 to detect whether the sensing component 3 is in its initial position, where the initial position is the position of the sensing component 3 when the driving component 1 is in the zero position. When the driving component 1 is in the zero position, the transmission component 2 is correspondingly in its initial position, and the zoom lens barrel 5 is also correspondingly in its initial position, i.e., the starting position of zoom.

[0053] When the zoom adjustment mechanism provided in this application needs to adjust the focal length, the drive component 1 is activated, causing its output end 11 to move, thereby driving the transmission component 2. The transmission component 2 then drives the zoom lens barrel 5 connected to it to move axially, thus adjusting the focal length. When the focal length is adjusted to a preset position, the drive component 1 stops moving, and the zoom lens barrel 5 remains in its current position. The sensor 3 is located at the output end 11 of the drive component 1 or the transmission component 2, so the sensor 3 moves along with the output end 11 as it drives the transmission component 2. Through the cooperation of the sensor 3 and the sensor 4, it is possible to detect whether the sensor 3 is in its initial position. Therefore, the drive component 1 can be controlled to return to the zero position based on the position of the sensor 3 detected by the sensor 4. For example, if the sensor 3 is not detected to be in its initial position and it is necessary to control the drive component 1 to return to the zero position, the drive component 1 can be activated. At this time, the drive component 1 drives the sensor 3 to move, and stops when it is determined that the sensor 3 is in its initial position. At this time, the drive component 1 returns to the zero position.

[0054] In summary, the zoom adjustment mechanism provided in this application enables the drive component 1 to return to the zero position, the corresponding transmission component 2 to return to the initial position, and the zoom lens barrel 5 to return to the initial position, i.e., the starting position of zoom, which facilitates precise adjustment during the next focal length adjustment.

[0055] Furthermore, the zoom adjustment mechanism provided in this application achieves focal length adjustment by driving the zoom lens tube 5 through the drive component 1. When used in an endoscope, regardless of whether the insertion tube is in a straight or bent state, the drive component 1 and the transmission component 2 can transmit the driving force very precisely, ensuring the accuracy of focal length adjustment and positioning. At the same time, the structure is simple, the parts processing cost is low, and the production cost is reduced.

[0056] In some embodiments, the driving component 1 is a motor, and the sensing element 3 rotates with the output end 11 of the motor. The sensing element 3 includes a radially protruding sensing portion 31. When the sensing element 3 is in its initial position, the sensor 4 and the sensing portion 31 are axially opposite each other. It can be understood that the sensing element 3 rotates with the output end 11 of the motor. The sensing element 3 can be placed on the output shaft of the motor to rotate synchronously with the output shaft, or it can be placed on the transmission component 2 connected to the output shaft to rotate synchronously with the transmission component 2. The sensing element 3 has a sensing portion 31 protruding radially along the transmission component 2, i.e., the output shaft. This radial protrusion effectively avoids obstruction, providing space for the installation of the sensor 4. It effectively utilizes radial space and avoids interference between the sensor 4 and the layout and movement of the transmission component 2. Specifically, the sensor 4 corresponds to the initial position of the sensing element 3 and is axially opposite each other. When the sensing element 3 rotates to its initial position, it can be detected by the sensor 4. When the sensing element 3 leaves its initial position, the sensor 4 no longer detects it, thus achieving effective detection of whether the sensing element 3 is in its initial position.

[0057] In some embodiments, sensor 4 is a photoelectric sensor, which includes a transmitter 41 and a receiver 42. The transmitter 41 and receiver 42 are positioned opposite each other and spaced apart. The receiver 42 receives the light emitted by the transmitter 41. When the sensing element 3 is in its initial position, it blocks the light emitted by the transmitter 41 and the receiver 42. By using the photoelectric sensor in conjunction with the sensing element 3, when the sensing element 3 is in its initial position, it blocks the light emitted by the transmitter 41, so the receiver 42 no longer receives the light emitted by the transmitter 41. When the sensing element 3 leaves its initial position, it no longer blocks the light emitted by the transmitter 41, so the receiver 42 can receive the light emitted by the transmitter 41. Therefore, the receiver 42 can determine whether the sensing element 3 is in its initial position by using the corresponding signal from the receiver 42.

[0058] In one example, the driving component 1 is a motor, and the sensing element 3 rotates with the motor or transmission component 2. The transmitting end 41 and the receiving end 42 are arranged opposite each other along the axial direction. When the sensing element 3 is in the initial position, it is inserted between the transmitting end 41 and the receiving end 42. In another example, when the driving component 1 is a telescopic driving component, the transmitting end 41 and the receiving end 42 are arranged opposite each other. Specifically, their distribution direction is perpendicular to the telescopic direction of the telescopic driving component, that is, perpendicular to the axial direction. Thus, when the sensing element 3 moves axially to the initial position, it is inserted between the transmitting end 41 and the receiving end 42.

[0059] To facilitate the installation of the sensing element 3 and its cooperation with the sensor 4, in one example, the sensing element 3 includes a sensing part 31 and a mounting part 32, which are at a preset angle, such as 90 degrees, i.e., the sensing element 3 is L-shaped. The mounting part 32 is fixedly connected to the transmission member 2, specifically fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the transmission member 2. The sensing part 31 extends radially and is used to cooperate with the sensor 4, i.e., the sensor 4 can detect whether the sensing part 31 is in the initial position. With the above configuration, the movement of the transmission member 2 can be transmitted radially, so the sensor 4 can be placed on one side of the transmission member 2, resulting in a simpler and more reasonable spatial layout.

[0060] In some other embodiments, when the driving component 1 is a motor, the sensor 4 can also be an encoder. It is understood that the output end 11 of the motor can be used as the sensing element 3, or the transmission element 2 can be used as the sensing element 3, so as to detect the rotation of the output end 11 of the motor or the transmission element 2 through the encoder, thereby determining whether the output end 11 or the transmission element 2 is in the initial position.

[0061] In some embodiments, the transmission component 2 includes a coupling 21, a torque transmission component 22, and a rotating shaft 23. The coupling 21 is fixed to the output end 11 of the drive component 1, and the drive component 1 drives the coupling 21 to rotate. The torque transmission component 22 is flexible, and one end of the torque transmission component 22 is connected to the coupling 21 and rotates with the coupling 21. The rotating shaft 23 is located at the other end of the torque transmission component 22, and the rotating shaft 23 is connected to the zoom lens barrel 5. The rotation of the rotating shaft 23 can be converted into axial movement of the zoom lens barrel 5. In this embodiment, the drive component 1 is used to output torque. It is understood that the coupling 21 and the torque transmission component 22 can be either an integral structure or a separate structure connected in a conventional manner. The coupling 21 is mainly used to connect to the output end 11 of the drive component 1 to rotate with the drive component 1. The rotating shaft 23 and the torque transmission component 22 can be either an integral structure or a separate structure connected in a conventional manner. The rotating shaft 23 is mainly used to rotate with the torque transmission component 22 and convert the rotational motion into the axial motion of the zoom lens barrel 5. The torque transmission component 22 is flexible, thus meeting the bending and deformation requirements of endoscopes and other equipment using this zoom adjustment mechanism, while also achieving effective torque transmission. To ensure the proper fit between the rotating shaft 23 and the zoom lens barrel 5 for reliable conversion between rotational and axial motion, the rotating shaft 23 is made of rigid material. To ensure reliable connection between the coupling 21 and the output end 11 and the torque transmission component 22, the coupling 21 is made of rigid material. Depending on the requirements, and provided that connection and force transmission are satisfied, the rotating shaft 23 and the coupling 21 can be made of the same flexible material as the torque transmission component 22.

[0062] For example, the torque transmission component 22 is a torque spring, which can effectively transmit the torque of the output end 11 and drive the rotating shaft 23 to rotate. At the same time, the torque spring has good flexibility to meet the requirements of bending and other deformations. The torque spring and the connecting component 24 can be welded together, such as by soldering. The torque spring and the rotating shaft 23 can also be welded together.

[0063] In some embodiments, the rotating shaft 23 is provided with a helical groove 231, and the zoom lens barrel 5 is provided with a limiting pin 29, specifically a pin. That is, the zoom lens barrel 5 is connected to the rotating shaft 23 through the limiting pin 29, and the limiting pin 29 is inserted into the helical groove 231, thereby converting the rotational motion of the rotating shaft 23 into the linear motion of the zoom lens barrel 5. In other embodiments, the rotating shaft 23 and the zoom lens barrel 5 can also be threaded together. When adjusting the focal length, the drive device drives the coupling 21 to rotate forward or reverse. Through the coupling 21 and the connecting member 24, the rotational motion is transmitted to the torque transmission member 22, which drives the torque transmission member 22 to rotate. This rotational motion is converted into linear motion through the helical groove 231 on the rotating shaft 23, thereby achieving zoom.

[0064] In some embodiments, the transmission member 2 further includes a connecting member 24, a torque transmission member 22 fixedly disposed on the connecting member 24, a coupling 21 sleeved on the connecting member 24, and one of the coupling 21 and the connecting member 24 having a protrusion 25 and the other having a groove 26, the protrusion 25 being disposed within the groove 26 and capable of sliding axially along the groove 26. In one example, the connecting member 24 is disposed within the coupling 21; in another example, the coupling 21 is disposed within the connecting member 24. It is understood that the connecting member 24 and the torque transmission member 22 can be either an integral structure or a separate structure connected by conventional means. To ensure effective connection and limiting, the connecting member 24 is made of rigid material. In this embodiment, the torque transmission component 22 is connected to the coupling 21 via a connector 24. The connector 24 and coupling 21 are circumferentially limited by the engagement of a protrusion 25 and a groove 26. Thus, the rotation of the coupling 21 drives the connector 24 to rotate, which in turn drives the connected torque transmission component 22 to rotate, achieving effective torque transmission. Simultaneously, since the protrusion 25 can slide axially within the groove 26, the connector 24 and coupling 21 are not fixed axially but can move relative to each other. Therefore, when the torque transmission component 22 undergoes bending deformation, the connector 24 can adaptively move axially relative to the coupling 21, providing travel space for the bending of the torque transmission component 22 without interfering with its bending.

[0065] For example, a protrusion 25 is provided on the coupling 21, and a corresponding groove 26 is provided on the connector 24, with the protrusion 25 placed within the groove 26. It is understood that the lengths of the protrusion 25 and the groove 26 can be set as needed; for example, the length of the groove 26 can be set to be greater than the length of the protrusion 25, or the length of the protrusion 25 can be set to be greater than the length of the groove 26. The groove 26 and the protrusion 25 extend axially, thereby allowing the protrusion 25 to slide axially along the groove 26.

[0066] In some embodiments, the end of the coupling 21 away from the drive component 1 has a mounting hole 211, and the connecting member 24 is disposed within the mounting hole 211. One of the groove 26 or the protrusion 25 is disposed on the sidewall of the mounting hole 211, and the other is disposed on the outer sidewall of the connecting member 24. This embodiment employs a configuration where the coupling 21 is fitted over the connecting member 24. The mounting hole 211 provides mounting space for the connecting member 24, allowing the connecting member 24 to be axially inserted into the coupling 21. For example, the inner sidewall of the mounting hole 211 has a groove 26, and the outer sidewall of the connecting member 24 has a protrusion 25, to achieve circumferential positioning.

[0067] In some embodiments, the end of the coupling 21 connected to the output end 11 is provided with a receiving hole 212. The output end 11 is disposed in the receiving hole 212 and fixedly connected to the coupling 21. For example, it is fixedly connected by a first locking screw 91, or by snap-fitting, welding, or other methods. By disposing the output end 11 and the connecting piece 24 respectively within the coupling 21, a reliable connection is ensured, and the external structure is more regular, facilitating installation in devices such as endoscope operating parts. It is understood that the receiving hole 212 and the mounting hole 211 can be connected, such as when the receiving hole 212 and the mounting hole 211 are respectively located at both ends of the coupling 21 and their bottoms are connected, or the receiving hole 212 and the mounting hole 211 can be disconnected.

[0068] In some embodiments, the groove 26 is provided on the sidewall of the mounting hole 211, and the groove 26 extends to the end face of the coupling 21 away from the drive component 1 to form an opening. The groove 26 is open at one end face of the coupling 21. When the connector 24 is assembled with the coupling 21, the protrusion 25 can be inserted into the groove 26 through the opening, that is, the opening provides clearance for the protrusion 25, which greatly facilitates the assembly of the connector 24 with the coupling 21.

[0069] In other embodiments, the groove 26 is provided on the outer wall of the connector 24 and extends to the end face of the connector 24 facing the drive component 1 to form an opening. The groove 26 is open at one end face of the connector 24. When the connector 24 is assembled with the coupling 21, the protrusion 25 can be inserted into the groove 26 through the opening. That is, the opening serves as a buffer for the protrusion 25, which greatly facilitates the assembly of the connector 24 and the coupling 21.

[0070] In some embodiments, the mounting hole 211 is provided with a first limiting surface 27, which abuts against the end of the connector 24 facing the drive component 1 to limit its movement; a second limiting surface 28 is provided opposite to the coupling 21, the distance between the second limiting surface 28 and the coupling 21 being less than the axial length of the connector 24, and the second limiting surface 28 abuts against the end of the connector 24 away from the drive component 1 to limit its movement. Through the cooperation of the first limiting surface 27 and the second limiting surface 28, the axial position of the connector 24 is limited. That is, when the connector 24 retracts axially to abut against the first limiting surface 27, further axial retraction is restricted; when the connector 24 advances axially to abut against the second limiting surface 28, further axial advancement is restricted. A second limiting surface 28 is provided opposite to the end of the coupling 21 away from the drive component 1. The distance between the second limiting surface 28 and the coupling 21 is less than the length of the connecting member 24. This distance can be zero, or greater than zero, such as when the second limiting surface 28 abuts against the coupling 21. By setting the distance to be less than the length of the connecting member 24, when the connecting member 24 moves axially forward within the coupling 21 to abut against the second limiting surface 28, its further axial forward movement is restricted, and the connecting member 24 remains within the coupling 21 and is not completely dislodged, thus ensuring effective circumferential limiting of the protrusion 25 and the groove 26. In summary, the provision of the first limiting surface 27 and the second limiting surface 28 ensures a reliable connection between the connecting member 24 and the coupling 21, prevents the protrusion 25 from dislodging from the opening of the groove 26, and avoids excessive axial displacement of the connecting member 24, thereby improving the overall structural reliability.

[0071] In one example, the first limiting surface 27 is the bottom of the mounting hole 211. When the coupling 21 has a receiving hole 212 connected to the mounting hole 211, the diameter of the receiving hole 212 is smaller than the diameter of the mounting hole 211, thus forming a stepped surface between them. This stepped surface can serve as the first limiting surface 27. With this configuration, the structure is simple, the contact area between the first limiting surface 27 and the connecting member 24 is large, and the limiting is stable and reliable. In another example, the first limiting surface 27 is the side surface of the limiting protrusion 25 located within the mounting hole 211.

[0072] In one example, the second limiting surface 28 is the end face of a limiting structure opposite to the coupling 21. The limiting structure can be a part of the equipment housing containing the zoom adjustment structure, such as the operating part of the endoscope, or it can be a limiting component located inside the equipment housing, such as the operating part of the endoscope. The second limiting surface 28 is specifically fixed to the equipment housing, meaning that the second limiting surface 28 does not rotate with the coupling 21.

[0073] To facilitate the installation of the connector 24 and the coupling 21, in other embodiments, the protrusion 25 can be configured as a telescopic component. For example, the protrusion 25 can extend and retract radially. During assembly, when the protrusion 25 is in its retracted state, the connector 24 and the coupling 21 can be fitted together. When the position of the protrusion 25 is opposite to the groove 26, the protrusion 25 extends outward and inserts into the groove 26, thus achieving the engagement between the protrusion 25 and the groove 26. In this embodiment, the axially opposite side walls of the groove 26 can be used to limit the axial movement of the protrusion 25, preventing the connector 24 from coming out of the coupling 21.

[0074] It is understood that the protrusion 25 and the corresponding groove 26 cooperate to form a circumferential limiting structure. Multiple sets of circumferential limiting structures can be set as needed, that is, multiple sets of protrusions 25 and corresponding grooves 26 can be set to limit movement from different positions in the circumferential direction, making the connecting piece 24 more stable and reliable as the coupling 21 rotates. For example, multiple protrusions 25 are evenly distributed circumferentially, and each protrusion 25 cooperates with a groove 26, so that each groove 26 is also evenly distributed circumferentially. It should be noted that "multiple" in this application refers to two or more.

[0075] In some embodiments, the zoom adjustment mechanism further includes a protective tube 6 and a protective tube mounting base 7. The protective tube 6 is sleeved over the torque transmission member 22; the protective tube mounting base 7 is used to mount on the operating part of the endoscope, with one end of the protective tube 6 mounted on the protective tube mounting base 7. By sleeved over the torque transmission member 22, the protective tube 6 provides protection for the torque transmission member 22 and reduces friction during rotation. Specifically, the protective tube mounting base 7 is fixed to the operating part of the endoscope by a second locking screw 92, thereby installing the protective tube 6. The protective tube 6 passes through the insertion part and connects to the protective tube mounting base 7 of the operating part.

[0076] For example, the end of the protective tube mounting base 7 facing the coupling 21 serves as the aforementioned second limiting surface 28. The protective tube 6 and the protective tube mounting base 7 can be fixedly connected by means of bonding, snap-fitting, or other methods.

[0077] In some embodiments, the zoom adjustment mechanism further includes a drive component mounting base 8, the housing of the drive component 1 is disposed on the drive component mounting base 8, and the drive component mounting base 8 is used to mount the operating part of the endoscope. The drive component mounting base 8 facilitates the installation of the drive component 1. For example, the drive component 1 is fixed to the drive component mounting base 8 by a third locking screw 93; the drive component mounting base 8 is fixed to the operating part of the endoscope by a fourth locking screw 94.

[0078] Based on the zoom adjustment mechanism provided in the above embodiments, this application also provides an endoscope, which includes any one of the zoom adjustment mechanisms in the above embodiments. Since this endoscope uses the zoom adjustment mechanism in the above embodiments, the beneficial effects of this endoscope are explained in the above embodiments.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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. A zoom adjustment mechanism, characterized in that, include: Drive component (1); Transmission component (2), one end of which is connected to the output end (11) of the drive component (1); The zoom lens barrel (5) is connected to the other end of the transmission component (2), and the driving component (1) can drive the transmission component (2) to move so as to drive the zoom lens barrel (5) to move axially. The sensing element (3) is located at the output end (11) of the driving component (1) or the transmission component (2). Sensor (4) is used to detect whether the sensing element (3) is in the initial position, wherein the initial position is the position of the sensing element (3) when the driving component (1) is in the zero position.

2. The zoom adjustment mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The driving component (1) is a motor, the sensing element (3) rotates with the output end (11) of the motor, and the sensing element (3) includes a sensing part (31) protruding in the radial direction. When the sensing element (3) is in the initial position, the sensor (4) and the sensing part (31) are arranged opposite each other in the axial direction.

3. The zoom adjustment mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensor (4) is a photoelectric sensor, which includes a transmitter (41) and a receiver (42). The transmitter (41) and the receiver (42) are opposite to each other and spaced apart. The receiver (42) is used to receive the light emitted by the transmitter (41). When the sensing element (3) is in the initial position, the sensing element (3) is blocked between the transmitter (41) and the receiver (42).

4. The zoom adjustment mechanism according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The transmission component (2) includes: A coupling (21) is fixed to the output end (11) of the drive component (1), and the drive component (1) is used to drive the coupling (21) to rotate. The torque transmission element (22) is flexible, and one end of the torque transmission element (22) is connected to the coupling (21) and rotates with the coupling (21); A rotating shaft (23) is located at the other end of the torque transmission member (22). The rotating shaft (23) is connected to the zoom lens barrel (5), and the rotation of the rotating shaft (23) can be converted into the axial movement of the zoom lens barrel (5).

5. The zoom adjustment mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that, The transmission component (2) further includes a connector (24), the torque transmission component (22) is fixed to the connector (24), the coupling (21) is sleeved with the connector (24), and one of the coupling (21) and the connector (24) is provided with a protrusion (25) and the other is provided with a groove (26). The protrusion (25) is provided in the groove (26), and the protrusion (25) can slide along the axial direction of the groove (26).

6. The zoom adjustment mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that, The coupling (21) has a mounting hole (211) at one end away from the drive component (1), the connector (24) is located in the mounting hole (211), one of the groove (26) or the protrusion (25) is located on the side wall of the mounting hole (211), and the other is located on the outer side wall of the connector (24).

7. The zoom adjustment mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that, The groove (26) is provided on the side wall of the mounting hole (211), and the groove (26) extends to the end face of the coupling (21) away from the drive component (1) to form an opening; Alternatively, the groove (26) is provided on the outer side wall of the connector (24) and extends to the end face of the connector (24) facing the drive member (1) to form an opening.

8. The zoom adjustment mechanism according to claim 7, characterized in that, The mounting hole (211) is provided with a first limiting surface (27), which is used to abut against one end of the connector (24) facing the driving component (1) to limit its movement. A second limiting surface (28) is provided opposite to the coupling (21). The distance between the second limiting surface (28) and the coupling (21) is less than the axial length of the connecting member (24). The second limiting surface (28) is used to abut against the end of the connecting member (24) away from the driving component (1) to limit its movement.

9. The zoom adjustment mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that, Also includes: The protective tube (6) is sleeved on the outside of the torque transmission component (22); A protective tube mounting base (7) is provided on the operating part of the endoscope, and one end of the protective tube (6) is provided on the protective tube mounting base (7).

10. An endoscope, characterized in that, Includes the zoom adjustment mechanism as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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