An endoscope

Abstract

The utility model relates to an endoscope, including mirror stem, lens and image sensor, the lens is installed in mirror stem end, image sensor is installed in mirror stem, the endoscope still includes the heat abstractor, the heat abstractor movably sets up in mirror stem to allow the heat abstractor to be close to or away from the lens.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of medical devices, and in particular to an endoscope. Background Technology

[0002] Endoscopes are medical devices frequently used in minimally invasive surgery. They mainly consist of components such as a rod, lens, optical fiber, and imaging sensor. The lens is installed at the end of the rod, while the optical fiber and imaging sensor are installed inside the rod. After the rod enters the human body, the optical fiber illuminates the inside of the body through the lens, and then the light carrying the image of the inside of the body passes through the lens into the rod, where it is then imaged on the imaging sensor.

[0003] In existing technologies, in order to improve the imaging effect of endoscopes during surgery, components such as imaging sensors are usually operated at high power. Consequently, the thermal effect of these components is more pronounced, which can easily lead to overheating of the lens and burns to the human body. Utility Model Content

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide an endoscope that can easily burn the human body due to the lens.

[0005] An endoscope includes a shaft, a lens, and an image sensor. The lens is mounted at the end of the shaft, and the image sensor is mounted inside the shaft. The endoscope also includes a heat sink that is movably disposed within the shaft to allow the heat sink to be close to or away from the lens.

[0006] In one embodiment, the endoscope further includes an optical fiber disposed within the endoscope shaft.

[0007] In one embodiment, the endoscope further includes a lens mounted within the endoscope shaft and positioned between the lens and the image sensor.

[0008] In one embodiment, the endoscope further includes a prism assembly located between the lens and the image sensor.

[0009] In one embodiment, the endoscope further includes a drive assembly, a temperature sensor, and a control board, the drive assembly and the temperature sensor being electrically connected to the control board, the temperature sensor being disposed within the endoscope shaft, and the drive assembly being driven to the heat sink.

[0010] In one embodiment, the drive assembly includes a motor, a screw, and a slider. The motor is mounted inside the lens rod and electrically connected to the control board. The end of the screw is mounted on the output shaft of the motor. The slider is threaded onto the screw and fits against the inner wall of the lens rod to obtain positioning in the circumferential direction of the lens rod. The heat sink is mounted on the slider.

[0011] In one embodiment, the slider is provided with an annular groove, the heat sink is tubular, and the end of the heat sink is engaged in the annular groove.

[0012] In one embodiment, the heat sink is spaced apart from the inner wall of the mirror rod.

[0013] In one embodiment, the slider is made of copper.

[0014] In one embodiment, the image sensor is electrically connected to the control board.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0016] Compared to existing technologies, this invention adds a heat dissipation component inside the lens barrel, and this component can move within the lens barrel, thus moving closer to or further away from the lens. In other words, the heat dissipation component can regulate the heat dissipation power to the lens by moving within the lens barrel.

[0017] When the lens temperature is low, the heat sink can be moved away from the lens to reduce the heat dissipation efficiency of the heat sink to the lens. The lens can then use the heat generated by the image sensor to heat up quickly, thereby rapidly reducing the temperature difference between the lens and the internal environment of the human body, thus reducing the occurrence of lens fogging.

[0018] When the lens temperature is high, the heat sink can be placed closer to the lens to improve the heat dissipation efficiency of the heat sink, thereby reducing the lens temperature to a safer level and decreasing the risk of burns.

[0019] This invention is based on the movable design of the heat dissipation component inside the lens barrel, which can simultaneously achieve the anti-fogging effect and the anti-scalding effect of the lens. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the endoscope in Embodiment 1 of this utility model.

[0021] Figure label:

[0022] 1. Lens rod; 2. Lens; 3. Image sensor; 4. Heat sink; 5. Prism assembly; 6. Drive assembly; 61. Motor; 62. Screw; 63. Slider; 631. Annular groove; 7. Temperature sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of this utility model more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a full understanding of this utility model. However, this utility model can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this utility model. Therefore, this utility model is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0024] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0025] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0026] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0027] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0028] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0029] Example 1:

[0030] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides an endoscope, including a rod 1, a lens 2, an image sensor 3, and a handle. Optionally, the endoscope may further include an optical fiber and a lens.

[0031] The lens 2 is mounted at one end of the lens rod 1, and the handle is mechanically connected to the other end of the lens rod 1. The image sensor 3, optical fiber, and lens are installed inside the lens rod 1. The optical fiber can be bonded to the lens 2, and the lens is located between the lens 2 and the image sensor 3. The optical fiber can illuminate the inside of the human body through the lens 2, and then the light carrying the image of the inside of the human body can pass through the lens 2 into the lens rod 1, and then be transmitted to the image sensor 3 through the lens to form an image.

[0032] In a further preferred embodiment, the endoscope also includes a prism assembly 5, which is also installed inside the endoscope shaft 1 and is located between the lens and the image sensor 3. The prism assembly 5 can bend the optical path between the lens and the image sensor 3, thereby allowing the image sensor 3 to change its mounting orientation inside the endoscope shaft 1, which in turn facilitates the miniaturization of the endoscope.

[0033] In addition to the image sensor 3, the lens barrel 1 contains many other electronic components of various types. To achieve high image quality, these electronic components, represented by the image sensor 3, generally operate at high power, resulting in a significant thermal effect. Through heat conduction, these components heat the lens 2, thereby reducing the temperature difference between the lens 2 and the internal environment of the human body, and thus minimizing fogging of the lens 2.

[0034] Unlike existing technologies, the endoscope in this embodiment also includes a heat sink 4, which is movably disposed inside the endoscope rod 1. The heat sink 4 can move closer to or further away from the lens 2 by moving inside the endoscope rod 1.

[0035] When the lens 2 is at a low temperature, the heat sink 4 moves away from the lens 2 by moving inside the lens rod 1. As the distance between the heat sink 4 and the lens 2 increases, the heat dissipation efficiency of the heat sink 4 on the lens 2 decreases. The lens 2 can effectively use the heat generated by electronic components such as the image sensor 3 to heat up, thereby reducing the temperature difference between the lens 2 and the internal environment of the human body more quickly and reducing the occurrence of fogging on the lens 2.

[0036] As the operating time of electronic components such as the image sensor 3 increases, the heat generated also gradually increases, causing the temperature of the lens 2 to rise continuously. This temperature may even exceed the safe temperature for the human body, posing a risk of burns. In this situation, the heat sink 4 can move closer to the lens 2 inside the lens barrel 1, reducing the distance between the heat sink 4 and the lens 2. This improves the heat dissipation efficiency of the heat sink 4 on the lens 2, allowing the temperature of the lens 2 to drop back below the safe temperature for the human body more quickly, reducing the risk of burns from the lens 2.

[0037] Preferably, the endoscope in this embodiment also includes a drive assembly 6, a temperature sensor 7, and a control board. Both the drive assembly 6 and the temperature sensor 7 are electrically connected to the control board, which is located inside the handle. The drive assembly 6 is installed inside the endoscope rod 1 and transmits power to the heat sink 4. Under the control of the control board, the drive assembly 6 can drive the heat sink 4 to move within the endoscope rod 1. The temperature sensor 7 is located inside the endoscope rod 1 to detect the internal temperature of the endoscope rod 1. Since there is heat conduction between the endoscope rod 1 and the lens 2, the detection result of the temperature sensor 7 can indirectly reflect the actual temperature of the lens 2.

[0038] When the control board determines that the actual temperature of the lens 2 is low based on the detection result of the temperature sensor 7, the control board can send a signal to the drive component 6. The drive component 6 controls the heat sink 4 to move away from the lens 2 so that the lens 2 can heat up quickly. When the control board determines that the actual temperature of the lens 2 is high based on the detection result of the temperature sensor 7, the drive component 6 controls the heat sink 4 to move closer to the lens 2 so that the lens 2 can cool down quickly.

[0039] For example, in this embodiment, the drive assembly 6 includes a motor 61, a screw 62, and a slider 63. The control board is specifically electrically connected to the motor 61. The motor 61 is mounted inside the lens rod 1, and the end of the screw 62 is mounted on the output shaft of the motor 61, thus the motor 61 can control the rotation of the screw 62. The axis of the screw 62 is parallel to the lens rod 1. The slider 63 is threaded onto the screw 62, and the slider 63 fits against the inner wall of the lens rod 1. The inner wall of the lens rod 1 can position the slider 63 circumferentially within the lens rod 1; in other words, the slider 63 cannot rotate within the lens rod 1. Correspondingly, the rotation of the screw 62 can be converted into the axial movement of the slider 63 along the lens rod 1. A heat sink 4 is mounted on the slider 63, thereby allowing the slider 63 to move the heat sink 4 closer to or further away from the lens 2 within the lens rod 1.

[0040] Furthermore, the slider 63 is provided with an annular groove 631, and the heat sink 4 is tubular, with its end engaged within the annular groove 631. By making the heat sink 4 tubular, the heat dissipation area and efficiency of the heat sink 4 can be effectively increased. And by engaging the end of the heat sink 4 within the annular groove 631, the heat sink 4 can be spaced apart from the inner wall of the mirror rod 1, thereby reducing the resistance when the heat sink 4 moves.

[0041] The heat sink 4 is preferably made of copper. Based on this, the slider 63 can also be made of copper. This allows the slider 63 to also provide heat dissipation.

[0042] Example 2:

[0043] The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that the image sensor 3 is electrically connected to the control board.

[0044] Once the lens 2 reaches a state of relative thermal equilibrium with the internal environment of the human body, the temperature of the lens 2 is comparable to that of the internal environment of the human body. The lens 2 is in a temperature range that is neither prone to fogging nor likely to burn the human body. Correspondingly, the heating effect of the image sensor 3 and other electronic components on the lens 2 is comparable to the heat dissipation effect of the heat sink 4 on the lens 2.

[0045] To meet surgical needs, if the imaging resolution of image sensor 3 needs to be increased, the operating power and heat generation power of image sensor 3 will increase. While adjusting the imaging resolution of image sensor 3, the control board will also control the drive component 6 to move the heat sink 4 closer to lens 2, thereby improving the heat dissipation efficiency of lens 2. This will prevent the temperature of lens 2 from rising further due to the increased heat generation power of image sensor 3 and burning the human body, thus ensuring that lens 2 is in a temperature range that is neither prone to fogging nor prone to burning the human body.

[0046] Conversely, if the imaging resolution of the image sensor 3 needs to be reduced at this time, it will lead to a decrease in the operating power and heat generation power of the image sensor 3. While adjusting the imaging resolution of the image sensor 3 to decrease, the control board will also simultaneously control the drive component 6 to move the heat sink 4 away from the lens 2, reduce the heat dissipation efficiency of the lens 2, thereby preventing the lens 2 from cooling down and fogging due to the decrease in the heat generation power of the image sensor 3, thus ensuring that the lens 2 is in a temperature range that is not easy to fog up and will not burn the human body.

[0047] The drive component 6 controls the movement of the heat sink 4 synchronously based on the changes in the image resolution of the image sensor 3, which can effectively prevent the lens 2 from falling out of the temperature range mentioned above, which is not easy to fog up and will not burn the human body.

[0048] Example 3:

[0049] Optionally, based on Example 1, this embodiment further provides an endoscope control method, specifically including the following steps:

[0050] Step 101: Set the first threshold temperature T1 of the temperature sensor 7. The first threshold temperature T1 is related to the fogging temperature T of the lens 2. a Matching.

[0051] The fogging temperature T of lens 2 a This indicates that when lens 2 is located inside the human body, if the actual temperature t1 of lens 2 is less than the fogging temperature T... a If this happens, lens 2 will begin to fog up or will likely fog up. In other words, the actual temperature t1 of lens 2 is not less than the fogging temperature T. a If so, lens 2 will not fog up or will most likely not fog up.

[0052] It's easy to understand that, to avoid obstructing the lens 2, the temperature sensor 7 is usually spaced apart from the lens 2. Therefore, there is a difference between the actual temperature at the location of the temperature sensor 7 (i.e., the detection result t2 of the temperature sensor 7) and the actual temperature t1 of the lens 2. On the other hand, due to the mutual heat conduction between the air inside the lens barrel 1 and the lens 2, the actual temperature t1 of the lens 2 and the detection result t2 of the temperature sensor 7 increase or decrease simultaneously; there is a corresponding relationship between the two. In other words, if the detection result t2 of the temperature sensor 7 increases, the actual temperature t1 of the lens 2 will also increase; if the detection result t2 of the temperature sensor 7 decreases, the actual temperature t1 of the lens 2 will also decrease.

[0053] Among them, when the actual temperature t1 of lens 2 and the fogging temperature T of lens 2 are... a They are equal, that is, t1 = T a At that time, the detection result of temperature sensor 7 is t2=T1'. The first threshold temperature T1 is set manually, and the setting should satisfy the condition that the first threshold temperature T1 ≥ T1'.

[0054] Step 102: Set the second threshold temperature T2 of the temperature sensor 7. The second threshold temperature T2 is greater than the first threshold temperature T1 and is close to the safe temperature T of the lens 2. b Matching.

[0055] The safe temperature of lens 2 is T. b When the actual temperature t1 of lens 2 is greater than T b When the actual temperature of lens 2 is t1≤T, it will burn the human body or easily cause injury; b At this time, lens 2 will not cause burns to the human body. When the actual temperature of lens 2 t1=T b At that time, the detection result of temperature sensor 7 is t2=T2'. The second threshold temperature T2 is set manually, and the setting must satisfy T2≤T2'.

[0056] Step 103: When the detection result t2 of temperature sensor 7 is higher than the second threshold temperature T2, control the heat sink 4 to move closer to the lens 2.

[0057] When t2 > T2, by controlling the heat sink 4 to be closer to the lens 2, the heat dissipation effect of the heat sink 4 on the lens 2 can be enhanced, and the detection result t2 of the temperature sensor 7 can be accelerated to drop below the second threshold temperature T2, so that the actual temperature t1 of the lens 2 drops faster to meet the safety requirements.

[0058] Step 104: When the detection result t2 of the temperature sensor 7 is lower than the first threshold temperature T1, control the heat sink 4 to move away from the lens 2.

[0059] When t2 < T1, by controlling the heat sink 4 to move away from the lens 2, the heat dissipation effect of the heat sink 4 on the lens 2 can be weakened, and the detection result t2 of the temperature sensor 7 can be accelerated to rise above the first threshold temperature T1, so that the actual temperature t1 of the lens 2 can rise faster to meet the anti-fogging requirements.

[0060] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0061] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of this utility model, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the utility model patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this utility model, and these all fall within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An endoscope comprising a stylus (1), a lens (2), and an image sensor (3), wherein the lens (2) is mounted at the end of the stylus (1), and the image sensor (3) is mounted inside the stylus (1), characterized in that, The endoscope also includes a heat sink (4), which is movably disposed within the endoscope rod (1) to allow the heat sink (4) to be close to or away from the lens (2).

2. The endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that, The endoscope also includes an optical fiber, which is disposed inside the endoscope rod (1).

3. The endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that, The endoscope also includes a lens, which is mounted inside the endoscope rod (1) and is located between the lens (2) and the image sensor (3).

4. The endoscope according to claim 3, characterized in that, The endoscope also includes a prism assembly (5) located between the lens and the image sensor (3).

5. The endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that, The endoscope also includes a drive assembly (6), a temperature sensor (7), and a control board. The drive assembly (6) and the temperature sensor (7) are electrically connected to the control board. The temperature sensor (7) is located inside the endoscope rod (1). The drive assembly (6) drives the heat sink (4).

6. The endoscope according to claim 5, characterized in that, The drive assembly (6) includes a motor (61), a screw (62) and a slider (63). The motor (61) is installed inside the mirror rod (1) and electrically connected to the control board. The end of the screw (62) is installed on the output shaft of the motor (61). The slider (63) is threaded onto the screw (62). The slider (63) fits against the inner wall of the mirror rod (1) to obtain positioning in the circumferential direction of the mirror rod (1). The heat sink (4) is installed on the slider (63).

7. The endoscope according to claim 6, characterized in that, The slider (63) is provided with an annular groove (631), the heat sink (4) is tubular, and the end of the heat sink (4) is engaged in the annular groove (631).

8. The endoscope according to claim 7, characterized in that, The heat sink (4) is spaced apart from the inner wall of the mirror rod (1).

9. The endoscope according to claim 6, characterized in that, The slider (63) is made of copper.

10. The endoscope according to claim 5, characterized in that, The image sensor (3) is electrically connected to the control board.

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