Insertion portion for an endoscope assembly and endoscope assembly
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202522457627.6
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-11-19
- Publication Date
- 2026-10-30
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-11-19
AI Technical Summary
在实践中发现，由于相关技术的内窥镜的杆部多为硬质刚性结构，无法进行弯曲，而中耳腔和鼻腔鼻窦结构不规则，使得相关技术的内窥镜的镜头受到鼻甲、鼻窦外侧壁或外耳道、鼓室骨壁的遮挡，难以直接到达术野侧方深处的病变位置，严重制约了手术视野和操作范围
[0018]基于本申请提供的技术方案，用于内窥镜组件的插入部包括先端部和杆部。先端部位于远端。杆部与先端部的近端连接且杆部包括内管和套设在内管外侧的外管，内管包括在径向方向上依次设置的内层螺旋结构和外层结构，外层结构包括在轴向方向上依次设置的外层柔性螺旋段和外层刚性管段。外层刚性管段设置在外层柔性螺旋段的靠近近端的一侧且与外层柔性螺旋段连接。本申请实施例的用于内窥镜组件的插入部的杆部通过将靠近远端的一段外层结构设置为外层柔性螺旋段，该外层柔性螺旋段套设在内层螺旋结构外侧形成双螺旋结构，这样使得杆部的靠近远端的部分能够在外力的作用下弯曲，以使得先端部能够绕过人体内的障碍物，实现绕障观察，从而扩大内窥镜组件的手术视野。
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Figure CN224911231U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of medical devices, and in particular to an insertion part for an endoscope assembly and an endoscope assembly. Background Technology
[0002] Endoscopes are essential tools for medical examinations and surgical procedures, such as ear endoscopes and nasal endoscopes. In practice, it has been found that the rods of these endoscopes are mostly rigid structures that cannot be bent. Furthermore, the irregular structures of the middle ear cavity and nasal sinuses mean that the lenses of these endoscopes are often obstructed by the nasal turbinates, the lateral walls of the sinuses, the external auditory canal, or the bony walls of the tympanic cavity, making it difficult to directly reach lesions deep in the lateral aspect of the surgical field. This severely restricts the surgical field of view and the scope of operation.
[0003] It should be noted that the statements in this background section only provide background information relevant to this application and do not necessarily constitute prior art. Utility Model Content
[0004] This application provides an insertion portion for an endoscope assembly and an endoscope assembly to expand the surgical field of view of the endoscope assembly.
[0005] A first aspect of this application provides an insertion portion for an endoscope assembly, the endoscope assembly having a distal end that is remote from the operator during use and a proximal end that is close to the operator during use, the insertion portion comprising:
[0006] The apical end, located at the distal end; and
[0007] The rod portion is connected to the proximal end of the tip portion and includes an inner tube and an outer tube sleeved outside the inner tube. The inner tube includes an inner spiral structure and an outer structure arranged sequentially in the radial direction. The outer structure includes an outer flexible spiral segment and an outer rigid tube segment arranged sequentially in the axial direction. The outer rigid tube segment is located on the side of the outer flexible spiral segment near the proximal end and is connected to the outer flexible spiral segment.
[0008] In some embodiments, the outer flexible helical segment is wound around the outer periphery of the inner helical structure in the same helical direction as the inner helical structure.
[0009] In some embodiments, the pitch of the outer flexible helical segment is greater than the pitch of the inner helical structure.
[0010] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the outer flexible helical segment is the same as that of the inner helical structure.
[0011] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the outer flexible helical segment and the inner helical structure is circular, square, or elliptical.
[0012] In some embodiments, the inner spiral structure is made of a first metal wire, and the outer flexible spiral segment is made of a second metal wire. The first metal wire and the second metal wire are made of the same or different metal materials.
[0013] In some embodiments, the outer rigid pipe section is a metal pipe.
[0014] In some embodiments, the metal tube includes a copper tube.
[0015] In some embodiments, the outer structure includes at least two outer flexible helical segments and at least two outer rigid tube segments alternately arranged in the axial direction.
[0016] In some embodiments, the outer rigid pipe section and the outer flexible spiral section are connected by welding.
[0017] A second aspect of this application provides an endoscope assembly, including an operating part located at the proximal end, the aforementioned insertion part, and a lens module. The lens module includes a lens assembly disposed in the proximal end and a wire connected to the lens assembly, the wire being disposed in the inner cavity of the rod.
[0018] Based on the technical solution provided in this application, the insertion portion of an endoscope assembly includes a tip and a rod. The tip is located at the distal end. The rod is connected to the proximal end of the tip and includes an inner tube and an outer tube sleeved outside the inner tube. The inner tube includes an inner spiral structure and an outer structure arranged sequentially in the radial direction. The outer structure includes an outer flexible spiral segment and an outer rigid tube segment arranged sequentially in the axial direction. The outer rigid tube segment is located on the side of the outer flexible spiral segment near the proximal end and is connected to the outer flexible spiral segment. In this embodiment of the endoscope assembly, the rod of the insertion portion is configured as an outer flexible spiral segment near the distal end. This outer flexible spiral segment is sleeved outside the inner spiral structure to form a double spiral structure. This allows the portion of the rod near the distal end to bend under external force, enabling the tip to bypass obstacles inside the body and achieve obstacle-bypass observation, thereby expanding the surgical field of view of the endoscope assembly.
[0019] Other features and advantages of this application will become clear from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description
[0020] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of this application and form part of this application, illustrate exemplary embodiments and are used to explain this application, but do not constitute an undue limitation of this application. In the drawings:
[0021] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of an endoscope assembly according to some embodiments of this application.
[0022] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the insertion portion of an endoscope assembly according to some embodiments of this application.
[0023] Figure 3 This is a side view of the insertion portion of an endoscope assembly according to some embodiments of this application.
[0024] Figure 4 for Figure 3 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the insertion section along the AA direction.
[0025] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A partially enlarged schematic diagram of the tip of the structure.
[0026] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the bent rod portion of the insertion part of an endoscope assembly according to some embodiments of this application.
[0027] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of the insertion portion of an endoscope assembly according to other embodiments of this application.
[0028] Reference numerals for each figure:
[0029] 100. Endoscope assembly;
[0030] 10. Operations Department;
[0031] 20. Tip end; 21. Tip tube; 22. Tip cover; 23. Protective lens; 24. Lighting device;
[0032] 30. Rod section; 31. Inner tube; 311. Inner spiral structure; 312. Outer structure; 3121. Outer flexible spiral section; 3122. Outer rigid tube section; 32. Outer tube;
[0033] 40. Electrical connection wires;
[0034] 50. Lens module; 51. Lens assembly; 52. Cable;
[0035] 60. Connectors. Detailed Implementation
[0036] 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. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit this application or its application or use. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.
[0037] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values of the components and steps described in these embodiments do not limit the scope of this application. It should also be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn to actual scale. Techniques, methods, and devices known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and devices should be considered part of the specification. In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following drawings denote similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, it need not be further discussed in subsequent drawings.
[0038] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "over," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation beyond the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures were inverted, a device described as "above" or "above" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways, and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.
[0039] To address the above problems, this application proposes an insertion part for an endoscope assembly. The outer structure of its rod includes an outer flexible helical segment and an outer rigid tubular segment sequentially arranged in the axial direction. The outer flexible helical segment is fitted outside the inner helical structure to provide deformation and bending capabilities. Therefore, during operation, the operator can bend the end of the rod near the tip, allowing the lens assembly within the tip to bypass obstructions and smoothly reach deep lesions. Thus, the insertion part of this embodiment can expand the surgical field of view of the endoscope assembly. Furthermore, the insertion part of this embodiment achieves segmented bending (soft at the front, rigid at the back) by setting one section of the outer structure of the rod near the tip as an outer flexible helical segment and the other section as an outer rigid tubular segment, thereby improving the rigidity and stability of the insertion part.
[0040] refer to Figure 1This application provides an endoscope assembly 100, which can be used as a disposable part of an electronic endoscope device that can be detached from the main unit. The endoscope assembly 100 can be used, for example, in nasopharyngeal surgery, where it can be inserted through the nasal cavity to reach the lesion site and visualized on a connected display screen to show the condition of the lesion site for preoperative symptom identification or to perform surgery under visualization during the procedure.
[0041] The endoscope assembly 100 may have a distal / distal end that is further away from the operator during surgery and a proximal / proximal end that is closer to the operator. The operator may be a physician or other personnel who operates the endoscope assembly 100 during surgery.
[0042] Figure 1 The general structure of an endoscope assembly 100 according to some embodiments of this application is illustrated. The endoscope assembly 100 generally includes a proximal operating section 10 for an operator to hold and manipulate, a distal tip 20 that extends into the body to visualize lesions, and a rod 30 connecting the operating section 10 and the tip 20. An electrical connection cable 40 is connected to the proximal end of the operating section 10, the other end of which can be detachably connected to the main unit of an electronic endoscope device via a plug.
[0043] Figures 2 to 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the insertion portion of an endoscope assembly 100 according to some embodiments of this application.
[0044] refer to Figures 2 to 5 The insertion portion for an endoscope assembly according to this application embodiment includes a distal end portion 20 and a rod portion 30. The distal end portion 20 is located at the distal end. The rod portion 30 is connected to the proximal end of the distal end portion 20, and the rod portion 30 includes an inner tube 31 and an outer tube 32 sleeved outside the inner tube 31. The inner tube 31 includes an inner spiral structure 311 and an outer structure 312 arranged sequentially in the radial direction. The outer structure 312 includes an outer flexible spiral segment 3121 and an outer rigid tube segment 3122 arranged sequentially in the axial direction. The outer rigid tube segment 3122 is disposed on the side of the outer flexible spiral segment 3121 near the proximal end and is connected to the outer flexible spiral segment 3121.
[0045] In this embodiment, the inner tube 31 of the rod portion 30 of the insertion part is formed as a double-layer structure. The inner layer is an inner spiral structure 311, while the outer layer structure 312 includes an outer flexible spiral segment 3121 and an outer rigid tube segment 3122 arranged sequentially in the axial direction. This makes the stiffness of different parts of the rod portion 30 different. The part with the outer flexible spiral segment 3121 is flexible and deformable, while the part with the outer rigid tube segment 3122 is rigid to provide better support and stiffness. In other words, the stiffness of different parts of the rod portion 30 of the insertion part in this embodiment is different.
[0046] refer to Figure 4 The outer tube 32 of the rod portion 30 is located on the outermost layer and can be a medical braided tube / medical soft tube such as TPU soft tube. It is a medical material that allows direct contact with human tissue and is sleeved on the outside of the inner tube 31 to prevent the inner tube 31, which is not allowed to contact human tissue, such as being made of other metal materials, from directly contacting human tissue. Moreover, by sleeved with the outer tube 32 on the outermost layer, the outer surface of the insertion portion in this embodiment of the application is made smoother.
[0047] In the radial direction, from the outside to the inside, the outermost outer tube 32 is located inside the inner tube's outer layer structure 312 and inner layer spiral structure 311. In the axial direction, the inner layer spiral structure 311 is continuously arranged, while the outer layer structure 312 is segmented. In some embodiments, it includes an outer flexible spiral segment 3121 located near the distal end and an outer rigid tube segment 3122 located near the proximal end.
[0048] In this embodiment, the insert portion of the endoscope assembly has an outer flexible helical segment 3121 near the distal end, which is sleeved on the outside of the inner helical structure 311 to form a double helical structure. (Refer to...) Figure 6 This allows the distal portion of the rod to bend under external force, enabling the tip to bypass obstacles within the body and allowing for obstructed observation, thereby expanding the surgical field of view of the endoscopic assembly. Furthermore, the aforementioned double-helix structure achieves smooth and uniform bending during operation, avoiding sharp angles and thus protecting the leads placed within the cavity.
[0049] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the outer structure of another portion of the rod of the insertion part is also formed as an outer rigid tube segment. This outer rigid tube segment ensures that the thrust and torque applied by the operator in the operating part can be efficiently transmitted to the tip, providing a stable mechanical basis for precise operation. Moreover, this outer rigid tube segment can also provide a stable support point for the tip, effectively preventing swaying of the field of vision. Furthermore, the double-helix structure of the insertion part in this embodiment not only enables bending deformation but also retains this deformation, ensuring precise force transmission.
[0050] In some embodiments, the outer flexible helical segment 3121 is wound around the outer periphery of the inner helical structure 311 in the same helical direction as the inner helical structure 311. That is, the outer flexible helical segment 3121 and the inner helical structure 311 have the same winding direction, which can both be left-handed or both right-handed. In this embodiment, the outer flexible helical segment 3121 and the inner helical structure 311 have the same helical direction, which makes the deformation direction of the outer flexible helical segment 3121 and the inner helical structure 311 consistent when deformation occurs, avoiding the interlocking effect of reverse winding, thereby reducing internal resistance and making the feel smoother.
[0051] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 In some embodiments, the pitch of the outer flexible helical segment 3121 is greater than the pitch of the inner helical structure 311. That is, the inner helical structure 311 is more tightly wound, allowing for delicate deformation during small bends; the outer flexible helical segment 3121 is loosely wound, providing overall support and distributing stress during large bends. When the external force is small, the denser inner helical structure 311 undergoes elastic deformation first; when the external force increases, the more flexible outer helical segment 3121 begins to deform, providing stronger bending stiffness and preventing localized collapse due to excessive bending.
[0052] In other embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the outer flexible helical segment 3121 is the same as that of the inner helical structure. Specifically, the cross-sectional shapes of both the outer flexible helical segment 3121 and the inner helical structure 311 are circular, square, or elliptical. Here, the cross-sectional shape refers to the cross-sectional shape of the entire helical structure, not the cross-sectional shape of a single metal wire.
[0053] In some embodiments, the inner spiral structure 311 is formed by winding a first metal wire, and the outer flexible spiral segment 3121 is formed by winding a second metal wire. The first and second metal wires are made of the same or different metal materials. Using metal wires to form the inner spiral structure 311 and the outer flexible spiral segment 3121 fully utilizes the high strength, high elastic modulus, and good creep resistance of metal materials. Compared with non-metallic flexible tubes such as plastic or rubber, this structure is less prone to permanent deformation or material aging under repeated bending and torsion, greatly extending the product's service life and ensuring the long-term reliability of its shaping function.
[0054] In some embodiments, when the first metal wire and the second metal wire are both made of the same metal material, the cross-section of the first metal wire is a circular cross-section and the cross-section of the second metal wire is a square cross-section. That is to say, in this embodiment, the metal wire of the outer flexible spiral segment 3121 is long and flat and has a large pitch, thereby providing stronger bending stiffness; the metal wire of the inner spiral structure 311 is round, has a dense number of turns, and is highly flexible, so that fine adjustment can be easily achieved.
[0055] In some embodiments, the outer rigid tube segment 3122 is a metal tube. For example, the metal tube includes a copper tube. Making the outer rigid tube segment 3122 a metal tube, for example, can be a metal of the same material as the second metal wire of the outer flexible spiral segment 3121, facilitates welding between the two and improves structural reliability. The metal tube can also be stainless steel or other metal materials.
[0056] In some embodiments, the outer rigid pipe section 3122 and the outer flexible spiral section 3121 are connected by welding.
[0057] refer to Figure 7 In other embodiments, the outer structure 312 includes at least two outer flexible helical segments 3121 and at least two outer rigid tubular segments 3122 alternately arranged in the axial direction. The outer structure 312 of this application embodiment includes alternating outer flexible helical segments 3121 and outer rigid tubular segments 3122, which allows the rod 30 to undergo multi-segment bending and achieve stable deformation and force transmission under the support of the outer rigid tubular segments 3122, thus adapting to more complex human tissue environments.
[0058] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 This application also provides an endoscope assembly, including an operation part 10 located at the proximal end, the aforementioned insertion part, and a lens module 50. The lens module 50 includes a lens assembly 51 disposed in the proximal end 20 and a wire 52 connected to the lens assembly 51. The wire 52 is disposed in the inner cavity of the rod part 30.
[0059] The following is based on Figures 1 to 6 The structure of an endoscope assembly according to a specific embodiment of this application will be described in detail.
[0060] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the endoscope assembly 100 of this embodiment includes an operation part 10, a tip part 20, a rod part 30, an electrical connection line 40, and a lens module 50.
[0061] like Figure 5As shown, the tip section 20 includes a tip tube 21, a tip cover 22, a protective lens 23, and an illumination device 24. The tip tube 21 is fitted with the tip cover 22 with a clearance fit, and the tip cover 22 is fitted with the protective lens 23 at the head section with a clearance fit. The protective lens 23 is coated with a black light-shielding coating around its perimeter. The illumination device 24 can be an LED.
[0062] like Figure 4 As shown, the lens module 50 includes a lens assembly 51 and a wire 52. The lens assembly 51 is disposed inside the tip tube 21, and the wire 52 is connected to the lens assembly 51 and disposed inside the cavity of the rod portion 30. The wire 52 can pass through the hollow rod portion 30 and extend into the operation portion 10.
[0063] The rod portion 30 is connected to the tip tube 21, and the rod portion 30 includes an outer tube 32 and an inner tube 31 disposed inside the outer tube 32. The inner tube 31 includes an outer layer structure 312 and an inner layer spiral structure 311. The outer layer structure 312 includes an outer flexible spiral segment 3121 and an outer rigid tube segment 3122 arranged sequentially in the axial direction. Specifically, the outer tube 32 is connected to the tip tube 21.
[0064] The endoscope assembly in this embodiment also includes a connector 60, and the space between the lens module 50 and the connector 60 is filled with heat-dissipating silicone for sealing. The connector 60 is laser-welded to the inner tube 31. The outer tube 32 is fitted with the tip tube 21 with a clearance fit.
[0065] The outer structure of this embodiment is formed by laser welding of an outer flexible spiral segment 3121 and an outer rigid tube segment 3122, which can achieve two different degrees of flexibility in a single insertion part. This makes the outer flexible spiral segment 3121 more flexible than the outer rigid tube segment 3122 at the rear end, and the tip can achieve large-angle bending deformation.
[0066] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application and not to limit them; although this application has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the specific implementation of this application or equivalent substitutions can be made to some technical features without departing from the spirit of the technical solutions of this application, and all such modifications and substitutions should be covered within the scope of the technical solutions claimed in this application.
Claims
1. An insertion portion for an endoscope assembly, the endoscope assembly having a distal end that is remote from the operator during use and a proximal end that is close to the operator during use, characterized in that, The insertion part includes: The apical end (20) is located at the distal end; and The rod (30) is connected to the proximal end of the tip (20) and the rod (30) includes an inner tube (31) and an outer tube (32) sleeved outside the inner tube (31). The inner tube (31) includes an inner spiral structure (311) and an outer structure (312) arranged sequentially in the radial direction. The outer structure (312) includes an outer flexible spiral segment (3121) and an outer rigid tube segment (3122) arranged sequentially in the axial direction. The outer rigid tube segment (3122) is disposed on the side of the outer flexible spiral segment (3121) near the proximal end and is connected to the outer flexible spiral segment (3121).
2. The insertion part according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer flexible helical segment (3121) is wound around the outer periphery of the inner helical structure (311) in the same helical direction as the inner helical structure (311).
3. The insertion part according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pitch of the outer flexible helical segment (3121) is greater than the pitch of the inner helical structure (311).
4. The insertion part according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cross-sectional shape of the outer flexible spiral segment (3121) is the same as that of the inner spiral structure.
5. The insertion part according to claim 4, characterized in that, The cross-sectional shape of the outer flexible spiral segment (3121) and the inner spiral structure (311) is circular, square or elliptical.
6. The insertion part according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner spiral structure (311) is made of a first metal wire, and the outer flexible spiral segment (3121) is made of a second metal wire. The first metal wire and the second metal wire are made of the same or different metal materials.
7. The insertion part according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer rigid pipe section (3122) is a metal pipe.
8. The insertion portion according to claim 7, characterized in that, The metal tube includes a copper tube.
9. The insertion portion according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The outer structure (312) includes at least two outer flexible spiral segments (3121) and at least two outer rigid tube segments (3122) that are alternately arranged in the axial direction.
10. The insertion portion according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The outer rigid pipe section (3122) and the outer flexible spiral section (3121) are connected by welding.
11. An endoscope assembly, characterized in that, It includes an operating part (10) located at the proximal end, an insertion part as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, and a lens module (50), the lens module (50) including a lens assembly (51) disposed in the proximal end (20) and a wire (52) connected to the lens assembly (51), the wire (52) being disposed in the inner cavity of the rod part (30).