Imaging tubes and endoscopes

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application provide an imaging tube and an endoscope, the imaging tube being used for insertion and removal fitting with an endoscope mounting assembly, the imaging tube comprising a core tube and an elastic member, the core tube comprising a main insertion portion and a head end along its length, the head end being fitted to the distal end of the main insertion portion, the head end and / or the main insertion portion being capable of axial movement toward each other by the action of an external force, the elastic member being provided within the core tube, the elastic member being compressible and resilient, and driving the head end to tend to move axially toward away from the main insertion portion. The imaging tube provided in embodiments of the present application has a simple structure and a self-adaptive function of length, enabling accurate and appropriate fitting between the tail end of the imaging tube and the visual channel for imaging tube mounting in the endoscope mounting assembly. Furthermore, it can effectively solve the problem of reduced fit due to manufacturing and assembly errors, facilitate the acquisition of high-quality images with the imaging tube, and reduce the probability of damage to the imaging tube due to hard impacts that occur during installation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Cross-reference to related applications) This application claims the priority of Chinese patent applications with application numbers 202310443161.7, 202310443181.4, 202310443170.6, and 202310443189.0, filed on April 23, 2023, and all the contents of the Chinese patent applications are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to the technical field of medical devices, and particularly to imaging tubes and endoscopes.

Background Art

[0003] In related technologies, an endoscope generally has an insertion tube that is inserted into a human or animal body through a natural lumen or surgical opening of the human or animal body. This type of endoscope is provided with a working passage tube, a liquid delivery lumen, and an imaging device, and is often used as a reusable device. After use, high-level disinfection and sterilization measures such as immersion disinfection are generally required. However, due to the long and complex lumen structure inside the endoscope, there is a risk of insufficient disinfection and sterilization and cross-infection. In addition, high-level disinfection and sterilization measures are complicated in procedure and costly. In related technologies, a method of discarding the entire endoscope as a disposable consumable after use is also adopted. Although this method can avoid the problem of high-level disinfection and sterilization, the usage cost is still very high.

[0004] To reduce sterilization issues, lower the probability of cross-infection, and reduce usage costs, a design has been adopted in which a visual sleeve is placed inside the insertion tube of the endoscope, fitted onto the outside of the imaging tube, and the distal end of the visual sleeve is sealed with a transparent optical window. This design makes the expensive imaging tube and associated visual system reusable, while making the less expensive components such as the visual sleeve and insertion tube disposable, thereby reducing the probability of cross-infection and lowering usage costs. However, this type of endoscope requires that the optical system at the tail end of the imaging tube and the optical window of the visual sleeve be in close and accurate contact. If the fitting between the optical system at the tail end of the imaging tube and the optical window of the visual sleeve is insufficient, for example, if they are not completely in contact or if there is excessive force between them, it may seriously affect the imaging of the imaging tube and may even damage the optical system at the tail end of the imaging tube and the optical window of the visual sleeve.

[0005] The information disclosed in the relevant background art section is intended solely to enhance the overall understanding of the background of the present application and should not be considered to acknowledge, or imply in any way, that such information is prior art well known to those skilled in the art. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] The present invention aims to provide an imaging tube and endoscope that have a self-adaptive length function, a simple structure, and low operating costs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of the embodiment of this application is realized as follows.

[0008] An imaging tube used for insertion and removal fitting with an endoscope mounting assembly, A core tube comprising a main insertion portion and a head portion along its length, wherein the proximal end of the head portion is fitted to the distal end of the main insertion portion, and the head portion and / or the main insertion portion are capable of axial movement toward each other due to the action of an external force, The present invention comprises an elastic member provided within the core tube, the elastic member being compressible and resilient, and which drives the head end to tend to move axially away from the main insertion portion.

[0009] In some embodiments, the head end comprises a first main tube and a first fitting tube, the first fitting tube being fixed to the proximal end of the first main tube as an independent component. The main insertion portion comprises a second main tube and a second fitting tube, the second fitting tube being fixed to the distal end of the second main tube as an independent component, and the head end and the main insertion portion being fitted together via the first fitting tube and the second fitting tube.

[0010] In some embodiments, a first contraction portion is formed at the distal end of the second main tube, the first contraction portion is inserted into the proximal end of the second fitting tube, the first fitting tube is inserted into the distal end of the second fitting tube, one end of the elastic member abuts against the distal end of the second main tube, and the other end of the elastic member abuts against the proximal end of the first fitting tube.

[0011] In some embodiments, the second fitting tube has a housing cavity, the first shrinking portion is housed in the housing cavity, the first fitting tube comprises a first fitting portion and a second fitting portion along its length, the outer diameter of the first fitting portion is larger than the outer diameter of the second fitting portion, the first fitting portion is inserted into the housing cavity, the side wall of the distal end of the housing cavity protrudes inward to form a stopper wall, the proximal end of the first fitting portion abuts against the elastic member, and the distal end of the first fitting portion abuts detachably against the stopper wall.

[0012] In some embodiments, the circumferential outer wall of the first fitting portion is in contact with the side wall of the housing cavity.

[0013] In some embodiments, a second shrinkage portion is formed at the proximal end of the second fitting tube, the second shrinkage portion is inserted into the distal end of the second main tube, the first fitting tube is fitted onto the outside of the distal end of the second fitting tube, one end of the elastic member abuts against the distal end of the second main tube, and the other end of the elastic member abuts against the proximal end of the first fitting tube.

[0014] In some embodiments, the second fitting tube is fitted to the outside of the first fitting tube, and the distal end of the second fitting tube and the proximal end of the first main tube are spaced apart along the axial direction, thereby restricting the axial movement of the head end; or, the first fitting tube is fitted to the outside of the second fitting tube, and the proximal end of the first fitting tube and the distal end of the second main tube are spaced apart along the axial direction, thereby restricting the axial movement of the head end.

[0015] In some embodiments, the elastic member is a compression spring.

[0016] In some embodiments, an optical component and a photoelectric conversion component are integrated at the distal end of the head end, the photoelectric conversion component is for converting the optical signal of the optical component into an electrical signal, the imaging tube is provided with a signal line, the signal line is provided inside the core tube and extends along the length of the core tube, and the distal end of the signal line is connected to the photoelectric conversion component.

[0017] In some embodiments, the imaging tube comprises a disc portion, the disc portion being connected to the proximal end of the core tube, the disc portion comprising a disc body and a projection portion projecting toward the head end from the disc body, a plurality of first electrical terminals provided at the distal end of the projection portion, and the proximal end of the signal line being electrically connected to the first electrical terminals.

[0018] Embodiments of the present application provide an endoscope, said endoscope, The endoscope mounting assembly and the imaging tube described in any embodiment of the present application are provided. The endoscope mounting assembly is Handle assembly and An insertion tube assembly comprising an insertion tube having a liquid outlet on its distal end, wherein the proximal end of the insertion tube assembly is connected to the handle assembly, and the insertion tube assembly comprises an insertion tube having a liquid outlet on its distal end face, A visual sleeve inserted into the interior of the insertion tube, the visual sleeve having a visual channel within it and a sealed optical window at the distal end of the visual sleeve, The core tube is insertable into the visual channel, and the distal end of the head end can contact the inner surface of the optical window.

[0019] In some embodiments, the visual sleeve has a visual insertion / removal port formed at the proximal end of the handle assembly, and the imaging tube is detachably inserted and removed from the visual channel through the visual insertion / removal port.

[0020] In some embodiments, the visual sleeve comprises a first visual sleeve and a second visual sleeve connected to each other along its length, the proximal end of the first visual sleeve forming the visual insertion / removal opening at the proximal end of the handle assembly, the first visual sleeve having a first visual channel, the proximal end of the second visual sleeve being inserted into and fixed within the first visual channel, the other end being positioned through the insertion tube, and the cross-section of the first visual channel gradually decreasing along the direction from the proximal end to the distal end.

[0021] In some embodiments, the visual sleeve has a plurality of second electrical terminals, the imaging tube comprises a disc portion comprising a disc body and a projection extending from the disc body toward the visual sleeve, a plurality of first electrical terminals are clustered on one side of the projection facing the visual sleeve, the first electrical terminals are electrically connected to the second electrical terminals in a separable manner, the endoscope mounting assembly comprises a data exchange interface for interacting with external equipment, the data exchange interface is electrically connected to the second electrical terminals.

[0022] In some embodiments, the proximal end of the visual sleeve penetrates and protrudes from the proximal end of the handle assembly. The proximal end of the visual sleeve includes a concave portion and a visual insertion and extraction port. The proximal end of the visual sleeve is recessed in a direction approaching the distal end of the insertion tube to form a concave portion. The second electrical terminal is provided at the distal end of the concave portion and penetrates the groove wall of the concave portion along the insertion and extraction direction of the imaging tube. One end of the second electrical terminal is exposed within the concave portion, and the other end extends into the space within the handle assembly. The protruding portion is inserted and fixed within the concave portion.

[0023] In some embodiments, the endoscope attachment assembly includes a cable and a light emitter for providing illumination to the field of view of the imaging tube. The light emitter is provided at the distal end of the insertion tube. One end of the cable is electrically connected to the light emitter, and the other end extends to the handle assembly.

[0024] In some embodiments, the endoscope attachment assembly includes a data exchange interface for interacting with external devices, and the cable is electrically connected to the data exchange interface.

[0025] In some embodiments, the optical window includes an incident lens unit and a reflection prism. The reflection prism is provided within the visual sleeve. The incident lens unit is provided at the end of the visual sleeve and is located on the incident light side of the reflection prism. The incident lens unit can receive external light rays, refract the external light rays, and condense them onto the reflection prism. The reflection prism is for transmitting light rays to the incident light portion of the imaging tube within the visual channel through reflection.

[0026] In some embodiments, the light-emitting surface of the reflection prism is perpendicular to the length direction of the visual sleeve.

[0027] In some embodiments, the distal end face of the incident lens unit is an inclined surface, an arc-shaped groove is formed on one side of the incident lens unit facing the reflecting prism, the surface of the arc-shaped groove is the light-emitting surface of the incident lens unit, and the light-receiving surface of the reflecting prism covers the arc-shaped groove.

[0028] In some embodiments, the reflective prism has at least a first reflective surface and a second reflective surface that are opposite to each other, the first reflective surface being inclined toward the arc-shaped groove, and the second reflective surface being located on the light-emitting side of the first reflective surface, so that the light rays emitted from the arc-shaped groove are sequentially reflected by the first reflective surface and the second reflective surface before being emitted, or are emitted after undergoing one or more further light processing.

[0029] In some embodiments, the handle assembly has a liquid introduction passage and a free space inside the insertion tube, the free space connecting the liquid introduction passage and the liquid outlet, the endoscope mounting assembly includes a work passage tube, a work passage formed inside the work passage tube for the passage of surgical instruments, the work passage tube is inserted inside the insertion tube and has an outlet formed at the distal end face of the insertion tube, and the free space is a space not occupied within the insertion tube.

[0030] In some embodiments, the endoscope mounting assembly includes a joint, the handle assembly has a mounting opening, the joint is rotatably inserted into the mounting opening, and the proximal end of the insertion tube is inserted into the joint in a sealed state and fixed within the joint.

[0031] In some embodiments, the joint has a flow path, the end of the insertion tube extends into the flow path, the endoscope mounting assembly includes a liquid introduction tube, one end of which is for introducing external fluid and the other end is connected to the inlet of the flow path, and the flow path and the space within the liquid introduction tube together define at least a portion of the liquid introduction passage.

[0032] In some embodiments, the handle assembly comprises a handle and a grip provided on the bottom side of the handle, the work passage tube and the visual sleeve extending along the length of the handle, the mounting opening provided at one end of the handle near the insertion tube, at least a portion of the joint provided inside the distal end of the handle, and one end of the liquid introduction tube away from the joint extending along the grip to one end of the grip away from the handle.

[0033] In some embodiments, the endoscope mounting assembly includes a rotating disc provided on the outside of the handle assembly, the rotating disc being fitted onto the outer circumference of the insertion tube, the rotating disc being rotatably mounted to cover the periphery of the joint portion, and being detachably fixed to the joint portion.

[0034] In some embodiments, the endoscope mounting assembly includes an end cap, a first engaging portion is provided on the proximal end face of the handle assembly, the end cap is provided so as to cover the periphery of the disc portion, a second engaging portion is provided on the circumferential surface of the end cap, the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion are detachably engaged, thereby bringing the disc portion into contact with the proximal end of the visual sleeve.

[0035] In some embodiments, the insertion tube assembly includes a fixing support provided inside the distal end of the insertion tube, the fixing support is connected to the inner wall of the insertion tube, and a first hole and a second hole are formed in the fixing support, the work passage tube is confined in the first hole, and the visual sleeve is confined in the second hole, thereby fixing the distal end of the work passage tube and the distal end of the visual sleeve inside the insertion tube.

[0036] In some embodiments, a portion of the circumferential outer surface of the fixed support is recessed away from the inner wall of the insertion tube to form a recessed region, and this recessed region, together with the inner wall of the insertion tube opposite it, surrounds the liquid outlet.

[0037] In some embodiments, the fixed support includes two mounting blocks of a split design, the work passage pipe and the visual sleeve are arranged along a first direction, the two mounting blocks are provided opposite each other along a second direction and jointly form surrounding the first and second holes, the first direction being perpendicular to the second direction.

[0038] In some embodiments, the outer surface of the mounting block facing the inner wall of the insertion tube has an arc-shaped surface, and the arc-shaped surface is in close contact with the inner wall of the insertion tube.

[0039] In some embodiments, the endoscope mounting assembly comprises a cable and a light emitter for providing illumination to the imaging tube, the fixed support having a through hole that penetrates the fixed support along the axial direction of the insertion tube, the cable being connected to the light emitter through the through hole, and triangular regions being formed adjacent to the inner wall of the insertion tube, the outer wall of the work passage tube, and the outer wall of the visual sleeve, with the cable positioned in the triangular regions.

[0040] In some embodiments, the light emitter comprises a circuit board and a light-emitting chip integrated on the circuit board, the circuit board being attached to the distal end face of the fixed support, and the surfaces of the circuit board and the light-emitting chip being covered with a potting material layer.

[0041] In some embodiments, the insertion tube assembly comprises a potting material layer, which is formed by injecting potting material into a region enclosed between the distal end face of the fixed support and the inner wall of the insertion tube and the outer wall of the optical window, and the outer surface of the potting material layer forms at least a portion of the distal end face of the insertion tube.

[0042] In some embodiments, the visual sleeve comprises a sleeve and an optical window, the distal end of the sleeve being open, the optical window sealing the distal end of the sleeve, and the potting material layer being provided circumferentially between the optical window and the inner wall of the insertion tube.

[0043] In some embodiments, the endoscope mounting assembly comprises an adapter portion and a drainage tube, the adapter portion being fixed to the handle assembly, the adapter portion comprising a first adapter sleeve and a second adapter sleeve connected to each other, an insertion cavity provided at the distal end of the first adapter sleeve, the proximal end of the second adapter sleeve being inserted into the insertion cavity, a cavity region being formed between a portion of the circumferential surface of the second adapter sleeve and the inner wall of the insertion cavity, an adapter port being provided on the side wall of the insertion cavity corresponding to the cavity region, the proximal end of the work passage tube being inserted into and fixed inside the distal end of the second adapter sleeve and communicating with the cavity region, and an expansion portion being formed inside the proximal end of the second adapter sleeve that expands toward the first adapter sleeve. One end of the drain pipe is connected to the adapter port and used to discharge fluid from the work passage pipe.

[0044] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of ​​the expanded portion increases sequentially along the direction away from the work passage pipe.

[0045] In some embodiments, the second adapter sleeve includes a sealing shaft portion, the circumferential surface of the sealing shaft portion is tightly fitted to the insertion cavity, the shaft end face of the sealing shaft portion is spaced apart from the cavity end face of the insertion cavity facing the shaft end face, and the adapter port is provided at the bottom of the circumferential side wall between the shaft end face and the cavity end face.

[0046] In some embodiments, the second adapter sleeve includes a retractable shaft portion connected to the proximal end of the seal shaft portion, the outer diameter of the retractable shaft portion being smaller than the outer diameter of the seal shaft portion, and the expansion portion extending from the inside of the seal shaft portion to the proximal end face of the retractable shaft portion.

[0047] In some embodiments, the first adapter sleeve has a first shaft hole, the insertion cavity is located at the distal end of the first shaft hole, the inner diameter of the insertion cavity is larger than the inner diameter of the distal end of the first shaft hole, and a cavity end face is formed at the boundary between the two. The first adapter sleeve has an annular base, the annular base is located within the insertion cavity and surrounds the distal end of the first shaft hole, and is provided at a distance from the circumferential side wall of the insertion cavity.

[0048] In some embodiments, the end face of the annular base and the end face of the retractable shaft are provided with a gap between them.

[0049] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first axial bore decreases continuously along the direction from the proximal end to the distal end.

[0050] In some embodiments, the endoscope mounting assembly includes a rotating cover which is detachably fitted over the proximal end of the first adapter sleeve, and the rotating cover comprises a cover body and a projection which protrudes from inside the cover body toward the first adapter sleeve, the projection which is inserted into the first shaft hole and seals the first shaft hole.

[0051] In some embodiments, the handle assembly comprises a handle and a grip provided on the bottom side of the handle, the work passage pipe and the visual sleeve extending along the length of the handle, and one end of the drain pipe away from the adapter portion extending along the grip to the other end of the grip away from the handle.

[0052] In some embodiments, the endoscope mounting assembly includes an adapter head, the adapter head having a first adapter cavity and a second adapter cavity that communicate with each other, the first adapter cavity communicating with the adapter port, the second adapter cavity communicating with one end of the drain pipe near the handle, the first adapter cavity being provided along the length of the grip, and the second adapter cavity being provided along the length of the handle.

[0053] In some embodiments, the drain pipe comprises a first drain section, a bent section, and a second drain section, wherein a portion of the drain pipe protrudes toward the adapter section to form the bent section, the first drain section is inserted into and fixed within the second adapter cavity, the second drain section extends along the length of the grip, and the bent section connects the first drain section and the second drain section.

[0054] The imaging tube provided in the embodiment of this application has a simple structure and a self-adaptive function for the length of the imaging tube. The length of the imaging tube is automatically adapted according to the length of the visual channel for mounting the imaging tube in the endoscope mounting assembly. This enables accurate and appropriate mating between the tail end of the imaging tube and the visual channel for mounting the imaging tube in the endoscope mounting assembly. Furthermore, it effectively solves the problem of reduced fit due to manufacturing and assembly errors between the imaging tube and the visual channel for mounting the imaging tube in the endoscope mounting assembly, thereby solving the problem of product consistency. Thus, it facilitates the acquisition of high-quality images with the imaging tube, reduces the probability of damage to the imaging tube due to hard impacts during installation, reduces usage costs, and improves the work efficiency of the imaging tube. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0055] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of an endoscope according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is an exploded view of the endoscope. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of an imaging tube according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] Figure 3 is an exploded view of the imaging tube shown. [Figure 5] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the imaging tube shown. [Figure 6] This is an enlarged view of section A in Figure 5. [Figure 7] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the fitting state of the internal structure of the endoscope. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram showing the fitting state of the internal structure of the endoscope shown in Figure 1 from a different perspective. [Figure 9] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the endoscope. [Figure 10] Figure 9 shows a magnified view of the distal end of the endoscope. [Figure 11] Figure 1 shows another cross-sectional view of the endoscope, with the imaging tube omitted in this figure. [Figure 12] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a part of the structure of the endoscope shown. [Figure 13] Figure 1 is another cross-sectional view of a part of the structure of the endoscope shown. [Figure 14] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the fitted state of the fixed support, visual sleeve, work passage pipe, cable, and light emitter. [Figure 15] This is a schematic diagram of the structure shown in Figure 12 from a different perspective. [Figure 16] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the fitting state of each component at the distal end of the endoscope, with the light emitter, cable, tube cover, and potting layer omitted in the figure. [Figure 17] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the fitting state of each component at the distal end of the endoscope, with the potting material layer omitted in the figure. [Figure 18] Figure 1 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the distal end face of the endoscope shown. [Figure 19] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the incident lens unit and the reflecting prism. [Figure 20] Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of each component at the distal end of the endoscope. [Figure 21] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the fitting state of the imaging tube and optical window, with the arrows in the figure indicating the direction of the external light rays. [Figure 22] Figure 7 is an enlarged view of the adapter section and the rotating cover in cross-section. [Figure 23]This is a cross-sectional view of the distal end of an imaging tube according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] This is a cross-sectional view of the distal end of an imaging tube according to yet another embodiment of the present application. [Figure 25] This is a cross-sectional view of the distal end of an imaging tube according to yet another embodiment of the present application. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0056] Furthermore, the embodiments and technical features described herein can be combined with each other, as long as they do not contradict each other. The detailed descriptions of specific embodiments should be understood as part of the description of this application and should not be considered an unreasonable limitation to this application.

[0057] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the orientations or positional relationships indicated by terms such as "inside" and "outside" are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the drawings and are merely for the purpose of describing the embodiments of this application and simplifying the description. They do not indicate or imply that the specified devices or elements necessarily have a specific orientation or must be configured and operate in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as limitations on the embodiments of this application.

[0058] An embodiment of the present invention provides an imaging tube 14 comprising a core tube 142 and an elastic member 146.

[0059] An embodiment of the present application provides an endoscope 1, which, referring to Figures 1 and 2, comprises an endoscope mounting assembly and an imaging tube 14 according to any embodiment of the present application.

[0060] To simplify the explanation, the end that is inserted into or near the inside of a human or animal body during operation is called the distal end, and the end that is grasped by the operator or the end that is closer to the operator's grasp is called the proximal end.

[0061] The imaging tube 14 is inserted and removed from the endoscope mounting assembly to form the endoscope 1, which is used for examining, diagnosing, and surgically treating the internal tissues of a human or animal body.

[0062] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the core tube 142 comprises a main insertion portion 142b and a head portion 142a along its length, with the proximal end of the head portion 142a fitted to the distal end of the main insertion portion 142b, and the head portion 142a and / or the main insertion portion 142b are capable of axial movement toward each other due to the action of an external force.

[0063] The elastic member 146 is provided inside the core tube 142 and is compressible and resilient, causing the head end 142a to move axially away from the main insertion portion 142b.

[0064] It should be noted that the ability of the head end 142a and / or main insertion portion 142b to move axially toward each other due to the action of an external force includes multiple situations. In some embodiments, the head end 142a moves axially toward the main insertion portion 142b due to the action of an external force. In another embodiment, the main insertion portion 142b moves axially toward the head end 142a due to the action of an external force. In yet another embodiment, the head end 142a and the main insertion portion 142b move axially toward each other due to the action of an external force.

[0065] Specifically, when the imaging tube 14 is inserted into and removed from the endoscope mounting assembly, the distal end face of the head end 142a comes into contact with the distal inner surface of the visual channel for mounting the imaging tube 14 within the endoscope mounting assembly. At this time, the head end 142a is subjected to an external force from the distal end face of the visual channel for mounting the imaging tube 14 within the endoscope mounting assembly, causing axial movement toward the main insertion portion 142b. When this occurs, the elastic member 146 is compressed and undergoes compressive deformation. After the imaging tube 14 is fully fitted into the visual channel for mounting the imaging tube 14 within the endoscope mounting assembly, the restoring force of the elastic member 146 drives the head end 142a to tend to move axially away from the main insertion portion 142b. This maintains the contact between the distal end face of the head end 142a and the distal inner surface of the visual channel for mounting the imaging tube 14 within the endoscope mounting assembly, thereby achieving a stable fit between the imaging tube 14 and the endoscope mounting assembly.

[0066] To make it understandable, the restoring force of the elastic member 146 drives the head end 142a to tend to move axially away from the main insertion portion 142b. This may be because the head end 142a does not move axially due to the restoring force of the elastic member 146 and stably fits with the endoscope mounting assembly, or it may be because the head end 142a moves axially away from the main insertion portion 142b due to the restoring force of the elastic member 146 and stably fits with the endoscope mounting assembly.

[0067] To make it clear, even after the imaging tube 14 is attached to the endoscope mounting assembly, the head end 142a is still subjected to external forces, and these forces are only released after the imaging tube 14 is withdrawn. After the imaging tube 14 is completely withdrawn, the elastic member 146 recovers from its deformation, and the head end 142a also returns to its initial position due to the action of the elastic member 146. The initial position refers to the position when the head end 142a is not subjected to external forces.

[0068] Furthermore, an optical window capable of focusing light and controlling the direction of optical axis conduction is provided at the distal end of the endoscope. This optical window may include a group of prisms or concave lenses. A visual system is located at the distal end of the imaging tube. The visual system further processes and focuses the light from the optical window, then converts the optical signal into an electrical signal for transmission. The visual system is a high-precision component, and when the imaging tube is inserted into and removed from the endoscope mounting assembly, the visual system must be precisely aligned with the optical window, and the visual system must not apply excessive force to the optical window. In addition, the length of the imaging tube must not exceed the length of the visual channel for mounting the imaging tube within the endoscope mounting assembly, thereby preventing problems that would prevent the imaging tube and the endoscope mounting assembly from fitting together.

[0069] Therefore, in the embodiments of the present application, the head portion 142a and / or the main insertion portion 142b are capable of axial movement toward each other by the action of an external force, and the elastic member 146 is compressible and resilient, and by driving the head portion 142a to tend to move axially toward the main insertion portion 142b, the imaging tube 14 has a self-adaptive function in terms of length when it is inserted into and removed from the endoscope mounting assembly, so that the length of the imaging tube 14 automatically matches the length of the visual channel for mounting the imaging tube 14 inside the endoscope mounting assembly. Furthermore, it provides a driving force for axial alignment of the distal end face of the head end 142a and the optical window, achieving accurate and appropriate fitting between the two. This reduces the probability of damage to both due to forced fitting between the distal end face of the head end 142a and the visual channel for mounting the imaging tube 14 in the endoscope mounting assembly. It also reduces the probability of a gap forming because the head end 142a does not make close contact with the visual channel for mounting the imaging tube 14 in the endoscope mounting assembly, making it easier for the imaging tube 14 to acquire high-quality images.

[0070] To ensure understanding, the specific structural form of the elastic member 146 is not limited; it just needs to be able to compress and generate a restoring force, causing the head end 142a to tend to move axially away from the main insertion portion 142b. For example, the elastic member 146 is a compression spring.

[0071] The method for forming the visual channel for mounting the imaging tube 14 within the endoscope mounting assembly is not limited. In some examples, the endoscope mounting assembly comprises a handle assembly 10, an insertion tube assembly 11, and a visual sleeve 13, wherein the insertion tube assembly 11 comprises an insertion tube 110, the proximal end of which is connected to the handle assembly 10, and the visual sleeve 13 is inserted into the interior of the insertion tube 110, and inside the visual sleeve 13 there is a visual channel 130 for mounting the imaging tube 14, that is, in this embodiment, the endoscope mounting assembly is provided with a visual sleeve 13 to achieve mounting and fitting with the imaging tube 14, and the imaging tube 14 is inserted and removed from the visual sleeve 13. The distal end of the visual sleeve 13 has a sealed optical window. The core tube 142 is inserted into the visual channel 130, and the distal end of the head end 142a abuts against the inner surface of the optical window.

[0072] To make it easier to understand, in this embodiment, the optical window is formed at the distal end of the visual sleeve 13. The optical window is a component in which multiple optical elements are integrated, and it processes light rays within the tissues of the human or animal body, such as focusing and redirecting them, and conducts the light rays into the visual channel 130 so that the imaging tube 14 can receive them. By inserting the imaging tube 14 into the visual sleeve 13, it is possible to achieve close contact with the inner surface of the optical window.

[0073] Specifically, the core tube 142 is inserted into the visual channel 130, and the head end 142a undergoes axial movement toward the main insertion portion 142b due to the action of an external force, compressing the elastic member 146 and causing compressive deformation of the elastic member 146. The elastic member 146 then has a restoring force, which drives the head end 142a to tend to move axially toward the main insertion portion 142b, and also provides a drive for axial alignment of the head end 142a and the optical window. Since the circumferential direction of the head end 142a is restricted by the circumferential inner surface of the visual channel 130, the distal end of the head end 142a is in appropriate contact with the inner surface of the optical window. This allows the length of the core tube 142 to be matched to the visual channel 130, and the visual sleeve 13 protects the imaging tube 14, making it easier for the imaging tube 14 to acquire high-quality images.

[0074] The optical window may include a concave lens and a total internal reflection prism, which can focus light and change the direction of the light, making it easier for the imaging tube 14 to acquire an image. The concave lens may be a plano-concave lens or the like.

[0075] The imaging tube 14 provided in the embodiment of the present invention has a simple structure and a self-adaptive function for the length of the imaging tube 14, and the length of the imaging tube 14 can be automatically adjusted according to the length of the visual channel for mounting the imaging tube 14 in the endoscope mounting assembly, thereby achieving a precise and appropriate fit between the distal end of the imaging tube 14 and the visual channel for mounting the imaging tube in the endoscope mounting assembly. Even if there is a large error between the length of the imaging tube 14 and the length of the visual channel for mounting the imaging tube 14 in the endoscope mounting assembly, the external force causes axial movement of the head end 142a of the imaging tube 14, shortening the length of the imaging tube 14. The restoring action of the elastic member 146 causes the head end 142a to tend to move axially away from the main insertion portion 142b, causing it to come into close contact with the inner surface of the distal end of the visual channel for mounting the imaging tube 14 in the endoscope mounting assembly. This effectively solves the problem of reduced fit between the imaging tube and the visual channel for mounting the imaging tube in the endoscope mounting assembly due to manufacturing and assembly errors. As a result, the imaging tube 14 can easily acquire high-quality images, the probability of the imaging tube 14 being damaged by hard abutment when inserting and removing it from the endoscope mounting assembly is reduced, usage costs are reduced, and the work efficiency of the imaging tube 14 is improved.

[0076] The visual channel for attaching the imaging tube 14 within the endoscope mounting assembly described above can be found in the visual channel 130 described later.

[0077] The handle assembly 10 is provided with a liquid introduction passage. The liquid introduction passage is a part of the passage through which the external fluid passes through the handle assembly 10, and may be a passage formed by a tubular cavity, or it may be a combination of a passage formed by a tubular cavity and a passage formed by other components.

[0078] The distal end face of the insertion tube 110 has a liquid outlet 110a.

[0079] To make it easier to understand, the insertion tube 110 has a free space inside, which connects the liquid introduction passage and the liquid outlet 110a, and the free space is the space within the insertion tube 110 that is not occupied.

[0080] To make it clear, the external fluid flows into the human or animal body through the liquid introduction passage, free space, and liquid outlet 110a, expanding the observation area to facilitate observation or washing the tissues inside the human or animal body. The external fluid may be a 5% glucose solution or physiological saline.

[0081] The endoscope mounting assembly includes a work passage tube 12, within which a work passage for surgical instruments is formed. The work passage tube 12 is inserted through the insertion tube 110, and an outlet 12a is formed at the distal end face of the insertion tube 110.

[0082] Surgical instruments are inserted through the work passage tube 12 and extend into the human or animal body through the exit 12a. The specific types of surgical instruments are not limited and include, for example, biopsy forceps, scissors, fixing drills, palpation probes, hooked forceps, electrodes, etc.

[0083] Furthermore, in some application scenarios where it is necessary to enter the human or animal body through a natural lumen or surgical opening, with straight-viewing endoscopes that lack side-view or oblique-viewing capabilities, the operator must grasp the endoscope's handle assembly and perform adjustment operations such as "lifting" or "prying" to obtain an appropriate observation range or field of view in order to facilitate observation. However, while adjustment operations such as "lifting" or "prying" require a certain dimension relative to the natural lumen or surgical opening of the human or animal body, and must not be too small, such adjustment operations are prone to causing injury to the human or animal body.

[0084] In related technologies, the tip of the endoscope does not employ an optical design with oblique viewing capabilities, and the camera can only acquire images from the front, lacking side-viewing capabilities. To acquire a view of the side of the imaging tube, a method of pre-bending the imaging tube is employed, and the distal end of the endoscope is pre-bent at a certain angle to facilitate observation. However, the pre-bent angle causes inconvenience during operation, resulting in difficulties in adjusting the field of view and making instrument operation less smooth.

[0085] To facilitate insertion into a natural lumen or surgical opening of the human or animal body, the outer diameter of the insertion tube should be as small as possible. The insertion tube is provided with multiple passages, such as a working passage and a fluid introduction passage, and accordingly, the diameter of each passage is also strictly limited. In related technologies, the optical window of the endoscope is formed at the distal end of the imaging tube, and the optical window usually contains optical elements such as lenses and prisms. When the imaging tube is housed within a visual sleeve, the diameter of the optical window at the distal end of the imaging tube is further compressed, making it easier to compress the outer diameter of optical elements such as lenses and prisms for receiving light rays from inside the human or animal body. In this situation, if the optical window is given a side-view or oblique-view function to solve the problem of inconvenient observation angles of the endoscope during surgery, that is, if the principal optical axis changes its propagation direction as needed after the incident light passes through the optical window, the entrance pupil diameter of the optical window at the distal end of the imaging tube becomes smaller, which can lead to a problem in which the effective light rays received by the imaging tube decrease.

[0086] In the embodiment of the present invention, a straight-viewing endoscope 1 is employed, significantly reducing adjustment operations such as "lifting" or "prying open" of the endoscope, making it easier for the operator to obtain an appropriate observation angle. Furthermore, the distal end of the endoscope 1 in the embodiment of the present invention has an optical window that can focus light and controllably change the direction of optical axis conduction, and the optical window is provided at the distal end of the visual sleeve 13. In a situation where the diameters of the visual sleeve 13 and the imaging tube 14 do not change, the effective diameter of the optical window can be increased, thereby increasing the entrance pupil diameter of the optical window, allowing the imaging tube 14 to receive more effective light rays, and improving the quality of the external image acquired by the imaging tube 14. After diffusely reflected light from the tissues of the human or animal body enters the optical direction changing assembly, the direction of conduction can be changed, and the endoscope 1 can be given a side-view or oblique-view function.

[0087] The fitting method between the imaging tube 14 and the visual sleeve 13 is not limited. In some embodiments, referring to Figures 7 to 10, a visual insertion / removal port 13a is formed at the proximal end of the handle assembly 10 of the visual sleeve 13, and the imaging tube 14 is detachably inserted and removed from the visual channel 130 through the visual insertion / removal port 13a. The distal end of the visual channel 130 has a sealed optical window on the distal end face of the insertion tube 110, which protects the imaging tube 14 and is advantageous for the imaging tube 14 to acquire images inside a human or animal body.

[0088] Except for the visual insertion / removal opening 13a, all other parts of the visual channel 130 are sealed.

[0089] During use, the imaging tube 14 can be directly inserted into the visual sleeve 13 via the visual insertion / removal port 13a, or withdrawn from the visual sleeve 13, making it easy to operate and attach / detach. Furthermore, the visual sleeve 13 protects the imaging tube 14 and prevents it from coming into contact with the internal tissues or fluids of the human or animal body, thereby reducing the probability of cross-infection when reusing the imaging tube 14, lowering the disinfection level of the imaging tube 14, and reducing disinfection costs.

[0090] According to the requirements of the standards for medical disinfection and sterilization, if reusable instruments come into contact with human or animal tissue during surgery, a high level of disinfection is required postoperatively. If surgical instruments do not come into contact with human or animal tissue, the level of disinfection can be reduced, and general disinfection such as wiping is sufficient. In related technologies, the end of the imaging tube is exposed to the distal end of the endoscope, so there is a possibility of contact with internal secretions of the human or animal body, and also a possibility of contact with human or animal tissue. Therefore, a high level of disinfection such as immersion disinfection, high-temperature steam disinfection, or ethylene oxide disinfection is required postoperatively.

[0091] The materials of the handle assembly 10, insertion tube 110, work passage tube 12, and visual sleeve 13 are not limited. The insertion tube 110 may be a flexible tube or a rigid tube. The insertion tube 110, work passage tube 12, visual sleeve 13, etc. may be made of metal or plastic. For example, the handle assembly 10 may be made of plastic for low cost of use, while the work passage tube 12, visual sleeve 13, and insertion tube 110 may be made of steel for high strength and light weight.

[0092] The handle assembly 10, insertion tube 110, work passage tube 12, and visual sleeve 13 are disposable medical devices, while the imaging tube 14, which has a high manufacturing cost, is reusable. After use, it can be directly removed from inside the visual sleeve 13, disinfected at a low level such as by wiping, and reused.

[0093] In this embodiment, the visual sleeve 13 protects the imaging tube 14, and the imaging tube 14 does not come into contact with the human or animal body, nor with the liquid flowing into the endoscope 1. This avoids cross-infection due to incomplete cleaning and disinfection, and reduces the probability of damage to the lens at the tip of the imaging tube and blurred images due to excessive disinfection in related technologies. The imaging tube 14 is reusable and does not require high-level disinfection processes such as immersion in disinfectant solution in postoperative disinfection procedures. It can be used again after disinfection using low-level disinfection methods such as wiping, which is convenient, quick, and cost-effective.

[0094] The specific structure of the head portion 142a and the main insertion portion 142b is not limited, nor is the method of achieving the fitting limited.

[0095] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 4, 5, and 6, the head portion 142a comprises a first main tube 1421 and a first fitting tube 1422, with the first fitting tube 1422 fixed as an independent component to the proximal end of the first main tube 1421. The main insertion portion 142b comprises a second main tube 1423 and a second fitting tube 1424, with the second fitting tube 1424 fixed as an independent component to the distal end of the second main tube 1423. The head portion 142a and the main insertion portion 142b are fitted together via the first fitting tube 1422 and the second fitting tube 1424.

[0096] The first main tube 1421 can provide support to the first fitting tube 1422, and the second main tube 1423 can provide support to the second fitting tube 1424. This improves the stability of the fitting between the head end 142a and the main insertion portion 142b. Furthermore, the axial length and outer diameter of the first fitting tube 1422 and the second fitting tube 1424 do not need to be as large as possible to achieve fitting, and the outer diameter of the second fitting tube 1424 can be approximately the same as the outer diameter of the first main tube 1421, eliminating the need for additional dimensions. This reduces the mounting space for the imaging tube 14, making it easier for the imaging tube 14 to be inserted into the visual channel for mounting the imaging tube 14 within the endoscope mounting assembly, and facilitating insertion and removal mating with the endoscope mounting assembly. Specifically, the imaging tube 14 is easier to insert into the visual channel 130.

[0097] The materials of the first main pipe 1421, the first fitting pipe 1422, the second main pipe 1423, and the second fitting pipe 1424 are not limited. For example, using stainless steel for the first main pipe 1421, the first fitting pipe 1422, the second main pipe 1423, and the second fitting pipe 1424 provides high processing accuracy, high material strength, and excellent corrosion resistance.

[0098] The fitting method of the second fitting tube 1424 and the second main tube 1423 is not limited; for example, the second fitting tube 1424 may be externally fitted onto the second main tube 1423, or the second main tube 1423 may be externally fitted onto the second fitting tube 1424. The fitting method of the first fitting tube 1422 and the second fitting tube 1424 is also not limited; for example, the first fitting tube 1422 may be externally fitted onto the second fitting tube 1424, or the second fitting tube 1424 may be externally fitted onto the first fitting tube 1422. The length of the imaging tube 14 should be self-adaptively adjustable.

[0099] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 6, a first contraction portion 1423a is formed at the distal end of the second main tube 1423, the first contraction portion 1423a is inserted into the proximal end of the second fitting tube 1424, and the first fitting tube 1422 is inserted into the distal end of the second fitting tube 1424.

[0100] One end of the elastic member 146 abuts against the distal end of the second main pipe 1423, and the other end of the elastic member 146 abuts against the proximal end of the first fitting pipe 1422.

[0101] Referring to Figure 6, in this embodiment, the elastic member 146 is provided inside the second fitting tube 1424, with both ends in contact with the second main tube 1423 and the first fitting tube 1422, respectively. This makes the attachment of the elastic member 146 more secure and improves the reliability of length adjustment of the imaging tube 14.

[0102] In another embodiment, a second shrinkage portion is formed at the proximal end of the second fitting tube 1424, the second shrinkage portion is inserted into the proximal end of the second main tube 1423, and the first fitting tube 1422 is fitted onto the distal end of the second fitting tube 1424.

[0103] One end of the elastic member 146 abuts against the distal end of the second main pipe 1423, and the other end of the elastic member 146 abuts against the proximal end of the first fitting pipe 1422.

[0104] To make it clear, in this embodiment, referring to Figure 23, the elastic member 146 is fitted onto the second fitting tube 1424, with both ends in contact with the second main tube 1423 and the first fitting tube 1422, respectively.

[0105] Specifically, in the two embodiments described above, both ends of the elastic member 146 are fitted to the second main tube 1423 and the first fitting tube 1422, respectively. When the imaging tube 14 is inserted into and removed from the visual sleeve 13, the first main tube 1421 receives an external force from the inner surface of the optical window at the distal end of the visual sleeve 13 toward the second main tube 1423, which pushes the first fitting tube 1422, causing it to move axially toward the second main tube 1423, and the elastic member 146 undergoes compressive deformation. At the same time, the first fitting tube 1422 also receives a restoring force generated from the elastic member 146, causing the first fitting tube 1422 to tend to move toward the second main tube 1423. This ensures that the distal end of the head end 142a is reliably fitted into contact with the inner surface of the optical window.

[0106] To make it easier to understand, in some other embodiments, referring to Figure 24, the distal end of the second main tube 1423 is inserted into the proximal end of the second fitting tube 1424, the first fitting tube 1422 is inserted through the distal end of the second fitting tube 1424, and the elastic member 146 is fitted onto the first fitting tube 1422 and is located between the distal end of the second fitting tube 1424 and the proximal end of the first main tube 1421.

[0107] In yet another embodiment, referring to Figure 25, the proximal end of the second fitting tube 1424 is inserted into the distal end of the second main tube 1423, the first fitting tube 1422 is fitted onto the outside of the distal end of the second fitting tube 1424, and the elastic member 146 is provided inside the first fitting tube 1422 and is located between the distal end of the second fitting tube 1424 and the proximal end of the first main tube 1421.

[0108] In two embodiments where the elastic member 146 is located at the distal end of the second fitting tube 1424 and the proximal end of the first main tube 1421, when the imaging tube 14 is inserted into and removed from the visual sleeve 13, the first main tube 1421 is subjected to an external force, pushing the first fitting tube 1422 and causing it to move axially toward the second main tube 1423, and the elastic member 146 is compressed and deformed. Because the first main tube 1421 receives a restoring force generated from the elastic member 146, the first fitting tube 1422 tends to move toward the second main tube 1423. This ensures that the distal end of the head end 142a is reliably fitted into contact with the inner surface of the optical window.

[0109] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 6, the second fitting tube 1424 has a housing cavity 1424a inside, and the first contraction portion 1423a is housed within the housing cavity 1424a. The first fitting tube 1422 has a first fitting portion 1422a and a second fitting portion 1422b along its length, with the outer diameter of the first fitting portion 1422a being larger than the outer diameter of the second fitting portion 1422b. The first fitting portion 1422a is inserted into the housing cavity 1424a, and the side wall of the distal end of the housing cavity 1424a protrudes inward to form a stopper wall 14241. The proximal end of the first fitting portion 1422a abuts against an elastic member 146, and the distal end of the first fitting portion 1422a abuts detachably against the stopper wall 14241.

[0110] The proximal end of the first fitting portion 1422a abuts against the elastic member 146, and the distal end is affected by the stopper wall 14241. In other words, all axial movement of the first fitting portion 1422a is restricted to within the housing cavity 1424a, which protects the movement of the first fitting portion 1422a, prevents the movement of the first fitting portion 1422a and the elastic member 146 from being affected by other parts, avoids friction, and improves the stability of the imaging tube 14.

[0111] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 6, the circumferential outer wall of the first fitting portion 1422a is in contact with the side wall of the housing cavity 1424a, which allows the first fitting portion 1422a to move more easily within the housing cavity 1424a, resulting in smoother movement of the first fitting portion 1422a, reduced resistance during the movement process, and is advantageous for achieving alignment contact between the distal end of the head portion 142a and the distal end of the visual channel for mounting the imaging tube 14 in the endoscope mounting assembly. Specifically, it is advantageous for alignment contact between the distal end of the head portion 142a and the optical window at the distal end of the visual sleeve 13.

[0112] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 6, the second fitting tube 1424 is fitted to the outside of the first fitting tube 1422, and the distal end of the second fitting tube 1424 and the proximal end of the first main tube 1421 are spaced apart along the axial direction, thereby restricting the axial movement stroke of the head end 142a.

[0113] Due to the action of an external force, the head end 142a is capable of axial movement in the direction toward the main insertion portion 142b, and its movement stroke is limited by a structure in which the distal end of the second fitting tube 1424 and the proximal end of the first main tube 1421 are spaced apart along the axial direction.

[0114] The restoring force of the elastic member 146 makes it possible to cause the head end 142a to tend to move axially away from the main insertion portion 142b, and the length of this movement is limited by the distance between the distal end of the first fitting portion 1422a and the stopper wall 14241 of the second fitting tube 1424.

[0115] In other words, when the head end 142a is subjected to an external force and moves axially toward the main insertion portion 142b, the structure in which the distal end of the second fitting tube 1424 and the proximal end of the first main tube 1421 are spaced apart limits its displacement. When the head end 142a moves axially toward the main insertion portion 142b due to the restoring force of the elastic member 146, the axial distance between the distal end of the first fitting portion 1422a and the stopper wall 14241 of the second fitting tube 1424 limits the movement path of the head end 142a, thereby restricting and protecting the head end 142a and preventing damage to the head end 142a and the visual channel for attaching the imaging tube 14 in the endoscope mounting assembly, specifically preventing damage to the distal end of the imaging tube 14 and the optical window.

[0116] In some other embodiments, the first fitting tube 1422 is fitted to the outside of the second fitting tube 1424, and the proximal end of the first fitting tube 1422 and the distal end of the second main tube 1423 are spaced apart along the axial direction, thereby restricting the axial movement stroke of the head end 142a.

[0117] Due to the action of an external force, the head portion 142a is axially movable in the direction toward the main insertion portion 142b, and its movement stroke is limited by a structure in which the proximal end of the first fitting tube 1422 and the distal end of the second main tube 1423 are spaced apart along the axial direction.

[0118] The restoring force of the elastic member 146 makes it possible to cause the head end 142a to tend to move axially away from the main insertion portion 142b, and the length of this movement is limited by the distance between the distal end of the first fitting portion 1422a and the stopper wall 14241 of the second fitting tube 1424.

[0119] In other words, when the head end 142a is subjected to an external force and moves axially toward the main insertion portion 142b, the structure in which the proximal end of the first fitting tube 1422 and the distal end of the second main tube 1423 are spaced apart limits its displacement. When the head end 142a moves axially toward the main insertion portion 142b due to the restoring force of the elastic member 146, the axial distance between the distal end of the first fitting portion 1422a and the stopper wall 14241 of the second fitting tube 1424 limits the movement path of the head end 142a, thereby restricting and protecting the head end 142a and preventing damage to the head end 142a and the visual channel for attaching the imaging tube 14 in the endoscope mounting assembly, specifically preventing damage to the distal end of the imaging tube 14 and the optical window.

[0120] To ensure clarity, the method of fixing the first main pipe 1421 to the first fitting pipe 1422 is not limited, and the method of fixing the second main pipe 1423 to the second fitting pipe 1424 is not limited; for example, adhesive bonding, welding, etc.

[0121] Referring to Figure 6, the process of attaching the head end 142a and the main insertion part 142b in one embodiment of the present invention will be briefly described, using the example of fitting the first main pipe 1421 and the first fitting pipe 1422 by welding, and fitting the second main pipe 1423 and the second fitting pipe 1424 by welding.

[0122] During installation, the first fitting tube 1422 is first inserted into the second fitting tube 1424, leaving a portion of the first fitting tube 1422 inside the second fitting tube 1424, and extending the remaining portion through the distal end of the second fitting tube 1424 to the inside of the proximal end of the first main tube 1421. The structure of the first main tube 1421 and the first fitting tube 1422 extending inside the first main tube 1421 are then welded together. As a result, the first main tube 1421 and the first fitting tube 1422 form a head end 142a, and the portion of the first fitting tube 1422 not welded to the first main tube 1421 is capable of axial movement. To make it easier to understand, a gap is provided between the proximal end of the first main tube 1421 and the distal end of the second fitting tube 1424 to limit the movement path of the head end 142a. The elastic member 146 is inserted into the second fitting tube 1424, the first contraction portion 1423a at the distal end of the second main tube 1423 is extended into the second fitting tube 1424, and the second fitting tube 1424 and the first contraction portion 1423a are welded together. As a result, the second main tube 1423 and the second fitting tube 1424 form the main insertion portion 142b.

[0123] The specific structure of the optical window is not limited. In some embodiments, referring to Figures 2, 19 to 21, the optical window comprises an incident lens unit 134 and a reflective prism 135, the reflective prism 135 being located within the visual sleeve 13, and the incident lens unit 134 being located at the end of the visual sleeve 13 and on the light-receiving side of the reflective prism 135. The incident lens unit 134 is for receiving external light rays and refracting them to focus onto the reflective prism 135, while the reflective prism 135 is for transmitting the light rays to the light-receiving portion of the imaging tube 14 within the visual channel 130 through reflection.

[0124] The incident lens unit 134 may be a unit formed by combining one or more concave lenses, and more specifically, the incident lens unit may be a unit formed by combining one or more plano-concave lenses. The incident lens unit 134 has a light-gathering effect and can enlarge the observation field of view of the endoscope 1.

[0125] When the endoscope 1 is in operation, light rays reflected from the observation target area of ​​the human or animal body enter the incident lens unit 134. The incident lens unit 134 refracts the received light rays and focuses them onto the reflecting prism 135. The reflecting prism transmits the light rays to the light-receiving area of ​​the imaging tube 14 through reflection, enabling the imaging tube 14 to acquire an optical signal. Since the incident lens unit 134 is located at the end of the visual sleeve 13 and the reflecting prism 135 is located inside the visual sleeve 13, it is easy to obtain a good observation angle with the imaging tube 14. Furthermore, by making full use of the space inside the visual sleeve 13, the entrance pupil diameter can be increased without changing the diameter of the visual sleeve 13, without increasing the dimensions of the visual sleeve 13 or the insertion tube 110. This provides an important prerequisite for the imaging tube 14 to acquire a high-quality optical signal and improves the working efficiency of the imaging tube 14.

[0126] Furthermore, in the projection of the imaging tube 14 onto the reflective prism 135, the projection of the imaging tube 14 is contained within the projection of the reflective prism 135; that is, the contour of the light-receiving portion of the imaging tube 14 is within the contour of the light-emitting portion of the reflective prism 135. In other words, the diameter of the reflective prism 135 is larger than the diameter of the internal optical assembly of the imaging tube 14. In contrast, the diameter of the optical window can be increased without changing the diameters of the visual sleeve 13 and the imaging tube 14; that is, the diameters of the incident lens unit 134 and the reflective prism 135 can be increased, thereby increasing the effective coupling area of ​​the incident lens unit 134 and the reflective prism 135 and increasing the incident pupil diameter. The incident lens unit 134 and the reflective prism 135 can acquire and concentrate light rays from a wider range of observation target areas of the human or animal body and transmit them into the imaging tube 14, increasing the effective light rays that the internal optical unit of the imaging tube 14 can receive and improving the quality of the external image acquired by the imaging tube 14.

[0127] To make it easier to understand, during assembly, the incident lens unit 134 and the reflective prism 135 are integrated by engagement fitting, and then fixed to the inner wall of the visual channel 130 by adhesive, and the distal end of the visual sleeve 13 is sealed by the reflective prism 135 and the incident lens unit 134, so that the internal space of the visual sleeve 13 is completely isolated from the external space. This completely isolates the imaging tube 14 inserted into and removed from the visual channel 130 from the tissues and fluids of the human or animal body, making it easier to acquire external images with the imaging tube 14.

[0128] In some embodiments, a potting material layer can be provided in the region between the inner wall of the insertion tube 110 and the circumferential direction of the concave lens 134, thereby further bonding and fixing the incident lens unit 134, preventing the incident lens unit 134 from unexpectedly falling out, ensuring the sealing effect of the visual channel 130, preventing internal fluids from the human or animal body from entering the visual sleeve 13, and improving the operational reliability of the imaging tube 14.

[0129] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 20 and 21, the light-emitting surface of the reflective prism 135 is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the visual sleeve 13.

[0130] Referring to Figure 20, the distal end face of the imaging tube 14 is formed as a straight plane, and the light-emitting surface of the reflective prism 135 is perpendicular to the length direction of the visual sleeve 13. That is, the light-emitting surface of the reflective prism 135 is also formed as a straight plane, which makes it easier for the distal end face of the imaging tube 14 and the light-emitting surface of the reflective prism 135 to come into close contact, further advantageous for the imaging tube 14 in acquiring high-quality images.

[0131] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 20 and 21, the distal end face of the incident lens unit 134 is an inclined surface, and an arc-shaped groove 134a is formed on one side of the incident lens unit 134 facing the reflective prism 135. The surface of the arc-shaped groove 134a is the light-emitting surface of the concave lens 134, and the light-receiving surface 135a of the reflective prism 135 covers the arc-shaped groove 134a.

[0132] To make it clear, the arc-shaped groove 134a is the coupling region between the incident lens unit 134 and the reflecting prism 135.

[0133] The distal end surface of the incident lens unit 134 is inclined, that is, the distal end surface of the visual sleeve 13 is inclined, which expands the observation range and facilitates image acquisition by the imaging tube 14. The operator can reduce adjustment operations such as "lifting" or "prying open" the endoscope 1 and obtain an appropriate observation angle.

[0134] The light-receiving surface 135a of the reflective prism 135 covers the arc-shaped groove 134a. When diffusely reflected light from human or animal tissue enters the incident lens unit 134, the incident lens unit 134 refracts the incident light rays and focuses them onto the light-receiving surface 135a of the reflective prism 135, where they are received by the imaging tube 14 via reflection. This reduces the probability of light loss and improves the operational reliability of the endoscope 1.

[0135] The reflective prism 135 may be a total internal reflection prism, which conducts light rays to the imaging tube 14 without loss through total internal reflection, further increasing the number of effective light rays that the imaging tube 14 can receive.

[0136] The method by which the reflective prism 135 achieves reflection is not limited. In some embodiments, referring to Figures 20 and 21, the reflective prism 135 has at least a first reflective surface 135b and a second reflective surface 135c that are facing each other, the first reflective surface 135b is inclined toward the arc-shaped groove 134a, and the second reflective surface 135c is located on the light-emitting side of the first reflective surface 135b, so that the light rays emitted from the arc-shaped groove 134a are sequentially reflected by the first reflective surface 135b and the second reflective surface 135c before being emitted, or are emitted after undergoing one or more further light processing.

[0137] To make it easier to understand, the first reflective surface 135b and the second reflective surface 135c can be coated with optical coatings. In other words, by applying optical coatings to the outer surfaces of the reflective prism 135 corresponding to the first reflective surface 135b and the second reflective surface 135c, the reflective effect of the first reflective surface 135b and the second reflective surface 135c is achieved.

[0138] Specifically, light rays from the observation target area of ​​the human or animal body enter the incident lens unit 134 and are refracted by the arc-shaped groove portion 134a. Light entering The light is focused on surface 135a, then reflected by the first reflective surface 135b, and reaches the second reflective surface 135c, where it is emitted after reflection, or undergoes one or more further photoprocessing steps before being received by the imaging tube 14. The photoprocessing can include reflection, focusing, scattering, etc.

[0139] The first reflective surface 135b and the second reflective surface 135c are positioned opposite each other, and the first reflective surface 135b is inclined toward the arc-shaped groove 134a. In other words, the second reflective surface 135c is positioned facing away from the arc-shaped groove 134a. As a result, light rays diverging from the arc-shaped groove 134a are always reflected by the first reflective surface 135b before being received by the second reflective surface 135c.

[0140] To make it easier to understand, the first reflective surface 135b and the second reflective surface 135c are positioned at an angle along the length of the visual sleeve 13. This allows light rays from the area of ​​observation on the human or animal body to be refracted and focused by the incident lens unit 134, then their direction is changed by reflection, and they are received by the imaging tube 14 in the form of nearly parallel light. This reduces the probability that light rays from the area of ​​observation on the human or animal body will fall into the blind spot of the imaging tube 14 after reflection, reducing light loss and improving the operational reliability of the incident lens unit 134 and the reflective prism 135. In addition, the field of view of the endoscope 1 can be changed simply by rotating the insertion tube 110, making side viewing of the endoscope 1 easier, improving the working efficiency of the imaging tube 14, and facilitating examinations and surgeries.

[0141] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 4 to 6, an optical component 145 and a photoelectric conversion component 144 are integrated at the distal end of the head end 142a. The photoelectric conversion component 144 is for converting the optical signal from the optical component 145 into an electrical signal. The imaging tube 14 is equipped with a signal line 147, which is located inside the core tube 142, extends along the length of the core tube 142, and the distal end of the signal line 147 is connected to the photoelectric conversion component 144.

[0142] The optical component 145 may be one or more lenses, and is for focusing light rays and conducting them to the photoelectric conversion component 144.

[0143] The photoelectric conversion component 144 is for converting the optical signal from the optical component 145 into an image electrical signal. The photoelectric conversion component 144 may be a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor), or any other type, and is not limited thereto.

[0144] To understand this, the photoelectric conversion component 144 acquires an optical signal, generates an image signal, and transmits it. The endoscope 1 can then process the original image signal via an image processing board. For example, it can perform image noise reduction, wide-angle distortion correction, contrast enhancement, and red-eye elimination to improve image quality, and then transmit the processed image. The installation location of the image processing board is not limited; it may be located on the imaging tube 14, inside the handle assembly 10, or on an external device, as long as it can process the image. In some embodiments, because the dimensions of the imaging tube 14 are small and the signal transmission path is relatively short, the image processing board can be installed on an external device.

[0145] The method of signal transmission from the imaging tube 14 to external equipment is not limited and may be wired or wireless.

[0146] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 2 to 5, the imaging tube 14 includes a disc portion 141, which is connected to the proximal end of the core tube 142. The disc portion 141 comprises a disc body 1410 and a projection 1411 that protrudes from the disc body 1410 toward the head end 142a. Multiple first electrical terminals 143 are provided at the distal end of the projection 1411, and the proximal end of the signal line 147 is electrically connected to the first electrical terminals 143.

[0147] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 7 to 9, the disc portion 141 is provided to cover the proximal end of the visual sleeve 13. The disc portion 141 comprises a disc body 1410 and a protruding portion 1411 that protrudes from the disc body 1410 in the direction toward the visual sleeve 13. The first electrical terminal 143 is concentrated on one side of the protruding portion facing the visual sleeve 13, and the first electrical terminal 143 forms a conductive path with the photoelectric conversion component 144, and the electrical signal converted by the photoelectric conversion component 144 is transmitted to the first electrical terminal 143 via the signal line 147.

[0148] The visual sleeve 13 has a plurality of second electrical terminals 133, and the first electrical terminal 143 is electrically connected to the second electrical terminals 133 in a separable manner. The endoscope mounting assembly includes a data exchange interface 1a for interacting with external equipment, and the data exchange interface 1a is electrically connected to the second electrical terminals 133.

[0149] When the endoscope 1 is in operation, light rays reflected from the area to be observed within the human or animal body are focused and transmitted through an optical window to an optical component 145. The optical component 145 further processes and focuses the input light rays and then transmits them to a photoelectric conversion component 144. The photoelectric conversion component 144 converts the optical signal into an image electrical signal, which is transmitted via a signal line 147 to the first electrical terminal 143 and the second electrical terminal 133, and further to the data exchange interface 1a. Subsequently, by displaying the image on an external device, a clear image of the observed tissue can be obtained, enabling diagnosis, treatment, and related surgery. The connection method between the first electrical terminal 143 and the second electrical terminal 133 is not limited.

[0150] Referring to Figures 7 to 9, the proximal end of the visual sleeve 13 protrudes through the proximal end of the handle assembly 10, and the proximal end of the visual sleeve 13 has a recess 13b and a visual insertion / removal opening 13a. The proximal end of the visual sleeve 13 is recessed toward the insertion tube 110 to form the recess 13b, and the second electrical terminal 133 is provided at the distal end of the recess 13b, and the second electrical terminal 133 penetrates the groove wall of the recess 13b along the insertion / removal direction of the imaging tube 14.

[0151] One end of the second electrical terminal 133 is exposed within the recess 13b and electrically mates with the first electrical terminal 143, while the other end extends into the space within the handle assembly 10, thereby electrically connecting to the data exchange interface 1a via a connecting wire. The protrusion 1411 is inserted into and fixed within the recess 13b, meaning that the first electrical terminal 143 and the second electrical terminal 133 are electrically connected along the insertion and removal direction of the imaging tube 14.

[0152] As a result, the second electrical terminal 133 does not affect the insertion and removal mating of the imaging tube 14 and the visual sleeve 13, and does not need to directly contact the imaging tube 14 when connecting to the data exchange interface 1a.

[0153] Furthermore, the insertion orientation of the imaging tube also affects image acquisition by the imaging tube 14. If the imaging tube rotates or deflects during insertion, it will affect the acquisition of an image at a normal orientation by the imaging tube. Therefore, in the embodiment of this application, the protruding portion 1411 of the imaging tube 14 fits into the recess 13b of the visual sleeve 13, thereby acting as a restrictor and directional guide when the imaging tube 14 is inserted into the visual sleeve 13, improving the reliability of the insertion of the imaging tube 14 and preventing the imaging tube 14 from being inserted into the visual sleeve 13 at an arbitrary rotation angle, which would affect image formation.

[0154] To make it easier to understand, the circumferential surface of the projection 1411 has a constant taper, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the projection 1411 gradually decreases along the direction approaching the recess 13b. The portion of the recess 13b corresponding to the projection 1411 also has a constant taper, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the recess 13b also gradually decreases along the direction from the proximal end to the distal end. In this way, when the projection 1411 engages with the recess 13b on the visual sleeve 13, the gradually changing structure of the projection 1411 and the recess 13b facilitates the insertion and removal of the imaging tube 14, and the circumferential surface of the projection 1411 adheres closely to the inner wall of the recess 13b, facilitating the restriction and orientation of the imaging tube 14 and preventing the imaging tube 14 from rotating at an arbitrary angle. Furthermore, when the imaging tube 14 is inserted into the visual sleeve 13, the projection 1411, together with the head end 142a and main insertion portion 142b at its distal end, positions and fixes the imaging tube 14, further improving the reliability of the positioning of the imaging tube 14.

[0155] To make it clear, both the projection 1411 and the recess 13b have a constant taper, and / or the proximal end of the visual sleeve 13 and other structures at the proximal end of the imaging tube 14 have a constant taper, thus playing a role in positioning the imaging tube 14 during assembly. Exemplarily, the imaging tube 14 is inserted into the visual channel 130 by the action of an external force, and the elastic member 146 compresses and contracts. When the projection 1411 is tightly fitted with the recess 13b, the projection 1411 is then unable to move toward the distal end by the action of the external force, and the proximal end of the imaging tube 14 can be positioned circumferentially and axially by the fitting of the projection 1411 and the recess 13b. On the other hand, if the external force is unable to push the imaging tube 14 forward, the elastic member 146 releases its elastic potential energy, thereby pushing the head end 142a and self-adaptively bringing it into close contact with the optical window. The engagement of the protrusion 1411 and the recess 13b reduces the probability of the imaging tube 14 being excessively inserted into the visual sleeve 13, thereby damaging the imaging tube 14 and the optical window, and improves the reliability of the self-adaptive length adjustment of the imaging tube 14.

[0156] The shape of the protrusion 1411 is not limited; for example, referring to Figure 15, the cross-section of the protrusion 1411 is approximately crescent-shaped, and when the imaging tube 14 is inserted into and removed from the visual sleeve 13, it can engage with the recess 13b to restrict and determine direction, and does not prevent the core tube 142 from being inserted into the visual sleeve 13.

[0157] The fitting method between the imaging tube 14 and the handle assembly 10 is not limited and may include, for example, engagement or screw connection.

[0158] Illustratively, referring to Figures 7 to 9, the endoscope mounting assembly includes an end cap 15, and a first engaging portion 103 is provided on the proximal end face of the handle assembly 10. The end cap 15 is provided so as to cover the periphery of the disc portion 141, that is, the disc portion 141 is housed inside the end cap 15. A second engaging portion 151 is provided on the circumferential surface of the end cap 15, and the first engaging portion 103 and the second engaging portion 151 are detachably engaged to bring the disc portion 141 into contact with the proximal end of the visual sleeve 13.

[0159] Specifically, the imaging tube 14 is inserted into the visual sleeve 13, the disc portion 141 is positioned on the proximal end side of the visual sleeve 13, and then the end cap 15 is placed so as to cover the periphery of the disc portion 141. By rotating the end cap 15, the first engaging portion 103 and the second engaging portion 151 are engaged and fitted together. The end face of the end cap 15 applies a force toward the distal end of the disc portion 141, and further presses the disc portion 141 against the end of the visual sleeve 13, preventing the imaging tube 14 from falling out or becoming loose.

[0160] The first engaging portion 103 and the second engaging portion 151 make it easier to attach and detach the handle assembly 10 and the imaging tube 14, simplifying operation for medical professionals, improving operability, and saving surgical preparation time. Furthermore, it eliminates the need to provide a connection structure on the imaging tube 14 for connecting to the handle assembly 10, further simplifying the structure of the disc portion 141.

[0161] The specific structure of the insertion tube assembly 11 is not limited. For illustrative purposes, referring to Figures 2 and 14, the insertion tube assembly 11 comprises a fixed support 111 and a potting material layer 112. The fixed support 111 is connected to the inner wall of the insertion tube 110, and the fixed support 111 has a first hole 111a and a second hole 111b. The work passage tube 12 is confined within the first hole 111a, and the visual sleeve 13 is confined within the second hole 111b, thereby fixing the distal end of the work passage tube 12 and the distal end of the visual sleeve 13 inside the insertion tube 110.

[0162] The shapes of the first hole 111a and the second hole 111b are not limited, as long as the distal end of the work passage pipe 12 and the distal end of the visual sleeve 13 can be fixed inside the insertion pipe 110. For example, the first hole 111a and the second hole 111b may be circular, which strengthens the restraint on the work passage pipe 12 and the visual sleeve 13, improving the fixing effect of the fixing support 111.

[0163] The fixed support 111 securely fixes the distal ends of the work passage tube 12 and the visual sleeve 13 inside the insertion tube 110, easily and effectively positioning the relative positions between the visual sleeve 13 and the work passage tube 12, and also plays a role in supporting the distal ends of the visual sleeve 13 and the work passage tube 12, thereby preventing the visual sleeve 13 and the work passage tube 12 from being supported in a cantilever configuration within the insertion tube 110, preventing interference between the work passage tube 12 and the visual sleeve 13, reducing the shaking of the visual sleeve 13 and the work passage tube 12 during the oscillation of the endoscope 1, and improving the operational stability of the endoscope 1.

[0164] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 16, a portion of the circumferential outer surface of the fixed support 111 is recessed away from the inner wall of the insertion tube 110, forming a recessed region, and the recessed region and the inner wall of the insertion tube 110 opposite it surround the liquid outlet 110a. The liquid outlet 110a is in communication with free space.

[0165] The external fluid can flow from the liquid outlet 110a to the human or animal body via the liquid introduction passage and free space, thereby rationally utilizing the free space within the insertion tube 110 and reducing the diameter of the end of the end of the endoscope 1 without increasing the outer diameter of the insertion tube 110.

[0166] The number of liquid outlets 110a may be one or multiple. For example, by having two liquid outlets 110a, the inflow rate of external fluid into the human or animal body is increased, thereby improving the working efficiency of the endoscope 1.

[0167] The specific structure of the fixed support 111 is not limited. In some embodiments, referring to Figures 14 to 18, the fixed support 111 comprises two mounting blocks 1111 with a split design. The work passage pipe 12 and the visual sleeve 13 are arranged along a first direction, and the two mounting blocks 1111 are provided opposite each other along a second direction, jointly forming a first hole 111a and a second hole 111b. Here, the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction. The structure of the two mounting blocks 1111 allows the fixed support 111 to sandwich the work passage pipe 12 and the visual sleeve 13 from both sides, ensuring that the fixed support 111 makes effective contact with the work passage pipe 12 and the visual sleeve 13, and improving the reliability of the positioning of the fixed support 111.

[0168] Note that the first and second directions can be any directions, as long as the first and second directions are perpendicular to each other. Specifically, the first direction refers to the direction of the line connecting the center of the work passage pipe 12 and the center of the visual sleeve 13.

[0169] During assembly, the work passage pipe 12, the visual sleeve 13, and the mounting block 1111 are joined together with adhesive to form a pre-assembled assembly, which can then be inserted into the insertion pipe 110.

[0170] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 14 to 18, the outer circumferential surface of the mounting block 1111 facing the inner wall of the insertion pipe 110 has an arc-shaped surface, and since the arc-shaped surface is in close contact with the inner wall of the insertion pipe 110, the insertion pipe 110 plays a role in supporting the mounting block 1111, and the connection between the insertion pipe 110 and the mounting block 1111 becomes tighter.

[0171] For example, the mounting block 1111 and the inner wall of the insertion tube 110 can be fixed together using adhesive.

[0172] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 2 and 15, the endoscope mounting assembly comprises a cable 16 and a light emitter 17 for providing illumination to the field of view of the imaging tube 14. One end of the cable 16 is electrically connected to the light emitter 17, and the other end extends to the handle assembly 10.

[0173] The light emitter 17 is provided at the distal end of the insertion tube 110, specifically on the distal end face of the fixed support 111.

[0174] Cable 16 is for supplying power to the light emitter 17, and the light emitter 17 provides the illumination required for the field of view of the imaging tube 14. In other words, in this embodiment, it is not necessary to integrate the light emitter 17 with the imaging tube 14, saving the mounting dimensions required for the light emitter 17 and reducing the dimensional requirements of the imaging tube 14.

[0175] The arrangement method for cable 16 is not limited.

[0176] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 14 to 18, the fixed support 111 is provided with a through hole 111c that penetrates the fixed support 111 along the axial direction of the insertion tube 110. The cable 16 is connected to the light emitter 17 through the through hole 111c. Triangular regions are formed adjacent to the inner wall of the insertion tube 110, the outer wall of the work passage tube 12, and the outer wall of the visual sleeve 13, and the cable 16 is positioned in these triangular regions.

[0177] Furthermore, the cable 16 and light emitter 17 do not extend into the visual sleeve 13 and the work passage tube 12, and do not affect the operation of the imaging tube 14 and surgical instruments. The cable 16 makes full use of the free space within the insertion tube 110, making the overall structure of the endoscope mounting assembly more compact.

[0178] The specific structure of the light emitter 17 is not limited.

[0179] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 17, the light emitter 17 comprises a circuit board 171 and a light-emitting chip 172 integrated on the circuit board 171, and the circuit board 171 is attached to the distal end face of the fixed support 111.

[0180] The type of light-emitting chip 172 is not limited; any component capable of emitting light can be used as the light-emitting chip 172. For example, a light-emitting diode can be used. If the light-emitting chip 172 is a light-emitting diode, it has a small volume, a long service life, high brightness, and low heat generation.

[0181] The number of light-emitting chips 172 is not limited; there may be one or more. For example, by evenly arranging the light-emitting chips 172 around the imaging tube 14, a shadowless lamp effect can be formed, preventing the creation of visual blind spots, avoiding the generation of shadows due to folds in the inner walls of organs, and thus avoiding any impact on diagnosis or surgical procedures.

[0182] The circuit board 171 may be a flexible circuit board 171 (Full name in English: Flexible Printed Circuit, abbreviated as FPC). The light-emitting chip 172 is mounted on the flexible circuit board 171 by surface mount technology, and then the flexible circuit board 171 is mounted on the distal end face of the fixed support 111. At the same time, the flexible circuit board 171 is connected to a cable 16, which is connected to an external interface to provide power to the light emitter 17. For example, in some embodiments, the cable 16 is electrically connected to a data exchange interface 1a, and the light emitter 17 obtains power via the data exchange interface 1a to provide illumination. In other words, the data exchange interface 1a may be an integrated data and power interface for the endoscope 1 to provide power access to electrical devices within the endoscope 1.

[0183] To make it easier to understand, the light emitter 17 is provided to be insulated from the external space. For example, the light emitter 17 is provided to be insulated from the free space inside the insertion tube 110 to prevent electric shock to a person or animal.

[0184] The surfaces of the circuit board 171 and the light-emitting chip 172 are covered with a potting material layer 112. The potting material layer 112 electrically insulates the circuit board 171 and its electronic devices from the internal environment of the human or animal body, preventing electric shock to the human or animal. Furthermore, it prevents the circuit board 171 and the light-emitting chip 172 from coming into direct contact with liquids inside the human or animal body, thus preventing any impact on the lifespan or performance of devices such as light-emitting components.

[0185] The specific structure of the potting material layer 112 is not limited. Exemplarily, the structure of the potting material layer 112 is formed by injecting potting material into the region enclosed between the distal end face of the fixed support 111 and the inner wall of the insertion tube 110 and the outer wall of the optical window. The outer surface of the potting material layer 112 forms at least a portion of the distal end face of the insertion tube 110.

[0186] The potting material layer 112, on the one hand, integrally fixes the distal end faces of the insertion tube 110, the fixing support 111, the work passage tube 12, and the visual sleeve 13, and on the other hand, the potting material layer 112 plays a planaring role, filling the area between the inner wall of the insertion tube 110 and the distal end face of the fixing support 111 and the outer wall of the optical window. The outer surface of the potting material layer 112 forms at least a portion of the distal end face of the insertion tube 110, thereby fixing the distal end face of the work passage tube 12, the distal end face of the visual sleeve 13, and the insertion tube assembly 1 1 The distal end surface is flush with the surface, and the ends of the visual sleeve 13 and the work passage pipe 12 do not protrude outside the insertion pipe 110, preventing sharp parts of the distal ends of the visual sleeve 13 and the work passage pipe 12 from coming into contact with or even injuring human or animal tissue.

[0187] The method of forming the visual sleeve 13 is not limited, and it may be a one-piece molded structure or a segmented structure. For example, referring to Figures 9 and 10, the visual sleeve 13 comprises a sleeve and an optical window, with the distal end of the sleeve being open and the optical window sealing the distal end of the sleeve. The potting material layer 112 is provided circumferentially between the optical window and the inner wall of the insertion tube 110.

[0188] To make it clear, the installation of the optical window ensures that the distal end of the visual sleeve 13 is transparent and sealed, preventing the imaging tube 14 from coming into contact with the internal tissues of a human or animal body and avoiding increased disinfection costs. Furthermore, the head end 142a of the imaging tube 14 can move toward the main insertion portion 142b due to the action of an external force, and the restoring force of the elastic member 146 can cause it to tend to move toward the direction away from the main insertion portion 142b, also providing a drive for axial alignment of the head end 142a and the optical window. Since the circumferential direction of the head end 142a is restricted by the circumferential inner surface of the visual channel 130, the distal end of the imaging tube 14 can reliably contact the inner surface of the optical window and maintain a suitable degree of contact with the inner surface of the optical window. As a result, the imaging tube 14 can reliably acquire internal images of a human or animal body, and the imaging tube 14 can contact the inner surface of the optical window and acquire images of the internal tissues of a human or animal body without relying on other auxiliary means. The imaging tube 14 can then be directly removed from within the visual channel 130 without damaging the imaging tube 14 itself.

[0189] To make it clear, the potting material layer 112 is arranged circumferentially between the optical window and the inner wall of the insertion tube 110, meaning that the potting material layer 112 does not affect the field of view and does not interfere with image acquisition by the imaging tube 14.

[0190] The potting material layer 112 adheres and fixes the optical window, the fixed support 111, and the insertion tube 110 together to form an integrated structure, thereby improving the stability of the distal end of the insertion tube 110. In addition, the potting material layer 112 prevents the optical window from falling off and prevents internal tissue fluid from the human or animal body from penetrating into the sleeve and affecting the normal operation of the imaging tube 14.

[0191] The assembly process for the insertion tube assembly 11, the work passage tube 12, and the visual sleeve 13 will be briefly described below with reference to Figures 2, 9 to 18.

[0192] The work passage pipe 12 and the visual sleeve 13 are inserted into the insertion pipe 110, adhesive is applied to the inner wall of the insertion pipe 110, the outer wall of the visual sleeve 13, and the circumferential side walls of the two mounting blocks 1111 that are in close contact with the outer wall of the work passage pipe 12, and then the two adhesive-coated mounting blocks 1111 are inserted into the insertion pipe 110 to fix the work passage pipe 12 and the visual sleeve 13. In addition, a jig can be used to assist in the positioning of the insertion pipe 110, the work passage pipe 12, and the visual sleeve 13. Furthermore, the insertion depth of the fixing support 111 can be determined using the jig. Specifically, the jig is placed inside the insertion pipe 110, and after confirming the insertion depth of the fixing support 111 and the adhesive has hardened, the jig can be removed from one end of the insertion pipe 110 that is closer to the handle assembly 10.

[0193] The light emitter 17 is provided on the distal end face of the fixed support 111. Specifically, the light emitter 17 can be fixed to the distal end face of the fixed support 111 by bonding with an adhesive. The light emitter 17 is connected to the cable 16, and the light emitter 17 itself and the connection between the light emitter 17 and the cable 16 are provided to be insulated from the outside. The cable 16 protrudes through the through hole 111c on the fixed support 111 and extends into the handle assembly 10. By fixing the distal end of the cable 16 to the through hole 111c by bonding with an adhesive, the possibility of the cable 16 shifting later is reduced, and the probability of fluid in the free space inside the insertion tube 110 entering the fixed support 111 is reduced. After the assembly of the optical window at the distal end of the visual sleeve 13 is completed, resin is filled into the area enclosed between the distal end face of the fixed support 111 and the inner wall of the insertion tube 110 and the outer wall of the optical window to form a potting material layer 112. Furthermore, the light emitter 17 is fixed to the distal end face of the fixed support 111, and the distal ends of the visual sleeve 13, the work passage tube 12, and the insertion tube 110 are sealed and fixed.

[0194] To make it easier to understand, before filling with resin, a special jig is inserted into the distal end of the work passage pipe 12 to seal the outlet 12a, thereby preventing the resin from flowing into the work passage pipe 12. After the potting material layer 112 has hardened, the special jig can be removed.

[0195] The specific structure of the sleeve of the visual sleeve 13 is not limited.

[0196] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 7 to 10, the sleeve comprises a first visual sleeve 131 and a second visual sleeve 132 connected to each other along its length. The proximal end of the first visual sleeve 131 forms a visual insertion / removal opening 13a on the handle assembly 10, and the first visual sleeve 131 has a first visual channel 1311. The proximal end of the second visual sleeve 132 is inserted into and fixed within the first visual channel 1311, and the other end is inserted into an insertion tube 110.

[0197] The imaging tube 14 is inserted into the insertion tube 110 through the first visual sleeve 131 via the visual insertion / removal port 13a and then through the second visual sleeve 132. That is, the imaging tube 14 does not come into contact with the insertion tube 110. The cross-sectional area of ​​the first visual channel 1311 gradually decreases along the direction from the proximal end to the distal end, playing a guiding and positioning role, facilitating the insertion of the imaging tube 14, and also allowing the second visual sleeve 132 to be more securely fixed within the first visual channel 1311.

[0198] The method of connecting the insertion tube 110 and the handle assembly 10 is not limited and may be direct or connected via other components. In some embodiments, referring to Figures 7 to 10, the endoscope mounting assembly includes a joint 18 and the handle assembly 10 has a mounting port 10a. The joint 18 is rotatably inserted into the mounting port 10a, and the proximal end of the insertion tube 110 is sealed into the joint 18 and fixed within the joint 18. This facilitates the joint 18 driving and rotating the insertion tube 110 to adjust its orientation.

[0199] The specific structure of the joint 18 is not limited. In some embodiments, referring to Figures 7 to 10, the joint 18 has a flow path 181, and the end of the insertion tube 110 extends into the flow path 181. The endoscope mounting assembly includes a liquid introduction tube 19, one end of which is for introducing external fluid, and the other end which is connected to the inlet of the flow path 181. In other words, the flow path 181 communicates the tail end of the liquid introduction tube 19 with the free space at the proximal end of the insertion tube 110, and the flow path 181 and the space within the liquid introduction tube 19 jointly define at least a portion of the liquid introduction passage.

[0200] The external fluid flows into the flow path 181 via the liquid introduction tube 19, and then flows into the human or animal body through the free space of the insertion tube 110 and the liquid outlet 110a. As a result, the external fluid flows into the human or animal body using the free space not occupied within the insertion tube 110, and expands the area to be observed with the liquid. For example, filling the uterus with water makes observation with the imaging tube 14 easier, eliminates the need to provide a separate liquid introduction tube within the insertion tube 110, reduces the requirements for the outer diameter of the insertion tube 110, reduces the requirements for the diameter of the natural lumen or minimally invasive incision, improves the efficiency of endoscopy 1, and reduces damage to the patient or animal body.

[0201] The method by which the liquid introduction pipe 19 introduces the external fluid is not limited. For example, referring to Figure 2, the liquid introduction pipe 19 is equipped with a water supply valve 23, which can be used to start or stop the introduction of the external fluid into a human or animal body according to the actual usage needs.

[0202] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 2 and 7, the handle assembly 10 comprises a handle 101 and a grip 102 provided on the bottom side of the handle 101. The work passage tube 12 and the visual sleeve 13 extend along the length of the handle 101, with a mounting opening 10a provided at one end of the handle 101 near the insertion tube 110, and at least a portion of the joint 18 provided inside the distal end of the handle 101. This facilitates the joint 18 driving the insertion tube 110 to rotate and adjust the orientation, and prevents friction with other components.

[0203] One end of the liquid introduction tube 19, away from the joint 18, extends along the grip 102 to the other end of the grip 102, away from the handle 101, thus avoiding interference with the operator during use.

[0204] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 2 and 7, the endoscope mounting assembly includes a rotating disc 20 located on the outside of the handle assembly 10. The rotating disc 20 is fitted onto the outer circumference of the insertion tube 110 and is rotatably mounted to cover the periphery of the joint portion 18, and is detachably fixed to the joint portion 18.

[0205] In other words, the rotating disc 20 can rotate by driving the joint 18, which in turn can drive and rotate the insertion tube 110. When in use, the operator can rotate the rotating disc 20 to drive and rotate the insertion tube 110 and its components, such as the visual sleeve 13 and imaging tube 14, thereby meeting the needs for adjusting the orientation of the endoscope 1 and the surgical field of view.

[0206] The method of connecting the joint 18 and the rotating disc 20 is not limited; for example, the joint 18 can be fixed to the rotating disc 20 with screws.

[0207] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 2, 7, and 22, the endoscope mounting assembly comprises an adapter section 21 and a drainage pipe 22.

[0208] The adapter portion 21 is fixed to the handle assembly 10. The method of fixing the adapter portion 21 to the handle assembly 10 is not limited. For example, referring to Figures 2 to 7, a hole 10b is provided at the proximal end of the handle assembly 10, and the adapter portion 21 is fixed to the proximal end of the handle assembly 10 through the hole 10b.

[0209] Referring to Figures 2 and 22, the adapter section 21 comprises a first adapter sleeve 211 and a second adapter sleeve 212 connected to each other. An insertion cavity 211a is provided at the distal end of the first adapter sleeve 211, and the proximal end of the second adapter sleeve 212 is inserted into the insertion cavity 211a. A cavity region 2111 is formed between a portion of the circumferential surface of the second adapter sleeve 212 and the inner wall of the insertion cavity 211a, and an adapter port 211b is provided on the side wall of the insertion cavity 211a corresponding to the cavity region 2111.

[0210] The proximal end of the working passage tube 12 is inserted into and fixed inside the distal end of the second adapter sleeve 212, and communicates with the cavity region 2111. This allows surgical instruments to extend into the working passage tube 12 via the cavity region 2111 to perform surgical operations, and the insertion of surgical instruments does not interfere with other components, making operation easy.

[0211] The fitting method between the work passage pipe 12 and the second adapter sleeve 212 is not limited, and the second adapter sleeve 212 has a second shaft hole 212a, and the proximal end of the work passage pipe 12 is fixed inside the second shaft hole 212a. The fixing method between the work passage pipe 12 and the second shaft hole 212a is not limited, and includes, for example, bonding by adhesive.

[0212] One end of the drain pipe 22 is connected to the adapter port 211b and is used to discharge fluid from the work passage pipe 12.

[0213] To understand that in order to meet the needs of observing or operating on lesions, the diameter of the insertion tube 110 must be as small as possible to minimize damage to the human or animal body.

[0214] In the embodiment of the present invention, the drainage pipe 22 communicates with the work passage pipe 12 via the adapter section 21, and the drainage pipe 22 is not provided inside the insertion pipe 110. By using the work passage pipe 12, fluid from the human or animal body can be drained, thereby eliminating the need to provide a separate drainage pipe inside the insertion pipe 110, not occupying space in the insertion pipe 110, reducing the required diameter of the natural lumen or minimally invasive incision opening, and improving the operational reliability of the endoscope 1.

[0215] Specifically, when the insertion tube 110 is inserted through a natural lumen of a human or animal body, a smaller diameter of the insertion tube 110 can reduce the use of auxiliary dilation devices and effectively reduce damage to the lumen of the human or animal body. When the insertion tube 110 is inserted through a minimally invasive incision, a smaller diameter of the insertion tube 110 can effectively reduce the size of the opening, reduce damage to the patient or animal, and create conditions for rapid healing.

[0216] The method by which the drain pipe 22 discharges fluid from the human or animal body is not limited. For example, a negative pressure device can be connected to one end of the drain pipe 22 away from the work passage pipe 12, and when suction is required, the negative pressure device will generate negative pressure, thereby creating negative pressure in the work passage pipe 12, making it easy to suction the fluid that needs to be suctioned.

[0217] Specifically, in the embodiment of this application, if suction drainage is required during surgery, a negative pressure device is connected to the outside of the drainage pipe 22 to generate negative pressure. The fluid inside the human or animal body passes through the work passage pipe 12, changes direction within the adapter section 21, flows out from the adapter port 211b, and then flows out from the drainage pipe 22.

[0218] Referring to Figure 22, an expansion portion 2121 is formed inside the proximal end of the second adapter sleeve 212, which expands toward the direction of the first adapter sleeve 211.

[0219] Surgical instruments can enter the work passage tube 12 via the cavity region 2111 and the expansion section 2121, allowing surgical procedures to be performed.

[0220] Furthermore, when performing surgery or examination using Endoscope 1, if it is necessary to perform suction and drainage while manipulating surgical instruments, some of the fluid from the human or animal body may unexpectedly leak (flow out or spill) along the work passage tube, and it may not be completely controlled and discharged through the drainage tube. In addition, fluid that unexpectedly leaks from the work passage tube may unexpectedly transfer pathogens to the surgeon, contaminate the surgical environment, and even pose a risk of infection to the patient or animal.

[0221] Therefore, in the embodiment of the present application, the expansion portion 2121 increases the effective volume of the flow path, reducing the flow velocity and increasing the static pressure as the fluid from the human or animal body flows through the expansion portion 2121. When suction drainage is performed, the negative pressure generated by the external negative pressure device increases the static pressure of the fluid from the human or animal body, which has a stronger tendency to flow along the expansion portion 2121 towards the adapter port 211b, and then flows out from the drain pipe 22.

[0222] In the endoscope mounting assembly provided in the embodiment of the present invention, the drainage pipe 22 is provided on the outside of the insertion tube 110, and the fluid from the human or animal body changes direction within the adapter section 21 after passing through the work passage tube 12, flows out from the adapter port 211b, and then flows out from the drainage pipe 22. This eliminates the need to provide a separate drainage passage within the insertion tube 110, does not occupy the space of the insertion tube 110, reduces the requirements for the outer diameter of the insertion tube 110, and reduces the requirements for the diameter of the natural lumen or minimally invasive incision. The expansion section 2121 within the adapter section 21 communicates with the cavity region 2111 and the insertion cavity 211a, rapidly increasing the effective volume of the flow path, reducing the flow velocity and increasing the static pressure as the fluid from the human or animal body flows through the expansion section 2121. As a result, the fluid from the human or animal body flows more concentratedly through the adapter port 211b, reducing the probability of fluid leakage from the proximal end of the cavity region 2111. Furthermore, the expansion section 2121 enlarges the insertion space for surgical instruments, reducing the probability of surgical instruments entering blind spots.

[0223] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 22, the cross-sectional area of ​​the expansion section 2121 increases sequentially along the direction away from the work passage pipe 12.

[0224] The fluid velocity is affected by the flow rate and the flow area. When the fluid flow rate is constant, the fluid velocity decreases as the flow area increases. As the cross-sectional area of ​​the expansion section 2121 increases, that is, the fluid flow area increases, the fluid velocity decreases, and the fluid flow stability improves, making it easier for the expansion section 2121 to concentrate the fluid flow to the adapter port 211b.

[0225] Specifically, during drainage, when the internal fluid of a human or animal body flows from the work passage pipe 12 to the expansion section 2121, the expansion section 2121 increases the flow area of ​​the internal fluid of the human or animal body, decreases the flow velocity, and increases the static pressure. This causes the fluid from the human or animal body to flow concentratedly through the adapter port 211b and discharged from the drain pipe 22, further reducing the probability of the fluid from the human or animal body leaking from the proximal end of the cavity region 2111. The progressive increase in the cross-sectional area of ​​the expansion section 2121 facilitates the insertion of surgical instruments and reduces the probability of surgical instruments entering blind spots.

[0226] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 22, the second adapter sleeve 212 is provided with a sealing shaft portion 2122, and the circumferential surface of the sealing shaft portion 2122 is tightly fitted to the insertion cavity 211a. This ensures a sealed connection between the first adapter sleeve 211 and the second adapter sleeve 212, preventing fluid leakage from the second adapter sleeve 212.

[0227] To make it easier to understand, adhesive is applied to the circumferential surface of the seal shaft portion 2122 and further bonded to the insertion cavity 211a to achieve a fixed connection between the second adapter sleeve 212 and the first adapter sleeve 211, thereby improving the stability of the connection between the first adapter sleeve 211 and the second adapter sleeve 212 and preventing fluids from the human or animal body from leaking through the cavity region 2111 from the circumferential surface of the seal shaft portion 2122.

[0228] The shaft end face 2122a of the seal shaft portion 2122 and the cavity end face 211c of the insertion cavity 211a facing the shaft end face 2122a are provided with a gap between them, and the adapter port 211b is provided at the bottom of the circumferential side wall between the shaft end face 2122a and the cavity end face 211c. By providing a gap between the shaft end face 2122a and the cavity end face 211c, the capacity can be increased, thereby increasing the flow area for the internal fluid of the human or animal body, which is advantageous for the fluid inside the human or animal body to flow out smoothly from the adapter port 211b.

[0229] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 22, the second adapter sleeve 212 includes a retractable shaft portion 2123 connected to the proximal end of the seal shaft portion 2122, the outer diameter of which is smaller than that of the seal shaft portion 2122. The expansion portion 2121 extends from inside the seal shaft portion 2122 to the proximal end face of the retractable shaft portion 2123.

[0230] This increases, on the one hand, the extension space of the expansion section 2121, thereby increasing the flow area for fluids within the human or animal body. On the other hand, it increases the volume of the external space on one side of the expansion section 2121 facing the adapter port 211b, specifically increasing the volume of the cavity region 2111. As a result, the expansion section 2121 communicates with the cavity region 2111, allowing fluids within the human or animal body to enter a larger space even after they have flowed out of the expansion section 2121, further increasing the flow area for fluids within the human or animal body as they flow through the expansion section 2121 and the cavity region 2111, and increasing the static pressure of the fluids within the human or animal body flowing through the expansion section 2121 and the cavity region 2111. It is also possible to increase the diameter of the adapter port 211b, which is more advantageous for the fluids within the human or animal body to concentrate their flow from the adapter port 211b to the drain pipe 22.

[0231] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 22, the first adapter sleeve 211 has a first axial hole 211d, and the insertion cavity 211a is located at the distal end of the first axial hole 211d. The inner diameter of the insertion cavity 211a is larger than the inner diameter of the distal end of the first axial hole 211d, and a cavity end face 211c is formed at the boundary between the two. The first adapter sleeve 211 has an annular base 2112, which is located within the insertion cavity 211a and surrounds the distal end of the first axial hole 211d, and the annular base 2112 is provided at a distance from the circumferential side wall of the insertion cavity 211a.

[0232] To make it easier to understand, when surgical manipulation with surgical instruments is required, the surgical instruments enter from the proximal end of the first axial hole 211d, pass through the cavity region 2111 and the expansion portion 2121, and enter the working passage tube 12, allowing the surgical manipulation to be performed.

[0233] By providing the annular base 2112, on the one hand, the flow space after the fluid from the human or animal body in the adapter section 21 flows out from the expansion section 2121 is further expanded, specifically, the volume of the cavity region 2111 is further increased, making it easier for the fluid from the human or animal body to concentrate and flow from the adapter port 211b to the drain pipe 22. On the other hand, when inserting a surgical instrument from the first axial hole 211d, the annular base 2112 makes it easier for the surgical instrument to be accurately inserted into the second axial hole 212a via the cavity region 2111 and to enter the work passage pipe 12 for work, and reduces the probability that the surgical instrument will hit a blind spot during insertion and be unable to be inserted into the work passage pipe 12 due to the space of the cavity region 2111 being too large. Therefore, the annular base 2112 does not affect the normal insertion of surgical instruments while keeping the volume of the cavity region 2111 as large as possible.

[0234] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 22, the end face of the annular base 2112 and the end face of the retractable shaft portion 2123 are spaced apart to facilitate the normal insertion of surgical instruments and further reduce the risk of fluid flowing from the proximal end of the cavity region 2111 into the first axial hole 211d.

[0235] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 2, 5, and 22, the endoscope is equipped with a rotating cover 24, which is detachably fitted over the proximal end of the first adapter sleeve 211. The rotating cover 24 comprises a cover body 241 and a projection 242 that protrudes from inside the cover body 241 toward the first adapter sleeve 211, with the projection 242 entering into the first axial hole 211d and sealing the first axial hole 211d.

[0236] When surgical instruments are not in use, the projection 242 seals the first axial bore 211d, keeping the first axial bore 211d sealed and preventing fluids from the human or animal body from leaking out of the first axial bore 211d, thus avoiding contamination and preventing interference with normal surgical procedures.

[0237] When using surgical instruments, the first axial port 211d is left open. If drainage is required at the same time, the surgical instruments may remain inside the working passage tube 12, and a negative pressure device externally connected to the drainage pipe 22 generates negative pressure. Fluid from the human or animal body flows through the working passage tube 12, the expansion section 2121, and the cavity region 2111, and then concentrates into the drainage pipe 22 from the adapter port 211b, preventing leakage from the first axial port 211d and causing contamination. This achieves the objective of draining fluid while using surgical instruments and improves the working efficiency of the endoscope 1.

[0238] The material of the projection 242 is not limited, as long as it can seal the first shaft hole 211d. For example, the projection 242 may be a medical plastic part. In another embodiment, the projection 242 and the lid body 241 may be the same medical plastic part and be integrally molded, that is, the rotating lid 24 may be formed as an integrally molded structure.

[0239] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 22, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first axial hole 211d decreases continuously in the direction from the proximal end to the distal end.

[0240] As the projection 242 enters the first shaft hole 211d, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first shaft hole 211d continuously decreases, thereby fixing the projection 242 within the first shaft hole 211d, achieving a seal on the first shaft hole 211d, and improving the fit and stability of the rotating cover 24 and the first adapter sleeve 211.

[0241] Furthermore, the gentle contraction structure of the first axial bore 211d facilitates the insertion of surgical instruments and reduces the probability of surgical instruments being inserted into blind spots. The proximal opening of the first axial bore 211d is large, facilitating the insertion of surgical instruments, while the distal opening of the first axial bore 211d is small and directly opposite the proximal opening of the expansion section 2121. Because the proximal opening of the expansion section 2121 is large, the probability of surgical instruments being inserted into blind spots is reduced. After exiting the distal opening of the first axial bore 211d, surgical instruments can smoothly enter the proximal opening of the expansion section 2121, allowing them to enter the working passage tube 12 and perform surgical operations.

[0242] The handle assembly 10 has a disc at its proximal end, and the hole 10b is located on the disc. When the rotating disc 20 rotates, the joint 18 rotates, driving the insertion tube 110 to rotate and simultaneously driving the disc to rotate. In other words, when the rotating disc 20 rotates, the joint 18, adapter 21, insertion tube 110, visual sleeve 13, and imaging tube 14 all rotate as well, facilitating adjustment of the orientation and surgical field of the endoscope 1.

[0243] The installation method of the drain pipe 22 is not limited. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 7, one end of the drain pipe 22 away from the adapter portion 21 extends along the grip 102 to the other end of the grip 102 away from the handle 101, thereby avoiding interference with the operator during use.

[0244] The method of communication between the drain pipe 22 and the adapter port 211b is not limited; they may be connected directly, or communication may be achieved through other components.

[0245] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 2 and 22, the endoscope mounting assembly includes an adapter head 213. Inside the adapter head 213 are a first adapter cavity 213a and a second adapter cavity 213b that communicate with each other. The first adapter cavity 213a communicates with the adapter port 211b, and the second adapter cavity 213b communicates with one end of the drain pipe 22 closest to the handle 101. The first adapter cavity 213a is provided along the length of the grip 102, and the second adapter cavity 213b is provided along the length of the handle 101.

[0246] As can be understood, if the drain pipe 22 is directly connected to the adapter port 211b and the distance between the adapter port 211b and the inner wall of the handle assembly 10 is small, there will be insufficient connection space between the drain pipe 22 and the adapter port 211b, making it difficult to effectively connect the drain pipe 22 and the adapter port 211b. In the embodiment of the present invention, by providing an adapter head 213 to change the connection direction of the drain pipe 22, the drain pipe 22 can be connected to the adapter head 213 in a location with ample space, thereby enabling communication with the adapter port 211b. This improves the manufacturing, installation, and connection stability of the drain pipe 22.

[0247] The specific structure of the adapter head 213 is not limited; it just needs to be able to connect the drain pipe 22 and the adapter port 211b.

[0248] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 8, the drain pipe 22 comprises a first drain section 221, a bent section 222, and a second drain section 223. A portion of the drain pipe 22 protrudes away from the adapter section 21 to form the bent section 222. The first drain section 221 is inserted into and fixed within the second adapter cavity 213b, the second drain section 223 extends along the length of the grip 102, and the bent section 222 connects the first drain section 221 and the second drain section 223.

[0249] Thus, the shape design of the drain pipe 22 makes full use of the internal space of the handle assembly 10, facilitating the manufacturing and assembly of the adapter head 213, drain pipe 22, and handle assembly 10, and facilitating the drain pipe 22 to guide out fluids from the human or animal body flowing out of the adapter port 211b, thereby preventing backflow. Furthermore, the shape design of the drain pipe 22 ensures sufficient space inside the handle assembly 10, facilitating the installation and orientation adjustment of components such as the insertion pipe 110.

[0250] To understand this, during the operation of the endoscope 1, it is necessary to rotate the insertion tube 110 to adjust the orientation of the insertion tube 110 and other components in order to facilitate the acquisition of high-quality images. Due to the shape design of the drainage tube 22, sufficient redundancy is ensured within the handle assembly 10, so when the insertion tube 110 is rotated to adjust its orientation, the drainage tube 22 does not pull on or hinder the rotation of the insertion tube 110 due to the presence of this redundancy, thereby improving the operational reliability of the endoscope 1.

[0251] The following describes the process of using Endoscope 1, with the uterus as the observation site.

[0252] Before inserting the endoscope 1 into the uterus, the imaging tube 14 is inserted into the visual sleeve 13 through the visual insertion / removal port 13a, and the distal end of the imaging tube 14 is brought into contact with the optical window. The head end 142a of the imaging tube 14 receives an external force from the inner surface of the optical window in the direction of the main insertion portion 142b, causing the head end 142a to move axially in the direction of the main insertion portion 142b, compressive deformation of the elastic member 146, and the restoring force generated at the head end 142 aThis causes a tendency for the head end 142a to move away from the main insertion portion 142b and also provides a drive for axial alignment of the head end 142a and the optical window. The circumferential direction of the head end 142a is restricted by the circumferential inner surface of the visual channel 130, so that the distal end of the imaging tube 14 is in firm contact with the distal end of the visual sleeve 13, maintaining a proper tight seal. The second engaging portion 151 on the end cap 15 engages with the first engaging portion 103 on the imaging tube 14, and one end of the liquid introduction tube 19 on the water supply side is connected to a uterine inflation device, which provides uterine inflation fluid. The uterine inflation fluid flows into the uterus via the liquid introduction tube 19, the flow path 181, the free space in the insertion tube 110, and the liquid outlet 110a, filling and inflating the uterus with fluid. The data exchange interface 1a is connected to an external device, and the cable 16 is electrically connected to the data exchange interface 1a, and the light emitter 17 obtains the power necessary for illumination from the data exchange interface 1a via the cable 16.

[0253] The distal end of the endoscope 1 is inserted into the uterus, and the light emitter 17 provides illumination to the imaging tube 14. Uterine distension fluid is injected at a constant pressure and rate to fill the uterine cavity and clarify the field of view. The inside of the uterus is observed through the imaging tube 14, and the photoelectric converter 144 converts the optical signal into an electrical signal. The electrical signal is transmitted via the signal line 147 to the first electrical terminal 143, the second electrical terminal 133, and the data exchange interface 1a, and an external device converts the image electrical signal into a video image for display. If further surgical procedures are required, the corresponding surgical instruments can be inserted into the uterus through the working passage tube 12 from the second opening 21b and the first opening 21a to perform the surgical procedure.

[0254] If suction is necessary during surgery, a negative pressure device can be connected to perform suction. In this case, the surgical instruments may remain inside the working passage tube 12, or the operator may perform the surgical procedure while suction is being applied. If suction drainage is necessary, a negative pressure device is connected to the outside of the drainage tube 22 to generate negative pressure, causing the fluid in the uterus to be discharged through the working passage tube 12 and out of the drainage tube 22. After the surgery is completed, the surgical instruments are removed. Finally, the end cap 15 is removed, the imaging tube 14 is withdrawn from the visual sleeve 13, and a simple disinfection and wiping is performed to prepare for the next use. The insertion tube assembly 11, working passage tube 12, visual sleeve 13, etc., can be disposed of as medical waste.

[0255] In this specification, reference terms such as “one embodiment,” “some embodiments,” “exemplary,” “specific embodiment,” or “some examples” mean that the specific features, configurations, materials, or properties described in this embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the embodiments of the present invention. In this application, exemplary expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, configurations, materials, or properties described may be combined in an appropriate manner in any one or more embodiments or examples. Also, a person skilled in the art may combine different embodiments or examples and features of different embodiments or examples described herein, as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0256] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the Application and is not intended to limit the Application, and various modifications and changes can be made to the Application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the Application should be included within the scope of protection of the Application.

Claims

1. An imaging tube used for insertion and removal fitting with an endoscope mounting assembly, A core tube comprising a main insertion portion and a head portion along its length, wherein the proximal end of the head portion is fitted to the distal end of the main insertion portion, and the head portion and / or the main insertion portion are capable of axial movement toward each other due to the action of an external force, An imaging tube comprising an elastic member provided within the core tube, the elastic member being compressible and resilient, and which drives the head end to tend to move axially away from the main insertion portion.

2. The head end comprises a first main tube and a first fitting tube, the first fitting tube being fixed as an independent component to the proximal end of the first main tube. The main insertion portion comprises a second main tube and a second fitting tube, the second fitting tube being fixed to the distal end of the second main tube as an independent component, and the head end and the main insertion portion being fitted together via the first fitting tube and the second fitting tube. The imaging tube according to claim 1.

3. A first contraction portion is formed at the distal end of the second main tube, the first contraction portion is inserted into the proximal end of the second fitting tube, the first fitting tube is inserted into the distal end of the second fitting tube, one end of the elastic member abuts against the end of the second main tube, and the other end of the elastic member abuts against the end of the first fitting tube. The imaging tube according to claim 2.

4. The second fitting tube has a housing cavity, the first contraction portion is housed within the housing cavity, the first fitting tube comprises a first fitting portion and a second fitting portion along its length, the outer diameter of the first fitting portion is larger than the outer diameter of the second fitting portion, the first fitting portion is inserted into the housing cavity, the side wall of the distal end of the housing cavity protrudes inward to form a stopper wall, the proximal end of the first fitting portion abuts against the elastic member, and the distal end of the first fitting portion abuts detachably against the stopper wall. The imaging tube according to claim 3.

5. The circumferential outer wall of the first fitting portion is in contact with the side wall of the housing cavity. The imaging tube according to claim 4.

6. A second contraction portion is formed at the proximal end of the second fitting tube, the second contraction portion is inserted into the distal end of the second main tube, the first fitting tube is fitted onto the outside of the distal end of the second fitting tube, one end of the elastic member abuts against the distal end of the second main tube, and the other end of the elastic member abuts against the proximal end of the first fitting tube. The imaging tube according to claim 2.

7. The second fitting tube is fitted to the outside of the first fitting tube, and the distal end of the second fitting tube and the proximal end of the first main tube are spaced apart along the axial direction, thereby restricting the axial movement of the head end, or the first fitting tube is fitted to the outside of the second fitting tube, and the proximal end of the first fitting tube and the distal end of the second main tube are spaced apart along the axial direction, thereby restricting the axial movement of the head end. The imaging tube according to claim 2.

8. The elastic member is a compression spring. The imaging tube according to claim 1.

9. An optical component and a photoelectric conversion component are integrated at the distal end of the head end, the photoelectric conversion component is for converting the optical signal of the optical component into an electrical signal, the imaging tube is provided with a signal line, the signal line is provided inside the core tube and extends along the length of the core tube, and the distal end of the signal line is connected to the photoelectric conversion component. The imaging tube according to claim 1.

10. The imaging tube comprises a disc portion, the disc portion being connected to the proximal end of the core tube, the disc portion comprising a disc body and a projection portion projecting toward the head end from the disc body, a plurality of first electrical terminals provided at the distal end of the projection portion, and the proximal end of the signal line being electrically connected to the first electrical terminals. The imaging tube according to claim 9.

11. It is an endoscope, The assembly comprises an endoscope mounting assembly and an imaging tube according to any one of claims 1 to 10, The endoscope mounting assembly is Handle assembly and An insertion tube assembly comprising an insertion tube having a liquid outlet on its distal end, wherein the proximal end of the insertion tube assembly is connected to the handle assembly, and the insertion tube assembly comprises an insertion tube having a liquid outlet on its distal end face, A visual sleeve inserted into the insertion tube, having a visual channel within the visual sleeve, and having a sealed optical window at the distal end of the visual sleeve, An endoscope in which the core tube is insertable into the visual channel, and the distal end of the head end is in contact with the inner surface of the optical window.

12. The visual sleeve has a visual insertion / removal port formed at the proximal end of the handle assembly, and the imaging tube is detachably inserted and removed from the visual channel through the visual insertion / removal port. The endoscope according to claim 11.

13. The visual sleeve comprises a first visual sleeve and a second visual sleeve connected to each other along its length, the proximal end of the first visual sleeve forming the visual insertion / removal opening at the proximal end of the handle assembly, the first visual sleeve having a first visual channel, the proximal end of the second visual sleeve being inserted into and fixed within the first visual channel, and the other end being positioned to penetrate within the insertion tube, the cross-section of the first visual channel gradually decreasing along the direction from the proximal end to the distal end. The endoscope according to claim 12.

14. The visual sleeve has a plurality of second electrical terminals, the imaging tube comprises a disc portion, the disc portion comprises a disc body and a projection that protrudes from the disc body in a direction toward the visual sleeve, a plurality of first electrical terminals are clustered on one side of the projection facing the visual sleeve, the first electrical terminals are electrically connected to the second electrical terminals in a separable manner, the endoscope mounting assembly comprises a data exchange interface for interacting with external equipment, the data exchange interface is electrically connected to the second electrical terminals. The endoscope according to claim 12.

15. The proximal end of the visual sleeve protrudes through from the proximal end of the handle assembly, and the proximal end of the visual sleeve is provided with a recess and a visual insertion / removal port, and the proximal end of the visual sleeve is recessed toward the distal end of the insertion tube to form a recess, the second electrical terminal is provided at the distal end of the recess and penetrates the groove wall of the recess toward the insertion / removal direction of the imaging tube, one end of the second electrical terminal is exposed in the recess and the other end extends into the space within the handle assembly, and the protruding portion is inserted into and fixed in the recess. The endoscope according to claim 14.

16. The endoscope mounting assembly comprises a cable and a light emitter for providing illumination to the field of view of the imaging tube, the light emitter being located at the distal end of the insertion tube, one end of the cable being electrically connected to the light emitter and the other end extending to the handle assembly. The endoscope according to claim 11.

17. The endoscope mounting assembly includes a data exchange interface for interacting with external equipment, and the cable is electrically connected to the data exchange interface. The endoscope according to claim 16.

18. The optical window comprises an incident lens unit and a reflective prism, the reflective prism being provided within the visual sleeve, the incident lens unit being provided at the end of the visual sleeve and positioned on the light-receiving side of the reflective prism, the incident lens unit being capable of receiving external light rays and refracting them to focus on the reflective prism, and the reflective prism being for transmitting light rays to the light-receiving portion of the imaging tube within the visual channel through reflection. The endoscope according to claim 11.

19. The light-emitting surface of the reflective prism is perpendicular to the length direction of the visual sleeve. The endoscope according to claim 18.

20. The distal end face of the incident lens unit is an inclined surface, an arc-shaped groove is formed on one side of the incident lens unit facing the reflecting prism, the surface of the arc-shaped groove is the light-emitting surface of the incident lens unit, and the light-receiving surface of the reflecting prism covers the arc-shaped groove. The endoscope according to claim 18.

21. The reflective prism has at least a first reflective surface and a second reflective surface that are facing each other. The first reflective surface is inclined toward the arc-shaped groove, and the second reflective surface is located on the light-emitting side of the first reflective surface. As a result, the light rays emitted from the arc-shaped groove are sequentially reflected by the first and second reflective surfaces before being emitted, or they are emitted after undergoing one or more further light treatments. The endoscope according to claim 20.

22. The handle assembly has a liquid introduction passage and a free space inside the insertion tube, the free space connecting the liquid introduction passage and the liquid outlet; the endoscope mounting assembly has a work passage tube, a work passage formed inside the work passage tube for the passage of surgical instruments, the work passage tube is inserted inside the insertion tube, an outlet is formed at the distal end face of the insertion tube, and the free space is a space not occupied within the insertion tube. The endoscope according to claim 11.

23. The endoscope mounting assembly comprises a joint portion, the handle assembly has a mounting port, the joint portion is rotatably inserted into the mounting port, and the proximal end of the insertion tube is inserted into the joint portion in a sealed state and fixed within the joint portion. The endoscope according to claim 22.

24. The joint portion has a flow path, the end of the insertion tube extends into the flow path, the endoscope mounting assembly includes a liquid introduction tube, one end of the liquid introduction tube is for introducing external fluid, and the other end is connected to the inlet of the flow path, and the flow path and the space within the liquid introduction tube together define at least a portion of the liquid introduction passage. The endoscope according to claim 23.

25. The handle assembly comprises a handle and a grip provided on the bottom side of the handle, the work passage tube and the visual sleeve extending along the length of the handle, the mounting opening provided at one end of the handle near the insertion tube, at least a portion of the joint provided inside the distal end of the handle, and one end of the liquid introduction tube away from the joint extending along the grip to one end of the grip away from the handle. The endoscope according to claim 24.

26. The endoscope mounting assembly comprises a rotating disc provided on the outside of the handle assembly, the rotating disc being fitted onto the outer circumference of the insertion tube, the rotating disc being rotatably mounted to cover the periphery of the joint portion, and being detachably fixed to the joint portion. The endoscope according to claim 23.

27. The endoscope mounting assembly includes an end cap, a first engaging portion is provided on the proximal end face of the handle assembly, the end cap is provided so as to cover the periphery of the disc portion, a second engaging portion is provided on the circumferential surface of the end cap, the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion are detachably engaged, thereby bringing the disc portion into contact with the proximal end of the visual sleeve. The endoscope according to claim 15.

28. The insertion tube assembly comprises a fixing support, the fixing support being located inside the distal end of the insertion tube, the fixing support being connected to the inner wall of the insertion tube, the fixing support having a first hole and a second hole, the work passage tube being confined within the first hole, and the visual sleeve being confined within the second hole, thereby fixing the distal end of the work passage tube and the distal end of the visual sleeve inside the insertion tube. The endoscope according to claim 22.

29. A portion of the circumferential outer surface of the fixed support is recessed in a direction away from the inner wall of the insertion tube, forming a recessed region, and this recessed region, together with the inner wall of the insertion tube opposite it, surrounds the liquid outlet. The endoscope according to claim 28.

30. The fixed support includes two mounting blocks of a split design, the work passage pipe and the visual sleeve are arranged along a first direction, the two mounting blocks are provided opposite each other along a second direction and jointly form surrounding the first and second holes, the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction. The endoscope according to claim 28.

31. The outer circumferential surface of the mounting block facing the inner wall of the insertion tube has an arc-shaped surface, and the arc-shaped surface is in close contact with the inner wall of the insertion tube. The endoscope according to claim 30.

32. The endoscope mounting assembly comprises a cable and a light emitter for providing illumination to the imaging tube, the fixed support having a through hole that penetrates the fixed support along the axial direction of the insertion tube, the cable being connected to the light emitter through the through hole, and triangular regions being formed adjacent to the inner wall of the insertion tube, the outer wall of the work passage tube, and the outer wall of the visual sleeve, the cable being positioned within the triangular regions. The endoscope according to claim 28.

33. The light emitter comprises a circuit board and a light-emitting chip integrated on the circuit board, the circuit board being attached to the distal end face of the fixed support, and the surfaces of the circuit board and the light-emitting chip being covered with a potting material layer. The endoscope according to claim 32.

34. The insertion tube assembly comprises a potting material layer, which is formed by injecting potting material into a region enclosed between the distal end face of the fixed support and the inner wall of the insertion tube and the outer wall of the optical window, and the outer surface of the potting material layer forms at least a portion of the distal end face of the insertion tube. The endoscope according to claim 28.

35. The visual sleeve comprises a sleeve and an optical window, the distal end of the sleeve being open, the optical window sealing the distal end of the sleeve, and the potting material layer being provided circumferentially between the optical window and the inner wall of the insertion tube. The endoscope according to claim 34.

36. The endoscope mounting assembly comprises an adapter section and a drainage pipe, the adapter section being fixed to the handle assembly, the adapter section comprising a first adapter sleeve and a second adapter sleeve connected to each other, an insertion cavity provided at the distal end of the first adapter sleeve, the proximal end of the second adapter sleeve being inserted into the insertion cavity, a cavity region being formed between a portion of the circumferential surface of the second adapter sleeve and the inner wall of the insertion cavity, an adapter port being provided on the side wall of the insertion cavity corresponding to the cavity region, the proximal end of the work passage pipe being inserted and fixed inside the distal end of the second adapter sleeve and communicating with the cavity region, an expansion portion being formed inside the proximal end of the second adapter sleeve that expands toward the first adapter sleeve, and one end of the drainage pipe communicating with the adapter port and used to drain fluid from the work passage pipe. The endoscope according to claim 22.

37. Along the direction away from the aforementioned work passage pipe, the cross-sectional area of ​​the expanded portion increases sequentially. The endoscope according to claim 36.

38. The second adapter sleeve includes a sealing shaft portion, the circumferential surface of the sealing shaft portion is tightly fitted to the insertion cavity, the shaft end face of the sealing shaft portion is provided at a distance from the cavity end face of the insertion cavity that faces the shaft end face, and the adapter port is provided at the bottom of the circumferential side wall between the shaft end face and the cavity end face. The endoscope according to claim 37.

39. The second adapter sleeve comprises a retractable shaft portion connected to the proximal end of the seal shaft portion, the outer diameter of the retractable shaft portion being smaller than the outer diameter of the seal shaft portion, and the expansion portion extending from the inside of the seal shaft portion to the proximal end face of the retractable shaft portion. The endoscope according to claim 38.

40. The first adapter sleeve has a first shaft hole, the insertion cavity is located at the distal end of the first shaft hole, the inner diameter of the insertion cavity is larger than the inner diameter of the distal end of the first shaft hole, and a cavity end surface is formed at the boundary between the two; the first adapter sleeve has an annular base, the annular base is located within the insertion cavity and surrounds the distal end of the first shaft hole, and the annular base is provided at a distance from the circumferential side wall of the insertion cavity. The endoscope according to claim 39.

41. The end face of the annular base and the end face of the retractable shaft are provided with a gap between them. The endoscope according to claim 40.

42. Along the direction from the proximal end to the distal end, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first axial hole decreases continuously. The endoscope according to claim 40.

43. The endoscope mounting assembly comprises a rotating cover, the rotating cover being detachably fitted over the proximal end of the first adapter sleeve, the rotating cover comprising a cover body and a projection extending from inside the cover body toward the first adapter sleeve, the projection being inserted into the first shaft hole and sealing the first shaft hole. The endoscope according to claim 40.

44. The handle assembly comprises a handle and a grip provided on the bottom side of the handle, the work passage pipe and the visual sleeve extending along the length of the handle, and one end of the drain pipe away from the adapter portion extending along the grip to the other end of the grip away from the handle. The endoscope according to claim 36.

45. The endoscope mounting assembly comprises an adapter head, the adapter head having a first adapter cavity and a second adapter cavity that communicate with each other, the first adapter cavity communicating with the adapter port, the second adapter cavity communicating with one end of the drainage pipe near the handle, the first adapter cavity provided along the length of the grip, and the second adapter cavity provided along the length of the handle. The endoscope according to claim 44.

46. The drain pipe comprises a first drain section, a bent section, and a second drain section, a portion of the drain pipe protruding toward the adapter section to form the bent section, the first drain section is inserted into and fixed within the second adapter cavity, the second drain section extends along the length of the grip, and the bent section connects the first drain section and the second drain section. The endoscope according to claim 45.

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