Front-end assembly and endoscope

Abstract

A front-end assembly and an endoscope. The present invention relates to the technical field of endoscopes and addresses the limitation on the diameter of instrument tubes in front-end assemblies in the prior art. The endoscope comprises an insertion part, and a front-end assembly of the insertion part comprises a front-end seat and a camera module. An axial through lumen is formed in the front-end seat. A window is arranged on the peripheral wall of the front-end seat, and the window penetrates through the peripheral wall of the front-end seat, so that the lumen is in communication with the outer side of the front-end seat. The camera module is arranged in the lumen, and the peripheral wall of the camera module is provided with an extending part that extends into the window. Compared to the prior art, the present invention incorporates a window arranged on the peripheral wall of the front-end seat, removing the limitation on the layout of the camera module imposed by the peripheral wall, so that the entirety of the camera module can be arranged farther away from the center of the front-end seat, improving the compactness of the layout of the front-end seat and the camera module, so that a larger arrangement space can be reserved for the instrument tube.

Description

A front-end component and an endoscope Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of endoscope technology, specifically, to a front-end component and an endoscope. Background Technology

[0002] Endoscopes work by being inserted into the body through natural or man-made cavities to perform examinations or treatments. To locate or treat lesions, a camera module is typically used to observe the lesion, and a tubing is used to insert instruments to manipulate the lesion. The tubing is a long, thin tube that runs along the insertion point; its diameter determines the types and sizes of instruments that can be inserted. A larger diameter tubing allows for a wider variety and larger sizes of instruments, thus broadening the endoscope's applicability.

[0003] In existing technologies, the diameter of the instrument tube is limited by the size of the camera module and its layout in the front-end assembly. Typically, this is addressed by making the camera module in the front-end assembly as small as possible and placing it as close as possible to the inner wall of the front-end mount to allow more space for the instrument tube. However, in current endoscopes, the camera module placement in the front-end assembly is not compact enough, resulting in a limited instrument tube diameter. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to design a front-end component and an endoscope to solve the problem of limited instrument tube diameter in the front-end component.

[0005] This utility model is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0006] This utility model provides a front-end component, including a front-end base and a camera module; the front-end base has an axially penetrating cavity, and the peripheral wall of the front-end base is provided with a window, the window penetrating the peripheral wall of the front-end base to connect the cavity with the outside of the front-end base; the camera module is disposed in the cavity, and the peripheral wall of the camera module has an insertion part, the insertion part extending into the window.

[0007] This utility model also provides an endoscope, which includes the aforementioned front end component, which is disposed at the distal end of the active bending section of the endoscope.

[0008] This utility model has the following advantages and beneficial effects:

[0009] In the distal end-mount component of the endoscope insertion section, by setting a window on the peripheral wall of the front end seat, the layout restriction of the peripheral wall of the front end component on the camera module is broken. This allows part of the structure on the peripheral wall of the camera module to extend into the window, enabling the camera module to be positioned further away from the center of the front end seat. This improves the compactness of the layout of both components and allows for more space to be reserved for the instrument tube, thus solving the problem of limited diameter of the instrument tube in the endoscope's front end component. Attached Figure Description

[0010] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0011] Figure 1 shows the connection structure between the front end assembly and the active bending section in the endoscope;

[0012] Figure 2 shows the structure of the structure shown in Figure 1 after the skin is removed;

[0013] Figure 3 is a layout diagram of the end face of the instrument tube and the camera module;

[0014] Figure 4 shows a partial structure of the CC cross-sectional view in Figure 3;

[0015] Figure 5 shows the structure of the distal side of the front-end component;

[0016] Figure 6 shows the structure of the proximal side of the front-end component;

[0017] Figure 7 shows the mounting structure of the front-end mount and the camera module;

[0018] Figure 8 shows the installation layout of the front-end mount and the camera module (the dashed closed shape in the figure indicates the location of the instrument tube).

[0019] Figure 9 shows the mounting structure of the lens mount and the near-end side of the camera module;

[0020] Figure 10 shows the structure of the proximal side of the lens mount.

[0021] The diagram is marked as follows:

[0022] 10. Front-end components;

[0023] 11. Front end seat; 111. Lumen; 112. Window; 112a. First sub-window; 112b. Second sub-window; 1121. Support surface; 113. Baffle;

[0024] 12. Camera module; 121. Insertion part;

[0025] 13. Lens mount; 131. Instrument tube mounting hole; 132. Lens mounting hole; 133. Recessed groove; 134. First annular step; 135. Second annular step;

[0026] 20. Instrument tube;

[0027] 30. Skin;

[0028] 40. Active bending segment; 41a. First segment; 41b. Second segment;

[0029] 50. Flexible circuit board. Detailed Implementation

[0030] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of this utility model will be described in detail below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this utility model, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other implementation methods obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0031] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more; the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "inner," "outer," "front end," "rear end," "head," "tail," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0032] In the description of this utility model, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0033] The inventors discovered in their research that the diameter of the instrument tube is limited by the size of the camera module and its layout within the front-end assembly. Typically, this is achieved by minimizing the size of the camera module within the front-end assembly and placing it as close as possible to the inner wall of the front-end mount to allow more space for the instrument tube. However, the miniaturization of the camera module has already been maximized within existing technological capabilities while considering cost. Furthermore, the compact layout of the camera module and instrument tube within the front-end assembly has also been optimized, making it difficult to allocate more space for the instrument tube within the internal space of the front-end assembly by adjusting the layout and size of the camera module.

[0034] To this end, the inventors creatively turned their attention to the external space of the front-end component, and tried to make room for the instrument tube inside the front-end component by starting with the front-end seat that connects the lens mount and the active bending section.

[0035] On the one hand, this application provides a front-end component 10 that can overcome the limitations of the front-end mount size on the layout of the camera module, reserving more space for the instrument tube and allowing the instrument tube to be made larger, as shown in Figures 1-10, and is specifically configured with the following structure:

[0036] In this embodiment, the front-end component 10 includes a front-end mount 11, a camera module 12, an illumination module, and a lens mount 13.

[0037] As shown in Figure 5, the lens mount 13 is fixedly connected to the far end of the front end 11, and the camera module 12 is fixedly connected to both the lens mount 13 and the front end 11.

[0038] As shown in Figures 5-8, the front end seat 11 is composed of a peripheral wall surrounding its axis, and an axially penetrating cavity 111 is formed on the inner side of the peripheral wall of the front end seat 11. A window 112 is provided on the peripheral wall of the front end seat 11, and the window 112 penetrates the peripheral wall radially to connect the side of the cavity 111 with the outer side of the peripheral wall.

[0039] The front-end mount 11 is an important component of the front-end assembly 10. Its distal end is used to mount the lens mount 13, and its proximal end is used to connect to the distal end of the active bending section 40 of the insertion part. The front-end mount 11 is generally made of metal, but it can also be made of rigid plastic if necessary.

[0040] As shown in Figure 10, the lens mount 13 has an axially penetrating lens mounting hole 132 and an instrument tube mounting hole 131. As can be seen from Figure 10, the lens mounting hole 132 is positioned as close as possible to the edge of the lens mount 13, providing ample space for the instrument tube mounting hole 131. The proximal end of the lens mount 13 is inserted into the lumen 111 from the distal end of the front end seat 11.

[0041] As shown in Figures 4, 5, 7 and 9, the camera module 12 includes a lens and a base. The lens mount is located at the far end of the base. The lens is axially inserted into the lens mounting hole 132 of the lens mount 13. The base is located in the cavity 111 of the front end seat 11 and is fixed with glue between the front end seat 11 and the peripheral wall of the front end seat 11.

[0042] A portion of the peripheral wall of the base of the camera module 12, located inside the cavity 111, extends into the window 112 provided on the peripheral wall of the front end seat 11. This portion of the structure extending into the window 112 serves as the extension part 121 of the camera module 12. The shape and structure of the window 112 are not limited, but should be designed according to the shape and structure of the camera module 12, as long as it allows a portion of the camera module 12 to extend into the window 112. For example, the window 112 can be a circular window, a rectangular window, an elliptical window that is closed on all four sides, or a shape and structure with one side open, as shown in Figure 7.

[0043] The lens in the camera module 12 can be cylindrical as shown in Figure 7 or square. The base in the camera module 12 can be square or cylindrical as shown in Figures 7 and 8.

[0044] As shown in Figures 7, 9, and 10, the lighting module includes LED lights located close to both sides of the camera module 12. The LED lights are connected to the circuit board along with the base of the camera module 12. The LED lights are inserted into LED mounting holes provided on the lens mount 13. The lens mount 13 is a light-transmitting body, and the LED lights are located below the far end surface of the lens mount 13.

[0045] In this embodiment, the peripheral wall of the front end seat 11 in the front end assembly 10 is structurally improved by providing a window 112 that connects the inside and outside of the peripheral wall, allowing part of the camera module 12 to extend into the window 112. This breaks the layout restriction of the peripheral wall of the front end assembly 10 on the camera module 12, allowing the camera module 12 to be positioned further away from the center of the front end seat 11, improving the compactness of the layout between the camera module 12 and the front end seat 11, and reserving more space for the instrument tube 20 within the lumen 111 of the front end seat 11. This solves the problem of limited diameter of the instrument tube 20 in the front end assembly 10 of the endoscope.

[0046] According to some alternative embodiments, the window 112 is designed to be open, as shown in FIG7. The distal edge of the window 112 extends to the distal surface of the peripheral wall of the front end seat 11, forming an opening, so that the distal end of the window 112 is open, so that the insertion part 121 of the camera module 12 can slide from the distal end to the proximal end into the window 112 of the front end seat 11 during assembly, so as to facilitate the assembly of the camera module 12 and the front end seat 11.

[0047] According to some optional embodiments, as shown in Figures 5-8, in the front-end component 10, the extension portion 121 of the camera module 12 extends beyond the window 112 in addition to extending into the window 112.

[0048] For example, if the base of the camera module 12 is cylindrical, the curvature of the base is greater than the curvature of the peripheral wall of the front end 11, so that the circumferential surface of the base of the camera module 12 can pass through the window 112.

[0049] For example, if the base of the camera module 12 is a square column as shown in FIG9, then at least one corner of the base of the camera module 12 can protrude from the window 112.

[0050] In this embodiment, the insertion part 121 of the camera module 12 can extend out of the window 112, which further allows the camera module 12 to be set away from the center of the front seat 11, reserving more space for the instrument tube 20.

[0051] According to some optional embodiments, the width of window 112 is greater than or equal to the width of camera module 12. In this embodiment, the width of window 112 is specifically greater than or equal to the width of the base of camera module 12, because the size of the base of camera module 12 is generally larger than the size of the lens.

[0052] The width of window 112 is the dimension along the radial direction of front end 11, and the width of camera module 12 is the dimension along the radial direction of front end 11.

[0053] In this embodiment, when the width of the window 112 provided on the front end seat 11 is greater than or equal to the width of the camera module 12, the extension part 121 on the base of the camera module 12 can extend out of the window 112, and the extension part 121 of the camera module 12 can extend out of the window 112 as much as possible to be away from the center of the front end seat 11.

[0054] Preferably, as shown in Figures 5-8, a baffle 113 is provided on the peripheral wall of the front end seat 11. The baffle 113 is located inside the window 112 and extends along the axial direction of the front end seat 11, dividing the window 112 into a first sub-window 112a and a second sub-window 112b arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction. At the same time, the base of the camera module 12 is provided with two circumferentially arranged extension portions 121. The base of the camera module 12 is preferably rectangular as shown in Figure 8.

[0055] The baffle 113 is a strip-shaped member whose curvature matches the curvature of the peripheral wall of the front end seat 11. The proximal end of the baffle 113 is directly connected to the support surface 1121 formed on the proximal end of the window 112. The baffle 113 is located in the middle of the window 112, dividing the window 112 into a first sub-window 112a and a second sub-window 112b.

[0056] When the two extension parts 121 of the base of the camera module 12 simultaneously extend into the first sub-window 112a and the second sub-window 112b and are in place, the baffle 113 radially abuts against the peripheral wall of the base of the camera module 12 to stop and limit the camera module 12 after it extends into the window 112. This can effectively prevent the camera module 12 from being pushed and deflected by the glue during the glue injection process, and ensure the assembly stability of the camera module 12 while keeping it as far away from the center of the front seat 11 as possible.

[0057] According to some optional embodiments, as shown in Figures 5-7, the proximal end of the window 112 supports the proximal end surface of the base of the camera module 12. Specifically, the proximal end of the window 112 forms a support surface 1121, and the extension portion 121 of the base of the camera module 12 extends into the window 112 and abuts axially against the support surface 1121.

[0058] In this embodiment, the window 112 supports the camera module 12 through its proximal support surface 1121, which can provide a limit for the camera module 12 during assembly and ensure assembly quality.

[0059] According to some optional embodiments, as shown in FIG10, a recessed groove 133 is provided on the proximal end face of the lens mount 13. The recessed groove 133 corresponds axially to the lens mounting hole 132 and is used to limit the base of the camera module 12. As shown in FIG9, when the lens of the camera module 12 is inserted into the lens mounting hole, the distal end of the base of the camera module 12 is inserted into the recessed groove 133 and axially abuts against the bottom of the recessed groove 133. At the same time, the peripheral wall of the base of the camera module 12 abuts against the groove wall of the recessed groove 133 to prevent circumferential rotation.

[0060] In this embodiment, the lens mount 13 prevents the camera module 12 from rotating through the recess 133, which facilitates the axial movement of the camera module 12 assembled with the lens mount 13, avoids the camera module 12 from deflecting during assembly, and ensures the installation accuracy of the camera module 12 and the front end mount 11.

[0061] According to some optional embodiments, as shown in FIG10, the outer peripheral surface of the lens mount 13 is provided with a first annular step 134 and a second annular step 135 arranged axially in sequence. The first annular step 134 is located closer to the proximal end of the lens mount 13 than the second annular step 135, and the diameter of the second annular step 135 is larger than the diameter of the first annular step 134. When the proximal end of the lens mount 13 is inserted into the cavity 111 from the distal end of the front end seat 11, the first annular step 134 axially abuts against the distal end of the front end seat 11, and the second annular step 135 radially protrudes from the peripheral wall of the front end seat 11 to abut against the distal end of the skin 30 shown in FIG1.

[0062] In this embodiment, the second annular step 135 restricts the distal position of the skin by axially abutting against the skin 30, which can be used to improve the setting accuracy of the skin 30.

[0063] According to some alternative embodiments, as shown in Figures 5 and 8, the instrument tube mounting hole 131, the lens mounting hole 132, and the window 112 are arranged sequentially along the diameter of the front end assembly 10. The line connecting the two protruding portions 121 on the base of the camera module 12 is perpendicular to and symmetrical about the center line connecting the instrument tube mounting hole 131 and the lens mounting hole 132.

[0064] On the other hand, this application provides an endoscope, which specifically adopts the following configuration:

[0065] In this embodiment, the endoscope includes an operating part and an insertion part connected together. The insertion part includes a passive bending section, an active bending section 40 and a front end component 10. The distal end of the active bending section 40 is connected to the front end component 10 in any of the above embodiments, and the proximal end of the active bending section 40 is connected to the distal end of the passive bending section.

[0066] As shown in Figure 2, the distal end of the active bending section 40 of the insertion part is fixedly connected to the front end assembly 10. The front end assembly 10 and the active bending section 40 are covered by a skin 30, forming the structure shown in Figure 1. Viewed from the entire insertion part, the skin 30 extends from the active bending section 40 to the passive bending section. A portion of the instrument tube 20 is located within the insertion part and extends along the axial direction of the insertion part.

[0067] According to some alternative embodiments, as shown in FIG3, the lens of the instrument tube 20 and the camera module 12 are arranged sequentially along the diameter of the front end assembly 10.

[0068] According to some alternative embodiments, window 112 is located laterally in the distal bending direction of the active bending segment 40. The distal bending direction refers to the bending direction of the active bending segment 40 near its distal end. For example, if the active bending segment 40 is the snake bone shown in Figure 2, then the distal bending direction refers to the bending direction from the first segment to the second segment of the snake bone.

[0069] For example, as shown in FIG2, the active bending segment 40 is configured as a snake bone, and the hinge axes of the first segment 41a and the second segment 41b of the snake bone are parallel to the hinge axes of the other segments. The window 112 provided on the peripheral wall of the front end seat 11 of the front end assembly 10 is located to the side in the bending direction of the active bending segment 40, and preferably is located at the axial end of the hinge axis of each segment.

[0070] For example, the active bending section 40 is configured as a snake bone, and the hinge axes between each segment are spirally arranged along the axial direction of the snake bone, so that the snake bone will present a spiral curled shape when pulled by the traction rope. The window 112 provided on the peripheral wall of the front end seat 11 of the front end assembly 10 is located to the side of the hinge axis of the first segment 41a and the second segment 41b of the active bending section 40, and preferably is located at the axis end of the hinge axis of the first segment 41a and the second segment 41b.

[0071] In this embodiment, the window 112 on the front end seat 11 is located to the side of the distal bending direction of the active bending section 40. This ensures that the instrument tube 20, with its diameter set to be as large as possible, is located to the side of the distal bending direction of the active bending section 40. During the bending process of the active bending section 40, it can be ensured that the bending radius of the distal end of the instrument tube 20 is moderate, which helps to reduce the possibility of the distal end of the instrument tube 20 collapsing due to excessive bending.

[0072] According to some optional embodiments, as shown in Figures 1, 2, and 4, the distal end of the flexible circuit board 50 is connected to a circuit board attached to the base of the camera module 12, and can supply power not only to the camera module 12 but also to the lighting module. The flexible circuit board 50 is located in the active bending section 40 and extends along the axial direction of the active bending section 40, while the proximal end of the flexible circuit board 50 extends out of the active bending section 40 and is connected to the cylindrical cable.

[0073] In this embodiment, the flexible circuit board 50, which is directly connected to the camera module 12, is arranged along the entire length of the active bending section 40 to reduce the bending resistance of the active bending section 40 and minimize the space occupied between the instrument tube 20 and the camera module 12. Connecting the proximal end of the flexible circuit board 50, located outside the active bending section 40, to the cylindrical cable reduces the cost of the circuitry connected to the camera module 12 without affecting the bending resistance of the active bending section 40.

[0074] According to some optional embodiments, as shown in FIG4, the active bending segment 40 is mated with the front end seat 11 of the front end assembly 10. Specifically, the distal end of the active bending segment 40 is inserted into the lumen 111 from the proximal end of the front end seat 11. In FIG4, the first segment 41a of the active bending segment 40 is coaxially inserted into the lumen 111 of the front end seat 11 and fixed to the peripheral wall of the front end seat 11.

[0075] Preferably, the first segment 41a of the active bending section 40 is inserted into the cavity 111. The distal end face of the first segment 41a is flush with the support surface 1121 formed by the proximal end of the window 112. Together with the support surface 1121, they axially abut against the proximal end of the extension portion 121 of the camera module 12 base, providing support for the camera module 12.

[0076] In this embodiment, the active bending section 40 is inserted into the front end seat 11, reducing the exclusive length of the front end assembly 10. This allows for a smaller turning radius at the distal end of the endoscope insertion portion, improving the passage of the front end assembly 10 within the human body cavity. Furthermore, by making the distal end face of the active bending section 40 flush with the support surface 1121 formed by the proximal end of the window 112, the axial space of the lumen 111 within the front end seat 11 can be utilized to the maximum extent, further reducing the exclusive length of the front end assembly 10 and improving its passage within the human body cavity.

[0077] The above description is only a specific embodiment of this utility model, but the protection scope of this utility model is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A front-end component, characterized in that: include: A front end seat (11) has an axially penetrating cavity (111) inside. A window (112) is provided on the peripheral wall of the front end seat (11). The window (112) penetrates the peripheral wall of the front end seat (11) to connect the cavity (111) with the outside of the front end seat (11). A camera module (12) is disposed in the cavity (111), and the peripheral wall of the camera module (12) has an insertion part (121) that extends into the window (112).

2. A front-end component according to claim 1, characterized in that: The window (112) forms an opening on the far end face of the front end seat (11); And / or, the insertion portion (121) extends out of the window (112). And / or, in the radial direction of the front end (11), the size of the window (112) is greater than or equal to the size of the camera module (12).

3. A front-end component according to claim 1, characterized in that: The proximal end of the window (112) forms a support surface (1121), and the extended portion (121) abuts axially against the support surface (1121).

4. A front-end component according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a lens mount (13), the proximal end of which is inserted into the lumen (111) from the distal end of the front end mount (11), the distal end of the camera module (12) is inserted into the lens mount (13), and the lens mount (13) is provided with an instrument tube mounting hole (131) for inserting an instrument tube (20).

5. A front-end component according to claim 4, characterized in that: The lens mount (13) has a recessed groove (133) on its near end face. The camera module (12) is inserted into the recessed groove (133) and axially abuts against the bottom of the recessed groove (133). The peripheral wall of the camera module (12) abuts against the wall of the recessed groove (133) to prevent rotation in the circumferential direction. And / or, the outer peripheral surface of the lens mount (13) protrudes radially from the peripheral wall of the front end mount (11) to form a second annular step (135) for abutting the skin (30). And / or, along the radial direction of the front end seat (11), the instrument tube mounting hole (131), the recess (133) and the window (112) are arranged in sequence.

6. A front-end component according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that: The peripheral wall of the front end (11) is provided with a baffle (113), which is located inside the window (112) and divides the window (112) into two sub-windows arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction. The camera module (12) is radially abutted against the baffle (113). The camera module (12) is provided with two extension parts (121) arranged in the circumferential direction. The two extension parts (121) extend into one of the sub-windows on the corresponding side.

7. An endoscope, characterized in that: Includes the front end component (10) as described in any one of claims 1-6, the front end component (10) being disposed at the distal end of the active bending segment (40) of the endoscope.

8. An endoscope according to claim 7, characterized in that: The window (112) is located on the side of the distal bending direction of the active bending segment (40); And / or, The active bending section (40) is provided with a flexible circuit board (50) extending therefrom. The far end of the flexible circuit board (50) is connected to the camera module (12), and the near end of the flexible circuit board (50) is located outside the active bending section (40) and connected to a cylindrical cable.

9. An endoscope according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: The distal end of the active bending section (40) is inserted into the lumen (111) from the proximal end of the front end seat (11).

10. An endoscope according to claim 9, characterized in that: The distal end face of the active bending section (40) is flush with the support surface (1121) formed by the proximal end of the window (112) and axially abuts against the extension portion (121).

Images