Method for fixing a wire portion of an endoscope and endoscope

Abstract

A method for fixing a wire portion of an endoscope, the method comprising the steps of: pulling the third wire portion to tension the control wire; and inserting a pin having a wire guide into the pin spacing so that the second wire portion is positioned in the wire guide and clamped between the pin and at least one wall of the control element, thereby fixing the pin and the second wire portion to the control element to maintain wire tension between the first wire portion and the second wire portion. An endoscope comprising a second wire portion connected to the control element by clamping between the pin and at least one wall of the control element so that the second wire portion is fixed relative to the control element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for fixing a wire portion of an endoscope and to an endoscope in which the tension of a steering wire is maintained. Background Art

[0002] Endoscope is a well-known device for visual inspection of the part of the human or animal body that may be difficult to reach, such as the human body cavity. Typically, the endoscope includes an elongated insertion tube with a handle at the proximal end viewed from the operator and a visual inspection device (e.g., a built-in camera) at the distal end of the elongated insertion tube. This definition of the terms "distal" and "proximal" is always used in this specification, that is, the proximal side is the end closest to the operator, and the distal side is the end away from the operator, as generally used herein for endoscopes. Electrical wiring for cameras and other electronic devices (e.g., LED lighting) typically extends from the handle to the tip at the distal end along the inner side of the elongated insertion tube. Instead of using a camera, the endoscope can also be optical fiber, in which case the optical fiber typically extends along the inner side of the elongated insertion tube. The working channel can extend from the handle to the tip along the inner side of the insertion tube, for example, to allow liquid to be removed from the body cavity or to allow surgical instruments, etc. to be inserted into the body cavity.

[0003] In order to be able to manipulate the camera of the endoscope, etc. within the body cavity, the distal end of the endoscope may include, in addition to the camera, a section with increased flexibility, in particular a hinged or bendable tip portion to allow the operator to bend this section and thereby move the camera. Typically, manipulation is performed by tensioning or relaxing a steering wire in a guide tube, which also extends along the inside of the elongated insertion tube from the hinged tip portion to a control element having an operating member located in the handle in an arrangement commonly known as a Bowden cable (see Bowden's original patent US-A-609570).

[0004] The control wire extending along the inner side of the guide tube arranged with a Bowden cable usually extends a predetermined length on either end, thereby allowing the operating member to be attached to the free (proximal) end of the wire and allowing the operated member to be attached to the other free (distal) end. When the two ends of the guide tube remain stationary, the movement of the proximal end of the control wire relative to the guide tube is transmitted to the distal end, which becomes the corresponding movement of the distal end of the control wire relative to the guide tube, thereby affecting the movement of the operated member. The proximal end of the guide tube is usually fastened to the operating handle by mechanical means, wherein the guide tube is clamped, terminated in a blocking member, or adhered to the operating handle.

[0005] In order for the operator to have a good experience in controlling the endoscope, the control wire is maintained in a pre-tensioned state. If the maintained tension of the control wire is too large, the controllable tip may be non-straight, or the mechanical parts of the endoscope may be damaged. On the other hand, if the tension of the control wire is too small, the control wire will have too much play and be unresponsive to the operator's control. Therefore, the tension of the control wire is adjusted before fixing the control wire, and the tension is maintained.

[0006] A method of attaching a control wire to a control element in an endoscope by crimping the control wire to itself is known from the prior art: WO 2016 / 188537 A1 discloses an endoscope comprising: an operating handle; an insertion tube having a proximal end and a distal end and having a controllable tip at the distal end; a control element movable relative to the operating handle; and a control wire having a first wire portion, a second wire portion, and a third wire portion connected to the controllable tip, the second wire portion being located between the first wire portion and the third wire portion. The control wire is arranged so that the control wire leaves the guide tube in the operating handle from the controllable tip; is then inserted through a cylindrical shell crimping member; is then inserted through a first hole of a control element in the form of a disc roller; is then positioned around a curved portion of the control element; is then inserted back through a different second hole of the control element, the second hole extending parallel to the first hole; and is then inserted through the same crimping member so that the control wire forms a loop. The control wire is then pulled to adjust the tension of the wire, and the crimping member is clamped by the tool to form a crimp to secure the control wire to itself and maintain the tension of the control wire.

[0007] This prior art method of attaching a control wire in an endoscope requires precise handling of the control wire, for example, in order to insert the control wire through the hole of the cylindrical shell crimping member and the control element. This can be error prone and can be very time consuming. In addition, during assembly, the precise handling of the control wire can be difficult to automate. In addition, it can be difficult to correctly adjust the tension of the control wire.

[0008] It is generally desirable that the fixing of the steering wire is resistant to aging, such as during transportation. It is particularly desirable for disposable endoscopes so as not to unduly limit the shelf life of the disposable endoscope.

[0009] In this context, the object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope, preferably a disposable endoscope, and a method for fixing a wire portion of an endoscope, which improves one or more of the above-mentioned problems of the present invention. This object can be achieved by the first aspect and / or the second aspect of the present invention as described below. Summary of the invention

[0010] A first aspect of the invention relates to a method for fixing a wire portion of an endoscope, the method comprising the following steps:

[0011] a) Provide:

[0012] - Operating handle,

[0013] - an insertion tube having a proximal end and a distal end and having a steerable tip at the distal end;

[0014] - a control element movable relative to the operating handle, the control element having a pin spacing defined by at least one wall of the control element,

[0015] - Pins; and

[0016] - a steering wire having a first wire portion connected to the steerable tip, a second wire portion, and a third wire portion, the second wire portion being located between the first wire portion and the third wire portion;

[0017] b) pulling the third wire portion to tension the control wire; and

[0018] c) inserting the pin into the pin spacing so that the second wire portion is clamped between the pin and at least one wall of the control element, thereby fixing the pin and the second wire portion to the control element to maintain the wire tension between the first wire portion and the second wire portion.

[0019] The method according to the first aspect of the invention may alternatively be provided as a method for fixing a wire portion in a set of parts of an endoscope, the method comprising the above steps a) to c).

[0020] By inserting a pin to secure the steering wire, the need for precise manipulation of the steering wire can be reduced. This in turn can reduce the amount of labor required to perform the method, which can reduce the cost and time required. The reduction in labor can allow the method to be more easily automated. It is further shown that an endoscope manufactured according to this method can be arranged to be resistant to aging, i.e., the tension can be maintained to a high degree during the shelf life of the endoscope.

[0021] The term "endoscope" may be defined as a device suitable for inspecting natural and / or artificial body openings, for example inspecting a lung cavity. Additionally or alternatively, the term "endoscope" may be defined as a medical device.

[0022] The term "control wire" can be defined as an elongated member suitable for controlling the controllable tip portion of an endoscope by a control element, and may be defined as a forming part of a rope drive or Bowden cable arrangement for this purpose. The control wire can further be tensionable. The term "control wire" can include one or more of the group consisting of the following: a line, a rope, a silk, a string, a cord, a cable, and a fishing line. In addition or alternatively, the control wire can be a monofilament or a multifilament structure wire. In the case of a multifilament structure wire, the wire can be braided, coiled, kinked, woven and / or wound.

[0023] The manipulation filament may comprise or consist essentially of one or more materials selected from the group consisting of metal, steel, polymer, plastic polymer, polyethylene (PE), polyamide (PA), polyamide-imide (PAI), ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), high molecular weight polyethylene (HMWPE), natural fiber, man-made fiber, glass fiber, and carbon fiber. The diameter of the manipulation filament may be less than 1 mm, less than 0.75 mm, less than 0.60 mm, less than 0.40 mm, or less than 0.30 mm.

[0024] The second wire portion and the third wire portion of the steering wire may coincide or be the same wire portion. Alternatively, the second wire portion and the third wire portion of the steering wire may be positioned at a distance from each other.

[0025] During step b) of the method according to the first aspect of the invention, the filaments may be tensioned to a first filament tension, and / or during step c), the tension of the filaments may be maintained at a second filament tension. The first filament tension may be substantially the same as the second filament tension. Alternatively, the first filament tension and the second filament tension are different from each other.

[0026] The steps of the method according to the first aspect of the invention may be performed in sequence, possibly in the order a), b), c), or in the order a), c), b). Alternatively or in addition, step a) may be performed during step b) and / or step c). The method may include a further step of releasing the third wire portion, which step may potentially be performed after performing step c) or steps a), b), and c).

[0027] In an endoscope assembled by the method according to the invention, a control element may be configured to allow an operator to control a manipulable tip portion of the insertion tube by at least one manipulable wire. The control element may allow the manipulable tip portion to bend in at least one direction, possibly in two directions, which may be opposite. The control element may be housed in an operating handle. The control element may include a lever that allows an operator to control the control element. The lever may extend outwardly from the control element, possibly through the operating handle. The control element may be in the form of a roller or a roller disk.

[0028] The operating handle may be adapted to allow an operator to grasp and operate the endoscope, possibly with one hand. The operating handle may include a handle housing arranged at the proximal end of the insertion tube. The handle housing may house the control element.

[0029] The insertion tube or its distal end may be adapted to be inserted into a body cavity (possibly a lung) through a body opening (possibly a mouth). The body may be a natural and / or artificial body, possibly a human body. The insertion tube may extend from an operating handle toward the distal end of the endoscope.

[0030] The pin may be elongated and may be adapted to be secured by inserting it into the pin spacing. The insertion may be manual or automatic. The pin may further comprise a body and / or a head. The head may comprise a surface adapted to be pushed or tapped, potentially in order to insert the pin into the pin spacing. The head may be located at a first end of the pin, and / or the pin catch may be located at a second end of the pin.

[0031] The pin may be selected from the group consisting of a cotter pin, a plug, a cotter plug, a dowel, a cotter dowel, a pin, a cotter pin, a rivet, a cotter rivet, an insert, and a cotter insert.

[0032] In some embodiments, step a) of the method according to the first aspect of the present invention further includes providing a wire guide, the manipulation wire is guided in the wire support, and the wire support may be fixed to the operating handle, wherein, in step b), the manipulation wire may extend from the outlet of the wire support along a first direction, and wherein the tension applied to the third wire portion extends along a second direction, and the angle between the first direction and the second direction may be less than 120°. The angle between the first direction and the second direction may be less than 110°, 100°, or 90°. The angle may be the minimum angle measured in a common plane of the two directions. The angle may be measured between two directions extending from a common starting point. The angle may be defined as: if the first direction and the second direction are parallel and extend in opposite directions, the angle is 180°, if the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular, the angle between them is 90°, and if the first direction and the second direction are parallel and extend in the same direction, the angle between them is 0°.

[0033] The wire support can be a guide tube for guiding the manipulation wire, and / or the wire support can at least partially surround, surround, and / or accommodate a part of the manipulation wire. The wire support can extend between the manipulable tip and the operating handle. The insertion tube can at least partially surround a part of the wire support. The wire support can be attached to the operating handle.

[0034] The steering wire may first be pulled in a first direction, possibly by pulling the third wire portion, then bent around the wire support, and then pulled in a second direction.

[0035] In some embodiments, the method according to the first aspect of the present invention further comprises the following steps:

[0036] d) Applying adhesive to the second wire portion, the pin spacing and / or the pins.

[0037] Step d) may be performed before step c). Alternatively, step d) may be performed after step c). The adhesive may be applied as a liquid adhesive and / or may be a reactive adhesive and / or a chemically cured adhesive and / or may be converted from a liquid state to a solid state by a chemical reaction. The chemical reaction may be caused by heat, moisture, radiation, and / or pressure. The adhesive may be a one-component adhesive selected from the group consisting of anaerobic, cyanoacrylate, heat-hardenable, moisture-hardenable, radiation-hardenable, and silicone adhesives. The cyanoacrylate adhesive may be an ethyl 2-cyanoacrylate adhesive.

[0038] In some embodiments of the method according to the first aspect of the invention, one or both of the pin latch portion and the associated latch portion include at least one elastic leg which may have a barb, wherein, in step c), during the insertion of the pin into the pin spacing, the elastic leg may be deflected from the idle position, and / or, after the pin is inserted into the pin spacing, the elastic leg returns toward the idle position so that the barb may be snap-engaged with the other of the pin latch portion and the associated latch portion.

[0039] The barb may extend outwardly from the associated resilient leg. The pin catch may include the at least one resilient leg. After the pin is inserted into the pin spacing, the resilient leg may return to the idle position.

[0040] The elastic leg can be an elongated member extending substantially in the length direction. In the length direction, the length of the elastic leg can be greater than 2 mm, greater than 3 mm, greater than 4 mm, greater than 4.5 mm, or greater than 5 mm. The length of the elastic leg can be less than 20 mm, less than 15 mm, less than 12 mm, less than 10 mm, or less than 8 mm. The length of the elastic leg can be 2 mm-20 mm, 3 mm-15 mm, 4 mm-12 mm, 4.5 mm-10 mm, or 5 mm-8 mm.

[0041] In some embodiments of the method according to the first aspect of the invention, in step c), the pin deforms the second wire portion. The deformation may occur during and / or before the insertion of the pin. The deformation may comprise at least one bend, preferably at least two bends, of the wire.

[0042] In some embodiments, the pin spacing is at least partially defined by a wall, and further, in step c), the second wire portion can be clamped between the pin and the wall. Thus, the second wire portion can be fixed to the control element to maintain the wire tension between the first wire portion and the second wire portion.

[0043] In some embodiments, the pin comprises a wire guide, and the method may further comprise the step of positioning the second wire portion in the wire guide. This step may ensure controlled manipulation of the second wire portion to ensure good fixation of the second wire portion.

[0044] In some embodiments, the pin buckle portion includes two elastic legs, each of which may have a barb, and the two elastic legs may be arranged to be at a distance from each other, and the wire guide may be located between the two elastic legs. Thus, the pin can be set as a split pin, a split plug, a split dowel, a split pin, a split rivet, and / or a split insert, wherein a crack is set between the two legs. Before the step c) of the method, the wire may be located in the wire guide. In addition or alternatively, during the step c) of the method, the pin can be inserted so that the wire is located in the wire guide. The two elastic legs can be arranged to be substantially parallel to each other, especially when they are in their undeformed state, and / or the barb can be located on the opposite sides of the leg. In the step c) of the method, in the process of inserting the pin into the pin spacing, the elastic leg may be optionally deflected by the wall from the idle position, and after the pin is inserted into the pin spacing, the elastic leg can return toward the idle position so that the barb may be engaged with the associated buckle portion, and one or more associated barbs of the associated buckle portion may be snap-fitted.

[0045] In some embodiments, the pin spacing is at least partially defined by at least one wall, and in step c), the second wire portion is fixed by bending the second wire portion around at least one corner or edge of the pin and / or the wall to form at least one wire step. The second wire portion can be bent around at least two, three, four, five or more corners or edges of the pin and / or at least one wall. The at least one wall may include at least one of these corners, and the pin may include at least another of these corners. Alternatively or in addition, after step c) of the method according to the first aspect of the present invention, the control wire forms at least two wire steps, preferably at least three wire steps, and more preferably at least four wire steps between a portion of the control wire located before the pin spacing and a different portion located after the pin spacing. When the wire is bent around a corner or edge, the wire can form a wire step, wherein the angle formed by the wire is at least 30°, 45°, 60°, 70° or 80°.

[0046] In some embodiments, step a) further includes providing a first wire guide, which may be fixed to the control element, which may be arranged adjacent to the pin spacing, and wherein, in step c), the control wire is guided through the wire guide. Thus, the wire can be bent around the wire guide to form a wire bend. The wire guide may include a curved channel with a circular surface, and the wire abuts on the circular surface so that the bend is not a geometric or mathematical angle, but provides a circular wire portion (such a circular portion of the wire can also fall within the term "angle" used in this article). This can improve the reliance on wire tensioning because it can alleviate the tendency of the control wire to be at least partially stuck when bending. The wire guide may at least partially enclose or surround a portion of the control wire. The portion may be a curved portion. The wire guide may be provided with a mouth leading to the pin spacing. The first wire guide may be provided as a channel, a surface groove and / or a conduit. The first wire guide may be provided for guiding the first wire, and the second wire guide may be provided for guiding the second wire. In this case, the first wire guide and the second wire guide may be identical or mirror images of each other. The second wire guide may include one or more of the options described above for the first wire guide.

[0047] In some embodiments, the control wire is a first control wire, the pin is a first pin, and the pin spacing is a first pin spacing; and

[0048] Step a) further comprises: providing a second manipulation wire, the second manipulation wire having a first wire portion connected to the manipulable tip portion, a second wire portion, and a third wire portion, the second wire portion being located between the first wire portion and the third wire portion; optionally having a second pin with a snap portion, and optionally having a second pin spacing of an associated second pin snap portion; and

[0049] The method may further include the following steps: pulling the third wire portion of the second control wire to tension the second control wire, which step may be performed simultaneously with step b) of the method; and

[0050] The method may further include the following steps: inserting the second pin into the second pin spacing so that the pin snap-in portion snaps into engagement with the associated snap-in portion, thereby fixing the second pin and the second wire portion to the control element to maintain the wire tension between the first wire portion and the second wire portion, which step may optionally be performed simultaneously with step c) of the method.

[0051] The second control wire can be arranged to be similar or identical to the first control wire, or to be mirrored therewith. The second control wire can be connected to the first control wire possibly at its first wire portion. Alternatively or in addition, the second control wire can be connected to the first control wire at the controllable tip portion.

[0052] The first pin and the second pin can be the same pin, i.e. overlap, or they can be different pins. The second pin can be arranged to be similar or identical to the first pin, or they can be different. The first pin spacing and the second pin spacing can be the same pin spacing, i.e. they can overlap, or they can be different pin spacings. The second pin spacing is arranged to be similar or identical to the first pin spacing. The method steps associated with the second control wire may include corresponding method steps for the first control wire, and / or may include one or more of the options described above for the first control wire.

[0053] In an endoscope assembled by the method according to the first aspect of the invention, the first control wire may enable the control element to allow an operator to control the controllable tip portion in a first direction, and / or the second control wire may enable the control element to allow an operator to control the controllable tip portion in a second, different direction. Alternatively or in addition, the first control wire may allow the control element to bend the controllable tip portion in a first direction, and / or the second control wire may allow the control element to bend the controllable tip portion in a second direction. The second direction may be a direction opposite to the first direction.

[0054] The control element may comprise a second wire guide for accommodating a second steering wire.The second wire guide may be arranged in a similar manner to the first wire guide, and / or may comprise one or more of the options described above for the first wire guide.

[0055] In another embodiment, the pin comprises an arm, and before or during step c), the pin is rotated by the arm to assume a rotated position, wherein the arm optionally maintains the pin in the rotated position when the pin is inserted into the pin spacing. The arm may extend laterally from the head and / or body of the pin, and / or may be integral with the pin. The arm may extend in a radial direction orthogonal to the longitudinal or length direction of the pin. The arm may extend substantially straight or curved in a transverse direction, or have any other suitable shape. In the case where the pin further comprises a wire guide as described above, the second wire portion may be positioned in the pin before the arm rotates the pin. Then, the pin may be at least partially introduced into the pin spacing, possibly so that the second wire portion is at least partially located in the pin spacing. The pin may be rotated by the arm before or after it is inserted into the pin spacing, whereby the second wire portion may be pulled to extend at least partially around the pin, so that when the pin assumes the rotated position, the portion of the second wire portion extending around the pin is clamped between the pin and at least one wall. Then, the pin can possibly be inserted into the final, inserted position in the pin spacing, and the arm can be released. In this case, the control element can include an arm support, which can be in the form of an arm. Then, the tension of the control wire can pull the arm in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the wall, so that the control wire tension pushes the arm against the arm support to prevent the arm from rotating further toward the position before the wall rotates. Thus, the control wire tension can be applied to fix the pin in the pin spacing. In addition, a larger part of the second part of the control wire can be clamped between the pin and at least one wall of the control element, which can provide a stronger fixation of the control wire.

[0056] This embodiment can be combined with one of the above-mentioned embodiments in which the pin comprises a snap-in portion. After rotating the arm, when the pin is pushed into the final insertion position, the pin snap-in portion can snap into an associated snap-in portion of the control element. Thereby, the fixation of the pin in the pin spacing can be further improved. Alternatively or in addition, the arm can comprise a snap-in portion, which can snap into an associated snap-in portion of the control element in a manner similar to the snap-in portion of the above-mentioned pin.

[0057] A second aspect of the present invention relates to an endoscope, the endoscope comprising:

[0058] - Operating handle;

[0059] - an insertion tube having a proximal end and a distal end and having a steerable tip at the distal end;

[0060] - a control element movable relative to the operating handle, the control element having a pin spacing defined by at least one wall of the control element,

[0061] - at least one tensioned steering wire having a first wire portion connected to the steerable tip portion and a second wire portion connected to the control element, the steering wire being tensioned between the first wire portion and the second wire portion; and

[0062] - a pin located in the pin spacing;

[0063] Therein, the second wire portion is connected to the control element by being clamped between the pin and at least one wall of the control element, such that the second wire portion is fixed relative to the control element.

[0064] The endoscope according to the second aspect of the invention may be manufactured by one or more of the above-described embodiments of the method according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0065] The endoscope according to the second aspect of the invention may alternatively be provided as a set of parts for an endoscope, the set of parts comprising:

[0066] - Operating handle;

[0067] - an insertion tube having a proximal end and a distal end and having a steerable tip at the distal end;

[0068] - a control element movable relative to the operating handle, the control element having a pin spacing defined by at least one wall of the control element,

[0069] - at least one tensioned steering wire having a first wire portion connected to the steerable tip portion and a second wire portion connected to the control element, the steering wire being tensioned between the first wire portion and the second wire portion; and

[0070] - a pin located in the pin spacing;

[0071] Therein, the second wire portion is connected to the control element by being clamped between the pin and at least one wall of the control element, such that the second wire portion is fixed relative to the control element.

[0072] In some embodiments of the endoscope according to the second aspect of the invention, the pin spacing is at least partially defined by at least one wall. The control element may include the at least one wall. The pin spacing may be defined by two opposing walls. The pin spacing may be a hole and / or a cavity. The cross-section of the pin spacing may be substantially cylindrical and / or rectangular.

[0073] In some embodiments, the pin includes a wire guide, and the control wire can be located in the wire guide. The wire guide of the pin can be a hole through the pin, it can be an elongated recess in the pin, a channel in the pin, or a channel extending on the surface of the pin. The wire guide can extend through the pin and / or can be arranged to extend along the outer edge or outer surface of the pin, wherein the control wire channel can be defined between the surface of the pin and / or the surface of the wall of the control element or pin spacing.

[0074] In certain embodiments, the pin and / or the at least one wall include at least one corner or edge, and the second wire portion can be bent around the at least one corner or edge to form at least one wire step. The second wire portion can be bent around at least two, three, four or more corners or edges of the pin and / or at least one wall. The at least one wall may include at least one corner in these corners, and the pin may include at least another corner in these corners. At the position where the wire is bent, the wire can form a wire step, wherein the angle formed by the wire is at least 30 °, 45 °, 60 °, 70 ° or 80 °.

[0075] Alternatively or in addition, the pin comprises a first set of pin corners having at least one pin corner, and at least one wall comprises a first set of wall corners having at least one wall corner, wherein the second wire portion is bent around the first set of corners.

[0076] In some embodiments, the steering wire is a first steering wire, and the pin is a first pin, the pin spacing is a first pin spacing, and the control element further has a second pin spacing defined by at least one wall of the control element, the endoscope further comprising:

[0077] - a second tensioned steering wire having a first wire portion connected to the steerable tip portion and a second wire portion connected to the control element, the steering wire being tensioned between the first wire portion and the second wire portion; and

[0078] - a second pin, which is located in the second pin distance;

[0079] The second wire portion of the second control wire is connected to the control element by being clamped between the pin and at least one wall of the control element, so that the second wire second portion is fixed relative to the control element.

[0080] The second control wire can be arranged to be similar or identical to the first control wire. The second control wire can be connected to the first control wire, possibly at its first wire portion. Alternatively or in addition, the second control wire can be connected to the first control wire at a controllable tip portion. The first pin and the second pin can be the same pin, i.e. can overlap, or they can be different pins. The second pin can be arranged to be similar to the first pin, or they can be different. The first spacing and the second pin spacing can be the same pin spacing, or they can be different pin spacings. The second pin spacing is arranged to be similar to the first pin spacing.

[0081] Any one or more of the embodiments relating to the first aspect or the second aspect of the present invention may be combined with any one or more of the embodiments relating to the same aspect or a different aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0082] In the following, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0083] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of the endoscope;

[0084] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of an endoscope;

[0085] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a pin;

[0086] Figure 4 is a side view schematically illustrating operation of a steerable tip portion of an endoscope and tensioning of an associated steering wire;

[0087] Figure 5a yes Figure 3 A perspective view of a pin of before being inserted into the pin spacing, wherein hidden lines are shown as dashed lines;

[0088] Figure 5b is similar to Figure 5a The view shows that according to Figure 5a After the pin is inserted into the pin spacing;

[0089] Figure 6a is a cross-sectional side view of a second embodiment of a pin positioned in a pin spacing;

[0090] Figure 6b is similar to Figure 6a A view of a third embodiment of a pin positioned in a pin spacing;

[0091] Figure 6c is similar to Figure 6a A view of a fourth embodiment of a pin positioned in a pin spacing;

[0092] Figure 6d is similar to Figure 6a A view of a fifth embodiment of a pin positioned in a pin spacing;

[0093] Figure 7a is similar to Figure 5a A perspective view of a sixth embodiment of the present invention prior to insertion of the pins into the pin spacing, wherein the hidden lines are shown as dashed lines;

[0094] Figure 7b is similar to Figure 7a According to Figure 7a A view of the pin before it is inserted into the pin spacing; and

[0095] Figure 7c is similar to Figure 7a According to Figure 7a A view of the pin after it has been inserted into the pin spacing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0096] Figure 1 An endoscope 1 according to an embodiment of the second aspect of the invention assembled by a method according to an embodiment of the second aspect of the invention is shown. The endoscope is a medical device suitable for examining natural and / or artificial body openings, for example for probing lung cavities. See also Figure 2 , an endoscope 1 includes an operating handle 2 , an insertion tube 3 , and a control element 4 .

[0097] The operating handle 2 is a handle adapted to allow an operator to grasp and operate the endoscope 1 with one hand. A handle housing 21 including two housings 21a, 21b accommodates the control element 4.

[0098] The insertion tube 3 is an elongated member suitable for being inserted into a patient, for example, through the patient's mouth and into the patient's lungs. The insertion tube 3 extends from the operating handle 2 toward the distal end ( Figure 1 The insertion tube 3 has a proximal end 31 connected to the handle housing and a distal end 32, wherein a manipulable tip 33 is located at the distal end 32.

[0099] See also Figure 2 The control element 4 is configured to allow the operator to control the manipulable tip 33 of the insertion tube 3 through two manipulable wires 5, 5'. The control element 4 allows the manipulable tip 33 to bend in two directions. The control element 4 includes an operating member 41 to allow the operator to control the control element 4. The operating member 41 is connected to a lever 42, which is connected to the control element 4 and extends outwardly from it through the handle housing 21 and can move relative to the operating handle 2.

[0100] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1An exploded view of the parts of an endoscope 1. The endoscope 1 includes a first control wire 5 and a second control wire 5', which are respectively located in a first wire support 6 and a second wire support 6 in the form of corresponding first and second guide tubes, and the control wires 5 and 5' are slidable in these guide tubes, respectively. The apostrophe suffix of the figure mark as used herein generally indicates an element associated with the second control wire 5' and corresponding to a similar element associated with the first control wire 5, so that the first wire support 6 is associated with the first control wire 5, and the second wire support 6' is associated with the second control wire 5'. In the following, the features related to the first control wire 5 are mainly described; however, similar features related to the second control wire 5' are also provided in the endoscope 1, as shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0101] A lever 42 is attached to the control element 4 and allows an operator to rotate the control element 4 about an axis 43 in a known manner.

[0102] Each control wire 5, 5' is an elongated wire forming part of a Bowden cable arrangement for controlling the steerable tip 33 by the control element 4. Each control wire 5, 5' consists mainly of a steel wire rope. The diameter of each control wire 5, 5' is about 0.25 mm.

[0103] Also refer to Figure 4 , each control wire 5, 5' has a corresponding first wire portion (not shown), a second wire portion 52, 52', and a third wire portion 53, 53'. The first wire portion is each connected to the controllable tip portion 33. These wire portions are spaced apart from each other and are placed along each control wire 5, 5' in the order from the first wire portion to the third wire portion, so that starting from the first wire portion, the next wire portion is arranged along the corresponding control wire 5, 5', and the third wire portion 53, 53' is the last, and the third wire portion is terminated at the wire end.

[0104] In order to fix the second wire portion 52, 52' to the control element 4, the pins 9 are inserted into the pin spacings 44, 44' to maintain the wire tension between the first and second wire portions 52, 52'.

[0105] Figure 3 A first embodiment of the pin 9 is shown, indicated as 9a. The pin 9a is an elongated member fixed by insertion into the pin spacing 44, see Figure 4. The pin 9a has a snap portion 91a, a wire guide 94a, a head 96a, and a body 97a. The head 96a is located at the first end of the pin 9a, and the pin snap portion 91a is located at the second end of the pin 9a, and the body 97a is located between the snap portion 91a and the head 96a. The head 96a is mushroom-shaped and includes a top surface suitable for being pushed or knocked to push the pin 9a into the pin spacing 44, 44'. The pin snap portion 91a includes two parallel elastic legs 92a, 92a', each elastic leg having a barb 93a, 93a' located at the opposite side of the leg 92a, 92a'. Each barb 93a, 93a' extends outwardly from the associated elastic leg 92a, 92a'. Thus, the pin 9a is configured as a split pin, wherein a crack is provided between the two legs 92a, 92a'. The elastic legs 92a, 92a' are arranged at a distance from each other, and the wire guide 94a is located between the elastic legs 92a, 92a'. Each barb 93a, 93a' comprises a protrusion extending outwardly, the protrusion having a top surface extending substantially perpendicular to the length direction of the pin 9a, and an inclined bottom surface. The wire guide 94a extends through the pin, and the top is defined by a circular surface, the bottom is open, and the opening of the wire guide 94a leads to the crack. The length of each elastic leg 92a, 92a' is approximately 6mm. These elastic legs are identical and positioned relative to each other.

[0106] Figure 4 , Figure 5a ,as well as Figure 5b Schematically, an embodiment of a method according to the first aspect of the invention is shown for attaching two steering wires 5, 5' in an endoscope 1 so as to allow control of a steerable tip 33 by activating a control element 4. The method can be provided in a similar manner for attaching a single steering wire. Figure 4 It is schematically shown as a single guide tube 6, 6', as shown in Figure 2 As shown, the guide tube comprises two separate guide tubes 6, 6'.

[0107] refer to Figure 4 , the method for attaching two steering wires 5, 5' is performed as follows:

[0108] First, a control element 4 is provided. The control element 4 includes two wire guides 47, 47' formed as surface channels on the control element 4: a first wire guide 47 for accommodating and partially wrapping a portion of the first control wire 5, and a second wire guide 47' for accommodating and partially wrapping a portion of the second control wire 5'. The wire guides 47, 47' are formed as depressions in the surface of the control element 4, and are each provided with two mouths, which lead to opposite sides of the pin spacing 44, 44', respectively. The pin spacing 44, 44' is a substantially cylindrical hole in the control element 4. The pin spacing 44, 44' can generally have any suitable cross-sectional shape, such as rounded, circular, rectangular, elliptical, etc.

[0109] Reference Figure 4 The first wire portion of the first control wire 5 is passed through the guide tube 6 and attached to the controllable tip portion 33, so that when pulled, the controllable tip portion 33 is bent along the first direction 33a. Figure 4 The first wire portion of the second control wire 5' is passed through the guide tube 6' and attached to the controllable tip portion 33, so that when pulled, the controllable tip portion 33 is bent along the second direction 33b, which is in the second direction. Figure 4 Indicated by solid line.

[0110] Second, each control wire 5, 5' extends from the proximal end of the corresponding guide tube 6, 6' in the operating handle 2 along the first direction 5a, 5a' and is positioned in the corresponding wire guide 47, 47' of the control element 4, so that the wire is bent in the corresponding wire guide 47, 47' to form a wire bend, and so that the second wire portion 52, 52' extends across the pin spacing 44, 44' of the control element 4. Then, the control wires 5, 5' are bent to extend along the second direction 5b, 5b', and then they terminate at the third wire portion 53, 53' located at the wire end of the control wire 5, 5'. The wire guides 47, 47' each include a curved channel having a rounded surface at the entrance into the wire guides 47, 47', against which the wires 5, 5' abut to bend the wires, not at a geometric or mathematical angle, but providing a rounded wire portion. The respective angle 5c, 5c' between the first direction 5a, 5a' and the second direction 5b, 5b' is 20 to 40. The angle is the smallest angle measured in a common plane of the two directions and is measured between the directions extending from a common starting point.

[0111] Third, each third wire portion 53, 53' is pulled with forces (represented by F1, F2, respectively) applied parallel and coincident with the second direction of the corresponding control wire 5, 5', so as to tension the control wire 5, 5' to the first wire tension between the first wire portion and the third wire portion 54, 54'. The tension of each wire 5, 5' is adjusted to the desired tension and the controllable tip portion 33 is straight.

[0112] Fourth, if Figure 5a As shown, a liquid adhesive 7 is optionally applied to the region of the second wire portion 52 before the pins 9a are inserted into the pin spacing 44. The adhesive 7 is a cyanoacrylate adhesive.

[0113] Fifth, refer to Figure 5a and Figure 5b , the second wire portion 52 is located in the pin wire guide 94, and the pin 9a is inserted into the pin spacing 44 so that the pin snap portion 91a snaps into engagement with the associated snap portion of the wall 45 of the pin spacing 44, thereby fixing the pin 9a and the second wire portion 52 to the control element 4 to maintain the wire tension between the first wire portion and the second wire portion 52 by clamping the second wire portion 52 between the wall 45 of the pin spacing and the pin 9a. The wall 45 defines the pin spacing 44 by extending along the entire circumference of the pin 9a, and its cross-sectional shape is similar to the cross-sectional shape of the pin body 97a. The associated snap portion is Figure 5a and Figure 5b Not shown, but similar to that described below Figures 6a to 6d The associated snap portions 48, 48' shown in the pin embodiment. The second wire portion 52 is fixed by bending it around the first corner or edge 45a of the wall 45 and then around the first corner 95a of the pin 9a to form a first wire step. The second wire portion 52 then continues along the pin wire guide 94a until the second wire portion 52 is similarly bent around the second pin corner 95a' and the second wall corner 45b to form a second wire step. Each corner 45a, 45b, 95a, 95a' forms a substantially 90° bend of the second wire portion 52. Thus, the second wire portion 52 is fixed by clamping between the pin 9a and the wall 45 of the pin spacing 44 and by the first and second wire steps.

[0114] During the insertion of the pin 9a into the pin spacing 44, the elastic legs 92a, 92a' are deflected from their idle positions toward the center of the pin spacing 44 via the inclined bottom surfaces of the corresponding barbs 93a, 93a', and after the pin 9a is inserted into the pin spacing 44, the elastic legs 92a rebound to the idle position, so that the barbs 93a, 93a' snap into engagement with the associated snap portions to reach a position similar to Figure 6a and Figure 6dThe second wire portion 52 is then clamped between the pins 9 and is also held in its fixed position by the described wire step.

[0115] Figures 6a to 6d Alternative embodiments of the pins 9 and the pin walls 45 are shown, the pins being indicated by 9b to 9e respectively. Figure 6a and Figure 6c In the embodiment, the wall 45 and Figure 5a and Figure 5b The walls are the same. Figures 6a to 6d of Figure 5a and Figure 5b Similar or identical elements are denoted by the same reference numerals except that Figure 5a and Figure 5b The "a" in the reference numerals is replaced with letters of the corresponding embodiments of the pins 9b, 9c, 9d and 9e.

[0116] Figure 6a A second embodiment of the pin 9 is shown (designated 9b). In this embodiment, the wire guide 94b is provided as a linear through hole or hole extending directly through the pin 9b. Thus, the pin 9b is identical to the pin 9a, except that the slit of the wire guide 94b towards the pin 9b is closed.

[0117] Figure 6b Another embodiment of the wall 45 is shown (indicated as 45c). The pin 9c is identical to the pin 9b. This embodiment differs from the previous embodiment in that the wall 45c has been modified to include a wire guide 47a provided as a surface channel on the upper left portion of the wall 45c and a wire guide 47b similarly located on the upper right portion of the wall 45c. The wire 5 is located in the wire guides 47a, 47b.

[0118] Figure 6c Another embodiment of a pin 9 is shown, indicated as 9d, being a modified version of pin 9b. In pin 9d, a wire guide 94d is provided as a recess extending around the circumference of the body of pin 9b.

[0119] Figure 6d A fifth embodiment of the pin 9 (designated 9e) and the wall 45 (designated 45d) is shown. This embodiment is Figure 6b A modified version of the embodiment shown. Pin 9e is connected to Figure 6b The difference between the pin 9c of FIG. 4 and FIG. 4 is that the wire guide 94e is closer to the crack, so that the body 97e of the pin 9e is extended compared with the body of the pin 9c. In addition, the wall 45c is modified to include the wire guide 47b of the wall 45e at a lower position of the wall 45e, so that the wire guide is arranged to extend through the corresponding relative through holes of the wall 45e.

[0120] exist Figures 6a to 6dIn the embodiment of the present invention, the second wire portion 52 is similar to the combination of Figure 5a and Figure 5b The embodiments are fixed in the manner described.

[0121] Figures 7a to 7c The sixth embodiment of pin 9 (denoted as 9f) is shown inserted into the pin spacing 44f. Pin 9f is a modified version of pin 9a, specifically modified in that the pin has no pin buckle portion at the second end and no head at the first end. However, pin 9f may include these parts as further described below. Pin 9f includes a wire guide 94f and a body 97f. The top surface 96f is suitable for being pushed or knocked to push pin 9a into the pin spacing 44. Pin 9f includes two parallel legs 92f, 92f', each leg connected to the body 97f. These legs can be elastic, but not necessarily. Thus, pin 9f is configured as a split pin similar to pin 9a, wherein a crack is provided between the two legs 92f, 92f'. Similar to pin 9a, legs 92f, 92f' are arranged at a distance from each other, and a wire guide 94f is located between the elastic legs 92f, 92f', the wire guide 94f extending through the pin 9f, and the top is defined by a circular surface, the bottom is open, and the opening of the wire guide 94f leads to the crack. Alternatively, the wire guide can be set as a passage in the pin 9b to the pin 9e. The length of each elastic leg 92f, 92f' is approximately 6mm. These legs are identical and are positioned opposite to each other.

[0122] The pin 9f comprises an arm 98 which is integral with the body 97f and extends from the body 97f in a radial direction perpendicular to the longitudinal or length direction of the pin 9f. The arm 98 extends substantially straight in the transverse direction. The control element 4 comprises a track 49 defined by a transverse arm support in the form of track walls 49a, 49b having inner surfaces which extend in a circular shape, wherein they extend just above the pin spacing 44 to provide a spacing for inserting the pin 9f.

[0123] Figures 7a to 7c The sequential steps of inserting this pin 9f to attach the second wire portion 52 of the steering wire 5 to the control element 4 are shown, as explained below.

[0124] like Figure 7a As shown, the second wire portion 52 is located in the track 49, and the pin 9f is positioned so that the second wire portion 52 is located in the wire guide 94f, with the bottom of the pin 9f located at the entrance into the pin spacing 44. The pin 9f with the arm 98 is positioned in an initial rotational position.

[0125] Then, if Figure 7bAs shown, the pin 9f is rotated about 90 degrees in the counterclockwise direction by rotating the arm 98 to assume the rotated position shown in the figure. As a result, the second wire portion 52 is pulled to extend at least partially around the pin 9f, and in particular, a section of the wire portion 52 extends around the outer surface of each leg 92f, 92f', as shown. As a result, when the pin 9f is inserted into the pin spacing 44, the portion of the second wire portion 52 extending around the pin 9f is clamped between the pin 9f and the inner wall of the pin spacing 44, as shown. Figure 7c shown and as explained immediately below.

[0126] like Figure 7c As shown, the pin 9 f is then introduced into its final position in the pin spacing 44 , so that the second wire portion 52 is at least partially located within the pin spacing 44 .

[0127] The arm 98 can then subsequently be released (not shown). The tension of the tightened control wire 5 then pulls the arm 98 in a clockwise direction opposite to the direction in which the arm 98 rotates, so that the tension of the control wire 5 pushes the arm 98 against the inner surface of the track wall 49b to prevent the arm 98 from rotating further in the clockwise direction and fix the pin 9f in the pin spacing 44. Thus, the tension of the control wire 5 helps to fix the pin 9f in the pin spacing 44. In addition, compared to the previous embodiment, a larger portion of the second portion 52 of the control wire 5 is clamped between the pin 9f and the wall of the pin spacing 44, which provides a stronger fixation of the control wire 5.

[0128] The pin 9f can be combined with one of the pins 9a to 9e described above including one or more pin snap-in portions. Thus, the pin 9f can include Figure 3 and Figures 6a to 6d The pin buckle part, head, elastic leg, barb and / or associated buckle part of one of the embodiments of the present invention. After the arm 98 is rotated, when the pin 9f is pushed into the final insertion position, the pin buckle part of the pin 9f can then be buckled into the associated buckle part of the control element 4. Thus, the fixation of the pin 9f in the pin spacing 44 can be further improved. Alternatively or in addition, the arm 98 can include a pin buckle part at its bottom, for example, which can be buckled into the associated buckle part (for example, the barb on the inner surface of the track wall 49b) of the control element 4 in a manner similar to the buckle part of the above-mentioned pins 9a to 9e. In another or additional variant, the pin 9f includes a head, such as a head similar to the previous embodiment. The head (or the top surface 96f of the pin 9f, i.e., if there is no head) can include a recess for a rotating tool, such as a screwdriver slot for a screwdriver, for affecting the rotation of the pin 9f, in which case the recess, etc. can replace or supplement the arm 98. The head may include one or two or more flat side surfaces, for example rectangular in cross section, or circular in cross section with one or two chamfered surfaces. Figure 7aWhen the pin is in the initial position shown, a flat surface can mate with one of the inner surfaces of the walls 49a, 49b, which inner surface can also be flat, that is, in Figures 7a to 7c In the region of the pin shown, it is not circular. One of the head and / or wall 49a, 49b can further have enough flexibility to allow the head and pin to overcome the resistance between the heads when rotating, and in the initial position, the side surface of the pin facing the wall can be circular, so that it can rotate. After rotating the pin, this side surface of the pin facing the wall can be a flat surface facing or abutting the flat inner surface of the wall. Then, after rotation, the head and / or the wall can be basically returned to the undeformed initial position, thus when rotating the pin and these flat surfaces facing each other, the snap-on pin function can be realized. So, the resistance between the flat surface of the pin and the wall can provide the resistance that resists the pin to rotate back to the initial position, such as the resistance between the corner of the flat surface of the pin or the edge and the flat inner surface of the wall, so that rotation locking can be realized. In this embodiment, the pin can be fully inserted into the pin spacing and then rotated.

[0129] The skilled person will appreciate that further embodiments of the pins 9 and the wall 45 are conceivable within the scope of the invention. For example, the wire guide 47a may be provided as a surface depression of the wall 45 on one side of the pin 9 and as a through hole extending through the wall 45 on the other side of the pin 9.

[0130] List of Reference Numerals

[0131] 1 Endoscope

[0132] 2 Operating handle

[0133] 3 Insertion tube

[0134] 31 Proximal

[0135] 32 Remote

[0136] 33 Steerable tip

[0137] 33a First Direction

[0138] 33b Second direction

[0139] 4 Control elements

[0140] 41 Operating components

[0141] 42 Leverage

[0142] 43 Axis

[0143] 44 Pin Spacing

[0144] 45 wall

[0145] 46 Wall Corner

[0146] 47 Wire guide

[0147] 48 associated buckle portion

[0148] 49 tracks

[0149] 5 Control Wire

[0150] 5a, 5b Directions

[0151] 5c Angle

[0152] 52 Second wire part

[0153] 53 Third wire part

[0154] 6 wire support

[0155] 7 Adhesives

[0156] 9 Pins

[0157] 91 Pin buckle part

[0158] 92 Elastic Legs

[0159] 93 Barb

[0160] 94 Wire Guide

[0161] 95 Pin Corner

[0162] 96 Head

[0163] 97 Ontology

[0164] 98 Arm

Claims

1. A method for fixing a wire portion of an endoscope, the method comprising the following steps: a) Provide: - Operating handle, - an insertion tube having a proximal end and a distal end and having a steerable tip at the distal end; - a control element movable relative to the operating handle, the control element having a pin spacing defined by at least one wall of the control element, - a pin comprising a wire guide, and - a steering wire having a first wire portion connected to the steerable tip, a second wire portion, and a third wire portion, the second wire portion being located between the first wire portion and the third wire portion; b) pulling the third wire portion so as to tension the control wire; and c) inserting the pin into the pin spacing so that the second wire portion is positioned in the wire guide and clamped between the pin and at least one wall of the control element, thereby fixing the pin and the second wire portion to the control element to maintain wire tension between the first wire portion and the second wire portion.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: Step a) further includes providing a wire support, in which the control wire is guided and which is fixed to the operating handle, and wherein, in step b), the control wire extends from an outlet of the wire support along a first direction, and wherein the tension applied to the third wire portion extends along a second direction, and the angle between the first direction and the second direction is less than 120°.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The method further comprises the following steps: d) Applying adhesive to the second wire portion, in the pin spacing and / or on the pins.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The pin comprises a pin snap-in portion, and the pin spacing comprises an associated pin snap-in portion, and wherein step c) comprises inserting the pin into the pin spacing such that the pin snap-in portion snap-engages with the associated snap-in portion.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein: The pin latch portion and / or the associated latch portion comprises at least one elastic leg having a barb, wherein, in step c), during the insertion of the pin into the pin spacing, the elastic leg is deflected from an idle position, and after the pin is inserted into the pin spacing, the elastic leg returns to the idle position so that the barb engages in a snapping manner with the other of the pin latch portion and the associated latch portion.

6. The method according to claim 4, wherein: The pin catch portion comprises two elastic legs, each of which has a barb, the two elastic legs being arranged at a distance from each other, and the wire guide being located between the two elastic legs.

7. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: In step c), the second wire portion is fixed by bending the second wire portion around at least one corner or edge of the pin and / or the wall to form at least one wire step.

8. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: Step a) further comprises providing a first wire guide fixed to the control element, the wire guide being arranged adjacent to the pin spacing, and wherein, in step c), the steering wire is guided through the wire guide.

9. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The control wire is a first control wire, the pin is a first pin, and the pin spacing is a first pin spacing, and wherein: Step a) further comprises: providing a second manipulation wire having a first wire portion connected to the manipulable tip portion, a second wire portion, and a third wire portion, the second wire portion being located between the first wire portion and the third wire portion; and providing a second pin having a snap portion, and a second pin spacing having an associated pin snap portion; and The method further comprises the following steps: pulling the third wire portion of the second control wire to tension the second control wire, which step is performed simultaneously with step b) of the method; and The method further includes the following steps: inserting the second pin into the second pin spacing so that the pin snap-in portion snaps into engagement with the associated snap-in portion, thereby fixing the second pin and the second wire portion to the control element to maintain the wire tension between the first wire portion and the second wire portion, and this step is performed simultaneously with step c) of the method.

10. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The pin comprises an arm, and wherein, before or during step c), the pin is rotated by the arm to assume a rotated position, wherein the arm holds the pin in the rotated position when the pin is inserted into the pin spacing.

11. An endoscope, comprising: - Operating handle; - an insertion tube having a proximal end and a distal end and having a steerable tip at the distal end; - a control element movable relative to the operating handle, the control element having a pin spacing defined by at least one wall of the control element, - at least one tensioned steering wire having a first wire portion connected to the steerable tip portion and a second wire portion connected to the control element, the steering wire being tensioned between the first wire portion and the second wire portion; as well as - a pin located in the pin spacing, the pin comprising a wire guide and in which a portion of the wire is located; Therein, the second wire portion is connected to the control element by being clamped between the pin and at least one wall of the control element, such that the second wire portion is fixed relative to the control element.

12. The endoscope according to claim 11, wherein: The hardened adhesive bonds the second wire portion to the at least one wall and / or the pin.

13. The endoscope according to any one of claims 11 and 12, wherein: The pin and / or the at least one wall comprises at least one corner or edge, and wherein the second wire portion is bent around the at least one corner or edge to form at least one wire step.

14. The endoscope according to any one of claims 11 to 12, wherein: The control wire is a first control wire, and the pin is a first pin, and the pin spacing is a first pin spacing, wherein the control element further has a second pin spacing defined by at least one wall of the control element; and Wherein, the endoscope further comprises: - a second tensioned steering wire having a first wire portion connected to the steerable tip and a second wire portion connected to the control element, the steering wire being tensioned between the first wire portion and the second wire portion; and - a second pin, which is located in the second pin distance; Therein, the second wire portion of the second control wire is connected to the control element by being clamped between the pin and at least one wall of the control element, so that the second wire portion is fixed relative to the control element.

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