Endoscope with cleanable drum

Abstract

The invention relates to an endoscope (10) with a drum (20) or rotating module and an elongated rigid and / or flexible shaft tube (12), which rotatably supports the drum (20) about a first axis of rotation (18) at a distal end (14) by means of a bearing fork (16), and wherein an optical imaging system (22) is arranged in the drum (20). Here, the bearing fork (16) has at least one first fluid line (34) and at least one nozzle (36) in order to clean and / or cool the imaging system (22).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an endoscope with a cleanable rotating cylinder for medical applications. Background Technology

[0002] WO 2017 / 040692 A1 discloses an endoscope with a spherical rotating cylinder at an elongated rigid shaft tube, particularly for use as a disposable instrument. It is rotatably supported in a support fork (Lagergabel) at the distal end of the rigid shaft tube and is rotatable within the rigid shaft tube via control lines. The rotating cylinder contains an imaging system and is connected to electronic components within the rigid shaft tube, while simultaneously allowing fluid to be guided through the interior of the rigid shaft tube. The imaging system can be cleaned by swinging it into the interior of the rigid shaft tube, particularly in the direction of the imaging optics. In this swinging, clean position of the rotating cylinder, the imaging system can be flushed and cleaned by means of fluid within the rigid shaft tube.

[0003] The shaft, or shaft tube of a typical endoscope, may be implemented rigidly, flexibly, or partially flexibly. In the following, unless otherwise specified, shaft tube is understood as a rigid and / or flexible shaft tube.

[0004] In the clean position, the imaging system is thus separated from the operating area to be observed, and the tracking of the object in the operating area must be interrupted for cleaning. This can result in undesirable interruptions and damage to medical, especially surgical, procedures. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Based on the objective of this invention, an endoscope is proposed that enables cleaning during use of the endoscope while avoiding problems known in the prior art, and in this process, the line of sight is changed, for example by the operating area, and the temperature regulation, especially cooling, of the imaging system is improved.

[0006] Furthermore, the task is to describe a method for cleaning imaging systems.

[0007] This task is solved by means of an endoscope having the features of the following technical solution and by means of a method having the features of the following technical solution.

[0008] Advantageous implementation methods are objects of subordinate technical solutions.

[0009] According to the invention, the endoscope has a rotating cylinder or rotating module and an elongated rigid and / or flexible shaft tube, which rotatably supports the rotating cylinder about a first rotation axis at its distal end by means of a support fork, wherein an optical imaging system is arranged in the rotating cylinder. Here, the support fork has at least one first fluid line and at least one nozzle for cleaning and / or cooling the imaging system.

[0010] Within the scope of this invention, a rotating cylinder or rotating module is generally understood as a device for accommodating an imaging system, preferably a swingable or rotatable device at the distal end of a axial tube, and thus preferably known as a rotating cylinder within the scope of this invention, wherein in a preferred form it is a cylindrical rotating module.

[0011] The fluid is preferably understood as a liquid and / or gas within the scope of this invention, wherein for medical use, sterile fluids are preferred, such as purified oxygen as air / gas and physiological saline as liquid.

[0012] The exit hole from the fluid channel through the wall of the support fork is understood as a nozzle, which preferably has a smaller cross-section than the fluid line in order to spray fluid onto the object to be cleaned at a higher speed than in the fluid line.

[0013] Here, the invention surprisingly recognizes that the nozzles, applied in the support fork via the at least one first fluid line, can be arranged at a small spacing relative to the rotating drum and the imaging system. This allows for particularly effective flushing of the rotating drum with fluid to clean and / or cool / temperature the imaging system and / or deflect the inflow of contaminating fluid. Instead of flushing the entire operating area, the imaging system can be locally cleaned with a small amount of fluid, especially for use with airflow in a dry operating area. The smaller spacing and preferably the orientation of the at least one nozzle toward the imaging system allow for cleaning in a defined line-of-sight direction or area, without, for example, having to swing the rotating drum in a line-of-sight direction along the interior of the shaft.

[0014] Cooling of the rotating drum is necessary, especially due to the heat generated during the operation of the electronic components in imaging systems with electronic imagers and / or lighting equipment.

[0015] Typically, fluid lines can be used for temperature-controlled rotary drums. As an alternative for cooling, it is also necessary to preheat the imaging system to the desired ambient temperature in the operating area before operation. Generally, an increase in ambient temperature is expected, and preheating prevents fogging of the imaging optics. Especially to prevent fogging of the imaging optics in a dry operating area, a flow of fluid air or gas is sufficient.

[0016] The present invention further recognizes that fluid can also be drawn from the operating area via a fluid line within the support fork. This allows fluid potentially contaminating the imaging system to be removed. In particular, in this case, the nozzle can also be configured to have a cross-section larger than the fluid line in order to preferably reduce clogging / blockage of the nozzle caused by contaminated fluid, such as fabric residue.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, the support fork extends at least partially along the longitudinal axis of the endoscope relative to the field of view of the imaging system, preferably along the line of sight of the imaging system. At least one first nozzle is arranged at the distal end of the support fork to preferably clean the field of view of the imaging system with fluid. Specifically, the field of view of the imaging system can thus be cleaned directly without rinsing by means of a jet / fluid flow from the at least one first nozzle, thereby improving the cleaning effect through mechanical washing. Preferably, the support fork is extended such that the outer diameter of the distal end of the endoscope does not increase.

[0018] The extended support fork also provides advantageous protection against damage to the drum.

[0019] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the at least one first nozzle is oriented such that the fluid flow exits from the at least one first nozzle at an angle between 120° and 240°, preferably 180°, relative to the longitudinal axis of the tube. Thus, the imaging system can be cleaned, particularly with a 0° line of sight, during the guidance of the endoscope into the operating area.

[0020] Furthermore, preferably, at least one second nozzle is arranged in the region of the support position of the drum and points toward the at least one sidewall of the drum. The at least one second nozzle is preferably attached to the at least one first nozzle located at the distal end of the support fork. This increases and improves the outward flow of heat into the drum, thereby allowing for temperature regulation of the drum, particularly cooling of electronic components within it. Additionally, it allows for flushing of areas between the support fork and the sidewall of the drum that are normally difficult for fluid flow to access, and prevents contamination and jamming of the drum.

[0021] In one improved embodiment, the at least one sidewall of the rotating drum is preferably provided with a coating that enlarges the surface area of ​​the at least one sidewall with microstructures. This further improves heat transfer from the sidewall to the cooling fluid.

[0022] More preferably, fluid can be guided into the at least one first fluid line by means of at least one second fluid line inside the shaft tube.

[0023] Preferably, the at least one second fluid line is part of the working channel, which modularly preferably has an air line and / or a liquid supply line and a liquid drainage line. In particular, because the imaging system with the supply line is not arranged within the shaft tube, multiple channels, such as the air line, can be arranged within the shaft tube together with the liquid supply line and the liquid drainage line. Advantageously, a Überschaft around the shaft tube to the fluid line is not required, which increases the outer diameter of the shaft tube. The functionality of the at least one second fluid line may include optical device cleaning of the rotating drum and / or rear-side cooling of the drum and / or flushing and blowing of fluid into the operating area.

[0024] Advantageously, air lines are used in the dry operating area to dry the drum and / or cool the drum and the electronic components of the imaging system after cleaning the optics. Cleaning of the endoscope's optics can also be performed in the dry operating area in a cleaning position where the drum is rotated such that the field of view is oriented toward the distal end of the shaft and the working channel. In this cleaning position, the imaging system can be flushed with flushing fluid from the liquid supply line, wherein the flushing fluid can be removed using a liquid diversion line, thus minimizing leakage of flushing fluid into the dry operating area. Preferably, using an air line, the flushing fluid can be removed from the imaging system to prevent interference with the imaging system's field of view caused by droplet formation. More preferably, the liquid supply line and, preferably, the air line, can be configured as jet nozzles to improve cleaning effectiveness. For the water-containing or damp operating area or surrounding environment of the endoscope, preferably, the liquid supply line and liquid diversion line are arranged in the working channel to flush and temperature-regulate the drum and the operating area from the rear. For rinsing of medical operating areas, the spool is preferably configured such that it has a working channel hole and / or preferably a slit-shaped opening at its distal end on the peripheral side, to connect the at least one second fluid line, preferably at least a liquid drainage line, to the operating area and to remove the rinsing fluid from the operating area. In particular, the spool opens behind the rotating drum to ensure the free exit of the rinsing fluid, especially the rinsing water.

[0025] According to another embodiment, the support fork has first and second schenkels that pivotally support the rotating drum therebetween, wherein at least one first fluid line and at least one nozzle are constructed in each of the schenkels. Thus, the rotating drum can be cleaned and conditioned from both directions from the sides.

[0026] Preferably, at least one nozzle in the first leg of the support fork is connected to a fluid line, which is a liquid line, particularly a water line, and at least one nozzle in the second leg of the support fork is connected to a fluid line, which is a gas / air line. The liquid line allows for the flushing away of contaminants from the imaging system, particularly the imaging optics. The gas / air line, especially in dry operating environments, preferably prevents contamination caused by dust or fogging by providing a continuous flow into the imaging system.

[0027] According to a preferred improvement, the support fork of the rotary drum has a rounded distal end. Using this rounded end, the endoscope can be guided into the operating area with a lower risk of injury.

[0028] According to the teachings of the invention, the drum can be configured such that it can swing about a first axis of rotation by means of at least one control line, and the at least one control line of the drum extends on the outside of the shaft tube, preferably not confined to the working channel and the inner diameter of the shaft tube, and is fixed at the drum relative to the first axis of rotation by at least one lever distance.

[0029] Preferably, the at least one control line is wound along at least one winding curve onto the outer periphery of the drum. This allows for particularly simple implementation of the control mechanism and eliminates the need for maintenance of densely packed or easily damaged gears or transmissions and their supports.

[0030] More preferably, the at least one control line of the rotating drum is implemented as a supply line for the imaging system, preferably as a flexible circuit board or as a cable, for electronic circuitry inside the rotating drum. Thus, in addition to electrical or electronic control of the rotating drum, mechanical control, particularly oscillation, can also be achieved through the control line.

[0031] The supply line may have electronic circuitry or imaging systems, particularly electronically adjustable imaging optics and / or electronic imagers, and / or sensors, preferably with LED illumination devices. By using the supply line simultaneously as a control line, it is particularly advantageous to omit another control line for the rotation of the drum.

[0032] The at least one second fluid line, either optional or additional to the shaft tube, may also be connected to another external fluid line. This external fluid line is preferably guided on the outside / outside of the shaft tube along with the at least one control line of the rotating drum. Thus, the working passage inside the shaft tube can be used for another function.

[0033] The external fluid line may alternatively be wound around the drum along with the at least one control line, and is configured to flush the operating area with fluid.

[0034] Particularly preferably, at least one control line is guided in a recess, preferably with a protective journal on the outside of the shaft tube, wherein the recess extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft tube. Thus, the at least one control line is guided in a space-saving and form-fitting manner on the outside of the shaft tube, so as to protect the at least one control line from external mechanical influences and, on the other hand, prevent the risk of damage or fabric entrapment during operation.

[0035] For the control of the rotating drum, a reset device is preferably arranged at the drum, preferably a rotational spring in the support portion of the drum. Here, the rotational spring counteracts the mechanical torque of the at least one control line under tension, so as to return the oscillating drum to its initial position. The rotational spring therefore preferably counteracts the operation of the at least one control line in such a way that the at least one control line does not need to be loaded with pressure for the rotation of the drum and a flexible control line can be used.

[0036] Alternatively or additionally, the drum can be guided back on the opposite side via another control line and / or can be operated by pressure via a shape-stabilized control line, a Bowdenzug, or a control lever or rack.

[0037] As a further alternative, another control line may preferably be constructed as a wire, wherein the reset device, preferably a spring, especially a helical spring, is preferably fixed in a handle for resetting the drum.

[0038] Preferably, the working channel is constructed within a shaft tube for accommodating at least one instrument and / or has at least one instrument, so that medical procedures can preferably be performed in the operating area, and particularly in the field of view of the imaging system. Here, the at least one instrument has a controllable tool at its distal end, such as a scissor-type cutting tool or a punching tool. The accommodation of the at least one instrument may be supplemented or alternatively provided by the at least one second fluid line disposed within the shaft tube. A relatively large working channel can be used for at least one instrument and simultaneously a large number of second fluid lines, in addition to externally located control lines and, particularly, externally located supplies for the imaging system.

[0039] In the improved design, the shaft tube opens in the upper section, while the at least one control line is guided in the opposite lower section, preferably allowing the flexible instrument to be adjusted / bent along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft tube within the opened upper section. Thus, the instrument, particularly the functional components and tools at the distal end of the at least one instrument, can exit from the shaft tube and be brought into the operating area, while the operating area can be closely monitored using an imaging system within the rotating drum.

[0040] In another embodiment, the support fork is rotatable about a second axis of rotation, wherein the at least one nozzle is preferably connected along the axis to the at least one second fluid line and / or another external fluid line by means of a flexible hose connection.

[0041] Particularly for the use of endoscopes with at least one instrument, it is preferably configured such that the support fork is pivotally fixed to the shaft tube about a second axis of rotation, and the working channel opens along the longitudinal axis while the support fork is pivoting, in order to guide the instrument from the working channel into the operating area, wherein the support fork is preferably controllable by another control line. This other control line is preferably also guided on the outside of the shaft tube so as not to confine the working channel inside the shaft tube. With this embodiment, a particularly rigid instrument can be guided into the operating area parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft tube. Furthermore, by means of the rotation of the drum about the second axis of rotation, a preferably flexible instrument can be bent in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft tube. In addition to the guidance of the at least one instrument, the pivotable support fork advantageously enables a wider field of view for the imaging system, also for example, behind obstructions, corners, or along the outside of the shaft tube. Thus, the function of guiding, for example, the at least one control line along the shaft tube can also be checked by means of the imaging system. Furthermore, the open working channel facilitates the flushing or suction of fluid from the operating area.

[0042] Alternatively or additionally, the support fork may also be connected to the shaft tube by means of a flexible or elastically deformable element, wherein the flexible element provides a passive restoring force so that the support fork swings about a second axis of rotation and opens the working channel for the instrument.

[0043] Preferably, the outer diameter of the shaft tube is 3 mm to 6 mm, and more preferably the rotating cylinder does not exceed this outer diameter. Such a shaft tube is suitable for a wide range of non-invasive medical procedures.

[0044] In another preferred embodiment, multiple control lines can be wound along the periphery of the rotating cylinder on different winding curves, particularly at different intervals relative to the axis of rotation, so as to implement different rotational adjustments of the cylinder while maintaining the same adjustment path for the control lines. In particular, the adjustment path is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft tube, and different rotational adjustments can result in a predetermined line-of-sight direction for the imaging system or different rotational speeds, wherein, while maintaining the same adjustment path for the control lines, the rotational adjustment of the cylinder decreases relative to the first axis of rotation of the cylinder at increasingly smaller intervals. The tension required for the rotational adjustment can also be set by different intervals.

[0045] Particularly preferably, different winding curves are arranged in succession along the first axis of rotation on the periphery of the rotating drum, wherein preferably the winding curves are arranged with a smaller spacing relative to the first axis of rotation in the direction of the outer side of the rotating drum.

[0046] The present invention also relates to a method for cleaning an imaging system of an endoscope described above, preferably with a rotating cylinder, wherein the rotating cylinder is first oscillated along the line of sight, preferably in a direction away from the shaft tube, to inspect, for example, the operating area, and then persistently, or at least sometimes, loaded with a fluid flow from at least one fluid line through at least one nozzle within a support fork of the rotating cylinder. Thus, the imaging system can be cleaned without interrupting or affecting the operation. Attached Figure Description

[0047] Further advantages and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention and from the illustrative drawings.

[0048] in:

[0049] Figure 1a A side view is shown of the distal end of an endoscope with a rotating drum and a support fork containing fluid lines.

[0050] Figure 1b It shows that according to Figure 1a The longitudinal section of the rotating drum;

[0051] Figure 2a The diagram shows the first and second nozzles in the support fork. Figure 1a A side view of the endoscope;

[0052] Figure 2b It shows the direction along the longitudinal axis according to Figure 2a A top view of an endoscope;

[0053] Figure 3a The basis for a support fork with rotatable support is shown. Figure 1a A side view of the endoscope;

[0054] Figure 3b The basis for the support fork with instrumentation and swing is shown. Figure 3a A side view of the endoscope.

[0055] The same elements or elements with the same function are given the same reference numerals in the drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0056] exist Figure 1a The image shows an endoscope 10 with a rotating cylinder 20 at the distal end 14 of an extended rigid shaft tube 12, wherein the rotating cylinder 20 is rotatably supported about a rotation axis 18 by means of a support fork 16 at the distal end 14 of the shaft tube 12.

[0057] As in Figure 1bAs shown in detail, an optical imaging system 22 is arranged in the rotating drum 20, which preferably includes an electronic imager 24, an imaging optics device 26, and an illumination device 28.

[0058] The viewing direction 32 of the imaging system 22 can swing at an angle α relative to the longitudinal axis 30 of the shaft tube 12, wherein the support fork 16 does not restrict the viewing direction 32 of the imaging system 26. By rotating the tube 20 and thus swinging the viewing direction 32, an angle α preferably exceeding 130° can be covered. By rotating the shaft tube 12 about the longitudinal axis 30, the observation area of ​​the imaging system 22 can be widened.

[0059] As in Figure 1a and Figure 2a As shown, the support fork 16 has at least one first fluid line 34 and at least one nozzle 36 for cleaning and / or cooling the imaging system 22.

[0060] The support fork 16 preferably extends along the longitudinal axis 30 of the shaft tube 18 relative to the field of view 38 of the imaging system 22. For example, in Figure 1a As shown, at least one first nozzle 36, 40 is arranged at the distal end 42 of the support fork 16 to clean the field of view 38 of the imaging system 22 with a fluid flow 44. When the support fork 16 extends along the longitudinal axis 30, the field of view 38 can be cleaned in a line-of-sight direction 32 with an angle α of 0°. Particularly preferably, in this position, the endoscope 10 can be guided to the operating area, wherein the field of view 38 can be cleaned simultaneously with the at least one first nozzle 36, 40.

[0061] Preferably, the at least one first nozzle 36, 40 is oriented such that the fluid flow 44 exits from the at least one first nozzle 36, 40 at an angle α between 120° and 240°, preferably 180°, relative to the longitudinal axis 30 of the shaft tube 12. Thus, the field of view 38 of the imaging system 22 can be cleaned over a large area even at a small distance relative to the at least one first nozzle 36, 40. In particular, in the case of a small distance, cleaning can be improved by the oscillation of the rotating drum 20.

[0062] alternative sites, in Figure 1a The fluid flow 44 shown can also be reversed to remove fluid or potentially contaminating media in front of the field of view 38 and thus prevent contamination of the field of view 38.

[0063] As in Figure 2a As presented, preferably at least one second nozzle 36, 41, preferably a large number of second nozzles 36, 41, are arranged in the region of the support position 50 of the rotating drum 20. The at least one second nozzle 36, 41 is arranged according to... Figure 2bThe at least one sidewall 52 of the rotating drum 20 is oriented towards it for temperature regulation, particularly cooling. Figure 2b A fluid flow 44 is presented toward the at least one sidewall 52 of the rotating drum 20 and toward the field of view 38 of the imaging system 22. The fluid from the at least one second nozzle 36, 41 may be a gas and / or a liquid, wherein the liquid improves heat transfer and the gas is preferably available in a dry operating area.

[0064] Particularly preferably, the at least one sidewall 52 of the rotating drum 20 is provided with a coating that increases the surface area of ​​the at least one sidewall 52 with unexposed microstructures in order to further improve heat transfer.

[0065] Preferably, according to Figure 1a or Figure 2a Fluid can be guided into the at least one first fluid line 34 via at least one second fluid line 56 within the shaft tube 12. Here, the at least one second fluid line 56 is preferably arranged in the working channel 62 of the shaft tube 12.

[0066] Preferably, the support fork 16 is based on Figure 2b It has first and second legs 46, 48 for pivotally supporting the drum 20 therebetween, wherein at least one first fluid line 34 and at least one nozzle 36 are constructed in each of the legs 46, 48.

[0067] Preferably, as in Figure 2a As shown, the at least one first nozzle 36,40 and the at least one second nozzle 36,41 are connected by a common first fluid line 34. Alternatively, a plurality of first fluid lines 34 may be provided to supply, for example, different fluids to the at least one first nozzle 36,40 and the at least one second nozzle 36,41. Thus, the at least one second nozzle 36,41 may preferably be filled with liquid to improve heat transfer and temperature regulation of the rotating drum 20. Here, the at least one first nozzle 36,40 may preferably be filled with gas or air to clean the field of view 38 of the imaging system 22. A number of other combinations are possible here, depending particularly on the environmental conditions in the operating area. For example, for a dry operating area, it may be preferred that only gas or air flows, and for a humid operating area, it may be preferred that only liquid flows.

[0068] Furthermore, variations in the first fluid line 34 may also relate to the two legs 46, 48. Thus, at least one nozzle 36 in the first leg 46 of the support fork 16 may be connected to a liquid line, particularly a water line, and at least one nozzle 36 in the second leg 48 may be connected to a gas / air line.

[0069] Particularly preferably, the support fork 16 of the rotating drum 20 is based on Figure 1a or Figure 2a It has a rounded distal end 42.

[0070] As in Figure 1a or Figure 2a As presented, the rotating drum 20 is preferably oscillating about a first axis of rotation 18 by means of a control line 58, wherein the control line 58 extends on the outer / outer surface 60 of the shaft tube 12, preferably without restricting the working channel 62 inside the shaft tube 12 and the inner diameter of the shaft tube 12. The control line 58 is fixed at the rotating drum 20 with a lever distance a relative to the first axis of rotation 18. Preferably, the rotating drum 20 is rotatable by the movement of the control line 58 parallel to the longitudinal axis 30 of the shaft tube 12.

[0071] Rotating drum 20 according to Figure 1a and Figure 1b Preferably implemented in a spherical or cylindrical shape, wherein the rotating cylinder 20 is preferably flattened (abgeflacht, sometimes also called truncated tip) perpendicular to the line of sight 32 of the imaging system 22, so as to accommodate the imaging optics 26 and the illumination device 28, preferably as two LEDs, in the flattened area.

[0072] As in Figure 1b As shown, the control line 58 is preferably wound around the winding curve 70 along the outer periphery of the rotating drum 20. Particularly preferably, the control line 58 is wound such that the rotating drum 20 can rotate from a line of sight 32 along the longitudinal axis 30 of the shaft tube 12 at at least an angle α between 0° and 180°, and such a line of sight 32 is oriented towards the interior of the shaft tube 12 and the working channel 62. For the oscillation of the rotating drum 20, the control line 58 is at least partially flexible in that it is wound around the winding curve 58 of the rotating drum 20. Here, the winding curve 58 is preferably circular or elliptical along the outer periphery.

[0073] As in Figure 3a and Figure 3b As shown, in an improved embodiment, the support fork 16 is rotatable about a second axis of rotation 64, wherein the at least one nozzle 36 is preferably connected along the shaft tube 12 by means of a flexible hose connection 66 to the at least one second fluid line 56 and / or another external fluid line.

[0074] Preferably, the rotatable support fork 16 is used around the second rotation axis 64, as in Figure 3b As shown, the working channel 62 may be configured to accommodate and / or have an instrument 68. The instrument 68 may have a tool 72, such as a cutting tool or a punching tool, at its distal end, which may be matched to a corresponding medical procedure.

[0075] In the swinging state of the support fork 16, according to Figure 3b The working channel 62 is opened along the longitudinal axis 30 such that the preferably rigid instrument 68 can be guided from the working channel 62 into the operating area. The support fork 16 can preferably be controlled by a separate control line or another operating mechanism not shown. Preferably, an operating mechanism for a flexible shaft tube is known, for example, by US 2015 / 0359420 A1.

[0076] By swinging the support fork 16, the field of view 38 of the rotating drum 20 can also be widened, so as to obtain, for example, the field of view 38 of the imaging system 22 covered by the shaft tube 12 itself, or to observe the rear corner or obstruction.

[0077] The present invention also relates to a method for cleaning an imaging system 22 with a rotating drum 20, wherein the rotating drum 20 is according to Figure 1a The system oscillates along the line of sight 32, preferably at an angle α of 0°, to inspect, for example, the operating area. Subsequently, the imaging system 22 is persistently, or at least sometimes, loaded with fluid flow 44 from at least one nozzle 36 within the support fork 16 of the rotary drum 20, preferably from the at least one first nozzle 36, 40.

[0078] In this regard, the endoscope 10 described can be changed or modified in various forms and ways without departing from the inventive concept. For example, it is conceivable that the extended portion of the support fork 16 relative to the imaging system 22 can rotate together with the rotating cylinder 20 in a fixed manner so as to clean the imaging system independently of the swing position of the rotating cylinder 20.

[0079] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the cleaning and / or temperature control of the rotating drum 20 or imaging system 22 is coupled to or automated with a regulation loop so that, for example, once contamination is preferably detected by the imager 24, a specific temperature is set or the imaging system 22 is cleaned.

[0080] Reference Symbol List

[0081] 10. Endoscope

[0082] 12 shaft tubes

[0083] 14. The distal end of the shaft tube

[0084] 16 Support forks

[0085] 18 First axis of rotation

[0086] 20 Rotary Drums

[0087] 22 Imaging System

[0088] 24 Electronic Imager

[0089] 26 Imaging Optical Devices

[0090] 28 Lighting equipment

[0091] 30 Longitudinal axis of the shaft tube

[0092] 32. Line of sight of imaging optical devices

[0093] 34 First Fluid Pipeline

[0094] 36 nozzles

[0095] 38 Field of view of the imaging system

[0096] 40 First nozzle

[0097] 41 Second nozzle

[0098] 42. The distal end of the support fork

[0099] 44 Fluid Flow

[0100] 46. ​​The first leg of the support fork

[0101] 48. The second leg of the support fork

[0102] 50 Support position of the rotating drum

[0103] 52. Side wall of the rotating drum

[0104] 54. Surface of the sidewall

[0105] 56 Second Fluid Pipeline

[0106] 58 Control lines for the rotating drum

[0107] 60 outer side of the shaft tube

[0108] 62 work channels

[0109] 64 Second axis of rotation

[0110] 66 Flexible hose connection

[0111] 68 Instruments

[0112] 70 Winding Curve

[0113] 72 tools

[0114] a lever spacing

[0115] α is the angle between the line of sight and the longitudinal axis.

Claims

1. An endoscope (10) having a rotating module and an extended rigid and / or flexible shaft tube (12), which rotatably supports the rotating module at its distal end (14) about a first rotation axis (18) by means of a support fork (16), and wherein an optical imaging system (22) is arranged in the rotating module, characterized in that, The support fork (16) has at least one first fluid line (34) and at least one nozzle (36) for cleaning and / or cooling the imaging system (22). The position of the support fork (16) relative to the field of view (38) of the imaging system (22) extends at least partially along the longitudinal axis (30) of the shaft tube (12), wherein at least one first nozzle (36, 40) is arranged at the distal end (42) of the support fork (16) to clean the field of view (38) of the imaging system (22) with fluid, wherein the line of sight (32) of the imaging system (22) can swing at an angle (α) relative to the longitudinal axis (30) of the shaft tube (12), and the field of view (38) can be cleaned in the case of the line of sight (32) with an angle (α) of 0°.

2. The endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rotating module is a rotating drum (20).

3. The endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one first nozzle (36, 40) is oriented such that the fluid flow (44) exits from the at least one first nozzle (36, 40) at an angle (α) between 120° and 240° relative to the longitudinal axis (30) of the shaft tube (12).

4. The endoscope according to claim 3, characterized in that, At least one first nozzle (36, 40) is oriented such that the fluid flow (44) exits from the at least one first nozzle (36, 40) at an angle (α) of 180° relative to the longitudinal axis (30) of the shaft tube (12).

5. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, At least one second nozzle (36, 41) is arranged in the region of the support position (50) of the rotating module and points toward at least one sidewall (52) of the rotating module.

6. The endoscope according to claim 5, characterized in that, The rotating module having a coating that enlarges the surface (54) of the at least one sidewall (52) has microstructures on the at least one sidewall (52).

7. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, Fluid can be guided into the at least one first fluid line (34) by means of at least one second fluid line (56) inside the shaft tube (12).

8. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The support fork (16) has first and second legs (46, 48) and the rotating module is pivotally supported therebetween, wherein at least one first fluid line (34) and at least one nozzle (36) are constructed in each of the legs (46, 48).

9. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The support fork (16) of the rotating module has a rounded distal end (42).

10. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The rotating module is oscillating about a first rotation axis (18) by means of at least one control line (58), and the at least one control line (58) of the rotating module extends on the outside / outside (60) of the shaft tube (12) and is fixed at the rotating module with at least one lever distance (a) relative to at least one of the first rotation axes (18).

11. The endoscope according to claim 10, characterized in that, The at least one control line (58) of the rotating module extends on the outside / outer side (60) of the shaft tube (12) without restricting the working channel (62) inside the shaft tube (12) and the inner diameter of the shaft tube (12).

12. The endoscope according to claim 7, characterized in that, The support fork (16) is rotatable about a second rotation axis (64), wherein at least one nozzle (36) is connected to at least one second fluid line (56) and / or an additional external fluid line along the shaft tube (12).

13. The endoscope according to claim 7, characterized in that, The support fork (16) is rotatable about a second axis of rotation (64), wherein at least one nozzle (36) is connected to at least one second fluid line (56) and / or another external fluid line along the shaft tube (12) by means of a flexible hose connection (66).

14. A method for cleaning an imaging system (22) of an endoscope (10) with a rotating module, wherein the endoscope (10) is an endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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