Knob assembly, operating unit and electronic endoscope

Abstract

This invention discloses a knob assembly for the operation part of an electronic endoscope. The operation part includes an upper shell serving as a housing. The knob assembly, arranged coaxially from the outside to the inside of the housing, includes a first knob, a second knob, a second gear, and a first gear, wherein the first knob can drive the first gear to rotate, the second knob can drive the second gear to rotate, and the second gear and the first gear are located inside the housing. An operation part and an electronic endoscope are also disclosed, which can reduce costs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical devices, and in particular to a knob assembly, an operating part, and an electronic endoscope. Background Technology

[0002] In the medical and industrial fields, electronic endoscopes with slender insertion sections that can be inserted into body cavities or tubing are widely used. When using a medical electronic endoscope for endoscopic examination or endoscopic surgery, the insertion section of the endoscope is inserted into the body cavity along a tortuous section such as the esophagus or small and large intestine. The operator manipulates the manipulation section, causing the curved portion located at the distal end of the insertion section to bend in different directions. The observation optical system located at the distal end of the insertion section obtains an image of the desired observation site, which the operator can then use for observation, diagnosis, imaging, treatment, etc.

[0003] However, the complex structures and high prices of currently available electronic endoscopes used as interventional treatment devices mean they can only be reused. There is a need for an electronic endoscope that can perform the basic functions of an interventional treatment device while also having a simple structure that allows for low-cost manufacturing. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to solve the problem of high cost caused by the complex structure of electronic endoscopes used as interventional treatment devices. This invention provides an electronic endoscope that can be used as an interventional treatment device, and its simple structure makes lower-cost manufacturing possible.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides various electronic endoscope components, each capable of performing its own function in accordance with the above-mentioned objectives, and which, when combined, can be used to manufacture an electronic endoscope that meets the above-mentioned objectives.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a knob assembly for the operation part of an electronic endoscope. The operation part includes an upper shell serving as a housing. The knob assembly includes, in order from the outside to the inside of the housing, a first knob, a second knob, a second gear, and a first gear arranged in sequence and coaxially. The first knob can drive the first gear to rotate, the second knob can drive the second gear to rotate, and the second gear and the first gear are located inside the housing.

[0007] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present invention can reduce costs.

[0008] In one possible implementation of the first aspect described above, the first knob and the second knob each have a gear shaft extending inward toward the housing, and the gear shaft of the second knob is a hollow structure through which the gear shaft of the first knob can pass.

[0009] In one possible implementation of the first aspect described above, the second gear has a lower ring on the side facing outward from the housing, and the lower ring of the second gear has an axially extending slot for axially engaging with the longitudinal teeth on the gear shaft of the second knob so that the second gear rotates with the rotation of the second knob.

[0010] In one possible implementation of the first aspect described above, the second gear has an inner ring on the side facing inwards from the housing, and the lower ring of the second gear communicates with its inner ring to form a second channel. The gear shaft of the first knob passes through the hollow gear shaft of the second knob and the second channel, and then connects with the first gear to drive the first gear to rotate.

[0011] In one possible implementation of the first aspect described above, the first gear has a lower ring on the side facing outward from the housing and an inner ring on the side facing inward from the housing. The lower ring of the first gear and its inner ring communicate to form a first channel. The first channel has internal teeth for meshing with the gear shaft of the first knob, so that the first gear rotates with the rotation of the first knob.

[0012] In one possible implementation of the first aspect described above, the upper shell is provided with a corresponding opening through which the gear shaft of the second knob can pass, the opening allowing the gear shaft of the second knob to rotate therein, and a bushing extending into the shell is provided at the opening, the length of the gear shaft of the second knob being set such that when the gear shaft of the second knob extends into the opening, its top is substantially the same height as the bushing.

[0013] In one possible implementation of the first aspect described above, the top end of the gear shaft of the first knob is provided with a screw hole, and the length of the gear shaft of the first knob is set such that, after assembly, the top end of the gear shaft of the first knob is flush with the top end of the inner ring of the first gear.

[0014] In one possible implementation of the first aspect described above, the second gear and the first gear each have an outer ring on the side facing inward toward the housing, and the outer ring is located outside the inner ring.

[0015] In one possible implementation of the first aspect described above, the inner and outer rings of the first gear and the inner and outer rings of the second gear have the same height, the lower ring of the first gear has a height greater than the heights of the inner and outer rings of the second gear, and its diameter is smaller than the diameter of the outer ring but larger than the diameter of the inner ring.

[0016] In one possible implementation of the first aspect described above, a slot with an opening in the same direction is provided on the ring wall of the outer ring of the first gear and the second gear.

[0017] In one possible implementation of the first aspect described above, the operating unit further includes a lower housing, with a lower locking pin on the inner wall of the lower housing and an upper locking pin on the inner wall of the upper housing; the lower locking pin is positioned to engage with the external teeth of the first gear, and the upper locking pin is positioned to engage with the external teeth of the second gear.

[0018] In one possible implementation of the first aspect described above, a PU tube is sleeved on the upper locking post and / or the lower locking post.

[0019] Secondly, embodiments of the present invention provide an operating part for an electronic endoscope, including a knob assembly as described in any of the embodiments of the first aspect. The beneficial effects achievable in the second aspect can be referenced to the beneficial effects of the knob assembly provided in any embodiment of the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0020] Thirdly, embodiments of the present invention provide an electronic endoscope, including the operating part of any of the embodiments of the second aspect described above. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic endoscope provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the distal end face structure of the anterior end of an electronic endoscope in the prior art;

[0023] Figure 3 A three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the camera element protective cover of the insertion portion of an electronic endoscope provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the air / water flow direction of the camera element protective cover of the insertion part of the electronic endoscope provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of the front end of the insertion portion of an electronic endoscope provided for an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 6 A perspective view of the operating part of an electronic endoscope provided for an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 7 A perspective view of the operating section of an electronic endoscope provided in an embodiment of the present invention from another angle;

[0028] Figure 8 A perspective view of the internal structure of the operating part after removing the lower shell, provided for an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 9 An exploded view of the knob assembly of the operating part provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 10a A schematic diagram of the structure of one side of the first gear provided for an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 10b for Figure 10a A schematic diagram of the structure of the other side of the first gear;

[0032] Figure 11a A schematic diagram of one side of the second gear provided for an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 11b for Figure 11a A schematic diagram of the structure of the other side of the second gear;

[0034] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the internal structure of the lower shell provided for an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 13 A schematic diagram of the internal structure of the upper shell provided for an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 14 A schematic diagram of the structure of the tee fitting provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 15 An installation state diagram of the connector provided for an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 16 A schematic diagram of the connector provided for an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The following specific embodiments illustrate the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of the present invention from the content disclosed in this specification. Although the description of the present invention will be presented in conjunction with preferred embodiments, this does not mean that the features of this invention are limited to this embodiment. On the contrary, the purpose of describing the invention in conjunction with embodiments is to cover other options or modifications that may be derived based on the claims of the present invention. To provide a deep understanding of the present invention, many specific details will be included in the following description, and the present invention may also be implemented without using these details. Furthermore, to avoid confusion or obscuring the focus of the present invention, some specific details will be omitted in the description. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other.

[0040] It should be noted that in this specification, similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0041] In the description of this embodiment, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "inner", "bottom", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship that the product of the invention is usually placed in during use. They are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0042] In the description of this embodiment, it should be noted that the terms "near" and "far" are relative positional relationships. When an operator operates a device to process a target object, the side of the device closer to the operator is "near", and the side closer to the target object is "far".

[0043] The terms “first”, “second”, etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be interpreted as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0044] In the description of this embodiment, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set up," "connected," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this embodiment based on the specific circumstances.

[0045] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention clearer, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0046] An electronic endoscope is a medical electro-optical instrument that integrates optical, mechanical, and electronic technologies. It can be inserted into the cavities of the human body and organs for direct observation, diagnosis, and treatment. It uses extremely small electronic imaging elements to image the objects inside the cavity being observed through a tiny objective lens optical system. The received image signals are then sent to an image processing system, and finally, the processed image is output on a monitor for doctors to observe and diagnose. Electronic endoscopes include electronic gastroscopes, electronic duodenoscopes, and electronic colonoscopes, among others.

[0047] The electronic endoscope and its components provided in the embodiments of the present invention can be used as the aforementioned electronic gastroscope, electronic duodenoscope, electronic colonoscope, and other living endoscopes, as well as in any other suitable applications. That is, provided the dimensions are compatible, the electronic endoscope and its components provided in the embodiments of the present invention can be used in any application requiring endoscopy, such as in industry. The following usage scenarios are merely examples and should not be construed as limiting the electronic endoscope provided by the present invention.

[0048] Gastroscopy is a medical examination method, and also refers to the instrument used in this examination. It involves inserting a thin, flexible tube into the stomach, allowing doctors to directly observe lesions in the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, especially minute lesions. Gastroscopy allows direct observation of the examined area and, through pathological biopsy and cytological examination of suspicious lesions, further clarifies the diagnosis, making it the preferred examination method for upper gastrointestinal tract diseases.

[0049] During a gastroscopy, diseased tissue is magnified, allowing doctors to have a clear view of the stomach and obtain a comprehensive view of any lesions. The examination is thorough, non-invasive, and highly accurate. The procedure is safe and quick, patients are not nervous beforehand, experience no discomfort during the examination, and recover quickly afterward. This results in more accurate examination results, which is beneficial for diagnosis and treatment.

[0050] Gastroscopy is not only used for diagnosing diseases, but also plays a significant role in interventional treatment of gastric diseases. Under direct visualization with a gastroscope, polyps can be directly removed using a high-frequency electrosurgical unit, completely eliminating the need for traditional open surgery and preventing malignant transformation of the polyps. Electronic gastroscopy has become a very common diagnostic method.

[0051] However, electronic endoscopes currently sold on the market as interventional devices, or electronic gastroscopes and colonoscopes specifically for examining the stomach and intestines, are very expensive. To minimize the burden on patients, healthcare workers can only reuse them by manually cleaning them. However, even with strict adherence to cleaning procedures, bacteria can still remain on these devices, potentially leading to infection in patients. In fact, even in relatively well-equipped medical institutions in the United States and Europe, there have been cases of cross-infection among patients due to the reuse of endoscopes. Worse still, these devices can even contribute to the spread of drug-resistant infections, for which there are currently almost no cures.

[0052] Therefore, there is an urgent need for an electronic endoscope that can prevent infections caused by incomplete cleaning. Furthermore, it is also crucial that it be low-cost, otherwise it will remain unaffordable for patients. Clearly, when the cost is low enough, a low-cost electronic endoscope can be used as a disposable endoscope, which would completely solve the problem of secondary infections caused by incomplete cleaning of the endoscope.

[0053] After extensive research, the inventors learned that the high cost was mainly due to the overly complex structure of current electronic endoscopes. This complex structure not only made manufacturing more difficult but also increased the requirements for materials.

[0054] This invention provides an electronic endoscope and corresponding independently manufacturable and usable components included in this electronic endoscope. The electronic endoscope provided by this invention improves upon its structure or materials, while fulfilling many of the basic functions of an electronic endoscope, and also enables lower costs in production, manufacturing, and use, and can even be used as a disposable electronic endoscope.

[0055] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic endoscope 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 The structure of an electronic endoscope 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The electronic endoscope 100 includes an operation section 200 and an elongated insertion section 300 located at the distal end of the operation section 200.

[0056] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the distal end face structure of the front end of an electronic endoscope in the prior art. Figure 2 The distal end face structure of the anterior end portion of a prior art electronic endoscope is shown. Figure 2 As shown, in the prior art, the insertion part has a front end portion a located at the farthest end of the insertion part. The front end portion a is formed of a rigid material. A camera element b, an illumination element, an air / water supply channel outlet c, and a clamping channel outlet are provided on the far end face of the front end portion a. The air / water supply channel outlet c, in addition to supplying air or water, also serves to clean the outer surface of the camera element b. Figure 2 The radial lines d in the diagram indicate the state of gas / water being ejected from the outlet c of the gas / water delivery channel.

[0057] In existing technology, a transparent protective lens is provided around the camera element b on the distal end face of the front end a. Without affecting the image quality of the camera element, this protective lens, together with the front end a, isolates the camera element b from the outside world, preventing external liquids such as bodily fluids from seeping into the camera element b or its connected cables and causing damage. Simultaneously, an air / water supply channel outlet c is also provided on the distal end face of the front end a. This outlet is formed by a flat metal tube (usually stainless steel), protruding from the distal end face, bent parallel to the distal end face, and its outlet faces the camera element b. Thus, when the operator operates air or water supply, air or water is introduced into the body through the endoscope along the air / water supply channel outlet c. As the air or water flows out of the air / water supply channel outlet c, it can also clean or sweep the protective lens of the camera element b. However, using a bent flat metal tube as the air / water supply channel outlet c results in high material costs and significant manufacturing difficulties. Due to the need to ensure a tight seal, installing the bent metal flat tube at the front end 'a' is also quite difficult. All of these factors contribute to the high cost of this existing solution.

[0058] Figure 3This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the camera element protective cover 310 of the insertion part 300 of the electronic endoscope 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the air / water flow direction of the camera element protective cover 310 of the insertion part 300 of an electronic endoscope 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Based on the consideration of achieving basic functions and reducing costs, the present invention provides a protective cover 310, which in one embodiment is injection molded from transparent PC material. PC material is polycarbonate (English: Polycarbonate, abbreviated as PC), a high molecular polymer containing carbonate groups in its molecular chain. The protective cover 310 provided in one embodiment of the present invention is shaped approximately like a slipper without a sole below the toe, specifically as follows... Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, it includes a cover 311, a head 312, and a bent cavity 313 formed by the cover 311 and the head 312. A bent cavity outlet 314 is formed above the end of the cover 311 near the head 312. Figure 4 As shown, in a longitudinal cross-sectional view, the head 312 is a transverse L-shape. The top wall of the head 312 has a chamfer on the outer side near the end of the bending cavity outlet 314 to prevent the protective cover 310 from damaging human tissue as it moves within the body cavity with the front end 308. The internal structure of the head 312 is configured such that an outlet (bending cavity outlet 314) gradually narrows from the end away from the cover surface 311 to the end near the cover surface 311, or, more specifically, the internal structure of the head 312 is configured such that an outlet gradually narrows at the bending cavity outlet 314 from the end away from the cover surface 311 to the end near the cover surface 311. That is, the cross-sectional area of ​​the bending cavity outlet 314 gradually decreases along the air / water flow direction. This protective cover 310 provided in this embodiment of the invention is used for the front end of the insertion portion of an electronic endoscope.

[0060] In an embodiment of the present invention, the protective cover 310 is injection molded from a transparent polymer material, wherein the polymer material is one or more of PC, PET, PMMA, and PS. PC is an abbreviation for Polycarbonate. PET is an abbreviation for Polyethylene terephthalate. PMMA is an abbreviation for Polymethyl methacrylate. PS is an abbreviation for Polystyrene.

[0061] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the front end portion 308 of the insertion portion 300 of an electronic endoscope 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] This invention also provides a front end portion 308 for insertion of an electronic endoscope, including the aforementioned protective cover 310. The front end portion 308 has an air / water supply channel, and a camera element 309 is provided on its distal end face. The protective cover 310 is disposed on the distal side of the camera element 309, a cover surface 311 covers the camera element 309, and a bending cavity 313 connects to the air / water supply channel.

[0063] like Figure 5 As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, the distal end face of the front end portion 308 is provided with a recess corresponding to the shape of the protective cover 310. A camera element 309 is located below the end of the recess corresponding to the cover surface 311 of the protective cover 310, and the end corresponding to the head 312 of the protective cover 310 is connected to an air / water supply channel. In other words, the camera element 309 is located below the end of the recess corresponding to the cover surface 311 of the protective cover 310. This recess design allows for installation simply by pressing the protective cover 310 into the recess.

[0064] like Figure 4 As shown, after the protective cover 310 provided by the present invention is installed on the front end 308, the bending cavity 313 is connected to the air / water supply channel, and the outlet 314 of the bending cavity becomes the outlet of the air / water supply channel. In the working state, when the operator operates the air or water supply, the air or water travels along the air / water supply channel to the bending cavity 313, turns inside the bending cavity 313, and flows out from the outlet 314 of the bending cavity. Since the protective cover 310 is transparent, it does not affect the imaging quality of the imaging element 309; moreover, since the outlet 314 of the bending cavity faces the cover surface 311 covering the imaging element 309, the air or water can also be used to clean and purify the cover surface 311 in the air or water supply state.

[0065] Furthermore, the protective cover 310 provided by this invention is injection molded from PC material, which has low material cost, simple structure, and simple molding process, resulting in low production cost. Installation is completed simply by pressing it into the recess, indicating a simple installation process and low installation cost.

[0066] Figure 6 , Figure 7 The external structure of the operation section 200 of an electronic endoscope 100 provided in an embodiment of the present invention is shown from different angles.

[0067] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the operation section 200 of an electronic endoscope 100 provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the operation section 200 of an electronic endoscope 100 provided in an embodiment of the present invention from another angle.

[0068] like Figure 6 , Figure 7As shown, the operating part 200 extends in a generally conical shape from the proximal end to the distal end, decreasing in size. The distal end of the operating part 200 is provided with a first sheath 206, through which the operating part 200 communicates with the insertion part 300.

[0069] The operating unit 200 has an upper housing 214 and a lower housing 201. A forceps channel assembly is provided on the upper housing 214 near the first sheath 206. This assembly includes a forceps channel seat 218 and a forceps channel tee 211 located on the upper housing 214, and a forceps channel cap 212 for closing the forceps channel. Those skilled in the art will understand that the forceps channel here refers to a working channel or instrument channel, that is, the channel through which an operator, guided by an electronic endoscope, extends to the front end of the insertion portion of the electronic endoscope to perform various diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.

[0070] Continue as Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, a first knob 216 and a second knob 215, which are rotatable relative to the upper shell 214 and coaxial with each other, are provided on one side of the upper shell 214. A connecting seat 208 and a second sheath 207 communicating with the connecting seat 208 are provided on one side of the lower shell 201. Various pipes in the operating part 200, such as optical paths, water paths, air paths, or electrical paths, are connected to external devices via the hollow connecting seat 208 and the second sheath 207.

[0071] A button 213 is provided on the side wall of the complete shell formed by the upper shell 214 and the lower shell 201. In this embodiment, there are two buttons 213, namely a first button 2131 and a second button 2132. The first button 2131 is used to control the opening and closing of the negative pressure pipeline, which is connected to a negative pressure generating device other than the electronic endoscope 100. The second button 2131 is used to control the opening and closing of the air and / or water circuit, which is connected to an air supply and / or water supply device other than the electronic endoscope 100.

[0072] The side wall of the button 213 can be opposite to the opening side of the aforementioned second sheath 207, so as to prevent the operator's hand from being affected by various pipes passing through the connector 208 and the second sheath 207 when operating the button 213.

[0073] This invention also provides a knob assembly for the operation part 200 of an electronic endoscope. The operation part 200 includes an upper shell 214 as a housing. The knob assembly includes, in order from the outside to the inside of the housing, a first knob 216, a second knob 215, a second gear 204, and a first gear 203 arranged in sequence and coaxially. The first knob 216 can drive the first gear 203 to rotate, and the second knob 215 can drive the second gear 204 to rotate. The second gear 204 and the first gear 203 are located inside the housing.

[0074] Further explanation with reference to the attached diagram, Figure 8This is a perspective view of the internal structure of the operating unit 200 after the lower shell 201 has been removed. Figure 9 This is an exploded view of the knob assembly of the control section 200. Figure 10a A schematic diagram of the structure of one side of the first gear provided for an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10b for Figure 10a A schematic diagram of the structure of the other side of the first gear; Figure 11a A schematic diagram of one side of the second gear provided for an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 11b for Figure 11a A schematic diagram of the structure of the other side of the second gear.

[0075] Combination Figure 8 ,like Figure 9 As shown, the operating unit 200 has a knob assembly, which, in order from the outside to the inside of the housing, includes a first knob 216, a second knob 215, a second gear 204, and a first gear 203. Except for the transmission part, the first knob 216 and the second knob 215 are located outside the housing; the second gear 204 and the first gear 203 are located inside the housing. In the operating unit 200 provided by the present invention, the housing is formed by the mating of an upper shell 214 and a lower shell 201.

[0076] The first knob 216 and the second knob 215 each have gear shafts 2161 and 2151 extending inward toward the housing, respectively. The gear shaft 2151 of the second knob 215 is hollow, allowing the gear shaft 2161 of the first knob 216 to pass through. The top end of the gear shaft 2161 of the first knob 216 is provided with a screw hole 2162.

[0077] Specific combination Figure 8 , Figure 9 ,like Figure 10a , Figure 10b , Figure 11a and Figure 11b As shown, the second gear 204 and the first gear 203 are respectively in the direction towards the outside of the housing (i.e., Figure 10b and Figure 11b Above the middle Figure 10a and Figure 11a A lower ring 2041 and 2031 are provided on one side (below the center) in the direction towards the inside of the shell (i.e., Figure 10b and Figure 11b Below the middle Figure 10a and Figure 11aOn one side of the upper part of the gear 2041, there are inner rings 2042 and 2032 and outer rings 2043 and 2033, with each outer ring located outside the corresponding inner ring. The lower ring 2041 communicates with the inner ring 2042, and the lower ring 2031 communicates with the inner ring 2032. The lower ring 2041 has an axially extending slot 2044 for axially engaging with the teeth on the gear shaft 2151 so that the second gear 204 rotates with the rotation of the second knob 215. The inner circumference of the first gear 203 has internal teeth 2034 (or internal teeth 2034 can be provided in the communication channel between the lower ring 2031 and the inner ring 2032) for meshing with the gear shaft 2161 so that the first gear 203 rotates with the rotation of the first knob 216. The inner ring 2032 and outer ring 2033 of the first gear 203 and the inner ring 2042 and outer ring 2043 of the second gear 204 have the same height. The lower ring 2031 of the first gear 203 has a greater height than the inner ring 2042 and outer ring 2043 of the second gear 204, and its diameter is smaller than the diameter of the outer ring 2043 but larger than the diameter of the inner ring 2042.

[0078] The second gear 204 and the first gear 203 are described separately. The second gear 204 has a lower ring 2041 on the side facing outwards from the housing. The lower ring 2041 has an axially extending slot 2044 for axially engaging with the longitudinal teeth on the gear shaft 2151 of the second knob 215, allowing the second gear 204 to rotate with the second knob 215. The second gear 204 also has an inner ring 2042 on the side facing inwards from the housing. The lower ring 2041 and the inner ring 2042 of the second gear 204 communicate to form a second channel. The gear shaft 2161 of the first knob 216 passes through the hollow gear shaft 2151 of the second knob 215 and the second channel, then connects to the first gear 203 and drives the first gear 203 to rotate.

[0079] The first gear 203 has a lower ring 2031 on the side facing outward from the housing and an inner ring 2032 on the side facing inward from the housing. The lower ring 2031 and the inner ring 2032 of the first gear 203 communicate to form a first channel. The first channel has internal teeth 2034 for meshing with the gear shaft 2161 of the first knob 216, so that the first gear 203 rotates with the rotation of the first knob 216.

[0080] In the assembled state, the gear shaft 2161 of the first knob 216 passes sequentially through the gear shaft 2151 of the second knob 215, the upper shell 214, the lower ring 2041 of the second gear 204, and the inner ring 2042 of the second gear 204, and then meshes with the internal teeth 2034 after entering the lower ring 2031 of the first gear 203. In this state, the gear shaft 2151 of the second knob 215 passes through the upper shell 214 and enters the lower ring 2041 of the second gear 204. At this time, the axially extending external teeth on the gear shaft 2151 are inserted into the slots 2044 on the lower ring 2041 of the second gear 204.

[0081] The upper housing 214 has an opening 2142 through which the gear shaft 2151 of the second knob 215 passes, allowing the gear shaft 2151 to rotate. A bushing 2143 extending into the housing is located at the opening 2142. The length of the gear shaft 2151 is such that when it extends into the opening 2142, its top is approximately the same height as the bushing 2143, meaning the axially extending external teeth on the gear shaft 2151 engage with the slot 2044 within the bushing 2143. This compact design not only saves space but also allows the bushing 2143 to simultaneously provide radial positioning for both the gear shaft 2151 and the lower ring 2041, thereby simultaneously providing radial positioning for both the second knob 215 and the second gear 204. The hollow gear shaft 2151 of the second knob 215 and the inner ring 2042 of the second gear 204, which are interconnected, achieve the radial positioning of the first knob 216 by restricting the radial positioning of the gear shaft 2161 of the first knob 216.

[0082] In the assembled state, the top of the gear shaft 2161 of the first knob 216 is approximately level with the height of the inner ring 2032 of the first gear 203. At this point, simply installing a bolt into the screw hole 2162, provided the bolt head diameter is larger than the inner ring 2032's diameter, or adding a stop ring with a diameter larger than the inner ring 2032 between the screw hole 2162 and the bolt head, allows for a stable installation of the first knob 216, second knob 215, upper shell 214, second gear 204, and first gear 203 using this low-cost method. In other words, the top of the gear shaft 2161 of the first knob 216 has a screw hole 2162, and the length of the gear shaft 2161 of the first knob 216 is set so that, after assembly, the top of the gear shaft 2161 of the first knob 216 is level with the top of the inner ring 2032 of the first gear 203.

[0083] In this embodiment, the inner ring 2032 and outer ring 2033 of the first gear 203, and the inner ring 2042 and outer ring 2043 of the second gear 204 have the same height. The lower ring 2031 of the first gear 203 has a greater height than the inner ring 2042 and outer ring 2043 of the second gear 204, and its diameter is smaller than the diameter of the outer ring 2043 but larger than the diameter of the inner ring 2042. Thus, when the first gear 203 and the second gear 204 rotate with the first knob 216 and the second knob 215 respectively, the second gear 204 can axially support the first gear 203 without interference between them.

[0084] Those skilled in the art will understand that by designing the shapes of the first knob 216 and the second knob 215, the first gear 203 and the second gear 204 to be as similar as possible, costs can be reduced during the manufacturing process.

[0085] In addition, such as Figure 10a and Figure 11a As shown, the outer rings 2033 and 2043 of the first gear 203 and the second gear 204 are provided with slots 2035 and 2045 with openings. Specifically, the outer rings 2033 and 2043 of the first gear 203 and the second gear 204 are provided with slots 2035 and 2045 with openings in the same direction. In the initial state after assembly, the openings face the far end, ready to be inserted into the wire clips for connecting the wire harness. In this embodiment, the slots 2035 and 2045 are used to hold the wire clips that have already secured the wire harness. That is, during assembly, firstly, one end of the wire harness is passed through the wire clip, and the wire clip is pressed to deform it, thus clamping the wire harness in the wire clip; then, the wire clip is inserted into the slots 2035 and 2045, with the portion of the wire harness extending beyond the wire clip passing through the openings of the slots 2035 and 2045. In this way, when the knob is rotated, it drives the gear to rotate. As the gear rotates, one side of the slot moves towards the proximal end to pull the wire harness on that side, while the other side of the slot moves towards the distal end to loosen the wire harness on that side. The distal end of the wire harness is fixed to the distal end of the curved part of the insertion part. Thus, pulling and loosening the proximal end of the wire harness can drive pulling and loosening the distal end of the wire harness, thereby achieving bending control of the curved part of the insertion part.

[0086] The outer rings 2033 and 2043 not only reinforce the slots 2035 and 2045, but also support the wire harness when the first gear 203 and the second gear 204 rotate. This means the transmission ratio of the wire harness can be controlled by adjusting the outer diameter of the outer rings 2033 and 2043. However, if the outer rings 2033 and 2043 are absent or their outer diameters are too small, while the wire harness can still be controlled, the following problems arise: when the first gear 203 and the second gear 204 rotate, the slots on one side pull the wire harness. As the wire harness near its end rotates with the slots, the distance between the wire harness and the gear shaft decreases, potentially causing it to touch the inner rings 2032 and 2042, which could have undesirable effects.

[0087] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the lower shell 201. (See diagram below.) Figure 12 As shown, a lower locking pin 2091 is provided on the inner wall of the lower shell 201; as Figure 8 As shown, an upper locking pin 2092 is provided on the inner wall of the upper shell 214. Combined with... Figure 9 The lower locking pin 2091 is positioned to engage with the external teeth of the first gear 203, and the upper locking pin 2092 is positioned to engage with the external teeth of the second gear 204. When the first gear 203 is driven by the first knob 216, it must overcome the resistance of the lower locking pin 2091 against one of the external teeth of the first gear 203 to rotate. After the first gear 203 rotates one tooth relative to the lower locking pin 2091, it stops rotating due to the resistance of the lower locking pin 2091 against the next tooth. The same engagement relationship applies to the second gear 204 and the upper locking pin 2092.

[0088] The inventors desired both easy-to-turn knobs (ease of operation) and effective locking pins to maintain the gear's position (ease of preserving the bent shape of the insertion part). To achieve a balance between the ease of operation of the knob and the robustness of the locking pins, the inventors discovered that giving the gears or locking pins suitable elastic deformation properties would facilitate this balance. This can be considered in the selection of materials and the design of the structure, and it must also be low-cost.

[0089] After extensive experimentation, the inventors chose to achieve the aforementioned balance by fitting an elastic component onto the locking post. To meet the need for low cost, the inventors adopted a design where a PU tube is fitted onto the locking post. Trial use not only allowed operators to experience the aforementioned balance but also undoubtedly achieved low-cost materials and low-cost installation and manufacturing. Here, PU (polyurethane) refers to polyurethane, a polymer compound. Specifically, a PU tube is fitted onto the upper locking post 2092 and / or the lower locking post 2091.

[0090] Continue as Figure 8 As shown, a wire harness channel 220 is also provided on the inner wall of the upper shell 214.

[0091] The electronic endoscope 100 provided by this invention achieves bending of the insertion part 300 by operating a knob on the operation part 200 to extend or retract the wiring harness connecting the operation part 200 and the insertion part 300. This is undoubtedly a low-cost and effective control method.

[0092] However, the wire harness is flexible, and its direction seems difficult to control in a relaxed state. To prevent the wire harness from interfering with other components inside the housing of the operating part 200 in a relaxed state, the present invention provides a wire harness channel 220. An embodiment of the present invention provides an upper shell 214 as a housing for the operating part 200 of an electronic endoscope. The inner wall of the upper shell 214 is provided with a wire harness channel 220, which is composed of two first upright plates 2201 fixed to the inner wall of the upper shell 214 and arranged parallel to each other. The operating part provided by the embodiment of the present invention, for an electronic endoscope, includes a lower shell 201 and the aforementioned upper shell 214. The upper shell 214 and the lower shell 201 form a housing. The height of the first upright plate 2201 of the wire harness channel 220 is equal to the height of the internal space enclosed by the housing at the location of the first upright plate 2201 of the wire harness channel 220. This allows the housing to prevent the wire harness from detaching from the wire harness channel after assembly.

[0093] like Figure 8 As shown, the wire harness channel 220 is formed by two parallel first vertical plates 2201 fixed to the inner wall of the upper shell 214. This seemingly simple design offers several technical advantages. First, the parallel first vertical plates 2201 effectively restrict the position of the wire harness in the left-right direction, while also providing sufficient space in the up-down direction for the layering and bending deformation of the wire harness connecting the first gear 203 and the second gear 204, respectively. This clearly utilizes the flexibility of the wire harness, guiding it to bend and deform within the desired space. Second, this design achieves low cost. This low cost is reflected not only in the simple vertical plate structure but also in the quick and convenient installation.

[0094] In another embodiment, the inner wall of the upper shell 214 is provided with a screw post 2202, and the first upright plate 2201 of the wire harness channel 220 is integral with the screw post 2202. This allows the upper and lower shells to be installed conveniently with screws using the screw post 2202, while also making the first upright plate 2201 more stable.

[0095] For example Figure 8 As shown, at the proximal end of the housing of the operating part 200, i.e., the end away from the first sheath 206, a second upright plate 2211 extending along the outer wall of the housing is provided on the inner wall of the housing. The second upright plate 2211 and the outer wall of the upper shell 214 form a channel 221. In this embodiment, a plurality of buttons 2212 are provided on the housing along the channel 221. A control circuit board 210 extending along the channel 221 is provided inside the channel 221. When the operator presses a button 2212, the control circuit board 210 can be triggered to realize the corresponding function.

[0096] An embodiment of the present invention provides a clamping port assembly for the operating part 200 of an electronic endoscope. The operating part 200 includes an upper shell 214 and a lower shell 201 that can form a housing. The clamping port assembly includes a clamping port tee 211 and a clamping port seat 218 disposed on the upper shell 214. In the working state, the upper shell 214, the lower shell 201, and the clamping port assembly can form a complete housing with a clamping port for the operating part.

[0097] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the upper shell 214. Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a tee fitting 211 provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0098] like Figure 13 As shown, the upper shell 214 is provided with a clamping mouth seat 218 for connecting with the clamping mouth tee 211 ( Figure 14 (As shown) This allows for quick and secure installation. Through Figure 6 , Figure 7 This allows you to understand the installation status after the tee fitting 211 is installed onto the tee seat 218.

[0099] like Figure 14 As shown, the tee fitting 211 is an oblique tee fitting, integrally injection molded, and includes a main pipe 2111, a branch pipe 2112, a housing 2113, and a connecting plate 2114. The housing 2113, after assembly, forms a complete upper housing shell with the upper housing 214, and the connecting plate 2114 connects the housing 2113, the main pipe 2111, and the branch pipe 2112 into a single unit.

[0100] like Figure 13As shown, the jaw seat 218 and the upper shell 214 are integrally injection molded. The portion of the jaw seat 218 extending outward from the shell has a recess 2181, which is used to accommodate and support the portion of the branch pipe 2112 protruding from the outer shell 2113 after assembly, thus facilitating quick positioning during installation. A pipe bracket 2141 is also fixed on the inner wall of the upper shell 214 to support the main pipe 2111 after assembly.

[0101] Based on the foregoing description, those skilled in the art will understand that the design concept of this invention is that the operator can control the bending of the insertion part simply by rotating a knob. To save costs, this process uses a flexible wire harness to transmit the control force; the harness is flexible and extends almost the entire length of the electronic endoscope 100 from the operating part 200 to the insertion part 300. In contrast, when assembling the wire harness into the insertion part 300, it is only necessary to insert it into the corresponding wire harness channel. However, in the operating part 200, it is necessary to ensure stable control through the movement of the wire harness, while preventing undesirable movement or bending that could affect control or even interfere with other components. Simultaneously, it is also necessary to consider using the simplest possible structure and improving assembly efficiency to reduce costs. In this context, the design of the wire harness connection and routing is crucial.

[0102] Based on the description of this embodiment and other embodiments according to the present invention, the structural design of the operation unit 200 provided by the present invention can meet the above requirements.

[0103] As can be seen from the above-mentioned figures and components, when assembling the operating part 200, a top shell 214 with injection molding is first provided, and an insertion part 300 for the wire harness extending from its proximal end is provided. The proximal end of the wire harness is passed through the first sheath 206 and through the wire clip. After leaving an appropriate length for the wire harness, the wire clip is pressed to deform it, so as to clamp the wire harness in the wire clip. Then, the wire clip is inserted into the slots 2035 and 2045, and the part of the wire harness extending beyond the wire clip is pressed into the opening of the slots 2035 and 2045 and the wire harness channel 220. This completes the assembly of the wire harness in the operating part 200. The whole process is simple and fast. After assembly, there is no interference between the components, and the wire harness is stably controlled.

[0104] The structure of the operating unit 200 provided by the present invention also has a fast and stable effect on the arrangement of air and water passages.

[0105] Figure 15 This is an installation state diagram of the connector 208 provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the connector 208 provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0106] like Figure 15 , Figure 16As shown, the connector 208 includes a pipe fitting 2084 and a mounting plate 2081. The mounting plate 2081 has a lug 2082 on its side, and the lug 2082 has a screw hole. A square step 2083 is provided on the side of the mounting plate 2081 facing the pipe fitting 2084. (See diagram below.) Figure 12 As shown, the lower shell 201 has a square opening 2011 for the connecting seat 208 to pass through. The outer contour of the square step 2083 is the same as the contour of the square opening 2011 on the lower shell 201, while the outer contour of the mounting plate 2081 is larger than the outer contour of the square step 2083.

[0107] Based on the previous description, the structural design of the operating unit 200 is crucial for enabling the quick and secure installation of the wiring harness. Similarly, the structural design of the operating unit 200 is equally important for enabling the quick and secure installation of the air / water circuit (usually air / water pipes).

[0108] As can be seen from the above-mentioned attached drawings and components, during assembly, a lower housing 201 is provided, the air / water pipe is passed through the square opening 2011, and then the air / water pipe is passed through the connecting seat 208; at this time, the fitting 2084 of the connecting seat 208 is passed through the square opening 2011 from the inside to the outside, and the step 2083 is engaged with the edge of the square opening 2011, such as... Figure 15 As shown, the mounting plate 2081 is fixed to the lower shell 201 through the screw holes on the lug 2082.

[0109] Next, as Figure 8 As shown, an upper shell 214 is provided, and an air / water pipe is connected to the corresponding pipe sections of the first button 2131 and the second button 2132 to realize the control of the air / water circuit by the first button 2131 and the second button 2132. Then, the air / water pipe is passed through the main pipe 2111 of the tee fitting 211 and the first sheath 206. Finally, the tee fitting 211 and the first sheath 206 are placed in the corresponding positions of the upper shell 214, thus completing the assembly.

[0110] Those skilled in the art will understand that, through the structural design of the operating part 200 of the present invention, the entire assembly process can be summarized as follows: first, soft components (such as wire harnesses, water pipes, and air pipes) are passed through simple, scattered components, and then the simple, scattered components are installed onto the most complex upper shell 214; at the same time, the parts of the soft components that are exposed from the simple, scattered components can also be easily placed in the corresponding positions of the upper shell 214 (these positions are basically open structures).

[0111] The aforementioned simple, loose components are easy to manufacture and easy to handle and grip. For wire harnesses, simple, loose components may include a first gear 203, a second gear 204, a first sheath 206, etc.; for air pipes and water pipes, simple, loose components may include a connector 208, a lower housing 201, a tee fitting 211, a first sheath 206, etc. The aforementioned open structure refers to structures with openings, such as channels 221, slots 2035 and 2045, wire harness channels 220, and pipe supports 2141.

[0112] Clearly, such a structure can achieve high assembly efficiency. Concentrating the complex structure on one component (upper shell 214) and simplifying the structural design of other components besides the upper shell 214 can achieve one-piece injection molding, which also allows for a significant reduction in the raw material and production costs of the components of the operating part 200.

[0113] While the present invention has been illustrated and described with reference to certain preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that the above description is a further detailed explanation of the invention in conjunction with specific embodiments, and should not be construed as limiting the specific implementation of the invention to these descriptions. Various changes in form and detail can be made by those skilled in the art, including several simple deductions or substitutions, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A knob assembly for the operation section of an electronic endoscope, said operation section comprising an upper shell as a housing, characterized in that, The knob assembly, arranged from the outside to the inside of the housing, includes a first knob, a second knob, a second gear, and a first gear arranged coaxially in sequence. The first knob can drive the first gear to rotate, and the second knob can drive the second gear to rotate. The second gear and the first gear are located inside the housing. The first gear and the second gear are respectively provided with an outer ring on the side facing inward of the housing, and the outer ring wall of the first gear and the second gear is provided with a slot with an opening in the same direction. In the initial state after the knob assembly is assembled, the opening of the slot is used to face the far end to engage the wire clip of the connecting wire harness. The second gear has a lower ring on the side facing outward from the housing. The lower ring of the second gear has an axially extending slot for axially engaging with the longitudinal teeth on the gear shaft of the second knob so that the second gear rotates with the rotation of the second knob. The operating part also includes a lower housing, on the inner wall of which a lower locking post is provided, the position of which is configured to engage with the external teeth of the first gear; the inner wall of the upper housing is provided with an upper locking post, the position of which is configured to engage with the external teeth of the second gear.

2. The knob assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The second gear has an inner ring on the side facing inwards from the housing. The lower ring of the second gear communicates with the inner ring of the second gear to form a second channel. The gear shaft of the first knob passes through the hollow gear shaft of the second knob and the second channel, and then connects with the first gear to drive the first gear to rotate.

3. The knob assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The first gear has a lower ring on the side facing outward from the housing and an inner ring on the side facing inward from the housing. The lower ring and the inner ring of the first gear communicate to form a first channel. The first channel has internal teeth for meshing with the gear shaft of the first knob, so that the first gear rotates with the rotation of the first knob.

4. The knob assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The upper shell is provided with a corresponding opening for the gear shaft of the second knob to pass through. The opening allows the gear shaft of the second knob to rotate therein. A bushing extending into the shell is provided at the opening. The length of the gear shaft of the second knob is set such that when the gear shaft of the second knob extends into the opening, its top is substantially the same height as the bushing.

5. The knob assembly as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that, The first knob has a screw hole at the top of its gear shaft, and the length of the first knob's gear shaft is set such that, after assembly, the top of the first knob's gear shaft is flush with the top of the inner ring of the first gear.

6. The knob assembly as claimed in claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The outer ring is located outside the inner ring.

7. The knob assembly as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that, The inner and outer rings of the first gear and the inner and outer rings of the second gear have the same height. The height of the lower ring of the first gear is greater than the height of the inner and outer rings of the second gear. The diameter of the lower ring of the first gear is smaller than the diameter of the outer ring of the second gear but larger than the diameter of the inner ring of the second gear.

8. An operating unit, characterized in that, Includes the knob assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. An electronic endoscope, characterized in that, Includes the operating unit as described in claim 8.

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