An improved endoscope

Abstract

The application provides an improved endoscope, which comprises a handle assembly and an insertion part assembly, an adjusting mechanism for controlling a steel wire rope is arranged in the handle assembly, the adjusting mechanism comprises a rotating disc assembly, a first steel wire rope and a second steel wire rope and a fixing shell, the first steel wire rope and the second steel wire rope extend from a proximal end to a distal end, the proximal end of the first steel wire rope and the second steel wire rope is respectively provided with a first fixing block and a second fixing block, the first fixing block and the second fixing block are respectively fixed in a first mounting groove and a second mounting groove, the size of the first mounting groove and the second mounting groove is greater than that of the first fixing block and the second fixing block so as to adjust the mounting position of the first fixing block and the second fixing block; the fixing shell is arranged in the handle assembly and is located below the rotating disc assembly, the fixing shell defines a first guide path and a second guide path, the first steel wire rope and the second steel wire rope respectively move along the first guide path and the second guide path in a predetermined path and finally extend to the distal end in a vertical state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an endoscope, and more specifically to an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the endoscope's serpentine wire rope. Background Technology

[0002] An endoscope is a diagnostic instrument that integrates traditional optics, ergonomics, precision mechanics, modern electronics, mathematics, and software. It contains an image sensor, optical lens, light source, and mechanical devices, and can be inserted into the stomach through the mouth or other natural orifices. Endoscopes can visualize lesions that X-rays cannot, making them extremely useful for doctors. For example, with the help of an endoscope, doctors can observe ulcers or tumors in the stomach and formulate the best treatment plan accordingly.

[0003] Traditional endoscopes have a knob mechanism inside the operating handle to control the bending of the serpentine column in different directions and limit its bending angle. This knob mechanism includes a traction cable, a pull reel, and an angle control knob. The traction cable is typically glued to or welded to the pull reel, leading to a high rate of cable detachment and a difficult fixing method, resulting in low assembly efficiency.

[0004] Furthermore, some endoscope wire rope tensioning schemes utilize the interaction of adjusting screws / nuts / locking nuts to regulate the tension of the wire rope, avoid idle travel, and ensure that the two wire ropes are of the same length. Achieving this adjustment through the combination of several pairs of screws / nuts is complex in terms of both manufacturing process and assembly, resulting in relatively low assembly and production efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention provides an improved endoscope comprising a handle assembly and an insertion assembly, wherein the handle assembly houses an adjustment mechanism for controlling a wire rope, the adjustment mechanism comprising:

[0006] A turntable assembly is mounted on a handle assembly. The turntable assembly includes a knob, a rotating shaft connected to the knob, and a turntable connected to the rotating shaft. The turntable is provided with a first mounting groove and a second mounting groove symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides.

[0007] The first wire rope and the second wire rope extend from the proximal end to the distal end. The proximal ends of the first wire rope and the second wire rope are respectively provided with a first fixing block and a second fixing block. The first fixing block and the second fixing block are respectively fixed to a first mounting groove and a second mounting groove. The size of the first mounting groove and the second mounting groove is larger than the first fixing block and the second fixing block to adjust the installation position of the first fixing block and the second fixing block.

[0008] A fixed housing is installed inside the handle assembly and located below the turntable assembly. The fixed housing defines a first guide path and a second guide path. The first wire rope and the second wire rope move along the first guide path and the second guide path respectively in a predetermined path and eventually extend vertically to the distal end.

[0009] In some embodiments, the turntable includes a turntable upper cover and a turntable lower cover, with a first mounting groove and a second mounting groove formed between the turntable upper cover and the turntable lower cover. The extension lengths of the first mounting groove and the second mounting groove are respectively greater than the first fixing block and the second fixing block. The turntable upper cover and the turntable lower cover are fixedly connected in a detachable manner to clamp and fix the first fixing block and the second fixing block in the first mounting groove and the second mounting groove.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first guide path and the second guide path include at least a first vertical path and a second vertical path that are symmetrically arranged so that the first wire rope and the second wire rope extend from the fixed shell in a vertical state.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first guide path and the second guide path respectively include a first bending path and a second bending path to increase the movement path of the first wire rope and the second wire rope within the fixed housing.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first guide path and the second guide path respectively include a first protective sleeve and a second protective sleeve disposed on the fixed shell and symmetrically arranged on the left and right, and the first wire rope and the second wire rope slide through the first protective sleeve and the second protective sleeve.

[0013] In some embodiments, the protective sleeve is a flexible spring tube.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first guide path and the second guide path include at least a traction fulcrum, and the first wire rope and the second wire rope are displaced through the traction fulcrum to increase their movement path within the fixed housing.

[0015] In some embodiments, the fixing shell defines a first guide groove and a second guide groove that are symmetrical from left to right and extend downward at an angle. The fixing shell is provided with at least one positioning groove at the lower end of the first guide groove and the second guide groove. The first protective sleeve and the second protective sleeve are led out from the first guide groove and the second guide groove and positioned in the positioning groove to achieve vertical traction.

[0016] In some embodiments, the first wire rope and the second wire rope are displaced by passing around the traction fulcrum through the first protective sleeve and the second protective sleeve, respectively.

[0017] In some embodiments, the fixed housing includes a fixed lower housing for connection to the fixed upper housing, the upper end of the fixed upper housing is provided with a first guide groove and a second guide groove, and the fixed lower housing is provided with a plurality of positioning grooves.

[0018] The mounting groove and fixing block mounting structure provided by this invention solves the problem of inconsistent length in the existing wire rope production process at a low cost. In addition, by adjusting the guide path of the wire rope, the problem of empty stroke of the wire rope is solved, optimizing the assembly process and assembly efficiency of the endoscope and realizing the fine adjustment of the endoscope. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the endoscope provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the endoscope handle assembly provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the interior of the endoscope handle assembly provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention with part of the handle shell removed.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a structural disassembly diagram of the endoscope handle assembly provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the guide path of the endoscope handle assembly provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the endoscope turntable provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the fixed upper shell structure provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the endoscope provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 9 and Figure 10 This is a simplified schematic diagram of the endoscope provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The present invention or its technical solutions will be further described in detail below through specific embodiments and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings;

[0029] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "far", "near", "vertical", "up", and "down", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this invention.

[0030] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise specified and limited, the terms "installation" and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to mechanical or electrical connections, or internal connections between two components. They can be direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms according to the specific circumstances.

[0031] Example 1

[0032] Please see Figure 1 The present invention provides an improved endoscope, which includes a handle assembly 1 and an insertion part assembly 2. Please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 2-5 The handle assembly is equipped with an adjustment mechanism for controlling the wire rope. The adjustment mechanism includes a turntable assembly 3, a first wire rope 51 and a second wire rope 52 and a fixed shell 6. When the turntable is rotating, the fixed block will rotate with the turntable, thereby pulling the two wire ropes to tighten or loosen, thus realizing the working principle of the snake-bone swing of the insertion part.

[0033] The turntable assembly 3 is installed within the handle assembly 1. The turntable assembly 3 includes a knob 30, a rotating shaft 31 connected to the knob, and a turntable 32 connected to the rotating shaft 31. (See also...) Figure 6 The turntable 31 is provided with a first mounting groove 321 and a second mounting groove 322 symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides;

[0034] The first wire rope 51 and the second wire rope 52 extend from their proximal ends toward their distal ends. The proximal ends of the first wire rope 51 and the second wire rope 52 are respectively provided with a first fixing block 511 and a second fixing block 521, which are respectively fixed to the first mounting groove and the second mounting groove 322. In practical applications, the distance between the riveting point of the fixing block on the wire rope and the welding point of the snake-bone section will have a certain error during the riveting process, generally within the range of 0~2mm. Therefore, this will cause a certain amount of idle travel during the turntable's movement, affecting the actual operating experience. Based on this, the dimension L of the first mounting groove and the second mounting groove 322 provided in this embodiment is larger than that of the first fixing block 511 and the second fixing block 521 to adjust the installation position of the first fixing block and the second fixing block. Thus, since the installation position of the fixing block on the wire rope in the mounting groove can be adjusted, the problem of the riveting process error of the fixing block can be compensated for.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the turntable 32 includes an upper cover 323 and a lower cover 325. A first mounting groove 321 and a second mounting groove 322 are formed between the upper cover 323 and the lower cover 325. The extension lengths of the first mounting groove 321 and the second mounting groove 322 are respectively greater than the first fixing block 511 and the second fixing block 521. The upper cover and the lower cover are detachably fixedly connected to clamp and fix the first fixing block and the second fixing block in the first mounting groove and the second mounting groove, respectively. That is, the first fixing block and the second fixing block are clamped between the upper cover and the turntable through the detachable fixed connection of the upper cover and the lower cover to achieve proximal fixation of the wire rope. In a further optimization, the first fixing block 511 and the second fixing block 512 are also fixedly connected to the turntable by adjusting screws 326 and injection-molded copper nuts 327. In another embodiment, the upper cover of the turntable is replaced with hardware, and the copper nut is eliminated and replaced by threads tapped on the upper cover of the turntable.

[0036] The fixing housing 6 is installed inside the handle assembly and located below the turntable assembly to guide the first and second steel wire ropes from the turntable to the distal end, requiring them to extend vertically to achieve bending control of the snake bone. Based on this, the fixing housing 6 defines a first guide path 61 and a second guide path 62, along which the first steel wire rope 51 and the second steel wire rope 52 move along predetermined paths and ultimately extend vertically to the distal end.

[0037] It is understood that the first and second guide paths need to have a left-right symmetrical first vertical path 610 and a second vertical path 620 so that the first wire rope 51 and the second wire rope 52 can extend from the fixed shell 6 in a vertical state. Only in this way can the first and second wire ropes control the bending of the snake bone. However, the first and second wire ropes need to move vertically by rotating the turntable. Therefore, the first and second fixing blocks at their proximal ends are set on the turntable in an inclined manner. This allows for rapid traction of the wire ropes with a small rotation amplitude. That is, the direction in which the wire ropes are guided out of the turntable is not vertical. The first and second guide paths include not only vertical paths but also non-vertical paths. Specifically, in this embodiment, the fixed shell defines a left-right symmetrical and inclined downward extending first guide channel 612 and second guide channel 622, that is, the first and second wire ropes converge inside the fixed shell.

[0038] Based on the aforementioned concept, there are various structural designs for the vertical path and the first and second guide channels. In the example, the first and second guide channels are in the form of guide grooves, and the steel wire rope can move back and forth directly in the guide grooves. In a further preferred embodiment, to avoid wear on the guide groove of the fixed shell caused by friction between the steel wire rope and the fixed shell, the first guide path 61 and the second guide path 62 respectively include a first protective sleeve 611 and a second protective sleeve 621 symmetrically disposed on the fixed shell. The first steel wire rope 51 and the second steel wire rope 52 slide through the first protective sleeve 611 and the second protective sleeve 621. In this way, the first protective sleeve 611 and the second protective sleeve 621 are positioned along a predetermined path, and the first and second steel wire ropes are pulled along the extension direction of the first protective sleeve 611 and the second protective sleeve 621 along the predetermined path. Thus, by setting the protective sleeves, the steel wire rope inside is prevented from cutting the fixed shell when pulled, especially when the fixed shell is made of plastic, which could lead to the fixed shell being unable to guide and the steel wire rope becoming loose. Furthermore, the first protective sleeve 611 and the second protective sleeve 621 provided in the embodiments of the present invention are spring tubes, that is, they can bend and extend at an angle.

[0039] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 7 Regarding the positioning method of the protective sleeve, the fixed shell defines a first guide groove 6121 and a second guide groove 6221 that are symmetrically positioned and extend downwards at an angle. The first protective sleeve and the second protective sleeve extend obliquely into the first guide groove 6121 and the second guide groove 6221, respectively. In addition, in order to limit the vertical displacement of the protective sleeve, the entrances of the first guide groove 6121 and the second guide groove 6221 are provided with latches 6122 and 6222, respectively. The lateral dimension of the latch is smaller than the dimension of the spring tube, so as to confine the first protective sleeve and the second protective sleeve therein.

[0040] Furthermore, the fixing shell is provided with at least one positioning groove 70 at the lower end of the first guide groove 6121 and the second guide groove 6221. The first protective sleeve and the second protective sleeve are led out from the first guide groove and the second guide groove and positioned in the positioning groove to achieve vertical traction. In this embodiment, the fixing shell is provided with multiple positioning grooves from front to back to realize that the first protective sleeve and the second protective sleeve extend vertically; in this way, the first wire rope and the second wire rope converge along the first guide groove and the second guide groove through the first protective sleeve and the second protective sleeve respectively, and finally are vertically pulled to the far end through the positioning groove 70.

[0041] It is understandable that the number and form of the positioning groove 70 can be varied, as long as they can satisfy the predetermined path displacement of the first wire rope and the second wire rope along the first and second protective sleeves inside.

[0042] In some examples, the fixed housing includes a fixed lower housing 65 connected to a fixed upper housing 66 on the fixed lower housing. The upper end of the fixed upper housing is provided with a first guide groove and a second guide groove. The fixed lower housing is provided with a plurality of slots to enable the first wire rope and the second wire rope to move along a predetermined path.

[0043] In a specific example, the upper cover and lower cover of the turntable are connected by a snap-fit, specifically by multiple slots 328 engaging with the snap-fit ​​blocks.

[0044] Example 2

[0045] When the steel wire rope / steel wire spring tube on the turntable is fixed, and it is found that the steel wire is not tensioned and the turntable has free rotation, a support structure can be designed on the spring tube fixing rib of the lower shell to change the installation form of the spring tube.

[0046] Specifically, in this embodiment, please refer to Figure 8 The first guide path 61 and the second guide path 62 respectively include a first bending path 81 and a second bending path 82 to increase the movement path of the first wire rope and the second wire rope within the fixed housing; specifically, both the first guide path and the second guide path include at least one traction fulcrum 80, and the first wire rope and the second wire rope respectively bypass the traction fulcrum to increase their movement path within the fixed housing; at this time, please refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10 Let the original wire length at this point be denoted as L1, and the optimized wire lengths be denoted as L2 and L3, as shown in the attached figure. Figure 8 As shown, the dimensions of L2+L3 will be greater than L1, thus allowing for fine-tuning of the tension wire.

[0047] Furthermore, it can be concluded that, if necessary, a structure with multiple support points can be designed to change the wire path into multiple triangular shapes, but the number of support points shall not exceed 5.

[0048] In this embodiment, the first protective sleeve and the second protective sleeve respectively bypass the traction fulcrum so that the first wire rope and the second wire rope can be pulled along the bending path.

[0049] The mounting groove and fixing block mounting structure provided by this invention solves the problem of inconsistent length in the existing wire rope production process at a low cost. In addition, by adjusting the guide path of the wire rope, the problem of empty stroke of the wire rope is solved, optimizing the assembly process and assembly efficiency of the endoscope and realizing the fine adjustment of the endoscope.

[0050] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0051] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An improved endoscope comprising a handle assembly and an insertion assembly, wherein the handle assembly houses an adjustment mechanism for controlling a wire rope, characterized in that, The adjustment mechanism includes: A turntable assembly is mounted on a handle assembly. The turntable assembly includes a knob, a rotating shaft connected to the knob, and a turntable connected to the rotating shaft. The turntable is provided with a first mounting groove and a second mounting groove symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides. The first wire rope and the second wire rope extend from the proximal end to the distal end. The proximal ends of the first wire rope and the second wire rope are respectively provided with a first fixing block and a second fixing block. The first fixing block and the second fixing block are respectively fixed to a first mounting groove and a second mounting groove. The size of the first mounting groove and the second mounting groove is larger than the first fixing block and the second fixing block to adjust the installation position of the first fixing block and the second fixing block. A fixed housing is installed inside the handle assembly and located below the turntable assembly. The fixed housing defines a first guide path and a second guide path. The first wire rope and the second wire rope move along the first guide path and the second guide path respectively in a predetermined path and eventually extend vertically to the distal end. The turntable includes a turntable upper cover and a turntable lower cover, and a first mounting groove and a second mounting groove are formed between the turntable upper cover and the turntable lower cover. The extension length of the first mounting groove and the second mounting groove is greater than that of the first fixing block and the second fixing block, respectively. The turntable upper cover and the turntable lower cover are fixedly connected in a detachable manner to clamp and fix the first fixing block and the second fixing block in the first mounting groove and the second mounting groove. The first guide path and the second guide path include a first vertical path and a second vertical path that are symmetrically arranged to allow the first wire rope and the second wire rope to extend vertically from the fixed shell. The first guide path and the second guide path respectively include a first protective sleeve and a second protective sleeve that are symmetrically arranged on the fixed shell, and the first wire rope and the second wire rope slide through the first protective sleeve and the second protective sleeve. The fixed shell defines a first guide groove and a second guide groove that are symmetrical and extend downwards at an angle. The fixed shell is provided with at least one positioning groove at the lower end of the first guide groove and the second guide groove. The first protective sleeve and the second protective sleeve are led out from the first guide groove and the second guide groove and positioned in the positioning groove to achieve vertical traction.

2. The endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first guide path and the second guide path respectively include a first bending path and a second bending path to increase the movement path of the first wire rope and the second wire rope within the fixed shell.

3. The endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that, The protective sleeve is a flexible spring tube.

4. The endoscope according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first guide path and the second guide path include at least one traction fulcrum. The first wire rope and the second wire rope are displaced through the traction fulcrum to increase their movement path within the fixed shell. The first wire rope and the second wire rope are displaced by passing around the traction fulcrum through the first protective sleeve and the second protective sleeve, respectively.

5. The endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixed shell includes a fixed lower shell and a fixed upper shell connected to the fixed lower shell. The upper end of the fixed upper shell is provided with a first guide groove and a second guide groove, and the fixed lower shell is provided with a plurality of positioning grooves.

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