distal end having free space between camera and working channel

Abstract

The invention relates to a borescope comprising a borescope head (1), the borescope head (1) comprising a housing (2), an inspection support member (5) at a distal end of the housing (2), and a working channel extending in the borescope head (1), the working channel being formed in a hose-like or tube-like working channel member (4) and in the housing (2) arranged distally from the working channel member (4), wherein the housing (2) has a working channel member receiving surface (25) facing the working channel member (4). Proximally of the working channel member receiving surface (25) of the housing (2), the inspection support member (5) faces a peripheral portion of the working channel member (4) via a free space in a radial direction of the working channel.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an endoscope comprising an endoscope lens, an examination support member located at the distal end of the endoscope lens, and a working channel extending in the endoscope lens, the working channel being formed in a flexible or tubular working channel member and in a distal working channel end member disposed in the housing of the endoscope lens away from the working channel member, the working channel member being close to the proximal side of the working channel end member.

[0002] For example, the supporting component to be inspected is a camera.

[0003] This type of endoscope, such as Figures 7 to 9 As shown in the figures, these figures illustrate the endoscope housing 200 from a proximal perspective. Within the endoscope housing 200, a camera (not shown) is arranged in a camera opening 220. Furthermore, a working channel member (not shown) is inserted into a working channel member insertion opening 212 within the endoscope housing 200. When the endoscope is inserted, the camera extends from the camera opening 220, and the working channel member extends from the working channel member insertion opening 212 in a proximal direction parallel to each other.

[0004] The distal working channel opening 210 is disposed within the endoscope housing 200, away from the working channel member insertion opening 212. The working channel member insertion opening 212 and the distal working channel opening 210 are located on the same axis and extend coaxially relative to each other. The inner diameter of the working channel member insertion opening 212 is larger than the inner diameter of the distal working channel opening 210. A proximal contact surface 211 is formed at the transition between the working channel member insertion opening 212 and the distal working channel opening 210, and the contact surface 211 is a surface perpendicular to the wall surface of the working channel member insertion opening 212 and the wall surface of the distal working channel opening 210.

[0005] Specifically, the working channel member insertion opening 212 in the endoscope housing 200 is formed such that it has an inner diameter that is adapted to the outer diameter of the working channel member to be inserted.

[0006] Here, the endoscope housing 200 forms a distal working channel end member around the distal region of the distal working channel opening 210. The proximal contact surface 211 serves as a receiving surface for the working channel member. Thus, the working channel member is held at the working channel member insertion opening 212.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope that is as small as possible, wherein the working channel component is held in the housing of the endoscope lens.

[0008] Therefore, the present invention relates to an endoscope including an endoscope lens, the endoscope lens comprising: a housing; an examination support member located at the distal end of the housing; and a working channel extending in the endoscope lens, the working channel being formed in a flexible or tubular working channel member and in the housing disposed remotely from the working channel member; wherein the housing has a working channel member receiving surface facing the working channel member. Proximal to the working channel member receiving surface of the housing, the examination support member faces the periphery of the working channel member in a radial direction of the working channel via free space.

[0009] Since no wall is formed in the radial direction of the working channel, and only free space exists between the working channel component and the examination support component, the distance between the working channel component and the examination support component can be kept small. The working channel component and the examination support component can be arranged close to each other. An endoscope with a small outer diameter but a relatively large inner diameter of the working channel can be provided.

[0010] The present invention also relates to an endoscope including an endoscope lens, the endoscope lens comprising: a housing; an examination support member located at a distal end of the housing; and a working channel extending in the endoscope lens, the working channel being formed in a flexible or tubular working channel member and within the housing, the housing being disposed remotely from the working channel member; wherein the housing has a working channel member receiving surface facing the working channel member. Proximal to the working channel member receiving surface of the housing, the examination support member abuts against the periphery of the working channel member in a radial direction of the working channel.

[0011] Because the working channel component and the examination support component are close to each other in the radial direction of the working channel, the distance between them can be optimized to a minimum. The working channel component and the examination support component can be arranged side-by-side. They can also be arranged to contact each other. An endoscope with a small outer diameter but a relatively large inner diameter of the working channel can be provided.

[0012] The examination support component can be embedded in the housing of the endoscope.

[0013] The examination support member can be embedded in the housing of the endoscope at a location at least radially away from the receiving surface of the working channel member. Therefore, the examination support member is located radially outward from the receiving surface of the working channel member. In other words, when viewed in the extension direction of the endoscope, at least a portion of the examination support member is accommodated adjacent to the receiving surface of the working channel member.

[0014] In the area where the inspection support member is not provided on the outer periphery of the distal end of the working channel member, a retaining portion may be provided proximal to the receiving surface of the working channel member. This retaining portion supports the distal end of the working channel member at its peripheral portion. The retaining portion may be radially positioned from the distal end of the working channel member. Therefore, the retaining portion at least partially retains the outer periphery of the distal end of the working channel member along its peripheral portion. The retaining portion may be formed at least on a portion of the outer periphery of the distal end of the working channel member.

[0015] The retaining portion may have an internal shape facing the distal end of the working channel member, the internal shape being adapted to the outer periphery of the distal end of the working channel member and contacting the outer peripheral surface of the distal end of the working channel member. Because there is a contact surface between the retaining portion and the distal end of the working channel member, the retaining portion can advantageously and securely support the distal end of the working channel member in a precise position.

[0016] The retaining part can be integral with the housing. Therefore, it is not necessary to fix the retaining part separately. The working channel component can be securely held to the housing without any additional fastening devices.

[0017] The working channel component may be spaced apart from the receiving surface of the working channel component. The space between the receiving surface of the working channel component and the working channel component can be used to accommodate the tolerances between the receiving surface of the working channel component and the working channel component. Therefore, even if the working channel component has a not perfectly flat distal front end, it can still be arranged opposite to the receiving surface of the working channel component.

[0018] A sealing ring may be provided between the receiving surface of the working channel member and the distal front surface of the working channel member, wherein the sealing ring has an internal opening, and wherein the internal opening of the sealing ring forms part of the working channel. Therefore, the working channel extends proximally through the working channel member, the sealing ring, and the endoscope.

[0019] The working channel component can be placed close to the receiving surface of the working channel component. In fact, the working channel seamlessly transitions from the working channel component to the working channel portion within the endoscope. This enables a shoulderless design in the endoscope, allowing for a smooth transition from the working channel component to the working channel portion.

[0020] The inspection support component may be a camera, and a portion of the proximal side of the receiving surface of the working channel component protrudes from the camera in a proximal direction, or wiring connected to the camera and extending away from the camera protrudes from the proximal side of the receiving surface of the working channel component in a proximal direction.

[0021] Alternatively, the examination support component may also be an illumination device, wiring for the illumination device, an albaren rod operable from the proximal side of the endoscope, an actuation line for the albaren rod, a flushing nozzle, a flushing nozzle channel component, or another working channel component.

[0022] The aspects of the invention explained above can be appropriately combined. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of the endoscope according to the invention in the first embodiment is shown.

[0024] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional side view of an endoscope lens.

[0025] Figure 3 This shows the view from the proximal side. Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of an endoscopic lens.

[0026] Figure 4 This shows the view from the proximal side. Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of an endoscopic lens.

[0027] Figure 5 This shows the view from the proximal side. Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of an endoscopic lens.

[0028] Figure 6 A schematic cross-sectional side view of the endoscope according to the invention in the second embodiment is shown.

[0029] Figures 7 to 9 Schematic perspective views of an endoscope according to the prior art, viewed from the proximal side, are shown respectively. In particular, Figure 7 The endoscope lens is shown when viewed from the left side. Figure 8 The endoscope lens is shown when viewed from the center. Figure 9 The endoscope is shown when viewed from the right side.

[0030] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. The illustrations in the drawings are not necessarily to scale and may sometimes be distorted for clarity.

[0031] First Embodiment

[0032] The following is for reference. Figures 1 to 5 The first embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0033] According to the invention, the endoscope 1 is connected to a control body (not shown) via an endoscope tube (not shown).

[0034] Endoscope 1 is located at the distal end of an endoscope. Endoscope 1 includes endoscope housing 2. A camera 5, serving as an inspection support member, and a distal working channel opening 21 are disposed within the endoscope housing 2. Additional optional devices (not shown) may be disposed within the endoscope housing 2, such as an albaron rod, a nozzle opening for discharging cleaning medium (water, air) used to clean the distal window of the camera 5, and an illumination device (LED or light guide) for illuminating the scene captured by the camera 5.

[0035] The working channel component 4, which terminates at the endoscope housing 2, extends through the endoscope tube.

[0036] The endoscope housing 2 will be described in more detail below.

[0037] The endoscope housing 2 can be made of plastic, although the invention is not limited thereto. Figure 1 As schematically shown, the endoscope housing 2 preferably has a cylindrical shape. The endoscope housing 2 has an axis and a longitudinal extension extending along the axis.

[0038] The endoscope housing 2 is made of a distal housing base 28 and a proximal housing extension 23 extending from the distal housing base 28 toward the proximal end.

[0039] The distal housing substrate 28 has a disc-shaped structure. The distal housing substrate 28 has a distal front surface that forms the distal surface of the endoscope housing 2. The distal housing substrate 28 has a proximal surface 25.

[0040] The endoscope housing 2 has a distal working channel opening 21, which forms the distal opening of a working channel, which will be described in more detail below. The distal working channel opening 21 preferably extends parallel to the axis of the endoscope housing 2. For example, the distal working channel opening 21 is formed as a circular opening. The distal working channel opening 21 preferably has a circular cross-section, but may also have an oval, polygonal, elliptical, or similar cross-section suitable for the interior of the working channel to transport instruments through the working channel. The distal working channel opening 21 has a working channel inner wall 11. The working channel inner wall 11 forms the distal end of the working channel.

[0041] The endoscope lens housing 2 has a remote camera opening 22 in which a camera 5 is disposed. The remote camera opening 22 preferably extends parallel to the axis of the endoscope lens housing 2. In this embodiment, the remote camera opening 22 is shown as a square opening. Alternatively, the remote camera opening 22 may also have a circular, oval, polygonal, elliptical, or similar cross-section, adapted to the external shape of the camera 5 disposed therein.

[0042] Preferably, the camera 5 is arranged in the remote camera opening 22 such that the remote surface of the camera 5 is aligned with the remote front of the endoscope lens housing 2 (i.e., the remote housing base 28).

[0043] Camera 5 is connected to camera cable 53, which extends in the proximal direction. For example, camera cable 53 may extend to a proximal control body.

[0044] The camera cable 53 may preferably include a coated camera cable 55. A camera cable 54 connected to the camera 5 extends from the coated camera cable 55. The design of cables 54 and 55 is freely selectable and is not limited in this invention. Cables 54 and 55 can be used for powering the camera 5 and for transmitting image signals.

[0045] The proximal housing extension 23 extends from the proximal surface 25 of the distal housing base 28 in the proximal direction. The distal housing base 28 and the proximal housing extension 23 are integral. The distal housing base 28 and the proximal housing extension 23 can be formed as an integral piece of, for example, plastic. Alternatively, the proximal housing extension 23 can also be glued or otherwise attached to the distal housing base 28. The proximal housing extension 23 is formed as an extension surrounding a distal working channel opening 21 projecting in the proximal direction. Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the proximal housing extension 23 partially (incompletely) surrounds the extension of the distal working channel opening 21 that protrudes in the proximal direction. The proximal housing extension 23 thus forms a wall surrounding the extension of the distal working channel opening 21 that protrudes in the proximal direction. Therefore, the wall formed by the proximal housing extension 23 does not completely surround the extension of the distal working channel opening 21 that protrudes in the proximal direction.

[0046] In this embodiment, more specifically, the proximal housing extension 23 forms two wall portions surrounding the extension of the distal working channel opening 21 that protrudes in the proximal direction.

[0047] The proximal region of the proximal surface 25 between the proximal extension of the distal working channel opening 21 and the proximal extension of the distal camera opening 22 has no proximal housing extension 23. No part of the endoscope lens 1 is formed on the proximal side of the proximal surface 25 between the distal working channel opening 21 and the distal camera opening 22. Free space is formed on the proximal side of the proximal surface 25 between the distal working channel opening 21 and the distal camera opening 22.

[0048] The proximal housing extension 23, extending proximally from the proximal surface 25, has an inward wall 24, which forms the inner peripheral wall portion 24 of the proximal housing extension 23. No inward wall 24 is provided on the proximal side of the proximal surface 25 between the distal working channel opening 21 and the distal camera opening 22.

[0049] The remote working channel opening 21 and the remote camera opening 22 pass through the remote housing base 28.

[0050] Camera 5 is positioned within the remote camera opening 22, such that it is embedded within the opening. The main body of camera 5 does not protrude from the remote camera opening 22 in the remote direction. Only the camera cable 54 connected to camera 5 protrudes from the remote camera opening 22 in the remote direction. Camera cable 54 is, for example, an uncoated camera cable connected to a coated camera cable 55. Camera 5 can be inserted, clamped, coupled, or otherwise securely positioned within the remote camera opening 22.

[0051] The working channel will be described in more detail below.

[0052] In the endoscope of this embodiment, the working channel is formed by the inner wall 11 of the working channel opening 21 disposed in the distal housing base 28 and the inner wall of the working channel member 4 located proximal to the distal working channel opening 21. The working channel member 4 is formed in a flexible or tubular manner and is embedded in the endoscope along its longitudinal extension. The working channel member 4 extends proximally away from the endoscope lens portion 1 at a length desired by the endoscope manufacturer, towards the proximal working channel inlet (not shown).

[0053] Therefore, the working channel is formed in the endoscope through the proximal end (the inner wall of the working channel in the working channel component 4) of the working channel component 4, and is connected to its distal end through the distal end (the distal end of the inner wall 11 of the working channel in the distal housing substrate 28).

[0054] The proximal surface 25 of the distal housing substrate 28 faces the working channel component 4.

[0055] In this embodiment, the working channel member 4 is arranged on the proximal surface 25. In other words, the working channel member 4 is located on the proximal surface 25. Therefore, the working channel member 4 is close to the end surface 25.

[0056] The distal front of the working channel component 4 is a flat (planar) surface. The distal front of the working channel component 4 is closely adjacent to the end surface 25 without gaps.

[0057] The working channel opening 21 has the same inner diameter as the working channel member 4. The working channel opening 21 and the working channel member 4 are centered such that no shoulder is formed at the transition between the working channel opening 21 and the working channel member 4.

[0058] Therefore, the proximal surface 25 of the distal housing substrate 28 forms the receiving surface of the working channel component.

[0059] An inward wall 24 extending proximal to proximal from the proximal surface serves as a retainer for the working channel member 4. The inward wall 24 is formed to bulge inward. In other words, the inward wall 24 is formed in an arc or curved manner along the periphery. The inward wall 24 is formed concentrically with the working channel opening 21. The inward wall 24 has an inner diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the working channel member 4.

[0060] Therefore, the outer wall of the working channel component 4 is close to the inner wall 24. Therefore, the inner wall 24 holds the working channel component 4.

[0061] Therefore, the inward wall 24 forms a retaining portion of the working channel member 4. The inward wall 24 has an internal shape facing the distal end of the working channel member 4, which is adapted to the outer periphery of the distal end of the working channel member 4 and contacts the outer peripheral surface of the distal end of the working channel member 4.

[0062] consider Figures 3 to 5 The inward wall 24 is divided into the first part of the inward wall 24 ( Figure 3-5 (right side of the middle) and the second part ( Figure 3-5 (Left side of the middle).

[0063] See Figures 3 to 5 The first portion of the inward wall 24 is located on one side (right side) of the remote camera opening 22. The second portion of the inward wall 24 is located on the other side (left side) of the remote camera opening 22.

[0064] The first and second parts of the inward wall 24 are spaced apart from each other.

[0065] The first and second portions of the inward wall 24 are circumferentially spaced apart from each other at the remote camera opening 22. The first and second portions of the inward wall 24 are radially spaced apart from each other at the remote working passage opening 21.

[0066] The first and second portions of the inward wall 24 are opposite each other in the region of the distal camera opening 22 in the circumferential direction of the endoscope housing 2. In this region, when viewed radially, the connection portion of the camera 5 (e.g., cables 54, 55) is opposite to the working channel member 4.

[0067] In other words, on the proximal side of the proximal surface 25 of the endoscope housing 2, the camera 5 (e.g., cables 54, 55) faces the periphery of the working channel member 4 in the radial direction of the working channel via free space.

[0068] The working channel component 4 can be attached to the proximal surface 25.

[0069] The proximal face of the working channel member 4 can be coupled to the proximal surface 25. Alternatively or additionally, the outer wall can be coupled to the inward wall 24 in the distal region of the working channel member 4.

[0070] Effects of the Implementation Examples

[0071] In the first embodiment, the working channel component 4 is securely held in the endoscope housing 2.

[0072] However, the wall portion of the inward wall 24 in the region proximal to the proximal surface 25 between the working channel and the camera can be omitted. In other words, there is no part of the endoscope lens housing 2 between the working channel member 4 and the camera 5. Therefore, there is no wall between the working channel member 4 and the camera proximal to the proximal surface 25.

[0073] By omitting this wall section, not only is material saved on the endoscope housing 2, but the outer diameter of the endoscope housing 2 can also be designed to be smaller because the working channel and the camera can be arranged close to each other. Therefore, space can be created within the endoscope for a larger working channel (larger diameter) while the outer diameter remains constant. Thus, an endoscope with a smaller outer diameter can be produced; however, relatively large instruments can still slide through the working channel within this endoscope.

[0074] Modification of the first embodiment

[0075] In the modification of the first embodiment, a certain interference fit may exist, such that the working channel member 4 is held clamped by the inner wall 24. In this case, the outer diameter of the working channel member 4 is appropriately larger than the inner diameter of the inner wall 24, thereby creating a press fit of the working channel member 4 at the inner wall 24. In this modified example, the working channel member 4 does not need to be coupled. However, it can be coupled in another way.

[0076] Second Embodiment

[0077] The following is for reference. Figure 6 The second embodiment of the present invention is described below.

[0078] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the camera housing, which serves as the inspection support component, has a modified structure. The remaining structure is the same as that in the first embodiment and will not be described further.

[0079] In the second embodiment, the camera 5 is arranged in the remote camera opening 22 such that the main body of the camera 5 protrudes from the remote camera opening 22 in the proximal direction.

[0080] A camera cable 54, connected to camera 5, extends from camera 5 in the distal direction. Camera cable 54 is, for example, an uncoated camera cable connected to a coated camera cable 55.

[0081] The camera cable 55 extends in the proximal direction. For example, the camera cable 55 may extend to a proximal control body.

[0082] The camera cable 55 is preferably a coated camera cable. The camera cable 54, connected to the camera 5, extends from the coated camera cable 55. The design of cables 54 and 55 is freely selectable and is not limited in this invention. Cables 54 and 55 can be used to power the camera 5 and transmit image signals.

[0083] like Figure 6 As shown, the main body of camera 5 protrudes from the distal camera opening 22 in the proximal direction, forming the proximal end of camera 5 and facing the outer wall of the working channel member 4. In other words, the portion of the main body of camera 5 protruding from the distal camera opening 22 in the proximal direction is arranged radially outward from the distal end of the working channel member 4. When viewed in the radial direction of the endoscope, the proximal end of camera 5 and the distal end of the working channel member 4 overlap.

[0084] When viewed in the radial direction, in the region where the proximal end of the camera 5 and the distal end of the working channel member 4 face each other, no portion of the endoscope lens housing 24 (and no portion of the extension 23) is formed within it. Proximal to the proximal surface 25, no portion of the endoscope lens 1 is formed between the distal working channel opening 21 and the distal camera opening 22. Proximal to the proximal surface 25, a free space is formed between the distal working channel opening 21 and the distal camera opening 22. This free space lies between the camera 5 and the working channel member 4. In other words, this free space lies between the camera 5 and the working channel.

[0085] Therefore, in this embodiment, the camera 5 and the working channel component 4 can be arranged very close to each other.

[0086] The second embodiment produces the same effect as the first embodiment. There is no wall between the working channel component 4 and the camera 5.

[0087] Modification of the Second Embodiment

[0088] In a modified embodiment of the second embodiment (not shown), the camera 5 and the working channel member 4 can even be arranged close to each other, such that they are adjacent to each other. In this case, the portion of the body of the camera 5 protruding from the distal camera opening 22 in the proximal direction (the proximal end of the camera 5) can be adjacent to the distal end of the working channel member 4. Then, in the region between the two portions of the wall 24 in the first embodiment, the portion of the body of the camera 5 protruding from the distal camera opening 22 in the proximal direction forms a portion of the wall adjacent to the outer periphery of the working channel member 4. Proximal to the proximal surface 25, no portion of the endoscope lens 1 is formed between the distal working channel opening 21 and the distal camera opening 22. Proximal to the proximal surface 25, a free space is formed between the distal working channel opening 21 and the distal camera opening 22.

[0089] Therefore, in this modified example, the outer wall of the working channel member 4 is close to the near end of the camera 5 along the periphery of the working channel member 4 and close to the first and second parts of the inward wall 24.

[0090] Here, on the proximal side of the proximal surface 25 of the endoscope housing 2, the camera 5 is close to the periphery of the working channel component 4 in the radial direction of the working channel.

[0091] Therefore, in the modified version of the second embodiment, the free space at the proximal side of the proximal surface 25 between the remote working channel opening 21 and the remote camera opening 22 is filled by the wall of the working channel member 4.

[0092] Alternative solutions

[0093] The remote working channel opening 21 and / or the remote camera opening 22 do not need to extend parallel to the axis of the endoscope lens housing 2. The remote working channel opening 21 and / or the remote camera opening 22 may extend at a predetermined angle relative to the axis of the endoscope lens housing 2.

[0094] The remote working channel opening 21 and the remote camera opening 22 do not need to extend parallel to each other as in the embodiment. The remote working channel opening 21 and the remote camera opening 22 can extend to each other at a predetermined angle (obliquely).

[0095] In this embodiment, the camera 5 is arranged in the remote camera opening 22 such that the remote surface of the camera 5 is aligned with the remote front surface of the endoscope lens housing 2. Alternatively, the camera 5 may also protrude remotely beyond the remote front surface of the endoscope lens housing 2.

[0096] In another alternative, the camera 5 can be offset from the far front of the endoscope lens housing 2 in the proximal direction.

[0097] In this embodiment, such as Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the proximal housing extension 23 partially surrounds the extension of the distal working channel opening 21, which protrudes in the proximal direction. Alternatively, the proximal housing extension 23 may surround the extension of the distal working channel opening 21, which protrudes in the proximal direction, as a continuous wall. This continuous wall surrounds the inserted camera radially outward. The proximal region of the proximal surface 25 between the proximal extension of the distal working channel opening 21 and the proximal extension of the distal camera opening 22 may be without the proximal housing extension 23.

[0098] In another alternative, the proximal housing extension 23 forms a single, incomplete wall around the extension of the distal working channel opening 21 projecting in the proximal direction, the wall being interrupted only by the area of ​​the distal camera opening 22. In this variation, Figures 3 to 5 The two wall portions of the wall 24 shown extend in the circumferential direction to such an extent that the proximal housing extension 23 closes on the lower side shown in the figure. Also in this variant, the proximal region of the proximal surface 25 between the proximal extension of the proximal working channel opening 21 and the proximal extension of the distal camera opening 22 does not have the proximal housing extension 23.

[0099] In this embodiment, the working channel member 4 is located close to the end surface 25. Alternatively, the working channel member 4 may also be spaced apart from the proximal end surface 25. A sealing ring may be disposed between the proximal end surface 25 and the distal face of the working channel member 4. The sealing ring has an internal opening. The internal opening of the sealing ring forms an inner peripheral wall. The inner peripheral wall preferably has the same inner diameter as the working channel opening 21 and the working channel member 4. The inner peripheral wall forms part of the working channel. The sealing ring may be coupled to the proximal end surface 25. The working channel member 4 may be coupled to the sealing ring. More specifically, the distal face of the sealing ring is coupled to the proximal end surface 25, and the distal face of the working channel member 4 is coupled to the proximal face of the sealing ring. The working channel opening 21, the sealing ring, and the working channel member 4 are centered such that no shoulder is formed at the transition from the working channel opening 21 to the sealing ring and from the sealing ring to the working channel member 4.

[0100] In this embodiment, the inner diameter of the inner wall 24 is equal to the outer diameter of the working channel member 4. Alternatively, the inner diameter of the inner wall 24 is larger than the outer diameter of the working channel member 4. A retaining element can be provided radially inside the inner wall 24 between the inner wall 24 and the outer wall of the working channel member 4. The retaining element can be formed as a ring. However, it is only necessary to provide the retaining element on the outer periphery of the working channel member 4 located between the inner wall 24 and the outer wall of the working channel member 4. Therefore, the retaining element is not limited to a ring shape.

[0101] In another alternative, wall 24 can be omitted. In this case, the working channel component 4 is simply securely attached to the proximal surface 25 or to a sealing ring thereon. Thus, the distal front of the working channel component 4 is securely held to the endoscope housing 2.

[0102] In one embodiment, camera 5 is arranged within endoscope lens 1 as an examination support member. The invention is not limited thereto. Within endoscope lens 1, an illumination device, wiring for the illumination device (LED or light guide), an albaren rod operable from the proximal side of the endoscope, an actuation line for the albaren rod, a flushing nozzle for liquid (e.g., water), a flushing nozzle for air drying, a flushing nozzle channel member, or another working channel member can all serve as the examination support member. In this invention, the structure can be designed such that the distance between the examination support member and the working channel member 4 is optimized to a minimum.

[0103] The endoscope including the endoscope lens according to the present invention can be a flexible endoscope or a rigid endoscope.

[0104] Reference Symbol List

[0105] 1. Endoscopic lens

[0106] 2. Endoscope housing

[0107] 4 Working channel components

[0108] 5. Camera; inspect supporting components.

[0109] 11 Working passage opening 21 Working passage inner wall

[0110] 21. Distal working channel opening in the endoscope housing

[0111] 22. Remote camera opening in the endoscope housing

[0112] 23 Proximal shell extension

[0113] 24. Inner peripheral wall portion of the proximal outer shell extension; retaining portion

[0114] 25. Proximal surface (receiving surface of working channel component)

[0115] 28. Distal shell substrate

[0116] 53 Camera Cable

[0117] 54 Uncoated camera cables

[0118] 55 Coated camera cables

[0119] 200 Endoscope lens housing

[0120] 210 Distal working channel opening in the endoscope housing

[0121] 211 Proximal contact surface

[0122] 212 The working channel component in the endoscope housing is inserted into the opening.

[0123] 215 Proximal shell wall

[0124] 220. Remote camera opening in the endoscopic lens housing.

Claims

1. An endoscope including an endoscope (1), said endoscope (1) comprising: Outer shell (2); Camera (5) located at the far end of the housing (2); The working channel extends in the endoscope (1), the working channel is formed in a flexible or tubular working channel member (4) and in a housing (2) disposed away from the working channel member (4); Sealing ring; as well as Maintaining Department The housing (2) has a working channel member receiving surface (25) facing the working channel member (4). Its features On the proximal side of the receiving surface (25) of the working channel member of the housing (2), the camera (5) faces the periphery of the working channel member (4) via free space in the radial direction of the working channel. The working channel component (4) and the receiving surface (25) of the working channel component are spaced apart axially from each other in the working channel component (4). The retaining portion supports the distal end of the working channel member (4) at the periphery of the distal end of the working channel member (4), and the retaining portion includes an inward wall (24) extending from the receiving surface (25) of the working channel member toward the proximal end. The periphery of the working channel component (4) is close to the inner wall (24). There is no part of the inward wall (24) between the camera (5) and a portion of the peripheral portion of the distal end of the working channel member (4). A portion of the peripheral portion faces the camera (5). The sealing ring is disposed between the receiving surface (25) of the working channel member and the distal front of the working channel member (4), wherein the sealing ring has an internal opening, wherein the internal opening of the sealing ring forms part of the working channel.

2. The endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that... The retaining part is integral with the outer shell (2).

3. The endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that... A portion of the proximal side of the working channel component receiving surface (25) protrudes from the camera in a proximal direction, or the wiring of the working channel component receiving surface (25) connected to the camera and extending away from the camera protrudes from the proximal side of the working channel component receiving surface (25) in a proximal direction.

4. An endoscope including an endoscope (1), said endoscope (1) comprising: Outer shell (2); Camera (5) located at the far end of the housing (2); The working channel extends in the endoscope (1), the working channel is formed in a flexible or tubular working channel member (4) and in a housing (2) disposed away from the working channel member (4); Sealing ring; as well as Maintaining Department The housing (2) has a working channel member receiving surface (25) facing the working channel member (4). Its features On the near side of the receiving surface (25) of the working channel member of the housing (2), the camera (5) is close to the periphery of the working channel member (4) in the radial direction of the working channel. The working channel component (4) and the receiving surface (25) of the working channel component are spaced apart axially from each other in the working channel component (4). The retaining portion supports the distal end of the working channel member (4) at the periphery of the distal end of the working channel member (4), and the retaining portion includes an inward wall (24) extending from the receiving surface (25) of the working channel member toward the proximal end. The periphery of the working channel component (4) is close to the inner wall (24). There is no part of the inward wall (24) between the camera (5) and a portion of the peripheral portion of the distal end of the working channel member (4). A portion of the peripheral portion faces the camera (5). The sealing ring is disposed between the receiving surface (25) of the working channel member and the distal front of the working channel member (4), wherein the sealing ring has an internal opening, wherein the internal opening of the sealing ring forms part of the working channel.

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