Endoscope knob locking and adjusting structure and endoscope

Abstract

The application provides an endoscope knob locking adjusting structure and an endoscope. The endoscope knob locking adjusting structure comprises a main shaft, a locking driving element, a sliding element and a limiting assembly. The locking driving element is rotatably arranged around the main shaft, and the sliding element is movably arranged along the axial direction of the main shaft. When the locking driving element rotates around the main shaft, the sliding element is driven to move along the axial direction of the main shaft. The limiting assembly has a locking state and an unlocking state. When the limiting assembly is in the unlocking state, the axial position of the limiting assembly along the main shaft is adjustable. When the limiting assembly is in the locking state, the axial position of the limiting assembly along the main shaft is locked. The sliding element is used for abutting against the limiting assembly in the locking state to apply a rotating resistance to the locking driving element. The rotating resistance is configured to be adjusted based on the adjustment of the axial position of the limiting assembly along the main shaft.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical device technology, and in particular to an endoscope knob locking and adjustment structure and an endoscope. Background Technology

[0002] In existing technologies, electronic endoscopes typically use a control knob to adjust and lock the angle of the insertion tip. To meet operator habits and safety requirements, the locking mechanism on the control knob requires sufficiently low force to adjust the angle, effectively lock the angle after adjustment, and allow for angle changes even under external torque. These application requirements necessitate a locking structure that requires minimal torque when releasing, effectively fixes the angle when locking, and allows for angle changes under external force. Existing locking structures often suffer from inconsistent locking forces, fluctuating locking forces with use, and difficulty in adjusting the locking force, thus failing to meet these requirements. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide an endoscope knob locking adjustment structure and an endoscope to solve the problem that the existing endoscope knob locking structure cannot meet the requirements.

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides an endoscope knob locking adjustment structure, which includes: a main shaft, a locking drive, a sliding member, and a limiting component; the locking drive is rotatably arranged around the main shaft, and the sliding member is movable along the axial direction of the main shaft; when the locking drive rotates around the main shaft, it drives the sliding member to move along the axial direction of the main shaft;

[0005] The limiting component has a locked state and an unlocked state; when in the unlocked state, the axial position of the limiting component along the main shaft is adjustable; when in the locked state, the axial position of the limiting component along the main shaft is locked.

[0006] The sliding member is used to abut against the limiting assembly in the locked state to apply rotational resistance to the locking drive member, the rotational resistance being configured to be adjusted based on the adjustment of the axial position of the limiting assembly along the main shaft.

[0007] Optionally, the limiting component includes a first limiting member, a second limiting member, and a rotation limiting connector;

[0008] The first limiting member is rotatably disposed on the main shaft via a first thread, and the second limiting member is rotatably disposed on the main shaft via a second thread, wherein the first thread and the second thread have different pitches and / or directions.

[0009] When the rotation limiting connector is configured to simultaneously restrict the relative circumferential rotation of the first limiting member and the second limiting member, the limiting component is in the locked state;

[0010] When the rotation limiting connector is configured to release the restriction on the relative circumferential rotation of the first limiting member and the second limiting member, the limiting component is in the unlocked state.

[0011] Optionally, the first limiting member and the rotation limiting connector have a first rotation limiting feature adapted to each other, and the second limiting member and the rotation limiting connector have a second rotation limiting feature adapted to each other.

[0012] Each time the rotation limiting connector rotates around the main shaft by a first angle, it can match the first limiting member through the first rotation limiting feature, thereby limiting the relative rotation between the first limiting member and the rotation limiting connector.

[0013] Each time the rotation limiting connector rotates around the main shaft by a second angle, it can match the second limiting member through the second rotation limiting feature, thereby limiting the relative rotation between the second limiting member and the rotation limiting connector.

[0014] Optionally, the first rotation limiting feature includes an inner polygonal hole formed on the rotation limiting connector along the axial direction of the main shaft and an outer polygonal protrusion disposed on the outer periphery of the first limiting member; the second rotation limiting feature includes a first tooth disposed on the outer periphery of the rotation limiting connector and a second tooth disposed on the inner periphery of the second limiting member.

[0015] The rotation limiting connector is configured to be detachably connected to the first limiting member and the second limiting member along the axial direction of the main shaft;

[0016] When the rotation-limiting connector separates from the first limiting member along the axial direction of the main shaft, the outer polygonal protrusion disengages from the inner polygonal hole, thereby allowing relative rotation between the first limiting member and the rotation-limiting connector; when the rotation-limiting connector connects to the first limiting member along the axial direction of the main shaft, the outer polygonal protrusion engages with the inner polygonal hole, thereby restricting relative rotation between the first limiting member and the rotation-limiting connector.

[0017] When the rotation-limiting connector separates from the second limiting member along the axial direction of the main shaft, the first tooth separates from the second tooth, thereby allowing relative rotation between the second limiting member and the rotation-limiting connector; when the rotation-limiting connector connects to the second limiting member along the axial direction of the main shaft, the first tooth meshes with the second tooth, thereby restricting relative rotation between the second limiting member and the rotation-limiting connector.

[0018] Optionally, the second limiting member has an annular body circumferentially arranged around the axis of the main shaft, and the second tooth is located on the inner circumference of the annular body; wherein the annular body has a notch in the circumferential direction, and the notch exposes the rotation limiting connector.

[0019] Optionally, the sliding member and the main shaft have a third rotation limiting feature adapted to each other; the sliding member is connected to the main shaft through the third rotation limiting feature, and the third rotation limiting feature restricts the relative rotation of the sliding member and the main shaft.

[0020] Optionally, the third rotation limiting feature includes an inner hole formed on the sliding member along the axial direction of the main shaft and a cylindrical section disposed on the outer periphery of the main shaft; the cross-sections of the inner hole and the cylindrical section are not circular, and the cross-sections of the inner hole and the cylindrical section are adapted to each other; the cylindrical section engages with the inner hole, thereby limiting the relative rotation between the sliding member and the main shaft.

[0021] Optionally, the limiting component includes a first abutting plate, and the sliding member includes a second abutting plate, with the first abutting plate and the second abutting plate arranged along the axial direction of the main shaft; when in the locked state, the limiting component applies axial resistance to the sliding member through the abutting of the first abutting plate and the second abutting plate, and then the axial resistance is converted into the rotational resistance of the locking drive member.

[0022] Optionally, the locking drive and the sliding member are connected by a third thread.

[0023] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention also provides an endoscope, which includes the endoscope knob locking and adjustment structure as described above.

[0024] In summary, in the endoscope knob locking adjustment structure and endoscope provided by the present invention, the endoscope knob locking adjustment structure includes: a main shaft, a locking drive, a sliding member, and a limiting component; the locking drive is rotatably arranged around the main shaft, and the sliding member is movable along the axial direction of the main shaft; when the locking drive rotates around the main shaft, it drives the sliding member to move along the axial direction of the main shaft; the limiting component has a locked state and an unlocked state; in the unlocked state, the axial position of the limiting component along the main shaft is adjustable; in the locked state, the axial position of the limiting component along the main shaft is locked; the sliding member is used to abut against the limiting component in the locked state to apply rotational resistance to the locking drive, and the rotational resistance is configured to be adjusted based on the adjustment of the axial position of the limiting component along the main shaft.

[0025] With this configuration, the knob can be loosened and locked by rotating the locking drive. Furthermore, based on the axial position of the adjusting limit component along the main shaft, the rotational resistance applied to the locking drive can be adjusted, thereby adjusting the locking force of the locking drive. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Those skilled in the art will understand that the accompanying drawings are provided to better understand the invention and do not constitute any limitation on the scope of the invention. Wherein:

[0027] Figure 1 This is an overall schematic diagram of the endoscope knob assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the spindle in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 3 This is an exploded axial cross-sectional view of the endoscope knob assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 4 This is an exploded axial cross-sectional view of the endoscope knob locking adjustment structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] In the attached image:

[0032] 10-Knob; 100-Housing; 11-Clamping ring; 12-Transmitter; 13-Flexible component; 20-Main shaft; 200-Column section; 30-Locking drive component; 300-Third thread; 31-Groove; 40-Sliding component; 400-Inner hole; 401-Third rotation limiting feature; 41-Second abutment plate; 50-Limiting assembly; 501-First rotation limiting feature; 502-Second rotation limiting feature; 51-First limiting component; 510-First thread; 520-Second thread; 52-Second limiting component; 522-Annular body; 523-Notch; 53-Rotation limiting connector; 54-First abutment plate. Detailed Implementation

[0033] To make the objectives, advantages, and features of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that the drawings are all in a very simplified form and are not drawn to scale, and are only used to facilitate and clarify the explanation of the embodiments of this invention. Furthermore, the structures shown in the drawings are often part of the actual structures. In particular, different figures may emphasize different aspects and may sometimes use different scales.

[0034] As used in this invention, the singular forms “a,” “an,” “one,” and “the” include plural objects; the term “or” is generally used to mean “and / or”; the term “a number” is generally used to mean “at least one”; and the term “at least two” is generally used to mean “two or more”. Furthermore, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third” are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as “first,” “second,” or “third” may explicitly or implicitly include one or at least two of that feature; “one end” and “the other end,” and “proximal end” and “distal end” generally refer to two corresponding parts, which include not only endpoints. Furthermore, the terms "installed," "connected," and "attached," as used in this invention, and the term "set" on one element from another, should be interpreted broadly. They generally only indicate a connection, coupling, cooperation, or transmission relationship between the two elements, which can be direct or indirect through an intermediate element. They should not be construed as indicating or implying a spatial relationship between the two elements, meaning one element can be located inside, outside, above, below, or to one side of another element, unless otherwise explicitly stated. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances. Additionally, directional terms such as above, below, up, down, upward, downward, left, and right are used relative to exemplary embodiments as shown in the figures, with upward or upper directions pointing towards the top of the corresponding figure, and downward or lower directions pointing towards the bottom of the corresponding figure.

[0035] The purpose of this invention is to provide an endoscope knob locking and adjustment structure and an endoscope to solve the problem that existing endoscope knob locking structures are insufficient to meet requirements. The following description refers to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] Please refer to Figures 1 to 4 This invention provides a knob assembly for an endoscope, comprising a knob 10 and an endoscope knob locking and adjusting structure. The knob 10 is rotatably mounted about a main shaft 20 and is used to control and adjust the angle of the endoscope lens. The endoscope knob locking and adjusting structure is used to lock and unlock the rotation of the knob 10.

[0037] To address at least one of the problems existing in current knob locking structures, such as inconsistent locking force, easy variation in locking force with use, and difficulty in adjusting the locking force, this invention provides an endoscope knob locking adjustment structure, comprising: a main shaft 20, a locking drive 30, a sliding member 40, and a limiting component 50; the locking drive 30 is rotatably disposed around the main shaft 20, and the sliding member 40 is movable along the axial direction of the main shaft 20; when the locking drive 30 rotates around the main shaft 20, it drives the sliding member... 40 moves axially along the main shaft 20; the limiting component 50 has a locked state and an unlocked state; in the unlocked state, the axial position of the limiting component 50 along the main shaft 20 is adjustable; in the locked state, the axial position of the limiting component 50 along the main shaft 20 is locked; the sliding member 40 is used to abut against the limiting component 50 in the locked state to apply rotational resistance to the locking drive member 30, the rotational resistance being configured to be adjusted based on the adjustment of the axial position of the limiting component 50 along the main shaft 20.

[0038] Optionally, the locking drive 30 is rotatable relative to the knob 10. The axial position of the knob 10 on the main shaft 20 is defined, while the axial position of the locking drive 30 on the main shaft 20 has a certain adjustable stroke. When the locking drive 30 moves axially along the main shaft 20 to abut against the knob 10, it can compress and lock the rotational freedom of the knob 10 through friction. When the locking drive 30 separates from the knob 10 along the main shaft 20, it releases the lock on the knob 10, allowing the knob 10 to rotate around the main shaft 20. In practice, the relationship between the locking drive 30 and the knob 10 can also be between locked and unlocked, that is, the locking drive 30 applies a certain rotational resistance to the knob 10.

[0039] Please refer to the reference. Figure 3 and Figure 4In one example, the locking drive 30 has a circumferentially arranged groove 31, which preferably also contains ball bearings to make the pressing force applied by the locking drive 30 to the knob 10 more uniform. The corresponding knob 10 has a retaining ring portion 11 that matches the groove diameter of the groove 31, so that the locking drive 30 is movably fitted onto the retaining ring portion 11 via the groove 31. Optionally, the axial width of the groove 31 along the main shaft 20 is slightly larger than the axial width of the retaining ring portion 11 along the main shaft 20, so that when the locking drive 30 is not pressing the knob 10, the knob 10 can be rotated with less resistance based on the cooperation between the groove 31 and the retaining ring portion 11. Furthermore, the axial position of the knob 10 along the main shaft 20 is defined. When the locking drive 30 moves toward the knob 10, it applies rotational resistance to the knob 10 by squeezing it. When the squeezing force between the locking drive 30 and the knob 10 reaches a certain threshold, the rotational freedom of the knob 10 can be considered locked.

[0040] Furthermore, the limiting component 50 and the sliding component 40 are sequentially arranged on the main shaft 20, with the sliding component 40 located between the limiting component 50 and the locking drive component 30. When the locking drive component 30 rotates in a certain direction, it can drive the sliding component 40 to move towards the limiting component 50 (understandably, when the locking drive component 30 rotates in the opposite direction, it can drive the sliding component 40 to move away from the limiting component 50). When the sliding component 40 comes into contact with the limiting component 50, the axial travel of the sliding component 40 is limited by the limiting component 50. If the locking drive component 30 continues to rotate at this time, it will inevitably drive itself to move away from the limiting component 50, that is, towards the knob 10, until it comes into contact with the knob 10, applying a compressive force along the axial direction of the main shaft 20 to the knob 10.

[0041] Understandably, in practice, the contact surfaces of the sliding member 40 and the limiting component 50, and / or the contact surfaces of the locking drive member 30 and the knob 10, can have a certain elastic deformation capability. After the sliding member 40 and the limiting component 50 come into contact and abut, and the locking drive member 30 and the knob 10 abut, when the locking drive member 30 is rotated further, it will cause the contact surfaces of the sliding member 40 and the limiting component 50, and / or the contact surfaces of the locking drive member 30 and the knob 10 to undergo elastic deformation. The elastic deformation of the contact surfaces will, in turn, exert a reaction force on the locking drive member 30, that is, exert rotational resistance on the locking drive member 30. This rotational resistance is also equivalent to the squeezing force exerted by the locking drive member 30 on the knob 10. When the squeezing force reaches a certain threshold, it can be considered that the rotational freedom of the knob 10 is locked. In one example, the knob 10 includes a housing 100, a conductor 12, and a flexible member 13, which may be made of silicone. When the locking drive 30 moves away from the limiting assembly 50, it transmits compressive force to the flexible member 13 through abutment contact with the conductor 12. The flexible member 13 is deformed by the compression, thereby preventing the housing 100 from rotating, thus locking the knob 10.

[0042] To facilitate operation, it is desirable for the locking drive 30 to have no idle stroke when rotating around the main shaft 20; that is, it is best if the locking drive 30 can immediately apply pressure to the knob 10 when rotating around the main shaft 20. Therefore, when the locking drive 30 is at the starting position of its rotation stroke, it is preferable that the sliding member 40 and the limiting component 50 are already in contact, and the locking drive 30 and the knob 10 are already in contact. This allows the locking drive 30 to immediately cause elastic deformation of the contact surface when rotating around the main shaft 20, thereby immediately applying pressure to the knob 10. As the locking drive 30 rotates around the main shaft 20, the rotational resistance increases, and the pressure applied by the locking drive 30 to the knob 10 also increases.

[0043] Similarly, for ease of operation, a certain stroke is often set for the rotation of the locking drive 30, for example, to lock the knob 10 when the locking drive 30 rotates a predetermined angle. Based on the above analysis, it can be seen that when both ends of the sliding member 40 and the locking drive 30 are blocked axially, the sliding member 40 and the locking drive 30 will be compressed as they extend axially. When the locking drive 30 rotates around the main shaft 20 by a predetermined angle, the magnitude of its rotational resistance (or the magnitude of the compressive force applied to the knob 10) actually reflects the axial compression of both the sliding member 40 and the locking drive 30. Therefore, by adjusting the position of the limiting component 50 along the main shaft 20, it is equivalent to adjusting the limitation on the axial stroke of both the sliding member 40 and the locking drive 30, thereby allowing the magnitude of the rotational resistance of the locking drive 30 (i.e., the magnitude of the compressive force applied to the knob 10) when it rotates around the main shaft 20 by a predetermined angle to be adjusted. Adjusting the limiting component 50 along the main shaft 20 toward the knob 10 increases the rotational resistance of the locking drive component 30; conversely, adjusting the limiting component 50 along the main shaft 20 away from the knob 10 decreases the rotational resistance of the locking drive component 30.

[0044] With this configuration, the knob 10 can be loosened and locked by rotating the locking drive component 30. Furthermore, based on the axial position of the adjusting limit component 50 along the main shaft 20, the axial travel of the sliding component 40 can be adjusted, thereby adjusting the rotational resistance of the locking drive component 30, and thus adjusting the locking force of the locking drive component 30. Since the adjustment amount of the axial travel of the sliding component 40 required to adjust the locking force of the locking drive component 30 is actually very small, the adjustment amount of the axial position of the limiting component 50 is also actually very small, and the axial position of the limiting component 50 needs to be reliably and stably locked on the main shaft 20 after being adjusted.

[0045] Based on the above research, optionally, in this embodiment, the limiting component 50 includes a first limiting member 51, a second limiting member 52, and a rotation limiting connector 53; the first limiting member 51 is rotatably disposed on the main shaft 20 via a first thread 510, and the second limiting member 52 is rotatably disposed on the main shaft 20 via a second thread 520, wherein the first thread 510 and the second thread 520 have different pitches and / or directions; when the rotation limiting connector 53 is configured to simultaneously restrict the relative circumferential rotation of the first limiting member 51 and the second limiting member 52, the limiting component 50 is in the locked state; when the rotation limiting connector 53 is configured to release the restriction on the relative circumferential rotation of the first limiting member 51 and the second limiting member 52, the limiting component 50 is in the unlocked state.

[0046] With this configuration, the limiting component 50 is actually adjusted along the axial position of the main shaft 20 by means of thread conversion. Thread conversion has the advantage of precise adjustment and a small adjustment range, which just meets the requirement that the axial position adjustment range of the limiting component 50 is not large. On the other hand, by restricting the relative rotation of the first limiting component 51 and the second limiting component 52 by the rotation limiting connector 53, the entire limiting component 50 can be reliably and stably locked at a certain axial position of the main shaft 20.

[0047] Understandably, when the first limiting member 51 rotates around the main shaft 20, it will move axially along the main shaft 20 due to the change in the first thread 510; similarly, when the second limiting member 52 rotates around the main shaft 20, it will also move axially along the main shaft 20 due to the change in the second thread 520. Furthermore, since the first thread 510 and the second thread 520 have different pitches and / or directions, when the first limiting member 51 and the second limiting member 52 rotate in the same direction and at the same circumferential angle, their axial displacements along the main shaft 20 are different. When the relative circumferential rotation of the first limiting member 51 and the second limiting member 52 is restricted—that is, they can only rotate synchronously around the main shaft 20—and they rotate synchronously in a certain direction, the difference in their axial displacements will eventually cause them to approach and lock together.

[0048] Therefore, by restricting the relative circumferential rotation of the first limiting member 51 and the second limiting member 52, both the first limiting member 51 and the second limiting member 52 can be locked onto the main shaft 20. In other words, the entire limiting assembly 50 is in a locked state at this time. Conversely, by releasing the restriction on the relative circumferential rotation of the first limiting member 51 and the second limiting member 52, both the first limiting member 51 and the second limiting member 52 can rotate around the main shaft 20 respectively, and their axial positions can be adjusted.

[0049] In one example, the first thread 510 may include a first external thread disposed on the spindle 20 and a first internal thread disposed on the central through hole of the first limiting member 51, and the second thread 520 may include a second external thread disposed on the spindle 20 and a second internal thread disposed on the central through hole of the second limiting member 52. Preferably, the nominal diameter of the first thread 510 is different from the nominal diameter of the second thread 520, so that both the first limiting member 51 and the second limiting member 52 can move along the axial direction of the spindle 20 respectively.

[0050] To achieve a simple and reliable restriction of the relative circumferential rotation between the first limiting member 51 and the second limiting member 52 via the rotation-limiting connector 53, preferably, the first limiting member 51 and the rotation-limiting connector 53 have a matching first rotation-limiting feature 501, and the second limiting member 52 and the rotation-limiting connector 53 have a matching second rotation-limiting feature 502; for each first angle of rotation around the main shaft 20, the rotation-limiting connector 53 can match the first limiting member 51 via the first rotation-limiting feature 501, thereby restricting the relative rotation between the first limiting member 51 and the rotation-limiting connector 53; for each second angle of rotation around the main shaft 20, the rotation-limiting connector 53 can match the second limiting member 52 via the second rotation-limiting feature 502, thereby restricting the relative rotation between the second limiting member 52 and the rotation-limiting connector 53.

[0051] The rotation-limiting connector 53 is configured to be detachably connected to the first limiting member 51 and the second limiting member 52 respectively. That is, when the rotation-limiting connector 53 is detached, the first limiting member 51 and the second limiting member 52 can rotate around the main shaft 20 respectively, and their relative rotation is unrestricted. When the rotation-limiting connector 53 is assembled between the first limiting member 51 and the second limiting member 52, and is simultaneously connected to the first limiting member 51 and the second limiting member 52, based on the setting of the first rotation-limiting feature 501 and the second rotation-limiting feature 502, the first limiting member 51, the second limiting member 52 and the rotation-limiting connector 53 are equivalent to being connected as a whole, thereby restricting the relative circumferential rotation of the three.

[0052] Furthermore, the first rotation-limiting feature 501 is rotationally symmetrical in the circumferential direction, so that the rotation-limiting connector 53 can match the first limiting member 51 through the first rotation-limiting feature 501 every time it rotates around the main axis 20 by a first angle. When the rotation-limiting connector 53 matches the first limiting member 51, the relative rotation between the two is restricted. At this time, the matching relationship between the rotation-limiting connector 53 and the first limiting member 51 can also be released, thereby allowing the relative rotation between the rotation-limiting connector 53 and the first limiting member 51. The rotation-limiting connector 53 can match the first limiting member 51 after rotating by an integer multiple of the first angle. Preferably, the first angle is less than 360°, and the second angle is less than 360°.

[0053] by Figure 4 As shown in the example, in an alternative example, the first rotation limiting feature 501 includes an inner polygonal hole formed on the rotation limiting connector 53 along the axial direction of the main shaft 20 and an outer polygonal protrusion disposed on the outer periphery of the first limiting member 51; the rotation limiting connector 53 is configured to be detachably connected to the first limiting member 51 along the axial direction of the main shaft 20.

[0054] When the rotation-limiting connector 53 separates from the first limiting member 51 along the axial direction of the main shaft 20, the outer polygonal protrusion disengages from the inner polygonal hole, thereby allowing relative rotation between the first limiting member 51 and the rotation-limiting connector 53. At this time, the matching relationship between the rotation-limiting connector 53 and the first limiting member 51 is released. When the rotation-limiting connector 53 connects to the first limiting member 51 along the axial direction of the main shaft 20, the outer polygonal protrusion engages with the inner polygonal hole, thereby restricting relative rotation between the first limiting member 51 and the rotation-limiting connector 53. At this time, the rotation-limiting connector 53 and the first limiting member 51 are matched.

[0055] It is understandable that the cross-sectional shapes of the inner polygonal hole and the outer polygonal convex edge can be the same, for example, both being hexagonal, in which case the first angle is easily understood to be 60°. The cross-sectional shapes of the inner polygonal hole and the outer polygonal convex edge can also be different, for example, the inner polygonal hole can be hexagonal, while the polygonal convex edge can be a rectangle inscribed within the inner polygonal hole, achieving a similar effect. Of course, the shapes of the inner polygonal hole and the outer polygonal convex edge are not limited to hexagons or rectangles as described above, and their number of sides is unlimited.

[0056] by Figure 4 As shown in the example, in an alternative example, the second rotation limiting feature 502 includes a first tooth disposed on the outer periphery of the rotation limiting connector 53 and a second tooth disposed on the inner periphery of the second limiting member 52; the rotation limiting connector 53 is configured to be detachably connected to the second limiting member 52 along the axial direction of the main shaft 20.

[0057] When the rotation-limiting connector 53 separates from the second limiting member 52 along the axial direction of the main shaft 20, the first tooth and the second tooth separate, thereby allowing relative rotation between the second limiting member 52 and the rotation-limiting connector 53. At this time, the matching relationship between the rotation-limiting connector 53 and the second limiting member 52 is released. When the rotation-limiting connector 53 is connected to the second limiting member 52 along the axial direction of the main shaft 20, the first tooth and the second tooth mesh, thereby restricting relative rotation between the second limiting member 52 and the rotation-limiting connector 53. At this time, the rotation-limiting connector 53 and the second limiting member 52 are matched.

[0058] Understandably, the number of first and second teeth arranged circumferentially can be the same. In one embodiment, there are multiple first and second teeth, evenly distributed circumferentially around the axis of the main shaft 20. In other embodiments, the number of first and second teeth arranged circumferentially can be different; for example, there may be multiple second teeth while there may be only one first tooth. This single first tooth can also sequentially engage different second teeth to achieve the effect of limiting rotation. Therefore, this embodiment does not limit the number of first and second teeth.

[0059] It should be noted that the first rotation limiting feature 501 and the second rotation limiting feature 502 shown in the above example are merely illustrative and not intended to limit this embodiment. In other embodiments, the first rotation limiting feature 501 and the second rotation limiting feature 502 may be interchanged, or other shapes or structures may be used, such as star-shaped, plum blossom-shaped, leaf-shaped, etc., which are not limited in this embodiment. Preferably, the first angle and the second angle are configured to be different. This setting facilitates the simultaneous matching of the rotation limiting connector 53 with the first limiting member 51 and the second limiting member 52 by applying a small circumferential adjustment to the rotation limiting connector 53.

[0060] Preferably, the second limiting member 52 has an annular body 522 circumferentially arranged around the axis of the main shaft 20, and the second tooth is located on the inner circumference of the annular body 522; wherein, the annular body 522 has a notch 523 in the circumferential direction, the notch 523 exposing the rotation limiting connector 53. In one example, the rotation limiting connector 53 is generally disc-shaped, with the second tooth on its outer circumference, that is, the entire rotation limiting connector 53 is generally gear-shaped. The notch 523 facilitates the insertion of the rotation limiting connector 53 between the first limiting member 51 and the second limiting member 52, or facilitates the removal of the rotation limiting connector 53 from between the first limiting member 51 and the second limiting member 52.

[0061] Optionally, the sliding member 40 and the main shaft 20 have a compatible third rotation limiting feature 401; the sliding member 40 is connected to the main shaft 20 through the third rotation limiting feature 401, and the third rotation limiting feature 401 restricts the relative rotation between the sliding member 40 and the main shaft 20. The setting of the third rotation limiting feature 401 restricts the relative rotation between the sliding member 40 and the main shaft 20, so that the sliding member 40 can only move along the axial direction of the main shaft 20.

[0062] In an alternative example, the third rotation-limiting feature 401 includes an inner hole 400 formed along the axial direction of the main shaft 20 on the sliding member 40 and a cylindrical segment 200 disposed on the outer periphery of the main shaft 20; the cross-sections of both the inner hole 400 and the cylindrical segment 200 are non-circular, and their cross-sections are compatible; the cylindrical segment 200 engages with the inner hole 400, thereby limiting the relative rotation between the sliding member 40 and the main shaft 20. It is understood that the cross-sections of the inner hole 400 and the cylindrical segment 200 may be the same or different. Figure 4 In the illustrated example, both the inner hole 400 and the cylindrical segment 200 have square cross-sections. This ensures that when the sliding member 40 is assembled onto the main shaft 20, it can only move axially along the main shaft 20 and cannot rotate around it. It should be noted that the square shape is merely an example of the cross-sections of the inner hole 400 and the cylindrical segment 200, and not a limitation. The cross-sections of the inner hole 400 and the cylindrical segment 200 can also be other non-circular shapes, such as polygons or stars; this embodiment is not limited to these.

[0063] Furthermore, the locking drive 30 and the sliding member 40 are connected by a third thread 300. When the locking drive 30 rotates around the main shaft 20 in a certain direction, it can drive the sliding member 40 to move along the axial direction of the main shaft 20 toward the limiting component 50 through the third thread 300. This gradually increases the resistance between the sliding member 40 and the limiting component 50, thereby achieving the effect of locking the knob 10. Alternatively, when the locking drive 30 rotates in the opposite direction, it can drive the sliding member 40 to move away from the limiting component 50 through the third thread 300. This reduces the resistance between the sliding member 40 and the limiting component 50, thereby achieving the effect of unlocking the knob 10.

[0064] Optionally, the limiting component 50 includes a first abutment plate 54, and the sliding member 40 includes a second abutment plate 41, the first abutment plate 54 and the second abutment plate 41 being arranged along the axial direction of the main shaft 20; when in the locked state, the limiting component 50 applies axial resistance to the sliding member 40 through the abutment of the first abutment plate 54 and the second abutment plate 41, thereby converting the axial resistance into the rotational resistance of the locking drive member 30. In an alternative example, the first abutment plate 54 and the second limiting member 52 are fixedly connected, so that the rotational resistance of the locking drive member 30 can be adjusted by simply adjusting and locking the axial position of the second limiting member 52 along the main shaft 20. Preferably, the first abutment plate 54 and the second abutment plate 41 have matching protrusions and recesses to allow them to abut against each other better.

[0065] This invention also provides an endoscope, which includes the endoscope knob locking and adjustment structure described above. Other structures and principles of the endoscope can be found in the prior art, and will not be elaborated upon in this embodiment.

[0066] In summary, in the endoscope knob locking adjustment structure and endoscope provided by the present invention, the endoscope knob locking adjustment structure includes: a main shaft, a locking drive, a sliding member, and a limiting component; the locking drive is rotatably arranged around the main shaft, and the sliding member is movable along the axial direction of the main shaft; when the locking drive rotates around the main shaft, it drives the sliding member to move along the axial direction of the main shaft; the limiting component has a locked state and an unlocked state; in the unlocked state, the axial position of the limiting component along the main shaft is adjustable; in the locked state, the axial position of the limiting component along the main shaft is locked; the sliding member is used to abut against the limiting component in the locked state to apply rotational resistance to the locking drive, and the rotational resistance is configured to be adjusted based on the adjustment of the axial position of the limiting component along the main shaft. With this configuration, the knob can be loosened and locked by rotating the locking drive. Furthermore, based on the axial position of the adjusting limit component along the main shaft, the rotational resistance applied to the locking drive can be adjusted, thereby adjusting the locking force of the locking drive.

[0067] It should be noted that the above embodiments can be combined with each other. The above description is only a description of preferred embodiments of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way. Any changes or modifications made by those skilled in the art based on the above disclosure shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An endoscope knob locking and adjustment structure, characterized in that, include: The assembly includes a main spindle, a locking drive, a sliding member, and a limiting assembly; the locking drive is rotatably disposed about the main spindle, and the sliding member is movable along the axial direction of the main spindle; when the locking drive rotates about the main spindle, it drives the sliding member to move along the axial direction of the main spindle. The limiting component has a locked state and an unlocked state; when in the unlocked state, the axial position of the limiting component along the main shaft is adjustable; when in the locked state, the axial position of the limiting component along the main shaft is locked. The sliding member is used to abut against the limiting assembly in the locked state to apply rotational resistance to the locking drive member, the rotational resistance being configured to be adjusted based on the adjustment of the axial position of the limiting assembly along the main shaft; The limiting component includes a first limiting member, a second limiting member, and a rotation limiting connector; The first limiting member is rotatably disposed on the main shaft via a first thread, and the second limiting member is rotatably disposed on the main shaft via a second thread, wherein the first thread and the second thread have different pitches and / or directions. When the rotation limiting connector is configured to simultaneously restrict the relative circumferential rotation of the first limiting member and the second limiting member, the limiting component is in the locked state; When the rotation limiting connector is configured to release the restriction on the relative circumferential rotation of the first limiting member and the second limiting member, the limiting component is in the unlocked state.

2. The endoscope knob locking and adjusting structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first limiting member and the rotation limiting connector have a first rotation limiting feature that is adapted to each other, and the second limiting member and the rotation limiting connector have a second rotation limiting feature that is adapted to each other; Each time the rotation limiting connector rotates around the main shaft by a first angle, it can match the first limiting member through the first rotation limiting feature, thereby limiting the relative rotation between the first limiting member and the rotation limiting connector. Each time the rotation limiting connector rotates around the main shaft by a second angle, it can match the second limiting member through the second rotation limiting feature, thereby limiting the relative rotation between the second limiting member and the rotation limiting connector.

3. The endoscope knob locking and adjusting structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first rotation limiting feature includes an inner polygonal hole formed on the rotation limiting connector along the axial direction of the main shaft and an outer polygonal protrusion disposed on the outer periphery of the first limiting member; the second rotation limiting feature includes a first tooth disposed on the outer periphery of the rotation limiting connector and a second tooth disposed on the inner periphery of the second limiting member. The rotation limiting connector is configured to be detachably connected to the first limiting member and the second limiting member along the axial direction of the main shaft; When the rotation-limiting connector separates from the first limiting member along the axial direction of the main shaft, the outer polygonal protrusion disengages from the inner polygonal hole, thereby allowing relative rotation between the first limiting member and the rotation-limiting connector; when the rotation-limiting connector connects to the first limiting member along the axial direction of the main shaft, the outer polygonal protrusion engages with the inner polygonal hole, thereby restricting relative rotation between the first limiting member and the rotation-limiting connector. When the rotation-limiting connector separates from the second limiting member along the axial direction of the main shaft, the first tooth separates from the second tooth, thereby allowing relative rotation between the second limiting member and the rotation-limiting connector; when the rotation-limiting connector connects to the second limiting member along the axial direction of the main shaft, the first tooth meshes with the second tooth, thereby restricting relative rotation between the second limiting member and the rotation-limiting connector.

4. The endoscope knob locking and adjusting structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second limiting member has an annular body circumferentially arranged around the axis of the main shaft, and the second tooth is located on the inner circumference of the annular body; wherein the annular body has a notch in the circumferential direction, and the notch exposes the rotation limiting connector.

5. The endoscope knob locking and adjusting structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sliding component and the main shaft have a third rotation limiting feature that is compatible with each other; The sliding member is connected to the main shaft via the third rotation limiting feature, which restricts the relative rotation between the sliding member and the main shaft.

6. The endoscope knob locking and adjusting structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, The third rotation limiting feature includes an inner hole formed on the sliding member along the axial direction of the main shaft and a cylindrical section disposed on the outer periphery of the main shaft; the cross-sections of the inner hole and the cylindrical section are not circular, and the cross-sections of the inner hole and the cylindrical section are adapted to each other; the cylindrical section engages with the inner hole, thereby limiting the relative rotation of the sliding member and the main shaft.

7. The endoscope knob locking and adjusting structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The limiting component includes a first abutting plate, and the sliding member includes a second abutting plate. The first abutting plate and the second abutting plate are arranged along the axial direction of the main shaft. When the limiting component is in the locked state, it applies axial resistance to the sliding member through the abutting of the first abutting plate and the second abutting plate, and then the axial resistance is converted into the rotational resistance of the locking drive member.

8. The endoscope knob locking and adjusting structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking drive and the sliding member are connected by a third thread.

9. An endoscope, characterized in that, Includes the endoscope knob locking adjustment structure according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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