Endoscope having wire conduit for guiding control wire

Abstract

The invention relates to an endoscope (1), comprising: a control wire (25) for bending a bending section (20); a control wire actuator (32); and a wire conduit base (70) comprising a first channel and a second channel (18). The endoscope comprises first and second wire conduits (26) secured in the first and second channels (18) and intersecting proximal to the wire conduit base (70), at a point (C) intermediate the wire conduit base (70) and the steering wire actuator (32).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an endoscope including an insertion wire including a bending section. More specifically, the bending of the bending section is controlled by a steering wire extending inside a wire conduit. Background Art

[0002] Flexible endoscopes used for medical purposes are usually provided with a bending section at the distal end of the insertion tube. This enables the user of the endoscope to manipulate the distal tip of the endoscope inside human anatomy, such as in the airway, in the kidneys or the gastrointestinal system, and for example to study or perform surgery at the tissue of interest. Typically, the bending section is bent by pulling a steering wire. If the endoscope is a bidirectional bending endoscope, i.e., bending in two opposite directions but in the same plane, the bending section will typically be controlled by two steering wires, which are controlled by a steering wire actuator arranged in the handle of the endoscope, thereby allowing the user to bend the bending section by adjusting a bending rod. If the endoscope is a four-way bending endoscope, i.e., bending in two opposite directions, in a second plane perpendicular to the first plane mentioned, the bending section will typically be controlled by four steering wires, one steering wire actuator controlling two steering wires for bending in the first plane, and another steering wire actuator controlling the other two steering wires for bending in the second plane. Typically, each steering wire actuator is controlled by a rotating wheel on the endoscope handle.

[0003] The control wires will go from the handle to the proximal end of the bending section inside the wire ducts, which are tubes with limited compressibility. Thus forming a so-called Bowden cable. The wire ducts are connected inside the handle at their proximal end. At the distal end of the wire ducts, these wire ducts are connected to the proximal end of the bending section, while the control wires continue through the bending section.

[0004] For disposable endoscopes, the wire conduit base, steering wire actuator, and fastening of the steering wire to the steering wire actuator need to facilitate simple manufacturing and assembly and need to facilitate adjusting the tension on the steering wire to achieve optimal maneuverability of the bending section. In addition, for disposable endoscopes, it may be preferred to apply the same components in different types of endoscopes, where possible, because this reduces manufacturing costs by reducing the total number of different parts. Therefore, it may be advantageous to use attachment mechanisms that are suitable for different sizes. Summary of the invention

[0005] The purpose of the present disclosure is to provide an endoscope, which includes: a control wire actuator; a wire pipe base, which includes a first channel and a second channel; a first wire pipe and a second wire pipe, which are fixed in the first channel and the second channel and cross at a point C proximal to the wire pipe base and in the middle of the wire pipe base and the control wire actuator.

[0006] The endoscope may include: an insertion wire including an insertion tube and a bending section; a handle including a steering wire actuator and a wire conduit base; a first steering wire and a second steering wire, both of which are connected to the steering wire actuator and extend through the insertion wire, so that manipulating the steering wire actuator causes the bending section to bend. The first wire conduit and the second wire conduit extend from the wire conduit base to the distal end of the insertion tube, and the first steering wire and the second steering wire extend inside the first wire conduit and the second wire conduit, respectively.

[0007] An advantage of the wire conduit base is that the steering wire between the wire conduit base and the steering wire actuator can be arranged to be routed away from the inner surface of the handle shell. This leaves more room for tools to secure the steering wire ends to the steering wire, such as by crimping, for example during manufacture of the endoscope.

[0008] Furthermore, such a design of the wire tube base ensures that the same wire tube base can be applied in different types of endoscopes having steering wire actuators of different sizes.

[0009] In the following, the expression "distal" is defined as the direction toward the patient, and "proximal" is defined as the direction away from the patient. For the handle of the endoscope, the distal end is the end connected to the insertion tube, and the proximal end is the opposite end. Further, the expression "handle" can be a positioning interface or interface for controlling the position of the insertion line. The handle or positioning interface can be an interface operated by a robotic arm, or can be a handle operated by the hand of the endoscope user.

[0010] For the present disclosure, one steering wire is considered as one passage from the steering wire actuator (or roller) to the distal end of the bending section. That is, if the same unbroken steering wire continues from the steering wire actuator to the distal end of the bending section and back to the steering wire actuator, and a portion is used, for example, to bend to one side and another portion is used to bend to the opposite side, then this is considered as two steering wires, for example, a first steering wire and a second steering wire.

[0011] In a variation of this embodiment, the first channel and the second channel each have a centerline extending parallel to the first axis and the second axis respectively. This has the advantage that positioning the first and second wire conduits at a selected mutual angle is simplified during manufacture of the endoscope.

[0012] In a variation of this embodiment, the handle includes a casing having a wall portion to which a wire duct base is attached. Such casings are commonly found in endoscope handles to seal and protect electronic circuit boards from liquids. The advantage of combining these two parts is that the number of different parts that need to be handled and assembled during manufacturing is reduced. In addition, since the casing is typically larger than the wire duct base, fixing the wire duct base to the casing enables a strong and stable connection between the wire duct base and the handle shell. This strong and stable connection is important for bending performance when manipulating the bending rod. The wall portion of the casing may have a planar surface on a portion outside the casing, to which the wire duct base is attached.

[0013] In a variation of this embodiment, the wall portion of the enclosure and the wire duct base are made from one piece of material. This can be achieved by molding the two parts from one piece of material, whereby the wall portion and the wire duct fastener are fused together. This reduces costs by combining two molding processes into one. Further, the combination of the two parts can save space inside the handle, since separate means for fixing these parts to the handle shell (such as glue or screws) can be avoided.

[0014] In a variation of this embodiment, the slot is placed at a position C where the first steering line and the second steering line cross each other. The slot has the advantage of forcing the steering lines to cross at position C, even when a roller of a different size is applied for a different endoscope model. Crossing at the same position for different endoscope models can simplify the manufacturing process.

[0015] In another variation of this embodiment, the structure forming the slot protrudes from and is attached to the outer wall portion of the enclosure. When the two parts are attached to each other, the assembly process of the endoscope handle or actuator can be faster. The structure forming the slot can include two walls separated by the slot.

[0016] In a variation of this embodiment, the outer wall portion of the enclosure, the conduit base, and the structure forming the slot are made from one piece of material, for example by a molding process that forms these parts from one piece of material, for example by fusing these parts together. This reduces the number of parts, making manufacturing costs lower.

[0017] In a variation of this embodiment, the channels are arranged in parallel displaced planes. Preferably, the bottoms of the channels are arranged in parallel but displaced planes. The two planes may be perpendicular, or substantially perpendicular, to the axis of rotation of a roller that is part of the steering wire actuator. An advantage of the displaced planes is that it ensures that the two steering wires do not touch between the base of the wire pipe and the steering wire actuator.

[0018] In a variation of this embodiment, the wire tube extends proximally from the wire tube base and passes through position C. This has the advantage that if the steering wires are close to each other at position C, the steering wires cannot slide relative to each other, thereby reducing the bending performance of the endoscope.

[0019] In a variation of this embodiment, the distance between the steering wire actuator and position C is greater than the distance between the wire duct base and position C, preferably the distance between the steering wire actuator and position C is at least twice the distance between the wire duct base and position C. This is advantageous because securing the steering wire end to the steering wire itself preferably occurs between the steering wire actuator and position C. This will therefore leave more room for any tools to be applied in the process (e.g., a crimping tool).

[0020] In a variation of this embodiment, at least one inner surface of each of these channels is provided with ribs, which preferably extend in a direction transverse to the first axis or the second axis of the wire tube placed in the respective channel. These ribs will improve the attachment of glue inside the channel.

[0021] In a variation of this embodiment, the wire duct base is provided with a cover covering at least a portion of the first channel and the second channel. The cover may be provided with holes for applying glue into the channels after the cover is placed. The cover may be made of a transparent polymer to facilitate curing of the glue by UV light. The cover may be used to press the wire duct into the correct position or to keep the wire duct in the correct position during the gluing process.

[0022] A second aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for assembling an endoscope, the method comprising the steps of:

[0023] - Provide handle shell part,

[0024] - arranging a wire duct base and an actuator in the handle shell part,

[0025] - connecting the first control wire and the second control wire to the roller,

[0026] - connect the wire ducts to the wire duct base and insert the steering wires through these wire ducts,

[0027] - adjusting the tension of each steering wire and then securing the proximal end of the first steering wire to the first steering wire and the proximal end of the second steering wire to the second steering wire.

[0028] A third aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system comprising a monitor, a control unit and an endoscope according to the first aspect and its variations. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The above-described embodiments and their variations, features and advantages will be further clarified by the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of the embodiments disclosed herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0030] Figure 1 An endoscope and a monitor with a control unit are shown.

[0031] Figure 2 An example of a steering wire actuator (here in the form of a roller) and a wire duct base is shown.

[0032] Figure 3 The distal end of the endoscope including the bent section is shown.

[0033] Figure 4 The handle shell portion of the endoscope is shown with the wire conduit base.

[0034] Figure 5 Shows Figure 4 An enlarged view of a variation of the line conduit base.

[0035] Figure 6 Shows Figure 5 variants.

[0036] Figure 7 Shown in different views Figure 6 variants.

[0037] Figure 8 Shows Figures 5 to 7 A variation of , showing the angle between the first axis and the second axis along which the wire conduit extends.

[0038] Fig. 9 A wire duct base provided with a cover is shown.

[0039] Fig.10 The cover is removed. Fig. 9 Base of the wire pipeline.

[0040] Fig.11 From Fig. 9 The cover is shown in the reverse position.

[0041] Fig.12 An enclosure for electronic devices is shown wherein a wire duct base is attached to a main wall portion.

[0042] Fig.13 A variation is shown in which the wire duct base is arranged on a support plate.

[0043] Fig.14 Shown with a wire pipeline base Fig.13 Support plate.

[0044] Fig.15The support plate is shown viewed from the side opposite the base of the wire duct.

[0045] In the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts, functions, and features throughout the several views. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and certain features may be exaggerated to better illustrate and explain the disclosed embodiments. For simplicity, the present disclosure will focus on two-way bending endoscopes, but the present disclosure is also relevant to and covers four-way bending endoscopes. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] Figure 1 An endoscope 1 is shown, which includes: a handle 2; an insertion line 3; and an electrical cable having a connector 4 for connecting the endoscope 1 to a monitor 41. The insertion line 3 is the part inserted into the body cavity during endoscopic surgery. The insertion line includes a distal tip 10, a bending section 20, and a main tube 5. The handle 2 may include an entrance to a working channel 6, which extends through the insertion line to the distal tip. The handle also includes a bending rod 46, which can be used to bend the bending section.

[0047] Distal tip 10 includes a camera and a light emitter (eg, in the form of one or more LEDs or the end of an optical fiber).

[0048] The monitor 41 may be combined with an electronic circuit for receiving and processing an image stream from a camera and a processor for image processing, user interface, image storage, etc. However, the monitor portion and the electronic circuit and processor portion may also be separate portions. The electronic circuit and processor portion is also referred to as a control unit 42.

[0049] Figure 2 A schematic example of a roller 32 of a control wire actuator 60 is shown, which is configured to bend the bending section by pulling the control wire 25. The control wire 25 is moved by the rotation of the wire barrel bending surface 61, which is an arc surface or a curved surface placed on the roller 32 and supporting the control wires. In the example, one end of the control wire is pulled by a fixing structure 62 and bent back and fastened to itself by a crimping piece 63. The fixing structure can be a small hole (not shown) for the control wire to pass through. Figure 2 The system in is suitable for two-way bending endoscopes. For four-way bending endoscopes, two independently rotatable wire cylinders can be used.

[0050] Figure 3The distal end of the insertion line 3 of the endoscope is shown, wherein the bending cover (not shown) has been removed, which typically covers the bending section 20 portion and usually makes the portion waterproof. The bending section is attached to the main tube 5 at the proximal end and to the distal end 10 at the distal end. In this example, the bending section is molded in one piece and includes a plurality of segments, which include a proximal segment 23, a distal segment 21, and an intermediate segment 22. The proximal segment 23 is connected to the distal end of the main tube 5. These segments are held together by a hinge 24 so that these segments can be bent relative to each other by the manipulation of the steering line 25. An example of such a bending section molded in one piece can be seen in US10,321,804B2, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0051] Alternatively, the bending section 20 may be extruded from a relatively soft and resilient material (eg, a foam-like material) with an inner lumen through which steering wires, electrical wires, and tubes pass.

[0052] The control wire 25 is connected to the distal end (e.g., the distal bending segment 21) in a fixed connection. That is, the control wire is preferably not movable relative to the distal bending segment. Between the handle and the distal end of the main tube 5, or the proximal end of the bending segment 23, the control wire 25 is guided in a wire conduit 26 that is fixed in the handle 2, distal to the control wire actuator 60. Other designs of the bending segment are also possible.

[0053] Figure 4 An example of a portion of an endoscope handle 2 with one handle shell removed is shown. A roller 32 with a bending rod 46 attached is shown in one of the remaining handle shells 12. In addition, an enclosure 15 for, for example, electronic components is shown. The enclosure 15 is connected to the handle shell 12 and may have the form of a box. The enclosure 15 may be waterproof, for example to protect the enclosed electronics. The enclosure 15 may have a wall portion to which a wire duct base 70 is attached, such as Figure 4 shown.

[0054] The enclosure 15 can be attached to the handle shell by applying a press fit portion 67 and / or a snap fit portion 68. This facilitates a simple assembly process of the endoscope. The enclosure can be assembled from two parts and can include apertures for, for example, wire connections. The enclosure can be a box that is a separate part and includes two main walls (e.g., a bottom wall and a cover) and a circumferential wall. Alternatively, some walls of the enclosure are part of the handle shell and the cover is press fit to enclose an interior space in which the electronic circuit board is arranged.

[0055] In the example, one part of the enclosure 15 includes one major surface, also includes the wire duct base 70 and the circumferential wall. The opposite major surface is part of the handle shell 12. In this way, the enclosure 15 can be formed from two molded parts, one of which is also the handle shell part and the other also includes the wire duct base 70.

[0056] exist Figure 4 3 shows how the control wire 25 is connected to the roller 32. Each of the two control wire ends is connected around the hook 30, and each control wire end is guided back and secured to itself by the crimp 63. The two control wires 25 cross at a position or point C between the wire pipe base 70 and the roller 32. Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the example shown, the steering wires enter the wire duct proximal to the intersection point C. It is also possible to have the wire duct terminate between the wire duct base and point C. Point C or the intersection is the point between the wire duct base and the roller where the distance between the two steering wires is minimal.

[0057] The wire duct 26 is fixed in the wire duct base 70 , and when the roller 32 is rotated, for example by manipulating the bending lever 46 , the steering wire 25 will move in the wire duct 26 .

[0058] exist Figures 5 to 8 An example of a line conduit base 70 is shown in Figure 5 yes Figure 4 . The wire conduit base has two channels 18 or grooves or passages that are suitable for the wire conduit 26 to pass through and are fixedly connected to the wire conduit base 70, which is also fixedly connected to the handle of the endoscope. Each channel 18 has a proximal opening 37 and a distal opening 38. Each channel 18 can have a central axis a, b extending along the length of the channel. When the axes a, b extend proximally to the wire conduit base 70, the two axes a, b can intersect each other between the wire conduit base 70 and the roller 32. The angle α between the two axes a, b will depend on the diameter of the roller 32 and the distance between the roller and the wire conduit base 70. The angle α can be in the range of 20°-50°, or in the range of 30°-40°.

[0059] The wire duct 26 may be fixedly connected inside the channel by gluing. The glue may preferably have a viscosity such that the glue does not flow out of the channel before curing, for example through the openings 37, 38. A glue that can be hardened by applying UV light may be used.

[0060] The wire duct base is preferably made of a polymer material such as polyurethane (PC) or MABS. Both materials can be transparent, which is advantageous for applying glue to be hardened by UV light. If transparency is not required, other polymers such as ABS can also be applied. If a polymer is applied that makes it difficult to achieve good adhesion of the glue, the channel may have a geometry that allows the hardened glue to form an anchor. Both the shape of the proximal opening 37 and the presence and shape of the ribs 39 can be used to provide this anchoring effect.

[0061] The press fit of the wire ducts 26 can also be applied to fix these wire ducts to the wire duct base 70. In this case, the ribs 39 can be designed to exert sufficient pressure on the wire ducts. This would mean that the channel 18 with ribs should be designed for a specific outer diameter of these wire ducts. The advantage of the gluing solution is that the same channel (with or without ribs) can be applied to different outer diameters of the wire ducts. The advantage of fixing by press fit is that the gluing process is avoided.

[0062] If a press fit is used to secure the wire duct 26 in the wire duct base 70, ribs 39 (not shown) may also be added to the bottom of the two channels 18. Fig. 9 As shown, a cover may be placed on top of these channels. The cover may be provided with ribs 39 extending into the channels 18 to improve the press fit of the wire duct 26.

[0063] from Figures 5 to 7 It can be seen that the bottoms of the two channels are not necessarily in the same plane, or at the same level. In this example, if two planes are defined, one for each of the bottoms of the two channels, these planes can be parallel but can also be displaced relative to each other. The displacement can be in the range of 1-3 mm, preferably in the range of 1.5-2.5 mm. A similar displacement can be made between the two fixing structures 62 so that the steering wire 25 is attached to the roller 32, such as Figure 4 In the embodiment, the control line is connected to two hooks 30 on the roller 32. However, the distance of displacement between the fixing points of the two control lines at the roller may not necessarily be the same as the distance of displacement of the bottom of the two channels, but may preferably be within a similar size range.

[0064] The advantage of this displacement is that the two steering wires will not touch each other. This is important in the case where the proximal end of the wire conduit is placed distal to the intersection point C, so that the friction of the steering wires does not increase. The displacement can also be advantageous for the arrangement of all parts in the handle. For example, Figures 4 to 8 The enclosure 15 shown is provided with an extension 16, thereby leaving more space inside the enclosure. This more space can be used for cables connecting the handle electronics to the monitor 41 and the control unit 42.

[0065] Figure 5 Two protrusions 35 in the form of walls, plates or bars are shown placed on the distal side of the wire duct base 70, and a slot 36 is formed between the two protrusions, near the point C where the steering wires intersect. The protrusion will preferably have a curved surface facing the slot. The distance between the proximal end of the wire duct base and the distal side of the protrusion 35 can be between 2-8 mm, preferably between 3-6 mm.

[0066] The purpose of the slot 36 is to limit the position of the point C where the steering wires cross. This fixed or substantially fixed position of the point C at a specific distance from the proximal end of the wire tube base in the direction of the roller 32 helps the same design of the wire tube base 70 to be applied to different diameters of the roller. This means that the same wire tube base component can be used for different types of endoscopes (e.g., bronchoscopes, cystoscopes, and ureteroscopes), while the roller component may generally need to be of different designs because different surgeries may have very different requirements for bending performance. Bending performance involves parameters such as the maximum bending angle, the length of the bending section, and the relationship between the movement of the bending rod and the degree of bending of the distal tip.

[0067] The slot 36 may be formed by Figures 5 to 10 The slot is formed by two similar protrusions 35 or walls as shown. The slot can also be formed by two different walls (for example, the walls protrude from the cladding 15 to different lengths). In addition, the thickness and shape of the walls can be different.

[0068] Reusing the wire duct base portion 70 between different types of endoscopes and also having the same steering wire intersection point C facilitates simpler manufacturing and allows the same manufacturing equipment to be applied to different types of endoscopes. Having the same intersection point C allows the same equipment to be used to fix the steering wire ends to the steering wires themselves by crimping. The crimping tool can be in one position. The handle shell with the wire duct base, rollers, steering wires and wire duct is installed in the fixture and the correct tension of the steering wires is adjusted. The fixture with the handle shell is moved successively to the crimping tool, where the two steering wires are crimped.

[0069] Fig. 9 A variation is shown in which the conduit base 70 is provided with a cover 71 covering the channel 18. The cover may be provided with glue holes 65 for applying glue to secure the conduit 26 in the channel 18. Glue may also be applied through the glue holes 65' to secure the cover 71 to the conduit base 70. The cover 71 may be made of a transparent polymer so that the glue can be cured by UV light.

[0070] Fig.10 Shows Fig. 971 , but with the cover 71 removed. Here, the channel 18 has no ribs, but ribs may be provided if deemed convenient. It can be seen that the conduit base 70 includes notched areas 73, 73' which are used to receive corresponding alignment tabs 74, 74' on the cover 71 (see Fig.11 ).

[0071] Fig.11 A cover 71 is shown, which is Fig. 9 The center is attached on top of the line duct base 70 and closes the channel 18. Fig.11 A side of the cover 71 is shown, which side faces the wire duct base 70 when the cover is attached to the wire duct base. The cover 71 also includes two extended wall portions 75 for entering the channel 18, in which the wire duct 26 is intended to be placed closest to the enclosure 15, so as to position the wire duct 26. The two wall portions 75 are spaced apart so that a passage 76 for glue is formed between the two wall portions. When the cover 71 is arranged on the wire duct base 70, the two wall portions 75 will extend into the channel 18, and glue can be applied into the glue holes and contact the wire duct 26 through the passage 76 for glue.

[0072] Fig.12 The enclosure 15 is shown with a wire duct base 70 arranged on a main wall portion. The main wall portion can be connected to the rest of the enclosure (not shown) by gluing and sealing. An opening 66 for a cable line is shown. In addition, a press fit portion 67 and a snap fit portion 68 are shown. In addition, a projection 35 forming a slot 36 is shown extending from the main wall portion of the enclosure 15.

[0073] Fig.13 A variation is shown in which the conduit base 70 is arranged on a support plate 78 which is not part of the enclosed enclosure 15. The support plate can be connected to the handle shell portion 12, for example, by a snap-fit ​​portion 68 or by a press-fit connection. A printed circuit board (PCB) 80 can be connected to the handle shell portion 12 separately, for example, by a connection device molded as part of the handle shell portion. This can also be achieved by a snap-fit ​​or press-fit connection. Both the connection between the PCB 80 and the handle shell 12 and the connection between the support plate 78 and the handle shell can also be of other types, such as heat fusion and ultrasonic welding. There can be a mixture of different types of connections applied.

[0074] Fig.13 The variations in FIG. 8 are relevant because not all types of endoscopes may require a sealed package PCB 80. For example, a sealed package is not necessary for a bronchoscope. By avoiding a sealed package, fewer parts or portions may be used in the handle, thereby reducing manufacturing costs. The PCB 80 may be placed between the support plate and one of the handle shell portions 12, such as Fig.13 As shown. This will provide some mechanical protection for the PCB during the remaining assembly process. In addition, this stacking of the PCB 80 and the wire duct base 70 can utilize the space inside the handle in an optimal way.

[0075] like Fig.13 As shown, the protrusion 35 may not be used (see Figures 4 to 10 ). This also applies to the variant of the cladding 15, in which the protrusion 35 may also be optional. Even in the absence of the protrusion 35, the steering wires are arranged to cross each other between the wire pipe base and the steering wire actuator.

[0076] Fig.14 It is shown that the wire duct base 70 and the support plate 78 can be an integral single part. This part can be molded as a single piece. It can be seen that this integral part can have support legs 79 for providing correct positioning relative to the handle shell 12.

[0077] Fig.15 The support plate 78 is shown as seen from the side opposite to the wire duct base 70, demonstrating that the support plate 78 may be provided with a support plate edge 83 for stabilizing or reinforcing the support plate 78. This is to prevent any minor movement of the wire duct base 70 during manipulation of the bending rod 46 to bend the bending section 20. The stability of the position of the wire duct base 70 affects the bending performance. An alternative to the support plate edge 83 is a thicker support plate 70. However, the application of the edge 83 keeps the amount of material applied to obtain a given stiffness to a minimum. In Fig.15 It can also be seen in FIG. 7 that the back side of the conduit stop 70 is a recess in the support plate 78 .

[0078] Fig.15 Further shown are support pins 81 for the PCB. The support pins 81 extend from the support plate 78 and are designed to abut against the PCB when the endoscope handle 2 is assembled. This will stabilize the position of the PCB and reduce the risk of movement between these parts during use. The support pins 81 can be molded as an integral part of the support plate.

[0079] In different examples of the wire duct base 70, different metrics may apply. In one example, the two channels have a width of approximately 2 mm, with approximately 1.5 mm at the bottom of the channel and approximately 2.4 mm at the top of the channel. In one example, the length of each channel is in the range of 13–19 mm. The distance between the two wire ducts 26 at their proximal ends where they exit the wire duct base 70 may be 2–5 mm. The distance between the two wire ducts 26 at their distal ends where they enter the wire duct base may be 10–15 mm. In examples, the width of the slot opening 36 formed between the protrusions 35 may be approximately 1–2 mm. Figure 4In the example shown, the distance between the point where the wire duct leaves the proximal end of the wire duct base and the point where the corresponding wire duct contact rollers contact the wire barrel surface is about 55-65 mm. In the example, the wire duct extends proximally from the wire duct base and passes through position C for a distance of 2-20 mm, preferably 4-15 mm.

[0080] List of Reference Numerals

[0081] 1 Endoscope 41 Monitor

[0082] 2 Handle 42 Control unit

[0083] 3 Insert line 46 Bending rod

[0084] 4 Cable with plug 60 Control line actuator

[0085] 5 Main tube 61, 61' bobbin curved surface

[0086] 6 Working channel 62 Fixed structure

[0087] 10 Distal terminal 63 Crimp

[0088] 12 Handle shell 65, 65' glue hole

[0089] 15 Shell 66 Cable opening

[0090] 16 Extension part 67 Press-fit part

[0091] 18 Channel 68 Snap Fit Section

[0092] 20 Bend Section 70 Line Pipe Base

[0093] 21 distal segment 71 cover

[0094] 22 Middle segment 73, 73' notch area

[0095] 23 Proximal segments 74, 74' align with tabs

[0096] 24 hinge 75 wall part

[0097] 25 Control line 76 Passage for glue

[0098] 26 lines of pipes 78 support plates

[0099] 30 hook 79 support leg

[0100] 32 rollers 80 printed circuit board (PCB)

[0101] 35 protrusion 81 is used for supporting pins of PCB

[0102] 36 slot 83 support plate edge

[0103] 37 Proximal opening α Angle between channels

[0104] 38 Distal opening C Point where the steering lines cross

[0105] 39 ribs

Claims

1. An endoscope, comprising: - an insertion line comprising a main tube and a bending section distal to the main tube; - a handle comprising a steering wire actuator and a wire conduit base comprising a first channel and a second channel; - a first steering wire and a second steering wire, both connected to the steering wire actuator and extending through the insertion wire, such that manipulation of the steering wire actuator causes the bending section to bend; - a first line conduit and a second line conduit, the first line conduit and the second line conduit extending from the line conduit base to the distal end of the main pipe, the first control line and the second control line extending inside the first line conduit and the second line conduit respectively; The first wire duct and the second wire duct are fixed in the first channel and the second channel of the wire duct base, and the first wire duct and the second wire duct extend toward the proximal side of the wire duct base along the first axis and the second axis respectively, and Wherein, the first axis and the second axis intersect each other at a position (C) between the wire tube base and the steering wire actuator.

2. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein: The first channel and the second channel each have a centerline extending parallel to the first axis and the second axis, respectively.

3. An endoscope according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The endoscope includes a support plate within the handle, the conduit base being connected to and extending from the support plate, wherein the support plate and the conduit base are made in one piece.

4. The endoscope according to claim 3, wherein: The support plate is a wall portion of an enclosure for protecting the PCB.

5. The endoscope according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a structure defining a slot, wherein: The slot is located at the position (C) where the first steering line intersects the second steering line.

6. The endoscope of claim 3, further comprising a structure defining a slot, wherein: The slot is located at the position (C) where the first steering line intersects the second steering line.

7. The endoscope according to claim 6, wherein: The structure forming the slot protrudes from the support plate and is attached to the support plate.

8. The endoscope according to claim 7, wherein: The support plate, the wire duct base and the structure forming the slot are made in one piece.

9. The endoscope according to claim 5, wherein: The structure forming the slot includes two walls separated by the slot.

10. The endoscope according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The channels are arranged in parallel displaced planes.

11. The endoscope according to claim 5, wherein: The wire ducts extend proximally from the wire duct base and pass through the location (C) or through the slot.

12. The endoscope according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The distance between the control wire actuator and the position (C) is greater than the distance between the wire conduit base and the position (C).

13. The endoscope according to claim 12, wherein: The distance between the steering wire actuator and the position (C) is at least twice the distance between the wire conduit base and the position (C).

14. The endoscope according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The channels are defined by walls, with the ribs extending from at least one of the walls.

15. The endoscope according to claim 14, wherein: The ribs extend in a direction transverse to a first axis or a second axis of a conduit disposed in a corresponding channel.

16. The endoscope according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The conduit base is provided with a cover portion, which covers at least a portion of the first channel and the second channel.

17. A method for assembling an endoscope according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising the steps of: - Provide handle shell part, - a wire duct base and rollers are arranged in the handle shell part, - connecting a first steering wire and a second steering wire to the roller, - connecting wire ducts to the wire duct base, through which the steering wires are inserted, - adjusting the tension of each steering wire and then securing the proximal end of the first steering wire to the first steering wire and the proximal end of the second steering wire to the second steering wire.

18. A system comprising a monitor, a control unit and an endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

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