Bending control structure, assembling method thereof and endoscope

Abstract

The invention provides a bending control structure, an assembling method thereof and an endoscope, and relates to the technical field of endoscopes, the bending control structure comprises a shell, a rotating wheel, a binding post and a deflector rod, the rotating wheel comprises a pull wire mounting disc, the pull wire mounting disc is rotatably connected in the shell, and the pull wire mounting disc is rotatably connected in the shell; a rotating shaft and a plurality of fixing grooves are integrally formed on the top surface of the pull wire mounting disc, and the binding posts are inserted or clamped in the fixing grooves; the rotating shaft penetrates through the top of the shell and is connected with a driving lever outside the shell, or the driving lever penetrates into the shell and is connected with the top end of the rotating shaft, and the driving lever can drive the rotating wheel to rotate; and the rotating wheel is in sealing contact with the shell, or / and the driving lever is in sealing contact with the shell. According to the invention, the number of parts is reduced, the assembly complexity and the failure rate are reduced, and the requirement of low-frequency repeated use of the endoscope is met.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of endoscopes, and particularly relates to a bending control structure, an assembly method thereof, and an endoscope. Background Art

[0002] An electronic endoscope is a type of endoscope, which is a comprehensive instrument that combines modern electronics, mechanical structure, and software control technologies. It is used to penetrate into a duct to explore the internal environment of the duct, especially suitable for detecting the human body. Considering that the working end of the electronic endoscope penetrates into the duct, it is difficult to control the bending of the working end. Usually, a bending control structure arranged at the outer end of the duct is used to control the bending of the working end.

[0003] In a control scheme for an electronic endoscope, one end of a traction wire is connected to the working end of the electronic endoscope, and the other end is connected to the bending control structure of the electronic endoscope. By tightening or loosening the traction wire through the bending control structure, the effect of controlling the bending of the working end of the electronic endoscope is achieved.

[0004] The bending control structure of traditional electronic endoscopes has a large number of parts. For example, in the patent with the authorization announcement number CN215777932U, its rotating wheel structure includes a rotating wheel cover and a rotating wheel disc connected by screws. The rotating wheel structure mentioned in this patent has a large number of parts and a complex structure. The bending control structure of disposable electronic endoscopes has poor sealing performance and structural stability. For example, in the patent with the authorization announcement number CN218899410U, the connection between the lever and the housing does not have a sealing function and cannot meet the low-frequency repeated use of the electronic endoscope. How to provide a simple and reliable bending control structure that can be used for low-frequency repeated use is the object of our invention. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In order to solve the defects of the prior art, the present invention provides a bending control structure, an assembly method thereof, and an endoscope. It solves the problems of a large number of parts, complex structure, poor sealing performance, and poor structural stability in the prior art.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a bending control structure.

[0007] The bending control structure of the present invention includes a housing, a rotating wheel, a terminal block, and a lever. The rotating wheel includes a traction wire mounting disc, and the traction wire mounting disc is rotatably connected in the housing. A rotating shaft and a plurality of fixing grooves are integrally formed on the top surface of the traction wire mounting disc. The terminal block is inserted or clamped in the fixing grooves. The rotating shaft passes through the top of the housing and is connected to the lever outside the housing, or the lever penetrates into the housing and is connected to the top end of the rotating shaft. The lever can drive the rotating wheel to rotate. The rotating wheel is in sealing contact with the housing, and / or the lever is in sealing contact with the housing.

[0008] In the bending control structure of the present invention, a rotating shaft and a plurality of fixing grooves are integrally formed on the top surface of the traction wire mounting disc. As a specific solution, the traction wire mounting disc, the rotating shaft and the plurality of fixing grooves are injection-molded. The injection molding has a fast production speed and high efficiency. The injection molding can complete the production of each structure of the runner at one time, so that there is only one part in the runner part, and the subsequent assembly is fast and simple.

[0009] A rotating shaft and a plurality of fixing grooves are integrally formed on the top surface of the traction wire mounting disc. As a specific solution, the rotating shaft is located at the center of the traction wire mounting disc, and the plurality of fixing grooves are arranged around the rotating shaft.

[0010] As a specific solution, by connecting to different fixing grooves through the terminal, the adjustment of the position of the terminal is realized, that is, the adjustment of the tightness of the traction wire is realized.

[0011] As a specific solution, a connecting column is connected to one end of the lever, and the connecting column is inserted into the shell and connected to the top surface of the traction wire mounting disc. The connection between the connecting column and the traction wire mounting disc can adopt the form of plugging first and then screwing.

[0012] In the bending control structure of the present invention, the runner of the present invention is in sealed contact with the shell, or the lever is in sealed contact with the shell. Further, the runner of the present invention is in sealed contact with the shell, and at the same time the lever is in sealed contact with the shell.

[0013] The sealed contact described in the present invention means that after the two components are in contact connection, a sealing effect can be achieved, achieving the effect of waterproof and dustproof.

[0014] The sealed contact between the runner and the shell means that it can be a direct sealed contact between the runner and the shell, or a sealed contact through an intermediate connecting member. Similarly, the sealed contact between the lever and the shell can be a direct sealed contact between the lever and the shell, or a sealed contact through an intermediate connecting member.

[0015] In the bending control structure of the present invention, a first sealing ring and a second sealing ring are sleeved on the rotating shaft. The first sealing ring is located between the outer wall of the shell and the lever; the second sealing ring is in sealed contact with the inner wall of the top of the shell.

[0016] In the bending control structure of the present invention, a first sealing ring is sleeved on the rotating shaft, and the first sealing ring is located between the outer wall of the housing and the lever; a shoulder is provided on the upper section of the rotating shaft, and a second sealing ring is sleeved on the upper section of the rotating shaft, and the second sealing ring is located between the inner wall of the housing and the shoulder; a sealing member and a first bearing are sleeved on the rotating shaft, a first groove is provided on the bottom surface of the sealing member, the first bearing is arranged in the first groove, and the bottom surface of the first bearing is in contact connection with the shoulder; a second groove is provided on the top surface of the sealing member, the second sealing ring is installed in the second groove, and the top surface of the second sealing ring is in sealing contact with the inner wall of the housing.

[0017] A shoulder is provided on the upper section of the rotating shaft. As a specific solution, the rotating shaft and the shoulder are integrally formed, and further, the rotating shaft and the shoulder are integrally formed by injection molding.

[0018] In the bending control structure of the present invention, a base is integrally formed on the bottom surface of the traction wire mounting disc, an arc-shaped first protrusion is provided on the edge of the bottom surface of the base, an arc-shaped second protrusion is provided on the inner wall of the bottom of the housing, the second protrusion and the first protrusion are on the same circumference, and the total arc length of the first protrusion and the second protrusion is less than the circumference of the circle where the arc-shaped second protrusion is located; limiting protrusions are connected to both ends of the second protrusion.

[0019] As a specific solution, a base is integrally formed on the bottom surface of the traction wire mounting disc, the rotating shaft is integrally formed on the traction wire mounting disc, and a fixing groove is integrally formed on the traction wire mounting disc, so that the whole runner can be made by injection molding once, without secondary processing of the runner, reducing the manufacturing cost.

[0020] As a specific solution, the first protrusion on the bottom surface of the base and the base are integrally formed, and the second protrusion and the limiting protrusion on the inner wall of the bottom of the housing are integrally formed on the housing. Further, the total arc length of the first protrusion and the second protrusion is 1 / 2 - 2 / 3 of the circumference of the circle where the first protrusion and the second protrusion are located. This design further optimizes the bending angle of the working end. By designing the size and position of the protrusions, the maximum rotation angle of the lever can be accurately controlled. When the lever rotates to the extreme positions at the front and rear ends, the one-way bending angle of the working end is about 200°. This design can accurately control the maximum bending angle of the working end, thus avoiding damage to the endoscope structure or patient discomfort caused by excessive bending of the endoscope.

[0021] As a specific solution, the limiting protrusions connected to both ends of the second protrusion extend towards the outside, and the outside refers to the side away from the center of the arc of the second protrusion.

[0022] In the bending control structure of the present invention, a ring-shaped third protrusion is connected to the bottom surface of the base, and the third protrusion and the first protrusion are coaxial; a third sealing ring is sleeved on the outer periphery of the third protrusion, and the outer periphery of the third sealing ring abuts against the first protrusion; the height of the third sealing ring is greater than the heights of the third protrusion, the first protrusion, and the second protrusion.

[0023] As a specific solution, the third protrusion connected to the bottom surface of the base is integrally formed on the bottom surface of the base.

[0024] As a specific solution, the first protrusion on the bottom surface of the base, the third protrusion on the bottom surface of the base, and the second protrusion on the inner wall of the bottom of the housing have the same height. This design facilitates mold opening during injection molding on the one hand and facilitates providing a suitable third sealing ring on the other hand. Further, the third sealing ring is an O-ring, and its height (thickness) is 2.5 - 4 mm, and the heights of the first protrusion, the second protrusion, and the third protrusion are 1.5 - 3 mm. After the third sealing ring is connected, it protrudes about 1 mm from the third protrusion. After the runner is connected to the housing, the third sealing ring will be compressed to form a friction damping structure.

[0025] In the bending control structure of the present invention, a column is provided on the inner wall of the bottom of the housing, and the column is located at the center of the circle where the first protrusion and the second protrusion are located; a coaxial central groove and a step groove are provided on the bottom surface of the base, the base is inserted onto the column through the central groove, and a second bearing is provided in the step groove, and the second bearing is sleeved on the column.

[0026] Preferably, the column on the inner wall of the bottom of the housing is integrally formed on the housing.

[0027] In the bending control structure of the present invention, a wire groove is provided on the side wall of the traction wire mounting disc, a notch communicating with the wire groove is provided on the top surface of the traction wire mounting disc, and the wire groove communicates with all the fixing grooves through the notch; two symmetrical groove devices are provided on the top surface of the traction wire mounting disc, and the ends of the two groove devices are communicated; each groove device includes a plurality of fixing grooves, and two adjacent fixing grooves in each groove device are communicated; the fixing groove has a plurality of engaging surfaces, and the outer peripheral surface of the wiring post contacts the engaging surfaces; a through wiring hole is provided on the side wall of the wiring post.

[0028] Preferably, only one wire groove is provided on the side wall of the traction wire mounting disc. Compared with the form of multiple wire grooves, this solution is simpler. One wire groove is arranged on the side wall of the traction wire mounting disc, and two traction wires enter the wire groove from both sides of the wire groove respectively and enter the groove device from the notch communicating with the wire groove, and the wiring post can be connected to different fixing grooves in the groove device.

[0029] Preferably, the terminal is inserted or clamped in the fixed groove, which can facilitate the insertion and extraction of the terminal. Compared with the solution using screw connection, the solution of the present invention has higher assembly efficiency and is more convenient for adjusting the tightness of the traction wire.

[0030] Preferably, each groove body device includes a plurality of fixed grooves, and the adjacent fixed grooves are directly connected without other connecting grooves. This design can make the top surface of the traction wire mounting disc have more fixed grooves, which is convenient for subsequent adjustment of the tightness of the traction wire.

[0031] Preferably, the fixed groove has a plurality of engaging surfaces. There are two groups of engaging surfaces, and the two groups of engaging surfaces are arranged oppositely. Each group includes two engaging surfaces of about 80-100°, that is, a total of four engaging surfaces. The terminal is fixed through the four engaging surfaces. The terminal can be square or circular.

[0032] In the bending control structure of the present invention, the housing includes an upper housing and a lower housing connected to each other. The top end of the rotating wheel passes through the top of the upper housing and is connected to a lever outside the housing; a column is provided at the bottom of the lower housing, and the rotating wheel is inserted onto the column of the lower housing through a central groove at the bottom, and the rotating wheel can rotate around the column as an axis; an arc-shaped second protrusion is provided inside the lower housing, and an arc-shaped first protrusion is provided at the edge of the bottom surface of the rotating wheel. The second protrusion and the first protrusion are on the same circumference, and the total arc length of the first protrusion and the second protrusion is less than the circumference of the circle where the first protrusion and the second protrusion are located; a ring-shaped third protrusion is connected to the bottom surface of the rotating wheel, and the third protrusion and the first protrusion are coaxial; a third sealing ring is sleeved on the outer periphery of the third protrusion, and the outer periphery of the third sealing ring abuts against the first protrusion.

[0033] In a second aspect, the present invention provides an assembly method for the above-mentioned bending control structure.

[0034] The assembly method includes: connecting the first end of the traction wire to the working end of the endoscope, passing the second end of the traction wire through the wiring hole of the terminal, sleeving a steel pipe on the second end of the traction wire, and welding the steel pipe and the second end of the traction wire; wherein, the outer diameter of the steel pipe is greater than the diameter of the wiring hole; rotatably connecting the traction wire mounting disc in the housing; installing the terminal in a fixed groove of the traction wire mounting disc, and rotating the rotating wheel to judge whether the terminal is installed correctly; if the terminal is installed correctly, fixing the terminal in the fixed groove, if the terminal is not installed correctly, adjusting the terminal to different fixed grooves until the terminal is installed correctly; wherein, the method for judging whether the terminal is installed correctly is: rotating the rotating wheel, if the working end of the endoscope bends following the rotation of the rotating wheel, the terminal is installed correctly; otherwise, the terminal is not installed correctly.

[0035] In a third aspect, the present invention provides an endoscope, which has the above-mentioned bending control structure.

[0036] Beneficial effects:

[0037] On the traction wire mounting disc of the present invention, a rotating shaft and a fixing groove are integrally formed, integrating functions such as the scattered cable fixing module and the transmission wheel set in the traditional solution into a single rotating component, reducing the number of parts, and having high structural stability of the rotating wheel; the rotating shaft and the lever are directly connected, abandoning the traditional worm and worm gear or multi-stage gear transmission, reducing the number of parts.

[0038] The present invention adopts a rotating wheel structure, which is simple in structure, reducing the assembly complexity and failure rate of the rotating wheel structure; the direct plug-in fit design of the fixing groove and the terminal replaces complex connection methods such as traditional screw fixation, reducing the assembly complexity.

[0039] Between the rotating wheel and the housing of the present invention, there is a sealed contact, or between the lever and the housing, or while there is a sealed contact between the rotating wheel and the housing, there is also a sealed contact between the lever and the housing; this design effectively blocks the cleaning liquid or disinfectant from penetrating into the interior of the housing through the connection between the rotating wheel, the lever and the housing, enabling the bending control structure to meet about 20 times of immersion sterilization and disinfection, meeting the requirements of low-frequency repeated use of the endoscope. Brief description of the drawings

[0040] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram after the installation and fixation of the bending control structure of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 2 It is a disassembled schematic diagram of the bending control of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 3 It is a schematic structural diagram of the rotating wheel in the bending control of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 4 It is a schematic structural diagram of the bottom of the housing in the bending control of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 5 It is a schematic structural diagram of the rotating wheel and the terminal in the bending control of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 6 It is a schematic structural diagram of the surface of the traction wire mounting disc in the bending control of the present invention.

[0046] Among them, 1. Housing; 101. Upper housing; 102. Lower housing; 1021. Limit protrusion; 1022. Second protrusion; 1023. Column; 2. Runner; 201. Traction wire mounting plate; 2011. Fixed groove; 2012. Notch; 2013. Wire groove; 202. Rotating shaft; 2021. Axle shoulder; 203. Base; 2031. First protrusion; 2032. Second bearing; 2033. Central groove; 2034. Step groove; 2035. Third protrusion; 3. Terminal; 301. Wiring hole; 4. Lever; 5. First sealing ring; 6. Second sealing ring; 7. Sealing member; 701. First bearing; 8. Third sealing ring; 9. Traction wire. Detailed implementation mode

[0047] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0048] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that if there are terms such as "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc. indicating the orientation or positional relationship, it is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. It is only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, the terms describing the positional relationship in the accompanying drawings are only for illustrative purposes and cannot be understood as a limitation of this patent.

[0049] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a bending control structure, which basically does not require machined parts, only uses common standard parts and injection-molded parts by mold opening, is simple and reliable, and can effectively reduce the cost of low-frequency repetitive use of electronic mirrors.

[0050] Embodiment 1

[0051] As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, this embodiment provides a bending control structure, including a housing 1, a runner 2, a terminal 3 and a lever 4. The runner 2 includes a traction wire mounting plate 201, and the traction wire mounting plate 201 is rotatably connected in the housing 1. The top surface of the traction wire mounting plate 201 is integrally formed with a rotating shaft 202 and a plurality of fixed grooves 2011, and the terminal 3 is connected in the fixed groove 2011; the rotating shaft 202 passes through the top of the housing 1 and is connected to the lever 4 outside the housing 1, or the lever 4 penetrates into the housing 1 and is connected to the top end of the rotating shaft 202, and the lever 4 can drive the runner 2 to rotate.

[0052] When bending control is required, the rotating wheel 2 is driven to rotate by toggling the lever 4. When the rotating wheel 2 rotates, it drives the working end to bend through the traction wire connected between the terminal 3 and the working end of the electronic mirror. In this embodiment, the rotating wheel 2 integrates the traction wire mounting disc 201 and the fixing groove 2011, integrating the functions of the scattered cable fixing module, the transmission pulley group, etc. in the traditional solution into a single rotating component, reducing the number of parts; the rotating shaft 202 is directly connected to the lever 4, abandoning the traditional worm and worm gear or multi-stage gear transmission, reducing the number of parts, and reducing the assembly complexity and failure rate.

[0053] In this embodiment, the terminal 3 is snap-fitted or inserted into the fixing groove 2011, and the assembly method is simple. During assembly, the terminal 3 can be directly placed into different fixing grooves to adjust the tightness of the traction wire, without a cumbersome adjustment process, shortening the assembly time of the bending control structure.

[0054] In this embodiment, the rotating wheel 2 and the housing 1 can be in sealed contact, or the lever 4 and the housing 1 can be in sealed contact, or both the rotating wheel 2 and the housing 1 and the lever 4 and the housing 1 can be in sealed contact.

[0055] The rotating wheel 2 and the housing 1 are in a sealed contact state, effectively blocking the cleaning liquid or disinfectant from penetrating into the interior of the housing 1 through the connection between the rotating wheel 2, the lever 4 and the housing 1, so that the bending control structure can meet about 20 times of immersion sterilization and disinfection, meeting the requirements of low-frequency repeated use of the electronic mirror.

[0056] Specifically, as Figures 1 to 2 shown, it includes a housing 1, a rotating wheel 2, a terminal 3 and a lever 4. The housing 1 includes an upper housing 101 and a lower housing 102. The upper housing 101 and the lower housing 102 are spliced up and down and fixed by screws to form the housing 1. The upper housing 101 and the lower housing 102 fixed by screws are closely connected, which can ensure that the damping effect of the O-ring is always effective. The bottom of the lower housing 102 is provided with a second protrusion 1022, and a column 1023 is provided in the middle of the bottom.

[0057] The rotating wheel 2 is installed in the housing 1. The rotating wheel 2 includes a rotating shaft 202, a traction wire mounting disc 201 located on the rotating shaft 202, and a base 203 at the lower end of the rotating shaft 202.

[0058] The surface of the traction wire mounting disc 201 is provided with a number of fixing grooves 2011. The terminal 3 is inserted into the fixing groove 2011. The top surface of the traction wire mounting disc 201 is provided with a notch 2012 and a wire groove 2013 surrounding the side wall. The notch 2012, the wire groove 2013 and the interiors of all the fixing grooves 2011 are connected. The side wall of the terminal 3 is provided with a through wiring hole 301.

[0059] The top end of the rotating shaft 202 passes through the top of the upper housing 101 and is connected to the lever 4 outside the housing 1. The lever 4 can drive the entire rotating wheel 2 to rotate through the rotating shaft 202. A sealed contact state is formed between the rotating shaft 202 and the upper housing 101.

[0060] An arc-shaped first protrusion 2031 is provided at the lower edge of the base 203; a central groove 2033 is provided at the bottom of the base 203. The base 203 is inserted onto the column 1023 through the central groove 2033 and is connected to the bottom of the lower housing 102. The rotating wheel 2 can rotate around the column 1023 as the axis. A second bearing 2032 is also provided inside the groove, and the second bearing 2032 is sleeved on the column 1023.

[0061] As a specific sealing solution:

[0062] As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, outside the housing 1, a first sealing ring 5 is sleeved on the rotating shaft 202. The first sealing ring 5 is located between the outer wall of the upper housing 101 and the lever 4.

[0063] Inside the housing 1, a shoulder 2021 is integrally formed on the upper section of the rotating shaft 202. A sealing member 7 and a second sealing ring 6 are sleeved above the shoulder 2021. Further, the sealing member 7 is made of hard plastic, and the top surface (the contact surface between the sealing member 7 and the housing 1) is made of soft plastic or rubber, which can achieve a good sealing effect. A second groove is provided on the top surface of the sealing member 7, and the second sealing ring 6 is installed in the second groove. The second sealing ring 6 contacts the inner wall of the upper housing 101. A first groove is provided at the bottom of the sealing member 7, and a first bearing 701 is provided inside the first groove. The first bearing 701 is sleeved on the rotating shaft 202.

[0064] In this embodiment, there is at least one of the first sealing ring 5, the second sealing ring 6 and the seal 7, and both the first sealing ring 5 and the second sealing ring 6 are O-ring seals. Through tests, when only the first sealing ring 5 exists, the contact seal between the runner 2 and the housing 1 can meet the requirements of 4 - 6 times of immersion sterilization and disinfection; when only the second sealing ring 6 exists, the contact seal between the runner 2 and the housing 1 can meet the requirements of 4 - 6 times of immersion sterilization and disinfection; when only the seal 7 exists, the contact seal between the runner 2 and the housing 1 can meet the requirements of 8 - 10 times of immersion sterilization and disinfection. When the first sealing ring 5 and the second sealing ring 6 are used simultaneously, the contact seal between the runner 2 and the housing 1 can meet the requirements of 12 - 15 times of immersion sterilization and disinfection; when the first sealing ring 5 and the seal 7 are used simultaneously, the contact seal between the runner 2 and the housing 1 can meet the requirements of 15 - 18 times of immersion sterilization and disinfection; when the second sealing ring 6 and the seal 7 are used simultaneously, the contact seal between the runner 2 and the housing 1 can meet the requirements of 11 - 14 times of immersion sterilization and disinfection; when the first sealing ring 5, the second sealing ring 6 and the seal 7 are used simultaneously, the contact seal between the runner 2 and the housing 1 can meet the requirements of more than 30 times of immersion sterilization and disinfection. Therefore, using the first sealing ring 5, the second sealing ring 6 and the seal 7 simultaneously has a better effect.

[0065] As a specific solution for limiting:

[0066] As Figures 2 to 4 shown, the first protrusion 2031 at the lower end of the base 203 cooperates with the second protrusion 1022 at the bottom of the lower housing 102 to form a rotation limiting mechanism. When the first protrusion 2031 rotates with the runner 2 by a certain angle, it can abut against the second protrusion 1022, and can limit the rotation angle of the runner 2.

[0067] In the above structure, the first bearing 701 and the second bearing 2032 are provided, so that the runner 2 can rotate more smoothly. By using the extrusion deformation of the O-ring, the runner 2 and the lever 4 can be self-locked. At the same time, the seals of the first sealing ring 5, the second sealing ring 6 and the seal 7 ensure the reliability of the sealing performance, and any two of the first sealing ring 5, the second sealing ring 6 and the seal 7 can be optionally removed.

[0068] In summary, this embodiment uses a runner with a specific structure, and the bottom of the runner and the inner wall of the bottom of the housing are matched through a limiting mechanism. On the one hand, it can accommodate the O-ring and prevent the O-ring from detaching, and on the other hand, it can limit the rotation angle. In addition, while providing sealing, the O-ring plays a damping role to achieve self-locking after the runner rotates. With the rotation and rotation sealing structure of this embodiment, the connection efficiency of the steel traction wire is high, the assembly efficiency of the runner part is high, and it is simple and reliable.

[0069] Embodiment 2

[0070] This embodiment further describes the bending control structure provided in Embodiment 1, and the repeated parts will not be described in this embodiment.

[0071] In this embodiment, as Figures 2 to 4 shown, a base 203 is connected to the bottom surface of the traction wire mounting disc 201. An arc-shaped first protrusion 2031 is provided at the edge of the bottom surface of the base 203. An arc-shaped second protrusion 1022 is provided on the inner wall of the bottom of the housing 1. The second protrusion 1022 and the first protrusion 2031 are on the same circumference, and the total arc length of the first protrusion 2031 and the second protrusion 1022 is less than the circumference of the circle where the first protrusion 2031 and the second protrusion 1022 are located.

[0072] In this embodiment, the second protrusion 1022 and the first protrusion 2031 are arranged on the same circumference, and the total arc length of the first protrusion 2031 and the second protrusion 1022 is less than the circumference of the circle where the first protrusion 2031 and the second protrusion 1022 are located. This solution forms a bending limit structure.

[0073] In the initial state, the lever is in the middle position. When in use, controlling the lever 4 to rotate clockwise drives the working end of the electronic mirror to bend in the first direction. During the rotation of the lever 4, the first protrusion 2031 on the bottom surface of the base 203 follows the rotation of the runner 2. When the lever 4 rotates clockwise by a certain angle, the first end of the first protrusion 2031 contacts the first end of the second protrusion 1022, and the second protrusion 1022 restricts the continued rotation of the runner 2, making the lever 4 unable to rotate, thereby realizing the bending limit of the working end of the electronic mirror. Controlling the lever 4 to rotate counterclockwise to the middle position, at this time the working end of the electronic mirror is reset. Controlling the lever 4 to continue rotating counterclockwise drives the working end of the electronic mirror to bend in the second direction. During the rotation of the lever 4, the first protrusion 2031 on the bottom surface of the base 203 follows the rotation of the runner 2. When the lever 4 rotates counterclockwise by a certain angle, the second end of the first protrusion 2031 contacts the second end of the second protrusion 1022, and the second protrusion 1022 restricts the continued rotation of the runner 2, making the lever 4 unable to rotate, thereby realizing the bending limit of the working end of the electronic mirror.

[0074] This embodiment adopts a mechanical limit design with the first protrusion 2031 and the second protrusion 1022 on the same circumference, without the need for complex electronic components or limit structures such as ratchets and paddles. The number of parts is small, reducing the manufacturing cost and assembly difficulty. The physical contact of the protrusions forms a limit, avoiding the potential failure risks of sensors or software control, and having high reliability. Through the two-way limit design of clockwise and counterclockwise rotation, the working end of the electronic mirror can achieve bending control in two directions. The two ends of the first protrusion and the second protrusion contact respectively, ensuring that the rotation ranges in both directions are accurately limited, improving the flexibility and safety of operation.

[0075] Furthermore, the first protrusion 2031 and the second protrusion 1022 are oppositely arranged, and the distances between the two ends of the first protrusion 2031 and the two ends of the second protrusion 1022 are equal. This design can optimize the bending control so that the bending angles of the working end of the electronic mirror towards both ends are the same. Further, the total arc length of the first protrusion 2031 and the second protrusion 1022 is 1 / 2 - 2 / 3 of the circumference of the circle where the first protrusion 2031 and the second protrusion 1022 are located. This design further optimizes the bending angle of the working end. By designing the size and position of the protrusions, the maximum rotation angle of the lever can be accurately controlled. When the lever rotates to the extreme positions of the front and rear ends, the one-way bending angle of the working end is about 200°. This design can accurately control the maximum rotation angle of the working end, thereby avoiding damage to the structure of the electronic mirror or discomfort to the patient caused by excessive bending of the working end of the electronic mirror.

[0076] Furthermore, as Figure 4 shown, limiting protrusions 1021 extending outward are connected to both ends of the second protrusion 1022. Extending outward means in the direction away from the center of the second protrusion 1022. The limiting protrusions 1021 extending outward can effectively block the first protrusion 2031, ensuring the limiting effect on the first protrusion 2031 and preventing the situation where the first protrusion 2031 is disengaged from the limit and causes damage to the working end.

[0077] In a further embodiment, a ring-shaped third protrusion 2035 is connected to the bottom surface of the base 203. The third protrusion 2035 and the first protrusion 2031 are coaxial; a third sealing ring 8 is sleeved on the outer periphery of the third protrusion 2035, and the outer periphery of the third sealing ring 8 abuts against the first protrusion 2031.

[0078] In this embodiment, the third protrusion 2035 and the first protrusion 2031 are arranged coaxially to form an annular gap space. The third sealing ring 8 is installed on the outer periphery of the third protrusion 2035, and its outer periphery is tightly abutted against the inner wall of the first protrusion 2031 through radial compression. Further, the height of the third sealing ring 8 is greater than the heights of the third protrusion 2035, the first protrusion 2031, and the second protrusion 1022. The heights of the third protrusion 2035, the first protrusion 2031, and the second protrusion 1022 can be the same or different. This design enables the top surface of the third sealing ring 8 to contact the bottom surface of the base 203, and the bottom surface of the third sealing ring 8 to contact the housing, so that the third sealing ring 8 plays a damping role. When the lever 4 drives the runner 2 to rotate a certain angle, the damping role of the third sealing ring 8 and the damping role of the first sealing ring 5 cooperate to prevent the position of the runner 2 from changing without external force, realizing the self-locking of the working end of the electronic mirror. In this embodiment, the self-locking of the runner 2 is achieved through the cooperation of the third sealing ring 8 and the first sealing ring 5, that is, the self-locking of the working end of the electronic mirror, and the structure is simple.

[0079] It should be noted that the third sealing ring 8 in this embodiment does not require an additional fixing structure. The outer ring of the third sealing ring 8 and the bending limiting structure share the first protrusion 2031 and the second protrusion 1022. The third protrusion 2035 on the inner ring of the third sealing ring 8 is the structure for realizing the rotation function of the runner 2. This design structure is simple and reliable, reducing the number of parts of the bending control structure.

[0080] In a further embodiment, the structure for realizing the rotation function of the runner 2 includes a column 1023 provided on the inner wall of the bottom of the housing 1. The column 1023 is located at the center of the circle where the first protrusion 2031 and the second protrusion 1022 are located. The bottom surface of the base 203 is provided with a coaxial central groove 2033 and a stepped groove 2034. The base 203 is inserted onto the column 1023 through the central groove 2033, and a second bearing 2032 is provided in the stepped groove 2034. The second bearing 2032 is sleeved on the column 1023.

[0081] In this embodiment, the column 1023 is located at the center of the circle where the first protrusion 2031 and the second protrusion 1022 are located, serving as the rotation center reference axis of the runner 2. The central groove 2033 of the base 203 is precisely sleeved with the column 1023 to ensure that the rotation axis of the runner 2 coincides with the column 1023, eliminating the rotational imbalance caused by assembly eccentricity. The inner ring of the second bearing 2032 is fixed to the base 203 through the stepped groove 2034, and its inner ring contacts the column 1023 to form a radial support, bearing the radial load of the runner 2, reducing the rotational resistance, and ensuring that the runner 2 can rotate smoothly. The design of the stepped groove 2034 can limit the axial displacement of the second bearing 2032 and prevent the second bearing 2032 from failing.

[0082] In one embodiment, the base 203 is integrally formed on the bottom surface of the traction wire mounting plate 201, and the third protrusion 2035 is integrally formed on the bottom surface of the base 203; the limiting protrusion 1021 and the second protrusion 1022 are integrally formed. Through this design, the production process of the runner 2 and the housing is simplified. The runner 2 is manufactured by one-piece injection molding, which is simple and has low production cost.

[0083] Embodiment 3

[0084] This embodiment further illustrates the bending control structure provided in Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2, and the repeated parts will not be described in this embodiment.

[0085] As Figure 5 and Figure 6 shown, in this embodiment, the side wall of the traction wire mounting plate 201 is provided with a wire groove 2013, and the top surface of the traction wire mounting plate 201 is provided with a notch 2012 communicating with the wire groove 2013; the wire groove 2013 is internally connected to all the fixing grooves 2011 through the notch 2012; the side wall of the wiring post 3 is provided with a through wiring hole 301.

[0086] When in use, the traction line 9 enters from the side wall groove 2013 of the traction line installation plate 201 and extends along the annular groove to ensure the position of the traction line. The traction line 9 enters from the groove 2013 to the fixed groove 2011 through the top surface notch 2012. The notch 2012 serves as a bridge to achieve a smooth connection between the groove 2013 and the fixed groove 2011, avoiding abrasion caused by excessive bending of the cable.

[0087] The side wall of the terminal 3 is provided with a through wiring hole 301, and the traction wire 9 passes through the wiring hole 301 of the terminal 3 to achieve fast and fixed fixation of the traction wire 9. During the installation process, the terminal 3 is snapped into the fixing groove 2011 to achieve fast installation of the terminal 3.

[0088] In a further embodiment, the top surface of the traction line mounting disk 201 is provided with two groups of symmetrical slot devices, and the ends of the two slot devices are connected; each slot device includes a plurality of fixing slots 2011, and two adjacent fixing slots 2011 in each slot device are connected; the fixing slot 2011 has a plurality of snap-fit ​​surfaces, and the terminal 3 is snap-fitted between the plurality of snap-fit ​​surfaces.

[0089] Further, there are two groups of engaging surfaces, which are arranged opposite to each other, each group includes two engaging surfaces of about 80-100 degrees, that is, a total of four engaging surfaces, and the terminal is fixed by the four engaging surfaces. The terminal can be square or round. The terminal 3 is clamped between multiple engaging surfaces to facilitate the adjustment of the position of the terminal.

[0090] In this embodiment, the ends of the two groups of slot bodies are connected, allowing the traction line to transition between symmetrical areas, simplifying the wiring of complex systems. Adjacent fixed slots 2011 in a single slot body device are directly connected, and the traction line can extend continuously along the fixed slot 2011, so that the terminal 3 can be clamped in any fixed slot 2011. The terminal 3 is clamped between multiple clamping surfaces of the fixed slot 2011, and the fixing effect of the terminal 3 is ensured through multi-faceted contact, preventing the terminal 3 from being separated from the fixed slot 2011.

[0091] In this embodiment, the connection of the traction line can be optimized through the symmetrically arranged slot device. In this embodiment, two traction lines are arranged through two connecting posts so that the working end can realize rotation in two directions. The bending control structure of this embodiment is aimed at the electronic mirror with two-way bending at the working end. This embodiment is not suitable for the electronic mirror with four-way bending at the working end.

[0092] It should be noted that the structure of the runner 2 in this embodiment is integrally injection-molded, which saves the production and manufacturing cost of the runner. Specifically, the traction wire mounting plate 201, the rotating shaft 202, and the base 203 in the runner 2 are integrally injection-molded. Further, the fixing groove 2011, the notch 2012, and the wire groove 2013 in the traction wire mounting plate 201 are integrally injection-molded. The shaft shoulder 2021 on the rotating shaft 202 is integrally injection-molded, and the first protrusion 2031, the central groove 2033, the step groove 2034, and the third protrusion on the base 203 are integrally injection-molded.

[0093] Embodiment 4

[0094] Based on the bending control structure of any one of Embodiments 1 to 3, this embodiment provides an assembly method for the bending control structure.

[0095] The difficulty in assembling the bending control structure lies in the adjustment of the tightness of the traction wire. As a power transmission component, the traction wire is connected between the working end and the runner. When the runner 2 rotates, it drives the working end of the electronic mirror to bend through the traction wire. Therefore, after the traction wire is installed, on the one hand, the traction wire is required to be tensioned, and on the other hand, the working end of the electronic mirror cannot bend. In the conventional method, the tightness of the traction wire needs to be adjusted repeatedly to complete the installation of the traction wire, which is time-consuming and laborious.

[0096] The assembly method of the bending control structure in this embodiment includes the following steps:

[0097] Connect the first end of the traction wire to the working end of the electronic mirror, and the second end passes through the wiring hole 301 of the wiring post 3. A steel pipe is sleeved on the second end of the traction wire, and the steel pipe is welded to the second end of the traction wire. In this step, the inner diameter of the steel pipe is larger than the inner diameter of the wiring hole 301, and the outer diameter of the steel pipe is larger than the outer diameter of the wiring hole 301. By welding the steel pipe and the second end of the traction wire with glue or soldering, it can be ensured that the welded steel pipe and the traction wire cannot pass through the wiring hole 301.

[0098] Rotatably connect the runner 2 inside the housing 1.

[0099] Install the wiring post 3 in a fixing groove 2011 of the traction wire mounting plate 201, and rotate the runner 2 to determine whether the wiring post 3 is installed correctly. The method for determining whether the wiring post 3 is installed correctly is as follows: Rotate the runner 2. If the working end of the electronic mirror bends following the rotation of the runner 2, then the wiring post 3 is installed correctly; otherwise, the wiring post 3 is not installed correctly.

[0100] If the wiring post 3 is installed correctly, fix the wiring post 3 in the fixing groove 2011 with glue. If the wiring post 3 is not installed correctly, adjust the wiring post 3 to different fixing grooves 2011 until the wiring post 3 is installed correctly.

[0101] In this embodiment, the tightness of the traction wire is adjusted by changing the position of the terminal 3. During the process of replacing the position of the terminal 3, it can be directly disassembled and assembled in the form of plugging and unplugging. Through the objective feedback of the rotation of the runner corresponding to the working end, the correctness of the installation of the terminal can be quickly judged, reducing the dependence on the skills of the operator. This embodiment avoids the repeated trial-and-error adjustment of tightness in the traditional method, reducing the working hours by more than 50%.

[0102] In a further embodiment, the connection of the traction wire can be optimized by symmetrically arranged groove devices. Specifically, take two traction wires of the same length. After the connection of the first traction wire is completed by the above method, install the terminal 3 of the second traction wire into the fixing groove 2011 symmetrical to the terminal 3 of the first traction wire, and the connection of the second traction wire can be quickly realized.

[0103] In one embodiment, the assembly method of the bending control structure may include the following steps:

[0104] One end of the traction wire 9 is fixed to the working end of the electronic mirror, and the other end of the traction wire 9 passes through the wiring hole 301 of the terminal 3. The end of the traction wire in the through-hole part penetrates into the steel pipe and is fixed by soldering.

[0105] Put the second bearing 2032 on the column 1023, put the third sealing ring 8 on the lower end of the base 203, and then place the runner 2 on the column 1023 of the lower housing 102 through the groove at the bottom of the base 203.

[0106] After passing the traction wire with the terminal 3 through the wire groove 2013 on the side of the traction wire mounting plate 201, select a suitable fixing groove 2011 according to the tightness of the traction wire 9, and install the terminal 3 in the correct fixing groove 2011.

[0107] Install the first bearing 701 and the seal 7, install the second sealing ring 6, close the upper housing 101, and tighten the upper housing 101 and the lower housing 102 with screws.

[0108] Put the first sealing ring 5 on the part of the rotating shaft 202 exposed from the upper housing 101, and screw the lever 4 onto the rotating shaft 202 with screws.

[0109] Embodiment 5

[0110] This embodiment provides an endoscope that adopts the bending control structure of any one of Embodiments 1 to 3, and the assembly method provided in Embodiment 4 can be used during the assembly of this endoscope.

[0111] While embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A bending control structure, characterized in that: The invention comprises a housing (1), a rotating wheel (2), a terminal (3) and a lever (4); the rotating wheel (2) comprises a traction line installation disk (201); the traction line installation disk (201) is rotatably connected in the housing (1); a rotating shaft (202) and a plurality of fixing grooves (2011) are integrally formed on the top surface of the traction line installation disk (201); and the terminal (3) is plugged or clamped in the fixing groove (2011); The rotating shaft (202) passes through the top of the shell (1) and is connected to a lever (4) outside the shell (1), or the lever (4) passes into the shell (1) and is connected to the top of the rotating shaft (202), and the lever (4) can drive the rotating wheel (2) to rotate; The rotating wheel (2) is in sealed contact with the housing (1), or / and the shifting rod (4) is in sealed contact with the housing (1).

2. The bending control structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rotating shaft (202) is sleeved with a first sealing ring (5) and a second sealing ring (6); the first sealing ring (5) is located between the outer wall of the housing (1) and the shifting rod (4); and the second sealing ring (6) is in sealing contact with the inner wall of the top of the housing (1).

3. The bending control structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rotating shaft (202) is sleeved with a first sealing ring (5), and the first sealing ring (5) is located between the outer wall of the housing (1) and the shifting rod (4); The upper section of the rotating shaft (202) is provided with a shaft shoulder (2021), and the upper section of the rotating shaft (202) is sleeved with a second sealing ring (6), and the second sealing ring (6) is located between the inner wall of the housing (1) and the shaft shoulder (2021); The rotating shaft (202) is sleeved with a sealing member (7) and a first bearing (701); the bottom surface of the sealing member (7) is provided with a first groove; the first bearing (701) is arranged in the first groove; and the bottom surface of the first bearing (701) is in contact with and connected to the shaft shoulder (2021); The top surface of the sealing member (7) is provided with a second groove, the second sealing ring (6) is installed in the second groove, and the top surface of the second sealing ring (6) is in sealing contact with the inner wall of the housing (1).

4. The bending control structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom surface of the traction line installation plate (201) is integrally formed with a base (203); the edge of the bottom surface of the base (203) is provided with an arc-shaped first protrusion (2031); the bottom inner wall of the shell (1) is provided with an arc-shaped second protrusion (1022); the second protrusion (1022) and the first protrusion (2031) are on the same circumference, and the sum of the arc lengths of the first protrusion (2031) and the second protrusion (1022) is less than the circumference of the circle where the arc-shaped second protrusion (1022) is located; Both ends of the second protrusion (1022) are connected to the limiting protrusion (1021).

5. The bending control structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: The bottom surface of the base (203) is connected to a ring-shaped third protrusion (2035), and the third protrusion (2035) and the first protrusion (2031) are coaxial; The outer periphery of the third protrusion (2035) is covered with a third sealing ring (8), and the outer periphery of the third sealing ring (8) abuts against the first protrusion (2031); The height of the third sealing ring (8) is greater than the height of the third protrusion (2035), the height of the first protrusion (2031), and the height of the second protrusion (1022).

6. The bending control structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: A column (1023) is provided on the inner wall of the bottom of the shell (1), and the column (1023) is located at the center of the circle where the first protrusion (2031) and the second protrusion (1022) are located; The bottom surface of the base (203) is provided with a coaxial central groove (2033) and a step groove (2034); the base (203) is inserted into the column (1023) through the central groove (2033); a second bearing (2032) is provided in the step groove (2034); and the second bearing (2032) is sleeved on the column (1023).

7. The bending control structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The side wall of the traction line installation disk (201) is provided with a wire groove (2013), the top surface of the traction line installation disk (201) is provided with a notch (2012) connected to the wire groove (2013), and the wire groove (2013) is connected to all the fixing grooves (2011) through the notch (2012); The top surface of the traction line installation plate (201) is provided with two symmetrical slot devices, the ends of the two slot devices are connected; each slot device includes a plurality of fixing slots (2011), and two adjacent fixing slots (2011) in each slot device are connected; The fixing groove (2011) has a plurality of engaging surfaces, and the outer peripheral surface of the connecting post (3) is in contact with the engaging surfaces; the side wall of the connecting post (3) is provided with a through connecting hole (301).

8. The bending control structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The housing (1) comprises an upper housing (101) and a lower housing (102) which are connected to each other; the top end of the rotating wheel (2) passes through the top of the upper housing (101) and is connected to a lever (4) outside the housing (1); A column (1023) is provided at the bottom of the lower shell (102); the rotating wheel (2) is plugged into the column (1023) of the lower shell (102) through a central groove (2033) at the bottom, and the rotating wheel (2) can rotate with the column (1023) as an axis; An arc-shaped second protrusion (1022) is provided in the lower shell (102), and an arc-shaped first protrusion (2031) is provided on the edge of the bottom surface of the rotating wheel (2); the second protrusion (1022) and the first protrusion (2031) are on the same circumference, and the sum of the arc lengths of the first protrusion (2031) and the second protrusion (1022) is smaller than the circumference of the circle where the first protrusion (2031) and the second protrusion (1022) are located; The bottom surface of the rotating wheel (2) is connected to a third annular protrusion (2035), and the third protrusion (2035) and the first protrusion (2031) are coaxial; The outer periphery of the third protrusion (2035) is covered with a third sealing ring (8), and the outer periphery of the third sealing ring (8) is in abutment with the first protrusion (2031).

9. The method for assembling the bending control structure according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The assembly method comprises: The first end of the traction wire is connected to the working end of the endoscope, the second end of the traction wire passes through the wiring hole (301) of the wiring post (3), a steel pipe is sleeved on the second end of the traction wire, and the steel pipe and the second end of the traction wire are welded; wherein the outer diameter of the steel pipe is greater than the diameter of the wiring hole (301); The traction line mounting plate (201) is rotatably connected in the housing (1); The terminal post (3) is installed in a fixing groove (2011) of the traction line installation plate (201), and the rotating wheel (2) is rotated to determine whether the terminal post (3) is installed correctly; If the terminal post (3) is correctly installed, the terminal post (3) is fixed in the fixing groove (2011); if the terminal post (3) is not correctly installed, the terminal post (3) is adjusted to a different fixing groove (2011) until the terminal post (3) is correctly installed; The method for judging whether the terminal (3) is correctly installed is as follows: rotating the rotating wheel (2); if the working end of the endoscope bends along with the rotation of the rotating wheel (2), the terminal (3) is correctly installed; otherwise, the terminal (3) is not correctly installed.

10. An endoscope, characterized in that: The invention comprises the bending control structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

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