A handle assembly for an endoscopic surgical instrument
By combining the intermediate steel wire and traction tube with a directional adjustment mechanism, the problem of retraction of the endoscopic surgical instrument's execution end is solved, achieving precise control and safe operation of the execution end.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- JIANGSU QIANCHENG MEDICAL INSTR CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-03-11
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-07
Smart Images

Figure CN120241144B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical device technology, specifically a handle assembly for endoscopic surgical instruments. Background Technology
[0002] An endoscope is a long, thin instrument equipped with a light source and imaging system. Inserted into the body through natural cavities or tiny incisions, it clearly images the internal tissue structures and transmits the images to an external display screen, allowing doctors to directly observe the condition of lesions. Endoscopes, combined with surgical instruments, can be used to perform procedures such as resection, hemostasis, and suturing of diseased tissue.
[0003] Existing instruments used in endoscopic surgery mainly use a Bourdon tube and a manipulating wire to insert the actuator into the surgical site. The manipulating wire inside the Bourdon tube is moved relative to the Bourdon tube by the handle, thereby actuating the actuator. However, when controlling the actuator in this way, the actuator may retract relative to the Bourdon tube, which can easily cause positional deviations during the actuator's movement. For example, if the actuator is used as a hemostat, it may not be able to reliably stop bleeding; if the actuator is used as a sampling forceps, it may cause problems such as sampling site deviation, insufficient sample volume, or sampling failure. Summary of the Invention
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a handle assembly for endoscopic surgical instruments to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:
[0006] A handle assembly for endoscopic surgical instruments includes a control handle, a push-pull ring, a traction tube, an intermediate wire, and an actuator.
[0007] The push-pull ring is slidably mounted on the control handle. The traction tube is installed synchronously with the push-pull ring. The intermediate steel wire is fixedly connected to the control handle. One end of the intermediate steel wire passes through the end of the traction tube and is connected to the execution end. The other end of the intermediate steel wire is connected to a snap-fit block. The end of the control handle is provided with an installation groove. The snap-fit block is fixedly installed between the snap-fit block and the installation groove.
[0008] The control handle has a central sliding groove, the inner ring of the push-pull ring is fixedly connected to a mating block, the push-pull ring is slidably installed between the mating block and the central sliding groove, the traction tube is connected to the mating block, and a direction adjustment mechanism is provided between the traction tube and the mating block.
[0009] As a further embodiment of the present invention: the direction adjustment mechanism includes a mating ring disposed at the end of the traction tube, a second annular groove disposed within the mating block, the mating ring and the second annular groove being mutually mated, a second receiving groove disposed within the second annular groove, a conical tooth surface disposed on the outer ring of the mating ring, the conical tooth surface being mutually mated with the second receiving groove, a gear groove disposed on the edge of the second receiving groove, a drive bevel gear being rotatably mounted within the gear groove, the drive bevel gear meshing with the conical tooth surface, the drive bevel gear being rotatably mounted between the drive bevel gear and the mating block via a mounting shaft, a first receiving groove disposed on the control handle, the mounting shaft extending through and passing through the first receiving groove, and a rotating disk connected to the end of the mounting shaft.
[0010] As a further embodiment of the present invention: a second snap-fit block is also provided in the mounting groove, and a support spring is sleeved on the intermediate steel wire between the second snap-fit block and the mating ring, with the two ends of the support spring respectively abutting between the mating ring and the second snap-fit block.
[0011] As a further embodiment of the present invention: a plurality of adjustment slots are evenly provided on the mounting slot, and the snap-fit block snaps into the adjustment slot.
[0012] As a further embodiment of the present invention: a magnet is provided at the end of the mating block, an iron block is provided at the end of the mounting groove, a mounting post is provided on the magnet, the mounting post passes through the receiving groove and is sleeved with a lifting sleeve, mating posts are provided on both sides of the lifting sleeve, and locking holes that cooperate with the mating posts are provided at both ends of the receiving groove.
[0013] As a further embodiment of the present invention: an annular groove is provided inside the push-pull ring on the side facing the actuating end, a rotating sleeve is rotatably installed in the annular groove, a plurality of clamping rings are evenly arranged on the inner side of the end of the rotating sleeve, the traction tube is clamped and installed in the rotating sleeve, the end of the traction tube is provided with an opening groove, the actuating end is threadedly connected to the end of the traction tube, an operating cable is inserted and installed inside the traction tube, one end of the operating cable passes through the opening groove and connects to the actuating end, the other end of the operating cable passes through the traction tube near the rotating sleeve and extends to the outside of the rotating sleeve, the other end of the operating cable is connected to a control pull head, and the control pull head is adsorbed and installed on the outside of the rotating sleeve.
[0014] As a further embodiment of the present invention: the execution end includes a connector, a clamping connector is inserted into the connector, one end of the connector is threadedly connected to the end of the traction tube, the intermediate steel wire passes through the connector and is fixedly connected to the clamping connector, and limit strips are symmetrically arranged inside the connector, and the clamping connector and the limit strips are slidably engaged.
[0015] As a further aspect of the present invention, the card connector is made of shape memory alloy.
[0016] As a further embodiment of the present invention: the push-pull rings are symmetrically fastened together, and the connecting surfaces of the push-pull rings are fastened together by buckles and snap-fit grooves.
[0017] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:
[0018] (1) The end of the intermediate steel wire is fixedly installed on the control handle, and the other end of the intermediate steel wire is connected to the execution end. The action control of the execution end is driven by the traction tube. When the traction tube moves forward relative to the intermediate steel wire, it will drive the components connected to the execution end to perform actions, such as hemostasis with hemostatic forceps and sampling with sampling forceps. When the traction tube moves backward relative to the intermediate steel wire, the hemostatic forceps or sampling forceps will open. The intermediate steel wire will not move relative to the control handle during the entire process, thereby ensuring that the execution end will not retract during the execution action and ensuring precise control of the execution end.
[0019] (2) By setting a bevel tooth surface at the mating ring at the end of the traction tube, the rotating disk drives the bevel gear to rotate, thereby driving the mating ring and the traction tube to rotate relative to the intermediate steel wire, and then driving the execution end at the end of the traction tube to rotate, thereby quickly adjusting the angle.
[0020] (3) The purpose of setting up magnets and iron blocks is to facilitate the brief pause when the traction tube is retracted. At the same time, the lifting sleeve, cooperating column and locking hole are set up to facilitate the continuous maintenance of the position of the traction tube relative to the middle steel wire, ensuring that the actuator is in a normally closed or normally open state. Among them, when the traction tube carries the actuator into or out of the body, it is necessary to ensure that the actuator is kept in a normally closed state to avoid opening and scratching the internal tissues; when the actuator is performing an action, it needs to be kept in a normally open state to cooperate with hemostasis or sampling operations.
[0021] (4) A control cable is installed inside the traction tube, and an open slot is installed at the end of the traction tube. The control pull head drives the control cable and the traction tube at the end to deflect, thereby driving the execution end at the end to deflect and reach the target position faster. Attached Figure Description
[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention.
[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the present invention.
[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the control handle in this invention.
[0025] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Enlarged diagram of point A in the middle.
[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the rotating disk and the lifting sleeve in this invention.
[0027] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the push-pull ring structure in this invention.
[0028] Figure 7 for Figure 6 Enlarged structural diagram at point B.
[0029] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the combined structure of the push-pull ring and the rotating sleeve in this invention.
[0030] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the actuator and the control cable in this invention.
[0031] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the execution end in this invention.
[0032] In the diagram: 1. Control handle; 100. Receiving groove one; 11. Intermediate slide groove; 12. Mounting groove; 13. Adjustment groove; 14. Snap-fit block one; 15. Snap-fit block two; 16. Support spring; 17. Iron block; 2. Push-pull ring; 20. Mating block; 21. Magnet; 22. Buckle; 23. Snap-fit groove; 24. Annular snap-fit groove one; 25. Annular snap-fit groove two; 26. Receiving groove two; 27. Gear groove; 3. Rotating sleeve; 1. Clamping ring; 4. Traction pipe; 40. Intermediate steel wire; 41. Opening groove; 42. Control cable; 43. Control pull head; 5. Actuating end; 50. Connector; 51. Limiting strip; 52. Clamping connector; 6. Direction adjustment mechanism; 60. Mating ring; 61. Bevel tooth surface; 62. Drive bevel gear; 63. Mounting shaft; 64. Rotary disk; 65. Mounting column; 66. Lifting sleeve; 67. Mating column; 68. Locking hole. Detailed Implementation
[0033] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments.
[0034] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3As shown, a handle assembly for endoscopic surgical instruments includes a control handle 1, a push-pull ring 2, a traction tube 4, a central steel wire 40, and an execution end 5. The push-pull ring 2 is slidably mounted on the control handle 1. The traction tube 4 is synchronously installed with the push-pull ring 2. The central steel wire 40 is fixedly connected to the control handle 1. One end of the central steel wire 40 passes through the end of the traction tube 4 and connects to the execution end 5. The other end of the central steel wire 40 is connected to a locking block 14. The end of the control handle 1 is provided with a mounting groove 12, and the locking block 14 is fixedly installed between the mounting groove 12 and the mounting groove 12. A central sliding groove 11 is provided inside the control handle 1. A mating block 20 is fixedly connected to the inner ring of the push-pull ring 2. The push-pull ring 2 is slidably mounted between the mating block 20 and the central sliding groove 11. The traction tube 4 is connected to the mating block 20, and a direction adjustment mechanism 6 is provided between the traction tube 4 and the mating block 20.
[0035] Specifically, one end of the intermediate steel wire 40 is fixedly mounted on the control handle 1, and the other end of the intermediate steel wire 40 is connected to the execution end 5. The action control of the execution end 5 is driven by the traction tube 4. When the traction tube 4 moves forward relative to the intermediate steel wire 40, it will drive the components connected to the execution end 5 to perform actions, such as hemostasis with hemostatic forceps or sampling with sampling forceps. When the traction tube 4 moves backward relative to the intermediate steel wire 40, the hemostatic forceps or sampling forceps will open. Throughout the entire process, the intermediate steel wire 40 will not move relative to the control handle 1, thereby ensuring that the execution end 5 will not retract during the execution of actions and guaranteeing precise control of the execution end 5.
[0036] Furthermore, such as Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 7 As shown, the direction adjustment mechanism 6 includes a mating ring 60 disposed at the end of the traction tube 4. The mating block 20 is provided with an annular groove 25, and the mating ring 60 and the annular groove 25 are mutually engaged. The annular groove 25 is also provided with a receiving groove 26. The outer ring of the mating ring 60 is provided with a bevel tooth surface 61, and the bevel tooth surface 61 is mutually engaged with the receiving groove 26. The edge of the receiving groove 26 is provided with a gear groove 27, and a drive bevel gear 62 is rotatably mounted in the gear groove 27. The drive bevel gear 62 meshes with the bevel tooth surface 61. The drive bevel gear 62 is rotatably mounted between the mating block 20 and the mounting shaft 63. The control handle 1 is provided with a receiving groove 100, and the mounting shaft 63 extends and passes through the receiving groove 100. The end of the mounting shaft 63 is connected to a rotating disk 64.
[0037] Specifically, in order to facilitate the adjustment of the control angle of the actuator 5, a bevel tooth surface 61 is provided at the mating ring 60 at the end of the traction tube 4. The rotating disk 64 drives the drive bevel gear 62 to rotate, thereby causing the mating ring 60 and the traction tube 4 to rotate relative to the intermediate steel wire 40, which in turn causes the actuator 5 at the end of the traction tube 4 to rotate and adjust the angle.
[0038] Furthermore, such as Figure 3 As shown, a second snap-fit block 15 is also provided in the mounting groove 12. A support spring 16 is sleeved on the intermediate steel wire 40 between the second snap-fit block 15 and the mating ring 60. The two ends of the support spring 16 abut against the mating ring 60 and the second snap-fit block 15 respectively.
[0039] Specifically, the intermediate steel wire 40 between the locking block 2 15 and the mating ring 60 is fitted with a support spring 16. The support spring 16 allows the push-pull ring 2 and the traction tube 4 to move forward as a whole, thereby keeping the end actuating end 5 normally closed and preventing it from opening and scratching internal tissues when the traction tube 4 moves within the body. Furthermore, the support spring 16 ensures that the actuating end 5 provides additional power during hemostasis or sampling, improving hemostasis and sampling control.
[0040] Furthermore, such as Figure 3 As shown, multiple adjustment slots 13 are evenly arranged on the mounting slot 12, and the snap-fit block 14 is snapped into the adjustment slot 13.
[0041] Specifically, multiple adjustment slots 13 are provided to facilitate the adjustment of the position of the snap-fit block 14, thereby facilitating the control of the relative position between the intermediate steel wire 40 and the traction tube 4, and adjusting the opening and closing angle of the end actuator 5.
[0042] Furthermore, such as Figure 3 , Figure 5 As shown, a magnet 21 is provided at the end of the mating block 20, and an iron block 17 is provided at the end of the mounting groove 12. A mounting post 65 is provided on the magnet 21. The mounting post 65 passes through the receiving groove 100 and is sleeved with a lifting sleeve 66. A mating post 67 is provided on both sides of the lifting sleeve 66. Locking holes 68 that cooperate with the mating post 67 are provided at both ends of the receiving groove 100.
[0043] Specifically, the purpose of setting up magnet 21 and iron block 17 is to facilitate a brief pause when the traction tube 4 is retracted. Simultaneously, the lifting sleeve 66, cooperating column 67, and locking hole 68 are set up to continuously maintain the position of the traction tube 4 relative to the intermediate steel wire 40, ensuring that the actuator 5 is in a normally closed or normally open state. Specifically, when the traction tube 4 carrying the actuator 5 enters or exits the body, the actuator 5 needs to be kept in a normally closed state to avoid opening and scratching internal tissues; when the actuator 5 is performing actions, it needs to be kept in a normally open state to assist in hemostasis or sampling operations.
[0044] Furthermore, such as Figure 6 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 As shown, the push-pull ring 2 has an annular groove 24 inside on the side facing the actuating end 5. A rotating sleeve 3 is rotatably installed in the annular groove 24. Multiple clamping rings 31 are evenly arranged on the inner side of the end of the rotating sleeve 3. The traction tube 4 is clamped and installed inside the rotating sleeve 3. The end of the traction tube 4 has an opening groove 41. The actuating end 5 is threadedly connected to the end of the traction tube 4. An operating cable 42 is inserted and installed inside the traction tube 4. One end of the operating cable 42 passes through the opening groove 41 and connects to the actuating end 5. The other end of the operating cable 42 passes through the traction tube 4 near the rotating sleeve 3 and extends to the outside of the rotating sleeve 3. The other end of the operating cable 42 is connected to a control pull head 43, which is adsorbed and installed on the outside of the rotating sleeve 3.
[0045] Specifically, to facilitate the rapid pointing of the actuator 5 to the target position, a control cable 42 is installed inside the traction tube 4, and an opening slot 41 is provided at the end of the traction tube 4. Combined with the control pull head 43, the control cable 42 and the end of the traction tube 4 are deflected, thereby causing the end actuator 5 to deflect as well, reaching the target position more quickly. When the direction adjustment mechanism 6 rotates the traction tube 4 and the end actuator 5, the control cable 42 and the control pull head 43 rotate together with the rotating sleeve 3.
[0046] Furthermore, such as Figure 10 As shown, the actuator 5 includes a connector 50, into which a snap-fit connector 52 is inserted. One end of the connector 50 is threadedly connected to the end of the traction tube 4. The intermediate steel wire 40 passes through the connector 50 and is fixedly connected to the snap-fit connector 52. Limiting strips 51 are symmetrically arranged inside the connector 50, and the snap-fit connector 52 and the limiting strips 51 are slidably snapped together. The snap-fit connector 52 is made of shape memory alloy.
[0047] Specifically, the end of the clamp connector 52 can be connected to a sampling forceps or a hemostatic forceps. The clamp connector 52 is made of shape memory alloy. When the traction tube 4 moves the connector 50 forward, the clamp connector 52 closes, thereby causing the sampling forceps or hemostatic forceps at the end to close. When the traction tube 4 moves the connector 50 backward, the clamp connector 52 opens, causing the sampling forceps or hemostatic forceps at the end to open.
[0048] like Figure 6 As shown, the push-pull rings 2 are symmetrically fastened together, and the connecting surfaces of the push-pull rings 2 are fastened together by buckles 22 and locking grooves 23.
[0049] The working principle of this invention embodiment is as follows:
[0050] like Figures 1-10 As shown, one end of the intermediate steel wire 40 is fixedly mounted on the control handle 1, and the other end of the intermediate steel wire 40 is connected to the execution end 5. The action control of the execution end 5 is driven by the traction tube 4. When the traction tube 4 moves forward relative to the intermediate steel wire 40, it will drive the components connected to the execution end 5 to perform actions, such as hemostasis with hemostatic forceps or sampling with sampling forceps. When the traction tube 4 moves backward relative to the intermediate steel wire 40, the hemostatic forceps or sampling forceps will open. Throughout the process, the intermediate steel wire 40 will not move relative to the control handle 1, thereby ensuring that the execution end 5 will not retract during the execution action and guaranteeing precise control of the execution end 5. To facilitate the adjustment of the control angle of the execution end 5, a bevel tooth surface 61 is provided at the mating ring 60 at the end of the traction tube 4. The rotating disk 64 drives the drive bevel gear 62 to rotate, thereby driving the mating ring 60 and the traction tube 4 to rotate relative to the intermediate steel wire 40, and then driving the execution end 5 at the end of the traction tube 4 to rotate, thus adjusting the angle. The purpose of setting up magnet 21 and iron block 17 is to facilitate a brief pause when the traction tube 4 is retracted. Simultaneously, the lifting sleeve 66, cooperating column 67, and locking hole 68 are set up to continuously maintain the position of the traction tube 4 relative to the intermediate steel wire 40, ensuring that the actuator end 5 is in a normally closed or normally open state. Specifically, when the traction tube 4 carrying the actuator end 5 enters or exits the body, the actuator end 5 needs to be kept in a normally closed state to avoid opening and scratching internal tissues; when the actuator end 5 is performing actions, it needs to be kept in a normally open state to assist in hemostasis or sampling operations. To facilitate controlling the actuator end 5 to quickly point to the target location, a control cable 42 is set inside the traction tube 4, and an opening slot 41 is set at the end of the traction tube 4. Combined with the control pull head 43, the control cable 42 and the end of the traction tube 4 are deflected, thereby causing the end of the actuator end 5 to deflect, reaching the target location more quickly. When the direction adjustment mechanism 6 rotates the traction tube 4 and the end of the actuator end 5, the control cable 42 and the control pull head 43 rotate together with the rotating sleeve 3.
[0051] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.
[0052] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.
Claims
1. A handle assembly for endoscopic surgical instruments, characterized in that, It includes a control handle (1), a push-pull ring (2), a traction tube (4), a middle steel wire (40), and an actuator (5); The push-pull ring (2) is slidably installed on the control handle (1). The traction tube (4) is installed synchronously with the push-pull ring (2). The intermediate steel wire (40) is fixedly connected to the control handle (1). One end of the intermediate steel wire (40) passes through the end of the traction tube (4) and is connected to the execution end (5). The other end of the intermediate steel wire (40) is connected to a snap-fit block (14). The end of the control handle (1) is provided with an installation groove (12). The snap-fit block (14) is fixedly installed with the installation groove (12). The control handle (1) is provided with a middle slide groove (11), the inner ring of the push-pull ring (2) is fixedly connected with a mating block (20), the push-pull ring (2) is slidably installed between the mating block (20) and the middle slide groove (11), the traction tube (4) is connected to the mating block (20), and a direction adjustment mechanism (6) is provided between the traction tube (4) and the mating block (20). The direction adjustment mechanism (6) includes a mating ring (60) disposed at the end of the traction tube (4). An annular groove (25) is provided within the mating block (20). The mating ring (60) and the annular groove (25) cooperate with each other. A receiving groove (26) is also provided within the annular groove (25). A conical tooth surface (61) is provided on the outer ring of the mating ring (60). The conical tooth surface (61) cooperates with the receiving groove (26). The edge of the receiving groove (26)... The edge is provided with a gear groove (27), and a drive bevel gear (62) is rotatably installed in the gear groove (27). The drive bevel gear (62) meshes with the bevel tooth surface (61). The drive bevel gear (62) is rotatably installed between the mounting shaft (63) and the mating block (20). The control handle (1) is provided with a receiving groove (100). The mounting shaft (63) extends and passes through the receiving groove (100). The end of the mounting shaft (63) is connected to a rotating disk (64).
2. The handle assembly for an endoscopic surgical instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting groove (12) is also provided with a snap-fit block two (15). The intermediate steel wire (40) between the snap-fit block two (15) and the mating ring (60) is fitted with a support spring (16). The two ends of the support spring (16) abut against the mating ring (60) and the snap-fit block two (15) respectively.
3. The handle assembly for an endoscopic surgical instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that, Multiple adjustment slots (13) are evenly arranged on the mounting slot (12), and the snap-fit block (14) is snapped into the adjustment slot (13).
4. A handle assembly for an endoscopic surgical instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that, The end of the mating block (20) is provided with a magnet (21), and the end of the mounting groove (12) is provided with an iron block (17). The magnet (21) is provided with a mounting post (65). The mounting post (65) passes through the receiving groove (100) and is sleeved with a lifting sleeve (66). The lifting sleeve (66) is provided with mating posts (67) on both sides. The two ends of the receiving groove (100) are respectively provided with locking holes (68) that cooperate with the mating posts (67).
5. A handle assembly for an endoscopic surgical instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that, The push-pull ring (2) has an annular groove (24) inside on the side facing the execution end (5). A rotating sleeve (3) is rotatably installed in the annular groove (24). Multiple clamping rings (31) are evenly arranged on the inner side of the end of the rotating sleeve (3). The traction tube (4) is clamped and installed in the rotating sleeve (3).
6. A handle assembly for an endoscopic surgical instrument according to claim 5, characterized in that, The end of the traction tube (4) is provided with an opening groove (41). The actuating end (5) is threadedly connected to the end of the traction tube (4). An operating cable (42) is inserted and installed inside the traction tube (4). One end of the operating cable (42) passes through the opening groove (41) and connects to the actuating end (5). The other end of the operating cable (42) passes through the traction tube (4) near the rotating sleeve (3) and extends to the outside of the rotating sleeve (3). The other end of the operating cable (42) is connected to a control pull head (43). The control pull head (43) is attached to the outside of the rotating sleeve (3). The execution end (5) includes a connector (50). A snap-fit connector (52) is inserted into the connector (50). One end of the connector (50) is threaded to the end of the traction tube (4). The intermediate steel wire (40) passes through the connector (50) and is fixedly connected to the snap-fit connector (52). Limiting strips (51) are symmetrically arranged inside the connector (50). The snap-fit connector (52) and the limiting strip (51) are slidably snapped together.
7. A handle assembly for an endoscopic surgical instrument according to claim 6, characterized in that, The card connector (52) is made of shape memory alloy.
8. A handle assembly for an endoscopic surgical instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that, The push-pull rings (2) are symmetrically fastened together, and the connecting surfaces of the push-pull rings (2) are fastened together by buckles (22) and snap-fit grooves (23).