Shifting rod assembly, handle and endoscope

Abstract

The invention provides a shifting rod assembly, a handle and an endoscope, and relates to the technical field of endoscopes, the shifting rod assembly comprises a shifting piece and a traction wheel, and the shifting piece is connected to the traction wheel and used for driving the traction wheel to rotate; the endoscope comprises a suction valve, the suction valve is communicated with a negative pressure suction channel, the suction valve comprises a rotating part which is in running fit with the negative pressure suction channel, the rotating part is connected with the shifting piece, and the rotating part can be driven to synchronously rotate under the condition that the shifting piece rotates; the suction valve further comprises a control end used for controlling the suction valve to be opened or closed, and the control end is arranged on the shifting piece so as to control the suction valve to be opened or closed. Compared with the prior art, the operation comfort of an operator with the small hand size is remarkably improved, the coordination control capacity of the operator on the shifting rod and the suction valve is enhanced, and the control accuracy and the smoothness of the operation process are further improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of endoscopes, and in particular to a lever assembly, a handle and an endoscope. Background Art

[0002] Endoscopes, a medical device widely used in clinical diagnosis and treatment, typically consist of an insertion section, a handle, and optical and control systems. The handle not only allows the operator to hold and control the device but also integrates various control mechanisms, such as a lever for manipulating the bending section and a suction valve for adjusting the suction function. In related technologies, to facilitate the operator's use of different fingers to control various functions, the lever and suction valve are typically positioned on opposite radial sides of the handle, achieving a balance between functional zoning and operational convenience.

[0003] However, the inventors discovered in long-term clinical practice that while this structural layout can achieve basic separation control, the suction valve assembly occupies a large internal space within the handle, especially near the end away from the insertion portion. Due to the relatively complex structure of the suction valve, the housing size in this area often expands, making the overall handle larger and less compact. For operators with smaller hands, this design is not only uncomfortable to hold but also limits their ability to coordinate control of the lever and suction valve, affecting the accuracy and smoothness of operation. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide a lever assembly, a handle and an endoscope to solve the above-mentioned technical problems existing in the prior art.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present application provides a lever assembly, which adopts the following technical solution: A lever assembly is applied to an endoscope, the lever assembly comprising a shifting member and a traction wheel, wherein the shifting member is connected to the traction wheel to drive the traction wheel to rotate; The endoscope includes a suction valve, which is connected to a negative pressure suction channel. The suction valve includes a rotating portion that rotates with the negative pressure suction channel. The rotating portion is connected to the toggle member. When the toggle member rotates, the rotating portion can be driven to rotate synchronously. The suction valve further includes a control end for controlling the opening or closing of the suction valve. The control end is provided on the toggle member to control the opening or closing of the suction valve.

[0006] In a second aspect, the present application provides a handle, which adopts the following technical solution: A handle comprises a lever assembly according to the above technical solution.

[0007] In a third aspect, the present application provides an endoscope, which adopts the following technical solution: An endoscope comprises a handle according to the above technical solution, wherein the insertion portion is connected to the handle.

[0008] The present invention has the following advantages and beneficial effects: 1. This invention redesigns the structure of the endoscope lever assembly, proposing an integrated arrangement of the suction valve structure and the toggle. While simultaneously driving the traction wheel, the rotating portion of the suction valve is directly connected to the toggle, and the control terminal for opening and closing the suction valve is located on the toggle. This allows the operator to simultaneously control the suction valve while operating the toggle. This structure avoids the spatial separation and coordination issues inherent in traditional designs, where the suction valve and traction wheel are separate functional components.

[0009] 2. The present invention integrates the rotating part of the suction valve and the toggle member into a linkage structure, so that the suction valve can maintain a relatively stable structural coordination during the rotation drive of the traction wheel, thereby solving the problem that the suction valve is difficult to integrate on the toggle side in the traditional structure. This design significantly reduces the space occupied by the suction valve assembly inside the handle, optimizes the layout of the functional modules, and makes the entire handle more compact and lightweight, which helps to reduce the operating burden of the medical device. Especially for operators with smaller hands, the simplification of the structure not only improves the comfort of holding, but also enhances their ability to coordinate and control the toggle member and the suction valve, thereby effectively improving the accuracy of the control and the smoothness of the operation, and improving the ergonomic adaptability of the equipment and the flexibility of actual use.

[0010] 3. The present invention sets the control end of the suction valve directly on the toggle member, so that the control of the suction valve and the toggle operation of the traction wheel can be completed on the same side. The operator can complete the opening or closing control of the suction valve while operating the toggle member, without adjusting the hand position or changing the operation direction, which significantly improves the consistency and efficiency of the control operation. Compared with the traditional design of independently setting the suction valve on the other side of the handle, this structure is more in line with the logic of one-handed operation. It is especially suitable for operators with smaller hands and limited gripping space. It enables them to achieve precise control of multiple functions within the limited handle area, reducing the risk of misoperation, improving ergonomic adaptability and the convenience of clinical operation. This structural optimization also makes the handle body more concise, further reducing visual interference and spatial obstruction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0012] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram intended to show the overall structure of an endoscope.

[0013] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram intended to show the internal structure of the handle.

[0014] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the suction valve and traction wheel.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view showing the suction valve and traction wheel.

[0016] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of the suction valve.

[0017] Figure 6 This is an exploded view showing the suction valve.

[0018] Figure 7 This is an exploded view showing the valve core and finger-operated part.

[0019] The following are marked in the figure: 100, toggle member; 110, toggle lever; 111, finger toggle portion; 1111, accommodating groove; 200, traction wheel; 300, suction valve; 300a, rotating portion; 310, control end; 320, valve body; 3211, first interface end; 3212, second interface end; 3221, rotating cylinder; 3222, core cylinder; 32221, air hole; 330, valve core; 3301, connecting hole; 3302, negative pressure hole; 340, negative pressure suction tube; 400, anti-accidental touch structure; 410, fixing boss; 500, handle; 510, insertion portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention more apparent, the technical solutions of the present invention will be described in detail below. Obviously, the embodiments described are only some of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of them. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other implementations obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0021] The terms "first," "second," and the like in the specification and claims of this application are used to distinguish similar objects, and are not used to describe a specific order or precedence. It should be understood that the terms used in this manner are interchangeable where appropriate, so that the embodiments of this application can be implemented in an order other than that illustrated or described herein, and that the objects distinguished by "first," "second," and the like are generally of the same type, and do not limit the number of objects; for example, the first object can be one or more. In addition, the term "and / or" in the specification and claims refers to at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally indicates that the objects connected are in an "or" relationship.

[0022] In each embodiment of the present application, "proximal end" and "distal end" refer to the position of each component relative to the user in the use environment, wherein the end closer to the user is designated as the "proximal end" and the end farther from the user is designated as the "distal end".

[0023] During their long-term involvement in endoscopic surgery coordination and instrument optimization, the inventors, through in-depth interviews with numerous clinicians and nurses, combined with extensive surgical video review and on-site observation, gradually realized that the existing endoscope handle structure has certain limitations in actual operation. In particular, during certain delicate operations or long-duration operations, some operators, especially women or medical staff with smaller hands, frequently reported problems with insufficient finger span and difficulty exerting force when switching or simultaneously controlling the suction valve and lever.

[0024] To further verify this phenomenon, the inventors organized and carried out multiple batches of simulated operation tests, and set up subjects with different hand sizes to operate the traditional structure. The results showed that in terms of control efficiency, continuous stability and probability of misoperation, those with smaller hands generally showed more obvious discomfort and tendency to touch by mistake. This actual difference prompted the inventors to conduct an in-depth analysis of the root cause, and eventually located the design defects such as unreasonable finger distribution, internal structural conflicts and excessively long control paths caused by the layout of the suction valve and the dial lever on both sides of the handle. Therefore, the inventors proposed a new solution to integrate the control end of the suction valve and the dial member on the same side, aiming to optimize the control path, reduce the size of the shell, improve compactness, and significantly improve the operating comfort and coordination of operators with small hands, providing higher operational compatibility and precision support for operators with different hand sizes.

[0025] The following combination Figures 1 to 7 A lever assembly, a handle, and an endoscope provided in an embodiment of the present application are described in detail through specific embodiments and their application scenarios.

[0026] A lever assembly includes a toggle member 100 and a traction wheel 200. The toggle member 100 is connected to the traction wheel 200 to drive the traction wheel 200 to rotate. The toggle member 100 can be an integral injection-molded structure, or it can be made of metal or high-strength engineering plastic and then connected to the traction wheel 200 via threads, snaps, or rivets. In actual applications, the traction wheel 200 is typically used to control a pull rope system within the insertion portion 510. Specifically, the traction wheel 200 is connected to the active bending section of the front insertion portion 510 of the endoscope via a pull rope. When the operator rotates the traction wheel 200 using the toggle member 100, the pull rope will subsequently move axially, thereby driving the front bending section to bend in different directions, achieving precise control of the front field of view angle.

[0027] The endoscope includes a suction valve 300, which is connected to the negative pressure suction channel. The suction valve 300 includes a rotating part 300a that rotates with the negative pressure suction channel. The rotating part 300a is connected to the toggle member 100. When the toggle member 100 rotates, it can drive the rotating part 300a to rotate synchronously; the suction valve 300 also includes a control end 310 for controlling its opening or closing. The control end 310 is arranged on the toggle member 100 to control the opening or closing of the suction valve 300.

[0028] The control end 310 can be a raised button or a pressable sheet structure, with a resilient member (such as a compression spring or rubber gasket) used to achieve a reset function. Since the suction valve 300 and the toggle member 100 are arranged in a linked manner, this structure not only saves space inside the handle 500, but also improves the operational response speed and coordination.

[0029] It should be noted that the negative pressure suction channel is the fluid pathway within an endoscope used to achieve the negative pressure suction function. It is typically composed of multiple structural components, including the suction valve 300 in this embodiment, the negative pressure suction tube 340 disposed within the endoscope insertion portion 510, and an instrument tube or other negative pressure piping component located distal to the insertion portion 510. These components are interconnected, forming a continuous negative pressure suction pathway that directs stones, fluid, or tissue debris within the body cavity to an external collection device. Furthermore, the negative pressure suction channel is connected to an external negative pressure source (such as a central negative pressure device or a portable suction pump) via connecting tubing, thereby creating a continuous, controllable negative pressure environment. The suction valve 300 acts as a control node within this channel; its opening and closing directly affects the on / off state of the entire negative pressure channel, thereby initiating and terminating the suction function. Control of the suction valve 300 by the toggle 100 allows the operator to conveniently perform negative pressure suction operations.

[0030] Preferably, the rotating portion 300a includes a valve body 320 and a valve core 330, wherein the valve body 320 is configured as a toggle member 100. In this structure, the valve body 320 can be extended and deformed to suit the shape and spatial layout of the handle 500 housing. For example, the valve body 320 can be extended at one end and extended beyond the handle 500 housing. This not only retains the sealing and rotational functions of the suction valve 300 itself, but also serves as the toggle member 100. In this way, the operator can directly operate the exposed portion of the valve body 320 to rotate the traction wheel 200, eliminating the need for a separate lever 110 and achieving a higher level of structural integration. This approach saves space and reduces the number of components, helping to improve the reliability of the overall assembly and ease of processing. It is particularly suitable for use in compact endoscope designs.

[0031] As an optional embodiment, similarly, the valve core 330 is configured as a toggle member 100. This structure is achieved by lengthening the valve core 330 body and extending it toward the outside of the handle 500 housing, exposing a portion of it outside the housing, thereby also having the function of the toggle member 100. The operator can directly drive the traction wheel 200 by rotating or sliding the valve core 330, while at the same time driving the displacement of the connecting hole 3301 during its axial or radial movement to achieve switching control of the suction valve 300 to open or close. This design is particularly suitable for scenarios where it is necessary to integrate suction operation and bending control into a single operating part, such as single-handed control or minimally invasive operation environments with frequent rapid switching operations. Since the valve core 330 itself is the key component for controlling the suction valve 300, its integrated toggle function can also reduce the linkage structure and avoid control delays.

[0032] In this embodiment, the valve core 330 is slidably mounted on the toggle member 100 and connected to the control end 310. The control end 310 is in the form of a long strip. This structure allows the operator to press the strip with their fingers to drive the valve core 330 to slide axially, thereby opening and closing the suction valve 300. To enhance the feel and safety of operation, the strip can be provided with a certain curvature, a non-slip surface texture, or an elastic limiter to prevent accidental contact and excessive operation. This structure is suitable for endoscopes with linear sliding control of the suction valve 300 and is particularly effective in applications where space within the handle 500 is limited or when optimal finger force distribution is required.

[0033] As another optional embodiment, the valve core 330 is positioned near the toggle 100 and connected to the control end 310. This structure allows the valve core 330 control module to be connected to the toggle 100 through a proximal layout without changing the overall shape of the toggle 100, thereby achieving functional linkage between the two. For example, a guide groove can be provided within the lumen of the toggle 100, and the valve core 330 can be secured along its sliding path via a slide-type connector, achieving a compact, functionally clear split control system. This approach is suitable for multifunctional endoscope handles 500 with complex structures or requiring modular assembly.

[0034] In addition, according to actual use requirements and manufacturing conditions, the above-mentioned several structural methods can be replaced or optimized by equivalent technical means. For example, the sliding structure can be replaced by a rotatable eccentric wheel structure to control the movement of the valve core 330, and the long control end 310 can also be replaced by a dial type, trigger type or pressure rod type mechanism to adapt to different operating styles; the valve body 320 or the valve core 330 and the dial member 100 can also be connected by means of latches, magnets, snap-fits, threads, etc. to achieve separation or quick disassembly and assembly, thereby improving the adaptability of the structure and the convenience of maintenance. These diverse implementation paths provide broad compatibility and flexibility for the promotion and application of the structure provided by this application in endoscope systems of different sizes and different functional complexities.

[0035] In this embodiment, the suction valve 300 further includes a first interface end 3211 for connecting to the negative pressure suction tube 340 and a second interface end 3212 for connecting to a negative pressure source. The first interface end 3211 and the second interface end 3212 together constitute a portion of the negative pressure suction channel, and both are rotatably coupled to and connected to the valve body 320. To ensure that the suction channel maintains a good seal and airtightness during rotation, an annular sealing structure or a double-layer sealing ring design is employed between the interface end and the valve body 320. Elastic materials such as medical-grade silicone and nitrile rubber can be used to achieve a dynamic seal, thereby preventing air leakage or unstable suction during high-frequency suction operations.

[0036] These two interface ends typically utilize standard tapered, threaded, or locking connections, enabling easy connection to common commercially available negative pressure tubing or vacuum sources while ensuring tightness and mechanical stability. For clinical scenarios requiring rapid connection and removal, such as emergency suctioning or frequent replacement of negative pressure tubing in the operating room, quick-disconnect connectors (such as Luer connectors with locking snap-fit ​​mechanisms and push-pull locking connectors) can be used, improving both device response efficiency and enhancing the flexibility and safety of clinical operations.

[0037] In this embodiment, the first interface end 3211 and the second interface end 3212 are preferably arranged perpendicular to each other. Specifically, the first interface end 3211 extends along the length of the handle 500 and is used to connect to the internal negative pressure suction tube 340, while the second interface end 3212 is arranged perpendicular to the handle 500, directly facing the interior of the handle 500 or the negative pressure source connection position. This layout not only facilitates the internal integration of the suction channel, but also reduces interference between pipelines through spatial partitioning, thereby improving the compactness of the overall arrangement. In particular, when the suction valve 300 is integrated into the axis of the traction wheel 200 or a position adjacent to it, this vertical arrangement structure can effectively utilize the hollow area of ​​the traction wheel 200 itself, or embed the suction channel in its lateral non-working area, thereby further reducing the impact of the suction structure on the outer shape of the handle 500 shell, improving the miniaturization and user comfort of the entire machine.

[0038] Furthermore, during actual assembly, this vertical arrangement facilitates the longitudinal insertion of the suction valve 300 into the housing, reducing assembly steps and improving production efficiency. For endoscopes with complex structures or those requiring modular replacement, this structure allows for independent replacement and maintenance of the suction valve 300 and the toggle assembly, enhancing system reliability and ease of maintenance.

[0039] It is important to emphasize that during the specific installation and manufacturing process, the first interface end 3211 and the second interface end 3212, respectively, that rotatably engage with the valve body 320 require a rotationally sealed installation. This can utilize a rubber ring or other sealing structure to ensure a seal during rotation. Preferably, the rubber ring can be made of a highly elastic material such as silicone or fluororubber, with an inner diameter that provides an interference fit with the outer diameter of the interface end, ensuring airtightness without affecting rotational operation. The sealing structure can also include multiple lips, corrugated sealing rings, or labyrinth sealing grooves to accommodate suction environments with varying pressure levels, enhancing product reliability and durability.

[0040] The valve body 320 comprises a rotating cylinder 3221 and a core cylinder 3222. The rotating cylinder 3221 rotatably engages with the first interface end 3211 and the second interface end 3212, respectively, and is in communication with the core cylinder 3222. The rotating cylinder 3221 and the core cylinder 3222 can be molded or can be separate structures connected by threads or snaps for easy assembly and replacement. The core cylinder 3222 typically serves as a guide and limiter and can be made of a friction-resistant material, such as polytetrafluoroethylene or POM, to extend its sliding life.

[0041] Reference Figure 4 、 Figure 5As shown, the valve core 330 has a connecting hole 3301 and is slidably or rotatably installed in the core barrel 3222. Under the action of external force, the valve core 330 changes the position of the connecting hole 3301 by sliding or rotating to control the opening or closing of the valve body 320. The connecting hole 3301 is a key opening and closing structure in the suction path. Its position change directly determines whether the negative pressure suction channel is connected, thereby realizing the on-off control of the suction function. To ensure the accuracy and response speed of the control, guide ribs or limit grooves can be designed around the connecting hole 3301. These can not only limit the range of movement of the valve core 330, but also help prevent the connecting hole 3301 from being in a semi-open state during misoperation, resulting in poor suction or continuous negative pressure abnormalities.

[0042] As an optional embodiment, a negative pressure hole 3302 is further provided on the valve core 330. When the suction valve 300 is not open, that is, the communication hole 3301 of the valve core 330 is not yet connected to the rotating cylinder 3221, and the valve core 330 is in the closed position, the negative pressure hole 3302 is connected to the outside air. The external negative pressure source only draws in the outside air, and no negative pressure is generated through the negative pressure suction tube 340. This prevents stones or body fluids from being accidentally inhaled when the suction function is not in operation.

[0043] When the operator operates the valve core 330 of the suction valve 300 to open, the communication hole 3301 moves to a position where it connects with the rotating cylinder 3221, and the negative pressure hole 3302 is closed. At this time, the second interface end 3212 is connected to the negative pressure suction tube 340 through the communication hole 3301 of the valve core 330, thus forming a complete negative pressure path and achieving effective negative pressure suction operation. This structural design can effectively block negative pressure suction in the non-operating state, preventing accidental aspiration during surgery, and helping to improve the safety and controllability of the suction operation.

[0044] In this embodiment, negative pressure hole 3302 is located along the side away from lever 110, forming an overall "L"-shaped channel structure. This facilitates directing external airflow vertically into second interface end 3212 and maintaining communication with the outside air via a transverse channel. This "L"-shaped design not only ensures ventilation, but also helps prevent dust or liquid from directly entering negative pressure hole 3302 from the front, thereby improving its anti-contamination ability and long-term stability.

[0045] The rotating cylinder 3221 is further provided with an air hole 32221 on the side away from the lever 110, which is connected to the negative pressure hole 3302. The air hole 32221 and the negative pressure hole 3302 form a convection channel. When the control end 310 is not pressed, the air hole 32221 is connected to the negative pressure hole 3302, and no negative pressure suction is generated. On the contrary, after pressing the control end 310, the control end 310 pushes the valve core 330 to slide, so that the ventilation path of the negative pressure hole 3302 is blocked or pressed closed, and the connecting hole 3301 is synchronously connected to the suction channel, thereby establishing a negative pressure suction path, so that suction operation can be performed. The control logic is simple and clear. Press to suck, release to stop, which is easy for clinical operators to quickly master.

[0046] The above-mentioned connecting hole 3301 can be regarded as the flow control hole on the valve core 330, and its opening direction, size and distribution position can be customized according to different clinical suction intensity requirements. For example, in a surgical scenario that requires greater suction, a plurality of parallel connecting holes 3301 structures can be used to achieve a concurrent suction path by changing the position of the valve core 330, thereby improving the suction efficiency. Alternatively, it can be designed as a multi-level hole position (such as spiral distribution, stepped arrangement, etc.), combined with the progressive sliding path of the valve core 330, to achieve different suction modes under different pressing forces, such as low suction to maintain suction, high suction for rapid suction, and even a pulse suction mode can be achieved, which is used to cooperate with specific tissue stripping or stone vibration devices to improve precise control performance.

[0047] In addition, a filter, a liquid-repellent groove or an anti-backflow structure may be provided around the communicating hole 3301 to prevent foreign matter from entering the valve body 320 and causing blockage or damaging the negative pressure system.

[0048] Reference Figure 5 、 Figure 6 As shown, the traction wheel 200 is coaxially fixedly mounted on the rotating cylinder 3221. When the lever 110 is moved, the traction wheel 200 is simultaneously driven to rotate synchronously, thereby driving the traction system and achieving bending control of the curved section of the insertion portion 510. The traction wheel 200 can be connected to the rotating cylinder 3221 via a sleeve, a retaining ring, or an integrally molded structure, forming a reliable torque transmission structure. This ensures that there is no gap or risk of falling during rotation, thus avoiding problems such as control lag and insensitive response caused by mechanical play during clinical operation. In actual application, to enhance the control stability of the lever 110 over the traction wheel 200, a friction plate, torque spring, or a limit shoulder structure can be added between the two to ensure the accuracy and consistency of the traction action. Furthermore, different tooth shapes or surface structures can be designed according to the traction force required to prevent slippage, making it particularly suitable for scenarios requiring high-load traction.

[0049] In some embodiments, the toggle member 100 includes a toggle lever 110, which is connected to the core barrel 3222. Specifically, the toggle lever 110 and the core barrel 3222 are assembled via a threaded connection, which facilitates quick assembly and disassembly, and is beneficial for later maintenance and replacement. In alternative designs, the toggle lever 110 and the core barrel 3222 can also be connected using a rotary snap-fit ​​connection, which achieves positioning and fastening during rotation by providing certain slots and elastic tongues; or a permanent connection can be achieved through pin riveting to improve the overall structural strength; a quick-release latch structure can also be used to improve assembly efficiency, facilitate replacement of the core barrel 3222 or inspection of internal components, and is particularly suitable for modular handle 500 designs. If the sealing of the connection needs to be further improved, an annular sealing ring or self-lubricating gasket can be provided at the interface to improve durability.

[0050] In some embodiments, the rotating cylinder 3221 and the core cylinder 3222 are arranged perpendicular to each other. This arrangement, particularly when the internal space of the handle 500 is relatively compact and the structural depth is limited, allows the rotating plane of the traction wheel 200 to intersect the main axis of the core cylinder 3222, forming an "L" or "T"-shaped three-dimensional spatial layout, significantly optimizing the space utilization of the handle 500 and the lever 110. This structure also facilitates the placement of the traction wheel 200 in a plane perpendicular to the direction of the negative pressure channel, resulting in a more compact and rational distribution of the control knob and suction structure, which helps improve operational comfort and the balance of the handle 500. Furthermore, the orientation of the core cylinder 3222 can align with the direction of the suction channel, reducing the bending angle of the pipeline and reducing fluid resistance, thereby improving the efficiency of negative pressure suction.

[0051] As an optional embodiment, refer to Figure 3 、 Figure 5 As shown, the first interface end 3211 and the rotating portion 300a of the rotating cylinder 3221 are coaxially arranged relative to the second interface end 3212 and the rotating portion 300a of the rotating cylinder 3221. This not only makes the overall layout more compact, but also simplifies the flow channel connection structure between the valve body 320 and the negative pressure channel. The coaxial arrangement is conducive to balancing the rotational load, avoiding torque fluctuations caused by eccentricity, and improving the smoothness and consistency of the opening and closing action of the suction valve 300. For structural processing, the coaxial setting is also convenient for precise alignment and automated assembly. An integrated turning and milling structure or an injection molding sleeve can be used to effectively reduce processing errors and improve assembly accuracy. In addition, this structure can also be used in conjunction with an axial sealing structure such as a rotating lip seal or a double O-ring design to further improve the sealing performance, ensure that no air leakage or negative pressure leakage occurs under high-frequency opening and closing, and enhance the stability and safety of the entire machine.

[0052] Reference Figure 5 、 Figure 7As shown, the finger-activated portion 111 is provided with an anti-accidental touch structure 400 to prevent the operator from accidentally pressing the control button while operating the finger-activated portion 111. The anti-accidental touch structure 400 includes a fixed boss 410 disposed at the proximal end of the finger-activated portion 111 (i.e., closer to the operator's finger). The fixed boss 410 is higher than the protrusion of the control button relative to the finger-activated portion 111. This physically blocks the operator's finger from accidentally pressing the control end 310 of the suction valve 300 when the operator's finger slips or changes position. This structure effectively reduces the probability of accidental operation in actual use, and is particularly important in situations where rapid adjustment of the lens direction is required while preventing accidental activation of suction, thereby improving surgical safety and control efficiency.

[0053] To further enhance tactile guidance and structural adaptability, the fixed boss 410 can also be designed with a wedge-shaped, curved, or finger-grooved structure to suit different operating habits, creating a natural finger support surface. The wedge-shaped structure helps guide the finger's direction of contact, the curved structure better conforms to the shape of the fingertips, and the finger groove structure provides a sense of directional positioning and improves the stability of the dialing operation. These structures not only prevent accidental touches but also help users achieve quick and precise directional control actions.

[0054] At the same time, a receiving groove 1111 is provided on the finger-moving portion 111. The receiving groove 1111 has a certain depth to form an effective movement space for the control end 310 while ensuring structural strength. The control end 310 of the valve core 330 is slidably installed in the receiving groove 1111. The control end 310 is in the shape of a long strip, and the surface is provided with textures or bumps that are convenient for fingertip identification and pressing. The operator can drive the valve core 330 to move by pressing the control end 310 longitudinally to open or close the suction passage. In different embodiments, the inner wall of the receiving groove 1111 can be provided with elastic gaskets, positioning edges or limit shoulders to limit the sliding range of the control end 310 and provide the necessary rebound positioning function, so that it quickly returns to its original position after the control end 310 is released, keeping the suction valve 300 in a closed state and preventing the negative pressure from being mistakenly continued.

[0055] The control terminal 310 can also be made of a flexible engineering plastic or coated rubber to enhance the tactile feel while absorbing and providing feedback on small displacements. Furthermore, the operating surface of the control terminal 310 can be provided with localized roughness or raised points to enhance tactile recognition during operation, allowing accurate pressing even when wearing gloves.

[0056] In other embodiments, the anti-accidental touch structure 400 can also be expanded into an annular structure, which is arranged around the circumferential position of the finger-moving part 111, and the fixed boss 410 or the protective rib is arranged therein. Such an annular structure can be a continuous or discontinuous ring, which can be formed into an integral structure by one-time injection molding, or it can be made of a flexible material separately and then covered and assembled on the periphery of the toggle part 100. Flexible materials such as silicone, TPU, etc. can not only provide elastic buffering function, but also assist visual guidance through color or texture changes to avoid misoperation. In addition, a local lower groove can be provided on the annular structure to form a "finger sleeve" operation area, so that the operator can still achieve safe control when holding it at multiple angles.

[0057] The above design effectively solves the problem of limited spatial layout of the suction valve 300 and the toggle member 100 in existing endoscopes. In particular, in traditional structures, the suction valve 300 is typically located in the handle 500 housing at one end away from the insertion portion 510. This occupies a large space and easily causes the housing to expand, affecting controllability and compactness. The structure provided in this application integrates the suction valve 300 control end 310 and the toggle member 100 on the same side, and uses a rotating or sliding linkage to drive the traction wheel 200 and control the suction valve 300. This not only simplifies the structural layout, but also significantly reduces the cross-sectional dimensions of the handle 500, improving the structural compactness. This is particularly suitable for operators with smaller hands, effectively improving the ergonomic compatibility and fine control capabilities of the overall operation.

[0058] This application further provides a handle 500 comprising the lever assembly described in the aforementioned technical solution. By integrating the suction valve 300, lever 110, and traction wheel 200, this handle 500 achieves multifunctional integrated control without significantly increasing the overall dimensions of the handle 500. Handle 500 not only controls the direction of the insertion portion 510 but also precisely adjusts the suction intensity and opening state, simplifying the operation path and reducing the operator's learning curve and adaptation requirements. It is particularly suitable for single-handed operation in delicate surgical scenarios.

[0059] Furthermore, the present application also provides an endoscope, which includes the above-mentioned handle structure, the insertion part 510 is connected to the handle 500, the proximal end of the insertion part 510 is connected to the handle 500, and is linked to the traction wheel 200 through the pull rope system provided therein to control the movement of the active bending section at the front end. The active bending section serves as a support carrier for the camera module, and its bending action directly affects the direction of the lens field of view and the imaging stability. Through the integrated lever assembly in this solution, the operator can control the bending direction and suction action in an integrated manner, realize precise positioning and intervention operations under image guidance, and effectively improve the diagnosis and treatment efficiency and the control experience. The structure also has high scalability and is suitable for the integrated improvement design of various soft endoscope products.

[0060] It should be noted that the endoscope referred to in the embodiments of the present application may be a bronchoscope, a pyeloscope, an esophagoscope, a gastroscope, a colonoscope, an otoscope, a rhinoscope, a stomatoscope, a laryngoscope, a colposcope, a laparoscope, an arthroscope, etc. The embodiments of the present application do not impose any specific restrictions on the type of endoscope.

[0061] It should be noted that, in this article, the terms "comprise", "include" or any other variants thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, article or device comprising a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also other elements not explicitly listed, or also includes elements inherent to such process, method, article or device. In the absence of further restrictions, an element defined by the statement "comprises a ..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article or device comprising the element. In addition, it should be noted that the scope of the methods and devices in the embodiments of the present application is not limited to performing functions in the order shown or discussed, and may also include performing functions in a substantially simultaneous manner or in the opposite order according to the functions involved. For example, the described method may be performed in an order different from that described, and various steps may also be added, omitted, or combined. In addition, the features described with reference to certain examples may be combined in other examples.

[0062] The above description is only a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any technician familiar with this technical field can easily think of changes or replacements within the technical scope disclosed by the present invention, which should be covered by the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A lever assembly, used in an endoscope, characterized in that: The shifting rod assembly comprises a shifting member (100) and a traction wheel (200), wherein the shifting member (100) is connected to the traction wheel (200) and is used to drive the traction wheel (200) to rotate; The endoscope comprises a suction valve (300), the suction valve (300) being connected to a negative pressure suction channel, the suction valve (300) comprising a rotating portion (300a) rotatably matched with the negative pressure suction channel, the rotating portion (300a) being connected to the toggle member (100), and being able to drive the rotating portion (300a) to rotate synchronously when the toggle member (100) rotates; The suction valve (300) further comprises a control end (310) for controlling the opening or closing of the suction valve, wherein the control end (310) is arranged on the toggle member (100) to control the opening or closing of the suction valve (300).

2. The lever assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The rotating portion (300a) comprises a valve body (320) and a valve core (330), wherein: The valve body (320) is configured as the toggle member (100); Alternatively, the valve core (330) is configured as the toggle member (100); Alternatively, the valve core (330) is slidably disposed on the shifting member (100) and connected to the control end (310); Alternatively, the valve core (330) is arranged at a position close to the shifting member (100) and is connected to the control end (310).

3. The lever assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The suction valve (300) further comprises a first interface end (3211) for connecting to a negative pressure suction tube (340) and a second interface end (3212) for connecting to a negative pressure source; the first interface end (3211) and the second interface end (3212) together constitute a portion of the negative pressure suction channel, and both are rotatably coupled to and connected to the valve body (320).

4. The lever assembly according to claim 3, wherein: The valve body (320) comprises a rotating cylinder (3221) and a core cylinder (3222); the rotating cylinder (3221) is rotatably engaged with the first interface end (3211) and the second interface end (3212), respectively, and is in communication with the core cylinder (3222); The valve core (330) has a connecting hole (3301) and is slidably or rotatably installed in the core barrel (3222). Under the action of an external force, the valve core (330) changes the position of the connecting hole (3301) by sliding or rotating to control the opening or closing of the valve body (320).

5. The lever assembly according to claim 4, wherein: The traction wheel (200) is coaxially fixedly arranged on the rotating cylinder (3221); And / or, the shifting member (100) includes a shifting rod (110), and the shifting rod (110) is connected to the core barrel (3222); And / or, the rotating cylinder (3221) and the core cylinder (3222) are arranged perpendicular to each other.

6. The lever assembly according to claim 4, wherein: The first interface end (3211) and the rotating portion (300a) of the rotating cylinder (3221) are coaxially arranged relative to the second interface end (3212) and the rotating portion (300a) of the rotating cylinder (3221).

7. The lever assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The toggle member (100) comprises a finger toggle portion (111), and an anti-mistouch structure (400) is provided on the finger toggle portion (111) to prevent an operator from accidentally pressing a control button when operating the finger toggle portion (111).

8. The lever assembly according to claim 7, wherein: The anti-mistouch structure (400) comprises a fixed boss (410) provided at the proximal end of the finger-activated portion (111), wherein the fixed boss (410) is higher in height than a protruding height of the control button relative to the finger-activated portion (111).

9. A handle, characterized in that: The invention comprises the lever assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. An endoscope, characterized in that: The invention comprises an inserting portion (510) and a handle (500) according to claim 9, wherein the inserting portion (510) is connected to the handle (500).

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