A lever assembly, handle and endoscope

Abstract

The application provides a lever assembly, a handle and an endoscope, and relates to the technical field of endoscopes.The lever assembly comprises a driving part and a traction wheel, wherein the driving part 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 connected to a negative pressure suction channel, the suction valve comprises a rotating part which is in rotating fit with the negative pressure suction channel, the rotating part is connected to the driving part, and the rotating part can be driven to rotate synchronously under the condition that the driving part rotates; the suction valve further comprises a control end which is used for controlling the opening or closing of the suction valve, and the control end is arranged on the driving part to control the opening or closing of the suction valve.Compared with the prior art, the application has the advantages that the operation comfort of an operator with small hand size is significantly improved, the coordination control ability of the operator on the lever and the suction valve is enhanced, and the operation precision and the smoothness of the operation process are further improved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of endoscopes, in particular to a push rod assembly, a handle and an endoscope. BACKGROUND

[0002] An endoscope is a medical instrument widely used in clinical diagnosis and treatment, which generally comprises an insertion part, a handle and an optical and control system. The handle is not only used for the operator to hold and control, but also integrates a variety of control mechanisms, such as a push rod for manipulating the action of the bending part and a suction valve for adjusting the suction function. In the related art, in order to facilitate the operator to control each function with different fingers respectively, the push rod and the suction valve are usually arranged on opposite sides in the radial direction of the handle to achieve the balance between function partition and operation convenience.

[0003] However, the inventors have found in long-term clinical practice that although this structure layout can achieve basic separate control, the suction valve assembly occupies a large internal space in the handle, especially near the end away from the insertion part. Due to the relatively complex structure of the suction valve, the size of the housing in this area is often expanded, resulting in a large overall handle volume and poor compactness. For operators with small hand sizes, this design not only makes holding uncomfortable, but also limits their ability to coordinate the control of the push rod and the suction valve, affecting the precision of manipulation and the fluency of operation. SUMMARY

[0004] The purpose of the present application is to provide a push rod assembly, a handle and an endoscope to solve the above technical problems existing in the prior art.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present application provides a push rod assembly, which adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] A push rod assembly applied to an endoscope, comprising a push member and a traction wheel, the push member being connected to the traction wheel for driving the traction wheel to rotate;

[0007] The endoscope comprises a suction valve, the suction valve being in communication with a negative pressure suction channel, the suction valve comprising a rotating part in rotating cooperation with the negative pressure suction channel, the rotating part being connected to the push member, and under the condition that the push member rotates, the rotating part can be driven to rotate synchronously;

[0008] The suction valve further comprises a control end for controlling the opening or closing of the suction valve, the control end being arranged on the push member to control the opening or closing of the suction valve.

[0009] In a second aspect, the present application provides a handle, which adopts the following technical solution:

[0010] The handle comprises the push rod assembly.

[0011] In a third aspect, the present application provides an endoscope, which adopts the technical scheme as follows:

[0012] The endoscope comprises the handle, and the insertion part is connected with the handle.

[0013] The present application has the following advantages and beneficial effects:

[0014] 1. The present application re-designs the structure of the endoscope push rod assembly, proposes a scheme of integrating the suction valve structure and the push member, realizes the traction wheel driving function, directly connects the rotating part of the suction valve to the push member, and sets the control end for controlling the opening or closing of the suction valve on the push member, so that the operator can control the operation of the suction valve while operating the push member. This structure avoids the problem of space separation and inconvenient cooperation of the suction valve and the traction wheel as two independent functional components in the traditional design.

[0015] 2. The present application integrates the rotating part of the suction valve and the push member into a linkage structure, so that the suction valve can maintain a relatively stable structural cooperation during the traction wheel driving process, and solves the problem of difficulty in integrating the suction valve on the side of the push member in the traditional structure. This design significantly reduces the space occupation of the suction valve assembly in the handle, optimizes the layout of the functional modules, and makes the entire handle more compact and lightweight, which helps to reduce the operation burden of medical equipment. Especially for operators with small hand sizes, the simplified structure not only improves the comfort of holding, but also enhances the coordination control ability of the push member and the suction valve, thereby effectively improving the precision of operation and the fluency of operation, and improving the ergonomic adaptability and flexibility of actual use.

[0016] 3. The present application directly sets the control end of the suction valve on the push member, so that the control of the suction valve and the operation of the traction wheel can be completed on the same side, and the operator can complete the opening or closing control of the suction valve while operating the push member, without the need to adjust the hand position or change the operation direction, which significantly improves the continuity 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 suitable for one-handed operation logic, especially for operators with small hand sizes and limited holding space, so that they can realize precise operation of multiple functions in a limited handle area, reduce the risk of misoperation, and improve the ergonomic adaptability and convenience of clinical operation. This structure optimization also makes the handle body more simple, further reducing visual interference and space obstruction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0017] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application or the prior art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings needed in the embodiments or prior art description. Obviously, the drawings described below only show some of the embodiments of the present application, and all other drawings obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort based on these drawings belong to the scope of protection of the present application.

[0018] Figure 1 is intended to show the schematic diagram of the internal structure of the endoscope.

[0019] Figure 2 is intended to show the schematic diagram of the internal structure of the handle.

[0020] Figure 3 is intended to show the schematic diagram of the structure of the suction valve and the traction wheel.

[0021] Figure 4 is intended to show the sectional view of the suction valve and the traction wheel.

[0022] Figure 5 is intended to show the schematic diagram of the internal structure of the suction valve.

[0023] Figure 6 is intended to show the exploded view of the suction valve.

[0024] Figure 7 is intended to show the exploded view of the valve core and the finger actuating part.

[0025] The reference signs in the drawings are as follows:

[0026] 100, actuating part; 110, actuating rod; 111, finger actuating part; 1111, accommodating groove; 200, traction wheel; 300, suction valve; 300a, rotating part; 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, communication hole; 3302, negative pressure hole; 340, negative pressure suction pipe; 400, mistaken touch prevention structure; 410, fixed boss; 500, handle; 510, insertion part. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] In order to make the objects, technical solutions and advantages of the present application clearer, the technical solutions of the present application will be described in detail below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some of the embodiments of the present application, not all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort belong to the scope of protection of the present application.

[0028] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification and claims of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and not to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such use of data can be interchanged where appropriate so that embodiments of this application can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein, and the objects distinguished by "first," "second," etc., are generally of the same class and the number of objects is not limited; for example, a first object can be one or more. Furthermore, in the specification and claims, "and / or" indicates at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0029] In the various embodiments of this application, "near end" and "far end" refer to the distance of each component from the user in the usage environment. The end closer to the user is designated as the "near end", and the end farther from the user is designated as the "far end".

[0030] Through long-term involvement in endoscopic surgery coordination and instrument optimization, the inventors, through in-depth interviews with numerous clinicians and nurses, and by reviewing a large number of surgical operation videos and observing on-site operations, gradually realized that the existing endoscope handle structure has certain limitations in actual operation. In particular, in certain delicate procedures or surgeries with long durations of continuous operation, some operators, especially female medical staff or those with smaller hands, frequently reported problems with insufficient finger span and difficulty in exerting force when switching or simultaneously controlling the suction valve and lever.

[0031] To further verify this phenomenon, the inventors conducted multiple rounds of simulated operation tests, setting 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 exhibited more significant discomfort and a greater tendency for accidental touches. This actual difference prompted the inventors to conduct an in-depth analysis of the root cause, ultimately identifying design flaws such as unreasonable finger distribution, internal structural conflicts, and excessively long control paths caused by the suction valve and lever being located on opposite sides of the handle. Therefore, the inventors proposed a new solution that integrates the control end of the suction valve and the lever on the same side, aiming to optimize the control path, reduce the housing size, improve compactness, and significantly improve the operating comfort and coordination for operators with small hands, providing greater operational compatibility and accuracy support for operators with different hand sizes.

[0032] The following is combined with Figures 1 to 7 The present application provides a detailed description of a lever assembly, handle, and endoscope through specific embodiments and application scenarios.

[0033] A lever assembly includes an actuating element 100 and a traction wheel 200. The actuating element 100 is connected to the traction wheel 200 and is used to drive the traction wheel 200 to rotate. The actuating element 100 can be a one-piece injection-molded structure, or it can be made of metal or high-strength engineering plastic and then connected to the traction wheel 200 by means of threads, snaps, or riveting. In practical applications, the traction wheel 200 is usually used to control the pull rope system inside the insertion part 510. Specifically, the traction wheel 200 is connected to the active bending section of the endoscope tip insertion part 510 through a traction rope. When the operator rotates the traction wheel 200 through the actuating element 100, the traction rope will move axially, thereby causing the tip bending section to bend in different directions, achieving precise control of the tip field of view angle.

[0034] The endoscope includes a suction valve 300, which is connected to a 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 an actuating member 100. When the actuating 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 disposed on the actuating member 100 to control the opening or closing of the suction valve 300.

[0035] The control terminal 310 can be a raised button or a pressable plate-like structure, and the reset function is achieved through an elastic element (such as a compression spring or a rubber pad). Since the suction valve 300 and the actuating element 100 are arranged in a linked manner, this structure not only saves internal space of the handle 500, but also improves the operation response speed and coordination.

[0036] It should be noted that the negative pressure suction channel is the fluid passage in 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 section 510, and the instrument tube or other negative pressure tubing located at the distal end of the insertion section 510. These components are interconnected, forming a continuous negative pressure suction path that guides stones, fluids, or tissue debris in 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 and controllable negative pressure environment. The suction valve 300 acts as a control node in this channel; its opening and closing directly affect the on / off state of the entire negative pressure channel, thus affecting the initiation and termination of the suction function. Controlling the suction valve 300 via the toggle element 100 allows the operator to easily perform negative pressure suction operations.

[0037] Preferably, the rotating part 300a includes a valve body 320 and a valve core 330, wherein the valve body 320 constitutes an actuating element 100. In this structure, the design of the valve body 320 can be extended and deformed according to the shape and spatial layout of the handle 500 housing. For example, the valve body 320 can be designed with one end extended and extending beyond the handle 500 housing, thus retaining not only the sealing and rotation functions of the suction valve 300 itself, but also serving as an actuating element 100. In this way, the operator can directly perform actuation operation through the exposed valve body 320 to achieve rotational drive of the traction wheel 200, without the need for a separate lever 110, resulting in higher structural integration. This method saves space and reduces the number of components, helping to improve the reliability of the overall assembly and ease of processing, and is particularly suitable for applications in compact endoscope designs.

[0038] As an alternative embodiment, similarly, the valve core 330 is configured as an actuator 100. This structure extends the valve core 330 body out of the handle 500 housing, exposing a portion of it outside the housing, thus also functioning as an actuator 100. The operator can directly drive the traction wheel 200 by rotating or sliding the valve core 330, and simultaneously displace the connecting hole 3301 during its axial or radial movement, thereby controlling the opening or closing of the suction valve 300. This design is particularly suitable for scenarios requiring the integration of suction operation and bending control into a single operating point, such as minimally invasive procedures involving one-handed operation or frequent rapid switching. Since the valve core 330 itself is a key component controlling the suction valve 300, its integrated actuation function also reduces linkage structures and avoids control delays.

[0039] In this embodiment, the valve core 330 is slidably mounted on the actuating member 100 and connected to the control end 310. The control end 310 is in the form of a long strip, which allows the operator to drive the valve core 330 to slide axially by pressing the strip with their fingers, thereby opening and closing the suction valve 300. To improve the feel and safety of operation, the long strip can be provided with a certain curvature, a non-slip texture on the surface, or an elastic limiting mechanism to avoid accidental contact and excessive operation. This structure is suitable for endoscopes where the suction valve 300 uses linear sliding control, and is particularly effective in situations where the internal space of the handle 500 is limited or where optimized finger force distribution is required.

[0040] As another optional embodiment, the valve core 330 is positioned near the actuating element 100 and connected to the control terminal 310. This structure, without altering the overall shape of the actuating element 100, allows the valve core 330 control module to be connected to the actuating element 100 via a near-side layout, enabling them to function in tandem. For example, a guide groove can be provided within the actuating element 100, and the valve core 330 can be fixed to its sliding path via a slide rail connector, achieving a compact and clearly defined split-type control. This method is suitable for multi-functional endoscope handles 500 with complex structures or requiring modular assembly.

[0041] Furthermore, depending on actual usage requirements and manufacturing conditions, the aforementioned configurations can all be replaced or optimized using equivalent technical means. For example, the sliding structure can be replaced with a rotatable eccentric wheel structure to control the movement of the valve core 330; the long control end 310 can also be replaced with a dial-type, trigger-type, or lever-type mechanism to adapt to different operating styles; the connection between the valve body 320 or valve core 330 and the actuating element 100 can also be achieved through methods such as pins, magnetic attraction, snap-fit, and threads to allow for separation or quick assembly / disassembly, improving structural adaptability and maintenance convenience. These diverse implementation paths provide broad compatibility and flexibility for the application of the structure provided in this application in endoscope systems of different sizes and functional complexities.

[0042] 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 the negative pressure source. The first interface end 3211 and the second interface end 3212 together constitute part of the negative pressure suction channel, and both are rotatably engaged with and connected to the valve body 320. To ensure that the suction channel maintains good sealing and airtightness during rotation, an annular sealing structure or a double-layer sealing ring design is adopted 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 sealing effect, thereby avoiding problems such as air leakage or unstable suction under high-frequency suction operation.

[0043] The two interfaces mentioned above typically employ standard tapered interfaces, threaded engagement, or locking connection structures, enabling easy connection to common negative pressure tubing or vacuum sources while ensuring sealing and mechanical stability at the interface. For clinical scenarios requiring rapid connection and disassembly, such as emergency aspiration or frequent changes of negative pressure tubing in the operating room, quick-connect couplings (such as Luer couplings with locking buckles, push-pull locking couplings, etc.) can also be selected, improving both equipment response efficiency and enhancing the flexibility and safety of clinical operations.

[0044] In this embodiment, the first interface end 3211 and the second interface end 3212 are preferably arranged perpendicularly 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 and directly faces the inside 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, improving the overall compactness of the arrangement. Especially when the suction valve 300 is integrated at or near the axis of the traction wheel 200, 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 shape of the handle 500 housing, improving the miniaturization and user comfort of the whole machine.

[0045] Furthermore, in 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 requiring modular replacement, this structure also allows for independent replacement and maintenance of the suction valve 300 assembly and the actuation assembly, enhancing system reliability and maintenance convenience.

[0046] It is important to emphasize that during the specific installation and manufacturing process, the portions of the first interface end 3211 and the second interface end 3212 that rotatably engage with the valve body 320 require rotational sealing. This can be achieved using rubber rings or other sealing structures to ensure a seal during rotation. Preferably, the rubber ring can be made of highly elastic materials such as silicone or fluororubber, with its inner diameter interfering with the outer diameter of the interface end, satisfying airtightness without affecting rotational operation. The sealing structure may also include multiple lips, corrugated sealing rings, or labyrinth sealing grooves to adapt to different pressure levels and suction environment requirements, enhancing product reliability and durability.

[0047] The valve body 320 includes 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, and is connected to the core cylinder 3222. The rotating cylinder 3221 and the core cylinder 3222 can be molded or are separate structures connected by threads or snap-fit, facilitating assembly and replacement. The core cylinder 3222 typically serves as a guide and limiter in its structure and can be made of anti-friction materials such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or POM to extend its sliding life.

[0048] Reference Figure 4 , Figure 5As shown, the valve core 330 has a connecting hole 3301 and is slidably or rotatably mounted in the core cylinder 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. This connecting hole 3301, as a key opening and closing structure in the suction path, directly determines whether the negative pressure suction channel is connected or not, thereby realizing the opening and closing control of the suction function. To ensure the accuracy of control and the response speed, guide ribs or limiting grooves can be designed around the connecting hole 3301, which can limit the range of motion of the valve core 330 and help prevent the connecting hole 3301 from being in a semi-open state during misoperation, causing poor suction or continuous abnormal negative pressure.

[0049] As an optional implementation, the valve core 330 is also provided with a negative pressure hole 3302. When the suction valve 300 is not in the open state, that is, the connecting hole 3301 of the valve core 330 is not 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 will not form a negative pressure through the negative pressure suction pipe 340, thereby avoiding the accidental aspiration of stones or body fluids when the suction function is not operated.

[0050] When the operator opens the valve core 330 of the suction valve 300, the connecting hole 3301 moves to the position communicating with the rotating cylinder 3221, and the negative pressure hole 3302 is closed. At this time, the second interface end 3212 establishes communication with the negative pressure suction tube 340 through the connecting hole 3301 of the valve core 330, thereby forming a complete negative pressure path and realizing effective negative pressure suction operation. Through this structural design, the negative pressure suction can be effectively blocked in the non-operational state, preventing accidental aspiration during surgery and helping to improve the safety and controllability of suction operation.

[0051] In this embodiment, the negative pressure hole 3302 is located on the side away from the lever 110, forming an overall "L"-shaped channel structure. This facilitates the guidance of external airflow into the second interface end 3212 from a vertical direction, and maintains communication with the outside air through a transverse channel. This "L"-shaped design ensures ventilation while also structurally preventing dust or liquid from directly entering the negative pressure hole 3302, thus improving its anti-fouling ability and long-term stability.

[0052] The rotating cylinder 3221, on the side away from the lever 110, also has an air hole 32221 communicating with the negative pressure hole 3302. This 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. Conversely, 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 closed, and the connecting hole 3301 is simultaneously connected to the suction channel, thus establishing a negative pressure suction path, thereby enabling suction operation. This control logic is simple and clear: pressing activates suction, and releasing deactivates it, making it easy for clinical operators to quickly master.

[0053] The aforementioned connecting hole 3301 can be considered as a flow control hole on the valve core 330. Its opening direction, size, and distribution position can be customized according to different clinical suction intensity requirements. For example, in surgical scenarios requiring greater suction, multiple parallel connecting holes 3301 can be used to achieve concurrent suction paths by changing the position of the valve core 330, thereby improving 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 pressure intensities, such as low suction to maintain suction, high suction to rapidly aspirate, or even a pulse suction mode, to be used in conjunction with specific tissue dissection or stone agitation devices to improve precise control performance.

[0054] In addition, a filter screen, a liquid-repellent groove, or an anti-backflow structure can be installed around the connecting hole 3301 to prevent foreign objects from entering the valve body 320 and causing blockage or damage to the negative pressure system.

[0055] Reference Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, the traction wheel 200 is coaxially fixed on the rotating cylinder 3221. When the lever 110 is actuated, the traction wheel 200 rotates synchronously, thereby driving the traction system to control the bending of the insertion section 510. The traction wheel 200 can be connected to the rotating cylinder 3221 via a bushing, retaining ring, or an integrally formed structure, forming a reliable torque transmission structure. This ensures no gaps or risk of detachment during rotation, avoiding problems such as delayed operation and insensitive response due to mechanical clearances during clinical procedures. In practical applications, to enhance the control stability of the lever 110 on the traction wheel 200, friction plates, torque springs, or limiting shoulder structures can be added between them to ensure the accuracy and consistency of the traction action. Furthermore, different tooth profiles or surface structures can be designed according to the traction force requirements to prevent slippage, making it particularly suitable for scenarios requiring high-load traction.

[0056] In some embodiments, the actuating element 100 includes a lever 110 connected to the core cylinder 3222. Specifically, the lever 110 and the core cylinder 3222 are assembled via a threaded connection, facilitating quick assembly and disassembly, and aiding in later maintenance and replacement. In alternative designs, the lever 110 and the core cylinder 3222 can also be connected by a rotary snap-fit ​​connection, using a specific slot and elastic latch to achieve positioning and fastening during rotation; or a permanent connection can be achieved through a pin riveting method, improving the overall structural strength; a quick-release pin structure can also be used to improve assembly efficiency and facilitate replacement of the core cylinder 3222 or inspection of internal components, particularly suitable for the modular handle 500 design. To further enhance the sealing performance at the connection, an annular sealing ring or a self-lubricating washer can be provided at the interface to improve durability.

[0057] In some embodiments, the rotating cylinder 3221 and the core cylinder 3222 are arranged perpendicularly to each other. Especially when the internal space of the handle 500 is relatively compact and the structural depth is limited, this arrangement allows the rotation surface of the traction wheel 200 to intersect with the main axis of the core cylinder 3222 to form an "L" or "T" shaped three-dimensional spatial layout, greatly optimizing the space utilization of the handle 500 and the lever 110. This structure also facilitates the arrangement of the traction wheel 200 in a plane perpendicular to the direction of the negative pressure channel, making the distribution of the control knob and the suction structure more compact and reasonable, which helps to improve the comfort of operation and the balance of holding the handle 500. At the same time, the direction of the core cylinder 3222 can follow the direction of the suction channel, reducing the bend angle of the pipeline, reducing fluid resistance, and improving the efficiency of negative pressure suction.

[0058] As an optional embodiment, refer to Figure 3 , Figure 5 As shown, the rotating part 300a of the first interface end 3211 and the rotating part 3221 of the rotating cylinder 3221 is coaxially arranged with respect to the rotating part 300a of the second interface end 3212 and the rotating part 3221 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. This coaxial arrangement helps to balance the rotating load, avoid torque fluctuations caused by eccentricity, and improve the smoothness and consistency of the opening and closing action of the suction valve 300. For structural processing, the coaxial arrangement also facilitates precise alignment and automated assembly, allowing the use of an integrated milling structure or injection-molded sleeve, effectively reducing processing errors and improving assembly accuracy. In addition, this structure can be used in conjunction with axial sealing structures such as rotary lip seals or double O-ring designs to further improve sealing performance, ensuring that no air leakage or negative pressure leakage occurs under high-frequency opening and closing, and enhancing the stability and safety of the entire machine.

[0059] Reference Figure 5 , Figure 7As shown, the finger-operated part 111 is equipped with an anti-accidental press structure 400 to prevent the operator from accidentally pressing the control button when operating the finger-operated part 111. The anti-accidental press structure 400 includes a fixed protrusion 410 located at the proximal end of the finger-operated part 111 (i.e., near the operator's finger). The fixed protrusion 410 is higher in the height direction than the protrusion height of the control button relative to the finger-operated part 111, thereby forming a physical barrier when the operator performs the toggle operation, preventing accidental pressing of the suction valve 300 control end 310 when the finger slips or changes position. This structure can effectively reduce the probability of misoperation in actual use, which is especially important in situations where it is necessary to quickly adjust the lens direction while avoiding accidental suction activation, thus helping to improve surgical safety and operational efficiency.

[0060] To further enhance tactile guidance and structural adaptability, the fixed boss 410 can also be designed as a wedge-shaped, arc-shaped, or finger-groove structure to create a natural finger support surface, depending on different operating habits. A wedge-shaped structure helps guide the finger's contact direction, an arc-shaped structure better conforms to the shape of the fingertip, and a finger-groove structure provides directional positioning, improving the stability of the tossing operation. These structures not only prevent accidental touches but also assist users in performing quick and precise directional control actions.

[0061] Meanwhile, a receiving groove 1111 is provided on the finger-operated part 111. This 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 elongated and has textures or protrusions on its surface for easy identification and pressing by the fingertip. The operator can drive the valve core 330 to move by pressing the control end 310 longitudinally, thereby opening or closing the suction passage. In different embodiments, the inner wall of the receiving groove 1111 may be equipped with an elastic gasket, a positioning edge, or a limiting shoulder to limit the sliding range of the control end 310 and provide the necessary rebound positioning function, so that it can quickly return to its position after the control end 310 is released, keeping the suction valve 300 in the closed state and preventing the negative pressure from being continuously maintained.

[0062] The control terminal 310 can also be made of engineering plastics or coated rubber with a certain degree of flexibility, which can improve the tactile feel while absorbing and stimulating the absorption of minute displacements. At the same time, local rough surfaces or bumps can be provided on the operating surface of the control terminal 310 to enhance tactile recognition during operation, so that pressing actions can be accurately completed even under complex conditions such as wearing gloves.

[0063] In other embodiments, the anti-accidental touch structure 400 can also be extended into a ring-shaped structure, surrounding the finger-operated part 111 and enclosing the fixing boss 410 or protective edge within it. This ring-shaped structure can be a continuous or intermittent ring, and can be formed into a single integral structure through injection molding, or it can be made separately from a flexible material and then fitted onto the periphery of the toggle member 100. Flexible materials such as silicone and TPU not only provide elastic cushioning but also assist visual guidance through color or texture changes, preventing accidental operation. Furthermore, localized recesses can be provided on the ring-shaped structure to form a "finger sleeve" operating area, allowing the operator to maintain safe control even when holding the device at multiple angles.

[0064] The above design effectively solves the problem of limited space layout for the suction valve 300 and the actuating element 100 in existing endoscopes. Especially in traditional structures, the suction valve 300 is usually located in the handle 500 housing at the end furthest from the insertion part 510, occupying a large space and easily causing the housing to expand, affecting operability and compactness. The structure provided in this application integrates the control end 310 of the suction valve 300 and the actuating element 100 on the same side, using a rotational 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 size of the handle 500, improving structural compactness. It is particularly suitable for operators with smaller hands, effectively improving the overall ergonomic fit and fine manipulation capabilities.

[0065] This application further provides a handle 500, which includes the lever assembly described in the above-described technical solution. The handle 500 structure highly integrates the suction valve 300, lever 110, and traction wheel 200, achieving multi-functional integrated control without significantly increasing the overall size of the handle 500. The handle 500 can not only drive the directional control of the insertion part 510, but also precisely adjust the suction intensity and opening state, simplifying the operation path and reducing the operator's learning and adaptation costs, making it particularly suitable for single-handed operation in delicate surgical scenarios.

[0066] Furthermore, this application also provides an endoscope including the aforementioned handle structure. An insertion part 510 is connected to a handle 500, and the proximal end of the insertion part 510 is connected to the handle 500. The insertion part 510 is linked to a traction wheel 200 via a built-in pull rope system to control the movement of the active bending section at the front end. The active bending section, as a support carrier for the camera module, directly affects the lens's field of view and imaging stability. Through the integrated lever assembly in this solution, the operator can control the bending direction and suction action in one integrated manner, achieving precise positioning and intervention under image guidance, effectively improving diagnostic efficiency and user experience. This structure also possesses high scalability and is suitable for the integrated improvement design of various flexible endoscope products.

[0067] It should be noted that the endoscopes referred to in the embodiments of this application may be bronchoscopes, pyeloscopes, esophagoscopes, gastroscopes, colonoscopes, otoscopes, rhinoscopes, oral endoscopes, laryngoscopes, colposcopes, laparoscopes, arthroscopes, etc. The embodiments of this application do not specifically limit the types of endoscopes.

[0068] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element. Furthermore, it should be noted that the scope of the methods and apparatuses in the embodiments of this application is not limited to performing functions in the order shown or discussed, but may also include performing functions substantially simultaneously or in the reverse order, depending on the functions involved. For example, the described methods may be performed in a different order than described, and various steps may be added, omitted, or combined. Additionally, features described with reference to certain examples may be combined in other examples.

[0069] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A lever assembly for use in an endoscope, characterized in that, The lever assembly includes a lever element (100) and a traction wheel (200), the lever element (100) being connected to the traction wheel (200) for driving the traction wheel (200) to rotate; The endoscope includes a suction valve (300), which is connected to a negative pressure suction channel. The suction valve (300) includes a rotating part (300a) that rotates in conjunction with the negative pressure suction channel. The rotating part (300a) is connected to the actuating member (100). When the actuating member (100) rotates, it can drive the rotating part (300a) to rotate synchronously. The suction valve (300) also includes a control terminal (310) for controlling its opening or closing, the control terminal (310) being mounted on the toggle member (100) to control the opening or closing of the suction valve (300).

2. The lever assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rotating part (300a) includes a valve body (320) and a valve core (330), wherein: The valve body (320) is configured as the actuating element (100); Alternatively, the valve core (330) may be configured as the actuating element (100). Alternatively, the valve core (330) may be positioned near the actuating element (100) and connected to the control terminal (310).

3. The lever assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rotating part (300a) includes a valve body (320) and a valve core (330), wherein: the valve core (330) is slidably mounted on the actuating member (100) and connected to the control end (310); 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 the negative pressure source. The first interface end (3211) and the second interface end (3212) together constitute part of the negative pressure suction channel, and both are rotatably engaged with and connected to the valve body (320).

4. The lever assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The valve body (320) includes 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 connected to the core cylinder (3222). The valve core (330) has a connecting hole (3301) and is slidably or rotatably installed in the core cylinder (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).

5. The lever assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The traction wheel (200) is coaxially fixed on the rotating cylinder (3221); And / or, the actuating element (100) includes a lever (110) connected to the core cylinder (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, characterized in that, The first interface end (3211) and the rotating part (300a) of the rotating cylinder (3221) are coaxially arranged relative to the second interface end (3212) and the rotating part (300a) of the rotating cylinder (3221).

7. The lever assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The toggle (100) includes a finger toggle part (111), which is provided with an anti-accidental touch structure (400) so that the operator can avoid accidentally pressing the control button when operating the finger toggle part (111).

8. The lever assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, The anti-accidental touch structure (400) includes a fixed boss (410) disposed near the finger-toggle part (111), the fixed boss (410) being higher in the height direction than the protrusion height of the control button relative to the finger-toggle part (111).

9. A handle, characterized in that, Includes the lever assembly as described in any one of claims 1-8.

10. An endoscope, characterized in that, It includes an insertion part (510) and a handle (500) as described in claim 9, wherein the insertion part (510) is connected to the handle (500).

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