Traction structure, handle and endoscope
The snap-fit structure of the plug and socket parts solves the problem of precision control between the traction wheel and the lever in the assembly of endoscopes, achieving efficient and stable transmission connection and improving product consistency and biosafety.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202511826835.7
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-05
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-03
- Estimated Expiration
- 2045-12-05
AI Technical Summary
In the current endoscope assembly process, the precision control of the traction wheel and lever is difficult and prone to errors. Relying on manual operation is inefficient and easily introduces contaminants, resulting in poor product consistency and a high defect rate.
The interlocking structure of the plug and socket parts enables the rotation limit of the lever and the traction wheel, simplifying the assembly process, reducing fasteners, and ensuring coaxiality and transmission accuracy.
It improved assembly efficiency, reduced defect rate, enhanced transmission accuracy and structural stability, avoided the introduction of contaminants, and ensured biosafety.
Smart Images

Figure CN121242458B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical device technology, and in particular to a traction structure, a handle, and an endoscope. Background Technology
[0002] An endoscope is a commonly used medical device that can directly enter the body's natural passages, providing doctors with comprehensive diagnostic information for disease treatment. In the assembly of precision medical devices like endoscopes, the assembly of the traction wheel and lever is a crucial step in achieving the bending and directional control of its tip. Endoscopes typically contain a complex mechanical transmission system. This system, through a control knob on the operating handle, drives the traction wire, which in turn drives the curved section at the endoscope's tip to flexibly rotate up, down, left, and right. The traction wheel and lever are the core connecting components in this transmission chain: the traction wheel is responsible for winding or releasing the traction wire, while the lever translates the operator's rotational movements into precise rotation of the traction wheel.
[0003] Furthermore, traditional assembly relies heavily on manual operation, using tools such as tweezers and microscopes to position and fix tiny parts. This method is not only inefficient but also highly susceptible to damage, misalignment, or uneven preload due to human factors (such as hand tremors or improper force control). For example, overtightening the lever may increase rotational resistance, while over-loosening it may cause wobbling and backlash. Additionally, the assembly process may introduce tiny metal debris or contaminants, posing a threat to the long-term reliability and biosafety of the endoscope.
[0004] The lack of efficient, stable, automated, or semi-automated assembly solutions in current technologies makes it difficult to guarantee product consistency, resulting in a high defect rate and increased maintenance and rework costs. Therefore, optimizing the assembly process of the traction wheel and lever, and solving the problems of difficult precision control, reliance on manual labor, and susceptibility to errors in existing technologies, has become a critical technological bottleneck that urgently needs to be overcome in the field of endoscope manufacturing. Summary of the Invention
[0005] This invention discloses a traction structure, a handle, and an endoscope to solve the technical problems of difficult precision control and easy error in the assembly process of traction wheels in related technologies.
[0006] To solve the above problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:
[0007] In a first aspect, this application provides a traction structure that can be used, but is not limited to, for an endoscope. For example, the endoscope includes a housing, and the traction structure is disposed on the housing.
[0008] Specifically, the traction structure includes a lever and a traction wheel. The lever is rotatably mounted on the housing and can rotate relative to the housing around a first axis. The traction wheel and the lever are fastened together. One of the traction wheel and the lever has a plug-in portion that penetrates the housing along the first axis and is rotatably engaged with the housing. The other has a receiving portion that is rotatably limited by the plug-in portion and is fastened to the plug-in portion.
[0009] The traction mechanism provided above can achieve the following beneficial effects:
[0010] The insertion part penetrates the housing and rotatably engages with it, ensuring good coaxiality between the lever and the traction wheel on the first axis, reducing rotational eccentricity and improving transmission accuracy. The snap-fit structure combines a socket and an insertion part, eliminating the need for additional fasteners, reducing assembly complexity and the number of parts, resulting in a compact overall structure suitable for precise control of the traction rope within the confined space inside the endoscope handle. The lever and traction wheel are assembled and rotated with a snap-fit connection via the insertion and socket parts, resulting in a simple structure, easy assembly and disassembly, and facilitating automated production.
[0011] Secondly, this application also provides a handle, including a housing and the traction structure described in the first aspect.
[0012] Specifically, the housing has a mounting hole that rotatably engages with the lever and / or the traction wheel; and / or, the traction wheel is further provided with an annular groove for passing through and guiding the traction rope; the housing is further provided with a baffle located outside the groove for limiting the traction rope; and / or, the housing has a base located circumferentially around the traction wheel for limiting and engaging the traction wheel.
[0013] The traction mechanism provided above can achieve the following beneficial effects:
[0014] It possesses all the technical features of the aforementioned traction mechanism and achieves the same technical effect. Integrating these technical features into the handle also provides the following technical effects:
[0015] The mounting holes mate with the lever and traction wheel to ensure rotational accuracy and concentricity. An annular groove guides the traction rope in an orderly arrangement, preventing tangling; a baffle restricts the radial escape of the traction rope, ensuring stable traction force transmission. The traction wheel is constrained circumferentially to prevent wobbling or eccentric rotation, further improving transmission accuracy.
[0016] Thirdly, this application also provides an endoscope, including the traction structure described in the first aspect and the handle described in the second aspect. This endoscope has the same technical features as the traction mechanism and handle provided in this application, and can achieve the same technical effects, which will not be elaborated further here. Attached Figure Description
[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0018] Figure 1 These are schematic diagrams of endoscope handles provided in some embodiments. Figure 1 ;
[0019] Figure 2 These are schematic diagrams of endoscope handles provided in some embodiments. Figure 2 ;
[0020] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the endoscopic traction structure provided in some embodiments. Figure 1 ;
[0021] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the endoscopic traction structure provided in some embodiments. Figure 2 ;
[0022] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the endoscopic traction structure provided in some embodiments. Figure 3 ;
[0023] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the endoscope traction structure lever provided in some embodiments. Figure 1 ;
[0024] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the endoscope traction structure lever provided in some embodiments. Figure 2 ;
[0025] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the endoscope traction structure lever provided in some embodiments. Figure 3 ;
[0026] Figure 9 These are schematic diagrams of the traction wheels of the endoscope traction structure provided in some embodiments. Figure 1 ;
[0027] Figure 10 These are schematic diagrams of the traction wheels of the endoscope traction structure provided in some embodiments. Figure 2 .
[0028] In the picture:
[0029] 100-Lever; 110-Snap-on arm; 111-Abutting part; 120-Elastic element; 130-Insertion part; 140-Sealing ring; 150-Second limiting assembly; 160-Limiting surface; 170-Step; 180-Actuating part; 190-Positioning element;
[0030] 200-Traction wheel; 210-Snap-on part; 220-Wire groove; 230-Socket part; 240-Limiting part; 250-First slide groove;
[0031] 300 - Housing; 310 - Third limiting assembly; 320 - Baffle; 330 - Base; 340 - Bushing; 350 - Mounting hole; 360 - Second slide groove;
[0032] 400 - Embedded parts;
[0033] 50 - First axis. Detailed Implementation
[0034] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of this invention will be described in detail below. Obviously, the described embodiments are merely some embodiments of this invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this invention, all other implementation methods obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.
[0035] 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.
[0036] 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".
[0037] Traditional assembly of the traction wheel and lever relies heavily on manual operation, using tools such as tweezers and microscopes to position and fix tiny parts. This method is not only inefficient but also highly susceptible to damage, misalignment, or uneven preload due to human factors (such as hand tremors or improper force control). For example, over-tightening the lever may increase rotational resistance, while over-loosening it will cause wobbling and backlash. Furthermore, the assembly process may introduce tiny metal debris or contaminants, posing a threat to the long-term reliability and biosafety of the endoscope.
[0038] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a traction mechanism. During the assembly of the lever and the traction wheel in this traction mechanism, the lever can be directly inserted into the traction wheel along its axial direction, thereby achieving rotational limiting and axial limiting engagement between the lever and the traction wheel. This simplifies the structure of the traction mechanism and reduces its assembly difficulty.
[0039] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figures 1 to 10 The present application provides a detailed description of a traction structure, handle, and endoscope through specific embodiments and application scenarios.
[0040] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 , Figure 1 A frontal view of an endoscope handle structure is shown when it is open. Figure 2 A rear view of an endoscope handle is shown. Figure 2 In the diagram, 50 indicates the first axis. Exemplarily, the handle includes a housing 300 and a traction structure disposed within the rear end of the housing 300. The housing 300 is a basic structural component that provides a mounting base for other components in the endoscope and a gripping position for operation.
[0041] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 , Figure 3 A schematic cross-section of the traction structure is shown. Figure 1 . Figure 4 A schematic cross-section of the traction structure is shown. Figure 2 Specifically, the traction structure includes a lever 100 and a traction wheel 200. The lever 100 is rotatably mounted on the housing 300 and can rotate relative to the housing 300 about a first axis 50. For example, the lever 100 can be axially connected to the housing 300 from the traction wheel 200, rather than circumferentially connected to the traction wheel 200.
[0042] This technical solution avoids the need for a gap in the housing 300 along the movement trajectory of the connection structure between the lever 100 and the traction wheel 200 when the lever 100 drives the traction wheel 200 to rotate circumferentially. This prevents interference between the movement of the connection structure and the housing 300. It also avoids creating a gap in the housing 300, enhancing its sealing performance and ensuring a relatively enclosed environment between the endoscope and the external environment, which is more conducive to maintaining cleanliness and ensuring the stability of negative pressure operation. Furthermore, it ensures good coaxiality between the lever and the traction wheel on the first axis 50, reducing rotational eccentricity and improving transmission accuracy.
[0043] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 In some embodiments, the traction wheel 200 is engaged with the lever 100. Exemplarily, the traction wheel 200 and the lever 100 may be engaged in the direction of the first axis 50 and limit the traction wheel 200 and the lever 100 to move away from each other in the direction of the first axis 50.
[0044] Specifically, the traction wheel 200 is provided with a groove or a snap-fit structure, and the lever 100 is provided with a corresponding protrusion or hook. The two are inserted and engaged in the direction of the first axis 50 to form a mechanical fastening connection. When the traction wheel 200 rotates, the lever 100 can be driven to swing synchronously through this fastening structure to realize power transmission.
[0045] In this embodiment, a reliable connection between the traction wheel and the lever is achieved through a snap-fit connection in the first axial direction, eliminating the need for additional fasteners (such as screws, pins, etc.), simplifying the assembly process and improving installation efficiency. This snap-fit structure effectively prevents the two from disengaging in the axial direction, ensuring the stability and reliability of the connection during transmission and preventing loosening due to vibration or impact.
[0046] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 In some embodiments, one of the traction wheel 200 and the lever 100 has a plug-in portion 130 that penetrates the housing 300 along the first axis 50 and is rotatably engaged with the housing 300. The other has a socket portion 230 that is rotatably engaged with the plug-in portion 130, so that the lever can drive the traction wheel to rotate. For example, the traction wheel 200 may have a socket portion 230, and the lever 100 may have a plug-in portion 130. During assembly, the plug-in portion 130 of the lever 100 is inserted into the socket portion 230 of the traction wheel 200 to complete the rotational limiting engagement, thereby axially limiting the traction wheel 200.
[0047] In this embodiment, rapid assembly is achieved while maintaining the original functions of the traction structure.
[0048] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4In some embodiments, the traction wheel and the lever can be fastened together via the insertion part 130 and the socket part 230. For example, the insertion part 130 can be provided at one end of the lever 100, and has a protruding or tenon-shaped structure, extending along the first axis 50; the socket part 230 is provided on the wheel body or hub of the traction wheel 200, and is constructed as a groove or insertion hole structure that matches the insertion part 130; during assembly, the insertion part 130 is inserted into the socket part 230 along the first axis 50 to achieve an axial fastening connection between the two, and the structure limits the separation of the two along the first axis 50 during operation.
[0049] In this embodiment, a quick and reliable connection between the traction wheel 200 and the lever 100 is achieved by providing a mutually cooperating plug-in portion 130 and a socket portion 230. This connection method eliminates the need for bolts, pins, or other fasteners, simplifying the assembly process and improving the efficiency of equipment installation and maintenance. The plug-in structure forms an effective limit in the direction of the first axis 50, capable of withstanding the axial force and radial oscillation force transmitted when the traction wheel rotates, ensuring stable power transmission and preventing loosening or detachment of the connection.
[0050] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 In some embodiments, at least one of the lever 100 and the traction wheel 200 is positioned within the housing 300 along the first axis 50, thus restricting movement of the traction wheel 200 along the first axis 50. For example, both the lever 100 and the housing 300 are positioned within the traction wheel 200 along the first axis 50, as in... Figure 3 In this configuration, after the insertion portion 130 of the lever 100 is inserted into and engaged with the traction wheel 200, the engagement portion also limits the distal end of the traction wheel 200 in the insertion direction. One end of the insertion portion 130 of the lever 100 passes through the housing 300 and engages with the traction wheel 200, thus limiting the traction wheel 200 axially. The other end is connected to other structures outside the housing 300, working together to provide a limiting effect on the traction wheel 200 in a direction away from the traction wheel 200.
[0051] In this embodiment, by limiting the far end of the traction wheel 200 in the direction of the first axis 50, the component is prevented from loosening, the traction wheel 200 is prevented from moving along the first axis, and the traction rope tension is prevented from being unstable or stuck due to axial movement, thereby improving the overall structural stability.
[0052] Reference Figure 3-5In some embodiments, a base 330 is provided on the inner side of the housing 300, and the traction wheel 200 abuts against the base 330 and engages with the shaft hole of the base 330. For example, the base 330 is provided with a wheel axle hole coaxial with the traction wheel 200, and the center hole of the traction wheel 200 is fitted into the shaft hole to achieve radial positioning; at the same time, one end face of the traction wheel 200 contacts the outer surface of the base 330 to form an axial stop, thereby limiting the traction wheel 200 in both radial and axial directions, so that it is stably installed inside the housing 300.
[0053] In this embodiment, by fitting the traction wheel 200 with the base 330 through a shaft hole and combining it with an axial stop structure, the traction wheel 200 is positioned radially and axially within the housing 300, significantly improving its installation accuracy and rotational stability. The shaft hole fit ensures that the traction wheel 200 remains concentric during rotation, reducing eccentric vibration and operating noise; the axial stop effectively prevents the traction wheel 200 from shifting along the first axis 50, ensuring that its connection with the lever 100 (e.g., through the insertion part 130 and the socket part 230) remains stable and reliable, avoiding power transmission failure or connection detachment due to axial loosening. This structure simplifies the rotating structure, reduces assembly complexity and parts cost, and improves the overall structural compactness.
[0054] Reference Figure 3-5 In some embodiments, the housing 300 is provided with a mounting hole 350 that rotatably engages with the insertion part 130. For example, the mounting hole 350 is located on the side of the housing 300 where the lever 100 is mounted, and its inner diameter is slightly larger than the maximum outer diameter of the insertion part 130; after the insertion part 130 is inserted into the mounting hole 350, a rotatable connection between the lever 100 and the housing 300 is achieved through a clearance fit.
[0055] In this embodiment, a reliable and flexible rotary connection between the lever 100 and the housing is achieved by providing a mounting hole 350 on the housing 300 that rotatably engages with the insertion part 130.
[0056] Reference Figure 3-5In some embodiments, the fastening structure of the traction wheel 200 and the lever 100 includes fastening arms 110 and fastening portions 210 that fasten together. The fastening arms 110 may be disposed in the insertion portion 130, and the fastening portions 210 may be disposed in the receiving portion 230. At least two sets of fastening arms 110 are provided, and the fastening arms 110 are hollow between each other in the insertion direction of the insertion portion 130, so that the fastening arms 110 retract radially inward during insertion. For example, the fastening arms 110 are designed as thin sheet-like structures with elastic deformation capabilities, and their ends are provided with barbs or protrusions for engaging with grooves or holes on the fastening portions 210. When the insertion part 130 is inserted into the socket part 230, the fastening arm 110 is subjected to pressure from the inner wall of the socket part 230 and undergoes radial inward elastic deformation; once it reaches the predetermined position, the fastening arm 110 returns to its original shape, and the barb or protrusion is engaged in the corresponding structure of the fastening part 210 to form a stable fastening.
[0057] In this embodiment, by setting a snap-fit arm 110 with elastic deformation capability, a quick, convenient and reliable connection between the traction wheel 200 and the lever 100 is achieved.
[0058] Reference Figure 3-5 In some embodiments, in the latched state, the proximal end of the latching arm 110 is provided with an abutment portion 111, which at least partially overlaps with the base 330 and the traction wheel 200 in the direction of the first axis 50. The overlapping portion is radially fitted to limit the engagement. For example, the abutment portion 111 is provided at the distal end of the latching arm 110, and its structural form may be an annular boss, a radially outwardly extending locking platform, or a partial protrusion. When the insertion portion 130 of the lever 100 is inserted into the receiving portion 230 of the traction wheel 200 and the latching is completed, the abutment portion 111 is located inside the inner end face of the traction wheel 200 and the supporting surface of the base 330, and its outer peripheral surface is radially fitted to the inner wall of the traction wheel 200 or the related structure of the base 330.
[0059] In this embodiment, by setting the abutment part 111 to fit radially against the inner wall of the traction wheel 200, and the traction wheel 200 to be circumferentially limited by the base 330, a stable connection between the insertion part 130 and the traction wheel 200 is ensured, so as to prevent shaking during the rotation of the traction wheel 200 driven by the insertion part 130.
[0060] Reference Figure 3-5In some embodiments, the traction structure further includes an elastic element 120, at least one of the lever 100 and the traction wheel 200 being connected to the elastic element 120, and the traction wheel 200 being able to abut against the inner sidewall of the housing 300 under the action of the elastic element 120. For example, the elastic element 120 is a compression spring or an arched structure, one end of which is connected to the mounting shaft of the lever 100 or the traction wheel 200, and the other end is fixed to the housing 300 or the base 330; when the traction wheel 200 is assembled in place, the elastic element 120 generates a preload force, pushing the traction wheel 200 to move along the first axis 50, causing it to closely adhere to and abut against the limiting surface inside the housing 300 or the supporting surface of the base 330, thereby achieving axial preload positioning.
[0061] In this embodiment, by applying a continuous axial preload to the traction wheel 200 using the elastic element 120, the assembly gap between the traction wheel 200 and the housing 300 can be effectively eliminated. This prevents axial movement of the traction wheel 200 caused by vibration, impact, etc., improving the rotational stability and transmission accuracy of the traction wheel 200, reducing shaking and noise during operation, and ensuring the fastening connection between it and the lever 100, preventing loosening or interruption of power transmission. Simultaneously, the buffering effect of the elastic element 120 can absorb some impact loads, reducing mechanical stress on the transmission components.
[0062] Reference Figure 3 In some embodiments, the elastic element 120 is part of the lever 100. When the lever 100 and the traction wheel 200 are engaged, the elastic element 120 at least partially deforms elastically and drives the traction wheel 200 to abut against the inner side of the housing 300 via the insertion portion 130. For example, as... Figure 3 In the middle, the elastic element 120 connects to the lever 100 and is disposed outside the housing 300 to connect to the plug-in portion 130. By providing elastic force to the plug-in portion 130 in the direction away from the traction wheel 200 along the first axis 50, the fastening structure of the plug-in portion 130 is pressed downward against the traction wheel 200.
[0063] In this embodiment, the elastic element 120 ensures that the traction wheel 200 is always elastically pressed against the inner wall of the housing 300 or the base, compensating for manufacturing tolerances and assembly gaps, and ensuring smooth operation. The elastic element 120 maintains preload to prevent operational failure or deterioration of feel due to loosening. The elastic preload provides a certain degree of damping, making the operator's feel clearer and more controllable when adjusting the traction rope, thus improving the operating feel. The elastic element 120 can also buffer external impact forces, preventing the traction wheel 200 from jumping or dislodging due to sudden external forces, thus protecting the internal mechanism.
[0064] Reference Figure 4In some embodiments, the elastic element 120 is disposed between the housing 300 and the lever 100, and the elastic element 120 allows the lever 100 to move away from the traction wheel 200 along the first axis 50, thereby causing the traction wheel 200 to abut against the inner sidewall of the housing 300. For example, Figure 4 In this housing, the elastic element 120 includes both a portion connected to the lever 100 and located on the outside of the housing 300 (the outside of the housing 300 refers to the side of the housing 300 away from the traction wheel 200) and an inside of the housing 300 (the side of the housing 300 close to the traction wheel 200). The housing 300 includes a portion for mounting the traction structure and another housing 300 covering the traction structure and forming a whole with that portion of the housing 300. It also includes a spring disposed in the insertion portion 130. The function of the spring is that after insertion is completed, the spring is in a compressed state, providing elastic force to both sides to enhance the stability of the fastening and ensure the axial limit of the traction wheel 200.
[0065] In this embodiment, the elastic element 120 is set as the elastic element 120 of the previous technical solution plus a separately set spring. On the basis of having all the beneficial effects of the previous technical solution, the spring can further enhance the stability of the fastening and the stability of the axial fixation of the traction wheel 200. The spring is separately set in the hollow part of the insertion part 130. In the compressed state, it provides outward elastic force at both ends. The appropriate size can also be selected by adjusting the radial dimension of the spring. When the insertion part 130 is not fastened, the spring is in its original length state, and the radial direction is smaller than the inner diameter of the insertion part 130, which does not affect the inward contraction of the insertion part 130. After the insertion part 130 is fastened, the spring changes from its original length state to a compressed state. The axial distance becomes shorter, providing outward elastic force at both ends. At the same time, the radial radius also increases due to compression, which can further prevent the insertion part 130 from rotating during operation and deforming inward due to the pressure of the traction wheel 200, thereby dislodging it from the receiving part 230. While providing axial elastic force, the spring can also provide radial support, enhancing the connection stability of the fastening and insertion.
[0066] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4In some embodiments, the elastic element 120 is part of the traction wheel 200; the traction wheel 200 elastically abuts against the inner wall of the housing 300 via the elastic element 120. Exemplarily, the elastic element 120 includes both a first elastic element connected to the portion of the lever 100 disposed on the outer side of the housing 300 and a second elastic element connected to the traction wheel 200. The second elastic element is disposed between the traction wheel 200 and the upper half of the housing 300, or between the traction wheel 200 and the lower housing 300 (the lower housing 300 refers to the side housing 300 on which the traction wheel 200 is mounted, and the upper housing 300 refers to the other side housing 300 that abuts against the lower housing 300 to ensure the overall structure of the handle); when the second elastic element is disposed between the traction wheel 200 and the upper housing 300, the first... Both the first and second elastic elements provide downward elastic force (thrust in the compressed state); when the second elastic element is disposed between the traction wheel 200 and the lower housing 300, the second elastic element does not provide elastic force (thrust in the compressed state) between the traction wheel 200 and the lever 100, but provides elastic force (tension in the extended state) between the traction wheel 200 and the housing 300, ensuring that the traction wheel 200 is axially limited relative to the housing 300, preventing the traction wheel 200 from moving along the first axis 50, avoiding unstable tension or jamming of the traction rope due to axial movement, and improving the overall structural stability.
[0067] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 In some embodiments, the housing 300 has a mounting hole 350 that rotatably engages with the insertion portion 130. An elastic member 120 is disposed around the mounting hole 350 between the lever 100 and the housing 300, and the elastic member 120 is in a sealing engagement with both the housing 300 and the lever 100. For example, as... Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the elastic element 120 can be configured as a ring abutting against the outside of the housing 300 and an arched structure connecting the ring. The ring is relatively sealed relative to the housing 300. The ring serves as a support structure connected to the outside of the housing 300. While providing elastic force to the traction wheel 200 and the lever 100, the arched part also generates a reaction force opposite to the direction of the elastic force on the ring that supports the outside of the housing 300, so that the ring can be tightly attached to the housing 300 to enhance the sealing performance of the housing 300.
[0068] In this embodiment, the elastic element 120 can also serve as a sealing function to prevent liquids and contaminants from entering the housing and to ensure a negative pressure operating environment.
[0069] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4In some embodiments, the traction structure further includes a sealing ring 140 disposed between the housing 300 and the lever 100, the sealing ring 140 being disposed around the mounting hole 350. For example, the sealing ring 140 may be disposed inside the annulus in the previous technical solution, while also tightly fitting against the annulus of the housing 300 and the elastic member 120, further improving the sealing performance.
[0070] In this embodiment, an additional sealing ring 140 is provided to further improve the sealing and waterproof / dustproof level. The sealing ring 140 is usually made of elastic material (such as NBR nitrile rubber, silicone or fluororubber). While achieving the sealing function, it can also have part of the function of the elastic element 120, so that the plug part 130 has an elastic force towards the lever 100 along the first axis 50. At the same time, it has a certain buffering and vibration reduction effect, which can absorb the small impact during the swing of the lever 100, reduce transmission noise, and improve the smoothness of operation.
[0071] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 In some embodiments, the traction wheel 200 and the lever 100 each have a fastening portion 210 and a fastening arm 110, with the fastening portion 210 fastening to the fastening arm 110. For example, Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the fastening part 210 is located at the far end of the receiving part 230 of the traction wheel 200, and the fastening arm 110 is located at the far end of the insertion part 130 of the lever 100. During the process of the insertion part 130 being inserted into the receiving part 230, the fastening arm 110 retracts inward. After the far ends overlap, the fastening arm 110 overlaps with the fastening part 210. Under the action of its own elastic force, the fastening arm 110 opens and fastens with the fastening part 210.
[0072] In this embodiment, while the lever 100 is inserted into the traction wheel 200, the fastening arm 110 and the fastening part 210 are fastened together to limit the traction wheel 200 in the axial direction, thereby improving the overall structural stability.
[0073] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4In some embodiments, the housing 300 has an insert 400, and a fastening arm 110 is located between the fastening portion 210 and the insert 400. The insert 400 abuts against the fastening arm 110 and restricts the fastening arm 110 from deforming away from the fastening portion 210. For example, the insert 400 is located on the inner side of the housing 300 facing the traction wheel 200. After the lever 100 is inserted into the mounting hole 350 of the housing 300 and then the traction wheel 200 is further inserted to achieve insertion and fastening, the assembly process of the traction structure also includes fastening the housing 300 on the other side so that the insert 400 is embedded inside the open fastening arm 110 after fastening is completed, so that the fastening arm 110 will not be forced to retract inward during rotational limiting, thereby causing the fastening to disengage.
[0074] In this embodiment, the insert 400 restricts the inward deformation of the latching arm 110, effectively preventing the lever 100 from accidentally separating from the traction wheel 200 due to vibration or reverse tension during use. This ensures that the latch cannot loosen on its own after it is latched, improving connection stability.
[0075] Reference Figure 3 In some embodiments, the surface of the fastening portion 210 that engages with the fastening arm 110 is an inclined surface, and the inclined surface can abut at least a portion of the fastening arm 110 and prevent the fastening arm 110 from deforming away from the fastening portion 210. For example, as... Figure 3 As shown, the fastening part 210 is a ring protruding from the end face of the traction wheel 200. Its ring surface tapers downward in the radial outward direction to form an inclined surface. The fastening arm 110 is provided with a back buckle surface that fits tightly against the inclined surface. The inclination surface fits the back buckle surface to prevent the fastening arm 110 from contracting inward and thus disengaging from the fastening.
[0076] In this embodiment, the inclined surface design generates normal pressure when subjected to force, which enhances the stability of the fastening, becomes tighter with use, and improves the reliability of assembly. The inclined surface also prevents the fastening arm 110 from disengaging from the fastening part 210, effectively preventing the lever 100 from accidentally separating from the traction wheel 200 during use.
[0077] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 9 In some embodiments, one of the socket portion 230 and the insertion portion 130 is provided with at least one set of limiting members 240, and the other is provided with a limiting surface 160 corresponding to the limiting members 240. The limiting members 240 and the limiting surface 160 are at least partially abutted to limit the rotational engagement in the radial direction; the limiting members 240 avoid the relative movement path of the insertion portion 130 and the socket portion 230. For example, Figure 6 As shown, the limiting member 240 is configured as a stop on the inner wall surface of the socket portion 230, such as... Figure 9As shown, the limiting surface 160 is set as a surface on the insertion part 130 parallel to the first axis 50. The stop block is radially limited and matched with the limiting surface 160 in the radial direction of the traction wheel 200. The limiting surface 160 is set on the side of the fastening arm 110. The fastening arm 110 can pass through the stop block. Then the limiting surface 160 and the stop block achieve radial rotational limiting matching.
[0078] In this embodiment, the rotational limiting cooperation between the limiting surface 160 and the limiting member 240 can achieve both the insertion and snapping of the lever 100 and the traction wheel 200, and the rotational limiting cooperation between the lever 100 and the traction wheel 200. This allows the operator to operate the traction wheel 200 by moving the lever 100.
[0079] Reference Figure 6-9 In some embodiments, two sets of snap-fit arms 110 can be symmetrically arranged, and the limiting surface 160 is disposed on the side of the snap-fit arm 110. After the snap-fit arm 110 passes through the mounting hole 350 and the socket 230, the limiting surface 160 contacts the limiting member 240 to achieve rotational limiting engagement.
[0080] In this embodiment, the rotation limiting fit structure and the plug-in fastening structure are combined together, resulting in high integration and a compact overall structure, which is suitable for achieving precise control of the traction rope in the narrow space inside the endoscope handle.
[0081] Reference Figure 5 , Figure 7 and Figure 10 In some embodiments, the traction structure further includes a positioning member 190, which is movably disposed on the traction wheel 200 and / or the housing 300. The positioning member 190 is movable relative to the traction wheel 200 between a first position and a second position. When moved to the first position, the traction wheel 200 and the housing 300 are in a rotational limiting engagement through the positioning member 190. When moved to the second position, the rotational limiting engagement between the traction wheel 200 and the housing 300 is released. For example, as... Figure 5 and Figure 10 As shown, the traction wheel 200 is also provided with a first sliding groove 250 that coincides with the first sliding groove 250 in the axial direction, and the housing 300 is also provided with a second sliding groove 360 that coincides with the first sliding groove 250 in the axial direction, as shown. Figure 7 As shown, the positioning member 190 is a slider that slides in the first slide groove 250 and the second slide groove 360. When the slider is simultaneously in the first slide groove 250 and the second slide groove 360, the first slide groove 250 and the second slide groove 360 are both limited by the slider in the radial direction. Therefore, the housing 300 and the traction wheel 200 are mutually limited by rotation, which can play the role of positioning the traction wheel 200.
[0082] In some embodiments, the traction structure further includes a traction rope. For example, the traction wheel is connected to the curved tube of the endoscope via the traction rope, so that the traction wheel can bend the curved tube of the endoscope via the traction rope. It should be noted that the assembly scheme of the traction wheel, traction rope, and curved tube can be one of the assembly schemes for related structures of endoscopes in the prior art.
[0083] During the assembly of the traction wheel 200, the positioning element 190 can be used to lock the traction wheel 200, which facilitates the assembly of the traction rope. In some embodiments, in order to achieve the assembly accuracy of the traction wheel 200 and the traction rope, it is necessary to maintain a preset tension in the traction rope during the assembly of the traction wheel 200. Therefore, in this embodiment, the tension of the traction rope can be adjusted after the traction wheel is fixed by the positioning element 190 to facilitate the assembly of the traction rope.
[0084] Reference Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 10 In some embodiments, during the assembly of the lever 100 and the traction wheel 200, at least a portion of the positioning member 190 is located on the path of relative movement between the lever 100 and the traction wheel 200, and the lever 100 or the traction wheel 200 can push the positioning member 190 from a first position to a second position. For example, as... Figure 6 and Figure 8 As shown, the insertion part 130 is provided with a step 170, and the positioning member 190 is provided with a platform that is in upper limit engagement with the step 170 in the direction of the first axis 50. When assembling the lever 100 and the traction wheel 200, when the insertion part 130 is inserted, after the insertion part 130 passes through the receiving part 230 for a certain distance, the step 170 contacts the platform of the positioning member 190 to produce a limiting engagement. During the subsequent insertion process of the insertion part 130, the positioning member 190 can be driven away from the housing 300 and move towards the traction wheel 200. When the snap-fit state is reached, the positioning member 190 is disengaged from the housing 300 and the rotation limit with the housing 300 is released. That is, at this time, the positioning member 190 is only rotationally limited with the traction wheel 200, and the housing 300 and the traction wheel 200 no longer rotate relative to each other, thus releasing the positioning of the traction wheel 200.
[0085] In this embodiment, when assembling the lever 100 and the traction wheel 200, the relative movement of the components can automatically push the positioning component from the "locked" position to the "released" position, combining the assembly process with the unpositioning process to achieve "assembly and unlocking at the same time", improving assembly efficiency, reducing manual intervention, and requiring no additional operation.
[0086] Reference 3- Figure 8In some embodiments, the lever 100 is further provided with a second limiting component 150, and the housing 300 is further provided with a third limiting component 310. The second limiting component 150 cooperates with the third limiting component 310 to limit the maximum rotation angle of the traction wheel 200. For example, the third limiting component 310 is set as an arc-shaped groove, and the second limiting component 150 is set as a slider that slides and limits the third limiting component 310. When the slider slides to both ends of the groove, it corresponds to the maximum rotation angle of the traction wheel 200 in the forward and reverse directions, respectively. The maximum rotation angle of the traction wheel 200 will drive the maximum extension and retraction length of the traction rope, which corresponds to the maximum bending angle of the curved tube at the distal end of the insertion part.
[0087] In this embodiment, the cooperation of the second limiting component 150 and the third limiting component 310 limits the maximum rotation angle of the traction wheel 200, preventing the traction rope from being excessively entangled or broken, and at the same time preventing the distal bending tube of the endoscope insertion part from bending too much. When the limit position is reached during operation, there is a clear "blocking feeling" to remind the operator to stop applying force, thus protecting the safety of the instrument and the patient.
[0088] Reference Figure 3-5 In some embodiments, a bushing 340 is also included, disposed between the housing 300 and the traction wheel 200. The bushing material (such as PTFE, copper bushing, etc.) can be selected according to different usage requirements to achieve customization. For example, the bushing 340 is disposed between the base 330 and the traction wheel 200, and is made of the same engineering plastic as the traction wheel 200.
[0089] In this embodiment, the traction wheel 200 can be prevented from directly contacting the housing 300, and the bushing 340 can prevent the traction wheel 200 and the housing 300 from causing damage to each other during the assembly and rotation process.
[0090] Reference Figure 3-5 In some embodiments, the coefficient of friction between the bushing 340 and either the housing 300 or the traction wheel 200 is greater than the coefficient of friction between the housing 300 and the traction wheel 200. For example, the bushing 340 is made of a material with high frictional properties, such as graphite-containing engineering plastics, rubber composites, or polyurethane with a microtextured surface. The bushing 340 is disposed between the housing 300 and the traction wheel 200, or sleeved on the outer periphery of the shaft portion of the traction wheel 200, so that it forms a large contact frictional force with adjacent components.
[0091] In this embodiment, bushing 340 provides a stable damping torque within the structure, effectively suppressing the free rotation of the traction wheel 200 under no external force or its rotation due to inertia, thereby maintaining its stability in the set position. This damping characteristic helps prevent malfunctions caused by vibration, airflow, or slight disturbances when the equipment is stopped or in standby mode, improving the system's positioning and holding capabilities. Simultaneously, during manual debugging or maintenance, the operator can feel a distinct "damping sensation," facilitating precise control of the rotation angle, avoiding overshoot, and significantly improving the human-machine interface and adjustment accuracy. This solution is suitable for operating scenarios requiring precise positioning, prevention of accidental operation, or frequent manual adjustments.
[0092] Reference Figure 3-5 In other embodiments, the coefficient of friction between the bushing 340 and at least one of the housing 300 and the traction wheel 200 is less than the coefficient of friction between the housing 300 and the traction wheel 200. For example, the bushing 340 is made of a low-friction material, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), modified nylon (PA), self-lubricating bearing material, or a coated metal bushing; the bushing 340 is disposed at the rotating support portion of the traction wheel 200, between the housing 300 and the traction wheel 200, forming a low-friction sliding interface.
[0093] In this embodiment, the bushing 340 can reduce the rotational resistance of the traction wheel 200, making the adjustment of the traction wheel 200 smoother. With less rotational resistance, when the traction wheel 200 is driven by the rotation limit of the lever 100, the force required to be transmitted by the rotation limit transmission surface is also smaller. That is, the force transmitted by the insertion part 130 and the fastening arm 110 is smaller, which can effectively prevent the fastening arm 110 from deforming and disengaging due to excessive force, thus improving the fastening stability.
[0094] In some embodiments, the housing 300 has a mounting hole 350 that rotatably engages with the lever 100 and / or the traction wheel 200. Exemplarily, the mounting hole 350 is used for the insertion and mounting of the lever 100, rotatably engaging with it. Exemplarily, a portion of the traction wheel 200 may also pass through the mounting hole 350 and be rotatably engaged with and limited by the lever 100, i.e., the traction wheel 200 rotatably engages with the mounting hole 350.
[0095] In this embodiment, while ensuring the sealing of the housing 300, the mounting hole 350 is precisely positioned, thereby ensuring rotational accuracy and concentricity.
[0096] Reference Figure 3-5 and Figure 9In some embodiments, the traction wheel 200 is further provided with an annular groove 220 for passing through and guiding the traction rope; the housing 300 is further provided with a baffle 320, which is disposed outside the groove 220 to limit the traction rope. For example, Figure 9 As shown, two sets of cable grooves 220 can be provided, which are used to pass through two sets of traction ropes for controlling the bending tube of the endoscope insertion part. The cable grooves 220 are arranged to fit the periphery of the traction wheel 200 and have an opening in the radially outward direction for installing the traction ropes. The baffles 320 can be correspondingly set to two sets of annular baffles that fit the outer side of the opening of the cable grooves 220.
[0097] In this embodiment, the annular groove 220 guides the traction rope to be arranged in an orderly manner to avoid cross-entanglement; the baffle 320 restricts the radial jump of the traction rope to ensure stable transmission of traction force.
[0098] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 5-8 In some embodiments, the lever 100 further includes a toggle part 180, which is distributed around the periphery of the housing 300. The relative movement of the toggle part 180 with respect to the periphery of the housing 300 drives the lever 100 to rotate along a shaft parallel to the first axis 50. For example, the portion of the housing 300 with the traction structure is approximately cylindrical. The toggle part 180 is located around the periphery of the housing 300 and can move circumferentially along the housing 300. The toggle part 180 is connected to the shaft of the lever 100 via a connecting rod parallel to the radial direction of the housing 300. In this embodiment, by providing the toggle part 180, the lever 100 can be operated to rotate the traction wheel 200 by rotating the toggle part 180. The toggle part 180 amplifies the torque of the lever rotation, making it easier to rotate and allowing for more precise adjustment of the rotation of the traction wheel 200, thus improving operability.
[0099] Reference Figures 1-2 This application also provides a handle, including the traction structure of the first aspect. This handle has the same technical features as the traction mechanism provided in this application and can achieve the same technical effect, which will not be elaborated further here.
[0100] Reference Figures 1-2 This application also provides an endoscope, including a traction structure and a handle. This endoscope has the same technical features as the traction mechanism and handle provided in this application, and can achieve the same technical effect; therefore, further details are omitted here.
[0101] 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. Unless otherwise specified, 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.
[0102] Furthermore, it should be noted that the scope of the methods and apparatus 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. In addition, features described with reference to certain examples may be combined in other examples.
[0103] 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 traction structure, characterized by, The utility model relates to an endoscope, which comprises a shell (300), a traction structure arranged in the shell (300), the traction structure comprising: a push rod (100) rotatably arranged in the shell (300) and rotatable about a first axis relative to the shell (300); a traction wheel (200) engaged with the push rod (100), one of the push rod (100) and the traction wheel (200) having a plug-in portion (130) penetrating the shell (300) along the first axis direction and rotatably matched with the shell (300), and the other having a socket portion (230) rotatably matched with the plug-in portion (130) and engaged with the plug-in portion (130); and further comprising a positioning member (190) movably arranged in the traction wheel (200) and / or the shell (300), the positioning member (190) being movable relative to the traction wheel (200) between a first position and a second position, in the case of moving to the first position, the traction wheel (200) and the shell (300) are rotatably matched by the positioning member (190), and in the case of moving to the second position, the traction wheel (200) and the shell (300) are released from the rotatable matching; in the process of assembling the push rod (100) and the traction wheel (200), at least part of the positioning member (190) is located on the path of relative movement of the push rod (100) and the traction wheel (200), and the push rod (100) or the traction wheel (200) can push the positioning member (190) to move from the first position to the second position.
2. The traction structure of claim 1, wherein, at least one of the push rod (100) and the traction wheel (200) is matched with the shell (300) in the direction along the first axis and limits the movement of the traction wheel (200) along the first axis; and / or, the push rod (100) is located outside the shell (300) and abuts against the outside of the shell (300), and the traction wheel (200) is located inside the shell (300) and abuts against the inside of the shell (300); and / or, the inside of the shell (300) is provided with a base (330), the traction wheel (200) abuts against the base (330) and is matched with the shaft hole of the base (330).
3. The traction structure of claim 1, wherein, the traction structure further comprises a resilient member (120), at least one of the push rod (100) and the traction wheel (200) being connected with the resilient member (120), and the traction wheel (200) can abut against the inner wall of the shell (300) under the action of the resilient member (120).
4. The traction structure of claim 3, wherein, the resilient member (120) is arranged between the shell (300) and the push rod (100), and the resilient member (120) can act on the push rod (100) to move in the direction away from the traction wheel (200) along the first axis and drive the traction wheel (200) to abut against the inner wall of the shell (300); And / or, the elastic member (120) is a part of the lever (100), and in the case that the lever (100) and the traction wheel (200) are buckled, the elastic member (120) is at least partially elastically deformed, and drives the traction wheel (200) to stop against the inner side wall of the shell (300) through the insertion part (130); And / or, the elastic member (120) is arranged between the shell (300) and the traction wheel (200), or the elastic member (120) is a part of the traction wheel (200); the traction wheel (200) is elastically stopped against the inner side wall of the shell (300) through the elastic member (120); And / or, the shell (300) has a mounting hole (350) which is rotationally matched with the insertion part (130), the elastic member (120) is arranged between the lever (100) and the shell (300) around the mounting hole (350), and the elastic member (120) is sealingly matched with the shell (300) and the lever (100) respectively.
5. The traction structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The traction wheel (200) and the lever (100) have a buckling part (210) and a buckling arm (110) respectively, the buckling part (210) is buckled with the buckling arm (110); The shell (300) has an embedded part (400), the buckling arm (110) is located between the buckling part (210) and the embedded part (400), and the embedded part (400) stops against the buckling arm (110) and limits the deformation of the buckling arm (110) away from the buckling part (210); And / or, the surface of the buckling part (210) buckling the buckling arm (110) is an inclined surface, and the inclined surface can stop at least part of the buckling arm (110) and hinder the deformation of the buckling arm (110) away from the buckling part (210).
6. The traction structure of claim 1, wherein, The lever (100) is further provided with a second limiting assembly (150), and the shell (300) is further provided with a third limiting assembly (310), the second limiting assembly (150) cooperates with the third limiting assembly (310) to limit the maximum rotation angle of the traction wheel (200); And / or, a bushing (340) is arranged between the shell (300) and the traction wheel (200), the friction coefficient between the bushing (340) and any one of the shell (300) and the traction wheel (200) is greater than the friction coefficient between the shell (300) and the traction wheel (200); Or, the friction coefficient between the bushing (340) and at least one of the shell (300) and the traction wheel (200) is less than the friction coefficient between the shell (300) and the traction wheel (200).
7. A handle characterized in that The shell (300) and the traction structure according to any one of claims 1-6; The shell (300) has a mounting hole (350) which is rotationally matched with the lever (100) and / or the traction wheel (200); The shell (300) has a mounting hole (350) which is rotationally matched with the lever (100) and / or the traction wheel (200); And / or, a sealing ring (140) is further arranged between the shell (300) and the lever (100), and the sealing ring (140) is arranged around the mounting hole (350); And / or, the traction wheel (200) is further provided with an annular wire slot (220) for passing and guiding the traction rope; the shell (300) is further provided with a baffle (320) arranged outside the wire slot (220) for limiting the traction rope.
8. An endoscope characterized by comprising: The handle of claim 7.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Traction wheel driving assembly and endoscope
CN222565754U
Self-locking apparatus, endoscope handle, and endoscope
WO2025108082A1