Endoscope with integral curved section body with flexible connection curved section

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an endoscope (2) comprising: an endoscope handle or interface (4); and an insertion cord (6) configured to be inserted into a body cavity of a patient and comprising an actively bendable bending section (10) comprising a one-piece bending section body (16, 16 ') made of a polymeric material, the invention relates to a hinge (26, 26 ') comprising a curved section body (16, 16') comprising a plurality of interconnected curved sections (18, 18 '), where hinges (26, 26') between adjacent curved sections (18, 18 ') are formed by engagement of hinge protrusions (30, 30') in hinge recesses (32, 32 '), and where flexible connecting portions (34, 34') are provided between adjacent curved sections (18, 18 ') for providing interconnection between adjacent curved sections (18, 18').

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an endoscope including: an endoscope handle or interface; and an insertion cord configured for insertion into a patient's body cavity, and including an actively bendable bending segment comprising a one-piece bending segment body made of a polymer material, the bending segment body including a plurality of interconnected bending segments. Background Technology

[0002] Endoscopes, including specialized instruments such as bronchoscopes, arthroscopes, colonoscopes, laparoscopes, gastroscopes, duodenoscopes, and ureteroscopes, are well known in the art and are used for visual examination and diagnosis of hollow organs and body cavities, and to assist in surgery (e.g., for sampling of target tissues). Both reusable and disposable (i.e., single-use) endoscopes are known in the art. Known endoscopes typically include an endoscope handle via which the operator can hold and control the endoscope. An insertion cord, including an insertion cannula, an actively bendable curved section (which is a section with increased flexibility), and a distal end unit, is typically attached to the endoscope handle. The insertion cord is configured for insertion into the patient's hollow organs and body cavities.

[0003] Known endoscopes typically include a control line that is pulled and released to bend a flexible, curved section of the endoscope to tilt the distal end unit. To achieve the bending of the curved section, a rotational force applied by the user to a handle wheel or lever located on the proximal endoscope handle can be transmitted as a tension force acting on the control line in the axial direction.

[0004] Known disposable endoscopes have a curved section comprising a curved section body molded from one or two monolithic polymer materials. The curved section body of such a disposable endoscope includes multiple rigid curved segments held together (i.e., connected) by flexible hinges. Typically, two hinge members or hinge components are provided between adjacent curved segments of the curved section body, arranged approximately diametrically opposite each other relative to the central axis of the curved section body. The hinge members are formed as foil hinges, i.e., short, flexible material bridges that allow material to bend elastically between adjacent curved segments.

[0005] DE 10 2021 113 183 A1 discloses, for example, a disposable endoscope including such a curved section. The curved section disclosed in DE 10 2021 113 183 A1 has a hinge of varying length. Specifically, the length of the hinge increases primarily towards the distal end of the curved section to obtain a preferred curved shape when the curved section is fully bent. During assembly of the endoscope disclosed in DE 10 2021 113 183 A1, the control line is pre-tensioned (i.e., pulled), thereby generating a compressive load on the curved section body. Through this pretension provided to the control line, the curved section body acquires an inherent elasticity. This allows the curved section body to bend directly in the desired direction when the operator manipulates the endoscope, particularly by pulling the control line, i.e., the curved section body does not need to undergo elastic deformation or compression first. However, the curved section body disclosed in DE 10 2021 113 183 A1, particularly the distal portion of the curved section body with a long hinge, is susceptible to compressive loads. In particular, the hinge may collapse to some extent, resulting in undesirable S-shaped deformation or serpentine deformation of the curved section body. Such S-shaped deformation can negatively impact the operator's overall impression of a single-use endoscope and may also affect its bending performance during endoscopic procedures.

[0006] A disposable endoscope with a curved section is also known from EP 4 282 317 A1, the curved section comprising multiple annular or tubular curved segments made of a polymer material. Hinges between the curved segments are formed by hinge protrusions engaging in hinge recesses. The curved segment has a rather complex design to allow multiple curved segments to be held together by control lines and to provide the desired stability to the curved section. Furthermore, the assembly of the curved section is quite complex due to the multiple individual curved segments, resulting in undesirably high manufacturing and assembly costs (especially for disposable endoscopes).

[0007] In reusable endoscopes, bent metal sections are commonly used. For example, known bent metal sections consist of multiple individual bent segments riveted together. Additionally, laser-cut, one-piece bent metal sections are known. These bent metal sections are relatively resistant to compressive loads, meaning high compressive loads can be applied to them. However, the processing and manufacturing costs are too high for their application in single-use endoscopes. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The task and objective of this disclosure is to eliminate or at least reduce the disadvantages of the related technologies. In particular, an endoscope will be provided that is designed for single use, i.e., that the endoscope has low manufacturing and assembly costs, and that the endoscope has a bending section suitable for bearing compressive loads.

[0009] The task and objectives of this disclosure are achieved by the endoscope of claim 1 and the system of claim 15. Advantageous embodiments are claimed in the dependent claims and / or explained below.

[0010] In this disclosure, "proximal" generally refers to "the direction away from the patient and towards the user," while "distal" generally refers to "the direction away from the user and towards the patient."

[0011] This disclosure relates to an endoscope comprising: an endoscope handle or interface; and an insertion cord configured for insertion into a patient's body cavity, and including an actively bendable bending segment comprising a one-piece bending segment body made of a polymer material, the bending segment body including a plurality of interconnected bending segments, wherein a hinge between two adjacent bending segments is formed by hinge protrusions engaging in hinge recesses, and wherein a flexible connection portion is provided between two adjacent bending segments for providing interconnection between the two adjacent bending segments.

[0012] The endoscope according to this disclosure is preferably a low-cost and lightweight single-use endoscope designed to be discarded after use. This means that the endoscope is preferably optimized for single use. The endoscope preferably has a limited number of components, which are preferably manufactured using a preferred low-cost manufacturing process (plastic / injection molding) with low-cost materials (polymer / plastic / resin) and can be easily assembled. Compared to conventional reusable endoscopes, the focus of this disclosure is to provide an endoscope that is used only once and therefore does not have to undergo rather aggressive cleaning or sterilization processes and generally harsh handling throughout its entire lifespan.

[0013] The endoscopes according to this disclosure are preferably small-diameter endoscopes, particularly bronchoscopes, ureteroscopes, or cholangioscopes (used in combination with duodenoscopes as pediatric endoscopes). However, this disclosure is neither limited to the endoscope being any of the specific small-diameter endoscopes mentioned, nor limited to the endoscope being a small-diameter endoscope. In other words, the endoscopes according to this disclosure can also advantageously be another specialized medical device, such as a duodenoscope, bronchoscope, arthroscope, colonoscope, laparoscope, gastroscope, etc.

[0014] The endoscope according to this disclosure is preferably a single-plane bending endoscope configured to bend in two opposite directions (e.g., up and down). Alternatively, the endoscope may be a dual-plane bending endoscope configured to bend in four directions (e.g., up and down and left and right).

[0015] The endoscope disclosed herein includes an endoscope handle or interface. The endoscope handle can be considered as an interface from which an insertion cable extends. The endoscope handle may include control actuators, including manual control actuators. Alternatively, an interface may be provided that is connected to the insertion cable and detachably connected to, for example, a robotic arm. The endoscope handle or interface according to this disclosure is preferably configured and positioned to control the position of the insertion cable.

[0016] Preferably, the endoscope's insertion cord is connected to the endoscope handle or interface and includes an insertion tube, an actively bendable section, and a distal end unit, which extend in a proximal-distal direction in this order.

[0017] The bending segment includes a one-piece bending segment body made of a polymer material. Therefore, the bending segment body is a one-piece component formed as a single piece, preferably formed as a single piece made of a thermoplastic polymer material. The bending segment body is preferably manufactured using an injection molding process. It should be understood that the bending segment preferably includes only one such bending segment body. However, this disclosure is not limited to this embodiment, and in alternatives, multiple one-piece bending segment bodies connected to each other may be provided.

[0018] The curved section body according to this disclosure comprises a plurality of interconnected curved sections. That is, the plurality of curved sections are integrally connected to each other, thereby forming a single curved section body in a combined manner, and therefore are not separate or independent components. In particular, the plurality of interconnected curved sections may include a proximal section, a plurality of intermediate sections, and a distal section. The proximal section of the curved section body is the closest curved section among the plurality of interconnected curved sections, and is preferably adapted to be connected to the insertion tube of the insertion rope. The distal section of the curved section body is the farthest curved section among the plurality of interconnected curved sections, and is preferably adapted to be connected to the distal end unit of the insertion rope. In other words, the proximal and distal sections are preferably designed or adapted such that the proximal and distal sections can be suitably connected to the remainder of the insertion rope, and thus provide a suitable interface portion that matches the remainder of the insertion rope.

[0019] According to this disclosure, a hinge between two adjacent curved segments is formed by hinge protrusions engaging in hinge recesses. That is, the hinge is preferably formed by one or more hinge protrusions of a curved segment being received in and contacting one or more hinge recesses of an adjacent curved segment. The hinge protrusions and hinge recesses can be configured to allow rolling or movement within the interface between the hinge protrusions and hinge recesses, thereby producing the desired bending movement of the two adjacent curved segments. Therefore, the hinge is preferably not formed as a foil hinge, i.e., not as a short, flexible material bridge between adjacent curved segments that allows the material to bend elastically between adjacent curved segments. In other words, according to this disclosure, two adjacent curved segments are preferably not connected via a hinge or hinge member, but rather have one or more unconnected hinge joints.

[0020] The hinge between two adjacent curved sections may include a hinge between the proximal section and an adjacent intermediate section, a hinge between adjacent intermediate sections, and a hinge between the distal section and an adjacent intermediate section. Typically, two hinge joints are provided between adjacent curved sections of the curved section body; that is, two hinge protrusions engage in two hinge recesses. The hinge joints are preferably arranged approximately diametrically opposite each other with respect to the central axis of the curved section body. It may be proposed that the intermediate sections be formed identically, i.e., each intermediate section may include one or more hinge protrusions at one axial end and one or more hinge recesses at the other axial end. Alternatively, different intermediate sections may be arranged one after another in the axial direction of the curved section body. For example, it may be proposed that a first intermediate section has only hinge protrusions at both axial ends without hinge recesses, and a second intermediate section has only hinge recesses at both axial ends without hinge protrusions.

[0021] As disclosed herein, the hinge is formed by unconnected hinge joints, i.e., by hinge protrusions engaging in hinge recesses. However, the curved section body remains a monolithic component made of polymer material and has interconnected curved segments. A flexible connecting portion is provided between two adjacent curved segments, such that the interconnection between two adjacent curved segments is provided by the flexible connecting portion. This flexible connecting portion allows the curved section body to be the claimed monolithic component, preferably (injection-molded) into a single piece, and therefore does not need to be assembled from separate or unconnected curved segments.

[0022] The curved section body is preferably manufactured such that the hinge protrusions and hinge recesses are spaced apart or separated. Preferably, during endoscope assembly, the control cable is pre-tensioned (i.e., pulled), thereby generating a compressive load on the curved section body. This compressive load causes elastic deformation (i.e., some pre-bending) of the flexible connection portion and causes the hinge protrusions to abut against the hinge recesses. In other words, through the pretension provided to the control cable, the curved section body acquires an inherent elasticity, causing the hinge protrusions to contact or touch the hinge recesses and thereby engage them. Preferably, the hinge protrusions are pressed into the hinge recesses until a certain hysteresis state is reached. This allows the curved section body to bend directly in the desired direction when the operator manipulates the endoscope, particularly by pulling the control cable, i.e., the curved section body does not need to undergo elastic deformation or compression first. Therefore, it is preferable that, in the assembled state of the endoscope, the hinge protrusions and hinge recesses forming the hinge joint abut against each other and thereby engage.

[0023] The bending segment body according to this disclosure can be described as having a compression-resistant hinge design. Hinge protrusions can be designated as convex compression-limiting members or portions, and hinge recesses can be designated as concave compression-limiting members or portions. The compression-resistant hinge design according to this disclosure preferably prevents any collapse of the hinge during assembly, and thereby prevents any S-shaped deformation of the bending segment body, and preferably does not impair bending performance during endoscopic surgery. During endoscope assembly, the compression-limiting members or portions preferably abut against each other after the control lines are pre-tensioned. This means that after assembly and during use of the endoscope, the two compression-limiting members are preferably always in contact. This avoids the need for the compression-limiting members or portions to move axially to compress and decompress the bending segment body during each bending cycle.

[0024] This disclosure allows for the structural optimization of hinge protrusions (which can be designated as convex compression-limiting components or portions) to withstand compressive forces. For example, a hinge protrusion can be a short, wide protrusion suitable for bearing compressive forces. On the other hand, flexible connection portions can be structurally optimized to provide desired, and particularly high, flexibility. For example, a flexible connection portion can be a long, thin bridge of material between two adjacent bending segments. According to this disclosure, since the functions of "compression resistance" and "flexibility" are separated into two separate features, these two functions can be optimized independently. In particular, "compression resistance" can be optimized by appropriately designing the hinge joints (especially hinge protrusions and hinge recesses), and "flexibility" can be optimized by appropriately designing the flexible connection portions.

[0025] The main advantage of the curved section body according to this disclosure is that both "compression resistance" and "flexibility" can be optimized independently without increasing the thickness of the curved section body, i.e., the amount of extension in the radial direction. For example, the flexibility of the flexible connection portion can be appropriately adjusted by selecting an appropriate length in the axial direction and an appropriate width in the circumferential direction, and the compression resistance can be appropriately adjusted by selecting an appropriate and relatively short length in the axial direction and an appropriate and relatively large width in the circumferential direction. Therefore, the ratio between the inner diameter ID and the outer diameter OD of the curved section body can be optimized. It should be noted that in endoscopic surgery, it is desirable for the outer diameter OD of the curved section body to be as small or thin as possible to allow the insertion tether to be inserted into the corresponding body cavity, and it is desirable to have as large an inner diameter ID as possible to provide a working channel tube with the largest possible inner diameter or width within the curved section body.

[0026] In conventional single-use endoscopes with curved sections, such as those disclosed in DE 10 2021 113 183 A1, a compromise is typically required relative to the foil hinge (a short, flexible material bridge between adjacent curved sections) where, on the one hand, the hinge should be thick enough to withstand compressive forces and thereby prevent S-shaped deformation of the curved sections, which may also be referred to as "serpentinization." On the other hand, the hinge should be as thin as possible to reduce stress in the polymer material and ensure that the forces during bending are small.

[0027] Preferably, the hinge between two adjacent curved sections comprises two diametrically opposed hinge joints, each hinge joint being formed by a hinge protrusion engaging in a hinge recess. In other words, preferably, the two hinge protrusions engage in two hinge recesses; specifically, between two adjacent curved sections, a first hinge protrusion engages in a first hinge recess (first hinge joint), and a second hinge protrusion engages in a second hinge recess (second hinge joint).

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment, each hinge joint formed by the hinge protrusion engaging in the hinge recess is surrounded or encircled by two flexible connecting portions. In other words, a first flexible connecting portion can be provided clockwise in the circumferential direction near the hinge joint, and a second flexible connecting portion can be provided counterclockwise in the circumferential direction near the hinge joint. Preferably, the flexible connecting portions surrounding or encircling the hinge joint are arranged directly near or adjacent to the hinge joint. This arrangement means that the flexible connecting portions are spaced less than 90° from the hinge joint (particularly from the center of the hinge joint) in the circumferential direction, preferably less than 45°. Each flexible connecting portion is preferably connected to two adjacent curved sections. In the case of two hinge joints diametrically opposed, according to this preferred embodiment, four flexible connecting portions are therefore preferably provided, wherein two flexible connecting portions surround or encircle the first hinge joint formed by the first hinge protrusion engaging in the first hinge recess, and two flexible connecting portions surround or encircle the second hinge joint formed by the second hinge protrusion engaging in the second hinge recess.

[0029] The flexible connection portion can be a curved portion or an angled portion with a bend or inflection point. The bend or inflection point can be located at the midpoint between two adjacent curved segments. In particular, it can be proposed that the flexible connection portion extends from one of the two adjacent curved segments away from the hinge joint in both axial and circumferential directions toward the bend or inflection point, and from that bend or inflection point extends from the bend or inflection point toward the hinge joint in both axial and circumferential directions toward the other of the two adjacent curved segments.

[0030] The two flexible connecting portions surrounding or enclosing the hinge joint can be identical symmetrically with respect to the curved plane defined by the hinge joint, particularly by two hinge joints that are diametrically opposed.

[0031] It can be proposed that during endoscope assembly, the flexible connection portion undergoes elastic deformation when the control line is pre-tensioned (i.e., pulled). Specifically, the flexible connection portion is configured to elastically deform when the hinge protrusion approaches and abuts the hinge recess during the pre-tensioning of the control line. For example, the portion of the flexible connection portion upstream of a bend or inflection point can approach the portion downstream of the bend or inflection point, and these portions thus approach each other axially while bending around the bend or inflection point.

[0032] The preferred design of two flexible connecting portions surrounding or enclosing the hinge joint, and especially preferably symmetrically identical, has the advantage that, in the assembled state of the endoscope, when the operator performs a bending movement of the bending section, one of the flexible connecting portions will be further bent (i.e., compressed), while the other flexible connecting portion will be stretched. The two flexible portions surrounding or enclosing the hinge joint advantageously apply force to two adjacent bending sections, which, when there is no tension on one of the control lines other than the factory pre-tension, will return the bending section to a neutral, unbent position. According to a particularly preferred aspect of this disclosure, the flexible connecting portions can therefore be configured and set to apply a force to the bending section body that returns the bending section body to a neutral position, particularly pushing or forcing the bending section body back to a neutral position when there is no tension on one of the control lines.

[0033] According to another alternative embodiment, the flexible connecting portion does not surround or enclose the hinge port formed by the hinge protrusion engaging the hinge recess, but is spaced apart from the hinge port. For example, two flexible connecting portions may be provided. Particularly preferred is that each flexible connecting portion may be spaced apart from one or more hinge ports in the circumferential direction by approximately 90°.

[0034] It can be proposed that, when there is no additional tension on one of the control lines compared to the factory pre-tension force, the flexible connecting portion providing interconnection between two adjacent bends is not used to push or force the bend section body back to a neutral, unbent position. Specifically, according to embodiments, the flexible connecting portion can serve other functions. As mentioned above, it can be proposed that, during endoscope assembly, when the control lines are pre-tensioned (i.e., pulled), the flexible connecting portion undergoes elastic deformation. Specifically, the flexible connecting portion can be configured and arranged to undergo elastic deformation during the pre-tensioning of the control lines when the hinge protrusion approaches and abuts the hinge recess. According to embodiments, the flexible connecting portion can be designed and configured to provide a guide orifice for the control lines in the assembled state of the endoscope (i.e., with the hinge protrusion abutting the hinge recess).

[0035] According to an alternative embodiment, each flexible connection portion may include two orifices and predetermined bends, lines, or portions arranged axially between the two guide orifices. Additional bends or lines may be present on either side of the orifices to control behavior under compression. In other words, axially, the first orifice of the two orifices may be closer to one of the two adjacent bends, and the second orifice of the two orifices may be closer to the other of the two adjacent bends, wherein the predetermined bends, lines, or portions are arranged axially between the two orifices. Furthermore, each flexible connection portion may be described as including two longitudinal or axial webs arranged substantially parallel to each other, wherein a transverse web forms the predetermined bends, lines, or portions and connects the two longitudinal or axial webs to form two orifices.

[0036] According to an alternative embodiment, during endoscope assembly, when the control line is pre-tensioned (i.e., pulled), one or more hinge protrusions abut against one or more hinge recesses, and the flexible connecting portion bends or twists radially inward at predetermined bending or twisting points, lines, or portions, wherein a guide orifice for the control line is formed via the inward bending or twisting of the flexible connecting portion. In a variation, the flexible connecting portion may bend outward rather than inward. This has the effect of preventing the working channel from being squeezed inside the bent section during bending. In this variation, the flexible connecting portion may preferably be designed to have a rounded shape so as not to affect tissue during movement within the body cavity. A curved cover disposed on the outside of the bent section will also limit any interference with tissue.

[0037] Preferably, the orifice is elliptical, i.e., has an elliptical shape, thereby allowing the control line to move freely, particularly independent of the actual bending angle of the curved section. In particular, it has been proven that, in order to obtain a guide orifice that appears circular in a top view on the curved section body, the orifice provided in the flexible connection portion is preferably elliptical. That is, by bending or twisting the flexible connection portion radially inward at predetermined bending or twisting points, lines, or portions, an elliptical orifice is formed that appears substantially circular or round in a top view. The orifice can also be an elongated groove.

[0038] The curved section body may include a large inner cavity for accommodating the working channel tube, and possibly also for other tubes or cables. Alternatively, there may be a large inner cavity (especially for the working channel tube) and another inner cavity (e.g. for cables).

[0039] Two control line cavities can be provided, namely a first control line cavity and a second control line cavity. Each control line cavity is preferably a relatively small cavity and is configured to respectively accommodate the first control line and the second control line. In addition to one or more inner cavities mentioned above, control line cavities can also be provided. The control line cavities can be spaced approximately 90° circumferentially from the hinge openings that are diametrically opposed. It should be noted that, according to alternative embodiments, control line cavities are not necessarily provided (because guide holes for the control lines are provided). Therefore, according to alternative embodiments, additional control line cavities are preferably not provided. This avoids the need for long and thin molding cores during the molding process of the curved section body. This reduces manufacturing costs. It also allows for a larger ratio between the inner and outer diameters of the curved section body.

[0040] According to a preferred embodiment, the polymer material of the bending segment body is a fairly hard and rigid polymer material, particularly a polymer material with low flexibility. In particular, the polymer material of the bending segment body can be optimized to provide suitable torsional stiffness for the bending segment body. Specifically, the design proposed according to this disclosure may have some minor deficiencies in terms of torsional stiffness. This design may reduce the torsional stiffness of the bending segment body. However, it has been found that torsional stiffness can be regained by manufacturing (particularly molding) the bending segment body using a harder and more rigid material (e.g., polypropylene).

[0041] This disclosure also relates to a system comprising an endoscope as defined above and a monitor connected to the endoscope. Attached Figure Description

[0042] The following explanation uses preferred embodiments and refers to the accompanying drawings to explain the disclosure in more detail.

[0043] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional view showing an endoscope according to this disclosure;

[0044] Figure 2 It is a three-dimensional view of the curved section of the endoscope;

[0045] Figure 3 Is it through Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the curved section;

[0046] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A detailed side view of a portion of the curved section;

[0047] Figure 5A It is in the unassembled state of the endoscope. Figure 2 A three-dimensional view of the curved section of the body;

[0048] Figure 5BIt is similar to Figure 4 A detailed side view of the hinge and flexible connection in the unassembled state of the curved section.

[0049] Figure 6A It is in the assembled state of the endoscope. Figure 2 A three-dimensional view of the curved section of the body;

[0050] Figure 6B This is a detailed side view of the hinge and flexible connection in the assembled state of the curved section.

[0051] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the curved section body according to an alternative embodiment of this disclosure;

[0052] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A detailed perspective view of the flexible connection portion of the curved section of the body;

[0053] Figure 9A This is a variation of the flexible connection design in an alternative embodiment shown in the unassembled state of the curved section.

[0054] Figure 9B yes Figure 9A A close-up of the flexible connection part in the middle.

[0055] Figure 10 yes Figure 9A A cross-sectional view of the curved section, but shown in the assembled state of the curved section.

[0056] The accompanying drawings are schematic in nature and are used only for understanding this disclosure. The same elements are labeled with the same reference numerals. Features of different embodiments are interchangeable. Detailed Implementation

[0057] exist Figure 1 Endoscope 2 is shown in the diagram. Endoscope 2 is preferably a disposable endoscope. Endoscope 2 is preferably, but not necessarily, a small-diameter endoscope, such as a ureteroscope. Endoscope 2 includes a proximal endoscope handle 4, which is designed to be held by the user / doctor and configured to accommodate the operating components of endoscope 2. Further, endoscope 2 includes an insertion cord 6, which is configured to be inserted into a patient's body cavity. Insertion cord 6 includes an insertion tube 8, an actively flexible bending section 10, and a distal end unit 12, which extend from the proximal endoscope handle 4 in this order.

[0058] At the distal end unit 12, an image capture device (such as a miniature camera) and an illumination device (such as a light-emitting diode or an optical fiber connected to a proximal light source) are arranged / installed to illuminate and examine the patient's body cavity. The images captured by the image capture device can be displayed on a monitor 13. The monitor 13 is separately located from the endoscope 2 and is connected to / can be connected to the endoscope via a cable 14.

[0059] The endoscope handle 4 includes an operating unit 15, preferably formed as an operating lever, for manipulating the curved section 10 of the insertion cord 6. Specifically, a rotational / turning force can be applied to the operating unit 15 by the user. The distal end unit 12 can be tilted / moved by bending the curved section 10. In particular, the operating unit 15 can be operated by the user to tilt the distal end unit 12 within the bending plane (e.g., up and down). The curved section 10 can be largely covered by a flexible cover to prevent contamination.

[0060] Endoscope 2 may include control lines for controlling the bending movement of the bending section 10. Figure 1 (Not shown in the image). A control cable can be connected to the operating unit 15. The control cable can extend through the insertion tube 8 and the bending section 10. By rotating the operating unit 15, the control cable / control cable portion can be pulled and released, and the distal end unit 12 can tilt according to the direction of rotation of the operating unit 15. In other words, by operating the operating unit 15, the user can tilt the distal end unit 12 in the bending plane by correspondingly bending the bending section 10.

[0061] It should be understood that, although Figure 1 A single-plane bending endoscope is shown, but this disclosure is not limited to endoscope 2 being a single-plane bending endoscope. That is, endoscope 2 can also be a dual-plane bending endoscope configured to bend within a first bending plane and a second bending plane, wherein the second bending plane is preferably perpendicular to the first bending plane.

[0062] Figure 2A perspective view of the curved section 10 is shown, with the flexible cover removed. The curved section 10 includes a curved section body 16, which is a monolithic piece of polymer material, preferably manufactured by injection molding of a thermoplastic polymer material, particularly preferably a fairly rigid polymer material such as polypropylene or polyoxymethylene (POM). The curved section body 16 includes a plurality of interconnected curved segments 18, including a proximal segment 20, a plurality of intermediate segments 22, and a distal segment 24. The proximal segment 20 is connected to the insertion tube 8. The distal segment 24 is connected to the distal end unit 12. A hinge 26 between adjacent curved segments 18 is formed by two diametrically opposed hinge ports 28, each hinge port 28 including a hinge protrusion 30 and a hinge recess 32. A flexible connection portion 34 provides interconnection between adjacent curved segments 18.

[0063] Apart from Figure 2 In addition, it also refers to Figure 3 (This figure is a cross-sectional view through the curved section 10, particularly the curved section 18 through the curved section 10.) It is evident that the curved section body 16 includes or forms a large inner cavity 36, which accommodates a large working channel tube 38, a cable 40, and possibly additional tubes 42, such as flushing or air injection tubes. The curved section body 16 further includes or forms two smaller control line cavities 44, in which control lines 46 are accommodated and guided. The control line cavities 44 are arranged diametrically opposite to each other and spaced approximately 90° circumferentially from the hinge port 28.

[0064] Apart from Figure 2 In addition, it also refers to Figure 4 (The image is) Figure 2 The detailed side view of a portion of the curved section 10 shown illustrates the state during the assembly of the endoscope 2, where the working channel tube 38, cable 40, and tube 42 have been arranged in and guided through the large inner lumen 36, and where the control cable 46 has been arranged in and guided through the control cable lumen 44. However, the control cable 46 has not yet been secured to the distal section 24, and therefore has not been pre-tensioned, i.e., has not been pulled.

[0065] exist Figure 2 and Figure 4In the assembled state shown, the hinge protrusion 30 is spaced apart from the hinge recess 32; that is, the hinge protrusion 30 is not yet engaged in the hinge recess 32 and therefore does not contact or abut against it. Each hinge port 28 formed by the hinge recess 32 and the associated hinge protrusion 30 is surrounded or encircled by two flexible connecting portions 34, which are configured to engage with the corresponding hinge recess 32 in the assembled state of the endoscope 2. One flexible connecting portion 34 is arranged directly adjacent to (i.e., near) the hinge port 28 in a clockwise direction in the circumferential direction, while the other flexible connecting portion 34 is arranged directly adjacent to (i.e., near) the hinge port 28 in a counterclockwise direction in the circumferential direction. The two flexible connecting portions 34 are spaced less than 45° apart from the center of the hinge port 28 in the circumferential direction. Each flexible connecting portion 34 is connected to two adjacent curved segments 22. Specifically, the upstream portion 48 of each flexible connection portion 34 extends from one of the two adjacent curved segments 22 away from the hinge port 28 in both axial and circumferential directions toward the bending point or inflection point 50, and the downstream portion 52 extends from this bending point or inflection point in both axial and circumferential directions toward the hinge port 28 toward the other of the two adjacent curved segments 22. Therefore, the flexible connection portion 34 is curved or angled and has a bending point or inflection point 50 located axially between the two adjacent curved segments 22. The two flexible connection portions 34 surrounding or enclosing the hinge port 28 are symmetrically identical with respect to the curved plane defined by the two diametrically opposed hinge ports 28 of the hinge 26. Since each hinge 26 includes two diametrically opposed hinge ports 28, each hinge 26 is provided with four flexible connection portions 34.

[0066] Figure 5A and Figure 5B It shows that in relation to Figure 2 and Figure 4 A perspective view and a detailed side view of the curved section body 16 in the same state (i.e., with the hinge protrusion 30 spaced apart from the hinge recess). Figure 6A and Figure 6B A perspective view and a detailed side view of the curved section body 16 in the assembled state of the endoscope 2 are shown. For illustrative purposes, Figure 6A All components of endoscope 2 except for the curved section body 16 and the control line 46 were removed. During the assembly of endoscope 2, the control line 46 was pre-tensioned (i.e. pulled), see [link to documentation]. Figure 6A The force F in the bending section of the body 16 generates a compressive load. The compressive load causes the flexible connection portion 34 to undergo elastic deformation, specifically causing the upstream portion 48 and the downstream portion 52 to approach each other and bend around the bending point or inflection point 50, and also causing the hinge protrusion 30 to abut, contact, touch, or engage the hinge recess 32. Figure 6A and Figure 6B The assembled state of endoscope 2 is shown, wherein the hinge protrusion 30 engages in the hinge recess 32, and the flexible connection portion 34 has undergone elastic deformation. When the operator... Figure 6A and Figure 6B When the control line 46 is pulled in the indicated state, the bending section 10 bends directly in the desired direction (e.g., upward or downward) because the bending section body 16 does not need to be compressed first. Specifically, the hinge protrusion 30 and hinge recess are configured to allow rolling or movement between the hinge protrusion 30 and hinge recess 32 within the hinge joint 28. One of the flexible connecting portions 34 surrounding the hinge joint 28 will be compressed, while the other flexible connecting portion 34 surrounding the hinge joint 28 will be stretched. When the operator stops pulling the control line 46, the flexible connecting portion 34, due to its inherent material elasticity / flexibility, returns the bending section body 16 to a neutral, unbent position.

[0067] Figure 7 A perspective view of a curved section body 16' according to an alternative embodiment of this disclosure is shown. The curved section body 16' is a monolithic piece of polymer material, preferably manufactured by injection molding of a thermoplastic polymer material. The polymer can be a fairly rigid polymer material (such as polypropylene) or a more flexible polymer material (such as POM). The choice of polymer material can depend on the specific design of the flexible connection portion. The curved section body 16' includes a plurality of interconnected curved sections 18', which include a proximal section 20', a plurality of intermediate sections 22', and a distal section 24'. The proximal section 20' is connected to the insertion tube 8. The distal section 24' is connected to the distal end unit 12. A hinge 26' between adjacent curved sections 18' is formed by two diametrically opposed hinge ports 28', wherein each hinge port 28' includes a hinge protrusion 30' and a hinge recess 32'. Two flexible connection portions 34' provide interconnection between adjacent curved sections 18'.

[0068] According to an alternative embodiment, the two flexible connecting portions 34' do not surround or enclose the hinge opening 28' formed by the hinge protrusion 30' engaging the hinge recess 32', but are spaced apart from the hinge opening 28'. The two flexible connecting portions 34' are arranged diametrically opposite each other and are spaced apart from the hinge opening 28' by approximately 90° in the circumferential direction. Also refer to... Figure 8The figure shows a detailed perspective view of a flexible connecting portion 34', each flexible connecting portion 34' including two longitudinal or axial webs 54' arranged substantially parallel to each other, wherein a transverse web 56' connects the two longitudinal or axial webs 54' and substantially forms or provides a predetermined bend or twist line 58'. Two elliptical orifices 60' are formed by the two longitudinal or axial webs 54' and the transverse web 56', wherein the two orifices 60' are arranged close to each other (i.e. adjacent) in the axial direction of the curved section body 16'.

[0069] When the control line 46 is pre-tensioned (i.e. pulled) during the assembly of the endoscope 2, the hinge protrusion 30' engages (i.e. abuts) the hinge recess 32', and the two flexible connecting portions 34' elastically deform. Specifically, the two flexible connecting portions 34' bend or twist radially inward at a predetermined bend or twist line 58' on the transverse web 56'. Through the inward bending or twisting of the flexible connecting portions 34', two elliptical orifices 60' are formed and provide guide orifices for the control line 46.

[0070] Figure 9A and Figure 9B A variation of the flexible connection design in an alternative embodiment is shown. This is shown in the unassembled state of the curved section. In this variation, the flexible connection portion 34' includes a longitudinal or axial web 54' connecting two adjacent segments 22'. This web 54' is formed as a thin film layer that will bend upon compression. One advantage of this design is that, when excluding... Figure 8 When forming curved or twisted lines as shown, the molding process may be simpler and faster.

[0071] Figure 10 It shows according to Figure 9A and Figure 9B The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the curved section of a variant of the alternative embodiment, but in the assembled compressed state of the curved section. The compressed curved web 54' is visible, with the control line 46 passing through the hole formed by the orifice 60'. Figure 10 The working channel tube 38 is also shown in the diagram.

[0072] List of reference numerals

[0073] 2. Endoscope

[0074] 4. Endoscope Handle

[0075] 6. Insert the rope

[0076] 8 Insertion tube

[0077] 10. Curved Section

[0078] 12 Distal end units

[0079] 13 Monitors

[0080] 14 Cables

[0081] 15 Operating Units

[0082] 16, 16' Curved Section Body

[0083] 18, 18' bending section

[0084] 20, 20' proximal segment

[0085] 22, 22' middle section

[0086] 24, 24' distal segment

[0087] 26, 26' hinge

[0088] 28, 28' hinge joint

[0089] 30, 30' hinge protrusion

[0090] 32, 32' hinge recess

[0091] 34, 34' Flexible connection section

[0092] 36. Inner lumen

[0093] 38 Working channel pipe

[0094] 40 Cable

[0095] 42 tubes

[0096] 44 Control line cavity

[0097] 46 Control Line

[0098] 48. Upstream section

[0099] 50. Bend Point / Inflection Point

[0100] 52 Downstream section

[0101] 54' Longitudinal or axial web

[0102] 56' Transverse web

[0103] 58' Pre-defined bend or twist line

[0104] 60' orifice

Claims

1. An endoscope (2), comprising: an endoscope handle or interface (4); and an insertion string (6) configured to be inserted into a body cavity of a patient and comprising an actively bendable bending section (10); the bending section (10) comprising a one-piece bending section body (16, 16') made of a polymer material, the bending section body (16, 16') comprising a plurality of interconnected bending segments (18, 18'), wherein a hinge (26, 26') between adjacent bending segments (18, 18') is formed by a hinge protrusion (30, 30') engaging in a hinge recess (32, 32'), and wherein a flexible connection portion (34, 34') is provided between adjacent bending segments (18, 18') for providing the interconnection between adjacent bending segments (18, 18'). the hinge (26, 26') between two adjacent bending segments (18, 18') comprises two hinge interfaces (28, 28'), preferably diametrically opposed hinge interfaces, wherein each hinge interface (28, 28') is formed by a hinge protrusion (30, 30') engaging in a hinge recess (32, 32').

2. The endoscope (2) according to claim 1, wherein each hinge interface (28) is surrounded or encircled by two flexible connection portions (34), one flexible connection portion (34) being arranged in a circumferential direction next to the hinge interface (28) clockwise and the other flexible connection portion (34) being arranged in a circumferential direction next to the hinge interface (28) counter-clockwise.

3. The endoscope (2) according to claim 2, wherein the flexible connection portion (34) is spaced apart from the hinge interface (28), in particular from the center of the hinge interface (28), in a circumferential direction by less than 90°, preferably by less than 45°.

4. The endoscope (2) according to claim 3, wherein the two flexible connection portions (34) surrounding or encircling the hinge interface (28) are symmetrically identical with respect to a bending plane defined by the two hinge interfaces (28) of the hinge (26).

5. The endoscope (2) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the flexible connection portion (34) is a curved or angled portion extending between two adjacent bending segments (18) and having a bending point or inflection point (50).

6. The endoscope (2) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the flexible connection portion (34) is configured and arranged to exert a force to the bending section body (16) which brings the bending section body (16) back to a neutral, unbent position.

7. The endoscope (2) according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the bending section body (16) comprises at least one inner lumen (36) and at least two steering wire lumens (44).

8. The endoscope (2) according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein two diametrically opposed flexible connection portions (34') are provided between two adjacent bending segments (18'), each flexible connection portion (34') being spaced apart from the hinge interface (28') in a circumferential direction by 90°.

9. The endoscope (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the flexible connection portion (34') is designed and configured to provide a guide aperture (60') for a steering wire (46) in an assembled state of the endoscope (2), i.e. in a state in which the hinge protrusion (30') engages the hinge recess (32').

10. The endoscope (2) according to claim 9, wherein the guide aperture (60') has an elliptical or oblong shape.

11. The endoscope (2) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein ​ 12. The endoscope (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein The hinge protrusion (30, 30') engages the hinge recess (32, 32') only in the assembled state of the endoscope (2).

13. The endoscope (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein During assembly of the endoscope (2), the bending section body (16, 16') is compressed via pre-tensioning of the steering wire (46), wherein the hinge protrusion (30, 30') and the hinge recess (32, 32') are configured and arranged to function as compression limiting means or portions, and wherein the flexible connection portion (34, 34') is arranged and configured to elastically deform.

14. The endoscope (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein The bending section body (16, 16') is manufactured in an injection molding process.

15. A system comprising the endoscope (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 14 and a monitor (13) connected to the endoscope (2).

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