An endoscope steering mechanism and an endoscope

Abstract

This invention provides an endoscope steering mechanism and an endoscope, belonging to the field of endoscope technology. It includes: a base with at least one set of output channel groups, each output channel group comprising two output channels; rotating members, the number of which is the same as the number of output channel groups, the rotating members being rotatable relative to the base; and synchronous belts, the number of which is the same as the number of output channel groups, the middle portion of the synchronous belts engaging with the rotating members, the rotating members driving the synchronous belts to move, and two output members connected to each end of each synchronous belt, each output member being located in each of the output channels and being slidable along the length of the output channel. The beneficial effect of this invention is that by engaging the synchronous belts with the rotating members and driving the output members at both ends to slide synchronously in opposite directions within the output channels, high-precision bidirectional traction control is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of endoscope technology and relates to an endoscope steering mechanism and an endoscope. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of electronic endoscopes, the bending and steering function of the insertion tube is usually achieved through a traction mechanism. Currently, the mainstream solutions include gear transmission mechanisms and traction structures using steel cables and pulleys. However, gear sets are complex in structure, have a large number of parts, and require high precision in machining and assembly, resulting in high manufacturing costs, making them unsuitable for cost-sensitive disposable electronic endoscope products.

[0003] While the traditional wire rope and wheel structure is lower in cost, it suffers from problems such as easy stretching of the wires, bounce, and large transmission clearance, resulting in insufficient steering control precision and sluggish response, which cannot meet the requirements of high-precision operation and has considerable room for improvement. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to address the aforementioned problems in the prior art by proposing an endoscope steering mechanism and an endoscope.

[0005] The objective of this invention can be achieved through the following technical solution: an endoscope steering mechanism, comprising: A base having at least one set of output channel groups, each of the output channel groups including two output channels; The number of rotating components is the same as the number of the output channel group, and the rotating components can rotate relative to the base; The synchronous belts are the same number as the output channel groups. The middle of the synchronous belts meshes with the rotating component, which can drive the synchronous belts to move. Each synchronous belt has two output components connected to its two ends. Each output component is located in its respective output channel and can slide along the length of the output channel.

[0006] In the aforementioned endoscope steering mechanism, the output component includes a slider and a cable head. The slider is provided with a first connecting portion, and the cable head is provided with a second connecting portion. The cable head is detachably connected to the first connecting portion of the slider through the second connecting portion, and the cable head is connected to the timing belt.

[0007] In the aforementioned endoscope steering mechanism, the sliding member includes a fixed block and a mounting block. The fixed block is provided with a third connecting part and a fixing groove, the fixing groove being able to engage with the timing belt. The mounting block is provided with a fourth connecting part, the mounting block being detachably connected to the third connecting part of the fixed block through the fourth connecting part. When the mounting block is connected to the fixed block, the timing belt is restricted between the mounting block and the fixed block.

[0008] In the aforementioned endoscope steering mechanism, the third connecting part is configured as a sliding groove, and the fourth connecting part is configured as a slider. The mounting block can slide into or out of the sliding groove of the fixing block through the slider. When the mounting block slides into the fixing block, the timing belt is restricted between the mounting block and the fixing block.

[0009] In the aforementioned endoscope steering mechanism, the fixing block is further provided with an outlet, which is connected to the sliding groove.

[0010] In the aforementioned endoscope steering mechanism, the first connecting part is configured as a first threaded part, and the second connecting part is configured as a second threaded part. The cable head can be threadedly connected to the first threaded part of the sliding member through the second threaded part.

[0011] In the aforementioned endoscope steering mechanism, a clamping member is also included. The clamping member is connected to the base, and the portion of the timing belt that engages with the rotating member is located between the rotating member and the clamping member. The clamping member is in contact with the timing belt.

[0012] In one of the endoscope steering mechanisms described above, the clamping member is rotatably connected to the base and can roll relative to the timing belt.

[0013] The aforementioned endoscope steering mechanism also includes a handwheel, which is rotatably connected to the base and can drive the rotating component to rotate.

[0014] An endoscope is also provided, including the aforementioned endoscope steering mechanism.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: by engaging the synchronous belt with the rotating component and driving the output components at both ends to slide synchronously in opposite directions within the output channel, high-precision bidirectional traction control is achieved. Compared with gear sets, this structure greatly simplifies the number of parts and significantly reduces costs. Compared with wire rope pulleys, synchronous belt engagement transmission avoids problems such as wire jump and tensile deformation, and significantly improves the repeatability of steering angle and control accuracy. It is especially suitable for disposable electronic endoscopes that are sensitive to cost and have high precision requirements. The sliding component consists of a fixed block and a mounting block, which clamp the synchronous belt to achieve power transmission. This split structure avoids the problem of difficult synchronous belt installation and ensures that the synchronous belt does not dislodge during high-speed reciprocating motion. The transmission stability is superior to that of the easily loosened wire rope structure, ensuring consistent steering over long-term operation. The threaded connection is used to fasten the cable head and the sliding component, which is reliable and has adjustable preload. This effectively overcomes the defects of traditional wire rope crimping or bonding methods, such as easy loosening and insufficient strength. In addition, since the relative position of the second threaded part and the first threaded part can be changed, the position of the cable head relative to the synchronous belt can also be finely adjusted. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the endoscope steering mechanism of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the endoscope steering mechanism of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the endoscope steering mechanism of the present invention from another perspective.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a front view of the endoscope steering mechanism of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A cross-sectional view from the perspective of AA.

[0021] Figure 6 for Figure 4 A cross-sectional view from the perspective of a BB (Black and White) camera.

[0022] Figure 7 for Figure 4 A cross-sectional view from the CC perspective.

[0023] In the diagram, 100 is the base; 110 is the output channel; 200 is the rotating component; 300 is the synchronous belt; 400 is the sliding component; 410 is the fixing block; 411 is the first threaded part; 412 is the sliding groove part; 413 is the fixing groove; 414 is the outlet; 420 is the mounting block; 421 is the slider part; 500 is the cable head; 510 is the second threaded part; 600 is the clamping component; and 700 is the handwheel. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The following are specific embodiments of the present invention, which are described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0025] It should be noted that all directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in the embodiments of the present invention are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.

[0026] Furthermore, in this invention, descriptions involving terms such as "first," "second," and "a" are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0027] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connection," "fixed," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "fixed" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can mean a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can mean a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can mean the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0028] Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other, but only if they are feasible for those skilled in the art. If the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be considered that such combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by the present invention.

[0029] The specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the spirit of the invention. Those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains may make various modifications or additions to the described specific embodiments or use similar methods to substitute them, without departing from the spirit of the invention or exceeding the scope defined by the appended claims.

[0030] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, an endoscope steering mechanism includes: a base 100, a rotating component 200, and a timing belt 300.

[0031] The base 100 is provided with at least one set of output channels 110, and each set of output channels 110 includes two output channels 110.

[0032] The number of rotating parts 200 is the same as the number of output channels 110, and the rotating parts 200 can rotate relative to the base 100.

[0033] The number of synchronous belts 300 is the same as the number of output channels 110. The middle part of the synchronous belt 300 is engaged with the rotating member 200. The rotating member 200 can drive the synchronous belt 300 to move. Each synchronous belt 300 has two output members connected to its two ends. Each output member is located in each output channel 110 and can slide along the length of the output channel 110.

[0034] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, an embodiment is given in which the base 100 is provided with two sets of output channels 110, two rotating parts 200 and two synchronous belts 300, but the actual number of such components is not specifically limited here.

[0035] In this embodiment, the synchronous belt 300 engages with the rotating component 200 and drives the output components at both ends to slide synchronously in opposite directions within the output channel 110, thereby achieving high-precision bidirectional traction control. Compared with gear sets, this structure significantly simplifies the number of parts and reduces costs. Compared with wire rope pulleys, the synchronous belt 300 engagement transmission avoids problems such as wire jump and tensile deformation, and significantly improves the repeatability of steering angle and control accuracy, making it particularly suitable for disposable electronic endoscopes that are cost-sensitive and require high precision.

[0036] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, based on the above embodiment, the output component includes a slider 400 and a cable head 500. The slider 400 is provided with a first connecting portion, and the cable head 500 is provided with a second connecting portion. The cable head 500 is detachably connected to the first connecting portion of the slider 400 through the second connecting portion, and the cable head 500 is connected to the timing belt 300.

[0037] Cable head 500 is used to secure the cable.

[0038] The structure of the first connecting part and the second connecting part is not specifically limited here. It can be a snap-fit ​​assembly structure or a plug-in assembly structure, as long as it is a detachable assembly structure.

[0039] In this embodiment, the output component is designed as a detachable connection structure between the sliding component 400 and the cable head 500, which allows the cable connected to the bent section of the insertion tube to be quickly replaced. This solves the problem that the traditional integrated steel wire rope structure must be scrapped as a whole once it is damaged. It retains the hygiene and safety of single use, improves the maintainability of key vulnerable parts, and balances cost control and clinical reliability.

[0040] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, based on the above embodiment, the sliding member 400 includes a fixing block 410 and a mounting block 420. The fixing block 410 is provided with a third connecting part and a fixing groove 413. The fixing groove 413 can engage with the timing belt 300. The mounting block 420 is provided with a fourth connecting part. The mounting block 420 is detachably connected to the third connecting part of the fixing block 410 through the fourth connecting part. When the mounting block 420 is connected to the fixing block 410, the timing belt 300 is restricted between the mounting block 420 and the fixing block 410.

[0041] In this embodiment, the sliding member 400 consists of a fixing block 410 and a mounting block 420, which clamp the synchronous belt 300 to achieve power transmission. This split structure avoids the problem of difficulty in threading the synchronous belt 300, while ensuring that the synchronous belt 300 does not disengage during high-speed reciprocating motion. The transmission stability is superior to that of the easily loosened wire rope structure, ensuring consistent steering during long-term operation. In addition, since the engagement position between the fixing groove 413 and the synchronous belt 300 can be varied, coarse adjustment of the position of the cable head 500 relative to the synchronous belt 300 can also be achieved.

[0042] The structure of the third and fourth connecting parts is not specifically limited here. They can be snap-fit ​​or plug-in structures, as long as they are detachable.

[0043] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, based on the above embodiment, the third connecting part is configured as a sliding groove part 412, and the fourth connecting part is configured as a slider part 421. The mounting block 420 can slide into or out of the sliding groove part 412 of the fixing block 410 through the slider part 421. When the mounting block 420 slides into the fixing block 410, the synchronous belt 300 is restricted between the mounting block 420 and the fixing block 410.

[0044] In this embodiment, the fixed block 410 and the mounting block 420 are connected by a sliding engagement of the groove part 412 and the slider part 421, so that the installation or removal of the timing belt 300 can be completed simply by sliding along a straight line without the need for special tools or complicated disassembly, which greatly improves the production assembly efficiency and the convenience of after-sales maintenance.

[0045] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, based on the above embodiment, the fixing block 410 is also provided with an outlet 414, which is connected to the slide groove 412.

[0046] In this embodiment, the outlet 414 is actually a slot structure with a width on both sides slightly smaller than the width on both sides of the slide groove 412. Its purpose is to facilitate the operator to slide the mounting block 420 out by inserting their fingers into the outlet 414, thereby facilitating the insertion or removal of the timing belt 300.

[0047] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, based on the above embodiment, the first connecting part is configured as a first threaded part 411, the second connecting part is configured as a second threaded part 510, and the cable head 500 can be threadedly connected to the first threaded part 411 of the sliding member 400 through the second threaded part 510.

[0048] In this embodiment, a threaded connection is used to fasten the cable head 500 and the sliding member 400. The connection is reliable and the preload is adjustable, which effectively overcomes the defects of traditional wire rope crimping or bonding methods, such as easy loosening and insufficient strength. At the same time, since the relative position of the second threaded part 510 and the first threaded part 411 can be changed, the position of the cable head 500 relative to the timing belt 300 can also be finely adjusted.

[0049] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, based on the above embodiment, a clamping member 600 is also included. The clamping member 600 is connected to the base 100. The portion of the synchronous belt 300 that engages with the rotating member 200 is located between the rotating member 200 and the clamping member 600. The clamping member 600 is in contact with the synchronous belt 300.

[0050] In this embodiment, a clamping member 600 is added to press the timing belt 300 against the meshing area of ​​the rotating member 200, thereby eliminating the risk of the timing belt 300 skipping teeth under load. This fundamentally solves the "idle" problem caused by the elastic deformation of the wire rope pulley, making the steering response more linear and precise.

[0051] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, based on the above embodiment, the clamping member 600 is rotatably connected to the base 100, and the clamping member 600 can roll relative to the timing belt 300.

[0052] In this embodiment, the clamping member 600 is designed as a rolling structure, which converts sliding friction into rolling friction, significantly reducing transmission resistance and wear, and further enabling the clamping member 600 to effectively press the synchronous belt 300 against the meshing area of ​​the rotating member 200.

[0053] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, based on the above embodiment, a handwheel 700 is also included. The handwheel 700 is rotatably connected to the base 100 and can drive the rotating component 200 to rotate.

[0054] In this embodiment, the rotation of the rotating component 200 is directly controlled by the handwheel 700.

[0055] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, in general, the core components of this endoscope steering mechanism include a base 100, rotating members 200, and a timing belt 300. The base 100 is provided with at least one set of output channels 110, each set containing two output channels 110. The number of rotating members 200 is the same as the number of sets of output channels 110, and each rotating member 200 can rotate relative to the base 100. The number of timing belts 300 is also the same as the number of sets of output channels 110, with their middle portions engaging with the rotating members 200, enabling the rotating members 200 to drive the timing belts 300. Each timing belt 300 has two output members connected to its two ends, each output member located in its respective output channel 110 and capable of sliding along the length of the output channel 110.

[0056] The base 100, serving as the fundamental support for the entire steering mechanism, is equipped with at least one set of output channels 110, each set containing two output channels 110. The design of the output channels 110 ensures that the output components can slide smoothly within them, thereby achieving precise bidirectional traction control. This design not only simplifies the structure but also improves the reliability and stability of the system.

[0057] The number of rotating components 200 is the same as the number of output channels 110, and each rotating component 200 can rotate independently relative to the base 100. The rotating component 200 meshes with the middle of the synchronous belt 300. When the rotating component 200 rotates, the synchronous belt 300 moves accordingly, thereby driving the output components at both ends to slide along the output channel 110. This design avoids the complex structure and high cost of traditional gear sets, while also solving the problems of jump and tensile deformation that easily occur in wire rope pulleys, achieving high-precision bidirectional traction control.

[0058] The output component consists of a slider 400 and a cable head 500. The slider 400 has a first connecting part, and the cable head 500 has a second connecting part. The cable head 500 is detachably connected to the first connecting part of the slider 400 via the second connecting part, and is also connected to the timing belt 300. This design allows for quick replacement of the cable head 500, solving the problem of traditional integrated steel wire rope structures requiring complete scrapping upon damage. It maintains the hygiene and safety of single-use applications while improving the maintainability of key vulnerable components, balancing cost control and clinical reliability.

[0059] The sliding member 400 is further divided into a fixed block 410 and a mounting block 420. The fixed block 410 is provided with a third connecting part and a fixing groove 413, which can engage with the timing belt 300 to ensure that the timing belt 300 does not disengage during high-speed reciprocating motion. The mounting block 420 is provided with a fourth connecting part, which is detachably connected to the third connecting part of the fixed block 410. When the mounting block 420 is connected to the fixed block 410, the timing belt 300 is constrained between the two, ensuring the stability and consistency of power transmission. In addition, since the engagement position of the fixing groove 413 with the timing belt 300 can be varied, coarse adjustment of the position of the cable head 500 relative to the timing belt 300 can also be achieved.

[0060] Based on the above embodiments, the third connecting part is configured as a groove part 412, and the fourth connecting part is configured as a slider part 421. The mounting block 420 can slide into or out of the groove part 412 of the fixing block 410 through the slider part 421, so that the installation or removal of the timing belt 300 can be completed simply by sliding along a straight line, without the need for special tools or complicated disassembly, which greatly improves the efficiency of production assembly and the convenience of after-sales maintenance.

[0061] The fixed block 410 is also provided with an outlet 414, which is connected to the slide 412. This allows the operator to slide the mounting block 420 out by inserting their finger into the outlet 414, thereby facilitating the insertion or removal of the synchronous belt 300 and enhancing the safety redundancy design of the mechanism.

[0062] This endoscope steering mechanism achieves high-precision bidirectional traction control by engaging a synchronous belt 300 with a rotating component 200, driving the output components at both ends to slide synchronously in opposite directions within the output channel 110. Compared to gear sets, this structure significantly simplifies the number of parts and reduces costs considerably. Compared to wire rope pulleys, the synchronous belt 300 engagement transmission avoids problems such as wire skipping and tensile deformation, significantly improving steering angle repeatability and control precision, making it particularly suitable for cost-sensitive and high-precision disposable electronic endoscopes. This design not only simplifies the structure and reduces costs but also improves system reliability and operational accuracy, demonstrating significant industrialization value and clinical application prospects.

[0063] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, an endoscope includes the aforementioned endoscope steering mechanism.

Claims

1. An endoscope steering mechanism, characterized in that, include: A base having at least one set of output channel groups, each of the output channel groups including two output channels; The number of rotating components is the same as the number of the output channel group, and the rotating components can rotate relative to the base; The synchronous belts are the same number as the output channel groups. The middle of the synchronous belts meshes with the rotating component, which can drive the synchronous belts to move. Each synchronous belt has two output components connected to its two ends. Each output component is located in its respective output channel and can slide along the length of the output channel.

2. The endoscope steering mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The output component includes a slider and a cable head. The slider is provided with a first connecting portion, and the cable head is provided with a second connecting portion. The cable head is detachably connected to the first connecting portion of the slider through the second connecting portion, and the cable head is connected to the timing belt.

3. An endoscope steering mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: The sliding component includes a fixed block and a mounting block. The fixed block is provided with a third connecting part and a fixing groove. The fixing groove can engage with the timing belt. The mounting block is provided with a fourth connecting part. The mounting block is detachably connected to the third connecting part of the fixed block through the fourth connecting part. When the mounting block is connected to the fixed block, the timing belt is restricted between the mounting block and the fixed block.

4. An endoscope steering mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that: The third connecting part is configured as a sliding groove, and the fourth connecting part is configured as a slider. The mounting block can slide into or out of the sliding groove of the fixing block through the slider. When the mounting block slides into the fixing block, the timing belt is restricted between the mounting block and the fixing block.

5. An endoscope steering mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that: The fixing block is also provided with an outlet, which is connected to the slide groove.

6. An endoscope steering mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first connecting part is configured as a first threaded part, and the second connecting part is configured as a second threaded part. The cable head can be threadedly connected to the first threaded part of the sliding member through the second threaded part.

7. An endoscope steering mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a clamping member, which is connected to the base. The portion of the timing belt that engages with the rotating member is located between the rotating member and the clamping member, and the clamping member is in contact with the timing belt.

8. An endoscope steering mechanism according to claim 7, characterized in that: The clamping member is rotatably connected to the base and can roll relative to the timing belt.

9. An endoscope steering mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a handwheel, which is rotatably connected to the base and can drive the rotating component to rotate.

10. An endoscope, characterized in that, Includes the endoscope steering mechanism according to any one of claims 1-9.

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