Endoscope and operating portion thereof

Abstract

This application provides an endoscope and its operating part, including: a housing with an inner cavity; a transmission assembly including a gear, a rack, and a lever, wherein the gear is rotatably disposed in the inner cavity, the rack has a first surface facing the gear and a second surface facing away from the gear, the first surface meshing with the gear, and the second surface having multiple locking grooves along its length; one end of the lever is disposed outside the housing, and the other end extends into the inner cavity and is connected to the shaft of the gear, for driving the gear to rotate, the gear rotation causing the rack to move and bending the distal end of the endoscope operating part; and a locking assembly, partly disposed outside the housing and partly extendable into or out of the locking groove to lock or unlock the movement of the rack. The above solution drives the gear to rotate, which in turn drives the rack to rotate, thereby driving a traction rope to pull the curved part of the endoscope to change its bending angle. By driving the locking assembly to extend into a locking groove, the gear and rack are fixed, thus fixing the bending angle of the curved part.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of medical testing technology, and in particular to an endoscope and its operating part. Background Technology

[0002] In current minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery, in order to achieve precise and flexible operation in complex and narrow human body areas, a laparoscope usually includes a probe, a bending section, and an operating section. The pulling rod of the operating section is used to control the pulling of the traction rope to adjust the bending angle of the bending section in order to observe the images inside the abdominal cavity.

[0003] However, when adjusting the angle of the bend by pulling the traction rope with the lever, if the laparoscope does not have a corresponding locking structure, medical staff need to continuously manually press the lever to ensure the stability of the bend angle due to the tension of the bend and the traction rope.

[0004] Prolonged pressing of the lever by medical staff consumes a lot of their energy and physical strength, which can lead to unstable pressing pressure and an unstable bending angle. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of this, it is necessary to provide an endoscope and its operating part that can improve the stability of bending angle in order to solve the above problems.

[0006] This application provides an endoscope operating unit, including:

[0007] The shell has an internal cavity;

[0008] The transmission assembly includes a gear, a rack, and an actuating element. The gear is rotatably disposed in the inner cavity. The rack has a first surface facing the gear and a second surface facing away from the gear. The first surface meshes with the gear, and the second surface has a plurality of locking grooves along its length. One end of the actuating element is disposed outside the housing, and the other end extends into the inner cavity and is connected to the shaft of the gear for driving the gear to rotate. The rotation of the gear causes the rack to move, causing the distal end of the endoscope to bend.

[0009] The locking assembly is partially located outside the housing and partially extends into or out of the locking groove to lock or unlock the movement of the rack.

[0010] In at least one embodiment of this application, the locking assembly has a force that restricts relative movement between the two, at least when it is inserted into the locking groove.

[0011] In at least one embodiment of this application, an elastic element is provided between the locking assembly and the housing to provide the locking assembly with a force that tends to disengage from the locking groove.

[0012] In at least one embodiment of this application, the locking assembly includes a first locking member and a second locking member;

[0013] One end of the first locking member is located outside the housing, and the other end can extend into or retract from the locking groove;

[0014] One end of the second locking member is connected to the housing, and the other end is movably connected to the first locking member, providing a force that restricts the movement of the first locking member at least when the first locking member extends into the locking groove.

[0015] In at least one embodiment of this application, a first elastic member is provided between the first locking member and the housing to provide the first locking member with a force that tends to disengage from the locking groove;

[0016] A second elastic element is provided between the second locking member and the housing to provide a force to the second locking member to move to a restricted position, wherein the restricted position is a position in which the second locking member provides a force to restrict the movement of the first locking member.

[0017] In at least one embodiment of this application, the first locking member is provided with a sliding groove, and the second locking member slides in the sliding groove. The sliding groove is provided with at least a first holding position and a second holding position, such that when the second locking member slides to the first holding position, the first locking member extends into the locking groove, and when the second locking member slides to the second holding position, the first locking member exits the locking groove.

[0018] In at least one embodiment of this application, the groove has groove walls that are joined end to end, the second locking member slides against the groove wall under the force of the second elastic member, and at least a portion of the groove wall section at the edge is shaped to make the second locking member tend to slide in a first rotation direction.

[0019] The groove wall is provided with at least a first stop and a second stop, which are respectively disposed in different groove wall sections between the first holding position and the second holding position. At least when the second locking member slides into the first holding position or the second holding position in the first rotation direction, it provides a force to stop the second locking member from reversing.

[0020] In at least one embodiment of this application, the housing is provided with a mounting groove, the mounting groove is provided with a sliding hole, and the locking assembly is disposed in the mounting groove and at least partially slides in the sliding hole to extend into or retract from the locking groove.

[0021] In at least one embodiment of this application, a protective cover is provided outside the mounting slot.

[0022] In at least one embodiment of this application, a plurality of the locking grooves are equally spaced on the second surface.

[0023] An endoscope includes the endoscope operating section described above.

[0024] The endoscope and operating unit provided above have meshing gears and racks in the inner cavity of the housing, and multiple locking grooves are provided on the second surface of the rack away from the gears. When the distal end of the endoscope is inserted into the human body cavity and needs to bend and change angle, the gear is driven to rotate by rotating the actuating component of the operating unit. The rotation of the gear drives the rack to rotate, thereby driving the traction rope to pull the curved part of the endoscope to change the bending angle. The locking assembly is driven to extend into a locking groove to fix the gear and rack, thereby fixing the bending angle of the curved part. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the endoscope operating part in the first embodiment of this application.

[0026] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the endoscope's operating section.

[0027] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the endoscope operating section in the unlocked state with the protective cover hidden.

[0028] Figure 4 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the endoscope operating section in the locked state with the protective cover hidden.

[0029] Figure 5 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a three-dimensional structure of the rack.

[0030] Figure 6 for Figure 1 The image shows a partial enlarged view of the locking assembly and the housing.

[0031] Figure 7 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a three-dimensional structural schematic of the first locking component from a first-view perspective.

[0032] Figure 8 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a three-dimensional structure of the first locking element from a second perspective.

[0033] Figure 9 for Figure 1 The graph shows the trend of the endoscope operating unit from the unlocked state to the locked state and back to the unlocked state.

[0034] Explanation of main component symbols

[0035] 100. Endoscope; 10. Housing; 10a. Cavity; 10b. Mounting groove; 10c. Sliding hole; 20. Transmission assembly; 21. Gear; 211. Shaft; 22. Rack; 22a. First surface; 22b. Second surface; 22c. Locking groove; 23. Actuator; 30. Locking assembly; 31. First locking element; 311. Locking part; 311a. Slide groove; 3111a. First groove; 3111b. First section; 3111c. Second section; 3112a. Second groove; 3112b. Third section; 3112c. Fourth section; A. First holding position; B. Second holding position; C. First anti-reverse position; D. Second anti-reverse position; 311b. Locking surface; 312. Sliding part; 313. Supporting part; 314. First stop part; 315. Second stop part; 32. Second locking member; 321. Fixed shaft; 322. Locking part; 33. First elastic member; 34. Fixed member; 341. Fixed part; 342. Connecting part; 35. Second elastic member; 40. Probe; 50. Traction rope; 60. Rigid tube; 70. Bending part; 80. Cable; 90. Protective cover. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments.

[0037] It should be noted that when a component is considered to be "connected" to another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or may also have an intervening component. When a component is considered to be "placed" on another component, it can be directly placed on the other component or may also have an intervening component. The terms "top," "bottom," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," "back," and similar expressions used in this article are for illustrative purposes only.

[0038] The following detailed description of some embodiments of this application is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other.

[0039] Example 1

[0040] Please see Figure 1 Embodiment 1 of this application provides an endoscope operating part, including a housing 10, a transmission assembly 20, and a locking assembly 30. Specifically, the housing 10 has an inner cavity 10a. The transmission assembly 20 is disposed within the inner cavity 10a and connected to a traction rope 50, with another portion disposed outside the housing 10 for operation by medical personnel to move the traction rope 50. The locking assembly 30 is partially disposed outside the housing 10, with another portion extending into or out of the inner cavity 10a and cooperating with the transmission assembly 20 to lock or unlock the transmission assembly 20, thereby adjusting the bending angle of the distal end of the endoscope.

[0041] It should be noted that an endoscope is a tool used in minimally invasive surgery, typically for observing and manipulating organs within the abdominal cavity. In endoscopic surgery, after preoperative preparation, the patient lies supine on the operating table. Medical staff puncture the abdominal wall at the umbilicus or other designated site using a pneumoperitoneum needle, introducing carbon dioxide into the abdominal cavity to inflate it. Then, a trocar is inserted into the abdominal cavity, and a small incision of 0.5cm-1cm is made at the umbilicus or other site to insert other instruments. The endoscope is inserted through the trocar into the abdominal cavity, and connected to a cold light source to emit light from its tip for observation of the patient's abdominal tissues or organs.

[0042] The existing endoscope 100 includes a traction rope 50 and a bending section 70 connected in sequence to its transmission assembly 20, a probe 40 (for laparoscopy, the probe 40 includes optical elements, and may also include ultrasound elements) located at the distal end of the bending section 70, and an actuating element 23 located inside or outside the abdominal cavity and connected to the transmission shaft of the transmission assembly 20. When medical personnel insert the endoscope 100 into the human abdominal cavity through a puncture cannula, they rotate the actuating element 23 to move the transmission assembly 20. The transmission assembly 20 pulls the traction rope 50 to move, and the traction rope 50 pulls the bending section 70 to adjust the bending angle to observe human tissues or organs.

[0043] Furthermore, the curved section 70 includes a snake-like structure, which is a segmented joint structure. Each segment of the joint structure is connected by a rotatable hinge structure. Each segment of the snake-like structure typically has two or four control directions (commonly up, down, left, and right). Each control direction is controlled by a traction rope 50, the other end of which is connected to the drive structure of the endoscope 100.

[0044] For details in this application, please refer to Figure 1 The endoscope 100 includes a probe 40, a traction rope 50, a bend 70, and a cable 80. Specifically, one end of the traction rope 50 is attached to the transmission assembly 20, and the other end is connected to the bend 70. The probe 40 is located at the end of the bend 70 away from the housing 10, and the cable 80 is located at the end of the housing 10 away from the probe 40 to connect to an external cold light source and display device.

[0045] In one specific embodiment, the curved portion 70 includes the snake-bone structure described above.

[0046] In one specific embodiment, in order to prevent the traction rope 50 from being exposed and damaged, the endoscope 100 also includes a rigid tube 60, which is disposed between the bend 70 and the housing 10 to wrap around the outside of the traction rope 50.

[0047] During the use of the existing endoscope 100, medical staff often need to adjust the endoscope operating section multiple times to adjust the bending angle of the bending section 70 and maintain that bending angle.

[0048] In the endoscope 100 of this application, the transmission assembly 20 includes a gear 21, a rack 22, and an actuating member 23. Specifically, the gear 21 is rotatably disposed in the inner cavity 10a, and the rack 22 is disposed in the inner cavity 10a and meshes with the gear 21. One end of the actuating member 23 is disposed outside the housing 10, and the other end extends into the inner cavity 10a and is connected to the rotating shaft 211 of the gear 21, so that rotating the actuating member 23 drives the gear 21 to rotate, and the gear 21 drives the rack 22 to move to control the movement of the traction rope 50. The locking assembly 30 is partially disposed outside the housing 10, and the other part can extend into or out of the inner cavity 10a, for extending into the inner cavity 10a and locking onto the rack 22, or exiting the inner cavity 10a and unlocking from the rack 22.

[0049] In one specific embodiment, the actuating element 23 is a lever structure.

[0050] Specifically, please refer to Figures 2-4 The rack 22 has a first surface 22a facing the gear 21 and a second surface 22b facing away from the gear 21. The first surface 22a is provided with a toothed structure to mesh with the gear 21. The second surface 22b has a plurality of locking grooves 22c along its length. The locking component 30 can extend into or out of the inner cavity 10a and can be locked or unlocked in any locking groove 22c. It can be understood that in this embodiment, by creating grooves on the second surface 22b, the locking component 30 is locked in the concave locking groove 22c to restrict the movement of the locking component 30. Due to the restriction of the concave sidewall, the locking component 30 is stopped in the concave space. Therefore, when the probe 40 is impacted during the process of entering the human body and the impact force is transmitted to the traction rope 50 and the rack 22, the restriction of the locking groove 22c provides a force that restricts the relative movement of the rack 22 and the locking component 30, thereby ensuring the stability of the rack 22, that is, ensuring the stability of the traction rope 50. Please refer to the specific details. Figure 5 As can be seen, since the locking groove 22c is small in size, multiple locking grooves 22c can be opened along the length direction of the rack 22, and the spacing between each locking groove 22c is controllable. Compared with the protrusion slot method, by inserting the locking component 30 into and locking it in a specific locking groove 22c, the distance of the rack 22 extending or retracting can be controlled, thereby controlling the length of the traction rope 50 released, so as to control the angle of the snake bone and ensure accuracy.

[0051] In one specific embodiment, a plurality of locking grooves 22c are equally spaced on the second surface 22b. For details, please refer to... Figures 3-5 , Figure 3 and Figure 4A reference diagram showing the endoscope 100 in the adjusted and locked states is provided. Figure 5 A detailed structural diagram of rack 22 is shown. In this embodiment, there are two racks 22, which mesh with the upper and lower circumferential surfaces of gear 21 in the vertical direction shown in the diagram. When the endoscope 100 moves, rotating the actuating member 23 causes gear 21 to rotate, which in turn causes the two racks 22 to move in opposite directions, thereby pulling the two traction ropes 50 in the front-back direction. In this embodiment, the adjustment angle of the snake bone can be controlled by setting or adjusting the distance between the central axes of every two locking grooves 22c after each pulling of a locking groove 22c. Specifically, this distance can be calculated based on a single snake bone element and the distance between the central axes of two specific locking grooves 22c.

[0052] Preferably, the locking assembly 30, at least when extended into the locking groove 22c, has a force that restricts the relative movement between it and the housing 10. A specific embodiment is as follows: In a first embodiment, the locking assembly 30 includes a first locking member 31 and a second locking member 32. Specifically, the housing 10 has a mounting groove 10b, and a sliding hole 10c communicating with the inner cavity 10a is formed within the mounting groove 10b. One end of the first locking member 31 is disposed within the mounting groove 10b, and the other end can extend into or exit the locking groove 22c through the sliding hole 10c. The first locking member 31 is located within the sliding hole 10c and can move within the sliding hole 10c, so that by moving the first locking member 31 within the sliding hole 10c to extend into the locking groove 22c in the inner cavity 10a, a locked state is achieved. Alternatively, by moving the first locking member 31 within the sliding hole 10c to exit the inner cavity 10a, the locking assembly 30 is separated from the rack 22, thereby completing the unlocked state. The second locking member 32 is connected at one end to the housing 10 and movably connected at the other end to the first locking member 31, so as to provide a force that restricts the movement of the first locking member 31 at least when the first locking member 31 extends into the locking groove 22c.

[0053] It should be noted that the above solution reduces the overall volume of the endoscope operating part by opening a mounting groove 10b on the housing 10 and by placing the first locking member 31 in the mounting groove 10b.

[0054] In one specific embodiment, the second locking member 32 is an elastic member (i.e., a member that can undergo elastic deformation), and the second locking member 32 is fixedly connected to the housing 10. Thus, when the second locking member 32 extends into the slide groove 311a, as the medical staff presses the first locking member 31, the end of the second locking member 32 undergoes elastic deformation, thereby allowing it to move within the slide groove 311a.

[0055] In another specific embodiment, the second locking member 32 is a non-elastic member (i.e. a member that cannot undergo elastic deformation). In this case, the second locking member 32 is movably connected to the housing 10, so that when the second locking member 32 extends into the slide groove 311a, as the medical staff presses the first locking member 31, the second locking member 32 moves relative to the slide groove 311a.

[0056] In this first embodiment, the first locking member 31 is provided with a sliding groove 311a, and the second locking member 32 slides in the sliding groove 311a. The sliding groove 311a is provided with at least a first holding position A and a second holding position B, so that when the second locking member 32 slides to the first holding position A, the first locking member 31 extends into the locking groove 22c, and when the second locking member 32 slides to the second holding position B, the first locking member 31 exits the locking groove 22c.

[0057] Specifically, the first locking member 31 is used to move within the sliding hole 10c to extend into or retract from the locking groove 22c. The second locking member 32, when the first locking member 31 extends into or retracts from the locking groove 22c, is engaged in a first retaining position A and a second retaining position B within the sliding groove 311a, thereby locking or unlocking the first locking member 31 within the locking groove 22c to achieve a locked or unlocked state. Specific details are as follows:

[0058] Please combine Figures 6-8 The first locking member 31 includes a locking part 311, a sliding part 312, and a supporting part 313 arranged sequentially. Specifically, the locking part 311 has a sliding groove 311a, the second locking member 32 partially extends into the sliding groove 311a, the sliding part 312 is disposed in the sliding hole 10c and can move within the sliding hole 10c, and the supporting part 313 extends into the inner cavity 10a.

[0059] Specifically, the locking part 311 extends out of the mounting groove 10b for medical personnel to press. Another part of the locking part 311 is located within the fixing cavity and directly opposite the second locking member 32, and a sliding groove 311a is provided on the locking part 311 for the second locking member 32 to extend into. Thus, when the endoscope 100 needs to be locked, by pressing the locking part 311 extending out of the fixing cavity, the locking part 311 pushes the sliding part 312 to move within the sliding hole 10c. At this time, the second locking member 32 moves within the sliding groove 311a until it reaches the first holding position A, thereby completing the locking. The first holding position A has an inner groove recessed towards the rack 22 within the slide groove 311a. When the second locking member 32 moves to the first holding position A, the second locking member 32 abuts against the inner groove at the first holding position A. Thus, when the first locking member 31 has a force away from the rack 22, the second locking member 32 applies a force to the inner groove to restrict the movement of the first locking member 31, thereby stabilizing the first locking member 31 at this position. At this time, the abutting part 313 extends into a locking groove 22c to lock the rack 22 to form a locked state.

[0060] When the endoscope 100 needs to be unlocked, the medical staff slides the second locking member 32 from the first holding position A to the second holding position B, thus completing the unlocking state. Specifically, the second holding position B also has an inner groove recessed towards the rack 22 within the sliding groove 311a. When the second locking member 32 slides from the first holding position A to the second sliding position B, the abutment part 313 disengages from the locking groove 22c. At this time, the second locking member 32 abuts against the inner groove at the second holding position B, and the second locking member 32 stabilizes the first locking member 31 at this location. At this time, the abutment part 313 moves out of the locking groove 22c to form the unlocked state.

[0061] Preferably, a first elastic member 33 is provided between the first locking member 31 and the housing 10 to provide a force to the first locking member 31 that tends to disengage from the locking groove 22c. Specifically, the first elastic member 33 is sleeved on the sliding part 312, with one end of the first elastic member 33 abutting against the housing 10 and the other end abutting against the locking part 311. When the first locking member 31 changes from a locked state to an unlocked state, the first elastic member 33 is used to push the first locking member 31 to reset, avoiding locking problems caused by medical personnel's misoperation.

[0062] It should be noted that in the above scheme, when the first locking member 31 exits the locking groove 22c, the second locking member 32 provides a restrictive force on the first locking member 31, thus restricting the exit of the first locking member 31. In this scheme, when the first locking member 31 exits the locking groove 22c, the first elastic member 33, due to its elasticity, will still exert a restrictive force on the first locking member 31.

[0063] Furthermore, due to the size limitation of the first elastic member 33, its limiting force in retracting the first locking member 31 is limited. Medical personnel can counteract the limiting force of the first elastic member 33 by applying force to the first locking member 31.

[0064] Understandably, the above solution involves the first elastic member 33 abutting against the housing 10 and the locking part 311 at both ends. When medical personnel need to lock the endoscope 100, pressing the locking part 311 moves the second locking member 32 from the second holding position B to the first holding position A. At this time, the first elastic member 33 changes from a relaxed state to a compressed state. After the medical personnel complete the surgery, pressing the locking part 311 again causes the second locking member 32 to disengage from the inner groove of the first holding position A, enter the first segment 3111b, and break through the first anti-reverse position C to reach the second holding position B, thus achieving the unlocked state.

[0065] In one specific embodiment, the first elastic element 33 is a spring, and the number can be one or more.

[0066] Furthermore, the second elastic member 35 can also provide a force to the second locking member 32 to move toward a restricted position, which is a position where the second locking member 32 provides a force to restrict the movement of the first locking member 31.

[0067] In one specific embodiment, the locking portion 311, the sliding portion 312, and the abutting portion 313 are integrally formed. Preferably, the diameter of the sliding portion 312 is less than or equal to the diameter of the sliding hole 10c, and the diameter of the locking portion 311 is greater than the diameter of the sliding hole 10c, to avoid the problem that the first locking member 31 may be pushed into the inner cavity 10a and cannot be removed due to excessive pressing force. Further, the diameter of the abutting portion 313 gradually decreases from the sliding portion 312 toward the locking groove 22c until it forms a pointed tip at its end, so as to extend into and lock into a locking groove 22c.

[0068] Further, please refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 The slide groove 311a includes a first groove 3111a and a second groove 3112a connected in an annular manner. Specifically, the first groove 3111a and the second groove 3112a intersect at a first holding position A and a second holding position B, wherein the distance from the rack 22 at the first holding position A is greater than the distance from the rack 22 at the second holding position B. When the second locking member 32 is located at the first holding position A, the abutting part 313 abuts against a locking groove 22c; when the second locking member 32 is located at the second holding position B, the abutting part 313 disengages from the locking groove 22c.

[0069] It should be noted that, since the position of the second locking member 32 remains unchanged, when the endoscope 100 is in use, when medical personnel press the locking part 311 to move the supporting part 313 into the locking groove 22c within the sliding hole 10c, the locking part 311 moves downward as a whole until the supporting part 313 abuts against a locking groove 22c. At this time, the second locking member 32 reaches the first holding position A. This application locks the rack 22 by locking the second locking member 32 at the first holding position A of the sliding groove 311a. When the endoscope 100 needs to be unlocked, by releasing the supporting part 313 to disengage it from the locking groove 22c, the first locking member 31 moves upward as a whole. Since the position of the second locking member 32 remains unchanged, the portion of the second locking member 32 extending into the sliding groove 311a moves to the second holding position B, which is the unlocked state.

[0070] Furthermore, the slide groove 311a is provided with at least a first anti-reverse position C and a second anti-reverse position D. When the second locking member 32 slides to the first anti-reverse position C or the second anti-reverse position D, the slide groove 311a has a force to prevent the second locking member from reversing.

[0071] Please see Figure 8 and Figure 9 In one specific embodiment, to prevent the second unlocking member from moving in reverse within the first groove 3111a and the second groove 3112a and thus causing an accident, the first groove 3111a includes a first segment 3111b and a second segment 3111c connected to each other; the second groove 3112a includes a third segment 3112b connected to the second segment 3111c and a fourth segment 3112c connected to the first segment 3111b. Further, the first segment 3111b and the fourth segment 3112c intersect at a first holding position A, the second segment 3111c and the third segment 3112b intersect at a second holding position B, the first segment 3111b and the second segment 3111c intersect at a first anti-reverse position C, and the third segment 3112b and the fourth segment 3112c intersect at a second anti-reverse position D.

[0072] Specifically, when medical personnel adjust the endoscope 100 from the locked state to the unlocked state (i.e., when the second locking member 32 moves from the first holding position A to the second holding position B within the slide groove 311a), or from the unlocked state to the locked state (i.e., when the second locking member 32 moves from the second holding position B to the first holding position A within the slide groove 311a), it is necessary to press the locking part 311 to drive the second locking member 32 to move relative to each other within the slide groove 311a. This solution, by providing at least a first anti-reverse position C and a second anti-reverse position D within the slide groove 311a, ensures that when medical personnel release the locking part 311 after pressing it a certain distance, the second locking member 32 can be stopped at the first anti-reverse position C or the second anti-reverse position D, thereby reducing the pressing distance and improving efficiency.

[0073] Preferably, the groove 311a has groove walls that are joined end to end, and the second locking member 32 slides close to the groove wall. Furthermore, at least a portion of the groove wall section along the edge is shaped to encourage the second locking member 32 to slide in a first rotational direction.

[0074] It should be noted that, relative to the bottom of the slide groove 311a, at least a portion of the groove wall section of the edge can be sloping, stepped, or any other shape that allows the second locking member 32 to slide in the first rotation direction. The first rotation direction is the direction in which the second locking member 32 slides from a higher position to a lower position relative to the bottom of the slide groove 311a within at least a portion of the groove wall section of the edge.

[0075] Furthermore, a second elastic element 35 is provided between the second locking member 32 and the housing 10 to drive the second locking member 32 to slide within the groove 311a. Specifically, one end of the second elastic element 35 can be directly or indirectly fixed to the housing 10, and the other end abuts against the second locking member 32. When the second locking member 32 slides within the groove 311a, the groove wall of the groove 311a causes the second elastic element 35 to deform. When a medical staff member presses the first locking member 31, the second locking member 32 slides within the groove 311a relative to the first locking member 31. Due to the elastic force of the second elastic element 35, the second elastic element 35 applies a force to the second locking member 32, pressing it into the groove 311a and causing it to slide against the groove wall of the groove 311a. The shape of the groove wall, which changes according to the first rotation direction, causes the second locking member 32 to tend to move along the first rotation direction in multiple groove wall sections, or to remain stable within the aforementioned inner groove.

[0076] In one specific embodiment, the second elastic element 35 includes, but is not limited to, a spring.

[0077] Furthermore, the groove wall is provided with at least a first stop portion 314 and a second stop portion 315. Preferably, the first stop portion 314 and the second stop portion 315 are respectively disposed in different groove wall sections between the first holding position A and the second holding position B, so that when the medical staff suddenly releases their hand after pressing the first locking member 31 past the first holding position A or the second holding position B, the second locking member 32 can be stopped at the first stop portion 314 or the second stop portion 315 under the elastic force of the second elastic member 35, thereby providing a force to stop the second locking member 32 from reversing, at least when the second locking member 32 slides into the first holding position A or the second holding position B in the first rotation direction.

[0078] It should be noted that the use of the first stop 314 and the second stop 315 to stop the reverse force of the second locking member 32 is not limited to this. For example, when medical staff press the first locking member 31 to make the second locking member 32 slide relative to the first locking member 31 in the slide groove 311a along the first rotation direction, if the second locking member 32 fails to pass the first holding position A or the second holding position B due to insufficient force from the medical staff or other reasons, the second locking member 32 will rotate slightly in the reverse direction along the first rotation direction and be stopped by the first stop 314 and the second stop 315.

[0079] In one specific embodiment, the first stop 314 is disposed at the first anti-reverse position C, and the second stop 315 is disposed at the second anti-reverse position D.

[0080] More specifically, the first stop 314 and the second stop 315 can be any shape or structure that can form a step or other shape that prevents the second locking member 32 from reversing within the groove wall of the slide groove 311a. For example, the first stop 314 and the second stop 315 can be a stepped structure that can form a height difference between two adjacent sections of the slide groove 311a.

[0081] Please see Figure 9 , Figure 9 The diagram shows the curve of the endoscope operating part moving from the unlocked state to the locked state and back to the unlocked state. It also shows the movement trend of the second locking member 32 within the groove 311a, and the corresponding groove depth relationships of the first segment 3111b, the second segment 3111c, the third segment 3112b, and the fourth segment 3112c relative to the bottom of the groove 311a. In a specific embodiment, please refer to... Figure 7 and Figure 8 The locking part 311 has a locking surface 311b facing the second locking member 32, and a first groove 3111a and a second groove 3112a are formed on the locking surface 311b. Further, in a counterclockwise direction, the vertical distance between the first segment 3111b and the locking surface 311b gradually decreases, the vertical distance between the second segment 3111c and the locking surface 311b gradually increases, the vertical distance between the third segment 3112b and the locking surface 311b gradually decreases, and the vertical distance between the fourth segment 3112c and the locking surface gradually increases. That is, the groove 311a forms an inner groove at the first holding position A and the second holding position B, and both sides of the inner groove are higher than the height of the first holding position A and the second holding position B. Therefore, when changing the locking state of the endoscope operating part, external force is required to move the second locking member 32 from the first holding position A or the second holding position B, thus ensuring the stability of the state.

[0082] Please continue reading. Figure 4 and Figure 6To facilitate fixing the second locking member 32 to the mounting groove 10b, the locking assembly 30 also includes a fixing member 34. Specifically, the fixing member 34 includes a fixing part 341 and a connecting part 342 that are bent against each other. The fixing part 341 is fixed in the mounting groove 10b, and the second locking member 32 is fixed on the connecting part 342.

[0083] In one specific embodiment, the fixing part 341 and the connecting part 342 are integrally formed and bent sheet structures. The fixing part 341 is fixed in the mounting groove 10b by screws, and the second locking member 32 includes a fixing shaft 321 and a locking part 322. The fixing shaft 321 is fixed to the connecting part 342, and the locking part 322 is arranged around and rotatably on the fixing shaft 321. Preferably, a second elastic member 35 is provided between the second locking member 32 and the housing 10 to provide a force to the second locking member 32 to move to a restricted position, which is a position where the second locking member 32 provides a force to restrict the movement of the first locking member 31. Specifically, one end of the second elastic member 35 abuts against the connecting part 342, and the other end is provided on the locking part 322.

[0084] In one specific embodiment, the fixed shaft 321 is fixed to the connecting part 342 by a nut to ensure the tightness of the connection. The locking part 322 is disposed around and rotatably on the fixed shaft 321 so that when the endoscope 100 is switched, the locking part 322 can rotate and move within the first groove 3111a and the second groove 3112a.

[0085] In one specific embodiment, the second elastic element 35 is a spring, and the number of such springs can be one or more.

[0086] In one specific embodiment, the endoscope 100 also includes a protective cover 90, which is sleeved on the locking assembly 30 and located on the mounting groove 10b. The protective cover 90 is used to prevent dust from entering the mounting groove 10b, so as to prevent dust from clogging the mounting groove 10b and causing problems with smooth pressing, thus providing medical staff with a better operating feel.

[0087] In other embodiments, the locking assembly 30 may also be a separate component, which may be fixed by increasing the friction between the locking assembly 30 and the sliding hole 10c, or by providing a corresponding snap-fit ​​structure, protrusion structure, or by pressing and fixing through an interference fit, so that the locking assembly 30 extends into the locking groove 22c and is restricted from movement. Further, an elastic element may be provided between the locking assembly 30 and the housing 10 to provide a force that tends to pull the locking assembly 30 out of the locking groove 22c; in this case, when the locking assembly 30 is subjected to an external force not exceeding a set threshold, the locking assembly 30 remains outside the locking groove 22c to avoid unexpected locking; when the locking assembly 30 is subjected to an external force exceeding the set threshold, the locking assembly 30 enters the locking groove 22c and is restricted from movement by any of the aforementioned structures, remaining within the locking groove 22c. This application does not limit the specific structure that provides the force restricting the relative movement between the locking assembly 30 and the housing; various structures that can achieve this effect are within the protection scope of this application.

[0088] Example 2

[0089] Embodiment 2 of this application provides an endoscope 100, including an endoscope operating unit and a display as described in Embodiment 1. Specifically, the display is data-connected to the endoscope operating unit and is used to display images of human tissues and organs captured by the endoscope operating unit after it is inserted into the human body.

[0090] Furthermore, the medical device of this application can also be connected to other external devices, such as ultrasound equipment.

[0091] It should be noted that since the endoscope operating part in the medical device shown in Embodiment 2 of this application is exactly the same as the endoscope operating part in Embodiment 1, the beneficial effects of the endoscope operating part in Embodiment 2 are also exactly the same as those in Embodiment 1, and will not be repeated here.

[0092] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make improvements without departing from the inventive concept of this application, but these improvements all fall within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. An endoscope operating unit, characterized in that, include: The shell has an internal cavity; The transmission assembly includes a gear, a rack, and an actuating element. The gear is rotatably disposed in the inner cavity. The rack has a first surface facing the gear and a second surface facing away from the gear. The first surface meshes with the gear, and the second surface has a plurality of locking grooves along its length. One end of the actuating element is disposed outside the housing, and the other end extends into the inner cavity and is connected to the shaft of the gear for driving the gear to rotate. The rotation of the gear causes the rack to move, causing the distal end of the endoscope to bend. The locking assembly is partially located outside the housing and partially extends into or out of the locking groove to lock or unlock the movement of the rack.

2. The endoscope operating unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking assembly, at least when inserted into the locking groove, has a force between it and the housing that restricts their relative movement.

3. The endoscope operating unit according to claim 2, characterized in that, An elastic element is provided between the locking assembly and the housing to provide the locking assembly with a force that tends to disengage from the locking groove.

4. The endoscope operating unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking assembly includes a first locking element and a second locking element; One end of the first locking member is located outside the housing, and the other end can extend into or retract from the locking groove; One end of the second locking member is connected to the housing, and the other end is movably connected to the first locking member, providing a force that restricts the movement of the first locking member at least when the first locking member extends into the locking groove.

5. The endoscope operating unit according to claim 4, characterized in that, A first elastic element is provided between the first locking member and the housing to provide the first locking member with a force that tends to disengage from the locking groove; A second elastic element is provided between the second locking member and the housing to provide a force to the second locking member to move to a restricted position, wherein the restricted position is a position in which the second locking member provides a force to restrict the movement of the first locking member.

6. The endoscope operating unit according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first locking member is provided with a sliding groove, and the second locking member slides in the sliding groove. The sliding groove is provided with at least a first holding position and a second holding position, such that when the second locking member slides to the first holding position, the first locking member extends into the locking groove, and when the second locking member slides to the second holding position, the first locking member exits the locking groove.

7. The endoscope operating unit according to claim 6, characterized in that, The groove has groove walls that are connected end to end. The second locking member slides against the groove wall under the force of the second elastic member, and at least a portion of the groove wall section along the edge is shaped to make the second locking member tend to slide in the first rotation direction. The groove wall is provided with at least a first stop and a second stop, which are respectively disposed in different groove wall sections between the first holding position and the second holding position. At least when the second locking member slides into the first holding position or the second holding position in the first rotation direction, it provides a force to stop the second locking member from reversing.

8. The endoscope operating unit according to claim 7, characterized in that, The stop portion is disposed between the first holding position and the second holding position, and provides a force to stop the second locking member from reversing, at least when the second locking member slides out of the first holding position or the second holding position.

9. The endoscope operating unit according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The housing has a mounting groove, and the mounting groove has a sliding hole. The locking assembly is disposed in the mounting groove and at least partially slides in the sliding hole to extend into or retract from the locking groove.

10. The endoscope operating unit according to claim 9, characterized in that, A protective cover is provided outside the mounting slot.

11. The endoscope operating unit according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, Multiple locking grooves are equally spaced on the second surface.

12. An endoscope, characterized in that, Includes the endoscope operating unit as described in any one of claims 1-11.

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