Operating device for an endoscope having a rotating drum, an endoscope, and a method for operating the endoscope

Abstract

The invention relates to an operating device for an endoscope (10) having a rotating drum (16), in which an imaging system (28) is arranged, and having a hollow shaft tube (12) extending in a longitudinal direction (L), wherein the operating device (14) can be connected on the proximal side to the shaft tube (12), comprising an operating housing (20) having an adjustably held operating element (18), wherein the operating element (18) is designed to interact with a control line (24) of the rotating drum (16) arranged distally on the shaft tube (12), in order to pivot a visual field (32) of the imaging system (28) about a first transverse axis (Q1), in a first adjustment portion (38) of the operating element (18), into an observation position (39) and / or, in a second adjustment portion (40), into a cleaning position (30), which faces the shaft tube (12). The invention also relates to an endoscope (10) having an operating device (14) and to a method for operating the endoscope (10).

Description

[0001] Operating device for an endoscope with a rotary drum, an endoscope and a method for operating the endoscope

[0002] The present invention relates to an operating device for an endoscope with a rotating drum, in particular for medical applications, according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0003] Endoscopes are used in particular for medical, preferably surgical, operations as an observation instrument. The endoscope has a shaft tube with an electronic imaging system arranged on the distal side for observing an endoscope environment, in particular a surgical area. To enlarge the detectable observation area, the imaging system can be arranged within a rotating drum which is pivotable about a transverse axis on the distal side of the shaft tube within a bearing fork. Preferably, a control line is arranged circumferentially on the rotating drum and is connected to an operating device, in particular an operating handle, arranged on the proximal side of the shaft tube. A pulling movement on the control line generates a torque to pivot the rotating drum about the transverse axis. The control line preferably also serves to electronically supply the imaging system.

[0004] To cool the rear of the rotating drum, in particular the imaging system, fluid lines can be formed within the shaft tube, with a fluid inflow being operable with external valve elements. Furthermore, a field of view of the imaging system can be pivoted from an observation position to a cleaning position facing the shaft tube, whereby the field of view can be exposed to a cleaning fluid and cleaned using the fluid lines. Preferably, a fluid suction line is also used within the shaft tube to suction away used cleaning fluid.

[0005] Exemplary embodiments of an endoscope with a rotating drum can be found in DE 10 2020 132 778 A1 or DE 10 2020 132 773 B3 of the applicant.

[0006] External valve elements for controlling fluid flow within the endoscope can lead to incorrect operation of the endoscope, as the rotary drum's position may not be coordinated with the valve element's control. This can lead to insufficient cooling of the rear side of the rotary drum in the observation position and damage to the electronic imaging system. Furthermore, cooling fluid can be incorrectly supplied in the cleaning position, leaking from the shaft tube and contaminating, in particular, a dry surgical area.

[0007] The present invention is based on the object of proposing an operating device for an endoscope which, while avoiding the problems known from the prior art, enables particularly simple, in particular one-handed, and reliable operation of an endoscope with a rotary drum.

[0008] Furthermore, the object is to provide an endoscope with an operating device and a method for operating an endoscope.

[0009] This object is achieved with regard to the operating device by the features of independent claim 1 and with regard to the endoscope by the features of claim 12, as well as with regard to the method for operating an endoscope by the features of claim 13. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0010] According to the invention, an operating device for an endoscope with a rotary drum in which an imaging system is arranged and a hollow shaft tube extending along a longitudinal axis is proposed, wherein the operating device is connectable or connected to the shaft tube on the proximal side, in particular as an operating handle, comprising an operating housing with an adjustably received operating element, wherein the operating element is designed to interact with a control line of the rotary drum arranged on the distal side of the shaft tube in such a way that, in a first adjusting section of the operating element, a field of view of the imaging system of the rotary drum is pivoted about a first transverse axis into an observation position and / or in a second adjusting section into a cleaning position facing the shaft tube.The operating device comprises a valve element which interacts with the operating element and which selectively connects a first fluid inlet connection, in particular for a cooling fluid line, in the first adjusting section and / or a second fluid inlet connection, in particular for a cleaning fluid line, in the second adjusting section to at least one fluid outlet connection in order to cool the rotating drum on the back in the observation position when the operating device is in the mounted state and / or to clean a field of view of the imaging system in the cleaning position.

[0011] The invention recognizes that the interaction of the operating element with the valve element makes it possible to provide an operating device that, when mounted on an endoscope, can pivot a rotating drum and simultaneously control a fluid supply. Thus, a pivoting movement of the operating element can be directly coupled to a fluid control, which is why operating errors, in particular faulty fluid dispensing, can be avoided. Advantageously, predefined method steps, in particular temperature control of the rotating drum using a cooling fluid and / or cleaning a field of view of the imaging system, can be carried out particularly easily with the operating device, without the need to coordinate separate valve elements and pivoting mechanisms.

[0012] To clean the field of view, the cleaning fluid is preferably designed as a gaseous fluid, in particular compressed air provided externally or internally within the operating device, particularly preferably sterile air and / or carbon dioxide gas. Water can preferably be used as the cooling fluid. The cleaning fluid is preferably suitable for

[0013] To clean dirt that has entered the field of view of the imaging system from a surgical site, in particular a front lens of an objective and / or an illumination LED of the imaging system.

[0014] A preferred imaging system comprises a lighting element, in particular an LED, and a camera element, in particular with a magnifying lens, for recording the observation area.

[0015] Particularly preferably, the operating element is designed to interact with the control line in such a way that actuating movements of the operating element and the rotating drum are directly coupled, in particular synchronized, in order to pivot the field of view of the imaging system into the observation position in the first actuating section and / or into the cleaning position in the second actuating section. In other words, the operating element interacts directly with the control line in each actuating section to advantageously control the movement of the rotating drum at all times and to directly couple the fluid delivery by the valve element to the movement of the rotating drum.

[0016] In an alternative development, the operating device has a decoupling element that interacts with the operating element to decouple the interaction of the operating element with the rotating drum in a cleaning position in which the field of view is aligned along the longitudinal direction of the shaft tube. The operating element is adjustable, in particular pivotable, in a decoupled manner in the second adjusting section in order to operate the valve element, in particular to open the second fluid inlet connection for the cleaning fluid. In this sectionally decoupled embodiment of the operating element, an outlet of the cleaning fluid can preferably be metered and / or controlled intermittently by partially adjusting the valve element, without changing the orientation of the surface to be cleaned, in particular the field of view of the imaging system of the rotating drum.

[0017] In a further development, it is preferably provided that the operating element is mounted in the operating housing so as to be rotatable about a second transverse axis, with an operating lever preferably protruding at least partially from the operating housing for manual operation. In particular, this enables one-handed manual operation using a single finger of an operator. Manual operability has the particular advantage that the operating device itself can be used as a disposable product and is particularly inexpensive to manufacture and assemble.

[0018] Alternatively, it would also be conceivable for the operating element to be mounted within the control housing for translational movement, whereby the operating element can act on the control line directly or via an additional gear arrangement when the operating device is mounted. In particular, an additional gear arrangement may be required in this embodiment to adjust a transmission ratio between the translational movement of the operating element and the rotational movement of the rotating drum.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the control housing has a hollow bearing receptacle for forming the valve element, which rotatably accommodates a bearing section of the control element, wherein the first and / or the second fluid inlet connection and the at least one fluid outlet connection are formed as recesses within a peripheral wall of the bearing receptacle, and wherein the bearing section has at least one connecting channel or forms one with an inner side of the bearing receptacle. Advantageously, by integrating the valve element into the bearing receptacle of the control element, an operating device can be formed that is particularly easy to manufacture, whereby a separate valve element with an additional actuating mechanism can be avoided.

[0020] Preferably, the bearing element of the operating element together with the bearing holder forms a so-called plug valve.

[0021] In a particularly preferred development, it is provided that three recesses for a first and a second fluid inlet connection and a common fluid outlet connection are arranged in the circumferential wall of the bearing receptacle, in particular along a circumferential direction, wherein a connecting channel is formed as a segment-like cutout in the bearing element such that two recesses are fluid-conductingly connected in the first and second actuating sections. The connecting channel is preferably formed together with the segment-like cutout and the inner side of the bearing receptacle. Preferably, the common fluid outlet connection can simplify fluid guidance within the operating device and in particular within the shaft tube. Furthermore, the manufacture of the valve element is also simplified with a smaller number of recesses and a simple connecting channel geometry, in particular without undercuts.

[0022] In other words, the connecting channel is preferably configured such that either the first or the second fluid inlet connection is connected to the fluid outlet connection. In an intermediate position, in particular a blocking section, the segment-like cutout can be aligned with the fluid outlet connection, wherein the first and second fluid inlet connections are blocked by the bearing element itself. This prevents fluid discharge, in particular a cooling fluid, when the imaging system is aligned with a wall of the shaft tube.

[0023] A common fluid drain connection for a common fluid drain channel within the shaft tube can have the further advantage that, in the second position, the residual cooling fluid in the shaft tube can first be accelerated and applied to the field of view of the imaging system. It can then be exposed to the cleaning fluid, particularly a gaseous fluid, to dry the field of view. In particular, drying with the cleaning fluid can remove a liquid film that is disruptive in a dry endoscope environment.

[0024] Alternatively, it would also be conceivable for the connecting channel to be formed by two bores arranged at an angle to one another within the bearing element such that, in an open position of the valve element, the first fluid inlet channel is connected to a first fluid outlet channel and / or the second fluid inlet channel is connected to a separate second fluid outlet channel. In a closed position, the connecting channel is covered on both sides by the inside of the bearing receptacle. It would also be conceivable for several connecting channels to be arranged along the second transverse axis in order to connect different fluid inlet channels to correspondingly different fluid outlet channels.

[0025] In a further preferred embodiment, the operating device has a translationally adjustable actuating element in the operating housing for accommodating the control line. The rotatably mounted actuating element is connected to the actuating element by means of a flexible coupling section, in particular a film hinge, in order to convert a rotational movement of the actuating element into a translational actuating movement of the actuating element. In particular, by deforming the coupling section, the rotational movement can be converted into a translational movement. Advantageously, the flexible coupling section avoids the need for a complicated joint mechanism with multiple components, simplifying the manufacture of the operating device.

[0026] In particular, if the actuating movement of the operating element and the rotating drum are decoupled in the second actuating section, in particular by means of the aforementioned decoupling element, and the rotating drum and / or the actuating element is partially in a stop position, the deformation of the coupling section can enable a further actuating movement of the operating element. Preferably, a stop element for the translational actuating element, in particular counter to a pulling direction on the control line, can be formed in the operating housing as a decoupling element. Alternatively or additionally, a guide element for the control line can be formed within the operating housing in order to prevent adjustment of the control line in the cleaning position, in particular counter to a pulling direction, through increased friction.

[0027] In this context, the coupling section, in particular of the sliding actuating element, is particularly preferably designed with a first distance and the operating lever of the operating element, in particular an operating section for placing a thumb, is designed with a second distance from the second transverse axis, wherein a ratio, in particular a lever ratio, between the first and the second distance is between [0.17-0.5, preferably 0.25 (please supplement the value assumptions according to the figures and correct if necessary].

[0028] Advantageously, a reduction gear as a lever ratio enables more sensitive rotation control of the rotating drum. Therefore, this embodiment of the control device is particularly suitable for controlling rotating drums with a small diameter, where a small translational adjustment can result in pivoting over a large angular range.

[0029] In an alternative embodiment, the rotatably mounted operating element has an adjusting element that is rotatably mounted eccentrically to the second transverse axis, wherein the operating housing forms a loose support section for the control line at least along the longitudinal direction and a fixed support section, wherein the eccentric adjusting element is adjustable in a vertical longitudinal plane between the loose and fixed support sections in order to adjust the control line along a vertical direction when the operating device is in the assembled state and to partially wind it up on an outer circumference of the eccentric adjusting element. Preferably, in the region of the loose support section, the operating housing has a deflection edge along which the control line can slide during adjustment along the vertical direction in order to shorten the control line along the longitudinal direction and pivot the rotating drum.Advantageously, with this embodiment, the eccentric actuating element can be integrated as part of the control element, thereby avoiding the need for additional support for the actuating element. Furthermore, fastening the control line within the movable control element can be avoided. Very preferably for electronic control lines, in particular a flexible circuit board, an electronic contact section can be permanently integrated into the control housing, in particular as part of the fixed support section, thereby significantly simplifying contact and improving mechanical fatigue strength.

[0030] Furthermore, in a further development, the operating device can preferably comprise a return means, in particular a tension spring, for interacting with a return line, in particular a thread, of the rotating drum, preferably such that, in an initial position of the return means, the rotating drum is in the cleaning position. The return means are particularly preferably used in conjunction with the aforementioned eccentric actuating element to pretension the control line for adjustment along the vertical direction. This allows the control line to be wound more reliably onto the eccentric actuating element.

[0031] The return means can alternatively or additionally be designed as a spiral spring. Furthermore, in an alternative embodiment, it is conceivable for the return line itself to form the return means as an elastic thread. Particularly preferably, the return means are designed to pretension the electronic control line in order to prevent compressive stress on the control line, in particular to prevent kinking and damage to the electronic control line.

[0032] In a further preferred embodiment, the operating device has a pump element, in particular a syringe element, for storing and conveying a fluid, in particular a cleaning fluid, wherein the pump element is connected to the second fluid inlet connection of the valve element and wherein the operating element interacts with the pump element in such a way that before reaching the second actuating section, in particular in a cleaning actuating movement, the operating element compresses the fluid in the pump element and in the second actuating section the valve element opens the pump element for cleaning the rotating drum.

[0033] Advantageously, this embodiment allows a fluid to be conveyed by means of the operating device without requiring an external connection, in particular a compressed air line. Furthermore, particularly intuitive operation is enabled, eliminating the need for additional actuation of a separate, in particular external, operating element.

[0034] Most preferably, the pump element is designed to draw in ambient air, in particular by means of a check valve, which can be compressed by the pump element to convey the cleaning fluid toward the rotating drum when the valve element is open. Preferably, the operating element partially acts on the pump element in the first adjustment section to increase the pressure within the pump element.

[0035] In this context, it is particularly preferred that the pump element is designed as a cylinder with a piston fastened in the control housing, wherein a return means, in particular a compression spring, is arranged within the cylinder in order to move the piston into an initial position of the piston after compression and to suck in the fluid, in particular by means of a check valve. Advantageously, the integration of the pump element within the control housing enables operation of the endoscope with at least a reduced number of external fluid connections and pressure sources that would have to be controlled separately. Very particularly preferably, the pump element is designed as a syringe, in particular a syringe known from the medical field, which is particularly cost-effective to manufacture and assemble.

[0036] The invention also relates to an endoscope with an operating device, in particular an aforementioned operating device, and with a rotary drum in which an imaging system is arranged, and a hollow shaft tube extending along a longitudinal axis, wherein the operating device is connected to the shaft tube on the proximal side, in particular as an operating handle, and comprises an operating housing with an adjustably received operating element, wherein the operating element interacts with a control line of the rotary drum arranged on the distal side of the shaft tube in such a way that in a first adjusting section of the operating element the imaging system of the rotary drum is pivoted about a first transverse axis into an observation position and in a second adjusting section into a cleaning position facing the shaft tube.The operating device comprises a valve element which interacts with the operating element and which selectively opens a cooling fluid line in the first adjusting section and / or a cleaning fluid line of the endoscope in the second adjusting section in order to cool the rear of the rotating drum in the observation position and / or to clean a field of view of the imaging system in the cleaning position.

[0037] Furthermore, the invention also relates to a method for operating an endoscope with an operating device, in particular an aforementioned operating device, wherein the endoscope is provided with a rotary drum in which an imaging system is arranged, and a hollow shaft tube extending along a longitudinal direction, wherein the operating device is connected on the proximal side to the shaft tube, in particular as an operating handle, which forms an operating housing with an operating element and a valve element, wherein the operating element pivots the rotary drum by means of a control line.In a preferred first method step, the operating element is moved into a first adjustment section, in particular along an observation adjustment direction, in order to pivot the imaging system of the rotating drum into an observation position, wherein the valve element opens a first fluid inlet connection of a cooling fluid line in order to cool the rear of the rotating drum. In a preferred second additional or alternative method step, in a cleaning position of the rotating drum, in which the imaging system is pivoted in the direction of the shaft tube, the operating element is adjusted in a second adjustment section and opens a second fluid inlet connection of the valve element in order to clean a field of view of the imaging system.Particularly preferably, in the second method step, the operating element is moved in the second adjustment section coupled to the rotary drum, in particular along a cleaning adjustment direction, in order to pivot the imaging system of the rotary drum into the cleaning position facing the shaft tube.

[0038] In a preferred development of the method, the operating element acts during an adjusting movement along a cleaning adjusting direction on a pump element within the operating housing, which is connected to the second fluid inlet connection of the valve element, wherein the operating element compresses a cleaning fluid stored in the pump element, in particular previously sucked in air, in the adjusting movement before reaching the second adjusting section in the direction of the cleaning position, wherein in the second adjusting section the valve element opens the pump element in order to guide the previously compressed cleaning fluid to the rotating drum and to clean the field of view of the imaging system.

[0039] Further advantages and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, as well as from purely schematic drawings.

[0040] They show:

[0041] Fig. 1 : a side view of an endoscope with a shaft tube, a distal-side rotary drum and a proximal-side operating device,

[0042] Fig. 2: a side view of the rotary drum according to Fig. 1 in a cleaning position, Fig. 3a: a cross-sectional view of the rotary drum according to

[0043] Fig. 2 in an observation position,

[0044] Fig. 3b: a side view of the operating device according to Fig.

[0045] 1 with first and second control sections,

[0046] Fig. 3c: a side view of the operating device according to Fig.

[0047] 3b with detailed views of a valve element,

[0048] Fig. 4a, b: a side and a front view of the operating device according to Fig. 1 with a translationally adjustable actuating element for a control line,

[0049] Fig. 5a to Fig. 5d: cross-sectional views of the rotary drum and the operating device according to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 in an observation and a cleaning position,

[0050] Fig. 6a, b: schematic side views of an operating element with an eccentrically arranged control element,

[0051] Fig. 7: a side view of an operating device with the eccentric adjusting element according to Fig. 6a, b,

[0052] Fig. 8a to Fig. 8d: side views of an operating device according to Fig. 1 with an operating element acting on a pump element,

[0053] Fig. 9a to Fig. 9d: Cross-sectional views of the rotary drum and the operating device according to Fig. 7 in an adjusting movement from a first to a second adjusting section.

[0054] Identical elements or elements with the same function are provided with the same reference numerals in the figures.

[0055] Fig. 1 shows a side view of an endoscope 10 with a hollow shaft tube 12 extending along a longitudinal direction L, wherein an operating device 14 is shown in the assembled state on the proximal side of the shaft tube 12 and wherein a rotary drum 16 is arranged on the distal side of the shaft tube 12. The operating device 14 preferably serves as an operating handle for pivoting the rotary drum 16 about a first rotation axis Q1 and for adjusting an observation direction B of an imaging system 28 arranged within the rotary drum 16. For this purpose, the operating device 14 preferably has an operating element 18 which is mounted in an operating housing 20 so as to be rotatable about a second transverse axis Q2 and cooperates with a control line 24 for pivoting the rotary drum 16.For manual operation, in particular one-handed operation, the operating element 18 preferably has an operating lever 19 that protrudes at least partially from the operating housing 20.

[0056] Fig. 2 shows the rotating drum 16 in detail, with a bearing fork 26 pivotally connecting the rotating drum 16 to the shaft tube 12 about the first transverse axis Q1. The pivotable imaging system 28 is arranged in the rotating drum 16, with the viewing direction B facing the shaft tube 12 in a cleaning position 30. A cleaning fluid passed through the interior of the shaft tube 12 can act on and clean a field of view 32 of the imaging system 28 of the rotating drum 16. Furthermore, the control line 24 is shown here, which is preferably attached to the circumference of the rotating drum 16 and is preferably guided in a working channel 34 of the hollow shaft tube 12.In this case, a pulling movement 36 results in the application of a torque to the rotating drum 16 and thus in a rotational movement, in particular along an observation adjustment direction 37, in order to pivot the viewing direction B toward an observation position 39 facing away from the shaft tube 12, wherein the observation position 39 is schematically represented as a dashed observation angle or observation angle section around the first transverse axis Q1. The rotating drum 16 can be pivoted until a pure pulling force acts on the rotating drum 16 due to the unwinding of the control line 24.

[0057] In Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b, the previously shown rotary drum 16 is shown in detail together with the operating element 18 of the operating device 14, wherein coupled adjusting sections, in particular adjusting angle sections with respect to the first and second transverse axes Q1, Q2, of the operating element 18 and the rotary drum 16 are shown. In a first adjusting section 38 of the operating element 18, the rotary drum 16 can be pivoted into the observation position 39, and in a second adjusting section 40 of the operating element 18, the viewing direction B can be directed around the first transverse axis Q1 into the cleaning position 30 facing the shaft tube 12. Between the first and second adjusting sections 38, 40, the viewing direction B is covered by the bearing fork 26 in a blocking section 41.

[0058] Furthermore, it can be seen from Fig. 3a that the previously described rotational movement, in particular along the observation adjustment direction 37, of the rotary drum 16 is preferably limited to a half-side rotation section, wherein the endoscope 10 itself can be rotated about the longitudinal axis L to expand the observation area.

[0059] Figure 3c shows a detailed view of the operating device 14 with operating element 18 and detailed views of a valve element 42. The valve element 42 is preferably designed within the operating housing 20 as a hollow bearing receptacle 44 into which the operating element 18 rotatably engages with a bearing portion 45. A plurality of, in particular three, recesses 47 are arranged in a peripheral wall 46 of the bearing receptacle 44, preferably to accommodate a first and a second fluid inlet connection 48, 49 and a fluid outlet connection 50. Within the bearing receptacle 44, the bearing element 45 forms a connecting channel 52, in particular with an inner side 51 of the bearing receptacle 44.In the first adjustment section 38, the connecting channel 52 connects the first fluid inlet connection 48, in particular a cooling fluid line 54, and in the second adjustment section 40, the second fluid inlet connection 49, in particular a cleaning fluid line 56, to the fluid outlet channel 50 in order to cool the rear of the rotating drum 16 in the observation position 39 and to supply the field of view 32 of the imaging system 28 with the cleaning fluid in the cleaning position 30. In a preferred embodiment, the connecting channel 52 is designed as a segment-like cutout in the bearing element 45, in particular as a semicircular cutout, wherein two of the three recesses 47 can be connected in a fluid-conducting manner. In the blocking section 41, the connecting channel 52 is oriented toward the fluid outlet connection 50 and thus blocks the first and second fluid inlet connections 48, 49.

[0060] 4a and 4b show in detail a first embodiment of the operating device 14 according to FIG. 1, wherein the operating element 18 is mounted so as to be rotatable about the second axis of rotation Q2. The operating element 18 has an actuating element 22 which is mounted in the operating housing 20 so as to be translationally adjustable and in which the control line 24 of the rotating drum 16 can be fixed. In order to transmit a rotational movement of the operating element 18 into a translational actuating movement of the actuating element 22, the operating element 18 additionally has a flexible coupling section 58, in particular a film hinge. In particular, the deformability of the coupling section 58 enables the transmission of a torque into a pulling movement 36 for adjusting the control line 24 along the longitudinal direction L. Further advantageously, a reduction ratio between the operating element 18 and a movement of the control line 24 can be set by means of the coupling section 58.Thus, the coupling section 48 can be arranged at a first distance a, and the operating lever 19 of the operating element 18, in particular an operating section of the operating lever for placing a thumb, can be arranged at a second distance b from the second transverse axis Q2, wherein a ratio between the first and the second distance a, b is preferably between [0.17 to 0.5, particularly preferably 0.25 (please check the assumed value)]. This reduction allows for more sensitive operation of the rotary drum 16.

[0061] Fig. 4b shows the operating device 14 in a vertical transverse plane V-Q, wherein it is clarified that the bearing element 45 can be formed along the transverse axis Q2. It is conceivable that in an additional or alternative embodiment, several connecting channels 52 can be arranged along the transverse axis Q2 within the bearing element 45 in order to connect several fluid inlet connections 48, 49 (not shown here) with several

[0062] Fluid drain connections 50. Figs. 5a to 5d show the previously described operating device 14 with the actuating element 22 in the first and second actuating sections 38, 40 of the operating element 18.

[0063] Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b show the operating element 18 in the first actuating section 38 and an observation actuating movement along the observation actuating direction 37, wherein the actuating element 22 moves the control line 24 and thus the rotating drum 16 with the viewing direction B into the observation position 39 along the pulling direction 36. In addition to an initial position, the operating element 18 is schematically shown in Fig. 5b in a position pivoted along the observation actuating direction 37.

[0064] Fig. 5c and Fig. 5d show the operating element 18 in a cleaning adjustment movement along a cleaning adjustment direction 29 toward the second adjustment section 40 in order to move the rotating drum 16 into the cleaning position 30. In addition to the control line 24, a reset line 59 is preferably arranged on the circumference of the rotating drum 16, in particular fastened, in order to guide the rotating drum 16 into the cleaning position 30. For this purpose, a reset means 61, in particular in the form of a tension spring, is preferably fastened to the reset line 59 within the operating housing 20.

[0065] Fig. 5d further shows an embodiment of the operating device 14, wherein the rotating drum 16 is aligned in the cleaning position 30, in particular along the longitudinal direction L, and a further actuating movement of the operating element 18 along the cleaning actuating direction 29 within the second actuating section 40 is decoupled from the actuating movement of the rotating drum 16. For decoupling, a decoupling element 78, in particular a stop element, can be arranged in the operating housing 20 in order to limit the translational actuating movement of the actuating element 22 counter to the pulling direction 36. In particular, the previously described flexible coupling section 58 can be deformed to enable a further decoupled actuating movement of the operating element 18 relative to the actuating element 22 resting against the decoupling element 78.Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that a guide geometry for the control line 24 is designed within the control housing 20 such that, during an adjusting movement counter to the pulling direction 36, increased friction on the control line 24 can prevent a longitudinal adjustment of the control line 24 within the shaft tube 12. In addition to an initial position, the control element 18 is schematically shown in Fig. 5d in a position pivoted along the cleaning adjustment direction 29.

[0066] 6a and 6b schematically show a second embodiment of the operating element 18 with an adjusting element 60 which is rotatably mounted eccentrically to the second transverse axis Q2, wherein the eccentric arrangement of the adjusting element 60 enables an adjusting movement of the operating element 18 along the vertical direction V. In this second embodiment, the operating housing 20 preferably has a loose and a fixed support section 62, 63 for the control line 24, wherein the eccentrically mounted adjusting element 60 is movable in the vertical longitudinal plane VL between the loose and fixed support sections 62, 63 in order to adjust the control line 24 along the vertical direction V and to partially wind it up on an outer circumference 64 of the eccentric adjusting element 60.During the adjusting movement, the control line 24 can slide along the loose support section 62, in particular a deflection edge 70 within the control housing 20, thus enabling the pulling movement 36 on the control line 24, in particular by a change in length AL, in order to execute the observation adjusting movement along the observation adjusting direction 37 of the rotating drum 16 according to Fig. 2. Fig. 6a also schematically shows the return means 61, which enables a return of the control line 24, in particular with a return line 59 (not shown). Preferably, the eccentric adjusting element 60 can be adjusted along the cleaning adjusting direction 29 from the first to the second adjusting section 38, 40, and the return line 59 rotates the rotating drum 16.Most preferably, the control line 24 remains taut by the return means 61 and thus enables uninterrupted guidance on the outer circumference 64 of the eccentric actuating element 60.

[0067] An exemplary embodiment of the eccentric adjusting element 60 is shown in Fig. 7, wherein loose and fixed support sections 62, 63 are formed within the operating housing 20 and wherein in the first adjusting section 38 of the operating element 18 shown here, the control line 24 is adjusted vertically between the loose and fixed support sections 62, 63 by pivoting about the second transverse axis Q2.

[0068] Furthermore, Fig. 7 shows a preferred control line 24 with an electronic contact section 72 for electronically supplying the imaging system 28, which control line is particularly preferably fixed in the control housing 20, in particular adjacent to the fixed support section 63, and / or can be electronically contacted. The electronic contact section 72 is advantageously mounted immovably and independently of the actuating movement of the control element 18 and is protected from changing and potentially damaging mechanical stress. In other words, the control line 24 is advantageously not fixedly connected to the control element 18, but rather interacts with the control element 18 by being wound up, the control line 24 itself being fixedly connected on one side to the control housing 20, in particular to the fixed support section 63.

[0069] Figs. 8a to 8d show another particularly preferred embodiment of the operating device 14, wherein the valve element 42 interacts with a pump element 66. The pump element 66 is preferably arranged as a cylinder 67 with an adjustable piston 68 within the operating housing 20. On an underside of the cylinder 67, the pump element 66 is connected to the second fluid inlet connection 49 of the valve element 42 by means of a cleaning fluid line 56.

[0070] As shown in Fig. 8b, the operating element 18 preferably acts on the adjustable piston 68 along the cleaning adjustment direction 29, starting from the first adjustment section 38. In particular, the operating element 18 forms a sliding surface 69 to transfer the rotational movement of the operating element 18 into a translational adjustment movement of the piston 68, in particular with the piston rod. Before reaching the second adjustment section 40, the cylinder 67 is closed, and a fluid stored therein can be compressed.

[0071] In Fig. 8c, the operating element 18 is located in the second actuating section 40 and thus the cleaning position 30 of the rotary drum 16, wherein the valve element 42 is open and directs the fluid compressed in the cylinder 67 for cleaning the field of view 32 in the direction of the rotary drum 16.

[0072] In Fig. 8d, the operating element 18 is moved back along the observation adjustment direction 37 into the first adjustment section 38. A compression spring (not shown here) can be arranged within the cylinder 67 in order to move the piston 68 into an initial position according to Fig. 8b and to suck in a cleaning fluid. In Figs. 9a to 9f, the rotating drum 16 and the operating device 14 with the operating element 18 and the eccentric adjusting element 60 according to Fig. 7 are shown during the cleaning adjustment movement along the cleaning adjustment direction 29. The operating element 18 acts on the pump element 66 analogously to Figs. 8a to 8c.

[0073] In Fig. 9a and Fig. 9b, the rotating drum 16 is in the observation position 39, wherein the cooling fluid line 54 is opened by the valve element 42 and is guided through the shaft tube 12 for cooling the rear of the rotating drum 16. Furthermore, a suction line 74 is preferably also located within the shaft tube 12, which drains the cooling fluid and thus prevents it from escaping from the shaft tube 12.

[0074] In Fig. 9c and Fig. 9d, the operating element 18 is adjusted in the cleaning adjustment direction 29 and acts on the pump element 66 in order to compress the cleaning fluid stored therein and to adjust the piston 68 against the compression spring 76.

[0075] In Fig. 9e and Fig. 9f, the operating element 18 is located within the second actuating section 38, with the valve element 42 closing the first fluid inlet connection 48 for the cooling fluid line 54, in particular a cooling water line, and opening the second fluid inlet connection 49 for the cleaning fluid line 56 in order to convey the cleaning fluid compressed in the pump element 66 through the shaft tube 12 to the rotating drum 16 and to clean the field of view 32. It is conceivable that the cleaning fluid exits from the shaft tube 12 or the bearing fork 26. List of Reference Symbols

[0076] 10 Endoscope

[0077] 12 Shaft tube

[0078] 14 Operating device

[0079] 16 rotary drum

[0080] 18 Control element

[0081] 19 Control lever

[0082] 20 control housings

[0083] 22 Position element

[0084] 24 control line

[0085] 26 bearing fork

[0086] 28 Imaging system

[0087] 29 Cleaning direction

[0088] 30 Cleaning position

[0089] 32 field of view

[0090] 34 working channels

[0091] 36 Direction of travel

[0092] 37 Observation direction

[0093] 38 first setting section

[0094] 39 Observation position

[0095] 40 second setting section

[0096] 41 restricted section

[0097] 42 Valve element

[0098] 44 Bearing recording

[0099] 45 bearing element

[0100] 46 Peripheral wall of the bearing support 47 Recesses in the peripheral wall of the bearing support

[0101] 48 first fluid inlet connection

[0102] 49 second fluid inlet connection

[0103] 50 Fluid drain connection

[0104] 51 Inside of the bearing holder

[0105] 52 connecting channel

[0106] 54 Cooling fluid line

[0107] 56 Cleaning fluid line

[0108] 58 Coupling section

[0109] 59 Reset line

[0110] 60 eccentric actuator

[0111] 61 Retention agents

[0112] 62 loose support section

[0113] 62 fixed support section

[0114] 64 Outer circumference of the eccentric adjusting element

[0115] 66 Pump element

[0116] 67 cylinders

[0117] 68 pistons

[0118] 69 Sliding surface

[0119] 70 deflection edge

[0120] 72 electronic contact section

[0121] 74 Suction line

[0122] 76 compression spring

[0123] 78 Decoupling element

[0124] B Direction of view

[0125] V Vertical direction

[0126] L Longitudinal direction a, b first and second distance

[0127] Q transverse direction

[0128] Q1 first transverse axis

[0129] Q2 second transverse axis AL change in length of the control line

[0130] VL Vertical-longitudinal plane

Claims

Patent claims 1. An operating device for an endoscope (10) with a rotary drum (16) in which an imaging system (28) is arranged, and a hollow shaft tube (12) extending along a longitudinal direction (L), wherein the operating device (14) is connectable or connected to the shaft tube (12) on the proximal side, in particular as an operating handle, comprising an operating housing (20) with an adjustably received operating element (18), wherein the operating element (18) is designed to cooperate with a control line (24) of the rotary drum (16) arranged on the distal side of the shaft tube (12) in such a way that, in a first adjusting section (38) of the operating element (18), a field of view (32) of the imaging system (28) can be pivoted about a first transverse axis (Q1) into an observation position (39) and / or in a second adjusting section (40) into a cleaning position (30) facing the shaft tube (12). is characterized bythat the operating device (14) comprises a valve element (42) which interacts with the operating element (18) and which selectively connects a first fluid inlet connection (48), in particular for a cooling fluid line (54), in the first adjusting section (38), and / or a second fluid inlet connection (49), in particular for a cleaning fluid line (56), in the second adjusting section (40), to at least one fluid outlet connection (50) in order to cool the rotating drum (16) in the observation position (39) at the rear in the mounted state of the operating device (14) and / or in the, Cleaning position (30) to clean a field of view (32) of the imaging system (28). Operating device according to claim 1, characterized in that the operating element (18) is designed to interact with the control line (24) in such a way that adjusting movements of the operating element (18) and the rotating drum (24) are directly coupled in order to pivot the field of view (32) of the imaging system (28) into the observation position (39) in the first adjusting section (38) and / or into the cleaning position (30) in the second adjusting section (40). Operating device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the operating element (18) is mounted in the operating housing (20) so as to be rotatable about a second transverse axis (Q2), wherein preferably an operating lever (19) protrudes at least partially from the operating housing (20) for manual operation.Operating device according to claim 3, characterized in that the operating housing (20) has a hollow bearing receptacle (44) for forming the valve element (42), which bearing receptacle rotatably receives a bearing element (45) of the operating element (18), wherein the first and / or the second fluid inlet connection (48, 49) and the at least one fluid outlet connection (50) are formed as recesses (47) within a peripheral wall (46) of the bearing receptacle (44) and wherein the bearing element (45) has at least one rotatable connecting channel (45) or forms one with an inner side of the bearing receptacle (51).

5. Operating device according to claim 4, characterized in that three recesses (47) for a first and a second fluid inlet connection (48, 49), and a common fluid outlet connection (50) are arranged in the peripheral wall (46) of the bearing receptacle (44), wherein a connecting channel (52) is designed as a segment-like cutout in the bearing element (45) such that two recesses (47) are fluid-conductingly connected in the first and second actuating section (38, 40).

6. Operating device according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the operating device (14) has an adjusting element (22) which is translationally adjustable in the operating housing (20) for receiving the control line (24), wherein the rotatably mounted operating element (18) is connected to the adjusting element (22) by means of a flexible coupling section (58), in particular a film hinge, in order to transmit a rotational movement of the operating element (18) into a translational adjusting movement of the adjusting element (22).

7. Operating device according to claim 6, characterized in that the coupling section (58) is formed with a first distance (a) and an operating lever (19) of the operating element (18) is formed with a second distance (b) from the second transverse axis (Q2), wherein a ratio between the first and the second distance (a, b) is between 0.17 to 0.5, preferably 0.

25.

8. Operating device according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that in that the rotatably mounted operating element (18) has an adjusting element (60) which is rotatably mounted eccentrically to the second transverse axis (Q2), wherein the operating housing (20) forms a loose support section (62, 63) for the control line (24) at least along the longitudinal direction (L) and a fixed support section (62, 63), wherein the eccentric adjusting element (60) is adjustable in a vertical longitudinal plane (VL) between the loose and fixed support sections (62, 63) in order to adjust the control line (24) along a vertical direction (V) in the assembled state of the operating device (14) and to partially wind it up on an outer circumference (64) of the eccentric adjusting element (60).

9. Operating device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the operating device (14) has a return means (61), in particular a tension spring, in order to cooperate with a return line (59) of the rotary drum (16), preferably in such a way that in an initial position of the return means (61) the rotary drum (16) is in the cleaning position (30).

10. Operating device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the operating device (14) has a pump element (66) for storing and conveying a fluid, in particular a cleaning fluid, wherein the pump element (66) is connected to the second fluid inlet connection (49) of the valve element (42) and wherein the operating element (18) interacts with the pump element (66) in such a way that, before reaching the second actuating section (40), the operating element (18) compresses the fluid in the pump element (66) and, in the second actuating section (40), the valve element (42) opens the pump element (66) for cleaning the rotating drum (16).

1. Operating device according to claim 10, characterized in that the pump element (66) is designed as a cylinder (67) with a piston (68) fastened in the operating housing (20), wherein a compression spring (76) is arranged within the cylinder (67) to move the piston (68) into an initial position after compression and thereby suck in the fluid.

2. Endoscope with an operating device (14), in particular according to one of claims 1 to 11, a rotating drum (16) in which an imaging system (28) is arranged, and a hollow shaft tube (12) extending along a longitudinal axis (L), wherein the operating device (14) is connected to the shaft tube (12) on the proximal side, in particular as an operating handle, wherein the operating device (14) comprises an operating housing (20) with an adjustably mounted operating element (18).wherein the operating element (18) interacts with a control line (24) of the rotary drum (16) arranged distally on the shaft tube (12) in such a way that in a first adjusting section (38) of the operating element (18) the imaging system (28) of the rotary drum (16) is pivoted about a first transverse axis (Q1) into an observation position (39) and in a second adjusting section (40) into a cleaning position (30) facing the shaft tube (12), characterized in that the operating device (14) comprises a valve element (42) which interacts with the operating element (18) in such a way that the valve element (42) in the first adjusting section (38) opens a cooling fluid line (54) and / or in the second adjusting section (40) opens a cleaning fluid line (49) of the, Endoscope (10) selectively opens to cool the rear of the rotating drum (16) in the observation position (39) and / or to clean a field of view (32) of the imaging system (28) in the cleaning position (30). A method for operating an endoscope (10) with an operating device (14), in particular according to claims 1 to 11, wherein the endoscope (10) is provided with a rotary drum (16) in which an imaging system (28) is arranged, and a hollow shaft tube (12) extending along a longitudinal direction (L), wherein the operating device (14) is connected on the proximal side to the shaft tube (12), in particular as an operating handle, which forms an operating housing (20) with an operating element (18) and a valve element (42), wherein the operating element (18) pivots the rotary drum (16) by means of a control line (24), wherein the operating element (18) is moved in a first actuating section (38),in order to pivot the imaging system (28) of the rotary drum (16) into an observation position (39), wherein the valve element (42) opens a first fluid inlet connection (48) of a cooling fluid line (54) in order to cool the rear of the rotary drum (16), and / or wherein in a cleaning position (30) of the rotary drum (16), in which the imaging system (28) is pivoted in the direction of the shaft tube (12), the operating element (18) is adjusted in a second adjustment section (40), in particular along a cleaning adjustment direction (29) and opens a second fluid inlet connection (49) of the valve element (42) in order to clean a field of view (32) of the imaging system (28). Method according to claim 13, wherein the operating element (18) acts during an adjusting movement along a cleaning adjusting direction (29) on a pump element (66) within the operating housing (20) which is connected to the second, Fluid inlet connection (49) of the valve element (42), wherein the operating element (18) compresses a cleaning fluid stored in the pump element (66), in particular previously sucked-in air, in the adjusting movement before reaching the second adjusting section (40), wherein in the second adjusting section (40) the valve element (42) opens the pump element (66) in order to guide the previously compressed cleaning fluid to the rotating drum (16) and to clean the field of view (32) of the imaging system (28).

Images