Endoscope system having a single-use part and a reusable part

Abstract

The present invention relates to a single-use part and a reusable part for an endoscope system (1) that comprises: a proximal operating portion (2), a flexible shaft (6); a distal endoscope portion (7), which is connected to a distal end portion of the flexible shaft (6); and a distal endoscope head (8). The operating portion is divided into a single-use operating portion (2a) and a reusable operating portion (2b), which can be optionally coupled to one another. The single-use part comprises a single-use drivetrain portion, which connects the single-use operating portion (2a) to the distal endoscope portion (7), and a proximal single-use coupling portion, which is mounted so as to be displaceable in the direction of the shaft axis and forms, at its proximal end, a single-use engagement element (46) which is provided for coupling to a reusable drivetrain portion. The reusable part comprises an electric drive (30), for controlling the endoscope (1), and the reusable drivetrain portion, which is proximally connected to the electric drive (30) and distally has a longitudinally displaceable reusable engagement element (45), the reusable engagement element (45) being designed to be axially-fixedly coupled to the single-use drivetrain portion.

Description

[0001] Endoscope system with a disposable and a reusable part

[0002] Description

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a disposable part and a reusable part of an endoscope system comprising a proximal operating section, a flexible shaft, a distal endoscope section connected to a distal end section of the flexible shaft, and a distal endoscope head. The operating section is divided into a disposable operating section with a disposable drive train section and a reusable operating section with a reusable drive train section, which can be selectively coupled to one another.

[0004] Background of the Revelation

[0005] Endoscopes are medical tools used for the visual exploration of cavities in a patient's body. They generally have optical devices on the distal endoscope head, i.e., the endoscope head facing away from the user or the patient's body, and a flexible or rigid (rigid) shaft that connects the endoscope head to a proximal operating section or endoscope handle. The proximal operating section or endoscope handle, i.e., the endoscope head facing the user, is an assembly designed for use with an endoscope and is connected or connectable thereto in order to control the endoscope. The endoscope typically also has a working channel that extends from the proximal operating section through the shaft to a working channel outlet formed on the endoscope head and enables the extracorporeal insertion and use of a medical instrument such as forceps, scissors, needle, loop, knife, and the like. Many endoscopes also have deflections, i.e.a steerable shaft portion arranged between the shaft and the endoscope head to enable steering of the endoscope within a patient cavity. Furthermore, endoscopes can optionally be provided with additional capabilities that require additional control options, such as an endoscope known from DE 102018 110620 A1, which discloses a folding mechanism or a tilting head for tightly folding an endoscope head.

[0006] Such endoscopes are either controlled via a complex, manual control mechanism comprising an operating part / handle with handwheels, buttons, and the like, from which a control force is transmitted, e.g., via pinions or drums, to control wires of the endoscope. These wires run through the endoscope shaft and transmit the control force to elements in the endoscope shaft to be controlled. Alternatively, such endoscopes can be controlled via a control mechanism comprising an operating part / handle with electric motors, which are activated and controlled to apply the control force to the control wires of the endoscope. An example of such an endoscope can be found in WO 92 / 01414 A1.

[0007] Endoscope systems are therefore very complex and expensive products. Accordingly, endoscopes and endoscope handles are often designed as reusable products. On the other hand, endoscopes are inserted into patient cavities during operations and examinations. Thus, the risk of contamination of the endoscope and the patient is high. Cleaning, disinfection, and / or sterilization of endoscopes is complex and expensive, and prone to errors due to their complex geometry. Given this aspect, designing endoscopes as disposable products is advantageous.

[0008] US 8449456 B2 discloses an endoscope with a shaft section intended for insertion into a patient, which has a deflecting portion, i.e., a bendable portion, a control wire attached thereto, and a spindle drive attached to the wire. The shaft section is detachably connected to a drive unit having a motor via a manually operable connection with a pin engaging in a rotating ring. The motor can be coupled to the spindle drive of the shaft via a spindle shaft and a coupling in order to transmit drive force from the motor to the spindle, convert it into a tensile force, and transmit this via the wire to the deflecting portion in order to bend it and pivot an endoscope head in at least one pivot axis. However, the connection mechanism between the shaft section and the drive unit is complex and thus expensive and susceptible to contamination. Furthermore, establishing the corresponding connection is laborious for the user.

[0009] Summary of Revelation

[0010] The object underlying the disclosure is to avoid or reduce disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, an endoscope system with a disposable part and a reusable part, as well as a corresponding disposable and reusable part, is to be provided, which can be easily and safely coupled to and separated from each other.

[0011] The object is achieved by a disposable part of an endoscope system according to claim 1, a reusable part of an endoscope system according to claim 9 and an endoscope system according to claim 15. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0012] More specifically, the problem is solved by a disposable part of an endoscope system comprising an endoscope and a disposable operating section of a proximal operating part (e.g., handle), which is designed to be selectively coupled to a reusable part of the proximal operating part or handle, described in more detail later. The endoscope has a flexible shaft, which is designed for insertion into a body orifice of the patient, is connected to the disposable operating section of the operating part or handle, and extends therefrom along a shaft axis in a distal direction, a distal endoscope section, which is connected to a distal end section of the flexible shaft, and a distal endoscope head, which forms a distal end face of the distal endoscope section or is attached thereto.Furthermore, the disposable part has at least one disposable drive train section which connects the disposable operating section to the distal endoscope section in order to control the distal endoscope section. The at least one disposable drive train section has at least one disposable coupling section which is part of the operating part or handle, is mounted in the operating part or handle so as to be displaceable (preferably rotationally fixed) in the direction of the shaft axis, and forms a disposable engagement element at its proximal end which is designed for axially fixed coupling (i.e., transmitting a pulling and / or pushing movement or being immovable relative to one another in the direction of the shaft axis) to a reusable drive train section of the reusable operating section. More precisely, in an uncoupled state, the disposable engagement element forms a free end of the disposable drive train section.

[0013] In other words, a disposable part of an endoscope system is provided with a controllable endoscope and a disposable operating section connected proximally thereto, which has a disposable coupling section (connecting mechanism) which forms a proximal end of a disposable drive train section (i.e., a power transmission train) and which is displaceable in the distal and proximally directions. More precisely, the disposable coupling section forms a part of the disposable drive train, which connects the engagement element (in particular, snap connector) to control cables of the endoscope for controlling the distal endoscope section. The disposable operating part, preferably the entire disposable part, is in particular a passive assembly, i.e., is designed without its own electrical drives. The disposable part has a disposable drive train section, which is a (purely) mechanical power transmission train, which forms a proximal connecting element of the disposable operating part, i.e.,The disposable engagement element of the disposable coupling section connects to controllable sections on the distal endoscope section via control cables of the endoscope. In other words, the disposable drive train section is designed to transmit a driving force to drivable mechanisms (e.g., a deflecting mechanism or other mechanisms mentioned below) in a distal endoscope section (i.e., in an endoscope tip) for controlling the distal endoscope section.

[0014] In other words, the one-way coupling section is integrated into the one-way drive train, in particular in its proximal end section, and has an engagement element, i.e. an element which has a possibly elastic undercut or a possibly elastic projection and which is configured for an axially fixed, engaging connection with a multi-way engagement element. This means that the one-way coupling section (at least its proximal end or the one-way engagement element) is designed for a mechanical engagement, in particular a snap connection / snap engagement, with the multi-way engagement element. The one-way engagement element preferably forms a proximal end of the one-way drive train section. The one-way coupling section is mounted so as to be displaceable axially or in a longitudinal direction (i.e. in the direction of the shaft axis).This enables a particularly simple and cost-effective design of the disposable part and a particularly simple, largely automated coupling with the reusable part, which reduces the possibility of user errors.

[0015] The one-way engagement element for snap engagement preferably has a radially elastically deformable spring element. The one-way engagement element of the one-way coupling section is preferably a rotationally symmetrical component (e.g., a cylinder) that carries an elastic snap element, in particular an annular clutch spring, on an outer or inner circumferential wall. The clutch spring can, for example, be a BalSeal spring whose coils extend diagonally such that they collapse under radial load.

[0016] Terms such as "axial," "circumferential direction," and "radial" always refer to the shaft axis throughout the disclosure, unless explicitly stated otherwise. The shaft axis is a central axis of the flexible shaft and the distal endoscope section. The shaft can be rigid or flexible. The endoscope head can further comprise a lighting device and / or a rinsing device and / or other elements connected to associated lines. Distal refers to a direction facing the patient / in which the endoscope is inserted into a patient cavity. Proximal refers to a direction of the endoscope facing the user / the attending physician or surgical assistant.In the present disclosure, "disposable" refers to components that are assigned to the disposable part, and "reusable" refers to components that are assigned to the reusable part, each related to a state in which the disposable part and the reusable part are provided separately from one another. The proximal operating section is in particular a manually operable endoscope handle (i.e., a handle for use with an endoscope to control the latter). The disposable operating section has, for example, components that can be contaminated during use of the endoscope and / or that are subject to high wear or are frequently damaged, such as, for example, a processor connection, a (Luer) connection (i.e., access to a working channel), and an air-water button.

[0017] The disposable drive train section is, in particular, a mechanical and / or electrical (preferably purely mechanical) connection configured to transmit a drive force (of an electric drive of the reusable part), which is applied to the disposable coupling section (more precisely, to its disposable engagement element), to the distal endoscope section or to controllable mechanisms arranged there. The disposable drive train section, in particular, has one or more control cables, which are part of the endoscope and are configured to drive drivable or controllable sections on the distal endoscope section. The disposable coupling section of the disposable operating part can transmit a drive force, in particular in the form of a pushing or pulling movement, to the control cables.

[0018] In particular, a plurality of one-way drive train sections are provided, each of which is provided substantially independently of one another, is controllable substantially independently of one another, and each of which has (exactly) one one-way coupling section, (exactly) one control cable, and preferably (exactly) one connecting component for connecting the control cable and the one-way coupling section, e.g., a cross connector. The connecting component is in particular part of the one-way operating section and is accommodated therein. In this case, each of the one-way drive train sections is coupled or can be coupled to (exactly) one multi-way drive train section.

[0019] The distal endoscope section preferably has a deflection as a first controllable section, which is controllable such that it can be actively bent in at least (preferably exactly) one lateral direction. This allows the endoscope to be navigated within the patient's cavities. Furthermore, the distal endoscope section preferably has a folding mechanism or a tilting head as a second controllable section, which is arranged distally from the deflection and can be bent at least (preferably exactly) in a different or the same lateral direction as the deflection, and with a narrower radius of curvature than the deflection. This allows an optic aligned in the shaft direction on the distal endoscope head or a working channel of the endoscope opening there to be folded down for a shoulder view.Further preferably, a rotation mechanism is provided as a third controllable section, in particular between the deflecting element and the flexible shaft, which enables rotation of the distal endoscope section about its shaft axis. This allows the deflecting element and / or the folding mechanism or tilting head to be rotated. These can thus be constructed particularly simply without restricting the viewing direction of the endoscope. Preferably, the deflecting element and / or the tilting head or folding mechanism and / or the rotation mechanism are each controllable by a dedicated control cable, in particular essentially independently of one another.

[0020] Preferably, the disposable operating section forms a first (distal) housing section in which the at least one disposable coupling section is mounted displaceably in a longitudinal direction (ie in the direction of the shaft axis) and a corresponding displacement movement in at least one direction along the shaft axis, preferably in both directions along the shaft axis, is limited by a stop in each case.

[0021] In other words, the one-way drive train, in particular the one-way coupling section, has at least one, preferably two (one pointing in the proximal direction and one pointing in the distal direction) stop section(s) which abut against housing-fixed sections of the one-way operating section in order to limit a movement of the at least one one-way coupling section in the longitudinal direction such that it can only move within a predetermined axial range. In particular, the at least one stop is arranged and designed such that it forms an abutment for establishing or releasing a coupling or decoupling of the one-way coupling section (in particular when establishing or releasing a snap engagement with the one-way coupling section).

[0022] Advantageously, it is thus possible to apply pressure and / or tension to the one-way coupling section for coupling or uncoupling the one-way coupling section, which counteracts a coupling force (e.g., an elastic restoring force of a snap element), as described in more detail later. This provides a particularly simple, robust coupling and / or uncoupling process. Preferably, for each one-way drive train section, a first stop is provided in a first direction (in particular in the distal direction) for coupling the one-way coupling section, and a second stop is provided in a second direction (opposite to the first direction) (in particular in the proximal direction) for uncoupling the one-way coupling section.

[0023] One of the at least one stop for limiting the longitudinal movement of the one-way coupling section can preferably be provided by the one-way engagement element (e.g., by the rotationally symmetrical component) arranged at the proximal end of the one-way coupling section. For example, at least one one-way engagement element (i.e., the one one-way engagement element or one of the one-way engagement elements) of the one-way coupling section can have a longitudinally facing surface (e.g., an end face of a cylindrical engagement element) that serves as a stop section. As a result, no separate component needs to be provided for the stop section, and the number of required parts can be reduced, thereby reducing costs and assembly effort. A further stop can be provided at a proximal section of the one-way coupling section, e.g., by a cross connector described later.

[0024] The expression "one of the at least one" element, section, or the like describes the one element, section, etc., or one of the elements, sections, etc., if several of them are provided. Preferably, one or more separate adjustment stop components can be provided on the one-way coupling section and / or on the one-way housing section such that it / they can be adjusted in its / their axial position. For example, one or more of the adjustment stop components can be an adjustment nut which can be screwed onto or screwed into the one-way coupling section and / or the one-way housing section in the longitudinal direction. As a result, a position of the stop can advantageously be adjusted. Preferably, the longitudinal movement of each drive train (i.e., the at least one one-way drive train or several one-way drive trains) is in exactly one of the longitudinal directions (i.e.either distally or proximally) by an adjustment stop component(s) and in the other of the longitudinal directions by the one-way engagement element.

[0025] Preferably, the at least one stop is provided such that the disposable engagement element is located at least partially, more preferably completely, within the distal disposable housing section in its most proximal position. In other words, the at least one stop is arranged such that movable parts of the disposable drive train section, in particular the disposable coupling section or even the disposable engagement element, are arranged largely and preferably completely within the disposable housing section in any displacement position.

[0026] This provides particularly good protection for the components of the disposable part, particularly the disposable operating part. In particular, the at least one disposable coupling section can be mounted loosely, i.e., unpowered and possibly essentially unbraked, in the disposable housing section, without protruding from the disposable housing section and potentially being damaged. This allows the disposable coupling section to be operated particularly easily and with low friction.

[0027] Preferably, an intermediate wall or a frame is provided, which is arranged within the one-way housing section and runs transversely to the shaft axis. The intermediate wall or the frame can form a bearing direction for the longitudinal displacement of the one-way coupling section. In particular, the one-way coupling section can extend through the intermediate wall or the frame. Furthermore, the intermediate wall or the frame can form stop surfaces as part of one or preferably both of the at least one stop for limiting the longitudinal movement of the one-way coupling section. In other words, the intermediate wall can form an abutment for the at least one stop section of the one-way coupling element and can be dimensioned such that it absorbs forces that arise during the coupling and / or uncoupling of the one-way coupling section (with the multi-way coupling element).

[0028] This allows for a particularly simple, cost-effective, and stable frame for the disposable housing section. The frame can support a simple, cost-effective formwork to form the disposable housing section.

[0029] Preferably, the partition divides the disposable housing section into a distal chamber, in which the disposable coupling section is connected to proximal ends of control cables, and a proximal chamber in which the disposable engagement element is arranged. In other words, the disposable housing section protrudes distally beyond the partition to form the proximal chamber or a proximal sleeve. This allows the disposable coupling section to be accommodated and protected within the disposable housing section, with the disposable engagement element arranged in the proximal chamber. Furthermore, particularly sensitive components of the disposable part, in particular the disposable operating part, such as connectors (connecting components) for the control cables, a tension pulley described later, and the like, can be arranged in the distal chamber and additionally protected from dust, etc.

[0030] Preferably, the disposable housing section further forms a proximal end face in which at least one opening is formed for inserting the at least one reusable drive train.

[0031] Further preferably, the disposable housing section forms a plug section, which begins, in particular with respect to the shaft axis, on a radial side of the proximal end face of the disposable housing section and extends in the proximal direction from the disposable housing section. The plug section is preferably designed for connection to electrical (for power supply and control) and fluidic lines of the reusable part. In particular, the plug section has a processor connection, which is designed for connecting the electrical and fluidic lines of an external endoscope control unit. Furthermore, fluid lines are preferably guided in the plug section or formed integrally therewith in order to connect the processor connection to fluid lines that run through the flexible shaft to the endoscope head.

[0032] Preferably, the plug section forms a one-way electrical connection, in particular an electrical plug or socket, on its proximal end face. The one-way electrical connection is designed in particular for connection to a reusable electrical connection, in particular an electrical socket or a plug, of the reusable electrical connection. Preferably, the processor connection is provided on a radial side (also referred to as a lateral outer edge) of the plug section. In particular, the processor connection is provided on a proximal end region of the radial side / the lateral outer edge. As a result, electrical lines leading from the processor connection to the one-way electrical connection can be particularly short.

[0033] Preferably, the plug section is substantially plate-shaped and has a possibly rounded radial outer surface, two lateral outer edges (i.e., two radial sides) which point radially outwards, and the proximal end face. A disposable guide surface is preferably provided opposite the radial outer surface and in particular diagonally facing the proximal end face of the disposable housing section (i.e., arranged substantially perpendicular thereto). The disposable guide surface is preferably flat / planar. In other words, the disposable guide surface and the proximal end face of the disposable housing section can be substantially perpendicular to one another or form two sides of a substantially cuboid-shaped recess which is designed to receive the reusable part.The disposable guide surface can be designed to engage with a corresponding reusable guide surface of the reusable part, thus providing a relatively large contact surface for both parts. This enables particularly stable, secure guidance and support of the reusable and disposable parts when they are coupled together or inserted into each other longitudinally like a drawer. Optionally, a guide rail can be formed on one or both lateral outer edges.

[0034] Preferably, a projection is formed on a lateral outer edge, which is arranged on one side of the one-way guide surface and projects substantially perpendicularly thereto in order to provide an air-water button described later. This means that the projection can define another side of the substantially cuboid-shaped recess. This can further improve the guidance of the reusable part during coupling. Optionally, an additional locking element (e.g., a locking contour, such as a recess, or a spring element) can be provided on a side of the projection facing the one-way guide surface, which provides the air-water button, which is designed to engage with a matching locking element on the reusable part. This can provide audible and / or tactile feedback when the projection is correctly positioned on the reusable part. Preferably, a switch can also be provided, e.g.,It can be integrated into one of the locking openings or the locking contour, or it can be provided by the electrical multi-way switch, which detects complete coupling of the one-way housing section and the multi-way housing. The control / computer unit can preferably automatically trigger calibration and / or coupling of the one-way and multi-way drive train sections when the switch is closed.

[0035] The disposable operating section preferably forms at least one locking lug, which is designed for snap engagement and has a predetermined breaking point configured to break upon release of the snap engagement. This can reduce the risk of a disposable operating section being reused multiple times and thus reduce the risk of contamination during surgery. Preferably, the at least one locking lug is provided on the proximal end face of the disposable housing section and protrudes therefrom in the proximal direction.

[0036] Further preferably, one or more guide holes or guide pins are provided, preferably on the proximal end face of the disposable housing section and / or on the proximal end face of the plug section. On the reusable part, one or more matching guide holes or guide pins are provided, in particular at correspondingly opposite locations, which are designed to engage (for longitudinal guidance) with the guide holes or pins of the disposable operating part. This enables particularly precise guidance of the disposable and reusable parts during their coupling, especially when the disposable electrical connection is connected to the reusable electrical connection.

[0037] Preferably, each of the at least one one-way coupling section (i.e., the one-way coupling section or multiple coupling sections) is connected at its distal end to a control cable via a cross-connector, wherein the cross-connector compensates for a radial offset between the control cable and the respective one-way coupling section. This allows for greater flexibility in the arrangement and design of the one-way coupling sections and allows the route of the control cables to be optimized. In other words, the cross-connector is a connecting component which extends transversely to the shaft direction and is connected on one side to the associated one-way coupling section and on the other side to the associated control cable.

[0038] Preferably, one of the at least one control cable is a shear-resistant and / or low-stretch hose in which a fluid channel is formed. Further preferably, the cross-connector forms a connecting line, which is connected to the fluid channel at its first end and forms a fluid connection for a flexible roll-up hose of the disposable control element at its second end. Shear-resistant within the meaning of the present disclosure means that the corresponding control cable is suitable for transmitting compressive forces. Low-stretch within the meaning of the present disclosure means that the corresponding control cable is suitable for transmitting tensile forces, and any elongation of the control cable is negligible.

[0039] Preferably, the control cable forming the fluid channel is connected to the endoscope head and opens at its distal end face. In particular, a distal end of the fluid channel is connected to a cleaning nozzle for cleaning the camera or the illumination of the endoscope head. Thus, the number of cables and lines routed through the flexible shaft can be reduced, and the diameter of the flexible shaft can be minimized. Preferably, the control cable forming the fluid channel is a control cable for controlling a controllable endoscope section arranged most distally, in particular the tilting head or the folding mechanism.

[0040] The rolled hose can be a flexible hose that can be laid into a loop and moved / walked / rolled to enable longitudinal movement of the control cable connected to it. The fluid connection between the respective control cable and the rolled hose can be provided by a line formed within the cross connector, which connects the corresponding control cable to the corresponding one-way coupling section. This means that the line of the cross connector can open into the fluid channel in the control cable at one end and be fluidly connected to the rolled hose at its other end. This allows the number of parts to be further reduced. Alternatively, an additional connection element can be provided separately from the cross connector, which connects the rolled hose to the fluid channel in the control cable.

[0041] A disposable part of an endoscope system (as well as, if applicable, the corresponding system with the disposable part and a reusable part described above) having a proximal operating section, a flexible shaft, a distal shaft section (e.g., deflecting section) which is controllable via at least one control cable, and an endoscope head can be used independently, wherein one of the at least one control cable forms a fluid channel (in particular according to the above description) which opens in the endoscope head and which, at a proximal end, forms a fluid connection, e.g., via a cross connector described above, for a flexible roller tube. Such a disposable part or endoscope system can further comprise further features described in the present disclosure.

[0042] Preferably, a first one-way drive train section is provided, which has a first control cable (e.g. the control cable for controlling the deflecting or a deflecting control cable), and a second one-way drive train section is provided, which has a second control cable (e.g. a control cable for controlling the tilting head / folding mechanism or a tilting head control cable, optionally with the fluid channel formed therein). More preferably, the first control cable is a shear-resistant and / or low-stretch hose in which the second control cable is accommodated. In other words, the first control cable can be a shear-resistant and / or low-stretch hollow tube / hose, inside which the second control cable is guided. This makes it possible to further reduce the number of strands guided through the flexible shaft and to further minimize its diameter.

[0043] Preferably, one of the at least one control cable (in particular a third control cable or rotation mechanism control cable) runs through the flexible shaft and is connected at its distal end to a tensioning cable, preferably via a distal converter or a distal transmission element of the rotation mechanism. The tensioning cable runs in particular through the flexible shaft and is pretensioned or can be pretensioned in the proximally direction at its proximal end via a pretensioning spring. Preferably, the pretensioning spring is connected to a tensioning roller around which the tensioning cable is deflected and is connected at its distal end to a housing of the disposable operating section. The tensioning roller and the pretensioning spring are in particular parts of the disposable operating part and are accommodated therein. The tensioning roller is in particular attached to the housing of the disposable operating section via a pretensioning spring in such a way that the tensioning roller is pretensioned or can be pretensioned in the proximally direction.The tension pulley can thus pre-tension the tension cable in the proximal direction.

[0044] Preferably, the rotation mechanism is provided such that a pull on one of the control cables is converted by a distal converter or a distal transmission element (e.g., a gear transmission, a wound coil, or similar) into a rotational movement of the distal endoscope section. Further preferably, by releasing or loosening the corresponding control cable, the tensioning cable is pulled proximally by the biasing spring, such that the distal endoscope section executes a reverse rotational movement. A bias of the tensioning coil is, in particular, greater than a resistance acting against an axial movement of the tensioning cable and the control cable for controlling the rotation mechanism in the shaft.

[0045] Preferably, the disposable operating section provides an air-water button which is designed to control an air and / or water supply to the distal endoscope section.

[0046] In particular, the air-water button is connected to an air line, which forms an air supply line that connects the air-water button to a proximal air connection (e.g., in the processor connection), and an air outlet that connects the air-water button to the distal endoscope head (e.g., via the roll tube and the fluid line in one of the control cables). The air supply line and the air outlet can be connected to each other directly or via the air-water button. Furthermore, the air-water button can have a blow-out hole connected to the air line (in particular, to the air supply line or at a transition region between the air supply and air outlet), through which the air line is open to the environment. The blow-out hole is, in particular, configured such that it has a lower flow resistance than the air outlet.

[0047] The blow-out hole is specifically configured so that it can be closed by a user, e.g., by placing a finger over it. This allows compressed air supplied to the operating section via the air supply line to be either blown out through the blow-out hole or directed to the endoscope head via the air outlet.

[0048] The air-water button preferably further comprises a water switch, in particular a (micro) switch, the actuation of which activates a water supply to the endoscope head (e.g. via the rolled hose and the fluid line in one of the control cables), e.g. by the water switch actuating a valve in a water supply line directly or via a control unit. The microswitch is preferably further configured to interrupt an air supply to the endoscope head when actuated, for example by actuating a valve in the air supply line directly or via a control unit, or by the control unit interrupting a compressed air supply. Thus, the air-water button can provide both a water and an air supply to the endoscope head in a simple, ergonomic manner.

[0049] The air-water button further preferably has an actuating button or a gripping plate in which the blow-out hole is formed. The actuating button or the gripping plate is in particular spring-loaded and mounted so as to overlie the water switch such that it contacts the water switch when the user presses it (by pressure), thereby actuating it. If the actuating button or the gripping plate is not actuated, the air-water button and, if applicable, the control unit are configured not to activate or stop the air and water supply to the endoscope head. If the actuating button or the gripping plate is actuated by essentially force- or pressure-free closing of the blow-out hole, the air supply to the endoscope head is activated. If the actuating button or the gripping plate is pressed against the water switch, a water supply to the endoscope head is actuated and, preferably, the air supply is interrupted.This allows the user to switch between the air and water supply particularly easily and intuitively and to switch them on or off as required.

[0050] Furthermore, the object underlying the present disclosure is achieved by a reusable part (which has already been partially described above) of / of the endoscope system with a reusable operating section, which is designed to be selectively coupled to a disposable operating section (in particular a disposable operating section of the disposable part described above). The reusable part has a reusable housing and at least one electric drive (more precisely, electric motor) for controlling the endoscope system, which is accommodated in the reusable housing, and further has at least one reusable drive train section (iea power transmission train) connected to the at least one electric drive to transmit a drive force to a longitudinally displaceable multi-way engagement element, wherein the at least one multi-way drive train section has the multi-way engagement element configured for axially fixed coupling to a one-way drive train section of the one-way operating section. In particular, a distal end of the multi-way drive train section forms the multi-way engagement element. More specifically, in an uncoupled state, the multi-way engagement element forms a free end of the multi-way drive train section.

[0051] In other words, the present disclosure relates to a reusable part of an endoscope system, which has at least one electric drive and a reusable drive train connected thereto, which has a distal output element. The distal output element is mounted to be displaceable in a longitudinal direction, i.e. in a proximal and distal direction or towards and away from a disposable part attachable thereto, and in particular to be rotationally fixed. The reusable part further has an electric drive which drives the distal output element (i.e. the reusable engagement element) in the longitudinal direction. The distal output element is designed to come into axially fixed engagement, in particular into snap engagement, with a disposable drive train section (a disposable engagement element) of a disposable part of the endoscope system.In particular, the multi-way engagement element is designed such that, when a housing of the multi-way part is coupled to a housing of the disposable part, in particular the disposable operating part, it can be brought into axially fixed engagement with the disposable drive train section and / or released therefrom solely by actuating the electric drive (i.e. without additional manual user actuations).

[0052] The reusable operating section includes, for example, components of the operating section that are expensive to manufacture and / or cannot be recycled or can only be recycled with great difficulty, such as the electric drives. For example, the reusable operating section forms a receptacle for the at least one electric drive, and optionally for at least one spindle drive (described later), and can further include an operating block (described later). The electric drive is, in particular, an electric motor, preferably a stepper motor.

[0053] The multi-way drive train section is in particular a mechanical and / or electrical (preferably purely mechanical) connection which is configured to transmit a drive force of the electric drive to a distal end of the multi-way drive train section or to the one-way drive train section coupled thereto. Preferably, the at least one multi-way drive train section has at least one pushing element which is mounted in the multi-way operating section so as to be axially displaceable with respect to the shaft axis and has a distal end which forms the at least one multi-way engagement element, in particular in one piece, or is connected thereto. Preferably, the at least one multi-way drive train is arranged such that the at least one multi-way engagement element can be engaged in any position of the pushing element (iein a most distal position up to a most proximal position, which the pusher element can assume) protrudes distally from a reusable housing of the reusable operating section. This means that the reusable engagement element is coupled to the disposable drive train section outside the reusable housing. This makes it possible to couple the reusable housing within a disposable housing section and protect sensitive moving elements of the disposable drive train. Furthermore, the reusable housing can be sealed in any position of the pusher element, making the reusable part particularly robust against internal contamination and the resulting damage.

[0054] The thrust element is a longitudinally displaceable element, in particular a longitudinally extending, i.e., tubular or rod-shaped element. The thrust element can preferably transmit thrust and tensile forces.

[0055] In particular, it is advantageous if the electric drive forms a brake or is designed to provide a braking effect, in particular when switched off or de-energized. The electric drive can thus hold the pushing element in a retracted position, i.e., the position moved furthest in the proximal direction. In this retracted position, the pushing element and optionally the reusable engagement element are preferably accommodated in the reusable housing to at least 70%, more preferably at least 80% or at least 90%, of their length. In this way, the reusable part can be provided, stored, and transported individually, minimizing the risk of damaging the reusable drive train section.Further preferably, the at least one multi-way drive train section has at least one spindle gear with at least one (threaded) spindle and at least one (spindle) nut arranged thereon in a rotationally fixed manner and axially displaceable relative to the housing, wherein the spindle nut is connected to the thrust element in order to drive the latter in the longitudinal direction. This is a particularly simple and reliable transmission gear for converting a rotary movement of the electric drive into a longitudinal movement of the thrust element. The thrust element is preferably mounted in a rotationally fixed manner relative to the multi-way housing, e.g. by the thrust element and / or the spindle nut and / or a component connecting the spindle nut and the thrust element having a non-circular profile (e.g. polygonal / square / etc.).

[0056] A distal end face of one of the reusable housings has at least one opening for the at least one push element. A seal is provided between the opening and the respective push element to seal the reusable housing and protect the components contained therein from dirt, moisture, etc. This can reduce or prevent contamination of the environment by abrasion from the reusable housing. Preferably, the distal end face of the reusable housing also includes locking openings designed to engage locking lugs of the disposable part, in particular the disposable operating part.

[0057] Preferably, a proximal end of the at least one spindle is connected to an output shaft of the at least one electric drive and has a spindle angle sensor, in particular in the form of external gearing. Further preferably, a spindle angle sensor is provided adjacent to the spindle angle sensor (attached to the reusable housing), which detects a rotational speed or rotational angle of the spindle. In particular, the angle sensor, e.g. in the form of gearing, can be arranged on a proximal section of the threaded spindle or a connecting sleeve that connects the threaded spindle and the output shaft of the drive. The at least one spindle angle sensor and the at least one spindle angle sensor can provide the rotational speed or rotational angle of the spindle to a computer unit / control unit of the endoscope system (or an external unit) in order to calibrate the electric drive.This enables particularly precise control of the electric drive.

[0058] Preferably, the spindle is connected to an output shaft of the electric drive via an elastic friction element, e.g., an O-ring. The elastic friction element is preferably clamped between the spindle and the output shaft in order to transmit a torque of the electric drive therebetween. Furthermore, the elastic friction element is preferably designed such that it slips at a predetermined torque, i.e., acts as a safety clutch. This makes it possible to protect the electric drive, the disposable / reusable drive train sections, and patient tissue from excessive stress if, for example, a movement of the distal endoscope section is blocked or part of the disposable / reusable drive train sections becomes jammed. This provides a particularly simple and cost-effective connection between the output shaft and the spindle.Furthermore, the elastic friction element can be configured to compensate for any axial misalignment or alignment between the output shaft and the spindle. This allows for less precise tolerances in the manufacturing and assembly of the output shaft and spindle, thereby reducing manufacturing and assembly costs.

[0059] Preferably, the spindle can be mounted on the reusable housing at its proximal end section via two mutually braced angular contact bearings (e.g., an X- or O-shaped bearing). This can provide a particularly rigid mounting for the spindle and achieve better stability under high compressive and / or tensile loads or, if applicable, bending moments. Preferably, the spindle is also mounted in the distal end face of the reusable housing, in particular by a plain bearing.

[0060] The thrust element is preferably a hollow tube which concentrically accommodates the spindle. In particular, a distal end of the thrust element can be integrally connected to the reusable engagement element or form it. This allows particularly uniform force introduction into the thrust element and the thrust element has particularly high tensile and compressive strength. Further preferably, the thrust element has, at least at its distal end section, the same outer contour as the reusable engagement element. This allows the thrust element to be retracted particularly far into the reusable housing, since a seal can seal the reusable housing both to the thrust element and to the distal coupling element. Alternatively, the thrust element can form a rod which runs parallel to the spindle and is possibly non-circular, e.g. square.

[0061] Preferably, the push element is connected to a displacement sensor. Further preferably, a displacement sensor is arranged parallel to the pull and / or push element at least at a first end position and / or a second end position of a displacement movement of the push element, which is designed to detect when the displacement sensor reaches the first end position or the second end position, respectively.

[0062] The displacement sensor is preferably connected to the thrust element (a proximal end section of the thrust element) or to a component that moves axially together therewith (e.g., the spindle nut or a rotationally fixed driver / connector between the spindle nut and the thrust element). The displacement sensor can be a marker, e.g., a magnet, a colored marking, or the like. The displacement sensor is preferably a component that detects the displacement sensor, e.g., a Hall sensor, which detects when the displacement sensor / magnet is arranged opposite it. A signal from the displacement sensor can be transmitted to a / the computer unit / control unit, which is designed to control the electric drive, in particular to stop the electric drive when the thrust element reaches a position detected by the displacement sensor (in particular, a distal and / or proximal end position). That is,The travel sensor can also be referred to as a switching position sensor and the travel sensor can also be referred to as a switching position sensor.

[0063] As a result, the pushing element can be driven between precisely defined end positions. This can advantageously prevent damage to the disposable and / or reusable drive train due to over-driving of the drive. For example, a first end position of a first or second pushing element can correspond to an extended position of a deflecting or tilting head of the disposable part, in particular of the endoscope, and a second end position of the first or second pushing element can correspond to a most curved position of the deflecting or tilting head of the disposable part, in particular of the endoscope. Furthermore, end positions of a third pushing element can correspond to a rotating mechanism that is rotated the furthest in one or the other direction of rotation.

[0064] The displacement sensors (and optionally a circuit board carrying the displacement sensors) are preferably arranged on a plane that is flat and runs parallel to the spindle. The reusable housing can, for example, have a reusable guide surface that is designed to engage with the disposable part, in particular the disposable operating part, in order to guide it, for example, when plugging or coupling the disposable part, in particular the disposable operating part, with the reusable part. For example, the reusable guide surface can be a flat lateral side of the reusable housing. The reusable guide surface can be delimited at its proximal end by an end face that is perpendicular to it and on which an electrical reusable connection and, if applicable, guide pins or guide openings for guiding an axial relative movement (plug-in movement) between the disposable part, in particular the disposable operating part, and the reusable part, are provided.The displacement sensor(s) can preferably be arranged on an internal surface of the reusable housing, which is opposite the reusable guide surface. In other words, a flat housing wall can form the guide surface on its outer side and support the displacement sensors on its inner side. This allows the reusable housing to be designed particularly simply and ergonomically.

[0065] Further preferably, the reusable part has an operating block which has at least one manual operating element or operating wheel. The operating element or operating wheel is provided with an operating angle sensor. Further preferably, the reusable part has an operating angle sensor which is arranged in the reusable housing adjacent to the operating angle sensor in order to detect a rotational speed or a rotational angle of the manual operating element or wheel and to provide this to a control unit / computer unit for controlling the electric drive element. In particular, each electric drive is coupled to (exactly) one of the at least one manual operating element or operating wheel via a power and / or data connection. Each electric drive is preferably controlled depending on, in particular proportional to, a user input on the manual operating element or operating wheel (handwheel).Each manual control element or control wheel is preferably arranged on an outer side of the reusable housing of the reusable control section. Further preferably, each manual control element or control wheel is mounted on a shaft that is supported on the reusable housing. If multiple manual control elements or control wheels are provided, the associated shafts are preferably mounted concentrically within one another.

[0066] Preferably, an operating angle sensor, in particular a magnetic disk (also referred to as a sensor wheel), which rotates with the shaft, is arranged on an inner end section of each shaft. In addition, an operating angle sensor, in particular a Hall sensor, can be provided, which detects a rotational speed or an angle of rotation of the angle sensor or of the associated manual operating element or operating wheel. Each angle sensor is coupled in particular to (exactly) one of the electric drives / to the electric drive in order to control it. Preferably, a braking element, e.g. a brake plate or a separating disk or an O-ring or the like, is provided between each of the operating angle sensors, which mechanically separates the operating angle sensors from one another. In this way, each operating element / operating wheel can advantageously be braked so that it does not rotate unintentionally, e.g. due to the rotation of an adjacent operating element or operating wheel.

[0067] In particular, a plurality of electric drives and a plurality of multi-way drive train sections are provided, each of which is essentially independent of one another and which each has (exactly) one multi-way engagement element, (exactly) one spindle gear with (exactly) one spindle and (exactly) one spindle nut, and (exactly) one pulling and / or pushing element. In this case, each of the multi-way drive train sections is coupled or can be coupled to (exactly) one one-way drive train section and is coupled to (exactly) one of the electric drives. Likewise, a plurality of manual control wheels or control elements are provided, each of which is intended to operate / control (exactly) one of the electric drives.

[0068] Furthermore, the object underlying the present disclosure is achieved by an endoscope system having a disposable part described above and a reusable part described above, which can be selectively coupled to one another, wherein the at least one reusable drive train section and the at least one disposable drive train section can be selectively coupled to each connect the at least one electric drive to the distal endoscope section in order to control the distal endoscope section.

[0069] In other words, an endoscope system is provided, comprising a (passive, driven) disposable section and an (active, driving) reusable section, in particular each corresponding to the above description, wherein an output element of the reusable part is mounted for longitudinal movement to drive a disposable drive train section. This means that an output element of the drive train (power transmission train) in the reusable part is an element displaceable in a longitudinal direction. In particular, a transmission gear is provided for translating a drive force, in particular in the form of a torque, into a longitudinal movement of a distal, controllable distal endoscope shaft section in the reusable section.A coupling mechanism for coupling the output element in the reusable part to an input element (one-way engagement element) of the drive train of the one-way part is designed to drive the output element of the reusable part longitudinally in order to bring the output element of the reusable part into axially fixed engagement with the input element of the drive train.

[0070] Preferably, the object is further achieved by a method for coupling (coupling method) the disposable part described above and the reusable part described above. For this purpose, the disposable operating section and the reusable operating section are plugged onto one another, in particular guided or slid along one another in a drawer-like manner. During this plugging, guide pins of the disposable part, in particular of the disposable operating section, or of the reusable part preferably slide into guide holes of the respective other part (the reusable or disposable part, in particular of the disposable operating section). Further preferably, locking lugs of the disposable part, in particular of the disposable operating section, engage in locking openings of the reusable part when a coupled end position of the housings of the disposable part, in particular of the disposable operating section, and the reusable part is reached.Further preferably, during this plugging-in process, an electrical connection of the disposable part, in particular of the disposable operating part, is connected to an electrical connection of the reusable part when the end position is reached. Subsequently, the at least one (preferably all) electrical drive is driven in a pushing direction to push the pushing element out of the reusable housing, pressing against the disposable engagement element to displace it distally until the disposable coupling section abuts its at least one stop in the distal direction. Subsequently, the at least one (preferably all) electrical drive is driven further in the pushing direction to advance the pushing element further in order to couple the reusable engagement element to the disposable engagement element, in particular to bring it into snap engagement.

[0071] Preferably, at least one (preferably all) spindle gears are calibrated via the spindle angle sensors and spindle angle sensors as well as the position sensors and position sensors, or a control unit / computer unit carries out a corresponding calibration.

[0072] Furthermore, each drive is preferably driven as a function of (in particular proportionally) a signal from (exactly) one operating angle sensor.

[0073] For decoupling, preferably the at least one (preferably all) drive is driven in a pulling direction to pull the one-way coupling section in the proximal direction until it strikes its at least one stop (other than the pushing direction) in the proximal direction and is thereby held in place. Subsequently, preferably the at least one (preferably all) electric drive is driven further in the pulling direction to pull the pushing element further in the proximal direction in order to disengage the multi-way engagement element from the one-way engagement element, i.e., to decouple it, in particular to release a snap engagement thereof.

[0074] Furthermore, a system can be provided with the reusable part described above (and optionally the disposable part described above) and a computer unit configured to control the at least one electric drive in order to carry out the coupling method described above. The computer unit is connected in particular to the at least one electric drive and / or the at least one operating angle sensor and / or the at least one spindle angle sensor and / or the at least one displacement sensor.

[0075] Preferably, the computer unit is integrated into the reusable part and can be supplied with power via the electrical reusable connection (i.e., via the processor connection and the electrical one-way connection). Alternatively, the computer unit can be part of an external control unit and connected to the at least one electric drive and / or the at least one operating angle sensor and / or the at least one spindle angle sensor and / or the at least one displacement sensor via the electrical multi-way connection (i.e., further via the processor connection and the electrical one-way connection).

[0076] Character description

[0077] The present disclosure is described below using preferred embodiments. However, these are merely illustrative in nature and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the same reference numerals are used for the same components in the description of the various embodiments.

[0078] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an endoscope system according to the disclosure.

[0079] Fig. 2 shows a distal endoscope section of the endoscope system according to Fig. 1 and a top view of an endoscope head of the endoscope system. Fig. 3 shows a proximal operating section of the endoscope system according to Fig. 1.

[0080] Fig. 4 shows a one-way operating section of the operating section according to Fig. 2.

[0081] Fig. 5 and 6 each show different perspectives of a multi-way operating section of the operating section according to Fig. 2, wherein a pushing element is modified differently in each case.

[0082] Fig. 7 shows the interior of the reusable operating section according to Fig. 6.

[0083] Fig. 8 shows an operating block of the reusable operating section according to Fig. 5 and 6.

[0084] Fig. 9 shows part of a drive train in the multi-way operating section after the modification according to Fig. 5.

[0085] Fig. 10 shows the part of the drive train in the multi-way operating section after the modifications according to Fig. 6.

[0086] Fig. 11 shows another part of the drive train in the multi-way operating section after the modifications according to Fig. 6.

[0087] Fig. 12 shows the further part of the drive train in the multi-way operating section after the modification according to Fig. 5.

[0088] Fig. 13 shows a part of the one-way operating section and a tension pulley mounted therein.

[0089] Fig. 14 shows a cross section through the one-way operating section.

[0090] Fig. 15 illustrates a coupling or decoupling method between drive train parts of the one-way operating section and the multi-way operating section. Fig. 16 shows a structure of an air-water button of the one-way operating section.

[0091] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an endoscope system 1 according to the disclosure. The endoscope system 1 shown has a proximal operating section 2 (e.g. endoscope handle). The operating section 2 has a processor connection 3, via which it is or can be connected to a processor cable. Furthermore, the operating section 2 has operating elements or wheels 4 and a connection 5, in particular a Luer connection. From a distal end of the operating section 2, an endoscope, more precisely a flexible shaft 6 of the endoscope, extends in a distal direction. From a distal end section of the flexible shaft 6, a controllable distal shaft section or endoscope section 7, which is described in more detail with reference to Fig. 2, extends in a distal direction. An endoscope head 8 is arranged at a distal end of the distal endoscope section 7 or forms its distal end.A central axis of the flexible shaft 6 and the distal endoscope section 7 is referred to as the shaft axis.

[0092] As shown in Fig. 2, the distal endoscope section 7 has a deflecting element 9, which is controllable or can be bent up to a first maximum curvature in order to pivot the endoscope head 8 in at least or exactly one pivoting plane. The distal endoscope section 7 preferably also has a folding mechanism / tilting head 10, at the distal end of which the endoscope head 8 is formed. The folding mechanism / tilting head 10 is preferably arranged distally from the deflecting element 9 and can be controlled separately in order to pivot the endoscope head 8 in the pivoting plane. Both the deflecting element 9 and the bending mechanism 10 preferably have a plurality of wedge-shaped segments, which are each articulated on their wide side to adjacent segments in such a way that they can be folded towards one another on their narrow side.

[0093] Preferably, a rotation mechanism 11 for rotating the distal endoscope section 7 coaxially around the shaft axis is provided between the flexible shaft 6 and the distal endoscope section 7. Furthermore, Fig. 2 shows a plan view of the endoscope head 8. The endoscope head 8 forms an outlet of a working channel 12 at its distal end face and carries further components such as a camera, a lighting device, a rinsing nozzle, and the like.

[0094] Fig. 3 shows the proximal operating section 2 of the endoscope system 1 according to Fig. 1 in an assembled state. The operating section 2 has a disposable operating section 2a, which is shown in more detail in Fig. 4 (shown in dotted lines in Fig. 3), and a reusable operating section 2b, which is shown in more detail in Fig. 5. The disposable operating section 2a and the reusable operating section 2b are coupled or can be coupled to one another, in particular via a coupling mechanism according to the disclosure, which preferably has a plug-in mechanism.

[0095] The disposable operating section 2a is connected at its distal end to a proximal end section of the flexible shaft 6. The distal end of the disposable operating section 2a forms a substantially tubular or sleeve-shaped disposable housing section 14, inside which a connecting mechanism (see the following description with reference to Fig. 11 to Fig. 15) is accommodated for connecting at least one, in particular three, control cable(s) 48 for controlling the distal endoscope section 7 to the reusable operating section 2b. At least one opening is formed on a proximal end face of the substantially tubular disposable housing section 14, through which opening a drive train section of the disposable operating section 2a can be coupled to or decoupled from a drive train section of the reusable operating section 2b, which is described in more detail below, particularly with reference to Fig. 15.

[0096] As shown in Fig. 4, a plug section 15 (a positioning plate) extends from the proximal end face of the disposable housing section 14 in the proximal direction, preferably parallel to the shaft axis. Preferably, outer surfaces of the plug section 15 and the substantially tubular disposable housing section 14 are formed continuously with one another on a radially outer side / lateral side with respect to the shaft axis (i.e., flush and edge-free, in particular integrally connected). A surface of the plug section 15, which is opposite the radial outer surfaces, forms a flat disposable guide surface 16a. This disposable guide surface 16a is designed to guide or engage with a corresponding reusable guide surface 16b of the reusable operating section 2b. Furthermore, labeling may be provided on the guide surface.

[0097] An air-water button 13 is preferably arranged on one side of the plug section 15 with respect to the shaft axis, in particular on a projection located in a central region of the positioning plate with respect to the shaft axis. Lines connecting the air-water button 13 to the water connection (e.g., integrated into the processor connection 3) and to the flexible shaft 6 are arranged within the disposable operating section 2a, in particular within the projection and the plug section 15. The (Luer) connector 5 is preferably provided on a peripheral side / lateral side of the disposable housing section 14 with respect to the shaft axis and forms access from an outside of the disposable housing section 14 to an interior of the disposable housing section 14, in particular to a proximal end section of the working channel 12.

[0098] A (particularly plug-in type) one-way electrical connection 17a is formed on a proximal end edge of the plug section 15 (see enlarged view A). This is designed for electrically coupling the one-way operating section 2a to a corresponding (particularly plug-in type) multi-way electrical connection 17b of the multi-way operating section 2b and, more preferably, for power transmission and, if applicable, signal transmission from the one-way operating section 2a to the multi-way operating section 2b. The processor connection 3 is preferably provided laterally on the plug section 15 at a proximal end region thereof, i.e., close to the one-way electrical connection 17a. Cables connecting the processor connection 3 and the one-way electrical connection 17a are accommodated in the plug section 15.

[0099] Furthermore, the disposable operating section 2a forms a plurality of mechanical connector elements designed to mechanically couple the disposable operating section 2a to the reusable operating section 2b (more precisely, housing parts thereof). On one or both side edges of the plug section 15, i.e., an edge connecting the guide surface 16 and the radial outer surface of the plug section 15, an engagement rail 18 can be provided, which is designed to engage with a corresponding rail on the reusable operating section 2b and to guide displacement of the reusable operating section 2b and the disposable operating section 2a relative to one another and parallel to the shaft axis.

[0100] At least one, preferably a total of four, positioning openings 19b and / or positioning pins 19a can be provided on the proximal end face of the plug section 15, preferably on both sides of the electrical disposable connection 17a, and / or the proximal end face of the substantially tubular disposable housing section 14. These positioning openings 19b and / or positioning pins 19a are designed to engage with corresponding positioning pins 19a or positioning openings 19b (see Fig. 4, enlarged view A) on the reusable operating section 2b. Furthermore, locking lugs 20a are preferably formed on the proximal end face of the disposable housing section 14 (see Fig. 4, enlarged view B), which locking lugs are designed to engage in locking openings 20b (see also Figs. 6 and 7) on the reusable operating section 2b.Additionally or alternatively, a further detent spring 21a for rusting on the reusable operating section 2b can be provided on a radial inner side of the projection which carries the air-water button 13, which is designed to rust into a further detent contour 21b of the reusable operating section 2b.

[0101] Thus, to couple the disposable operating section 2a and the reusable operating section 2b, the two sections (i.e., the disposable operating section 2a and the reusable operating section 2b) are placed on top of one another with the disposable guide surface 16a and the reusable guide surface 16b, and if necessary, the engagement rail 18 is brought into engagement with the rail of the reusable part 2b. Subsequently, the two sections 2a, 2b are pushed towards one another / into one another parallel to the shaft axis in a plug-like / drawer-like manner until the positioning pins 19a, the locking lugs 20a, and the electrical disposable connection 17a engage with the positioning openings 19b, locking openings 20b, and the electrical reusable connection 17b of the reusable part 2b. When an end position is reached, the locking lugs 20a and, if applicable, the locking spring 21a engage in the locking openings 20b and, if applicable, in the further locking contour 21b.

[0102] Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 each show the reusable operating section 2b, wherein Fig. 5 shows a perspective view from the side of the reusable guide surface 16b and Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of an outer side of the reusable operating section 2b.

[0103] The reusable operating section 2b has a reusable housing 22, which has a substantially cuboid-shaped first recess on one side, which opens with respect to the shaft axis at least towards one, preferably both, lateral sides of the reusable housing 22 as well as towards a distal end face of the reusable housing 22. This means that in a side view, the recess defines a substantially L-shaped contour of the reusable housing 22. A bottom of the recess forms the reusable guide surface 16b and a proximal end face of the recess has the electrical reusable connection 17b and preferably the at least one, more preferably two, positioning opening(s) 19b. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one, preferably two, further positioning openings 19b are provided on the one proximal end face of the reusable operating section 2b or the reusable housing 22.Preferably, the locking openings 20b are also provided on the distal end face.

[0104] Furthermore, the reusable housing 22 has a lateral contact surface 23, which borders the reusable guide surface 16b and extends substantially perpendicular thereto and parallel to the shaft axis. In particular, the reusable housing 22 forms a second, substantially cuboid-shaped recess, which opens at least distally and in the direction of the reusable guide surface 16b, wherein a bottom surface of the second recess forms the lateral contact surface 23. The lateral contact surface 23 is configured to engage with the projection that supports the air-water button 13. The further locking contour 21b can also be formed in the lateral contact surface 23. The distal end face of the reusable housing 22 further has openings from which parts of a drive train for controlling the endoscope system 1 protrude. These are described in more detail below with reference to Fig. 11 and Fig. 12.

[0105] On a side of the reusable housing 22 opposite the reusable guide surface 16b, a plurality of operating elements or wheels 4 are provided. In particular, the operating elements 4 are a plurality of concentrically mounted and rotatably mounted handwheels. Preferably, a first operating element 4a is provided for actuating the folding mechanism / tilting head 10, a second operating element 4b for actuating the deflection element 9, and a third operating element 4c for actuating the rotation mechanism 11.

[0106] Fig. 7 shows the interior of the multi-way operating section 2b, in particular, the multi-way drive train sections of the multi-way operating section 2b, which in Fig. 7 are already connected to components of a one-way drive train for illustrative purposes. The drive train sections of the multi-way operating section 2b have an operating block that can be operated or handled by a user and is shown in more detail in Fig. 8.

[0107] The control element block is described in more detail below with reference to a longitudinal sectional view of the same shown in Fig. 8. In the present example, the control elements 4 are each rotatably mounted on shafts 24 which are concentrically mounted one inside the other. This means that the outermost (i.e. furthest from the reusable housing 22) first control element 4a is fixed on a first shaft 24a which is rotatably mounted on a central mandrel 25 which is fixed to the reusable housing 22. The middle, second control element 4b is fixed on a second shaft 24b which receives the first shaft 24a and is rotatably mounted thereto. The innermost (i.e. closest to the reusable housing 22) third control element 4b is fixed on a third shaft 24c which receives the second shaft 24b and is rotatably mounted thereto.A main bearing 26, in particular a roller bearing, is mounted on the outside of the third shaft 24c, which rotatably supports the three shafts 24a, 24b, 24c on the multi-way housing 22. The three shafts 24a, 24b, 24c are each firmly connected at their inner end sections to corresponding magnetic encoder wheels or operating angle encoders 27. Adjacent to the encoder wheels or operating angle encoders 27, a package of operating angle sensors 28 (see Fig. 7) or Hall sensors is arranged on the multi-way housing 22, each of which detects a rotation (angle of rotation / number of revolutions) of the magnetic encoder wheels or operating angle encoders 27 and converts it into an electrical signal. Between the mutually adjacent magnetic encoder wheels or operating angle encoders 27, a braking element 29 such as a brake plate or a separating disc is arranged, which spaced the encoder wheels or operating angle encoders 27 from one another.The brake elements 29 have openings into which pins engage, which are connected to the multi-way housing 22, to prevent rotation of the brake elements 29 relative to the multi-way housing 22. The encoder wheels or operating angle encoders 27 can preferably be braked by frictional engagement (e.g., via O-rings) on the brake elements 29.

[0108] The angle sensors 28 are each connected to an electric drive 30 or electric motor for data transmission, particularly via electrical lines. The electric drives 30 and, if applicable, the angle sensors 28 are preferably connected to the processor connection 3 via the electrical one-way and multi-way connections 17a, 17b and are supplied with power via them.

[0109] As shown in Fig. 7, each of the electric drives 30 is connected to a threaded spindle 32 via a spindle coupling block 31. This connection is described in more detail below with reference to Fig. 9 and Fig. 10. As shown in Fig. 9, the electric drive 30 (according to all modifications) has an output shaft 33. The output shaft 33 is inserted into a connecting sleeve 34. An elastic friction element 35, e.g., an O-ring, is clamped between the output shaft 33 and the connecting sleeve 34 to transmit torque from the output shaft 33 to the connecting sleeve 34, to compensate for misalignment between the threaded spindle 32 and the output shaft 33, and to act as a torque limiter. At its distal end portion, the connecting sleeve 34 is fixedly connected to a proximal end portion of the threaded spindle 32, e.g., via a radial grub screw.Distal to the proximal end section, the threaded spindle 32 is rotatably and axially fixedly mounted on the spindle coupling block 31 via thrust bearings or clamped angular contact ball bearings 36, which is shown in a partially removed view in Fig. 10. The spindle coupling block 31 is fixedly connected to the reusable housing 22. Furthermore, the threaded spindle 32 is preferably rotatably mounted at its distal end section, in particular via a spindle bearing or plain bearing 37 (see Fig. 9).

[0110] According to a modification (see Fig. 10), a spindle angle sensor 38a is preferably provided proximal or distal to each of the thrust bearings or clamped angular contact ball bearings 36, in particular in the form of a profile or toothing, in particular an external toothing formed on the connecting sleeve 34. This spindle angle sensor 38a serves as a rotation angle sensor, which interacts with a rotation angle sensor arranged in or on the spindle coupling block 31 (shown individually here only as an example) to detect a number of revolutions or a rotation angle of the spindle 32.

[0111] Proximal to the spindle coupling block 31, a nut 39 (shown here only in dashed lines), in particular a ball screw nut, sits on each of the threaded spindles 32. The nut 39 is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to a thrust element 41, preferably directly or via a connector or driver 40 (shown only in dashed lines in Fig. 9). The connector or driver 40 and / or the thrust element 41 is / are preferably non-circular, e.g., cuboid-shaped, in order to be mounted on the reusable housing 22 in a rotationally fixed but axially sliding manner. The connector or driver 40 and the thrust element 41 can each be directly connected to the nut 39. The thrust element 41 extends from the nut 39 or from the connector or driver 40 in a distal direction, essentially parallel to the threaded spindle 32, and extends through one of the openings in the distal end face of the reusable housing 22.Preferably, the thrust element 41 is guided or mounted in an axially sliding manner in the distal end face of the reusable housing 22 or in a housing section forming this end face, in particular via the sliding bearing 37. Furthermore, a seal 42 is preferably provided between the thrust element 41 and the distal end face of the reusable housing 22 (see Fig. 7, Fig. 11).

[0112] The thrust element 41 can, for example, be provided according to two different modifications of the embodiment, which are explained below.

[0113] In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 7, the thrust element 41 is, for example, a thrust tube (see also Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 ), which concentrically accommodates the threaded spindle 32. Fig. 7 shows two of the drive train sections with the thrust element 41 or thrust tube and one of the drive trains without the thrust element 41 or thrust tube, in order to show the threaded spindle 32 accommodated therein and its attachment to the associated connector or driver 40. In this case, the threaded spindle 32 is preferably mounted at its distal end portion in a sliding and rotating manner in the thrust tube, in particular via the spindle bearing or plain bearing 37.

[0114] As a modification of the embodiment shown in Fig. 7, the pushing element 41 can be a push rod, as shown by way of example in Fig. 5 and Fig. 12 described below. In this case, the threaded spindle 32 is preferably rotatably mounted at its distal end section in the distal end face of the reusable housing 22, e.g., via a plain bearing. Furthermore, the push rod is axially offset and arranged substantially parallel to the threaded spindle 32. The connector or driver 40 can have a lateral recess for inserting and securing the push rod, e.g., according to the modification shown in Fig. 9. Optionally, a protective tube can be provided between the spindle coupling block 31 and the distal end face of the reusable housing 22, which protective tube encloses the threaded spindle 32, as well as completely or partially the connector or driver 40 and the push rod.

[0115] Preferably, a switching position sensor or (spindle) travel sensor 43, such as a permanent magnet, is mounted on a proximal end region of the pushing element 41 and / or on the nut 39 and / or (as shown, for example, in Fig. 9 as an example for all modifications) on the connector or driver 40. Furthermore, a sensor device can be arranged in the multi-way housing 22 adjacent to the pushing element 41 (as shown, for example, in Fig. 9 as an example for all modifications), which sensor device has a corresponding switching position sensor or (spindle) travel sensor 44 at at least one position, which detects the switching position sensor or (spindle) travel sensor 43 when it is at a predetermined or shorter distance from the switching position sensor or (spindle) travel sensor 44.Preferably, at least two switching position sensors or (spindle) displacement sensors 44 are provided, which are located at positions that characterize a distal and a proximal end of a predetermined feed range / a predetermined displacement movement of the pushing element 41. The sensor device is preferably provided on an inner side of the reusable housing 22 opposite the reusable guide surface 16b, since this is flat and thus the arrangement is particularly simple.

[0116] Each pushing element 41 has a multi-way engagement element 45, in particular a snap sleeve, at its distal end portion. If the pushing element 41 is designed as the pushing tube, a distal end of the pushing tube can be designed as the multi-way (snap) coupling element 45. The multi-way engagement element 45 forms an undercut designed to engage with a one-way engagement element 46 of a one-way coupling portion. As shown particularly in Fig. 7 and Fig. 11, the pushing elements 41 are preferably designed such that at least the multi-way engagement element 45 protrudes beyond the distal end face of the multi-way housing 22 in every position of the pushing element 41.

[0117] In Fig. 7 and Fig. 11, a part of the drive train sections is further shown, which is assigned to the one-way operating section 2a and is already connected to the multi-way engagement elements 45. A section from Fig. 7, in which individual parts (in particular a snap sleeve and a snap cylinder, as described below) are hidden for better illustration, is shown in Fig. 11, to which reference is made below. Preferably, one of the two engagement elements 45, 46 (ie the one-way engagement element 46 or preferably the multi-way engagement element 45) forms a snap sleeve with an inner peripheral wall in which an annular groove 47a or snap groove is formed (see also Fig. 11, view A). Furthermore, the other of the two engagement elements 45, 46 (e.g.The multi-way engagement element 45 or preferably the one-way engagement element 46) comprises a snap cylinder with an outer circumferential wall in which an outer annular groove is formed. The snap cylinder is dimensioned such that it can be inserted into the snap sleeve. An at least radially elastically deformable spring element 47b is held in the outer annular groove (see also Fig. 11, View A), in particular an annular spring element, such as a BalSeal coupling spring. An outer diameter of the spring element 47b, which is held in the outer annular groove, in an uncoupled state is larger than an inner diameter of the inner circumferential wall of the snap sleeve or the snap cylinder. To connect the two engagement elements 45, 46, for example,The snap cylinder is inserted into the snap sleeve, whereby the spring element 47b is elastically deformed radially inward until it reaches the annular groove 47a and relaxes therein to engage the annular groove 47a and thus connect the two engagement elements 45, 46 to one another. An automatic coupling or decoupling method for connecting the two engagement elements 45, 46 is described in more detail below with reference to Fig. 15.

[0118] At its distal side, each of the one-way engagement elements 46 is connected to one of the control cables 48, as described with reference to Fig. 11 to Fig. 15. A part of the one-way drive train sections extending from the one-way engagement element to a proximal end portion of the control cable 48 is each referred to as a one-way coupling element. More specifically, in the present embodiment, a first one-way coupling element is connected to a deflecting control cable 48a, a second one-way coupling element is connected to a tilting head control cable 48b, and a third one-way coupling element is connected to a rotating mechanism control cable 48c, which respectively transmit an actuating force to the folding mechanism / tilting head 10, the deflecting element 9, and the rotating mechanism 11.The tilting head control cable 48b is preferably designed as a low-stretch hose, which is configured to transmit at least tensile forces, preferably also compressive forces, to the folding mechanism / tilting head 10 for its control. Furthermore, the tilting head control cable 48b forms a fluid channel in its interior, in particular a lens cleaning channel for cleaning the camera, which opens at a distal end face of the endoscope head 8. Further preferably, the deflecting control cable 48a is designed as a low-stretch hose, which is configured to transmit at least tensile forces, preferably also compressive forces, to the deflecting mechanism 9 for its control. The deflecting control cable 48a extends, in particular, coaxially to the tilting head control cable 48b and accommodates it.

[0119] More preferably, the rotation mechanism control cable 48c is a cable designed to transmit tensile forces to the rotation mechanism 11 for its control. The rotation mechanism control cable 48c is guided, in particular, from the operating section 2 in the distal direction through the flexible shaft and is connected at its distal end to a distal converter designed to convert the control cable movement into a rotation of the distal endoscope section 7. The converter is connected to a tensioning cable 48d, which extends in the proximally direction through the flexible shaft 6 and is fastened there, pre-tensioned in the proximally direction, to the disposable housing section 14. The tensioning of the tensioning cable 48d is achieved via a tensioning roller 49, which (as shown in Fig. 13) is accommodated in the disposable housing section 14. The tensioning roller 49 is mounted both rotatably and axially displaceably (along the shaft axis), e.g.via a slide, and is pretensioned in the proximal direction by a cable tensioning device 50 or tension spring. The cable tensioning device 50 according to Fig. 13 preferably has a compression spring.

[0120] Preferably, cross-connectors 51 are provided to connect the one-way engagement elements 46 to the respective associated control cables 48a, 48b, 48c (see Figs. 7, 11 and 12) and to compensate for any transverse offset therebetween. For example, one of the cross-connectors 51 is connected to one of the one-way engagement elements 46 and, axially offset therefrom, forms a clamp receptacle which is designed to clamp the rotation mechanism control cable 48c. Another of the cross-connectors 51 is connected to another of the one-way engagement elements 46 and, axially offset therefrom, is connected to the deflecting control cable 48a, which preferably receives the tilting head control cable 48b. Another of the cross-connectors 51 is connected to another of the one-way engagement elements 46 and, axially offset therefrom, is connected to the tilting head control cable 48b, which preferably forms the fluid channel.

[0121] The cross connector 51, which connects the tilt head control wire 48b to the corresponding one-way engagement element 46, can further serve as a fluid line adapter (see Fig. 7 and Fig. 11) to connect a fluid line, which is routed from the processor connection 3 through the one-way operating section 2a, to the tilt head control cable 48b serving as a fluid line. For this purpose, the corresponding cross connector 51 forms a fluid connection to which the fluid line coming from the processor connection 3 is connected, as well as a through-line which connects the fluid connection to the tilt head control cable 48b. A distal section of the fluid line coming from the processor connection 3 is designed in particular as a flexible rolled hose 61, so that a longitudinal displacement of the tilt head control cable 48b is possible.

[0122] As an alternative to the modification according to Fig. 11, as shown in Fig. 12, both the tilting head control cable 48a and the deflecting control cable 48b can be connected to the associated one-way engagement elements 46 via a respective cross-connector 51 in an axially offset manner. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 12, the fluid connection for connecting the fluid line coming from the processor connection 3 can be provided as a component separate from the cross-connectors 51 and connected to the tilting head control cable 48a.

[0123] The cross connectors 51 are preferably also non-circular or profiled. For example, the cross connectors 51 have webs 52 that project radially in the longitudinal direction and are provided in the disposable housing section 14 as an anti-twist device for the cross connectors 51 (see Fig. 7 and Fig. 11). The disposable housing section 14 forms corresponding axial guides 53 (see Fig. 14) with grooves in its interior, in which the cross connectors 51 engage in a rotationally fixed manner and are guided for axial displacement. This can be clearly seen in Fig. 14, which shows a cross section of the disposable housing part 14. The disposable housing part 14 can also form additional lines, e.g. an air line and a water line, as well as a proximal section of the working channel 12, in particular in one piece, which are shown in cross section in Fig. 14.

[0124] Fig. 15 illustrates an automatic decoupling process of the engagement elements 45, 46. Furthermore, Fig. 15 serves to illustrate an automatic coupling process, which is preferably triggered automatically when the computer unit detects that the one-way operating section 2a and the multi-way operating section 2b have been plugged together, e.g. by closing the electrical connections 17a, 17b or a switch.

[0125] Fig. 15 shows several sections of a longitudinal section of the endoscope 1 with the disposable and reusable operating sections 2a, 2b plugged together in the region of the disposable housing section 14, with only one of each drive train section being shown in detail by way of example. In this plugged-together state, the pusher element 41 and the reusable engagement element 45 are arranged at least partially within the disposable housing section 14, more precisely, in a proximal chamber in the disposable housing section 14. The disposable housing section 14 is divided into a proximal and a distal chamber by an intermediate wall or a frame 64. The one-way coupling section of the one-way operating section 2a extends axially displaceably through the intermediate wall or the bulkhead 64 such that the one-way engagement elements 46 are received in the proximal chamber and the cross connectors 51 and the control cables 48 are arranged in the distal chamber.The intermediate wall or frame 64 is designed such that stop sections 63 of the connecting mechanism can come into supporting contact therewith.

[0126] In view A of Fig. 15, the one-way engagement elements 46 and the multi-way engagement elements 45 are coupled. The pushing elements 41 are moved in the distal direction. To separate the engagement elements 45, 46, the drives (in particular all drives) are actuated to move the pushing elements 41 back (i.e., to move in the proximal direction), as shown in view B. At a predetermined travel distance, proximal stop sections 63a of the stop sections 63 strike the intermediate wall or the frame 64 of the one-way housing section 14 (see view C). In particular, the proximal stop sections 63a are provided on the one-way coupling sections between the one-way engagement elements 46 and the cross connectors 51, e.g., designed as adjustment stop components, such as adjusting nuts.Alternatively, the proximal stop sections 63a can be provided, for example, by one of the cross connectors 51 or by a stop disc or step attached to the connecting rod. When the thrust elements 41 are subsequently moved further in the proximal direction, as shown in view C, the pressure on the radially elastically deformable spring elements 47b becomes so high that they deform and disengage from the multi-way engagement elements 45. This releases the connection between the one-way and multi-way engagement elements 45, 46.

[0127] In the opposite direction, i.e. starting from view C of Fig. 15, the pushing elements 41 are advanced in the distal direction. In doing so, they push the one-way engagement elements 46 in front of them until they abut against the proximal end face of the one-way housing section 14. In this case, the one-way engagement elements 46 or their distal end faces each serve as distal stop sections 63b of the stop sections 63. When the pushing elements 41 are then moved further in the distal direction, as shown in view A, the pressure on the radially elastically deformable spring elements 47b becomes so high that they deform and each move into a gap between the one-way and the multi-way engagement elements 45, 46 until they snap into the annular grooves 47a of the multi-way engagement elements 45. This creates the connection between the one-way and multi-way engagement elements 45, 46.

[0128] Fig. 16 illustrates the structure of the air-water button 13 shown in Fig. 4. The air-water button 13 has a base body 54. This can be a separate part or formed integrally with the projection on the plug section 15 of the disposable operating section 2a. As can be seen in Fig. 16, Section A, a recess is formed in the base body 54, in which a microswitch 55 is arranged. The microswitch 55 is, for example, a pressure switch or touch sensor. A grip plate or actuating button 56 (see Fig. 16, Section B) is positioned in front of the microswitch 55 via a spring 57 and is preferably attached to the base body 54 by means of a flexible membrane 58 (e.g., a rubber cap) (see Fig. 16, Section C). The flexible membrane 58 can serve as the spring, or, as in the present example, an additional spring 57 can be provided.

[0129] The grip plate or actuation button 56 is mounted on the base body 54 in such a way that, when actuated by a user against a preload of the spring 57, it can be brought into contact with the microswitch 55 in order to actuate the latter. The microswitch 55 is connected to a computing unit which, when the microswitch 55 is actuated, is configured to activate a rinsing function of the rinsing device on the endoscope head 8, e.g., by the computing unit being configured to activate an external pump which is connected to the endoscope system 1 via a rinsing line. The rinsing line can, for example, be connected to rinsing lines in the operating section 2 of the endoscope system 1 via the processor connection 3.

[0130] Furthermore, the air-water button 13 is connected to an air supply line 59 and an air outlet 60, which are connected to one another. The air outlet 60 is connected to the endoscope head 8. The air outlet 60 can optionally be connected to a line that is formed in a substantially completely fixed position in the disposable housing part 14 and the plug section 15, or it can be connected to the roll-up hose 61 described above. The air supply line 59 is connected in particular to the processor connection 3 and can be supplied with compressed air via it. Furthermore, a blow-out hole 62 is provided in the handle plate or the actuating button 56, which connects the environment to the air outlet 60 and the air supply line 59.For example, the blow-out hole 62 is directly connected to the air supply and exhaust lines 59, 60, or both the air supply and exhaust lines 59, 60 and the blow-out hole 62 open into a space between the walls of the trough and the flexible membrane 58. The blow-out hole 62 is particularly designed and dimensioned such that it can be easily closed or closed by the user. Furthermore, the opening is designed such that the flow resistance of the blow-out hole 62 is smaller than the flow resistance of the air outlet 60. Thus, compressed air applied to the air supply line 59 only flows through the air outlet 60 when the blow-out hole 62 is closed. If the user presses harder on the handle plate or the actuating button 56, the microswitch 55 is actuated, thereby activating the flushing function.Optionally, the air-water button 13 or the computing unit is further configured to interrupt the air supply to the air discharge 60 upon actuation of the microswitch 55, e.g. by interrupting a connection between the air supply line 59 and the air discharge 60 in a valve-like manner.

[0131] It should be noted that although the embodiment described above provides several drive trains for actuating several different functions (the tilting head 10, deflecting elements 9 and rotating mechanism 11), these can, however, be independent of one another and thus only one or two of these drive trains can be provided. Furthermore, it should be noted that although the above description often only addresses one of the drive trains, the other two drive trains can be designed essentially the same, possibly apart from the differences described above. Furthermore, it should be noted that the above description addresses modifications of the endoscope according to the disclosure in which only individual, explicitly described components differ from the embodiment.

[0132] Reference character list

[0133] 1 endoscope system 22 reusable housings

[0134] 2 Operating section or 23 Side contact surface

[0135] Endoscope handle 24 waves

[0136] 2a One-way operating section 24a, b,c first / second / third wave

[0137] 2b Reusable operating section 25 central dome

[0138] 3 processor connection 26 main bearing

[0139] 4 Control elements or wheels 27 Sensor wheels / Operating angle sensors

[0140] 4a, b, c first / second / third 28 operating angle sensor

[0141] Control element 29 Brake elements / Cutting discs /

[0142] 5 (Luer) connection brake plates

[0143] 6 flexible shaft 30 Electric drive /

[0144] 7 distal endoscope section electric motor

[0145] 8 Endoscope head 31 Spindle coupling block

[0146] 9 Deflecting 32 (threaded) spindle

[0147] 10 Folding mechanism 33 Output shaft

[0148] 11 Rotating mechanism 34 Connecting sleeve

[0149] 12 Working channel 35 Elastic friction element /

[0150] 13 Air-water button O-ring

[0151] 14 One-way housing section 36 Thrust bearing / clamped

[0152] 15 Plug section angular contact bearing

[0153] 16a One-way guide surface 37 Spindle bearing / plain bearing

[0154] 16b Multi-way guide surface 38a Spindle angle sensor / gearing

[0155] 17a electrical one-way connection 38b spindle angle sensor /

[0156] 17b electrical reusable connection gear sensor

[0157] 18 engagement rail 39 (spindle) nut

[0158] 19a Positioning pins 40 Connector / driver

[0159] 19b Positioning openings 41 Push element / push tube

[0160] 20a locking lugs 42 seal

[0161] 20b Detent openings 43 Switch position sensor / (spindle)

[0162] 21a Detent spring travel sensor

[0163] 21 b further locking contour 44 switching position sensor / (spindle) 63b distal stop element travel sensor 64 partition or bulkhead

[0164] 45 Reusable engagement element / snap sleeve

[0165] 46 Disposable engagement element / snap cylinder

[0166] 47a Ring groove / snap groove

[0167] 47b radially elastically deformable

[0168] spring element

[0169] 48 control cables

[0170] 48a Deflecting control cable

[0171] 48b Folding mechanism-

[0172] Control cable / tilt head control cable

[0173] 48c Rotary mechanism control cable

[0174] 48d tension cable

[0175] 49 Tension pulley

[0176] 50 Cable tensioning device / tension spring

[0177] 51 cross connectors

[0178] 52 bars / anti-twist device

[0179] 53 axial guides

[0180] 54 basic bodies

[0181] 55 microswitches

[0182] 56 Operating button / handle plate

[0183] 57 spring

[0184] 58 flexible membrane

[0185] 59 Air supply line

[0186] 60 Air discharge

[0187] 61 roll hose

[0188] 62 Blow-out hole

[0189] 63 stop section

[0190] 63a proximal stop element

Claims

Claims 1 . Disposable part of an endoscope system (1) with a disposable operating section (2a) which is designed to be selectively coupled to a reusable part of the endoscope system (1), an endoscope with - a flexible shaft (6) which is designed to be inserted into a body opening of a patient, is connected to the disposable operating section (2a) and extends therefrom along a shaft axis in a distal direction, - a distal endoscope section (7) which is connected to a distal end section of the flexible shaft (6), and - a distal endoscope head (8) which forms a distal end face of the distal endoscope section (7) or is attached thereto, and at least one disposable drive train section which Operating section (2a) connects to the distal endoscope section (7) in order to control the distal endoscope section (7), characterized in that the at least one disposable Drive train section has at least one one-way coupling section which is mounted displaceably in the direction of the shaft axis in or on the one-way operating section (2a) and forms a one-way engagement element (46) at its proximal end, which is designed for axially fixed coupling to a multi-way drive train section of a multi-way operating section (2b).

2. Disposable part of the endoscope system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the disposable operating section (2a) forms a distal disposable housing section (14) in which the at least one disposable coupling section is mounted displaceably in a longitudinal direction, and a corresponding displacement movement in at least one direction along the shaft axis, preferably in both directions along the shaft axis, is limited by a stop, preferably in such a way that the disposable The engagement element (46) is located in a most proximal position at least partially, more preferably completely, within the distal disposable housing section (14).

3. Disposable part of the endoscope system (1) according to claim 2, wherein the disposable housing section (14) forms a proximal end face in which at least one opening for inserting the reusable drive train is formed, and a plug section (15) which extends in the proximal direction from the disposable housing section (14) and forms a disposable electrical connection (17a) on its proximal end face.

4. Disposable part of the endoscope system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the disposable operating section (2a) forms a locking lug (20a) which is designed for a snap engagement and has a predetermined breaking point which is configured to break upon release of the snap engagement.

5. Disposable part of the endoscope system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one disposable coupling section is connected at its distal end to a cross connector (51) with a control cable (48), the cross connector (51) compensating for a radial offset.

6. Disposable part of the endoscope system (1) according to claim 5, wherein one of the at least one control cable (48) is a low-stretch hose in which a fluid channel is formed, and an associated cross connector (51) forms a connection for a flexible roller hose (61) and fluidically connects this to the fluid channel in the first control cable (48a).

7. Disposable part of the endoscope system (1) according to claim 5, wherein one of the at least one control cable (48) runs through the flexible shaft (6) and is connected at its distal end to a tensioning cable which runs through the flexible shaft (6) and is deflected at its proximal end via a spring-loaded tensioning roller (49) and connected to a housing of the disposable operating section (2a) wherein the tensioning roller (49) is attached to the housing of the disposable operating section (2a) via a tensioning spring (50) in such a way that the tensioning roller (49) is pretensioned or can be pretensioned in the proximal direction.

8. Disposable part of the endoscope system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the disposable operating section (2a) provides an air-water button (13) which is connected to an air line which forms an air supply line (59) which connects the air-water button (13) to a proximal air connection, and an air discharge line (60) which connects the air-water button (13) to the distal endoscope head (8), wherein the air-water button (13) further has a blow-out hole (62) connected to the air line, through which the air line is open to the environment and which is configured such that it has a lower flow resistance than the air discharge line (60).

9. A reusable part of an endoscope system (1) with a reusable operating section (2b) which is designed to be selectively coupled to a disposable operating section (2a), in particular a disposable operating section (2a) of the disposable part of the endoscope system (1) according to claim 1, and having a reusable housing (22) and at least one electric drive (30) for controlling the endoscope (1), which is in the reusable housing (22), and at least one reusable drive train section which is connected to the at least one electric drive (30) in order to transmit a drive force to a reusable engagement element (45), characterized in that the at least one reusable drive train section has the reusable engagement element (45) which is mounted longitudinally displaceably on the reusable housing (22) and which is designed for axially fixed coupling with a One-way drive train section of the one-way operating section (2a) is formed.

10. Reusable part of the endoscope system (1) according to claim 9, wherein the at least one reusable drive train section has at least one spindle gear with at least one spindle (32) and at least one nut (39) arranged thereon in a rotationally fixed manner and longitudinally displaceable relative to the reusable housing (22), which nut is provided with a Push element (41) is connected, wherein the push element (41) is mounted in the multi-way operating section (2b) so as to be longitudinally displaceable and has a distal end which forms the at least one multi-way engagement element (45), in particular in one piece, or is connected thereto.

11. Reusable part of the endoscope system (1) according to claim 10, wherein the pushing element (41) is a hollow tube which concentrically receives the spindle (32) and which preferably has the same outer contour as the reusable engagement element (45).

12. Reusable part of the endoscope system (1) according to claim 10, wherein the pushing element (41) is connected to a displacement sensor (43) and a displacement sensor (44) is arranged parallel to the pushing element (41) at least at a first end position and a second end position of a displacement movement of the pushing element (41), which displacement sensor is designed to detect when the displacement sensor (43) reaches the first end position or the second end position.

13. Reusable part of the endoscope system (1) according to claim 10, wherein a proximal end of the at least one spindle (32) is connected to an output shaft (33) of the at least one electric drive (30) and has a spindle angle sensor (38a), in particular in the form of an external toothing, and adjacent to the spindle angle sensor (38a) a spindle angle sensor (38b) is provided, which detects a number of revolutions or a rotation angle of the spindle (32) in order to provide this for controlling and / or calibrating the electric drive (30).

14. Reusable part of the endoscope system (1) according to claim 9, further comprising an operating block which has at least one manual operating element or Operating wheel (4) which is provided at its inner end with an operating angle sensor (27), and an operating angle sensor (28) which is arranged in the multi-way housing (22) adjacent to the operating angle sensor (27) in order to set a number of revolutions or to detect an angle of rotation of the manual control element or control wheel (4) in order to provide this for the control of the electric drive (30).

15. Endoscope system (1) with a disposable part according to claim 1 and a reusable part according to claim 9, which are selectively coupled to one another, wherein the reusable engagement element (45) of the at least one reusable drive train section and the disposable engagement element (46) of the at least one disposable drive train section are selectively coupled to each connect the at least one electric drive (30) to the distal endoscope section (7).

Images