Endoscope with friction adjustment unit

Abstract

The present invention relates to an endoscope, and more particularly to an endoscope having a power transmission system that transmits power provided from a power source to a bending section. It is possible to provide an endoscope that suppresses the movement of the power transmission system that transmits power provided from the power source to a bending section, keeps the movement of the power transmission system constant, and improves responsiveness.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] One aspect of the present invention relates to an endoscope, and more particularly to an endoscope having a power transmission system that transmits power provided from a power source to a bending portion. [Background technology]

[0002] The material discussed herein is merely intended to provide background information related to embodiments of the present invention and is not intended to constitute prior art.

[0003] An endoscope generally refers to a medical instrument used to view inside the body for medical purposes. Depending on the part of the body being examined, it may be called a "bronchoscope," "gastroscope," "laparoscope," "colonoscope," etc. Unlike most other medical imaging devices, an endoscope is inserted directly into the body.

[0004] Supported by the development of optical fiber and the rapid development of optical technology and electronics, endoscopes have evolved into the current electronic endoscopes, which have made a great contribution to the development of the field of gastroenterology. The development of electronic endoscopes has not only led to the development of diagnostic fields that allow direct observation inside the subject and histological examinations, but also to the rapid development of various therapeutic endoscopes, which have come to replace open surgery.

[0005] The structure of an endoscope generally includes an insertion tube having a bending portion and a flexible portion that is inserted into the body, an operation portion that is connected to one end of the insertion tube and controls the bending movement of the bending portion, a connector that is coupled to a light source device or the like, and a universal cord that separates the operation portion from the connector.

[0006] In addition, in order to control the bending operation of the bending section, the endoscope is provided with a mechanical string between the bending section and the operation section, and the mechanical string is structured to be connected to a control knob provided on the operation section. In an endoscope having such a structure, when a user (surgeon) manually operates the control knob, the mechanical string transmits power to bend the bending section.

[0007] However, during endoscopic examinations and treatments, tense situations that could be fatal to the patient may arise. However, with an endoscope of this structure, the surgeon must manually operate the knob to control the bending movement of the bending section in a tense situation, and the surgeon tends to concentrate only on operating the knob, making it difficult to resolve the tense situation and possibly leading to an inability to accurately bend the bending section, which is problematic.

[0008] In response to this, an endoscope has been developed that can bend the bending section automatically using a power source, rather than manually by the surgeon. However, endoscopes with this type of structure have problems in terms of control precision and stability, since there is no suitable power transmission structure that can transmit power from outside the endoscope.

[0009] In particular, when an endoscope having such a structure needs to transmit power from a connector at one end of the endoscope to a curved portion at the other end of the endoscope, the power transmission system becomes long, which can cause problems with responsiveness, such as delays in power transmission or failure to keep the power transmission uniform.

[0010] The above-mentioned background art is technical information that the inventor possessed in order to derive the embodiments of the present invention or that he acquired in the process of deriving the embodiments of the present invention, and is not necessarily publicly known art that was disclosed to the general public prior to the filing of the embodiments of the present invention. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0011] Therefore, one aspect of the present invention has been proposed to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope that restrains the movement of a power transmission system that transmits power provided by a power source to a bending section, keeps the movement of the power transmission system constant, and improves responsiveness.

[0012] The technical problems that the present invention aims to achieve are not limited to the above-mentioned technical problems, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains from the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] In order to achieve the above object, one aspect of the present invention provides a method for performing an ultrasound examination using an ultrasound probe, comprising: a bending section that is inserted into a subject and collects image information; and a power transmission means that transmits power provided from a power source to the bending section;

[0014] The power transmission means can provide an endoscope having a mechanical string for transmitting power and a frictional force adjustment section for smoothing the movement of the mechanical string.

[0015] In one aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for performing an imaging operation using an imaging device, the imaging device comprising: a bending section that is inserted into a subject and collects image information; and a power transmission means that transmits power provided from a power source to the bending section;

[0016] The power transmission means can provide an endoscope having a mechanical string that transmits power and a frictional force adjustment section that can suppress movement of the mechanical string. According to an embodiment, the present invention includes an operation unit connected to the bending portion and controlling a bending operation of the bending portion, and a connector connected to the operation unit, One side of the power transmission means may be connected to the connector, and the other side may pass through the operation portion and be connected to the bending portion. According to an embodiment, the present invention includes an operation unit connected to the bending portion and controlling a bending operation of the bending portion, and a connector connected to the operation unit, The frictional force adjustment portion may be formed on the operation portion or the connector.

[0017] According to an embodiment, the power transmission means may have a guide tube that covers and guides the mechanical string, and the movement suppression unit may adjust the frictional force generated when the mechanical string moves by adjusting the diameter of the guide tube or the tension of the guide tube itself.

[0018] According to an embodiment, the guide tube may include a spring structure, and the movement suppressing portion may adjust a diameter of the spring structure by pulling or pushing the spring structure.

[0019] According to an embodiment, the guide tube may include a spring structure, and the movement suppressing portion may adjust the tension of the spring structure by pulling or pushing the spring structure.

[0020] According to an embodiment, the frictional force adjustment unit may be characterized by having a tip fixing portion connected to one end of the guide tube from which the mechanical string is pulled out, and a fixing means to which the tip fixing portion is provided.

[0021] According to an embodiment, the fixing means may be characterized by having a position adjustment portion that can adjust the position at which the tip fixing portion is provided in order to adjust the force suppressing movement of the mechanical string.

[0022] According to an embodiment, the fixing means may include a fixing block and a fixing bracket for fixing the tip fixing portion to the fixing block, the fixing block having a partition wall on one side thereof for supporting the tip fixing portion and a plurality of fastening holes formed in sequence in the partition wall, and the fixing bracket may be fixed to one of the plurality of fastening holes by the fastening means.

[0023] According to an embodiment, the frictional force adjustment portion may be characterized by having a restraining force adjustment portion provided for adjusting a force for restraining movement of the mechanical string.

[0024] Another aspect of the present invention is a method for detecting a bending motion of an insertion portion that is inserted into a subject and has a bending portion that performs a bending motion; an operating section connected to the insertion section and capable of being held by a user; a connector connected to the operating section and adapted to receive power from an external source; A universal cord that separates the operating portion from the connector; a power transmission means that receives power from the connector and transmits the power to the bending portion; and a friction force providing portion provided on one side of the power transmission means to provide a friction force to the power transmission means;

[0025] Yet another aspect of the present invention can provide an endoscope that includes a mechanical string and a power transmission means having a guide tube that covers and guides the mechanical string, in which a portion of the guide tube is broken in the power transmission means to expose the mechanical string to the outside, and has a fixing means that can fix both separated ends of the guide tube by pulling or pushing them. Effect of the Invention

[0026] As described above, one embodiment of the present invention can provide an endoscope that suppresses the movement of a power transmission system that transmits power provided from a power source to a bending section, keeps the movement of the power transmission system constant, and improves responsiveness.

[0027] In addition, according to the embodiments, the present invention has various advantages, such as excellent versatility, and such advantages can be clearly confirmed from the description of the embodiments described below. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 shows an endoscope according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows a connector of an endoscope according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows the inside of the connector in FIG. 2 without the cover, and shows the power receptor and the power transmission section. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a light source device to which an endoscope according to an embodiment of the present invention is coupled. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 shows a state in which the power provider provided in the light source device of FIG. 4 and the power receiver provided in the connector of FIG. 3 are coupled together. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a frictional force adjusting portion formed in a power transmission means according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows an operating section according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows the operation unit of FIG. 7 with the cover case omitted. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows the power transmission means and the frictional force adjustment section in the operation section of FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows a cross section of the frictional force adjusting portion shown in FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 shows a guide tube provided inside a universal cord in a power transmission means according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 shows a spring structure and a fixed end portion as an embodiment of a guide tube that covers a mechanical string in a power transmission means according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0029] The following drawings attached to this specification are for illustrating an embodiment of the present invention and, together with the above-mentioned summary of the invention, are intended to facilitate understanding of the technical concept of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited only to the matters described in the drawings.

[0030] The advantages and features of the present invention, as well as the methods for achieving them, will become apparent from the detailed description of the embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments presented below, and may be embodied in various different forms, and should be understood as including all modifications, equivalents, or alternatives within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention. The embodiments presented below are provided to fully disclose the present invention and to fully inform those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains of the scope of the invention. In the description of the present invention, if a detailed description of related known technology is deemed to obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted.

[0031] The terms used in this application are merely used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. The singular expressions include the plural expressions unless otherwise clearly indicated in the context.

[0032] In this application, the term "comprises" or "having" is intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, and is not to be understood as precluding the presence or additional possibility of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof. Terms such as first, second, etc. may be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by the terms. The terms are used only to distinguish one component from another.

[0033] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description with reference to the accompanying drawings, the same or corresponding components are given the same drawing numbers, and duplicate descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0034] FIG. 1 shows an endoscope according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 shows a connector of the endoscope according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 shows the inside of the connector of FIG. 2 without the cover, illustrating the power receptor and the power transmission section, and FIG. 4 shows a light source device to which an endoscope according to one embodiment of the present invention is coupled. FIG. 5 shows a state in which the power provider provided in the light source device of FIG. 4 and the power receiver provided in the connector of FIG. 3 are coupled together.

[0035] The endoscope 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be configured to include one or more of an insertion section 140, an operation section 130, a universal cord 120, and a connector 110.

[0036] According to an embodiment, the operation unit 130 may be provided between one end of the insertion unit 140 and one end of the universal cord 120, and the other end of the universal cord 120 may be connected to the connector 110.

[0037] The insertion section 140 may be a portion that is inserted into the body of a patient when a user (an operator) performs an examination or treatment on the patient using the endoscope 100. The insertion section 140 may be configured to include a tip portion, a bending portion 141, and a flexible portion.

[0038] The tip section may be configured to illuminate a target site, collect image information, perform treatment, etc. The tip section may be provided at the tip of the insertion section, and may be formed with a lighting means for illuminating the inside of the subject, an imaging means for imaging the inside of the subject, a biopsy channel for sampling tissue from the subject, and an air / water supply channel for injecting air, water, etc. for various purposes.

[0039] The bending portion 141 can be bent by a user's operation and can move along the inside of a tubular organ that is curved and bent inside the body. A tip portion may be provided at the tip of the bending portion 141, and the tip portion can be positioned in a direction desired by the user by bending the tip portion by a bending operation. The flexible section may be a part that is located between the bending section 141 and the operation section 130 and moves together with the bending section 141 when the bending section 141 moves along a tubular organ inside the patient's body.

[0040] The operation unit 130 may be provided with a control means 131 capable of controlling the bending operation of the bending portion 141, and may be provided with a flow path control valve or a flow path control switch capable of controlling air supply, water supply, or suction. Here, the control means 131 may include, for example, a joystick described later.

[0041] The insertion unit 140 may be connected to one side of the operation unit 130, and the universal cord 120 may be connected to the other side. A connector 110 may be connected to the tip of the universal cord 120.

[0042] The connector 110 can function to connect the endoscope 100 to an external device. Here, the external device may include, for example, a light source device 300, an image processing device, and the like.

[0043] When the endoscope 100 is connected to the light source device 300 or the image processing device via the connector 110, the endoscope 100 can illuminate the inside of the patient's body by receiving light from the light source device 300 through the connector 110, and can transmit image information of the inside of the patient's body collected by the endoscope 100 to the image processing device through the connector 110.

[0044] The universal cord 120 connects the operation unit 130 and the connector 110, and can separate the connector 110 from the operation unit 130 so that a user can easily move the operation unit 130 when gripping it and using the endoscope 100. According to an embodiment, the universal cord 120 may be omitted, and the connector 110 may be connected to the other side of the operation unit 130.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the endoscope 100 may have a power receptor 111 that moves by receiving power from a power source, and a bending section 141 whose bending operation is controlled by the movement of the power receptor 111. According to the embodiment, the bending section 141 may have an imaging means that is inserted into a subject and collects video information, and an illumination means that illuminates the inside of the subject.

[0046] Here, the power source may refer to a device that generates power, and may include, for example, a motor. According to an embodiment, the power source may be provided in the endoscope 100. According to an embodiment, the power source may be provided outside the endoscope 100. Providing the power source outside the endoscope 100 may mean that the power source is provided in a power providing device that is provided separately from the endoscope 100. According to an embodiment, the power providing device may include the light source device 300 or the image processing device, and in this case, the endoscope 100 can be coupled to the light source device 300 or the image processing device and can be operated by receiving power from the light source device 300 or the image processing device.

[0047] According to the embodiment, when the endoscope 100 according to the present embodiment is connected to a light source device 300 having an internal power source, the endoscope 100 can illuminate the inside of the patient's body by receiving light from the light source device 300, and can perform bending operations inside the patient's body by receiving power from the light source device 300.

[0048] In addition, when the endoscope 100 is connected to an image processing device having an internal power source, the endoscope 100 can transmit collected image information of the inside of the patient's body to the image processing device, and the endoscope 100 can perform bending operations inside the patient's body by receiving power from the image processing device.

[0049] The power receptor 111 according to the present embodiment may refer to a configuration for receiving power. The power receptor 111 may include a configuration for receiving mechanical power. According to the embodiment, the power receptor 111 is present outside the endoscope 100, and can receive power from an external device that is a separate product from the endoscope 100. According to the embodiment, the power receptor 111 can receive power directly from the light source device 300 having an internal power source.

[0050] The power receptor 111 according to this embodiment may be provided in the connector 110 of the endoscope 100. When the connector 110 of the endoscope 100 is connected to a light source device 300 having a built-in power source, it becomes possible for the connector 110 to receive power from the power source of the light source device 300.

[0051] According to an embodiment, the light source device 300 may be provided with a power provider 310 for providing power. The power provider 310 provided in the light source device 300 may be formed to have a shape corresponding to that of the power receiver 111 provided in the connector 110. According to an embodiment, the power provider 310 may be formed with a recess 311, and the power receiver 111 may be formed with a protrusion 111a. The protrusion 111a of the power receiver 111 may have a structure that protrudes to the outside through a slot 113 formed in the front cover 112 of the connector 110.

[0052] When the connector 110 is coupled to the connector receiving portion 320 of the light source device 300 , the power provider 310 and the power receiver 111 are coupled to each other, and power can be prepared to be transmitted from the light source device 300 to the connector 110 .

[0053] The method of transmitting power from the light source device 300 to the endoscope 100 may include various methods. According to an embodiment, the power provider 310 may be coupled to a rail structure formed on the light source device 300 and may have a slider-like configuration that moves on the rail structure, and the power receiver 111 may also be coupled to a rail structure 200 provided on the connector 110 like the power provider 310 and may have a slider-like configuration that moves on the rail structure 200.

[0054] In this structure, when the power provider 310, to which power is transmitted by the power source, moves, the power receiver 111 engaged with the power provider 310 moves together, so that power can be provided from the light source device 300 to the connector 110.

[0055] The endoscope 100 according to this embodiment may include, in order, a connector 110, a universal cord 120, an operation section 130, and an insertion section 140. Here, the mechanical string 230 may be provided so as to penetrate, in order, the connector 110, the universal cord 120, the operation section 130, and the insertion section 140. One side of the mechanical string 230 may be connected to the power receptor 111, and the other side may be connected to a curved section 141 forming an end of the insertion section 140.

[0056] The power receptor 111 and the mechanical string 230 may be connected by a power transmission section, which may include a pinion sprocket assembly 210 and a chain slider assembly 220 according to an embodiment.

[0057] According to an embodiment, the pinion sprocket assembly 210 has a structure in which the pinion gear 211 and the sprocket 212 are integrally formed into a single rotating body, and when the pinion gear 211 rotates, the sprocket 212 also rotates therewith. The chain slider assembly 220 may have a structure in which a pair of sliders 222 are connected to both ends of the chain 221, and when the chain 221 moves, the sliders 222 connected to both ends of the chain 221 also move therewith.

[0058] A rack gear may be formed on the rear surface of the power receiver 111, and the pinion gear 211 of the pinion sprocket assembly 210 may mesh with the rack gear to transmit power. In addition, in the pinion sprocket assembly 210, the sprocket 212 may mesh with the chain 221 of the chain slider assembly 220 to transmit power. A mechanical string 230 may be connected to each of a pair of sliders 222 to be paired in the chain slider assembly 220. In this case, a first string 231 and a second string 232, which will be described later, may be connected to each of the pair of sliders 222, and the first string 231 and the second string 232 may be paired with each other through this structure.

[0059] According to the configuration of the power transmission unit described above, when the power receptor 111 slides, the mechanical string 230 is pulled or pushed to transmit power to the bending portion 141, and the bending portion 141 receives the power through the mechanical string 230 and performs a bending motion. Finally, the bending motion of the bending portion 141 can be controlled by the movement of the power receptor 111.

[0060] According to the embodiment, the operation unit 130 can generate a control signal, and the control signal generated by the operation unit 130 can control the rotational force of the power source. According to the embodiment, the control signal generated by the operation unit 130 can control the moving distance d of the power receptor 111.

[0061] The operation unit 130 according to the present embodiment has a size and shape that allows a user to hold the operation unit 130 and insert or rotate the insertion unit 140 including the bending portion 141 into a subject, and can function like a handle. The user can hold the operation unit 130 and adjust the position of the bending portion 141 inside the subject to collect image information or perform a medical treatment.

[0062] According to an embodiment, the operation unit 130 may be provided with a control means 131 that generates a control signal, for example, a joystick. The control signal generated by the control means 131 may include a control command for controlling the rotational force of the power source. When the power source is provided in an external device, for example, the light source device 300, the control signal can be transmitted from the endoscope 100 to the external device by wire or wirelessly.

[0063] According to an embodiment, when the transmission method of the control signal is a wireless transmission method, as an embodiment for implementing wireless transmission, a communication module may be implemented in the operation unit 130, and the rotational force of the power source may be controlled by transmitting a control signal to the power source controller through the communication module.

[0064] According to an embodiment, when the transmission method of the control signal is a wired transmission method, as an embodiment for implementing the wired transmission, an electrical cable configuration may be connected from the joystick to the operation unit 130, the universal cord 120, and the connector 110, and a control signal terminal may be provided at the end of the connector 110.

[0065] In this case, a control signal receiving terminal may also be provided in the connector receiving portion 320 of the light source device 300, and the control signal receiving terminal may have a structure for being electrically connected to the power source controller.

[0066] When the connector 110 is connected to the light source device 300, the control signal terminal is connected to the control signal receiving terminal, and the control signal generated by the joystick can be transmitted to the power source controller through the electrical cable, the control signal terminal, and the control signal receiving terminal.

[0067] According to the embodiment, the control signal generated by the control means 131 provided in the operation unit 130 can control the moving distance d of the power provider 310 of the light source device 300 or the power receiver 111 of the connector 110 .

[0068] That is, the control signal controls the rotational force of the power source of the light source device 300, and due to a structure in which the power source generates power and the generated power is sequentially transmitted through the power provider 310 and the power receptor 111, the control signal generated by the operating unit 130 can control the movement distance d of the power receptor 111.

[0069] According to the embodiment, the rotation direction of the power source can determine the movement direction of the power provider 310 or the power receiver 111, and the rotation speed of the power source can determine the movement speed of the power provider 310 or the power receiver 111. The movement direction of the power receiver 111 can determine the bending direction of the bending portion 141, and the movement speed of the power receiver 111 can determine the bending speed of the bending portion 141.

[0070] The user, or surgeon, can operate the joystick to generate a control signal and transmit it to a power source provided in the light source device 300. The power source, upon receiving the control signal, generates a rotational force corresponding to the control signal, and the generated rotational force can move the power provider 310 and the power receptor 111. Ultimately, the movement of the power receptor 111 can control the bending motion of the bending portion 141.

[0071] According to an embodiment, the power receptor 111 may include a type of slider. The power receptor 111 is coupled to a rail structure 200 formed on the connector 110, and can move in a specific direction on the rail structure 200. For example, the power receptor 111 can slide between a first end and a second end formed by the rail structure 200 formed on the connector 110, and can move back and forth.

[0072] For example, the power receptor 111 can move within a bending angle range of the bending portion 141 while reciprocating between a first end and a second end, where the first end of the power receptor 111 can correspond to a first angle in the bending angle range and the second end can correspond to a second angle. For example, when the power receptor 111 moves from the first end to the second end, the bending portion 141 can be bent from the first angle to the second angle.

[0073] It is desirable that the bending angle range of the bending portion 141 is predetermined by a set value. The bending angle range of the bending portion 141 can be set, for example, so that the bending portion 141 is bent only from a first angle to a second angle. In this way, the endoscope 100 is motorized, and precise position control of the bending portion 141 is possible by a computer, and the operator, who is the user, can predict the bending range of the bending portion 141.

[0074] The control signal can control the movement distance d of the power provider 310 provided in the light source device 300 or the power receiver 111 provided in the connector 110, thereby ensuring that the bending operation of the bending portion 141 accurately adheres to a predetermined bending angle range.

[0075] According to an embodiment, the power receptor 111 may have a first slider and a second slider, and the control signal may include a first control signal that controls a travel distance d of the first slider and a second control signal that controls a travel distance d of the second slider.

[0076] The power receptor 111 may be configured as a pair. That is, the power receptor 111 may be configured as a first slider and a second slider. The power provider 310 may also be configured as a pair like the power receptor 111. Of the control signals, the first control signal can control the moving distance d of the first slider, and the second control signal can control the moving distance d of the second slider.

[0077] According to an embodiment, the mechanical string 230 that transmits power to the curved portion 141 may include a first string 231, a second string 232, a third string, and a fourth string.

[0078] According to an embodiment, the first string 231, the second string 232, the third string and the fourth string may be controlled by four slides that move independently.

[0079] Also, according to another embodiment, the first string 231 and the second string 232 may constitute a first set string, and the third string and the fourth string may constitute a second set string.

[0080] The first string 231 and the second string 232 may constitute a first set string, and the third string and the fourth string may constitute a second set string.

[0081] In the first set string, the first string 231 and the second string 232 are paired, and when the first string 231 is pulled, the second string 232 is pushed, and when the second string 232 is pulled, the first string 231 is pushed. In the second set string, the third string and the fourth string are paired, and when the third string is pulled, the fourth string is pushed, and when the fourth string is pulled, the third string is pushed.

[0082] Here, the first set string is connected to the first slider and transmits power by the linear movement of the first slider, and the second set string is connected to the second slider and transmits power by the linear movement of the second slider. According to the configuration in which the power receptor 111 of the present embodiment includes the first slider and the second slider, the two set strings paired with the mechanical strings 230 can be effectively controlled.

[0083] According to the embodiment, the power receptors 111 are configured as a pair, one of the pair of power receptors 111 can control the up-down bending of the bending portion 141, and the other can control the left-right bending of the bending portion 141. The pair of power receptors 111 may be configured to include a first slider and a second slider, the first slider can control the up-down bending action of the bending portion 141, and the second slider can control the left-right bending action of the bending portion 141.

[0084] With this structure, the first slider and the second slider can move linearly independently, and by combining the linear movements of the first slider and the second slider, the up-down curvature and the left-right curvature of the bending portion 141 are mutually coupled, thereby realizing up-down, left-right curvature movements.

[0085] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a frictional force adjusting portion formed in a power transmission means according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 shows an operation unit according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 shows the operation unit of FIG. 7 without the cover case. FIG. 9 shows the power transmission means and the frictional force adjustment section in the operation section of FIG. 8, and FIG. 10 shows a cross section of the frictional force adjustment section shown in FIG. FIG. 11 shows a guide tube provided inside a universal cord in a power transmission means according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 shows a spring structure and a fixed end portion as an embodiment of a guide tube that covers a mechanical string in a power transmission means according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0086] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an endoscope 100 can be provided that has a bending portion 141 that is inserted into a subject and collects image information, and a power transmission means 250 that transmits power provided from a power source to the bending portion 141, the power transmission means 250 having a mechanical string 230 that transmits power and a friction force adjustment unit 280 that suppresses movement of the mechanical string 230.

[0087] In this embodiment, the power transmission means 250 can function to transmit the power received by the connector 110 to the curved portion 141. The power transmission means 250 can be composed of a mechanical string 230 and a guide tube 240 that covers and protects the mechanical string 230. In this structure, the mechanical string 230 can transmit power while moving axially inside the guide tube 240.

[0088] The power transmission means 250 according to this embodiment may be formed long along the longitudinal direction of the endoscope 100, and may have a structure that connects the connector 110 formed at one end of the endoscope 100 to the bending portion 141 formed at the other end of the endoscope 100. With this structure, the power transmission means 250 transmits the power received by the connector 110 to the bending portion 141, enabling the bending portion 141 to perform a bending operation.

[0089] According to the embodiment, the power transmission means 250 may be multiple. The power transmission means 250 may be, for example, four. That is, the power transmission means 250 may include four mechanical strings 230 consisting of a first string 231, a second string 232, a third string, and a fourth string, and a guide tube 240. As described above, the first string 231 and the second string 232 may be paired and move together, and the third string and the fourth string may also have a structure in which they are paired and move together.

[0090] In this embodiment, the frictional force adjustment unit 280 may be formed as a part of the power transmission means 250 and may function to suppress axial movement of the mechanical string 230 in the power transmission means 250. When there are multiple power transmission means 250, the frictional force adjustment unit 280 may be provided in each of the multiple power transmission means 250. When there are four power transmission means 250, two frictional force adjustment units 280 may be provided on each of the upper and lower surfaces of the fixed block 271 described later.

[0091] The longer the power transmission means 250 is, the more the power transmission is delayed or backlash occurs due to the extension of the mechanical string 230, making it difficult to transmit the power uniformly. In particular, in a structure in which the connector 110 receives power from the outside and the power provided by the connector 110 passes through the universal cord 120, the operation unit 130, and the insertion unit 140 and is transmitted to the bending unit 141, the power transmission means 250 is formed to extend from the connector 110 to the bending unit 141, so that the length of the mechanical string 230 is also increased, resulting in poor responsiveness. In order to solve this problem, the present invention suppresses the axial movement of the mechanical string 230, so that the transmission of power by the mechanical string 230 can be outputted at a constant rate. That is, in the present invention, the frictional force adjustment unit 280 applies resistance to the axial movement of the mechanical string 230, thereby preventing rattling during movement.

[0092] In the power transmission means 250 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the frictional force adjustment unit 280 may be disposed in any section among the longitudinal sections constituting the power transmission means 250. According to the embodiment, the frictional force adjustment unit 280 may be formed in the operation unit 130 or the connector 110.

[0093] 6, section p indicates the section of bending section 141, section q indicates the section of insertion section 140, section r indicates the section of operation section 130, section s indicates the section of universal cord 120, and section t indicates the section of connector 110. If power transmission means 250 is formed to extend over the entire section of endoscope 100 from connector 110 to bending section 141, the responsiveness of the bending operation may decrease, and therefore the role of frictional force adjustment section 280 becomes important.

[0094] The operating unit 130 or the connector 110 is configured to have components with various functions and can form a space inside to place the frictional force adjustment unit 280. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it may be more effective to form the frictional force adjustment unit 280 in the operating unit 130 or the connector 110 rather than in the insertion unit 140 or the universal cord.

[0095] According to the embodiment, the operation unit 130 may include a body cover 132 and a body frame 290 disposed inside the body cover 132, and a part of the body frame 290 may be a fixing means 270 which is one component of a frictional force adjustment unit 280 described later. A power transmission means 250 may be disposed on the body frame 290 in an extended manner.

[0096] On the other hand, since the frictional force adjustment unit 280 may include a fixing means 270 described later, if the frictional force adjustment unit 280 is provided in the insertion unit 140 or the universal cord 120, it may hinder the flexibility of the insertion unit 140 or the universal cord 120. Therefore, it may be effective to dispose the frictional force adjustment unit 280 in the operation unit 130 or the connector 110.

[0097] In the endoscope 100 according to this embodiment, the frictional force adjustment unit 280 may have a restraining force adjustment unit provided for adjusting the movement restraining force of the mechanical string 230 according to the embodiment.

[0098] In addition to the friction force adjusting unit 280 restricting the axial movement of the mechanical string 230, the degree of the restricting force restricting the axial movement of the mechanical string 230 can be variably adjusted by the restricting force adjusting unit according to the present invention.

[0099] When manufacturing the endoscope 100 according to this embodiment using the suppression force adjustment unit according to this embodiment, the manufacturer can set the optimal responsiveness by carrying out a responsiveness test of the bending operation of the bending portion 141, etc.

[0100] According to the embodiment, in the power transmission means 250 having the mechanical string 230 and the guide tube 240, the frictional force adjusting unit 280 can suppress the movement of the mechanical string 230 by adjusting the diameter of the guide tube 240. The guide tube 240 has a structure formed to extend together with the mechanical string 230 along the longitudinal direction of the mechanical string 230 and has a structure covering the entire mechanical string 230, so that the movement of the mechanical string 230 inside the guide tube 240 can be suppressed by adjusting the diameter of the guide tube 240. The diameter adjustment method of the guide tube 240 can apply a uniform and continuous pressure to the entire length of the mechanical string 230, which is effective in improving responsiveness.

[0101] According to the embodiment, the guide tube 240 may include a spring structure. Also, the frictional force adjusting unit 280 according to the present embodiment may adjust the diameter of the spring structure of the guide tube 240 by pulling or pushing the spring structure.

[0102] The spring structure is a structure in which its diameter contracts when pulled in the longitudinal direction, and is therefore effective for realizing the frictional force adjusting unit 280 according to this embodiment. According to this embodiment, the manufacturer of the endoscope 100 can adjust the diameter of the guide tube 240 by holding and pulling or pushing the guide tube 240 having the spring structure.

[0103] For example, if the diameter of the guide tube 240 is larger than the diameter of the mechanical string 230 and the inside of the guide tube 240 is loose, the force of restraining the movement of the mechanical string 230 is reduced, and if the diameter of the guide tube 240 is approximately the same as the diameter of the mechanical string 230 and the inside of the guide tube 240 is in close contact with the mechanical string 230, the force of restraining the movement of the mechanical string 230 is increased. In this manner, the movement of the mechanical string 230 can be restrained.

[0104] In this specification, adjusting the frictional force generated when the mechanical string 230 moves can include either a method of adjusting the tension of the guide tube 240 itself to adjust the frictional force generated when the mechanical string 230 moves, or a method of adjusting the diameter of the guide tube 240 itself to adjust the frictional force generated when the mechanical string 230 moves.

[0105] In Fig. 11, Fig. 11a and Fig. 11b both show the state in which the guide tube 240 is positioned inside the universal cord 120. Fig. 11a shows that the guide tube 240 is positioned in a meandering shape inside the universal cord 120, and Fig. 11b shows that the tip fixing parts provided at both ends of the guide tube 240 in Fig. 11a are pulled in the axial direction C, so that the guide tube 240 is not bent.

[0106] 11, in Fig. 11a, the length M between the pair of tip fixing parts 260 is smaller than the length F of the universal cord 120. However, in Fig. 11b, the length N between the pair of tip fixing parts 260 is larger than the length F of the universal cord 120. In other words, they are pulled out from both ends of the universal cord 120, with the left tip fixing part protruding to the connector 110 and the right tip fixing part protruding to the operating unit 130. According to an embodiment, the respective tip fixing parts may be fixed to the positions of the connector 110 and the operating unit 130, respectively.

[0107] When manufacturing the endoscope according to this embodiment, the manufacturer positions the power transmission means inside the universal cord 120. However, the diameter of the universal cord 120 is much larger than the diameter of the power transmission means. Therefore, inside the universal cord 120, the power transmission means is positioned in a meandering shape (see FIG. 11a). When the power transmission means is positioned in such a meandering shape, the mechanical string 230 inside the guide tube 240 receives a strong frictional force when moving in the longitudinal direction C inside the guide tube 240, and cannot move smoothly. Such frictional forces make it difficult to transmit power accurately to the bending portion, and as a result, the accuracy of position control of the bending portion decreases.

[0108] In the friction adjustment unit according to the present embodiment, the tip fixing parts provided at both ends of the guide tube 240 are tensioned and fixed, respectively, so that the power transmission means is tensioned and arranged flat inside the universal cord 120, and the friction force when the mechanical string 230 moves inside the guide tube 240 can be minimized, allowing the mechanical string 230 to move smoothly.

[0109] In Fig. 11b, the tip fixing portion is pulled so that the outer circumferential surface of the guide tube 240 is relatively parallel to the inner circumferential surface of the universal cord 120, while in Fig. 12b, the tip fixing portion is pulled even further than in Fig. 11b. If the tip fixing portion continues to be pulled, the diameter of the guide tube 240 itself begins to change beyond the extent to which the guide tube 240 is parallel to the universal cord 120. If the tip fixing portion is pulled further, the guide tube 240 stretches and the diameter of the guide tube 240 becomes smaller. This will be described later.

[0110] 12, Fig. 12a shows the state where the tip fixing part 260 is pulled by L1, and Fig. 12b shows the state where the tip fixing part 260 is pulled by L1. When the tip fixing part 260 is pulled by L1, the diameter of the guide tube 240 is D1. However, when the tip fixing part 260 is pulled by L2, which is longer than L1, the diameter of the guide tube 240 becomes smaller to D2. Therefore, the distance between the mechanical string 230 and the guide tube 240 becomes narrower, and it becomes difficult for the mechanical string 230 to move in the axial direction C.

[0111] According to an embodiment, the frictional force adjustment unit 280 may be configured to include a tip fixing unit 260 connected to one end of the guide tube 240 from which the mechanical string 230 is pulled out, and a fixing means 270 to which the tip fixing unit 260 is provided.

[0112] The frictional force adjustment unit 280 according to this embodiment may include a structure in which the mechanical string 230 passes through the guide tube 240 and is pulled out from the tip of the guide tube 240. In this structure, the tip fixing unit 260 may be formed at the tip of the guide tube 240, and the tip fixing unit 260 may be fixed to a fixing means 270.

[0113] The tip fixing part 260 may have any configuration as long as it is within the scope of the technical concept of having a structure in which the guide tube 240 is pulled and fixed to the fixing means 270 under tension. According to an embodiment, the tip fixing part 260 may be dumbbell-shaped, that is, cylindrical in shape with a recessed center.

[0114] The fixing means 270 according to this embodiment can perform the function of fixing the tip fixing portion 260. The fixing means 270 may be disposed on a body frame 290 disposed inside the operating portion 130 according to the embodiment.

[0115] According to an embodiment, the fixing means 270 may include a position adjustment portion capable of adjusting the position at which the tip fixing portion 260 is provided in order to adjust the force of restraining the movement of the mechanical string 230 . The position adjustment section may be configured to perform substantially the same function as the suppression force adjustment section described above.

[0116] According to an embodiment, the fixing means 270 may be configured to include a fixing block 271 and a fixing bracket 275. Here, the fixing block 271 may be formed on a body frame 290 disposed inside the above-mentioned operation unit 130. According to an embodiment, the fixing block 271 may be a part of the body frame 290.

[0117] The fixing bracket 275 may function to fix the tip fixing part 260 of the guide tube 240 to the fixing block 271. According to an embodiment, the fixing block 271 may be formed with guide walls 274 on both sides for guiding and supporting the tip fixing part 260, and a plurality of fastening holes 272 may be formed in sequence at predetermined intervals on the upper surface of the guide walls 274. The fixing bracket 275 may be fixed to one of the plurality of fastening holes 272 by fastening means (273) such as bolts or screws to fix the tip fixing part 260.

[0118] Here, according to the embodiment, the position adjustment unit may include a plurality of fastening holes 272 formed in a guide wall 274 of the fixing block 271. The manufacturer can adjust the diameter of the guide tube 240 by engaging the tip fixing unit 260 with any one of the plurality of fastening holes 272 and fixing it with a fixing bracket 275, and extending the guide tube 240 by a set amount.

[0119] In another aspect of the present invention, according to an embodiment, a power transmission means 250 includes a mechanical string 230 and a guide tube 240 that covers and guides the mechanical string 230, and in the power transmission means 250, a portion of the guide tube 240 may have a structure 265 that is broken to expose the mechanical string 230 to the outside.

[0120] In this manner, in a structure 265 in which a portion of the guide tube 240 is torn and separated, and the mechanical string 230 is exposed to the outside, an endoscope 100 can be provided having a fixing means 270 that can fix both separated ends of the guide tube 240 by pulling or pushing them.

[0121] The aforementioned end fixing portion 260 may be provided at both separated ends of the guide tube 240, and the end fixing portion 260 may pull the guide tube 240 to adjust the diameter of the guide tube 240 and suppress the movement of the mechanical string 230.

[0122] The configuration of this embodiment may be substantially similar to the configuration of the above-described embodiment, and therefore a detailed description of the configuration of this embodiment will be omitted. Yet another embodiment of the present invention is an insertion section 140 having a bending section 141 that is inserted into a subject and performs a bending motion;

[0123] an operating section 130 connected to the insertion section 140 and capable of being held by a user; a connector 110 connected to the operating section 130 and receiving power from an external source; a universal cord 120 separating the operating section 130 and the connector 110; power transmission means 250 receiving power from the connector 110 and transmitting the power to the bending section 141; and

[0124] a friction force providing portion provided on one side of the power transmission means 250 to provide a friction force to the power transmission means 250;

[0125] Here, the friction force providing unit providing a friction force to the power transmission means 250 may mean providing a friction force when the power transmission means 250 has a power cable for transmitting power and a guide tube 240 having a structure for covering the power cable, according to an embodiment. In this embodiment, the friction force providing unit may perform substantially the same function as the friction force adjusting unit 280 in the above-described embodiment. In addition, other configurations of this embodiment may be substantially similar to the configurations in the above-described embodiment. Therefore, detailed description of the other configurations will be omitted.

[0126] In the present specification (particularly the claims), the use of the term "said" and similar indicators may apply to both the singular and the plural. In addition, when a range is described in the present invention, it includes the invention to which each individual value belonging to the above range is applied (unless otherwise stated), and is equivalent to describing each individual value constituting the above range in the detailed description of the invention.

[0127] Unless there is an explicit order description or a contrary description regarding the steps constituting the method according to the present invention, the steps can be performed in any suitable order. The present invention is not necessarily limited to the order of the steps described above. The use of all examples or exemplary terms (such as, for example, etc.) in the present invention is merely for the purpose of explaining the present invention in detail, and the scope of the present invention is not limited by the above examples or exemplary terms unless limited by the claims. In addition, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications, combinations and changes can be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents according to design conditions and factors.

[0128] Therefore, the spirit of the present invention should not be limited to the above-described embodiments, and not only the scope of the attached claims, but also all scopes equivalent to or equivalently modified from the scope of the claims belong to the scope of the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0129] 100: Endoscope 110: Connector 111: Power Receptor 111a:Protrusion 112: Front cover 113: Slot 120: Universal Code 130:Operation unit 131: Control means 132: Body cover 140: Insertion section 141: Curved section 200: Rail structure 210: Pinion sprocket assembly 211: Pinion gear 212: Sprocket 220: Chain slider assembly 221: Chain 222: Slider 230: Mechanical string 231: First String 232: Second String 240: Guide tube 250: Means of power transmission 260:Tip fixing part 270: Fixing means 271: Fixed block 272: Fastening hole 273: Fastening means 274: Guide wall 275: Fixed bracket 280: Friction force adjustment part 290: Body frame 300: Light source device 310: Power provider 311: Recess 320: Connector receiving part d: Distance traveled

Claims

1. a curved portion that is inserted into the subject and collects image information; and A power transmission means for transmitting power provided from a power source to the curved portion; The power transmission means includes a mechanical string that transmits power, and a friction adjustment unit that can smooth or suppress the movement of the mechanical string. An endoscope characterized by:

2. An operation unit connected to the bending portion and controlling a bending operation of the bending portion, and a connector connected to the operation unit, One side of the power transmission means is connected to the connector, and the other side is connected to the bending portion through the operating portion. The endoscope according to claim 1 .

3. An operation unit connected to the bending portion and controlling a bending operation of the bending portion, and a connector connected to the operation unit, The frictional force adjustment portion is formed on the operation portion or the connector. The endoscope according to claim 1 .

4. The power transmission means has a guide tube that covers and guides the mechanical string, and the movement suppressing unit adjusts the frictional force generated when the mechanical string moves by adjusting the diameter of the guide tube or the tension of the guide tube itself. The endoscope according to claim 1 .

5. The guide tube includes a spring structure, and the movement suppressing portion adjusts the diameter or tension of the spring structure by pulling or pushing the spring structure. The endoscope according to claim 4.

6. The frictional force adjusting unit has a tip fixing part connected to one end of the guide tube from which the mechanical string is pulled out, and a fixing means to which the tip fixing part is provided. The endoscope according to claim 4.

7. The fixing means has a position adjustment part that can adjust the position where the tip fixing part is provided in order to adjust the force of suppressing the movement of the mechanical string. The endoscope according to claim 6.

8. The fixing means includes a fixing block and a fixing bracket for fixing the tip fixing part to the fixing block, the fixing block having a partition wall supporting the tip fixing part on one side thereof and a plurality of fastening holes formed in the partition wall in sequence, and the fixing bracket is fixed to one of the plurality of fastening holes by a fastening means. The endoscope according to claim 6.

9. The frictional force adjusting portion has a restraining force adjusting portion provided for adjusting the movement restraining force of the mechanical string. The endoscope according to claim 1 .

10. an insertion section that is inserted into a subject and has a bending section that performs a bending motion; an operation section connected to the insertion section and capable of being held by a user; A connector connected to the operating unit and adapted to receive power from an external source; a universal cord for separating the operating unit from the connector; power transmission means for receiving power from the connector and transmitting the power to the bending portion; and a friction force providing portion provided on one side of the power transmission means to provide a friction force to the power transmission means; An endoscope characterized by:

11. The power transmission means includes a mechanical string and a guide tube that covers and guides the mechanical string, and the guide tube is partially broken to expose the mechanical string to the outside, and the power transmission means includes a fixing means that can fix the separated ends of the guide tube by pulling or pushing them. An endoscope characterized by:

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