Endoscope instrument with a handpiece

Abstract

The present invention relates to an endoscope instrument comprising a handpiece (2), a shaft (4) extending distally from the handpiece (2), and an interface element (8) disposed at the proximal end of the handpiece (2) and connected to the handpiece (2) via a removable coupling device (10, 12), the coupling device (10, 12) having a magnet arrangement including at least one permanent magnet (14, 16), the magnet arrangement creating an attractive force between the interface element (8) and the handpiece (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an endoscope instrument having a handpiece and a removable interface element.

Background Art

[0002] In endoscope instruments, it is known to provide a removable interface element, such as a replaceable introduction funnel, at the proximal end of the working channel in the handpiece. The interface element can be removed for cleaning purposes on the one hand and replaced, in particular, to adapt the instrument to the desired needs on the other hand.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] The problem of the present invention is to improve such an endoscope instrument so that a simple and reliable connection between the handpiece and the interface element becomes possible.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] This problem is solved by an endoscope instrument having the features according to claim 1. Preferred embodiments will become apparent from the dependent claims, the following description, and the accompanying drawings.

[0005] The endoscope instrument according to the present invention has a handle or a handpiece used for holding and handling the instrument. That is, the handpiece preferably has a form that is easy to grip, i.e., conforms to the shape of a human hand. A shaft extending in the distal direction from the handpiece is arranged on the handpiece. The shaft can be fixedly or removably connected to the handpiece. At the proximal end of the handpiece, an interface element connected to the handpiece via a removable coupling device is arranged. The interface element may be, for example, an introduction funnel arranged at the proximal end of the working channel. In such a case, the working channel preferably extends through the shaft and then proximally through the handpiece to the introduction funnel. In that case, the interface element is preferably located on the shaft axis at the end opposite to the handpiece. The interface element is removably connected to the handpiece and can thus be removed from the handpiece. For this purpose, a removable coupling device is provided between the handpiece and the interface element. When the coupling device is removed, the interface element can be removed from the handpiece. According to the present invention, this coupling device has a magnet arrangement including at least one permanent magnet. In that case, the permanent magnet is arranged to generate an attractive force between the interface element and the handpiece, i.e., the interface element is held to the handpiece by magnetic attraction. Such a magnet arrangement enables these simple connections because the interface element and the handpiece are automatically attracted to each other by the permanent magnetic force already before they directly abut against each other. Furthermore, the magnet arrangement enables the automatic alignment of the interface element and the handpiece during joining, so that it is also possible to easily find a predetermined positioning between the interface element and the handpiece, particularly with respect to the angular position. Thus, a coupling device that can be easily positioned is created. Furthermore, the permanent magnet can be embedded in the handpiece and the interface element so that a contact surface that is as smooth as possible and can be easily cleaned and preferably autoclaved is created.

[0006] The magnet arrangement is preferably arranged or aligned with respect to its magnetic field such that the attractive force acting between the interface element and the handpiece is directed in the direction of or along the joining axis of the handpiece and the interface element. In that case, the joining axis is the axis for moving the interface element along it towards the handpiece to join or connect them to each other. If the interface element is an introduction funnel at the end of the working channel, the joining axis preferably extends in the longitudinal direction of the working channel and more preferably parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft arranged at the distal end of the handpiece.

[0007] More preferably, the magnet arrangement is designed to specify at least one defined angular position relative to the joining axis between the handpiece and the interface element as a magnetic locking position. This can be achieved, for example, by the magnet arrangement exerting a particularly strong attractive force at at least one specific angular position and a weaker attractive force or no attractive force at other angular positions. This is achieved by the arrangement of the magnetic poles or the magnet arrangement in a point-like manner at at least one defined angular position, in which case preferably the corresponding attractive force also acts circumferentially from the magnetic poles in a specific region and preferably automatically pulls the interface element into the desired angular position during joining. By arranging the opposite magnetic poles alternately, this can furthermore be assisted by the repulsive force at undesired angular positions.

[0008] The definition of the magnetic locking position has the advantage that mechanical intervention can be omitted compared to the definition of the mechanical locking position and the abutment surface does not need to have mechanical protrusions as locking elements or the like. Thus, a smooth abutment surface can be ensured which can be cleaned better and improves the hygienic design of the instrument.

[0009] The magnet array preferably has at least one, more preferably a plurality of magnet pairs. Each magnet pair has a first magnetic pole in the handpiece and a second magnetic pole in the interface element located on the opposite side, and the first and second magnetic poles preferably face each other at a desired locking position or angular position. The first and second magnetic poles are preferably designed such that in the magnet pair, the first magnetic pole is an S pole and the second magnetic pole is an N pole, or vice versa, whereby the first and second magnetic poles attract each other and apply a desired attractive force or holding force.

[0010] More preferably, at least one magnet array has a plurality of magnet pairs, and their magnetic poles are distributed on a circumferential line centered on the joining axis, preferably evenly distributed. Therefore, the magnetic poles of the magnet pairs can be used to define the angular position with respect to the joining axis of the interface element and the handpiece during joining, that is, to specify the above-mentioned magnetic locking position. In that case, the plurality of magnet pairs are preferably distributed on the circumference such that at at least one desired angular position corresponding to the desired joining position, the magnetic poles of all the magnet pairs face each other and attract each other. Thereby, a particularly large attractive force or holding force is realized. When the magnet pairs are evenly distributed on the circumference, more preferably, the introduction of a uniform force is ensured. Furthermore, the desired joining position or angular position can be magnetically shown particularly clearly. When distributed on the circumference and the polarities of the magnets are alternating, this has the advantage that a repulsive force is generated which helps to move the element to the desired angular position in the case of an incorrect, i.e., undesired, angular position.

[0011] In a more preferred embodiment, the magnet array has a plurality of magnet pairs, and among the plurality of magnetic pole pairs, for each of them, all the first magnetic poles have their magnetic fields aligned parallel to each other, and all the second magnetic poles have their magnetic fields aligned parallel to each other. In this way, all the magnet pairs can generate an attractive force in the same direction, and it is possible to design the magnet pairs so that a plurality of possible joining positions are possible. Furthermore, the magnet pairs can be designed as described above.

[0012] As described above, the magnet pair is preferably designed such that the first magnetic pole and the second magnetic pole are aligned so as to attract each other. However, in order to prevent joining at an undesirable angular position, the magnetic poles can also be oriented so as to repel each other. This can occur particularly when, as already described above, a plurality of first and a plurality of second magnetic poles are provided with polarities alternately arranged with respect to each other.

[0013] In addition to the magnet arrangement, the coupling device can further have at least one releasable mechanical lock that enables a force-locking and / or form-locking connection between the handpiece and the interface element. That is, the mechanical lock forms a force-locking and / or form-locking connection in the locked position and releases this connection in the released position, so that the coupling device can be removed and the interface element can be separated from the handpiece. The mechanical lock can be an additional secure fixation (Sicherung) that cannot be easily released, thus creating a particularly firm connection. The magnetic connection can be released by applying a force exceeding the magnetic force, which is also necessary to enable the removal of the interface element from the handpiece. An additional mechanical lock is advantageous for ensuring a firm connection during operation. The mechanical lock is preferably designed to be engaged only when the desired positioning between the interface element and the handpiece is achieved by the magnet arrangement. That is, it is preferable that the magnetic coupling and the mechanical lock operate sequentially. First, preferably, the interface element is fixed at the desired position in the handpiece by the magnet arrangement, and subsequently, it is securely fixed by operating the mechanical lock. In that case, the mechanical lock can be an engagement, particularly preferably a form-locking engagement, by moving a locking element, such as a bayonet connection or a screw connection.

[0014] Accordingly, the mechanical lock particularly preferably has a movable locking element, which is more preferably movably supported on the interface element. In that case, the locking element is movable so that it can move between the released position and the locked position. Arranging a movable locking element on the interface element has the advantage that, for example, if damaged, the locking element can be easily replaced together with the interface element, and the remaining part of the endoscope element, particularly the handpiece, can continue to be used. Another advantage is that the handpiece itself has few, preferably no, movable elements and can thus be cleaned more easily.

[0015] According to a possible embodiment, the locking element is designed as a ring element that is rotatably supported about the joining axis. The ring element is easy to grip and enables intuitive handling.

[0016] Preferably, the magnet arrangement, and more preferably, the second magnetic pole of the above-described magnet pair, is arranged on the movable locking element. This has the advantage that the locking element can be held in the desired position by the magnet pair and can likewise be secured by magnetic force. Thus, the magnetic force can fix the locking element in the release position, and more preferably, in the secured position by magnetic force. Further, the magnet pair causes the locking element to be easily held in the defined position when the interface element and the handpiece are joined, i.e., preferably, the locking element is held in the release position that does not interfere with the joining process. This can be ensured by the above-described magnetic locking.

[0017] The lock preferably has a fixed engagement element, and the locking element has at least one engagement portion. By moving the locking element, the engagement portion can be engaged with the fixed engagement element in a form-fitting manner. In the first secured position of the locking element, the engagement portion engages with the engagement element, and in the second release position of the locking element, the engagement portion is removed from the engagement element. The locking element secures the securing element, particularly preferably, so as not to separate in the direction of the joining axis. In this regard, the engagement portion and the engagement element are preferably designed as an undercut, and they engage with each other from the rear in the direction of the joining axis and ensure form-fitting engagement and form-fitting securing in the direction of the joining axis in the secured position. In the release position, the engagement between the engagement element and the engagement portion is disengaged so that they no longer engage with each other from the rear in the joining direction and can move away from each other.

[0018] Particularly preferably, the magnet arrangement is preferably arranged and positioned on the locking element so as to define at least the magnetic locking points of the locking element corresponding to the secure fixing position and the release position. This has the advantage that the movement of the locking element provides the user with haptic information representing the desired position of the locking element via the magnetic locking points. Furthermore, due to the magnetic force, immediately before the locking element reaches the desired position, it is preferably automatically drawn into the final position via the magnetic force. Furthermore, when the interface element and the locking element are joined to each other, such a magnet arrangement preferably ensures that the locking element is initially held in the release position or comes into contact with the counterpart, for example the handpiece, and can only be moved into the secure fixing position by its subsequent movement.

[0019] Particularly preferably, the locking element is rotatably arranged as already described, and the release position and the secure fixing position form defined, preferably equally sized, angular increments (Winkelschritte) that alternate in the circumferential direction. The angular increments can be, for example, 90°, whereby the locking element is moved from the release position to the locking position by a rotation of 90°. If the locking element can rotate freely in the circumferential direction, two release angle positions and two secure fixing angle positions can be obtained, which are each 90° apart and, as a result, the two secure fixing angle positions are 180° opposite each other and the two release angle positions are also positioned 180° opposite each other. In that case, the rotation is carried out about the joining axis.

[0020] The present invention will be exemplarily described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] The endoscope instrument shown as an example has a handle or handpiece 2 for holding and handling the instrument. The shaft 4 extends distally from the handpiece 2 and, as is known, can have at least one working channel and a suction channel and / or a cleaning channel. Further, the shaft 4 can include, as is known, an endoscope optical system or a camera system and a lighting element.

[0023] The working channel in the shaft 4 opens towards the proximal end of the handpiece 2. As a result, a receiving opening 6 is located at the proximal end, and through this receiving opening, the instrument can be advanced through the working channel to the distal end. A guiding funnel 8 for facilitating the introduction of the instrument is attached to the receiving opening 6. The guiding funnel forms an interchangeable interface element. That is, guiding funnels 8 formed in various ways that can be selectively coupled to the handpiece 2 can be provided.

[0024] To achieve this coupling or interchangeability, a coupling device is formed between the handpiece 2 and the guiding funnel 8. The coupling device has a first coupling portion 10 that concentrically surrounds the receiving opening 6. A complementary second coupling portion 12 is formed on the side of the guiding funnel 8 located on the opposite side.

[0025] The coupling device has two main coupling elements or structures, namely those for magnetic coupling and those for a mechanical locking system. Figure 6 shows a top view of the first coupling part 10 that concentrically surrounds the receiving opening 6 or the joining axis X. In this case, the joining axis X, which corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the working channel 6, is the direction in which the introduction funnel 6 is attached or joined to the handpiece 2. Four magnets 14 are arranged or embedded in the surface of the first coupling part 10 so as to concentrically surround this joining axis X. In that case, the magnets may also be covered by the housing wall. In the illustrated example, the magnets 14 are designed as embedded permanent magnets. The magnets 14 are each arranged at the same radial distance from the joining axis X and are positioned circumferentially 90° apart from each other. The second coupling part 12 in the introduction funnel 8 has four complementary magnets 16. Similarly, four permanent magnets 16 are provided, and these are arranged radially from the joining axis X and are substantially equally spaced from each other and are also arranged at angular positions 90° apart from each other. Thus, the magnets 14 and 16 can abut against each other or be arranged opposite each other when the introduction funnel 8 is joined to the handpiece 2. In that case, the magnet 14 forms the first magnetic pole and the magnet 16 forms the second magnetic pole. The magnets 14 and 16 are preferably aligned such that their magnetic axes, i.e., the axes between the N pole and the S pole, extend parallel to the joining axis X, and the magnets 14 and 16 are arranged such that the N pole of the magnet 16 is located on the opposite side of the S pole of the magnet 14 or vice versa, i.e., they are arranged opposite each other. That is, the magnets 14 and 16 are aligned such that their polarities are the same, and as a result, they attract each other during joining.

[0026] Magnets 14 and 16, on the one hand, can axially attract and magnetically hold the introduction funnel 8 to the handpiece 2, i.e., parallel to the joining axis X. Furthermore, magnetic locking points are created by dot-like arranging the magnets 14 and 16 in four angular positions, which enable the introduction funnel 8 to be attached to the handpiece 2 or its first joint 10 in a defined angular position. In this case, these are the four possible angular positions specified by the positions of the magnets 14 and 16.

[0027] The magnetic holding force provides the first fixation of the introduction funnel 8 in the handpiece 2. For reliable fixation, a mechanical positive fixation designed as follows is additionally provided. The first joint 10 has a sleeve 18 that surrounds the receiving opening 6 and projects proximally. This sleeve has, at its proximal end, a radially outward-facing shoulder 20. The shoulder 20 forms a collar-like, radially outward-facing projection, which does not extend completely circumferentially but only on two sides directly opposite to the joining axis X. As can be recognized in FIG. 6, between these two sides, the shoulder 20, which is otherwise ring-shaped, is cut out or chamfered in the direction of a chord of the circle in two parts 24.

[0028] In the introduction funnel 8 as an interchangeable interface element, a movable locking element in the form of a rotatable locking ring 26 is arranged or supported. The locking ring 26 extends concentrically about the joining axis X and is rotatably supported by engagement in a groove 28 in the introduction funnel 8. The magnet 16 forming the second magnetic pole is arranged or embedded in the locking ring 26. That is, the magnet 16 is rotatable together with the locking ring 26 about the joining axis X. The locking ring 26 has a receiving portion 30 in its inner region, and the geometry of the receiving portion is adapted to the geometry of the sleeve 18 having the shoulder 20. That is, the receiving portion 30 has two arcuate portions 32 which are arranged to face each other diametrically with respect to the joining axis X and have an arc slightly larger than the outer circumference of the shoulder 20. Between the arcuate portions 32, linear or chord-shaped portions 34 are located, which extend parallel to the portion 24 in the sleeve 18 and are spaced slightly further apart than the portion 24. The linear portion 34 forms an engaging portion which can engage with the engaging element formed by the shoulder 20.

[0029] In the first angular position or magnetic locking position specified by magnets 14 and 16, the receiving part 30 can be attached to the sleeve 30 having the shoulder 20, in which case the linear part 34 is positioned parallel to the part 24, whereby the sleeve 18 having the shoulder 20 can enter the receiving part 30. This is shown in FIG. 4. Subsequently, the locking ring 26 is rotated by 90°. In that case, first, it is necessary to overcome the holding force between the magnets 14 and 16. Therefore, the locking ring 36 is rotated from the first magnetic locking position. When the magnet 16 is moved away from the magnet 14, the holding force decreases until the magnet 16 comes close to the circumferentially adjacent magnet 14. Next, the holding force increases again, and the locking ring 26 rotates to the next locking position offset by 90°. In this position, the linear part 34 of the receiving part 30 engages behind the shoulder 20, thus forming a form-fitting engagement in the direction of the joining axis X, as a result of which the introduction funnel 8 is held form-fittingly in the first joint part 10 in the direction of the joining axis X. To release, the locking ring 36 is rotated by 90° again, whereby the part 34 of the receiving part 30 is disengaged from the shoulder 20 in the sleeve 18 again and then is positioned parallel to the linear part 24 in the sleeve 18 again. In this angular position, after overcoming the magnetic holding force between the magnets 14 and 16, the introduction funnel 8 can be pulled away from the handpiece 2.

[0030] It can be understood that instead of the introduction funnel 8, another replaceable interface element, such as a hose connection part or a line connection part, a connection plug, etc., can be coupled to the handpiece 2 in a similar manner. In that case, the coupling has an arrangement of permanent magnets that generates a magnetic holding force between the interface element and the handpiece 2. More preferably, a second mechanical positive fixing is provided, which realizes a form-fitting engagement between the interface element and the handpiece 2 for positive fixing in addition to the magnetic coupling. In that case, the magnetic coupling and the mechanical positive fixing are preferably designed such that they can be engaged sequentially, i.e., the magnetic coupling enables the first fixing, and subsequently, a mechanical lock by form-fitting engagement can be performed.

Description of Symbols

[0031] 2 Handpiece 4 Shaft 6 Accommodation Opening 8 Introduction Funnel 10 First Joint 12 Second Joint 14 Magnet 16 Magnet 18 Sleeve 20 Shoulder, Engagement Element 24 Linear Portion 26 Locking Ring 28 Groove 30 Accommodation Portion 32 Arcuate Portion 34 Linear Portion, Engagement Portion X Joint Axis, Longitudinal Axis

Claims

1. In an endoscopic instrument comprising a handpiece (2), a shaft (4) extending distally from the handpiece (2), and an interface element (8) positioned at the proximal end of the handpiece (2) and connected to the handpiece (2) via a removable coupling device (10, 12), The coupling device (10, 12) has a magnetic array including at least one permanent magnet (14, 16), and the magnetic array generates an attractive force between the interface element (8) and the handpiece (2), characterized in that the endoscope instrument.

2. The endoscopic instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one magnet array is arranged such that the attractive force is directed along the joining axis (X) of the handpiece (2) and the interface element (8).

3. The endoscopic instrument according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one magnet array is designed to designate at least one specified angular position between the handpiece (2) and the interface element (8) with respect to their joining axis (X) as a magnetic locking position.

4. The endoscopic instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that the magnet arrangement comprises at least one, preferably a plurality of magnet pairs (14, 16), each having a first magnetic pole (14) in the handpiece (2) and a second magnetic pole (16) in the interface element (8) located on the opposite side.

5. The endoscopic instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one magnet array has a plurality of magnet pairs (14, 16), and their magnetic poles (14, 16) are distributed on a circumference centered on the bonding axis (X), preferably evenly distributed.

6. The endoscopic instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one magnet array has a plurality of magnet pairs (14, 16), and in each of the plurality of magnetic pole pairs, all first magnetic poles (14) have their magnetic fields aligned parallel to each other, and all second magnetic poles (16) have their magnetic fields aligned parallel to each other.

7. The endoscopic instrument according to claim 1, wherein, preferably, the magnet pair (14, 16) is positioned such that the first magnetic pole (14) and the second magnetic pole (16) attract each other.

8. The endoscopic instrument according to claim 1, wherein the coupling device (10, 12) further comprises at least one releasable mechanical lock that enables a force-coupled and / or shape-coupled connection between the handpiece (2) and the interface element (8).

9. The endoscopic instrument according to claim 1, wherein the mechanical lock preferably has a movable locking element (26) that is movably supported by the interface element (8).

10. The endoscopic instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking element (26) is designed as a ring element that is rotatably supported about the joining axis (X).

11. The endoscopic instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one magnet array, and preferably the second magnetic pole of the magnet pair (14, 16), is positioned on the movable locking element (26).

12. The endoscopic instrument according to claim 1, wherein the lock has at least one fixed engaging element (20), the locking element (26) has at least one engaging portion (34), the engaging portion engages with the at least one engaging element (20) in a first securely fixed position of the locking element (26), and is disengaged from the engaging element (20) in a second release position of the locking element (26).

13. The endoscope instrument according to claim 12, characterized in that the magnet arrangement is preferably arranged on the locking element (26) such that it defines the magnetic locking point of the locking element (26) at least in the secure locking position and the release position.

14. The endoscopic instrument according to claim 13, characterized in that the locking element (26) is rotatable and has defined release position and secure locking position, which alternate preferably in increments of the same size.

15. The endoscopic instrument according to claim 1, wherein the interface element is an introduction funnel (8) located at the proximal end (6) of the working channel.

Images