Endoscopic systems with disposable and reusable parts

Abstract

The present invention relates to disposable and reusable parts for an endoscope system (1) comprising a proximal operating section (2), a flexible shaft (6), a distal endoscope section (7) connected to the distal end of the flexible shaft (6), and a distal endoscope head (8). The operating section is divided into a disposable operating section (2a) and a reusable operating section (2b), which are optionally connectable to each other. The disposable parts have a disposable drivetrain section that connects the disposable operating section (2a) to the distal endoscope section (7), and a disposable connection section on the proximal side, the disposable connection section being supported so as to be movable in the shaft axis direction and forming a disposable engaging element (46) at the proximal end for connecting to the reusable drivetrain section. The reusable component comprises an electrically driven unit (30) for controlling the endoscope (1) and a reusable drivetrain unit, the reusable drivetrain unit being connected to the electrically driven unit (30) at the proximal end and having a reusable engaging element (45) that is longitudinally movable at the distal end, the reusable engaging element (45) being configured to be fixedly connected in the axial direction to the disposable drivetrain unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Description The present disclosure relates to disposable and reusable parts of an endoscope system including a proximal operating portion, a flexible shaft, a distal endoscope portion connected to the distal end of the flexible shaft, and a distal endoscope head. The operating portion is divided into a disposable operating portion having a disposable drive train portion and a reusable operating portion having a reusable drive train portion, and these can be selectively connected to each other.

Background Art

[0002] An endoscope is a medical working device for visually observing a patient's body cavity. An endoscope basically has an optical device disposed on a distal endoscope head (where "distal" is the direction toward the user or the patient's body), and a flexible or bend-resistant (rigid) shaft that connects the endoscope head to a proximal operating portion or an endoscope handle. The proximal operating portion (where "proximal" is the direction toward the user) or the endoscope handle is an assembly configured to be used with the endoscope, and is connected to or configured to be connectable to the endoscope to control the endoscope. Usually, an endoscope further has a working channel that extends from the proximal operating portion through the shaft to a working channel outlet provided in the endoscope head, whereby medical instruments such as forceps, scissors, needles, snares, scalpels, etc. can be inserted and used from outside the body. Many endoscopes also have a bending portion (i.e., an operable shaft portion located between the shaft and the endoscope head) so that the endoscope can be steered within the patient's body cavity. Further, an endoscope such as that disclosed in DE 10 2018 110 620 A1 may have other functions that require other control means, and DE 10 2018 110 620 A1 discloses a folding mechanism and a tilting head for folding the endoscope head small.

[0003] Such endoscopes may be controlled by a complex manual control mechanism equipped with operating parts / handles such as handwheels or buttons, where control force is transmitted from the manual control mechanism to a control wire extending through the endoscope shaft via a pinion or drum, and from the control wire to the controlled element within the endoscope shaft. Alternatively, such endoscopes may be controlled by a control mechanism equipped with an operating part / handle having an electric motor, where the operation and control of the electric motor applies control force to the endoscope's control wire. An example of such an endoscope is described in WO92 / 01414 A1.

[0004] Therefore, endoscopic systems are very complex and expensive. For this reason, endoscopes and endoscope handles are often designed as reusable products. On the other hand, since endoscopes are inserted into the patient's body cavity during surgery or examination, the risk of contamination of the endoscope and the patient is high. Due to the complex shape of endoscopes, cleaning, disinfecting, and / or sterilizing them is time-consuming, costly, and prone to errors. Considering these points, it is advantageous to make endoscopes disposable products.

[0005] US 8, 449, 456 B2 discloses an endoscope configured for insertion into a patient, comprising a shaft having a bend (i.e., a flexible portion), a control wire attached to the shaft, and a spindle drive unit attached to the wire. The shaft is detachably connected to a drive unit having a motor via a manually operable connector having a pin engaged with a rotating ring. The motor can be connected to the spindle drive unit of the shaft via a coupling with the spindle shaft to transmit the motor's driving force to the spindle, converting it into a traction force, which is then transmitted via the wire to the bend, causing the bend to bend and thus rotating the endoscope head on at least one pivot axis. However, the connection mechanism between the shaft and the drive unit is complex, resulting in high cost and a high risk of contamination. Furthermore, establishing the connection is time-consuming for the user. [Overview of the project] [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The objective of this disclosure is to avoid or mitigate the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, to provide an endoscope system comprising disposable and reusable components, as well as corresponding disposable and reusable components, that allow for easy and safe connection and separation of the disposable and reusable components.

[0007] This problem is solved by the disposable components of the endoscope system described in claim 1, the reusable components of the endoscope system described in claim 9, and the endoscope system described in claim 15. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0008] More specifically, the problem is solved by disposable parts of an endoscopic system, which comprises an endoscope and a disposable operating section of a proximal operating component (e.g., a handle), the disposable operating section being configured to be selectively connected to a reusable part of the proximal operating component or a handle, as described below. The endoscope is configured to be inserted into a patient's body cavity and comprises a flexible shaft connected to the disposable operating section or handle of an operating component, extending distally therefrom along the shaft axis, a distal endoscope section connected to the distal end of the flexible shaft, and a distal endoscope head forming or attached to the distal end face of the distal endoscope section. Furthermore, the disposable parts include at least one disposable drivetrain section for connecting the disposable operating section and the distal endoscope section and for controlling the distal endoscope section. At least one disposable drivetrain section comprises at least one disposable connector, the at least one disposable connector being part of an operating section or handle, supported within the operating section or handle so as to be slidable (preferably non-rotatable) in the axial direction of the shaft, with a disposable engaging element formed at its proximal end, the disposable engaging element being configured to be fixedly axially connected to the reusable drivetrain section of the reusable operating section (i.e., to transmit pulling / pushing motions or to not move relative to each other in the axial direction of the shaft). More precisely, the disposable engaging element, in the unconnected state, forms the free end of the disposable drivetrain section.

[0009] In other words, the disposable component of an endoscope system comprising a controllable endoscope and a disposable operating unit connected to the proximal side of the endoscope comprises a disposable connector (connection mechanism) which forms the proximal end of a disposable drivetrain (i.e., power transmission cable) and is slidable in the distal and proximal directions. More specifically, the disposable connector forms the portion of the disposable drivetrain that connects an engaging element (specifically a snap connector) to the endoscope's control cable for controlling the distal endoscope. The disposable operating unit (preferably the entire disposable component) is a particularly passive assembly (i.e., it does not have its own electrically driven part). The disposable component has a disposable drivetrain, which is a (purely) mechanical power transmission cable, which connects the proximal connecting element of the disposable operating unit (i.e., the disposable engaging element of the disposable connector) to the controllable unit on the distal endoscope via the endoscope's control cable. In other words, the disposable drivetrain is configured to transmit driving force to a drivable mechanism (e.g., a bending section or other mechanism described later) located in the distal endoscope (i.e., the tip of the endoscope) in order to control the distal endoscope.

[0010] To put it another way, the disposable drivetrain (particularly its proximal end) incorporates a disposable connector, which comprises an engaging element (i.e., an element optionally having an elastic undercut or elastic projection, configured to be axially fixedly engaged with a reusable engaging element). That is, the disposable connector (at least its proximal end or disposable engaging element) is configured to mechanically engage (particularly snap-connect / snap-engage) with a reusable engaging element. Preferably, the disposable engaging element forms the proximal end of the disposable drivetrain. The disposable connector is supported to be slidable in the axial or longitudinal direction (i.e., in the shaft axis direction). This makes the disposable part very simple and cost-effective, and the connection with the reusable part can be made very easily and almost automated, thus reducing the possibility of user error.

[0011] The disposable engagement element for snap engagement preferably has a radially elastically deformable spring element. The disposable engagement element of the disposable connector is a rotationally symmetric member (e.g., a cylinder) which has an elastic snap-fitting element (in particular, an annular clutch spring) on ​​its outer or inner circumferential wall. The clutch spring may be, for example, a Bal Seal spring whose coils extend diagonally so that they fold when a radial load is applied.

[0012] In this disclosure, terms such as “axial,” “circumferential,” and “radial” refer to the shaft axis unless otherwise specified. The shaft axis is the central axis of the flexible shaft and the distal endoscope section. The shaft may be rigid or flexible. The endoscope head may have an illumination device and / or a cleaning device and / or other elements connected to a wire. Distal refers to the direction toward the patient / the direction toward which the endoscope is inserted into the patient’s body cavity. Proximal refers to the direction toward the user / physician or surgical assistant. In this specification, “disposable” refers to a component assigned to a disposable part, and “reusable” refers to a component assigned to a reusable part. In both cases, disposable and reusable parts are provided separately.

[0013] In particular, the proximal control section is a manually operable endoscope handle (i.e., a handle used to operate the endoscope). Disposable control sections have components that can become contaminated during endoscope use and / or are prone to wear or frequent damage, such as processor ports, Luer connectors (i.e., access points to the working channel), and air / water buttons.

[0014] The disposable drivetrain section is, in particular, a mechanical and / or electrical (preferably purely mechanical) connection, configured to transmit the driving force (of the electrically driven part of the reusable component) input to the disposable connection (more precisely, a disposable engaging element) to the distal endoscope section or a controllable mechanism located in the distal endoscope section. Specifically, the disposable drivetrain section has one or more control cables, which are part of the endoscope and are configured to drive the driveable or controllable part of the distal endoscope section. The disposable connection of the disposable operating section may transmit the driving force to the control cables (in particular in the form of a pushing or pulling motion).

[0015] In particular, a plurality of disposable drivetrain sections may be provided substantially independently of each other and controlled substantially independently, and each of the plurality of disposable drivetrain sections may have (just) one disposable connector, (just) one control cable, and preferably (just) one connecting member (e.g., a cross connector) for connecting the control cable to the disposable connector. The connecting member is in particular part of a disposable operating section and is housed within the disposable operating section. In this case, each disposable drivetrain section is connected to or configured to be connectable to (just) one reusable drivetrain section.

[0016] The distal endoscope section preferably has a bend as a first controllable part, which is controllable to actively bend in at least one lateral direction (preferably just one lateral direction). This allows the endoscope to be steered within the patient's body cavity. Furthermore, the distal endoscope section preferably has a folding mechanism or tilting head as a second controllable part, which is located distal to the bend and may be bent with a smaller radius of curvature than the bend in at least one lateral direction (preferably just one lateral direction) different from or the same as the bend. This allows the optical system aligned in the axial direction on the distal endoscope head and the working channel of the endoscope opening on the distal endoscope head to be folded for shoulder view. It is even more preferable that a rotation mechanism is provided as a third controllable part between the bend and the flexible shaft, which allows the distal endoscope section to be rotated around the shaft axis. This allows the bend and folding mechanism / tilting head to be rotated. This allows these mechanisms to be positioned very easily without restricting the observation direction of the endoscope. Preferably, the bending section, and / or the tilting head, and / or the folding mechanism, and / or the rotating mechanism are each controlled by separate control cables (in particular, substantially independently of each other).

[0017] Preferably, the disposable operating section forms a first (distal) housing section, within which at least one disposable connecting section is slidably supported longitudinally (i.e., in the direction of the shaft axis), and its movement in at least one direction along the shaft axis (preferably both directions along the shaft axis) is restricted by a stop section.

[0018] In other words, a disposable drivetrain (particularly a disposable connector) has at least one stop portion (preferably two stop portions (one proximal and one distal)) which abuts against a portion fixed to the housing of the disposable operating portion, restricting the longitudinal movement of at least one disposable connector so that the disposable connector can only move within a predetermined axial range. Specifically, at least one stop portion is positioned and configured to abut against the disposable connector to establish or disengage the connection (particularly when establishing or disengaging a snap engagement with the disposable connector).

[0019] Therefore, advantageously, as will be described in detail below, it is possible to apply pressure and / or tension to the disposable connector to connect or disconnect the disposable connector in order to connect or disconnect the disposable connector. This makes it possible to achieve a very simple and robust connection and / or disconnection process. Preferably, in each disposable drivetrain section, a first stop is provided in a first direction (specifically, the distal direction) for connecting the disposable connector, and a second stop is provided in a second direction (specifically, the proximal direction) (opposite to the first direction) for disconnecting the disposable connector.

[0020] Preferably, one of the at least one stop portion that restricts the longitudinal movement of the disposable connector is composed of a disposable engaging element (e.g., a rotationally symmetric member) located at the proximal end of the disposable connector. For example, at least one disposable engaging element of the disposable connector (i.e., one disposable engaging element or one of a plurality of disposable engaging elements) may have a longitudinally oriented surface (e.g., the end face of a cylindrical engaging element) which functions as a stop portion. This means that there is no need to provide a separate part for the stop portion, reducing the number of parts and thus lowering costs and assembly work. Another stop portion (e.g., composed of a cross connector described later) may be provided at the proximal end of the disposable connector.

[0021] The expression "at least one element, part, etc." can refer to a single element or part, or, if there are multiple elements or parts, it can refer to one of those multiple elements or parts.

[0022] Preferably, the disposable connector and / or disposable housing is provided with one or more adjustment stop members, the axial position of the adjustment stop members being adjustable. For example, one or more of the adjustment stop members may be adjustment nuts that can be screwed longitudinally into the disposable connector and / or disposable housing. This allows for advantageous adjustment of the position of the stop members. Preferably, the longitudinal movement of each drivetrain (i.e., at least one or more disposable drivetrains) is restricted in exactly one longitudinal direction (i.e., either distal or proximal) by the adjustment stop members and restricted in the other longitudinal direction by the disposable engagement element.

[0023] It is preferable that at least one stop portion is provided such that when the disposable engaging element is in its nearest position, the disposable engaging element is at least partially (more preferably, entirely) located within the distal disposable housing portion. In other words, at least one stop portion is provided such that the majority (preferably, entirely) of the movable parts of the disposable drivetrain (particularly the disposable connectors and disposable engaging elements) are located inside the disposable housing portion at any moving position.

[0024] This ensures that the components of disposable parts (especially disposable operating parts) are very well protected. In particular, at least one disposable connector may be loosely (i.e., unloaded and possibly almost unbraked) supported within the disposable housing so as not to protrude from the housing and be damaged. In other words, the disposable connector can be moved very easily with low friction.

[0025] Preferably, a partition wall or a frame extending orthogonally to the shaft axis is provided within the disposable housing part. The partition wall or the frame may form a support direction for the longitudinal movement of the disposable connection part. In particular, the disposable connection part may penetrate the partition wall or the frame. Further, the partition wall or the frame may form a stop surface as part of at least one (or preferably, both) of at least one stop part for restricting the longitudinal movement of the disposable connection part. In other words, the partition wall may abut against at least one stop part of the disposable connection element and may be dimensioned to absorb the force generated during connection / disconnection of the disposable connection part (with the reusable connection element).

[0026] By doing so, a very simple and cost-effective stable framework can be provided for the disposable housing part. The framework may support a simple and inexpensive case to form the disposable housing part.

[0027] Preferably, the partition wall divides the disposable housing part into a distal chamber and a proximal chamber. In the distal chamber, the disposable connection part is connected to the proximal end of the control cable, and in the proximal chamber, the disposable engagement element is arranged. In other words, the disposable housing part protrudes distally from the partition wall to form a proximal chamber or a proximal sleeve. By doing so, the disposable connection part can be housed and protected inside the disposable housing part, and the disposable engagement element is arranged in the proximal chamber. Further, particularly sensitive members among the disposable parts (especially, the disposable operation part) (such as the connection part (connection member) of the control cable and the tension roller described later) may be arranged in the distal chamber and protected from dust and the like.

[0028] Preferably, the disposable housing part further forms a proximal end face provided with at least one opening for inserting at least one reusable drive train.

[0029] It is further preferred that the disposable housing part forms a plug part, and the plug part starts from the radial side of the proximal end face of the disposable housing part (particularly with respect to the shaft axis) and extends in the proximal direction from the disposable housing part. The plug part is preferably configured to connect to the electrical lines and fluid lines (for power supply and control) of the reusable parts. In particular, the plug part has a processor port configured to connect the electrical lines and fluid lines of an external endoscope control unit. Further, it is preferred that the fluid line passes through the inside of the plug part or is integrally formed with the plug part in order to connect the processor port to a fluid line that extends through the flexible shaft to the endoscope head.

[0030] It is preferred that the proximal end face of the plug part forms a disposable electrical connection part (specifically, an electrical plug or socket). The disposable electrical connection part is particularly configured to be connected to a reusable electrical connection part (particularly, the socket or plug of the reusable electrical connection part). The processor port is preferably provided on the radial surface (also referred to as the lateral outer edge part) of the plug part. Specifically, the processor port is provided in the proximal end region of the radial surface / lateral outer edge part, which can greatly shorten the electrical wiring extending from the processor port to the disposable electrical connection part.

[0031] The plug portion is preferably generally plate-shaped and has a rounded radial outer surface, two radially outward-facing lateral edges (i.e., two radial sides), and a proximal end surface. The disposable guide surface is preferably provided so as to face the radial outer surface (particularly obliquely to the proximal end surface of the disposable housing portion) (i.e., substantially perpendicular to the proximal end surface of the disposable housing portion). The disposable guide surface is preferably flat. In other words, the disposable guide surface and the proximal end surface of the disposable housing portion may be substantially perpendicular to each other, or they may form two surfaces of a substantially rectangular parallelepiped recess formed to receive a reusable part. The disposable guide surface may be configured to contact the corresponding reusable guide surface of the reusable part, thereby providing a relatively large contact surface between them. This allows the reusable part and the disposable part to be guided and supported very stably and reliably when connecting them or inserting them longitudinally like a drawer. Optionally, guide rails may be provided on one or both of the lateral outer edges.

[0032] Preferably, a projection is formed on the lateral outer edge, the projection located on one side of the disposable guide surface, projecting substantially perpendicular to the disposable guide surface and forming the air / water button described later. That is, the projection may define another side of a substantially rectangular recess. This allows for better guidance of the reusable component during connection. Optionally, a latch element (e.g., a latch structure such as a groove or spring element) may be further provided on the side of the projection forming the air / water button facing the disposable guide surface, and the latch element is configured to engage with a corresponding latch element on the reusable component. This provides auditory and / or tactile feedback when the projection is correctly positioned relative to the reusable component. Preferably, a switch is further provided (e.g., incorporated into one of the latch openings or latch structure, or constituted by a reusable electric switch) to detect when the disposable housing and the reusable housing are fully connected. When the switch is closed, it is preferable that the control unit / computer unit automatically begins calibrating and / or connecting the disposable drivetrain section and the reusable drivetrain section.

[0033] The disposable operating section preferably has at least one latch nose, which is configured to snap-engage and has a predetermined breaking point that breaks when the snap-engagement is released. This reduces the risk of the disposable operating section being reused, thereby reducing the risk of contamination during surgery. Preferably, at least one latch nose is provided on the proximal end face of the disposable housing and protrudes proximally from there.

[0034] It is even more preferable that one or more guide holes or guide pins are provided (preferably on the proximal end face of the disposable housing portion and / or on the proximal end face of the plug portion). In particular, one or more guide holes or guide pins are provided corresponding to corresponding positions on the reusable component, and these guide holes or guide pins are configured to engage with the guide holes or guide pins of the disposable operating portion (for longitudinal guidance). This allows for very precise guidance when connecting the disposable component and the reusable component (specifically, when connecting the disposable electrical connector and the reusable electrical connector).

[0035] Preferably, the distal end of at least one disposable connector (i.e., one or more disposable connectors) is connected to the control cable via a cross connector, which compensates for the radial offset between the control cable and the disposable connector. This allows for more flexible placement and configuration of the disposable connectors and optimizes the routing of the control cable. In other words, the cross connector is a connecting member that extends across the shaft direction, with one side of the cross connector connected to the disposable connector and the other side connected to the control cable.

[0036] Preferably, at least one of the control cables is a shear-resistant and / or low-elongation tube, with a fluid channel formed inside the tube. More preferably, a cross connector forms a connecting line, with a first end of the connecting line connected to the fluid channel, and a second end of the connecting line forming a fluid connection for a flexible roll hose for a disposable operating section. In this disclosure, “shear-resistant” means that the control cable is suitable for transmitting compressive forces. In this disclosure, “low-elongation” means that the control cable is suitable for transmitting tension, with the elongation of the control cable being negligible.

[0037] The control cable forming the fluid channel is connected to the endoscope head and preferably opens at the distal end face of the endoscope head. Specifically, the distal end of the fluid channel is connected to a cleaning nozzle for cleaning the camera or illumination device of the endoscope head. This reduces the number of cables and wires passing through the flexible shaft, thereby minimizing the diameter of the flexible shaft. The control cable forming the fluid channel is preferably a control cable for controlling the most distally located controllable endoscope section (particularly the tilting head or folding mechanism).

[0038] The roll hose may be a flexible tube that can be arranged in a loop and is mobile / flexible / windable so that the control cable connected to the roll hose can move longitudinally. Fluid connection between the control cable and the roll hose may be achieved by a line in a cross connector that connects the control cable to a disposable connector. That is, one end of the line in the cross connector may open into a fluid channel in the control cable, and the other end of the line in the cross connector may be fluidically connected to the roll hose. In other words, the number of parts can be further reduced. Alternatively, a connection element may be provided that connects the roll hose to the fluid channel in the control cable separately from the cross connector.

[0039] In some cases, a disposable component of an endoscope system comprising a proximal operating section, a flexible shaft, a distal shaft section (e.g., a bent section) controlled via at least one control cable, and an endoscope head (and a corresponding system comprising the disposable component and the reusable component described above) can be claimed independently, in which case (in particular, as described above) one of the at least one control cables constitutes a fluid channel, the fluid channel opening at the endoscope head and forming a fluid connection with a flexible roll hose via a cross connector at the proximal end as described above. Such a disposable component or endoscope system may also have other features described herein.

[0040] It is preferable to provide a first disposable drivetrain section having a first control cable (e.g., a control cable for controlling a bend or a bend control cable) and a second disposable drivetrain section having a second control cable (e.g., a control cable for controlling an inclined head / folding mechanism with a fluid channel formed inside or a inclined head control cable). It is even more preferable that the first control cable is a shear-resistant and / or low-elongation tube, and that the second control cable is housed inside it. That is, the first control cable may be a shear-resistant and / or low-elongation hollow pipe / tube through which the second control cable passes. This further reduces the number of wires passing through the flexible shaft and further reduces the diameter of the flexible shaft.

[0041] Preferably, at least one of the control cables (particularly a third control cable or a rotary mechanism control cable) passes through the flexible shaft, and the distal end of the control cable is connected to the tension cable, preferably via a distal transducer or distal transmission element of the rotary mechanism. In particular, the tension cable extends through the flexible shaft, and the proximal end of the tension cable is preloaded (or can be preloaded) in the proximal direction by a preload spring. Preferably, the preload spring is connected to a tension roller, the tension cable is bent along the tension roller, and the distal end of the tension spring is connected to the housing of a disposable operating unit. The tension roller and preload spring are specifically components of a disposable operating unit and are housed within the disposable operating unit. In particular, the tension roller is attached to the housing of the disposable operating unit via a preload spring so as to be preloaded (can be preloaded) in the proximal direction. Thus, the tension roller may preload the tension cable in the proximal direction.

[0042] It is preferable that a rotation mechanism is provided such that a pulling motion on one of the control cables is converted into a rotational motion of the distal endoscope by a distal transducer or distal transmission element (e.g., a gear train, a winding spool, etc.). It is even more preferable that releasing or loosening the control cable causes the tension cable to be pulled proximal by a preload spring, resulting in a rotational motion of the distal endoscope in the opposite direction.

[0043] The preload of the preload spring is greater than the force resisting the axial movement of the tension cable and control cable that control the rotation mechanism within the shaft.

[0044] The disposable control unit preferably includes air / water buttons configured to control the supply of air and / or water to the distal endoscope.

[0045] Specifically, the air / water button is connected to an air line that forms an air supply line connecting the air / water button to a proximal air connection (e.g., in a processor port), and to an air discharge unit that connects the air / water button to a distal endoscope head (e.g., via a fluid line inside one of the roll hose and control cable). The air supply line and the air discharge unit may be directly connected or connected via the air / water button. Furthermore, the air / water button may have a blow-off hole connected to the air line (in particular the air supply line, or the transition area between the air supply line and the air discharge unit), and the air line is open to the outside air through the blow-off hole. Specifically, the blow-off hole is configured to have less flow resistance than the air discharge unit.

[0046] The blow-off port is specifically designed to be closable by the user with their finger or other means. This allows the user to choose whether to release the compressed air supplied to the control unit via the air supply line through the blow-off port or send it to the endoscope head via the air discharge port.

[0047] Preferably, the air / water button further comprises a water switch, (in particular, a (micro) switch), which, when the water switch is operated, activates a valve in the water supply line either directly by the water switch or via a control unit, thereby supplying water to the endoscope head (for example, via a fluid line inside one of the roll hose and control cable). Preferably, the micro switch is also configured such that, when the micro switch is operated, the supply of air to the endoscope head is interrupted, for example, by activating a valve in the water supply line either directly by the micro switch or via a control unit, or by the control unit interrupting the supply of compressed air. Thus, the air / water button allows for the simple and ergonomic supply of water and air to the endoscope head.

[0048] The air / water button preferably has an operating button or gripping plate in which a blow-off hole is formed. Specifically, the operating button or gripping plate is positioned to overlap with the water switch via a spring, and when operated (pressed) by the user, it contacts the water switch and activates it. When the operating button or gripping plate is not operated, the air / water button and control unit neither supply nor stop the supply of air and water to the endoscope head. When the operating button or gripping plate is operated by closing the blow-off hole with substantially no force or pressure, air is supplied to the endoscope head. When the operating button or gripping plate is pressed against the water switch, water is supplied to the endoscope head, and preferably, the air supply is interrupted. This allows the user to easily and intuitively switch between air and water supply and switch the supply on / off as needed.

[0049] Furthermore, the problems of this disclosure are also solved by reusable components (already partially described) of an endoscope system having a reusable operating section that can be selectively connected to a disposable operating section (in particular, the disposable operating section of the disposable component described above). The reusable component comprises a reusable housing and at least one electric drive unit (more precisely, an electric motor) housed within the housing for controlling the endoscope system, and further comprises at least one reusable drivetrain section (i.e., a power transmission cable) connected to the electric drive unit and transmitting driving force to a longitudinally slidable reusable engaging element, the at least one reusable drivetrain section comprising a reusable engaging element, the reusable engaging element being configured to be axially fixedly connected to the disposable drivetrain section of the disposable operating section. Specifically, the distal end of the reusable drivetrain section forms the reusable engaging element. More precisely, in the unconnected state, the reusable engaging element forms the free end of the reusable drivetrain section.

[0050] In other words, the present disclosure relates to a reusable component of an endoscope system comprising at least one electrically driven unit and a reusable drivetrain connected to the at least one electrically driven unit and having a distal output element. The distal output element is supported so as to be slidable in the longitudinal direction (i.e., in the proximal-distal direction, or toward and toward a disposable component to which the distal output element can be attached), and in particular so as not to be rotatable. The reusable component further has an electrically driven unit that drives the distal output element (i.e., a reusable engaging element) in the longitudinal direction. The distal output element is configured to axially lock-engage (specifically, snap-engage) with a disposable drivetrain (disposable engaging element) of a disposable component of the endoscope system. Specifically, the reusable engaging element is configured to form and / or disengage an axial lock-engage with the disposable drivetrain solely by the operation of the electrically driven unit (i.e., without any additional manual operation by the user) when the housing of the reusable component is connected to the housing of the disposable component (specifically, the disposable operating unit).

[0051] The reusable operating section has components that are expensive to manufacture and / or cannot or are difficult to recycle (such as electric drive components). For example, the reusable operating section may have an operating block, which will be described later, and may form a receiving section for at least one electric drive component (and optionally a receiving section for at least one spindle drive component, which will be described later). The electric drive component is specifically an electric motor, preferably a stepping motor.

[0052] The reusable drivetrain section is specifically a mechanical and / or electrical (preferably purely mechanical) connection configured to transmit the driving force of an electric drive section to the distal end of the reusable drivetrain section or to a disposable drivetrain section connected to that distal end.

[0053] Preferably, at least one reusable drivetrain section has at least one thrust element, which is supported in the reusable operating section so as to be axially slidable with respect to the shaft axis, and the distal end of at least one thrust element integrally forms with or is connected to at least one reusable engaging element. Preferably, at least one reusable drivetrain is positioned such that at least one reusable engaging element protrudes distally from the reusable housing of the reusable operating section regardless of the position of the thrust element (i.e., from the most distal to the most proximal position the thrust element can take). In other words, the reusable engaging element and the disposable drivetrain section are connected outside the reusable housing. This allows the connection to be made within the disposable housing, protecting the sensitive moving parts of the disposable drivetrain. Furthermore, the reusable housing may be sealed at any position of the thrust element, and the reusable components are highly robust against internal contamination and resulting damage.

[0054] A thrust element is a longitudinally slidable element, specifically a longitudinally extending (i.e., tubular or rod-shaped) element. The thrust element preferably transmits thrust and tensile forces.

[0055] In particular, it is advantageous if the electric drive unit forms a brake or is configured to provide a braking action, especially in a stopped or de-energized state. Therefore, the electric drive unit may hold the thrust element in a retracted position (i.e., the most proximal position). In the retracted position, it is preferable that at least 70%, more preferably at least 80% or 90%, of the length of the thrust element and (optionally) the reusable engaging element is housed within the reusable housing. This makes it possible to provide, store, and transport the reusable parts individually and minimizes the risk of damage to the reusable drivetrain.

[0056] At least one reusable drivetrain section comprises at least one spindle gear having at least one (threaded) spindle and at least one (spindle) nut rotatably positioned on the spindle and axially slidable relative to the housing, more preferably the spindle nut being connected to a thrust element to drive the thrust element longitudinally. This is a very simple and reliable transmission gear that converts the rotational motion of the electric drive section into the longitudinal motion of the thrust element. The thrust element is preferably non-rotatably supported in the reusable housing, for example, the thrust element and / or spindle groove and / or the member connecting the spindle groove and the thrust element having a non-circular profile (e.g., polygonal / quadrilateral).

[0057] One distal end face of the reusable housing has at least one opening for at least one thrust element. A seal is provided between the opening and the thrust element to seal the reusable housing and protect the components inside the reusable housing from dirt and moisture. This reduces environmental pollution due to wear of the reusable housing. Preferably, the distal end face of the reusable housing also has a latch opening, which is configured to engage the latch nose of a disposable part (specifically, a disposable operating part).

[0058] The proximal end of at least one spindle is preferably connected to the output shaft of at least one electric drive unit and has a spindle angle encoder (particularly in the form of external teeth). Adjacent to the spindle angle encoder, a spindle angle receiver (mounted in a reusable housing) is provided to detect the rotational speed or rotational angle of the spindle. Specifically, the angle encoder (e.g., in the form of teeth) is located on the proximal end of the threaded spindle or on a connecting sleeve connecting the threaded spindle to the output shaft of the drive unit. The at least one spindle angle receiver and the at least one spindle angle encoder may provide the rotational speed or rotational angle of the spindle to a computer unit / control unit of the endoscope system (or an external unit) for calibration of the electric drive unit. This allows for very precise control of the electric drive unit.

[0059] The spindle is preferably connected to the output shaft of the electric drive unit via an elastic friction element (e.g., an O-ring). The elastic friction element is preferably sandwiched between the spindle and the output shaft, transmitting torque from the electric drive unit between them. Furthermore, the elastic friction element is preferably configured to slip at a predetermined torque (i.e., to function as a safety clutch). This protects the electric drive unit, the disposable / reusable drivetrain, and patient tissue from excessive load, for example, if the movement of the distal endoscope is obstructed or if part of the disposable / reusable drivetrain becomes jammed. Also, a very simple and cost-effective connection can be formed between the output shaft and the spindle. The elastic friction element may be configured to compensate for axial offset or misalignment between the output shaft and the spindle. Therefore, the manufacturing tolerances of the output shaft and spindle and their assembly tolerances do not need to be so strict, thus reducing manufacturing and assembly costs.

[0060] It is preferable that the proximal end of the spindle is supported by the reusable housing via two angular contact bearings (e.g., bearings in an X or O configuration) that support each other. This allows the spindle to be supported very firmly, improving stability under compressive and / or tensile loads or bending moments. Furthermore, it is preferable that the spindle is supported at the distal end face of the reusable housing, particularly by a slide bearing.

[0061] The thrust element is preferably a hollow tube that concentrically houses the spindle. Specifically, the distal end of the thrust element may be integrally connected to the reusable engaging element, or it may form the reusable engaging element. This allows force to be applied very uniformly to the thrust element, resulting in very high tensile and compressive strengths of the thrust element. It is also preferable that at least the distal end of the thrust element has the same outer contour as the reusable engaging element. This allows the reusable housing to be sealed to both the thrust element and the distal connecting element by a seal, so that the thrust element can be retracted deep into the reusable housing. Alternatively, the thrust element may form a rod extending parallel to the spindle, and the rod may be non-circular (e.g., square).

[0062] The thrust element is preferably connected to a linear encoder. More preferably, a linear receiver is positioned parallel to the tension element and / or thrust element at at least a first and / or second terminal position of the thrust element's displacement motion, and the linear receiver detects when the linear encoder has reached the first or second terminal position. The linear encoder is preferably connected to the thrust element (the proximal end of the thrust element) or a member that moves axially with the thrust element (e.g., a spindle groove or a non-rotatable entrainer / connector between the spindle groove and the thrust element). The linear encoder may be a marker, such as a magnet or a color marker. The linear receiver is preferably a member that detects the linear encoder (e.g., a Hall sensor), and detects when the linear encoder / magnet is in a position facing the linear receiver. The signal from the linear receiver may be transmitted to a computer unit / control unit configured to control (specifically, stop) the electric drive unit when the thrust element reaches a position detected by the linear receiver (specifically, the distal end position and / or proximal end position). In other words, the linear receiver can also be called a switch position receiver / switch position sensor, and the linear encoder can also be called a switch position encoder.

[0063] This allows the thrust elements to be precisely driven between predetermined terminal positions, advantageously preventing damage to disposable and / or reusable drivetrains due to over-driving of the drive unit. For example, the first terminal position of the first or second thrust element may correspond to the deployed position of the bent section or inclined head of the disposable part (specifically, the endoscope), and the second terminal position of the first or second thrust element may correspond to the maximum bending position of the bent section or inclined head of the disposable part (specifically, the endoscope). Furthermore, the terminal position of the third thrust element may correspond to the position where the rotation mechanism is most twisted in one or the other direction of rotation.

[0064] The linear receiver (and, optionally, the circuit board supporting the linear receiver) is preferably located on a flat surface parallel to the spindle. The reusable housing may have, for example, a reusable guide surface, which is configured to contact a disposable component (specifically, a disposable operating part) to guide the disposable component when it is inserted into or connected to the reusable component. For example, the reusable guide surface may be a flat side surface of the reusable housing. The proximal end of the reusable guide surface may be limited by an end face perpendicular to the guide surface, which is provided with a reusable electrical connection part and guide pins or guide holes for guiding the axial relative movement (insertion movement) between the disposable component (specifically, a disposable operating part) and the reusable component. The linear receiver is preferably located on the inner surface of the reusable housing, which is the surface opposite to the reusable guide surface. That is, a flat housing wall may form a guide surface on its outer surface and support the linear receiver on its inner surface. This allows for the simple and ergonomic design of reusable housings.

[0065] Preferably, the reusable component further comprises an operating block having at least one manual operating element or operating wheel. The operating element or operating wheel is provided with an operating angle encoder. More preferably, the reusable component comprises an operating angle receiver, which is located adjacent to the operating angle encoder within the reusable housing and detects the rotational speed or rotational angle of the manual operating element or operating wheel to control an electrically driven element and provides the rotational speed or rotational angle to a control unit / computer unit.

[0066] Specifically, each electrically driven unit is connected by power and / or data connections to (exactly) one of at least one manual operating element or operating wheel. Preferably, each electrically driven unit is controlled in response to (specifically, in proportion to) user input to the manual operating element or operating wheel. Preferably, each manual operating element or operating wheel is located on the outer surface of the reusable housing of the reusable operating unit. More preferably, each manual operating element or operating wheel is mounted on a shaft supported by the reusable housing. If there are multiple manual operating elements or operating wheels, preferably the shafts are arranged concentrically with respect to each other.

[0067] An operating angle encoder (specifically a magnetic disk) (also called an encoder wheel) is preferably positioned at the inner end of each shaft and rotates with the shaft. Furthermore, an operating angle receiver (specifically a Hall sensor) may be provided to detect the rotation speed or rotation angle of the angle encoder or manual operating element or operating wheel. Each angle encoder is connected to (exactly) one of the electric drive units to control the electric drive unit. Brake elements (e.g., brake plates, separator discs, O-rings, etc.) are provided between the operating angle encoders to keep them apart. This allows each operating element / operating wheel to be advantageously braked so that it does not unintentionally rotate in conjunction with the rotation of an adjacent operating element or operating wheel.

[0068] In particular, there are multiple electric drive units and multiple reusable drivetrain units, each substantially independent, with each reusable drivetrain unit comprising (just) one reusable engagement element, (just) one spindle gear having (just) one spindle and (just) one spindle nut, and (just) one tension / thrust element. In this case, each reusable drivetrain unit is connected to or connectable to (just) one disposable drivetrain unit and connected to (just) one of the electric drive units. Similarly, there are multiple manual operating wheels or multiple operating elements, each configured to operate / control (just) one of the electric drive units.

[0069] Furthermore, the problems of this disclosure can also be solved by an endoscope system comprising the disposable and reusable components described above, wherein the disposable and reusable components are selectively connectable to each other, at least one reusable drivetrain section and at least one disposable drivetrain section are selectively connectable, and at least one electric drive section is connected to the distal endoscope section to control the distal endoscope section.

[0070] In other words, an endoscope system is provided comprising (passively driven) disposable parts and (actively driven) reusable parts (particularly those described above), wherein the output elements of the reusable parts are supported to move longitudinally in order to drive the disposable drivetrain (i.e., the output elements of the reusable parts' drivetrain (power transmission cables) are longitudinally slidable elements). Specifically, a transmission gear is provided to convert the driving force (particularly in the form of torque) into the longitudinal motion of the controllable distal endoscope shaft of the reusable parts. The connection mechanism for connecting the output elements of the reusable parts to the input elements (disposable engagement elements) of the drivetrain of the disposable parts is configured to drive the output elements of the reusable parts longitudinally to fixate the axial engagement between the output elements of the reusable parts and the input elements of the drivetrain.

[0071] The problems of the present invention are preferably also solved by a method for connecting the above-mentioned disposable parts and the above-mentioned reusable parts (connection method). In this method, the disposable operating part and the reusable operating part are attached to each other (specifically, guided along each other or pushed against each other, like a drawer). When attached, it is preferable that the guide pin of the disposable part (specifically the disposable operating part) or the guide pin of the reusable part is inserted into the guide hole of the other (reusable part or disposable part (specifically the disposable operating part)). When the housing of the disposable part (specifically the disposable operating part) and the housing of the reusable part reach the connection termination position, it is even more preferable that the latch nose of the disposable part (specifically the disposable operating part) engages with the latch opening of the reusable part. During this attachment, when the termination position is reached, it is even more preferable that the electrical connection part of the disposable part (specifically the disposable operating part) is connected to the electrical connection part of the reusable part. Next, at least one (preferably all) of the electric drive units are driven in the extrusion direction to push the thrust element out of the reusable housing and press the thrust element against the disposable engaging element, causing the disposable engaging element to move distally until the disposable connector abuts against at least one stop in the distal direction. Then, at least one (preferably all) of the electric drive units are driven further in the extrusion direction to move the thrust element further forward and connect (specifically, snap-engage) the reusable engaging element to the disposable engaging element.

[0072] It is preferable that at least one (preferably all) spindle gears are calibrated using a spindle angle encoder and a spindle angle receiver, as well as a linear receiver and a linear encoder, or that a control unit / computer unit performs the calibration.

[0073] Furthermore, it is preferable that each drive unit is driven (specifically, proportionally) based on a signal from (exactly) one operating angle receiver.

[0074] To disengage the connection, it is preferable that at least one (preferably all) drive units are driven in the tensile direction to pull the disposable connector proximal until the disposable connector stops proximal to at least one stop unit (different from the stop unit in the extrusion direction). Subsequently, at least one (preferably all) electric drive units are driven further in the tensile direction to pull the thrust element further proximal to disengage the connection between the reusable engaging element and the disposable engaging element (i.e., the snap engagement is released).

[0075] Furthermore, a system may be provided comprising the reusable components described above (and optionally, the disposable components described above) and a computer unit configured to control at least one electric drive unit to perform the connection method described above. Specifically, the computer unit is connected to at least one electric drive unit and / or at least one operating angle receiver and / or at least one spindle angle receiver and / or at least one linear receiver. Preferably, the computer unit is incorporated into the reusable components and may be powered via reusable electrical connections (i.e., a processor port and a disposable electrical connection). Alternatively, the computer unit may be part of an external control unit and may be connected via reusable electrical connections (i.e., a processor port and a disposable electrical connection) to at least one electric drive unit and / or at least one operating angle receiver and / or at least one spindle angle receiver and / or at least one linear receiver.

[0076] Explanation of the diagram Hereinafter, this disclosure will be described with reference to preferred embodiments. These preferred embodiments are illustrative and do not limit the scope of protection of this disclosure. Furthermore, the same reference numerals will be used for the same components when describing embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0077] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the endoscope system relating to this disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows a top view of the distal endoscope section and the endoscope head of the endoscope system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows the proximal operating section of the endoscope system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows the disposable control unit of the control unit shown in Figure 2. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the reusable operating section of the operating section shown in Figure 2. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows a different perspective view of the reusable operating section of the operating section shown in Figure 2, compared to Figure 5, and the thrust element is different from that in Figure 5. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows the interior of the reusable operating unit shown in Figure 6. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows the operating block of the reusable operating unit shown in Figures 5 and 6. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows a portion of the drivetrain of the reusable operating unit shown in a modified example of Figure 5. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows a portion of the drivetrain of the reusable operating unit shown in a modified example of Figure 6. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows another part of the drivetrain of the reusable operating unit shown in a modified example of Figure 6. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows another part of the drivetrain of the reusable operating unit shown in a modified example of Figure 5. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows a portion of the disposable operating section and the tension roller located therein. [Figure 14] Figure 14 shows a cross-sectional view of the disposable operating section. [Figure 15] Figure 15 shows the connection or disconnection process between the drivetrain of a disposable operating unit and the drivetrain of a reusable operating unit. [Figure 16] Figure 16 shows the structure of the air and water buttons on the disposable control unit.

[0078] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an endoscope system 1 according to the present disclosure. The illustrated endoscope system 1 has a proximal operating section 2 (e.g., an endoscope handle). The operating section 2 has a processor connection section 3, which is connected to or configured to be connectable to a processor cable. The operating section 2 further has an operating element or operating wheel 4 and a connection section 5 (specifically, a Luer connection section). The endoscope (more precisely, the flexible shaft 6 of the endoscope) extends distally from the distal end of the operating section 2. A controllable distal shaft section (or distal endoscope section) 7 (described later with reference to Figure 2) extends distally from the distal end of the flexible shaft 6. An endoscope head 8 is located at or forms the distal end of the distal endoscope section 7. The central axis of the flexible shaft 6 and the distal endoscope section 7 is referred to as the shaft axis.

[0079] As shown in Figure 2, the distal endoscope section 7 has a bend 9 which is controllable or bendable to a first maximum curvature, allowing the endoscope head 8 to rotate on at least one (or just one) pivoting surface. Preferably, the distal endoscope section 7 further has a folding mechanism / tilting head 10, the distal end of which the endoscope head 8 is formed. Preferably, the folding mechanism / tilting head 10 is located distal to the bend 9 and is controlled separately to tilt the endoscope head 8 on the pivoting surface. Preferably, both the bend 9 and the folding mechanism 10 have a plurality of wedge-shaped segments, each of which is hinged to an adjacent segment on the wider side and may fold toward each other on the narrower side.

[0080] It is preferable that a rotation mechanism 11 for coaxially rotating the distal endoscope section 7 around the shaft axis is provided between the flexible shaft 6 and the distal endoscope section 7. Figure 2 also shows a top view of the endoscope head 8. An outlet for the work channel 12 is formed at the distal end face of the endoscope head 8, and other components such as a camera, lighting device, and cleaning nozzle are also provided on the endoscope head 8.

[0081] Figure 3 shows the assembled proximal operating section 2 of the endoscope system 1 shown in Figure 1. The operating section 2 has a disposable operating section 2a (illustrated in detail in Figure 4 and shown by a dashed line in Figure 3) and a reusable operating section 2b (illustrated in detail in Figure 5). The disposable operating section 2a and the reusable operating section 2b are connected to each other, or configured to be connectable, particularly preferably via a connection mechanism of the present disclosure having a plug-in mechanism.

[0082] The distal end of the disposable operating section 2a is connected to the proximal end of the flexible shaft 6. The distal end of the disposable operating section 2a forms a roughly cylindrical or sleeve-shaped disposable housing section 14, which houses a connection mechanism (see the following description with respect to Figures 11 to 15) for connecting at least one (specifically three) control cables 48 for controlling the distal endoscope section 7 to the reusable operating section 2b. At least one opening is formed on the proximal end face of the roughly cylindrical disposable housing section 14, through which the drivetrain section of the disposable operating section 2a can be connected to and disconnected from the drivetrain section of the reusable operating section 2b, which will be described in detail below, particularly with respect to Figure 15.

[0083] As shown in Figure 4, the plug portion 15 (positioning plate) extends proximal (preferably parallel to the shaft axis) from the proximal end face of the disposable housing portion 14. The outer surface of the plug portion 15 and the outer surface of the disposable housing portion 14 are continuously formed radially outward / lateral with respect to the shaft axis (i.e., aligned and seamlessly connected, and in particular, integrally formed). The surface of the plug portion 15 opposite to the radially outward surface forms a flat disposable guide surface 16a. This disposable guide surface 16a is configured to guide or contact the corresponding reusable guide surface 16b of the reusable operating portion 2b. Furthermore, the guide surface may be provided with markings.

[0084] It is preferable that the air / water button 13 is located on one side of the plug portion 15 with respect to the shaft axis (particularly on the protrusion located in the center of the positioning plate with respect to the shaft axis). The line connecting the air / water button 13 to the water connection portion (integrated into the processor port 3) and the line connecting the air / water button 13 to the flexible shaft 6 are located within the disposable operating portion 2a (specifically, within the protrusion and the plug portion 15). It is preferable that a (Luer) connection portion 5 is provided on the circumferential surface / side surface of the disposable housing portion 14 with respect to the shaft axis, and the connection portion 5 forms an inlet from the outside of the disposable housing portion 14 to the inside of the disposable housing portion 14 (specifically, to the proximal end of the working channel 12).

[0085] A disposable electrical connection 17a (particularly similar to a plug connector) is provided at the proximal edge of the plug portion 15 (see enlarged view A). The disposable electrical connection 17a is configured to electrically connect the disposable operating portion 2a to the corresponding reusable electrical connection 17b (particularly similar to a plug connector) of the reusable operating portion 2b, and is preferably configured to supply power from the disposable operating portion 2a to the reusable operating portion 2b, and optionally to transmit signals. The processor port 3 is preferably located on the side of the proximal end region of the plug portion 15 (i.e., near the disposable electrical connection 17a). The cable connecting the processor port 3 and the disposable electrical connection 17a is housed within the plug portion 15.

[0086] Furthermore, the disposable operating section 2a forms a plurality of mechanical plug elements configured to mechanically connect the disposable operating section 2a and the reusable operating section 2b (more precisely, their housing sections). Engaging rails 18 may be provided on one or both side edges of the plug section 15 (i.e., the edges connecting the guide surface 16 of the plug section 15 to its radially outer surface), and the engaging rails 18 are configured to engage with corresponding rails provided on the reusable operating section 2b, guiding the relative movement of the disposable operating section 2a and the reusable operating section 2b parallel to the shaft axis.

[0087] The proximal end face of the plug portion 15 (preferably on both sides of the disposable electrical connection portion 17a) and / or the proximal end face of the substantially cylindrical disposable housing portion 14 may be provided with at least one (preferably four in total) positioning openings 19b and / or positioning pins 19a, the positioning openings 19b and / or positioning pins 19a configured to engage with corresponding positioning pins 19a or positioning openings 19b provided on the reusable operating portion 2b (see enlarged view A in Figure 4). Furthermore, it is preferable that a latch nose 20a is provided on the proximal end face of the disposable housing portion 14 (see enlarged view B in Figure 4), the latch nose 20a configured to lock into a latch opening 20b provided on the reusable operating portion 2b (see Figures 6 and 7). In addition to or instead of the above, a latch spring 21a for locking a reusable operating section 2b may be provided on the radial inner surface of the protrusion on which the air / water button 13 is located, and the latch spring 21a is configured to lock the latch structure 21b of the reusable operating section 2b.

[0088] Therefore, to connect the disposable operating section 2a and the reusable operating section 2b, the two (i.e., the disposable operating section 2a and the reusable operating section 2b) are placed on top of each other, and the disposable guide surface 16a is engaged with the reusable guide surface 16b, and optionally the engagement rail 18 is engaged with the rail of the reusable section 2b. Subsequently, both sections 2a and 2b are pushed toward each other parallel to the shaft axis like a plug / pull-out until the positioning pin 19a, the latch nose 20a, and the disposable electrical connector 17a engage with the positioning opening 19b, the latch opening 20b, and the reusable electrical connector 17b of the reusable section 2b. When the terminal position is reached, the latch nose 20a is locked into the latch opening 20b, and optionally the latch spring 21a is locked into the latch structure 21b.

[0089] Figures 5 and 6 show the reusable operating section 2b, with Figure 5 being a perspective view from the side of the reusable guide surface 16b, and Figure 6 being a perspective view from the outside of the reusable operating section 2b.

[0090] The reusable operating section 2b has a reusable housing 22, on one side of the reusable housing 22 a substantially rectangular parallelepiped first notch, which opens with respect to the shaft axis toward at least one side (preferably both sides) of the reusable housing 22 and toward the distal end face of the reusable housing 22. That is, in a side view, the notch defines a substantially L-shaped contour of the reusable housing 22. The bottom surface of the notch forms a reusable guide surface 16b, and the proximal end face of the notch is provided with a reusable electrical connection section 17b and preferably at least one (more preferably two) positioning openings 19b. Alternatively or in addition, at least one (preferably two) positioning openings 19b are provided on the proximal end face of the reusable housing 22 or the reusable operating section 2b. It is preferable that a latch opening 20b is also provided on the distal end face.

[0091] Furthermore, the reusable housing 22 has a contact side surface 23, which is adjacent to the reusable guide surface 16b and extends parallel to the shaft axis so as to be perpendicular to the reusable guide surface 16b. In particular, the reusable housing 22 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped second notch formed therein, which opens at least distally and toward the reusable guide surface 16b, and the bottom surface of the second notch forms the contact side surface 23. The contact side surface 23 is configured to contact a protrusion on which the air / water button 13 is provided. A latch structure 21b may be further formed on the contact side surface 23.

[0092] The distal end face of the reusable housing 22 is further provided with openings through which members of the drivetrain for controlling the endoscope system 1 extend. These members will be described in detail with reference to Figures 11 and 12.

[0093] On the side of the reusable housing 22 opposite to the reusable guide surface 16b, a plurality of operating elements or operating wheels 4 are provided. Specifically, the operating elements 4 are a plurality of rotatable handwheels arranged concentrically. Preferably, the first operating element 4a is for operating the folding mechanism / tilting head 10, the second operating element 4b is for operating the bending portion 9, and the third operating element 4c is for operating the rotation mechanism 11.

[0094] Figure 7 shows the interior of the reusable operating unit 2b (specifically, the reusable drivetrain section of the reusable operating unit 2b), and for the sake of clarity in Figure 7, the reusable drivetrain section is already connected to the components of the disposable drivetrain. The drivetrain section of the reusable operating unit 2b has an operating block, which is operated or handled by the user, and is shown in detail in Figure 8.

[0095] The operating element block will be described in detail below with reference to the longitudinal cross-sectional view in Figure 8. In this example, each operating element 4 is rotatably mounted on shafts 24 that are concentrically arranged with respect to each other. Specifically, the outermost (i.e., furthest from the reusable housing 22) first operating element 4a is fixed to the first shaft 24a, which is rotatably mounted to a central mandrel 25 fixed to the reusable housing 22. The intermediate second operating element 4b is fixed to the second shaft 24b, which receives the first shaft 24a and is rotatably mounted to the first shaft 24a. The innermost (i.e., closest to the reusable housing 22) third operating element 4c is fixed to the third shaft 24c, which receives the second shaft 24b and is rotatably mounted to the second shaft 24b. A main bearing 26 (specifically a roller bearing) is mounted on the outside of the third shaft 24c, rotatably supporting the three shafts 24a, 24b, and 24c relative to the reusable housing 22.

[0096] The inner ends of the three shafts 24a, 24b, and 24c are each securely connected to the corresponding magnetic encoder wheel or operating angle encoder 27. Adjacent to the encoder wheel or operating angle encoder 27, the reusable housing 22 houses an operating angle receiver 28 (see Figure 7) or a Hall sensor package, each of which detects the rotation (rotation angle / speed) of the magnetic encoder wheel or operating angle encoder 27 and converts it into an electrical signal. Between adjacent magnetic encoder wheels or operating angle encoders 27, a brake element 29, such as a brake plate or isolation disc, is positioned to separate the encoder wheels or operating angle encoders 27 from each other. The brake element 29 has holes, and pins connected to the reusable housing 22 engage with these holes to prevent the brake element 29 from rotating relative to the reusable housing 22. Preferably, the encoder wheel or operating angle encoder 27 is frictionally braked on the brake element 29 (e.g., by an O-ring).

[0097] Each of the angle receiving units 28 is connected to an electric drive unit 30 or an electric motor so that it can transmit data (particularly via an electrical cable). The electric drive unit 30 and optionally the angle receiving units 28 are connected to the processor port 3 via disposable electrical connectors 17a and reusable electrical connectors 17b, and preferably receive power via the electrical connectors.

[0098] As shown in Figure 7, each of the electric drive units 30 is connected to the threaded spindle 32 via a spindle clutch block 31. This connection will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 9 and 10. As shown in Figure 9, the electric drive unit 30 (in all modified cases) has an output shaft 33. The output shaft 33 is housed in a connecting sleeve 34. An elastic friction element 35 (e.g., an O-ring) is sandwiched between the output shaft 33 and the connecting sleeve 34, thereby transmitting torque from the output shaft 33 to the connecting sleeve 34, compensating for misalignment between the threaded spindle 32 and the output shaft 33, and the elastic friction element 35 functions as a torque limiter.

[0099] The distal end of the connecting sleeve 34 is securely connected to the proximal end of the threaded spindle 32, for example, by a radial set screw. The threaded spindle 32 is rotatably fixed axially to the spindle clutch block 31 distal to its proximal end via a thrust bearing or reinforcing angular contact ball bearing 36 (see Figure 10, partially omitted). The spindle clutch block 31 is securely fixed to the reusable housing 22. Furthermore, the distal end of the threaded spindle 32 is preferably rotatably supported, particularly via a spindle bearing or slide bearing 37 (see Figure 9).

[0100] In a modified example (see Figure 10), it is preferable that the spindle angle encoder 38a (specifically, in the form of a profile or teeth, particularly in the form of external teeth formed on the connecting sleeve 34) is located proximal or distal to each thrust bearing or reinforcing angular ball bearing 36. Such a spindle angle encoder 38a functions as a rotation angle encoder and works in conjunction with a rotation angle receiver (shown here as an example, alone) located in or on the spindle clutch block 31 to detect the rotational speed or rotational angle of the spindle 32.

[0101] Nuts 39 (shown by dashed lines) (specifically, ball screw drive nuts) are positioned on each threaded spindle 32 proximal to the spindle clutch block 31. The nuts 39 are preferably connected non-rotatably to the thrust elements 41, either directly or via a connector or entrainer 40 (shown by dashed lines in Figure 9). The connector or entrainer 40 and / or thrust elements 41 are preferably non-circular (e.g., rectangular parallelepipeds) so as to be supported axially slidably against the reusable housing 22, although they are not rotatable. Each of the connector or entrainer 40 and the thrust elements 41 may be directly connected to the nuts 39. The thrust elements 41 extend distally from the nuts 39 or the connector or entrainer 40 substantially parallel to the threaded spindle 32 and pass through an opening at the distal end face of the reusable housing 22. The thrust element 41 is preferably guided or supported so as to be axially slidable on the distal end face of the reusable housing 22 or the housing portion forming the end face, particularly via a slide bearing 37. More preferably, a seal 42 is provided between the thrust element 41 and the distal end face of the reusable housing 22 (see Figures 7 and 11).

[0102] The thrust element 41 may be provided, for example, according to two different modifications of the embodiment, which will be described below.

[0103] In the embodiment shown in Figure 7, the thrust element 41 is, for example, a thrust tube that concentrically houses the threaded spindle 32 (see also Figures 10 and 11). In Figure 7, two of the drivetrain sections are shown with the thrust element 41 or thrust tube, while one of the drivetrain sections is shown without the thrust element 41 or thrust tube, so that the connection between the housed threaded spindle 32 and the connector or entrainer 40 is visible. In this example, it is preferable that the distal end of the threaded spindle 32 is supported so as to be slidable and rotatable within the thrust tube, particularly via a spindle bearing or slide bearing 37.

[0104] As a modification of the embodiment shown in Figure 7, the thrust element 41 may be a push rod, as shown as an example in Figures 5 and 12 (described below). In this case, it is preferable that the distal end of the threaded spindle 32 is rotatably supported at the distal end face of the reusable housing 22, for example, via a slide bearing. Furthermore, the push rod is axially offset and positioned substantially parallel to the threaded spindle 32. For example, according to the modification shown in Figure 9, the connector or entrainer 40 may have a lateral recess for inserting and fastening the push rod. Optionally, a protective tube may be provided between the spindle clutch block 31 and the distal end face of the reusable housing 22, covering not only the threaded spindle 32 but also part or all of the connector or entrainer 40 and the push rod.

[0105] Preferably, a switch position encoder or (spindle) linear encoder 43 (e.g., a permanent magnet) is mounted on the proximal end region of the thrust element 41 and / or the nut 39 and / or connector or entrainer 40 (shown in Figure 9 as an example of all modifications). Furthermore, the reusable housing 22 may have a sensor device positioned adjacent to the thrust element 41 (shown in Figure 9 as an example of all modifications), the sensor device having a switch position sensor or (spindle) linear receiver 44 corresponding to at least one position, the switch position sensor or (spindle) linear receiver 44 detecting the switch position encoder or (spindle) linear encoder 43 when the distance from the switch position sensor or (spindle) linear receiver 44 to the switch position encoder or (spindle) linear encoder 43 is less than or equal to a predetermined distance. Preferably, at least two switch position sensors or (spindle) linear receivers 44 are provided, positioned to identify a predetermined range of movement / the distal and proximal ends of a predetermined range of movement of the thrust element 41. The sensor device is preferably mounted on the inner surface of the reusable housing 22 opposite to the reusable guide surface 16b. This is because the surface is flat, making placement very easy.

[0106] The distal end of each thrust element 41 has a reusable engagement element 45 (specifically, a snap-fit ​​sleeve). If the thrust element 41 is configured as a thrust tube, the distal end of the thrust tube may be configured as a reusable (snap-fit) connection element 45. The reusable engagement element 45 has an undercut configured to engage with a disposable engagement element 46 of a disposable connection. Particularly as shown in Figures 7 and 11, it is preferable that the thrust element 41 is configured such that, regardless of its position, at least the reusable engagement element 45 protrudes beyond the distal end face of the reusable housing 22.

[0107] Figures 7 and 11 further show a portion of the drivetrain of the disposable operating unit 2a, which is connected to the reusable engaging element 45. In Figure 7, individual components (specifically, the snap-fit ​​sleeve and the snap-fit ​​cylinder described later) have been omitted for clarity and are shown in Figure 11, which is referenced below.

[0108] Preferably, the inner circumferential wall of one of the two engaging elements 45, 46 (i.e., a disposable engaging element 46, or preferably a reusable engaging element 45) forms a snap-fit ​​sleeve, and a ring groove 47a or snap-fit ​​groove is formed in this inner circumferential wall (see also Figure A in Figure 11). More preferably, the outer circumferential wall of the other of the two engaging elements 45, 46 (e.g., a reusable engaging element 45, or preferably a disposable engaging element 46) forms a snap-fit ​​cylinder, and an outer ring groove is formed in this outer circumferential wall. The snap-fit ​​cylinder is sized to allow the snap-fit ​​cylinder to be pushed into the snap-fit ​​sleeve. The outer ring groove holds a spring element 47b (specifically, an annular spring element) that is elastically deformable at least radially, such as a Bal Seal clutch spring. In the unconnected state, the outer diameter of the spring element 47b held in the outer ring groove is greater than the inner diameter of the inner circumferential wall of the snap-fit ​​sleeve or snap-fit ​​cylinder. When connecting the two engaging elements 45 and 46, for example, when the snap-fit ​​cylinder is pushed into the snap-fit ​​sleeve, the spring element 47b elastically deforms radially inward until it reaches the ring groove 47a, at which point it relaxes and engages with the ring groove 47a, thereby connecting the two engaging elements 45 and 46 to each other. A method for automatically connecting or disconnecting the two engaging elements 45 and 46 is described below with reference to Figure 15.

[0109] Each of the disposable engagement elements 46 is connected distally to a corresponding control cable 48 (see Figures 11 to 15). The portion of the disposable drivetrain extending from the disposable engagement elements to the proximal end of the control cable 48 is called the disposable connection element. More precisely, in this embodiment, the first disposable connection element is connected to the bend control cable 48a, the second disposable connection element is connected to the tilt head control cable 48b, and the third disposable connection element is connected to the rotary mechanism control cable 48c, with these control cables transmitting operating forces to the folding mechanism / tilt head 10, the bend 9, and the rotary mechanism 11, respectively.

[0110] It is preferable that the tilt head control cable 48b is configured as a low-stretch tube configured to transmit at least tension (preferably also compressive force) to control the folding mechanism / tilt head 10. Furthermore, a fluid channel (specifically, a lens cleaning channel for camera cleaning) is formed inside the tilt head control cable 48b, and the fluid channel opens at the distal end face of the endoscope head 8. It is even more preferable that the bend control cable 48a is configured as a low-stretch tube configured to transmit at least tension (preferably also compressive force) to control the bend 9. The bend control cable 48a extends coaxially with the tilt head control cable 48b and houses the tilt head control cable 48b.

[0111] It is even more preferable that the rotation mechanism control cable 48c is a cable configured to transmit tension to control the rotation mechanism 11. Specifically, the rotation mechanism control cable 48c extends distally from the operating section 2 through a flexible shaft, and the distal end of the rotation mechanism control cable 48c is connected to a distal transducer that converts the movement of the control cable into rotational movement of the distal endoscope section 7. The transducer is connected to a tension cable 48d, which extends proximal through a flexible shaft 6 and is mounted in a disposable housing section 14 so as to be pre-pressurized in the proximal direction. Tension is applied to the tension cable 48d by a tension roller 49 (see Figure 13) housed in the disposable housing section 14. The tension roller 49 is rotatable and slidable axially (along the shaft axis) (e.g., via a slide) and is pre-pressurized proximal by a cable tensioning device 50 or a tension spring. The cable tensioning device 50 in Figure 13 preferably has a compression spring.

[0112] It is preferable that cross connectors 51 are provided to connect disposable engagement elements 46 to corresponding control cables 48a, 48b, and 48c (see Figures 7, 11, and 12) and to compensate for lateral offsets between them. For example, one of the cross connectors 51 is connected to one of the disposable engagement elements 46 and forms a clamp receiving portion that is axially offset relative to the disposable engagement element 46, and the clamp receiving portion is configured to clamp and hold the rotation mechanism control cable 48c. Another of the cross connectors 51 is connected to yet another of the disposable engagement elements 46 and is axially offset relative to the disposable engagement element 46 and is connected to a bend control cable 48a that preferably holds the tilt head control cable 48b. Yet another of the cross connectors 51 is connected to yet another of the disposable engagement elements 46 and is axially offset relative to the disposable engagement element 46 and is connected to a tilt head control cable 48b that preferably forms a fluid channel.

[0113] The cross connector 51, which connects the tilt head control wire 48b to the corresponding disposable engagement element 46, may also function as a fluid line adapter (Figures 7 and 11) for connecting a fluid line extending from the processor port 3 through the disposable operating section 2a to the tilt head control cable 48b, which functions as a fluid line. For this purpose, the cross connector 51 forms a fluid connection to which the fluid line extending from the processor port 3 is connected, and in addition, forms a feedthrough connecting the fluid connection to the tilt head control cable 48b. Since the distal end of the fluid line extending from the processor port 3 is specifically configured as a flexible roll hose 61, the tilt head control cable 48b can be moved longitudinally.

[0114] Instead of the modified configuration shown in Figure 11, as shown in Figure 12, both the tilt head control cable 48b and the bend control cable 48a may be connected to the disposable engagement element 46 via the cross connector 51, offset in the axial direction. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 12, a fluid connection for connecting the fluid line extending from the processor port 3 may be provided separately from the cross connector 51 and connected to the tilt head control cable 48a.

[0115] Furthermore, the cross connector 51 is preferably non-circular or profiled. For example, the cross connector 51 has a cross piece 52 that protrudes radially with respect to the longitudinal direction, and the cross piece 52 is provided within the disposable housing 14 as a device to prevent rotation of the cross connector 51 (Figures 7 and 11). An axial guide portion 53 with grooves (see Figure 14) is formed inside the disposable housing 14, and the cross connector 51 is guided so as to be movably engaged in the grooves of the axial guide portion 53 and so as to be rotatably engaged in the grooves of the axial guide portion 53. This is clearly shown in Figure 14, which shows a cross-sectional view of the disposable housing 14. The disposable housing 14 may further form (particularly integrally) other lines such as air lines and water lines, and proximal portions of the work channels 12, which are shown in cross-section in Figure 14.

[0116] Figure 15 shows the automatic disconnection process for the engaging elements 45 and 46. Furthermore, Figure 15 also shows the automatic connection process, and it is preferable that the automatic connection process starts automatically when the computer unit recognizes that the disposable operating section 2a and the reusable operating section 2b have been plugged into each other, for example, by closing the electrical connections 17a and 17b or the switch.

[0117] Figure 15 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the disposable housing 14 of the endoscope 1 with the disposable operating section 2a and the reusable operating section 2b inserted into each other, with only one of the drivetrain sections shown in detail as an example. In this assembled state, the thrust element 41 and the reusable engaging element 45 are located at least partially within the disposable housing 14 (more precisely, within the proximal chamber of the disposable housing 14). The disposable housing 14 is divided into a proximal chamber and a distal chamber by a partition wall or frame 64. The disposable connector of the disposable operating section 2a extends axially slidably through the partition wall or frame 64, with the disposable engaging element 46 located in the proximal chamber and the cross connector 51 and control cable 48 located in the distal chamber. The partition wall or frame 64 is configured to allow the stop portion 63 of the connection mechanism to contact it.

[0118] In Figure 15, Figure A shows the disposable engaging element 46 and the reusable engaging element 45 connected. The thrust element 41 is moving distally. To separate the engaging elements 45 and 46, the drive unit (specifically all drive units) is activated to pull back the thrust element 41 (i.e., move it proximal) as shown in Figure B. When a predetermined distance of movement is reached, the proximal stop portion 63a of the stop portion 63 comes into contact with the partition wall or frame 64 of the disposable housing portion 14 (see Figure C). Specifically, the proximal stop portion 63a is provided at the disposable connection portion between the disposable engaging element 46 and the cross connector 51, and is configured as an adjustment stop member, for example, an adjustment nut. Alternatively, the proximal stop portion 63a may be provided as a stop disc or step attached to one of the cross connectors 51 or the connecting rod, for example. When the thrust element 41 is moved further proximal, pressure is applied to the radially elastically deformable spring element 47b, as shown in Figure C, causing the spring element 47b to deform and detach from the reusable engagement element 45. This releases the connection between the disposable engagement element 46 and the reusable engagement element 45.

[0119] In the reverse case (i.e., starting from Figure C in Figure 15), the thrust element 41 is pushed distally. At this time, the thrust element 41 pushes the disposable engaging element 46 until the disposable engaging element 46, which is located in front of it, contacts the proximal end face of the disposable housing 14. In this case, either the disposable engaging element 46 or the distal end face of the disposable engaging element 46 functions as the distal stop portion 63b of the stop portion 63. As the thrust element 41 is moved further distally, the pressure on the radially elastically deformable spring element 47b increases, as shown in Figure A, causing the spring element 47b to deform and enter the gap between the disposable engaging element 46 and the reusable engaging element 45, and finally snap-engage with the ring groove 47a of the reusable engaging element 45. This connects the disposable engaging element 46 and the reusable engaging element 45.

[0120] Figure 16 shows the structure of the air / water button 13 shown in Figure 4. The air / water button 13 has a base body 54. The base body 54 may be an independent part or may be integrally formed with the protruding part of the plug part 15 of the disposable operating part 2a. As shown in Figure 16A, a recess is formed in the base body 54, and a microswitch 55 is arranged in the recess. The microswitch 55 is, for example, a pressure switch or a touch sensor. A gripping plate or operating button 56 (see Figure 16B) is arranged in front of the microswitch 55 via a spring 57, and it is preferable that the gripping plate or operating button 56 is attached to the base body 54 via a flexible membrane 58 (e.g., a rubber cap) (see Figure 16C). The flexible membrane 58 may function as a spring, or a spring 57 may be provided separately, as in this example.

[0121] The gripping plate or operating button 56 is mounted on the base 54 such that the gripping plate or operating button 56 contacts the microswitch 55 when the user operates against the preload of the spring 57. The microswitch 55 is connected to a computing unit, which is configured to activate the cleaning function of the cleaning mechanism of the endoscope head 8 by, for example, activating an external pump connected to the endoscope system 1 via a cleaning line when the microswitch 55 is operated. The cleaning line may be connected to the cleaning line of the operating unit 2 of the endoscope system 1 via a processor port 3, for example.

[0122] Furthermore, the air / water button 13 is connected to the air supply line 59 and the air discharge section 60, which are connected to each other. The air discharge section 60 is connected to the endoscope head 8. The air discharge section 60 may optionally be connected to a line that is almost completely fixed in position within the disposable housing section 14 and plug section 15, or it may be connected to the roll hose 61 described above. The air supply line 59 is specifically connected to the processor port 3 and receives compressed air through the processor port 3. Furthermore, the gripping plate or operating button 56 is provided with a blow-off hole 62, which connects the air discharge section 60 and the air supply line 59 to the outside air. For example, the blow-off hole 62 is directly connected to the air discharge section 60 and the air supply line 59, or connected to both the air discharge section 60 and the air supply line 59 and opens into the space between the groove wall and the flexible membrane 58. The blow-off hole 62 is configured and dimensionally set in particular so that it can be easily closed or shut by the user. Furthermore, the opening of the blow-off hole 62 is configured such that the flow resistance of the blow-off hole 62 is smaller than the flow resistance of the air discharge section 60. In other words, when the blow-off hole 62 is closed, the compressed air supplied to the air supply line 59 passes only through the air discharge section 60. When the user firmly presses the grip plate or the operating button 56, the microswitch 55 is operated and the cleaning function is activated. Optionally, the air / water button 13 or the computing unit may be configured to shut off the air supply to the air discharge section 60 when the microswitch 55 is operated, for example by blocking communication between the air supply line 59 and the air discharge section 60 using a valve.

[0123] Although the embodiments described above have been presented as providing multiple drive lines to operate multiple different functions (of the inclined head 10, the bending section 9, and the rotating mechanism 11), these are independent of each other, and it is possible that only one or any two drive lines are provided. Furthermore, although the above descriptions have often referred to only one of the drive trains, the other two drive trains are configured in almost the same way, except for the differences described above. In addition, the above descriptions have referred to variations of the endoscope according to this disclosure, but in these variations, only the components that are explicitly described individually differ from those in the embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0124] List of reference codes 1 Endoscopy System 2. Control unit or endoscope handle 2a Disposable operating unit 2b Reusable controls 3 Processor Ports 4. Operating element or operating wheel 4a,b,c First / Second / Third Operational Elements 5 (Lure) connection part 6 Flexible shaft 7. Distal Endoscopy Section 8 Endoscope Heads 9. Flexed section 10. Folding mechanism 11 Rotation mechanism 12 Working Channels 13 Air / Water Buttons 14 Disposable housing section 15 Plug section 16a Disposable guide surface 16b Reusable guide surface 17a Disposable electrical connection 17b Reusable electrical connections 18 Engaging Rail 19a Positioning pin 19b Positioning opening 20a Latch Nose 20b Latch opening 21a Latch spring 21b Latch structure 22 Reusable Housing 23 Contact side 24 shafts 24a,b,c First / Second / Third shaft 25 Central Mandrel 26 Main bearings 27 Encoder Wheel / Angle Encoder 28 Operating Angle Receiving Unit 29 Brake elements / Separate discs / Brake plates 30 Electric drive unit / electric motor 31 Spindle clutch block 32 (threaded) spindle 33 Output shaft 34 Connection Sleeves 35 Elastic friction elements / O-rings 36. Thrust Bearings / Reinforced Angular Contact Bearings 37 Spindle bearings / slide bearings 38a Spindle angle encoder / tooth 38b Spindle angle receiver / tooth sensor 39 (Spindle) Nut 40 Connectors / Entrainers 41 Thrust elements / thrust tubes 42 Seals 43 Switch position encoder / (spindle) linear encoder 44 Switch position sensor / (spindle) linear receiver 45 Reusable Engaging Elements / Snap-Fitting Sleeves 46 Disposable Engaging Element / Snap-Fitting Cylinder 47a Ring groove / Snap fitting groove 47b Spring element that is elastically deformable in the radial direction 48 control cables 48a Bending control cable 48b Folding mechanism control cable / Tilt head control cable 48c Rotation mechanism control cable 48d tension cable 49 Tension Roller 50 Cable tensioning device / tension spring 51 Cross Connector 52 Cross Pieces / Anti-Rotation Device 53 Axial guide section 54 Base 55 microswitches 56 Operation buttons / gripping plates 57 springs 58 Flexible film 59 Air supply line 60 Air discharge section 61 Roll Hose 62 Blow-off holes 63 Stop section 63a Proximal stop element 63b Distal stop element 64. Bulkhead or frame

Claims

1. A disposable part of the endoscope system (1), A disposable operating unit (2a) is configured to be selectively connected to the reusable parts of the endoscope system (1), It is an endoscope, A flexible shaft (6) is configured to be inserted into the patient's body cavity, is connected to the disposable operating unit (2a), and extends distally from the disposable operating unit (2a) along the shaft axis, The distal endoscope section (7) is connected to the distal end of the flexible shaft (6), An endoscope having a distal endoscope head (8) which forms the distal end surface of the distal endoscope section (7) or is attached to the distal end surface, To control the distal endoscope section (7), the system includes at least one disposable drivetrain section connecting the disposable operating section (2a) and the distal endoscope section (7), The aforementioned at least one disposable drivetrain section has at least one disposable connection section, The at least one disposable connector is supported within or on the disposable operating part (2a) so as to be slidable in the direction of the shaft axis. A disposable engaging element (46) is formed at the proximal end of at least one of the disposable connecting parts. The disposable engaging element (46) is configured to be fixedly connected in the axial direction to the reusable drivetrain section of the reusable operating section (2b), Disposable parts for the endoscope system (1).

2. The disposable operating section (2a) forms the distal disposable housing section (14), Within the disposable housing portion (14), at least one disposable connecting portion is supported so as to be slidable in the longitudinal direction. Movement along the shaft axis in at least one direction, preferably both directions, is restricted by the stop portion such that the disposable engaging element (46) is at least partially, and more preferably entirely, located within the distal disposable housing portion (14) at its most proximal position. A disposable part for the endoscope system (1) according to claim 1.

3. The disposable housing portion (14) The proximal end face is provided with at least one opening for inserting the reusable drivetrain, A plug portion (15) extends proximal from the disposable housing portion (14) and has a disposable electrical connection portion (17a) formed on its proximal end face, A disposable part for the endoscope system (1) according to claim 2.

4. The disposable operating section (2a) forms a latch nose (20a) configured to snap-engage, and has a predetermined breaking point that breaks when the snap engagement is released. A disposable part for the endoscope system (1) according to claim 1.

5. The distal end of each of the at least one disposable connectors is connected to a cross connector (51) together with the corresponding control cable (48). The cross connector (51) corrects the radial offset. A disposable part for the endoscope system (1) according to claim 1.

6. One of the at least one control cable (48) is a low-stretch tube in which a fluid channel is formed, The corresponding cross connector (51) forms a connection for a flexible roll hose (61), which fluidly connects the roll hose (61) to the fluid channel in the first control cable (48a). A disposable part for the endoscope system (1) according to claim 5.

7. One of the at least one control cable (48) extends through the flexible shaft (6) and is connected at its distal end to a tension cable. The tension cable extends through the flexible shaft (6), is deflected at its proximal end by an elastically pre-pressurized tension roller (49), and is connected to the housing of the disposable operating unit (2a). The tension roller (49) is attached to the housing of the disposable operating unit (2a) via a tension spring (50) so as to be pre-pressurized or pre-pressurized in the proximal direction. A disposable part for the endoscope system (1) according to claim 5.

8. The disposable operating unit (2a) is equipped with an air / water button (13), The air / water button (13) is connected to an air line forming an air supply line (59) that connects the air / water button (13) to the proximal air connection section, and to an air discharge section (60) that connects the air / water button (13) to the distal endoscope section (8). The air / water button (13) further includes a blow-off hole (62) connected to the air line, The aforementioned air line is open to the outside through the blow-off hole (62), The blow-off hole (62) is configured to have a flow resistance smaller than that of the air discharge section (60). A disposable part for the endoscope system (1) according to claim 1.

9. Reusable parts of the endoscope system (1), A disposable operating unit (2a), specifically a reusable operating unit (2b) configured to be selectively connectable to the disposable operating unit (2a) of the disposable component of the endoscope system (1) described in claim 1, Reusable housing (22) and The reusable housing (22) is housed in the endoscope (1) and comprises at least one electrically driven unit (30) for controlling the endoscope (1), Reusable operating unit (2b) and To transmit the driving force to the reusable engagement element (45), at least one reusable drivetrain unit is connected to the at least one electric drive unit (30), It has, The at least one reusable drivetrain section comprises the reusable engaging element (45), The reusable engaging element (45) is supported by the reusable housing (22) so as to be slidable in the longitudinal direction, and is configured to be fixedly connected in the axial direction to the disposable drivetrain portion of the disposable operating unit (2a), Reusable parts for the endoscope system (1).

10. The aforementioned at least one reusable drivetrain section comprises at least one spindle gear, The aforementioned at least one spindle gear comprises at least one spindle (32) and at least one nut (39) disposed thereon so as to be non-rotatable and axially slidable. The at least one nut (39) is connected to the thrust element (41), The thrust element (41) is supported so as to be slidable in the longitudinal direction within the reusable operating section (2b), The distal end of the thrust element (41) is integrally formed with the at least one reusable engaging element (45), or connected to the at least one reusable engaging element (45), A reusable component of the endoscope system (1) according to claim 9.

11. The thrust element (41) is a hollow tube that concentrically houses the spindle (32), and preferably has the same outer contour as the reusable engaging element (45). A reusable component of the endoscope system (1) according to claim 10.

12. The thrust element (41) is connected to the linear encoder (43), The linear receiving unit (44) is positioned parallel to the thrust element (41) and at least at the first and second end positions of the movement of the thrust element (41). The linear receiving unit (44) is configured to detect when the linear encoder (43) has reached the first or second terminal position. A reusable component of the endoscope system (1) according to claim 10.

13. The proximal end of at least one spindle (32) is connected to the output shaft (33) of at least one electric drive unit (30), and in particular, it is equipped with a spindle angle encoder (38a) in the form of external teeth. The spindle angle receiving unit (38b) is provided adjacent to the spindle angle encoder (38a), The spindle angle receiving unit (38b) detects the rotational speed or rotational angle of the spindle (32) and supplies the rotational speed or rotational angle to control and / or calibrate the electric drive unit (30). A reusable component of the endoscope system (1) according to claim 10.

14. An operating block having at least one manual operating element or operating wheel (4), wherein an operating angle encoder (27) is provided at the inner end of the at least one manual operating element or operating wheel (4), and the operating block, The system further comprises: an operating angle receiving unit (28) located adjacent to the operating angle encoder (27) within the reusable housing (22) for detecting the rotational speed or rotational angle of the manual operating element or operating wheel (4) and making the rotational speed or rotational angle available for controlling the electric drive unit (30), A reusable component of the endoscope system (1) according to claim 9.

15. An endoscope system (1) comprising a disposable component as described in claim 1 and a reusable component as described in claim 9, The disposable parts and the reusable parts can be selectively connected to each other. The reusable engaging element (45) of the at least one reusable drivetrain unit and the disposable engaging element (46) of the at least one disposable drivetrain unit are each selectively connectable to connect the at least one electric drive unit (30) to the distal endoscope unit (7). Endoscopic system (1).

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