Detachable endoscope

Abstract

To provide a detachable endoscope preventing internal contamination of the endoscope and allowing easy replacement and cleaning of a part to be inserted into a human body by a detachable configuration such that the part can be secured simultaneously when being coupled.SOLUTION: A detachable endoscope 10 includes: an insertion unit 200 whose one end is to be inserted into a body; an operation unit coupled to another end of the insertion unit and operating the one end of the insertion unit to perform a bending motion by using an operation module H; and a detachment unit 300 which detachably couples the operation unit and the insertion unit, and locks the insertion unit in a coupled state simultaneously when being coupled, so that the insertion unit is secured to the operation unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to devices, and more particularly to detachable endoscopes. [Background technology]

[0002] In general, endoscopic procedures do not involve large incisions in the human body, but rather involve inserting an endoscope equipped with a camera and surgical tools through a small hole, and then performing the procedure while viewing the affected area of ​​the patient through the images taken by the endoscope inside the body. In particular, endoscopic procedures, which began as laparoscopic surgery, have the advantage of requiring smaller incisions compared to open surgery, resulting in smaller scars and less bleeding, and allowing patients to recover quickly after surgery.

[0003] Conventional endoscopes are constructed with an insertion section inserted into the human body and an operation section that controls the insertion section integrated into one unit, with multiple ducts and guides built in through the insides of each section, and in particular, since the tip of the insertion section inserted into the body is equipped with an expensive image sensor such as a CCD, it is difficult to separate the insertion section from the operation section and replace it with a new one. As a result, in line with the trend to further strengthen the hygienic functions of medical endoscopes, various types of detachable endoscopes are used in which the insertion section inserted into the body and the operation section that controls the insertion section can be used by combining them together, or can be stored separately.

[0004] However, conventional detachable endoscopes have a structure in which the operating section and the insertion section are detachably connected via a connecting section, and in order to release the engagement at the connecting section and separate the insertion section and operating section from each other after endoscopic surgery, a pressure member such as a button must be provided at the connecting section and used to release the engagement at the connecting section. This makes the structure of the connecting section that detachably connects the operating section and the insertion section to each other very complicated, increasing the manufacturing costs of the endoscope.

[0005] In addition, the additional release button and associated accessory structures provided at the connection part increase the overall number of components provided at the connection part of the endoscope. This causes problems such as the treatment endoscope becoming unusable in the event of a mechanical malfunction of the release button, as well as increased costs for maintaining / repairing the connection part. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The technical problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a detachable endoscope in which the parts inserted into the human body are detachable and fixed at the same time as they are connected, thereby preventing internal contamination of the endoscope and allowing parts to be easily replaced and cleaned.

[0007] The technical problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains from the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above technical objectives, a detachable endoscope according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an insertion unit having one end inserted into a body, an operation unit coupled to the other end of the insertion unit and using an operation module to actuate the one end of the insertion unit to perform a bending motion, and a detachable unit that detachably couples the operation unit and the insertion unit and, simultaneously with the coupling, locks the coupling so that the insertion unit is fixed to the operation unit.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, the detachable unit may include a first detachable module arranged at one end of the operation unit and having an intermediate connection portion to which a connecting wire that receives force from the operation module is connected, and a second detachable module arranged at the other end of the insertion unit and detachably connected to the first detachable module, and having an insertion end connection portion connected to an actuation wire that transmits the force applied by the operation module to one end of the insertion unit.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, the intermediate connecting part includes an intermediate connecting body rotatably arranged around the longitudinal direction, an insertion groove recessed inward in the longitudinal direction from one end of the intermediate connecting body and having a through portion formed therethrough in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and a guide protrusion for guiding the rotational movement of the intermediate connecting body, and the insertion end connecting part may include an insertion end connecting body extending in the longitudinal direction, and a locking member protruding outward in the longitudinal direction from one end of the insertion end connecting body.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, when the insertion unit and the operation unit are coupled together, the locking member is inserted into the insertion groove and protrudes to a length corresponding to a recess depth of the insertion groove.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, when the insertion unit and the operation unit are connected, the insertion end connection portion can pressurize the intermediate connection portion in the longitudinal direction while one end of the insertion end connection body is in contact with one end of the intermediate connection body.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the insertion end connection body rotates along the guide protrusion by applying pressure to the intermediate connection portion, and the locking member is inserted into the through-hole to be locked.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, the intermediate connection portion and the insertion end connection portion are arranged on the same line along the longitudinal direction so as to face each other and are coupled to each other, and can operate together based on the operation of the operation module. Effect of the Invention

[0015] In the detachable endoscope according to the embodiment of the present invention, the insertion unit inserted into the human body is configured to be detachable from the operation unit, thereby preventing internal contamination of the endoscope and facilitating replacement and cleaning of parts. In addition, in the process of connecting the insertion unit, one end of the insertion unit is inserted into one end of the operation unit and pressurized, and is simultaneously connected and locked without the use of a separate connecting or locking structure, thereby enabling simple and easy assembly and disassembly of the insertion unit.

[0016] It should be understood that the effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, but include all effects that can be inferred from the configuration of the invention described in the description of the present invention or the claims. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a detachable endoscope according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1 is a perspective view showing a detachable unit that couples an insertion unit and an operation unit provided in a detachable endoscope according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Diagram 3] 1 is a perspective view showing a detachable unit provided in a detachable endoscope according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view showing a second detachable module provided in a detachable endoscope according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Diagram 5] 1 is a plan view showing a state before an insertion unit and an operation unit are coupled via a detachable unit according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is a plan view showing a state in which an insertion unit and an operation unit are coupled via a detachable unit according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 7A] 1 is a perspective view showing a state before an intermediate connector and an insertion end connector provided in a detachable endoscope according to an embodiment of the present invention are coupled to each other; [Figure 7B] 11 is a perspective view showing a state before the intermediate connecting portion and the insertion end connecting portion are completely connected to each other; FIG. [Figure 7C] 11 is a perspective view showing a state before the intermediate connecting portion and the insertion end connecting portion are completely connected to each other; FIG. [Figure 7D] 13 is a perspective view showing a state in which the intermediate connector and the insertion end connector are joined together; FIG. [Figure 8] (a) A side view of FIG. 7A, (b) A side view of FIG. 7B, (c) A side view of FIG. 7C, and (d) A side view of FIG. 7D. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention may be realized in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In the drawings, parts that are not related to the description are omitted in order to clearly explain the present invention, and similar parts are designated by similar reference numerals throughout the specification.

[0019] Throughout the specification, when a part is described as being "connected (connected, in contact, or coupled)" to another part, this includes not only the case where the part is "directly connected" to another part, but also the case where the part is "indirectly connected" to another part through another member in between. Furthermore, when a part is described as "including" a certain component, this does not mean that the other component is excluded, but that the part may further include the other component, unless otherwise specified.

[0020] The terms used in this specification are merely used to describe certain embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. A singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this specification, the terms "include" or "have" are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, and should be understood not to preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0021] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0022] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a detachable endoscope according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a detachable unit that couples an insertion unit and an operation unit provided in a detachable endoscope according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing a detachable unit provided in a detachable endoscope according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing a second detachable module provided in a detachable endoscope according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] 1 to 4, the detachable endoscope 10 is a device for inspecting and operating on internal organs of the body. The detachable endoscope 10 may include an operation unit 100, an insertion unit 200, and a detachable unit 300. The detachable endoscope 10 may further include a joint unit 400. The joint unit 400 is electrically connected to an endoscope control and management system (not shown), and the following description will focus on the operation unit 100, the insertion unit 200, and the detachable unit 300.

[0024] The operation unit 100 is a part operated by a user to control the operation of the insertion unit 200, and may include an operation module H. In this case, the operation module H may include a lower operation part H10 and an upper operation part H20.

[0025] A detachable insertion unit 200 can be selectively connected to one end (hereinafter, first connection end) of the operation unit 100. With the insertion unit 200 connected, the user can rotate the lower operation part H10 left and right to control the tip of the insertion unit 200 (hereinafter, insertion end) to bend up and down (direction A). Also, the user can rotate the upper operation part H20 left and right to control the insertion end of the insertion unit 200 to bend left and right (direction B).

[0026] The upper operating unit H20 may include an upper sprocket (not shown) and an upper chain (not shown) meshed therewith, and the lower operating unit H10 may include a lower sprocket (not shown) and a lower chain (not shown) meshed therewith. In this case, when the upper operating unit H20 and / or the lower operating unit H10 are selectively rotated by the user's operation, the upper sprocket and / or the lower sprocket rotate, and this rotational motion is converted into a reciprocating linear motion by the meshed upper chain and / or the lower chain.

[0027] The upper chain and the lower chain can be connected to the inside of the insertion end of the insertion unit 200 via the connecting wires 101, 102, 103, 104 and the operating wires 201, 202, 203, 204 described later. The connecting wires 101, 102, 103, 104 and the operating wires 201, 202, 203, 204 are selectively linearly moved by the reciprocating linear motion of the upper chain and / or the lower chain, so that the insertion end of the insertion unit 200 connected to the operating wires 201, 202, 203, 204 can be bent in the up-down direction (direction A) or the left-right direction (direction B). Meanwhile, the user can adjust the bending amount of the insertion end by appropriately changing the rotation angle of the lower operating part H10 and / or the upper operating part H20.

[0028] Meanwhile, the upper sprocket and the lower sprocket are rotated by a manual rotating operation of a user holding the upper operating unit H20 and the lower operating unit H10 provided on the operation module H. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it goes without saying that the upper sprocket and the lower sprocket may be rotated by connecting the rotating shaft connected thereto to a driving means such as a motor and by using another remote operating means for controlling such a driving means.

[0029] During endoscopic surgery, a portion (i.e., the insertion end) of the insertion unit 200 is inserted into the body. At this time, the insertion end may be an end opposite to an end (hereinafter, a second connection end) that is connected to the operation unit 100, among both ends of the insertion unit 200. The insertion end is provided with an illumination and photography unit having a light source that illuminates the inside of the body and an image sensor that photographs the inside of the body.

[0030] The insertion unit 200 may have an elongated cylindrical shape with a hollow inside at the insertion end and its surrounding area, as one example. At least a portion of such an insertion unit 200 is made of a flexible material so that the bending direction can be adjusted by the operation unit 100, as described above. For example, the cover forming the outer surface of the insertion unit 200 is made of a flexible tube material such as a resin composition.

[0031] Meanwhile, the operation unit 100 may include an operation switch and an operation button for introducing or discharging liquid and gas used during endoscopic surgery. A part (e.g., a second coupling end or a peripheral part) of the insertion unit 200 detachably coupled to the first coupling end of the operation unit 100 via the detachment unit 300 may include an entrance for inserting and removing a surgical tool such as an endoscopic treatment tool having a clip into and from the insertion unit 200, and a cap for opening and closing the entrance.

[0032] The cover provided at the first coupling end of the operation unit 100 includes an air supply channel C30 for supplying air, a water supply channel C20 for supplying water, and a suction channel C10 for sucking in water and air and discharging them to the outside. The cover also includes a terminal C40 electrically connected to an illumination and photography unit provided at the insertion end of the insertion unit 200.

[0033] The detachable unit 300 can detachably connect the operation unit 100 and the insertion unit 200. At this time, the detachable unit 300 includes a first detachable module 300a and a second detachable module 300b that are detachably coupled to each other, and the operation unit 100 and the insertion unit 200 are connected or separated by coupling or uncoupling the first detachable module 300a and the second detachable module 300b.

[0034] The first detachable module 300a is arranged to be inserted into the operation unit 100, and may include a first module body 310 and an intermediate connector. In this case, the intermediate connector may include two pairs of intermediate connector bodies 311, 312, 313, 314, and connector ends E1, E2, E3, E4 provided on the intermediate connector bodies 311, 312, 313, 314, respectively. Meanwhile, although no reference numeral is shown in the drawings, hereinafter, the intermediate connector will be referred to as reference numeral 320.

[0035] The first module body 310 may be a housing having a hollow middle portion formed therein penetrating both ends along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction). A cover for covering the hollow middle portion is coupled to both ends of the first module body 310. At this time, the cover is aligned on the same line as the hollow middle portions of the intermediate connecting bodies 311, 312, 313, 314 along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction), and has connecting through holes (111, 112, 113, 114 in FIG. 2) communicating with the hollow middle portions.

[0036] The intermediate connector 320 can connect the operation module H to an insertion end connector 340, which will be described later, via connecting wires 101, 102, 103, and 104.

[0037] The intermediate connecting bodies 311, 312, 313, 314 may have various shapes. For example, the intermediate connecting bodies 311, 312, 313, 314 may be a bar having an elongated cylindrical shape. Such intermediate connecting bodies 311, 312, 313, 314 can be inserted into the intermediate hollow part of the first module body 310. At this time, the intermediate connecting bodies 311, 312, 313, 314 are inserted to pass through the connecting through holes 111, 112, 113, 114 of the first module body 310 and the covers coupled to both ends thereof, so that both ends of the intermediate connecting bodies 311, 312, 313, 314 are at least partially disposed outside the first module body 310.

[0038] The connecting ends E1, E2, E3, and E4 are detachably connected to the locking members 331, 332, 333, and 334 of the insertion end connecting part 340. The connecting ends E1, E2, E3, and E4 are disposed at one end of the intermediate connecting bodies 311, 312, 313, and 314, and one end of the intermediate connecting bodies 311, 312, 313, and 314 may be one end of the intermediate connecting bodies 311, 312, 313, and 314 that faces the insertion unit 200 among both ends of the intermediate connecting bodies 311, 312, 313, and 314. At this time, one end of the connecting wires 101, 102, 103, and 104 is connected to the other end of the intermediate connecting bodies 311, 312, 313, and 314, and the other end of the connecting wires 101, 102, 103, and 104 is connected to an upper chain or a lower chain provided in the operation module H.

[0039] In this case, when a user operates the operating module H, the rotational motion of the upper sprocket or the lower sprocket is converted into a reciprocating linear motion by the upper chain or the lower chain, and then the connecting wires 101, 102, 103, 104 connected to the upper chain or the lower chain can perform a reciprocating linear motion. As a result, the intermediate connecting bodies 311, 312, 313, 314 connected to the connecting wires 101, 102, 103, 104 and their connecting ends E1, E2, E3, E4 can perform a reciprocating linear motion in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction).

[0040] The connecting ends E1, E2, E3, and E4 are formed to have a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the intermediate connecting bodies 311, 312, 313, and 314. In this case, an elastic member through which the intermediate connecting bodies 311, 312, 313, and 314 are inserted is disposed between the connecting ends E1, E2, E3, and E4 and the connecting wires 101, 102, 103, and 104. When the intermediate connecting bodies 311, 312, 313, and 314 are pressed by the insertion end connecting part 340 during the coupling process, the elastic member is compressed and deformed, thereby generating an elastic restoring force that returns the intermediate connecting bodies 311, 312, 313, and 314 to their original positions. The elastic member may be, for example, a coil spring.

[0041] The connecting ends E1, E2, E3, and E4 are provided with insertion grooves 321, 322, 323, and 324 into which the locking members 331, 332, 333, and 334 are inserted when the insertion unit 200 and the operation unit 100 are coupled, and with guide protrusions T that guide the rotation of the intermediate connecting bodies 311, 312, 313, and 314.

[0042] The insertion grooves 321, 322, 323, 324 are recessed from the connecting ends E1, E2, E3, E4 inward in the longitudinal direction (for example, in the -Y-axis direction). The insertion grooves 321, 322, 323, 324 may include a through-portion N formed by penetrating the connecting ends E1, E2, E3, E4 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) (for example, in the X-axis direction). Through such through-portion N, the insertion grooves 321, 322, 323, 324 can be partially connected to the outside. In addition, the locking members 331, 332, 333, 334 are locked in the insertion grooves 321, 322, 323, 324 through the through-portion N and fixed thereto.

[0043] The guide protrusions T1, T2, T3, and T4 can guide the rotational movement of the intermediate connecting bodies 311, 312, 313, and 314. The guide protrusions T1, T2, T3, and T4 are formed to protrude radially outward from the connecting ends E1, E2, E3, and E4 of the intermediate connecting bodies 311, 312, 313, and 314.

[0044] When the insertion unit 200 and the operation unit 100 are connected, the guide protrusions T1, T2, T3, and T4 can move along the guide slits G1, G2, G3, and G4 formed in the first module body 310 when the insertion end connecting portion 340 presses the connecting ends E1, E2, E3, and E4 in the "pressure direction (-Y axis direction)" parallel to the longitudinal direction.

[0045] Guide slits G1, G2, G3, and G4 can include a "curved portion" that extends in a curved manner from one side of the first module body 310 to the other side, and a "straight portion" that is connected to such a curved portion and extends backward (in the -Y axis direction) parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first module body 310.

[0046] In this case, when the connecting ends E1, E2, E3, E4 are compressed by the insertion end connecting part 340, the guide protrusions T1, T2, T3, T4 first rotate along the curved portion to guide the rotational movement of the intermediate connecting bodies 311, 312, 313, 314. Then, when the connecting ends E1, E2, E3, E4 are further compressed by the insertion end connecting part 340, the guide protrusions T1, T2, T3, T4 move linearly along the straight portion to guide the intermediate connecting bodies 311, 312, 313, 314 to move along the compression direction (-Y axis direction).

[0047] Meanwhile, the intermediate connecting portion 320 may include two pairs of intermediate connecting bodies 311, 312, 313, and 314, and for convenience of explanation, the two pairs of intermediate connecting bodies 311, 312, 313, and 314 will be referred to as the first intermediate connecting body 311, the second intermediate connecting body 312, the third intermediate connecting body 313 and the fourth intermediate connecting body 314.

[0048] In this case, two pairs of intermediate hollow portions penetrating both ends along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) are formed in the first module body 310. The first, second, third and fourth intermediate connecting bodies 311, 312, 313 and 314 can be inserted through these two pairs of intermediate hollow portions, respectively.

[0049] The first, second, third and fourth intermediate connecting bodies 311, 312, 313, 314 are disposed symmetrically to one another within the first module body 310 in the width direction (X-axis direction) and / or height direction (Z-axis direction).

[0050] Specifically, the first intermediate connecting body 311 is disposed symmetrically with the second intermediate connecting body 312 in the width direction (X-axis direction). At this time, the first intermediate connecting body 311 is disposed symmetrically with the third intermediate connecting body 313 in the height direction (Z-axis direction), and the third intermediate connecting body 313 is disposed symmetrically with the fourth intermediate connecting body 314 in the width direction (X-axis direction). As a result, the first intermediate connecting body 311 and the second intermediate connecting body 312 are disposed side by side in a pair on the upper side inside the first module body 310, and the third intermediate connecting body 313 and the fourth intermediate connecting body 314 are disposed side by side in a pair on the lower side inside the first module body 310.

[0051] Each connecting end of the first, second, third and fourth intermediate connecting bodies 311, 312, 313, 314, i.e., the first connecting end E1, the second connecting end E2, the third connecting end E3 and the fourth connecting end E4, can be inserted through the connecting through holes 111, 112, 113, 114 provided in the cover, respectively, and protrude outward from the first module body 310 toward the insertion unit 200.

[0052] The other ends of the first, second, third and fourth intermediate connecting bodies 311, 312, 313 and 314, which face the connecting ends E1, E2, E3 and E4, are connected to the first connecting wire 101, the second connecting wire 102, the third connecting wire 103 and the fourth connecting wire 104, respectively. At this time, each of the intermediate connecting bodies 311, 312, 313 and 314 can be inserted through a coil spring-shaped elastic member.

[0053] The second detachable module 300b is disposed to be inserted into the insertion unit 200, and may include a second module body 330 and an insertion end connection part. In this case, the insertion end connection part may include two pairs of insertion end connection bodies 341, 342, 343, 344, and locking members 331, 332, 333, 334 provided on the insertion end connection bodies 341, 342, 343, 344, respectively. Meanwhile, although not shown in the drawings, hereinafter, the insertion end connection part will be referred to as drawing reference number 340.

[0054] Second module body 330 may be a housing having an insertion end hollow portion formed therein that penetrates both ends along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction).

[0055] The insertion end connection portion 340 can transmit a force applied by the user's operation of the operation module H to the insertion end via the operating wires 201, 202, 203, and 204 so that the insertion end can bend.

[0056] The insertion end connection bodies 341, 342, 343, and 344 may have various shapes. As an example, the insertion end connection bodies 341, 342, 343, and 344 may be a bar having an elongated cylindrical shape. The insertion end connection bodies 341, 342, 343, and 344 can be inserted through the insertion end hollow part of the second module body 330. At this time, both ends of the insertion end connection bodies 341, 342, 343, and 344 are at least partially disposed outside the second module body 330.

[0057] The insertion end connection bodies 341, 342, 343, and 344 may have rack gear portions L11, L12, L13, and L14 on one surface. The rack gear portions L11, L12, L13, and L14 are disposed on the surfaces of the insertion end connection bodies 341, 342, 343, and 344 that face the center of the second module body 330, and the insertion end connection bodies 341, 342, 343, and 344 may extend in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction).

[0058] The locking members 331, 332, 333, and 334 are inserted into the insertion grooves 321, 322, 323, and 324 of the above-mentioned connecting ends E1, E2, E3, and E4, and are separably coupled to each other.

[0059] The locking members 331, 332, 333, 334 are disposed at one end of the insertion end connection bodies 341, 342, 343, 344, and one end of such insertion end connection bodies 341, 342, 343, 344 may be an end facing the operation unit 100. At this time, one end of the operating wires 201, 202, 203, 204 is connected to the other end of the insertion end connection bodies 341, 342, 343, 344, and the other ends of the operating wires 201, 202, 203, 204 are connected to the inside of the insertion end.

[0060] Meanwhile, the insertion end connecting part 340 may include two pairs of insertion end connecting bodies 341, 342, 343, and 344. For ease of explanation, the two pairs of insertion end connecting bodies will be referred to as the first insertion end connecting body 341, the second insertion end connecting body 342, the third insertion end connecting body 343, and the fourth insertion end connecting body 344.

[0061] In this case, two pairs of insertion end hollow portions are formed in the second module body 330, penetrating both ends along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the second module body 330. The first, second, third and fourth insertion end coupling bodies 341, 342, 343 and 344 are inserted and disposed in the two pairs of insertion end hollow portions, respectively.

[0062] The first, second, third and fourth insertion end connection bodies 341, 342, 343, 344 are arranged symmetrically with respect to one another within the second module body 330 in the width direction (X-axis direction) and / or height direction (Z-axis direction).

[0063] Specifically, the first insertion end connecting body 341 is disposed symmetrically with the second insertion end connecting body 342 in the width direction (X-axis direction). As a result, the first rack gear portion L11 of the first insertion end connecting body 341 is disposed opposite the second rack gear portion L12 of the second insertion end connecting body 342. Also, the first insertion end connecting body 341 is disposed symmetrically with the third insertion end connecting body 343 in the height direction (Z-axis direction), and the third insertion end connecting body 343 is disposed symmetrically with the fourth insertion end connecting body 344 in the width direction (X-axis direction). As a result, the third rack gear portion L13 of the third insertion end connecting body 343 is disposed opposite the fourth rack gear portion L14 of the fourth insertion end connecting body 344. As a result, the first insertion end connection body 341 and the second insertion end connection body 342 are arranged side by side in a pair on the upper side inside the second module body 330, and the third insertion end connection body 343 and the fourth insertion end connection body 344 are arranged side by side in a pair on the lower side inside the second module body 330.

[0064] In the above-mentioned case, the second module body 330 may include a pinion gear unit P that rotates about a rotation axis extending between the first insertion end connection body 341 and the second insertion end connection body 342 and between the third insertion end connection body 343 and the fourth insertion end connection body 344. In this case, the pinion gear unit P may include a first pinion gear P10 and a second pinion gear P20.

[0065] The first pinion gear P10 is disposed between the first insertion end connecting body 341 and the second insertion end connecting body 342, and is simultaneously meshed and coupled with the first rack gear portion L11 and the second rack gear portion L12. In this meshed and coupled state, the first pinion gear P10 can rotate about a first central shaft portion perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) by operating the operation module H by the user.

[0066] The second pinion gear P20 is disposed between the third insertion end connecting body 343 and the fourth insertion end connecting body 344, and is simultaneously meshed and coupled with the third rack gear portion L13 and the fourth rack gear portion L14. In this meshed and coupled state, the second pinion gear P20 can rotate about the second central shaft portion perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) by operating the operation module H by the user.

[0067] The second central shaft portion is disposed on the same line as the first central shaft portion, but is configured to be separated from the first central shaft portion and to be rotatable independently of the first central shaft portion, so that the first pinion gear P10 and the second pinion gear P20 do not interfere with (or hinder) each other's rotational motion while rotating around the first central shaft portion or the second central shaft portion.

[0068] The second module body 330 can be provided with "linear guide slits G" extending in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) on its upper and lower surfaces. A pair of linear guide slits G are provided on the upper surface of the second module body 330 so as to face the first insertion end connecting body 341 and the second insertion end connecting body 342, respectively, and a pair of linear guide slits G are provided on the lower surface of the second module body 330 so as to face the third insertion end connecting body 343 and the fourth insertion end connecting body 344, respectively.

[0069] At this time, the first insertion end connecting body 341 and the second insertion end connecting body 342 may each include a "guide protruding member I" that extends upward and is inserted into the opposing linear guide slit G. And the third insertion end connecting body 343 and the fourth insertion end connecting body 344 may each include a guide protruding member I that extends downward and is inserted into the opposing linear guide slit G. In this case, the guide protruding member I can move along the linear guide slit G to guide the reciprocating linear motion of the respective connected insertion end connecting bodies.

[0070] The first locking member 331, the second locking member 332, the third locking member 333 or the fourth locking member 334 is provided at one end of each of the first, second, third and fourth insertion end connecting bodies 341, 342, 343 and 344. The first operating wire 201, the second operating wire 202, the third operating wire 203 or the fourth operating wire 204 is connected to the other end of each of the first, second, third and fourth insertion end connecting bodies 341, 342, 343 and 344.

[0071] Fig. 5 is a plan view showing a state before the insertion unit and the operation unit are coupled via the detachable unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6 is a plan view showing a state after the insertion unit and the operation unit are coupled via the detachable unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] 5 and 6, the method of arranging and coupling the operation unit 100 and the insertion unit 200 is as follows.

[0073] First, the first coupling end of the operation unit 100 and the second coupling end of the insertion unit 200 can be arranged to face each other. In one embodiment, the first coupling end of the operation unit 100 may be in a "parallel alignment" with the second coupling end of the insertion unit 200 before being coupled.

[0074] Here, the "parallel alignment state" may mean a state in which, when the detachable endoscope 10 is viewed from above with reference to the Z axis in the drawing, a virtual first reference line M1 connecting the first connecting end E1 and the second connecting end E2 [and connecting the third connecting end E3 and the fourth connecting end E4] provided on the operation unit 100 is parallel to a virtual second reference line M2 connecting one end of the first insertion end connecting body 341 and one end of the second insertion end connecting body 342 [and connecting one end of the third insertion end connecting body 343 and one end of the fourth insertion end connecting body 344] provided on the insertion unit 200.

[0075] Next, the operation unit 100 and the insertion unit 200 can be moved in a direction (hereinafter, the coupling direction) parallel to the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) toward each other. At this time, since the insertion unit 200 and the operation unit 100 are in a "parallel alignment state", the first locking member 331 and the second locking member 332 of the insertion unit 200 maintain a parallel state with each other and are simultaneously inserted into the first insertion groove 321 of the first connecting end E1 and the second insertion groove 322 of the second connecting end E2, respectively. In addition, the third locking member 333 and the fourth locking member 334 of the insertion unit 200 also maintain a parallel state with each other and the first locking member 331 and the second locking member 332, and are simultaneously inserted into the third insertion groove 323 of the third connecting end E3 and the fourth insertion groove 324 of the fourth connecting end E4, respectively.

[0076] In this case, by moving the operation unit 100 and the insertion unit 200 in the coupling direction (Y-axis direction), the locking members 331, 332, 333, 334 are fully inserted into the insertion grooves 321, 322, 323, 324, and the ends of the insertion end connecting bodies 341, 342, 343, 344 can come into contact with the connecting ends E1, E2, E3, E4 facing them. As a result, the first connecting end E1 and the second connecting end E2 [and the third connecting end E3 and the fourth connecting end E4] are arranged so as to pass through the virtual third reference line M3 with one end of the first insertion end connecting body 341 and one end of the second insertion end connecting body 342 [and one end of the third insertion end connecting body 343 and one end of the fourth insertion end connecting body 344].

[0077] Next, when the user operates the operation module H to move the intermediate connector 320 backward (-Y axis direction), the connection ends E1, E2, E3, E4 and the intermediate connector bodies 311, 312, 313, 314 can move backward (-Y axis direction) while rotating by the guide protrusions T1, T2, T3, T4 and the guide slits G1, G2, G3, G4. As a result, the locking members 331, 332, 333, 334 are locked and fixed to one end of the insertion grooves 321, 322, 323, 324, and the insertion unit 200 and the operation unit 100 are coupled together, and the specific coupling method will be described in detail below.

[0078] Meanwhile, as another embodiment, the first connecting end portion may be in a "misaligned state" with the second connecting end portion before being connected. Here, the "misaligned state" may mean a state in which, when the detachable endoscope 10 is viewed from above, one end of the first insertion end connecting body 341 and one end of the second insertion end connecting body 342 protrude at different distances from each other, and the first reference line M1 and the second reference line M2 are not parallel but are inclined at a predetermined angle.

[0079] In such a "misaligned alignment state", a portion of the insertion end connecting bodies 341, 342, 343, 344 may protrude further toward the operation unit 100 than the remaining insertion end connecting bodies. For example, one end of the first insertion end connecting body 341 may protrude further toward the operation unit 100 than one end of the second insertion end connecting body 342 and the other insertion end connecting bodies 343, 344.

[0080] Next, the operation unit 100 and the insertion unit 200 can be moved toward each other in a direction (hereinafter, the coupling direction) parallel to the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction). At this time, since the insertion unit 200 and the operation unit 100 are in a "shifted alignment state", the first locking member 331 of the insertion unit 200 can start to be inserted into the first insertion groove 321 of the first connecting end E1 before the second locking member 332 as well as the other locking members 333 and 334.

[0081] In this case, as the operation unit 100 and the insertion unit 200 move along the coupling direction, the first locking member 331 is inserted completely into the first insertion groove 321 first, and the one end of the first insertion end connecting body 341 can contact the first connecting end E1 opposite thereto. At this time, the second insertion end connecting body 342 and the other insertion end connecting bodies 343, 344 may be in a non-contact state with the connecting ends E2, E3, E4 opposite thereto, or only a part of the locking member may be inserted into the insertion groove.

[0082] Next, the operation unit 100 and the insertion unit 200 move further in the coupling direction (Y-axis direction), and the first intermediate connecting portion 320, which is in contact with the first insertion end connecting body 341, is pressurized, thereby allowing it to move backward (-Y-axis direction).

[0083] In this case, the other insertion end connecting bodies 342, 343, 344 can sequentially contact the respective connecting ends E2, E3, E4 facing them based on the distances they protrude toward the operation unit 100. At the same time, the respective connecting ends are pressurized, so that the elastic members provided in the intermediate connecting bodies 311, 312, 313, 314 are compressed and deformed simultaneously or at different times, and the intermediate connecting bodies 311, 312, 313, 314 can each move in the coupling direction (Y-axis direction). As a result, pressure can be applied until all the elastic members reach the "same compressed and deformed state." Here, the "same compressed and deformed state" may refer to a state in which the compressed lengths and shapes of the elastic members after deformation are the same or similar.

[0084] When all the elastic members are in the same compressed and deformed state, all the insertion end connecting bodies 341, 342, 343, 344 are in contact with the connecting ends E1, E2, E3, E4 that are facing each other. At this time, the first connecting end E1 and the second connecting end E2 [and the third connecting end E3 and the fourth connecting end E4] are arranged to pass through one end of the first insertion end connecting body 341 and one end of the second insertion end connecting body 342 [and one end of the third insertion end connecting body 343 and one end of the fourth insertion end connecting body 344] on the virtual third reference line M3, so that the first connecting end of the operation unit 100 is in the "parallel alignment state" with the second connecting end of the insertion unit 200 as described above.

[0085] Thereafter, the operation unit 100 and the insertion unit 200 move further in the coupling direction, maintaining contact with the insertion end coupling bodies 341, 342, 343, 344, and applying pressure to the coupling ends E1, E2, E3, E4 backward (i.e., in the -Y-axis direction). As a result, the intermediate coupling bodies 311, 312, 313, 314 coupled to the coupling ends E1, E2, E3, E4 rotate by the guide protrusions T1, T2, T3, T4 and the guide slits G1, G2, G3, G4, and the locking members 331, 332, 333, 334 are inserted into the insertion grooves 321, 322, 323, 324, and are locked to one end of the insertion grooves 321, 322, 323, 324, thereby being fixed. As a result, the insertion unit 200 is coupled to the operation unit 100.

[0086] Figure 7A is an oblique view showing the state before the intermediate connecting portion and the insertion end connecting portion provided in a detachable endoscope according to one embodiment of the present invention are connected, Figures 7B and 7C are oblique views showing the state before the connection between the intermediate connecting portion and the insertion end connecting portion is completed, and Figure 7D is an oblique view showing the state after the intermediate connecting portion and the insertion end connecting portion are connected.

[0087] 7A to 7D and 8(a) to 8(d), the method of coupling the insertion end coupling part 340 to the intermediate coupling part 320 is as follows.

[0088] First, as described above, before coupling, the operation unit 100 and the insertion unit 200 are arranged opposite each other, so that the intermediate connecting portion 320 and the insertion end connecting portion 340 are arranged opposite each other. At this time, with the connecting ends E1, E2, E3, E4 facing the locking members 331, 332, 333, 334, the intermediate connecting bodies 311, 312, 313, 314 are arranged on the same line along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) as the inserting end connecting bodies 341, 342, 343, 344 (see FIG. 7A and FIG. 8(a)).

[0089] Next, the operation unit 100 and the insertion unit 200 can move toward each other along the coupling direction. In this case, the locking members 331, 332, 333, and 334 are inserted into the insertion grooves 321, 322, 323, and 324 provided in the coupling ends E1, E2, E3, and E4.

[0090] At this time, the locking members 331, 332, 333, 334 may have, at their tips, "locking protrusions" formed to protrude radially outward of the locking members 331, 332, 333, 334. When the locking members 331, 332, 333, 334 are inserted into the insertion grooves 321, 322, 323, 324, the locking protrusions may be housed inside the insertion grooves 321, 322, 323, 324 (see FIG. 7B and FIG. 8(b)).

[0091] Next, the insertion unit 200 moves further along the coupling direction (Y-axis direction), so that the tips of the insertion end coupling bodies 341, 342, 343, and 344 can come into contact with the coupling ends E1, E2, E3, and E4.

[0092] At this time, the protruding distance r1 of the locking members 331, 332, 333, 334 is formed to be a length similar to (preferably shorter than) the depth r2 of the insertion grooves 321, 322, 323, 324. As a result, when the leading ends of the insertion end connecting bodies 341, 342, 343, 344 contact the connecting ends E1, E2, E3, E4, the leading ends of the locking members 331, 332, 333, 334 are in a non-contact state with the inside of the insertion grooves 321, 322, 323, 324 (i.e., there is a predetermined play).

[0093] Next, the user can operate the locking part 200a provided at the second coupling end of the insertion unit 200 to couple and fix the insertion unit 200 to the operation unit 100. In one embodiment, the locking part 200a is rotatably provided at the second coupling end, and the first coupling end of the operation unit 100 is inserted into the locking part 200a. At this time, the user rotates the locking part 200a in one direction, so that the locking part 200a and the first coupling end are coupled and fixed in a screw coupling manner.

[0094] At this time, when the locking portion 200a rotates, the insertion end connecting bodies 341, 342, 343, 344 move further in the joining direction (-Y axis direction) while in contact with the connecting ends E1, E2, E3, E4, thereby applying pressure backward (-Y axis direction) to the connecting ends E1, E2, E3, E4 and the intermediate connecting bodies 311, 312, 313, 314. This causes the guide protrusions T1, T2, T3, T4 to move backward (-Y axis direction) while rotating along the "curved portions" of the guide slits G1, G2, G3, G4, and as a result, the connecting ends E1, E2, E3, E4 and the intermediate connecting bodies 311, 312, 313, 314 can rotate around the longitudinal direction (Y axis direction).

[0095] With such rotation, while the locking members 331, 332, 333, 334 are housed in the insertion grooves 321, 322, 323, 324, the locking protrusions protrude outside the insertion grooves 321, 322, 323, 324 through the through-holes N, resulting in an inseparable state (primary coupled state) (see FIG. 7C).

[0096] Next, in the primary coupling state, the intermediate connector 320 is pulled backward (in the -Y-axis direction) by the user's operation of the operation module H. In this case, the guide protrusions T1, T2, T3, and T4 move backward (in the -Y-axis direction) along the "straight line portion" through the "curved portion" of the guide slits G1, G2, G3, and G4, so that the locking protrusions of the locking members 331, 332, 333, and 334 protruding to the outside through the through-hole N are locked to the inner ends of the insertion grooves 321, 322, 323, and 324. As a result, the intermediate connector 320 and the insertion end connector 340 are coupled to each other and cannot be separated (secondary coupling state) (see FIG. 7D). Thereafter, in the "secondary coupling state", the intermediate connector 320 can move in a reciprocating linear motion together with the insertion end connector 340 by the user's operation of the operation module H.

[0097] On the other hand, if removal or replacement of the insertion unit 200 is required, the insertion unit 200 can be separated from the operation unit 100 in the following steps.

[0098] First, the reference points (not shown) provided on the first operating part H10 and the second operating part H20 can be aligned in a line. When the first and second operating parts H10 and H20 are aligned along the reference points in this manner, the operating unit 100 and the insertion unit 200 may again be in the "parallel alignment state" as described above.

[0099] Next, the locking portion 200a of the insertion unit 200 can be rotated in the direction opposite to the locking direction to release the locked state. After the locking portion 200a has been released, the user can separate the insertion unit 200 by moving it away from the operation unit 100 in the direction opposite to the coupling direction (Y-axis direction). Thereafter, the replacement insertion unit 200 can be completed by coupling another insertion unit to be replaced to the operation unit 100 in the same or similar manner as described above.

[0100] In relation to the operating method of the detachable endoscope 10 as described above, when the insertion unit 200 and the operation unit 100 are assembled in the above-mentioned “second connected state”, the user operates the first operation unit H10 or the second operation unit H20, whereby the intermediate connector 320 performs a reciprocating linear motion via the lower sprocket and the upper sprocket and the lower chain and upper chain connected thereto, respectively, and at this time, the insertion end connector 340 can perform a reciprocating linear motion integrally with the intermediate connector 320 connected thereto via the locking members 331, 332, 333, 334 and the insertion grooves 321, 322, 323, 324, respectively.

[0101] In this case, the first detachable module 300a can be connected to the operation module H through a lower sprocket and an upper sprocket that rotate in forward / reverse directions by the first operating part H10 and the second operating part H20, a lower chain and an upper chain that are respectively connected to be wound around the sprockets, and first, second, third and fourth connecting wires 101, 102, 103 and 104 connected to both ends of the chains.

[0102] The first and second connecting wires 101, 102 connected to both ends of the upper chain connected to the upper sprocket can be operated to bend the insertion end of the insertion unit 200 in the left-right direction (direction B) in conjunction with the first and second operating wires 201, 202 arranged in a pair side-by-side on the upper side inside the insertion unit 200, based on the drawing.

[0103] Meanwhile, the third and fourth connecting wires 103, 104 connected to both ends of the lower chain connected to be wound around the lower sprocket can bend the insertion end of the insertion unit 200 in the up-down direction (direction A) in conjunction with the third and fourth actuating wires 203, 204 arranged side by side in a pair on the lower side inside the insertion unit 200 with reference to the drawing. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the bending operations in the up-down direction (direction A) and the left-right direction (direction B) may be performed in reverse depending on the design of the detachable endoscope 10.

[0104] In the detachable endoscope 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention as described above, the insertion unit 200 inserted into the human body is configured to be detachable from the operation unit 100, thereby preventing internal contamination of the endoscope 10 and facilitating replacement and cleaning of parts. Furthermore, in the process of coupling the insertion unit 200, one end of the insertion unit 200 is inserted into one end of the operation unit 100 and pressurized, and simultaneously coupled and locked, without the use of a separate engagement or locking structure, thereby enabling simple and easy assembly and disassembly of the insertion unit 200.

[0105] The above description of the present invention is for illustrative purposes only, and those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be easily modified into other specific forms without changing the technical idea or essential features of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that the above-described embodiments are illustrative in all respects and are not limited. For example, each component described as a single component may be implemented in a distributed form, and similarly, each component described as a distributed component may be implemented in a combined form.

[0106] The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims set forth below, and all modifications and variations that fall within the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalent concepts should be construed as being included in the scope of the present invention. The claims as originally filed in this application are set forth below. [1] an insertion unit, one end of which is inserted into the body; an operation unit coupled to the other end of the insertion unit and using an operation module to operate the one end of the insertion unit to perform a bending motion; a detachable unit that detachably couples the operation unit and the insertion unit and simultaneously locks the coupling so that the insertion unit is fixed to the operation unit. [2] The detachable unit includes: A first detachable module is disposed at one end of the operation unit and includes an intermediate connection portion to which a connection wire that receives a force from the operation module is connected; a second detachable module disposed at the other end of the insertion unit and detachably coupled to the first detachable module, the second detachable module having an insertion end coupling portion coupled to an actuation wire that transmits a force applied by the operation module to one end of the insertion unit. [3] the intermediate connecting portion includes an intermediate connecting body arranged rotatably about a longitudinal direction, an insertion groove formed to be recessed inward in the longitudinal direction from one end of the intermediate connecting body and having a through portion formed to penetrate in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and a guide protrusion for guiding a rotational movement of the intermediate connecting body, The detachable endoscope described in [2], wherein the insertion end connecting portion comprises an insertion end connecting body extending in the longitudinal direction and a locking member protruding longitudinally outward from one end of the insertion end connecting body. [4] When the insertion unit and the operation unit are coupled together, The detachable endoscope described in [3], wherein the locking member is inserted into the insertion groove and protrudes to a length corresponding to the recess depth of the insertion groove. [5] When the insertion unit and the operation unit are coupled together, The detachable endoscope according to [3], wherein the insertion end connecting portion applies pressure to the intermediate connecting portion in the longitudinal direction while one end of the insertion end connecting body is in contact with one end of the intermediate connecting body. [6] The detachable endoscope described in [5], wherein the intermediate connecting portion is pressurized to cause the insertion end connecting body to rotate along the guide protrusion, thereby causing the locking member to be inserted into the penetration portion and enter into a locked state. [7] The detachable endoscope described in [2], wherein the intermediate connecting portion and the insertion end connecting portion are arranged on the same line along the longitudinal direction so as to face each other, are connected to each other, and operate together based on the operation of the operation module. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 10: Detachable endoscope 100: Operation unit 200: Insertion unit 300: Detachable unit 300a: First detachable module 300b: Second detachable module 400: Joint unit

Claims

1. an insertion unit, one end of which is inserted into the body; an operation unit coupled to the other end of the insertion unit and using an operation module to operate the one end of the insertion unit to perform a bending motion; a detachable unit that detachably couples the operation unit and the insertion unit and simultaneously locks the coupling so that the insertion unit is fixed to the operation unit, The detachable unit includes: a first detachable module disposed at one end of the operation unit and including an intermediate connection portion to which a connection wire receiving a force from the operation module is connected; a second detachable module including an insertion end connection part disposed at the other end of the insertion unit and detachably coupled to the first detachable module, the second detachable module including: an insertion end connection part connected to an actuation wire that transmits a force applied by the operation module to the one end of the insertion unit; and a module body; the intermediate connecting portion includes an intermediate connecting body arranged rotatably about a longitudinal direction, an insertion groove formed to be recessed inward in the longitudinal direction from one end of the intermediate connecting body and having a through portion formed to penetrate in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and a guide protrusion for guiding a rotational movement of the intermediate connecting body, The insertion end connecting portion includes an insertion end connecting body extending in the longitudinal direction and a locking member protruding outward in the longitudinal direction from one end of the insertion end connecting body, the module body has an insertion end hollow portion penetrating both ends along the longitudinal direction and into which the insertion end coupling body is inserted, and a guide slit extending in the longitudinal direction; the insertion end connection body includes a guide protruding member that is inserted into the guide slit, When the insertion unit and the operation unit are coupled together, the locking member is locked in the insertion groove to connect the intermediate connecting body and the insertion end connecting body, so that the intermediate connecting body and the insertion end connecting body can move linearly back and forth together; The guide protrusion member moves along the guide slit during the reciprocating linear motion, When the insertion unit and the operation unit are coupled together, the locking member is inserted into the insertion groove, and the one end of the insertion end coupling body contacts the one end of the intermediate coupling body; a protruding distance of the locking member is shorter than a depth of the insertion groove, so that when the one end of the insertion end connecting body and the one end of the intermediate connecting body are in contact with each other, the tip of the locking member and the inside of the insertion groove are in a non-contact state, and play in the longitudinal direction is formed between the tip of the locking member and the inside of the insertion groove.

2. When the insertion unit and the operation unit are coupled together, The detachable endoscope according to claim 1 , wherein the insertion end connecting portion presses the intermediate connecting portion in the longitudinal direction with the one end of the insertion end connecting body in contact with the one end of the intermediate connecting body.

3. 3. The detachable endoscope according to claim 2, wherein the insertion end connecting body rotates along the guide protrusion when the intermediate connecting portion is pressed, whereby the locking member is inserted into the penetration portion and is locked.

4. The detachable endoscope according to claim 1 , wherein the intermediate connecting portion and the insertion end connecting portion are arranged on the same line along the longitudinal direction so as to face each other, are coupled to each other, and operate together based on operation of the operation module.

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