Endoscope with frictional force adjustment section

Abstract

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

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] The content discussed herein merely provides background information regarding embodiments of the present invention and may not constitute prior art.

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

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

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

[0006] In addition, in order to control the bending movement of the bending section, the endoscope is provided with a mechanical string between the bending section and the operating section, and the mechanical string is structured to be connected to a control knob provided on the operating section. In an endoscope with such a structure, when the operator manually operates the control knob, the mechanical string transmits power to cause the bending movement of the bending section.

[0007] However, during endoscopic examinations and treatments, critical situations that could be fatal to the patient can arise. With an endoscope of this type, the surgeon must manually operate the knob to control the bending of the bending section in a critical situation. This causes the surgeon to concentrate solely on operating the knob, making it difficult to resolve the critical situation and potentially leading to problems with the bending section not only being unable to bend accurately, but also causing problems.

[0008] Therefore, endoscopes have been developed that can automatically operate a bending section using a power source, rather than manually by the surgeon. However, endoscopes with this type of structure have problems in terms of control accuracy and stability, because there is no suitable power transmission structure that can receive power from outside the endoscope.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0016] The power transmission means may provide an endoscope having a mechanical string for transmitting power and a frictional force adjustment section capable of suppressing movement of the mechanical string. According to an embodiment, the device includes an operation unit connected to the bending portion and controlling a bending operation of the bending portion, and a connector connected to the operation unit, One side of the power transmission means may be connected to the connector, and the other side may pass through the operating portion and be connected to the bending portion. According to an embodiment, the device includes an operation unit connected to the bending portion and controlling a bending operation of the bending portion, and a connector connected to the operation unit, The frictional force adjustment portion may be formed on the operation portion or the connector.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0025] Yet another aspect of the present invention can provide an endoscope that includes a mechanical string and a power transmission means having a guide tube that covers and guides the mechanical string, wherein a portion of the guide tube in the power transmission means is broken to expose the mechanical string to the outside, and the end portions of the guide tube are equipped with a fixing means that can be fixed by pulling or pushing the separated ends of the guide tube. [Effects of the Invention]

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0032] In this application, the terms "comprise" or "have" are intended to specify the presence of a stated feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof, but should not be understood to preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," etc. may be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one component from another.

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

[0034] FIG. 1 shows an endoscope according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 shows a connector of the endoscope according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 shows the inside of the connector of FIG. 2 with the cover removed, showing the power receptor and power transmission section, and FIG. 4 shows a light source device to which an endoscope according to one embodiment of the present invention is coupled. FIG. 5 shows a state in which the power provider provided in the light source device of FIG. 4 and the power acceptor provided in the connector of FIG. 3 are coupled together.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0082] Here, the first set string is connected to the first slider and transmits power by the linear movement of the first slider, and the second set string is connected to the second slider and transmits power by the linear movement of the second slider. By configuring the power receptor 111 according to this embodiment to include the first slider and the second slider, it is possible to effectively control each of the two set strings paired with two mechanical strings 230.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0091] The longer the power transmission means 250, the more likely it is that the power transmission will be delayed or backlash will occur due to the extension of the mechanical string 230, making it difficult to achieve uniform power transmission. In particular, in a structure in which power is provided to the connector 110 from an external source, and the power provided by the connector 110 passes through the universal cord 120, the operating unit 130, and the insertion unit 140 before being transmitted to the bending portion 141, the power transmission means 250 extends from the connector 110 to the bending portion 141, which increases the length of the mechanical string 230 and results in poor responsiveness. To solve this problem, the present invention suppresses the axial movement of the mechanical string 230, thereby enabling the mechanical string 230 to transmit power at a constant output. That is, in the present invention, the frictional force adjusting unit 280 applies resistance to the axial movement of the mechanical string 230, thereby preventing rattling during movement.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0098] In addition to the friction force adjusting unit 280 restricting the axial movement of the mechanical string 230, the restraining force adjusting unit according to the present invention can variably adjust the degree of restraining force that restricts the axial movement of the mechanical string 230.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0105] 11, both Figures 11a and 11b show how the guide tube 240 is positioned inside the universal cord 120. In Figure 11a, the guide tube 240 is positioned in a meandering shape inside the universal cord 120, and Figure 11b shows how the tip fixing portions provided on both ends of the guide tube 240 in Figure 11a are pulled in the axial direction C, causing the guide tube 240 to be positioned without bending.

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

[0107] When manufacturing the endoscope according to this embodiment, the manufacturer positions the power transmission means inside the universal cord 120. However, the diameter of the universal cord 120 is much larger than the diameter of the power transmission means. Therefore, the power transmission means is positioned in a meandering shape inside the universal cord 120 (see FIG. 11a). When the power transmission means is positioned in such a meandering shape, the mechanical string 230 inside the guide tube 240 experiences a strong frictional force when moving in the longitudinal direction C inside the guide tube 240, and is unable to move smoothly. Such frictional forces make it difficult to accurately transmit power to the bending portion, resulting in a decrease in the accuracy of position control of the bending portion.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0117] The fixing bracket 275 may function to fix the distal end fixing portion 260 of the guide tube 240 to the fixing block 271. According to an embodiment, the fixing block 271 may have guide walls 274 formed on both sides to guide and support the distal end fixing portion 260, and a plurality of fastening holes 272 may be formed in an upper surface of the guide walls 274 at predetermined intervals. The fixing bracket 275 may be fixed to one of the plurality of fastening holes 272 by a fastening means 273 such as a bolt or a screw, and the distal end fixing portion 260 may be fixed thereto.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0126] The use of the term "said" and similar indicating terms in the present specification (particularly the claims) can be applied to both the singular and the plural. Furthermore, when a range is described in the present invention, it includes inventions to which individual values ​​belonging to the range are applied (unless otherwise specified), and is the same as if each individual value constituting the range were described in the detailed description of the invention.

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

[0128] Therefore, the concept of the present invention should not be limited to the above-described embodiments, and not only the scope of the appended claims, but also all scopes equivalent to or modified equivalently from the scope of the claims, can be said to fall within the scope of the concept of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

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

Claims

1. a curved section that is inserted into the subject and collects image information; and power transmission means for transmitting power provided from a power source to the bending portion; the power transmission means includes a mechanical string that transmits power, and a frictional force adjustment unit that can smooth or suppress movement of the mechanical string; the power transmission means has a guide tube that covers and guides the mechanical string, and the frictional force adjusting unit adjusts the frictional force generated when the mechanical string moves by adjusting the diameter of the guide tube or adjusting the tension of the guide tube itself; the frictional force adjusting unit has a tip fixing part connected to one end of the guide tube from which the mechanical string is pulled out, and fixing means to which the tip fixing part is provided, the fixing means includes a fixing block and a fixing bracket for fixing the tip fixing part to the fixing block, the fixing block having a partition wall on one side thereof for supporting the tip fixing part and a plurality of fastening holes formed in the partition wall in sequence, the fixing bracket being fixed to one of the plurality of fastening holes by a fastening means; The partition walls are formed at the upper left, upper right, lower left, and lower right of the fixing block, respectively, and support the four tip fixing parts, respectively. An endoscope characterized by:

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

3. an operation unit connected to the bending portion and controlling a bending operation of the bending portion; and a connector connected to the operation unit; The frictional force adjusting portion is formed on the operating portion or the connector. The endoscope according to claim 1 .

4. The guide tube includes a spring structure, and the frictional force adjusting unit adjusts the diameter and tension of the spring structure by pulling or pushing the spring structure. The endoscope according to claim 1 .

5. The fixing means has a position adjusting part that can adjust the position where the tip fixing part is provided in order to adjust the force that restrains the movement of the mechanical string. The endoscope according to claim 1 .

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

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