Endoscope controlled by power receptors

Abstract

The present invention relates to an endoscope controlled by a receptor, and more particularly to an endoscope whose operation is controlled by a power receptor that receives power provided by a power source. The present invention provides an endoscope in which the operation of a bending section can be controlled by controlling the movement distance of a power receptor that receives power from an external source.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] One aspect of the present invention relates to an endoscope controlled by a power receptor, and more particularly to an endoscope whose operation is controlled by a power receptor that receives power provided by a power source.

Background Art

[0002] The content described here merely provides background information regarding embodiments of the present invention and does not constitute prior art.

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

[0004] Endoscopes have been supported by the development of optical fibers and the rapid development of optical technology and electronics engineering, and have now reached the current electronic endoscopes, which have greatly contributed to the development of the field of gastroenterology. With the development of electronic endoscopes, not only in the diagnostic field of directly observing the inside of the subject and performing histological examinations, but also due to the rapid development of various therapeutic endoscopes, it has become possible to replace open surgery.

[0005] The structure of an endoscope generally includes an insertion tube (Insertion Tube) that has a bending portion and a flexible portion and is inserted into the body, an operation unit connected to one end of the insertion tube that controls the bending operation of the bending portion, a connector coupled to a light source device, etc., and a universal cord that separates the operation unit and the connector.

[0006] In addition, for an endoscope, in order to control the bending operation of the bending portion, a mechanical string is provided between the bending portion and the operation unit, and the mechanical string has a structure connected to a control knob provided on the operation unit. For an endoscope with such a structure, when an operator who is a user manually operates the control knob, the mechanical string transmits power so that the bending operation of the bending portion can be performed.

[0007] However, life-threatening situations can arise during endoscopic examinations and treatments. With this type of endoscope, in tense situations, the operator has no choice but to manually operate a knob to control the bending of the curved section. This causes the operator to concentrate solely on operating the knob, making it difficult to resolve the tense situation, and also raising concerns that the bending of the curved section may not be performed accurately.

[0008] Therefore, an endoscope was developed that can perform the bending motion of the bending section automatically using a power source, rather than manual operation by the operator. However, such an endoscope has 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] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a connector with a new power transmission structure that can receive power from an external source and effectively transmit it to the bending section of the endoscope, while maintaining the precision of the bending angle control of the bending section.

[0010] The aforementioned background technology is technical information that the inventor possessed or acquired during the process of deriving embodiments of the present invention, and does not necessarily constitute prior art disclosed to the general public before filing the application for embodiments of the present invention. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0011] Therefore, one aspect of the present invention has been proposed to solve the aforementioned problems, and the object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope that can control the movement of the bending section while maintaining the accuracy and stability of the bending movement by controlling the travel distance of a power receptor that is powered from an external source.

[0012] The technical problems that this invention aims to solve are not limited to those described above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those with ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains from the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] To achieve the above objectives, one aspect of the present invention provides an endoscope having one or more of the following: a power receptor that moves by receiving power from a power source; and a bending section whose bending motion is controlled by the movement of the power receptor.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the curved portion may be inserted into the subject and be characterized by having an imaging means for collecting image information and an illumination means for illuminating the inside of the subject.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the device may have an operating unit that generates a control signal, and the control signal generated by the operating unit may be characterized by controlling the rotational force of the power source.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the device may have an operating unit that generates a control signal, and the control signal generated by the operating unit may be characterized by controlling the travel distance of the power receiver.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the power receiver may have a first slider and a second slider, and the control signal may be characterized by having a first control signal for controlling the travel distance of the first slider and a second control signal for controlling the travel distance of the second slider.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the power receptors may be a pair, and one of the pair of power receptors may control the vertical curvature of the curved portion, while the other controls the horizontal curvature of the curved portion.

[0019] According to an embodiment, the power generated by the movement of the power receptor may be transmitted to the bending portion through the operation portion.

[0020] According to an embodiment, the power receptor may be characterized in that power is directly transmitted from an external device in which the power source is incorporated. According to an embodiment, the power receptor may be characterized in that power is directly transmitted from a light source device in which the power source is incorporated or a video processing device in which the power source is incorporated.

[0021] According to another embodiment of the present invention, an insertion portion having a bending portion inserted into a subject to collect video information; an operation portion that generates a control signal to control the bending angle of the bending portion; and

[0022] an output portion that outputs the control signal to the outside, and a receptor that receives external power corresponding to the control signal, wherein the control signal is a connector that controls the moving distance of the receptor; An endoscope including one or more of the above can be provided.

Effect of the Invention

[0023] As described above, one embodiment of the present invention provides an endoscope that can control the operation of the bending portion while maintaining the accuracy and stability of the bending operation by controlling the moving distance of a power receptor that receives power from the outside.

[0024] In addition, according to an embodiment, the present invention has various effects such as excellent versatility, and such effects can be clearly confirmed from the description of the embodiments described later.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows an endoscope according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows a connector of an endoscope according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3]FIG. 3 shows the internal state with the cover omitted from the connector of FIG. 2, and shows the power receptor and the power transmission unit. [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 a power provider provided in the light source device of FIG. 4 is coupled to a power receptor provided in the connector of FIG. 3.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0026] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate an embodiment of the present invention and are for making the technical idea of the present invention easier to understand together with the above-mentioned summary of the invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be construed as being limited only to the matters described in the drawings.

[0027] The advantages and features of the present invention, and the methods for achieving them, will become apparent by referring to the embodiments described in detail together with the attached drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments presented below, and can be embodied in various different forms, and should be understood to include all conversions, equivalents, or substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present invention. The embodiments presented below are provided to complete the disclosure of the present invention and to fully inform those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention belongs of the scope of the invention. In the description of the present invention, when it is determined that a specific description of related known technologies obscures the gist of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0028] The terms used in this application are merely used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0029] In this application, the terms “includes” or “have” should be understood to indicate the presence of features, figures, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and not to preemptively exclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, figures, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof. Terms such as “First,” “Second,” etc., may be used to describe various components, but components should not be limited by the terms above. The terms above are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0030] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In this description with reference to the attached drawings, the same drawing number will be assigned to identical or corresponding components, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0031] Figure 1 shows an endoscope according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 shows the connector of the endoscope according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 shows the internal view of the connector in Figure 2 with the cover omitted, revealing the power receiver and power transmission section. Figure 4 shows a light source device to which an endoscope is coupled according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 shows how the power supply unit provided in the light source device of Figure 4 and the power receiver provided in the connector of Figure 3 are coupled together.

[0032] An endoscope 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured to include one or more of the following: an insertion section 140, an operating section 130, a universal cord 120, and a connector 110.

[0033] According to this embodiment, an operating section 130 may be provided between one end of the insertion section 140 and one end of the universal cord 120, and a connector 110 may be connected to the other end of the universal cord 120.

[0034] The insertion portion 140 may be the part that is inserted into the patient's body when the user, who is the operator, performs an examination or treatment on the patient using the endoscope 100. The insertion portion 140 may be composed of a tip portion, a bending portion 141, and a flexible portion.

[0035] The tip may be configured to illuminate the target area, collect image information, or perform treatment. The tip may be located at the end of the insertion section and may include lighting means for illuminating the inside of the subject, imaging means for photographing the inside of the subject, a biopsy channel for collecting tissue from the subject, and air / water supply channels for spraying air or water for various purposes.

[0036] The curved portion 141 can bend at the user's operation and move along the inside of a curved and bent tubular organ within the body. A tip may be provided at the end of the curved portion 141, and by bending the tip through the bending motion, the tip can be positioned in the direction desired by the user. The flexible portion is located between the curved portion 141 and the operating portion 130, and may be the portion that moves together with the curved portion 141 as it moves along tubular organs within the patient's body.

[0037] The operating unit 130 may be provided with control means 131 that can control the bending motion of the curved section 141, and may also be provided with a flow control valve or flow control switch that can control air supply, water supply, or suction. Here, the control means 131 may include, for example, a joystick, which will be described later.

[0038] An insertion section 140 may be connected to one side of the operating section 130, and a universal cord 120 may be connected to the other side. A connector 110 may be connected to the end of the universal cord 120.

[0039] The connector 110 can serve the function of connecting 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 so on.

[0040] When the endoscope 100 is connected to a light source device 300 or an image processing device by the connector 110, the endoscope 100 can be illuminated inside the patient's body by receiving light from the light source device 300 through the connector 110, and the image information of the patient's body collected by the endoscope 100 can be transmitted to the image processing device through the connector 110 and the light source device 300. According to the embodiment, the image information can also be transmitted to the image processing device through the connector.

[0041] The universal cord 120 connects the operating unit 130 and the connector 110, and separates the connector 110 from the operating unit 130 so that the user can easily move the operating unit 130 when gripping it and using the endoscope 100. In one embodiment, the universal cord 120 may be omitted, and the connector 110 may be connected to the other side of the operating unit 130.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the endoscope 100 may have a power receptor 111 that moves when power is transmitted from a power source; and a bending section 141 whose bending motion 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 image information, and an illumination means that illuminates the inside of the subject.

[0043] Here, the power source may mean a device that generates power, and may include, for example, a motor. According to one embodiment, the power source may be provided in the endoscope 100. According to another embodiment, the power source may be provided outside the endoscope 100. When the power source is provided outside the endoscope 100, it may mean that the power source is provided in a power supply device that is provided separately from the endoscope 100. According to another embodiment, the power supply device may include a light source device 300 or an image processing device, in which case the endoscope 100 is coupled to the light source device 300 or the image processing device and can operate by receiving power from the light source device 300 or the image processing device.

[0044] According to one embodiment, when the endoscope 100 according to this embodiment is connected to a light source device 300 having an internal power source, the endoscope 100 can be supplied with light from the light source device 300 to illuminate the inside of the patient's body, and the endoscope 100 can be supplied with power from the light source device 300 to perform bending movements inside the patient's body.

[0045] Furthermore, when the endoscope 100 is connected to an image processing device that has an internal power source, the endoscope 100 can transmit the collected image information of the patient's body to the image processing device, and the endoscope 100 can perform bending movements inside the patient's body by receiving power from the image processing device. The power receiver 111 in this embodiment may represent a configuration that accepts power. The power receiver 111 may also include a configuration that accepts mechanical power.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the power receptor 111 is located outside the endoscope 100 and can be powered by an external device that exists as a separate product from the endoscope 100. According to another embodiment, the power receptor 111 can receive power directly from a light source device 300 that has an internal power source.

[0047] The power receptor 111 according to this embodiment may be provided on the connector 110 of the endoscope 100. When the connector 110 of the endoscope 100 is connected to a light source device 300 which has a built-in power source, power can be supplied from the power source of the light source device 300.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the light source device 300 may be provided with a power supply unit 310 that provides power. The power supply unit 310 provided in the light source device 300 may be formed to correspond in shape to the power receiver 111 provided in the connector 110. According to one embodiment, the power supply unit 310 may have a recess 311, and the power receiver 111 may have a protrusion 111a. The protrusion 111a of the power receiver 111 may have a structure that protrudes to the outside by passing through a slot 113 formed in the front cover 112 of the connector 110.

[0049] 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, preparing for power to be transmitted from the light source device 300 to the connector 110.

[0050] The method for transmitting power from the light source device 300 to the endoscope 100 may include various methods. According to one embodiment, the power provider 310 may be connected to a rail structure formed on the light source device 300 and configured as a slider that moves along the rail structure, and the power receiver 111 may also be connected to a rail structure 200 provided on the connector 110, similar to the power provider 310, and configured as a slider that moves along the rail structure 200.

[0051] In this structure, when the power provider 310, which has received power from the power source, moves, the power receptor 111, which is engaged with the power provider 310, moves together, and power can be supplied from the light source device 300 to the connector 110.

[0052] The endoscope 100 according to this embodiment may be configured to include, in order, a connector 110, a universal cord 120, an operating section 130, and an insertion section 140. Here, the mechanical string 230 may be provided passing through the connector 110, the universal cord 120, the operating section 130, and the insertion section 140 in order. One end of the mechanical string 230 may be connected to the power receiver 111, and the other end may be connected to the curved section 141 that forms the end of the insertion section 140.

[0053] The power receiver 111 and the mechanical string 230 may be connected by a power transmission unit. According to one embodiment, the power transmission unit may include a pinion sprocket assembly 210 and a chain slider assembly 220.

[0054] According to the embodiment, the pinion sprocket assembly 210 has a structure in which the pinion gear 211 and the sprocket 212 are integrally formed on a single rotating body, and when the pinion gear 211 rotates, the sprocket 212 also rotates together with it. 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 each end of the chain 221 also move together with it.

[0055] A rack gear may be formed on the rear surface of the power receiver 111, and power can be transmitted by the rack gear meshing with the pinion gear 211 of the pinion sprocket assembly 210. In addition, in the pinion sprocket assembly 210, the sprocket 212 can be transmitted by meshing with the chain 221 of the chain slider assembly 220.

[0056] A pair of sliders 222 of the chain slider assembly 220 may each be connected to a mechanical string 230. In this case, the pair of sliders 222 may each be connected to a first string 231 and a second string 232, as described later, and this structure allows the first string 231 and the second string 232 to be paired.

[0057] With the configuration of the power transmission section described above, when the power receptor 111 slides, the mechanical string 230 is pulled or pushed, transmitting power to the bending section 141. The bending section 141 receives power through the mechanical string 230 and performs a bending motion. Ultimately, the bending motion of the bending section 141 can be controlled by the movement of the power receptor 111.

[0058] 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 travel distance d of the power receiver 111.

[0059] The operating unit 130 in this embodiment is sized and shaped to allow the user to grasp it and insert or rotate the insertion unit 140, including the curved portion 141, into the subject, and can function like a handle. The user can grasp the operating unit 130 and adjust the position of the curved portion 141 within the subject to collect image information or perform treatment procedures.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the operating unit 130 may be provided with a control means 131 for generating control signals, such as a joystick. The control signals generated by the control means 131 may include control commands for controlling the rotational force of the power source. If the power source is provided in an external device, such as a light source device 300, the control signal can be transmitted from the endoscope 100 to the external device by wire or wireless.

[0061] According to one embodiment, if the control signal transmission method is a wireless transmission method, a communication module may be implemented in the operating unit 130 as an embodiment for realizing wireless transmission, and the rotational force of the power source can be controlled by transmitting the control signal to the power source controller through the communication module.

[0062] According to one embodiment, when the control signal transmission method is a wired transmission method, as an embodiment for realizing wired transmission, the electrical cable configuration may be connected from the joystick to the operating 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.

[0063] In this case, the connector receiving portion 320 of the light source device 300 may also be provided with a control signal receiving terminal, and the control signal receiving terminal may have a structure that is electrically connected to the power source controller.

[0064] When connector 110 is connected to 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.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the control signal generated by the control means 131 provided in the operating unit 130 can control the travel distance d of the power supply body 310 of the light source device 300 or the power receptor 111 of the connector 110.

[0066] In other words, the control signal controls the rotational force of the power source of the light source device 300, and the power source generates power, which is then sequentially transmitted through the power provider 310 and the power receiver 111. Thus, the control signal generated by the operating unit 130 can control the travel distance d of the power receiver 111.

[0067] According to the embodiment, the rotational direction of the power source can determine the direction of movement of the power provider 310 or power receiver 111, and the rotational speed of the power source can determine the movement speed of the power provider 310 or power receiver 111. Furthermore, the direction of movement of the power receiver 111 can determine the curvature direction of the curved portion 141, and the movement speed of the power receiver 111 can determine the curvature speed of the curved portion 141.

[0068] The user, acting as the operator, can generate a control signal by operating a joystick and transmit it to a power source provided in the light source device 300. The power source, upon receiving the control signal, generates a rotational force corresponding to the control signal. This generated rotational force allows the power provider 310 and the power receptor 111 to move, and the movement of the power receptor 111 ultimately controls the bending motion of the bending section 141.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the power receiver 111 may include a type of slider. The power receiver 111 is coupled to a rail structure 200 formed on the connector 110 and can move in a specific direction by riding on the rail structure 200. For example, the power receiver 111 can slide back and forth between a first end and a second end formed by the rail structure 200 formed on the connector 110.

[0070] For example, the power receiver 111 can move back and forth between a first end and a second end within the curvature angle range of the curved portion 141, where the first end of the power receiver 111 can correspond to a first angle within the curvature angle range, and the second end can correspond to a second angle. For example, when the power receiver 111 moves from the first end to the second end, the curved portion 141 can be curved from the first angle to the second angle.

[0071] It is desirable that the bending angle range of the bending section 141 be predetermined by a set value. For example, the bending angle range of the bending section 141 can be set so that it bends only from a first angle to a second angle. In this way, the endoscope 100 is motorized, precise positional control of the bending section 141 is possible by computer, and the operator can predict the bending range of the bending section 141.

[0072] The control signal controls the travel distance d of the power supply unit 310 provided on the light source device 300 or the power receiver 111 provided on the connector 110, thereby ensuring that the bending operation of the curved section 141 accurately adheres to a predetermined bending angle range.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the power receiver 111 has a first slider and a second slider, and the control signal may include a first control signal for controlling the travel distance d of the first slider and a second control signal for controlling the travel distance d of the second slider.

[0074] The power receptor 111 may be configured as a pair. That is, the power receptor 111 may consist of a first slider and a second slider. The power supply 310 may also be configured as a pair, similar to the power receptor 111. Of the control signals, the first control signal can control the travel distance d of the first slider, and the second control signal can control the travel distance d of the second slider.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the mechanical string 230 that transmits power to the curved section 141 may be configured to include a first string 231, a second string 232, a third string, and a fourth string.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the first string 231, the second string 232, the third string, and the fourth string may each be controlled by four slides that move independently.

[0077] In 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.

[0078] In the first set of strings, 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 of strings, 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.

[0079] Here, the first set string is connected to the first slider and transmits power through the linear movement of the first slider, and the second set string is connected to the second slider and transmits power through the linear movement of the second slider. The configuration of the power receiver 111 according to this embodiment, which includes the first slider and the second slider, allows for effective control of two set strings, each paired with two mechanical strings 230.

[0080] According to the embodiment, the power receptors 111 are configured in pairs, with one of the pair of power receptors 111 controlling the vertical curvature of the curved portion 141, and the other controlling the horizontal curvature of the curved portion 141.

[0081] One of the pair of power receptors 111 can control the vertical bending motion of the curved section 141, and the other can control the horizontal bending motion of the curved section 141.

[0082] This structure allows one and the other of a pair of power receptors 111 to move linearly independently, and the combination of the linear movements of the pair of power receptors 111 causes the vertical curvature and horizontal curvature of the curved portion 141 to be interconnected, thereby realizing vertical, horizontal, and vertical curvature.

[0083] In this embodiment, the angular range of the minimum and maximum angles of the first bending angle in which the vertical bending motion is performed, and the angular range of the minimum and maximum angles of the second bending angle in which the horizontal bending motion is performed, may be different from each other. The difference between the angular range of the first bending angle and the angular range of the second bending angle is intended to provide the user (the practitioner) with a guideline when controlling the vertical bending motion and the horizontal bending motion in combination, and to make it easier for the user (the practitioner) to predict the position of the tip inside the patient's body when performing examinations or treatments. In other words, in order to make it easier for the user (the practitioner) to predict the position of the tip that constitutes the tip of the bending part, the angular range of the vertical bending by one of the pair of power receptors 111 and the angular range of the horizontal bending by the other of the pair of power receptors 111 may be different from each other.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the pair of power receptors 111 may include a first slider and a second slider, the first slider being able to control the vertical bending motion of the curved portion 141, and the second slider being able to control the horizontal bending motion of the curved portion 141.

[0085] This structure allows the first slider and the second slider to move linearly independently, and the combination of the linear movements of the first and second sliders interconnects the vertical curvature and horizontal curvature of the curved section 141, thereby enabling curved movements in all directions (up, down, left, and right). The first slider and the second slider may correspond to one and the other of the aforementioned pair of power receptors 111, respectively. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the endoscope 100 according to this embodiment has an insertion portion 140 having a bending portion 141 that is inserted into a subject to collect image information; An operation unit 130 that generates a control signal to control the curvature angle of the curved portion 141; and

[0086] The device may be configured to include one or more of the following: an output unit that outputs the control signal to the outside, and a receptor that receives external power corresponding to the control signal, wherein the control signal includes a connector 110 that controls the movement distance of the receptor. Here, the insertion unit 140, the operating unit 130, and the connector 110 have already been described in the embodiments described above, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0087] The use of the term "the foregoing" and similar descriptive terms in the specification of this invention (particularly in the claims) may be singular or plural. Furthermore, when a range is described in this invention, it includes inventions to which individual values ​​belonging to the above range are applied (unless otherwise stated), and is equivalent to describing each individual value constituting the above range in the detailed description of the invention.

[0088] With respect to the steps constituting the method according to the present invention, unless otherwise stated, the steps may be performed in any order that suits them. The present invention is not necessarily limited to the order in which the steps are described above. The use of all examples or illustrative terms (e.g., etc.) in the present invention is solely for the purpose of illustrating the invention in detail, and the scope of the present invention is not limited by such examples or illustrative terms unless otherwise limited by the claims. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that the claims or their equivalents can be constructed in various modifications, combinations, and variations depending on the design conditions and factors.

[0089] Therefore, the concept of the present invention should not be limited to the embodiments described above, and it can be said that not only the scope of the appended claims, but also all scopes equivalent to or equivalently modified from those claims, fall within the scope of the concept of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0090] 100: Endoscope 110: Connector 111: Power Receptor 111a:Protrusion 112: Front cover 113: Slot 120: Universal Code 130:Operation unit 131: Control means 140: Insertion part 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 300: Light source device 310: Power provider 311: Recess 320: Connector receiving part d: Distance traveled

Claims

1. In an endoscope having a connector that connects to a processing device having a power source, A power receptor that moves by receiving power from the aforementioned power source; A curved section whose bending motion is controlled by the movement of the aforementioned power receptor; A mechanical string connected to the curved portion; and, A power transmission unit connecting the power receptor and the mechanical string; It has, The power receptor has a protruding portion that passes through a slot formed in the connector and protrudes to the outside, and the protruding portion is coupled to the processing device to provide power, and the bending motion of the bending portion is controlled. The power transmission unit is A pinion gear that engages with a rack gear formed on the rear surface of the power receiver, A sprocket formed to rotate integrally with the pinion gear, A chain that meshes with the sprocket, and The chain includes a pair of sliders connected to each end and each connected to a mechanical string, In response to the linear movement of the power receiver, the rack gear moves, the pinion gear engaged with the rack gear rotates, the chain moves due to the rotation of the sprocket integrally formed with the pinion gear, and the movement of the chain is transmitted to the mechanical string. An endoscope characterized by the following features.

2. The curved portion is inserted into the subject and includes an imaging means for collecting image information and an illumination means for illuminating the inside of the subject. The endoscope according to claim 1.

3. It has an operating unit that generates a control signal, and the control signal generated by the operating unit controls the rotational force of the power source. The endoscope according to claim 1.

4. It has an operating unit that generates a control signal, and the control signal generated by the operating unit controls the movement distance of the power receptor. The endoscope according to claim 1.

5. The power receiver has a first slider and a second slider, and the control signal has a first control signal that controls the travel distance of the first slider and a second control signal that controls the travel distance of the second slider. The endoscope according to claim 4.

6. The power receptors are a pair, with one of the pair controlling the vertical curvature of the curved portion and the other controlling the horizontal curvature of the curved portion. The endoscope according to claim 4.

7. The power generated by the movement of the power receptor is transmitted to the curved section via the operating section. The endoscope according to claim 4.

8. The power receiver receives power directly from an external device in which the power source is located. The endoscope according to claim 1.

9. An insertion part having a curved portion that is inserted into a subject to collect video information; An operating unit that generates a control signal to control the curvature angle of the curved portion; A connector having an output unit that outputs the control signal to the outside, and a power receptor that receives external power corresponding to the control signal, and controlling the movement distance of the power receptor by the control signal; A mechanical string connected to the curved portion; and, Includes a power transmission unit connecting the power receptor and the mechanical string; The power receiver has a protruding portion that passes through a slot formed in the connector and protrudes to the outside, the protruding portion is supplied with the external power, and the curvature angle of the curved portion is controlled. The power transmission unit is A pinion gear that engages with a rack gear formed on the rear surface of the power receiver, A sprocket formed to rotate integrally with the pinion gear, A chain that meshes with the sprocket, and The chain includes a pair of sliders connected to each end and each connected to a mechanical string, In response to the linear movement of the power receiver, the rack gear moves, the pinion gear engaged with the rack gear rotates, the chain moves due to the rotation of the sprocket integrally formed with the pinion gear, and the movement of the chain is transmitted to the mechanical string. An endoscope characterized by the following features.

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