Control system for an endoscope, and endoscope

Abstract

The invention relates to a control system (110) for an endoscope (too) having an elevator, the control system (110) comprising an elevator control system (10), an intermediate system (40) and a control body (140), the elevator control system (10) comprising an elevator motion system (70) and an elevator brake system (80), wherein the elevator motion system (80) comprises an elevator thumb grip (17) configured to receive user input motion for controlling the elevator, and wherein the elevator motion system (70) further comprises a motion conversion portion (18) for connecting the elevator motion system (70) to a linear elevator motion system (90) such that when the elevator thumb grip (17) is actuated, the elevator moves, wherein the intermediate system (40) has at least one repositionable foot (44), the intermediate system (40) being non-rotatable with respect to the control body (140), wherein the elevator brake system (80) comprises an elevator O-ring (13) arranged between the elevator lever (12) and the intermediate system (40), the repositionable foot (44) being configured to apply pressure onto the elevator O-ring (13) such that the elevator O-ring (13) creates a resistance against movement of the elevator motion system (70). The invention further relates to an endoscope.

Description

[0001] Control system for an endoscope, and endoscope

[0002] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a control system for an endoscope, and an endoscope.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Endoscopes are surgical devices used for a variety of procedures, e.g. to access (e.g., view or remove) or treat tissue within the body of a patient by inserting one or more medical tools into the body through an incision in the body or an orifice of the body. The endoscope may include an interface / control portion and an insertion tube that is coupled to the interface / control portion. The insertion tube is configured to be inserted into the body of the patient and may include one or more channels to provide access to tissue within the body. The one or more channels may e.g. be configured to receive a medical tool and / or a fluid and to guide the medical tool and fluid, respectively, to the tissue of interest.

[0006] For instance, the endoscope can be or comprise a duodenoscope, but is not limited thereto.

[0007] In particular, the insertion tube may have a tip at which a camera and a light source may be arranged. Further, the tip may comprise an elevator for raising or lowering an accessory, e.g. an accessoiy instrument, or a tool at the tip. For instance, the accessory can be used for performing a biopsy or other delicate procedures in a bile duct or a pancreatic duct, or to take tissue samples.

[0008] The endoscope has a control mechanism for moving the tip in an up / down direction and in a left / right direction. The up / down direction may be perpendicular to the left / right direction. Further, the control mechanism may be suitable for controlling the elevator and / or may be used to control the elevation of the accessory instruments as they project from the distal tip. Usually, the control mechanism comprises wheels and / or levers for movement of the tip and the elevator. Thereby, a user, e.g. a physician or surgeon, may manually control the tip of the endoscope and the accessory when using the endoscope.

[0009] Handling the control system is delicate, and demands a lot of in terms of precision from the user when the endoscope is used. Particularly, the control of the tip and the elevator should not be too sensitive regarding the manual control of the control mechanism by the user, such that small movements of the tip and / or elevator can be precisely controlled. Further, it is desirable that the tip of the endoscope may be held in a specific left / right and / or up / down position.

[0010] For this reason, brake systems for endoscopes are known, which define a determined resistance or force against movement of the respective control wheels or levers. A brake system for up / down movement or left / right movement is known from US 2019 / 0365204 Al.

[0011] However, US 2019 / 0365204 Al does not disclose an elevator brake system. Further, since the brake system of US 2019 / 0365204 Al comprises pins and springs for applying force and / or pressure for braking purposes, and the break force and / or brake pressure is directly applied to the shafts, the contact surfaces generating friction and / or resistance against movement are small.

[0012] US 2020 / 069150 Ai relates to an operation mechanism of an endoscope, which is disposed in an operation portion of the endoscope and is for carrying out bending operation of a bending portion of an insertion portion of the endoscope, and to an endoscope including this operation mechanism of the endoscope. However, US 2020 / 069150 Al does not disclose a control system for an elevator.

[0013] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0014] These drawbacks of the prior art are addressed and overcome by the present disclosure, in particular by a brake system according to claim 1 and an endoscope according to claim 20. The dependent claims relate to favorable embodiments.

[0015] A first aspect of the present disclosure relates to a control system for an endoscope having an elevator. The control system includes a control body and an elevator control system. The elevator control system is comprised of an elevator motion system and an elevator brake system. The elevator motion system comprises an elevator thumb grip. The thumb grip is configured to receive user input motion for controlling the elevator. The elevator motion system further comprises a motion conversion portion for connecting the elevator motion system to a linear elevator motion system, such that when the elevator thump grip is actuated, the elevator moves. The intermediate system comprises at least one repositionable foot, the intermediate system being non-rotatable with respect to the control body, and an elevator Ciring arranged between the elevator motion system and the intermediate system. The repositionable foot is configured to apply pressure onto the elevator O-ring such that the elevator O-ring creates a resistance against movement of the elevator motion system. The control body may comprise a chassis. The control body and / or the chassis may have an axis of rotation. It may be provided that the elevator thumb grip may rotate with respect to the chassis. In some embodiments, the elevator thumb grip may rotate around the axis of rotation.

[0016] The elevator motion system may comprise an elevator pulley. The elevator motion system may comprise an elevator lever for moving an elevator, e.g. an elevator at a tip of the endoscope. In some embodiments, the elevator lever may comprise the thumb grip, and / or the thumb grip may be part of the elevator lever. It may be provided that the thumb grip and the elevator lever may be integrally formed. In some other embodiments, alternatively or additionally the thumb grip may not be part of a lever, but may be or comprise a wheel, or be part of a wheel. The thumb grip, elevator lever and / or the elevator pulley maybe rotatable with respect to the axis of rotation. The thumb grip and / or the elevator lever may be configured to act on the elevator pulley such that when the elevator lever is actuated, the elevator pulley moves the elevator.

[0017] The repositionable feet and / or the elevator O-ring allow(s) for more manufacturing tolerance, and / or a more evenly distributed brake pressure and / or brake force onto the elevator motion system, as the contact surface between the elevator O-Ring and the elevator motion system may be relatively large. Thus, the resistance against movement of the elevator motion system may be more accurately adjusted and / or set.

[0018] The control system may be configured to control the tip of the endoscope, and / or the elevation. The elevator control system may be configured to control the elevator, such as to move the elevator.

[0019] In some embodiments, the elevator brake system may consist of the elevator O-ring. In some other embodiments, the elevator brake system may comprise the elevator O-ring.

[0020] In preferred embodiment, the intermediate system may comprise one or more spring-like arms. The repositionable foot is or comprises a spring-like arm. It may be provided that the intermediate system has two repositionable feet and / or two spring-like arms. In some embodiments, the spring-like arm may be fixed and / or attached to a main body of the intermediate system.

[0021] The wording “spring-like arm” may mean that the intermediate system comprises or consists of a material which may be flexible. A flexible material may be an elastic material, e.g. a linear- elastic material. An elastic material may follow Hooke’s law. The wording “spring-like arm” may mean that the intermediate system may have an arm which comprises a flexible material, or which consists of a flexible material, or which if physically constructed to enable a stiff material to behave flexibly. For instance, the intermediate system may have an arm which is made of, partially or fully, or at least comprises, a linear-elastic material. The flexible material, elastic material and / or linear-elastic material may be or may comprise a suitable plastic or metal. The material may be configured to be deformable, and / or change its shape or form, when subjected to a force, and return to a determined and / or original form when the force is removed. In some embodiments, it may be provided that the arm of the intermediate system may deflect, bend or buckle when a force or pressure is applied, and may return to an original or determined position, shape or form when the force or pressure is removed. In some embodiments, the spring-like arm maybe biased or preloaded.

[0022] The elevator motion system may comprise an elevator pulley. The elevator pulley may be rotatable with respect to the control body, the chassis and / or the axis of rotation. The control system and / or the elevator motion system may be configured such that when the elevator pulley is actuated, the elevator is moved. The elevator pulley may be connected to a wire and / or cable for moving the elevator. The wire and / or cable may be connected to the elevator pulley at the motion conversion portion. The wires and / or cables may e.g. run from the motion conversion portion, then through a linear elevator motion system, and then to the tip of the endoscope. The linear elevator motion system may consist of telescoping tubes for converting the angular motion of the elevator pulley into a linear / axial motion. The telescoping tubes may enable the elevator pulley to perform a pushing action on the wire and / or cable which would otherwise not be push-able due to simple column buckling, if the wire and / or cable were not supported along its length.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the elevator brake system may comprise an elevator brake lever rotatable with respect to the control body, e.g. around the axis of rotation. The elevator brake lever may be configured to press the repositionable feet against the elevator O-ring. In some embodiments, the elevator brake lever may be configured to press against the spring-like arm or arms which results in movement of the repositionable feet. Thus, it may be provided that the resistance against the movement of the elevator motion system, and / or the amount of pressure exerted by the elevator O-ring onto the elevator motion system, may be adjusted, e.g. by a user. The resistance against the movement of the elevator motion system and / or the amount of pressure exerted by the elevator O-ring onto the elevator motion system may depend on the position of the elevator brake lever, e.g. its rotational angle with respect to a reference position.

[0024] The elevator brake lever may have one or more engagement means. The engagement means may be configured to, when the elevator brake lever is rotated, engage the spring-like arm, or the spring-like arms, such that the respective spring-like arm is deflected outwards and presses the repositionable feet against the elevator O-ring. In some embodiments, the engagement means can be or comprise a wedge. The pressure exerted onto the spring-like arm may be adjustable by moving the engagement means under rotation of the elevator brake lever.

[0025] It may be provided that the spring-like arm may be preloaded or biased when the elevator brake lever is in a reference position. The force or pressure exerted onto the spring-like arm may be adjustable by moving or rotating the elevator brake lever.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the control system and / or the elevator motion system may comprise an elevator lever for moving the elevator, e.g. an elevator at a tip of the endoscope. In some embodiments, the elevator lever may comprise the thumb grip, and / or the thumb grip may be part of the elevator lever. It may be provided that the thumb grip and the elevator lever may be integrally formed. In some other embodiments, alternatively or additionally the thumb grip may not be part of a lever, but may be or comprise a wheel, or be part of a wheel.

[0027] The thumb grip and / or the elevator lever may be rotatable with respect to the control body, the chassis and / or the axis of rotation. The thumb grip and / or the elevator lever may be configured to act on the elevator pulley such that when the elevator lever is actuated, the elevator pulley moves the elevator. In a preferred embodiment, the elevator thumb grip is a user-actuated feature for controlling the elevator at the distal tip of an insertion flex tube. The elevator thumb grip maybe an external feature of the elevator lever.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the elevator lever may have a recess such as to allow the elevator brake lever to either partially or fully fill the recess of the elevator lever, so that the elevator lever occupies no new or additional space within the assembly. The elevator brake lever may therefore be rotatable within the theoretical volume occupied by the elevator lever, the theoretical volume being e.g. defined as if the elevator lever did not have a recess. The elevator lever and the elevator brake lever may rotate in planes which are arranged over each other. It may be provided that the elevator lever may cross the elevator brake lever when moving and / or rotating, without contacting each other. Thus, the elevator lever and the elevator brake lever can overlap, without touching. It may be provided that the elevator lever and the elevator brake lever may be arranged substantially at the same angular position. For example, when the elevator is in a retracted position and the brake is unlocked, the elevator lever and elevator brake lever may both rest in a respective first position, e.g. a respective up position, as if nested together. When the elevator is elevated to the maximum position and the elevator brake is adjusted to the maximum position, the elevator lever and elevator brake lever may again rest in a respective second position, e.g. a respective down position. In the respective second position, the elevator lever and elevator brake lever may again rest in a nested position together. Thus, a user can easily operate both the elevator brake lever and the elevator lever, e.g. using the same finger such a his or her thumb, or may simultaneously activate both the elevator lever and elevator brake lever with one downward motion and / or one upward motion.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the elevator brake lever may be movable between a first elevator brake lever position and a second elevator brake lever position. The first brake lever position may be a position in which the brake is unlocked, and / or in which the resistance against movement of the elevator motion system is minimal and / or vanishes. When in the first elevator brake lever position, the elevator brake lever may be in the up position. The second brake lever position may be a position in which the brake is locked, and / or in which the resistance against movement of the elevator motion system is maximal. When in the second elevator brake lever position, the elevator brake lever may be in a maximum position, or in a down position. The elevator lever may be movable between a first elevator lever position and a second elevator position. In the first elevator position, the elevator may be in a retracted position. When in the first elevator lever position, the elevator lever maybe in the up position. In the second elevator position, the elevator may be in a raised position and / or may be elevated. When in the second elevator lever position, the elevator lever may be in a maximum position, or in a down position.

[0030] The first elevator brake lever position may positionally coincide with the first elevator lever position. In some embodiments, the second elevator brake lever position may positionally coincide with the second elevator lever position. “Positionally coincide” may mean that elevator brake lever in a respective elevator brake lever position and the elevator lever in a respective elevator lever position may be arranged perpendicularly over each other. In a spatial coordinate system, the respective elevator brake lever position and elevator brake lever position may be substantially equal in two of three spatial coordinates but differ in the third spatial coordinate. It maybe provided that in the respective positions, the elevator brake lever and the elevator lever do not touch each other.

[0031] In some embodiments, when the control system is operated, the elevator leaver and the elevator brake lever may be simultaneously grasped contacted in their respective first positions, e.g. with the same finger. Thus, the brake lever and the elevator brake lever may be configured to be moved and / or touched, e.g. by the user and / or his or her finger, simultaneously and / or substantially at the same time.

[0032] In some embodiments, the second elevator brake lever position may positionally coincide with the second elevator lever position. In the respective positions, the elevator motion system may be locked or braked, and the elevator may be raised. It may be provided that when the control system is operated, the elevator lever in the second elevator lever position and the elevator brake leaver in the second elevator brake lever position can be simultaneously grasped contacted, e.g. with the same finger. Thus, the elevator lever and the elevator brake lever may be touched and / or moved, e.g. by a user and / or finger, simultaneously, such as e.g. releasing the lock or brake while lowering the elevator.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the control system maybe configured such that when the elevator brake lever and the elevator lever are moved from their respective first positions into their respective second positions or vice versa, the elevator brake lever and the elevator lever may overlap each other, preferably overlap each other in a direction perpendicular to their path of movement. It may be provided that when moving, the elevator lever and the elevator brake lever may overlap and / or may substantially coincide in at least two spatial directions at least along some distance of their traveling path. It maybe provided that when moving, the elevator lever and the elevator brake lever overlap and / or substantially coincide in at least two spatial directions over the full length of their traveling path between their respective first positions and second positions. It may be provided that when moving, the elevator lever and the elevator brake lever overlap and / or substantially coincide in at least two spatial directions over the full length of their traveling path between their respective second positions and first positions.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the elevator control system and / or the elevator motion system may be secured between the intermediate system and the chassis. In some embodiments, the elevator pulley and / or the elevator lever may be secured between the intermediate system and the control body, and / or between the intermediate system and the chassis. Thereby, the intermediate system may secure the elevator pulley and / or the elevator lever in axial direction. It may be provided that the intermediate system may secure the elevator motion system in axial direction.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the elevator motion system may comprise an elevator pulley. The elevator pulley and the thumb grip may be snapped together. It may be provided that the elevator pulley and the elevator lever may be snapped together. In a preferred embodiment, the elevator pulley and the thumb may be integrally formed. It may be provided that the elevator pulley and the elevator lever may be integrally formed. In some embodiments, the elevator motion system may comprise more than one part. In some other embodiments, the elevator motion system maybe integrally formed.

[0036] The elevator system may be easily assembled. Thereby, the elevator system may be used as a one-way or one-use brake system, or in a one-way or one-use endoscope. For instance, the parts of the brake system may be provided in a sterile packaging and easily and quickly assembled by the user. It may further be provided that the elevator brake system can be deassembled, allowing e.g. for cleaning its parts, and / or for easier recycling or disposal.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the intermediate system may support the elevator brake lever. In some embodiments, the elevator brake lever may be accommodated in a guiding groove of the intermediate system. The intermediate system may secure the elevator brake lever in axial direction and / or radial direction to prevent contact and unintended cross-talk between the elevator brake lever and the elevator motion system.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the control system may comprise an up / down control system. The up / down control system may comprise an up / down wheel and an up / down pulley for adjusting an up / down movement of the tip of the endoscope, wherein the up / down wheel and the up / down pulley may be rotatable with respect to the control body, wherein the up / down wheel maybe configured to act on the up / down pulley such that when the up / down wheel is actuated, the up / down pulley may move the tip of the endoscope. The up / down brake system may further comprise an up / down brake lever, the up / down brake lever being rotatable with respect to the control body, an up / down brake disc which is non-rotatable with respect to the control body, and an up / down brake O-ring. The up / down brake O-ring may be arranged between the up / down brake disc and the up / down wheel. The up / down brake lever may be configured to, when the up / down brake lever is rotated, exert a force on the up / down brake disc such that the up / down brake disc may press the up / down O-ring onto the up / down wheel.

[0039] The up / down pulley and / or the up / down brake lever may be rotatable around the axis of rotation.

[0040] The up / down O-ring may allow for more manufacturing tolerance, and / or a more evenly distributed brake pressure and / or brake force onto the up / down wheel, as the contact surface between the up / down O-Ring and the up / down wheel may be relatively large. Thus, the resistance against movement of the up / down wheel may be more accurately adjusted and / or set. Further, the resistance against movement of the up / down wheel may depend on the angular position of the up / down brake lever and can be adjusted by the user.

[0041] The up / down control system may be configured to control the tip of the endoscope in an up / down direction, and / or to move the tip of the endoscope in an up / down direction. The up / down direction maybe a direction in a plane substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the insertion tube and / or to an extension direction of the insertion tube. The up / down direction maybe a direction in a plane substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis and / or to an extension direction distal end of the insertion tube, tip being arranged at and / or above the distal end. “Moving in up / down direction” may include moving in up direction. “Moving in up / down direction” may include moving in down direction. The up direction maybe oriented in opposite direction of the down direction.

[0042] The up / down pulley may be connected to one or more wires and / or cables for moving the tip in up / down direction. In some embodiments, the up / down pulley may contain motion conversion portions for connecting the wires and / or cables to the up / down pulley, such that moving and / or rotating the up / down pulley can pull on the wires. The wires and / or cables may e.g. run from the motion conversion portion of the up / down pulley to the tip of the endoscope. The up / down pulley may contain a mostly cylindrical surface or groove for the wires and / or cables so that as the up / down pulley rotates, the up / down pulley can pull the cable onto the cylindrical surface or groove, thereby pulling a constant amount of cable related to the angular motion of the up / down pulley, based on the diameter of the cylindrical surface or groove.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the up / down brake disc may have an up / down brake disc flexible arm, wherein the up / down brake disc flexible arm may face the up / down brake lever and / or may be in contact with the up / down brake lever. The up / down brake disc may be keyed to the intermediate system to prevent rotation.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, the up / down brake disc and / or the up / down brake lever may have an up / down brake disc ramp, the up / down brake disc ramp facing the up / down brake lever and / or being in contact with the up / down brake lever. The up / down brake lever may have an up / down brake lever bump, the up / down brake lever bump facing the up / down brake disc and / or being in contact with the up / down brake disc ramp. Thereby, the up / down brake lever bump may slide and / or glide along the up / down brake disc ramp when the up / down brake lever is rotated and / or moved. Thus, the pressure exerted on the up / down brake disc by the up / down brake lever, and hence the resistance against movement of the up / down wheel, may be adjustable.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the up / down brake disc may have an up / down brake disc bump, the up / down brake disc bump facing the up / down O-ring and / or being in contact with the up / down O-ring.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the control system may comprise a left / right control system. The left / right control system may comprise a left / right wheel for adjusting a left / right movement of the tip of the endoscope, wherein the left / right wheel may be rotatable with respect to the control body, wherein the left / right wheel may be configured to act on the left / right pulley such that when the left / right wheel is actuated, the left / right pulley may move the tip of the endoscope. The left / right brake system may further comprise a brake knob which may be rotatable with respect to the control body, a left / right brake disc which may be non-rotatable with respect to the control body, and a left / right O-ring. The left / right brake disc may be keyed to the control body and / or the chassis, e.g. a shaft of the chassis, to prevent rotation. The left / right O-ring may be arranged between the left / right brake disc and the left / right wheel. The brake knob may be configured to, when the brake knob is rotated, exert a force on the left / right brake disc such that the left / right brake disc may press the left / right O-ring onto the left / right wheel.

[0047] The left / right pulley and / or the brake knob may be rotatable around the axis of rotation.

[0048] The left / right O-ring may allow for more manufacturing tolerance, and / or a more evenly distributed brake pressure and / or brake force onto the left / right wheel, as the contact surface between the left / right O-Ring and the left / right wheel may be relatively large. Thus, the resistance against movement of the left / right wheel may be more accurately adjusted and / or set. Further, the resistance against movement of the left / right wheel may depend on the angular position of the left / right brake lever and can be adjusted by the user.

[0049] The left / right control system may be configured to control the tip of the endoscope in a left / right direction, and / or to move the tip of the endoscope in an left / right direction. The left / right direction maybe a direction in a plane substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the insertion tube and / or to an extension direction of the insertion tube. The left / right direction maybe a direction in a plane substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis and / or to an extension direction distal end of the insertion tube, tip being arranged at and / or above the distal end. The left / right direction may be a direction in the same plane as the up / down direction. The left / right direction may be substantially perpendicular to the up / down direction. “Moving in left / right direction” may include moving in left direction. “Moving in left / right direction” may include moving in right direction. The left direction may be oriented in opposite direction of the right direction.

[0050] The left / right pulley may be connected to one or more wires and / or cables for moving the tip in left / right direction. In some embodiments, the left / right pulley may contain motion conversion portions for connecting the wires and / or cables to the left / right pulley, such that moving and / or rotating the left / right pulley can pull on the wires and / or cables. The wires and / or cables may e.g. run from the motion conversion portion of the left / right pulley to the tip of the endoscope. The left / right pulley may contain a mostly cylindrical surface or groove for the wires and / or cables so that as the left / right pulley rotates, the left / right pulley can pull the cable onto the cylindrical surface or groove, thereby pulling a constant amount of cable related to the angular motion of the left / right pulley, based on the diameter of the cylindrical surface or groove.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment, the left / right brake disc may have a left / right brake disc flexible arm, wherein the left / right brake disc flexible arm may face the brake knob and / or may be in contact with the brake knob.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment, the left / right brake disc and / or the left / right brake disc flexible arm may have a left / right brake disc ramp. The left / right brake disc ramp may face the brake knob and / or may be in contact with the brake knob. The brake knob may have a brake knob bump, the brake knob bump facing the left / right brake disc and / or being in contact with the left / right brake disc ramp. Thereby, the brake knob bump may slide and / or glide along the left / right brake disc ramp when the brake knob is rotated and / or moved. Thus, the pressure exerted on the left / right brake disc by the brake knob, and hence the resistance against movement of the left / right wheel, may be adjustable.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment, the left / right brake disc may have a left / right brake disc bump, wherein the left / right brake disc bump may face the left / right O-ring and / or may be in contact with the left / right O-ring.

[0054] In some embodiments, the left / right brake system may have a left / right brake lever, in addition to or instead of the brake knob. The left / right brake lever may have some or all features of the brake knob.

[0055] A second aspect of the present disclosure relates to an endoscope having a control system according to the first aspect of the present disclosure.

[0056] The endoscope may have an insertion tube. The endoscope has a control mechanism, which may be or may comprise the brake system. The endoscope may have an insertion tube. The endoscope may have a tip at the insertion tube, the movement of which may be controlled by the control system. It may be provided that the endoscope and / or the tip may have an elevator, which may be controlled by the control system. A tool, accessory instrument or the like may be attached to the tip or advanced through the working channel of the endoscope (extending from the control body to the distal tip) where the accessory instrument then exits at the tip. The tool and / or accessory instrument may be moved by controlling the elevator. The endoscope may have an interface / control portion, where the control mechanism and / or brake system may be arranged, or which may comprise the control mechanism and / or brake system. It can be provided that the endoscope, brake systems and / or control systems can be disassembled and / or dismantled. In some embodiments, at least one or all mechanical connections of the brake system, control mechanism and / or endoscope maybe releasable. The endoscope may be a one-way and / or one-use endoscope.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment, the elevator control system, and / or its parts, may be assembled from one side of the control body. The elevator control system, and / or all parts of the elevator control system, may be configured to be assembled from one side of the control body, and / or the same side of the control body.

[0058] The disclosure is further detailed with respect to the following figures, which show preferred examples:

[0059] Fig. 1: an example of a control system according to the present disclosure;

[0060] Fig. 2: an example of an elevator control system in a cross-sectional view;

[0061] Fig. 3: a top view of the example of Fig. 2;

[0062] Fig. 4: another cross-sectional view of the example of Figs. 2 and 3;

[0063] Fig. 5: a top view of another example of an elevator control system;

[0064] Fig. 6: a cross-sectional view of the example of Fig. 5;

[0065] Fig. 7: a perspective view of an example of a control system according to the present disclosure;

[0066] Fig. 8: an example of an up / down control system, in a perspective view;

[0067] Fig. 9: an example of an up / down brake disc in a perspective view;

[0068] Fig. 10: an example of an up / down brake lever in a perspective view;

[0069] Fig. 11: an example of a left / right control system in a perspective view;

[0070] Fig. 12: an example of a left / right brake disc in a perspective view; and

[0071] Fig. 13: an embodiment of an elevator motion system and / or elevator pulley;

[0072] Fig. 14: an embodiment of an elevator motion system;

[0073] Fig. 15: an embodiment of an up / down pulley and a left / right pulley;

[0074] Fig. 16: a keying of an up / down brake disc with an intermediate system;

[0075] Fig. 17: a keying of a left / right brake disc with a shaft;

[0076] Fig. 18: an embodiment with the elevator lever in a first elevator lever position and the elevator brake lever in a first elevator brake lever position;

[0077] Fig. 19: the embodiment of Fig. 17 with the elevator lever in a second elevator lever position and the elevator brake lever in a second elevator brake lever position;

[0078] Fig. 20: an embodiment with the elevator lever in a third elevator lever position and the elevator brake lever in the second elevator brake lever position; and Fig. 21: an endoscope with control body and working channel.

[0079] DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES

[0080] Figure i shows an example of a control system no according to the present disclosure. The control system no can be part of an endoscope 100. The endoscope 100 may be or comprise e.g. a duodenoscope.

[0081] An exemplary embodiment of an endoscope 100 according to the invention is shown in Fig. 21 (not to scale). The endoscope 100 may comprise an insertion tube 130. The endoscope 100 can have a tip 120. The tip 120 may be arranged at a distal end of an insertion tube 130. The tip 120 can be movable in an up / down direction. The tip 120 can be movable in a left / right direction. The endoscope 100 may have an elevator (not shown in the figure). The elevator 100 may be arranged at the tip 120, and / or the tip 120 may comprise the elevator. The elevator may allow raising or lowering an accessory or a tool at the tip, e.g. for performing a biopsy or other delicate procedures in a bile duct or a pancreatic duct. For instance, the accessory may be or may comprise an accessory instrument. The accessory or tool can be used e.g. to collect a tissue sample, for performing an operating procedure, or have some other desired functionality.

[0082] The control system 110 and / or the endoscope too comprises a control body 140. The control body 140 may be or comprise an interface / control portion. The control body 140 may have a connector 120, at which the insertion tube 130 may be connected. The insertion tube 130 may extend from a proximal end of the endoscope too, at which the control body 140 and / or the interface / control portion may be arranged, to a distal end of the endoscope too, at which the endoscope tip may be arranged. The insertion tube 130 may define a longitudinal or insertion direction of the endoscope too, along which the endoscope too (i.e, the endoscope tip and at least a portion of the insertion tube 130) is to be inserted into the body of a patient (not shown).

[0083] The endoscope too may comprise an actuating member 160, e.g. one or more cables and / or wires, for operating the elevator the endoscope tip 120 and / or for moving the tip 120. The actuating member 160 maybe arranged in the insertion tube 130 (e.g., in an actuating channel provided therein) and may extends from the control body 140 and / or the interface / control portion to the endoscope tip 120. The endoscope too comprises a control system 110 according to the invention. The control system 110 may be arranged at the control body 140 and / or the interface / control portion, and / or the control body 140 and / or the interface / control portion 140 may include the control system 110. The control system 110 may be coupled to the actuating member 160 for operating the actuating member 160. The control system no may be or comprise a control system no as described below with reference to one or more of Figs, i to 12. By operating (e.g., rotating) the control system no, the actuating member 160 may be moved linearly along an actuation direction (e.g. Z direction of Fig. 21). The actuation direction may coincide with the insertion direction of the endoscope 100, i.e., may be parallel or substantially parallel to the insertion direction. As shown in Fig. 14 the actuating member 160 may travel through and / or reside within the elevator linear motion system 90.

[0084] The control body 140 and / or the interface / control portion may include a port 24A, through which an endoscopic tool (not shown) may be inserted into the insertion tube 130, for example into a working channel thereof. The endoscopic tool may pass through the insertion tube 130 to the endoscope tip 120, where the endoscopic tool (i.e., a distal tip or portion thereof) may be raised from the endoscope tip 120, e.g. laterally, by means of the elevator, to perform a surgical and / or diagnostic procedure.

[0085] Returning to Fig. 1, the control system 110 comprises a control body 140. The control body 140 maybe or may comprise a chassis 50. The chassis 50 may comprise a shaft 51. The shaft 51 may be substantially cylindrical. The shaft 51 may extend from the chassis 50 and / or from a base of chassis 50.

[0086] The control system 110 comprises an elevator control system 10. The elevator control system 10 comprises an elevator motion system 70, and an elevator brake system 80. The elevator motion system 70 comprises an elevator thumb grip 17 and a motion conversion portion 18. The elevator motion system 70 may comprise an elevator pulley 11 and / or an elevator lever 12, or consist of an elevator pulley 11 and / or an elevator lever 12. The elevator lever 12 may comprise the elevator thumb grip 17. The elevator control system 10 further comprises an elevator brake system 80, the elevator brake system 80 comprising an elevator O-ring 13. The elevator pulley 11 and the elevator lever 12 maybe arranged such that they enclose or partially enclose the shaft 51.

[0087] The control system 110, control body 140, chassis 50 and / or shaft 51 may have an axis of rotation X. The elevator motion system 70, which may comprise the elevator pulley 11 and the elevator lever 12, can be rotated with respect to the control body 140 and / or the chassis 50, e.g. around the axis of rotation X. The elevator lever 12 may have the elevator thumb grip 17 for user actuation, the elevator thumb grip 17 being configured to enable the elevator lever 12 to act on the elevator pulley 11 such that when the thumb grip 17 is actuated, e.g. rotated around the axis of rotation X, the elevator pulley 11 can move the elevator at the tip 120. For instance, the elevator pulley 11 can be connected to the elevator by a cable, wire or the like. As shown e.g. in Fig. 13 and 14, the wire and / or cable may be connected to the elevator pulley

[0088] 11 at a motion conversion portion 18. The wire and / or cable may e.g. run from the motion conversion portion 18, then through a linear elevator motion system 90, and then to the tip 120 of the endoscope 100. The linear elevator motion system 90 may comprise or consist of telescoping tubes for converting the angular motion of the elevator pulley 11 into a linear / axial motion. The telescoping tubes may enable the elevator pulley 11 to perform a pushing action on the wire and / or cable which would otherwise not be push-able due to simple column buckling, if the wire and / or cable were not supported along its length by the telescoping tubes.

[0089] As can be seen e.g. in Fig. 1, an axial direction A may be parallel and / or may be aligned with the axis of rotation X. A radial direction R may be perpendicular to the axial direction A and / or the axis of rotation X.

[0090] The elevator lever 12 and the elevator pulley 11 can be mechanically connected, forming the elevator motion system 70. In some embodiments, it may be provided that the elevator lever

[0091] 12 and the elevator pulley 11 are integrally formed. In some other embodiments, it may be provided that the elevator lever 12 and the elevator pulley 11 are connected via a snap fit.

[0092] When the elevator lever 12 is rotated, the elevator pulley 11 may be rotated accordingly. By rotating the elevator lever 12, the elevator pulley 11 may be actuated, such that the elevator at the tip may be moved.

[0093] The control system 110 comprises an intermediate system 40. The elevator O-ring 13 is arranged between the elevator motion system oand the intermediate system 40. The elevator motion system 70 may be braked by the elevator O-ring 13. Particularly, the elevator O-ring 13 is configured to create a resistance against movement of the elevator motion system 70. For instance, the elevator O-ring 13 may contact the elevator lever 12 and / or the elevator pulley 11, and / or press against the elevator lever 12 and / or elevator pulley 11.

[0094] The intermediate system 40 has at least one repositionable feet 44. It may be provided that the intermediate system 40 has two or more repositionable feet 44. In some embodiments, a repositionable foot 44 may be or may comprise a spring-like arm 41. The spring-like arm 41 may be flexible, and / or function as a spring. The repositionable foot 44 and / or the springlike arm 41, is configured to apply pressure onto the elevator O-ring 13. By applying pressure onto the elevator O-ring 13, the repositionable foot 44 and / or the spring-like arm 41 may press the elevator O-ring 13 against the elevator motion system 70. In some embodiments, where the elevator motion system comprises the elevator lever 12 and elevator pulley 11, the repositionable foot 44 and / or the spring-like arm 41 may press the elevator O-ring 13 against the elevator lever 12 and / or the elevator pulley 11. The repositionable foot 44 and / or the spring-like arm 41 may bias elevator O-ring 13 against the elevator motion system 70.

[0095] The repositionable feet 44 and / or the spring-like arms 41 may be configured such that the resistance against movement of the elevator motion system 70 due to the O-ring 13 may be predetermined. In some embodiments, the repositionable foot 44 and / or the spring-like arm 41 maybe configured during manufacturing, such that a predetermined resistance is achieved.

[0096] In some other embodiments, the amount of resistance against movement of the elevator motion system 70 and / or the amount of braking of the elevator motion system 70 may be adjustable by an elevator brake lever 14. The amount of resistance and / or braking of the elevator motion system yomay depend on the position of the elevator brake lever 14.

[0097] The intermediate system 40 is configured and / or arranged such that it is non-rotatable with respect to the control body 140 and / or the chassis 50, e.g around the axis of rotation X, and / or be fixed in position with respect to the control body 140 and / or the chassis 50. The intermediate system 40 may be in mechanical connection with the control body 140 and / or the chassis 50. The mechanical connection may be a form fit and / or a force fit. It may be provided that the mechanical connection may be releasable, such that the intermediate system 40 can be released from the chassis 50. The intermediate system 40 maybe snapped onto the chassis 50, e.g. onto a bearing part 52 of chassis 50. For instance, the chassis 50 may have a notch 54, into which the intermediate system 40 may engage, latch and / or be snapped.

[0098] The intermediate system 40 may be arranged in axial direction A above the elevator pulley 11. The elevator pulley 11 may be secured in axial direction A by and / or between the intermediate system 40 and the chassis 50. The intermediate system 40 may secure the elevator lever 12 and / or the elevator brake lever 13 in axial direction A.

[0099] The elevator brake system 10 may be secured in radial direction R by the chassis 50 and / or bearing part 52.

[0100] The control system 110 may comprise an up / down control system 20. The up / down control system 20 may be arranged over the elevator control system 10 in axial direction A. However, the control system 110 is not necessarily limited to such arrangements. Other arrangements of the control system 110, the elevator control system 10 and / or the up / down control system 20 are possible and / or conceivable. The up / down control system 20 may comprise an up / down wheel 22 and an up / down pulley 21. The up / down pulley 21 and the up / down wheel 22 may be rotatable around the axis of rotation X. The up / down brake system 20 may be secured in radial direction R by the chassis 50 and / or by the shaft 51.

[0101] The up / down pulley 21 may be configured to move the tip 120 of the endoscope 100 in an up / down direction. For instance, the up / down pulley 21 maybe connected to the tip 120 of the endoscope via one or more wires and / or cables (e.g. two wires and / or cables, and / or at least one pair of wires / cables), such that the tip 120 of the endoscope 100 may be moved in an up / down direction. The up / down wheel 22 and the up / down pulley 21 may be mechanically connected. In some embodiments, the up / down wheel 22 and the up / down pulley 21 may be integrally formed. In some embodiments, the up / down wheel 22 and the up / down pulley 21 may be locked and / or latched to each other. It may be provided that the up / down wheel 22 and the up / down pulley 21 may be connected via a snap fit.

[0102] When the up / down wheel 22 is rotated, the up / down pulley 21 may be rotated accordingly. When the up / down wheel 22 is rotated, the up / down wheel 22 may act on the up / down pulley 21 such that the tip of the endoscope is moved in an up / down direction.

[0103] In some embodiments, as e.g. shown in Fig. 15, the up / down pulley 21 may contain motion conversion portions 18 for connecting the wires and / or cables to the up / down pulley 21, such that moving and / or rotating the up / down pulley 21 can pull on the wires. The up / down pulley 21 may contain a mostly cylindrical surface or groove 19 for the wires and / or cables so that as the up / down pulley 21 is rotated, the up / down pulley 21 pulls the cable onto the cylindrical surface or groove 19, thereby pulling a constant amount of cable related to the angular motion of the up / down pulley 21, based on the diameter of the cylindrical surface or groove 19.

[0104] As can be seen e.g. in Fig. 1, the up / down control system 20 may comprise an up / down brake lever 23, an up / down brake disc 24 and an up / down O-ring 25. The up / down O-ring 25 may be arranged between the up / down wheel 22 and the up / down brake disc 24 in axial direction A. In some embodiments, the up / down O-ring 25 may be accommodated in a groove of the up / down wheel 22.

[0105] The up / down brake disc 24 may be arranged between the up / down brake lever 23 and the up / down O-ring 25. The up / down brake disc 24 maybe arranged between the up / down brake lever 23 and the up / down wheel 22. The up / down brake disc may be keyed to the intermediate system 40 to prevent rotation. Such a keying 71 is shown e.g. in fig. 16, which shows an embodiment where the up / down brake disc 24 is keyed to the intermediate system 40. As can be seen e.g. in Fig. 1, the up / down brake lever 23 may be rotatable with respect to the control body 140 and / or the chassis 50, e.g. around the axis of rotation X. The up / down brake disc 24 may not rotate and / or may not be rotatable with respect to the control body 140 and / or the chassis 50, e.g may not be rotatable around the axis of rotation X. When the up / down brake lever 23 is rotated, it may press the up / down brake disc 24 onto the up / down O-ring 25. The up / down O-ring 25 may in turn press on to the up / down wheel 22, and / or create a resistance against movement of the up / down wheel 22. Thereby, the up / down wheel 22 may be braked. The amount of resistance and / or braking may depend on the rotational position of the up / down brake lever 23. The amount of resistance and / or braking may be adjustable by adjusting the up / down brake lever 23.

[0106] In some embodiments, it may be provided that the up / down control system 20 may not comprise an up / down O-ring 25. In these cases, the up / down brake disc 24 may directly contact and / or directly press against the up / down wheel 22, such that a resistance against movement of the up / down wheel 22 and / or braking of the up / down wheel 22 may be provided. The amount of resistance and / or braking may be adjustable by adjusting the up / down brake lever 23.

[0107] It may be provided that the intermediate system 40 may be sandwiched between and / or in the up / down control system 20. In some embodiments, the up / down pulley 21 can comprise a step and / or flange, which may contact the intermediate system 40, e.g. at a bottom surface of the intermediate system 40. Since the intermediate system 40 may be locked connected with the chassis 50, or the bearing part 52 of the chassis 50, and / or mechanically connected thereto, the up / down pulley 21 maybe secured in axial direction A.

[0108] The up / down brake lever 23 may be arranged above the intermediate system 40, and / or supported by the intermediate system 40. The up / down wheel 22 may be arranged above the up / down brake lever 23 in axial direction A. The up / down wheel 22 may be latched, locked and / or mechanically connected to the up / down pulley 21. Thereby, the up / down brake lever 23 and / or the up / down brake system 20 may be secured in axial direction A.

[0109] The control system 110 may comprise a left / right control system 30. The left / right control system 30 may be arranged over the up / down control system 20 in axial direction A. However, the control system 110 is not necessarily limited to such arrangements. Other arrangements of the control system 110, the elevator control system 10, the up / down control system 20 and / or left / right control system 30 are possible and / or conceivable. The left / right control system 30 may comprise a left / right wheel 32 and a left / right pulley 31. The left / right pulley 31 and the left / right wheel 32 may be rotatable around the axis of rotation X. The left / right brake system 30 may be secured in radial direction R by the chassis 50 and / or by the shaft 51.

[0110] The left / right pulley 31 may be configured to move the tip 120 of the endoscope 100 in a left / right direction. The left / right direction may be substantially perpendicular to the up / down direction. For instance, the left / right pulley 31 may be connected to the tip 120 of the endoscope too via one or more wires and / or cables (e.g. two wires and / or cables, and / or at least one pair of wires / cables), such that the tip 120 of the endoscope too may be moved in a left / right direction. The left / right wheel 32 and the left / right pulley 31 may be mechanically connected. In some embodiments, the left / right wheel 32 and the left / right pulley 31 may be integrally formed. In some embodiments, the left / right wheel 32 and the left / right pulley 31 may be locked and / or latched to each other. It may be provided that the left / right wheel 32 and the left / right pulley 31 may be connected via a snap fit. In some embodiments, the left / right pulley 31 may have a step and / or flange via which the left / right wheel 32 may be supported.

[0111] When the left / right wheel 32 is rotated, the left / right pulley 31 may be rotated accordingly. When the up / down left / right 32 is rotated, the left / right wheel 32 may act on the left / right pulley 31 such that the tip 120 of the endoscope too is moved in a left / right direction.

[0112] In some embodiments, as e.g. seen in Fig. 15, the left / right pulley 31 may contain motion conversion portions 18 for connecting the wires and / or cables to the left / right pulley 31, such that moving and / or rotating the left / right pulley 31 can pull on the wires. The left / right pulley 31 may contain a mostly cylindrical surface or groove 19 for the wires and / or cables so that as the left / right pulley 31 is rotated, the left / right pulley 31 pulls the cable onto the cylindrical surface or groove 19, thereby pulling a constant amount of cable related to the angular motion of the left / right pulley 31, based on the diameter of the cylindrical surface or groove 19.

[0113] As can be seen e.g. in Fig. 1, the left / right control system 30 may comprise a brake knob 33, a left / right brake disc 34 and a left / right O-ring 35. The left / right O-ring 35 may be arranged between the left / right wheel 32 and the left / right brake disc 34 in axial direction A. In some embodiments, the left / right O-ring 35 may be accommodated in a groove of the left / right wheel 32.

[0114] The left / right brake disc 34 may be arranged between the brake knob 33 and the left / right O- ring 35. The left / right brake disc 34 may be arranged between the brake knob 33 and the left / right wheel 32. The brake knob 33 may be rotatable around the axis of rotation X. The left / right brake disc 34 may not be rotatable around the axis of rotation X. The left / right brake disc 34 may be keyed to the shaft 51 of the chassis 50 to prevent rotation. Such a keying 72 is shown e.g in Fig. 17, where the left / right brake disc 34 is keyed to the shaft 51.

[0115] As can be seen e.g. in Fig. 1, when the brake knob 33 is rotated, it may press the left / right brake disc 34 onto the left / right O-ring 35. The left / right O-ring 35 may in turn press onto the left / right wheel 32, and / or create a resistance against movement of the left / right wheel 32. Thereby, the left / right wheel 32 may be braked. The amount of resistance and / or braking may depend on the rotational position of the brake knob 33. The amount of resistance and / or braking maybe adjustable by adjusting the brake knob 33.

[0116] In some embodiments, it may be provided that the left / right control system 30 may not comprise a left / right O-ring 35. In these cases, the left / right brake disc 34 may directly contact and / or directly press against the left / right wheel 32, such that a resistance against movement of the left / right wheel 32 and / or braking of the left / right wheel 32 may be provided. The amount of resistance and / or braking maybe adjustable by adjusting the left / right brake lever 33-

[0117] It may be provided that the brake knob 33 may be arranged above the up / down brake disc 34 in axial direction A, and the up / down brake disc 34 may be arranged above the up / down wheel 32. The up / down wheel 32 may be supported by a step and / or flange of the up / down pulley 31. The brake knob 33 may be secured by a fastening means 53 to the chassis 50 and / or to the shaft 51. The up / down pulley 31 maybe supported by chassis 50. Thereby, the up / down brake system 30 may be secured in axial direction A.

[0118] The elevator control system 10, and / or its parts, may be assembled from one side of the control body 140. For instance, it may be provided that the elevator control system 10, and / or its parts, may be assembled in axial direction A towards the chassis 50. When assembling the elevator control system 10, the elevator motion system 80, e.g. the elevator pulley 11 and the elevator lever 12, may be placed on or over the chassis 50. Then the elevator brake system 80, e.g. the elevator O-ring 13, may be placed on or over the elevator motion system 10. Then, the intermediate system 40 may be placed on or over the elevator brake system 80. The elevator brake handle 14 may be assembled when or after assembling or placing the elevator brake system 80, and / or before or when placing the intermediate system 40. Figs. 2, 3 and 4 show an example of an elevator control system 10 in a cross-sectional view (Fig. 2), a top view (Fig. 3) and a perspective cross-sectional view (Fig. 4). The embodiments as shown and / or described with reference to Figs. 2, 3 and 4 may have at least one, multiple or all features and / or advantages of the embodiments as described above.

[0119] The elevator control system 10 comprises an elevator motion system 70, which may include an elevator pulley 11 and an elevator lever 12. The elevator motion system 70 may further comprise an elevator brake system 80, which may include an elevator O-ring 13. The control system 110 may further comprise an intermediate system 40. The elevator control system 10 may further comprise an elevator brake lever 14.

[0120] The elevator motion system 70, the elevator pulley 11 and / or the elevator lever 12 are rotatable with respect to the control body 140 and / or chassis 50, e.g. around the axis of rotation X. The elevator pulley 11 may be arranged such that an inner surface 64 of the elevator pulley 11 contacts the third bearing surface 65 of chassis 50. When the elevator pulley 11 rotates, the inner surface 64 of the elevator pulley 11 may slide or glide over the third bearing surface 65. The third bearing surface 65 and / or other chassis 50 may secure and / or support the elevator pulley 11 in radial direction R. The chassis 50 may comprise a bearing part 52 which may have the third bearing surface 65.

[0121] It may be provided that the inner surface 64 of the elevator pulley 11 can be or comprise a concave surface. It may be provided that the inner surface 64 of the elevator pulley 11 can be at least partially concave.

[0122] The intermediate system 40 is non-rotatable with respect to the control body 141 and / or the chassis 50, e.g. non-rotatable with respect to the axis of rotation X. The intermediate system 40 may be mechanically connected to the chassis 50 and / or the bearing part 52. The mechanical connection may be a form fit and / or a force fit. The intermediate system 40 may be latched and / or locked with the chassis 50. In some embodiments, the chassis 50 and / or the bearing part 52 may have a notch 54 into which the intermediate system 40 may engage.

[0123] The chassis 50, and / or the bearing part 52, may have a step and / or flange to support the elevator pulley 11 in axial direction A. The intermediate system 40 may be arranged above the elevator pulley 11. The intermediate system 40 may contact and / or guide the elevator pulley 11. It may be provided that when the elevator pulley 11 moves and / or rotates, the elevator pulley 11 may slide and / or glide along a surface of the intermediate system 40, e.g. a bottom surface of the intermediate system 40. Thereby, the elevator pulley 11 may be secured in axial direction A. The elevator lever 12 may be in mechanical connection with the elevator pulley 11. When the elevator lever 12 is rotated, the elevator pulley 11 may be rotated accordingly. In some embodiments, the elevator lever 12 and the elevator pulley 11 may be integrally formed. Alternatively, the elevator lever 12 may be snapped and / or latched to the elevator pulley 11. Thereby, the elevator lever 12 may be secured in axial direction A.

[0124] The elevator brake lever 14 may be rotatable around the axis of rotation X. The elevator brake lever 14 maybe arranged between the intermediate system 40 and the elevator motion system 70. The elevator brake lever 14 may be arranged between the intermediate system 40 and the elevator motion system 70. In some embodiments, the intermediate system 40 may have a guiding groove 43. The elevator brake lever 14 may be accommodated and / or arranged in the guiding groove 43, thereby preventing the elevator brake lever 14 from direct contact with the elevator lever 12 and / or elevator pulley 11.

[0125] The elevator O-ring 13 may be arranged on the elevator pulley 11, and / or be in contact with both the elevator pulley 11 and the elevator lever 12. The elevator O-ring 13 is arranged between the elevator lever 12 and elevator pulley 11 and the intermediate system 40. The intermediate system 40 has at least one repositionable foot 44, e.g. two repositionable feet 44. A repositionable foot 44 may be or may comprise a spring-like arm 41. The repositionable foot 44 and / or the spring-like arm 41 may be in contact with the elevator O-ring 13. The intermediate system 40, the repositionable foot 44 and / or the spring-like arm 41 is configured to press onto the elevator O-ring 13, such that the elevator O-ring 13 bears or presses against the elevator movement system 70, e.g. against the elevator lever 12 and / or elevator pulley 11. Thus, the elevator O-ring 13 can create a resistance against movement of the elevator motion system 70, and / or can brake the elevator motion system 70.

[0126] The spring-like arm 41 may comprise a flexible material. The spring-like arm 41 may also be a rigid material geometrically configured long enough to be flexible. The spring-like arm 41 may be biased and / or preloaded. The spring-like arm 41 may be configured such that it may return to a specific and / or determined position after reflection and / or when no force is applied.

[0127] In some embodiments, the elevator brake lever 14 can have one or more engagement means 15. The engagement means 15 can be or comprise a wedge, and / or be wedge-shaped. When the elevator brake lever 14 is rotated, the engagement means 15 can deflect the repositionable foot 44 and / or the springlike arm 41 outwards, e.g. in radial direction R. Thereby, the pressure from the repositionable foot 44 and / or the springlike arm 41 on the elevator O-ring 13 can be adjustable, such that the amount of resistance against movement of the elevator motion system 70 and / or of braking of the elevator motion system 70 can be adjustable. For instance, the amount of resistance against movement of the elevator motion system 70, and / or the braking of the elevator motion system 70, can depend on the position of the elevator bank lever 14 and / or the engagement means 15.

[0128] It may be provided that the intermediate system 40 has an engagement gap 42. The engagement gap 42 can be formed and / or defined by the repositionable foot 44, and / or by the spring-like arm 41. The engagement gap 42 can be arranged between the repositionable foot 44 and the main body of the intermediate system 40, and / or between the spring-like arm 41 and the main body of the intermediate system 40. The engagement means 15 can move in the engagement gap 42 when the elevator brake lever 14 is moved and / or rotates. The engagement gap 42 can be formed and / or be shaped such that the repositionable foot 44 and / or the springlike arm 41 is deflected by a specific and / or determined distance in radial direction R for a given position of the engagement means 15 in the engagement gap 42.

[0129] The intermediate system 40 may be arranged above the elevator brake lever 14 in axial direction A. The intermediate system 40 may contact and / or guide the elevator brake lever 14. It may be provided that when the elevator brake lever 14 moves and / or rotates, the elevator brake lever 14 may slide and / or glide along the surfaces of the intermediate system 40, e.g. a bottom surface of the intermediate system 40 to avoid contact and / or cross-talk between the elevator motion system 70 and the elevator brake lever 14. The elevator brake lever 14 may be arranged above the elevator lever 12 and / or the elevator pulley 11. Thereby, the elevator brake lever 14 maybe secured in axial direction A.

[0130] In Figs. 5 and 6, another example of an elevator control system 10 is shown, in a top view (Fig. 5) and a cross-sectional view (Fig. 6). In some embodiments, the elevator control system 10 may not comprise an elevator brake lever 14. In these embodiments, the intermediate system 40, the repositionable foot 44 and / or the spring-like arm 41 of the intermediate system 40 may press against the elevator O-ring 13, which in turn may press against the elevator motion system 70. It may be provided that the pressure exerted by the intermediate system 40, the repositionable foot 44 and / or the springlike arm 41 onto the elevator O-ring 13 may be substantially constant. It may be provided that the pressure exerted by the intermediate system 40, the repositionable foot 44 and / or the springlike arm 41 onto the elevator O-ring 13 maybe predetermined or set, e.g. during manufacturing. In these embodiments, it may be provided that the resistance against movement of the elevator motion system 70 maybe non-adjustable by the user. While the figures show embodiments with two repositionable feet 44 and / or two spring-like arms 41, in some other embodiments the intermediate system 40 may comprise a different number of repositionable feet 44 and / or two spring-like arms 41. For instance, in some embodiments, the intermediate system 40 may comprise a single repositionable foot 44 and / or a single spring-like arm 41. In some other embodiments, the intermediate system 40 may comprise more than two single repositionable feet 44 and / or more than two spring-like arms 41, e.g. three, four, five, six or even more. It may be provided that the repositionable feet 44 and / or the spring-like arms 41 maybe arranged symmetrically along the circumference of the intermediate system 40, e.g. may be arranged symmetrically in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation X.

[0131] In Fig. 7, an example of a control system 110 is shown in a perspective view. In some embodiments, the elevator lever 12 may have a recess 16. The recess 16 maybe shaped and / or formed such that the elevator lever 12 is movable and / or rotatable below the elevator brake lever 14. In particular, the recess 16 may be shaped and / or formed such that the elevator brake lever 14 may cross the elevator lever 12 without touching and / or without contact between the elevator lever 12 and the elevator brake lever 14. The recess 16 in the elevator lever 12 may also be constructed to enable the elevator brake lever 14 to fit partially or fully within the space created by the recess 16 when the elevator lever 12 and elevator brake lever 14 are positionally co-located together.

[0132] Figs. 8, 9 and 10 show an example of an up / down control system 20. Fig. 8 shows a cross- sectional view of the up / down control system 20, Fig. 9 a perspective view of an up / down brake disc 24, and Fig. 10 a perspective view of an up / down brake lever 23.

[0133] The up / down control system 20 may have an up / down pulley 21, an up / down wheel 22, an up / down brake lever 23 and an up / down brake disc 24. The up / down control system 20 may further have an up / down O-ring 25. The up / down pulley 21, the up / down wheel 22 and the up / down brake lever 23 maybe rotatable around the axis of rotation X.

[0134] The up / down pulley 21 may be arranged such that an outer surface 62 of the up / down pulley 21 may be supported by a second bearing surface 63 of chassis 50. In some embodiments, the bearing part 52 of chassis 50 may have the second bearing surface 63. It maybe provided that the third bearing surface 65 and the second bearing surface 63 may be arranged at opposite sides of the bearing part 52. It may be provided that the second bearing surface 63 and the third bearing surface 65 are substantially concentric. It may be provided that the outer surface 62 of the up / down pulley 21 can be or comprise a convex surface. It may be provided that the outer surface 62 of the up / down pulley 21 can be at least partially convex. The up / down wheel 22 may be arranged above the up / down brake disc 24 in axial direction A. The up / down brake disc 24 may be arranged above the up / down brake lever 23 in axial direction A. The up / down O-ring 25 maybe arranged between the up / down wheel 22 and the up / down brake disc 24. It may be provided that the up / down O-ring 25 may be arranged in a groove of the up / down wheel 22. The up / down brake disc 24 may be keyed to the intermediate system 40 to prevent rotation of the up / down brake disc 24.

[0135] The up / down wheel 22 may be mechanically connected with the up / down pulley 21. The mechanical connection may be a form fit and / or force fit. In some embodiments, the up / down wheel 22 may be integrally formed with the up / down pulley 21. Alternatively, it may be provided that the up / down wheel 22 is latched and / or locked to the up / down pulley 21, and / or snapped thereto. In some embodiments, the mechanical connection between up / down wheel 22 and up / down pulley 21 maybe releasable.

[0136] It may be provided that the intermediate system 40 has a surface, step and / or flange for supporting the up / down pulley 21 in axial direction A, and / or against which the up / down pulley 21 can bear in axial direction A. For instance, the surface, step and / or flange may be arranged at a bottom side of the intermediate system 40. When the up / down pulley 21 is moved and / or rotated, the up / down pulley 21 may slide and / or glide along the intermediate system 40.

[0137] The intermediate system 40 may have another surface, step and / or flange which may be arranged at an upper side of the intermediate system 40 and which may support the up / down brake lever 23. When the up / down brake lever 23 is moved and / or rotated, the up / down brake lever 23 may slide and / or glide along the intermediate system 40. The intermediate system 40 may be sandwiched in the up / down control system 20. The intermediate system 40 may be sandwiched between the up / down pulley 21 and the up / down brake lever 23. Thereby, the intermediate system 40 may support and / or secure the up / down control system 20 in axial direction A.

[0138] The elevator control system 10 and the up / down control system 20 may be physically isolated from each other. The intermediate system 40 may physically isolate the elevator control system 10 and the up / down control system 20. The intermediate system 40 may physically isolate the elevator brake lever 14 and the up / down brake lever 23. In other words, the elevator control system 10 and the up / down control system 20 may move and / or rotate such that they do not contact each other. One, multiple or all components of the elevator control system 10 may move and / or rotate such that they do not contact one, multiple or all components of the up / down control system 20 when rotating, and vice versa.

[0139] The up / down brake disc 24 may have an up / down brake disc flexible arm 26. The up / down brake disc flexible arm 26 may be flexible and / or movable in a direction substantially parallel to the axial direction A. The up / down brake disc 24 and / or the up / down brake disc flexible arm 26 may have an up / down brake disc ramp 28. The up / down brake disc ramp 28 may be arranged such that it may face the up / down brake lever 23. The up / down brake disc ramp 28 may be arranged at a lower side and / or lower surface of the up / down brake disc 24. The up / down brake disc ramp 28 maybe sloped and / or inclined. The up / down brake disc ramp 28 may be configured to press against the up / down brake lever 23, and / or the up / down brake lever 23 may press against the up / down brake disc ramp 28.

[0140] In some embodiments, the up / down brake disc 24 and / or the up / down brake disc flexible arm 26 may have an up / down brake disc bump 27. The up / down brake disc bump 27 may be arranged facing the up / down wheel 22 and / or the up / down O-ring 25. The up / down brake disc bump 27 may be arranged at an upper side and / or upper surface of the up / down brake disc 24 and / or the up / down brake disc flexible arm 26. In some embodiments, the up / down brake disc bump 27 may be arranged at a side opposite the up / down brake disc ramp 28. It may be provided that the up / down brake disc bump 27 may press against the up / down O-ring 25-

[0141] The up / down brake lever 23 may have an up / down brake lever bump 29. The up / down brake lever bump 29 may be facing the up / down brake disc 24. The up / down brake lever bump 29 may be arranged at an upper side and / or upper surface of the up / down brake lever 23. The up / down brake lever bump 29 may be configured to press against the up / down brake disc 24, the up / down brake disc flexible arm 26 and / or the up / down brake disc ramp 28. The up / down brake lever bump 29 may contact the up / down brake disc 24, the up / down brake disc flexible arm 26 and / or the up / down brake disc ramp 28.

[0142] The up / down brake disc flexible arm 26 and / or the up / down brake disc ramp 28 may overlap the up / down brake lever bump 29. When the up / down brake lever 23 is rotated and / or moved, the up / down brake lever bump 29 may slide and / or glide along the up / down brake disc flexible arm 26 and / or the up / down brake disc ramp 28. When the up / down brake lever 23 is rotated and / or moved, the up / down brake disc flexible arm 26 maybe deflected and / or moved e.g. in axial direction A. It may be provided that the pressure exerted on the up / down brake disc 24 by the up / down brake lever 23, e.g. by the up / down brake lever bump 29, may depend on the position of the up / down brake lever 23. The pressure exerted on to the up / down brake disc 24 may be adjustable by rotating and / or moving the up / down brake lever 23.

[0143] Fig. 11 and 12 show an example of a left / right control system 30. Fig. 11 shows a cross-sectional view of the left / right control system 30, and fig. 12 shows a perspective view of the left / right brake disc 34.

[0144] The left / right control system 30 may comprise a left / right pulley 31, left / right wheel 32, a left / right brake disc 34 and a brake knob 33. The left / right brake system 30 may further have a left / right O-ring 35. The left / right pulley 31, the left / right wheel 32 and the brake knob 33 maybe rotatable around the axis of rotation X.

[0145] The left / right pulley 31 may be arranged such that an inner surface 60 of the left / right pulley 31 maybe supported by a first bearing surface 61 of chassis 50. In some embodiments, the shaft 51 may comprise the first bearing surface 61. In some embodiments, the first bearing surface 61 may be positioned at a distal end of the shaft 51 in axial direction A. Alternatively or additionally, the first bearing surface 61 may be positioned at the bottom and of shaft 51. In some embodiments, there may be substantially two bearing surfaces 61, which may be separated along the axial direction A. It may be provided that the first bearing surface 61, the second bearing surface 63 and the third bearing surface 65 are substantially concentric. It may be provided that the inner surface 60 of the left / right pulley 31 can be or comprise a concave surface. It may be provided that the inner surface 60 of the left / right pulley 31 can be at least partially concave.

[0146] The left / right brake disc 34 may be arranged above the left / right wheel 32 in axial direction A. The left / right brake disc 34 may be keyed to the shaft 51 of the chassis 50, to prevent rotation of the brake disc 34. The brake knob 33 may be arranged above the left / right brake disc 34 in axial direction A. The left / right O-ring 35 may be arranged between the left / right wheel 32 and the left / right brake disc 34. It may be provided that the left / right O-ring 35 may be arranged in a groove of the left / right wheel 32.

[0147] The left / right wheel 32 may be mechanically connected with the left / right pulley 31. The mechanical connection may be a form fit and / or force fit. In some embodiments, the left / right wheel 32 may be integrally formed with the left / right pulley 31. Alternatively, it may be provided that the left / right wheel 32 is latched and / or locked to the left / right pulley 31, and / or snapped thereto. In some embodiments, the left / right pulley 31 has a step and / or flange for supporting the left / right wheel 32 in axial direction A. It may be provided that the mechanical connection between left / right wheel 32 and the left / right pulley 31 may be releasable.

[0148] The brake knob 33 may be fastened to the chassis 50 and / or the shaft 51 by a fastening means 53. The fastening means 53 may be e.g. a screw. Thereby, the left / right brake system 30, the left / right pulley 31, left / right wheel 32, left / right brake disc 34 and / or the brake knob 33 may be secured in axial direction A.

[0149] The up / down control system 20 and the left / right control system 30 maybe physically isolated from each other. In other words, the up / down control system 20 and the left / right control system 30 may move and / or rotate such that they do not contact each other. One, multiple or all components of the up / down control system 20 may move and / or rotate such that they do not contact one, multiple or all components of the and left / right control system 30 when rotating, and vice versa. Further, the elevator control system 10 and the left / right control system 30 may be physically isolated from each other.

[0150] The left / right brake disc 34 may have a left / right brake disc flexible arm 36. The left / right brake disc flexible arm 36 maybe flexible and / or movable in a direction substantially parallel to the axial direction A. The left / right brake disc 34 and / or the left / right brake disc flexible arm 36 may have a left / right brake disc ramp 38. The left / right brake disc ramp 23 may be arranged such that it may face the brake knob 33. The left / right brake disc ramp 38 may be arranged at an upper side and / or upper surface of the left / right brake disc 34. The left / right brake disc ramp 38 may be sloped and / or inclined. The left / right brake disc ramp 38 may be configured to press against the brake knob 33, and / or the brake knob 33 may press against the left / right brake disc ramp 38.

[0151] In some embodiments, the left / right brake disc 34 and / or the left / right brake disc flexible arm 36 may have a left / right brake disc bump 37. The left / right brake disc bump 37 may be arranged facing the left / right wheel 32 and / or the left / right O-ring 35. The left / right brake disc bump 37 may be arranged at a lower side and / or lower surface of the left / right brake disc 34 and / or the left / right brake disc flexible arm 36. In some embodiments, the left / right brake disc bump 37 may be arranged at a side opposite the left / right brake disc ramp 38. It may be provided that the left / right brake bump 37 may press against the left / right O-ring 35.

[0152] The brake knob 33 may have a brake knob bump 39. The brake knob bump 39 may be facing the left / right brake disc 34. The brake knob bump 39 maybe arranged at a lower side and / or lower surface of the brake knob 33. The brake knob bump 39 may be configured to press against the left / right brake disc 34, the left / right brake disc flexible arm 36 and / or the left / right brake disc ramp 38. The brake knob bump 39 may contact the left / right brake disc 34, the left / right brake disc flexible arm 36 and / or the left / right brake disc ramp 38.

[0153] The left / right brake disc flexible arm 36 and / or the left / right brake disc ramp 38 may overlap the brake knob bump 39. When the brake knob 33 is rotated and / or moved, the brake knob bump 39 may slide and / or glide along the left / right brake disc flexible arm 36 and / or the left / right brake disc ramp 38. When the brake knob 33 is rotated and / or moved, the left / right flexible arm 36 maybe deflected and / or moved e.g. in axial direction A.

[0154] It may be provided that the pressure exerted on the left / right brake disc 34 by the brake knob 33, e.g. by the brake knob bump 39, may depend on the position of the brake knob 33. The pressure exerted on to the left / right brake disc 34 maybe adjustable by rotating and / or moving the brake knob 33.

[0155] In Fig. 18 to 20, the elevator lever 12 and the elevator brake lever 14 are shown in different positions. For instance, in fig. 18, the elevator lever 12 may be in a first elevator lever position Li, and the elevator brake lever 14 may be in a first elevator brake lever position Pi. When the elevator lever 12 is in the first elevator lever position Li, the elevator at the tip 120 of the endoscope 100 may be in a lowered position. When the elevator brake 14 is in the first elevator brake lever position Pi, the elevator motion system 70 may be not braked, and / or braked as little as possible. When the elevator brake lever 14 is in the first elevator brake lever position Pi, the braking exerted onto the elevator motion system 70 by the elevator brake system 80 maybe minimal, and / or the pressure exerted onto the elevator O-ring 13 maybe minimal. The first elevator lever position Li may be called an up position. The first elevator brake lever position Pi may be called an up position.

[0156] When the elevator lever 12 is in the first elevator lever position Li and the elevator brake lever 14 is in the first elevator brake lever position Pi, the elevator lever 12 and elevator brake lever 14 may overlap each other, and / or may be arranged over each other. The first elevator lever position Li and the first elevator brake lever position Pi may be positioned and / or arranged such that they may be substantially equal in two spatial directions, but differ in a third spatial direction. Thus, the elevator lever 12 and the elevator brake lever 14 may be actuated by a single finger, e.g. of a user, when the elevator lever 12 and the elevator brake lever 14 are in the respective first positions Li and Pi. For instance, the elevator lever 12 and the elevator brake lever 14 may be moved simultaneously and / or by a single finger into respective second position L2 and P2. In Fig. 19, the elevator lever 12 is in a second elevator lever position L2. The elevator lever 12 may be moved from the first elevator lever position Li into the second elevator lever position L2. The elevator brake lever 14 may be in a second elevator lever position P2. The elevator brake lever 14 may be moved from the first elevator brake lever position Pi into the second elevator brake lever position P2. When the elevator lever 12 is in the second elevator lever position L2, the elevator at the tip 120 of the endoscope 100 may be in a raised and / or elevated position. In some embodiments, the elevator may be raised as much as possible when the elevator lever 12 is in the second elevator position L2. When the elevator brake 14 is in the second elevator brake lever position P2, the elevator motion system 70 may be braked, and / or braked as much as possible. When the elevator brake lever 14 is in the second elevator brake lever position P2, the braking exerted onto the elevator motion system 70 by the elevator brake system 80 may be maximal, and / or the pressure exerted onto the elevator O-ring 13 may be maximal. The second elevator lever position L2 may be called a down position. The second elevator brake lever position P2 may be called a down position.

[0157] When the elevator lever 12 is in the first elevator lever position Li and the elevator brake lever 14 is in the first elevator brake lever position Pi, the elevator lever 12 and the elevator brake lever 14 maybe nested. For instance, the elevator lever 122 may have a recess 16 such that the elevator lever 12 and the elevator brake lever 14 may overlap each other without touching and / or contacting each other.

[0158] When the elevator lever 12 is in the second elevator lever position L2 and the elevator brake lever 14 is in the second elevator brake lever position P2, the elevator lever 12 and elevator brake lever 14 may overlap each other, and / or may be arranged over each other. The second elevator lever position L2 and the second elevator brake lever position P2 may be positioned and / or arranged such that they may be substantially equal in two spatial directions, but differ in a third spatial direction. Thus, the elevator lever 12 and the elevator brake lever 14 may be actuated by a single finger, e.g. of a user, when the elevator lever 12 and the elevator brake lever 14 are in the respective second positions L2 and P2. For instance, the elevator lever 12 and the elevator brake lever 14 may be moved simultaneously and / or by a single finger back to the respective first positions Li and Pi.

[0159] When the elevator lever 12 is in the second elevator lever position L2 and the elevator brake lever 14 is in the second elevator brake lever position P2, the elevator lever 12 and the elevator brake lever 14 may be nested.

[0160] In some embodiments, it may be provided that the elevator lever 12 may be moved only between the first elevator lever position Li and the second elevator lever position L2, and / or into the first elevator lever position Li and the second elevator lever position L2, but not further than these positions. In some embodiments, it may be provided that the elevator brake lever 14 may be moved only between the first elevator brake lever position Pi and the second elevator brake lever position P2, and / or into the first elevator brake lever position Pi and the second elevator brake lever position P2, but not further than these positions.

[0161] In some embodiments, the elevator may be maximally raised when the elevator lever 12 is in the second elevator lever position L2, e.g. when there are no accessory instrument present or when the accessory instruments are small and / or flexible.

[0162] In some other embodiments, the elevator lever 12 may be moved in a third elevator lever position L3. The third elevator lever position L3 may be arranged behind the second elevator lever position L2, as seen from the first elevator lever position Li. For instance, in Fig. 20, the elevator lever 12 may be in the third elevator lever position L3. It may be provided that the elevator brake lever 14 may not be moved in a corresponding third position. In particular, in some embodiments, the elevator lever 12 may be moved into the third elevator lever position L3, but the elevator brake lever 14 may be stopped at or in the second elevator brake lever position P2. It may be provided that the third elevator lever position L3 and the second elevator brake lever position P2 do not overlap, and / or may differ in three spatial directions. In some embodiments, moving the elevator lever 12 into the third elevator lever position L3 may be used and / or required to elevate larger stiffer accessory instruments. Since the cable mechanics are not infinitely stiff, in some embodiments extra lever travel may be required to build force within the actuation mechanics to maximally elevate the stiffer / stiffest accessory instruments.

[0163] However, in some other embodiments, a third elevator brake lever position (not shown in the figures) may be provided, which may overlap with the third elevator lever position L3.

[0164] In the context of the present invention, the elevator brake effect may advantageously be created purely by pushing parts radially outward from the axis of rotation.

[0165] It is noted that the intermediate system according to the present invention preferably does not significantly translate axially. In many conventional systems, the function of the intermediate system is implemented by a mechanical combination comprising more than one plate or member. These plates and members may translate axially, alone or relative to one another. In the context of the present invention, it is preferred that the intermediate system is formed from one part, which is configured to not move significantly in an axial direction. In the context of the present invention, it is particularly preferred that the intermediate system is configured to keep parts of the proposed control system separated, in order to prevent unintentional friction between the parts.

[0166] In the context of the present invention, the control system may comprise an x-axis, wherein the intermediate system has at least one repositionable foot, the intermediate system being non-rotatable and non-translatable with respect to said x-axis, and the repositionable foot being non-rotatable with respect to said x-axis.

[0167] Preferably, the intermediate system according to the present invention does not translate nor rotate significantly. Its purpose can be described as to axially locate and separate the up / down control system in relation to the left / right control system and / or the elevator system. It is preferred that the intermediate system is responsible for physically separating the elevator brake lever from the elevator motion system, so as to prevent rotation of the elevator motion system from inadvertently changing the adjusted elevator brake setting. Alternatively or additionally, it may be preferred that the brake disks of the up / down and / or the left / right angulation control systems are responsible for the physical separation between wheels and brake adjustment lever and / or knob. It is an advantage of the present invention that the proposed elevator system and / or the proposed up / down system and / or the proposed left / right system is / are designed to deliver a significant adjustable range of brake effect, wherein the actual brake effect can be decided and adjusted by the user, according to his / her needs.

[0168] For example, the intermediate system 40 (e.g., in the example of Fig. 1) may be configured and / or arranged such that it is non-rotatable and basically non-translatable with respect to the control body 140 and / or the chassis 50, e.g around the axis of rotation X, and / or be fixed in position with respect to the control body 140 and / or the chassis 50.

[0169] In some examples, the intermediate system 40 (e.g., in the example of Figs. 2, 3 and 4) may additionally or alternatively have at least one repositionable foot 44, e.g. two repositionable feet 44. In some embodiments, a repositionable foot 44 maybe an individual part that is placed into the assembly and coupled with the intermediate part 40 to be non-rotatable about the x- axis.

[0170] The examples of the present disclosure disclosed herein only constitute specific examples for illustration purposes. The present invention can be implemented in various ways and with many modifications without altering the underlying basic properties. Therefore, the present invention is only defined by the claims. The features as disclosed in the claims, the specification and the figures may be relevant for the realization of the invention in any combination. ti3432ivvu 33

[0171] List of reference numerals

[0172] 10 elevator brake system

[0173] 11 elevator pulley

[0174] 12 elevator lever

[0175] 13 elevator O-ring

[0176] 14 elevator brake lever

[0177] 15 engagement means

[0178] 16 recess

[0179] 17 elevator thumb grip

[0180] 18 motion conversion portion

[0181] 19 cylindrical face / groove

[0182] 70 elevator motion system

[0183] 8o elevator brake system

[0184] 90 elevator linear motion system

[0185] 20 up / down control system

[0186] 21 up / down pulley

[0187] 22 up / down wheel

[0188] 23 up / down brake lever

[0189] 24 up / down brake disc

[0190] 25 up / down O-ring

[0191] 26 up / down brake disc flexible arm

[0192] 27 up / down brake disc bump

[0193] 28 up / down brake disc ramp

[0194] 29 up / down brake lever bump

[0195] 71 keying

[0196] 30 left / right control system

[0197] 31 left / right pulley

[0198] 32 left / right wheel

[0199] 33 brake knob

[0200] 34 left / right brake disc

[0201] 35 left / right O-ring

[0202] 36 left / right brake disc flexible arm

[0203] 37 left / right brake disc bump

[0204] 38 left / right brake disc ramp

[0205] 39 brake knob bump 72 keying

[0206] 40 intermediate system

[0207] 41 spring-like arm

[0208] 42 engagement gap

[0209] 43 guiding groove

[0210] 44 repositionable foot

[0211] 50 chassis

[0212] 51 shaft

[0213] 52 bearing part

[0214] 53 fastening means

[0215] 54 notch

[0216] 55 body cover

[0217] 6o inner surface of the left / right pulley

[0218] 61 first bearing surface

[0219] 62 outer surface of the up / down pulley

[0220] 63 second bearing surface

[0221] 64 inner surface of the elevator pulley

[0222] 65 third bearing surface

[0223] 100 endoscope

[0224] 110 control system

[0225] 120 tip

[0226] 130 insertion tube

[0227] 140 control body

[0228] 150 connector

[0229] 160 actuating member

[0230] 170 port

[0231] X axis of rotation

[0232] A axial direction

[0233] R radial direction

[0234] Z actuating direction

[0235] Ll first elevator lever position L2 second elevator lever position

[0236] L3 third elevator lever position

[0237] Pi first elevator brake lever position

[0238] P2 second elevator brake lever position

Claims

Claims:

1. A control system (no) for an endoscope (too) having an elevator, the control system (no) comprising an elevator control system (to), an intermediate system (40) and a control body (140), the elevator control system (10) comprising an elevator motion system (70) and an elevator brake system (80), wherein the elevator motion system (70) comprises an elevator thumb grip (17) configured to receive user input motion for controlling the elevator, and wherein the elevator motion system (70) further comprises a motion conversion portion (18) for connecting the elevator motion system (70) to a linear elevator motion system (90) such that when the elevator thumb grip (17) is actuated, the elevator moves, wherein the intermediate system (40) has at least one repositionable foot (44), the intermediate system (40) being non-rotatable with respect to the control body (140), wherein the elevator brake system (80) comprises an elevator O-ring (13) arranged between the elevator motion system (70) and the intermediate system (40), the repositionable foot (44) being configured to apply pressure onto the elevator O-ring (13) such that the elevator O-ring (13) creates a resistance against movement of the elevator motion system (70).

2. The control system (110) of claim 1, wherein the repositionable foot (44) is or comprises a spring-like arm (41), wherein preferably the spring-like arm is fixed to a main body of the intermediate system (40).

3. The control system (110) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the elevator brake system (80) comprises an elevator brake lever (14) rotatable with respect to the control body (140), the elevator brake lever (14) being configured to press against the repositionable foot (44).

4. The control system (110) of claim 3, wherein the elevator brake lever (14) has an engagement means (15), preferably a wedge, wherein the engagement means (15) is configured to, when the elevator brake lever (14) is rotated, engage the repositionable foot (44) such that the repositionable foot (44) is deflected outwards and pressed against the elevator O-ring (13).

5. The control system (110) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the elevator motion system (70) comprises an elevator lever (12) having the thumb grip (17), whereinpreferably wherein the elevator lever (12) has a recess (16) such as to be rotatable below the elevator brake lever (14).

6. The control system (110) of claim 5, wherein the elevator brake lever (14) is movable between a first elevator brake lever position (Pi) and a second elevator brake lever position (P2), and the elevator lever (12) is movable between a first elevator lever position (Li) and a second elevator position (L2), wherein the first elevator brake position (Pi) positionally coincides with the first elevator lever position (Li), preferably such that, when the control system (110) is operated, the elevator leaver (12) and the elevator brake lever (14) can be simultaneously grasped contacted in their respective first position (Pi, Li), preferably with the same finger.

7. The control system (110) of claim 6, wherein the second elevator brake lever position (P2) positionally coincides with the second elevator lever position (L2), preferably such that, when the control system (110) is operated, the elevator lever (12) in the second elevator lever position (L2) and the elevator brake leaver (14) in the second elevator brake lever position (P2) can be simultaneously grasped contacted, particularly with the same finger.

8. The control system (110) of claim 6 or 7, wherein the control system (110) is configured such that, when the elevator brake lever (14) and the elevator lever (12) are moved from their respective first positions (Pi, Li) into their respective second positions (P2, L2) or vice versa, the elevator brake lever (14) and the elevator lever (12) overlap each other, preferably overlap each other in a direction perpendicular to their path of movement.

9. The control system (110) of any of the preceding claims 3 to 8, wherein the intermediate system (40) supports the elevator brake lever (14), wherein preferably the elevator brake lever (14) is supported in a guiding groove (43) of the intermediate system (40).

10. The control system (110) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the elevator control system (10) and / or the elevator motion system (70) is secured between the intermediate system (40) and the control body (140).

11. The control system (110) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the elevator motion system (70) comprises an elevator pulley (11), wherein the elevator pulley (11) and the elevator thumb grip (17) are snapped together, or wherein the elevator pulley (11) and the elevator thumb grip (17) are integrally formed.

12. The control system (no) of any of the preceding claims, comprising an up / down control system (20), the up / down control system (20) comprising: an up / down wheel (22) and an up / down pulley (21) for adjusting an up / down movement of the tip (120) of the endoscope (100), the up / down wheel (22) and the up / down pulley (21) being rotatable with respect to the control body (140), the up / down wheel (22) being configured to act on the up / down pulley (21) such that when the up / down wheel (22) is actuated, the up / down pulley (21) moves the tip (120) of the endoscope (100), an up / down brake lever (23), the up / down brake lever (23) being rotatable with respect to the control body (140), an up / down brake disc (24), which is non-rotatable with respect to the control body (140), an up / down brake O-ring, the up / down brake O-ring being arranged between the up / down brake disc (24) and the up / down left / right wheel, wherein the up / down brake lever (23) is configured to, when the up / down brake lever (23) is rotated, exert a force on the up / down brake disc (24) such that the up / down brake disc (24) presses the up / down O-ring (25) onto the up / down wheel (22).

13. The control system (110) of claim 12, wherein the up / down brake disc (24) has an up / down brake disc flexible arm (26), the up / down brake disc flexible arm (26) facing the up / down brake lever (23) and / or being in contact with the up / down brake lever (23).

14. The control system (110) of claim 12 or 13, wherein the up / down brake disc (24) has an up / down brake disc ramp (28), the up / down brake disc ramp (28) facing the up / down brake lever (23) and / or being in contact with the up / down brake lever (23), wherein the up / down brake lever (23) has an up / down brake lever bump (29), the up / down brake lever bump (29) facing the up / down brake disc (24) and / or being in contact with the up / down brake disc ramp.

15. The control system (110) of any of the preceding claims 12 to 14, wherein the up / down brake disc (24) has an up / down brake disc bump (27), the up / down brake disc bump (27) facing the up / down O-ring (25) and / or being in contact with the up / down O-ring (25).

16. The control system (110) of any of the preceding claims, the control system (110) comprising a left / right control system (30), the left / right control system (30) comprising:a left / right wheel (32) for adjusting a left / right movement of the tip (120) of the endoscope (100), the left / right wheel (32) being rotatable with respect to the control body (140), the left / right wheel (32) being configured to act on the left / right pulley (31) such that when the left / right wheel (32) is actuated, the left / right pulley (31) moves the tip of the endoscope, a brake knob (33), the brake knob (33) being rotatable with respect to the control body (140), a left / right brake disc (34), which is non-rotatable with respect to the control body (140), a left / right O-ring (35), the left / right O-ring (35) being arranged between the left / right brake disc (34) and the left / right wheel (32), wherein the brake knob (33) is configured to, when the brake knob (33) is rotated, exert a force on the left / right brake disc (34) such that the left / right brake disc (34) presses the left / right O-ring (35) onto the left / right wheel (32).

17. The control system (no) of claim 16, wherein the left / right brake disc (34) has a left / right brake disc flexible arm (36), the left / right brake disc flexible arm (36) facing the brake knob (33) and / or being in contact with the brake knob (33).

18. The control system (no) of claim 16 or 17, wherein the left / right brake disc (34) has a left / right brake disc ramp (38), the left / right brake disc ramp (38) facing the brake knob (33) and / or being in contact with the brake knob (33), wherein the brake knob (33) has a brake knob bump (39), the brake knob bump (39) facing the left / right brake disc (34) and / or being in contact with the left / right brake disc ramp.

19. The control system (110) of any of the preceding claims 16 to 18, wherein the left / right brake disc (34) has a left / right brake disc bump (37), the left / right brake disc bump (37) facing the left / right O-ring (35) and / or being in contact with the left / right O-ring (35)-20. An endoscope (100) having a control system (110) according to any of the preceding claims.

21. The endoscope (100) of claim 20, wherein all parts of the elevator control system (10) are assembled from one side of the control body (140).

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