ENDOSCOPE COMPRISING AN ENDOSCOPE HANDLE WITH A SEPARATION MEANS

Abstract

An endoscope including a distal tip unit having an optical system; a handle having a housing, a printed circuit board, and an operating unit for steering the distal tip unit, the housing enclosing the printed circuit board; a bending section; and a steering wire for controlling a bending movement of the bending section, the steering wire being connected to the operating unit. The printed circuit board is configured to process information received from the optical system via cables extending from the distal tip unit. A separation means arranged in the housing and separates an inner space of the housing at least into a printed circuit board compartment accommodating the printed circuit board and a steering wire compartment accommodating the steering wire.

Claims

1-14. (canceled)

15. An endoscope comprising: a distal tip comprising an optical system; a handle comprising a housing, a printed circuit board, a compartment separation component, and steering wheels, the housing defining an inner space enclosing the printed circuit board and the compartment separation component, the compartment separation component being a single and integral part comprising partion walls; an insertion tube and a bending section, the insertion tube and the bending section connecting the handle and the distal tip; steering wires connected to the steering wheels and configured to bend the bending section, the steering wires comprising a first steering wire and a second steering wire; cables connected to the optical system and the printed circuit board to transfer information from the optical system to the printed circuit board, the cables extending from the distal tip through the bending section and the insertion tube to the handle, wherein the compartment separation part forms a circuit board compartment between the partition walls, the partition walls comprising a first partion wall and a second partition wall, and wherein the steering wires are positioned outside the circuit board compartment.

16. The endoscope of claim 15, wherein the compartment separation component comprises a first connection wall and a second connection wall, the first connection wall and the second connection wall connecting the two partition walls, and wherein the compartment separation component comprises two steering wire guide holes adjacent the first partition wall and two steering wire guide holes adjacent the second partition wall.

17. The endoscope of claim 15, wherein the compartment separation component comprises a first connection wall and a second connection wall extending between the first partition wall and the second partition wall, the first partition wall having a length and a surface area, the second partition wall having a length and a surface area, the first connection wall having a length, measured parallel to the length of the first partition wall, that is less than the length of the first partition wall and less than the length of the second partition wall.

18. The endoscope of claim 17, wherein the first connection wall and the second connection wall extend between the first partition wall and the second partition wall at a proximal end of the first partition wall and at a proximal end of second partition wall.

19. The endoscope of claim 17, wherein the compartment separation component comprises two steering wire guide holes adjacent the first partition wall and two steering wire guide holes adjacent the second partition wall.

20. The endoscope of claim 19, wherein the printed circuit board has a length, a width, and a surface area, the length of the printed circuit board being smaller than the length of the first partion wall and smaller than the length of the second partion wall, the first partion wall and the second partion wall extending proximally and distally further than the printed circuit board.

21. The endoscope of claim 19, wherein the printed circuit board has a length, a width, and a surface area, the length of the printed circuit board being smaller than the length of the first partion wall and smaller than the length of the second partion wall, the first partion wall and the second partion wall extending proximally and distally further than the printed circuit board, wherein the compartment separation component comprises a valve attachment hole configured to attach a valve, wherein the compartment separation component comprises a fluid tube guiding hole configured to attach a fluid tube, the fluid tube guiding hole positioned opposite the valve attachment hole with the circuit board compartment therebetween.

22. The endoscope of claim 21, wherein the valve attachment hole comprises ribs allowing attachment of the valve by deforming.

23. The endoscope of claim 21, wherein axis of the steering wire guiding holes, an axis of the valve attachment hole and an axis of the fluid tube guiding hole are parallel and extend substantially in a longitudinal direction of the handle.

24. The endoscope of claim 15, wherein the compartment separation component comprises steering wire guide portions comprising steering wire guiding holes, and wherein the steering wires pass through the steering wire guiding holes.

25. The endoscope of claim 15, wherein the compartment separation component forms a first steering wire compartment and a second steering wire compartment, the first steering wire extending through the first steering wire compartment and the second steering wire extending through the second steering wire compartment.

26. The endoscope of claim 25, wherein the printed circuit board compartment is provided centrally inside the handle, the first steering wire compartment is positioned peripherally or laterally on a first side with respect to the printed circuit board compartment and the second steering wire compartment is positioned peripherally or laterally on a second side with respect to the printed circuit board compartment.

27. The endoscope of claim 25, wherein the compartment separation component forms or defines or limits the printed circuit board compartment and the first steering wire compartment or the second steering wire compartment.

28. The endoscope of claim 25, wherein the compartment separation component comprises at least one connection wall connecting the two partition walls.

29. The endoscope of claim 28, wherein the at least one connection wall comprises two connection walls.

30. The endoscope of claim 25, wherein the first partion wall extends between the circuit board compartment and the first steering wire compartment, and the second partion wall extends between the circuit board compartment from the second steering wire compartment.

31. An endoscope comprising: a distal tip comprising an optical system; a handle comprising a housing, a printed circuit board, a compartment separation component, and steering wheels, the housing defining an inner space enclosing the printed circuit board and the compartment separation component, the compartment separation component being a single and integral part comprising partion walls; an insertion tube and a bending section, the insertion tube and the bending section connecting the handle and the distal tip; steering wires connected to the steering wheels and configured to bend the bending section, the steering wires comprising a first steering wire and a second steering wire; cables connected to the optical system and the printed circuit board to transfer information from the optical system to the printed circuit board, the cables extending from the distal tip through the bending section and the insertion tube to the handle, wherein the compartment separation part forms a circuit board compartment between the partition walls, the partition walls comprising a first partion wall and a second partition wall, wherein the steering wires are positioned outside the circuit board compartment, wherein the first partition wall has a length and a surface area, wherein the second partition wall has a length and a surface area, wherein the compartment separation component comprises a proximal end, the proximal end comprising: a first connection wall extending between the first partition wall and the second partition wall, the first connection wall having a length and a surface area, the length, measured parallel to the length of the first partition wall, being less than the length of the first partition wall; a second connection wall extending between the first partition wall and the second partition wall; two steering wire guide holes adjacent the first partition wall, two steering wire guide holes adjacent the second partition wall, a valve attachment hole configured to attach a valve, and a fluid tube guiding hole configured to attach a fluid tube, the fluid tube guiding hole positioned opposite the valve attachment hole with the circuit board compartment therebetween.

32. The endoscope of claim 31, wherein the second connection wall is coextensive with the first partition wall.

33. The endoscope of claim 31, wherein the first partition wall has a tapering portion along at least a portion of its length, wherein the second partition wall has a tapering portion along at least a portion of its length, and wherein a distance between the tapering portion of the first partition wall and the tapering portion of the second partition wall decreases distally.

34. The endoscope of claim 31, wherein axis of the steering wire guiding holes, an axis of the valve attachment hole and an axis of the fluid tube guiding hole are parallel and extend substantially in a longitudinal direction of the handle.

35. A system comprising: the endoscope of claim 15; and a monitor.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0058] The disclosure is explained in more detail below using preferred embodiments and referring to the accompanying figures.

[0059] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an endoscope according to the present disclosure;

[0060] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a housing part of an endoscope handle, in which a separation component according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is arranged;

[0061] FIG. 3 is a first perspective view of a separation component according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0062] FIG. 4 is a second perspective view of the separation component according to the embodiment of FIG. 3.

[0063] The figures are schematic in nature and serve only to understand the disclosure. Identical elements are marked with the same reference signs. The features of the different embodiments can be interchanged among each other.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0064] In FIG. 1, an endoscope 1 is shown. The endoscope 1 is preferably a single-use endoscope. The endoscope 1 comprises a distal tip unit 2, which is configured to be inserted into a patient's body cavity. Further, the endoscope 1 comprises a proximal endoscope handle 3 designed to be held by a user/physician and being configured to accommodate operating parts of the endoscope 1. Moreover, the endoscope 1 comprises an insertion tube 4 and a bending section 5, the insertion tube 4 and the bending section 5 extending from the endoscope handle 3 to the distal tip unit 2 and thus connecting the endoscope handle 3 and the distal tip unit 2. Said differently, the endoscope 1 comprises an endoscope handle 3 and an insertion cord, wherein the insertion cord comprises the insertion tube 4, the bending section 5 and the distal tip unit 2. Moreover, a connector unit 6 for connecting the endoscope 1 to a supply unit is shown in FIG. 1.

[0065] At the distal tip unit 2, image capturing means such as a miniature video camera and illuminating means such as light-emitting diodes or fiber optic light guides connected to a proximal source of light are arranged/installed, such that the patient's body cavity can be illuminated and inspected. An image captured by the image capturing means can be shown on a monitor 7. The monitor 7 is provided separately from and connected with the endoscope 1.

[0066] The endoscope 1 has an internal working channel 8, which is formed as a bendable/flexible tube (not shown in FIG. 1). The working channel 8 is provided in/inside the insertion tube 4 and the bending section 5 and extends from the endoscope handle 3 towards the distal tip unit 2. The working channel 8 is accessible via an access port 9. In particular, a surgical instrument may be guided through the working channel 8 into the patient's body cavity via the access port 9. The user/physician is thus able to perform medical operations such as examinations within the patient's body cavity with the surgical instrument.

[0067] The endoscope handle 3 comprises two handle wheels, namely a first handle wheel 10 and a second handle wheel 11, for steering the distal tip unit 2. In particular, the first handle wheel 10 and the second handle wheel 11 can both be rotated/turned by the user. The first handle wheel 10 and the second handle wheel 11 are arranged coaxially, i.e. can be rotated around a common rotational axis.

[0068] The distal tip unit 2 may be tilted/bent/moved by bending the bending section 5. The endoscope 1 shown in FIG. 1 is basically a two-plane bending endoscope. This means that the distal tip unit 2 may bend in a first bending plane (e.g. in an up-and-down direction) and in a second bending plane (e.g. in a right-and-left direction). In particular, one of the handle wheels 10, 11, e.g. the first handle wheel 10, can be operated by the user to bend the distal tip unit 2 in the first bending plane and the other one of the handle wheels 10, 11, e.g. the second handle wheel 11, can be operated by the user to bend the distal tip unit 2 in the second bending plane. The first bending plane is preferably perpendicular to the second bending plane.

[0069] The bending section 5 comprises a plurality of segments including a proximal end segment 12, a plurality of intermediate segments 13 and a distal end segment 14. Two adjacent segments among the plurality of segments, i.e. a pair of segments, may be connected via corresponding flexible hinge members, respectively. The bending section may be largely covered by a flexible cover 15 for preventing contamination.

[0070] The endoscope 1 comprises two steering wires 16 for controlling the bending movement of the bending section 5. One steering wire 16 of the two steering wires 16 is connected to the first handle wheel 10 and the other one of the two steering wires 16 is connected to the second handle wheel 11. The steering wires 16 extend through the insertion tube 4 and the bending section 5. Each of the two steering wires 16 forms a loop and is thus fixed/locked in a distal end portion of the bending section 5, in particular in the distal end segment 14, thus each of the steering wires 16 forms two steering wires. The steering wires could alternatively be four individual steering wires which are each fixed at the distal end portion of the bending section 5. By turning the first handle wheel 10, the first steering wire 16 can be pulled and released and the distal tip unit 2 tilts according to a direction in which the first handle wheel 10 is rotated. In other words, by operating the handle wheel 10 the user is able to tilt the distal tip unit 2 in the first bending plane by bending the bending section 5 correspondingly. By turning the second handle wheel 11, the second steering wire 16 can be pulled and released and the distal tip unit 2 tilts according to a direction in which the second handle wheel 11 is rotated. In other words, by operating the handle wheel lithe user is able to tilt the distal tip unit 2 in the second bending plane by bending the bending section 5 correspondingly.

[0071] The endoscope 1, in particular the endoscope handle 2, further comprises two valves, namely a gas/water injection valve 17 and a suction valve 18. The gas/water injection valve 17 and the suction valve 18 are arranged side by side on a top surface 20 of a housing 22 of the endoscope handle 3.

[0072] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a half shell 24 of the housing 22 of the endoscope handle 3. The half shell 24 together with a further (second) half shell (not shown in FIG. 2) forms the housing 22. The housing 22 thus has a hollow shape. As can be seen in FIG. 2, in the half shell 24 of the housing 22 a separation component 26 is arranged/inserted. The separation component 26 is a part or component separate from the housing 22 and is suitably attached to the housing 22, e.g. by a screw connection. When inserted into the housing 22, the separation component 26 preferably fills/occupies an inner space 28 defined by the housing 22 at least in an area/a portion of the endoscope handle 3 and divides said inner space 28 into three compartments, namely a first steering wire compartment 30, a printed circuit board compartment 32 and a second steering wire compartment 34.

[0073] In particular, the separation component 26 comprises two partition walls, namely a first partition wall 36 and a second partition wall 38, and the first partition wall 36 and the second partition wall 38 divide the inner space 28 into the first steering wire compartment 30, the printed circuit board compartment 32 and the second steering wire compartment 34. So the first steering wire compartment 30, the printed circuit board compartment 32 and the second steering wire compartment 34 are separated from each other through the first partition wall 36 and the second partition wall 38.

[0074] The first partition wall 36 and the second partition wall 38 are formed as plates. I.e. the first partition wall 36 and the second partition wall 38 are both formed as flat sheet/piece of a rigid/hard material, preferably of the same (rather small) thickness everywhere, limited on two opposite sides by a very extensive flat surface in relation to the thickness. Preferably, the first partition wall 36 and the second partition wall 38 are formed as rectangular plates. It is to be understood however, that the first partition wall 36 and the second partition wall 38 are not limited to having a rectangular shape, but may also have another angular, a round, an oval, etc. shape. As can be seen in FIG. 2, the first partition wall 36 and the second partition wall 38 may have essentially the same size, i.e. the same length, width and thickness.

[0075] The first partition wall 36 and the second partition wall 38 extend along or in a longitudinal direction (proximal-distal-direction) of the endoscope handle 3. Moreover, the first partition wall 36 and the second partition wall 38 extend substantially parallel to each other and have a distance between them in a transverse direction.

[0076] The printed circuit board compartment 32 is formed/arranged centrally inside the endoscope handle 3 between the first partition wall 36 and the second partition wall 38. A printed circuit board 40 is arranged/accommodated in the printed circuit board compartment 32. The printed circuit board 40 is basically configured to process information received from the image capturing means (optical system) via cables 42 extending from the distal tip unit 2 through the bending section 5 and the insertion tube 4 to the endoscope handle 3. The printed circuit board 40 (like the first partition wall 36 and the second partition wall 38) has a plate-shape and is arranged substantially in parallel with respect to the first partition wall 36 and to the second partition wall 38 (an extension direction of the walls). In particular, the printed circuit board 40 is arranged centrally in the inner space 28 of the housing 22. As shown in FIG. 2 the first partition wall 36 and the second partition wall 38 may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the printed circuit board 40.

[0077] An area/surface of the printed circuit board 40, in particular both a length and a width of the printed circuit board 40, is smaller than an area/surface (preferably both a length and a width) of the first partition wall 36 and of the second partition wall 38. So the printed circuit board 40 can be completely covered/protected by the first partition wall 36 and by the second partition wall 38 (when seen from a transverse direction). In particular, there is no overlapping of the printed circuit board 40 with the first partition wall 36/the second partition wall 38 (viewed from the transverse direction). Both a distal end of the first partition wall 36 and a distal end of the second partition wall 38 are arranged further distal than a distal end of the printed circuit board 40. Also both a proximal end of the first partition wall 36 and a proximal end of the second partition wall 38 are arranged further proximal than a proximal end of the printed circuit board 40.

[0078] The separation component 26 further comprises two connection walls, namely a first connection wall 44 and a second connection wall 46. The first connection wall 44 and the second connection wall 46 connect the first partition wall 36 and the second partition wall 38, so that an enclosure is formed by the first partition wall 36, the first connection wall 44, the second partition wall 38 and the second connection wall 46. Said enclosure limits/defines the printed circuit board compartment 32 in a transverse direction. The printed circuit board compartment 32 is open/accessible both proximally and distally in the longitudinal direction of the endoscope handle 3, in order to guide cables 42 into and out of the printed circuit board compartment 32.

[0079] The first connection wall 44 is rather short in a longitudinal direction (proximal-distal-direction) of the endoscope handle 3 and has a rather bar-like/web-like connecting structure. The first connection wall 44 essentially connects proximal ends of the first partition wall 36 and of the second partition wall 38. The second connection wall 46 is substantially as long as the first partition wall 36 and the second partition wall 38 in the longitudinal direction of the endoscope handle 3. The first connection wall 44 and the second connection wall 46 have an extension direction/are arranged essentially perpendicular with respect to the first partition wall 36 and the second partition wall 44. As the first connection wall 44 is rather short in the longitudinal direction an access opening 48 is formed on a lateral side of the printed circuit board compartment 32, easing both an insertion of the printed circuit board 40 into the printed circuit board compartment 32 and an attachment/fixation of the printed circuit board 40 to the separation component 26. E.g. the printed circuit board 40 may be fixed to the second connection wall 46 by a suitable fixation means like an adhesive, screwing, etc.

[0080] Each of the partition walls 36, 38 has a tapered portion on an inner side/on a side of the printed circuit board compartment 32. I.e. the first partition wall 36 has a first tapered portion 50 and the second partition wall 38 has a second tapered portion 52. A distance between the first partition wall 36 and the second partition wall 38 gradually/linearly/continuously decreases form a proximal end of the separation component 26 to a distal end of the separation component 26 in an area where the tapered portions 50, 52 are provided. At distal ends of the tapered portions 50, 52/of the partition walls 36, 38 inwardly protruding protrusions 53, 54 are provided. So the distal opening of the separation component 26 (in the longitudinal direction of the endoscope handle) has a rather small transverse extension (a distance between the protrusions 53, 54 is small in the transverse direction), so that tangling/crossing of the cables 42 running into the printed circuit board compartment 32 can be suitably prevented.

[0081] The first steering wire compartment 30 is positioned peripherally or laterally on a first side with respect to the printed circuit board compartment 32. The first steering wire compartment 30 is defined/enclosed by the first partition wall 36 and a portion of the housing 22 of the endoscope handle 3. The second steering wire compartment 34 is positioned peripherally or laterally on a second (other/diametrically opposed) side with respect to the printed circuit board compartment 32. The second steering wire compartment 34 is defined/enclosed by the second partition wall 38 and a portion of the housing 22 of the endoscope handle 3.

[0082] The first steering wire compartment 30 comprises two steering wire guide portions 55. The steering wire guide portions 55 are both integrally connected to the first partition wall 36 (at a proximal end of the first partition wall 36), with a distance in a width direction of the first partition wall 36 between the two steering wire guide portions 55. The second steering wire compartment 34 also comprises two steering wire guide portions 55, integrally connected to the second partition wall 38 (at a proximal end of the second partition wall 38), with a distance in a width direction of the second partition wall 38 between those two steering wire guide portions 55. The four steering wire guide portions 55 are essentially arranged at the same longitudinal position and preferably have the same shape/design/formation.

[0083] In particular, each of the steering wire guide portions 55 comprises a proximal hollow cylinder 56 having a steering wire guiding hole 58 and a distal gutter-like portion 60. The proximal hollow cylinder 56 and the distal gutter-like portion 60 are directly connected with each other. Each of the steering wire guiding holes 58 and each of the gutter-like portions 60 have a longitudinal extension direction.

[0084] An attachment portion 62 extends laterally away from the steering wire guide portions arranged in the first steering wire compartment 30 (i.e. laterally away towards the housing 22/the half shell 24 from an area where the steering wire guide portions 55 are arranged). The attachment portion 62 is configured/formed to accommodate a protrusion 64 integrally connected to the housing 22/half shell 24 and having a hole 66. The attachment portion 62 can be fixed to the housing 22/half shell 24 through a (not shown) screw (e.g. a self-tapping screw), which is screwed in the hole 66. Further attachment portions may be provided if considered relevant, and instead of a screw other suitable means of fixing are conceivable, such as gluing or heat stacking.

[0085] Further, the separation component 26 comprises a bridge portion 68 in the first steering wire compartment 30, wherein the bridge portion 68 extends laterally/peripherally away from the first partition wall 36, has a bent/curved/arc portion and connects the first partition wall 36 with the attachment portion 62. The bridge portion 68, together with a portion of the attachment portion 62, a portion of the hollow cylinder 56 of the steering wire guide portion 55 and a portion of the first partition wall 36 forms a fluid tube guiding hole 70 configured to limit a transverse movement of a fluid tube extending through the endoscope handle 3.

[0086] In addition, the separation component 26 comprises a valve attachment portion 72 in the second steering wire compartment 34. The valve attachment portion 72 comprises a relatively large hollow cylinder 74 having a valve attachment hole 76. A plurality of (circumferentially equally spaced) crush ribs 78 are provided in/inside the valve attachment hole 76 allowing attachment of a valve by deforming. The valve can be a check valve to avoid backflow for example in a water injection tube.

[0087] The separation component 26 according to the present disclosure is a one piece/integral, preferably one material, part made of a (thermoplastic) polymer material and is manufactured using an injection-molding process.

[0088] The separation component 26 is a part, which is designed so as to suitably arrange (in a space-saving manner) different parts like the printed circuit board 40, steering wires 16, fluid tubes or valves inside the housing 22 of the endoscope handle 3. The printed circuit board 40 is suitably protected by the separation component 26, so that in particular the steering wires 16, but also other parts like fluid tubes, valves, etc. will not electrically or mechanically damage the printed circuit board 40. As can be seen in FIG. 2 the steering wires 16 are appropriately held/retained by the steering wire guide portions 55, and the first partition wall 36 and the second partition wall 38 provide a suitable barrier, so that the steering wires 16 cannot move around in the endoscope handle 3 and reach the printed circuit board 40. The separation component 26 makes it possible that the different parts arranged in the endoscope handle 3 are essentially arranged in parallel to each other (printed circuit board 40, steering wires 16, fluid tube, valve, etc.), thus providing a space-saving and optimized way of arranging said different parts inside the housing 22 of the endoscope handle 3.

[0089] FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 are perspective views from which the structure/design of the separation component 26 according to the present disclosure can be better seen. As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the separation component 26 does not comprise the bridge portion 68 compared to the separation component 26 shown in FIG. 2. Apart from that the separation component 26 shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 is identical to the separation component 26 shown in FIG. 2 and a description thereof is not repeated. It is to be understood however, that the separation component 26 basically may or may not comprise the bridge portion 68. As mentioned above, the bridge portion 68 is a portion of the fluid tube guiding hole 70 and thus has specific advantages. Therefore, it would be advantageous if the bridge portion 68 was also provided at the separation component 26 shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. 4.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0090] 1 endoscope [0091] 2 distal tip unit [0092] 3 endoscope handle [0093] 4 insertion tube [0094] 5 bending section [0095] 6 connector unit [0096] 7 monitor [0097] 8 working channel [0098] 9 access port [0099] 10 first handle wheel [0100] 11 second handle wheel [0101] 12 proximal end segment [0102] 13 intermediate segment [0103] 14 distal end segment [0104] 15 cover [0105] 16 steering wire [0106] 17 gas/water injection valve [0107] 18 suction valve [0108] 20 top surface [0109] 22 housing (of endoscope handle) [0110] 24 half shell [0111] 26 separation component [0112] 28 inner space [0113] 30 first steering wire compartment [0114] 32 printed circuit board compartment [0115] 34 second steering wire compartment [0116] 36 first partition wall [0117] 38 second partition wall [0118] 40 printed circuit board [0119] 42 cable [0120] 44 first connection wall [0121] 46 second connection wall [0122] 48 access opening [0123] 50 first tapered portion [0124] 52 second tapered portion [0125] 53 first protrusion [0126] 54 second protrusion [0127] 55 steering wire guide portion [0128] 56 hollow cylinder [0129] 58 steering wire guiding hole [0130] 60 gutter-like portion [0131] 62 attachment portion [0132] 64 protrusion [0133] 66 threaded hole [0134] 68 bridge portion [0135] 70 fluid tube guiding hole [0136] 72 valve attachment portion [0137] 74 hollow cylinder [0138] 76 valve attachment hole [0139] 78 crush ribs