Patent Description:
As a commonly used medical examination instrument, an endoscope can directly enter the natural orifice of human body, providing the doctor with sufficient information for diagnosis and treatment. When in use, the inserting unit of the endoscope enters the human body through a natural orifice or a small surgical incision, such that the doctor can directly observe changes in relevant parts.

In the prior art, after the upper and lower handles of a detachable endoscope are connected together, a large amount of space is required to provide the range of movement for the traction wires when the traction wires are driven. The design reduces the space required for other components in the endoscope handle where the traction wires are located, thereby affecting the normal operation of other components. <CIT> discloses a slack absorbing device in the bending operation mechanism of an endoscope. Slack absorbing members are moved along the passage ways of connecting wires as the bending section is bent. Each slack absorbing member has a long groove extending along the direction of movement of said slack absorbing member and a threaded groove formed in a portion of the long groove. Threaded rods connect the ends of the wires extending to the bending section provided in the top end part of the endoscope in such a manner that the threaded rods are moved together with the wires at least when the wires are pulled towards the manual operating section. A part of each threaded groove is cut off so that the threaded rod can engage the threaded groove by aligning the threaded rod, in a direction corresponding to the direction of movement of the wire, and placing it into the groove.

An objective of the present disclosure is to provide an endoscope connecting structure, an endoscope handle, and an endoscope. The present disclosure aims to solve the above-mentioned technical problems existing in the prior art, and includes the following three aspects.

A first aspect of the present disclosure provides an endoscope connecting structure, including:.

The accommodating housing is U-shaped, V-shaped or W-shaped and provided with a hollow structure; the hollow structure of the accommodating housing forms the accommodating space; the transmission element is slidable and rollable along an inner wall of the accommodating space.

Each of the two arms of the accommodating housing is provided at its external side with a wire passage; and the traction wires are respectively connected to the traction wire mounting elements through the wire passages.

Further, preferably, the transmission element is either a solid or a viscous liquid; and a viscosity of the viscous liquid is greater than a preset viscosity.

Further, preferably, the two ends of the transmission element are not higher than the two ends of the accommodating housing.

Further, preferably, an inner wall of the accommodating housing is provided with a locking groove.

Further, preferably, limiting portions are respectively provided at the two ends of the accommodating housing.

A second aspect of the present disclosure provides an endoscope handle, including:.

Further, preferably, the pushing assembly includes at least a first pushing element, a second pushing element, and a driving element;.

Further, preferably, a locking element matched with the locking groove is provided on an outer wall of the first pushing element and/or an outer wall of the second pushing element.

A third aspect of the present disclosure provides an endoscope, including the above-mentioned endoscope handle.

Compared with the prior art, the present disclosure has at least the following technical effects.

To describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure more clearly, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for describing the embodiments or the prior art. Apparently, the drawings in the following description show merely some embodiments of the present disclosure, and persons of ordinary skill in the art may still derive other drawings from these drawings without creative efforts.

Reference Numerals: <NUM>. lower handle; <NUM>. housing; <NUM>. first wire passage; <NUM>. second wire passage; <NUM>. transmission element; <NUM>. first traction wire mounting element; <NUM>. threading hole; <NUM>. first threading hole; <NUM>. second threading hole; <NUM>. first expansion portion; <NUM>. second traction wire mounting element; <NUM>. threading hole; <NUM>. first threading hole; <NUM>. second threading hole; <NUM>. second expansion portion; <NUM>. locking groove; <NUM>. first traction wire; <NUM>. second traction wire; <NUM>. pushing assembly; <NUM>. first pushing element; <NUM>. driving element; and <NUM>. second pushing element.

The following description provides many different embodiments or examples for implementing different features of the present disclosure. The elements and arrangements described in the following specific examples are only intended to concisely express the present disclosure, and are only for illustration purposes, rather than to limit the present disclosure.

In order to make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present disclosure clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present disclosure. Obviously, the described embodiments are some, rather than all of the embodiments of the present disclosure. On the basis of the embodiments of the present disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by a person of ordinary skill in the art without making creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the detailed description of the embodiments of the present disclosure in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the protection scope of the present disclosure, but merely represent the selected embodiments of the present disclosure. On the basis of the embodiments of the present disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by a person of ordinary skill in the art without making creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present disclosure.

In the present disclosure, unless otherwise clearly specified, the terms "installation", "interconnection", "connection" and "fixation" etc. are intended to be understood in a broad sense. For example, the "connection" may be a fixed connection, removable connection or integral connection; may be a mechanical connection or electrical connection; may be a direct connection or indirect connection using a medium; and may be a communication or interaction between two elements. Those of ordinary skill in the art may understand specific meanings of the above terms in the present disclosure based on a specific situation. In addition, the terms such as "first", "second", and "third" are used only for the purpose of description and cannot be understood to indicate or imply relative importance.

Embodiment <NUM> of the present disclosure provides an endoscope connecting structure, including: accommodating housing <NUM>, transmission element <NUM>, traction wire mounting elements <NUM> and <NUM>, and traction wires <NUM> and <NUM>.

The accommodating housing <NUM> is provided therein with an accommodating space.

The transmission element <NUM> is slidably provided in the accommodating space.

The traction wire mounting elements <NUM> and <NUM> are respectively provided at two ends of the transmission element <NUM>, and are located in the accommodating space.

One end of each of the traction wires <NUM> and <NUM> is fixedly connected to a corresponding one of the traction wire mounting elements <NUM> and <NUM>.

In the above solution, as shown in <FIG>, the accommodating housing <NUM> is U-shaped and provided with a hollow structure. The hollow structure of the accommodating housing <NUM> forms the accommodating space. The transmission element <NUM> is provided in the accommodating space. The transmission element <NUM> is slidable and rollable along an inner wall of the accommodating space. The two ends of the transmission element <NUM> are respectively provided with first traction wire mounting element <NUM> and second traction wire mounting element <NUM>. Sides of the first traction wire mounting element <NUM> and the second traction wire mounting element <NUM> are respectively in contact with sides of corresponding ends of the transmission element <NUM> close to two ends of the accommodating housing <NUM>. The contact is not in form of fixed or detachable connection. The contact can be point contact, line contact or surface contact, which is not limited herein. The first traction wire mounting element <NUM> is fixedly connected to first traction wire <NUM>, and the second traction wire mounting element <NUM> is fixedly connected to second traction wire <NUM>. The fixed connection can be achieved by means of adhesive bonding or integrated molding, which is not limited herein.

It should be noted that the accommodating housing <NUM> can also be V-shaped or W-shaped. The present application does not limit the shape of the accommodating housing <NUM>, as long as the accommodating housing <NUM> can be provided in a matched component.

The traction wire mounting elements <NUM> and <NUM> include the first traction wire mounting element <NUM> and the second traction wire mounting element <NUM>.

The traction wires <NUM> and <NUM> include the first traction wire <NUM> and the second traction wire <NUM>.

It should be noted that in the present application, four traction wires can also be provided to achieve movement in other directions, that is, to provide two endoscope connecting structures. The two endoscope connecting structures can be the same or different and are at an angle. In the present application, the number, position, and connection relationship of the connecting structures are adjustable as needed to achieve the movement of multiple traction wires.

Therefore, in the endoscope connecting structure provided by the present disclosure, the first traction wire mounting element <NUM> or the second traction wire mounting element <NUM> is pushed by an external force to cause the transmission element <NUM> to move in one direction along an inner wall of the accommodating housing <NUM>, thereby driving the corresponding traction wire to move. In the present application, the movable range of the transmission element <NUM> is determined by the shape and size of the accommodating space. That is, the transmission element <NUM> is slidable along a preset path and space of the accommodating housing <NUM>, without affecting the arrangement of other components during the sliding process. It can be understood that during the movement process, the movement of the transmission element <NUM> will not affect the movement or arrangement of other components located on an outer wall of the accommodating housing <NUM>. The present disclosure reduces the movement space of the transmission element <NUM> and reduces the corresponding structure of an endoscope housing that is matched with the transmission element <NUM>.

Further, two sides of the accommodating housing <NUM> are respectively provided with wire passages <NUM> and <NUM>. The traction wires <NUM> and <NUM> are respectively connected to the traction wire mounting elements <NUM> and <NUM> through the wire passages <NUM> and <NUM>.

In the above solution, as shown in <FIG>, the two sides of the accommodating housing <NUM> are respectively provided with the first wire passage <NUM> and the second wire passage <NUM>. The first wire passage <NUM> and the second wire passage <NUM> are symmetrically arranged along an axis of symmetry of the accommodating housing <NUM>, and can also be asymmetrically arranged. In the present application, preferably, the first wire passage <NUM> and the second wire passage <NUM> are symmetrically arranged. Sizes of the first wire passage <NUM> and the second wire passage <NUM> can be set according to thicknesses of the first traction wire <NUM> and the second traction wire, or according to a material of the transmission element <NUM> in the accommodating housing <NUM>. When the transmission element <NUM> is solid, the first wire passage <NUM> and the second wire passage <NUM> can be wide to prevent the transmission element <NUM> from falling out of the accommodating housing <NUM> and reduce the weight of the accommodating housing <NUM>. When the transmission element <NUM> is a viscous liquid, the first wire passage <NUM> and the second wire passage <NUM> can be narrow to allow only the corresponding traction wire to pass through. In the field of endoscopy, the diameter of the traction wire is very small. Therefore, the first wire passage <NUM> and the second wire passage <NUM> are very narrow. When the transmission element <NUM> is pushed by a pushing assembly, the transmission element <NUM> will not be squeezed out from the first wire passage <NUM> and the second wire passage <NUM>.

It should be noted that in the present application, preferably, the wire passage is in the shape of a long strip. In addition, the wire passage can also be circular, square, triangular, etc., which is not limited herein.

In the present application, the accommodating housing <NUM> is provided with the wire passages. When the transmission element <NUM> moves, the traction wires are movable along the wire passages to ensure that the traction wires are always located outside the accommodating housing <NUM>, avoiding the traction wires from entering the accommodating housing <NUM> and affecting the movement of the transmission element <NUM>.

The wire passages <NUM> and <NUM> include the first wire passage <NUM> and the second wire passage <NUM>.

Further, the transmission element <NUM> can be either a solid or a viscous liquid, and a viscosity of the viscous liquid is greater than a preset viscosity.

In the above solution, as shown in <FIG>, the transmission element <NUM> can be a spherical solid, such as a solid made of iron and steel. The transmission element <NUM> can also be a viscous liquid, such as viscous butter. The viscosity of the viscous liquid is greater than the preset viscosity to ensure that the transmission element <NUM> slides normally in the accommodating housing <NUM>. The transmission element <NUM> can also be made of silicone or other materials.

Further, the two ends of the transmission element <NUM> are not higher than the two ends of the accommodating housing <NUM>.

In the above solution, the transmission element <NUM> can be pushed by the traction wire mounting elements <NUM> and <NUM> to slide inside the accommodating housing <NUM>. The transmission element <NUM> cannot slide out from the two ends of the accommodating housing <NUM>. The transmission element <NUM> is always kept in the accommodating housing <NUM>. That is, a maximum sliding distance of the two ends of the transmission element <NUM> in the accommodating housing does not go beyond the two ends of the accommodating housing <NUM>. If either end of the transmission element <NUM> slides out of the accommodating housing <NUM>, the entire connecting structure will be damaged and cannot be used multiple times.

Further, the inner wall of the accommodating housing <NUM> is provided with a locking groove.

In the above solution, as shown in <FIG>, the locking groove <NUM> is provided at a position close to two ends of the inner wall of the accommodating housing <NUM>. The locking groove <NUM> can be provided at two ends or one end of the accommodating housing <NUM>. Due to the locking groove <NUM> on the inner wall of the accommodating housing <NUM>, a component connected to the accommodating housing <NUM> is matched with the locking groove <NUM> to achieve locking of the component in the accommodating housing <NUM>, avoiding the movement of the component in the accommodating housing beyond a preset position.

Further, limiting portions are respectively provided at the two ends of the accommodating housing <NUM>.

In the above solution, end surfaces or inner walls of the two ends of the accommodating housing <NUM> are provided with the limiting portions. The limiting portions can be protrusions. A maximum size of the limiting portions is smaller than a maximum size of the transmission element <NUM>, to prevent the transmission element <NUM> from moving out of the accommodating housing <NUM> when moving in the accommodating housing <NUM>, thereby limiting the transmission element <NUM> inside the accommodating housing <NUM>.

In addition, the limiting portions at the two ends of the accommodating housing <NUM> can also be reduced portions. A cross-sectional size of the reduced portion is smaller than the maximum size of the transmission element <NUM>, in order to limit the transmission element <NUM> inside the accommodating housing <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, in the endoscope connecting structure of the present application, the first traction wire mounting element <NUM> is provided with threading holes <NUM>. The threading holes <NUM> include first threading hole <NUM> and second threading hole <NUM>. The first threading hole <NUM> and the second threading hole <NUM> are communicated with each other. A step surface is formed at a junction of the first threading hole <NUM> and the second threading hole <NUM>. First expansion portion <NUM> is fixedly connected to one end of the first traction wire <NUM>. The first expansion portion <NUM> is movably provided in the second threading hole <NUM>. One end of the first expansion portion <NUM> is abutted against the step surface.

The first traction wire mounting element <NUM> is cylindrical in shape to facilitate smooth rotation of the first traction wire mounting element <NUM> in the accommodating housing <NUM>. One end of the first traction wire <NUM> enters the first traction wire mounting element <NUM> through the threading hole <NUM> and does not slide out of the threading hole <NUM>.

It should be noted that in this embodiment, the first traction wire mounting element <NUM> can also be a quadrangular prism, a triangular prism, or other prims. The shape of the first traction wire mounting element is not limited herein, as long as the first traction wire mounting element <NUM> is rotatable in the accommodating housing <NUM>.

There can be one, two, or three threading holes <NUM>, which is not limited herein.

In this embodiment, there are two threading holes <NUM>, namely the first threading hole <NUM> and the second threading hole <NUM>. The first threading hole <NUM> and the second threading hole <NUM> are coaxially arranged and communicated with each other. In this embodiment, the first threading hole <NUM> and the second threading hole <NUM> are circular. A diameter of the first threading hole <NUM> is smaller than a diameter of the second threading hole <NUM>, thus forming the step surface at the junction of the first threading hole and the second threading hole.

The first threading hole <NUM> and the second threading hole <NUM> can be in other shapes such as circular, square, triangular, and polygonal, which is not limited herein. The cross-sectional sizes of the first threading hole <NUM> and the second threading hole <NUM> are different, and the sizes can be areas, radii, widths, or lengths, as long as the step surface can be formed at the junction of the first threading hole and the second threading hole.

The first expansion portion <NUM> is cylindrical, and includes a solid main body and a hollow tube body. In the present disclosure, the first expansion portion <NUM> is hollow and cylindrical, and the first expansion portion <NUM> is cylindrical and topless. One end of the first traction wire <NUM> enters the first expansion portion <NUM> through a hole of the first expansion portion <NUM>. An operator can pull out the first traction wire <NUM> from a topless side of the first expansion portion <NUM> and tie the end of the first traction wire <NUM> such that the end of the first traction wire <NUM> cannot be pulled out of the first expansion portion <NUM>.

The first expansion portion <NUM> is located in the second threading hole <NUM>. The end of the first expansion portion <NUM> connected to the first traction wire <NUM> is abutted against the step surface, such that the first expansion portion <NUM> will not enter the first threading hole <NUM>. Therefore, when the first expansion portion <NUM> is provided, a maximum width of a cross-section of the first expansion portion <NUM> is not less than the diameter of the first threading hole <NUM>.

When the first expansion portion <NUM> is solid, one end of the first traction wire <NUM> can be fixedly connected to the first expansion portion <NUM> through adhesive boding or integrated molding.

It should be noted that the first expansion portion <NUM> can be in other shapes such as cylindrical, rectangular, cubic, and spherical. The specific shape of the first expansion portion is not limited herein as long as the first expansion portion <NUM> does not slide out of a hole in the step surface and the first traction wire <NUM> is always connected to the first traction wire mounting element <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, in the endoscope connecting structure of the present application, the second traction wire mounting element <NUM> is provided with threading holes <NUM>. The threading holes <NUM> include first threading hole <NUM> and second threading hole <NUM>. The first threading hole <NUM> and the second threading hole <NUM> are communicated with each other. A step surface is formed at a junction of the first threading hole <NUM> and the second threading hole <NUM>. Second expansion portion <NUM> is fixedly connected to one end of the second traction wire <NUM>. The second expansion portion <NUM> is movably provided in the second threading hole <NUM>. One end of the second expansion portion <NUM> is abutted against the step surface.

The second traction wire mounting element <NUM> is cylindrical in shape to facilitate smooth rotation of the second traction wire mounting element <NUM> in the accommodating housing <NUM>. One end of the second traction wire <NUM> enters the second traction wire mounting element <NUM> through the threading hole <NUM> and does not slide out of the threading hole <NUM>.

It should be noted that in this embodiment, the second traction wire mounting element <NUM> can also be a quadrangular prism, a triangular prism, or other prims. The shape of the second traction wire mounting element is not limited herein, as long as the second traction wire mounting element <NUM> is rotatable in the accommodating housing <NUM>.

The second expansion portion <NUM> is cylindrical, and includes a solid main body and a hollow tube body. In the present disclosure, the second expansion portion <NUM> is hollow and cylindrical, and the second expansion portion <NUM> is cylindrical and topless. One end of the second traction wire <NUM> enters the second expansion portion <NUM> through a hole of the second expansion portion <NUM>. An operator can pull out the second traction wire <NUM> from a topless side of the second expansion portion <NUM> and tie the end of the second traction wire <NUM> such that the end of the second traction wire <NUM> cannot be pulled out of the second expansion portion <NUM>.

The second expansion portion <NUM> is located in the second threading hole <NUM>. The end of the second expansion portion <NUM> connected to the second traction wire <NUM> is abutted against the step surface, such that the second expansion portion <NUM> will not enter the first threading hole <NUM>. Therefore, when the second expansion portion <NUM> is provided, a maximum width of a cross-section of the second expansion portion <NUM> is not less than the diameter of the first threading hole <NUM>.

When the second expansion portion <NUM> is solid, one end of the second traction wire <NUM> can be fixedly connected to the second expansion portion <NUM> through adhesive boding or integrated molding.

It should be noted that the second expansion portion <NUM> can be in other shapes such as cylindrical, rectangular, cubic, and spherical. The specific shape of the second expansion portion is not limited herein as long as the second expansion portion <NUM> does not slide out of a hole in the step surface and the second traction wire <NUM> is always connected to the second traction wire mounting element <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, Embodiment <NUM> of the present disclosure provides an endoscope handle, including an upper handle and a lower handle.

The upper handle includes pushing assembly <NUM>.

The lower handle includes the above-mentioned endoscope connecting structure.

One end of the pushing assembly <NUM> is located in the accommodating space and abutted against the traction wire mounting elements <NUM> and <NUM>.

In the above solution, the endoscope handle includes the upper handle and the lower handle <NUM>. The pushing assembly <NUM> is at least partially provided in the upper handle. The pushing assembly <NUM> includes one end located in the upper handle and the other end located in the accommodating space of the accommodating housing <NUM> of the lower handle and abutted against the traction wire mounting elements <NUM> and <NUM> to push the traction wire mounting elements <NUM> and <NUM> to slide in the accommodating space.

The pushing assembly <NUM> is in surface contact, line contact or point contact, etc. with the traction wire mounting elements <NUM> and <NUM>.

Optionally, the upper handle and the lower handle <NUM> are detachably or fixedly connected.

Further, the pushing assembly <NUM> includes at least first pushing element <NUM>, second pushing element <NUM>, and driving element <NUM>.

One end of the first pushing element <NUM> is abutted against the traction wire mounting elements <NUM> and <NUM>, and one end of the second pushing element <NUM> is abutted against the traction wire mounting elements <NUM> and <NUM>.

The driving element <NUM> is configured to drive the first pushing element <NUM> and the second pushing element <NUM> to move in opposite directions synchronously.

In the above solution, the first pushing element <NUM> and the second pushing element <NUM> are racks, and the driving element <NUM> is provided between the first pushing element and the second pushing element. Optionally, the driving element is a gear. The first pushing element, the second pushing element, and the driving element are engaged. The driving element <NUM> rotates to drive the first pushing element <NUM> and the second pushing element <NUM> to move. In the present application, a movement distance of the transmission element <NUM> is controllable based on a length of the first pushing element <NUM> and the second pushing element <NUM>. Alternatively, the movement distance of the rotating element <NUM> is controllable based on a rotation circumference of the driving element <NUM>.

Optionally, the first pushing element <NUM> and the second pushing element <NUM> can also be rods, and the driving element <NUM> is an electric motor. The present application does not impose any limit on the driving structures of the first pushing element <NUM>, the second pushing element <NUM>, and the driving element <NUM>, as long as they can achieve relative movement.

Specifically, lower ends of the first pushing element <NUM> and the second pushing element <NUM> can push the traction wire mounting elements <NUM> and <NUM> through point contact, line contact, and surface contact.

In the endoscope handle provided by the present application, the pushing assembly <NUM> adopts a tooth engagement pushing method to achieve synchronous movement of the first pushing element and the second pushing element. When one pushing element moves down a preset distance, the other pushing element synchronously moves up an equal preset distance. In this way, the operator can control the movement distance of the traction wire by controlling the movement distance of the pushing element, in order to accurately control the traction wire.

Further, a locking element matched with the locking groove is provided on an outer wall of the first pushing element <NUM> and/or an outer wall of the second pushing element <NUM>.

In the above solution, as shown in <FIG>, the first pushing element <NUM> and the second pushing element <NUM> each are provided with a locking element matched with the locking groove. Alternatively, only one of the first pushing element <NUM> and the second pushing element <NUM> is provided with a locking element.

The locking element can be a protrusion provided on the outer wall of the first pushing element <NUM> and the second pushing element <NUM>, or a combination of a spring and a ball. The present application does not limit the specific structure of the locking element, as long as the locking element is matched with the locking groove to achieve locking of the first pushing element <NUM> and/or the second pushing element <NUM> in the accommodating housing. The design avoids the first pushing element <NUM> and/or the second pushing element <NUM> from pushing out the transmission element <NUM> or the traction wire mounting elements <NUM> and <NUM> in the accommodating housing, thereby avoiding device damage.

The accommodating housing <NUM> is fixedly provided in a housing of the lower handle <NUM>.

Claim 1:
An endoscope connecting structure, comprising:
an accommodating housing (<NUM>), provided therein with an accommodating space;
a transmission element (<NUM>), slidably provided in the accommodating space;
traction wire mounting elements (<NUM>, <NUM>), respectively provided at two ends of the transmission element (<NUM>) and located in the accommodating space; and
traction wires (<NUM>, <NUM>), wherein one end of each of the traction wires (<NUM>, <NUM>) is fixedly connected to a corresponding one of the traction wire mounting elements (<NUM>, <NUM>); characterized in that
the accommodating housing (<NUM>) is U-shaped, V-shaped or W-shaped and provided with a hollow structure; the hollow structure of the accommodating housing (<NUM>) forms the accommodating space; the transmission element (<NUM>) is slidable and rollable along an inner wall of the accommodating space;
each of the two arms of the accommodating housing (<NUM>) is provided at its external side with a wire passage (<NUM>, <NUM>); and the traction wires (<NUM>, <NUM>) are respectively connected to the traction wire mounting elements (<NUM>, <NUM>) through the wire passages (<NUM>, <NUM>).