Patent Description:
In medical examinations with non-rigid endoscopes, a tilting movement of a control element is transformed into a deflection movement (bending movement) of a deflecting member or deflecting portion by means of a deflection movement transmitting means. For operation by the user, the control element is usually arranged on the proximal side of the endoscope so as to be operated by the user. The deflecting member (deflecting portion) is usually arranged on the distal side of the endoscope and is bent, i.e. deflected, by the user in the desired manner. The transmission of the deflection movement takes place from the control element to the deflecting member (deflecting portion) via control wires (pulling cables).

The transmission of the deflection movement takes place over the entire length of the endoscope. For this, the pulling cables are pulled with enormous forces and therefore have to be appropriately attached to the control element.

<CIT> shows an endoscope control device having the features of the preamble of claim <NUM>.

<CIT> teaches an articulating surgical device. This surgical device has a distal end effector actuated by a proximal moveable thumb loop. An actuation cable is connected to the end effector on the distal side. This end effector can effect a deflection movement by means of the moveable thumb loop.

It is the object of the present invention to provide an improved endoscope control device and an improved endoscope, where the control wires (pulling cables) of the deflection movement transmitting means are advantageously fixed.

This problem is solved by an endoscope control device comprising the features of claim <NUM>. An endoscope is shown in claim <NUM>. Advantageous further developments are subject to the dependent claims.

Hence, an endoscope control device for a non-rigid endoscope has been provided, the endoscope control device comprising a tiltable control element for effecting a deflection movement by means of a transmission wire, the control element including a wire guiding means for guiding a wire; the wire which is arranged at the control element on the wire guiding means for realizing the deflection movement; and a wire tensioning body in which a proximal end of the wire is anchored and which is movable relative to the control element for changing the tension of the wire between the wire guiding means and the wire tensioning body.

In the endoscope control device according to the invention, the tension of the transmission wire between the wire guiding means and the wire tensioning body can be changed by means of the wire tensioning body. The transmission wire which transmits the user's control movement of the tiltable control element to a distal deflecting member or deflecting portion of an endoscope can thus be appropriately and specifically tensioned. Thus, an improved, easy to handle fixing construction of the transmission wire for an endoscope control device has been provided.

The wire tensioning body in which a proximal end of the wire is anchored, is moved relative to the control element in order to tension the transmission wire.

This tensioning of the transmission wire can be a retensioning of an already tensioned transmission wire. Alternatively, this tensioning of the transmission wire can be a first tensioning of the transmission wire. In the latter case, it is possible in such an endoscope control device that the pulling cables attached to the deflection movement transmitting means are activated and tensioned only by the end-user.

The advantage of the wire being tensioned only by the end-user is that the system can be stored over a long period of time without a loss of functionality. If the system was under tension right from the beginning, this tension would have a negative effect on the quality of the system due to material fatigue. Therefore, the endoscope control device according to the invention has a longer service life than conventional systems. Moreover, the actual start of the service life is that point in time when the wire is tensioned for the first time. Thus, the start of the service life can be determined by the end-user himself.

Further, the endoscope control device according to the invention makes it possible to assemble and store an endoscope comprising this endoscope control device under untensioned conditions.

The wire tensioning body is movable relative to the control element such that a predefined tension can be applied to the wire. The wire tensioning body is movable relative to the control element by a predetermined movement path or angle such that the desired optimum tension of the transmission wire is achieved.

The wire tensioning body is rotatable relative to the control element such that the predefined tension can be applied to the wire.

This predefined tension of the wire is achieved by a rotational movement of the deflection movement transmitting means, which leads directly to an extension of the distance and, thus, to a tension of the attached wire.

The endoscope control device can comprise an engagement member which engages at a predefined movement length of the wire, effected by a movement of the wire tensioning body. Alternatively, the endoscope control device can comprise multiple engagement members which engage at a predefined movement length of the wire, effected by a movement of the wire tensioning body. Such an endoscope control device makes it possible to maintain the desired predefined tension of the wire tensioning body after the wire has been tensioned.

The engagement member can be designed to be engageable such that the engagement is irreversible. This is advantageous, particularly for the first tensioning of the wire tensioning body. The wire tension of the wire tensioning body to be achieved is structurally predefined and can be induced shortly before the application of the endoscope by the user himself by operating the wire tensioning body. Thereby, an endoscope comprising this endoscope control device can be stored relatively long in a state of untensioned wires, and can be made ready for immediate use by an easily performable action. Then, once the wire is tensioned, the user cannot independently change the tension of the wire. This has the effect that a user cannot tension the wire in a manner not desired by the manufacturer. In this way, an incorrect tension of the wire by the user - too strong or too weak - can be avoided. Such an endoscope control device is especially suitable for single uses in which a possible reduction in the tension of the wire is insignificant.

On the other hand, the engagement member can be designed to be engageable such that the engagement can be released. Alternatively, the engagement members can be designed to be engageable such that the engagement can be released.

The user himself can release the tension state of the tensioned wires again and reset the wires in the untensioned state by moving back the wire tensioning body. Such an endoscope control device is e.g. particularly suitable for applications in which a possible reduction of the tension of the wire is to be prevented. Here, the user can tension the initially untensioned wires immediately before using the endoscope. After the use of the endoscope, the user can release the wires again. Thus, the endoscope can be cleaned, sterilized and stored in a state of untensioned wires until it is used again.

The wire tensioning body can be arranged on the proximal side of the control element. Thereby, the wire tensioning body is easily accessible to the user and simple to handle. For example, the wires can be tensioned by a simple movement of the thumb and the index finger on the wire tensioning body.

The wire tensioning body can be an annular body having wire anchoring openings in which the wire is placed, wherein, for tensioning the wire, the annular body is rotatable relative to the control element. In this way, the tensioning of the wires can be achieved by an easily performable rotational movement of the wire tensioning body.

The annular body can be arranged with respect to the control element such that a proximal surface of the annular body faces away from the control element and a distal surface of the annular body faces towards the control element. The wire anchoring openings can be through-holes between the proximal surface and the distal surface of the annular body. The proximal end of the wire for anchoring can be wound along a first wire anchoring opening, a portion of the proximal surface of the annular body, a second wire anchoring opening and a portion of the distal surface of the annular body.

In the wire tensioning body, at least two wires can be anchored in the wire anchoring openings such that the at least two wires have tensionable lengths differently long to each other between their respective anchoring site on the wire tensioning body and their respective wire guiding means of the control elment, wherein, during a movement of the wire tensioning body relative to the wire guiding means of the control element, the at least two anchored wires are tensionable at changes in length which are different from each other.

Thus, by attaching the pulling cables to different positions with respect to the rotating movement of the deflection movement transmitting means, each fitted wire can experience a change in length different from another wire and, thus, a tension. This enables the user of an endoscope to adjust the tension of the wires individually and separately as needed.

Further, the endoscope control device can comprise a fixing member for temporarily fixing the wire independently of the wire tensioning body. Thus, the endoscope control device according to the invention makes it possible that the members which tension the wire are not affected by those members used for a treatment-related temporary fixing of the wire by which a specific achieved deflection position of the deflecting member (deflecting portion) is fixed, and vice versa.

The features discussed above may be combined in any manner.

Subsequently, a first embodiment of the present invention is described by means of the attached drawings.

<FIG> shows a control element <NUM> of an endoscope control device of the embodiment of the present invention, comprising a tilting body <NUM>, an annular extension <NUM>, a wire tensioning body <NUM> and an engagement member <NUM>. The tilting body <NUM> and the annular extension <NUM> are designed integrally, the tilting body <NUM> being arranged on the distal side and the annular extension <NUM> being arranged on the proximal side. Thus, the annular extension <NUM> forms a proximal extension of the tilting body <NUM>. In <FIG>, the upward direction is the proximal direction facing towards the user, while the downward direction is the distal direction facing away from the user.

The structure for accomplishing the tensioning of the wire is described in the following.

Together with the annular extension <NUM>, the tilting body <NUM> is made of a plastic material. An injection molding method can be applied, for example, but the invention is not restricted thereto. The tilting body <NUM> is a spherical joystick element as shown in <FIG>. The tilting body <NUM> is seated on a head not shown in <FIG>. In particular, the tilting body <NUM> forms a hollow ball portion of the endoscope control device <NUM> according to the invention, wherein this hollow ball portion is seated on a counter ball portion (counter ball segment) which forms the above-mentioned head but is not shown in <FIG>. The counter ball portion is formed in such a manner that it has a ball shape of such a size that the tilting body <NUM> placed thereon is smoothly movable. The relation of dimensions between the counter ball portion and the tilting body <NUM> is such that a movement of the tilting body <NUM> relative to the counter ball portion is possible without any great effort by the user, while, on the other hand, the tilting body <NUM> is not placed loosely on the counter ball portion. Thus, the control element <NUM> can tilt as a joystick relative to the counter ball portion for effecting a deflection movement by means of a transmission wire not shown in <FIG>. The tilting body <NUM> has an opening at the pole region. The annular extension <NUM> is located at the pole of the tilting body <NUM>.

In a schematic perspective extract-like representation, <FIG> shows details of the connection of the wires to the control element <NUM>. So as to improve clarity, the subsequently discussed wires have been omitted in <FIG>.

As it is shown in <FIG>, the outer circumferential surface of the tilting body <NUM> is provided with three bottomed grooves <NUM> as wire guiding means, of which only one groove <NUM> is shown in <FIG>. The three grooves <NUM> are arranged symmetrically and equally spaced apart at the outer circumferential surface of the tilting body <NUM>. Each groove <NUM> extends downwards, i.e. in the distal direction, from below the transition to the annular extension <NUM>, to beyond an equatorial line at the tilting body <NUM>. In particular, each groove <NUM> extends on the outer surface of the tilting body <NUM> from a top opening <NUM> to a bottom opening <NUM>. The top opening <NUM> forms a proximal opening and the bottom opening <NUM> forms a distal opening.

The proximal opening <NUM> is formed as through-opening penetrating the hollow ball shape of the tilting body <NUM>. The distal opening <NUM> is designed as blind hole on the outer surface of the tilting body <NUM>. Thus, the groove <NUM> passes into a through bore at the proximal opening <NUM>. The groove <NUM> serves as wire guiding means, the wire being arranged in the groove <NUM> such that, the wire coming from the distal side and passing the distal opening <NUM> is placed in the bottomed groove <NUM> at the outer side of the tilting body <NUM> and is guided from the outside to the inner circumferential side of the tilting body <NUM> through the proximal opening <NUM>. Therefore, when it is tightened, the wire abuts against the bottom of the groove <NUM> between the proximal opening <NUM> and the distal opening <NUM>.

In addition to the grooves <NUM>, three incisions <NUM> are provided at the outer circumferential surface of the tilting body <NUM>, of which only two incisions <NUM> are shown in <FIG>. Each of the three incisions <NUM> is arranged symmetrically and equally spaced apart at the outer circumferential surface of the tilting body <NUM> between two grooves <NUM>. Each incision <NUM> extends upwards, i.e. in the proximal direction, from the bottom end of the tilting body <NUM> to below the transition to the annular extension <NUM>. Each incision <NUM> forms a gap having a constant width. Due to the incisions <NUM>, the elastic tilting body <NUM> can be bent open and can be placed on the counter ball portion.

An end portion <NUM> is provided at the proximal end of the incision <NUM>. The width of the end portion <NUM> in the latitude direction is larger than the width of the incision <NUM>.

Hence, the grooves <NUM> and the incisions <NUM> are provided at the outer circumferential surface in the meridian direction of the tilting body <NUM>. The number of grooves <NUM> and incisions <NUM> is not restricted. The number of grooves <NUM> depends on the number of wires used. The number of grooves <NUM> may differ from the number of incisions <NUM>.

The annular extension <NUM> is formed as a hollow ring body. The annular extension <NUM> has an inner circumferential surface, an outer circumferential surface, a distal surface facing toward the tilting body <NUM> and a proximal surface facing away from the tilting body <NUM>. The annular extension <NUM> is integrally arranged at a pole of the tilting body <NUM>. The annular extension <NUM> surrounds the proximal opening of the tilting body <NUM>, formed at the pole of the tilting body <NUM>.

At the proximal surface, the annular extension <NUM> has a channel <NUM> extending in a circumferential direction, which may be interrupted in the circumferential direction as <FIG> shows. On both the outer circumferential surface and the inner circumferential surface the channel <NUM> is surrounded by a wall.

Furthermore, on the proximal side of the annular extension <NUM>, a respective wire inlet slit <NUM> extending in the axial direction is provided at a position corresponding to an extension of the respective groove <NUM>. Thus, on the proximal side of the annular extension <NUM>, three wire inlet slits <NUM> are formed spaced apart by <NUM>°. Such a wire inlet slit <NUM> allows a wire passing along the inner circumferential surface of the annular extension <NUM> above the proximal opening <NUM> to be inserted radially obliquely to the outside into the wire inlet slit <NUM> and into a subsequently explained corresponding through-opening <NUM> of the wire tensioning body <NUM>.

Moreover, on the proximal side of the annular extension <NUM>, a respective wire outlet slit <NUM> extending in the axial direction is provided at a position spaced apart from the wire inlet slit <NUM> in the circumferential direction. Thus, three wire outlet slits <NUM> spaced apart by <NUM>° are formed on the proximal side of the annular extension <NUM>. Such a wire outlet slit <NUM> enables a wire end leaving the subsequently described wire tensioning body <NUM> to get to the outside through the wire outlet slit <NUM>, as it is shown in <FIG>.

A first latching nose <NUM> for a subsequently described covering body, extending radially inwards is provided at the inner circumferential surface of the annular extension <NUM>, wherein the covering body covers the control element <NUM> from the proximal side. A further radially inwardly extending latching nose (not shown) is also arranged on the inner circumferential surface of the annular extension <NUM> on the same level as the first latching nose <NUM> and offset by approx. <NUM>° with respect to the first latching nose <NUM>.

The wire tensioning body <NUM> forms an annular body and is made of a plastic material, but can alternatively be made of a metal as well. Thus, the wire tensioning body <NUM> has an inner circumferential surface, an outer circumferential surface, a distal surface facing towards the tilting body <NUM> and a proximal surface facing away from the tilting body <NUM>. In the wire tensioning body <NUM>, through-openings <NUM> formed as pairs are provided in the axial direction as wire anchoring openings between the distal surface and the proximal surface. In the embodiment, three pairs of through-openings <NUM> are provided, each pair being assigned to one wire, and thus, to one groove <NUM> of the tilting body <NUM>. Hence, the respective pairs of through-openings <NUM> are arranged symmetrically and equally spaced apart on the wire tensioning body <NUM>. Incidentally, the through-openings <NUM> are arranged radially offset from the inner circumferential surface and the outer circumferential surface of the wire tensioning body <NUM>. The through-openings <NUM> belonging to a pair of through-openings <NUM> are spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the wire tensioning body <NUM>. The distance of the through openings <NUM> belonging to a pair of through-openings <NUM> corresponds to the distance between the wire inlet slit <NUM> and the wire outlet slit <NUM> in the circumferential direction of the annular extension <NUM>.

Between each two through-openings <NUM> forming a pair, there is a center at which a notch <NUM> is provided on the proximal surface. In this way, there are three notches <NUM> which are spaced apart from each other by <NUM>° in the embodiment.

On the outer circumferential surface, the wire tensioning body <NUM> has axially extending protrusions <NUM> in a cuboid-like shape, as it is shown in <FIG>. The protrusions <NUM> are also arranged symmetrically and equally spaced apart on the wire tensioning body <NUM>. In the embodiment, the protrusions <NUM> are provided between the notches <NUM>, viewed in the circumferential direction of the wire tensioning body <NUM>. The wire tensioning body <NUM> has an axially extending nose <NUM> on the inner circumferential surface. Three protrusions <NUM> are provided in the embodiment, but the invention is not restricted to a certain number of protrusions.

The engagement member <NUM> is formed in an annular shape. The engagement member <NUM> is made of a plastic material but may alternatively also be made of a metal. The engagement member <NUM> has an inner circumferential surface, an outer circumferential surface, a distal surface facing towards the wire tensioning body <NUM> and a proximal surface facing away from the wire tensioning body <NUM>. Locking pins <NUM> protruding in the axial direction and formed as pairs are provided on the distal surface. Each locking pin <NUM> is arranged on the distal surface of the engagement member <NUM> and dimensioned such that it can be inserted into one through-opening <NUM>. Therefore, three pairs of locking pins <NUM> are provided in the embodiment, each of the pairs being assigned to one wire. The respective pairs of locking pins <NUM> are therefore arranged symmetrically and spaced apart by <NUM>° on the engagement member <NUM>.

Bulges <NUM> protruding in the axial direction are provided on the distal surface of the engagement member <NUM>, the bulges having a shorter axial length than the locking pins <NUM>. In the embodiment, three bulges <NUM> are provided of which only one bulge <NUM> is shown in <FIG>. The bulges <NUM> are arranged symmetrically and equally spaced apart by <NUM>° and offset on the engagement member <NUM>. In the embodiment, one bulge <NUM> is provided between each of the pairs of locking pins <NUM>. When the engagement member <NUM> is placed on the wire tensioning body <NUM>, each bulge <NUM> engages into one corresponding notch <NUM>.

On the outer circumferential surface the engagement member <NUM> has axially extending protrusions <NUM> in a cuboid-like shape. The protrusions <NUM> are also arranged symmetrically and equally spaced apart on the engagement member <NUM>. In the embodiment, regarding the shape, the arrangement and the alignment, the protrusions <NUM> are arranged on the engagement member <NUM> in a manner corresponding to the protrusions <NUM> of the wire tensioning body <NUM>, cf. also <FIG>.

The engagement member <NUM> has an axially extending nose <NUM> on the inner circumferential surface.

For the wire tensioning body <NUM> being able to tension the wire <NUM>, the wire <NUM> has to be fixedly anchored, i.e. fixed in the wire tensioning body.

In the following, the fixing of the wire <NUM> in the wire tensioning body <NUM> is explained in more detail by referring to <FIG>. Here, it has to be noted that there are multiple possibilities of fixing the wire <NUM> to the assembly composed of the wire tensioning body <NUM> and the engagement member <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the fixing of a wire, Figure 3A showing an engagement member <NUM>, Figure 3B showing a wire tensioning body <NUM> with a wire <NUM> and Figure 3C showing how the wire tensioning body <NUM> and the engagement member <NUM> are assembled to fix the wire <NUM>.

In the present embodiment, the wire <NUM> is inserted in a first pair of through-openings <NUM> from the distal side of the wire tensioning body <NUM>, passes through the first through-opening <NUM> in the proximal direction and is inserted into the second through-opening <NUM> on the proximal side of the wire tensioning body <NUM> and passes through the second through-opening <NUM> in the distal direction, as it is shown in Figure 3B.

In this state, the engagement member <NUM> is arranged from the proximal side on the wire tensioning body <NUM> provided with the wire <NUM> so that the respective locking pin <NUM> is inserted into its corresponding through-opening <NUM>, cf. Thus, the locking pin <NUM> clamps the wire <NUM> positioned in its corresponding through-opening <NUM>. When, in the state shown in Figure 3C, the engagement member <NUM> is further pushed in the distal direction, the nose <NUM> enters the notch <NUM> and tensions the portion of the wire on the proximal side of the wire tensioning body <NUM>. In this way, a sufficient static friction of the wire <NUM> is realized at three positions at the same time: between a first locking pin <NUM> and its corresponding through-opening <NUM>; between the nose <NUM> and the notch <NUM>; and between a second locking pin <NUM> and its corresponding through-opening <NUM>.

In Figure 3C the wire <NUM> is thus anchored to the wire tensioning body <NUM> and the engagement member <NUM> by means of a loop. Such a clamping of the wire <NUM> in the wire tensioning body <NUM> and the engagement member <NUM> already ensures a sufficient fixing of the wire <NUM>. Of course, the wire <NUM> can also be fixed such that it is anchored in two or more loops to the wire tensioning body <NUM> and the engagement member <NUM>. This means, after the wire <NUM> has left the second through-opening <NUM>, it is again inserted into the first pair of through-openings <NUM> in the proximal direction, passes the same, and so on.

As it is shown in <FIG>, a wire <NUM> is anchored in each pair of through-openings <NUM>, wherein the engagement member <NUM> has been omitted in <FIG>. Here, the wire <NUM> is inserted in a first pair of through-openings <NUM> from the distal side of the wire tensioning body <NUM>, passes through the first through-opening <NUM>, and is inserted into the second through-opening <NUM> on the proximal side of the wire tensioning body <NUM> and passes through the second through-opening <NUM>. Thus, a proximal end of the wire <NUM> is wound along the first through-opening <NUM>, a portion of the proximal surface of the wire tensioning body <NUM>, the second through-opening <NUM> and a portion of the distal surface of the wire tensioning body <NUM>.

In a state where the wire <NUM> is guided through the through-openings <NUM>, the engagement member <NUM> is placed on the wire tensioning body <NUM>. In particular, the respective locking pin <NUM> is inserted into its corresponding through-opening <NUM>. Thus, the locking pin <NUM> clamps the wire <NUM> positioned in its corresponding through-hole <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a position of the wire tensioning body <NUM> relative to the tilting body <NUM>, where the anchored wire <NUM> is not tensioned. In this position, the distance between the wire insertion location on the distal surface of the wire tensioning body <NUM> and the wire exit location on the proximal surface of the annular extension <NUM> is minimal.

If the wire tensioning body <NUM> is rotated relative to the tilting body <NUM>, the distance between the wire insertion location on the distal surface of the wire tensioning body <NUM> and the wire exit location on the proximal surface of the annular extension <NUM> increases. Thus, the wire <NUM> is tensioned as it is shown in <FIG>.

It has to be noted that, so as to improve clarity, an exploded view is shown in <FIG>. In reality, the distal surface of the wire tensioning body <NUM> abuts against the proximal surface of the annular extension <NUM>.

As it is shown in <FIG>, a brake ring <NUM> is placed on the outer circumference of the distal tilting body <NUM>. More precisely, the brake ring <NUM> is arranged in the equatorial area of the distal tilting body <NUM>.

The brake ring <NUM> is formed of an annular member <NUM> and a toggle lever element <NUM> integrally formed on the annular member <NUM>. The toggle lever element <NUM> extends inwards from the annular member <NUM>. Preferably, the toggle lever element <NUM> does not extend inwards from the annular member <NUM> perpendicularly or vertically in the median plane of the annular member <NUM>, but the extension direction of the toggle lever element <NUM> from the annular member <NUM> is at a predetermined angle to the median plane of the annular member <NUM>.

The end of the toggle lever element <NUM> facing away from the annular member <NUM> is seated in the opening <NUM> of the outer surface of the spherical body <NUM>. The bottom of the blind-hole-like opening <NUM> forms an inner support surface for the toggle lever element <NUM>. In the area of the toggle lever element <NUM>, the annular member <NUM> is interrupted so as to let the wire <NUM> pass. The number of toggle lever elements <NUM> at the annular member <NUM> corresponds to the number of openings <NUM>.

Due to its toggle lever element <NUM>, the brake ring <NUM> can switch between two end positions. The first end position is the position in which it presses the spherical body <NUM> inwards against the counter ball portion (counter ball segment). This is the brake position in which a movement of the control element <NUM> relative to the counter ball portion is impeded by braking friction. The brake position has the purpose of locking a tilting position of the control element <NUM>, achieved during the application of the endoscope, relative to the counter ball portion and, thus, a deflecting position of the tiltable deflecting member or deflecting portion. The second end position is the position where the brake ring <NUM> does not press the spherical body <NUM> inwards against the counter ball portion. This is the unbraked position, in which a movement of the control element <NUM> relative to the counter ball portion is possible.

A hood member <NUM> is arranged on the outer side of the control element <NUM>. <FIG> shows the hood member from below, i.e., from the distal side.

The hood member <NUM> surrounds the outer surface of the control element <NUM> and has a neck <NUM> on its proximal side and a spherical portion <NUM> on its distal side. A transition portion <NUM> is integrally arranged between the neck <NUM> and the spherical portion <NUM>.

The neck <NUM> is constructed as a hollow cylinder, the inner diameter of which is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the wire tensioning ring <NUM> and the engagement member <NUM>. On the inner circumferential side of the neck <NUM>, three guiding grooves <NUM> extend in the longitudinal direction of the neck <NUM>. The guiding grooves <NUM> are arranged symmetrically and equally spaced apart on the inner circumference of the neck <NUM>. Each of the guiding grooves <NUM> respectively accommodates one of the protrusions <NUM> of the wire tensioning ring <NUM> and one of the protrusions <NUM> of the engagement member <NUM>. Therefore, the inner shape of the guiding grooves <NUM> is adapted to the outer shape of the protrusions <NUM> of the wire tensioning ring <NUM> and one of the protrusions <NUM> of the engagement member <NUM>. Thus, guided by the guiding grooves <NUM>, the wire tensioning ring <NUM> and the engagement member <NUM> are able to move in the longitudinal direction of the neck <NUM>.

The spherical portion <NUM> has a bell shape which is seated on the outer side of the distal tilting body <NUM>. The spherical portion <NUM> is tiltable together with the distal tilting body <NUM>, relative to the counter ball portion. In other words, the spherical portion <NUM> forms an outer shell that forms the bell shape and surrounds the distal tilting body <NUM>.

Similar to the distal tilting body <NUM>, the spherical portion <NUM> is a partial spherical surface body having a constant wall thickness, as it is shown in <FIG>. Thus, the spherical portion <NUM> has an inner circumferential surface and an outer circumferential surface. In the assembled state of <FIG>, the inner circumferential surface of the spherical portion <NUM> faces toward the distal tilting body <NUM> and the outer circumferential surface of the spherical portion <NUM> faces away from the distal tilting body <NUM>. The inner circumferential surface of the spherical portion <NUM> is spaced apart from the outer circumferential surface of the distal tilting body <NUM> by a predetermined distance.

On the inner circumferential surface of the spherical portion <NUM>, the hood member <NUM> has an annular groove <NUM> on the equator. The annular body <NUM> of the brake ring <NUM> is inserted into the annular groove <NUM>. In other words, the outer circumference of the annular body <NUM> of the brake ring <NUM> abuts against the inner circumference of the annular groove <NUM>.

The annular member <NUM> is placed in a tiltable manner in the annular groove <NUM> of the inner surface of the spherical portion <NUM>, said annular groove being adapted to the annular shape of the annular member <NUM>, cf. The annular groove <NUM> forms the outer support surface of the toggle lever element <NUM>.

Thus, the spherical portion <NUM> can be displaced relative to the distal tiltable body <NUM>, by the neck <NUM> sliding along the outer circumference of the proximal annular extension. When the spherical portion <NUM> is displaced along the axis of the control element <NUM>, relative to the distal tilting body <NUM>, two intrinsically stable end positions are formed. When the spherical portion <NUM> is displaced towards the distal tilting body <NUM> in the distal direction, the brake position is established as first end position, cf. When the spherical portion <NUM> is displaced away from the distal tilting body <NUM> in the proximal direction, the unbraked position is established as second end position.

In the completely assembled state of the control element <NUM>, the wire tensioning ring <NUM> and the engagement member <NUM> form an assembly. This assembly has the protrusions <NUM> and <NUM> and is placed in the neck <NUM> of the hood member <NUM>. Thus, in the completely assembled state of the control element <NUM> protrusions <NUM> and <NUM>, placed in the guiding grooves <NUM> of the neck <NUM> and, thus, the assembly consisting of the wire tensioning body <NUM> and the engagement member <NUM> are rotated by (clockwise) rotation of the hood member <NUM>, more explicitly the neck <NUM>, so as to tension the wires <NUM>. The neck <NUM> thus forms a rotating member for tensioning the wires <NUM>.

So as to hold the wire tensioning ring <NUM> and the engagement member <NUM> in the neck <NUM> of the hood member <NUM>, a funnel member <NUM> is engagingly set from the proximal side of the neck <NUM> into the neck <NUM> of the hood member <NUM>, cf. Thus, the funnel member <NUM> prevents the wire tensioning ring <NUM> and the engagement member <NUM> from slipping out.

The funnel member <NUM> has a tapering funnel entrance opening <NUM> through which a catheter (entering tube) can be inserted from the proximal side. The funnel entrance opening <NUM> passes into a through-opening which is adapted to pass on the inserted catheter.

The funnel member <NUM> comprises a proximal portion <NUM> having a constantly large diameter, a distal portion <NUM> having a constantly small diameter, and an intermediate portion <NUM> having a tapering diameter integrally connecting the proximal portion <NUM> to the distal portion <NUM>. The distal portion <NUM> comprises the through-opening for the catheter.

The funnel member <NUM> acts as covering body and, on the inserted outer circumference of the distal portion <NUM>, comprises a notch <NUM> with which the latching nose <NUM> of the annular extension <NUM> can engage. To be more exact, two notches <NUM> offset by approximately <NUM>° are formed on the outer circumference of the distal portion <NUM>. These two notches <NUM> are orientated such that they can lock with the two latching noses <NUM> of the annular extension <NUM>, which are offset by approximately <NUM>°. By the funnel member <NUM> being held to the annular extension <NUM> at two points offset by approximately <NUM>°, an extremely high stability of the control element <NUM> is achieved while a faulty mounting of the funnel member <NUM> on the annular extension <NUM> is avoided.

On the distal portion <NUM> of its outer circumference, the funnel member <NUM> has several engagement grooves <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> on the same level. To be more precise, the engagement grooves <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> are in the area of the section of line A-A in <FIG> shows the distal portion <NUM> in a view from the bottom, the area of the engagement grooves <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> being visible. <FIG> shows the section of line A-A of <FIG> in a view from the top.

The engagement grooves <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> are constructed such that the nose <NUM> on the inner peripheral surface of the wire tensioning body <NUM> is adapted to engage in the engagement grooves <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively. More exactly, the construction is selected such that, in the engagement grooves <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, at least one of the (or both) noses <NUM>, <NUM> of the assembly composed of the wire tensioning body <NUM> and the engagement member <NUM> can engage.

The engagement grooves <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> have specific shapes. On the edge being in the counter-clockwise direction in the top view of <FIG>, the first engagement groove <NUM> has a step to the outer circumference of the distal portion <NUM>. By contrast, the transition of the first engagement groove <NUM> towards the edge being in the clockwise direction is flattened. The first engagement groove <NUM> forms a start groove. The nose/s <NUM> and/or <NUM> are/is engaged in the first engagement groove <NUM> when the wires <NUM> are not yet tensioned. Due to the specific design of the edges of the first engagement groove <NUM>, the assembly of wire tensioning body <NUM> and engagement member <NUM> can be slightly moved out of the first engagement groove <NUM> in the clockwise direction, but cannot be moved in the counter-clockwise direction.

The second engagement groove <NUM> also has a step to the outer circumference of the distal portion <NUM> on the edge being in the counter-clockwise direction, and has a flattened edge to the outer circumference of the distal portion <NUM> in the clockwise direction. The second engagement groove <NUM> forms an intermediate groove.

The wires <NUM> can be (pre-)tensioned to an intermediate position by the assembly of wire tensioning body <NUM> and engagement member <NUM> being turned from the first engagement groove <NUM> to the second engagement groove <NUM> and engaging there. The wires <NUM> cannot be slackened (released) again from the second engagement groove <NUM> because, due to the step to the outer circumference of the distal portion <NUM>, the assembly of wire tensioning body <NUM> and engagement member <NUM> cannot be turned in the counter-clockwise direction (i.e. not backwards). That is, the assembly of wire tensioning body <NUM> and engagement member <NUM> cannot be turned back from the second engagement groove <NUM> to the first engagement groove <NUM>.

The third engagement groove <NUM> has a step to the outer circumference of the distal portion <NUM> on the edge located in the counter-clockwise direction and on the edge located in the clockwise direction. The third engagement groove <NUM> forms an end groove.

The wires <NUM> can be tensioned from the intermediate position to the end position by the assembly of wire tensioning body <NUM> and engagement member <NUM> being turned from the second engagement groove <NUM> to the third engagement groove <NUM> and engaging there. The wires <NUM> cannot be released again from the third engagement groove <NUM> because, due to the step to the outer circumference of the distal portion <NUM>, the assembly of wire tensioning body <NUM> and engagement member <NUM> cannot be turned in the counter-clockwise direction (i.e. not backwards). Thus, the assembly of wire tensioning body <NUM> and engagement member <NUM> cannot be turned back from the third engagement groove <NUM> to the second engagement groove <NUM>.

The engagement grooves <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> are arranged on the outer circumference of the distal portion <NUM> above the notch <NUM>. In other terms, the engagement grooves <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> are proximal relative to the notch <NUM>.

Preferably, on its proximal side, the funnel member <NUM> is provided with direction markers <NUM> which indicate the tilting directions of the control element <NUM> to the user, cf. The predefined positional relation between the notches <NUM> on the distal portion of the funnel member <NUM> and the latching noses <NUM> of the annular extension <NUM> serves to ensure the correct orientation of the direction markers <NUM>.

In the following, an assembly method for the control element <NUM> of the first embodiment will be described.

First of all, the tilting body <NUM> of the control element <NUM> including its annular extension <NUM> is provided. The tilting body <NUM> is flexible and, due to its incisions <NUM>, it can be bent open and placed onto a prepared counter-ball portion (counter-ball segment) of an endoscope E, cf. In <FIG>, the counter-ball portion is hinted at; there, the counter-ball portion is shown to slightly project on the distal side of the tilting body <NUM>. In a suitable manner, this counter-ball portion is formed such that the tilting body <NUM> can swivel/pivot thereon as desired. The exact construction of the counter-ball portion shall not be subject to any restrictions.

Now, the brake ring <NUM> is set on the equator of the tilting body <NUM>. <FIG> shows an enlargement of the representation of the tilting body <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. It has to be noted that <FIG> shows the brake position. From this position, the brake ring <NUM> can be moved to the unbraked position in the direction shown by the arrow.

Subsequently, the wire <NUM> is inserted into the deflecting element (deflecting portion) on the distal end of the endoscope and is guided through the endoscope. Then, the wire <NUM> is guided at the outer side of the tilting body <NUM> from the distal side over the distal opening <NUM> by the toggle lever element <NUM> into the bottomed groove; further, the wire <NUM> is guided along the groove <NUM> from the outside through the proximal opening <NUM> to the inner circumferential side of the tilting body <NUM>. Finally, the wire <NUM> projects from the annular extension <NUM>, cf. It can be seen in <FIG> that three prepared wires <NUM> project from the annular extension <NUM>.

The endoscope is fixed by means of a fixation F, cf. <FIG> shows the fixation F in more detail. The fixation F is a device for holding the endoscope, i.e. the basic endoscope E for the purpose of assembly. The fixation F comprises two clamping jaws, which are rotatable to each other and between which the basic endoscope E is held. For the purpose of fixing the basic endoscope E, every holding device adapted to maintain the basic endoscope E fixed is suited.

The wire <NUM> is held by hand and an assembly pin D is axially inserted from the proximal side into the annular extension <NUM>, cf. The assembly pin D is shown in <FIG>. The assembly pin D is constructed as a solid cylindrical pin and is provided with a smaller-diameter portion and a larger-diameter portion. A stop is formed between the smaller-diameter portion and the larger-diameter portion. The assembly pin D comprises a slot extending in the axial direction, said slot extending over the smaller-diameter portion and the larger-diameter portion, as is shown in <FIG>. To be more exact, the smaller-diameter portion of the assembly pin D is being inserted into the annular extension <NUM> up to the stop.

Now, the wire tensioning body <NUM> is mounted onto the assembly pin D such that the inner circumferential surface of the wire tensioning body <NUM> can slide on the outer circumferential surface of the assembly pin D and the nose <NUM> is guided in the slot of the assembly pin D.

Thereupon, the engagement member <NUM> is mounted onto the assembly pin D such that the inner circumferential surface of the engagement member <NUM> can slide on the outer circumferential surface of the assembly pin D and the nose <NUM> is guided in the slot of the assembly pin D, cf. The noses <NUM> and <NUM> already determine the correct relative positions of the wire tensioning body <NUM> and the engagement member <NUM>.

Then, the wire <NUM> is wound on the wire tensioning body <NUM> in the manner described under "fixing of the wire <NUM>". That is to say, the wire <NUM> is inserted from the distal side of the wire tensioning body <NUM> into the first through-opening <NUM>, passes through the first through-opening <NUM> in the proximal direction, and is inserted into the second through-opening <NUM> on the proximal side of the wire tensioning body <NUM>, and passes through the second through-opening <NUM> in the distal direction, as is shown by <FIG>.

The wire <NUM> is sufficiently tensioned, with the wire tensioning body <NUM> being placed on the proximal surface of the annular extension <NUM>, cf.

Now, an adhesive is applied onto the proximal surface of the wire tensioning body <NUM> and the engagement member <NUM> is pushed to the proximal surface of the wire tensioning body <NUM> by means of a slider S by the respective locking pins <NUM> being inserted into the corresponding through-openings <NUM> and the noses <NUM> penetrating into the notches <NUM>, cf.

The slider S is shown more clearly in <FIG>. The slider S is a hollow cylinder which is provided with a tapering and which is adapted to slide on the assembly pin D and having, on the tapering, a surface by which the slider S pushes the engagement member <NUM> to the wire tensioning body <NUM>, cf.

The excess part of the wire <NUM> projecting at the wire tensioning body <NUM> is cut off, cf.

The slider S is removed and, in its stead, the hood member <NUM> is placed on the proximal side of the control element <NUM> with its spherical portion <NUM> up front such that the protrusions <NUM>, <NUM> of the engagement member <NUM> and the wire tensioning body <NUM> are arranged in the guiding groove <NUM> and the annular member <NUM> is seated in the annular groove <NUM>, cf.

The assembly pin D is pulled out and, in its stead, the funnel member <NUM> is inserted at the proximal side of the control element <NUM> until it engages with the latching nose <NUM>, cf. In this position, the nose <NUM> and/or <NUM> are/is engaged in the first engagement groove <NUM> of the funnel member <NUM>.

The fixation F is removed and housing parts are placed on the control element <NUM>, as is shown in <FIG>.

Thus, the assembly of the control element <NUM> is completed. The control element <NUM> is ready for tensioning the wires <NUM>.

The control element <NUM> of the first embodiment is easy to operate. The user intending to tension the wires rotates the neck <NUM> of the hood member <NUM> in the predetermined direction (here: clockwise) by the predetermined path of rotation, which is determined by the engagement grooves <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, until the assembly of wire tensioning ring <NUM> and engagement member <NUM> engages in the intermediate groove <NUM> or the end groove <NUM>. The engagement of the assembly of the wire tensioning ring <NUM> and the engagement member <NUM> in the end groove <NUM> is irreversible. Once a wire has been tensioned, this cannot be reversed. Thus, the user cannot inadvertently change an endoscope that has been brought into the application state by tensioning the wires, into the untensioned-wire state. Thus, an endoscope comprising this control element <NUM> is very safe in application.

As the assembly of wire tensioning ring <NUM> and engagement member <NUM> is adapted to engage in the intermediate groove <NUM> or the end groove <NUM>, the tensions of the wires <NUM> can be differently strong. That is, by engagement of the assembly of wire tensioning ring <NUM> and engagement member <NUM> in the intermediate groove <NUM>, the wires <NUM> are tensioned less strongly; this results in a less hard tensioning of the wires. By engaging the assembly of wire tensioning ring <NUM> and engagement member <NUM> in the end groove <NUM>, the wires <NUM> are tensioned more strongly; this results in a very hard wire tensioning.

The intermediate groove <NUM> can be used to achieve a momentary work tension of the wires <NUM>. Should, after a certain period of time, the tension of the wires have slackened and not be sufficient any more despite the engagement of the assembly of wire tensioning ring <NUM> and engagement member <NUM> in the intermediate groove <NUM>, the assembly of wire tensioning ring <NUM> and engagement member <NUM> can be turned on from the intermediate groove <NUM> to the end groove <NUM> and engage therein so as to again achieve a suitable wire tension.

By the assembly of wire tensioning ring <NUM> and engagement member <NUM> engaging in the engagement grooves <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, the wires <NUM> can be made to reach an exactly predefined tension.

The tensioning of the wires is realized by a rotational movement taking place about the longitudinal axis of the hood member <NUM>. The temporary locking of the wires by the brake ring <NUM> is realized by a sliding movement taking place in the axial direction (a translational motion) of the hood member <NUM>. Thus, completely different procedures are required for tensioning the wires and for temporarily locking the wires. Thus, the tensioning of the wires and the temporary locking of the wires take place completely separately from each other.

The control element <NUM> can be designed as a disposable component. Its individual parts consist of plastic, for example. Its manufacture and assembly is easy and inexpensive.

Below, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described by means of the attached <FIG> and <FIG>.

The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment such that the wire tensioning body <NUM> does not have any notches and the engagement member <NUM> does not have any noses, cf. <FIG> and <FIG>.

So as to nevertheless achieve a sufficient tensioning and fixing of the wire <NUM>, the wire <NUM> is inserted from the distal side of the wire tensioning body <NUM> into the first one of a pair of through-openings <NUM>, passes through the first through-opening <NUM> in the proximal direction, is inserted into the second through-opening <NUM> at the proximal side of the wire tensioning body <NUM>, and passes through the second through-opening <NUM> in the distal direction. Subsequently, the wire <NUM> is again inserted into the first one of the pair of through-openings <NUM> in the proximal direction, passes through the same in the proximal direction, and is reinserted into the second through-opening <NUM> at the proximal side of the wire tensioning body <NUM>, and again passes through the second through-opening <NUM> in the distal direction, cf. Thus, the wire <NUM> runs in two loops in the wire tensioning body <NUM>.

Therefore, for the assembly, the adhesive is applied on the proximal surface of the wire tensioning body <NUM>, and the engagement member <NUM> is displaced to the proximal surface of the wire tensioning body <NUM> by a slider S by the respective locking pins <NUM> being inserted into the corresponding through-openings <NUM>.

As for the rest, the second embodiment is equal to the first embodiment.

Below, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described by means of the attached <FIG> and <FIG>.

The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the individual wires <NUM>, 2A are adapted to be tensioned differently whereas all wires <NUM> of the first embodiment are evenly tensioned. As for the rest, the third embodiment is equal to the first embodiment.

As is shown by <FIG>, a distal tilting body <NUM> with its proximal annular extension <NUM> is combined with a wire tensioning body <NUM> such that a first wire <NUM> is perpendicularly arranged from the wire tensioning body <NUM> to the annular extension <NUM> while a second wire 2A is arranged obliquely from the wire tensioning body <NUM> to the annular extension <NUM>. In particular, the second wire 2A obliquely runs from the annular extension <NUM> to a through-opening <NUM>, which is arranged closer to the through-openings <NUM> for the first wire. Thus, the tensionable path distance of the first wire <NUM> is shorter than that of the second wire 2A.

The wires <NUM>, 2A are tensioned by turning the wire tensioning body <NUM> from the position shown in <FIG> such (to the left) that the first wire <NUM> is tensioned by the wire tensioning body <NUM> to the left, while the second wire 2A is first released to the left and is then, upon further turning of the wire tensioning body <NUM>, also tensioned to the left; it is, however, tensioned less strongly than the first wire <NUM>, cf.

Due to the known geometries, it can be exactly calculated, in the principle of the third embodiment, by which amount the first wire <NUM> is tensioned more strongly than the second wire 2A.

Differently tensioned wires entail the following advantage. When the introductory tube (catheter) of the endoscope in its resting state or also when applied is usually wound twice or several times about its own axis, the wires in the endoscope are exposed to different tensions. Therefore, in most cases, one wire is tensioned more strongly than the other wires. In this way, the control element (joystick) is already tilted in its start position in a direction in which it is pulled by the more strongly tensioned wire. To make up for this, the present embodiment provides a solution according to which, despite the winding about its own axis, the endoscope is applicable such that the control element (joystick) in its inoperative state is in the vertical neutral position. This makes it easier to use the endoscope. The user no longer has to consider pretensionings of the wire caused by winding about its own axis or, at least, he has to consider these less.

As the exact type of the windings of the introductory tube (catheter) of the endoscope about its own axis is usually known, it is also possible to specify the wire that is exposed to a stronger tension.

Below, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described by means of the attached <FIG>.

In the third embodiment, wires are tensioned differently due to having differently long tensionable distances between the annular extension and the wire tensioning body. In the fourth embodiment, wires are tensioned differently by using an inner through-opening <NUM> and an outer through-opening <NUM> on the wire tensioning body <NUM>. The distance of the inner through-opening <NUM> to the center of the wire tensioning body <NUM> is less than the distance of the outer through-opening <NUM> to the center of the wire tensioning body <NUM>.

One wire <NUM> is inserted into the inner through-opening <NUM> and into the outer through-opening <NUM>, respectively, is guided to the inner circumference of the wire tensioning body <NUM>, is guided in the distal direction and is, in the distal direction, again inserted into the respective inner through-opening <NUM> or outer through-opening <NUM>; thus, every wire forms a whole loop. Alternatively, one wire <NUM> is inserted into the inner through-opening <NUM> and into the outer through-opening <NUM>, respectively, and is clamped therein by one locking pin of the engagement member, respectively, without forming a loop.

For tensioning the wires, the wire tensioning body <NUM> is turned clockwise from the position shown in <FIG>, the wire clamped in the inner through-opening <NUM> being tensioned less strongly than the wire clamped in the outer through-opening <NUM>.

Due to the known geometries, also in the case of the principle of the fourth embodiment, the exact amount by which the one wire is tensioned more strongly than the other wire can be calculated. This entails an advantage similar to that of the third embodiment.

In the present embodiment, three wires <NUM> are provided as pulling cables. The number of wires <NUM> is not limited here. One wire, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or more wires can be provided. If two or more wires <NUM> are provided, the respective grooves <NUM> are arranged at even distances to each other, perpendicularly to the equator of the tilting body <NUM>.

In the embodiments, the wire <NUM> is only clamped on the wire tensioning body <NUM> by the wire <NUM> being guided through the through-openings <NUM> and the respective locking pin <NUM> being inserted into its pertinent through-opening <NUM>. Thus, the locking pin <NUM> clamps the wire <NUM>, which is located in its pertinent through-opening <NUM>.

When anchoring the wire <NUM> on the wire tensioning body <NUM>, the wire <NUM> can alternatively or additionally be inserted from the distal side of the wire tensioning body <NUM> into a first one of the pair of through-openings <NUM>, pass through the first through-opening <NUM>, and be inserted into the second through-opening <NUM> on the proximal side of the wire tensioning member <NUM>, pass through the second through-opening <NUM>, and then be linked to the portion of the wire <NUM> on the distal side of the wire tensioning member <NUM>. As a further alternative, the wire <NUM> can comprise a crimped portion which is e.g. arranged below the second through-opening <NUM> and is deformed such that the deformed crimped portion cannot pass through the through-opening <NUM> blocked by the locking pin <NUM>.

In the embodiments, the wire <NUM> can be pulled by hand for the assembly. So as to increase the mounting precision, a wire-pulling means can be used for pulling and tensioning the wire <NUM> at an adjustable force. In the first embodiment, the wire <NUM> can be pulled at <NUM> Newton. In the second embodiment, the wire <NUM> can be pulled at <NUM> Newton. Of course, these are only examples. Other forces may be applied.

The adhesive agent, which is applied onto the proximal surface of the wire tensioning body <NUM> when the engagement member <NUM> and the wire tensioning body <NUM> are assembled, may be omitted.

In the embodiments, the annular extension <NUM> is provided with two latching noses <NUM> displaced by <NUM>° and adapted to engage in the respective notches <NUM> displaced by <NUM>° and formed on the distal portion of the funnel member <NUM>. As an alternative, the annular extension <NUM> can be provided with only one latching nose <NUM> adapted to engage in one single notch <NUM> formed on the distal portion of the funnel member <NUM>. As an alternative, the annular extension <NUM> can be provided with three or more latching noses that are adapted to engage with respective three or more notches <NUM> formed on the distal portion of the funnel member <NUM>. When two latching noses <NUM> are provided, these can also be arranged to be diagonally opposite to each other. Analogously, then, two notches are formed diagonally opposite on the distal portion of the funnel member <NUM>.

The second engagement groove <NUM> as intermediate groove can have a flattened edge to the outer circumference of the distal portion <NUM> in the counter-clockwise direction and in the clockwise direction. Thus, the second engagement groove <NUM> can allow a reversible engaging of the assembly of wire tensioning body <NUM> and engagement member <NUM>. In this alternative, wires <NUM> can be tensioned by the assembly of wire tensioning body <NUM> and engagement member <NUM> being turned from the first engagement groove <NUM> to the second engagement groove <NUM> and engaging there. The wires <NUM> can be slackened (released) again by the assembly of wire tensioning body <NUM> and engagement member <NUM> being turned from the second engagement groove <NUM> to the first engagement groove <NUM> and engaging there.

The second engagement groove <NUM> can be omitted. In this alternative, the wires <NUM> can only be tensioned by engagement in the third engagement groove <NUM>.

In a further alternative, the second engagement groove <NUM> and/or the third engagement groove <NUM> can also have, instead of the step, a flattened edge to the outer circumference of the distal portion <NUM> in the counter-clockwise direction as well. A control element constructed in this way allows a reversible engagement of the assembly of wire tensioning body <NUM> and engagement member <NUM> in the second engagement groove <NUM> and/or third engagement groove <NUM>. Thus, the wires can be tensioned and, if required, again be slackened by the user.

Claim 1:
An endoscope control device for a non-rigid endoscope, comprising
a tiltable control element (<NUM>, <NUM>) for effecting a deflection movement by means of a transmission wire, the control element (<NUM>, <NUM>) including a wire guiding means (<NUM>, <NUM>) for guiding a wire (<NUM>);
the wire (<NUM>), which is arranged at the control element (<NUM>, <NUM>) on the wire guiding means (<NUM>, <NUM>) for realizing the deflection movement; and
a wire tensioning body (<NUM>) in which a proximal end of the wire (<NUM>) is anchored and which is movable relative to the control element (<NUM>, <NUM>) for changing the tension of the wire (<NUM>) between the wire guiding means (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the wire tensioning body (<NUM>),
characterized in that
the wire tensioning body (<NUM>) is adapted to be rotatable relative to the control element (<NUM>, <NUM>) such that a distance of the wire (<NUM>) between a wire anchoring location in the wire tensioning body (<NUM>) and the wire guiding means (<NUM>, <NUM>) is changeable so that a predefined tension can be applied to the wire (<NUM>).