DE102010028147A1 - Endoscope for e.g. patient during minimal invasive surgery, has surface matrix sensor arranged on platform that is flexibly connected on bearing points with slide elements, which are slid in longitudinal direction of endoscope shaft - Google Patents

Abstract

The endoscope has a lengthwise-extended endoscope shaft (1) including a distal end and a proximate end. A light sensitive surface matrix sensor (6) with an illustrating optic (4) and a LED ring (13) is arranged at the distal end of the shaft. The sensor is arranged on a platform (5) that is arranged movable in the shaft. The platform comprises three bearing points (9, 9', 9'', 9'''), at which the platform is articulated supported. The platform (5) is flexibly connected on the bearing points with slide elements (8, 8', 8''), which are slid in a longitudinal direction of the shaft. An independent claim is also included for a method for adjusting an endoscope.

Description

The invention relates to an endoscope with variable viewing direction, with an elongated endoscope shaft having a distal and a proximal end, wherein at the distal end of the endoscope shaft, a photosensitive area matrix sensor is arranged with an imaging optics. The invention further relates to an endoscopy system, a use and a method for adjusting a corresponding endoscope.

Endoscopes with variable viewing direction are known from the prior art. With such endoscopes it is possible, for example in minimally invasive surgery or in other, non-medical applications, to examine cavities from different directions.

Known endoscopes with variable viewing direction, for example, flexible endoscopes having an endoscope shaft whose distal end is bendable in different directions.

EP 2 147 631 A1 relates to an endoscope having a rigid endoscope shaft and optics in which light at the distal end is captured by a prism rotatable about a rotation axis and relayed via a series of rod lenses to a proximal end of the endoscope where the captured image is visible to the naked eye or is received with a camera. By means of this endoscope, the viewing direction is variable about a fixed axis of rotation transversely to the longitudinal axis of the endoscope. A change in the viewing direction about the longitudinal axis of the endoscope requires rotation of the entire endoscope about its longitudinal axis.

In EP 1 759 629 A1 a variable viewing direction endoscope is disclosed, wherein at the distal end of the endoscope shaft a sequence of three rotation drives or mutually rotatable elements is provided, wherein the outermost and the second outermost distal element is rotatable about parallel axes of rotation relative to a third element which is about a longitudinal axis of the endoscope shaft is rotatable relative to the endoscope. In the extreme case, a structure results which is U-shaped, which makes it possible to look backwards at the endoscope shaft by means of a receiving device attached to the outermost distal element. In this case, the distal region of the endoscope leaves the longitudinal axis of the endoscope shaft.

Based on this prior art, the present invention seeks to provide an endoscope and a method for its adjustment available, which is small in size and by means of which it is possible to change the viewing direction in a simple and robust manner, without the shape of the endoscope shaft.

This object is achieved by an endoscope with variable viewing direction, with an elongated endoscope shaft having a distal and a proximal end, wherein at the distal end of the endoscope shaft a photosensitive area matrix sensor is arranged with an imaging optics, which is further developed by the Surface matrix sensor is disposed on a platform which is movably disposed in the endoscope shaft, wherein the platform has at least three bearing points on which the platform is articulated, wherein the platform at least one bearing with a shear and tensile, linear in a longitudinal direction the sliding end of the endoscope sliding element is connected. With an appropriate endoscope, the viewing direction can be adjusted steplessly in all directions, based on the movement of the head up, down, left and right as well as combinations thereof. The operator, for example a surgeon, can freely control the viewing direction without having to make a rotation of the entire system, ie the entire endoscope, and thereby run the risk of losing the spatial orientation.

The invention is based on an increase in the functional density in the distal region of the endoscope shaft. There is a movable platform on which there is a surface matrix sensor with a lens system or a lens. The platform is connected via tensile and shear resistant longitudinally displaceable sliding elements or coupling rods with one or more drives. By means of the displacement elements, the platform is displaceable with respect to different bearing points. This leads to a tilt. In this way, the viewing direction of the endoscope is changed without the endoscope having to be moved in any other way.

In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that three bearing points in the region of a circumference of the platform, in particular at angles of 120 ° to each other, are arranged, each bearing is connected to a respective thrust and tensile, linearly displaceable in a longitudinal direction of the endoscope shifter. With three corresponding displacement elements it is possible to tilt the platform and the area matrix sensor in any direction. It is also possible to move the platform and the sensor in the same direction with all three sliding elements. Thus, the platform is preferably displaced parallel by means of the displacement elements in a longitudinal axial direction of the endoscope shaft.

In an alternative advantageous embodiment, two bearings are in the range of one Circumference of the platform, in particular at an angle of 90 ° to each other, arranged, these bearings are each connected to a shear and tensile, linearly displaceable in a longitudinal direction of the endoscope shifter sliding element, wherein a third bearing point, in particular in the center of the platform, is provided which allows tilting of the platform about the third bearing point and determines the longitudinal axial position of the center of the platform in the endoscope shaft. So it is possible by means of two linearly displaceable sliding elements to tilt the platform in any direction. However, the prerequisite is that the two bearing points for the displacement elements and the third bearing point are not kotlinear each other.

In a third advantageous embodiment it is provided that two bearing points in the region of a circumference of the platform, in particular at an angle of 180 ° diametrically to each other, are arranged, these bearings are arranged longitudinally fixed to the endoscope shaft and allow tilting of the platform about an axis, which passes through the mutually arranged bearing points, wherein a third bearing point is provided, which is connected to a sliding and tensile, linearly displaceable in a longitudinal direction of the endoscope shaft displacement element. This particularly simple embodiment allows tilting of the platform and of the surface area matrix sensor about a tilting axis passing through the first two bearing points.

It is preferably provided that a plurality of displacement elements are independently controllable and / or can be driven. Drives can be realized in different ways. Examples include electromagnetic systems with spindle drive for powerless holding the position, as well as directly operated, thermal, shape memory, piezo or magnetic shape memory drive systems or purely mechanically via rods and cables directly via a transmission with a control element, such as a joystick coupled drive systems. The number of coupling links and drives may vary, for example between 2 and 6.

Preferably, the displacement elements are forcibly guided at at least one point along the endoscope shaft by means of a guide structure. Under a positive guidance is understood in this case that at the location of the guide structure a longitudinal axial displacement of the displacement element is possible, but no displacement in a direction which deviates from the longitudinal direction of the endoscope shaft.

The bearings preferably have coupling members, ball joints or cohesive joints.

A light source, in particular an LED ring or OLED ring, is preferably provided at the distal end of the endoscope shaft, in particular on or on the platform or outside the platform. If the light source is provided on the platform, this follows the tilting movement of the platform, so that the illuminated area coincides with the field of view of the sensor on the platform. If the LED ring is located outside the platform, it is easier to avoid disturbing reflections of the light source on the area matrix sensor.

In an advantageous development, the distal end of the endoscope shaft is sealed by means of a transparent dome structure. A transparent dome structure is understood to mean a dome structure which is translucent and permits endoscopic imaging of cavities. On the one hand, the dome structure protects the components arranged in the endoscope from environmental influences and, on the other hand, it protects soft tissue of a patient during an endoscopic examination or operation with respect to sharp-edged parts of the endoscope.

In an advantageous development, the transparent, dome structure is part of the imaging optics and has optically different surfaces, in particular two curved surfaces with different radii of curvature or centers of curvature, lens-shaped surface sections in one or more directions or a polyhedral dome structure in which the polyhedral surfaces predetermined or partially have different imaging properties. Thus, a dome structure consisting for example of a spherical half-shell, a structure having optically different surfaces, namely an outer surface with a large radius of curvature and an inner surface with a smaller radius of curvature. This structure already has a uniform focusing effect on all sides.

Depending on the deviation of the viewing direction of the surface-area matrix sensor from the longitudinal axis of the endoscope shaft, the focussing properties can also be designed to extend when the inner and outer surfaces of the dome structure are not concentric. Special viewing directions may be preferred if surface portions of the dome structure are formed lens-shaped focusing or a polyhedral dome structure is selected, in which the polyhedral surfaces have predetermined and in particular at least partially different imaging properties. That's the way it is For example, it is possible to provide a magnifying effect in a prospective direction, ie, in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the shaft, while towards the outside, in the direction of a 90 ° deflection, wide-angle characteristics are more likely to be set.

Instead of conventional lens elements, the dome structure may also be provided with a Fresnel optic or a diffractive optic which models the optical properties in different regions of the dome structure.

The object underlying the invention is also achieved by an endoscopy system with an endoscope according to the invention, as described above, wherein a control device is provided in the endoscope or externally, by means of which a viewing direction and / or a focusing of the endoscope is adjustable, in particular preset viewing directions and / or focussing, which correspond to existing optical structures in the dome structure. Thus, it is possible in a simple manner to control the viewing direction and possibly the focusing of the endoscope and, if necessary, to assume the viewing direction of a selected surface element or lens element of the dome structure in the case of a divided dome structure surface. This then requires no adjustment or fine adjustment by the operator.

The combination of a parallel displaceable platform and an optically active dome structure means that when the platform is moved in parallel there is also a change in the optimum object width, ie. H. the focusing happens.

The object underlying the invention is also achieved by using at least one sliding and tensile, linearly displaceable in a longitudinal direction of a Endoskopschafts sliding element for tilting and / or moving a platform with a surface matrix sensor, which at a distal end of an endoscope shaft of a Endoscope, which is designed according to the invention in particular as described above, tiltable and / or längsaxial displaced, wherein the platform has at least three bearing points on which the platform is articulated, wherein the platform is connected to at least one bearing point with the displacement element.

Finally, the object underlying the invention is also achieved by a method for adjusting an endoscope according to the invention as described above, which is characterized in that for changing a viewing direction and / or for focusing at least one shear and tensile, linear in a longitudinal direction of the endoscope shaft displaceable sliding element is moved, wherein the platform is tilted and / or displaced by means of the displacement via a hinged connection at a location.

This method is advantageously further developed in that pre-set viewing directions and / or focussing can be selected by means of a control device, which correspond to the existing optical structures in the dome structure.

The endoscope according to the invention has the further advantages that the number of nested tubes is reduced, the construction in relation to the rotational movements is greatly simplified compared to the prior art, the variety of different viewing angles of endoscopes is minimized due to the platform construction, a complex optical adjustment, and calibration of the system is actively enabled by the system itself.

The above-described subject matters, d. H. the endoscope, the endoscopy system, the use and the method, each have corresponding properties, advantages and features, which apply without limitation in each case for the other subject invention objects, even if they have been described only in connection with one of the subject invention.

The invention will be described below without limiting the general inventive idea by means of embodiments with reference to the drawings, reference being expressly made to the drawings with respect to all in the text unspecified details of the invention. Show it:

1 a schematic cross-sectional view through an inventive endoscope,

2 a further schematic cross-sectional view through the endoscope according to 1 .

3 a schematic cross-sectional view through another inventive endoscope,

4a ) to 4d ) schematic representations of the arrangements of bearings on platforms according to the invention,

5a ) to 5g ) schematic cross-sectional representations by dome structures according to the invention and

6 an inventive endoscope.

In the following figures, identical or similar elements or corresponding parts are provided with the same reference numerals, so that a corresponding renewed idea is dispensed with.

In 1 is the distal end of an endoscope shaft according to the invention 1 shown schematically in cross section. The endoscope shaft 1 has a shell 2 on, at the distal end in an end ring 3 ends, which is also a cohesive continuation of the shell 2 can be. On the end ring 3 the shell 2 of the endoscope shaft 1 is a transparent dome 4 or dome structure arranged, which is the interior of the endoscope shaft 1 protects and a CCD chip 6 over a lens system 7 opens the view to the outside.

The CCD chip 6 with the lens system 7 is on a platform 5 arranged opposite the endoscope shaft 1 is freely movable and on three tensile and shear-resistant displacement elements 8th . 8th' . 8th'' is arranged freely displaceable and / or tiltable. These are joint bearings 9 . 9 ' . 9 '' provided, which may be a ball joint or, for example, a cohesive connection.

The displacement elements, which are formed tensile and shear resistant and can be, for example, guide rods are at the other end with a drive 12 provided, by means of which they are, in particular independently of each other, controlled and driven. These are the sliding elements 8th . 8th' . 8th'' in the longitudinal direction of the endoscope shaft 11 moved longitudinally axially. So can a shift of the sliding element 8th upwards and the sliding element 8th' down in 1 cause the platform 5 with the CCD chip 6 is tilted to the right. The variant shown allows a tilt by an angle of more than 45 °.

Between the drive 12 which is presented in one piece, but may consist of several independent drives, and the platform 5 is a management structure 10 with openings 11 . 11 ' for the sliding elements 8th . 8th' and, not shown, for the sliding element 8th'' , intended. The openings 11 . 11 ' in the management structure 10 allow only a longitudinal displacement of the displacement elements 8th . 8th' . 8th'' but no bending of the sliding elements 8th . 8th' . 8th'' , Not shown in the 1 an opening in the management structure 10 used to carry electrical or electronic cables for the CCD chip 6 serves.

In a particularly narrow design can also drive various 12 for the different sliding elements 8th . 8th' . 8th'' in the endoscope 1 be arranged one behind the other.

At the distal end of the endoscope shaft 1 is also outside the dome 4 a LED ring 13 arranged the field of view in front of the distal end of the endoscope shaft 1 illuminated and so allows video recordings of a cavity.

The arrangement according to 1 also allows a longitudinal axial parallel displacement of the platform and the sensor 6 if all the sliding elements 8th . 8th' . 8th'' by the same amount towards the distal end of the endoscope shaft 1 be moved. This leads to an approximation of the CCD chip 6 and the lens system 7 to the transparent dome structure 4 and thus a change in the focusing properties due to the decentering of the platform.

Alternative to the embodiment in 1 must the CCD chip 6 not on the platform 5 sit up, but also in the platform 5 be integrated. This makes a more compact design possible than in 1 shown.

In 2 is another cross-sectional view of the endoscope shaft 1 according to 1 shown, in 2 shown is that the platform 5 with the CCD chip 6 and the lens system 7 has been tilted by the sliding elements 8th and 8th' have been moved. This is the sliding element 8th been withdrawn and the sliding element 8th' out, ie upwards, has been moved. The remaining details are the same as in 1 , in addition to the outer surface 2 ' the shell 2 partially shown.

In 3 is another schematic cross-sectional view through an alternative endoscope shaft according to the invention 1' shown. In contrast to the embodiment according to 1 and 2 is instead of a third shift element 8th'' a handrail 18 provided centrally at the platform 5 ' attacks and holds them, using a spherical plain bearing 19 is provided on which the platform 5 ' on the handrail 18 can be tilted. The sliding elements 8th . 8th' are arranged at an angle to each other.

Other differences in 3 in relation to 1 respectively. 2 lie in the fact that the leadership structure 10 ' now only has two openings, namely for the displacement elements 8th and 8th' and that a LED ring 13 ' directly on the platform 5 ' is arranged and thus tilting movements of the platform 5 ' responding to excursions. This ensures that the illuminated area in a cavity to be examined with the viewing direction of the sensor 6 matches.

In 4a ) to 4d ) are 4 different examples of platforms 5 . 5 ' . 5 '' and 5 ''' shown the different arrangements of joint bearings 9 to 9 ''' and 19 to 19 '' exhibit.

In 4a ) is the embodiment of 1 shown in which the platform 5 three joint bearings 9 . 9 ' . 9 '' which are arranged at angles of substantially 120 ° to each other.

In 4b ) is a platform 5 '' pictured, the four spherical plain bearings 9 . 9 ' . 9 '' . 9 ''' has, which are each arranged at 90 ° angles to each other. This arrangement allows an even safer and more stable guidance of the platform 5 '' as the one in 4a ). However, the four hinge points must be controlled in dependence on each other to prevent bending forces on the platform 5 '' be exercised.

In 4c ) is the embodiment of 3 represented, namely a platform 5 ' , the peripherally two joint bearings 9 . 9 ' for sliding elements at an angle of substantially 90 ° to each other and centrally a spherical plain bearings 19 for a handrail. This platform 5 ' is unlike the platforms 5 and 5 '' from the 4a ) and 4b ) not longitudinal axial parallel displaceable, but offers a very simple and inexpensive way, by means of only two different drives or displacement elements tilting of the platform 5 ' to allow in any direction.

4d ) shows an embodiment with a platform 5 ''' , which at two opposite points along the circumference spherical plain bearings 19 ' . 19 '' has, where the platform 5 ''' is hung tiltably. For tilting and as a third point is a joint bearing 9 provided, on which a displacement element engages. With this construction, it is possible with only one drive the platform 5 ''' and a tilt axis 17 to tilt.

In the 5a ) to 5g ) Various embodiments of transparent dome structures are listed.

In 5a ) is the dome structure 4 from the examples 1 to 3 shown, which consists of a hemisphere, which has the same thickness everywhere. The outer surface has a larger radius of curvature than the inner surface, so that this dome structure 4 focusing acts.

In 5b ) is another sphere structure 4II shown where, except different radii of curvature of the inner and outer surface and the center of the corresponding spherical surfaces is not equal. This structure has a more focusing property in the longitudinal axial direction of the endoscope shaft.

In 5c ) is a dome structure 4III illustrated in the cross section shown five focusing lens elements 20 to 20 '''' having. In this case, it is preferable that the corresponding platform with the corresponding area matrix sensor in discrete steps each on one of the surface elements 20 to 20 '''' is adjustable, which are each designed as focusing or magnifying lenses and thus offer the best optical properties in these directions.

In 5d ) is shown to have a dome structure 4IV a plurality of outer peripheral polyhedral surface elements 21 to 21 '''' having different curvatures and properties on its inner surface. So are the outer surface elements 21 and 21 ''' as plano-concave lenses, so diverging lenses, formed while the central surface elements 21 ' and 21 ''' have flat surfaces and the central area 21 '' plankonvex is, so a focusing lens. Thus, different optical properties can be adjusted in different directions.

In 5e ) is a dome structure 4V represented, in which the outer surface is not spherical, but paraboloid. With such structures, desired optical properties can also be set.

In 5f ) is based on a dome structure 4vi shown that the inner surface of the dome structure 4vi can also be provided by the incorporation of Fresnel zone structures with desired optical properties. So also surface areas according to 5c ) or 5d ) are formed by means of Fresnel or diffractive zone structures as diverging lenses, focusing lenses or the like.

In 5g ) is finally a transparent dome structure 4VII made up of five polyhedral surfaces 22 to 22 '''' exists, so in these preferred directions except the lens 7 no further optical functions are realized.

In 6 Finally, is a schematic total view of an endoscope according to the invention with an endoscope shaft 1 , a dome structure 4 and a handle 14 represented by a joystick 15 as a control element for adjusting the viewing direction or a focusing of the endoscope, and a cable 16 , which is used for power supply and / or signal transmission.

By means of the joystick 15 It is the operator or the operator in a simple manner possible, the viewing direction and the focusing properties of the endoscope or below the dome structure 4 arranged platform or the area matrix sensor set. The joystick off 6 can also be replaced by a foot control so that a surgeon or operator is able to perform an operation or examination alone. The actuators, ie the one or more drives can be mounted in the handle, whereby the space for the drives and the space for other elements in the endoscope shaft can be increased.

The use of cohesive joints reduces the game to almost zero. The described dome structures do not protrude laterally beyond the endoscope shaft, so that a small design is achieved. However, the dome can also be enlarged, whereby the field of vision can be expanded more.

All mentioned features, including the drawings alone to be taken as well as individual features that are disclosed in combination with other features are considered alone and in combination as essential to the invention. Embodiments of the invention may be accomplished by individual features or a combination of several features.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1, 1 '

endoscope shaft

2

shell

2 '

Outer surface of the shell

3

end ring

4

transparent dome

4 ^II -4 ^VII

transparent dome

5-5 '' '

platform

6

CCD chip

7

lens system

8, 8 ', 8' '

displacement element

9-9 '' '

Spherical plain bearings

10, 10 '

management structure

11, 11 '

opening

12, 12 '

drive

13, 13 '

LED ring

14

handle

15

joystick

16

Data and power cable

17

tilt axis

18

Handrail

19-19 ''

Spherical plain bearings

20-20 '' ''

lens element

21-21 '' ''

surface element

22-22 '' ''

surface element

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• EP 2147631 A1 [0004]
• EP 1759629 A1 [0005]

Claims (13)

Endoscope with variable viewing direction, with an elongated endoscope shaft ( 1 . 1' ), which has a distal and a proximal end, wherein at the distal end of the endoscope shaft ( 1 . 1' ) a surface area photosensitive sensor ( 6 ) with an imaging optic ( 4 . 4II-VII ), characterized in that the area matrix sensor ( 6 ) on a platform ( 5 - 5 ''' ) which is movable in the endoscope shaft ( 1 . 1' ), wherein the platform ( 5 - 5 ''' ) at least three depositories ( 9 - 9 ''' . 19 - 19 '' ) where the platform ( 5 - 5 ''' ) is articulated, the platform ( 5 - 5 ''' ) at least one depository ( 9 - 9 ''' ) with a shear and tensile strength, linear in a longitudinal direction of the endoscope shaft ( 1 . 1' ) displaceable sliding element ( 8th . 8th' . 8th'' ) connected is. Endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that three bearing points ( 9 . 9 ' . 9 '' ) in the area of a perimeter of the platform ( 5 ), in particular at angles of 120 ° to each other, wherein each bearing point ( 9 . 9 ' . 9 '' ) each with a shear and tensile strength, linear in a longitudinal direction of the endoscope shaft ( 1 ) displaceable sliding element ( 8th . 8th' . 8th'' ) connected is. Endoscope according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the platform ( 5 . 5 '' ) by means of the displacement elements ( 8th . 8th' . 8th'' ) in a longitudinal axial direction of the endoscope shaft ( 1 ) is parallel displaceable. Endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that two bearing points ( 9 . 9 ' ) in the area of a perimeter of the platform ( 5 ' ), in particular at an angle of 90 ° to each other, are arranged, said bearing points ( 9 . 9 ' ) each with a shear and tensile strength, linear in a longitudinal direction of the endoscope shaft ( 1' ) displaceable sliding element ( 8th . 8th' ), whereby a third depository ( 19 ), especially in the center of the platform ( 5 ' ), which is a tilting of the platform ( 5 ' ) around the third depository ( 19 ) and the longitudinal axial position of the center of the platform ( 5 ' ) in the endoscope ( 1' ). Endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that two bearing points ( 19 ' . 19 '' ) in the area of a perimeter of the platform ( 5 ''' ), in particular at an angle of 180 ° diametrically to each other, are arranged, these bearing points ( 19 ' . 19 '' ) are arranged longitudinally fixed to the endoscope shaft fixed and a tilting of the platform ( 5 ''' ) about an axis ( 17 ), through the bearing points ( 19 ' . 19 '' ), whereby a third depository ( 9 ) is provided, which is connected to a sliding and tensile linear displaceable in a longitudinal direction of the endoscope shifter sliding element. Endoscope according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a plurality of displacement elements ( 8th . 8th' . 8th'' ) are independently controllable and / or driven. Endoscope according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a light source, in particular an LED ring ( 13 . 13 ' ), at the distal end of the endoscope shaft ( 1 . 1' ), in particular on or on the platform ( 5 - 5 ''' ) or outside the platform ( 5 - 5 ''' ), is provided. Endoscope according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the distal end of the endoscope shaft ( 1 . 1' ) by means of a transparent dome structure ( 4 . 4II-VII ) is sealed. Endoscope according to claim 8, characterized in that the transparent dome structure ( 4 . 4II-VII ) Is part of the imaging optics and optically different surfaces ( 20 - 20 '''' . 21 - 21 '''' . 22 - 22 '''' ), in particular two curved surfaces with different radii of curvature or centers of curvature, lens-shaped surface sections ( 20 - 20 ''' . 21 - 21 '''' ) in one or more viewing directions or a polyhedral dome structure ( 4IV . 4VII ) in which the polyhedron surfaces ( 21 - 21 '''' . 22 - 22 '''' ) have predetermined and in particular at least partially different imaging properties. Endoscopy system with an endoscope according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that in the endoscope or externally a control device is provided, by means of which a viewing direction and / or focusing of the endoscope is adjustable, in particular preset viewing directions and / or focussing are selectable, the existing optical structures ( 20 - 20 '''' . 21 - 21 '''' . 22 - 22 '''' ) in the dome structure ( 4 . 4II-VII ) correspond. Use of at least one shear and tensile strength, linear in a longitudinal direction of an endoscope shaft ( 1 . 1' ) displaceable sliding element ( 8th . 8th' . 8th'' ) for tilting and / or moving a platform ( 5 - 5 ''' ) with an area matrix sensor ( 6 ) attached to a distal end of an endoscope shaft ( 1 . 1' ) of an endoscope, in particular according to one of claims 1 to 9, tiltable and / or arranged längsaxialverschiebbar, wherein the platform ( 5 - 5 ''' ) at least three depositories ( 9 - 9 ''' . 19 - 19 '' ) where the platform ( 5 - 5 ''' ) is articulated, the platform ( 5 - 5 ''' ) at least one depository ( 9 - 9 ''' ) with the displacement element ( 8th . 8th' . 8th'' ) connected is. Method for adjusting an endoscope according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, for changing a viewing direction and / or for focusing, at least one shear-resistant and tensile-resistant, linear in a longitudinal direction of the endoscope shaft ( 1 . 1' ) displaceable sliding element ( 8th . 8th' . 8th'' ), wherein by means of the displacement via an articulated connection at a storage location ( 9 . 9 ' . 9 '' ) the platform ( 5 - 5 ''' ) is tilted and / or moved. A method according to claim 12, characterized in that by means of a control device preset viewing directions and / or focussing are selectable, the existing optical structures ( 20 - 20 '''' . 21 - 21 '''' . 22 - 22 '''' ) in the dome structure ( 4 . 4II-VII ) correspond.

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