Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
  • A61B1/00064—Constructional details of the endoscope body
  • A61B1/00071—Insertion part of the endoscope body
  • A61B1/0008—Insertion part of the endoscope body characterised by distal tip features
  • A61B1/00096—Optical elements
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
  • A61B1/00163—Optical arrangements
  • A61B1/00174—Optical arrangements characterised by the viewing angles
  • A61B1/00183—Optical arrangements characterised by the viewing angles for variable viewing angles
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G02—OPTICS
  • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
  • G02B23/00—Telescopes, e.g. binoculars; Periscopes; Instruments for viewing the inside of hollow bodies; Viewfinders; Optical aiming or sighting devices
  • G02B23/24—Instruments or systems for viewing the inside of hollow bodies, e.g. fibrescopes
  • G02B23/2407—Optical details
  • G02B23/2423—Optical details of the distal end

Definitions

• the invention relates to an endoscope with a pivotable optical system, comprising an endoscope shaft closed distally by a cover glass, an optical system arranged in the endoscope shaft and at least one prism arranged between the cover glass and the optical system, which is arranged in a prism holder which is perpendicular to the longitudinal extension
• the rotation of the endoscope shaft is pivotally mounted, wherein the prism holder at least partially has a circular circumference with a toothing, in which engages a longitudinally extended and axially reversible in the direction of the longitudinal extension of the endoscope actuator with an at least partially formed tooth complementary structure.
• the invention further relates to a use.
• Endoscopes and in particular video endoscopes, in which the light entering a distal end of an endoscope of the endoscope of an operating field through an optical system
• CONFIRMATION COPY one or more image sensors is directed are known in various designs.
• endoscopes with a straight-ahead view a so-called 0 ° viewing direction
• endoscopes with a lateral viewing direction which, for example, have a lateral viewing direction of 30 °, 45 °, 70 ° or the like deviating from the 0 ° viewing direction.
• the aforementioned degree numbers are understood to mean the angle between the central viewing axis and the longitudinal axis of the endoscope shaft.
• endoscopes or video endoscopes with adjustable lateral viewing direction in which the viewing angle, ie the deviation from the straight-ahead view, can be adjusted.
• the generic endoscopes for the present invention include so-called “swing prisms” or “swing prism assemblies” for adjusting the angle of view.
• the viewing direction ie the azimuth angle
• the viewing direction can also be adjusted around the longitudinal axis of the endoscope shaft by rotating the endoscope as a whole about the longitudinal axis of the endoscope shaft.
• a slip-free change of the viewing angle is realized in various ways.
• prisms are used for this purpose, which are arranged behind a curved cover glass and are arranged on a prism holder which can be rotated about an axis of rotation. These guide the light from different angles to an optical system in the endoscope.
• To pivot the prism is an axially aligned, elongated actuator, which is designed for example as a rack and engages in a toothing on the prism holder.
• a direct articulated connection with a hinge on the prism holder is known.
• a rotation of the corresponding actuating element can be used when the actuating element a Has worm thread which engages teeth on the prism holder.
• Corresponding examples are known from US 2010/0030031 A1.
• the present invention has the object to enable a compact construction endoscope with simple slip-free viewing angle adjustment in a wide viewing angle range.
• an endoscope with a pivotable optical system comprising an endoscope shaft closed distally by a cover glass, an optical system arranged in the endoscope shaft and at least one prism arranged between the cover glass and the optical system, which is arranged in a prism holder which is perpendicular to one
• the prism holder has, at least in sections, a circular circumference with toothing, into which an elongated actuating element reversibly displaceable axially in the direction of the longitudinal extent of the endoscope shaft engages with an at least partially formed complementary tooth structure is further developed that the actuating element is formed bendable and is guided in an at least partially formed around the prism holder around guide channel.
• the endoscope according to the invention combines the advantage of the rack solution, namely a large achievable swivel angle or viewing angle range, with a compact design, since now no more rigid rack must be accommodated.
• the bendable actuator inserts distally into the already existing space behind the cover glass. The result is a slip-free transmission of a translational movement in a rotational movement in a small space.
• the adjusting element is preferably formed shear and tensile. In this way, a linear translational movement of the actuating element is implemented without play in a pivoting of the prism holder with the prism.
• the adjusting element is at least partially formed as a flexible rod, chain or belt.
• the proximal portion which bends around the prism holder, formed transversely to its longitudinal extent flexible.
• the tooth complement structure preferably has tooth receptacles which are designed as toothing, as a series of closed tooth receiving openings or as a series of laterally open tooth receiving openings.
• the series of closed or laterally open tooth receiving openings allow a particularly advantageous thin and flexible and thus compact design of the actuating element, while the formation of teeth allows not only flexibility but also a particularly high shear and tensile strength.
• the variant with a toothing is preferably formed as involute toothing, which allows a particularly uniform and smooth transmission of force and movement.
• the recesses or tooth receiving openings do not have to be closed laterally be. For easier production, these can also be made as a comb.
• the tooth complementary structure in this case has two lateral rows of teeth.
• the teeth of the toothing are beveled on the circumference of the prism holder in the direction of engagement.
• This is in any case given in an involute toothing, in another toothing, in particular in a variant with an actuating element having a series of closed or laterally open tooth receiving openings, also advantageous. This ensures that the engagement of the subsequent tooth is made possible but at the bottom of the tooth with the tooth receiving openings as little as possible no play. Also contributes to the at least partially positive guidance in the guide channel.
• control element consists of a metal sheet and / or an elastomer or comprises a sheet and / or an elastomer.
• the elastomer as such or as an admixture or part of the control element has, as well as the sheet, the necessary bendability, also the advantageous shear and tensile strength.
• the rack is preferably flexible in the direction of engagement, ie transversely to the longitudinal extent executed. This is achieved in a design as a sheet or with a metal sheet in that a thin sheet is used with recesses. Due to the small thickness of the sheet, it is light and highly elastic in the desired direction. malleable. Due to a special material selection, for example Nitinol, the elastic range can also be extended if necessary.
• the recesses can be easily and accurately introduced into the sheet by means of, for example, laser cutting.
• the plate or the adjusting element is guided in the direction of engagement, since otherwise it could easily be pushed out of engagement with the toothing of the prism holder.
• the guide ensures as constant a lever arm to the axis of rotation of the rotated prism holder and thus for a constant gear ratio of the transmission.
• the adjusting element in the endoscope shaft and in the distal region behind the cover glass is at least partially positively guided, in particular without lateral play.
• the guide channel is used for this purpose. So it is possible to bring about a movement even in confined spaces, without wasting space unnecessarily.
• the forced operation includes that the actuator bends behind the prism holder or kinks. It can therefore only concern a short section on which the power transmission takes place or a longer section around the prism holder.
• the fabric selection is such that the cover glass is not scratched or the forced operation can also be such that the actuator does not touch the cover glass.
• a non-guided flexible region of the actuating element, on which the actuation force acts, which is arranged proximally of the guide is kept as low as possible, since the flexible region can bulge due to the flexibility when operating in the distal direction. As a result, no or one hesitated rotary motion, similar to slip, occur. It is particularly advantageous if, in the non-deflected state, the length of the flexible part behind the guide has the length of the necessary stroke for the completely required rotation.
• a stiffer area preferably follows. There should still be added a small premium to this distance to compensate for the tolerances and other tolerance producing structures and influences such as edge rounding. This addition is preferably as small as possible.
• the actuator therefore advantageously has a distal flexible part whose length corresponds to the length of the required stroke plus a tolerance compensation. The actuator is then advantageously formed less flexible proximal to the distal flexible part.
• the prism holder is preferably pivotable by more than 60 °, in particular by more than 80 °. So a large viewing angle range is adjustable.
• connection according to the invention between the adjusting element and prism holder is executed without slippage, except for unavoidable tolerances in the processing and guidance of the toothing and the tooth complementary structure. This emphasizes the compound according to the invention, for example, against a frictional connection, which has a certain slip.
• the object on which the invention is based is also achieved by using a bendable actuating element with a distal at least partially formed tooth complementary structure in an endoscope according to the invention for pivoting a prism arranged distally or at the distal end of an endoscope shaft behind a cover glass.
• This use allows the endoscope according to the invention make the distal portion of the endoscope compact.
• the cover glass very close to the prism and vice versa, so that the prism has the same configuration of cover glass in each Verschwenkkwinkel or angle. This is not possible with some telescopes and some optics when using a rigid rack that extends far beyond the prism holder when setting large lateral viewing angles and thus requires a lot of room to the distal.
• FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view through the distal part of an endoscope according to the prior art
• FIG. 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view through the distal part of an endoscope according to the invention in a first embodiment
• Fig. 4a), b) are schematic perspective views of an endoscope tip in a third embodiment of the invention.
• FIGS. 5a) -d) show schematic perspective views of an endoscope tip in a fourth embodiment according to the invention.
• FIG. 1 an endoscope 1 according to the prior art with a pivoting prism arrangement in detail is shown schematically in cross section.
• a prism holder 16 Behind the cover glass 10 ', a prism holder 16 is arranged, which is pivotable about an axis of rotation 1 8, which extends transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the longitudinal extent of the endoscope shaft 4.
• the prism holder 16 holds a prism 14 as well as a likewise pivoted inlet lens 12. It also shows an annular cavity 24, which is present so that the prism holder 16 with its toothing 22 has room for rotation. Further details of the housing at the distal tip of the endoscope shaft 4 of the endoscope 1 are not shown for the sake of clarity.
• the entrance lens 12 and the prism After light has passed through the cover glass 1 0 ', the entrance lens 12 and the prism, it passes to an exit lens 9, which forwards the light to the optical system 8 of the endoscope 1.
• This may be a combination of lenses with a video sensor or image sensor or a set of reverse lenses that redirects the light to the proximal end and optionally a camera head and / or an eyepiece.
• the geometry of prism 14, prism holder 16 and cover glass 10 ' is broken.
• the distance between cover glass 10 'and entrance lens 12 is greater than in a view vertically downwards.
• the angles of the boundary surfaces of the cover glass 10 'with respect to the entrance lens 12 are also different in the different positions.
• This effect is caused by the mechanism with which the prism holder 16 is pivotable.
• the prism holder 16 is substantially circular in shape with at least one circular peripheral portion 20, which has a peripheral toothing 22 in sections. In this toothing 22 engages a toothing 32 of a rigid rack 30, the proximal, ie from the handle forth, a linear axial movement, represented by a straight double arrow mediates. Due to the axial linear movement of the rack 30 of the prism holder 16 is rotated, which is represented by a curved double arrow on the prism holder 16.
• Fig. 1 of the straight ahead view is shown, wherein the rack 30 is shown in its most retracted position. To pivot the viewing angle to 90 °, the rack 30 must be moved axially in the direction of the cover glass 10 '. In the final state, the rack 30 protrudes significantly beyond the prism holder 16. For this reason, the cover glass 10 'in the extension of the rack 30 is provided with a slight curvature to provide space for the rack 30 accordingly.
• an inventive endoscope 2 is shown schematically in cross section. This differs from the known endoscope 1 according to FIG. 1 inter alia in the design of the adjusting element 40 ', which according to the invention is a flexible adjusting element 40' with a distal toothing 42.
• the light at each viewing angle passes through a similar configuration of boundary surfaces, so that a uniform reproduction of the environment is ensured under every viewing angle.
• the entire available Verschwenkungs Kunststoff also efficiently usable, which, in the case that, as in Fig. 1, the cover glass 10 'is not arranged symmetrically about the rotation axis 18 around, is not the case.
• a prism holder 16 is arranged, which holds an entrance lens 12 and a prism 14 shown in cross section in FIG. 3b).
• the prism holder 16 has a number 22 on.
• the viewing direction is a 0 ° -view, so straight ahead.
• the bendable actuator 40 has a distal flexible portion 41 with a tooth complementary structure 42 formed as a series of laterally open teeth receiving apertures 50.
• the teeth of the teeth 22 of the prism holder 16 engage the teeth receiving apertures 50.
• a stiffer portion 43 closes of the actuating element 40 "on.
• the stiffer proximal portion 43 may be made of a stiffer material than the bendable distal portion 41, or, as shown in Figs. 3a) and 3b), be covered over its entire surface with a more rigid material layer. In this case, the flexible lower layer merges into the sections 41 and 43.
• the thickness of the actuating element 40 is chosen to be comparatively thick, so that a forced guidance can be generated, for example, by inserting the shown inner structure with the housing 54 into an enveloping tube.
• FIGS. 4a) and 4b) show a schematic perspective view of a further exemplary embodiment according to the invention of a distal tip of an endoscope 2 m in a straight-ahead view or in a 0 ° direction of view.
• the flexible distal portion 41 of the actuator 40 '' is thin and has a series of closed tooth receiving openings 48 which successively engage teeth of the teeth 22 of the prism holder 16.
• the stiffer proximal portion 43 faces in this embodiment the flexible portion 41 a reinforcing layer of a stiffer material, but does not cover the more flexible material in its full width.
• the distal housing 54 ' has a bridge 56 under which the thin distal portion 41 of the actuator 40' "is constrained, thereby ensuring secure engagement between the tooth receiving openings 48 and the teeth of the toothing 22 in the area where the The tangent on the circular peripheral section 20 of the prism holder 16 is parallel to the longitudinal extent of the endoscope shaft. Distally to the bridge 56, the actuating element 40 "'is free again.
• FIGS. 5a) to 5d the endoscope 2 IM according to FIG. 4 is shown in further details.
• I n Fig. 5a) the straight ahead view is shown from an upper perspective.
• FIG. 5b a distal front view is shown, in which it is clear that the thin actuator 40 m is positively guided between the inner side of the bridge 56 and the surface of the prism holder 16.
• Fig. 5c the distal tip of the endoscope 2 m is shown in a 90 ° viewing direction.
• the entrance lens 1 2 is directed downwards for this purpose.
• the actuator 40 MI has been moved axially by a total of four tooth engagement or tooth receiving openings 48.
• the actuator 40 m is no longer positively constrained by the bridge 56 and is slightly high for reasons of rigidity.
• the material of the actuating element 40 '" is selected in this case so that a contact with a cover glass 10 this is not scratched or otherwise damaged. The same is again shown in cross section in FIG. 5d).
• the concrete complementary arrangement of openings and teeth is arbitrary.
• the flexible portion may, for example, have a central web with double-sided rows of lateral indentations as an opening, or the openings may be distributed arbitrarily, even irregularly, as long as the teeth are suitably complementarily arranged in relation to this structure.

Landscapes

• Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Surgery (AREA)
• Optics & Photonics (AREA)
• Biomedical Technology (AREA)
• Public Health (AREA)
• Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy & Molecular Imaging (AREA)
• Pathology (AREA)
• Radiology & Medical Imaging (AREA)
• Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Molecular Biology (AREA)
• Biophysics (AREA)
• Medical Informatics (AREA)
• Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
• Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
• General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Astronomy & Astrophysics (AREA)
• Endoscopes (AREA)
• Instruments For Viewing The Inside Of Hollow Bodies (AREA)

Priority Applications (3)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Related Child Applications (1)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=49385211

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (5)

Cited By (1)

Families Citing this family (16)

Citations (5)

Family Cites Families (7)

• 2012
  • 2012-11-12 DE DE102012220578.0A patent/DE102012220578A1/de not_active Withdrawn
• 2013
  • 2013-10-14 CN CN201380058996.5A patent/CN104780824B/zh not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2013-10-14 JP JP2015541024A patent/JP6169180B2/ja not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2013-10-14 WO PCT/EP2013/003077 patent/WO2014072014A1/de not_active Ceased
• 2015
  • 2015-05-12 US US14/710,142 patent/US20150238068A1/en not_active Abandoned

Patent Citations (5)

Also Published As

Similar Documents

Legal Events