CN105142490B - With can pan camera endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

A kind of endoscope, its insertion axle far-end have can pan camera, this can pan photomoduel be it is pivotable, with provide can be equal to or more than 180 degree field range.Terminal light-emitting component can be installed to photomoduel, so as to the rotation position regardless of photomoduel, illuminate the current field of camera sensor.The fluid catheter of taking of inserting paragraph can also be used to store functional part, including photomoduel, the fiber optic cables that activate cable, be connected to the communication cable of camera sensor, and/or provide light for light-emitting component.The distal section of endoscope handle can be rotatable relative to the nearside handling section of endoscope handle, and for the purpose that image orientation correction is realized by electronic processors, rotary encoder is provided to insertion axle being converted into signal relative to the rotation position of handle.

Description

With can pan camera endoscope

The cross reference of related application

The application is non-provisional application, and it is required in " Endoscope with submitting and entitled on May 22nd, 2013 The Pannable Camera endoscope of pan camera (have can) " (lawyer's number of putting on record No.K35) U.S. Provisional Patent Application Sequence number No.61/826,303；Submitting and entitled " Pannable Endosope (can be peeped in pan with 2 1st, 2013 Mirror) " the U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. No.61/759 of (lawyer's number of putting on record No.K29), 784 preference, this two parts of U.S.s Each in state's patent application is incorporated herein by reference in their entirety herein.

Technical field

This disclosure relates to for the endoscopic instrument observed and worked in the case where there：In the space for being relatively difficult to reach In；And using in some aspects of operation such as endoscope or arthroscope in for the close anatomic space in human body.

Background technology

Allow to carry out remote reviewing in the space for being difficult to reach and operate to obtain using endoscopic instrument in medical treatment To confirmation.These instruments are also once used for automobile, aviation, water closet, electronic equipment and many other industry.In pharmacy or animal doctor In industry field, when needing mini-incision or non-incision, or in order to avoid disturbing tissue around, endoscopy or Arthroscopy Look into and be usually used to observe or handle anatomical area.In orthopaedy, it is, for example, possible to use being drawn by one or more small crust otch Enter to one or more of joint arthroscope instrument to access the situation in the joint of such as knee or shoulder.These instruments may be used also With for repairing various joint inner tissues.The standard technique observed and repair the open surgery of these anatomical areas can relatively more consume When, it is associated with risk and wound bigger for patients, and can be associated with longer recovery time.In addition, with opening The associated anesthesia of art of letting go may be more complicated, dangerous and expensive.In order to improve visual field, endoscope can be equipped with can be by The active flexible distal section that user controls at the handle end of instrument.When the end of instrument is positioned in limited space, (it can Inadaptable can make endoscope distal section bend needed for range of movement) in when, this may not be effective option.Should in medical treatment In, a this example will include articular surgical and perform the operation.Usually, if using the instrument with active flexible distal section It is unrealistic, then the use of the instrument with rigid insertion axle is probably preferable.Non-flexible axle can provide improved optics or Image repetition, increased space is provided in instrument and is used for additional function, and bigger durability is provided.However, in rigidity Sight glass or arthroscorpe have limited visual field and may need continually to be relocated or rotated to increase visual field.In order to Change visual field, it is necessary to from patient physical remove some endoscopes or arthroscorpe so that parts to be swapped out.Cannula system This way can be promoted, but the complexity of program and the size of otch may also be increased.These limitations may reduce operation Member's efficiency, increases surgical time, and may increase the risk of iatrogenic injury.In medical treatment and other application, will have Profit, makes endoscope have increased or variable visual field, and without using active flexible distal section.It it can still be advantageous to, Function is merged in single conduit to reduce the overall diameter of the axle of endoscope.In addition, current instrument experience reuse, Cleaning and/or sterilization are easy to degenerate in function and optical quality.Manufacture and assembly cost are sufficiently low economically to prove it not Reusable endoscope designs also will be favourable.The cost for repeating to clean or sterilize and Reseal will be eliminated, and It is also likely to be easier the q＆r that device is intended for single use is met standard.

The content of the invention

Embodiment of the disclosure is included in variable field of view endoscope useful in industry and medical applications.Endoscope can be with Including near-end and the distal end relative with near-end.The near-end of endoscope may further include handle.Endoscope can be wrapped further Slender member is included, the slender member includes inserting paragraph or axle, and the inserting paragraph or axle can extend to distal end from handle.Inserting paragraph Or axle may be configured to it is rotatable around the longitudinal axis of inserting paragraph relative at least a portion of handle.Close to distal end, imaging Device (or ' imager ') can be pivotably mounted in inserting paragraph.Imager can be imaging sensor.Imager can be with It is arranged in housing.Housing can include at least one camera lens, and image is led to imager by least one camera lens. Imager can have predetermined angular field, and may be configured to the image of FOV of acquisition.Imager can be arranged on can pivot Turn in component or camera pedestal.Current angular field can be relative to the long axis of inserting paragraph in the first Angle Position of imager and the Rotated between two Angle Positions, the boundary of the visual range of the first Angle Position and the second Angle Position restriction imager.By making base On imager pivoted around the axis of the longitudinal axis approximately perpendicular to or transverse to inserting paragraph or axle, thus it is possible to vary work as forward sight .The rotation axis of camera pedestal may be configured to positioned at being substantially divided into insertion axle is second-class in the plane in Shang Qu and lower area.

Endoscope may further include pivot control structure；The pivot control structure may be configured to work as the pivot control Imager is pivoted when structure processed is around the rotation axis rotation of the long axis approximately perpendicular to insertion axle.Pivoting control structure can be with Further comprise projection.Projection may be configured to alternatively, operatively engage at least one ratchet so that pivot control knot Structure can be rotated with discrete steps, and each step-length provides immobilization point to pivot the rotation position of control structure.One in ratchet Individual or multiple predetermined pivot orientations that can correspond to imager.Elongate actuator can be passed through by pivoting control structure -- such as, Trailing cable or draught line -- it is connected to pivotable photomoduel.

In embodiment, insertion axle can extend to the insertion end of endoscope from handle, and it is thin that insertion axle is configured to storage Long pivoted actuator, the elongated pivoted actuator are connected to the control member on handle on near-end, pivot are connected on distal end Turn component.Pivot assembly can serve as the base of imaging sensor or camera, and can include lens subassembly.Imaging sensor The image with predetermined angular field is configured to capture, the predetermined angular field is by acting on the elongated pivot on pivot assembly Actuator vertically moves rotatable.In embodiment, the liquid of taking that pivot photomoduel can be incorporated in endoscope insertion axle is led In pipe.Photomoduel can be rotated to the longitudinal axis of insertion axle in the angle between about 90 degree and about 120 degree.In the position In, the surface of lens subassembly can be by making irrigating solution be cleaned by insertion axle, then irrigating solution is leaving the remote of insertion axle The surface of lens subassembly is crossed during end.

In embodiment, the whole latter end of elongated pivoted actuator is restrained or is redirected to major axis relative to insertion axle It is linear angled.In one example, the angle formed is in the range of about 30 degree to about 90 degree.Redirecting element can be by It is included in the distal part of insertion axle, redirects element and promote the whole latter end of pivoted actuator relative to the long axis of insertion axle Form angle.When the pivot assembly being connected to pivoted actuator below its rotation axis, pivot can be located at by redirecting element Turn the top of the axis of component, and when the pivot assembly being connected to pivoted actuator above its rotation axis, redirect member Part can be located at the lower section of the axis of pivot assembly.Elongated pivoted actuator can include line or cable, and first pivots cause The pivot assembly that dynamic device may be coupled on the side of its rotation axis, and the second pivoted actuator may be coupled to pivot assembly Opposite side on pivot assembly.The whole latter end of first pivoted actuator can be redirected or be confined to relative to insertion axle Long axis form angle, and the whole latter end of the second pivoted actuator can be not so constrained or redirect.Alternately, One and second pivoted actuator can be provided with whole latter end, the whole latter end is restrained or is redirected as relative to insertion axle Long axis form angle.Wall in the distal part of insertion axle can be included in by redirecting element, the wall have recess or including Post, pulley or eyelet, pivoted actuator can redirect against the post, pulley or eyelet.Redirecting element can be configured Angle is provided as whole latter end so that the visual field of imaging sensor can reach 180 degree or alternatively more than 180 degree visual Scope internal rotation.

The inserting paragraph of endoscope can also include conduit, the conduit be configured to the space residing for the end of inserting paragraph with Fluid (liquid and/or gas) is transmitted between the position of external tothe endoscope.Conduit can be configured to carry the work(of endoscope Can part, including but not limited to camera, camera pedestal, fiber optic cables, electric transmission cable and mechanical traction line or push rod. One or more of described part can include insulation or the surface texture for allowing part to be run under wet environment.Endoscope can To be configured to provide potted component, the potted component permission functional part extends to the insertion of endoscope from handle housing The distal region of section, the potted component also suppress at least a portion that fluid penetrates into handle casing from conduit.

Photomoduel includes camera lens, and electronic image sensor can be positioned at the insertion axle of endoscope take fluid catheter Interior, the housing of Handleset includes the fluid port for taking fluid catheter fluid communication with insertion axle.Photomoduel may be mounted at In pivot bearings, pivot bearings have the rotation axis of the longitudinal axis transverse to insertion axle.Taking fluid catheter can include making phase One or more mechanical actuators of thermomechanical components movement.Taking fluid catheter can include being connected to imaging sensor communication cable, or It is configured to the fibre bundle that imaging sensor provides illumination.What barrier can be positioned at insertion axle takes fluid catheter and handle group Between the inner shell of part, barrier is configured to suppress liquid from the housing for taking fluid catheter and passing through Handleset.Barrier It can include penetrating barrier, this, which penetrates barrier, allows taking the fibre bundle between fluid catheter and the housing of Handleset, machine Tool actuator cable or communication cable pass through.The housing of Handleset can include proximal housing section and distal shell section, distal side Shell section is placed between proximal housing section and insertion axle.Distal shell section can include pivoting control device, pivot control Equipment controls the movements of cables to control the one or more for the photomoduel being connected in insertion axle to pivot.Proximal housing section Electronic control panel can be surrounded to receive view data from photomoduel.First between insertion axle and distal shell section penetrates barrier Hinder thing one or more can pivot control cable and permit process, the first pivot control cable passage penetrated in barrier is configured Moved into one or more control cable unrestricted nearside and distal sides in predetermined distance of pivoting are allowed.Distal shell section Second between proximal housing section, which penetrates barrier, can allow communication cable to pass through electronic control panel from photomoduel, the The two communication cable passages penetrated in barrier are configured to carry between the distal shell section and proximal housing section of Handleset Feed flow seals.Second between distal shell section and proximal housing section, which penetrates barrier, can allow to be configured in insertion axle Far-end provides the fibre bundle of illumination by being configured in the optical fiber beam passage that second penetrates in barrier in Handleset Fluid-tight is provided between distal shell section and proximal housing section.Second between distal shell section and proximal housing section penetrates obstacle Thing can allow to take liquid pipe by taking liquid pipe and being configured to penetrate barrier by first, second penetrate barrier and nearside shell Liquid is transferred into distal side insertion axle for the end of body section or distally insertion axle transmits liquid.

In embodiment, pivoting photomoduel can be incorporated in the insertion end of endoscope shaft, pivot photomoduel bag Camera lens and imaging sensor are included, and is configured to the axis pivot around the longitudinal axis for being substantially transverse to axle.Photophore can be with Be installed to photomoduel, photophore be configured to photomoduel pivot around its axis project light onto substantially with image sensing In the illuminated field that the visual field of device overlaps.Photophore can be passive photophore, because it guides the source from external tothe endoscope Light.Photophore can be made up of the light-guide material of such as fiber optic materials.Photophore can include mounting structure, the mounting structure with Couplings on photomoduel are engaged, to promote photophore being fastened on photomoduel.Mask can be applied to luminous One or more surfaces of device are to suppress hair from the surface emitting.Reflectance coating can be applied to one or more of photophore Individual surface.The emitting surface of photophore can be roughened the light diffusion so that from the surface emitting.Photophore can have Curved shape, to conform to the circumferential shape of camera lens.Photophore can form or be fused to multifiber by multifiber.Optical fiber End can be disposed in the close camera lens one or more recess in photomoduel.Photophore can be by being fused to Multiple individually optical fiber together are formed.Photophore can include transition region, and the transition region includes the flexibility of multiple incomplete fusions Optical fiber, wherein, at least a portion of transition region is rigid.Transition region can be attached to a part for photomoduel.

In embodiment, photomoduel can include the lens subassembly separated with imaging sensor, the lens subassembly and figure As sensor is arranged on camera case.Camera case may be configured to rotate around pivot bearings, and the pivot bearings have Transverse to the rotation axis of the longitudinal axis of the insertion axle of endoscope.Photophore can be installed on camera case and by with It is set to and is lighted on the direction of the visual field of imaging sensor.Photophore can include the terminal portion of flexible optical fibre beam.Photophore can With including being moulded by flexible optical fibre beam or be fused to the solid transparent illuminated component of flexible optical fibre beam.Camera case can by with It is set to and is rotated by the effect of trailing cable around pivot bearings, camera case is included around volume structure, should provide guiding around volume structure The surface of the terminal portion of trailing cable, and camera case includes the contact area of the distal end of fixed traction cable.Around volume structure The curved recessed portion on camera case can be included, the terminal portion of trailing cable can be positioned in curved recessed portion.

In embodiment, camera case may be configured to rotate around pivot bearings by the effect of trailing cable, pivot Bearing has the rotation axis of the insertion axle transverse to endoscope.In addition, camera case can include around volume structure, the coiling Structure is configured to the terminal portion of trailing cable being wound into the phase for the distal end for being configured to fixed traction cable at least in part Join domain on casing body.It can include bow-shaped section and straightway around volume structure.The arc of bow-shaped section can be by constant radius Limit.Radius can extend to the surface of bow-shaped section from rotation axis.The end that may be configured to make trailing cable around volume structure Last portion revolves around it axis winding and reaches about 360 degree.By the control structure in the handle of endoscope, trailing cable edge can be made The longitudinal axis displacement of inserting paragraph.Make trailing cable in a first direction along inserting paragraph longitudinal axis displacement can by with Being set to makes the second trailing cable be shifted in second opposite direction along the longitudinal axis of inserting paragraph, and vice versa.Camera Housing can include the attachment point for the second trailing cable.Camera case can include second around volume structure, second coiling Structure is configured to the terminal portion of the second trailing cable being wound at least in part and is configured to fix the second trailing cable Join domain on the camera case of distal end.By the control member in the handle of endoscope, the second trailing cable edge can be made The longitudinal axis displacement of inserting paragraph.Second may be configured to make the terminal portion of trailing cable to revolve around it axis around volume structure Winding reaches about 360 degree.Second can include bow-shaped section and straightway around volume structure.The arc of bow-shaped section can be limited by constant radius It is fixed.Radius can extend to the surface of bow-shaped section from rotation axis.First or second can include on camera case around volume structure Curved recessed portion, the terminal portion of the second trailing cable can be positioned in the curved recessed portion.

In embodiment, photophore can be formed by fibre bundle, and the fibre bundle includes：Moulded or fused with flexible optical fibre beam To the solid transparent illuminated component of flexible optical fibre beam.The changeover portion of partially fused optical fiber can be formed as at first end with sending out Light component is adjacent and adjacent with the flexible optical fibre adjacent to fibre bundle at the second end.Changeover portion can include at first end Bending shape is not easy, this is not easy bending shape maintenance and the fixation angular dependence of illuminated component, wherein, illuminated component has substantially flat Smooth emitting surface, the flat emission surface are configured to the light that transmitting is transmitted along fibre bundle.Illuminated component can include propylene Acid or makrolon material.Illuminated component can be shaped as being determined at least partially around lens subassembly, the emitting surface of component Lighted on to the direction for the visual field in lens subassembly.Illuminated component can be installed to rotatable photomoduel, photomoduel Including the lens subassembly relative with imaging sensor, wherein, photomoduel and photophore are configured to around being connected to photomoduel Pivot rotate together.

In embodiment, photophore can be formed by fibre bundle as follows：The section of the distal end of fibre bundle is placed On casting die；Before, during or after described section is placed on the model, to the model or corresponding force Or pin member applies heat；The force or pin member are moved in the mating relation with the model；To the fiber Beam section applies pressure；With make described section of fusing and determined with being formed by the model and the shape of corresponding force or pin member The shape of the transmitter.Model can include fiber alignment structure, and the changeover portion of cable is placed in fiber alignment structure, and And changeover portion can be formed as having fixed angular dependence relative to the face of photophore.Fiber alignment structure can be bevelled junction Structure.Chuck or radiator can be put on to the region close to changeover portion of fibre bundle.Chuck or radiator can be used in fibre The belt section shape close to the fibre bundle of changeover portion is maintained during tieing up the compression and heating of the distal end of beam.To the remote of fibre bundle During the compression and heating at end, the belt section shape of a part for fibre bundle can be maintained close to changeover portion.Banding is cut Face shape can include a part for fibre bundle being placed in guiding elements.Pressure may come from pneumatic source, hydraulic power source, machine Tool source or Manual pressure source.Fibre bundle can include acrylic acid or makrolon material.The distal end of fibre bundle can surround model In mandrel and wind.After cooling, flash distillation can be removed from photophore.Mask or reflectance coating can be applied to hair The surface of light device.Stratie can be utilized to apply heat.Can be based on from the temperature associated with insertion component or model The temperature feedback for spending sensor adjusts the hot amount applied.After cooling, displacer can be used to discharge from model to send out Light device.Transmitter can be allowed to cool down so that it solidifies, and afterwards, force or pin member can be made to depart from model and matched somebody with somebody Connect relation.Fibre bundle with the section under pressure adjacent or near at least changeover portion can be forced to cool down.This can be wrapped At least changeover portion included across fibre bundle blows air.

In embodiment, during assembling for the camera that is used in aqueous environment, can as follows by Lens subassembly positions relative to imaging sensor, and lens subassembly has outer optical surface and the relative optics table in face of sensor Face：Lens subassembly is placed on the first surface of plate, the plate have predetermined thickness, in the second relative plate surface and hole On, the outer optical surface of lens element is inserted into hole；Lens element is inserted into hole so that lens element Outer optical surface does not extend across the through thickness of plate, the outer surface of lens subassembly and the plane that is formed by the second surface of plate it Between leave a void；Apply sealing between the periphery of lens subassembly above first surface in plate and the first surface in plate； Space is filled up completely with to space adding liquid, liquid by capillarity；

Transparency cover is placed on above the second surface of plate；And regulation sensor and lens subassembly in face of sensor The distance between optical surface, to provide the image of focus alignment on the display screen for be connected to sensor, wherein, image source quilt Be placed on it is predetermined from the second surface of plate with a distance from place.Plate can include glass slide.Hole can have about 1mm to about 3mm Diameter.

In embodiment, endoscope can have axle, and the axle includes distal side insertion end, and the distal side insertion end is disposed for It is inserted into the anatomical area of patient.Axle can limit inner space, and distal side insertion end has opening, and the opening is empty by the inside of axle Between fluidly connected with the anatomical area that axle is inserted into.Endoscope can be in the inner space of axle in insertion end or close to insertion end Including electronic image sensor.Imaging sensor may be configured to the nothing for the anatomical area that relative to opening there is axle to be inserted into Obstacle visual field.Opening can be embrasure.Safeguard structure can be positioned at overthe openings, part covering opening.Safeguard structure can With including cage.The wall of the axle adjacent with opening can include longitudinal slit opening close to imaging sensor.Slit opening Width can upwardly extend and increase in the side of the position close to imaging sensor with slit opening.Imaging sensor can be with It is installed to photomoduel.Photomoduel may be configured to pivot axis and turn.Opening at distal end and slit opening can be by It is configured to, is photomoduel as photomoduel relative to the longitudinal axis of endoscope shaft is switched to about 120 degree from about 0 degree Imaging sensor provides accessible visual field.Photomoduel can include the lens subassembly relative with imaging sensor.Moreover, lens Component can include optical clear window, and the outer surface of the optical clear window and lens subassembly separates, in window and lens group Gas or air space are hermetically provided between the outer surface of part.

Brief description of the drawings

These and other aspects will become readily apparent from from the following detailed description refer to the attached drawing of the presently disclosed embodiments, In the accompanying drawings：

Fig. 1 is the sign diagram of two part handle designs of endoscope；

Fig. 2 shows the supplementary features of Fig. 1 diagram；

Fig. 3 shows the exemplary side elevation of endoscope；

Fig. 4 shows the decomposition view of the example of the handle proximal section of endoscope；

Fig. 5 shows the decomposition view of the alternative exemplary of the handle proximal section of endoscope；

Fig. 6 shows the top perspective of the example of the handle distal segment of endoscope；

Fig. 7 shows the example of rotary sensing component and the exploded view of handle distal segment of endoscope；

Fig. 8 shows the part assembled view of exemplary endoscopic；

Fig. 9 is the sign diagram for penetrating barrier, and its permission utility member is transferred to the conduit of endoscope from handle；

Figure 10 shows to serve as the exploded view of the example for the inner sheath base for penetrating barrier；

Figure 11 shows to pivot the exploded view of the example of control structure；

Figure 12 shows the perspective view of the example of containment member；

Figure 13 shows example with the inner sheath base in its rigging position, pivot control structure, the example of containment member The part assembled view of property endoscope；

Figure 14 shows the perspective view of oversheath base；

Figure 15 shows that inner sheath base, inner sheath and oversheath are in the closely local of the endoscope of its rigging position View；

Figure 16 shows the example of the photomoduel base separated with inner sheath；

Figure 17 is shown as the alternative exemplary of the photomoduel base of the part of inner sheath；

Figure 18 is depicted in Figure 17 example camera unitized substructure intercepted at Figure 17 line 18-18 and the section of inner sheath Figure；

Figure 19 shows the example of the part of photomoduel, the part of oversheath and photomoduel base；

Figure 20 shows the alternative exemplary of the part of photomoduel, the part of oversheath and photomoduel base；

Figure 21 shows the alternative exemplary of the part of photomoduel, the part of oversheath and photomoduel base；

Figure 22 shows the perspective view of photomoduel；

Figure 23 shows the side view of photomoduel and photomoduel base, wherein in order to clear, removes photomoduel bottom The wall of seat；

Figure 24 shows the side view of Alternative exemplary photomoduel and photomoduel base, wherein in order to clear, removes The wall of photomoduel base；

Figure 25 shows the side view of Alternative exemplary photomoduel and photomoduel base, wherein in order to clear, removes The wall of photomoduel base；

Figure 26-30 describes some in the possible rotation position of replacement camera component；

Figure 31 shows example camera component；

Figure 32 shows fibre bundle and electronics flexible cable of the example camera component together with attachment；

Figure 33 shows the top view of exemplary camera component and photomoduel base；

Figure 34 shows photomoduel and the perspective view of flexible optical fibre beam or band；

Figure 35 shows the perspective view with the photomoduel of monolithic camera case and ray structure；

Figure 36 shows the side view of Figure 35 photomoduel；

Figure 37 shows the example of flexible optical fibre beam or band；

Figure 38 shows the side view of Figure 37 flexible optical fibre band；

Figure 39 shows the perspective view of the example of optical projection component；

Figure 40 shows the perspective view of another example of optical projection component；

Figure 41 shows the perspective view of another example of optical projection component；

Figure 42 shows the bottom perspective view of the optical projection component shown in Figure 41；

Figure 43 shows the sectional view of the optical projection component shown in Figure 41 and 42 for intercepting at Figure 41 line 43-43；

Figure 44 shows the sectional view of the optical projection component shown in Figure 41 and 42 for intercepting at Figure 41 line 44-44；

Figure 45 shows the sectional view of the optical projection component shown in Figure 41 and 42 for intercepting at Figure 41 line 45-45；

Figure 46 shows to be provided with the top perspective of the photomoduel of Figure 41 optical projection component thereon；

Figure 47 shows to be included in the top view of multiple illumination fibers in flexible-belt；

Figure 48 shows the top view of the multiple illumination fibers for the flexible-belt that one end of band has been looped on themselves；

Figure 49 shows to be formed as the side view at the circulation end of the flexible-belt of optical projection component；

Figure 50 shows the top view of the flexible-belt with the optical projection component formed completely；

Figure 51 shows that the sign diagram of the equipment of optical projection component can be used to form；

Figure 52 shows that the example embodiment of the equipment of optical projection component can be used to form；

Figure 53 shows that the example embodiment of the equipment of optical projection component can be used to form；

Figure 54 shows to be used to manufacture the embodiment of two relative forms of optical projection component；

Figure 55 shows to be used to manufacture the embodiment of the equipment of optical projection component；

Figure 56 shows to be used to manufacture the embodiment of the equipment of optical projection component；

Figure 57 shows to be used to manufacture the embodiment of the form of optical projection component；

Figure 58 shows to be used to manufacture the embodiment of the form of optical projection component；

Figure 59 shows that the example apparatus of manufacture optical projection component can be used to and the light of the device fabrication can be used to throw Penetrate the embodiment of element；

Figure 60 shows the sectional view of the equipment in Figure 59 for intercepting at Figure 59 line 60-60；

Figure 61 shows the sectional view of the example camera component intercepted at Figure 22 line 61-61；

Figure 62 shows the sectional view of the example camera component intercepted at Figure 32 line 62-62；

Figure 63 shows the sectional view of the example camera component intercepted at Figure 32 line 62-62；

Figure 64 shows the perspective view of exemplary lens component；

Figure 65 shows the sectional view of the exemplary lens component intercepted at Figure 64 line 65-65；

Figure 66 shows the perspective view of exemplary lens component；

Figure 67 shows the sectional view of the exemplary lens component intercepted at Figure 66 line 67-67；

Figure 68 shows the perspective view of exemplary lens component；

Figure 69 shows the sectional view of the exemplary lens component intercepted at Figure 68 line 69-69；

Figure 70 shows the perspective view of exemplary lens component；

Figure 71 shows the sectional view of the exemplary lens component intercepted at Figure 70 line 71-71；

Figure 72 shows the top view of the part of example fixing device, and the example fixing device can be placed to bigger set In standby, for determining that the correct space of optical element and imaging sensor is arranged；

Figure 73-75 conceptually describes the process for being enclosed in optical element in its expected working media；

Figure 76 conceptually describes the process of the sensor in the plane of delineation for align optical components；

Figure 77 depicted examples imaging sensor and lens subassembly, described image sensor and lens subassembly separate each other, make Obtain the plane of delineation misalignment imaging sensor of lens subassembly；

Figure 78 describes the example image sensor for having attached to exemplary lens component after being aligned；

Figure 79 describes the example apparatus for the correct space arrangement that can be used to determine optical element and imaging sensor Perspective view；

Figure 80 is depicted in the perspective view of the part for the equipment described in Figure 79；

Figure 81-84, which describes, can be used to assemble complete fixing device and fixing device is placed into bigger equipment In instantiation procedure；

Figure 85 shows the part assembled view of endoscope, wherein handle printed circuit board (PCB), electric power/HDMI cables, illumination fibre Dimension and lavation line are in its rigging position；

Figure 86 shows the block diagram of example image processing system；And

Figure 87 describe show to use from rotary sensing component input how the example illustration of remedial frames.

Embodiment

As used in this article term ' endoscope ' and ' arthroscope ' mean convertibly using and it will be provided Broadest explanation, each term indicate that visual inspection, diagnosis and/or treatment or repair purpose have be used for insert To the elongated segment instrument in inaccessible space.In medicine or veterinary practice field, this space can include body cavity, joint sky Between, tissue plane or other body structures.Instrument can be also used for multiple non-medical (for example, industry) applications, wherein, endoscope The diameter of insertion section need to be minimized, or the space that endoscope must operate wherein is limited to very much so that not allowing to make With active flexible distal section.

Two part handle designs of endoscope 10 are shown in Fig. 1.Example endoscope 10 includes handle proximal section 16 and handle Distal section 30.Handle proximal section 16 can be housing.As shown, handle distal segment 30 can extend at least partly into hand In handle proximal section 16.Handle distal segment 30 and handle proximal section 16 can rotate relative to each other.In certain embodiments, user Handle proximal section 16 can be kept fixed, while handle distal segment 30 is rotated for thumb or finger.Endoscope 10 can With with multiple structures, such as, but not limited to, rotary sensing component, fluid conduit systems, lighting apparatus, imager or photomoduel, Pivot controller of imager etc..

The other structure of endoscope 10 represents in fig. 2.Endoscope 10 includes handle proximal section 16 and handle distal segment 30.In this example, at least a portion of insertion axle or section 14 is fixed to handle distal segment 30 and moved with handle distal segment 30 It is dynamic.Handle distal segment 30 includes handle projection or fin 36, and handle projection or fin 36 provide the user the surface of pressing to promote Enter handle distal segment 30 to rotate relative to handle proximal section 16.In certain embodiments, the hand of user can keep handle nearside Section 16 is fixed, while rotates handle distal segment 30 using one in the finger or thumb of user.

In certain embodiments, one or both of handle proximal section 16 and handle distal segment 30 may be used as housing or Provided the structural support for other parts of endoscope 10.Endoscope 10 shown in Fig. 2 can include rotary sensing component 150.Rotation Rotation of the handle distal segment 30 relative to handle proximal section 16 can be tracked by turning sensing component 150.In certain embodiments, rotate Sensing component 150 can include the part fixed relative to handle proximal section 16 and the portion fixed relative to handle distal segment 30 Part.For example, rotary sensing component 150 can include potentiometer and bonded axle.Potentiometer can for example be installed near including handle The supporting member of the inner shell of side section 16.Alternately, handle distal segment 30 can also include supporting member and be used for installation rotation Turn one or more parts of sensing component 150 (see, for example, the turn-sensitive device retainer in Fig. 7).In any case, The rotation of rotary sensing component or member of translational are arranged to the rotation journey relative to handle proximal section 16 with handle distal segment 30 Degree proportionally moves.

Fig. 3 shows the exemplary embodiment of endoscope (or, for example, arthroscope) 10.Can be (outstanding in various ESSs It includes arthroscopy) in use endoscope 10.As shown, endoscope 10 includes handle 12 and inserting paragraph or axle 14, Inserting paragraph or axle 14 can include elongated hollow axle, one or more actuating components, electricity/order wire, illumination or optical transmission cable And/or fluid passage can be located in elongated hollow axle.As shown, in embodiment, handle 12 can be big in shape Cause tubular and circular.Inserting paragraph 14 can also substantially tubular and be extended along longitudinal axis in shape.In reality Apply in example, inserting paragraph 14 can be rigid and relatively straight.In other embodiments, inserting paragraph 14 along its length at least A part can be bending or inclined.In other embodiments, inserting paragraph 14 can include semi-rigid wrought material, and half just Property wrought material allows it to be bent and is held desired shape.The diameter of inserting paragraph 14 is straight significantly less than handle 12 Footpath.In certain embodiments, the diameter of inserting paragraph 14 can be approximate 5.5mm or smaller.The inserting paragraph 14 of endoscope 10 can be with With the length of the same length of handle 12.In alternative embodiments, the length and shape of handle 12 and inserting paragraph 14 can be with It is substantially different.

At least a portion of inserting paragraph 14 can be dismantled from handle 12.In such a embodiment, inserting paragraph 14 or inserting paragraph 14 removable section can be connected to handle 12 by any of various devices, and the various devices include but is not limited to Frictional fit, it is clasped, thread connection, bayonet mount etc..In certain embodiments, inserting paragraph 14 can be disposable unit, And handle 12 can be reusable part.In inserting paragraph 14 is disposable embodiment, inserting paragraph 14 is using it After can abandon.In other embodiments, inserting paragraph 14 can be impregnated with or other appropriate through autoclave, solution after usage Disinfectant program sterilize.In a preferred embodiment, handle 12 and inserting paragraph 14 both disposably and are using it After can abandon, avoid the need for the cost of disinfectant program and equipment (remove the manufacture of such as device, assembling or encapsulation during Pre- using oxirane, radiation etc. is used beyond sterilization).In addition, by the way that the handle 12 of endoscope 10 and inserting paragraph 14 are all made Into disposable, it is not present in function or reliability and is degenerated because caused by reusing and repeats cleaning.Peeped in will be whole Mirror 10, which is made, disposably has other benefits, and these benefits are discussed below.

Preferably, disposable endoscope 10 can be equipped with the device for preventing that it from reusing, especially to using Instrument disinfection may make its functional deterioration in the case of.For example, endoscope 10 can include the storage core of storage identification code Piece, identification code can identify that operability and display for image, endoscope 10 must by the electronic processors in base board unit Base board unit must be connected to.Connecting portion can be included in memory chip in the controller in base board unit and endoscope 10 it Between wire communication, or, for example using the radio communication of the RFID device in endoscope 10.(it can also use other Type is wirelessly transferred, such as, such as bluetooth or wi-fi).In embodiment, base board unit can be programmed to for the first time Storage device on endoscope 10 is encoded after use, and can be programmed to whenever endoscope 10 then again by The code that indication endoscope 10 has previously been used is read and identified when being connected to any base board unit.Once identification ' uses Cross ' endoscope 10, controller can is programmed to prevent the electronics and imaging communication between endoscope 10 and base board unit. Code and its communication can be encrypted to enhance system security.Alternately, endoscope 10 can wrap in its software Include cause endoscope 10 to have an operation after usage go functionalization structure.

As shown in figure 3, the handle 12 of endoscope 10 can include multiple different structures.It is near that handle 12 can include handle Side section 16.Handle proximal section 16 can be relative smooth, as shown in Figure 3.Handle proximal section 16 can include one or more Hollow section.Handle proximal section 16 can also be wavy, thus it includes multinomial ergonomics attribute.In certain embodiments, At least a portion of handle proximal section 16 can not have smooth surface and can include annular knurl, ribbed, roughening , the texture of the type such as porous, and/or rubberized or resilient membrane during its operation to promote internally to peep The gripping of mirror 10.In the exemplary embodiment, handle proximal section 16 is formed with multiple finger recesses 18.In certain embodiments, hand Handle proximal section 16 can by with soft feel or grip get up comfortable material (for example, rubber or other elastomers) be made. In certain embodiments, pistol grip shape structure (not shown) can be included as the part of handle proximal section 16.

As shown in figure 3, handle proximal section 16 can be divided into two independent parts.Handle proximal section 16 in Fig. 3 Including handle top section 20 and handle bottom section 22.The handle proximal section 16 of handle top section 20 and handle bottom section 22 can be manufactured to two Individual independent part and pass through any appropriate means -- such as, for example, adhesive, screw, being clasped -- it is connected in Together.As shown, handle top section 20 is smooth and contoured shape, different from handle bottom section 22.This can help user The orientation of endoscope 10 is quickly and easily determined by sensation.In certain embodiments, handle top 20 and handle bottom section 22 Can include with different sensation (for example, metal phase for plasticity, metal phase for elastomer, smooth relative to veining Deng) surfacing.

The endoscope 10 of handle 12 can also include handle distal segment 30.As shown in figure 3, handle distal segment 30 is near from handle Side section 16 extends towards inserting paragraph 14.Handle distal segment 30 is diametrically can be smaller than handle proximal section 16.As shown, hand Handle distal section 30 can be longer than handle proximal section 16 in length, but in alternative embodiments, handle distal segment 30 and hand The relative size of handle proximal section 16 can be different.

In at least a portion of handle distal segment 30, it is understood that there may be grip texture, as shown in Figure 3.In showing shown in Fig. 3 In example embodiment, it is a series of spiral ribs 32 to grip texture.In other embodiments, other gripping textures can also be used -- it is all The annular knurl or chequer of such as non-helical rib, slightly knot, projection, groove, honeycomb pattern or other forms.As shown, Spiral ribs 32 in the exemplary embodiment surround the major part of the external diameter of handle distal segment 30.In certain embodiments, including hand Gripping texture in handle distal section 30, the continuous part of handle distal segment 30 can be not formed as by gripping texture.In such a implementation In example, ' crust ' or sleeve that texture can be applied on handle distal segment 30 are gripped.Gripping texture crust can be by appointing Anticipate appropriate means -- such as, but not limited to adhesive, be clasped, various fasteners, cladding shaping etc. -- it is remote to be connected to handle Side section 30.In certain embodiments, grip texture crust can be by being made different from the material of handle distal segment 30.Grip texture Crust for example can be softer, elastic or rubber like material, and this material grips compared with the material of handle distal segment 30 Come more comfortable/less smooth.

In the exemplary embodiment, handle distal segment 30 includes the handle bossing protruded from the top of handle distal segment 30 34.In this example, handle bossing 34 does not protrude shrilly upwards from the remainder of handle distal segment 30.Alternatively, Handle bossing 34 may be configured to gently be bent upwards from the remainder of handle distal segment 30.In this example, Spiral ribs 32 do not extend past and on the tops of handle bossing 34.It will be further described below handle bossing 34 Other feature.

- aspect, what it is from the bottom of handle distal segment 30 protrusion can be handle fin 36.In this example, handle fin 36 do not project away from the remainder of handle distal segment 30 shrilly.Alternatively, handle fin 36 can be configured as peeping inwardly The subordinate of mirror 10 or subordinate position gently buckle away from the remainder of handle distal segment 30.Spiral ribs 32 do not extend preferably By and on the bottom of handle fin 36.In other embodiments, handle fin 36 may be configured to from handle distal side The top of section 30 protrudes, and handle bossing 34 may be configured to the other side protrusion from handle distal segment 30.Hand Handle fin 36 can be arranged to that to simulate various cables, lavage apparatus etc. be entering in endoscope that doctor may already be familiar with The position of mouth point.This be probably it is desired because this entrance be used frequently as abutment surface using promote rotation and as Leading mark.It will be further described below the other feature of handle fin 36.

Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 shows that the handle top section 20 of the handle proximal section 16 shown in Fig. 3 and the example of handle bottom section 22 are implemented Example.Handle top section 20 and handle bottom section 22 be not to couple or decomposition view is shown.Handle proximal section 16 can be it is hollow and Formed when assembling like shell structure.Handle bottom section 22 can include lug 40, and the lug 40 is in the top surface 46 from handle bottom section 22 Certain winding bottom section inwall 42 at a distance.As shown, exist in handle bottom section 22 to be approximately perpendicular to handle bottom section 22 The bending of the angle arrangement of top surface 46 or U-shaped otch 44.Two nail projections at the rear portion of handle bottom section 22, can included 47.Nail projection 47 can extend and into the angle of the top surface approximately perpendicular to lug 40 slightly above in lug 40.

As shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5, when assembling handle proximal section 16, the size of a part for handle top section 20 can cause It can be overlapping by handle bottom section 22.Overlay segment 48 can be from the stepping of handle top section outer surface 50, as shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5.It is overlapping The height of section 48 may be selected so that it is approximately equal to or slightly greater than the top of the lug 40 of handle bottom section 22 and handle bottom The distance between top surface 46 of section 22.In such a embodiment, when fully assembled, the bottom surface 52 of handle top section 20 (refers to work as Orientation during assembling) against handle bottom section 22 lug 40 top.In addition, in such an embodiment, handle top section outer surface 50 and handle bottom section outer surface 54 can flush against one another and form the surface of nearly singular integral and gapless between them.One In a little embodiments, it is (small shown in Fig. 3 between handle top section outer surface 50 and handle bottom section outer surface 54 to there may be small―gap suture Gap).

As shown, handle top section 20 can include nail otch 59, follow closely the shape of otch 59 and be arranged such that they can So that nail projection 47 is received in handle bottom section 22.Handle top section 20 can be in handle top section 20 docking or proximal portion bag Include curved cuts 58.As shown, curved cuts 58 (can be referred to being approximately perpendicular to the angle of the bottom surface 52 of handle top section 20 Orientation when assembling) it is recessed into handle top section 20.When handle proximal section 16 is assembled, the bending of handle bottom section 22 or U The curved cuts 58 of shape otch 44 and handle top section 20 can form the circular that will be further described below together Or ovate handle space or opening 60.It is to be appreciated that it is not necessarily to be construed as implying using term " cutting away ", " cutting " etc. herein Material must physically be removed by cutting or material removal processes.In certain embodiments, bending or the He of U-shaped otch 44 Curved cuts 58 can be formed during manufacture, without physically removing material.

As shown in figure 4, handle bottom section 22 can include axle supporting member 63.Axle supporting member 63 in Fig. 4 has bending Or semi-circular portion, the bending or semi-circular portion correspond roughly to the position with tooth projection 62 in Fig. 5.Axle supporting member 63 Also include post.Post is vertically protruded from the midpoint of semi-circular portion, and 90 degree of the approximation of semi-circular portion is left on every side of post.From It is axle supporting section 65 that the top of the post of axle supporting member 63 is vertically prominent towards the distal end of handle proximal section 16.Axle supporting section 65 can So that including depression, a part for sensor tooth wheel shaft 120 (referring to Fig. 7) can be with seated connection in the valley.When handle proximal section 16 is complete When being assembled entirely, the post of axle supporting member 63 can be approximated to be the length of the radius of semi-circular portion.It will be further described below Axle supporting member 63, band tooth projection 62 and with tooth projection 64.

As shown in Figure 5, handle bottom section 22 can be replaced and or alternatively include curved bel tooth projection 62.Curved bel tooth projection The 62 similar band tooth projection 64 by being included in handle top section 20 is supplemented.Band tooth projection 62 and can be by cloth with tooth projection 64 Be set to so that, when handle proximal section 16 is fully assembled, they are consistent with each other and form ring body or inner ring gear.

As shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5, handle bottom section 22 and bending or the relative face of U-shaped otch 44 and handle distal segment 20 The face relative with curved cuts 58 can include semicircle opening or space 70.Bending or U-rail 72 can be along each half The whole arc of circular void 70 is recessed into the edge of hemispherical cavities 70, as shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5.

Fig. 3 example handle distal segment 30 is shown as isolating with the remainder of handle 12 in figure 6.Fig. 6 is from substantially Top perspective illustrates handle distal segment 30.As shown, spiral ribs 32 as detailed above and front hand grip raised section 34 are in hand It is visible in handle distal section 30.As indicated by the seam as the vertical central plane continuity along handle distal segment, handle distal side Section 30 can be configured as two or more independent parts (being in this example embodiment 30a and 30b), it is described two or The combination that more independent parts pass through any appropriate means or appropriate means -- such as, for example, being clasped, adhesive And/or screw -- it is linked together.

In addition, the handle distal segment 30 in Fig. 6 includes section not shown in FIG. 3.When assembling endoscope 10, such as Fig. 3 Shown, the part of handle distal segment 30 can be incorporated in the inside of handle proximal section 16.For example, the handheld electronic being contained is set Standby section 80 is prominent from outer handle distal section 82 to nearside (this is all visible in two figures of Fig. 3 and Fig. 6).One will be entered below The handheld electronic devices section 80 that step description is contained.

Between the handheld electronic devices section 80 and outer handle distal section 82 being contained is minor diameter across portion 84.As institute Show, minor diameter can include circular groove 86 across portion 84, and the circular groove 86 is recessed into minor diameter across the outer surface in portion 84 In.In certain embodiments, when fully assembled, it is near across portion 84 can be disposed in handle for the minor diameter of handle distal segment 30 In the hemispherical cavities 70 of side section 16.Minor diameter is across the bending in the circular groove 86 and smaller part circular void 70 in portion 84 or U Shape track 72 can be with consistent with each other.When using endoscope 10, the above situation can allow handle distal segment 30 and handle nearside Section 16 rotates relative to each other.Alternatively, ball bearing (not shown) or other types of bearing can be along handle distal segments 30 Minor diameter tracked across the U-rail 72 in the circular groove 86 and the hemispherical cavities 70 of handle proximal section 16 in portion 84. In preferred embodiment, o-ring (not shown) can be placed on the minor diameter of handle distal segment 30 across in the circular groove 86 in portion 84. O-ring (not shown) may be used as the dynamic sealing portion between handle proximal section 16 and handle distal segment 30.In such a embodiment In, handle proximal section 16 and handle distal segment 30 can be rotated relative to each other, while the inside for sealing handle proximal section 16 is exempted from In contact liq.

As handle portions of proximal 16 and handle distal segment 30 rotate relative to each other, handle fin 36 or other projections can To serve as the leading mark of user.Orientation can be checked visually or by feeling.In certain embodiments, handle fin Gripping texture on 36 can be differently configured from the spiral ribs 32 on the remainder of handle distal segment 30 to promote by feeling orientation Check.

As shown in Figure 6, handle raised section 34 can include button 90.In certain embodiments, handle raised section 34 can There is no button including more than one button 90 or at all.Button 90 can be located at other places or hand on handle distal segment 30 Other places on handle 12.In certain embodiments, handle raised section 34 can include button 90, and one or more additional Button 90 can be located at other places on handle 12.It can be the distribution function of button 90.In certain embodiments, can to by The distribution of button 90 can operate the multiple functions of enabling by various users.In certain embodiments, one in button 90 or more It is individual to be sealed relative to outer handle section 82 to suppress Liquid Penetrant.

Button 90 can be image capture button.In such a embodiment, user's depression of button 90 can promote photo Recorded by endoscope 10.In certain embodiments, user can double-click button 90, pin button 90 etc. to promote endoscope 10 to open Begin record video.For stop recording video, user can double-click button 90, pin button 90 etc..In certain embodiments, user It may only need to press button 90 with stop recording video.In certain embodiments, when endoscope 10 records video, user couple The single of button 90, which is pressed, to promote still image to be recorded, without suspending videograph.

In addition, handle raised section 34 can include slide glass button recesses 92.As shown in Figure 6, while transverse shifting is constrained, Slide glass button recesses 92, which are arranged to, allows the movable (referring to Figure 13) of slide glass button or finger contact 98.In some implementations In example, slide glass button can be pivot controller or the part for pivoting control structure 100 (see, e.g., Figure 13).In some realities Apply in example, including the example embodiment shown in Fig. 6, slide glass button recesses 92 can be with slightly curved bent to comply with the slide glass button of handle The shape for the part that recess 92 is located at.

As shown in Figure 6, slide glass button recesses 92 can include multiple spines or ratchet 94, when user moves forward and backward slide glass During button, the plurality of spine or ratchet 94 can engage corresponding element on slide glass button and be stopped with providing the active of series of discrete Only.Some embodiments can not include spine 94.In certain embodiments, pivot control structure 100 (referring to Figure 11) can be with The part docked with user can project through the pivot control structure in the slide glass button recesses 92 of handle raised section 34 Notch 96 (referring to Figure 13).In example embodiment in figure 6, pivoting such part of control structure 100 includes finger Contact 98.As shown, there can be slope profile for ergonomics reason, finger contact 98.It will be described with pivot Turn control structure 100.

Fig. 7 shows the diagram in further detail of exemplary handle distal section 30, and without attachment inserting paragraph 14.Also showed that in Fig. 7 Example rotary sensing component 150.As shown, handle distal segment 30 is manufactured to two independent part 30a and 30b. In example embodiment, two independent part 30a and 30b of handle distal segment 30 include multiple screwed holes 102, the multiple spiral shell Pit 102 can be threaded.Screw (not shown) or other appropriate fasteners can be used to handle distal segment 30 Two independent part 30a and 30b are linked together.In certain embodiments, two independent part 30a and 30b can be through It is clasped, ultrasonic bonding, adhesive etc. are linked together.

In certain embodiments, one in two of handle distal segment 30 independent part 30a and 30b can include nail Shape projection 104, the complementary nail joint that spike projection 104 is coupled on another in two independent part 30a and 30b are received In chamber 106.This can aid in two independent part 30a and 30b alignments and/or is linked together.In some embodiments In, including the embodiment shown in Fig. 7, outer handle distal section 82 can be general hollows.In certain embodiments, outside hand The hollow bulb of handle distal section 82 can not prevent fluid from entering by sealing.In the example embodiment shown in Fig. 7, such as in handle Drainage channel 108 can be included in fin 36.Drainage channel 108 can be allowed access into the hollow bulb of outer handle distal section 82 Any fluid easily discharge.Alternate embodiment can include additional and/or different drainage.

Handle distal segment 30 can also include turn-sensitive device retainer 110, as shown in Figure 4.When the quilt completely of endoscope 10 During assembling, turn-sensitive device retainer 110 can retain rotary sensing component 150.As shown, rotary sensing component 150 Forward gear 112 can be included.Forward gear 112 is arranged around forward gear axle 114.As shown in figure 4, travelling gear 116 is also put Put on forward gear axle 114 so that the rotation of forward gear 112 promotes travelling gear 116 also to rotate.Travelling gear 116 can To be engaged with the sensor axis gear 118 being arranged on sensor tooth wheel shaft 120.As forward gear 112 rotates, sensor axis Gear 118 and sensor tooth wheel shaft 120 also rotate.Using gear assembly can allow by the potentiometer 122 of attachment be placed on from In the off-centered position of central rotation axis of handle distal segment 30, this can advantageously allow for the placed in the middle of other internal structures Place (for example, lavage catheter, fibre bundle, electronics flexible cable or other electronic units).

In example embodiment in the figure 7, sensor tooth wheel shaft 120 can include splined or bonded (for example, D-shaped shape) part.Bonded part can be operatively engaged with one or more rotating potentiometers 122.In Fig. 7 In shown example embodiment, two rotating potentiometers 122 be present.Potentiometer 122 may be mounted at or otherwise be attached Onto a part for the printed circuit board (PCB) in installation elements or handle, as described by reference picture 85.Potentiometer 122 each includes Bonded (for example, D-shaped shape) space, the corresponding linking moiety of sensor tooth wheel shaft 120 and bonded space mating.With Sensor tooth wheel shaft 120 rotates, and the resistance of (one or more) potentiometer 122 will proportionately change.Because resistance will be contemplated that Ground changes with the rotation amount of sensor tooth wheel shaft 120, so the resistance of the measurement of (one or more) potentiometer 122 can be by For determining the caused rotation between handle proximal section 16 and handle distal segment 30 (and by extension, inserting paragraph 14) Amount.

In certain embodiments, the housing of each potentiometer 122 can be installed to the handheld electronic devices section 80 being contained The element of (or being attached to other elements of handle distal segment 30), and therefore relative to handle distal segment 30 (and by prolonging Stretch, inserting paragraph 14) it is immobilized, and the axle of potentiometer 122 or rotation propeller boss are connected to handle proximal section 16.In other embodiments In, the housing of potentiometer 122 can be fixed relative to handle proximal section 16, and other axles or rotary sleeve may be coupled to hand The element of handle distal section 30 or handheld electronic devices section 80.

Example embodiment in Fig. 7 includes two rotating potentiometers 122, and the two rotating potentiometers 122 are stacked And mutually rotating offset.In alternative embodiments, potentiometer 122 can be spaced apart, but shared common rotating shaft Line (for example, common axis can promote the vernier movement of two potentiometers 122).The arrangement allows controller from two potentiometers 122 reception resistance values with desired accuracy so that calculate sensor axis (and the portion of the final far-end for counting sight glass Part) by the degree of rotation of 360 degree of rotations, therefore help to eliminate distal shaft (for example, camera) place part in measurement endoscope Rotation in calculating " blind spot ".Appoint caused by the position of the vernier of one potentiometer 122 in end in its range of movement What blind spot can be compensated by the vernier of the second potentiometer 122 of its position not at the end of its range of movement.It is real substituting Apply in example, the potentiometer 122 that more than two can be used rotatably to offset.Simple, the rotation between potentiometer 122 in order to calculate Skew can be 180 degree, but other angular variation can be used to realize identical result, as long as rotation offset allows by one Any blind spot is overlapping with the envelop of function of another potentiometer 122 caused by potentiometer 122.In alternative embodiments, depend on Desired precision, the sensitivity of potentiometer 122 and other factorses in measurement rotation, to front axle gear 112, shaft gear 116 Gear drive rate can change between sensor axis gear 118.In alternative embodiments, rotary sensing component 150 can make With band, rather than one or more of gear assembly.For example, travelling gear 116 and sensor axis gear 118 can be taken by band Generation.Other rotate to as known in the art can also be used to rotate arrangement.In certain embodiments, forward gear axle 114 can So that including bonded structure (for example, part of D-shaped shape), the bonded structure is directly operatively engaged potentiometer 122.It can also make With the turn-sensitive device different from potentiometer 122.Alternate embodiment can include turn-sensitive device, such as rotary encoder, rotation Turn variable differential transformer or other code devices.In the embodiment using rotary encoder, encoder can be Gray's volume Code device, magnetic coder, optical encoder etc..

In embodiment, sensor tooth wheel shaft 120 can not extend to the bearing section of axle supporting member 63.On the contrary, rotation Sensing component 150 can be supported by turn-sensitive device retainer 110.Among other benefits, the arrangement allows handle distal segment 30 relative to handle proximal section 16 unrestricted degree of rotation.In addition, as by as those skilled in the art field, permitted Perhaps the part of rotary sensing component 150 is located in eccentric position.This can provide benefit in period of assembly.For example, it can letter Change the laying of lavation line 434 (referring to Figure 85), power cable 432 (referring to Figure 85) etc..

In other embodiments, axle supporting member 63 and potentiometer 122 can be directly connected to by axle.With spline connection or The axle being connected on distal end can extend from the bearing section of axle supporting member 63 and extend corresponding flower in overpotential meter 122 Key connecting or bonded (for example, D-shaped shape) space.Because axle supporting member 63 can be fixed relative to handle proximal section 16 , so distal handle segment 30 will change the resistance measured by potentiometer 122 relative to the rotation of handle proximal section 16.As above Mentioned, it is electric because resistance predictably will change with a handle section relative to the rotation of another handle section Resistance measurement can be used to determine (and final, such as endoscope or photomoduel 350 shown in Figure 19 by handle distal segment Distal end) obtain rotation amount.

In other embodiments, rotary sensing component 150 can include rangefinder, and the rangefinder can be disposed in electronics (referring to Fig. 6) on the storage handle of equipment section 80.The inwall (referring to Fig. 4) of handle proximal section 16 can include variable thickness or can And of Varying Depth convex surfaces, variable thickness or the variable height convex surfaces wind 360 degree of the inwall of handle proximal section 16 It is all or part of, and change in a predetermined manner along its circumferential paths on thickness or height.Due to handle proximal section 16 Rotated relative to each other with handle distal segment 30, so rangefinder can provide basis by rangefinder reading to not for controller With surface distance (its different thickness or height) and change signal.Signal may with by stadia surveying relative to Predetermined base position -- in the opening position, surface has appointed thickness or height -- thickness/height or distance dependent and with Handle distal segment 30 is relevant relative to the specified angle rotation of handle proximal section 16.Can by the distance compared with first front distance with by This determination caused rotation amount.Rangefinder can be any type of rangefinder (for example, mechanical position sensor, sound Rangefinder, laser or other optical rangefinders etc.).

In another alternate embodiment, the sensor device of similar optical mouse can be used.Sensor can be installed On one in the handheld electronic devices section 80 or handle proximal section 16 being contained and it is configured to track the hand being contained Another movement in handle electronic equipment section 80 or handle proximal section 16.In such a embodiment, by the movement of sensor sensing Amount and direction can be used to determine the amount of caused rotation displacement and direction.In certain embodiments, by sensor with The surface of track can have grid square, quantity, pattern, mark or the other distinguishing characteristics of unique indicator, and this allows Determination of the sensor to direction of rotation after startup.Can also be in various embodiments using known to those skilled in the art The rotary sensing component 150 of other species.

As shown in fig. 7, the turn-sensitive device retainer 110 of handle distal segment 30 can be formed such that, when handle is remote When two independent part 30a and 30b of side section 30 are linked together, it can be caught between two independent part 30a and 30b Obtain rotary sensing component 150.Every side of turn-sensitive device retainer 110 can include forward gear axial trough 124 and sensor tooth Take turns axial trough 126.When assembled, forward gear axial trough 124 and sensor gear axial trough 126 can each act as forward gear axle 114 and the bearing surface of sensor tooth wheel shaft 120.Every side of turn-sensitive device retainer 110 can also include retainer space 128.The size and shape in retainer space 128 can cause, when assembling handle distal segment 30 completely, travelling gear 116, pass Sensor shaft gear 118 and potentiometer 122 can be assemblied in turn-sensitive device retainer 110.

Fig. 8 shows the part assembled view of the handle 12 of endoscope 10.The handle of handle proximal section 16 is only shown in fig. 8 Bottom section 22.As shown, a part for the handle bottom section 22 of handle proximal section 16 has been cut off.It is in addition, shown in fig. 8 In embodiment, handle distal segment 30 is assembled (referring to Fig. 7) by two independent part 30a and 30b.In fig. 8, in order to clear, One in the halfbody (30b) of handle distal segment 30 is removed.The handheld electronic devices section 80 being contained can be located at hand The inside of handle proximal section 16.Outer handle distal section 82 extends beyond handle proximal section 16 and is exposed to environment.

As described above, rotary sensing component 150 is disposed in turn-sensitive device retainer 110.As shown, rotate The forward gear 112 of sensing component 150 can be engaged by the tooth annulus formed with tooth projection 62 and with tooth projection 64 (in Fig. 5 Best seen from).In such a embodiment, when handle 12 is fully assembled, handle distal segment 30 is relative to handle proximal section 16 any rotation promotes forward gear 112 to rotate, because it is engaged by with tooth projection 62 and the ring-type formed with tooth projection 64 Gear ring.Then, the rotation can be translated by remaining rotary sensing component 150, it is allowed to which rotation is by rotary sensing component 150 Measurement.In a preferred embodiment, total gear ratio can be approximation 1:1.

Alternately, it is not teeth parts, but handle proximal section 16-- is similar to the handle proximal section shown in Fig. 4 -- can With the bonded axle of bonded axle or part of the axle supporting section 65 including being attached to axle supporting member 63.The linking moiety of axle can be by cloth It is set to and is coupled with the axle sleeve of one or more potentiometers 122, one or more potentiometers 122 is maintained at turn-sensitive device holding In device 110.Therefore, because handle distal segment 30 rotates relative to handle proximal section 16, so one or more potentiometers 122 The relative position of handle distal segment 30 and proximal section 16 can be converted into can be used for the resistance value for determining spin orientation by vernier.

Referring now to Fig. 9, in embodiment, the inserting paragraph 14 of endoscope 10 includes conduit 157, passes through conduit 157, operation Or function can be performed.In industry or medical applications, the conduit 157 can be used to transmit instrument to manipulate in inserting paragraph Object (instrument such as grasper, pliers, fixture, wire basket, expander, knife, scissors, the magnetic cartridge of 14 end Deng).Fluid (gas or liquid) can also be passed to the space that external resource is placed to inserting paragraph 14 or from inserting paragraph 14 The space being placed is passed from external resource.In medical applications, this conduit 157 can be used to gas suction body Chamber, gas is discharged from body cavity, and liquid and/or suspended particulate are sucked with liquid lavation space, or from space.Alternatively, conduit 157 can carry utility member, such as light transmission part, information transfer part, electric power conducting components and mechanical controling part, section Save the space in inserting paragraph 14 and help to reduce the overall diameter of inserting paragraph 14.Light transmission part can include such as optical fiber Beam, band, light pipe, optical projection component and/or wait.Information transfer part may include such as power cable beam or band, electric power electricity Cable or band will be connected in handle 12 or outside endoscope 10 in the imager of the end of inserting paragraph 14 or imaging sensor The graphics processing unit in portion.This cable can also provide electric power for imaging sensor.Mechanical controling part can be included for example Push rod, draught line etc. with control close to inserting paragraph 14 end element movement.This can include such as inserting paragraph 14 Active flexible distal section, the active flexible distal section can be by using (one or more) Mechanical courses extended from handle 12 Part warpage on one's own initiative.It can also include for example in the rotatable camera or camera pedestal of the end of inserting paragraph 14, and this can Rotating camera or camera pedestal can lead to by being moved on one's own initiative using (one or more) mechanical controling part extended from handle 12 It is dynamic.

In a particular embodiment, the practicality taken fluid catheter 157 and be configured to close endoscope 10 in insertion axle or section 14 Part, such as fibre bundle, communication cable and mechanical actuator.In a further embodiment, conduit 157 can be with insertion The photomoduel 350 (see, for example, Figure 19) of the far-end of axle 14 is in fluid communication.Photomoduel 350 can include camera sensor Or imager, the camera sensor or imager have the connecting portion to communication cable.In this case, camera sensor Conduit 157 can be avoided exposure to by sealing with the internal part of communication cable connecting portion and arbitrarily associated lens subassembly Present in liquid.If at least a portion of endoscope 10 is configured to that device is intended for single use -- i.e., make in medical operating With can arbitrarily dispose afterwards, then allow photomoduel 350, lens subassembly, communication cable, mechanical actuator (for example, draught line) Exposed to ' wet ' conduit it is probably feasible with fiber optic cables or beam.Therefore, the sufficiently sterilised side to catheter interior part is avoided Any technological challenge in face.

The electronic unit that some parts of endoscope 10 are specifically located in handle section 12 should preferably keep drying.Insertion Obstacle element 159 can allow part to penetrate into inserting paragraph 14 from handle 12 between 14 conduit 157 of section and the inside of handle 12 Conduit 157 (is represented by line segment 155 and is referred to as insertion parts) in fig.9, while is also suppressed liquid and penetrated into from conduit 157 The inner space of handle 12.Barrier 159 can be from handle 12 including insertion parts 155 (such as, above-mentioned effectiveness part) Penetrate into the passage (hole, slit etc.) of the conduit 157 of inserting paragraph 14.Passage can be formed to provide around insertion parts 155 Outer surface provides relative close and coordinated.In certain embodiments, elastic washer, o-ring or other similar elements can enter one Step auxiliary suppresses the inner space that fluid penetrates into handle 12 from the conduit 157 of inserting paragraph 14.Barrier 159 can include separating The wall of bonding land between handle 12 and the near-end of inserting paragraph 14.Bonding land can be connected to close to conduit 157 and be carried for conduit 157 For the catheter port of external fluid connection.Alternately, barrier 159 can include block, lay passage and connect effect by the block With hole, the effectiveness hole is by the conduit 157 on the first side of block and on the second side (it is relative with the first side of block) of block or block The 3rd side (in certain embodiments, it can be approximately perpendicular to the first side of block) on one or more structures (for example, leading Pipe port) connection.Passage for other parts of cable, ribbon, line, push rod or handle 12 can be formed in the second side of block And can be with the effectiveness hole of alignment block on (relative with the first side of block).Conduit 157 can be by being connected or attached to the hand of instrument Sheath (such as, Figure 15 inner sheath 312) formation of handle 12.In certain embodiments, the sheath of handle 12 and inserting paragraph 14 it Between insertion barrier 159 can include sheath mount, the sheath mount is used to support close to its nearside starting point at handle 12 The sheath of inserting paragraph 14, and for the sheath of inserting paragraph 14 to be attached or connected into handle 12.In certain embodiments, insert Section 14 can include sleeve pipe, and sheath can be positioned in sleeve pipe.Sleeve pipe can be installed to handle 12 through disrupted configuration, it is allowed to sleeve pipe Keep in situ, and the endoscope 10 including handle 12 and sheath can be removed from a position.

Relative to the barrier 159 described by Fig. 9 figure 10 illustrates and be referred to as inner sheath base 160.As shown Go out, inner sheath base 160 include distal section 161a and proximal section 161b, distal section 161a and proximal section 161b in Fig. 10 that This is separated to appear the inside of inner sheath base 160.As shown, distal section 161a can be with distal section 161a every side Including notch 162.As shown in example embodiment in Fig. 10, the one of distal section 161a inner face 164 (when assembled) Part can be recessed into.Lavation or suction are laid passage 166 and can also be recessed into the distal section 161a of inner sheath base 160. As shown, lavation is laid passage 166 and is located in recessed surface 164.Lavation lay passage 166 can in first end with effectiveness Hole 168 connects.In the exemplary embodiment, (although in other embodiments, effectiveness hole 168 need not be between two parties) effectiveness hole 168 can be with It is located substantially on distal section 161a immediate vicinity, in recessed surface 164.

The proximal section 161b of inner sheath base 160 can also include notch 170 on the side of left and right, remote similar to being recessed into Notch 162 in the section 161a of side.Notch 170 can extend through proximal section 161b.The notch 162 of inner sheath base 160 Size with 170 may be adapted to the projection for receiving handle distal segment 30, when endoscope 10 is fully assembled, notch 162 and 170 It can help to keep inner sheath base 160 in place.

Proximal section 161b can also include the bossing 172 (when assembled) of inner face.As shown, bossing 172 have the outside dimension similar with the recessed surface 164 in distal section 161a.When assembled, bossing 172 can be pressed into Into recessed surface 164 so that distal section 161a and proximal section 161b to be linked together.In certain embodiments, in recessed surface 164 Proximal section 161b can be tied to distal section using glue or another appropriate adhesive between bossing 172 161a.This can be also used for forming fluid-tight between the two elements.

Proximal section 161b can include a number of other features.As shown, proximal section 161b includes lavation or suction is logical Road 174.When proximal section 161b is coupled into distal section 161a, lavation or suction passage 174 may be positioned such that alignment lavation cloth If the second end of passage 166.When endoscope 10 is in use, lavation or suction fluid can lay passage 166 through lavation Flowed between effectiveness hole 168 and lavation passage 174.

As shown in example embodiment in Fig. 10, the proximal section 161b of inner sheath base 160 can include sheath bottom Seat slit 176.As shown, sheath mount slit 176 can be horizontally oriented (orientation refers to the orientation shown in Figure 10) And positioned at the proximal section 161b of inner sheath base 160, rough alignment effectiveness hole 168.In alternative embodiments, sheath mount is narrow Seam 176 can be differently oriented.In example embodiment in Fig. 10, sheath mount slit 176 is to be approximately perpendicular to nearside The angle of the plane of section 161b inner face (when assembling) extends through whole proximal section 161b.

The proximal section 161b of inner sheath base 160 can also include multiple apertures 178.Example embodiment in Fig. 10 In, aperture 178 be extended whole proximal section 161b small diameter bore and can be used for allow to draw push away cable or electric wire from The distal end of endoscope 10 is passed in handle.Proximal section 161b can also include optical fiber path 179.In the exemplary embodiment, The angle vertical of aperture 178 and optical fiber path 179 is in proximal section 161b inner face (when assembling).In alternate embodiment In, the angle of aperture 178 and optical fiber path 179 can be different or can have different diameters.As shown, aperture 178 wound sheath base slits 176 are arranged.When inner sheath base 160 is fully assembled, sheath mount slit 176 and aperture 178 alignment distal section 161a effectiveness hole 168.

In alternative embodiments, some features of the shape of insertion barrier or inner sheath base 160, position, size etc. Can be different.Insertion barrier or inner sheath base 160 can include supplementary features or can omit some features.In some realities Apply in example, it is understood that there may be the aperture 178 of greater or lesser quantity.In certain embodiments, aperture 178 can be not arranged at Figure 10 Shown in space arrangement in.It there may be more than one lavation passage 174.In certain embodiments, inner sheath base 160 can With it is associated with pad or including pad further to suppress fluid permeability into the sensitizing range in the handle of endoscope.

Handheld electronic devices section 80 is configured to the mechanically and electrically sub-portion that closing is preferably subjected to be protected from fluid permeability Part.It is configured to the movement that storage pivots the photomoduel in control structure and distal end for controlling endoscope shaft or insertion axle The handle distal outer section 82 (pivot control housing) of actuating cable can have relatively minimal shadow with the operation to endoscope Loud mode is exposed to liquid.Therefore, more importantly, maintain between handheld electronic devices section 80 and handle distal outer section 82 Fluid-tight.Insertion barrier shown in Figure 12 and Figure 13 -- such as, containment member 210-- may be configured to surround electronics soft Property cable, fibre bundle or must be delivered to before leaving from the distal end of endoscope its near-end other structures provide it is close Seal (for example, elastic packing).On the other hand, the insertion barrier shown in Figure 10 and Figure 13 -- such as, inner sheath base 160-- can allow less to seal, in particular at it applied to the distal end that endoscope shaft is delivered to from pivot control structure When any draught line or trailing cable.Any fluid permeability can allow into handle distal segment 82 by be built in housing from Part -- one or more of passage 108-- such as shown in Fig. 7 osculums or passage leave housing to category.

In alternative embodiments, the insertion barrier between handle distal segment or pivot control housing 82 and the axle of endoscope Completely sealed structure can be included, the completely sealed structure still allows the distal end that endoscope shaft is extended to from pivot control housing Trailing cable or actuating cable movement.For example, insertion barrier can include flexible (or soft) barrier film, pleating elasticity every Film, folding structure rubber sleeve, bellows structure or other replaceable barrier films that housing is attached at its peripheral place, it is described Barrier film, rubber sleeve, bellows structure are passed around its arbitrary structures in its close center and form liquid-tight sealing, and Its center distally and proximally can freely move back and forth to allow to control freely moving for cable by its any pivot It is dynamic.More completely seal, can be reduced or eliminated to pivoting control housing and handle using at the part of endoscope The needs of secondary seal between electronic equipment section 80.

Figure 11 shows to pivot the example decomposition figure of the embodiment of control structure 100.Knot can be controlled by pivoting control structure 100 The pivot of structure.Structure may, for example, be the photomoduel 350 at the distal end of inserting paragraph 14 (referring to Fig. 3) place (referring to Figure 19). In alternate embodiment, pivot control structure 100 can be used to replace and or in addition control inserting paragraph 14 flexible section flexure.Pivot Turning some embodiments of control structure 100 can be included different from the transmission device of embodiments hereinafter disclosed, motor, multiple Leverage, rotating disk etc..

Show that the example in Figure 11 pivots control structure 100 with exploded view.Finger contact 98 as detailed above is shown as Separated with pivoting control structure 100.As shown, the bottom surface of finger contact 98 can alternatively include multiple nail projections 180. In fig. 11 in shown example embodiment, exist in shape for four nail projection 180 (numbers of nail projection of substantial cylindrical Amount and shape can be different).Finger contact 98 includes the finger contact pocket 182 in the lower surface of finger contact 98 in addition.

Below finger contact 98, show to pivot the example embodiment of the pivoting portions 184 of control structure 100.Pivot control The top of the pivot member 184 of structure 100 processed can include sliding part 186.It is arranged to from what the center of sliding part 186 protruded The finger contact post 188 being coupled with finger contact pocket 182.Alternatively, on every side of finger contact post 188, finger contact nail Hole 190 is located at the side of finger contact post 188.When finger contact 98 is attached into pivot control structure 100, finger can be made Contact pocket 182 is slided on the finger contact post 188 on sliding part 186.In addition, when assembled, the nail of finger contact 98 is dashed forward 180 are played, if it does, can be with seated connection in the finger contact nail 190 of sliding part 186.

Pivoting control structure 100 can be with one or more structural interaction of endoscope, it is allowed to which endoscope is locked Or it is maintained in desired orientation.As shown, the bottom surface of the sliding part 186 of pivot member 184 can alternatively include one Individual or multiple button bars or pawl element 192.In other embodiments, multiple button bars 192 can be along the bottom quilt of sliding part 186 Arrangement, is arranged to the bulge-structure relative with handle 12 or spine 94 engages.

Button bar or pawl element 192 can be with the projections of the slide glass button recesses 92 of above-described handle bossing 32 Structure or spine 94 interact (in figure 6 best seen from).As user shifts pivot control structure 100, spine 94 it Between space can serve as ratchet, the button bar 192 of sliding part 186 " can be stopped " in ratchet.This help will pivot in user Control structure 100 is moved to desired position and prevents from pivoting the drift or movement of control structure 100 in the case of discharging it. It can also contribute to ensuring that the control structure of pivot during use 100 in instrument does not shift unexpectedly.

As shown, pivoting the pivot member 184 of control structure 100 includes the inner shield portion 194 of bending.Inner shield portion 194 when assembled in the lower floor of sliding part 186 and below handle casing.Post 196 can be across the top surface in inner shield portion 194 The distance between bottom surface of sliding part 186.In certain embodiments, button bar 192 can be located at the top in inner shield portion 194 On.In such a embodiment, on the inwall for the housing that above-described spine 94 can be located at handle distal segment 30 so that spine The ratchet of 94 button bars 192 that can be formed in inner shield portion 194.As described above, this allows pivot control structure 100 " stop " to exist In desired position.

What it is from the extension of the bottom surface in inner shield portion 194 can be pivotal arm 198.In the exemplary embodiment, pivotal arm 198 includes Two mechanical cable attachment points or hole 202.One hole 202 is located on the side of pivot 204, and the second hole 202 is located at pivot 204 Opposite side on.In the embodiment shown, the forward movement of sliding part 186, which promotes mechanical cable to be connected to, to be contracted to nearside The lower opening 202 returned, and the movement of the afterbody of sliding part 186 promotes mechanical cable to be connected to the upper hole 202 of proximal retraction.In order to Adapt to the relatively straightway process of receiving of the distal end of fiber optic cables or power cable from the near-end of handle to handle, pivotal arm 198 for example can slot in its pivot 204 so that the cable of process can freely lean against pivot 204 (or around axle 204 With cylindrical central sleeve or axle sleeve) on.This arrangement will allow with the transverse direction of minimum or be shifted through vertically.

Referring now to both Figure 11 and Figure 13, pivotal arm 198 is configured to comprising pivot region 200 and pivot 204 Transverse shift section 199.Therefore, axle sleeve or sleeve comprising pivot 204 be shown as serving as (when assembled) by cable 250 can lean against supporting surface thereon.The bottom of pivotal arm 198 from the position below the axle sleeve or sleeve of pivot 204 to Lower extension.In certain embodiments, the bottom of pivotal arm 198 can alternatively be vertically aligned the top of pivotal arm 198 so that It is connected to a little or the mechanical cable in hole 202 is also vertically aligned.In other embodiments, one or more cable is (for example, cable 250) can be advanced in a manner of various other around the axle sleeve of (or through) pivot 204 so that its path minimally by Pivot the obstruction of the pivotal arm 198 of control structure 100.

Alternatively, but in a preferred embodiment, auxiliary insertion is sealed in the housing that may penetrate into handle distal segment 30 In fluid and handle proximal section 16 housing -- electronic equipment section 80 can be incorporated in wherein -- between additional barrier is provided. Sealing can include the portion of aperture, hole or slit, such as, but not limited to fibre bundle, electronic cables and/or fluid conduit systems pipe fitting Part can pass through the aperture, hole or slit.The size of hole or slit may be adapted to when these parts pass through sealing at this There is provided and be slidably matched on a little parts.In embodiment, auxiliary insertion sealing is formed to strengthen it by rubber or other elastomeric materials Fluid Sealing performance.

Figure 12 shows the example embodiment of additional confinement (that is, containment member 210).Containment member 210 in shape may be used Be it is substantially rectangular, as shown in figure 12.As shown in figure 12, one end of containment member 210 can have first (for example, rectangle) Shape, and the second end of containment member 210 can with the second shape (for example, with circular edge or circle).This Period of assembly, which can provide, ensures that containment member 210 is installed in the advantages of being properly oriented within.Containment member 210 can include more Individual aperture.In the exemplary embodiment, containment member 210 includes fibre bundle (for example, illumination fiber) aperture 212, flexible cable (that is, electronic cables) aperture 214 and fluid pipe fitting (for example, lavation line) aperture 216.Shown example embodiment in fig. 12 In, illumination fiber aperture 212, flexible cable aperture 214 and lavation string holes mouth 216 extended whole containment member 210.Illumination There is relatively small diameter to match the diameter of fibre bundle or light pipe in fiber aperture 212.Flexible cable aperture 214 is slit, Match the size and shape of electronics flexible cable.Lavation string holes mouth 216 is tubular and illuminates fiber aperture 212 with being more than Diameter diameter.Illumination fiber aperture 212, flexible cable aperture 214 and lavation string holes mouth 216 are sealed with being approximately perpendicular to Angle before component 210 (for Figure 12) extended containment member 210.In alternative embodiments, containment member Aperture in 210 is in quantity, size or in shape can be different.In certain embodiments, containment member 210 can be included for example For being deployed to the additional holes of button 90.

As shown in example embodiment in fig. 12, containment member 210 can also include multiple filler arms 218.Scheming In example embodiment in 12, top surface and bottom surface that arm 218 projects away from containment member 210 are tamped, close to containment member 210 Back edge.As shown, it is understood that there may be two are tamped arm 218.In certain embodiments, it can be straight line to tamp arm 218. In the exemplary embodiment, two straightways that arm 218 includes being connected by bow-shaped section are tamped, the bow-shaped section, which makes to tamp arm 218, to be bent Away from containment member 210.

Figure 13 shows the example embodiment of the half (30a) of handle distal segment 30.As shown, inner sheath base 160, Pivot control structure 100 and containment member 210 is assembled and is placed in the shown half (30a) of handle distal segment 30.Also Flexible cable 250 (for example, flexible electronic communication/power cable) is shown.In fig. 13 in shown example embodiment, inner sheath The distal section 161a of base 160 includes sheath mounting sleeve 252.Sheath mounting sleeve 252 along with the identical axle of effectiveness hole 168 Line is distally extending (referring to Figure 10).In the exemplary embodiment, sheath mounting sleeve 252 can be hollow and substantially tubular. The internal diameter of sheath mounting sleeve 252 alternatively may be approximately equal to or the diameter less times greater than effectiveness hole 168.In example embodiment In, sheath mount lug-mounted 254 hoists protrusion from the outer surface of sheath mounting sleeve 252.Sheath mount lug-mounted 254 An insertion side part 160a face is positioned adjacent to, sheath mounting sleeve 252 protrudes from the face.Lug-mounted 254 can be used for Sheath (for example, inner sheath 312 shown in Figure 15) is carried out suitably when sheath is installed in sheath mounting sleeve 252 Orientation, and locking component is alternatively can function as so that sheath is fixed into sheath mounting sleeve 252 and sheath mount 160.

In other embodiments, sheath mount auricle 254 can be disposed in the inner surface of sheath mount axle sleeve 252 On.This is probably desired, because it is avoided is nested in needs inside sheath by inner sheath base axle sleeve 252, is eliminated In the limitation diametrically of the conduit of sheath.Inevitably, higher flow rate can be obtained by this conduit.Alternately, exist In some embodiments, sheath mount auricle 254 can not be included.Sheath can replace and be directed and be fixed to it is any appropriate In sheath mount axle sleeve 252 in fixing device (not shown).

As shown, flexible cable 250 extended inner sheath base 160.Flexible cable 250 passes through sheath mounting sleeve 252 into the distal section 161a of inner sheath base 160.Flexible cable 250 is also set to the sheath bottom by proximal section 161b by cloth Seat slit 176.

The proximal section 161b of inner sheath base 160 includes fluid conduit systems attachment position or port 256.Fluid conduit systems attachment Position 256 can be hollow substantial cylindrical projection, and the projection is from the proximal section 161b of inner sheath base 160 towards the right of the page (for Figure 13) extension.The pipe fitting (referring to Figure 85) of lavation line 434 can be on the outer surface of fluid conduit systems port 256 Side is slided, and it can be alternatively the construction section that pipe fitting is held with auxiliary of buckle.As shown, fluid conduit systems port 256 Right hand edge can by also promote pipe fitting section to port 256 installation convenience in a manner of be chamfered.In addition, as shown in figure 13, The near-end of fluid conduit systems port 256 is tapered to the remainder slightly larger diameter than the surface of port 256.This can serve as barb And assist in ensuring that, once attachment, the pipe fitting of lavation line 434 are not easy to be expelled out of (referring to Figure 85).In alternative embodiments, lead Pipe port 256 can extend and be coupled in the lavation string holes mouth 216 of containment member 210.Then, the buckle of lavation line 434 Partly/attachment position can be placed on containment member 210.

Pivoting control structure 100 can be pivotally coupled in handle distal segment 30, as shown in figure 13.As shown , pivot 204 extends through the pivot axis hole 200 in the pivotal arm 198 for pivoting control structure 100.It is inserted into handle distal segment The end of pivot 204 (or surrounding axle sleeve) in 30 remote wall can be with seated connection in the pivot protruded from the inwall of handle distal segment 30 In bearing 260.When fully assembled, the opposite end of pivot 204 equally can with seated connection from handle distal segment 30 second half In the pivot bearings 260 that the inwall of (30b) protrudes.

As shown in figure 13, pivot the sliding part 186 of control structure 100 and inner shield portion 194 can be inclined each other by post 196 With a distance from thickness from the wall slightly larger than handle distal segment 30.Post 196 can extend above-described pivot control structure groove Mouth 96.The curvature in sliding part 186 and inner shield portion 194 can be with chosen so that sliding part 186 and inner shield portion 194 can profits For being moved freely from before and after the input of user, the wall without disturbing the housing of handle distal segment 30.Pivot control structure notch 96 Length can determine user can by be input to pivot control structure 100 caused by pivotal displacement amount.

In certain embodiments, frictional force can be applied against post 196 by pivoting the wall of control structure notch 96.In such a reality Apply in example, the frictional force can allow pivot control structure 100 to be in " stop " state in one location.In such a embodiment In, pivoting the wall of control structure notch 96 can be made up of the high friction material of such as rubber or other elastomeric materials.Such a In embodiment, above-described button bar 192 or spine 94 can need not be included by pivoting control structure 100.

Endoscope 10 can also include the mechanical pivoted actuator in the form of trailing cable or draught line, band or push rod. Actuator can be it is solid, braiding, or otherwise extend to from the handle of endoscope 10 far-end in inserting paragraph Displaceable element any slender member.Slender member can be flexible or is generally rigid.Slender member can be circular (such as in the example of cable), it is ovate, relatively flat, or can have any other shape or section.At some In embodiment, actuator can be band.

With can be in the endoscope of pan camera or camera pedestal, in the far-end of inserting paragraph or close to the remote of inserting paragraph End, can be made using draught line or push rod can pan camera or camera pedestal rotation.In draught line embodiment, pan cable can To be attached or connected to or lopping passes through cable attachment hole 202.In certain embodiments, two pan cables can be attached to often Individual cable attachment hole 202.In a preferred embodiment, the both ends of single pan cable are attached to each cable attachment hole 202, are formed Circle.Alternately, single-core cable can be with lopping by cable attachment hole 202 in about its midpoint, and therefore, the end of cable is remote Side is connected to rotatable camera or camera pedestal.Pan cable can extend from the cable attachment hole 202 in pivotal arm 198 and It is set to by cloth by one or more of the proximal section 160b of inner sheath base 160 aperture 178.Therefore, pan cable can be with Extend through effectiveness hole 168 and the conduit by being formed by inner sheath, alternatively in one section of electronics flexible cable 250 and/or The side of fibre bundle.By pivoting pivot control structure 100, one or more of be connected in cable attachment hole 202 one Root pan cable will be pulled, and (one or more) cable for being connected to another attachment hole 202 will relaxation.By will be with one The associated pan cable in cable attachment hole 202 or cable attachment, and will be with another cable attachments to the side of pivotal point The associated one or more pan cable attachments in hole 202 arrive the opposite side of pivotal point, then pivot control structure 100 can by with To make pivot object distad optionally be rotated in the inserting paragraph of endoscope.In other embodiments, similar cable machine Structure can be used to make the flexible distal section of inserting paragraph warpage on one's own initiative.

In certain embodiments, pivoting the pivotal arm 198 of control structure 100 can pivot through gear drive.In such a reality Apply in example, finger contact 98, finger contact post 188 (referring to Figure 11), sliding part 186, column 196 and inner shield portion 194 may It is not required.At least a portion of user's input gear included in handle distal segment 30 can therefrom handle raised section 34 It is prominent.User's input gear can turn around the pivot axis rotation being arranged in handle distal segment 30.The rotation can be by user Finger or thumb through such as user start.User's input gear can engage with pivoting shaft gear, pivot shaft gear around pivot The pivot 204 of the pivotal arm 198 of control structure 100 is arranged.In such a embodiment, with make user's input gear rotate, Cause to pivot shaft gear and pivotal arm 198 rotates, act on pivoted actuator as described above (for example, pan cable, Activate cable or trailing cable).In certain embodiments, there may be between user's input gear and pivot gear in one Between gear or many idler gears precision and ergonomics requirement are met with movement to provide the The gear deceleration of any desired.

In other embodiments, pivotal arm 198 can be promoted to be revolved through electric notor (for example, brushless motor, stepper motor etc.) Turn.Can be by the control of one or more user input apparatus (such as, button 90) through motor rotation.Including at least one In the embodiment of button 90, button 90 or button 90 can control translational speed and the direction of pivotal arm 198.

In certain embodiments, pivot 204 can protrude through the outside of handle distal segment 30.In such a embodiment, use Family can directly make pivot 204 (or covering axle sleeve or sleeve) rotation.In certain embodiments, pivot 204 from handle distal side The part that section 30 protrudes can include button, driver plate, crank etc. so that user can be by grasping and rotary knob, driver plate, song Handle etc. easily rotates pivot 204.

As shown in figure 13, containment member 210 is positioned in spacer recess 270.Spacer recess 270 can include filler arm Recess 272.Various parts can penetrate containment member 210, as described above.As shown, flexible cable 250 is connected to and received The printed circuit board (PCB) 430a (see, e.g., Figure 85) being contained in the electronic equipment section 80 in handle proximal section 16, can be penetrated close Seal the flexible cable aperture 214 of component 210 and sealing structure is extended to by the housing and sheath mount 160 of handle distal segment 30 Outside part 210, finally distally advanced in the inserting paragraph of endoscope.Lavation line 434 (referring to Figure 85) and fibre bundle (for example, Fiber 364 is illuminated, referring to Figure 85) their corresponding lavation string holes mouths 216 and fibre bundle aperture 212 can be passed through and extended The housing of handle distal segment 30, similar to flexible cable 250.

Figure 13 illustrates the only half of spacer recess 270.Second half of spacer recess 270 can be located at handle distal segment On 30 unshowned second half (30b, for example, see Fig. 7).When fully assembled, containment member 210 is trapped in pad Between the two halves of recess 270.When fully assembled, containment member 210 is it is ensured that can suppress can in handle distal segment 30 Fluid existing for energy is penetrated into handle proximal section 16, and handle proximal section 16 includes electronic equipment part, electronic equipment part bag Include electronic equipment section 80.Containment member 210 can be by appropriate flexible (for example, elasticity) material or other appropriate filler material systems Into and can be pressed into spacer recess 270 to ensure closely to seal.In certain embodiments, adhesive can be used Containment member 210 is kept in place.

Figure 14 shows the example embodiment of oversheath or sleeve pipe base 300.Oversheath or sleeve pipe 318 can be used come to be slotting Enter the part in the distal end of section and supplementary protection is provided, or to allow user to take out the inserting paragraph of endoscope, while leave sleeve pipe 318 In the original location, to allow later to reinsert the inserting paragraph of endoscope.As shown, sleeve pipe base 300 can have butt Cone shape, connector (such as bayonet base) is formed in nearside larger diameter section so as to which sleeve pipe 318 is arranged on into inner sheath 312 Above (see, e.g., Figure 15).Sleeve pipe base holes 302 can extend sleeve pipe base 300 to converge with sleeve channel.Sleeve pipe or Oversheath base holes 302 may be configured to receive and hold sleeve pipe 318.Sleeve pipe 318 may be configured to serve as inserting paragraph Sleeve on inner sheath 312.

As shown, female bayonet socket installation portion 304 includes two grooves 306.Alternatively, groove 306 can have different Size is to ensure being properly oriented within relative to mating (male form) connector in the distal part of handle distal segment 30 of sleeve pipe 318. In certain embodiments, the groove 306 of female bayonet socket installation portion 304 can include transversal (serif), can use such as bayesian pad Male form bayonet socket installation portion 308 is added in transversal by circle through spring.In such a embodiment, spring-loaded connecting portion can help Two blocks (sleeve pipe 318 and handle distal segment 30) will be really protected more to be interlocked securely together.

In certain embodiments, can on sleeve pipe base 300 include align structures so as in period of assembly to sleeve pipe 318 It is suitably orientated with sleeve pipe base 300 and finally when on the inner sheath 312 installed in inserting paragraph together with inner sheath 312 (see, e.g., Figure 15).In example embodiment in Fig. 10, oversheath base auricle 310 can be from oversheath base holes 302 inwall protrudes.Oversheath base auricle 310 can extend from the distal face of female bayonet socket installation portion 304, female bayonet socket peace Therefore dress portion 304 can be used to be directed at bayonet base 300 with the sleeve pipe 318 with access slot in period of assembly.It is alternative Ground, can be by being connected in appropriate fixing device to the needs of this structure by oversheath or sleeve pipe 318 and sleeve pipe base 300 In and eliminate.

Figure 15 shows the partial sectional view of the example embodiment of the distal face of handle distal segment 30.Inner sheath 312 is mounted In the sheath mounting sleeve 252 of interior sheath mount 160.Inner sheath 312 includes sheath mount recess 314.Inner sheath base is recessed The size in portion 314 can receive the sheath lug-mounted 254 in sheath mounting sleeve 252.In such a embodiment, sheath installation Auricle 254 and inner sheath base recess 314 are it is ensured that inner sheath 312 is properly oriented on endoscope 10.

Inner sheath 312 (and/or oversheath or sleeve pipe 318, referring to Figure 14) can be by steel, a variety of rigid plasticses or other firm Property any of durable material formed.Alternately, inner sheath 312 or part thereof can be flexible, it is allowed to endoscope Inserting paragraph bends to be inserted into non-line-of-sight target area as needed.In these embodiments, user can abandon using Oversheath or sleeve pipe 318, or sleeve pipe 318 itself can also be configured by similar flexible material.

In fig.15 in shown example embodiment, male form bayonet socket installation portion 308 is also visible.Male form bayonet base portion It is divided to 308 can include two forked portions 316.The size of forked portion 316 may be adapted to the L for being assemblied in female bayonet socket installation portion 304 In the supporting leg of shape groove 306, referring additionally now to Figure 14.Oversheath 318 and sleeve pipe base 300 can be connected in the following way Handle distal segment 30：Forked portion 316 is aligned with groove 306, in the pressing bayonet bases of forked portion 316 times, then rotary bayonet bottom Seat is with by its lock into place.As shown, alternatively, the size of two forked portions 316 is different so that oversheath base 300 Can only have a possible orientation when being coupled on handle distal segment 30.

Referring still to Figure 14-15, oversheath or sleeve pipe 318 can slide on inner sheath 312, form sleeve.Outside The internal diameter of sheath 318 can be just slightly larger than the external diameter of inner sheath 312 to ensure snug fit.Oversheath 318 can include outer shield Cover recess 320.When endoscope 10 is assembled completely, oversheath recess 320 can be sized to receiving oversheath base ear Piece 310.In certain embodiments, oversheath 318 can be fused to friction fit, gluing or otherwise or be attached to and surround The wall of oversheath base holes 302.When endoscope 10 is assembled completely, oversheath base auricle 310 can help ensure that outer Sheath 318 is properly oriented within.

When the inserting paragraph 14 of endoscope 10 is inserted into target area (referring to Fig. 3), oversheath 318 and oversheath base 300 can disconnect from the remainder of endoscope 10, as described above.This can allow oversheath 318 to be used as staying in original place Sleeve pipe is to allow endoscope 10 to be re-introduced into target area.If desired, oversheath or sleeve pipe 318 are used as conduit, Other Instruments can be incorporated into target area by the conduit.Oversheath 318 is also used as conduit, can pass through the conduit Fluid is introduced or extracted out from target area.

Photomoduel housing 330 or distal side workshop section are shown as separating with the distal end of inner sheath 312 in figure 16.In the reality Apply in example, the distal side workshop section of the inserting paragraph of endoscope can be independently configured with inner sheath 312 and then in period of assembly quilt It is coupled to the distal end of inner sheath 312.In other embodiments, inner sheath 312 can be configured to contain the single-piece of distal side workshop section. In the embodiment that workshop section is configured independently in distal side, distal side workshop section can be by the material system of the material different from inner sheath 312 Into.In addition, it can be configured by multiple parts assembled.

In figure 16 in shown example embodiment, the distal side edge of inner sheath 312 includes inner sheath distal recess 322. Photomoduel housing 330 can include nested section 332, and the shape and external diameter of nested section 332 are suitable for the assembling in endoscope 10 Period is inserted into the distal end of inner sheath 312.Nested section 332 can include nested section auricle 334 or other align structures.Nested section Auricle 334 can be sized to so that, when assembling endoscope 10, nested section auricle 334 can be with inner sheath distal recess 322 coordinate.Nested section auricle 334 and inner sheath distal recess 322 can help to ensure that when assembling endoscope 10, by phase unit Part housing 330 is suitably orientated and is aligned.

In addition, photomoduel housing 330 can include workshop section 336.As shown, the workshop section 336 in Figure 16 can wrap Head room clearance 338 is included, with or without bottom space 340.Head room clearance 338 and bottom space 340 can be along photomoduel bases Most of extension of 330 workshop section 336.In the far-end of the workshop section 336 of photomoduel base 330, rounding end can be included 342.As shown, rounding end 342 can alternatively include embrasure opening 344.The edge of embrasure opening 344 can be with It is in the slope, chamfering or circular.In the exemplary embodiment, embrasure opening 344 is connected with head room clearance 338.One In a little embodiments, head room clearance 338 and bottom space 340 can be similarly embrasure.

Rounding end 342, all rounding ends 342 as shown in Figure 16 can provide multinomial benefit.Rounding end 342 can To promote inserting paragraph 14 to be inserted into the target area of patient.In some cases, this can eliminate the needs to trochar.Closing Save in mirror application, the profile of rounding end 342 allows endoscope 10 by motor-driven into IA tight quarters.In addition, rounding End 342 can allow tissue of the surgeon in target area atraumatically to apply pressure.Rounding end 342 can be with Serve as the safeguard structure of photomoduel 350.

As shown in figure 16, the inwall of the workshop section 336 of photomoduel housing 330 includes two camera pedestal pivot bearings 346. In the example embodiment shown in Figure 16, camera pivot bearings 346 are substantially vertical prominent from the madial wall of photomoduel base 330 Go out.Photomoduel housing 330 can be made up of steel, many hardened plastics or any other appropriate strong rigid material.

In figure 16 in shown example embodiment, the inwall of the workshop section 336 of photomoduel housing 330 includes multiple cables Bullport 348.In a preferred embodiment, it is understood that there may be only two cable guide holes 348.One cable guide hole 348 can position In in a side wall, and another cable guide hole 348 can be located in relative side wall.Preferably, cable guide hole 348 can To be disposed in the lower section of camera pedestal pivot bearings 346 so that control the camera, phase that the distal end of cable is connected to relative to it Machine base or photomoduel 350 can form angle (see, e.g., Figure 23).Photomoduel housing 330 can also include one Individual or multiple restraining structures.In figure 16 in shown example embodiment, two constraint notches 349 be present.One constraint notch 349 in a side wall, and another constraint notch 349 is located in relative side wall.As shown in figure 16, notch 349 is constrained It is substantially consistent with cable guide hole 348.Cable guide hole 348 and constraint notch 349 is further described below.

Figure 17 describes the distal side workshop section as single part configuration or the implementation of photomoduel housing 330 and inner sheath 312 Example.Referring additionally to Figure 18 C, the section intercepted at the line 18-18 of photomoduel housing 330 is shown.Workshop section or camera in distal side In the embodiment that assembly housing 330 and inner sheath 312 are configured as single part, distal side workshop section or photomoduel housing 330 Can be by steel making with inner sheath 312.In such instances, the terminal end shape of inner sheath 312 and photomoduel housing 330 can be with Configured through rolling process.Therefore, various spaces, opening and other structures, such as those described above, machine can add later Work is into part.In example embodiment in fig. 17, photomoduel housing 330 only includes camera pedestal pivot bearings 346.

It may be advantageous that inner sheath 312 and photomoduel housing 330 are produced as single part.Among advantage, The part can be stronger.Another advantage is to eliminate the needs to nested parts.Therefore, in inner sheath 312 and phase unit " plugging point " in sectional area at the fluidic junction of part housing 330 is eliminated.This can provide multinomial benefit.Remove this blocking Point allows to leave more spaces, effect of the various parts such as in inner sheath 312 and photomoduel housing 330 for various parts Use part.Moreover, eliminate the increasing that this plugging point allows to increase inner sheath 312 and the lavation fluid in photomoduel housing 330 The flowing added.Alternatively, or additionally, the overall diameter of inner sheath 312 and photomoduel housing 330 may reduce.The He of inner sheath 312 Photomoduel housing 330 can also be what is thickened.Part is strengthened in this help.Because part will be strengthened by thickening, it can be with Oversheath or sleeve pipe 318 is allowed to be made thinner.Thinner oversheath or sleeve pipe 318 and then the interior shield that larger diameter can be allowed Set 312 and photomoduel housing 330.It is, do not increasing inserting paragraph 14 (by oversheath 318, inner sheath 312 and phase unit Part housing 330 forms) overall diameter in the case of, can make it that the sectional area of the inner catheter of inserting paragraph 14 is bigger.In addition, thickening makes Bigger bearing surface can be had by obtaining camera pedestal pivot bearings 346, it is allowed to which the pressure applied against bearing is dispersed throughout bigger Area.

Figure 19 shows the assembled view (in figure 3 best seen from) of the end of inserting paragraph 14.Photomoduel housing 330, phase Thermomechanical components 350 and oversheath or sleeve pipe 318 are visible in Figure 19.As shown, the rounding of photomoduel housing 330 End 342 protrudes past the distal end of oversheath or sleeve pipe 318.Observation notch 352 is recessed into the top of oversheath 318.Such as It is open caused by the assembly of embrasure opening 344 and observation notch 352 in the whole visual range limited, photomoduel 350 can be can pan.In certain embodiments, can pan range can be approximate 180 degree.When pan, photomoduel 350 (see, e.g., Figure 16) can be pivoted in camera pivot bearings 346.It will be further described below pan actuating.

In certain embodiments, when the inserting paragraph 14 of endoscope 10 is inserted into target area (referring to Fig. 3), oversheath 318 can be rotated to insertion position (not shown).In insertion position, observation notch 352 can be with misalignment embrasure opening 344 and head room clearance 338.This can help to protect photomoduel 350 during insertion, and in medical applications, can subtract The risk of the small damaging tissue after inserting paragraph 14 is inserted.After the insertion, oversheath 318 can be rotated back to observation groove Mouth 352 is directed at the position of embrasure openings 344 and head room clearance 338 so that full visual range is effective again.

In certain embodiments, lid or window material can cover or be placed on restriction observation notch 352 and embrasure is opened To protect photomoduel 350 in mouthfuls 344 opening.In certain embodiments, the far lateral side of oversheath 318 and observation notch 352 Edge can be embrasure, circle, bevelled etc. to help prevent the infringement that may be due to have sharp edges.

In the exemplary embodiment, without using lid or window.This arrangement provides multiple benefits.For example, by inserting paragraph 14 end can reduce without using lid or window, the cost of endoscope, because not using such as sapphire, special glass Deng expensive damage resistant and high-abrasive material.Do not cover or window can also eliminate any not phase from the surface of lid or window The reflection of prestige, this reflection can also influence the clarity of the arbitrary image by camera shooting in addition.Moreover, by without using lid or Window, the lavation to target area can be carried out by the conduit of the inner sheath 312 (referring to Figure 15) of endoscope 10.This to insert Very little will be kept while maintains lavation capacity by entering the overall diameter of section 14.In addition, the lavation stream in inner sheath 312 can help to appoint Meaning residue or material are associated one or more lens from photomoduel 350 and arbitrarily and remove/clean.In one example, User can be by the camera lens of the mobile photomoduel 350 during lavation come effectively lavation photomoduel 350 so that lavation stream Clean the lens subassembly 354 (see, e.g., Figure 122) of photomoduel 350 and take away residue or unwanted material.Make For additional benefits, lavation stream can also contribute to making the imaging sensor 380 associated with photomoduel 350 (see, e.g., Figure 61) cool down.

As shown, embrasure opening 344 and observation notch 352 can be sized to protect photomoduel 350, and Without lid or window.In example embodiment in Figure 19, embrasure opening 344 and observation notch 352 partly surround from by The recessed photomoduel 350 in the outer surface of embrasure opening 344 and the observation formation of notch 352.Therefore, the He of embrasure opening 344 Observe the edge that notch 352 limits the protector of photomoduel 350.Local surround helps to protect the removable of photomoduel 350 Inserting paragraph is being inserted into target area by dynamic component and arbitrarily associated part (such as control cable, cable, information cable etc.) It is in contact between mid-term or in (once in the target area) during use of instrument with external object.Embrasure opening 344 and observation Notch 352 is that photomoduel 350 provides unrestricted visual field, and the only fraction of photomoduel 350 is exposed to from slotting Enter the infringement of the object (such as, for example, medicine equipment, such as Cutting instrument for cervical intervertebral disc hyperplasia) outside section.This assists in ensuring that photomoduel 350 is being inserted It is without prejudice during entering or during operation.

As photomoduel 350 rotates, the distance between photomoduel 350 and oversheath 318 will change.Therefore, outer shield The amount that set 318 drops in the visual field of photomoduel 350 will also change.Distance from photomoduel 350 to inner sheath 318 is got over Greatly, oversheath 318 is bigger by the amount in the visual field of photomoduel 350.Therefore, still provide photomoduel 350 and not by While the visual field of limitation, optimised protective number can be obtained by changing the width of observation notch 352.

Figure 20 describes the replacement assembled view (in Fig. 3 best seen from) of the end of inserting paragraph 14, wherein, observe notch 352 With different width.Observe the change width of notch 352 so that in the random angle orientation of photomoduel 350, observe notch 352 just photomoduel 350 visual field outside.This allows a greater degree of bag of the oversheath 318 to photomoduel 350 Enclose.

Figure 21 describes another alternate embodiment of the end of inserting paragraph 14 (in Fig. 3 best seen from), is separated by bar 351 Multiple openings 353 are included in end, instead of the observation notch 352 as shown in Figure 20.This arrangement can be provided to phase The supplementary protection of thermomechanical components 350.Make the fuzzy amount of the visual field of photomoduel 350 to minimize bar 351, bar 351 can be by saturating Bright material is made.In other embodiments, bar 351 can be by opaque material (for example, the material identical with oversheath 318 Material) it is made.

Alternatively, partly covering observation notch 352 (referring to Figure 20) or one or more are open 353 (referring to Figure 21's) The lid component (not shown) can be installed to the distal end of inserting paragraph 14 (see, e.g., Fig. 1).This The lid component can be such as It is cage, it allows to provide substantially transparent visual field for photomoduel 350, while provides supplementary protection for photomoduel 350. In certain embodiments, The lid component can include optically transparent local complexity part.

Photomoduel 350 is shown with discrete form in fig. 22.As shown, flexible cable 250 is connected to phase unit In part 350 and electric power and data communication path can be provided photomoduel 350 and from photomoduel 350 provide electric power and Data communication path.Photomoduel 350 can be arranged to support any appropriate structure of the camera of endoscope 10.In phase Thermomechanical components 350 can be by pan embodiment, and photomoduel 350 can include pivoted actuator attachment structure.

As shown, photomoduel 350 can include lens subassembly 354.As shown, lens subassembly 354 can be with It is maintained in position appropriate between 356 and camera case bottom 358 at the top of camera case.When assembling, at the top of camera case 356 and camera case bottom 358 can be linked together by any appropriate means, any appropriate means such as but It is not limited to glue, adhesive, ultrasonic bonding, press-fit of cooperative structures etc..In example embodiment in fig. 22, lens group Part 354 projects through the lens openings 360 in camera case top 356 so that it can have the transparent of targeted anatomic region View.In certain embodiments, at least a portion of lens subassembly 354 can be protruded from the top of camera case 356.

356 can include a number of other spaces at the top of camera case.In fig. 22 in shown exemplary embodiment, camera Case top 356 includes two elongated light projection spaces being arranged on the left and right side (relative to Figure 22) of lens openings 360 362, space 362 be designed to receive optical fiber final element (or alternatively such as LED other light sources) with camera mirror The direction that head or lens subassembly 354 can be aimed as one man is projected light onto on target area.In the illustrated example, it is right thin Long space 362 is trapezoidal in shape, and left elongated spaces 362 are rhomboid in shape.In alternative embodiments, it is empty The shape of gap 362 can be different, for example, both can be ovate.In alternative embodiments, it is understood that there may be additional clearance 362.For example, in some embodiments, it may be possible to three spaces arranged in the presence of the triangular arrangement with circular lens openings 360 362.In some embodiments, it may be possible in the presence of with the rectangle of circular lens openings 360, square, circular or oval deployment arrangements Four spaces 362.

One or more light sources of endoscope 10 can be at least partially included in endoscope 10.It is one or more Light source can illuminate the visual field of the camera of photomoduel 350, without considering its pan position.In certain embodiments, illuminate Source can be in photomoduel 350.In example embodiment in fig. 22, light source is more optical fibers (for example, optical fiber) 364, it can transmit the light of the illumination component (not shown) outside endoscope 10.Optical fiber 364 can be laid and be joined In space 362 in being connected to 356 at the top of camera case.In the exemplary embodiment, 28 optical fiber 364 are routed to camera case top In the space 362 in portion 356.In alternative embodiments, the quantity of optical fiber 364 can be different.The luminous end of optical fiber 364 can be substantially With the either flush at camera case top 356.In certain embodiments, such as LED other light sources can be used.Optical fiber 364 or other light sources may be configured to provide the color or luminous intensity of any desired with predetermined light projection angle.

As shown in the example embodiment in Figure 22, photomoduel 350 can include pivotal pin 366.Pivotal pin 366 can The pivot pin bearing 346 being pivotally coupled in photomoduel housing 330 (referring to Figure 16).Pivotal pin 366 can be substantially from slotting The long axis for entering section vertically protrude.Pivotal pin 366 can allow photomoduel 350 and optical fiber 364 (or other light sources) that This is pivoted in tandem.

Photomoduel 350 can also include pivoted actuator attachment structure as described above.Example in fig. 22 is implemented In example, photomoduel 350 includes top cable attachment structure or anchor point 372 and bottom cable attachment structure or anchor point 374.Top cable attachment structure 372 and bottom cable attachment structure 374 is discussed further below.

As mentioned above, endoscope 10 can also include pivoted actuator or actuator.Pivoted actuator can be used Come the slender member pushed or pulled on through pivotal attachment structure in photomoduel 350.In the example shown, pivoted actuator is most of It is trailing cable or draught line, but these examples are not necessarily to be construed as strictly limiting pivoted actuator to cable shape structure. Slender member can be flexible or is generally rigid.Slender member can be circular (such as in the example of cable), flat, Or can have any other shape or section.In certain embodiments, pivoted actuator can surround cooperation attachment structure The band of laying, cooperation attachment structure are engaged with the structural friction in the inner circumferential of band or otherwise engaged.In preferred embodiment In, pivoted actuator can be used to only provide pulling force.This arrangement allows less diameter inserting paragraph 14 (referring to Fig. 3), because Need not be fully thick or section reinforcement for pivoted actuator or be limited in supporting track, to prevent in response to being pivoted against Substantial transverse displacement of the thrust of actuator in inserting paragraph 14.Draught line or trailing cable device, which also allow to pivot in configuration, to be caused Larger range of material is used in dynamic device, because material needs only to have tensile strength, rather than compression stiffness.

As shown in figure 23, pan cable can be attached to the photomoduel 350 above and below pivotal pin 366.Showing In example embodiment, for the convenience of diagram, pan cable is shown as relative relaxation.Operating, in the side of pivotal pin 366 On one or more pan cable will be in tensioning state, and one or more pans on the opposite side of pivotal pin 366 Cable will be loose.As detailed above and referring additionally now to Figure 13, pan cable can be in proximal attachment to pivoting The cable attachment hole 202 of control structure 100 (referring to Figure 13).In certain embodiments, two pan cables can be attached to often Individual cable attachment hole 202.Pan cable can extend from the cable attachment hole 202 in pivotal arm 198 and be set to pass through by cloth One or more of the proximal section 161b of inner sheath base 160 (referring to Figure 10) aperture 178.Therefore, pan cable can prolong Extend through in the effectiveness hole 168 of flexible cable 250.Because cable attachment hole 202 is located at the opposite side of the pivotal point of pivotal arm 198 On, thus make pivot control structure 100 pivot can promote pan cable attachment to a relaxation in cable attachment hole 202 simultaneously And the pan cable for being attached to another attachment hole is promoted to become tight.By will be associated with a cable attachment hole 202 Photomoduel 350 on pan cable attachment to the side of pivotal pin 366 and will be associated with another cable attachment hole 202 That shakes claps cable attachment to the opposite side of pivotal pin 366, and pivoting control structure 100 can be used to select photomoduel 350 Rotate to property.In certain embodiments, promote forward and pivot control structure 100 and can make the pan forward of photomoduel 350, and to Pivot control structure 100 is pulled to make the pan backward of photomoduel 350 afterwards.In certain embodiments, all pan cables are worked as All it is likely to be at when being assembled under tensioning state.

In a preferred embodiment, only single pan cable can be attached in the pivot control structure 100 of pivotal arm 198 Each cable attachment hole 202 (referring to Figure 13).In such a embodiment, it is understood that there may be top pan cable 368 and bottom pan Cable 370.Top pan cable 368 and bottom pan cable 370 can extend to photomoduel as described above 350.Top pan cable 368 can wind the top cable attachment structure 372 on photomoduel 350, and be back to backward Its original residing identical cable attachment hole 202 on pivotal arm 198.Bottom pan cable 370 can wind phase unit Bottom cable attachment structure 374 on part 350, and its original residing identical cable attachment hole 202 is back to backward.Can Alternatively, pan cable can be with lopping by attachment hole 202, and the both ends of cable are whole in cable attachment structure on distal side Only.

In the exemplary embodiment, top cable attachment structure 372 (in fig. 22 best seen from) is included in camera case top Two holes in portion 356.In addition, top cable attachment structure 372 includes the recess in two holes of connection.Top pan cable 368 Recess can be followed with one in access aperture, and be left from another in two holes, the cable attachment returned in handle Hole 202 (referring to Figure 13).Bottom cable attachment structure 374 (in fig. 22 best seen from) includes two attachment points or hook, should Two attachment points or hook project away from the opposite side of camera case bottom 358.For top in comparison cable attachment structure 372, Bottom cable attachment structure 374 is on the opposite side of pivotal pin 366.Bottom pan cable 370 can wind bottom cable attachment An attachment point or hook for structure 374, the second attachment point or hook until bottom cable attachment structure 374 are tightened up, is returned therefrom Its cable attachment hole 202 returned on the pivotal arm 198 of handle.In alternative embodiments, top cable attachment structure 372 and/ Or bottom cable attachment structure 374 can be included such as eyelet, skewer, nail.

Top pan cable 368 and bottom pan cable 370 can be manufactured by any appropriate cable or filamentary material, or Metal or synthetic polymer, or braiding or single fiber line.Top pan cable 368 and bottom pan cable 370 can be with The e.g. metal of lateral flexibility or plastic strip or band.In a preferred embodiment, top pan cable 368 and bottom pan cable 370 by stretch-proof in a tensioned state material manufacture.By single pan cable from each cable attachment hole 202 around phase unit It is probably desired that pivoted actuator attachment structure on part 350, which is wrapped on pivotal arm 198 (referring to Figure 13), because it is true Protect, pan cable laying to the side of photomoduel 350 is in identical with pan cable from the side that photomoduel 350 returns Under tensioning state；To there is identical shadow to the two halves of cable with the time or using some parts of optionally stretch to cable Ring.

In a preferred embodiment, top pan cable 368 can be applied on each inwall of photomoduel base 330 One in cable guide hole 348.As shown in figure 23, top pan cable 368 is threaded through one in cable guide hole 348 It is individual, and continue to extend along the outside of photomoduel housing 330 towards photomoduel 350.In some embodiments, it may be possible in the presence of The path taken along top pan cable 368 is recessed into depression or groove in the outside of photomoduel housing 330.Herein In kind embodiment, depression or groove can serve as guide portion.Depression or groove there may also be and help ensure, top pan cable 368 flush with outer surface substantially with photomoduel housing 330.This can help ensure that, in the endoscope 10 to assembling completely During use, oversheath 318 does not strike against (referring to Figure 19) weakens its movement on top pan cable 368.

As shown in figure 23, top pan cable 368 is tightened logical when it reenters the inside of photomoduel housing 330 Planar Mechanisms notch 349.Then, top pan cable 368 continues top cable attachment structure 372, as described above.One returns Cable attachment hole 202 (referring to Figure 13) is returned to, top pan cable 368 is just extended to camera from top cable attachment structure 372 Constraint notch 349 on the relative wall (referring to Figure 16) of assembly housing 330.Then, top pan cable 368 is along phase unit The outer surface of the antetheca of part housing 330 and alternatively continue along the depression in wall or groove.Then, top pan cable 368 reenter the inner space of photomoduel housing 330 and the cable attachment hole 202 proceeded back in handle, such as first Described by preceding.

In the far-end of inserting paragraph, whole latter end (such as, the line of the connecting portion close to it to pivot assembly of pivoted actuator Material or cable) it may be suffered restraints at fulcrum or the strong point to reboot actuator so as to relative to the length of inserting paragraph or axle Axis forms angle.For example, by making top pan cable 368 by cable guide hole 348 and constraining or redirect notch 349, the top cable attachment structure 372 for then making it tilt on the opposite side of pivot pin 366, it can obtain and pivot phase unit The increased range of pivot of part 350.Therefore, it can rotate the imaging sensor with predetermined or fixed angular field so that allow can The visual field of rotation so that effective area can increase to the scope of 180 degree.In other embodiments, imaging sensor can be made Rotate so as to achieve over the viewing area of 180 degree.As shown in Figure 23, cable is laid as described by cable with more The incidence angle of point is placed in its attachment point 372, and therefore allows a greater degree of rear rotation of photomoduel 350.

In certain embodiments, and referring additionally to Figure 24, photomoduel 350 full 180 degree or more can be rotated, Because in the presence of two groups of cable guide holes 348：Relatively low one group of bullport 348 control camera case top section, and higher one group draws Guide hole 348 controls camera case bottom section.350 rotatable angle of photomoduel is the terminal portion of pan cable relative to pan The function for the angle that the longitudinal axis of the portions of proximal or inserting paragraph (or endoscope shaft) 14 of cable is formed (referring to Fig. 1).Shake The terminal portion of cable is taken the photograph when it reenters the outside of photomoduel housing 330 relative to the angle of the longitudinal axis of inserting paragraph 14 It is bigger, then it in photomoduel 350 can caused by range of movement it is bigger.In a preferred embodiment, photomoduel housing 330 Reenter surface or redirect guide portion be oriented to carry relative to the long axis of inserting paragraph 14 for the terminal portion of pan cable For by the angle in the range of about 30 degree to 90 degree.In other embodiments, the rotary motion scope of photomoduel 350 can be with It is modified, while positioned by reentering surface or guide portion to cable to realize the angle for the terminal portion for making pan cable Degree limits the frictional resistance of pan cable in the range of about 45 degree to 80 degree.This embodiment as described above only needs To apply pulling force in any one in a pair of complementary cables 368,370, it is one remote in inserting paragraph 14 in complementary cable Side or extreme positions are inclined upwardly to be attached to top cable attachment structure 372, and one in complementary cable is inserting Distal side or extreme positions in section 14 slope down to corresponding bottom cable attachment structure 374.Using the arrangement, it is not necessary to Actuating cable is lateral in the major part of the length of inserting paragraph 14 or laterally moves, and this allows the inner space in inserting paragraph 14 Narrower, help minimizes its overall diameter.

In certain embodiments, without using constraint or notch 349 can be redirected.Some embodiments, which can use, to be inserted The different types of constraint or redirect element that the far-end of section is merged into wall.In certain embodiments, pulley or eyelet can To be used as constriction.Pin, nail, post etc. can also be used as constraining or redirecting element.In certain embodiments, can be in phase The finger section or forked portion of bending are formed in the side wall of thermomechanical components housing 330.The finger section of bending extends to photomoduel In the inner space of housing 330 so that the Existential Space between the inwall of photomoduel housing 330 and bending finger section.Top Pan cable 368 can run through the space so that it is constrained by the finger section bent.In most embodiments, may It is enough to minimize during the operation of endoscope to pan cable it is desirable that, the contact point between constriction and cable has The smoothness or radius of curvature of the possibility of friction damage.In some cases, constriction, which can be coated with, has low friction system Several materials, such as teflon.

In certain embodiments, previous retouch can be similar to instead of top pan cable 368, bottom pan cable 370 State and suffer restraints with so that in one rotational direction can be than realizing the bigger pivot of photomoduel 350 in another direction of rotation Turn scope.As shown in figure 24, in certain embodiments, bottom pan cable 370 and top pan cable 368 may suffer restraints Or it is redirected, it is allowed to even more big range of pivot.

In fig. 24, oversheath 318, photomoduel housing 330 and photomoduel 350 are shown.In the presence of two groups of cable guides Hole 348.Above one group of longitudinal axis for being arranged on photomoduel housing 330, another group is arranged on the vertical of photomoduel housing 330 Below to axis.Two constraint notches 349 also be present.Constrain a longitudinal direction for being located at photomoduel housing 330 in notch 349 Above axis, and the lower section of another longitudinal axis for being located at photomoduel housing 330.

On side by the pivot axis that redirection element (for example, recess) is positioned at into photomoduel 350 (for example, Thereunder), while by the terminal of pan cable be attached on the opposite side of the pivot axis of photomoduel 350 (for example, On certain point on photomoduel above it), the improved mechanical advantage of pan cable can be obtained.

As shown, top pan cable 368 run through cable guide hole 348 in one below longitudinal axis, and And reenter photomoduel housing 330 at the constraint notch 349 below longitudinal axis.Then, the weight of top pan cable 368 Orientation is up to the top cable attachment structure 372 on photomoduel 350.In fig. 24, bottom pan cable 370 is applied in phase Cable guide hole 348 above the longitudinal axis of thermomechanical components housing 330.Then, bottom pan cable 370 is by photomoduel Constraint notch 349 above the longitudinal axis of housing 330 reenters photomoduel housing 330.Then bottom pan cable 370 It is redirected to bottom cable attachment structure 374 downwards.Top pan cable 368 and bottom pan cable 370 can wind camera A part for component 350, the place being pivoted to depending on photomoduel 350.In fig. 24, bottom pan cable 370 It is shown as winding a part for photomoduel 350.

Some embodiments can utilize band 384 as pivoted actuator.Figure 25 illustrates including being activated as pivot The embodiment of device band 384.As shown, band 384 winds one in the pivot pin 366 of photomoduel 350.In some implementations In example, pivot pin 366 can be elongated so that at least one part in pivot pin 366 is prolonged from pivot bearings 346 Stretch.In such a embodiment, band 384 can be wound around the part of pivot pin 366, as shown in figure 25.In certain embodiments, The shape of photomoduel 350 can be different so that band 384 can wind photomoduel 350.For example, photomoduel 350 can be Generally cylindrical shape.The generally cylindrical shape of photomoduel 350 can be coaxial with pivot pin 366.In such a embodiment, band 384 can wind the circumference of photomoduel 350.

In certain embodiments, the surface that band 384 is wound thereon can be recessed relative to positioned at the surface of its side (for example, V-arrangement).This, which can aid in, during operation keeps band 384 in place.In other embodiments, can use Any other type of guide portion.For example, be wrapped in surface thereon two of band 384 can be two walls, during operation The two walls keep band 384 in place.

Band 384 can be made up of high friction material so that in drive belt 384, band 384 is not on the surface that it is wound Slide.In certain embodiments, band 384 can have rough surface, or can be band tooth with aid in its grip or rigidly connect Close the ability of photomoduel pivot pin 366 (it can be gear-driven).Use to band 384 can allow photomoduel The pivot of 350 wide scope, without will laterally be redirected in trailing cable pivoted actuator inserting paragraph 14 to realize camera The equal range of movement of component 350.This allows inserting paragraph 14 to be manufactured with less diameter.

In using band 384 and embodiment, band 384 may be configured to drive by pivoting the displacement of control structure 100 Move (referring to Figure 13).In certain embodiments, pivot pin 366 or band 384 wind the opposite end of photomoduel 350 from it can be with Winding pivots the pivot 204 of control structure 100.In such a embodiment, the rotation of pivot 204 can be with drive belt 384.Pivot 204 part wound by band 384 can have relatively large diameter.This is probably desired so that only needs pivot 204 Small pivotal displacement drives band 384 relatively large amount.In the embodiment of band 384 including tooth, the tooth of band 384 can with positioned at The gear pivoted on the pivot 204 of control structure 100 crosses one another.In such a embodiment, on pivot 204 and pivot 204 The rotation of gear can be with drive belt 384.As band 384 is driven, the mobile of band 384 will apply driving on photomoduel 350 Power, photomoduel 350 is promoted to pivot.

In another arrangement using one or more pan cables, similar range of pivot can be obtained, without Any laying is carried out to pan cable by the various structures being included in photomoduel base 330.This be probably it is desired, Because it can allow the diameter (referring to Fig. 1) of inserting paragraph 14 to be made smaller.In addition, the photomoduel of this embodiment Base 330 will not require any fenestration (for example, Figure 16 cable guide hole 348) or redirect element/constriction (example Such as, Figure 16 constraint notch 349), therefore, simplify the manufacture of photomoduel base.This embodiment can example as used in figure The photomoduel base 330 and inner sheath 312 shown in 17 example embodiment.

In such an embodiment, photomoduel 350 can include one or more around volume structure or surface 1400.Around clove hitch The housing that structure is configured to surround photomoduel winds the terminal portion of pan cable at least in part.The company of the terminal of pan cable Connect or attachment point can be located on the photomoduel housing in volume structure distal side.Preferably there is the somewhat recessed of bending around volume structure Enter surface, the bending is slightly recessed surface and can partially or completely wind a part for photomoduel housing.Therefore, in each reality Apply in example, pan cable can be wound around housing only partially or in one or more closed circuits around housing.More Long provides more extensive rotating range around volume structure for photomoduel.In activating, associated pan cable can be with Winding twines around volume structure 1400 or from around the solution of volume structure 1400.The pivot model of photomoduel 350 can be increased around volume structure 1400 Enclose.Around volume structure 1400 moment of torsion more consistent during rotation can be allowed to be applied to photomoduel 350.Around volume structure 1400 can be configured as producing desired or different length moment arm.In addition, will be positioned to around volume structure 1400 and camera The rotation axis of component is radially spaced-apart can to help pan cable more efficiently to produce rotation torque.

Figure 26-30 progress conceptually shows to include the photomoduel around volume structure 1400 being in multiple rotation positions 350.As shown, arcuate section and straight line portion can be included around volume structure 1400.Arcuate section is formed so that it has There is the radius of curvature from the pivot axis extension of photomoduel 350.Tilted around the straight line portion of volume structure 1400 to cause it to fill When moment of torsion increases structure.In addition, the straight line portion around volume structure 1400 allows camera case 355 (to be needed originally by more materials Remove other to connect bow-shaped section) manufacture and therefore increase the structural intergrity of camera case 355.This is in photomoduel 350 Being designed to be assemblied in little space and therefore must be manufactured with can in the embodiment of very small shape factor Can be especially important.

As shown in figure 26, top pan cable 368 can be wound around volume structure 1400.Applied by top pan cable 368 Pulling force will around photomoduel 350 pivot axis produce moment of torsion, promote photomoduel 350 to be rotated in a clockwise direction.In addition, Longer moment arm is produced around the straight line portion of volume structure 1400, therefore is increased for moment of torsion caused by given amount of pull.

Because photomoduel 350 rotates to the position shown in Figure 27, so top pan cable 368 starts from around clove hitch The solution of structure 1400 twines.With putting forth effort to continue to be applied in and photomoduel continues to rotate, top pan cable 368 will continue from coiling Structure solution twines, as shown in Figure 28.When fully solution twines, top pan cable 368 leaves point around volume structure 1400 by position In on the bow-shaped section around volume structure 1400 (as shown in two figures of Figure 27 and Figure 28).In embodiment, around volume structure 1400 May be positioned such that a little with a distance from equal from pivot axis on bow-shaped section.

In the exemplary embodiment, as pulling force continues to be applied by top pan cable 368, photomoduel 350 will continue Rotation is untill top pan cable 368 is no longer contacted around the surface of volume structure 1400, as shown in figure 29.Therefore, phase unit Part 350 can continue rotation until the close rotation axis coincident with photomoduel of pulling force of top pan cable 368.In Figure 30 Middle description position.As will be determined by the skilled person understood, pan cable can wind around volume structure 1400 once or Repeatedly can caused rotation amount using pan cable with increase.The degree on the contact surface on pan cable winding photomoduel Allow the rotating range of photomoduel more than 90 degree.The degree of rotation of photomoduel therefore will be flexible only by attached electronics The limitation of the slack and flexibility of cable and/or fibre bundle.

In embodiment, pan cable and coiling surface are arranged to permission photomoduel and rotated in distal scope axle About 90 degree to about 120 degree of long axis between position, the camera lens face of photomoduel is oriented in endoscope at least in part On the direction of the near-end of axle.In the position, any residue or other pollutants in camera lens face can be by remote in endoscope shaft The lavation fluid flushing that skidding enters falls.

In order that the position that photomoduel 350 is rotated in Figure 30 from its position in fig. 30, can be through bottom pan Cable 370 applies pulling force.In certain embodiments, bottom pan cable 370 can also be associated with around volume structure.For example, bottom The turning or edge for the photomoduel 350 that portion's pan cable 370 can be wound can be circular.

Figure 31-32 describes the top perspective for the particular example embodiment for including the photomoduel 350 around volume structure 1400. Photomoduel 350 includes lens subassembly 354.Lens subassembly 354 is disposed in inside camera case 355.Can around volume structure 1400 To be recessed into the side of camera case 355, as shown in the figure.In the exemplary embodiment, arcuate section is included around volume structure 1400 And straight line portion.It is shaped so that it has from the center of pivotal pin 366 or pivot axis around the arcuate section of volume structure 1400 The radius of curvature of extension.

As in Figure 31 best seen from the first space 1402 can be included by being recessed into wall therein around volume structure 1400.Camera Housing 355 can also include Second gap 1404.Second gap 1404 can pass through the top surface of camera case 355 to camera case 355 bottom surface.

As shown, only single pan cable 1406 can be used.Pan cable 1406 can extend camera case Both first space 1402 and Second gap 1404 in 355.One end of pan cable 1406 can be attached on pivotal arm 198 Cable attachment hole 202 (referring to Figure 13).The other end of pan cable 1406 can be attached to another electricity on pivotal arm 198 Cable attachment hole 202.In certain embodiments, pan cable 1406 can be fixedly attached to camera shell at one or more points Body 355.For example, in one that the adhesive of glue can be placed into space 1402 or 1404.This is it is ensured that activating Period, pan cable 1406 is slided not on the surface of camera case 355 or movement.In addition, in certain embodiments, pan electricity Cable 1406 can be knotted in one or more positions.For example, it can be shaken by a supply in space 1402 or 1404 Cable 1406 is taken the photograph, is knotted, then passes through another supply in space 1402 or 1404.Preferably, the width of knot can be abundant It is wide so as to not fitting through any one in space 1402 or 1404.In addition, this knot can aid in and keep pan cable 1406 slide or move on the surface of camera case 355 in activating.

As those skilled in the art will appreciate that, the embodiment shown in Figure 31-32 can be easily modified to make With two pan cables.Opening position in the first space 1402 or in the first space 1402, a pan cable can terminate And it is fixedly attached to camera case 355.Opening position in Second gap 1404 or in Second gap 1404, the second pan Cable can terminate and be fixedly attached to camera case 355.

In other embodiments, pivoted actuator can be the bracket of rack and pinion arrangement.In such a embodiment, phase The pivotal pin 366 of thermomechanical components 350 can include teeth portion.The teeth portion of pivotal pin 366 can be mutual with the bracket of pivoted actuator The little gear of intersection.As bracket longitudinally shifts in inserting paragraph 14, band tooth pinion portion of the motion through pivotal pin 366 It is converted into the rotation of photomoduel 350.Although this embodiment is not solely dependent on the drawing for rotating photomoduel 350 Power, but transverse shift of the pivoted actuator again without actuator in inserting paragraph 14.Plug-type carrier types actuator Some features (for example, rigidity, thickness) may be still needed or restrained in addition can be prevented from applying on bracket in orbit Transverse direction or side during Compressive forces are to edgewise bend.

Referring back now to Figure 13, pivot control structure 100 " can stop " presses in the slide glass by handle bossing 34 In the ratchet that spine 94 in button recess 92 limits.In certain embodiments, spine 94 can be spaced so that by the shape of spine 94 Into ratchet can be consistent with the specific angular orientation of photomoduel 350 orientation.In certain embodiments, the spine formed by spine 94 Pawl can be spaced so that their position correspondence is in the specific angle increment (for example, 30 degree) of photomoduel 350.

As described above (referring to Fig. 6), handle distal segment 30 can be rotatable relative to handle proximal section 16.This rotation Turn also also to rotate the longitudinal axis for promoting inserting paragraph 14.And then photomoduel 350 can rotate with inserting paragraph 14.This can be with Allow user to obtain the nearly global view of the anatomic region discussed, occur without the angle reorientation to endoscope 10 as far as possible. User may only need to translate photomoduel 350 and handle distal segment 30 is rotated relative to handle proximal section 16 to dissect Desired visual field is obtained in region.

To optical fiber -- such as, optical fiber 364-- repetition twist and warping and bending may cause one or more fiber rupture or Failure.In the example of optical fiber 364, this causes light and illumination loss, as more multi fiber 364 becomes to suffer damage, light and photograph Bright loss increase.This bending may occur in the case where there：Optical fiber 364, which terminates and is attached or is fused to, pivots phase unit A part for part 350, as described above.If endoscope 10 is arranged to disposably, the integrality of optical fiber 364 Or any decline of aspect of performance may be allowed in limitation for the life expectancy relative to instrument.Therefore, in some realities Apply in example, optical fiber 364, which can be attached or be fused to, pivots photomoduel 350, and optical fiber 364 is destroyed and final light loss is worried most It is small.In certain embodiments, terminal illumination device, optical projection component or the photophore associated with optical fiber 364 can advantageously be pacified Photomoduel 350 is attached to so as to rotated or move in the lens subassembly 354 that does not consider what target or photomoduel 350 Visual field at projection light.This arrangement assists in ensuring that the visual field (shown in broken lines in Figure 23-25) of lens subassembly 354 is always Illuminated by optical fiber 364, without consider in the 350 of photomoduel photomoduel 350 have rotated to can pan range at which In.

In certain embodiments, illuminator can include light guide portion or light pipe 375.In certain embodiments, light Fibre 364 can include at least one of smooth guide portion or light pipe 375 along the path of illuminator (see, e.g., figure 33).Term " light guide portion " and " light pipe " convertibly use herein.When optical fiber is relatively straight, light loss is relatively small, Because light is shallow to being enough to promote the nearly total reflection in optical fiber in intrastitial incidence angle.However, change fibre-optical bending To the incidence angle put as follows：At this point, it is possible that light transmits from fiber.However, the bending of light pipe or guide portion can It can be controlled.For this reason, can aid in minimum using light guide portion 375 in the case of feasible includes light guide Light loss in the illuminator of fiber 364 can change optical fiber together.Light guide portion 375 can also provide multinomial other Benefit.For example, light guide portion 375 can aid in the installation time of assembling and shortening device.Light guide portion 375 can be herein Described type or can be any suitable type known to those skilled in the art light guide portion.

Figure 33 shows the example embodiment of the endoscope 10 using light pipe 375.The light pipe 375 of two larger diameters can edge Photomoduel housing 330 is arrived in one or more snippets extension for the wall of inner sheath 312 (referring to Figure 16), then bends or bend to phase In one in thermomechanical components pivot bearings 346.The bending section of each light pipe 375 can be coated with high reflection materials 376 with Just the loss of the light come out when light pipe 375 changes direction from light pipe 375 is minimized.Those skilled in the art can be used Any appropriate high reflection materials 376 known to member.In such a embodiment, photomoduel 350 can also have built-in phase Thermomechanical components light pipe 377, built-in camera component light pipe 377 formed with the fluidic junction of the light pipe 375 at pivot bearings 346. The light carried by light pipe 375 can be transferred in fluidic junction photomoduel light pipe 377.Photomoduel light pipe 377 can be from Each in pivotal pin 366 is extended in photomoduel 350.Photomoduel light pipe 377 terminates in light projection space 362, So that the visual field of photomoduel 350 will be illuminated, the rotation position without considering camera and lens subassembly.In this embodiment In, any bending section taken by photomoduel light pipe 377 can be coated with high reflection materials 376, as described above. In certain embodiments, in the other parts of light pipe 375 and photomoduel light pipe 377, except light pipe 375 and photomoduel light Outside the bending section of pipe 377, high reflection materials 376 can be included.

It is probably desired to produce the light pipe section consistent with the pivot region of photomoduel 350, because it avoids optical fiber 364 Bending is twisted, when rotating photomoduel 350, eliminates the risk of infringement optical fiber 364.This design may be adapted to weigh Used in multiple use or disposable endoscope 10.The arrangement can also reduce manufacture or the assembly cost of endoscope 10.

In another example embodiment (not shown) using light pipe 375, the light pipe 375 of larger diameter can be substantially Extend along the path of flexible cable 250.The end nearest from inner sheath base 160 of light pipe 375 can be formed and optical fiber 364 fluidic junction is arranged to light of the inspiration from another light source.Light pipe 375 it is nearest from photomoduel 350 End can also form and extend to the fluidic junction of the illumination fiber 364 of photomoduel 350.

In certain embodiments, optical fiber 364 can be arranged to form flexible-belt 1000 to photomoduel 350, with minimum Bending or only one-dimensional bending produce the linear fibre array that can be terminated in optical projection component (see, e.g., Figure 34).It can replace Dai Di, in certain embodiments, flexible-belt 1000 need not be linear fibre array, replace and can be the single banding of light-guide material Flexible piece.In some embodiments, it may be possible in the presence of two flexible-belts 1000, the light projection each extended in photomoduel 350 One in space 362.In certain embodiments, flexible-belt 1000 can be coated with reflecting material 376 to maximize phase unit Light quantity at part 350.In certain embodiments, flexible-belt 1000 can form fluidic junction with light pipe.

In certain embodiments, camera case top 356 can be included to serve as the light of optical projection component or luminaire Tube material.In this case, light can the major part from the top of camera case 356 and the visual field to photomoduel 350 In.In certain embodiments, 356 some regions may be dimmed or masked at the top of camera case so that light is only from camera The desired area or region of case top 356.In certain embodiments, 356 some regions can coat at the top of camera case There have high reflection materials 376 to be unwanted luminous from those regions to prevent.

Figure 34 shows the embodiment that optical fiber 364 is merged into flexible-belt 1000, and flexible-belt 1000 can be alternatively coated with High reflection materials 376.As shown, flexible-belt 1000 extends to photomoduel 350.Flexible-belt 1000 can be by overmolded Into photomoduel 350, it is fused to photomoduel 350, or is otherwise coupled to photomoduel 350.

In Figure 34 example embodiment, photomoduel 350 includes monolithic camera case 1002.Without attachment flexible-belt 1000 Example monolithic camera case 1002 illustrated in greater detail in Figure 35.In the exemplary embodiment, monolithic camera case 1002 by Light pipe or transmission material manufacture and are used as optical projection component.In the exemplary embodiment, monolithic camera case 1002 can be almost High reflection materials 376 are completely coated with to maximize the light of the non-coated or non-masking regional from monolithic camera case 1002 Output.Light projection or illumination surface 1004, which have to be suitable for camera lens and image sensor module being adjacent to, is placed on monolithic camera Shape on housing 1002, light projection or illumination surface 1004 can be by (or alternately simple black in high reflection materials Mask) 376 application during masking regional configure.In the exemplary embodiment, light projection surface 1004 has the shape of ring. In other embodiments, light projection surface 1004 can be with crescent, semicircular or can have any other desired shape Shape.Light can illuminate the visual field of lens subassembly 354 from the light projection surface 1004 of monolithic camera case 1002.Such as above-mentioned In embodiment, illumination region preferably pivots with photomoduel 350, it is ensured that always the visual field of lens subassembly 354 is illuminated.

Figure 36 shows another example embodiment of monolithic camera case 1002.As shown in outline form, monolithic camera Housing 1002 includes shaft coupling recess 1006.Connection recess 1006 can allow flexible-belt 1000 to be suitably coupled to monolithic phase In casing body 1002.In certain embodiments, connection recess 1006 can allow flexible-belt 1000 to be connected to -- for example, through buckle Coordinate -- in monolithic photomoduel 1002.In certain embodiments, connection recess 1006, which can be received, is not formed at flexible-belt Optical fiber 364 in 1000.Similar to Figure 35, in Figure 36, monolithic camera case 1002 may be used as optical projection component.Monolithic phase Casing body 1002 can also be similarly applied and/or the masked monolithic camera case 1002 to be described relative to Figure 35.

Figure 37 and Figure 38 shows that optical projection component 1005 merges the embodiment in the end of flexible-belt 1000.Light projection member Part 1005 can be formed by light pipe material, and in certain embodiments, optical projection component 1005 can be one group of fibre fusion to suitable In the shape for projecting the light from fibre bundle or flexible-belt 1000 in the desired manner.In certain embodiments, optical projection component 1005 can be with flexible-belt 1,000 two together with (for example, by heating or passing through chemical means) is fused to independently of each other Part.In other embodiments, the band 1000 of optical projection component 1005 and flexible optical fibre can be single molding section.At some In embodiment, optical projection component 1005 can relative to Figure 47-60 it is described as generation.

Referring still to Figure 37 and 38, flexible-belt 1000 can be coated with high reflection materials 376.Optical projection component 1005 Bottom wall and side wall can also be coated with high reflection materials 376.This it is ensured that light only from the non-painting of optical projection component 1005 Cover top and into the visual field of lens subassembly 354.As shown in Figure 38, optical projection component 1005 or flexible-belt 1000 can be with Including draw bail 1008.Draw bail 1008 can allow optical projection component 1005 and flexible-belt 1000 to be connected to photomoduel On 350 or into photomoduel 350.Draw bail 1008 can be the integrated part of optical projection component 1005.

Figure 39 and Figure 40 describes two example embodiments of the flexible-belt 1000 for including optical projection component 1005, light projection member Part 1005 can be formed by light pipe material.Optical projection component 1005 in Figure 39 has substantially annular shape, and in Figure 40 Optical projection component 1005 is generally crescent shape, and can select other shapes as needed.In showing for Figure 39 and Figure 40 In example embodiment, the uncoated high reflection materials 376 of top surface of only optical projection component 1005.

Optical projection component 1005 can include one or more textures 1010, and one or more of textures 1010 contribute to Guide the light from optical projection component 1005.In certain embodiments, texture 1010 or some textures 1010 can be included to promote Light is set to be issued in a diffuse way.Texture 1010 or some textures 1010 can be for example during the moldings of optical projection component 1005 It is generated, or alternately, packing material can be included by forming the light pipe material of optical projection component 1005, and packing material promotes light In a diffuse way from optical projection component 1005.

Figure 41 and Figure 42 describes the top and bottom perspective view of another example embodiment of optical projection component 1005 respectively. As shown, optical projection component 1005 is ring-type in shape.Optical projection component 1005 also includes draw bail 1008, such as exists Shown in bottom perspective view in Figure 42.Draw bail 1008 in Figure 42 is the integrated part of optical projection component 1005. In example embodiment, draw bail 1008 is lug or shelf.Lug draw bail 1008 can aid in optical projection component 1005 position and/or are aligned on another part (such as, photomoduel 350).In addition, in certain embodiments, adhesive Or glue can be placed along lug draw bail 1008 so that optical projection component 1005 is fixed into another part -- such as, Photomoduel 350.Optical projection component 1005 is shown as being attached to the example camera component 350 in Figure 46.

Optical projection component 1005 shown in Figure 41-42 does not include high reflection coating or material 376 (see, e.g., figure 37).To this high reflection coating or material 376 need can by by optical projection component 1005 be dimensioned to increase and Minimize or maximize the total internal reflection for entering and not expecting the light in luminous optical projection component 1005.This can be by ensuring Optical projection component 1005 does not expect that any bending section or bending section have large radius to realize in luminous region.In addition, this Can be by not causing light to be thrown the thickness change throughout optical projection component 1005 that is sized such that of optical projection component 1005 The change (this will so that incidence angle is less than critical angle) of the incidence angle of light in element 1005 is penetrated to complete.It may be desirable to light projection The thickness of element 1005 does not drop to less than the thickness of the optical fiber or flexible-belt attached by optical projection component 1005.It may go back the phase Hope, the surface of optical projection component 1005 is smooth in luminous region is not expected.

Multiple sections of optical projection component 1005 described in Figure 43, Figure 44 and Figure 45 depiction 41-42.Distinguish in section It is intercepted at Figure 41 line 43-43,44-44 and 45-45.As shown, must be into the light of optical projection component 1005 Across the first bending section 1300 and the second bending section 1302 before being sent from the top surface of optical projection component 1005.Such as Figure 43- Shown in 45, optical projection component 1005 can be shaped so that the radius of these bending sections depends on the flat of optical projection component 1005 Face and change.The radius of each in these bending sections 1300 and 1302 can with it is chosen be in available sky in given plane Interior gradually increase as far as possible.In addition, as illustrated, the thickness of optical projection component 1005 is kept substantially constant.This ensures, by The change of incident angle is minimized caused by thickness change.

Relative to Figure 41-45 show and the optical projection component 1005 that describes is attached to the example camera component 350 in Figure 46. As shown, optical projection component 1005 be arranged such that it project light onto key lighting field (due to launch light diffusion and Reflection, can also be illuminated around the peripheral region of the key lighting field), visual field one of the key lighting field substantially with lens subassembly 354 Cause.

The optical projection component for being connected to one or more optical fiber for producing desired size and shape is described in detail in Figure 47-60 Process and multiple example apparatus.This process is probably useful in numerous applications.As noted, the process can To be used to produce the optical projection component for endoscopic instrument or other medicine equipments.Can also be in various imaging applications Any middle use is through optical projection component caused by this process.This process in other articles for producing optical projection component Or it is also likely to be useful to produce for the optical projection component of other application.

It is probably favourable relative to the process described by Figure 47-60 due to multiple reasons., should among these reasons Process allows the optical projection component slightly larger than material cost for configuring required size and shape.Also allow in one or more optical fiber Mechanical breaking is not present between optical projection component.This can aid in the light loss for being avoided being introduced in addition at fluidic junction Consumption.It avoid the need for the time-consuming laying to single optical fiber.The process allows the light projection for being optimized for maximum light output The easily repeatable of element produces.In addition, among further advantage, the process allows multiple individually fibers to be brought to or lay The shape of desired optical projection component is then formed into a position.Therefore, the size of final optical projection component can cause it More than any limitation in wiring path.

Figure 47-50, which describes, to be moulded exemplary light projection element or transmitter 2005 with flexible plastic fibre bundle or band 1000, incites somebody to action Exemplary light projection element or transmitter 2005 are fused to or are attached to the instantiation procedure of flexible plastic fibre bundle or band 1000.Especially Ground, if moulded with flexible plastic fibre bundle, photophore includes the solid transparent plasticity illuminated component of flexible optical fibre beam, the hair Light component shapes according to being selected for producing its moulding form in a predefined manner.In this case, transmitter can be by It is considered as passive photophore, because it guides and launches the light of the near-end from fibre bundle.In addition to other materials, plastic optical fiber material The example of material can include acrylic acid or makrolon.Figure 47 illustrates flexible optical fibre band 1000.Figure 47 illustrates including The single optical fiber 364 of flexible-belt 1000.One end of flexible-belt 1000 can be surround, until the end of optical fiber 364 is leaned on backward Untill on themselves, as shown in figure 48.Therefore, the lopping end of flexible-belt 1000 can use for example compression molded into desired Functional configurations and formed and be fused into optical projection component or photophore 2005.Preferably, in the end of flexible optical fibre band 1000 Place allows to form optical projection component 2005 to looping for optical fiber 364, and does not produce any internal voids being formed in element.It can replace Dai Di, the end of various optical fiber 364 can be fused into the blank of enough materials before final molding process, it is expected with being formed Optical projection component 2005.Some optical projection components 2005 may not be needed this fusing or loop, simply by the presence of enough materials Expect to form optical projection component 2005.Optical projection component 2005 can pass through the combination ability of any appropriate mode or mode Formed, the mode moulding process, compression molded, punching press/die cutting process, RF heating processes etc..

In certain embodiments, top type structure 1052a (referring to Figure 51) can promote to optical fiber 364 including mandrel etc. Loop.In addition, in particular embodiments, optical fiber 364 can for example wind mandrel on photomoduel 350 (referring to example Such as, Figure 22), then it is molded and is fused into optical projection component 2005.In such a embodiment, a part for final products, In this case in, therefore photomoduel 350 (see, e.g., Figure 22) can serve as one in Figure 51 type structure 1052a, b It is individual.In other applications, one or more of type structure 1052a, b can be another parts of the component of final products. In the example embodiment described in Figure 47-50, type structure 1020 can include force or pin member and mating model or chamber.

Figure 49 shows flexible optical fibre band 1000 and is formed as the annular of the optical fiber 364 of optical projection component or transmitter 2005 Side view.As shown in the example in Figure 49, optical projection component 2005 is formed by impressing/punching course, in impressing/punching press During, apply pressure between two type structures 1020.Figure 50 shows complete flexible-belt 1000, wherein, the annular of optical fiber 364 It has been formed and has been fused into optical projection component or transmitter 2005.Between flexible-belt 1000 and optical projection component 2005 not Mechanical breaking be present.Robustness and integrality should be provided for component, while also be allowed for effective translucency.As shown , optical projection component 2005 is configured to ring, but can by this way be formed photophore being positioned adjacent to photomoduel Any other desired shape of lens element.Therefore, in certain embodiments, flexible optical fibre band 1000 and/or light projection member The selectivity part of part 2005 can be coated with or shelter high reflection materials 376 (as described, for example, relative to figure 33-40).In certain embodiments, after optical projection component 2005 has been formed, texture 1010 or multiple textures 1010 can be with It is added to optical projection component 2005.As mentioned above, optical projection component 2005 can be formed so that it includes connection and tied Structure 1008 (see, e.g., Figure 38).In addition, in certain embodiments, before optical projection component 2005 is formed, it will can fill out Material is filled to be placed into one or two type structure 1020.

Figure 51 describes the example block diagram for the equipment 1050 that can be used to produce optical projection component or photophore.In Figure 51 Example in, optical projection component can be by the way that one or more optical fiber 364 be melted to produce.In Figure 51, such as example pressing In contracting molding, fiber 364 is fused to by desired optical projection component by the combination heated with pressure together.Alternately, it is fine Dimension 364 can be melted by chemical process (for example, using solvent).As shown, equipment 1050 includes type structure 1052a, b. Equipment 1050 can also include the thermal source 1054 with type structure 1052a, b thermal communication.Before fibre bundle is placed on model, the phase Between and/or afterwards, can to type structure apply heat.Pressure source 1056 can be included in equipment 1050 and can be arranged Apply pressure on into one or two in type structure 1052a, b and/or promote type structure 1052a, b to flock together.It is in addition, cold But source 1058 can be included in equipment 1050.

Cooling source 1058 is configured to cool down at least changeover portion of the fibre bundle adjacent with the section on model.Therefore, transition Section by with including part incorporate and solidification fiber distal region and wherein preserve single flexible fiber closer to area Domain.Therefore, changeover portion alternatively has the ability for the fixation angular dependence for maintaining the photophore with being formed after cooling.It is optional Ground, chuck or radiator 1059 can be placed on (one or more) optical fiber 364, close to changeover portion, while form light projection Element or transmitter.

In operation, thermal source 1054 can be used for hot type structure 1052a and/or 1052b.Type structure 1052a, b can be added Heat is to predetermined temperature.Selected temperature can depend on the used material of optical fiber 364.Used temperature can be with chosen So that it is not to be too high and to the material of optical fiber 364 that burns -- or any coating on material in some cases, but be enough to promote Make being completely melt for fiber optic materials 364.In addition, selected temperature can be enough to make the fiber optic materials in type structure 1052a, b to melt, And cause close to type structure 1052a, b and the material in type structure 1052a, b is substantially constant or non-warping.In embodiment, select Temperature range crosses over the temperature spot of melt material.This temperature selection is probably favourable, keeps being in because it shortens material With the time quantum of cooling in equipment 1050.In certain embodiments, used temperature may rely on cooling source 1058 and/or The thermal energy that radiator 1059 can remove.In the used material of optical fiber 364 is the specific embodiment of acrylic acid, appropriate Temperature range can be in about 270 degrees Fahrenheits between 280 degrees Fahrenheits.

One or more optical fiber 364 can be placed on one in type structure 1052b.Therefore, can be by type structure 1052a, b Get together, and pressure can be applied on type structure 1052a, b.Heat and pressure can promote one or more optical fiber 364 Melt and be fused to the desired optical projection component as specified by the shape as type structure 1052a, b and internal feature.At some In embodiment, packing material can also be placed in type structure 1052a, b so that desired optical projection component is melting and fused Packing material is adulterated or is impregnated with to period.

In the embodiment that fiber 364 is fused by chemical process, one or more illumination fiber 364 is placed Before or after on to model 1052b, solvent can be for example incorporated into model 1052b.Type structure 1052a, b can be assembled Together, and pressure can be applied on type structure 1052a, b.Therefore, the effect of solvent can promote one or more fiber 364 dissolve and are fused to as the shape specified by type structure 1052a, b.Therefore, one or more fiber 364 can be allowed to exist Solidified before type structure 1052a, b separation.In the embodiment using solvent, cooling source 1058 and radiator 1059 may not be must Need.

In certain embodiments, cooling source 1058 can be used to the undesirable fusing from one or more optical fiber 364/molten Close (for example, type structure 1052a, b close to heating or the mistake between optical projection component and one or more unchanged fiber Cross at region) part removing heat energy.Radiator 1059 (for example, around fibre bundle or metal sleeve with placement) can also by with In or be additionally used for same side.

Then, type structure 1052a, b can allow to cool down.Once type structure 1052a, b are fully cooled, they can To be separated, and optical fiber 364 and the optical projection component or transmitter that are fused to can be removed.In certain embodiments, cool down Source 1058 can be used to quick cooling type structure 1052a, b.Cooling type structure 1052a, b allow the solidification fusion of optical fiber 364 of fusing To the shape of optical projection component.Preferably, type structure 1052a, b are cooled until the material of optical fiber 364 is not reheated to and is enough to flow. In some embodiments, equipment 1050 can include displacer (not shown), once type structure 1052a, b are separated, displacer can To discharge optical projection component.After discharge, any flash distillation (flashing) on optical projection component can be removed.

Type structure 1052a, b can be configured by metal or other appropriate thermostabilization materials.The shape of desired optical projection component Shape, which can be cut evil, milling, recessed etc., turns into type structure 1052a, b.As described by above in relation to Figure 39 and Figure 40, light projection Element can be included in the surface texturizing in illumination surface 1010 and/or structure (such as, draw bail 1008).This texture Change and structure can be included as being cut, milling, the part of the shape as type structure 1052a, b such as recessed.

In certain embodiments, thermal source 1054 can be electric.In certain embodiments, type structure 1052a, b can be at them Include stratie.In certain embodiments, thermal source 1054 can be one or more with type structure 1052a, b thermal communication Individual heating pole.Any other appropriate heating element heater can also be used.In addition, thermocouple (not shown) or temperature sensor can be with Temperature feedback is used to ensure that type structure 1052a, b are maintained at desired temperature.It can be based on coming from temperature sensor Reading regulation thermal source 1054 thermal output.

Pressure source 1056 can be any appropriate pressure source.In embodiments, pressure source 1056 can be pressed manually Power source, the pressure source of machinery or electromechanics, pneumatic pressure source, hydraulic pressure source etc..

Cooling source 1058 can be any appropriate cooling source.In embodiments, cooling source 1058 can be fan, pressure Contracting machine etc. is connected to conduit to guide cooling air with one or more optical fiber 364 of the desired part of circulation.In some implementations In example, cooling source 1058 can be liquid cooling source, for example, the water jacket around one or more optical fiber 364.

Radiator 1059 can be made up of any appropriate material and can take any appropriate shape or form.It is excellent Selection of land, radiator 1059 are made up of the material than the operation temperature of fiber optic materials or equipment 1050 more high melting temperature.At some In embodiment, chuck or radiator 1059 can be also used for additional purpose.For example, radiator 1059 is also used as guiding structure Part, the guiding elements are used to (one or more) optical fiber 364 constraining in desired orientation (for example, flat band), simultaneously Form optical projection component.In it may not be needed some embodiments of radiator 1059, it still can include guiding elements.It is this Guiding elements may not be needed the heat dissipation property of radiator 1059.

Referring now to Figure 52 and 53, the particular instance that can be used to produce the equipment 1050 of optical projection component of description. As shown, equipment 1050 is similar to the equipment shown in Figure 51.Equipment 1050 includes retaining element 1060 and mobile or power Element 1062.In addition, equipment 1050 can include guide portion 1064, guide portion 1064 accurately constrains displaceable element 1062 It is mobile.In example embodiment shown in Figure 52, guide portion 1064 is track.In retaining element 1060 (for example, die cavity) and All include type structure 1052a or 1052b on both displaceable elements 1062 (for example, force or pin member).Type structure 1052a, b cloth Put on the relative surface of retaining element 1060 and displaceable element 1062.Appropriate heat and pressure be present Under, when displaceable element 1062 and retaining element 1060 are flocked together (referring to Figure 53), type structure 1052a, b coordinate fusing Fiber optic materials and the formation optical projection component of one or more optical fiber by being placed in equipment 1050.Figure 54 describes fixed member Type structure (or die cavity) 1052b of part 1060 and type structure (or force/pin member) 1052a of displaceable element 1062 low coverage From perspective view.

Once retaining element 1060 and displaceable element 1062 are flocked together, the pressure (ginseng from pressure source 1056 See Figure 51) it can be applied to through type structure 1052a, b on (one or more) optical fiber to aid in the shape of optical projection component or photophore Into.As mentioned above, type structure 1052a, b (retaining element 1060 that and in certain embodiments, they are attached to and removable Dynamic element 1062) it can be heated, as described above.Heating can also aid in the formation of optical projection component.

In addition, the equipment 1050 shown in Figure 52 includes connection unit 1066.Connection unit 1066 allows displaceable element 1062 are attached to pressure source 1056 (referring to Figure 51).In order to promote this connection, the connection unit in Figure 52 includes thread spindle 1068.In certain embodiments, thread spindle 1068 can be screwed to the shutter elements (not shown) of pressure source 1056.

Figure 55 and Figure 56 describes another example embodiment for the equipment 1050 that can be used to produce optical projection component.Such as Shown, equipment 1050 is similar to the equipment shown in Figure 52-53.Equipment 1050 includes retaining element 1060 and removable member Part 1062.Such as in Figure 52 and Figure 53, in addition to guide portion 1064 and the connection unit 1066 including thread spindle 1068.Separately Outside, such as in Figure 52 and Figure 53, retaining element 1060 and displaceable element 1062 all include on both type structure 1052a or 1052b.Type structure 1052a, b are arranged on the relative surface of retaining element 1060 and displaceable element 1062.When will be removable (referring to Figure 56) when element 1062 flocks together with retaining element 1060, type structure 1052a, b coordinate with by being placed on equipment One or more optical fiber in 1050 forms optical projection component.It is included in retaining element 1060 in Figure 55-56 and removable Type structure 1052a, b on element 1062 are different from those shown in Figure 52-53.Figure is respectively depict in Figure 57 and Figure 58 17th, the type structure 1052a of the type structure 1052b of the retaining element 1060 in 55-56 and displaceable element 1062 closely perspective view.

Figure 59 illustrates the type structure 1052b of Figure 55-56 retaining element 1060 and the type structure of displaceable element 1062 1052a closely perspective view.In addition, figure 59 illustrates be by due to use shown in type structure 1052a, b example Optical projection component 2005.Example optical projection component 2005 in Figure 59 is similar to relative to Figure 41-46 show and the light throwing that describe Penetrate element.

As shown, show transition across portion or region 1072 in Figure 59 (and also Figure 41-46).Transition is across portion 1072 between optical projection component 2005 and single optical fiber 364.Due to element 2005 be transitioned into closer to fibre bundle In the dissipation of the high fever in the region of optical projection component 2005, it is possible to create transition is across portion 1072.It may be desirable to generation Transition as small as possible is across portion 1072, because transition across portion 1072 is probably brittle and relatively less pliable.As above institute Refer to, this can by using radiator 1059 (see, e.g., Figure 51) and/or cooling source 1058 (see, e.g., figure 51) complete.Pivot or rotary components are placed on (for example, the phase unit in Figure 32 in optical projection component or transmitter 2005 Part 350) on application in, it would be desirable to, it is this to be fixedly attached to component across portion.This it is ensured that transition across portion 1072 are not subjected to excessive stress or bending.Alternatively, therefore stress and bending will be applied to that more easily bent single optical fiber 364, it is described more easily bent single during the formation of optical projection component 2005 further away from optical projection component 2005 Optical fiber 364 does not change substantially.

Referring additionally now to Figure 60, equipment 1050 and the optical projection component 2005 intercepted at Figure 59 line 60-60 is shown Section.One or more of type structure 1052a, b can include fiber alignment structure.As shown, retaining element 1060 Model 1052b include fiber alignment incline structure 1070.For multiple reasons, this incline structure 1070 is probably favourable 's.For example, incline structure 1070 can help ensure that optical fiber 364 is transitioned into optical projection component or transmitter 2005, light is thrown Penetrate element or transmitter 2005 has desired arrangement, angle, orientation etc. relative to the illuminated area of formed photophore.In example In embodiment, incline structure 1070 is used to optical fiber 364 remaining general planar banding arrangement.In addition, incline structure 1070 is used In constraint optical fiber 364 so that they are with desired angled transition to optical projection component 2005.The final changeover portion of fibre bundle is extremely Small part has been exposed to sufficiently heat and/or pressure to be frozen into non-flexible material after cooling.

Figure 61 shows the example for including lens subassembly 354 that the sectional plane in the line 61-61 expressions by Figure 22 intercepts The sectional view of property photomoduel.Lens subassembly 354 is shown as being incorporated in camera case top 356 and phase such as in fig. 22 Between machine housing bottom 358.As shown, lens subassembly 354 is oriented to project image onto the flat of imaging sensor 380 On face.The type of imaging sensor 380 can include such as ccd image sensor, cmos image sensor.Preferably, scheme As sensor 380 can be incorporated in the seal section of photomoduel 350 to prevent fluid from exposing.In disposable endoscope, Imaging sensor resistance fluid exposure (for example, using transparent epoxy compound) can be sealed using less expensive processing, Because therefore component is not designed as resistance sterilization and the strict demand reused.

As shown in Figure 61, imaging sensor 380 can be electrically coupled to the flex plate 381 of flexible cable 250.In some implementations In example, eonfornial coating material can be used to produce supplementary protection resistance moisture, and optionally may be configured to support peace Fill the joint of the ball grid array for imaging sensor 380.Flexible cable 250 can be that imaging sensor 380 provides electric power, with And travel to and fro between the data of imaging sensor 380 and/or the transmission means of order.In certain embodiments, reinforcer 382 can be by It is included in photomoduel 350.In figure 61 in shown example embodiment, reinforcer 382 is oriented to strengthen supporting thereon There is the structure of imaging sensor 380, this potentially contributes to the physical integrity for protecting imaging sensor 380.Reinforcer 382 can be with Including for example thin aluminium backing (in the exemplary embodiment, can be about 0.002 inch).

Photomoduel 350 can also include one or more fiber guide portions 384.It is fine in figure 61 in shown example Dimension guide portion 384 is connected to the bottom surface of camera case bottom 358.Exemplary fiber guide portion 384 includes guiding groove 386.It can see Rear wall to the guiding groove 386 in fiber guide portion 384 protrudes towards the bottom of Figure 61 page.Fiber guide portion 384 can also be Or including multiple guiding notches or passage 388, shown exemplary fiber draws in figure 61 for the multiple guiding notch or passage 388 Lead in portion 384 and be recessed into the rear wall of guiding groove 386.In certain embodiments, the exemplary embodiment including in Figure 61, guiding Notch or passage 388 can be formed at the top of the camera case 356 and camera case bottom 358 in one or two in.Fiber Guide portion 384 can aid in the period of assembly laying illumination fiber 364 in endoscope 10.Fiber guide portion 384 can also rise Effect in place is kept to fiber 364 will be illuminated during the operation in endoscope 10.It is fine depending on the particular configuration of endoscope 10 Tieing up the position of guide portion 384, shape, quantity, size etc. can change.In certain embodiments, except fiber guide portion 384 it Outside, can help illumination fiber 364 being maintained at pre- using glue, epoxy resin or another appropriate adhesive or preparation During positioning is put.For example using light guide portion or some feelings of optical projection component (such as shown in Figure 33-40 or as shown in Figure 62) , in assembly can be without using fiber guide portion 384 under condition.

Figure 62 is depicted in the section for the photomoduel 350 described in the Figure 32 intercepted at Figure 32 line 62-62.As shown Go out, lens subassembly 354 is illustrated in position appropriate in camera case 355.Imaging sensor 380 is also shown in camera Appropriate position in housing 355.Lens subassembly is oriented to project image onto imaging sensor 380.Ibid, imaging sensor 380 can be any type of imaging sensor (for example, CCD, CMOS etc.) and can be sealed to resistance fluid exposure.Separately Outside, as described above, imaging sensor 380 is connected on flex plate 381, flex plate 381 is attached to flexible cable 250.In Figure 62 Shown photomoduel 350 does not include fiber guide portion 384 (referring to Figure 61).Alternatively, optical projection component or photophore 2005 Appropriate position on photomoduel 350 in Figure 62.

As shown, in the exemplary embodiment, the doubling on itself of flexible cable 250.This can be by making flexibility The bending of cable 250 is then by the way that glue or another fixative are applied to the involved area of flexible cable 250 to remain curved Song is completed.In the embodiment that photomoduel 350 is closed in the confined space, by the flexible electrical of the lower section of photomoduel 350 The doubles circle (Double-looping) of cable 250 is probably favourable.For example, as shown in figure 20, photomoduel 350 is restricted to interior Space in sheath 312 can limit the amount that flexible cable 250 can be used for bending.Therefore, in some rotations of photomoduel 350 Position, flexible cable 250 may must bend minor radius undesirably.This small-bend radius can for flexible cable 250 Can be harmful, especially in the case where it repeatedly occurs.Reduce with the diameter of inner sheath 312, the problem becomes more It is problematic.By the way that flexible cable 250 is arranged into doubling on themselves, however, after the rotation of photomoduel 350, more The flexible cable 250 of long length can be used for repeated flex, and can obtain bigger minimum bending radius.Therefore, because Repeated flex in minor radius and do not bend, this can allow inner sheath 312 to be manufactured with smaller diameter, without worrying The integrality of flexible cable 250.

Both the flexible cable 250 and optical fiber 364 for guiding optical projection component 2005 show some flexing resistances.In addition, work as Both recovery spring force can be applied during bending.The flexing resistance can increase by 350 anti-rotation of photomoduel.Such as Figure 63 Shown in, flexible cable 250 and optical fiber 364 can tilt towards each other.This arrangement can utilize flexible cable 250 to resist optical fiber 364 rigidity or vice versa is as the same, and auxiliary rotates photomoduel 350.In order to best seen from the concept, in Figure 63, flexible electrical The not doubling on itself of cable 250.

Figure 64 describes the example embodiment of lens subassembly 354.In Figure 64, lens subassembly 354 is independently shown.Peep inside During the assembling of mirror 10, lens subassembly 354 can be installed in photomoduel 350/go up (referring to Figure 61).As shown, Lens subassembly 354 includes object lens 400.Object lens 400 can be with seated connection in lens housing 402.Lens housing 402 can be by rigid material Material (such as, aluminium, steel or the polymer or plastic composites being hardened) is made.In embodiment, lens housing 402 can be cylinder Shape, or can have ovoid or otherwise the section of shape with the shape of one or more lens used in adapting to Shape.In example embodiment shown in Figure 64, lens housing 402 can have flange sections to promote it in phase at its base portion Installation in casing body or photomoduel 350.Lens housing 402 is configured to close (one or more) of lens subassembly 354 Lens.In the exemplary embodiment, lens capsule 404 extends through whole lens housing 402.The quilt of object lens 400 of lens subassembly 354 It is arranged to most of in lens capsule 404.In certain embodiments, glue, epoxy resin or another appropriate adhesive Can be used to that object lens 400 are coupled and are sealed in lens housing 402.In certain embodiments, adhesive can be added In the position of the contact lens capsule 404 of object lens 400.

Figure 65 shows the sectional view of the lens subassembly 354 in the plane limited by the line 65-65 shown in Figure 64.Such as in Figure 64 In, object lens 400 are disposed in the lens capsule 404 of the lens housing 402 in Figure 65.In Figure 65, it is also shown that disk 406.Disk 406 can configure from thin metal or plasticity, positioned at the lens of object lens 400 and second in lens capsule 404 in lens subassembly 354 Between 408.As shown in figure 65, disk 406 includes central porisity 410.The size of hole 410 can change, and this depends on lens phase For the optical arrangement of camera sensing element.In certain embodiments, glue, epoxy resin or another appropriate adhesive can To be used to that the second lens 408 are coupled and are sealed in lens housing 402.

In certain embodiments, focusing element can be included in lens subassembly 354.The example described in Figure 65 In embodiment, lens subassembly 354 does not include focusing element.Lens subassembly 354 can be arranged to by approximate 9mm and 50mm it Between distance at the image of object that focuses on project in the plane of imaging sensor 380 (referring to Figure 61).Shown in Figure 65 Example embodiment in, the current field (visible visual field at any time) of lens subassembly 354 is approximate 75 degree, but replacement Embodiment can provide bigger or smaller current field.

In alternative embodiments, lens subassembly 354 can include that object lens 400, the second lens 408 or object lens 400 can be made With both mobile focusing element (not shown) of the second lens 408 so as to by various anatomical objects to good focal length, without internal Sight glass 10 relocates.

Any of various appropriate focusing elements can be used.For example, in certain embodiments, nitinol wire can be with It is used to adjust the focal length of lens subassembly 354.Nitinol wire optionally can be heated and cool down so that lens are in lens group In part 354 move with by object to good focal length.In certain embodiments, a Nitinol wire rod or one group of Nitinol wire rod can be with It is used to pull open on lens, and another Nitinol wire rod or one group of Nitinol wire rod can be used to pull closer on lens.

In certain embodiments, electroactive polymer (such as, for example, ionic electroactive polymer) is used as activating Device with by desired object to good focal length.Ionic electroactive polymer is probably favourable in medical applications, because it is only needed Small voltage is wanted to be used to activate.

In certain embodiments, lens subassembly 354 may be configured to bistable state so that focusing element be able to can focus on Near field is deep or farther field depth on.It is desired or suitable that user can operate focusing element to select which field depth with dualistic manner When.Button -- such as, above-described button 90-- can be used to adjust the focal length of endoscope 10.

Figure 66 describes the example embodiment of lens subassembly 354.In Figure 66, lens subassembly 354 is independently shown.Peep inside During the assembling of mirror 10, lens subassembly 354 can be mounted on photomoduel 350 (referring to Figure 61).As shown, lens group Part 354 includes object lens 400.Object lens 400 can be with seated connection in lens housing 402.Lens housing 402 can be (all by rigid material Such as, aluminium, steel or the polymer or plastic composites being hardened) it is made.In embodiment, lens housing 402 can be tubular, Can have ovoid or otherwise the section of shape with the shape of (one or more) lens used in adapting to. In example embodiment shown in Figure 66, lens housing 402 can have flange sections to promote it in camera shell at its base portion Installation in body or photomoduel 350.Lens housing 402 can include lens capsule 404, and the lens capsule 404 is configured to Close the lens of lens subassembly 354.The object lens 400 of lens subassembly 354 are arranged such that it is not convex from the top of lens housing 402 Go out.This can aid in the object lens of protection during use 400 in endoscope 10 from connecting with Medical Instruments (for example, Cutting instrument for cervical intervertebral disc hyperplasia) Touch.In certain embodiments, glue, epoxy resin or another appropriate adhesive can be used to couple object lens 400 simultaneously It is sealed in lens housing 402.In certain embodiments, lens (including object lens 400) can be with compressed fit to lens housing 402 In.

Figure 67 shows the sectional view of the lens subassembly 354 in the plane that the line 67-67 in by Figure 66 is limited.Such as in Figure 66 In, object lens 400 are arranged in the lens capsule 404 of lens housing 402 in fig 23.In Figure 67, it is also shown that disk 406.Disk 406 can configure from thin metal or plasticity, positioned at the lens of object lens 400 and second in lens capsule 404 in lens subassembly 354 408 and the 3rd between lens 409.As shown in figure 67, disk 406 includes central porisity 410.Depending on lens are relative to camera sense The optical arrangement of element is surveyed, the size of hole 410 can change.

The image that lens subassembly 354 is arranged to the object that will be focused at the distance between approximate 4mm and 50mm projects (referring to Figure 61) on to the plane of imaging sensor 380.In example embodiment shown in Figure 67, lens subassembly 354 is worked as Preceding visual field (visible visual field at any time) is approximate 75 degree, but alternate embodiment can provide bigger or smaller work as Preceding visual field.

Figure 68 describes another example embodiment of lens subassembly 354.In Figure 68, lens subassembly 354 is independently shown. During the assembling of endoscope 10, lens subassembly 354 can be installed on photomoduel 350 (referring to Figure 61).As shown , lens subassembly 354 includes object lens 400.Object lens 400 can be with seated connection in lens housing 402.Lens housing 402 can be by firm Property material (such as, aluminium, steel or the polymer or plastic composites being hardened) is made.In embodiment, lens housing 402 can be with Tubular, or can have ovoid or otherwise the section of shape with (one or more) lens used in adapting to Shape.In example embodiment shown in Figure 26 8, lens housing 402 can have flange sections to promote at its base portion Its installation in camera case or photomoduel 350.The other parts of lens housing 402 can also be configured to promote its installation Into camera case or photomoduel 350.Lens housing 402 can include lens capsule 404, and the lens capsule 404 is configured Into the lens of closing lens subassembly 354.The object lens 400 of lens subassembly 354 are arranged such that it not from the top of lens housing 402 Protrusion.This can aid in object lens of protection during use 400 in endoscope 10 from Medical Instruments (for example, Cutting instrument for cervical intervertebral disc hyperplasia) phase Contact.In certain embodiments, glue, epoxy resin or another appropriate adhesive can be used to couple on object lens 400 And it is sealed in lens housing 402.

Figure 69 shows the sectional view of the lens subassembly 354 in the plane that the line 69-69 in by Figure 68 is limited.Such as in Figure 68 In, object lens 400 are disposed in the lens capsule 404 of the lens housing 402 in Figure 69.In Figure 69, it is also shown that disk 406.Disk 406 can configure from thin metal or plasticity, positioned at the lens of object lens 400 and second in lens capsule 404 in lens subassembly 354 408 and the 3rd between lens 409.As shown in Figure 69, disk 406 includes central porisity 410.Depending on lens are relative to camera sense The optical arrangement of element is surveyed, the size of hole 410 can change.

As shown in Figure 69, the external diameter of each lens 400,408 and 409 can be made as having in lens subassembly 354 There is roughly equal diameter.When lens 400,408 and 409 are placed in lens capsule 404, make lens 400,408 and 409 With equal external diameter lens 400,408 and 409 will be promoted self to center.This can help the assembling of lens subassembly 354 with And they shorten the installation time of lens subassembly 354.This self-centering design is needing the lens subassembly of accurate lens alignment It is probably what is be especially desired in 354.

Figure 70 describes another example embodiment of lens subassembly 354.In Figure 70, lens subassembly 354 is independently shown. During the assembling of endoscope 10, lens subassembly 354 can be installed on photomoduel 350 (referring to Figure 61).As shown , lens subassembly 354 includes window 411.Window 411 can be with seated connection in lens housing 402.Lens housing 402 can be by firm Property material (such as, aluminium, steel or the polymer or plastic composites being hardened) is made.In embodiment, lens housing 402 can be with Tubular, or can have ovoid or otherwise the section of shape with (one or more) lens used in adapting to Shape.In example embodiment shown in Figure 70, lens housing 402 can have flange sections to promote it at its base portion Installation in camera case or photomoduel 350.The other parts of lens housing 402 can also be configured to promote it to be installed to In camera case or photomoduel 350.Lens housing 402 can include lens capsule 404, and the lens capsule 404 is configured to Close the lens of lens subassembly 354.The window 411 of lens subassembly 354 is arranged such that its top substantially with lens housing 402 Concordantly.In certain embodiments, glue, epoxy resin or another appropriate adhesive can be used to couple window 411 And it is sealed in lens housing 402.Preferably, window 411 can be coupled to lens housing 402 so that in lens housing 402 In internal part and external environment condition between produce fluid-tight.

Figure 71 shows the sectional view of the lens subassembly 354 in the plane that the line 71-71 in by Figure 70 is limited.Such as in Figure 70 In, window 411 is concordant with the top of lens housing 402.Lens subassembly 354 includes object lens 400.Object lens 400 are disposed in Figure 71 In lens housing 402 lens capsule 404 in.In Figure 71, it is also shown that disk 406.Disk 406 can be configured from thin metal or modeling Property, positioned at interior between the lens 408 of object lens 400 and second of lens subassembly 354 and the 3rd lens 409 in lens capsule 404.Such as Shown in Figure 71, disk 406 includes central porisity 410.Depending on lens are relative to the optical arrangement of camera sensing element, hole 410 sizes can change.Similar to the lens subassembly 354 shown in Figure 69, the lens 400 of the lens subassembly 354 in Figure 71, 408 and 409 have equal external diameter.As described above, this can be with the assembling and alignment of attachment lens 400,408 and 409.

In addition, the lens subassembly 354 shown in Figure 71 includes sealing space 412.In the inner face and object lens 400 of window 411 Surface between sealing space 412 be present.The sealing space 412 can be filled with medium, the lens 400 of lens subassembly 354, 408 and 409 are designed in operation in (such as air).Therefore, window 411 can form " mirror of becalming ", should " mirror of becalming " permission Lens subassembly 354 operates in arbitrary medium.For example, if lens 400,408 and 409 are designed to use in atmosphere, Sealing space 412 can be filled with air.It is then possible to lens subassembly 354 is placed into the another of such as liquid (for example, water) In kind medium and keep correctly focusing.Preferably, window 411 is shaped so that it does not make by the saturating of lens subassembly 354 The scalloping that mirror 400,408 and 409 transmits.

Figure 72-84 describes for determining lens or lens subassembly and the image sensing associated with lens or lens subassembly The instantiation procedure of the correct space arrangement of device (or other desired targets or imaging surface, for example, film plate or film retainer) And equipment.This space arrangement is crucial for the image focusing for ensuring to be received by imaging sensor.The equipment and process can To allow the plane of delineation for determining the focal length of lens or lens subassembly and can allowing to determine lens or lens subassembly.For saying Bright property example, the focal length of simple lens can be determined as follows：

1/f_lens=(n_lens–n_incident)*(1/R₁–1/R₂)

Wherein：N=refractive indexes

R1 and R2=is respectively the radius of curvature of incidence and the outgoing of lens.

As indicated by the formula, this process and equipment be not the shapes of (one or more) lens accurately known It is likely necessary under shape situation.In addition, as indicated, because lens or lens subassembly must be in contact with medium, It is expected to become complicated feelings in the application that lens or lens subassembly are designed to use in liquid environment in this determination Used under condition.Specifically, the process and equipment described in Figure 72-84, which may be advantageously used with, to be designed in liquid environment Or the lens or lens subassembly used in liquid-working-medium.

The process may relate to be fixed on lens or lens subassembly in the fixing device for the part for being included as equipment. Therefore, the process may relate to a certain amount of liquid medium being incorporated into fixing device so that liquid medium against lens or Lens subassembly.Then, liquid medium can be closed so that it is kept not contact lens or lens subassembly, and does not have air Bubble is present.The lens subassembly being focused is introduced liquid medium by the process using small size using capillarity, is had Effect ground eliminates the air trapping between liquid medium and the surface of lens.For example, the liquid introduced by capillarity can be with For the lens subassembly with about 1mm to about 3mm diameters.In addition, liquid medium can be closed and kept, transparent panel by transparent panel Lens effect is not produced to the image transmitted by lens or lens subassembly.Then, imaging surface can be conditioned until it is big Untill causing on the plane of delineation of the lens or lens subassembly in fixing device.

The top view of the part of Figure 72 depicted example fixing devices, the example fixing device can be placed to bigger set In standby, for determining correct space arrangement.Plate or block 602 shown in Figure 72.Plate 602 can be by such as glass (for example, glass Slide) any appropriate material be made.Preferably, plate 602 is when it is not designed in lens or lens subassembly Impaired material will not be degenerated, dissolves or becomes in addition during the liquid contact wherein to work.Plate 602 can be made up of dark material Or at least one darkening area can be included.

Plate 602 has the thickness of restriction and including hole or space 604.Hole 604 extends through whole plate 602.Hole 604 be sized and shaped for receives lens or lens subassembly.As shown, pad 606 can also be included.Pad 606 can With surrounding gap 604.Pad 606 may, for example, be o-ring.Other embodiments can use any other appropriate pad 606.

The progress of block diagram in Figure 73-75, which is conceptually described, can be used to assemble complete fixing device 600 (in Figure 75 In show) instantiation procedure.The lens of lens subassembly 354 or object lens are enclosed in wet environment by the process described in Figure 73-75 Or in liquid-working-medium.For illustrative purposes, Figure 73-75 is depicted in the multiple sectional views intercepted at Figure 72 line 73-73.

As shown in Figure 73, lens or lens subassembly 354 can be incorporated into hole or space so that its outer surface or Mirror element of passing through inside is located in the inner space in space 604.In this example, the inner surface of lens is defined as lens subassembly or member Part in face of the surface of sensor, and outer surface or mirror element of passing through inside be defined as lens subassembly or element face plate or its hole The surface in gap/space.Alternatively, space 604 is chamfered or immersed oneself in so that as it is towards the bottom surface extension of plate 602, it becomes It is wide.Once lens or lens subassembly 354 have been incorporated into, the can of pad 606 is in lens or lens subassembly 354 and plate 602 Fluid impermeable sealing is produced between top.Pad 606 can be also used for keeping lens or lens subassembly 354 in place.

It is then possible to by the liquid of certain volume or working media 608 be inserted into space 604 do not occupied by lens that In part.The volume of the liquid 608 inserted is preferably greater than the volume of air in space 604.Introduced liquid 608 can be Lens or lens subassembly 354 are designed to the type to work wherein, such as water or salting liquid.Hole or space 604 It is fully small so that liquid along the surface of outer lens and can limit the continuous surface of plate in space and move the capillary through liquid Pipe effect filling space.Using this method, liquid moves to any air of complete displacement in space, therefore in liquid and space Lens surface between interface in formed entirely without air ambient.Therefore, in the lens of lens and sensor to meeting the deadline Between, any distortion caused by air against lens surface can be eliminated.Liquid 608 shown in Figure 74 is with sufficient surface Power, droplet can resist gravity and be hung from space 604.For the liquid with different surfaces tension force, plate 602 can turn over, So that when liquid 608 is placed in space 604, gravity is not problem.As shown, the wet drop of liquid 608 or contact phase The lens or object lens of thermomechanical components 354.In addition, as shown, ideally it is desirable to, liquid 608 does not include air bubble.

Referring now to Figure 75, once liquid 608 has been incorporated into, the second plate 610 of such as plastics or cover glass can be with Placed against the surface of the first plate 602.This can be similar to wet installation slide.As shown, the second plate 610 is by liquid Body 608 is enclosed in space 604.Second plate 610 can be kept against the first plate 602 by the surface tension of liquid 608.Other In embodiment, the second plate 610 can be held in place on one's own initiative.This embodiment is designed to use in lens or lens subassembly 354 It is probably desired in the example used in the liquid in the surface tension with smaller extent.

Second plate 610 is preferably by being optically transparent (for example, for visual optics purpose, thoroughly in desired wavelength Bright) material manufacture.Furthermore, it may be desirable to the second plate 610 is by following material manufacture：When it and lens or lens subassembly It when 354 liquid for being designed to work wherein are in contact, will not degenerate, and dissolve or become impaired in addition.Second plate 610 also may be used To be plane, as shown in Figure 75.It may be desirable that ensure that the second plate 610 does not produce lens effect.

Once working media has been closed so that it is kept not contact lens or lens subassembly 354, fixing device 600 It can complete.Therefore, focusing or the determination of the plane of delineation can manufacture as described and illustrated in relative to Figure 76.Ginseng Can be placed on according to object 612 in the visual field of lens or lens subassembly 354, with a distance from desired from lens subassembly 354 at.It is expected Distance can lens subassembly 354 during use from object to lens or lens subassembly 354 desired distance.Reference object 612 can be any appropriate object of reference.Various embodiments can be for example using grid square, cross-hair, chessboard, point cloth Put, image etc..In Figure 76, the concept map of reference object 612 is shown as solid line.Light from reference object 612 can be by saturating Mirror or lens subassembly 354 are transmitted.The image 614 of reference object 612 will gather at the plane of delineation of lens or lens subassembly 354 It is burnt.

Imaging sensor 616 is also showed that in Figure 76.Imaging sensor 616 can be adjusted, until its imaging surface it is approximate with The plane of delineation it is consistent or acceptably in the depth of focus of lens or lens subassembly 354 untill.In the same of mobile image sensor 616 When, user can be allowed or discrete with the image captured by imaging sensor 616 on monitor scope 618 until image is in Untill in focal length.In alternative embodiments, imaging sensor 616 can be kept fixed, while fixing device 600 and reference object 612 move relative to imaging sensor 616.

In certain embodiments, focusing may not be manual processes.In such a embodiment, to imaging sensor 616 regulation can be performed by computer, and computer for example makes imaging sensor 616 be moved to figure using auto-focusing algorithm Image plane.In a this example, the passive auto focus system using Contrast Detection can be used.In this implementation In example, imaging sensor 616 can be adjusted, untill finding that maximum intensity is not good enough between adjacent pixel.

Once the imaging surface approximate alignment lens of imaging sensor 616 or the plane of delineation of lens subassembly 354, image sensing Device 616 and the can of lens or lens subassembly 354 are fixed to each other with fixed spatial relationship.This can be by any appropriate Method is carried out.

In the specific embodiment shown in Figure 77 and Figure 78, imaging sensor 616 can pass through glue, adhesive or another The appropriate preparation of kind is fixed to lens subassembly 354 with fixed spatial relationship.As shown in Figure 77, lens subassembly 354 and image Sensor 616 is shown as separating each other.As described above, the distance between lens subassembly 354 and imaging sensor 616 can become Change, untill desired focusing is obtained.Once appropriately distance is determined, lens subassembly 354 and imaging sensor 616 can be with Therefore it is fixed together, as described in Figure 78.As shown, lens subassembly 354 and imaging sensor 616 it Between small space be present.Glue drop 1180 has been applied between the flange of lens subassembly and imaging sensor 616.The glue drips 1180 are used to imaging sensor 616 is fixed into lens subassembly 354 at the suitable distance from lens subassembly 354.

Figure 79 describe for determine lens or lens subassembly and the imaging sensor associated with lens or lens subassembly (or Other desired targets or imaging surface, for example, film plate or film retainer) correct space arrangement particular example equipment 1200.As shown, equipment 1200 includes imaging sensor base 1202.Imaging sensor (not shown in Figure 79) can be with It is installed to imaging sensor base 1202.Equipment 1200 also includes fixing device retainer 1204.Fixing device retainer 1204 Fixing device 600 can be kept.After such as relative to the processing shown or described by Figure 72-75, fixed dress can be assembled Put 600.Fixing device retainer 1204 can be configured to keep reference object 612.It is shown in Figure 80 and describe to fix The close-up view of device retainer 1204.

Equipment 1200 also includes space regulator 1206, and the space regulator 1206 is configured to adjust imaging sensor The locus of base 1202 and fixing device retainer 1204 relative to each other.In example embodiment shown in Figure 79, Space regulator 1206 is micrometer adjuster.In other embodiments, other modifications of space regulator 1206 can be used. In some embodiments, space regulator 1206 can only be included to imaging sensor base 1202 or fixing device retainer One in 1204.User can use space regulator 1206 to adjust imaging sensor retainer 1202 and fixing device holding The spatial orientation of device 1204 relative to each other.As described by relative to Figure 76, can so do, until imaging sensor into Untill image planes approximation is consistent with the plane of delineation of lens or lens subassembly.

Figure 80 is depicted in the close-up view of the fixing device retainer 1204 shown in Figure 79.As shown, fixing device Retainer 1204, which is included in its top surface, includes recess 1230.The recess 1230 may assist on fixing device retainer 1204 Holding to fixing device and it is appropriately directed.In addition it is shown that two align structures 1232.Align structures 1232 can aid in Fixing device is suitably orientated on fixing device retainer 1204.

In example embodiment shown in Figure 80, fixing device retainer 1204 includes space 1234.Space 1234 can It is resized with shape to allow to be included in the fixing device assembled being placed on fixing device retainer 1204 Lens or lens subassembly transparent visual field.Also include many grooves 1236 in fixing device retainer 1204.Can be by reference Object is inserted into the groove 1236 of any desired.Groove 1236 is arranged such that reference object can be placed on to be filled from fixed Put at the predetermined distance of fixing device on retainer 1204 in appropriate location.

Figure 81-82 progress, which is described, can be used to assemble complete fixing device 600 (showing in 82) and by admittedly Determine device and place 600 instantiation procedures being placed in bigger equipment (such as, the equipment 1050 shown in Figure 79).Figure 81 plotting boards 602 front view.In Figure 81, it is also shown that lens subassembly 354.As shown, lens subassembly 354 includes flange, flanged housing It is placed in the top of pad 606.Flange is probably useful in fluid-tight is produced together with pad 606.Flange can be with pad 606 Coordinate so that pad 606 serves as retainer, helps to position lens subassembly 354 so that it extend into desired depth in plate 602 Degree.

The bottom perspective view of Figure 82 plotting boards 602.As shown, the fraction of lens subassembly 354 is also visible to stretch Enter into the space 604 in plate 602.Amount of liquid or working media 608, which are also shown in, to be placed in space 604.In Figure 82 In example in, liquid 608 is introduced into through injection tube 1220 and hypodermic needle 1222.Any other suitable hand can be used Liquid 608 is inserted into space 604 by section -- dropper, pipette etc. --.

It may be desirable that introduce liquid so that the side wall of its contact gap 604 first.The volume of liquid therefore can be with Increase so that before filling the center in space 604 and ultimately forming the droplet as shown in Figure 82, wicking (wick) Around lens subassembly 354.This wicking can aid in the delay for minimizing the air bubble in space 604.It can also be helped In ensuring, during the introducing of liquid, lens subassembly 354 is not by the infringement of such as hypodermic needle 1222.

Once liquid 608 has been incorporated into, the state that the second plate 610 is in contact possibly into the surface with the first plate 602, Wet installation is carried out similar to slide.The liquid 608 that second plate 610 is surrounded in space 604.Figure 83 is depicted in plate 602 are placed into the front view of plate 602 when on fixing device retainer 1204.The fixing device retainer 1204 described and figure Example fixing device retainer shown in 79-80 is identical.Second plate 610 is in position appropriate on fixing device retainer 1204 Put.As shown, recess 1230 is sized for receiving and the second plate 610 and the second plate 610 positioned.Additionally now With reference to 84, the first plate 602 can be made into the state being in contact with the second plate 610 to complete the assembling to fixing device 600.It is right Quasi- structure 1232 can be used for the first plate 602 being appropriately positioned on fixing device retainer 1204.

Figure 85 shows another example embodiment of endoscope 10.Inner sheath 312 is only shown in Figure 85.In addition, handle The bottom section 22 of proximal section 16 and the half (30a) of handle distal segment 30 are visible.As shown, endoscope 10 includes handle Close printed circuit board (PCB) 430a (also referred herein as handle PCB 430a).Also show that electric power/HDMI cables 432, optical fiber 364 and lavation line 434.Figure 85 shows the illustrative layout path of electric power/HDMI cables 432, optical fiber 364 and lavation line 434.Such as Shown, electric power/HDMI cables 432, optical fiber 364 and lavation line 434 pass through at the rear of handle proximal section 16 or afterbody Opening 60 enters endoscope 10.The entrance may than handle side entrance advantageously because it reduce various cable ropes and Cable becomes the possibility of entanglement because inserting paragraph rotates relative to handle proximal section 16.

In certain embodiments, electric power/HDMI cables 432, optical fiber 364 and lavation line 434 can be opened relative to back handle Mouth 60 enters endoscope 10 with angle.This bigger portion for being arranged through the rear part for allowing user to catch handle proximal section 16 Ergonomics benefit will be provided the user by dividing.

As shown, electric power/HDMI cables 432, optical fiber 364 and lavation line 434 are after handle proximal section 16 is entered Extend above a handle PCB 430a part.Electric power/HDMI cables 432 be inserted into electric power on handle PCB 430a/ In HDMI connector 430b.Electric power/HDMI cables 432 can be that endoscope 10 provides electric power.View data can be through flexible electrical Cable 250 is transferred to handle PCB 430a.Electric power/HDMI cables 432 viewdata collected by endoscope 10 can be transmitted to External graphicses user interface display (not shown).Optical fiber 364 and lavation line 434 extend below handle PCB 430a and with With previously described path.In endoscope 10 is disposable embodiment, electric power/HDMI cables 432, optical fiber 364 and lavation Line 434 can be included as disposable unit to ensure the aseptic or cost savings reused.

The control line 91 of button 90 is also illustrated in Figure 85.As shown, control line 91 is by containment member 210 Aperture.Control line 91 communicates with handle PCB 430a.In addition, as shown in Figure 85, it is flexible that handle PCB 430a include handle PCB Cable 430e.Handle PCB flexible cables 430e is connected to handle PCB part 430f, it is allowed to which PCB parts 430f is relative to handle PCB 430a remainder is with angle (for example, vertical) orientation.When assembled, the handle PCB part 430f of attachment are bent It can be arranged between two potentiometers 122 of example rotary sensing component 150 (referring to Fig. 7).

In certain embodiments, handle PCB 430a can include image or graphics processing unit 430c.Preferably, so And graphics processing unit 430c can be located at outside endoscope 10.Graphics processing unit 430b may be used as the electricity of endoscope 10 Sub- aligning gear.Graphics processing unit 430c can receive the image captured by imaging sensor 380, and image is from imaging sensor 380 send to handle PCB 430a through flexible cable 250.In a preferred embodiment, the image captured by imaging sensor 380 is right The graphics processing unit 430c being transferred to by electric power/HDMI cables 432 outside endoscope 10.Graphics processing unit 430c Can also be from the reception signal of rotary sensing component 150.In certain embodiments, can turn on handle PCB 430a including modulus Parallel operation 430d is to change the signal from rotary sensing component 150.Graphics processing unit 430c can be used and be come from rotary sensing The signal of component 150 with " correction " to desired orientation by image electronic.In certain embodiments, graphics processing unit 430c Image rotation can be made so that image is shown as just as it is captured from user perspective.In certain embodiments, can also be Graphics processing unit 430c does the correction of lens distortions effect.

Unless the orientation of the image of display on a graphical user interface is corrected first, otherwise shown image may make User disorients.By limiting direction according to the visual angle of user, graphics processing unit 430c can be used and be come from sense of rotation The data for surveying component 150 automatically rotate image so that image is consistent with the visual angle of user.

Figure 86 shows the example block diagram of imaging system.As shown, imaging system includes the image sensing of capture images Device 380.The image captured by imaging sensor 380 can pass through camera serial line interface 450 (for example, MIPI cameras serial line interface) It is handed to graphics processing unit 452.Then, picture frame can be moved in imaging system by graphics processing unit 452 (IPU) Other hardware componenies.Other hardware componenies can include but is not limited to storage device and graphics processing unit 430c (GPU).Figure Processing unit 430c can correct any distortion as caused by lens subassembly 354.

In certain embodiments, by the surface that represents the image as being already loaded into graphics processing unit 430c Texture, graphics processing unit 430c can correct this distortion.This can promote image to correct and/or eliminate by lens subassembly The mode of 354 distortions introduced is conditioned or stretched.In the embodiment that image is repaired, graphics processing unit 430c then can To make calibrated image rotation through the input from rotary sensing component 150 (see, e.g., Fig. 7).For example, carry out spinning The measurement of sensing component 150 can be passed to graphics processing unit 430c (see, e.g., figure by analog-digital converter 430d 85).Therefore, the signal from analog-digital converter 430d can be used to image rotation being correctly oriented to it.In some realities Apply in example, user can trigger image rectification, skew control, and/or can be performed or close various other image procossings.Slightly After will further describe image rectification relative to Figure 87 in the description.

It is then possible to the processed image from graphics processing unit 430c is included in graphic user interface or display On 454.In certain embodiments, can be by the processed image storage from graphics processing unit 430c in memory. In such a embodiment, user can capture the image that will be stored in memory so as to later by such as trigger button 90 To call.Some embodiments can include video processing unit 456, and the video processing unit 456 can will come from image sensing The frame of device 380 is encoded into recordable video format.In such a embodiment, deposited it is then possible to which encoded video is stored in In reservoir.User can start and stop video capture through carrying out order endoscope with button (such as button 90) interaction, such as above Described.

In certain embodiments, graphics processing unit 430c can also make the image of capture undergo exposure feedback analysis. In specific embodiment, image histogram can be produced according to all pixels of image.It is then possible to adjusted using image histogram The exposure for the subsequent picture that humorous image or tuning are received by image chip or sensor 380.Graphics processing unit 430c's is this Further processing can aid in the over-exposed white area for reducing image or the under-exposed dark space of image.It can also use and adjust Other means of humorous image, such as tone mapping etc..

Figure 87, which describes, to be shown to use how the input from rotary sensing component 150 (see, e.g., Figure 87) is corrected The example illustration of image.As shown, first piece 2100 and second piece 2102 are depicted.In each piece 2100,2102 It is the endoscope 10 with visual field 2104.In first piece 2100, the visual field 2104 of endoscope 10 is orientated from second piece 2102 In 10 approximate 180 degree of endoscope.This can be by making the distal end of endoscope 10 be rotated relative to the near-end of endoscope 10 come complete Into.In conventional endoscope 10, in distal section relative to during the rotation of proximal section, imaging sensor does not rotate, because image Sensor is incorporated in proximal section.Therefore, the both capture images of the endoscope 10 shown in first piece 2100 and second piece of b 2106。

In each embodiment that the distal end of the endoscopically 2106 of imaging sensor 380 described herein rotates, situation will It is not so.Endoscope 10 shown in first piece 2100 rotates to capture images 2106 shown in second piece 2102 Position identical endoscope 10 by capture images 2108.This is therefore, with the distal end of imaging sensor endoscopically 10 Rotation, will promote imaging sensor to be inverted.In the position, for example, the top of imaging sensor by pickup be image bottom Portion, this be get used to the people of conventional endoscope 10 will be desired.

Allow user adaptation in this needs to evade, can by image and the degree of rotation of the distal end of endoscope 10 into than The rotation of example ground.Therefore, image may always by get used to the user of conventional endoscope 10 will be expected in a manner of show.This can be to prevent It is spin-ended turn imaging sensor may caused by any possible obscure.It can also promote the user of this endoscope 10 to use.

The diagram provided by accompanying drawing should be counted as the non-limiting example of the invention by this disclosure.The disclosure is pre- Phase includes any alternative solution, the modifications and variations for the novel feature that still can include invention disclosed herein.

The embodiment shown in accompanying drawing is provided only proving some embodiments of the disclosure.Also, accompanying drawing is only used for Bright property purpose；Similarly, the size of some elements may be exaggerated and not drawn by local scale.In addition, depending on upper Hereafter, the element with same reference numerals shown in accompanying drawing can be identical element or can represent similar or similar Element.

In the case of using term " comprising " in the present description and claims, term " comprising " is not excluded for other elements Or step.In the case of using indefinite article or definite article, when refer to singular noun such as " one (a) " " one (an) " or When " being somebody's turn to do (the) ", this includes the plural number of the noun, outer unless expressly stated otherwise.Therefore, term " comprising " should not be explained To be limited to the item listed thereafter, it is not excluded for other element or steps, so " a kind of equipment includes project A and B " scope not This equipment should be defined to and only include components A and B.The wording shows, relative to the disclosure, unique relevant part of equipment It is A and B.

In addition, do not consider in the description or in detail in the claims used term " first ", " second ", " 3rd " etc. is intend to distinguish between similar element and not necessarily describes continuous or order in chronological sequence.It should be understood that , the term so used is interchangeable (unless clearly outside other disclosure) in appropriate circumstances, and herein The embodiments of the invention of description can be to operate different from order and/or arrangement described herein or shown.

Claims (9)

1. a kind of endoscope, there is proximal handle component and distal side insertion axle；The insertion axle has distal part, the distal side Part includes photomoduel；The insertion axle includes being configured as taking the single of liquid taking fluid catheter；

The photomoduel includes camera lens and electronic image sensor, and is positioned at described take in fluid catheter；And

Exposed to the liquid taken in fluid catheter and it is connected to the communication cable of described image sensor；Wherein

The housing of the Handleset includes fluid port, and the fluid port takes fluid catheter fluid company with the insertion axle It is logical.

2. endoscope according to claim 1, wherein, the photomoduel is installed in pivot bearings, the pivot Bearing has the rotation axis of the longitudinal axis transverse to the insertion axle.

3. endoscope according to claim 2, wherein, one for taking fluid catheter and including making the photomoduel movement Or multiple mechanical actuators.

4. endoscope according to claim 1, wherein, the fluid catheter of taking includes being configured to described image sensor The fibre bundle of illumination is provided.

5. endoscope according to claim 1, further comprises barrier, the barrier is positioned at the insertion axle Between the inner shell for taking fluid catheter and the Handleset, the barrier is configured to suppression liquid and takes liquid from described Conduit passes through to the housing of the Handleset.

6. endoscope according to claim 5, wherein, the barrier includes penetrating barrier, described to penetrate barrier Allow fibre bundle, mechanical actuator cable or the communication cable between the housing for taking fluid catheter and the Handleset Pass through.

7. endoscope according to claim 5, wherein, the housing of the Handleset includes proximal housing section and distal side shell Body section, the distal shell section are placed between the proximal housing section and the insertion axle；

The distal shell section includes pivoting control device, and the one of the photomoduel being connected to control in the insertion axle Individual or multiple movements for pivoting control cable；

The proximal housing section surrounds electronic control panel to receive view data from the photomoduel；

Wherein, first between the insertion axle and the distal shell section, which penetrates barrier, allows one or more of pivots Control cable by, described first penetrate in barrier pivot control cable passage be configured to permit it is one or more It is individual to pivot control cable unrestricted nearside and distal side movement in predetermined distance；

And wherein, second between the distal shell section and the proximal housing section penetrate barrier allow communication cable from The photomoduel is to the electronic control panel by the way that the described second communication cable passage penetrated in barrier is configured to Fluid-tight is provided between the distal shell section and proximal housing section of the Handleset.

8. endoscope according to claim 7, wherein, the institute between the distal shell section and the proximal housing section State second penetrate barrier allow fibre bundle be configured to by, the fibre bundle provide photograph in the far-end of the insertion axle It is bright, it is configured to the distal shell section and nearside in the Handleset in the optical fiber beam passage that described second penetrates in barrier Fluid-tight is provided between shell section.

9. endoscope according to claim 7, wherein, the institute between the distal shell section and the proximal housing section State second penetrate barrier allow to take liquid pipe by the way that the liquid pipe of taking is configured to penetrate barrier, institute by described first State second and penetrate the end of barrier and the proximal housing section and liquid is transferred to the distal side insertion axle or from the distal side Insertion axle transmits liquid.