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Publication Number
US-11571114-B2
Publication Date
2023-02-07
Expiration Date
Abstract
A detachable endoscope includes an insertion unit including an illuminating and image pickup unit, an operation unit configured to bendingly operate a front end of the insertion unit, and a detachable unit configured to detachably couple the insertion unit and the operation unit to each other, wherein the detachable unit comprises: a first detachable module disposed at the insertion unit in such a manner as to be connected to respective one ends of first and second operating wire and third and fourth operating wires juxtaposedly arranged in the insertion unit; and a second detachable module disposed at the operation unit in such a manner as to be connected to respective both ends of upper and lower chains wound around upper and lower sprockets of the operation unit.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a detachable endoscope including an insertion unit with an illuminating and image pickup unit and an operation unit configured to control movements of a front end of the insertion unit. A detachable unit is disposed between the insertion unit and the operation unit to detachably connect the insertion unit to the operation unit. The detachable unit separates and reconnects functional units through a mechanical detachable connection mechanism.
The detachable unit comprises a first detachable module disposed in the insertion unit and a second detachable module disposed in the operation unit. The first detachable module is connected to first ends of operating wires arranged in the insertion unit, and the second detachable module is connected to both ends of upper and lower chains wound around upper and lower sprockets of the operation unit. This architecture allows operation and movement of the insertion front while maintaining detachable connection.
In the second detachable module, a second module main body is disposed adjacent to an end of the operation unit and has through-bores formed in a longitudinal direction. Connecting shafts reciprocate within the through-bores, and first ends of the connecting shafts are connected to the both ends of the upper and lower chains by connecting wires. Coupled members and coupling members are selectively connected by a hooking connection such that, when at least one connecting shaft is rotated unidirectionally, the respective coupled member and its corresponding coupling member are connected to each other by a hooking connection, and the coupling is released in a hooking standby state.
The coupling connection is achieved by configuring the coupling members to be inserted into inner hollow parts formed in the coupled members. The unidirectional rotation causes selective connection through the hooked coupling connection, enabling bending operation of the insertion front in vertical and horizontal directions using the guided movement of connecting shafts and operating bars via guide pins traveling along compound guide slits. The architecture supports replacement of contaminated insertion units while reducing the need for separate button-based hooking/release structures.
Claims Coverage
Independent claim clm-00001 provides the overall detachable endoscope architecture and specifies the detachable unit architecture, including first and second detachable modules, connecting shafts, and a hooking connection created by unidirectional rotation. It introduces three core inventive feature groups within the claim: detachable unit modules, shaft/chain coupling structure, and selective hooking connection behavior.
Detachable endoscope with an insertion-operation detachable unit
A detachable endoscope comprising an insertion unit including an illuminating and image pickup unit; an operation unit configured to control movements of a front end of the insertion unit; and a detachable unit disposed between the insertion unit and the operation unit and configured to detachably connect the insertion unit to the operation unit.
First and second detachable modules with wire and chain connections
The detachable unit comprises a first detachable module disposed in the insertion unit and connected to first ends of operating wires arranged in the insertion unit; and a second detachable module disposed in the operation unit and connected to both ends of upper and lower chains wound around upper and lower sprockets.
Reciprocating connecting shafts and selective hooking coupling via unidirectional rotation
The second detachable module comprises a second module main body adjacent to an end of the operation unit and having through-bores formed in a longitudinal direction; connecting shafts respectively within the through-bores to reciprocate therein such that first ends of the connecting shafts are connected to the both ends of the upper and lower chains by means of connecting wires; and coupled members respectively disposed at second ends of the connecting shafts so as to be selectively connected to coupling members disposed at the first detachable module, where the coupling members are inserted into inner hollow parts formed in the coupled members such that, when at least one connecting shaft is rotated unidirectionally, the respective coupled member and its corresponding coupling member are connected by a hooking connection.
Across the independent claim, the invention is covered by a detachable endoscope structure that includes insertion optics, an operation unit, and a detachable unit with first and second detachable modules. The claim further covers reciprocating connecting shafts linked to upper and lower chains and a selective hooked coupling connection formed by unidirectional rotation and inserted coupling members.
Stated Advantages
Improves convenience by reducing the need for separate button-based hooking/release structures.
Reduces components and costs by using the disclosed hooking connection mechanism in the detachable coupling.
Allows replacement of contaminated insertion units.
Documented Applications
Used in endoscopic surgery where an insertion unit is detachably connected to an operation unit while enabling bending operation of the insertion front in vertical and horizontal directions.
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