CN105142490A - Endoscope with pannable camera - Google Patents

Endoscope with pannable camera Download PDF

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Publication number
CN105142490A
CN105142490A CN201480011848.2A CN201480011848A CN105142490A CN 105142490 A CN105142490 A CN 105142490A CN 201480011848 A CN201480011848 A CN 201480011848A CN 105142490 A CN105142490 A CN 105142490A
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China
Prior art keywords
photomoduel
endoscope
axle
section
handle
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Granted
Application number
CN201480011848.2A
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Chinese (zh)
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CN105142490B (en
Inventor
凯文·L·格朗特
杰森·A·德默斯
德里克·G·卡纳
彼得·K·冯德拉什
斯蒂芬·L·菲舍拉
蒂莫西·D·莫罗
布赖恩·D·特蕾西
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Deka Products LP
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Deka Products LP
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Priority to CN201810101586.9A priority Critical patent/CN108324230B/en
Priority claimed from PCT/US2014/014243 external-priority patent/WO2014121116A2/en
Publication of CN105142490A publication Critical patent/CN105142490A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of CN105142490B publication Critical patent/CN105142490B/en
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Abstract

An endoscope has a pannable camera at the distal end of its insertion shaft, the pannable camera assembly being pivotable to provide a range of a field of view that can be equal to or greater than 180 degrees. A terminal light emitting element may be mounted to the camera assembly in order to illuminate the immediate field of view of the camera sensor regardless of the rotational position of the camera assembly. A fluid-carrying conduit of the insertion section may also be used to house functional components, including the camera assembly, actuation cables, a communications cable connected to the camera sensor, and/or a fiberoptic cable providing light to the light emitting element. A distal section of the endoscope handle may be rotatable relative to a proximal hand-held section of the endoscope handle, a rotary encoder being provided to convert the rotational position of the insertion shaft relative to the handle into a signal for the purpose of image orientation correction by an electronic processor.

Description

Having can the endoscope of pan camera
The cross reference of related application
The application is non-provisional application, it requires to submit on May 22nd, 2013 and title is the U.S. Provisional Patent Application serial number No.61/826 of " EndoscopewithPannableCamera the endoscope of pan camera (have can) " (lawyer's number of putting on record No.K35), 303; With submit on February 1st, 2013 and title is the U.S. Provisional Patent Application serial number No.61/759 of " PannableEndosope (can pan endoscope) " (lawyer's number of putting on record No.K29), the preference of 784, each in these two parts of U.S. Patent applications is incorporated herein by reference in their entirety at this.
Technical field
The disclosure relates to for the endoscopic instrument observed in the case where there with work: be difficult in the space arrived relative; And use endoscope or arthroscope etc. to operate in for the tight anatomic space in human body some in.
Background technology
In medical treatment, use endoscopic instrument to allow be difficult to carry out remote reviewing in the space arrived and operate being confirmed.These instruments are also once for automobile, aviation, water closet, electronic equipment and other industry much.In pharmacy or veterinary's industry field, when needs mini-incision or non-incision, or in order to avoid disturbing neighbouring tissue, splanchnoscopy or arthroscopy are usually used for observing or process anatomical area.In orthopaedy, such as, the one or more arthroscope instruments be incorporated in joint by one or more little crust otch can be used to visit the situation in the joint of such as knee or shoulder.These instruments can also be used to repair various intraarticular tissue.Observing and repair the standard technique of the open surgery of these anatomical areas can be relatively more consuming time, is associated, and can be associated with longer recovery time with risk larger for patients and wound.In addition, the anesthesia be associated with open surgery may be more complicated, dangerous and expensive.In order to improve visual field, endoscope can be equipped with the active flexible distal section that can be controlled at the handle end of instrument by user.When the end of instrument be positioned in limited space (its may be not suitable with make endoscope distal section flexure needed for range of movement) in time, this may not be effective option.In medical applications, a this example will comprise articular surgical operation.Usually, if use the instrument with active flexible distal section unrealistic, then use the instrument with rigidity insertion axle may be preferred.Inflexibility axle can provide optics or the image repetition of improvement, provides the space of increase for additional function, and provide larger durability in instrument.But rigid endoscope or arthroscope have limited visual field and may need by reorientation continually or rotate to increase visual field.In order to change visual field, some endoscopies or arthroscope must be removed to be swapped out by parts from patient physical.Cannula system can promote this way, but also may increase the complexity of program and the size of otch.These restrictions may reduce operator's efficiency, increase surgical time, and may increase the risk of iatrogenic injury.In medical treatment and other application, will advantageously, make endoscope have increase or variable visual field, and do not use active flexible distal section.Also maybe advantageously, function is incorporated in single conduit to reduce the overall diameter of the axle of endoscope.In addition, current instrument experience is reused, clean and/or sterilization is easy to degenerate in function and optical quality.Manufacture and assembly cost enough low to prove that its nonreusable endoscope designs will be also favourable economically.Repeat clean or sterilization and Reseal cost will be eliminated, and make the q&r conformance with standard of single operative installations also may be easier.
Summary of the invention
Embodiment of the present disclosure is included in variable field of view endoscope useful in industry and medical applications.Endoscope can comprise near-end and the far-end relative with near-end.The near-end of endoscope may further include handle.Endoscope may further include slender member, and this slender member comprises inserting paragraph or axle, and described inserting paragraph or axle can extend to far-end from handle.Inserting paragraph or axle can be configured to rotatable relative to the longitudinal axis at least partially around inserting paragraph of handle.Near far-end, imaging device (or ' imager ') can be pivotably mounted in inserting paragraph.Imager can be imageing sensor.Imager can be arranged in housing.Housing can comprise at least one camera lens, and image is led to imager by least one camera lens described.Imager can have predetermined angular field, and can be configured to the image of FOV of acquisition.Imager can be arranged on can in pivot assembly or camera pedestal.Current angular field can rotate between first Angle Position and the second Angle Position of imager relative to the long axis of inserting paragraph, and the first Angle Position and the second Angle Position limit the boundary of the visual range of imager.By make imager on base around approximately perpendicular to or the axis pivotable of longitudinal axis transverse to inserting paragraph or axle, can current field be changed.The rotation axis of camera pedestal can be configured in roughly by the second-class plane being divided into upper district and inferior segment of insertion axle.
Endoscope may further include pivotable control structure; This pivotable control structure can be configured to make imager pivotable when this pivotable control structure rotates around the rotation axis approximately perpendicular to the long axis inserting axle.Pivotable control structure may further include projection.Projection can be configured to be operatively engaged to a few ratchet alternatively, and pivotable control structure can be rotated with discrete steps, and the position of rotation that each step-length is pivotable control structure provides immobilization point.One or more predetermined pivot orientations that can correspond to imager in ratchet.Pivotable control structure can pass through elongate actuator--and such as, trailing cable or draught line--being connected to can pivotable photomoduel.
In an embodiment, insert axle can extend to endoscope insertion end from handle, insert axle and be configured to receive elongated pivoted actuator, this elongated pivoted actuator is connected to the control member on handle on near-end, and far-end is connected to pivot assembly.Pivot assembly can serve as the base of imageing sensor or camera, and can comprise lens subassembly.Imageing sensor is configured to catch the image with predetermined angle visual field, and described predetermined angle visual field vertically moves rotatable by the elongated pivoted actuator acted on pivot assembly.In an embodiment, pivotable photomoduel can be incorporated in endoscope and insert taking in fluid catheter of axle.Photomoduel can rotate to and insert the longitudinal axis of axle in the angle between about 90 degree and about 120 degree.In this position, the surface of lens subassembly can be cleaned through inserting axle by making irrigating solution, and then irrigating solution crosses the surface of lens subassembly when leaving the far-end inserting axle.
In an embodiment, the whole latter end of elongated pivoted actuator is restrained or be redirected to relative to inserting the long axis angulation of axle.In one example, the angle formed is in the scope of about 30 degree to about 90 degree.Redirected element can be included in the distal part inserting axle, and redirected element impels the whole latter end of pivoted actuator relative to the long axis angulation inserting axle.When pivoted actuator being connected to the pivot assembly below its rotation axis, redirected element can be positioned at the top of the axis of pivot assembly, and when pivoted actuator being connected to the pivot assembly above its rotation axis, redirected element can be positioned at the below of the axis of pivot assembly.Elongated pivoted actuator can comprise line or cable, and the first pivoted actuator can be connected to the pivot assembly on the side of its rotation axis, and the second pivoted actuator can be connected to the pivot assembly on the opposite side of pivot assembly.The whole latter end of the first pivoted actuator can be redirected or be confined to the long axis angulation relative to inserting axle, and the whole latter end of the second pivoted actuator can not so be retrained or be redirected.Alternately, the first and second pivoted actuators can have whole latter end, and described whole latter end is restrained or be redirected as the long axis angulation relative to insertion axle.Redirected element can be included in the wall in the distal part inserting axle, and this wall has recess or comprises post, pulley or eyelet, and pivoted actuator can be redirected against described post, pulley or eyelet.Redirected element can be configured to whole latter end and provide angle, makes the visual field of imageing sensor can reaching 180 degree or rotate in the visual range of more than 180 degree alternatively.
The inserting paragraph of endoscope can also comprise conduit, and this conduit is configured between the space residing for the end of inserting paragraph and the position of external tothe endoscope, transmit fluid (liquid and/or gas).Conduit can also be configured to the functional part carrying endoscope, includes, but is not limited to camera, camera pedestal, fiber optic cables, electric transmission cable and mechanical traction line or push rod.One or more in described parts can comprise the insulation or surface texture that allow parts to run under wet environment.Endoscope can be configured to provide potted component, and sealing element allows described functional part to extend to the distal region of the inserting paragraph of endoscope from handle housing, and sealing element also suppression fluid penetrates into handle casing at least partially from conduit.
Photomoduel comprises camera lens, and electronic image sensor can be positioned at the insertion axle of endoscope take in fluid catheter, the housing of Handleset comprise with insert axle take the fluid port that fluid catheter fluid is communicated with.Photomoduel can be arranged in pivot bearings, and pivot bearings has the rotation axis transverse to the longitudinal axis inserting axle.Take fluid catheter and can comprise the one or more mechanical actuators making photomoduel movement.Take fluid catheter can comprise and be connected to imageing sensor communication cable, or be configured to the fibre bundle that imageing sensor provides illumination.Barrier can be positioned at insert axle take between fluid catheter and the inner shell of Handleset, barrier is configured to suppress liquid from the housing taking fluid catheter and pass through Handleset.Barrier can comprise and penetrates barrier, and this penetrates barrier and allows to pass through taking the fibre bundle between fluid catheter and the housing of Handleset, mechanical actuator cable or communication cable.The housing of Handleset can comprise proximal housing section and distally shell section, and distally shell section is placed in proximal housing section and inserts between axle.Distally shell section can comprise pivotable control appliance, and this pivotable control appliance extremely inserts the movement of one or more pivotable control cables of the photomoduel in axle in order to control connection.Proximal housing section can surround electronic control panel to receive view data from photomoduel.Between insertion axle and distally shell section first penetrates barrier can permit process by one or more pivotable control cables, and the first pivotable control cables passage penetrated in barrier is configured to allow one or more pivotable control cables unrestricted nearside and distally in predetermined distance to move.Between distally shell section and proximal housing section second penetrates barrier and communication cable can be allowed to pass through electronic control panel from photomoduel, and the second communication cable passage penetrated in barrier is configured to provide fluid-tight between the distally shell section and proximal housing section of Handleset.Between distally shell section and proximal housing section second penetrates barrier can allow to be configured to provide the fibre bundle of illumination to pass through at the far-end inserting axle, is configured to provide fluid-tight between the distally shell section and proximal housing section of Handleset at the second fibre bundle passage penetrated in barrier.Between distally shell section and proximal housing section second penetrates barrier can allow to take liquid pipe and pass through, and takes liquid pipe and is configured to penetrate by first end that barrier, second penetrates barrier and proximal housing section and liquid transfer is inserted axle to distally or distally insert axle transmit fluid.
In an embodiment, pivotable photomoduel can be incorporated in the insertion end of endoscope shaft, and pivotable photomoduel comprises camera lens and imageing sensor, and is configured to the axis pivotable around the longitudinal axis being substantially transverse to axle.Luminous organ can be installed to photomoduel, and luminous organ is configured to along with photomoduel to project light onto around its axis pivotable in the illuminated field roughly overlapped with the visual field of imageing sensor.Luminous organ can be passive luminous organ, because it guides the light being derived from the source of external tothe endoscope.Luminous organ can be made up of the light-guide material of such as fiber optic materials.Luminous organ can comprise mounting structure, and this mounting structure matches with the couplings on photomoduel, to promote luminous organ to be fastened on photomoduel.Mask can be applied to one or more surfaces of luminous organ to suppress to send out from described surface emitting.Reflectance coating can be applied to one or more surfaces of luminous organ.The emitting surface of luminous organ can be roughened to make the light diffusion from described surface emitting.Luminous organ can have curved shape, to conform to the circumferential shape of camera lens.Luminous organ can be formed by multifiber or be fused to multifiber.The end of optical fiber can be disposed in the one or more recess of close camera lens in photomoduel.Luminous organ can be formed by the multiple independent optical fiber be fused to together.Luminous organ can comprise transition region, and this transition region comprises the flexible optical fibre of multiple incomplete fusion, wherein, transition region be rigidity at least partially.Transition region can be attached to a part for photomoduel.
In an embodiment, photomoduel can comprise the lens subassembly separated with imageing sensor, and this lens subassembly and imageing sensor are arranged on camera case.Camera case can be configured to rotate around pivot bearings, and described pivot bearings has the rotation axis of the longitudinal axis of the insertion axle transverse to endoscope.Luminous organ can be installed on camera case and to be configured on the direction of the visual field of imageing sensor luminous.Luminous organ can comprise the terminal portion of flexible optical fibre bundle.Luminous organ can comprise solid transparent illuminated component that is that be molded by flexible optical fibre bundle or that be fused to flexible optical fibre bundle.Camera case can be configured to be rotated around pivot bearings by the effect of trailing cable, camera case comprises coiling structure, this coiling structure provides the surface of the terminal portion guiding trailing cable, and camera case comprises the contact area of the far-end of fixed traction cable.Coiling structure can comprise the curved recessed portion on camera case, and the terminal portion of trailing cable can be positioned in curved recessed portion.
In an embodiment, camera case can be configured to be rotated around pivot bearings by the effect of trailing cable, and pivot bearings has the rotation axis of the insertion axle transverse to endoscope.In addition, camera case can comprise coiling structure, and described coiling structure is configured to the join domain be wound at least in part by the terminal portion of trailing cable on the camera case of the far-end being configured to fixed traction cable.Coiling structure can comprise bow-shaped section and straightway.The arc of bow-shaped section can be limited by constant radius.Radius can extend to the surface of bow-shaped section from rotation axis.Coiling structure can be configured to that the terminal portion of trailing cable is wound around around rotation axis and reach about 360 degree.By the control structure in the handle of endoscope, trailing cable can be made to be shifted along the longitudinal axis of inserting paragraph.Make trailing cable can be configured to the longitudinal axis of the second trailing cable along inserting paragraph in second-phase opposite direction is shifted along the displacement of the longitudinal axis of inserting paragraph in a first direction, and vice versa.Camera case can comprise the attachment point for the second trailing cable.Camera case can comprise the second coiling structure, and this second coiling structure is configured to the join domain be wound at least in part by the terminal portion of the second trailing cable on the camera case being configured to the far-end fixing the second trailing cable.By the control member in the handle of endoscope, the second trailing cable can be made to be shifted along the longitudinal axis of inserting paragraph.Second coiling structure can be configured to that the terminal portion of trailing cable is wound around around rotation axis and reach about 360 degree.Second coiling structure can comprise bow-shaped section and straightway.The arc of bow-shaped section can be limited by constant radius.Radius can extend to the surface of bow-shaped section from rotation axis.First or second coiling structure can comprise the curved recessed portion on camera case, and the terminal portion of the second trailing cable can be positioned in this curved recessed portion.
In an embodiment, luminous organ can be formed by fibre bundle, and this fibre bundle comprises: the solid transparent illuminated component being molded or being fused to flexible optical fibre bundle with flexible optical fibre bundle.The changeover portion of partially fused optical fiber can be formed as adjacent with illuminated component at first end place and at the second end place with adjacent adjacent to the flexible optical fibre of fibre bundle.Changeover portion can comprise not easily bending shape at first end place, this not easily bending shape maintain and the fixed angles relation of illuminated component, wherein, illuminated component has general planar emitting surface, and this flat emission surface is configured to launch the light along fibre bundle transmission.Illuminated component can comprise acrylic acid or makrolon material.Illuminated component can be shaped as and surrounds lens subassembly at least in part, luminous on the direction that the emitting surface of component is oriented in the visual field of lens subassembly.Illuminated component can be installed to rotatable photomoduel, and photomoduel comprises the lens subassembly relative with imageing sensor, and wherein, photomoduel and luminous organ are configured to rotate together with the pivot being connected to photomoduel.
In an embodiment, luminous organ can be formed by fibre bundle as follows: be placed on casting die by the section of the far-end of fibre bundle; Before described section is placed on described model, period or afterwards, heat is applied to described model or corresponding force or pin member; Described force or pin member are moved to described model connect in relation; Pressure is applied to described fibre bundle section; With make the described section of shape melted to form the described emitter determined by the shape of described model and corresponding force or pin member.Model can comprise fiber alignment structure, and the changeover portion of cable is placed in fiber alignment structure, and changeover portion can be formed as there is fixing angular dependence relative to the mask of luminous organ.Fiber alignment structure can be incline structure.Chuck or radiator can be put on the region close to changeover portion of fibre bundle.Chuck or radiator may be used in the compression of the far-end of fibre bundle and the belt section shape maintaining the fibre bundle close to changeover portion between the period of heating.In the compression of the far-end to fibre bundle with between the period of heating, the belt section shape of a part for fibre bundle can be maintained close to changeover portion.Belt section shape can comprise and a part for fibre bundle being placed in guiding elements.Pressure can come from pneumatic source, hydraulic power source, mechanical sources or Manual pressure source.Fibre bundle can comprise acrylic acid or makrolon material.The far-end of fibre bundle can be wound around around the axle in model.After cooling, flash distillation can be removed by from luminous organ.Mask or reflectance coating can be applied to the surface of luminous organ.Stratie can be utilized to apply heat.The amount of applied heat can be regulated based on the Temperature Feedback from the temperature sensor be associated with insert member or model.After cooling, displacer can be used to discharge luminous organ from model.Emitter can be allowed to cool, it is solidified, and afterwards, force or pin member and model can be made to depart from and connect relation.At least changeover portion adjacent or close with the section be under pressure of fibre bundle can be forced to cool.This can comprise at least changeover portion blow air across fibre bundle.
In an embodiment, assembling in the process for the camera in aqueous environment, as follows lens subassembly can be located relative to imageing sensor, lens subassembly has outer optical surface and the relative optical surface in the face of sensor: be placed on by lens subassembly on the first surface of plate, that this plate has predetermined thickness, that second-phase is right plate is on the surface with on hole, and the outer optical surface of lens element can be inserted in hole; Lens element is inserted in hole, makes the outer optical surface of lens element not extend through the through thickness of plate, between the plane that the outer surface at lens subassembly and the second surface by plate are formed, leave space; Sealing is applied between the periphery of the lens subassembly above the first surface at plate and the first surface at plate; By capillarity to space adding liquid, liquid fills space completely;
Above second surface transparency cover being placed on plate; And regulate the distance between the optical surface of sensor of sensor and lens subassembly, with the image providing focus to aim on the display screen being connected to sensor, wherein, image source is placed on from the predetermined distance of the second surface of plate.Plate can comprise glass slide.Hole can have the diameter of about 1mm to about 3mm.
In an embodiment, endoscope can have axle, and this axle comprises distally insertion end, and this distally insertion end is disposed for being inserted in the anatomical area of patient.Axle can limit inner space, and distally insertion end has opening, and the anatomical area that the inner space of axle and axle are inserted into fluidly is connected by this opening.Endoscope can comprise electronic image sensor in insertion end or near insertion end in the inner space of axle.Imageing sensor can be configured to the accessible visual field relative to opening with the anatomical area that axle is inserted into.Opening can be embrasure.Safeguard structure can be positioned at overthe openings, and part covers opening.Safeguard structure can comprise caged thing.The wall of the axle adjacent with opening can comprise the longitudinal slit opening near imageing sensor.The width of slit opening can extend along with slit opening and increase on the direction of the position close to imageing sensor.Imageing sensor can be installed to photomoduel.Photomoduel can be configured to pivotally pivotable.Can be configured at the opening at far-end and slit opening place, along with photomoduel is switched to about 120 degree relative to the longitudinal axis of endoscope shaft from about 0 degree, the imageing sensor for photomoduel provides accessible visual field.Photomoduel can comprise the lens subassembly relative with imageing sensor.And lens subassembly can comprise optical clear window, the outer surface of this optical clear window and lens subassembly separates, between window and the outer surface of lens subassembly, provide gas or air space hermetically.
Accompanying drawing explanation
Following detailed description from each embodiment of the present disclosure is become more obvious with reference to accompanying drawing by these and other aspect, in the accompanying drawings:
The sign diagram of two parts handle design of Tu1Shi endoscope;
Fig. 2 illustrates the illustrated supplementary features of Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 illustrates the exemplary side elevation of endoscope;
Fig. 4 illustrates the decomposition view of the example of the handle proximal section of endoscope;
Fig. 5 illustrates the decomposition view of the alternative exemplary of the handle proximal section of endoscope;
Fig. 6 illustrates the top perspective of the example of the handle distal segment of endoscope;
Fig. 7 illustrates the example of rotary sensing assembly and the exploded view of handle distal segment of endoscope;
Fig. 8 illustrates the part assembled view of exemplary endoscopic;
Fig. 9 is the sign diagram penetrating barrier, and it allows utility member to be passed to the conduit of endoscope from handle;
Figure 10 illustrates the exploded view of the example of serving as the inner sheath base penetrating barrier;
Figure 11 illustrates the exploded view of the example of pivotable control structure;
Figure 12 illustrates the perspective view of the example of containment member;
Figure 13 be in the inner sheath base of its rigging position, pivotable control structure, containment member example the part assembled view of exemplary endoscopic is shown;
Figure 14 illustrates the perspective view of oversheath base;
Figure 15 illustrates that inner sheath base, inner sheath and oversheath are in the closely partial view of the endoscope of its rigging position;
Figure 16 illustrates the example of the photomoduel base be separated with inner sheath;
Figure 17 illustrates the alternative exemplary of the photomoduel base of the part as inner sheath;
The example photomoduel base of Figure 17 that the line 18-18 place that Figure 18 is depicted in Figure 17 intercepts and the sectional view of inner sheath;
Figure 19 illustrates the example of the part of photomoduel, oversheath and the part of photomoduel base;
Figure 20 illustrates the alternative exemplary of the part of photomoduel, oversheath and the part of photomoduel base;
Figure 21 illustrates the alternative exemplary of the part of photomoduel, oversheath and the part of photomoduel base;
Figure 22 illustrates the perspective view of photomoduel;
Figure 23 illustrates the side view of photomoduel and photomoduel base, wherein in order to clear, removes the wall of photomoduel base;
Figure 24 illustrates the side view of Alternative exemplary photomoduel and photomoduel base, wherein in order to clear, removes the wall of photomoduel base;
Figure 25 illustrates 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 position of rotation of replacement camera assembly;
Figure 31 illustrates example photomoduel;
Figure 32 illustrates that example photomoduel is together with the fibre bundle be attached and electronics flexible cable;
Figure 33 illustrates the top view of exemplary camera assembly and photomoduel base;
Figure 34 illustrates the perspective view of photomoduel and flexible optical fibre bundle or band;
Figure 35 illustrates the perspective view of the photomoduel with monolithic camera case and ray structure;
Figure 36 illustrates the side view of the photomoduel of Figure 35;
Figure 37 illustrates the example of flexible optical fibre bundle or band;
Figure 38 illustrates the side view of the flexible optical fibre band of Figure 37;
Figure 39 illustrates the perspective view of the example of optical projection component;
Figure 40 illustrates the perspective view of another example of optical projection component;
Figure 41 illustrates the perspective view of another example of optical projection component;
Figure 42 illustrates the bottom perspective view of the optical projection component shown in Figure 41;
Figure 43 illustrates the sectional view of the optical projection component shown in Figure 41 and 42 intercepted at the line 43-43 place of Figure 41;
Figure 44 illustrates the sectional view of the optical projection component shown in Figure 41 and 42 intercepted at the line 44-44 place of Figure 41;
Figure 45 illustrates the sectional view of the optical projection component shown in Figure 41 and 42 intercepted at the line 45-45 place of Figure 41;
Figure 46 illustrates the top perspective of the photomoduel of the optical projection component it being provided with Figure 41;
Figure 47 illustrates the top view of the multiple illuminated fibres be included in flexible-belt;
Figure 48 illustrates the top view of multiple illuminated fibres of the flexible-belt looped on themselves in one end of band;
Figure 49 illustrates the side view of the circulation end of the flexible-belt being formed as optical projection component;
Figure 50 illustrates the top view of the flexible-belt with the optical projection component be fully formed;
Figure 51 illustrates the sign diagram that can be used to the equipment forming optical projection component;
Figure 52 illustrates the example embodiment that can be used to the equipment forming optical projection component;
Figure 53 illustrates the example embodiment that can be used to the equipment forming optical projection component;
Figure 54 illustrates the embodiment that can be used to manufacture the relative form of two of optical projection component;
Figure 55 illustrates the embodiment that can be used to the equipment manufacturing optical projection component;
Figure 56 illustrates the embodiment that can be used to the equipment manufacturing optical projection component;
Figure 57 illustrates the embodiment that can be used to the form manufacturing optical projection component;
Figure 58 illustrates the embodiment that can be used to the form manufacturing optical projection component;
Figure 59 illustrates the example apparatus that can be used to manufacture optical projection component and can by the embodiment of the optical projection component of this device fabrication;
Figure 60 illustrates the sectional view of the equipment in the Figure 59 intercepted at the line 60-60 place of Figure 59;
Figure 61 illustrates the sectional view of the example photomoduel intercepted at the line 61-61 place of Figure 22;
Figure 62 illustrates the sectional view of the example photomoduel intercepted at the line 62-62 place of Figure 32;
Figure 63 illustrates the sectional view of the example photomoduel intercepted at the line 62-62 place of Figure 32;
Figure 64 illustrates the perspective view of exemplary lens assembly;
Figure 65 illustrates the sectional view of the exemplary lens assembly intercepted at the line 65-65 place of Figure 64;
Figure 66 illustrates the perspective view of exemplary lens assembly;
Figure 67 illustrates the sectional view of the exemplary lens assembly intercepted at the line 67-67 place of Figure 66;
Figure 68 illustrates the perspective view of exemplary lens assembly;
Figure 69 illustrates the sectional view of the exemplary lens assembly intercepted at the line 69-69 place of Figure 68;
Figure 70 illustrates the perspective view of exemplary lens assembly;
Figure 71 illustrates the sectional view of the exemplary lens assembly intercepted at the line 71-71 place of Figure 70;
Figure 72 illustrates the top view of the part of example fixture, and this example fixture can be placed in larger equipment, for determining that the correct space of optical element and imageing sensor is arranged;
Figure 73-75 describe conceptually in the working media being used for optical element being enclosed in its expection process;
Figure 76 describes the process for the sensor in the plane of delineation of align optical components conceptually;
Figure 77 depicted example imageing sensor and lens subassembly, described imageing sensor and lens subassembly separated from one another, make the plane of delineation misalignment imageing sensor of lens subassembly;
Figure 78 describes the example image sensor being attached to exemplary lens assembly after being aligned;
Figure 79 describes the perspective view that can be used to determine the example apparatus that the correct space of optical element and imageing sensor is arranged;
Figure 80 is depicted in the perspective view of the part of the equipment described in Figure 79;
Figure 81-84 describes can be used to the complete fixture of assembling and instantiation procedure fixture be placed in larger equipment;
Figure 85 illustrates the part assembled view of endoscope, and wherein handle printed circuit board (PCB), electric power/HDMI cable, illuminated fibres and lavation line are in its rigging position;
Figure 86 illustrates the block diagram of example image processing system; And
Figure 87 describes to illustrate the example diagram of the input how remedial frames that can use from rotary sensing assembly.
Detailed description of the invention
Term as used in this article ' endoscope ' and ' arthroscope ' mean and use convertibly and will be provided the explanation of their most broad sense, and each term indicate that the object of visual examination, diagnosis and/or treatment or reparation has the elongated segment instrument for being inserted into inaccessible space.In medicine or veterinary practice field, this space can comprise body cavity, joint space, tissue plane or other body structure.Instrument can also be used for multiple non-medical (such as, industry) application, and wherein, the diameter of the insertion section of endoscope needs to be minimized, or the space that endoscope must operate wherein is limited to very much to such an extent as to do not allow to use active flexible distal section.
Two parts handle design of endoscope 10 shown in Fig. 1.Example endoscope 10 comprises handle proximal section 16 and handle distal segment 30.Handle proximal section 16 can be housing.As shown, handle distal segment 30 can extend in handle proximal section 16 at least in part.Handle distal segment 30 and handle proximal section 16 can relative to each other rotate.In certain embodiments, user can keep handle proximal section 16 to maintain static, and for thumb or finger, handle distal segment 30 is rotated simultaneously.Endoscope 10 can have multiple structure, such as, but not limited to, the pivot controller etc. of rotary sensing assembly, fluid conduit systems, luminaire, imager or photomoduel, imager.
The other structure of endoscope 10 represents in fig. 2.Endoscope 10 comprises handle proximal section 16 and handle distal segment 30.In this example, being fixed to handle distal segment 30 at least partially and moving with handle distal segment 30 of axle or section 14 is inserted.Handle distal segment 30 comprises handle projection or fin 36, and handle projection or fin 36 provide the surface of being pressed against to promote that handle distal segment 30 rotates relative to handle proximal section 16 for user.In certain embodiments, the hands of user can keep handle proximal section 16 to maintain static, and uses in the finger of user or thumb one handle distal segment 30 is rotated simultaneously.
In certain embodiments, the one or both in handle proximal section 16 and handle distal segment 30 can be used as housing or be other parts provide the structural support of endoscope 10.Endoscope 10 shown in Fig. 2 can comprise rotary sensing assembly 150.Rotary sensing assembly 150 can follow the tracks of the rotation of handle distal segment 30 relative to handle proximal section 16.In certain embodiments, rotary sensing assembly 150 can comprise the parts fixing relative to handle proximal section 16 and the parts fixing relative to handle distal segment 30.Such as, rotary sensing assembly 150 can comprise potentiometer and keyed jointing axle.Potentiometer such as can be installed to the supporting member of the inner shell comprising handle proximal section 16.Alternately, handle distal segment 30 can also comprise supporting member for installing one or more parts (the turn-sensitive device keeper see in such as Fig. 7) of rotary sensing assembly 150.In either case, the rotation of rotary sensing assembly or member of translational are arranged to move pro rata with the degree of rotation of handle distal segment 30 relative to handle proximal section 16.
Fig. 3 illustrates the exemplary embodiment of endoscope's (or, such as, arthroscope) 10.Endoscope 10 can be used in various endoscopic surgery (especially comprising arthroscopy).As shown, endoscope 10 comprises handle 12 and inserting paragraph or axle 14, and inserting paragraph or axle 14 can comprise elongated hollow axle, and one or more actuation member, electricity/order wire, illumination or optical transmission cable and/or fluid passage can be arranged in elongated hollow axle.As shown, in an embodiment, handle 12 can be in shape roughly tubular with circle.Inserting paragraph 14 also can be roughly tubular and Axis Extension along the longitudinal in shape.In an embodiment, inserting paragraph 14 can be rigidity and relatively straight.In other embodiments, inserting paragraph 14 along its length can be at least partially bending or tilt.In other embodiments, inserting paragraph 14 can comprise semi-rigid wrought material, and semi-rigid wrought material allows it be bent and be held the shape of expectation.The diameter of inserting paragraph 14 is significantly less than the diameter of handle 12.In certain embodiments, the diameter of inserting paragraph 14 can be approximate 5.5mm or less.The inserting paragraph 14 of endoscope 10 can with the length of the same length of handle 12.In alternative embodiments, the length of handle 12 and inserting paragraph 14 and shape can be roughly different.
Can dismantling from handle 12 at least partially of inserting paragraph 14.In this kind of embodiment, the removable section of inserting paragraph 14 or inserting paragraph 14 can be connected to handle 12 by any one in various device, and described various device includes but not limited to frictional fit, is clasped, thread connection, bayonet mount etc.In certain embodiments, inserting paragraph 14 can be disposable unit, and handle 12 can be reusable parts.Be in disposable embodiment in inserting paragraph 14, inserting paragraph 14 can abandon after usage.In other embodiments, inserting paragraph 14 can be sterilized through autoclave, solution saturates or other suitable disinfectant program after usage.In a preferred embodiment, handle 12 and inserting paragraph 14 both disposable and can abandon after usage, avoid the needs of the cost to disinfectant program and equipment (except using except pre-uses of oxirane, radiation etc. sterilize during the manufacture of such as device, assembling or encapsulation).In addition, by all making disposable by the handle 12 of endoscope 10 and inserting paragraph 14, function or reliability do not exist the degeneration caused because reusing and repeat to clean.Whole endoscope 10 is made and disposable there is other benefit, these benefits will be discussed below.
Preferably, disposable endoscope 10 can be equipped with and prevent its reusable device, especially when may make its functional deterioration to used instrument disinfection.Such as, endoscope 10 can comprise the memory chip storing identification code, and identification code can by the electronic processors identification in base board unit, and in order to operability and the display of image, endoscope 10 must be connected to base board unit.Connecting portion can be included in the wire communication between the controller in base board unit and the memory chip in endoscope 10, or, such as use the radio communication of the RFID device be arranged in endoscope 10.(wireless transmission of other type can also be used, such as, such as bluetooth or wi-fi).In an embodiment, the storage device that base board unit can be programmed on endoscope 10 is after first use encoded, and can be programmed to read when endoscope 10 is connected to any base board unit subsequently again and identify that indication endoscope 10 is previously by the code used.Once identify ' used ' endoscope 10, controller just can be programmed to prevent the electronics between endoscope 10 and base board unit and imaging communication.Can be encrypted to enhance system security to code and communication thereof.Alternately, endoscope 10 can comprise in its software cause endoscope 10 can not have an operation after usage go functionalization structure.
As shown in Figure 3, the handle 12 of endoscope 10 can comprise multiple different structure.Handle 12 can comprise handle proximal section 16.Handle proximal section 16 can be relative smooth, as shown in Figure 3.Handle proximal section 16 can comprise one or more hollow section.Handle proximal section 16 can also be wavy, and thus it comprises multinomial ergonomics attribute.In certain embodiments, handle proximal section 16 can not have smooth surface at least partially and can comprise annular knurl, ribbed, roughening, porous etc. the texture of type, and/or rubberized or resilient membrane to promote the gripping of endoscope 10 during its operation.In the exemplary embodiment, handle proximal section 16 is formed with multiple finger recess 18.In certain embodiments, handle proximal section 16 can be made by having soft feel or gripping comfortable material (such as, rubber or other elastomer).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 independently parts.Handle proximal section 16 in Fig. 3 comprises section 22 at the bottom of handle top section 20 and handle.The handle proximal section 16 of section 22 at the bottom of handle top section 20 and handle can be manufactured to two independently parts and by means suitable arbitrarily--such as, such as, binding agent, screw, to be clasped--be linked together.As shown, handle top section 20 is smooth with contoured shape, is different from section 22 at the bottom of handle.This can help user rapidly and easily by feeling to determine the orientation of endoscope 10.In certain embodiments, section 22 at the bottom of handle top 20 and handle can comprise the surfacing with different sensation (such as, metallographic phase for plasticity, metallographic phase for elastomer, smooth relative to veining etc.).
The endoscope 10 of handle 12 can also comprise handle distal segment 30.As shown in Figure 3, handle distal segment 30 extends from handle proximal section 16 towards inserting paragraph 14.Handle distal segment 30 is diametrically can be less than handle proximal section 16.As shown, handle distal segment 30 can be longer than handle proximal section 16 in length, but in alternative embodiments, the relative size of handle distal segment 30 and handle proximal section 16 can be different.
Going up at least partially of handle distal segment 30, gripping texture may be there is, as shown in Figure 3.In the example embodiment shown in Fig. 3, gripping texture is a series of spiral ribs 32.In other embodiments, other also can be used to grip texture--the annular knurl of such as non-helical rib, thick knot, projection, groove, honeycomb pattern or other form or chequer etc.As shown, spiral ribs 32 in the exemplary embodiment surrounds the major part of the external diameter of handle distal segment 30.In certain embodiments, comprise the gripping texture on handle distal segment 30, grip the continuous part that texture can not be formed as handle distal segment 30.In this kind of embodiment, gripping texture can be ' crust ' or the sleeve that are applied on handle distal segment 30.Gripping texture crust can by means suitable arbitrarily--such as, but not limited to binding agent, be clasped, various securing member, coated shaping etc.--be connected to handle distal segment 30.In certain embodiments, grip texture crust to be made up of the material being different from handle distal segment 30.Grip the material that texture crust can be such as softer, elasticity or rubber like, the gripping compared with handle distal segment 30 material of this material is got up more comfortable/not too smooth.
In the exemplary embodiment, handle distal segment 30 comprises from the outstanding handle bossing 34 in the top of handle distal segment 30.In this example, handle bossing 34 is not upwards given prominence to shrilly from the remainder of handle distal segment 30.Alternatively, handle bossing 34 can be configured to gently be bent upwards from the remainder of handle distal segment 30.In this example, spiral ribs 32 does not extend past and on the top of handle bossing 34.Will be further described below the other feature of handle bossing 34.
-aspect, what give prominence to from the bottom of handle distal segment 30 can be handle fin 36.In this example, handle fin 36 does not give prominence to the remainder away from handle distal segment 30 shrilly.Alternatively, handle fin 36 can be configured to towards the subordinate of endoscope 10 or the subordinate position gently bending remainder away from handle distal segment 30.Spiral ribs 32 does not preferably extend past and on the bottom of handle fin 36.In other embodiments, handle fin 36 can be configured to give prominence to from the top of handle distal segment 30, and handle bossing 34 can be configured to give prominence to from another aspect of handle distal segment 30.Handle fin 36 can be arranged to simulate various cable, lavage apparatus etc. in the position being entrance in the endoscope that may be familiar with of doctor.This may be expect because this entrance be usually used as abutment surface using impel rotate and as leading mark.Will be further described below the other feature of handle fin 36.
Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 illustrates the example embodiment of section 22 at the bottom of the handle top section 20 of the handle proximal section 16 shown in Fig. 3 and handle.Section 22 at the bottom of handle top section 20 and handle is not to connect or decomposition view illustrates.Handle proximal section 16 can be hollow and be formed when assembling like shell structure.At the bottom of handle, section 22 can comprise lug 40, and this lug 40 is at the end face 46 of section 22 at the bottom of handle certain winding at a distance end section inwall 42.As shown, the bending or U-shaped otch 44 that the angle that there is to be approximately perpendicular to the end face 46 of section 22 at the bottom of handle in section 22 at the bottom of handle is arranged.At the rear portion place of section 22 at the bottom of handle, two nail projections 47 can be comprised.Nail projection 47 can extend and become the angle approximately perpendicular to the end face of lug 40 above lug 40 omits.
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 make it can be overlapping by section at the bottom of handle 22.Overlay segment 48 can from section outer surface 50 stepping of handle top, as shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5.The height of overlay segment 48 can be selected as it is approximately equal to or slightly larger than section 22 at the bottom of the top of the lug 40 of section at the bottom of handle 22 and handle end face 46 between distance.In this kind of embodiment, when fully assembled, the bottom surface 52 (referring to orientation when assembling) of handle top section 20 is near the top of the lug 40 of section at the bottom of handle 22.In addition, in such an embodiment, section outer surface 54 at the bottom of handle top section outer surface 50 and handle can flush against one another and form subcontinuous surface between which and gapless.In certain embodiments, at the bottom of handle top section outer surface 50 and handle, small―gap suture (small―gap suture shown in Fig. 3) may be there is between section outer surface 54.
As shown, handle top section 20 can comprise nail otch 59, and the shape of nail otch 59 and layout make them nail projection 47 can be received in section 22 at the bottom of handle.Handle top section 20 can comprise curved cuts 58 in the docking of handle top section 20 or proximal portion.As shown, curved cuts 58 can be recessed in handle top section 20 with the angle (referring to orientation when assembling) being approximately perpendicular to the bottom surface 52 of handle top section 20.When handle proximal section 16 is assembled, bending or U-shaped otch 44 and handle top section 20 the curved cuts 58 of section 22 at the bottom of handle can form the circular that will be further described below or ovate handle space or opening 60 together.Should understand, use term " to cut away " herein, " cutting " etc. should be interpreted as hint material and physically must be removed by cutting or material removal processes.In certain embodiments, bending or U-shaped otch 44 and curved cuts 58 can be formed during manufacture, and does not have to be physically removing materials.
As shown in Figure 4, at the bottom of handle, section 22 can comprise axle supporting member 63.Axle supporting member 63 in Fig. 4 has bending or semi-circular portion, and this bending or semi-circular portion roughly corresponds to the position of the band tooth projection 62 in Fig. 5.Axle supporting member 63 also comprises post.Post is given prominence to from the middle point vertical of semi-circular portion, and every side of post stays approximate 90 degree of semi-circular portion.Vertically outstanding towards the far-end of handle proximal section 16 from the top of the post of axle supporting member 63 is axle supporting section 65.Axle supporting section 65 can comprise depression, the part of sensor gear axle 120 (see Fig. 7) can seated connection in the valley.When handle proximal section 16 is assembled completely, the post of axle supporting member 63 can be approximated to be the length of the radius of semi-circular portion.Will be further described below axle supporting member 63, band tooth projection 62 and band tooth projection 64.
As shown in Figure 5, section 22 at the bottom of handle can for and or comprise curved bel tooth projection 62 alternatively.Curved bel tooth projection 62 is supplemented by the similar band tooth projection 64 be included in handle top section 20.Band tooth projection 62 and band tooth projection 64 can be arranged such that, when handle proximal section 16 is fully assembled, they are consistent with each other and form ring body or internal ring gear.
As shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5, section 22 at the bottom of handle can comprise semicircle opening or space 70 with the face relative with curved cuts 58 of bending or that U-shaped otch 44 is relative face and handle distal segment 20.Bending or U-rail 72 can be recessed in the edge of hemispherical cavities 70 along the whole arc of each hemispherical cavities 70, as shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5.
The example handle distal segment 30 of Fig. 3 is shown as in figure 6 isolates with the remainder of handle 12.Fig. 6 illustrates handle distal segment 30 from roughly top perspective.As shown, the spiral ribs 32 described in detail above and front hand grip raised section 34 are visible on handle distal segment 30.Indicated by the seam that continued by the vertical central plane along handle distal segment, handle distal segment 30 can be configured to two or more independently parts (being 30a and 30b in this example embodiment), described two or more independently part by the combination of any suitably means or suitable means--such as, such as, be clasped, binding agent and/or screw--be linked together.
In addition, the handle distal segment 30 in Fig. 6 comprises section not shown in Figure 3.When assembling endoscope 10, as shown in Figure 3, the part of handle distal segment 30 can be incorporated in the inside of handle proximal section 16.Such as, the handheld electronic devices section 80 be contained is from outer handle distal section 82 proximad outstanding (this is all visible among Fig. 3 and Fig. 6 two figure).Will be further described below the handheld electronic devices section 80 be contained.
Is that minor diameter is across portion 84 between the handheld electronic devices section 80 be contained and outer handle distal section 82.As shown, minor diameter can comprise circular groove 86 across portion 84, and this circular groove 86 is recessed in the outer surface of minor diameter across portion 84.In certain embodiments, when fully assembled, the minor diameter of handle distal segment 30 can be disposed in the hemispherical cavities 70 of handle proximal section 16 across portion 84.Minor diameter can be consistent with each other across the bending or U-rail 72 in the circular groove 86 in portion 84 and smaller part circular void 70.When using endoscope 10, above-mentioned situation can allow handle distal segment 30 and handle proximal section 16 relative to each other to rotate.Alternatively, the bearing of ball bearing (not shown) or other type can be followed the tracks of along the minor diameter of handle distal segment 30 across the U-rail 72 in the hemispherical cavities 70 of the circular groove 86 in portion 84 and handle proximal section 16.In a preferred embodiment, O type 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 type ring (not shown) can be used as the dynamic seal (packing) portion between handle proximal section 16 and handle distal segment 30.In this kind of embodiment, handle proximal section 16 and handle distal segment 30 can relative to each other rotate, and the inside simultaneously sealing handle proximal section 16 avoids contact liq.
Along with handle portions of proximal 16 and handle distal segment 30 relative to each other rotate, handle fin 36 or other projection can serve as the leading mark of user.Can visually or by feeling to check orientation.In certain embodiments, the gripping texture on handle fin 36 can be different from spiral ribs 32 on the remainder of handle distal segment 30 to promote by sensation Directional checkout.
As shown in Figure 6, handle raised section 34 can comprise button 90.In certain embodiments, handle raised section 34 can comprise more than one button 90 or not have button at all.Button 90 can be positioned at other place on handle distal segment 30 or other place on handle 12.In certain embodiments, handle raised section 34 can comprise button 90, and one or more additional buttons 90 can be positioned at other place on handle 12.It can be button 90 distribution function.In certain embodiments, can distribute to button 90 the multiple functions can enabled by various user operation.In certain embodiments, one or more in button 90 can seal to suppress liquid infiltration relative to outer handle section 82.
Button 90 can be image capture button.In this kind of embodiment, user's depression of button 90 can impel photo by endoscope 10 record.In certain embodiments, user can double-click button 90, pin button 90 etc. and impel endoscope 10 to start recording of video.In order to stop recording of video, user can double-click button 90, pin button 90 etc.In certain embodiments, user may only need to press the button 90 to stop recording of video.In certain embodiments, when endoscope's 10 recording of video, the single of user to button 90 is pressed and still image can be impelled to be recorded, and without the need to suspending videograph.
In addition, handle raised section 34 can comprise slide glass button recesses 92.As shown in Figure 6, retrain transverse shifting, slide glass button recesses 92 is arranged to movable (see Figure 13) of allowing slide glass button or finger contact 98 simultaneously.In certain embodiments, slide glass button can be the part (such as, see, Figure 13) of pivot controller or pivotable control structure 100.In certain embodiments, comprise the example embodiment shown in Fig. 6, slide glass button recesses 92 slightly can bend the shape of the part be positioned at the slide glass button recesses 92 complying with handle.
As shown in Figure 6, slide glass button recesses 92 can comprise multiple spine or ratchet 94, and when user moves forward and backward slide glass button, the plurality of spine or ratchet 94 can engage corresponding element on slide glass button to be stopped providing the active of series of discrete.Some embodiments can not comprise spine 94.In certain embodiments, the part can docked with user of pivotable control structure 100 (see Figure 11) can project through the pivotable control structure notch 96 (see Figure 13) of the slide glass button recesses 92 being arranged in handle raised section 34.In example embodiment in figure 6, such part of pivotable control structure 100 comprises finger contact 98.As shown, for ergonomics reason, finger contact 98 can have slope profile.Pivotable control structure 100 will be further described.
Fig. 7 illustrates illustrating more in detail of exemplary handle distal section 30, and without attachment inserting paragraph 14.Example rotary sensing assembly 150 is also shown in Fig. 7.As shown, handle distal segment 30 is manufactured to two independently part 30a and 30b.In the exemplary embodiment, two of handle distal segment 30 independently part 30a and 30b comprise multiple screwed hole 102, described multiple screwed hole 102 can by tapping.Screw (not shown) or other suitable securing member can be used to by two of handle distal segment 30 independently part 30a and 30b be linked together.In certain embodiments, two independently part 30a and 30b can through being clasped, ultrasonic bonding, binding agent etc. be linked together.
In certain embodiments, two of handle distal segment 30 independently in part 30a and 30b one can comprise spike projection 104, in the nail receiving compartment 106 of the complementation that spike projection 104 is coupled in two independently part 30a and 30b on another.This can contribute to two, and independently part 30a and 30b aim at and/or are linked together.In certain embodiments, comprise the embodiment shown in Fig. 7, outer handle distal section 82 can be general hollow.In certain embodiments, the hollow bulb of outer handle distal section 82 can not be entered by the anti-fluid of sealing.In the example embodiment shown in Fig. 7, such as, can comprise drainage channel 108 in handle fin 36.Drainage channel 108 can allow any fluid entered in the hollow bulb of outer handle distal section 82 easily to discharge.Alternate embodiment can comprise additional and/or different drainages.
Handle distal segment 30 can also comprise turn-sensitive device keeper 110, as shown in Figure 4.When endoscope 10 is assembled completely, turn-sensitive device keeper 110 can retain rotary sensing assembly 150.As shown, rotary sensing assembly 150 can comprise forward gear 112.Forward gear 112 is arranged around forward gear axle 114.As shown in Figure 4, travelling gear 116 is also placed on forward gear axle 114, makes the rotation of forward gear 112 impel travelling gear 116 also to rotate.Travelling gear 116 can engage with the sensor axis gear 118 be arranged on sensor gear axle 120.Along with forward gear 112 rotates, sensor axis gear 118 and sensor gear axle 120 also rotate.Use gear assembly the potentiometer 122 of attachment can be allowed to be placed on from the off-centered position of central rotation axis of handle distal segment 30, this advantageously can allow the placement placed in the middle (such as, lavage catheter, fibre bundle, electronics flexible cable or other electronic unit) of other internal structure.
As in example embodiment in the figure 7, sensor gear axle 120 can comprise (such as, D shape) part of splined or keyed jointing.The part of keyed jointing operationally can engage with one or more rotating potentiometer 122.In the example embodiment shown in Fig. 7, there are two rotating potentiometers 122.Potentiometer 122 can be arranged on or otherwise be attached in a part for the printed circuit board (PCB) in installation elements or handle, described by with reference to Figure 85.Each (such as, the D shape) space comprising keyed jointing of potentiometer 122, the corresponding linking moiety of sensor gear axle 120 and the space of keyed jointing connect.Along with sensor gear axle 120 rotates, the resistance of (one or more) potentiometer 122 will proportionately change.Because resistance will predictably change with the rotation amount of sensor gear axle 120, so the resistance of the measurement of (one or more) potentiometer 122 can be used to determine the rotation amount produced between handle proximal section 16 with handle distal segment 30 (and passing through to extend, inserting paragraph 14).
In certain embodiments, the housing of each potentiometer 122 can be installed to the element of the handheld electronic devices section 80 (or being attached to other element of handle distal segment 30) be contained, and therefore relative to handle distal segment 30 (and by extending, inserting paragraph 14) be immobilized, and the axle of potentiometer 122 or rotation propeller boss are connected to handle proximal section 16.In other embodiments, the housing of potentiometer 122 can be fixed relative to handle proximal section 16, and other axle or rotary sleeve can be connected to the element of handle distal segment 30 or handheld electronic devices section 80.
Example embodiment in Fig. 7 comprises two rotating potentiometers 122, that these two rotating potentiometers 122 are stacked and offset rotatably each other.In alternative embodiments, potentiometer 122 can be spaced, but share common rotating shaft line (such as, common axis can impel the vernier of two potentiometers 122 to move).This layout allows controller to receive resistance value thus with the degree of rotation of the degree of accuracy calculating sensor axle expected (and finally counting the parts of far-end of sight glass) by 360 degree rotations from two potentiometers 122, therefore the calculating " blind spot " eliminated in the rotation of distal shaft (such as, camera) the place parts measuring endoscope is helped.Any blind spot produced by the position of the vernier of the potentiometer 122 in end at its range of movement can not compensated at the vernier of second potentiometer 122 at the end of its range of movement by its position.In alternative embodiments, the potentiometer 122 offset rotatably more than two can be used.Simple in order to calculate, rotation offset between potentiometer 122 can be 180 degree, but other angular variation can be used to realize identical result, as long as rotation offset allows any blind spot of being produced by a potentiometer 122 overlapping with the envelop of function of another potentiometer 122.In alternative embodiments, depend on and measure the precision of expectation in rotation, the sensitivity of potentiometer 122 and other factors, to front axle gear 112, between shaft gear 116 and sensor axis gear 118, gear drive rate can change.In alternative embodiments, rotary sensing assembly 150 can use band, but not one or more in gear assembly.Such as, travelling gear 116 and sensor axis gear 118 can be replaced by band.As known in the art other can also be used to rotate to and to rotate layout.In certain embodiments, forward gear axle 114 can comprise bonded structure (such as, the part of D shape), and this bonded structure directly operationally engages potentiometer 122.The turn-sensitive device being different from potentiometer 122 can also be used.Alternate embodiment can comprise turn-sensitive device, such as rotary encoder, Rotary Variable Differential transformator or other code device.In the embodiment using rotary encoder, encoder can be Gray encoder, magnetic coder, optical encoder etc.
In an embodiment, sensor gear axle 120 can not extend to the bearing section of axle supporting member 63.On the contrary, rotary sensing assembly 150 can be supported by turn-sensitive device keeper 110.In the middle of other benefit, this layout allows handle distal segment 30 relative to the unrestricted degree of rotation of handle proximal section 16.In addition, as by by those skilled in the art field, the parts of rotary sensing assembly 150 are allowed to be arranged in eccentric position.This can provide benefit between erecting stage.Such as, it can simplify the laying of lavation line 434 (see Figure 85), power cable 432 (see Figure 85) etc.
In other embodiments, axle supporting member 63 directly can be connected by axle with potentiometer 122.By splined or be connected to axle on far-end and can extend from the bearing section of axle supporting member 63 and splined or keyed jointing (such as, D shape) space accordingly extend through potentiometer 122.Because axle supporting member 63 can be fixing relative to handle proximal section 16, so distal handle segment 30 will change relative to the rotation of handle proximal section 16 resistance measured by potentiometer 122.As mentioned above, because resistance will predictably change relative to the rotation of another handle section with a handle section, so resistance measurement can be used to determine the rotation amount such as, obtained by handle distal segment (and final, the far-end of the endoscope shown in Figure 19 or photomoduel 350).
In other embodiments, rotary sensing assembly 150 can comprise diastimeter, and this diastimeter can be disposed in (see Fig. 6) on the storage handle of electronic equipment section 80.The inwall (see Fig. 4) of handle proximal section 16 can comprise variable thickness or variable height convex surfaces, described variable thickness or variable height convex surfaces are wound around all or part of of 360 degree of the inwall of handle proximal section 16, and change along its circumferential paths in a predetermined manner on thickness or height.Because handle proximal section 16 and handle distal segment 30 relative to each other rotate, so diastimeter can provide for controller the signal changed according to the distance to different surfaces read by diastimeter (its different thickness or height).Signal may with the thickness/height of--in this position, surface has appointed thickness or height--relative to predetermined base position by stadia surveying or distance dependent and rotate relevant relative to the appointment angle of handle proximal section 16 with handle distal segment 30.Can by this distance compared with first front distance to determine the rotation amount produced thus.Diastimeter can be the diastimeter (such as, mechanical position sensor, sound ranging instrument, laser or other optical rangefinder etc.) of any type.
In another alternate embodiment, the sensor device of similar optical mouse can be used.Sensor can be arranged in the handheld electronic devices section 80 or handle proximal section 16 be contained one upper and be configured in the handheld electronic devices section 80 of following the tracks of to be contained or handle proximal section 16 another move.In this kind of embodiment, the amount of movement sensed by sensor and direction can be used to determine amount and the direction of the rotation displacement produced.In certain embodiments, the surface of being followed the tracks of by sensor can have grid square, the quantity of unique indicator, pattern, labelling or other distinguishing characteristic, this allow after start-up sensor to the determination of direction of rotation.Also the rotary sensing assembly 150 of other kind known to those skilled in the art can be used in various embodiments.
As shown in Figure 7, the turn-sensitive device keeper 110 of handle distal segment 30 can be formed as making, when by when two of handle distal segment 30 independently part 30a and 30b is linked together, independently rotary sensing assembly 150 can be caught between part 30a and 30b at two.Every side of turn-sensitive device keeper 110 can comprise forward gear axial trough 124 and sensor gear axial trough 126.When assembled, forward gear axial trough 124 and sensor gear axial trough 126 can serve as the bearing surface of forward gear axle 114 and sensor gear axle 120 respectively.Every side of turn-sensitive device keeper 110 can also comprise keeper space 128.The size and shape in keeper space 128 can make, and when assembling handle distal segment 30 completely, travelling gear 116, sensor axis gear 118 and potentiometer 122 can be assemblied in turn-sensitive device keeper 110.
Fig. 8 illustrates the part assembled view of the handle 12 of endoscope 10.Section 22 at the bottom of the handle of handle proximal section 16 is only shown in fig. 8.As shown, at the bottom of the handle of handle proximal section 16, a part for section 22 is cut off.In addition, in the embodiment in fig. 8, by two, independently part 30a and 30b assemble (see Fig. 7) to handle distal segment 30.In fig. 8, in order to clear, remove in the halfbody (30b) of handle distal segment 30.The handheld electronic devices section 80 be contained can be positioned at the inside of handle proximal section 16.Outer handle distal section 82 extends beyond handle proximal section 16 and is exposed to environment.
As mentioned above, rotary sensing assembly 150 is disposed in turn-sensitive device keeper 110.As shown, the forward gear 112 of rotary sensing assembly 150 can engage the tooth annulus (illustrating in the best at Fig. 5) formed by band tooth projection 62 and band tooth projection 64.In this kind of embodiment, when handle 12 is fully assembled, handle distal segment 30 impels forward gear 112 to rotate relative to any rotation of handle proximal section 16, because the tooth annulus that its engagement is formed by band tooth projection 62 and band tooth projection 64.Then, this rotation can be translated across remaining rotary sensing assembly 150, allows to rotate to be measured by rotary sensing assembly 150.In a preferred embodiment, total gear ratio can be approximate 1:1.
Alternately, be not teeth parts, but handle proximal section 16--is similar to the handle proximal section shown in Fig. 4--keyed jointing axle or the part keyed jointing axle of the axle supporting section 65 being attached to axle supporting member 63 can be comprised.The linking moiety of axle can be arranged to connect with the axle sleeve of one or more potentiometer 122, and one or more potentiometer 122 is maintained in turn-sensitive device keeper 110.Therefore, because handle distal segment 30 rotates relative to handle proximal section 16, so the vernier of one or more potentiometer 122 can convert the relative position of handle distal segment 30 and proximal section 16 to can be used for determining spin orientation resistance value.
Referring now to Fig. 9, in an embodiment, the inserting paragraph 14 of endoscope 10 comprises conduit 157, and by conduit 157, operation or function can be performed.In industry or medical applications, this conduit 157 can be used to transmit instrument to handle the object (instrument is grasper, pliers, fixture, wire basket, dilator, knife, shears, magnetic cartridge etc. such as) in the end of inserting paragraph 14.Fluid (gas or liquid) also can be passed to external resource and be passed from external resource to the space that inserting paragraph 14 is placed or from the space that inserting paragraph 14 is placed.In medical applications, this conduit 157 can be used to gas to suck body cavity, is discharged by gas from body cavity, with liquid lavation space, or sucks liquid and/or particle from space.Alternatively, conduit 157 can carry utility member, such as Transmission light parts, information transmission parts, electric power conducting components and mechanical controling part, saves the space in inserting paragraph 14 and contributes to reducing the overall diameter of inserting paragraph 14.Transmission light parts can comprise such as fibre bundle, band, light pipe, optical projection component and/or etc.Information transmission parts can comprise such as power cable bundle or band, and the imager of the end in inserting paragraph 14 or imageing sensor are connected to the graphics processing unit being arranged in handle 12 or endoscope 10 outside by this power cable or band.This cable can also provide electric power for imageing sensor.Mechanical controling part can comprise such as push rod, draught line etc. to control the movement at the end element near inserting paragraph 14.This can comprise the active flexible distal section of such as inserting paragraph 14, and this active flexible distal section can by using (one or more) mechanical controling part warpage on one's own initiative extended from handle 12.It can also comprise such as in rotatable camera or the camera pedestal of the end of inserting paragraph 14, and this rotatable camera or camera pedestal can be led to by using (one or more) mechanical controling part extended from handle 12 to move on one's own initiative.
In a particular embodiment, insert and take the utility member that fluid catheter 157 is configured to closed endoscope 10, such as such as fibre bundle, communication cable and mechanical actuator in axle or section 14.In a further embodiment, conduit 157 can be communicated with photomoduel 350 (see the such as Figure 19) fluid of the far-end inserting axle 14.Photomoduel 350 can comprise camera sensor or imager, and described camera sensor or imager have the connecting portion to communication cable.In this case, camera sensor and communication cable connecting portion and the internal part of lens subassembly that is associated arbitrarily can be avoided being exposed to by sealing the liquid existed in conduit 157.If endoscope 10 is configured to single operative installations at least partially--namely, can arbitrarily dispose after using in medical operating, it may be feasible for then allowing photomoduel 350, lens subassembly, communication cable, mechanical actuator (such as, draught line) and fiber optic cables or bundle to be exposed to ' wetting ' conduit.Therefore, any technological challenge of the sufficiently sterilised aspect to catheter interior part is avoided.
The electronic unit that some parts of endoscope 10 are positioned at handle section 12 especially preferably should keep dry.Between the conduit 157 of inserting paragraph 14 and the inside of handle 12, obstacle element 159 can allow parts to penetrate into inserting paragraph 14 conduit 157 (represented by line segment 155 in fig .9 and be called as through parts) from handle 12, also suppresses liquid to penetrate into the inner space of handle 12 from conduit 157 simultaneously.Barrier 159 can comprise through parts 155 (such as, above-mentioned effectiveness parts) can penetrate into the conduit 157 of inserting paragraph 14 passage (hole, slit etc.) from handle 12.Passage can be formed to provide the outer surface around through parts 155 to provide relative close to coordinate.In certain embodiments, elastic washer, O type ring or other similar element can assist suppression fluid to penetrate into the inner space of handle 12 from the conduit 157 of inserting paragraph 14 further.Barrier 159 can comprise the wall of the bonding land of separating between handle 12 and the near-end of inserting paragraph 14.Bonding land can be connected to catheter port for conduit 157 provides external fluid to connect near conduit 157.Alternately, barrier 159 can comprise block, lay passage and connect effectiveness hole by this block, this effectiveness hole by the second side of the conduit 157 on the first side of block and block (the first side of itself and block is relative) or block the 3rd side (in certain embodiments, it can be approximately perpendicular to the first side of block) on one or more structures (such as, catheter port) be communicated with.It is upper and can the effectiveness hole of alignment block that passage for other parts of cable, ribbon, line, push rod or handle 12 can be formed in second side (relative with the first side of block) of block.Conduit 157 can be formed by the sheath (such as, the inner sheath 312 of Figure 15) of the handle 12 connecting or be attached to instrument.In certain embodiments, through barrier 159 between the sheath of handle 12 and inserting paragraph 14 can comprise sheath mount, this sheath mount is used for the sheath supporting inserting paragraph 14 at handle 12 place near its nearside starting point, and for the sheath of inserting paragraph 14 being attached or being connected to handle 12.In certain embodiments, inserting paragraph 14 can comprise sleeve pipe, and sheath can be positioned in sleeve pipe.Sleeve pipe can be installed to handle 12 through disrupted configuration, allow sleeve pipe to remain on original place, and the endoscope 10 comprising handle 12 and sheath can take off from a position.
Shown in Figure 10 relative to the barrier 159 described by Fig. 9 and be called as inner sheath base 160.As shown, inner sheath base 160 comprises distal section 161a and proximal section 161b, and distal section 161a and proximal section 161b is separated from one another with the inside appearing inner sheath base 160 in Fig. 10.As shown, distal section 161a can comprise notch 162 on every side of distal section 161a.As shown in example embodiment in Fig. 10, a part for the inner face 164 (when assembled) of distal section 161a can be recessed.Lavation or suction are laid passage 166 and can also be recessed in the distal section 161a of inner sheath base 160.As shown, lavation laying passage 166 is positioned at recessed surface 164.Lavation is laid passage 166 and can be communicated with effectiveness hole 168 on first end.In the exemplary embodiment, (although in other embodiments, effectiveness hole 168 need not between two parties) effectiveness hole 168 can be located substantially on the immediate vicinity of distal section 161a, in recessed surface 164.
The proximal section 161b of inner sheath base 160 can also comprise notch 170 on the side of left and right, is similar to the notch 162 be recessed in distal section 161a.Notch 170 can extend through proximal section 161b always.The size of the notch 162 and 170 of inner sheath base 160 can be suitable for the projection of receiving handle distal segment 30, and when endoscope 10 is fully assembled, notch 162 and 170 can help inner sheath base 160 to keep putting in place.
Proximal section 161b can also comprise the bossing 172 (when assembled) of inner face.As shown, bossing 172 has the outside dimension similar with the recessed surface 164 in distal section 161a.When assembled, bossing 172 can be pressed in recessed surface 164 to be linked together by distal section 161a and proximal section 161b.In certain embodiments, can use glue or another suitable binding agent that proximal section 161b is tied to distal section 161a between recessed surface 164 and bossing 172.This can also be used for forming fluid-tight between the two elements.
Proximal section 161b can comprise multiple further feature.As shown, proximal section 161b comprises lavation or suction passage 174.When proximal section 161b is coupled to distal section 161a, lavation or suction passage 174 can be positioned to aim at the second end that passage 166 is laid in lavation.When endoscope 10 is in use, lavation or suction fluid can be laid passage 166 through lavation and flow 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 comprise sheath mount slit 176.As shown, sheath mount slit 176 can flatly directed (orientation refers to the orientation shown in Figure 10) and be positioned at the proximal section 161b of inner sheath base 160, rough alignment effectiveness hole 168.In alternative embodiments, sheath mount slit 176 can be differently oriented.In example embodiment in Fig. 10, sheath mount slit 176 extends through whole proximal section 161b with the angle of the plane being approximately perpendicular to the inner face (when assembling) of proximal section 161b.
The proximal section 161b of inner sheath base 160 can also comprise multiple aperture 178.In example embodiment in Fig. 10, aperture 178 is far-ends that the small diameter bore and can being used for of the whole proximal section 161b of extend through allows to draw or push away that cable or electric wire pass to endoscope 10 in handle.Proximal section 161b can also comprise optical fibers path 179.In the exemplary embodiment, the angle vertical of aperture 178 and optical fibers path 179 is in the inner face (when assembling) of proximal section 161b.In alternative embodiments, aperture 178 Bu Tong maybe can have different diameters with the angle of optical fibers path 179.As shown, aperture 178 wound sheath base slit 176 is arranged.When inner sheath base 160 is fully assembled, the effectiveness hole 168 of distal section 161a is aimed in sheath mount slit 176 and aperture 178.
In alternative embodiments, some features of the shape, position, size etc. of through barrier or inner sheath base 160 can be different.Through barrier or inner sheath base 160 can comprise supplementary features maybe can omit some feature.In certain embodiments, the aperture 178 of greater or lesser quantity may be there is.In certain embodiments, aperture 178 can not be arranged in the space layout shown in Figure 10.More than one lavation passage 174 may be there is.In certain embodiments, inner sheath base 160 can be associated with pad or comprise in the sensitizing range that pad penetrates into further suppression fluid in the handle of endoscope.
Handheld electronic devices section 80 is configured to close the machinery and electronic unit that are preferably subject to protecting and avoid fluid permeability.Be configured to receive pivotable control structure and be exposed to liquid with the mode that can have a relative minimum influence with the operation of endoscope for the handle distal outer section 82 (pivotable control housing) of actuating cable of movement controlling endoscope shaft or insert the photomoduel in the far-end of axle.Therefore, more importantly, the fluid-tight between handheld electronic devices section 80 and handle distal outer section 82 is maintained.Through barrier shown in Figure 12 and Figure 13--such as, containment member 210--can be configured to provide around electronics flexible cable, fibre bundle or other structure that must be delivered to its near-end from the far-end of endoscope before leaving seal (such as, elastic packing) closely.On the other hand, the through barrier shown in Figure 10 and Figure 13--such as, inner sheath base 160--can allow less sealing, in particular it be applied to be delivered to any draught line or the trailing cable of the far-end of endoscope shaft from pivotable control structure time.The dependent part by being built in housing can be allowed in any fluid permeability to handle distal segment 82--the one or more osculum in the path 10 8--such as such as shown in Fig. 7 or passage leave housing.
In alternative embodiments, the through barrier that handle distal segment or pivotable control between housing 82 and the axle of endoscope can comprise complete hermetically-sealed construction, and this complete hermetically-sealed construction still allows to control housing from pivotable and extends to the trailing cable of the far-end of endoscope shaft or activate cable moving.Such as, through barrier can comprise flexibility (or soft) barrier film, pleating elastic diaphragm, folding structure rubber sleeve, bellows structure or be attached to other replaceable barrier film of housing at its peripheral place, the arbitrary structures that described barrier film, rubber sleeve, bellows structure are being passed around it near its center forms liquid-tight sealing, and its center distad freely can move around to allow the moving freely of any pivotable control cables through it with nearside.Utilize the sealing more complete at this part place of endoscope, can reduce or eliminate the needs to controlling the secondary seal between housing and handheld electronic devices section 80 in pivotable.
Figure 11 illustrates the example exploded view of the embodiment of pivotable control structure 100.Pivotable control structure 100 can the pivotable of control structure.Structure can be such as the photomoduel 350 (see Figure 19) at far-end (see Fig. 3) place in inserting paragraph 14.In alternative embodiments, pivotable control structure 100 can be used to for and or control in addition the flexure of flexible section of inserting paragraph 14.Some embodiments of pivotable control structure 100 can comprise the actuating device, motor, multiple leverage, rotating disk etc. that are different from hereafter the disclosed embodiments.
Example pivotable control structure 100 in Figure 11 is shown with exploded view.The finger contact 98 described in detail is above shown as and is separated with pivotable control structure 100.As shown, the bottom surface pointing contact 98 can comprise multiple nail projection 180 alternatively.In example embodiment in fig. 11, existence is four nail projections 180 (quantity of nail projection and shape can be different) of substantial cylindrical in shape.Finger contact 98 comprises the finger contact pocket 182 of the lower surface being arranged in finger contact 98 in addition.
Below finger contact 98, the example embodiment of the pivoting portions 184 of pivotable control structure 100 is shown.The top of the pivot member 184 of pivotable control structure 100 can comprise sliding part 186.What give prominence to from the center of sliding part 186 is be arranged to and the finger contact post 188 pointed contact pocket 182 and connect.Alternatively, on every side of finger contact post 188, finger contact nail 190 is positioned at the side of finger contact post 188.When finger contact 98 is attached to pivotable control structure 100, on the finger contact post 188 that finger contact pocket 182 can be made to slide on sliding part 186.In addition, when assembled, finger contact 98 nail projection 180, if exist, can seated connection in the finger contact nail 190 of sliding part 186.
Pivotable control structure 100 can with one or more structural interactions of endoscope, allow endoscope be locked or remain in the orientation of expectation.As shown, the bottom surface of the sliding part 186 of pivot member 184 can comprise one or more button bar or pawl element 192 alternatively.In other embodiments, multiple button bar 192 can be arranged along the bottom of sliding part 186, is arranged to engage with the relative bulge-structure on handle 12 or spine 94.
Button bar or pawl element 192 can interact (the best illustrates in figure 6) with the bulge-structure of the slide glass button recesses 92 of above-described handle bossing 32 or spine 94.Along with user makes pivotable control structure 100 be shifted, ratchet can be served as in the space between spine 94, and the button bar 192 of sliding part 186 can " be stopped " in ratchet.This helps the drift or the movement that prevent pivotable control structure 100 when pivotable control structure 100 is moved to the position of expectation and discharges it by user.It can also contribute to guaranteeing that pivotable control structure 100 is not unexpectedly shifted between the operating period of instrument.
As shown, the pivot member 184 of pivotable control structure 100 comprises bending inner shield portion 194.Inner shield portion 194 is when assembled in sliding part 186 lower floor and below handle casing.Post 196 can across the distance between the end face in inner shield portion 194 and the bottom surface of sliding part 186.In certain embodiments, button bar 192 can be positioned on the top in inner shield portion 194.In this kind of embodiment, above-described spine 94 can be positioned on the inwall of the housing of handle distal segment 30, makes spine 94 can form the ratchet of the button bar 192 in inner shield portion 194.As mentioned above, this allows pivotable control structure 100 " stop " in the position expected.
What extend from the bottom surface in inner shield portion 194 can be pivotal arm 198.In the exemplary embodiment, pivotal arm 198 comprises two mechanical cable attachment point or hole 202.A hole 202 is positioned on the side of pivot 204, and the second hole 202 is positioned on the opposite side of pivot 204.In the embodiment shown, the moving forward of sliding part 186 impels mechanical cable to be connected to the lower opening 202 of being retracted by proximad, and the afterbody of sliding part 186 moves and impels mechanical cable to be connected to the upper hole 202 of being retracted by proximad.In order to the relatively straightway process of the receiving adapting to fiber optic cables or the far-end of power cable from the near-end of handle to handle, pivotal arm 198 can such as be slotted at its pivot 204, make through cable can freely lean against on pivot 204 (or around the concentricity sleeve of axle 204 or axle sleeve).This layout will allow with minimum transverse direction or vertically be shifted through.
Referring now to Figure 11 and Figure 13, pivotal arm 198 is configured to have the transverse shift section 199 comprising pivot region 200 and pivot 204.Therefore, comprise the axle sleeve of pivot 204 or sleeve (when assembled) be shown as serve as through cable 250 can lean on area supported thereon.The bottom of pivotal arm 198 is from the position below the axle sleeve or sleeve of pivot 204 to downward-extension.In certain embodiments, the bottom of pivotal arm 198 can aim at the top of pivotal arm 198 alternatively vertically, makes to be connected to a little or the mechanical cable in hole 202 is also aimed at vertically.In other embodiments, one or more cable (such as, cable 250) can advance around the axle sleeve of (or passing) pivot 204 with various alternate manner, make its path minimally be subject to the obstruction of the pivotal arm 198 of pivotable control structure 100.
Alternatively, but in a preferred embodiment, auxiliary through being sealed between fluid in the housing that may penetrate into handle distal segment 30 and the housing--electronic equipment section 80 can be incorporated in wherein--of handle proximal section 16 provides additional barrier.Sealing can comprise aperture, hole or slit, such as but the parts being not restricted to fibre bundle, electronic cables and/or fluid conduit systems pipe fitting can pass described aperture, hole or slit.The size of hole or slit can be suitable for being slidably matched when these parts provide on these parts through sealing.In an embodiment, auxiliary through sealing is formed to strengthen its fluid-tight performance by rubber or other elastomeric material.
Figure 12 illustrates the example embodiment of additional confinement (that is, containment member 210).Containment member 210 can be substantially rectangular in shape, as shown in figure 12.As shown in figure 12, one end of containment member 210 can have first (such as, rectangle) shape, and the second end of containment member 210 can have the second shape (such as, have circular edge or circle).This can provide between erecting stage guarantees that containment member 210 is installed in the advantage in correct orientation.Containment member 210 can comprise multiple aperture.In the exemplary embodiment, containment member 210 comprises fibre bundle (such as, illuminated fibres) aperture 212, flexible cable (that is, electronic cables) aperture 214 and fluid pipe fitting (such as, lavation line) aperture 216.In example embodiment in fig. 12, illuminated fibres aperture 212, flexible cable aperture 214 and the whole containment member 210 of lavation string holes mouth 216 extend through.Illuminated fibres aperture 212 has relatively little diameter to mate the diameter of fibre bundle or light pipe.Flexible cable aperture 214 is slits, the size and shape of coupling electronics flexible cable.Lavation string holes mouth 216 is tubular and has the diameter of the diameter being greater than illuminated fibres aperture 212.Illuminated fibres aperture 212, flexible cable aperture 214 and lavation string holes mouth 216 are to be approximately perpendicular to the angle extend through containment member 210 of (for Figure 12) before containment member 210.In alternative embodiments, the aperture in containment member 210 is in quantity, size or in shape can be different.In certain embodiments, containment member 210 can comprise such as being deployed to button 90 additional holes.
As shown in example embodiment in fig. 12, containment member 210 can also comprise multiple filler arm 218.In example embodiment in fig. 12, tamp the outstanding end face away from containment member 210 of arm 218 and bottom surface, near the back edge of containment member 210.As shown, two may be had and tamp arm 218.In certain embodiments, tamping arm 218 can be straight line.In the exemplary embodiment, tamp arm 218 and comprise two straightways connected by bow-shaped section, it is bending away from containment member 210 that this bow-shaped section makes to tamp arm 218.
Figure 13 illustrates the example embodiment of the half (30a) of handle distal segment 30.As shown, inner sheath base 160, pivotable control structure 100 and containment member 210 assemble and are placed in the shown half (30a) of handle distal segment 30.Flexible cable 250 (such as, flexible electronic communication/power cable) is also shown.In example embodiment in fig. 13, the distal section 161a of inner sheath base 160 comprises sheath and installs axle sleeve 252.Sheath is installed axle sleeve 252 and is distad extended (see Figure 10) along the axis identical with effectiveness hole 168.In the exemplary embodiment, sheath is installed axle sleeve 252 and can be hollow and roughly tubular.Sheath is installed the internal diameter of axle sleeve 252 and can be approximately equal to alternatively or less times greater than the diameter in effectiveness hole 168.In the exemplary embodiment, the outer surface that sheath mount lug-mounted 254 installs axle sleeve 252 from sheath hoists outstanding.Sheath mount lug-mounted 254 is positioned adjacent to a face of inserting side part 160a, and it is outstanding from this face that axle sleeve 252 installed by sheath.Lug-mounted 254 to may be used for when sheath being installed to sheath and installing on axle sleeve 252 to sheath (such as, inner sheath 312 shown in Figure 15) carry out suitably orientation, and locking component can also be served as alternatively sheath to be fixed to sheath installation axle sleeve 252 and sheath mount 160.
In other embodiments, sheath mount auricle 254 can be disposed on the inner surface of sheath mount axle sleeve 252.This may be expect, because it avoid needs inner sheath base axle sleeve 252 being nested in sheath inside, eliminates the restriction diametrically of the conduit at sheath.Inevitably, higher flow rate can be obtained by this conduit.Alternately, in certain embodiments, sheath mount auricle 254 can not be comprised.Sheath can replace and be directed and be fixed in the sheath mount axle sleeve 252 in fixture (not shown) suitable arbitrarily.
As shown, flexible cable 250 extend through inner sheath base 160.Flexible cable 250 installs axle sleeve 252 in the distal section 161a of inner sheath base 160 through sheath.Flexible cable 250 is also set to the sheath mount slit 176 by proximal section 161b by cloth.
The proximal section 161b of inner sheath base 160 comprises fluid conduit systems attachment position or port 256.Fluid conduit systems attachment position 256 can be hollow substantial cylindrical projection, and this projection extends from the proximal section 161b of inner sheath base 160 towards the right (for Figure 13) of the page.The pipe fitting (see Figure 85) of lavation line 434 can slide above the outer surface of fluid conduit systems port 256, its can be alternatively buckle with the construction section of auxiliary fixing pipe fitting.As shown, the right hand edge of fluid conduit systems port 256 can also to promote that pipe fitting section is to the mode chamfering of the installation convenience of port 256.In addition, as shown in figure 13, the near-end taper of fluid conduit systems port 256 turns to the diameter slightly larger than the remainder on port 256 surface.This can serve as barb and assist in ensuring that, once attachment, the pipe fitting (see Figure 85) of lavation line 434 is not easy to be expelled out of.In alternative embodiments, catheter port 256 can extend and be coupled in the lavation string holes mouth 216 of containment member 210.Then, the band hook portion/attachment position of lavation line 434 can be placed on containment member 210.
Pivotable control structure 100 can be connected in handle distal segment 30 pivotly, as shown in figure 13.As shown, pivot 204 extends through the pivot axis hole 200 in the pivotal arm 198 of pivotable control structure 100.Be inserted into pivot in the wall far away of handle distal segment 30 204 (or around axle sleeve) end can seated connection in the outstanding pivot bearings 260 of the inwall from handle distal segment 30.When fully assembled, the opposite end of pivot 204 equally can seated connection in the outstanding pivot bearings 260 of the inwall of second half (30b) from handle distal segment 30.
As shown in figure 13, the sliding part 186 of pivotable control structure 100 and inner shield portion 194 can depart from the distance of the thickness of the wall slightly larger than handle distal segment 30 each other by post 196.Post 196 can extend through above-described pivotable control structure notch 96.The curvature in sliding part 186 and inner shield portion 194 through selecting, can make sliding part 186 and inner shield portion 194 can utilize before and after the input from user and moving freely, and not disturbing the wall of handle distal segment 30 housing.The length of pivotable control structure notch 96 can determine that user can by being input to the pivotal displacement amount that pivotable control structure 100 produces.
In certain embodiments, the wall of pivotable control structure notch 96 can apply frictional force against post 196.In this kind of embodiment, this frictional force can allow pivotable control structure 100 to be in " stop " state in one location.In this kind of embodiment, the wall of pivotable control structure notch 96 can be made up of the high friction material of such as rubber or other elastomeric material.In this kind of embodiment, pivotable control structure 100 can not need to comprise above-described button bar 192 or spine 94.
Endoscope 10 can also comprise with the mechanical pivoted actuator of the form of trailing cable or draught line, band or push rod.Actuator can be solid, braiding, or otherwise extends to any slender member of displaceable element of the far-end in inserting paragraph from the handle of endoscope 10.Slender member can be flexible or roughly rigidity.Slender member can be circular (as in the example of cable), ovate, relatively flat, maybe can have other shape or cross section arbitrarily.In certain embodiments, actuator can be band.
Have can in the endoscope of pan camera or camera pedestal, the far-end in inserting paragraph or the far-end near inserting paragraph, use draught line or push rod can make pan camera or camera pedestal to rotate.In draught line embodiment, pan cable can be attached or be connected to or lopping by cable attachment hole 202.In certain embodiments, two pan cables can be attached to each cable attachment hole 202.In a preferred embodiment, the two ends of single pan cable are attached to each cable attachment hole 202, form circle.Alternately, single-core cable about its midpoint can lopping by cable attachment hole 202, therefore, the end of cable is connected to rotatable camera or camera pedestal in distally.Pan cable can extend from the cable attachment hole 202 pivotal arm 198 and is set to by the one or more apertures 178 in the proximal section 160b of inner sheath base 160 by cloth.Therefore, pan cable can extend through effectiveness hole 168 and conduit by being formed by inner sheath, alternatively on the side of one section of electronics flexible cable 250 and/or fibre bundle.By making pivotable control structure 100 pivotable, one or more pan cable being connected in cable attachment hole 202 will be pulled, and (one or more) cable being connected to another attachment hole 202 will relax.By the pan cable will be associated with a cable attachment hole 202 or the cable attachment side to pivotal point, and by one or more pan cable attachment of being associated with another cable attachment hole 202 opposite side to pivotal point, then pivotable control structure 100 can be used to make pivotable object distad optionally rotate in the inserting paragraph of endoscope.In other embodiments, similar cable mechanism can be used to the flexible distal section warpage on one's own initiative making inserting paragraph.
In certain embodiments, the pivotal arm 198 of pivotable control structure 100 can through gear drive pivotable.In this kind of embodiment, finger contact 98, finger contact post 188 (see Figure 11), sliding part 186, column 196 and inner shield portion 194 may be optional.Can therefrom giving prominence to handle raised section 34 at least partially of the user's input gear comprised in handle distal segment 30.User's input gear can turn around the pivot axis be arranged in handle distal segment 30 and rotate.This rotation can by user through the finger or thumb of such as user.User's input gear can with pivotal axis gears meshing, pivotal axis gear is arranged around the pivot 204 of the pivotal arm 198 of pivotable control structure 100.In this kind of embodiment, along with making user's input gear rotate, also causing pivotal axis gear and pivotal arm 198 to rotate, acting on (such as, pan cable, actuating cable or trailing cable) on pivoted actuator as described above.In certain embodiments, may exist between user's input gear and pivot gear an idler gear perhaps many idler gears meet precision and ergonomics requirement to provide the gear reduction of any desired with mobile.
In other embodiments, pivotal arm 198 can be impelled to rotate through electric notor (such as, brushless motor, stepper motor etc.).The control that can be subject to one or more user input apparatus (such as, button 90) is rotated through motor.In the embodiment comprising at least one 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 this kind of embodiment, user can directly make pivot 204 (or covering axle sleeve or sleeve) rotate.In certain embodiments, the part outstanding from handle distal segment 30 of pivot 204 can comprise button, driver plate, crank etc., makes user pivot 204 easily can be made to rotate by grasping and rotary knob, driver plate, crank etc.
As shown in figure 13, containment member 210 is positioned in spacer recess 270.Spacer recess 270 can comprise filler arm recess 272.Various parts can through containment member 210, as mentioned above.As shown, flexible cable 250 be connected to printed circuit board (PCB) 430a in the electronic equipment section 80 be incorporated in handle proximal section 16 (see, such as, Figure 85), can through containment member 210 flexible cable aperture 214 and extend to outside containment member 210 by the housing of handle distal segment 30 and sheath mount 160, finally distad advance in the inserting paragraph of endoscope.Lavation line 434 (see Figure 85) and fibre bundle are (such as, illuminated fibres 364, see Figure 85) through their corresponding lavation string holes mouths 216 and fibre bundle aperture 212 and the housing of extend through handle distal segment 30, flexible cable 250 can be similar to.
The only half of spacer recess 270 shown in Figure 13.Second half of spacer recess 270 can be positioned on handle distal segment 30 unshowned second half (30b, for example, see Fig. 7).When fully assembled, containment member 210 is trapped between the two halves of spacer recess 270.When fully assembled, containment member 210 can be guaranteed, the fluid that may exist in handle distal segment 30 can be suppressed to penetrate in handle proximal section 16, and handle proximal section 16 comprises electronic equipment part, and electronic equipment part comprises electronic equipment section 80.Containment member 210 can by suitably flexible (such as, elasticity) material or other suitable filler material are made and can be pressed in spacer recess 270 to guarantee to seal closely.In certain embodiments, binding agent can be used to be kept putting in place by containment member 210.
Figure 14 illustrates the example embodiment of oversheath or sleeve pipe base 300.The parts in the far-end that oversheath or sleeve pipe 318 are inserting paragraph can be adopted to provide supplementary protection, or with the inserting paragraph allowing user to take out endoscope, leave sleeve pipe 318 in position simultaneously, to allow after a while the inserting paragraph of endoscope to be reinserted.As shown, sleeve pipe base 300 can have frusto-conical, forms adapter (such as bayonet base) to be arranged on by sleeve pipe 318 on inner sheath 312 (such as, see, Figure 15) in nearside larger diameter section.Sleeve pipe base holes 302 can extend through sleeve pipe base 300 to converge with sleeve channel.Sleeve pipe or oversheath base holes 302 can be configured to receive and fixing sleeve pipe 318.Sleeve pipe 318 can be configured to serve as the sleeve on the inner sheath 312 of inserting paragraph.
As shown, female bayonet socket installation portion 304 comprises two grooves 306.Alternatively, groove 306 can be of different sizes to guarantee that sleeve pipe 318 is relative to the correct orientation connecting (male form) adapter in the distal part of handle distal segment 30.In certain embodiments, the groove 306 of female bayonet socket installation portion 304 can comprise transversal (serif), and such as Belleville washer can be used to be added in transversal through spring by male form bayonet socket installation portion 308.In this kind of embodiment, spring-loaded connecting portion can help really to be locked together more securely by guarantor's two blocks (sleeve pipe 318 and handle distal segment 30).
In certain embodiments, align structures can be comprised on sleeve pipe base 300 so as between erecting stage to sleeve pipe 318 with sleeve pipe base 300 and finally when on the inner sheath 312 being arranged on inserting paragraph together with inner sheath 312 suitably orientation (see, such as, Figure 15).In example embodiment in Fig. 10, oversheath base auricle 310 can be given prominence to from the inwall of oversheath base holes 302.Oversheath base auricle 310 can extend from the distal face of female bayonet socket installation portion 304, female bayonet socket installation portion 304 therefore can be used between erecting stage by bayonet base 300 with there is the sleeve pipe 318 connecting groove aim at.Alternately, can by oversheath or sleeve pipe 318 and sleeve pipe base 300 be connected in suitable fixture and eliminate to the needs of this structure.
Figure 15 illustrates the partial sectional view of the example embodiment of the distal face of handle distal segment 30.The sheath that inner sheath 312 is installed in inner sheath base 160 is installed on axle sleeve 252.Inner sheath 312 comprises sheath mount recess 314.The size of inner sheath base recess 314 can receive the sheath lug-mounted 254 on sheath installation axle sleeve 252.In this kind of embodiment, sheath lug-mounted 254 and inner sheath base recess 314 can be guaranteed, inner sheath 312 is properly oriented in endoscope 10.
Inner sheath 312 (and/or oversheath or sleeve pipe 318, see Figure 14) can be formed by any one in steel, multiple rigid plastics or other rigid durable materials.Alternately, inner sheath 312 or its part can be flexible, allow the inserting paragraph of endoscope bending to be inserted in non-line-of-sight target area as required.In these embodiments, user can abandon using oversheath or sleeve pipe 318, or sleeve pipe 318 itself also can be configured by similar flexible material.
In example embodiment in fig .15, male form bayonet socket installation portion 308 is also visible.Male form bayonet base part 308 can comprise two forked portion 316.The size of forked portion 316 can be suitable in the supporting leg of the L shape groove 306 being assemblied in female bayonet socket installation portion 304, now in addition with reference to Figure 14.Oversheath 318 and sleeve pipe base 300 can be connected to handle distal segment 30 in the following way: forked portion 316 aimed at groove 306, and at forked portion 316 times pressing bayonet bases, then rotary bayonet base is to put in place its locking.As shown, alternatively, the size of two forked portion 316 is different, makes oversheath base 300 only can have a possible orientation when being coupled on handle distal segment 30.
Now still with reference to Figure 14-15, oversheath or sleeve pipe 318 can slide on inner sheath 312, form sleeve.The internal diameter of oversheath 318 can only slightly larger than the external diameter of inner sheath 312 to guarantee snug fit.Oversheath 318 can comprise oversheath recess 320.When endoscope 10 is assembled completely, the size of oversheath recess 320 can be suitable for receiving oversheath base auricle 310.In certain embodiments, oversheath 318 can friction fit, gummed or be otherwise fused to or be attached to the wall around oversheath base holes 302.When endoscope 10 is assembled completely, oversheath base auricle 310 can contribute to the correct orientation guaranteeing oversheath 318.
When the inserting paragraph 14 (see Fig. 3) of endoscope 10 is inserted in target area, oversheath 318 and oversheath base 300 can disconnect from the remainder of endoscope 10, as mentioned above.This sleeve pipe that oversheath 318 can be allowed to be used as staying original place is introduced in target area again to allow endoscope 10.If desired, oversheath or sleeve pipe 318 can be used as conduit, Other Instruments can be incorporated in target area by this conduit.Oversheath 318 can also be used as conduit, can be introduced or extraction by fluid by this conduit from target area.
Photomoduel housing 330 or distally workshop section be shown as in figure 16 with the distal portion of inner sheath 312 from.In this embodiment, the distally workshop section of the inserting paragraph of endoscope can configure independently with inner sheath 312 and between erecting stage, be mated into the far-end of inner sheath 312 subsequently.In other embodiments, inner sheath 312 can be configured to contain the single-piece of distally workshop section.In the embodiment that distally workshop section is configured independently, distally workshop section can be made up of the material of the material being different from inner sheath 312.In addition, it can by multiple partial configuration assembled.
In example embodiment in figure 16, the distal side edge of inner sheath 312 comprises inner sheath distal recess 322.Photomoduel housing 330 can comprise nested section 332, and the shape of nested section 332 and external diameter are suitable for the far-end being inserted into inner sheath 312 between the erecting stage of endoscope 10.Nested section of auricle 334 or other align structures can be comprised for nested section 332.The size of nested section of auricle 334 can be adapted so that, when assembling endoscope 10, nested section of auricle 334 can coordinate with inner sheath distal recess 322.Nested section of auricle 334 and inner sheath distal recess 322 can assist in ensuring that when assembling endoscope 10, by photomoduel housing 330 suitably directed and aligning.
In addition, photomoduel housing 330 can comprise workshop section 336.As shown, the workshop section 336 in Figure 16 can comprise head room clearance 338, has or without space, bottom 340.Head room clearance 338 and space, bottom 340 can extend along the major part of the workshop section 336 of photomoduel base 330.At the far-end of the workshop section 336 of photomoduel base 330, rounding end 342 can be comprised.As shown, rounding end 342 can comprise embrasure opening 344 alternatively.The edge of embrasure opening 344 can be in the slope, chamfering or circle.In the exemplary embodiment, embrasure opening 344 is connected with head room clearance 338.In certain embodiments, head room clearance 338 and space, bottom 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 promote that inserting paragraph 14 is inserted in the target area of patient.In some cases, this can eliminate the needs to the trocar.In arthroscope application, the profile of rounding end 342 allows endoscope 10 by motor-driven in IA tight quarters.In addition, rounding end 342 can allow the tissue of surgeon in target area to apply pressure atraumatically.Rounding end 342 can also serve as the safeguard structure of photomoduel 350.
As shown in figure 16, the inwall of the workshop section 336 of photomoduel housing 330 comprises two camera pedestal pivot bearings 346.In the example embodiment shown in Figure 16, camera pivot bearings 346 is substantially vertical outstanding from the medial wall of photomoduel base 330.Photomoduel housing 330 can by steel, many hardened plastics or arbitrarily other suitably strong rigid material make.
In example embodiment in figure 16, the inwall of the workshop section 336 of photomoduel housing 330 comprises multiple cable leading guide hole 348.In a preferred embodiment, only two cable leading guide holes 348 may be there are.A cable leading guide hole 348 can be positioned on a sidewall, and another cable leading guide hole 348 can be positioned on relative sidewall.Preferably, cable leading guide hole 348 can be disposed in below camera pedestal pivot bearings 346, camera, camera pedestal or the photomoduel 350 that the far-end of control cables is connected to relative to it can angulation (such as, see, Figure 23).Photomoduel housing 330 can also comprise one or more restraining structure.In example embodiment in figure 16, there are two constraint notches 349.A constraint notch 349 is positioned on a sidewall, and another constraint notch 349 is positioned on relative sidewall.As shown in figure 16, notch 349 is retrained roughly consistent with cable leading guide hole 348.Hereafter will further describe cable leading guide hole 348 and constraint notch 349.
Figure 17 describes as the distally workshop section of single partial configuration or the embodiment of photomoduel housing 330 and inner sheath 312.In addition with reference to Figure 18 C, the cross section intercepted at the line 18-18 place of photomoduel housing 330 is shown.In the embodiment that distally workshop section or photomoduel housing 330 and inner sheath 312 are configured as single part, distally workshop section or photomoduel housing 330 and inner sheath 312 can by steel makings.In such instances, the terminal end shape of inner sheath 312 and photomoduel housing 330 can through rolling Process configuration.Therefore, various space, opening and other structure, such as described above those, can be machined in part later.In example embodiment in fig. 17, photomoduel housing 330 only comprises camera pedestal pivot bearings 346.
Maybe advantageously, inner sheath 312 and photomoduel housing 330 are produced as single part.In the middle of advantage, this part can be stronger.Another advantage is, eliminates the needs to nested parts.Therefore, " blocking point " in the sectional area at the fluidic junction place of inner sheath 312 and photomoduel housing 330 is eliminated.This can provide multinomial benefit.Remove this blocking point to allow for various parts and leave more spaces, the effectiveness parts in described various parts such as inner sheath 312 and photomoduel housing 330.And, eliminate the flowing that this blocking point allows the increase of the lavation fluid increased in inner sheath 312 and photomoduel housing 330.Alternatively or in addition, the overall diameter of inner sheath 312 and photomoduel housing 330 may reduce.Inner sheath 312 and photomoduel housing 330 can also thicken.This helps to strengthen part.To strengthen part because thicken, it can also allow oversheath or sleeve pipe 318 to be made thinner.Thinner oversheath or sleeve pipe 318 and then inner sheath 312 and the photomoduel housing 330 of larger diameter can be allowed.Namely, when not increasing the overall diameter of inserting paragraph 14 (being made up of oversheath 318, inner sheath 312 and photomoduel housing 330), the sectional area of inserting paragraph 14 inner catheter can be made larger.In addition, thicken and make camera pedestal pivot bearings 346 can have larger bearing surface, allow to be dispersed throughout larger area against bearing applied pressure.
Figure 19 illustrates the assembled view (the best illustrates in figure 3) of the end of inserting paragraph 14.Photomoduel housing 330, photomoduel 350 and oversheath or sleeve pipe 318 are visible in Figure 19.As shown, the rounding end 342 of photomoduel housing 330 protrudes past the far-end of oversheath or sleeve pipe 318.Observe notch 352 to be recessed in the top of oversheath 318.At the opening as produced by embrasure opening 344 and the assembly of observing notch 352 in the whole visual range that limits, photomoduel 350 can be can pan.In certain embodiments, can pan range it can be approximate 180 degree.When pan, photomoduel 350 can in camera pivot bearings 346 pivotable (such as, see, Figure 16).Will be further described below pan to activate.
In certain embodiments, when the inserting paragraph 14 (see Fig. 3) of endoscope 10 is inserted in target area, oversheath 318 can be rotated on position (not shown).In on position, observing notch 352 can misalignment embrasure opening 344 and head room clearance 338.This can help to protect photomoduel 350 during inserting, and in medical applications, can reduce the risk of damaging tissue after inserting inserting paragraph 14.After the insertion, oversheath 318 can be rotated to backward and observe the position that notch 352 aims at embrasure opening 344 and head room clearance 338, make full visual range be effective again.
In certain embodiments, lid or window material can cover or be placed in the opening limiting and observe notch 352 and embrasure opening 344 to protect photomoduel 350.In certain embodiments, oversheath 318 and the distal side edge of observing notch 352 can be embrasures, circle, bevelled etc. to help prevent the infringement that may be due to and have sharp edges.
In the exemplary embodiment, lid or window is not used.This layout provides multiple benefit.Such as, do not use lid or window by the end in inserting paragraph 14, the cost of endoscope can reduce, because do not use damage resistant and the high-abrasive material of the costliness of such as sapphire, special glass etc.Do not have to cover or window can also eliminate any less desirable reflection on surface from lid or window, this reflection also can affect the clarity of the arbitrary image taken by camera in addition.And, by not using lid or window, can be undertaken by the conduit of the inner sheath 312 (see Figure 15) of endoscope 10 lavation of target area.This makes the overall diameter of inserting paragraph 14 will keep very little and maintains lavation capacity simultaneously.In addition, the lavation stream in inner sheath 312 can help any residue or material to remove from photomoduel 350 and one or more lens that are associated arbitrarily/clean.In one example, user can carry out lavation photomoduel 350 effectively by the camera lens of mobile camera assembly 350 during lavation, lavation stream is made to clean the lens subassembly 354 (such as, see, Figure 122) of photomoduel 350 and residue or unwanted material be taken away.As additional benefits, imageing sensor that lavation stream can also contribute to making to be associated with photomoduel 350 380 (see, such as, Figure 61) cooling.
As shown, the size of embrasure opening 344 and observation notch 352 can be suitable for protecting photomoduel 350, and without the need to lid or window.In example embodiment in Figure 19, embrasure opening 344 and observation notch 352 partly surround from the recessed photomoduel 350 of the outer surface formed by embrasure opening 344 and observation notch 352.Therefore, embrasure opening 344 and observation notch 352 limit the edge of the preventer of photomoduel 350.Local surrounds the movable part helping protection photomoduel 350 and the parts (such as control cables, cable, information cable etc.) be associated arbitrarily during inserting paragraph being inserted in target area or between the operating period of instrument (once in target area) contacts with external object.Embrasure opening 344 and observe notch 352 for photomoduel 350 unrestricted visual field is provided, and the only fraction of photomoduel 350 is exposed to the infringement of the object (such as, such as, medical apparatus and instruments, such as Cutting instrument for cervical intervertebral disc hyperplasia) from inserting paragraph outside.This assists in ensuring that photomoduel 350 is without prejudice during inserting or at intra-operative.
Along with photomoduel 350 rotates, the distance between photomoduel 350 and oversheath 318 will change.Therefore, the amount that oversheath 318 drops in the visual field of photomoduel 350 also will change.Distance from photomoduel 350 to inner sheath 318 is larger, and oversheath 318 is by larger for the amount in the visual field of photomoduel 350.Therefore, while still providing photomoduel 350 and unrestricted visual field, optimised protective number can obtain by changing the width observing notch 352.
Figure 20 describes the alternative assembled view (in Fig. 3, the best illustrates) of the end of inserting paragraph 14, wherein, observes notch 352 and has different width.Observe the change width of notch 352, make in the random angle orientation of photomoduel 350, observe notch 352 just in the outside of the visual field of photomoduel 350.This allows the encirclement greatly of oversheath 318 pairs of photomoduels 350.
Figure 21 describes another alternate embodiment of the end of inserting paragraph 14 (in Fig. 3, the best illustrates), and the multiple openings 353 separated by bar 351 are included in end, replaces the observation notch 352 shown in Figure 20.This layout can provide the supplementary protection to photomoduel 350.In order to minimize the amount that bar 351 makes the visual field of photomoduel 350 fuzzy, bar 351 can be made up of transparent material.In other embodiments, bar 351 can be made up of opaque material (such as, identical with the material of oversheath 318 material).
Alternatively, partly cover observe notch 352 (see Figure 20) or the lid component (not shown) of one or more opening 353 (see Figure 21) can be installed to inserting paragraph 14 distal end (see, such as, Fig. 1).This lid component can be such as caged thing, and it allows for the visual field that photomoduel 350 provides roughly transparent, simultaneously for photomoduel 350 provides supplementary protection.In certain embodiments, lid component can comprise optically transparent local complexity part.
Photomoduel 350 illustrates with discrete form in fig. 22.As shown, flexible cable 250 to be connected in photomoduel 350 and electric power and data communication path can be provided to photomoduel 350 and to provide electric power and data communication path from photomoduel 350.Photomoduel 350 can be the structure suitable being arbitrarily configured to the camera supporting endoscope 10.Can by pan embodiment at photomoduel 350, photomoduel 350 can comprise pivoted actuator attachment structure.
As shown, photomoduel 350 can comprise lens subassembly 354.As shown, lens subassembly 354 can remain in position suitable between 358 bottom camera case top 356 and camera case.When assembling, bottom camera case top 356 and camera case, 358 can be linked together by the means of any appropriate, and the means of described any appropriate are such as, but not limited to the press-fit etc. of glue, binding agent, ultrasonic bonding, cooperative structures.In example embodiment in fig. 22, lens subassembly 354 projects through the lens openings 360 in camera case top 356, makes it can have the transparent view in targeted anatomic region.In certain embodiments, can the protruding from camera case top 356 at least partially of lens subassembly 354.
Camera case top 356 can comprise other space multiple.In exemplary embodiment in fig. 22, camera case top 356 comprise be arranged in lens openings 360 left and right side (relative to Figure 22) on two elongated light projection spaces 362, space 362 is designed to receive the final element (or alternatively other light source of the such as LED) of optical fiber as one man can be projected light onto on target area by the direction aimed at camera gun or lens subassembly 354.In the illustrated example, right elongated spaces 362 is trapezoidal in shape, and left elongated spaces 362 is rhomboidal in shape.In alternative embodiments, the shape in space 362 can be different, and such as, both can be ovate.In alternative embodiments, additional clearance 362 may be there is.Such as, in certain embodiments, may exist with three spaces 362 arranged around the triangular arrangement of lens openings 360.In certain embodiments, may exist with around the rectangle of lens openings 360, four spaces 362 of square, circular or oval deployment arrangements.
One or more light sources of endoscope 10 can be included in endoscope 10 at least in part.One or more light source can illuminate the visual field of the camera of photomoduel 350, and does not consider its pan position.In certain embodiments, light source can in photomoduel 350.In example embodiment in fig. 22, light source is many optical fiberss (such as, optical fiber) 364, and it can transmit the light of the illumination component (not shown) from endoscope 10 outside.Optical fiber 364 can be laid and is connected in the space 362 in camera case top 356.In the exemplary embodiment, 28 optical fiber 364 are routed in the space 362 at camera case top 356.In alternative embodiments, the quantity of optical fiber 364 can be different.The luminous end of optical fiber 364 can roughly with the either flush at camera case top 356.In certain embodiments, other light source of such as LED can be used.Optical fiber 364 or other light source can be configured to the color or the light intensity that provide any desired with predetermined light projectional angle.
As shown in the example embodiment in Figure 22, photomoduel 350 can comprise pivotal pin 366.Pivotal pin 366 can be connected to the pivot pin bearing 346 (see Figure 16) in photomoduel housing 330 pivotly.Pivotal pin 366 can roughly vertically be given prominence to from the long axis of inserting paragraph.Pivotal pin 366 can allow photomoduel 350 and optical fiber 364 (or other light source) pivotable in tandem each other.
Photomoduel 350 can also comprise pivoted actuator attachment structure as above.In example embodiment in fig. 22, photomoduel 350 comprises 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 will be discussed below further.
As mentioned above, endoscope 10 can also comprise pivoted actuator or actuator.Pivoted actuator can be used to the slender member pushing away through pivotal attachment structure at photomoduel 350 or draw.In the example shown, pivoted actuator major part is trailing cable or draught line, but these examples should not be interpreted as pivoted actuator to be strictly limited to cable shape structure.Slender member can be flexible or roughly rigidity.Slender member can be circular (as in the example of cable), smooth, maybe can have other shape or cross section arbitrarily.In certain embodiments, pivoted actuator can be the band laid around cooperation attachment structure, and cooperation attachment structure engages with the structural friction in the inner circumferential of band or otherwise engages.In a preferred embodiment, pivoted actuator can be used to only provide pulling force.This layout allows less diameter inserting paragraph 14 (see Fig. 3), because pivoted actuator needs not to be fully thick or cross section strengthen or be limited in supporting track, to prevent in response to the substantial transverse displacement of the thrust against pivoted actuator in inserting paragraph 14.Draught line or trailing cable device also allow to use wider material in configuration pivoted actuator, because material only needs to have tensile strength, but not compression stiffness.
As shown in figure 23, pan cable can be attached to the photomoduel 350 above and below pivotal pin 366.In the exemplary embodiment, in order to illustrated convenience, pan cable is shown as relative relaxation.In operation, one or more pan cable on the side of pivotal pin 366 will be in tensioning state, and the one or more pan cables on the opposite side of pivotal pin 366 will be lax.As detailed above and now in addition with reference to Figure 13, pan cable can in the cable attachment hole 202 (see Figure 13) of proximal attachment to pivotable control structure 100.In certain embodiments, two pan cables can be attached to each cable attachment hole 202.Pan cable can extend from the cable attachment hole 202 pivotal arm 198 and is set to by the one or more apertures 178 in the proximal section 161b of inner sheath base 160 (see Figure 10) by cloth.Therefore, pan cable can extend through in the effectiveness hole 168 of flexible cable 250.Because cable attachment hole 202 is positioned on the opposite side of the pivotal point of pivotal arm 198, so make pivotable control structure 100 pivotable that pan cable attachment can be impelled to relax in cable attachment hole 202 and impel the pan cable being attached to another attachment hole to become tight.By the bat cable attachment that shaken to the photomoduel 350 on the side of pivotal pin 366 and by being associated with another cable attachment hole 202 by the pan cable attachment be associated with a cable attachment hole 202 opposite side to pivotal pin 366, pivotable control structure 100 can be used to photomoduel 350 is optionally rotated.In certain embodiments, driven forward pivotable control structure 100 can make photomoduel 350 pan forward, and pulls back pivotable control structure 100 and can make photomoduel 350 pan backward.In certain embodiments, under all pan cables all may be in tensioning state when assembled.
In a preferred embodiment, only single pan cable can be attached to each cable attachment hole 202 (see Figure 13) in the pivotable control structure 100 of pivotal arm 198.In this kind of embodiment, top pan cable 368 and bottom pan cable 370 may be there is.Top pan cable 368 and bottom pan cable 370 can extend to photomoduel 350 as described above.Top pan cable 368 can be wound around the top cable attachment structure 372 on photomoduel 350, and is back to its original residing identical cable attachment hole 202 on pivotal arm 198 backward.Bottom pan cable 370 can be wound around the bottom cable attachment structure 374 on photomoduel 350, and is back to its original residing identical cable attachment hole 202 backward.Alternately, pan cable lopping can pass through attachment hole 202, and the two ends of cable stop on distally in cable attachment structure.
In the exemplary embodiment, top cable attachment structure 372 (the best illustrates in fig. 22) is included in two holes in camera case top 356.In addition, top cable attachment structure 372 comprises the recess in connection two holes.Top pan cable 368 can in access aperture one, follows recess, and leaves from another two holes, turn back to the cable attachment hole 202 (see Figure 13) in handle.Bottom cable attachment structure 374 (the best illustrates in fig. 22) comprise two attachment point or hook, these two attachment point or hook give prominence to away from bottom camera case 358 opposite side.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 be wound around an attachment point or the hook of bottom cable attachment structure 374, tightens up until the second attachment point of bottom cable attachment structure 374 or hook, turns back to its cable attachment hole 202 on the pivotal arm 198 of handle therefrom.In alternative embodiments, top cable attachment structure 372 and/or bottom cable attachment structure 374 can comprise such as eyelet, skewer, nail etc.
Top pan cable 368 and bottom pan cable 370 can by cable suitable arbitrarily or filamentary material manufactures, or metal or synthetic polymer, or braiding or ultimate fibre line.Top pan cable 368 and bottom pan cable 370 can be such as the metal of lateral flexibility or plastic strip or band.In a preferred embodiment, top pan cable 368 and bottom pan cable 370 are by the material manufacture of stretch-proof in a tensioned state.Single pan cable is wrapped in (see Figure 13) on pivotal arm 198 from each cable attachment hole 202 around the pivoted actuator attachment structure photomoduel 350 expect, because it is guaranteed, pan cable laying is in identical tensioning state with pan cable from the side that photomoduel 350 returns to the side of photomoduel 350; In time or use by the two halves of cable, there is identical impact on any stretching of the some parts of cable.
In a preferred embodiment, one during top pan cable 368 can be applied on each inwall of photomoduel base 330 cable leading guide hole 348.As shown in figure 23, top pan cable 368 is threaded through one in cable leading guide hole 348, and continues along the outside of photomoduel housing 330 towards photomoduel 350 to extend.In certain embodiments, the path of taking along top pan cable 368 may be there is and be recessed into depression in the outside of photomoduel housing 330 or groove.In this kind of embodiment, depression or groove can serve as guide portion.Depression or groove also may contribute to guaranteeing, top pan cable 368 roughly with the flush with outer surface of photomoduel housing 330.This can contribute to guaranteeing, between the operating period to the endoscope 10 of assembling completely, oversheath 318 (see Figure 19) does not impinge upon and top pan cable 368 weakens it moves.
As shown in figure 23, top pan cable 368 is tightened up when it reenters the inside of photomoduel housing 330 by constraint notch 349.Then, top pan cable 368 continues top cable attachment structure 372, as described above.One turns back to cable attachment hole 202 (see Figure 13), and top pan cable 368 is just extended to the constraint notch 349 the relative wall (see Figure 16) of photomoduel housing 330 from top cable attachment structure 372.Then, top pan cable 368 along the antetheca of photomoduel housing 330 outer surface and alternatively along the depression in wall or groove continuity.Then, top pan cable 368 reenters the inner space of photomoduel housing 330 and the cable attachment hole 202 advanced to backward in handle, as described earlier.
At the far-end of inserting paragraph, pivoted actuator may suffer restraints to reboot actuator thus relative to the long axis angulation of inserting paragraph or axle at fulcrum or strong point place close to its whole latter end (such as, wire rod or cable) to the connecting portion of pivot assembly.Such as, by making top pan cable 368 by cable leading guide hole 348 and retraining or redirected notch 349, then make it tilt to top cable attachment structure 372 on the opposite side of pivot pin 366, the range of pivot of the increase of pivotable photomoduel 350 can be obtained.Therefore, can make that there is imageing sensor that is predetermined or fixed angles visual field and rotate to allow rotatable visual field, make effective area can be increased to the scope of 180 degree.In other embodiments, imageing sensor can be made to rotate thus realize the viewing area more than 180 degree.As shown in Figure 23, by described such cable of laying, cable is placed in its attachment point 372 with sharper angle of incidence, and therefore allows rotating afterwards greatly of photomoduel 350.
In certain embodiments, and in addition with reference to Figure 24, photomoduel 350 can rotate complete 180 degree or more, because there are two groups of cable leading guide holes 348: one group of lower bullport 348 controls camera case top section, and higher one group of bullport 348 controls section at the bottom of camera case.The rotatable angle of photomoduel 350 is the function of the angle that the terminal portion of pan cable is formed relative to the portions of proximal of pan cable or the longitudinal axis (see Fig. 1) of inserting paragraph (or endoscope shaft) 14.The terminal portion of pan cable is larger relative to the angle of inserting paragraph 14 longitudinal axis when it reenters photomoduel housing 330 outside, then its range of movement that can cause in photomoduel 350 is larger.In a preferred embodiment, photomoduel housing 330 reenter surface or redirected guide portion be oriented to for pan cable terminal portion relative to the long axis of inserting paragraph 14 provide by about 30 degree to the angle in the scope of 90 degree.In other embodiments, the rotary motion scope of photomoduel 350 can be modified, simultaneously by reentering surface to cable or guide portion positions to realize making the angle of the terminal portion of pan cable limit the frictional resistance of pan cable in about 45 degree to the scope of 80 degree.This embodiment as described above only needs any one in a pair complementary cable 368,370 applies pulling force, one in complementary cable distally in inserting paragraph 14 or extreme positions are inclined upwardly to be attached to top cable attachment structure 372, and distally in inserting paragraph 14 of in complementary cable one or extreme positions slope down to corresponding bottom cable attachment structure 374.Adopt this layout, do not need to activate cable side direction or laterally move in the major part of the length of inserting paragraph 14, this allows the inner space in inserting paragraph 14 narrower, helps to minimize its overall diameter.
In certain embodiments, constraint or redirected notch 349 can not be used.The far-end that some embodiments can be used in inserting paragraph is merged into dissimilar constraint in wall or redirected element.In certain embodiments, pulley or eyelet can be used as constriction.Pin, nail, post etc. also can be used as constraint or redirected element.In certain embodiments, bending finger section or forked portion can be formed in the sidewall of photomoduel housing 330.Bending finger section can extend in the inner space of photomoduel housing 330, makes at the inwall of photomoduel housing 330 and the Existential Space between portion that flexes one's fingers.Top pan cable 368 can run through this space, the constraint of the finger section that it is bent.In most embodiments, may it is desirable that, contact point between constriction and cable there is the operation being enough to be minimized in endoscope during to the smoothness of the probability of the friction damage of pan cable or radius of curvature.In some cases, constriction can be coated with the material with low-friction coefficient, such as polytetrafluoroethylene.
In certain embodiments, replace top pan cable 368, bottom pan cable 370 can be similar to that previous description suffers restraints to make in one rotational direction can than the larger range of pivot realizing photomoduel 350 in another direction of rotation.As shown in figure 24, in certain embodiments, bottom pan cable 370 and top pan cable 368 may suffer restraints or be redirected, and allow even larger range of pivot.
In fig. 24, oversheath 318, photomoduel housing 330 and photomoduel 350 are shown.There are two groups of cable leading guide holes 348.One group is arranged on above the longitudinal axis of photomoduel housing 330, and another group is arranged on below the longitudinal axis of photomoduel housing 330.Also there are two constraint notches 349.One in constraint notch 349 is positioned at above the longitudinal axis of photomoduel housing 330, and another is positioned at the below of the longitudinal axis of photomoduel housing 330.
By element will be redirected (such as, recess) be positioned at the pivot axis of photomoduel 350 side on (such as, thereunder), on the opposite side simultaneously terminal of pan cable being attached to the pivot axis being positioned at photomoduel 350 (such as, on certain point on photomoduel above it), the mechanical advantage of the improvement of pan cable can be obtained.
As shown, top pan cable 368 runs through below longitudinal axis one in cable leading guide hole 348, and constraint notch 349 place below longitudinal axis reenters photomoduel housing 330.Then, top pan cable 368 is redirected until top cable attachment structure 372 on photomoduel 350.In fig. 24, bottom pan cable 370 is applied in the cable leading guide hole 348 above the longitudinal axis of photomoduel housing 330.Then, bottom pan cable 370 reenters photomoduel housing 330 by the constraint notch 349 above the longitudinal axis of photomoduel housing 330.Then bottom pan cable 370 is redirected to bottom cable attachment structure 374 downwards.Top pan cable 368 and bottom pan cable 370 can be wound around a part for photomoduel 350, depend on the place that photomoduel 350 has been pivoted to.In fig. 24, bottom pan cable 370 is shown as the part being wound around photomoduel 350.
Band 384 can utilize as pivoted actuator by some embodiments.The embodiment comprised as pivoted actuator band 384 shown in Figure 25.As shown, in the pivot pin 366 of 384 winding photomoduels 350 is with.In certain embodiments, pivot pin 366 can be elongated, and the part of at least one in pivot pin 366 is extended from pivot bearings 346.In this kind of embodiment, band 384 can be this part being wound around pivot pin 366, as shown in figure 25.In certain embodiments, the shape of photomoduel 350 can be different, make band 384 can be wound around photomoduel 350.Such as, photomoduel 350 can be roughly columnar shape.The roughly columnar shape of photomoduel 350 can be coaxial with pivot pin 366.In this kind of embodiment, band 384 can be wound around the circumference of photomoduel 350.
In certain embodiments, 384 surfaces that are wound around are with can be recessed (such as, V-arrangement) relative to the surface being positioned at its side thereon.This can contribute to being kept putting in place by band 384 during operation.In other embodiments, the guide portion of other type arbitrarily can be used.Such as, two of band 384 winding surface thereon can be two walls, and band 384 keeps putting in place by these two walls during operation.
Band 384 can be made up of high friction material, makes when rotating band 384, and band 384 does not slide on the surface that it is wound around.In certain embodiments, band 384 can have rough surface, can be maybe that band tooth grips with auxiliary its or engages the ability of photomoduel pivot pin 366 (it can be gear-driven) rigidly.The pivotable of the wide region of photomoduel 350 can be allowed to the use of band 384, and without the need to being laterally redirected in trailing cable pivoted actuator inserting paragraph 14 with the equal range of movement realizing photomoduel 350.This allows inserting paragraph 14 to be manufactured with less diameter.
In use band 384 and embodiment, band 384 can be configured to be driven (see Figure 13) by the displacement of pivotable control structure 100.In certain embodiments, the pivot 204 that can be wound around pivotable control structure 100 from the opposite end that it is wound around photomoduel 350 of pivot pin 366 or band 384.In this kind of embodiment, the rotation of pivot 204 can rotating band 384.The part be wound around by band 384 of pivot 204 can have relatively large diameter.This may be expect, makes the little pivotal displacement only needing pivot 204 that band 384 is driven relatively large amount.Comprise in the embodiment of tooth at band 384, the tooth of band 384 can cross one another with the gear be positioned on the pivot 204 of pivotable control structure 100.In this kind of embodiment, the rotation of the gear on pivot 204 and pivot 204 can rotating band 384.Along with band 384 is driven, the movement of band 384 will apply driving force on photomoduel 350, impel photomoduel 350 pivotable.
In another layout using one or more pan cable, similar range of pivot can be obtained, and without the need to being laid arbitrarily pan cable by the various structures be included in photomoduel base 330.This may be expect, because it can allow the diameter of inserting paragraph 14 (see Fig. 1) will be made less.In addition, the photomoduel base 330 of this embodiment will not require any fenestration (such as, the cable leading guide hole 348 of Figure 16) or redirected element/constriction (such as, the constraint notch 349 of Figure 16), therefore, the manufacture of photomoduel base is simplified.This embodiment such as can be used in the photomoduel base 330 shown in example embodiment and the inner sheath 312 of Figure 17.
In such an embodiment, photomoduel 350 can comprise one or more coiling structure or surface 1400.Coiling structure is configured to the terminal portion being wound around pan cable around the housing of photomoduel at least in part.The connection of the terminal of pan cable or attachment point can be positioned on the photomoduel housing in coiling structure distally.Coiling structure preferably has bending recessed surfaces a little, and this bending recessed surfaces a little partially or completely can be wound around a part for photomoduel housing.Therefore, in embodiments, pan cable can only partly or in around one or more closed circuits of housing be wound around around housing.Longer coiling structure provides rotating range more widely for photomoduel.Between period of energization, the pan cable be associated can be wound around coiling structure 1400 or twine from coiling structure 1400 solution.Coiling structure 1400 can increase the range of pivot of photomoduel 350.Coiling structure 1400 can allow during rotation more consistent moment of torsion to be applied to photomoduel 350.Coiling structure 1400 can be configured to produce moment arm that is that expect or different length.In addition, coiling structure 1400 is positioned to separate with the rotation axis radial direction of photomoduel to help pan cable more effectively to produce rotation torque.
The progress of Figure 26-30 illustrates the photomoduel 350 comprising the coiling structure 1400 be in multiple position of rotation conceptually.As shown, coiling structure 1400 can comprise arcuate section and straight line portion.Arcuate section is formed as making it have the radius of curvature extended from the pivot axis of photomoduel 350.The straight line portion of coiling structure 1400 tilts for making it serve as moment of torsion increase structure.In addition, the straight line portion of coiling structure 1400 allows camera case 355 manufactured by more materials (originally needing to remove other to connect bow-shaped section) and therefore increase the structural intergrity of camera case 355.This to be designed to be assemblied in little space at photomoduel 350 and therefore must to be manufactured with in the embodiment of very little shape factor may be particular importance.
As shown in figure 26, top pan cable 368 can be wound around coiling structure 1400.Pivot axis around photomoduel 350 is produced moment of torsion by the pulling force applied by top pan cable 368, impels photomoduel 350 to be rotated in a clockwise direction.In addition, the straight line portion of coiling structure 1400 produces longer moment arm, therefore increases the moment of torsion produced for given pulling force amount.
Because photomoduel 350 rotates to the position shown in Figure 27, so top pan cable 368 starts to twine from coiling structure 1400 solution.With putting forth effort to continue to be applied in and photomoduel continuation rotation, continuation twines from coiling structure solution by top pan cable 368, as shown in Figure 28.When solution twines fully, the point that top pan cable 368 leaves coiling structure 1400 will be positioned at (as shown in Figure 27 and Figure 28 two figure) on the bow-shaped section of coiling structure 1400.In an embodiment, on the bow-shaped section of coiling structure 1400 a little can be positioned to from the equal distance of pivot axis.
In the exemplary embodiment, along with pulling force continues to be applied by top pan cable 368, continuation rotates till top pan cable 368 no longer contacts the surface of coiling structure 1400 by photomoduel 350, as shown in figure 29.Therefore, photomoduel 350 can continue to rotate until the pulling force of top pan cable 368 is close to the rotation axis coincident with photomoduel.Describe this position in fig. 30.As will be determined by the skilled person understood, pan cable can be wound around coiling structure 1400 one or many to increase the rotation amount using pan cable to produce.The degree of the contact surface on pan cable winding photomoduel allows the rotating range of photomoduel more than 90 degree.Therefore the degree of rotation of photomoduel will only be subject to attached electronics flexible cable and/or the slack of fibre bundle and the restriction of motility.
In an embodiment, pan cable and coiling surface are arranged to allow photomoduel to rotate to position between about 90 degree to about 120 degree of the long axis of distal scope axle, are oriented at least in part on the direction of the near-end of endoscope shaft in the camera lens face of photomoduel.In this position, any residue in camera lens face or other pollutant can be fallen by the lavation fluid flushing of advancing in endoscope shaft distally.
In order to make photomoduel 350 rotate to position Figure 30 from its position in fig. 30, pulling force can be applied through bottom pan cable 370.In certain embodiments, bottom pan cable 370 also can be associated with coiling structure.Such as, bottom pan cable 370 turning of photomoduel 350 that can be wound around or edge can be circular.
Figure 31-32 describes the top perspective comprising the particular example embodiment of the photomoduel 350 of coiling structure 1400.Photomoduel 350 comprises lens subassembly 354.It is inner that lens subassembly 354 is disposed in camera case 355.Coiling structure 1400 can be recessed in the side of camera case 355, as shown in the figure.In the exemplary embodiment, coiling structure 1400 comprises arcuate section and straight line portion.The arcuate section of coiling structure 1400 is shaped so that it has the radius of curvature extended from the center of pivotal pin 366 or pivot axis.
As in Figure 31, the best illustrates, coiling structure 1400 wall be recessed into wherein can comprise the first space 1402.Camera case 355 can also comprise Second gap 1404.Second gap 1404 can through the bottom surface of the end face of camera case 355 to camera case 355.
As shown, only single pan cable 1406 can be used.Pan cable 1406 can both the first space 1402 in extend through camera case 355 and Second gap 1404.One end of pan cable 1406 can be attached to the cable attachment hole 202 (see Figure 13) on pivotal arm 198.The other end of pan cable 1406 can be attached to another cable attachment hole 202 on pivotal arm 198.In certain embodiments, pan cable 1406 can be fixedly attached to camera case 355 at one or more somes places.Such as, the binding agent of glue can be placed in space 1402 or 1404.This can guarantee, between period of energization, pan cable 1406 does not slide or moves on the surface of camera case 355.In addition, in certain embodiments, pan cable 1406 can be tied a knot in one or more position.Such as, can by a supply pan cable 1406 in space 1402 or 1404, knotting, then by another supply in space 1402 or 1404.Preferably, the width of knot can be fully wide thus be not suitable for by any one in space 1402 or 1404.In addition, this knot can contribute to keeping pan cable 1406 slide on the surface of camera case 355 between period of energization or move.
If those skilled in the art is by comprehension, the embodiment shown in Figure 31-32 easily can be modified as use two pan cables.In the first space 1402 or in the position in the first space 1402, a pan cable can stop and be fixedly attached to camera case 355.In Second gap 1404 or in the position of Second gap 1404, the second pan cable can stop and be fixedly attached to camera case 355.
In other embodiments, pivoted actuator can be the bracket that rack and pinion is arranged.In this kind of embodiment, the pivotal pin 366 of photomoduel 350 can comprise teeth portion.The teeth portion of pivotal pin 366 can be the pinion crossed one another with the bracket of pivoted actuator.Along with bracket is longitudinally shifted in inserting paragraph 14, this motion is converted into the rotation of photomoduel 350 through the band tooth pinion part of pivotal pin 366.Although this embodiment does not depend on the pulling force making photomoduel 350 rotate individually, pivoted actuator does not still need the transverse shift of actuator in inserting paragraph 14.Plug-type carrier types actuator may still need some features (such as, rigidity, thickness) or can in addition restrained in orbit with the transverse direction during preventing applying compression stress on bracket or side to edgewise bend.
Now referring back to Figure 13, pivotable control structure 100 can " be stopped " in the ratchet limited by the spine 94 in the slide glass button recesses 92 of handle bossing 34.In certain embodiments, spine 94 can be spaced, and makes the ratchet that formed by spine 94 can be directed consistent with the specific angle of photomoduel 350.In certain embodiments, the ratchet formed by spine 94 can be spaced, and makes their position correspond to the specific angle increment (such as, 30 degree) of photomoduel 350.
As mentioned above (see Fig. 6), handle distal segment 30 can be rotatable relative to handle proximal section 16.This rotation also will impel the longitudinal axis of inserting paragraph 14 also to rotate.And then photomoduel 350 can rotate with inserting paragraph 14.This can allow user to obtain the nearly global view of the anatomic region discussed, and does not occur the angle reorientation of endoscope 10 as far as possible.User may only need translation photomoduel 350 and make handle distal segment 30 rotate the visual field to obtain expectation in anatomic region relative to handle proximal section 16.
To optical fiber--such as, optical fiber 364--repeats twist and warping and bending may cause breaking or fault of one or more fiber.In the example of optical fiber 364, this causes light and illumination loss, suffers damage along with more optical fiber 364 becomes, and light and illumination loss increase.This bending may occur in the case where there: optical fiber 364 stops and is attached or is fused to a part for pivotable photomoduel 350, as described above.If endoscope 10 is designed to be disposable, then the integrity of optical fiber 364 or any decline of aspect of performance may at allowing in restriction for the life expectancy of instrument.Therefore, in certain embodiments, optical fiber 364 can be attached or be fused to pivotable photomoduel 350, worries minimum to optical fiber 364 destruction and final light loss.In certain embodiments, the terminal illumination device, optical projection component or the luminous organ that are associated with optical fiber 364 can advantageously be installed to photomoduel 350 not consider the visual field place projection light that the lens subassembly 354 of what target or photomoduel 350 has rotated or moved to.This layout 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, and do not consider that in 350 of photomoduel photomoduel 350 rotated to can pan range where.
In certain embodiments, illuminator can comprise light guide portion or light pipe 375.In certain embodiments, optical fiber 364 can comprise along the light guide portion at least partially in the path of illuminator or light pipe 375 (such as, see, Figure 33).Term " light guide portion " and " light pipe " use in this article convertibly.When optical fiber is relatively straight, light loss is relatively little, because light is shallow to being enough to promote the nearly total reflection in optical fiber at intrastitial angle of incidence.But, make fibre-optical bending can be changed to the angle of incidence of following point: at this some place, it is possible that light transmits from fiber.But light pipe or the bending of guide portion may be controlled.For this reason, when feasible, make can to contribute to by light guide portion 375 light loss minimized in the illuminator comprising optical fibers 364 maybe optical fiber can be changed together.Light guide portion 375 can also provide other benefit multinomial.Such as, light guide portion 375 can be assisted assembling and be shortened the installation time of device.The light guide portion of light guide portion 375 can be type described herein can be maybe suitable type arbitrarily known to those skilled in the art.
Figure 33 illustrates the example embodiment of the endoscope 10 utilizing light pipe 375.The light pipe 375 of two larger diameters along one or more snippets extension (see Figure 16) of the wall of inner sheath 312 to photomoduel housing 330, then can bend or bends in photomoduel pivot bearings 346.The bending section of each light pipe 375 can be coated with high reflection material 376 to be minimized in the loss from light pipe 375 light out when light pipe 375 changes direction.High reflection material 376 suitable arbitrarily known to those skilled in the art can be used.In this kind of embodiment, photomoduel 350 can also have built-in camera assembly light pipe 377, and built-in camera assembly light pipe 377 is formed in in the fluidic junction of the light pipe 375 at pivot bearings 346 place.The light carried by light pipe 375 can be transferred at fluidic junction photomoduel light pipe 377.Photomoduel light pipe 377 can extend in photomoduel 350 from each pivotal pin 366.Photomoduel light pipe 377 stops in light projection space 362, the visual field of photomoduel 350 will be illuminated, and not consider the position of rotation of camera and lens subassembly.In such an embodiment, any bending section taked by photomoduel light pipe 377 can be coated with high reflection material 376, as described above.In certain embodiments, in the other parts of light pipe 375 and photomoduel light pipe 377, except the bending section of light pipe 375 and photomoduel light pipe 377, high reflection material 376 can be comprised.
Producing that the light pipe consistent with the pivot region of photomoduel 350 save may be expect, because it avoids the bending or stranded of optical fiber 364, when making photomoduel 350 rotate, eliminates the risk of infringement optical fiber 364.This design can be suitable for using in reusable or disposable endoscope 10.This layout 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 roughly extend along the path of flexible cable 250.The end nearest from inner sheath base 160 of light pipe 375 can be formed with the fluidic junction of optical fiber 364 or be arranged to suck in the light from another light source.The end nearest from photomoduel 350 of light pipe 375 also can form the fluidic junction with the illuminated fibres 364 extending to photomoduel 350.
In certain embodiments, optical fiber 364 can be arranged to form flexible-belt 1000 to photomoduel 350, with minimum bend or only one dimension bend to produce and can be terminated to linear fibre array in optical projection component (such as, see, Figure 34).Alternately, in certain embodiments, flexible-belt 1000 needs not to be linear fibre array, for and can be the single strip-shaped flexible part of light-guide material.In certain embodiments, two flexible-belts 1000 may be there are, one in each light projection space 362 extended in photomoduel 350.In certain embodiments, flexible-belt 1000 can be coated with reflecting material 376 to maximize the light quantity at photomoduel 350 place.In certain embodiments, flexible-belt 1000 can form fluidic junction with light pipe.
In certain embodiments, camera case top 356 can comprise the light pipe material of serving as optical projection component or illumination apparatus.In this case, light can from the major part at camera case top 356 and in the visual field of photomoduel 350.In certain embodiments, some regions at camera case top 356 may be dimmed or masked, makes district or the region of the expectation of light only from camera case top 356.In certain embodiments, some regions at camera case top 356 can be coated with high reflection material 376 to prevent the unwanted luminescence from those regions.
Figure 34 illustrates that optical fiber 364 is merged into the embodiment in flexible-belt 1000, and flexible-belt 1000 can be coated with high reflection material 376 alternatively.As shown, flexible-belt 1000 extends to photomoduel 350.Flexible-belt 1000 can be pressed onto in photomoduel 350 by super model, is fused to, or is otherwise connected to photomoduel 350 with photomoduel 350.
In the example embodiment of Figure 34, photomoduel 350 comprises monolithic camera case 1002.Example monolithic camera case 1002 without attachment flexible-belt 1000 illustrates in greater detail in Figure 35.In the exemplary embodiment, monolithic camera case 1002 is by light pipe or transferring material manufacture and as optical projection component.In the exemplary embodiment, monolithic camera case 1002 almost can be coated with high reflection material 376 completely to maximize from the non-coated of monolithic camera case 1002 or the light output of non-masking regional.Light projection or illumination surface 1004 have and are suitable for camera lens and image sensor module to be adjacent to be placed on the shape on monolithic camera case 1002, and light projection or illumination surface 1004 can be configured by masking regional during the applying of high reflection material (or alternately simple black mask) 376.In the exemplary embodiment, light projection surface 1004 has the shape of ring.In other embodiments, light projection surface 1004 meniscate, semicircular, maybe can have other shape expected arbitrarily.Light can from the light projection surface 1004 of monolithic camera case 1002 to illuminate the visual field of lens subassembly 354.As in the above-described embodiments, field of illumination preferably with photomoduel 350 pivotable, always guarantee that the visual field of lens subassembly 354 is illuminated.
Figure 36 illustrates another example embodiment of monolithic camera case 1002.As shown in outline form, monolithic camera case 1002 comprises shaft coupling recess 1006.Connecting recess 1006 can allow flexible-belt 1000 to be suitably coupled in monolithic camera case 1002.In certain embodiments, connecting recess 1006 can allow flexible-belt 1000 to be connected to--such as, through being clasped--and in monolithic photomoduel 1002.In certain embodiments, connect recess 1006 and can receive the optical fiber 364 be not formed in flexible-belt 1000.Be similar to Figure 35, in Figure 36, monolithic camera case 1002 can be used as optical projection component.Monolithic camera case 1002 can also similarly coated and/or masked be relative to Figure 35 describe monolithic camera case 1002.
Figure 37 and Figure 38 illustrates that optical projection component 1005 is incorporated in the embodiment in the end of flexible-belt 1000.Optical projection component 1005 can be formed by light pipe material, in certain embodiments, and the shape of optical projection component 1005 can be one group of fibre fusion to the mode being suitable for expecting the project light from fibre bundle or flexible-belt 1000.In certain embodiments, optical projection component 1005 and flexible-belt 1000 can be that (such as, by heating or passing through chemical means) is fused to the separate part of together two.In other embodiments, the band 1000 of optical projection component 1005 and flexible optical fibre can be single molding section.In certain embodiments, optical projection component 1005 can produce relative to such described by Figure 47-60.
Still with reference to Figure 37 and 38, flexible-belt 1000 can be coated with high reflection material 376.The diapire of optical projection component 1005 and sidewall can also be coated with high reflection material 376.This can guarantee, light is only from the non-coated top of optical projection component 1005 and in the visual field of lens subassembly 354.As shown in Figure 38, optical projection component 1005 or flexible-belt 1000 can comprise draw bail 1008.Draw bail 1008 can allow optical projection component 1005 and flexible-belt 1000 to be connected on photomoduel 350 or in photomoduel 350.Draw bail 1008 can be the integrated part of optical projection component 1005.
Figure 39 and Figure 40 describes two example embodiment comprising the flexible-belt 1000 of optical projection component 1005, and optical projection component 1005 can be formed by light pipe material.Optical projection component 1005 in Figure 39 has tubular shape substantially, and the optical projection component 1005 in Figure 40 is crescent shape substantially, and can select other shape as required.In the example embodiment of Figure 39 and Figure 40, the only uncoated high reflection material 376 of the top surface of optical projection component 1005.
Optical projection component 1005 can comprise one or more texture 1010, and described one or more texture 1010 contributes to guiding the light from optical projection component 1005.In certain embodiments, texture 1010 can be comprised or some textures 1010 are issued in a diffuse way to impel light.Texture 1010 or some textures 1010 can such as be produced in the molded period of optical projection component 1005, or alternately, the light pipe material forming optical projection component 1005 can comprise packing material, and packing material impels light in a diffuse way from optical projection component 1005.
Figure 41 and Figure 42 describes top and the 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 comprises draw bail 1008, as shown in the bottom perspective view in Figure 42.Draw bail 1008 in Figure 42 is integrated parts of optical projection component 1005.In the exemplary embodiment, draw bail 1008 is lug or shelf.Lug draw bail 1008 can contribute to optical projection component 1005 being located and/or being aligned on another parts (such as, photomoduel 350).In addition, in certain embodiments, along lug draw bail 1008, binding agent or glue can be placed that optical projection component 1005 is fixed to another parts--such as, and photomoduel 350.Optical projection component 1005 is shown as the example photomoduel 350 be attached in Figure 46.
Optical projection component 1005 shown in Figure 41-42 does not comprise high reflection coating or material 376 (such as, see, Figure 37).Can increase and minimize or maximize the total internal reflection of the light entered in undesirably luminous optical projection component 1005 by the size of optical projection component 1005 is decided to be the needs of this high reflection coating or material 376.This can by guaranteeing that bending section or bending section have large radius to realize arbitrarily in the undesirably luminous region of optical projection component 1005.In addition, this can make the varied in thickness throughout optical projection component 1005 not cause the change of the angle of incidence of light in optical projection component 1005 (this will make angle of incidence be less than critical angle) by the size of optical projection component 1005 being decided to be.May expect, the thickness of optical projection component 1005 does not drop to the thickness being less than optical fiber attached by optical projection component 1005 or flexible-belt.May also expect, the surface of optical projection component 1005 is smooth in undesirably luminous region.
Multiple cross sections of the optical projection component 1005 described in Figure 43, Figure 44 and Figure 45 depiction 41-42.Cross section is intercepted at line 43-43,44-44 and 45-45 place of Figure 41 respectively.As shown, the light entering optical projection component 1005 must across the first bending section 1300 and the second bending section 1302 before sending from the top surface of optical projection component 1005.As shown in Figure 43-45, optical projection component 1005 can be shaped as and makes the radius of these bending sections depend on the plane of optical projection component 1005 and change.The radius of each in these bending sections 1300 and 1302 can increase as far as possible gradually in given plane through being chosen as in free space.In addition, as shown in the figure, the thickness of optical projection component 1005 keeps constant substantially.This guarantees, the change of the incident angle caused due to varied in thickness is minimized.
The optical projection component 1005 illustrated relative to Figure 41-45 and describe is attached to the example photomoduel 350 in Figure 46.As shown, optical projection component 1005 is arranged such that it projects light onto key lighting field (due to radiative diffusion and reflection, surrounding zone around this key lighting field also can be illuminated), this key lighting field is roughly consistent with the visual field of lens subassembly 354.
Figure 47-60 describes the process being connected to the optical projection component of one or more optical fiber of size and shape for generation of expecting and multiple example apparatus in detail.This process may be useful in numerous applications.As noted, this process can be used to produce the optical projection component for endoscopic instrument or other medical apparatus and instruments.The optical projection component produced through this process can also be used in any one in various imaging applications.This process also may be useful for producing optical projection component or produce the optical projection component applied for other in other article.
Due to multiple reason, may be favourable relative to the process described by Figure 47-60.In the middle of these reasons, this process allows the optical projection component slightly larger than material cost of the required size and shape of configuration.Also allow to there is not mechanical breaking between one or more optical fiber and optical projection component.This can help avoid the light loss that may introduce at fluidic junction place in addition.It avoids the needs of the laying consuming time to independent optical fiber.This process allow the optical projection component being optimized for maximum light output easily can repeat produce.In addition, in the middle of other advantage, the multiple independent fiber of this process permission is brought to or is deployed to the shape that then a position is formed as the optical projection component expected.Therefore, the size of final optical projection component can make it be greater than any restriction in wiring path.
Figure 47-50 description flexible plastic fibre bundle or the molded exemplary light projection element of band 1000 or emitter 2005, exemplary light projection element or emitter 2005 are fused to or are attached to the instantiation procedure of flexible plastic fibre bundle or band 1000.Especially, if be molded with flexible plastic fibre bundle, then luminous organ comprises the solid transparent plasticity illuminated component of flexible optical fibre bundle, and this illuminated component is shaped in a predefined manner according to being selected for the moulding form producing it.In this case, emitter can be regarded as passive luminous organ, because it guides and launches the light of the near-end being derived from fibre bundle.Except other material, the example of plastic optical fiber material can comprise acrylic acid or Merlon.Flexible optical fibre band 1000 shown in Figure 47.The independent optical fiber 364 comprising flexible-belt 1000 shown in Figure 47.One end of flexible-belt 1000 can by around, until the end of optical fiber 364 backward by till on themselves, as shown in figure 48.Therefore, the lopping end of flexible-belt 1000 can use such as compression molding make the functional configurations of expectation and formed and be fused into optical projection component or luminous organ 2005.Preferably, allow to form optical projection component 2005 to looping of optical fiber 364 in the end of flexible optical fibre band 1000, and do not produce any internal voids in forming element.Alternately, the end of various optical fiber 364 can be fused into the blank of enough materials before final molding process, to form the optical projection component 2005 of expectation.Some optical projection components 2005 may not need this fusing or loop, as long as there is enough materials to form optical projection component 2005.Optical projection component 2005 just can be formed by the combination of mode suitable arbitrarily or mode, and described mode is moulding process, compression molded, punching press/die cutting process, RF heating process etc. such as.
In certain embodiments, top type structure 1052a (see Figure 51) can comprise axle etc. to promote looping to optical fiber 364.In addition, in particular embodiments, optical fiber 364 such as can be wound around axle on photomoduel 350 (such as, see, Figure 22), then molding and be fused into optical projection component 2005.In this kind of embodiment, a part for final products, in this case, photomoduel 350 (such as, see, Figure 22) therefore can serve as one in type structure 1052a, b of Figure 51.In other applications, one or more in type structure 1052a, b can be another parts of the assembly of final products.In the example embodiment described in Figure 47-50, type structure 1020 can comprise force or pin member and connect model or chamber.
Figure 49 illustrates flexible optical fibre band 1000 and is formed as the side view of annular of optical fiber 364 of optical projection component or emitter 2005.As shown in the example in Figure 49, optical projection component 2005 is formed by impression/punching course, in impression/punching course, between two type structures 1020, applies pressure.Figure 50 illustrates complete flexible-belt 1000, and wherein, the annular of optical fiber 364 has been formed and has been fused into optical projection component or emitter 2005.Mechanical breaking is there is not between flexible-belt 1000 and optical projection component 2005.Robustness and integrity should be provided for assembly, also be allowed for effective light transmission simultaneously.As shown, optical projection component 2005 is configured as ring, but can form any shape that other is expected of lens element luminous organ being positioned adjacent to photomoduel by this way.Therefore, in certain embodiments, the selectivity part of flexible optical fibre band 1000 and/or optical projection component 2005 can be coated with or shelter high reflection material 376 (as described, such as, relative to Figure 33-40).In certain embodiments, after optical projection component 2005 has been formed, texture 1010 or multiple texture 1010 can be added to optical projection component 2005.As mentioned above, optical projection component 2005 can be formed and make it comprise draw bail 1008 (such as, see, Figure 38).In addition, in certain embodiments, before formation optical projection component 2005, packing material can be placed in one or two type structure 1020.
Figure 51 describes the example block diagram that can be used to the equipment 1050 producing optical projection component or luminous organ.In example in Figure 51, optical projection component can by melting one or more optical fiber 364 and producing.In Figure 51, as in such as compression molded, the optical projection component of expectation will be fused to together with fiber 364 by the combination of heating and pressure.Alternately, fiber 364 can pass through chemical process (such as, using solvent) fusing.As shown, equipment 1050 comprises type structure 1052a, b.Equipment 1050 also can comprise the thermal source 1054 with type structure 1052a, b thermal communication.Before, during and/or after being placed on model by fibre bundle, heat can be applied to type structure.Pressure source 1056 can be included in equipment 1050 and can be arranged in type structure 1052a, b on one or two and apply pressure and/or impel type structure 1052a, b to flock together.In addition, cooling source 1058 can be included in equipment 1050.
Cooling source 1058 is configured at least changeover portion cooling the fibre bundle adjacent with the section on model.Therefore, changeover portion comprises part incorporate having and the distal region of the fiber solidified and wherein preserve the more near field of independent flexible fiber.Therefore, changeover portion has the ability with the fixed angles relation of the luminous organ formed that maintains after cooling alternatively.Alternatively, chuck or radiator 1059 can be placed on (one or more) optical fiber 364, close to changeover portion, form optical projection component or emitter simultaneously.
In operation, thermal source 1054 can be used for hot type structure 1052a and/or 1052b.Type structure 1052a, b can be heated to predetermined temperature.Selected temperature can depend on used optical fiber 364 material.The temperature used can through selecting make it be not Tai Gao to such an extent as to burning optical fiber 364 material--or coating arbitrarily on material in some cases, but be enough to the fusing completely impelling fiber optic materials 364.In addition, selected temperature can be enough to the fiber optic materials in type structure 1052a, b is melted, and makes the material near type structure 1052a, b in type structure 1052a, b roughly constant or non-warping.In an embodiment, the temperature range selected crosses over the temperature spot of material fusing.This thermal creep stress may be favourable, remains in equipment 1050 because it shortens material with the time quantum of cooling.In certain embodiments, the temperature used can depend on the thermal energy that cooling source 1058 and/or radiator 1059 can remove.Be in acrylic acid specific embodiment at used optical fiber 364 material, suitable temperature range can between about 270 degrees Fahrenheit to 280 degrees Fahrenheits.
One or more optical fiber 364 can be placed on in type structure 1052b.Therefore, type structure 1052a, b can be got together, and pressure can be applied on type structure 1052a, b.Heat and pressure can impel one or more optical fiber 364 to melt and be fused to the optical projection component as the expectation specified by the shape of type structure 1052a, b and internal feature.In certain embodiments, packing material can also be placed in type structure 1052a, b, make the optical projection component expected melt and be fused to period doping or be impregnated with packing material.
In the embodiment that fiber 364 is fused by chemical process, before or after one or more illuminated fibres 364 being placed on model 1052b, solvent such as can be incorporated in model 1052b.Type structure 1052a, b can be flocked together, and pressure can be applied on type structure 1052a, b.Therefore, the effect of solvent can impel one or more fiber 364 to dissolve and be fused to as the shape specified by type structure 1052a, b.Therefore, one or more fiber 364 can be allowed to solidify before type structure 1052a, b are separated.In the embodiment using solvent, cooling source 1058 and radiator 1059 may be optional.
In certain embodiments, cooling source 1058 can be used to from the undesirably fusing of one or more optical fiber 364/be fused to (such as, near type structure 1052a, b of heating or the transitional region place between optical projection component and one or more fiber unaltered) part to remove heat energy.Radiator 1059 (such as, around the metal sleeve that fibre bundle or band are placed) also can be used to or be used to same side in addition.
Then, type structure 1052a, b can allow cooling.Once type structure 1052a, b are cooled fully, they just can be separated, and can remove optical fiber 364 and the optical projection component be fused to or emitter.In certain embodiments, cooling source 1058 can be used to quick cooling type structure 1052a, b.Cooling type structure 1052a, b allow the optical fiber 364 of fusing to solidify the shape being fused to optical projection component.Preferably, type structure 1052a, b are cooled until optical fiber 364 material is not reheated to be enough to flowing.In certain embodiments, equipment 1050 can comprise displacer (not shown), once type structure 1052a, b is separated, displacer just can 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 suitable thermally-stabilised material.The shape of the optical projection component expected can be cut evil, milling, recessed etc. be become type structure 1052a, b.As above relative to described by Figure 39 and Figure 40, optical projection component can be included in the surface texturizing in illumination surface 1010 and/or structure (such as, draw bail 1008).This veining and structure can be included as cut, milling, the part becoming the shape of type structure 1052a, b such as recessed.
In certain embodiments, thermal source 1054 can be electric.In certain embodiments, type structure 1052a, b can comprise stratie wherein.In certain embodiments, thermal source 1054 can be the one or more heating poles with type structure 1052a, b thermal communication.Also other suitable heating element heater arbitrarily can be used.In addition, thermocouple (not shown) or temperature sensor can be used to provide Temperature Feedback to guarantee that type structure 1052a, b are maintained at the temperature of expectation.The thermal output of thermal source 1054 can be regulated based on the reading from temperature sensor.
Pressure source 1056 can be pressure source suitable arbitrarily.In embodiments, pressure source 1056 can be Manual pressure source, machinery or dynamo-electric pressure source, pneumatic pressure source, hydraulic pressure source etc.
Cooling source 1058 can be cooling source suitable arbitrarily.In embodiments, cooling source 1058 can be one or more optical fiber 364 that fan, compressor etc. are connected to the part that conduit is expected with circulation with guiding cooling air.In certain embodiments, cooling source 1058 can be liquid cools source, such as, around the water jacket of one or more optical fiber 364.
Radiator 1059 can be made up of material suitable arbitrarily and can take shape suitable arbitrarily or form.Preferably, radiator 1059 is made up of the material of the more high melting temperature of the operative temperature than fiber optic materials or equipment 1050.In certain embodiments, chuck or radiator 1059 can also be used for additional object.Such as, radiator 1059 can also be used as guiding elements, and described guiding elements is used for (one or more) optical fiber 364 to constrain in the orientation (such as, flat band) of expectation, forms optical projection component simultaneously.In some embodiments that may not need radiator 1059, still guiding elements can be comprised.This guiding elements may not need the heat dissipation character of radiator 1059.
Referring now to Figure 52 and 53, the particular instance that can be used to the equipment 1050 producing optical projection component of description.As shown, equipment 1050 is similar to the equipment shown in Figure 51.Equipment 1050 comprises retaining element 1060 and mobile or power element 1062.In addition, equipment 1050 can comprise guide portion 1064, and guide portion 1064 accurately retrains the movement of displaceable element 1062.In the example embodiment shown in Figure 52, guide portion 1064 is tracks.Both retaining element 1060 (such as, die cavity) and displaceable element 1062 (such as, force or pin member) all comprise type structure 1052a or 1052b.Type structure 1052a, b are arranged in retaining element 1060 with on the relative surface of displaceable element 1062.When there is suitable heat and pressure, when being flocked together with retaining element 1060 by displaceable element 1062 (see Figure 53), type structure 1052a, b coordinate melting fiber material and form optical projection component by one or more optical fiber be placed in equipment 1050.Figure 54 describes the closely perspective view of type structure (or die cavity) 1052b of retaining element 1060 and type structure (or the force/pin member) 1052a of displaceable element 1062.
Once retaining element 1060 and displaceable element 1062 be flocked together, the pressure (see Figure 51) from pressure source 1056 can be applied to formation with fill-in light projection element or luminous organ on (one or more) optical fiber through type structure 1052a, b.As mentioned above, type structure 1052a, b (and in certain embodiments, the retaining element 1060 that they are attached to and displaceable element 1062) can be heated, as mentioned above.The formation of all right fill-in light projection element of heating.
In addition, the equipment 1050 shown in Figure 52 comprises connection unit 1066.Connection unit 1066 allows displaceable element 1062 to be attached to pressure source 1056 (see Figure 51).In order to promote this connection, the connection unit in Figure 52 comprises 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 that can be used to the equipment 1050 producing optical projection component.As shown, equipment 1050 is similar to the equipment shown in Figure 52-53.Equipment 1050 comprises retaining element 1060 and displaceable element 1062.As in Figure 52 and Figure 53, also comprise guide portion 1064 and comprise the connection unit 1066 of thread spindle 1068.In addition, as in Figure 52 and Figure 53, both retaining element 1060 and displaceable element 1062 all comprise type structure 1052a or 1052b.Type structure 1052a, b are arranged in retaining element 1060 with on the relative surface of displaceable element 1062.When being flocked together with retaining element 1060 by displaceable element 1062 (see Figure 56), type structure 1052a, b coordinate to form optical projection component by one or more optical fiber be placed in equipment 1050.Be included in that the retaining element 1060 in Figure 55-56 and type structure 1052a, the b on displaceable element 1062 be different from shown in Figure 52-53 those.The closely perspective view of the type structure 1052b of the retaining element 1060 in Figure 17,55-56 and the type structure 1052a of displaceable element 1062 is respectively depict in Figure 57 and Figure 58.
The closely perspective view of the type structure 1052b of the retaining element 1060 of Figure 55-56 shown in Figure 59 and the type structure 1052a of displaceable element 1062.In addition, shown in Figure 59 is to result from the exemplary optical projection element 2005 of type structure 1052a, b shown in using.Exemplary optical projection element 2005 in Figure 59 is similar to the optical projection component illustrating relative to Figure 41-46 and describe.
As shown, shown in Figure 59 (and also have Figure 41-46) transition across portion or region 1072.Transition across portion 1072 between optical projection component 2005 and independent optical fiber 364.Owing to being transitioned into the dissipation of the high heat of nearer fibre bundle in the region around optical projection component 2005 along with element 2005, transition may be produced across portion 1072.The little as far as possible transition of the generation that may expect is across portion 1072, because transition may be easily crisp and relatively not too easily curved across portion 1072.As mentioned above, this can have been come by the radiator 1059 that uses (such as, see, Figure 51) and/or cooling source 1058 (such as, see, Figure 51).In the application that optical projection component or emitter 2005 are placed on pivotable or rotary components (such as, the photomoduel 350 in Figure 32), may it is desirable that, be thisly fixedly attached to assembly across portion.This can guarantee, transition across portion 1072 without undergoing too much stress or bending.Alternatively, stress is with bending therefore by being applied to more easily bent independent optical fiber 364, optical projection component 2005 further away from each other, and between the Formation period of optical projection component 2005, the independent optical fiber 364 of described more easily song does not roughly change.
Now in addition with reference to Figure 60, the cross section of the equipment 1050 and optical projection component 2005 intercepted at the line 60-60 place of Figure 59 is shown.One or more in type structure 1052a, b can comprise fiber alignment structure.As shown, the model 1052b of retaining element 1060 comprises fiber alignment incline structure 1070.For multiple reason, this incline structure 1070 may be favourable.Such as, incline structure 1070 can contribute to guaranteeing that optical fiber 364 is transitioned in optical projection component or emitter 2005, and optical projection component or emitter 2005 have the layout, angle, orientation etc. of expectation relative to the illuminated area of formed luminous organ.In the exemplary embodiment, incline structure 1070 is arranged for optical fiber 364 being remained general planar band shape.In addition, incline structure 1070, for retraining optical fiber 364, makes them with the angled transition expected to optical projection component 2005.The final changeover portion of fibre bundle be exposed at least partly fully heat and/or pressure to be frozen into non-flexible material after cooling.
Figure 61 illustrates the sectional view comprising the exemplary camera assembly of lens subassembly 354 that the sectional plane represented at the line 61-61 by Figure 22 intercepts.Lens subassembly 354 is shown as and is incorporated in camera case top 356 and as bottom camera case in fig. 22 between 358.As shown, lens subassembly 354 is oriented to project image onto in the plane of imageing sensor 380.The type of imageing sensor 380 can comprise such as ccd image sensor, cmos image sensor etc.Preferably, imageing sensor 380 can be incorporated in the seal section of photomoduel 350 in case fluid exposes.In disposable endoscope, not too expensive process can be used to carry out sealed picture image-position sensor opposing fluid and to expose (such as, using transparent epoxy compound), because therefore assembly will be not designed to opposing sterilization and reusable strict demand.
As shown in Figure 61, imageing sensor 380 can be electrically coupled to the flex plate 381 of flexible cable 250.In certain embodiments, eonfornial coating material can be used to produce supplementary protection opposing moisture, and can be configured to alternatively support the joint installed for the BGA of imageing sensor 380.Flexible cable 250 can provide electric power for imageing sensor 380, and travels to and fro between the data of imageing sensor 380 and/or the transmission means of order.In certain embodiments, reinforcement 382 can be included in photomoduel 350.In example embodiment in figure 61, reinforcement 382 is oriented to the structure strengthening it being supported with imageing sensor 380, and this may contribute to the physical integrity protecting imageing sensor 380.Reinforcement 382 can comprise such as thin aluminum backing (in the exemplary embodiment, can be about 0.002 inch).
Photomoduel 350 can also comprise one or more fiber guide portion 384.In example in figure 61, fiber guide portion 384 is connected to the bottom surface of bottom camera case 358.Exemplary fiber guide portion 384 comprises guiding groove 386.Can see that the rear wall of the guiding groove 386 in fiber guide portion 384 is given prominence to towards the bottom of the page of Figure 61.Fiber guide portion 384 can also be or comprise multiple guiding notch or passage 388, is recessed in the rear wall of guiding groove 386 in the exemplary fiber guide portion 384 that described multiple guiding notch or passage 388 are shown in figure 61.In certain embodiments, comprise the exemplary embodiment in Figure 61, guide notch or passage 388 can be formed in bottom camera case top 356 and camera case in 358 one or two in.Fiber guide portion 384 can contribute to laying illuminated fibres 364 between the erecting stage of endoscope 10.The effect being kept by illuminated fibres 364 putting in place during the operation of endoscope 10 also can be played by fiber guide portion 384.Depend on the customized configuration of endoscope 10, the position, shape, quantity, size etc. in fiber guide portion 384 can change.In certain embodiments, except fiber guide portion 384, glue, epoxy resin or another kind of suitable binding agent or preparation can be used to help illuminated fibres 364 to be held in a predetermined position in.Such as make, under the certain situation with light guide portion or optical projection component (such as shown in Figure 33-40 or as shown in Figure 62), fiber guide portion 384 can not be used in assembly.
The cross section of the photomoduel 350 described in Figure 32 that the line 62-62 place that Figure 62 is depicted in Figure 32 intercepts.As shown, lens subassembly 354 is illustrated in position suitable in camera case 355.Imageing sensor 380 is also shown in position suitable in camera case 355.Lens subassembly is oriented to project image onto imageing sensor 380.The same, imageing sensor 380 can be the imageing sensor (such as, CCD, CMOS etc.) of any type and can be sealed to resist fluid exposure.In addition, as mentioned above, imageing sensor 380 is connected on flex plate 381, and flex plate 381 is attached to flexible cable 250.Photomoduel 350 shown in Figure 62 does not comprise fiber guide portion 384 (see Figure 61).Alternatively, position suitable on the photomoduel 350 that optical projection component or luminous organ 2005 are in Figure 62.
As shown, in the exemplary embodiment, flexible cable 250 doubling on itself.This can have been bent by making bending then the maintenance by involved area glue or another kind of fixative being applied to flexible cable 250 of flexible cable 250.Being closed in the embodiment in the confined space at photomoduel 350, may be favourable by flexible cable 250 doubles circle (Double-looping) below photomoduel 350.Such as, as shown in figure 20, by photomoduel 350, the space be restricted in inner sheath 312 can limit the amount that flexible cable 250 can be used for bending.Therefore, at some position of rotation of photomoduel 350, flexible cable 250 may must bend minor radius undesirably.This small-bend radius may be harmful for flexible cable 250, especially when it occurs repeatedly.Along with the diameter of inner sheath 312 reduces, this problem becomes more is a problem.By flexible cable 250 is arranged to doubling on themselves, but after the rotation of photomoduel 350, the flexible cable 250 of larger lengths can be used for repeated flex, and can obtain larger minimum bending radius.Therefore, due to the repeated flex in minor radius with do not bend, this can allow inner sheath 312 to be manufactured with more minor diameter, and without the need to worrying the integrity of flexible cable 250.
Flexible cable 250 and the optical fiber 364 of direct light projection element 2005 both show some flexing resistances.In addition, both can apply when bending to recover spring force.This flexing resistance can increase the anti-rotation of 350 of photomoduel.As shown in Figure 63, flexible cable 250 and optical fiber 364 can towards inclining towards each other.Flexible cable 250 can be utilized to resist the rigidity of optical fiber 364 for this layout or vice versa, assists and photomoduel 350 is rotated.In order to the best illustrates this concept, in Figure 63, flexible cable 250 is doubling on itself not.
Figure 64 describes the example embodiment of lens subassembly 354.In Figure 64, lens subassembly 354 is shown independently.At the assembly process of endoscope 10, lens subassembly 354 can be installed in photomoduel 350/upper (see Figure 61).As shown, lens subassembly 354 comprises object lens 400.Object lens 400 can seated connection in lens housing 402.Lens housing 402 can be made up of rigid material (such as, aluminum, steel or hardening polymer or plastic composites).In an embodiment, lens housing 402 can be tubular, maybe can have the cross section of ovoid or otherwise shape to adapt to the shape of used one or more lens.In the example embodiment shown in Figure 64, lens housing 402 can have flange sections with the installation promoting it in camera case or photomoduel 350 at its base portion place.Lens housing 402 is configured to (one or more) lens of closed lens subassembly 354.In the exemplary embodiment, lens capsule 404 extends through whole lens housing 402.The object lens 400 of lens subassembly 354 are arranged to major part in lens capsule 404.In certain embodiments, glue, epoxy resin or another kind of suitable binding agent can be used to connected by object lens 400 and be sealed in lens housing 402.In certain embodiments, binding agent can be added to the position of object lens 400 contact lens capsule 404.
Figure 65 illustrates the sectional view of lens subassembly 354 in the plane limited by the line 65-65 shown in Figure 64.As in Figure 64, object lens 400 are disposed in the lens capsule 404 of the lens housing 402 in Figure 65.In Figure 65, dish 406 is also shown.Dish 406 can configure from thin metal or plasticity, is located between the object lens 400 of the inherent lens subassembly 354 of lens capsule 404 and the second lens 408.As shown in figure 65, coil 406 and comprise central porisity 410.Hole 410 size can change, and this depends on the optical arrangement of lens relative to camera sensing element.In certain embodiments, glue, epoxy resin or another kind of suitable binding agent can be used to connected by the second lens 408 and be sealed in lens housing 402.
In certain embodiments, element of focusing can be included in lens subassembly 354.In the example embodiment described in Figure 65, lens subassembly 354 does not comprise focusing element.Lens subassembly 354 can be arranged to the image projection of the object distance between approximate 9mm and 50mm focused on to (see Figure 61) in the plane of imageing sensor 380.In the example embodiment shown in Figure 65, the current field (at any time visible visual field) of lens subassembly 354 is approximate 75 degree, but alternate embodiment can provide larger or less current field.
In alternative embodiments, lens subassembly 354 can comprise can make the focusing element (not shown) of both object lens 400, second lens 408 or object lens 400 and the second lens 408 movement so that by various anatomical object to good focal length, and without the need to endoscope 10 reorientation.
Any one in various focusing element suitably can be used.Such as, in certain embodiments, nitinol wire can be used to the focal length regulating lens subassembly 354.Nitinol wire can optionally by heating and cooling with make lens in lens subassembly 354 mobile with by object to good focal length.In certain embodiments, a Nitinol wire rod or one group of Nitinol wire rod can be used to lens to pull open, and another root Nitinol wire rod or one group of Nitinol wire rod can be used to lens to pull closer.
In certain embodiments, electroactive polymer (such as, such as, ionic electroactive polymer) can be used as actuator with the object that will expect to good focal length.Ionic electroactive polymer may be favourable in medical applications, because it only needs small voltage for activating.
In certain embodiments, lens subassembly 354 can be configured to bistable state, and focusing element can be focused on the dark or farther field depth near field.It is expectation or suitable that user can operate focusing element to select which field depth with dualistic manner.Button--such as, above-described button 90--can be used to the focal length regulating endoscope 10.
Figure 66 describes the example embodiment of lens subassembly 354.In Figure 66, lens subassembly 354 is shown independently.At the assembly process of endoscope 10, lens subassembly 354 can be mounted (see Figure 61) on photomoduel 350.As shown, lens subassembly 354 comprises object lens 400.Object lens 400 can seated connection in lens housing 402.Lens housing 402 can be made up of rigid material (such as, aluminum, steel or hardening polymer or plastic composites).In an embodiment, lens housing 402 can be tubular, maybe can have the cross section of ovoid or otherwise shape to adapt to the shape of used (one or more) lens.In the example embodiment shown in Figure 66, lens housing 402 can have flange sections with the installation promoting it in camera case or photomoduel 350 at its base portion place.Lens housing 402 can comprise lens capsule 404, and this lens capsule 404 is configured to the lens of closed lens subassembly 354.The object lens 400 of lens subassembly 354 are arranged and it are not protruded from the top of lens housing 402.This can contribute between the operating period of endoscope 10, protect object lens 400 to avoid contacting with Medical Instruments (such as, Cutting instrument for cervical intervertebral disc hyperplasia).In certain embodiments, glue, epoxy resin or another kind of suitable binding agent can be used to connected by object lens 400 and be sealed in lens housing 402.In certain embodiments, lens (comprising object lens 400) can compressed fit in lens housing 402.
Figure 67 illustrates the sectional view of lens subassembly 354 in the plane limited by the line 67-67 in Figure 66.As in Figure 66, object lens 400 are arranged in the lens capsule 404 of lens housing 402 in fig 23.In Figure 67, dish 406 is also shown.Dish 406 can configure from thin metal or plasticity, be located at the inherent lens subassembly 354 of lens capsule 404 object lens 400 and between the second lens 408 and the 3rd lens 409.As shown in figure 67, coil 406 and comprise central porisity 410.Depend on the optical arrangement of lens relative to camera sensing element, hole 410 size can change.
Lens subassembly 354 is arranged to the image projection of the object distance between approximate 4mm and 50mm focused on to (see Figure 61) in the plane of imageing sensor 380.In the example embodiment shown in Figure 67, the current field (at any time visible visual field) of lens subassembly 354 is approximate 75 degree, but alternate embodiment can provide larger or less current field.
Figure 68 describes another example embodiment of lens subassembly 354.In Figure 68, lens subassembly 354 is shown independently.At the assembly process of endoscope 10, lens subassembly 354 can be installed in (see Figure 61) on photomoduel 350.As shown, lens subassembly 354 comprises object lens 400.Object lens 400 can seated connection in lens housing 402.Lens housing 402 can be made up of rigid material (such as, aluminum, steel or hardening polymer or plastic composites).In an embodiment, lens housing 402 can be tubular, maybe can have the cross section of ovoid or otherwise shape to adapt to the shape of used (one or more) lens.In the example embodiment shown in Figure 26 8, lens housing 402 can have flange sections with the installation promoting it in camera case or photomoduel 350 at its base portion place.The other parts of lens housing 402 also can be shaped as and promote that it is installed in camera case or photomoduel 350.Lens housing 402 can comprise lens capsule 404, and this lens capsule 404 is configured to the lens of closed lens subassembly 354.The object lens 400 of lens subassembly 354 are arranged and it are not protruded from the top of lens housing 402.This can contribute between the operating period of endoscope 10, protect object lens 400 to avoid contacting with Medical Instruments (such as, Cutting instrument for cervical intervertebral disc hyperplasia).In certain embodiments, glue, epoxy resin or another kind of suitable binding agent can be used to connected by object lens 400 and be sealed in lens housing 402.
Figure 69 illustrates the sectional view of lens subassembly 354 in the plane limited by the line 69-69 in Figure 68.As in Figure 68, object lens 400 are disposed in the lens capsule 404 of the lens housing 402 in Figure 69.In Figure 69, dish 406 is also shown.Dish 406 can configure from thin metal or plasticity, be located at the inherent lens subassembly 354 of lens capsule 404 object lens 400 and between the second lens 408 and the 3rd lens 409.As shown in Figure 69, dish 406 comprises central porisity 410.Depend on the optical arrangement of lens relative to camera sensing element, hole 410 size can change.
As shown in Figure 69, in lens subassembly 354, the external diameter of each lens 400,408 and 409 can be made as and has roughly equal diameter.When lens 400,408 and 409 are placed in lens capsule 404, make lens 400,408 and 409 have equal external diameter and lens 400,408 and 409 oneself will be impelled to center.This can help the assembling of lens subassembly 354 and the installation time of their shortening lens subassemblies 354.This self-centering design may be special expectation in the lens subassembly 354 needing accurate lens alignment.
Figure 70 describes another example embodiment of lens subassembly 354.In Figure 70, lens subassembly 354 is shown independently.At the assembly process of endoscope 10, lens subassembly 354 can be installed in (see Figure 61) on photomoduel 350.As shown, lens subassembly 354 comprises window 411.Window 411 can seated connection in lens housing 402.Lens housing 402 can be made up of rigid material (such as, aluminum, steel or hardening polymer or plastic composites).In an embodiment, lens housing 402 can be tubular, maybe can have the cross section of ovoid or otherwise shape to adapt to the shape of used (one or more) lens.In the example embodiment shown in Figure 70, lens housing 402 can have flange sections with the installation promoting it in camera case or photomoduel 350 at its base portion place.The other parts of lens housing 402 also can be shaped as and promote that it is installed in camera case or photomoduel 350.Lens housing 402 can comprise lens capsule 404, and this lens capsule 404 is configured to the lens of closed lens subassembly 354.The window 411 of lens subassembly 354 is arranged and makes it roughly concordant with the top of lens housing 402.In certain embodiments, glue, epoxy resin or another kind of suitable binding agent can be used to connected by window 411 and be sealed in lens housing 402.Preferably, window 411 can be coupled to lens housing 402, makes to produce fluid-tight between the internal part in lens housing 402 and external environment condition.
Figure 71 illustrates the sectional view of lens subassembly 354 in the plane limited by the line 71-71 in Figure 70.As in Figure 70, window 411 is concordant with the top of lens housing 402.Lens subassembly 354 comprises object lens 400.Object lens 400 are disposed in the lens capsule 404 of the lens housing 402 in Figure 71.In Figure 71, dish 406 is also shown.Dish 406 can configure from thin metal or plasticity, be located at the inherent lens subassembly 354 of lens capsule 404 object lens 400 and between the second lens 408 and the 3rd lens 409.As shown in Figure 71, dish 406 comprises central porisity 410.Depend on the optical arrangement of lens relative to camera sensing element, hole 410 size can change.The lens 400,408 and 409 being similar to the lens subassembly 354 in the lens subassembly 354, Figure 71 shown in Figure 69 have equal external diameter.As mentioned above, this can the assembling of auxiliary lens 400,408 and 409 and aligning.
In addition, the lens subassembly 354 shown in Figure 71 comprises seal cavity 412.Seal cavity 412 is there is between the inner face and the surface of object lens 400 of window 411.Sealing space 412 can be filled with medium, and the lens 400,408 and 409 of lens subassembly 354 are designed in operation in (such as air).Therefore, window 411 can be formed " mirror of becalming ", should " mirror of becalming " allow lens subassembly 354 to operate in arbitrary medium.Such as, if lens 400,408 and 409 are designed to use in atmosphere, then seal cavity 412 can be filled with air.Then, lens subassembly 354 can be placed in the another kind of medium of such as liquid (such as, water) and to keep correct focusing.Preferably, window 411 is shaped so that the scalloping that it does not make the lens 400,408 and 409 of scioptics assembly 354 and transmits.
Figure 72-84 describes for imageing sensor (or other target expected or imaging surface of determining lens or lens subassembly and be associated with lens or lens subassembly, such as, film plate or film keeper) the instantiation procedure arranged of correct space and equipment.This space is arranged for guaranteeing that the image focusing received by imageing sensor is crucial.This equipment and process can allow to determine the focal length of lens or lens subassembly and can allow to determine the plane of delineation of lens or lens subassembly.For illustrated examples, signal-lens focal length can be determined as follows:
1/f lens＝(n lens–n incident)*(1/R 1–1/R 2)
Wherein: n=refractive index
R1 and R2=is respectively the incidence of lens and the radius of curvature of outgoing.
As indicated by this formula, this process and equipment may be required under the shape situation not being (one or more) lens accurately known.In addition, as indicated, because lens or lens subassembly must contact with medium, thisly determine to use under lens or lens subassembly are designed to become complicated situation in the application used in liquid environment so be desirably in.Particularly, the process described in Figure 72-84 and equipment can be advantageously used in the lens or lens subassembly that are designed to use in liquid environment or liquid-working-medium.
This process may relate to and lens or lens subassembly being fixed in the fixture of the part of the equipment of being included as.Therefore, this process may relate to and is incorporated in fixture by a certain amount of liquid medium, makes liquid medium near lens or lens subassembly.Then, liquid medium can be closed and make it be kept not contact lens or lens subassembly, and does not have air bubble.This process utilize undersized by the lens subassembly be focused to use capillarity to introduce liquid medium, effectively eliminate the air trapping between liquid medium and the surface of lens.Such as, the liquid introduced by capillarity may be used for having the lens subassembly of about 1mm to about 3mm diameter.In addition, liquid medium can be closed by lamella lucida and keep, and lamella lucida does not produce lens effect to the image of scioptics or lens subassembly transmission.Then, till imaging surface can be conditioned on the plane of delineation of its lens roughly in fixture or lens subassembly.
The top view of the part of Figure 72 depicted example fixture, this example fixture can be placed in larger equipment, for determining that correct space is arranged.Plate shown in Figure 72 or block 602.Plate 602 can be made up of the material suitable arbitrarily of such as glass (such as, glass microscope-slide).Preferably, plate 602 will not degenerated, dissolves when it is not designed in the liquid comes into contact wherein worked with lens or lens subassembly or become impaired material in addition.Plate 602 can be made up of dark material maybe can comprise at least one darkening district.
Plate 602 has the thickness of restriction and comprises hole or space 604.Hole 604 extends through whole plate 602.The size and shape of hole 604 is suitable for receiving lens or lens subassembly.As shown, pad 606 can also be comprised.Pad 606 can surrounding gap 604.Pad 606 can be such as O type ring.Other embodiment can use other suitable pad 606 arbitrarily.
The progress of the block diagram in Figure 73-75 describes the instantiation procedure that can be used to assemble complete fixture 600 (shown in Figure 75) conceptually.The lens of lens subassembly 354 or object lens are enclosed in wet environment or liquid-working-medium by the process described in Figure 73-75.For illustrative purposes, multiple sectional views that the line 73-73 place that Figure 73-75 is depicted in Figure 72 intercepts.
As shown in Figure 73, lens or lens subassembly 354 can be incorporated in hole or space, make its outer surface or outer lens element be positioned at the inner space in space 604.In this example, the inner surface of lens is restricted to the surface in the face of sensor of lens subassembly or element, and outer surface or outer lens element are restricted to the surface in the face of plate or its hole/space of lens subassembly or element.Alternatively, space 604 chamfering or immerse oneself in, make to extend along with its bottom surface towards plate 602, it broadens.Once lens or lens subassembly 354 are introduced into, pad 606 just can produce fluid impermeable and seal between the top of lens or lens subassembly 354 and plate 602.Pad 606 can also be used for lens or lens subassembly 354 to keep putting in place.
Then, the liquid of certain volume or working media 608 can be inserted in the part do not occupied by lens in space 604.The volume of the liquid 608 inserted is preferably greater than the volume of air in space 604.The liquid 608 introduced can be the type that lens or lens subassembly 354 are designed to work wherein, such as such as water or saline solution.The capillarity that the fully little to such an extent as to liquid of hole or space 604 can move through liquid along the surface of outer lens and the continuous surface of plate limiting space fills space.Use the method, any air of complete displacement in liquid movement to space, formed in the interface between the surface of the lens therefore in liquid and space completely without air ambient.Therefore, during the aiming at of lens of lens and sensor, any distortion that air produces against lens surface can be eliminated.Liquid 608 shown in Figure 74 has sufficient surface tension, and microdroplet can be resisted gravity and hang from space 604.For the liquid with different surfaces tension force, plate 602 can turn over, and makes when being placed in space 604 by liquid 608, and gravity is not problem.As shown, wet lens or the object lens dripping or contact photomoduel 354 of liquid 608.In addition, as shown, ideally, it is desirable that, liquid 608 does not comprise air bubble.
Referring now to Figure 75, once liquid 608 is introduced into, the second plate 610 of such as plastics or cover glass can be placed against the surface of the first plate 602.This can be similar to wet installation microscope slide glass.As shown, liquid 608 is enclosed in space 604 by the second plate 610.Second plate 610 can keep against the surface tension of the first plate 602 by liquid 608.In other embodiments, the second plate 610 can be held in place on one's own initiative.This embodiment is designed at lens or lens subassembly 354 may be expect in the example used in the capillary liquid with less degree.
Second plate 610 preferably by expect wavelength be optically transparent (such as, in order to visual optics object, transparent) material manufacture.In addition, possibility is it is desirable that, the second plate 610 is manufactured by following material: when the liquid phase that it and lens or lens subassembly 354 are designed to work wherein contacts, will not degenerate, and dissolve or become impaired in addition.Second plate 610 can be also plane, as shown in Figure 75.May it is desirable that, guarantee that the second plate 610 does not produce lens effect.
Make it be kept not contact lens or lens subassembly 354 once working media has been closed, fixture 600 can complete.Therefore, the determination of focusing or the plane of delineation can as manufactured described by relative to Figure 76 and illustrating.Reference object 612 can be placed in the visual field of lens or lens subassembly 354, in the distance expected from lens subassembly 354.The distance expected can between the operating period of lens subassembly 354 from object to lens or the desired distance of lens subassembly 354.Reference object 612 can be object of reference suitable arbitrarily.Various embodiment such as can use grid square, cross-hair, chessboard, some layout, image etc.In Figure 76, reference object 612 is illustrated as solid line conceptually.Light from reference object 612 can scioptics or lens subassembly 354 be transmitted.The image 614 of reference object 612 focuses at the plane of delineation place of lens or lens subassembly 354.
In Figure 76, imageing sensor 616 is also shown.Imageing sensor 616 can be regulated, until its imaging surface be similar to consistent with the plane of delineation or acceptably in the depth of focus of lens or lens subassembly 354 till.While moving image transmitting sensor 616, user can the image of being caught by imageing sensor 616 on monitor scope 618, until image be in allow or in discrete focal length till.In alternative embodiments, imageing sensor 616 can keep fixing, and fixture 600 and reference object 612 move relative to imageing sensor 616 simultaneously.
In certain embodiments, focusing may not be manual processes.In this kind of embodiment, can be performed the adjustment of imageing sensor 616 by computer, computer such as uses auto-focusing algorithm to make imageing sensor 616 move to the plane of delineation.In a this example, the passive auto focus system utilizing Contrast Detection can be used.In such an embodiment, imageing sensor 616 can be regulated, till finding that between adjacent pixel maximum intensity is not good enough.
Once the imaging surface approximate alignment lens of imageing sensor 616 or the plane of delineation of lens subassembly 354, imageing sensor 616 and lens or lens subassembly 354 just can be fixed to each other with fixing spatial relationship.This can be undertaken by method suitable arbitrarily.
In the specific embodiment shown in Figure 77 and Figure 78, imageing sensor 616 can be fixed to lens subassembly 354 by glue, binding agent or another kind of suitable preparation with fixing spatial relationship.As shown in Figure 77, lens subassembly 354 and imageing sensor 616 are shown as separated from one another.As mentioned above, the distance between lens subassembly 354 and imageing sensor 616 can change, till obtaining the focusing expected.Once suitable distance is determined, therefore lens subassembly 354 and imageing sensor 616 can be fixed together, as in Figure 78 describe.As shown, between lens subassembly 354 and imageing sensor 616, there is little space.Glue drips 1180 and has been applied between the flange of lens subassembly and imageing sensor 616.This glue drips 1180 for imageing sensor 616 being fixed to lens subassembly 354 in the suitable distance from lens subassembly 354.
Figure 79 describes such as, for the particular example equipment 1200 of the correct space layout of imageing sensor (or other target expected or imaging surface, film plate or film keeper) determining lens or lens subassembly and be associated with lens or lens subassembly.As shown, equipment 1200 comprises imageing sensor base 1202.Imageing sensor (not shown in Figure 79) can be installed to imageing sensor base 1202.Equipment 1200 also comprises fixture keeper 1204.Fixture keeper 1204 can keep fixture 600.After such as relative to the shown process with describing of Figure 72-75, device 600 can be mounted with.Fixture keeper 1204 can also be configured to keep reference object 612.Shown in Figure 80 and describe the close-up view of fixture keeper 1204.
Equipment 1200 also comprises space regulator 1206, and described space regulator 1206 is configured to regulate imageing sensor base 1202 and fixture keeper 1204 locus relative to each other.In the example embodiment shown in Figure 79, space regulator 1206 is micrometer adjuster.In other embodiments, can other modification of usage space actuator 1206.In certain embodiments, space regulator 1206 only can be included in imageing sensor base 1202 or fixture keeper 1204.User can regulate imageing sensor keeper 1202 and fixture keeper 1204 spatial orientation relative to each other by usage space actuator 1206.Described by relative to Figure 76, can do like this, until the imaging surface of imageing sensor be similar to consistent with the plane of delineation of lens or lens subassembly till.
Figure 80 is depicted in the close-up view of the fixture keeper 1204 shown in Figure 79.As shown, fixture keeper 1204 is included in its end face and comprises recess 1230.This recess 1230 can help on fixture keeper 1204 maintenance of fixture and suitable orientation.In addition, two align structures 1232 are shown.Align structures 1232 can contribute on fixture keeper 1204 suitably directed to fixture.
In the example embodiment shown in Figure 80, fixture keeper 1204 comprises space 1234.Space 1234 can be resized with shape to allow to be included in the transparent visual field of lens in the fixture of having assembled that is placed on fixture keeper 1204 or lens subassembly.Many grooves 1236 are also comprised in fixture keeper 1204.Can be inserted in the groove 1236 of any desired with reference to object.Groove 1236 is arranged such that to be placed on from the predetermined distance of the fixture in appropriate location on fixture keeper 1204 with reference to object.
The progress of Figure 81-82 is described can be used to assemble complete fixture 600 (shown in 82) and fixture placement 600 is placed in the instantiation procedure in larger equipment (equipment 1050 such as, shown in Figure 79).The front view of Figure 81 plotting board 602.In Figure 81, lens subassembly 354 is also shown.As shown, lens subassembly 354 comprises flange, and flanged housing is placed in the top of pad 606.Flange may be useful in fluid-tight producing together with pad 606.Flange can coordinate with pad 606, makes pad 606 serve as retainer, helps to locate lens subassembly 354, makes it extend into the degree of depth expected in plate 602.
The bottom perspective view of Figure 82 plotting board 602.As shown, the fraction of lens subassembly 354 is also visible, extend in the space 604 in plate 602.Amount of liquid or working media 608 are also shown as and are placed in space 604.In example in Figure 82, liquid 608 is introduced into through injection tube 1220 and hypodermic needle 1222.Other suitable means--such as dropper, pipet etc.--arbitrarily can be used to be inserted in space 604 by liquid 608.
It is desirable that, introduce liquid, the sidewall of its first contact gap 604 may be made.Therefore the volume of liquid can increase, and makes at the center of filling space 604 and before finally forming the microdroplet as shown in Figure 82, liquid core suction (wick) is around lens subassembly 354.This wicking can contribute to the delay being minimized in air bubble in space 604.It can also contribute to guaranteeing, between the introductory phase of liquid, lens subassembly 354 is not subject to the infringement of such as hypodermic needle 1222.
Once liquid 608 is introduced into, the second plate 610 may enter the state contacted with the surface of the first plate 602, is similar to and carries out wet installation to slide.Second plate 610 surrounds the liquid 608 in space 604.Figure 83 is depicted in the front view of plate 602 when being placed on fixture keeper 1204 by plate 602.The fixture keeper 1204 described is identical with the example fixture keeper shown in Figure 79-80.Second plate 610 is in position suitable on fixture keeper 1204.As shown, the size of recess 1230 is suitable for receiving second plate 610 and positions the second plate 610.Now in addition with reference to 84, the state that the first plate 602 can be made to enter contact with the second plate 610 is to complete the assembling to fixture 600.Align structures 1232 may be used for the first plate 602 to be suitably positioned on fixture keeper 1204.
Figure 85 illustrates another example embodiment of endoscope 10.In Figure 85, inner sheath 312 is only shown.In addition, the end section 22 of handle proximal section 16 and the half (30a) of handle distal segment 30 are visible.As shown, endoscope 10 comprises handle and closes printed circuit board (PCB) 430a (being also referred to as handle PCB430a in this article).Electric power/HDMI cable 432, optical fiber 364 and lavation line 434 are also shown.Figure 85 illustrates the illustrative layout path of electric power/HDMI cable 432, optical fiber 364 and lavation line 434.As shown, electric power/HDMI cable 432, optical fiber 364 and lavation line 434 is by entering endoscope 10 at the opening 60 at handle proximal section 16 rear or afterbody place.This entrance may than handle side entrance advantageously, because it reduces various cable rope and cable becomes the probability of entanglement because inserting paragraph rotates relative to handle proximal section 16.
In certain embodiments, electric power/HDMI cable 432, optical fiber 364 and lavation line 434 can enter endoscope 10 relative to back handle opening 60 with angle.This being arranged through allows user to catch the larger part of the rear section of handle proximal section 16 will provide ergonomics benefit for user.
As shown, electric power/HDMI cable 432, optical fiber 364 and lavation line 434 extend after entering handle proximal section 16 above a part of handle PCB430a.Electric power/HDMI cable 432 is inserted in the electric power/HDMI connector 430b on handle PCB430a.Electric power/HDMI cable 432 can provide electric power for endoscope 10.View data can be passed to handle PCB430a through flexible cable 250.The viewdata collected by endoscope 10 can be transferred to external graphics user interface display (not shown) by electric power/HDMI cable 432.Optical fiber 364 and lavation line 434 extend and follow previously described path below handle PCB430a.Be in disposable embodiment in endoscope 10, electric power/HDMI cable 432, optical fiber 364 and lavation line 434 can be included as disposable unit to guarantee the aseptic reused or cost savings.
The control line 91 of button 90 is also shown in Figure 85.As shown, the aperture of control line 91 in containment member 210.Control line 91 communicates with handle PCB430a.In addition, as shown in Figure 85, handle PCB430a comprises handle PCB flexible cable 430e.Handle PCB flexible cable 430e is connected to handle PCB part 430f, allows PCB part 430f directed with angle (such as, vertical) relative to the remainder of handle PCB430a.When assembled, the handle PCB part 430f of flexure attachment can be arranged in example rotary sensing assembly 150 two potentiometers 122 between (see Fig. 7).
In certain embodiments, handle PCB430a can comprise image or Graphics Processing Unit 430c.Preferably, but it is outside that graphics processing unit 430c can be positioned at endoscope 10.Graphics processing unit 430b can be used as the electronic calibration mechanism of endoscope 10.Graphics processing unit 430c can receive the image of being caught by imageing sensor 380, and image is sent to handle PCB430a from imageing sensor 380 through flexible cable 250.In a preferred embodiment, then the image of being caught by imageing sensor 380 is transferred to the graphics processing unit 430c in endoscope 10 outside through electric power/HDMI cable 432.Graphics processing unit 430c can also from rotary sensing assembly 150 Received signal strength.In certain embodiments, handle PCB430a can comprise analog-digital converter 430d with the signal of conversion from rotary sensing assembly 150.Graphics processing unit 430c can use from rotary sensing assembly 150 signal with by image electronic " correction " to expect orientation.In certain embodiments, graphics processing unit 430c can make image rotation, makes image be shown as being captured from user perspective just as it.In certain embodiments, the correction of lens distortions effect can also be done for graphics processing unit 430c.
Unless first the orientation of display image is on a graphical user interface corrected, otherwise shown image may make user disorient.By the restriction direction, visual angle according to user, graphics processing unit 430c can use the data automatically image rotating from rotary sensing assembly 150, makes image consistent with the visual angle of user.
Figure 86 illustrates the example block diagram of imaging system.As shown, imaging system comprises the imageing sensor 380 of catching image.The image of being caught by imageing sensor 380 can be passed to graphics processing unit 452 through camera serial line interface 450 (such as, MIPI camera serial line interface).Then, picture frame can be moved to other hardware component in imaging system by graphics processing unit 452 (IPU).Other hardware component can include but not limited to storage device and Graphics Processing Unit 430c (GPU).Graphics Processing Unit 430c can correct any distortion caused by lens subassembly 354.
In certain embodiments, by representing the image as the texture on the surface that is loaded in Graphics Processing Unit 430c, Graphics Processing Unit 430c can correct this distortion.This can impel image be conditioned in the mode correcting and/or eliminate the distortion introduced by lens subassembly 354 or stretch.In the embodiment that image is repaired, Graphics Processing Unit 430c then can through making calibrated image rotation (such as, see, Fig. 7) from the input of rotary sensing assembly 150.Such as, the measurement from rotary sensing assembly 150 can be passed to Graphics Processing Unit 430c (such as, see, Figure 85) by analog-digital converter 430d.Therefore, the signal from analog-digital converter 430d can be used to image rotation to its correct orientation.In certain embodiments, user can trigger image correct, skew control and/or can be performed or close other image procossing various.Image rectification will be further described in the description after a while relative to Figure 87.
Then, the processed image from graphics processing unit 430c can be presented on graphic user interface or display 454.In certain embodiments, the processed image from graphics processing unit 430c can be stored in memory.In this kind of embodiment, user can catch and will be stored image in memory to call later by such as trigger button 90.Some embodiments can comprise video processing unit 456, and the frame from imageing sensor 380 can be encoded into recordable video format by this video processing unit 456.In this kind of embodiment, then, encoded video can be stored in memory.User can through carrying out order endoscope start and stop Video Capture with button (such as button 90) interaction, as described above.
In certain embodiments, graphics processing unit 430c can also make the image experience of catching expose feedback analysis.In a particular embodiment, image histogram can be produced according to all pixels of image.Then, the exposure of the tuning image of image histogram or the tuning subsequent picture received by image chip or sensor 380 can be used.This further process of graphics processing unit 430c can contribute to the dark space reducing the over-exposed white area of image or the under-exposure of image.Other means of tuning image can also be used, such as such as tone mapping etc.
Figure 87 describes to illustrate the example diagram of the input how remedial frames that can use from rotary sensing assembly 150 (such as, see, Figure 87).As shown, first piece 2100 is depicted and second piece 2102.Is the endoscope 10 with visual field 2104 in each piece 2100,2102.In first piece 2100, the visual field 2104 of endoscope 10 is orientated and is similar to 180 degree from the endoscope 10 in second piece 2102.This can rotate relative to the near-end of endoscope 10 by making the far-end of endoscope 10.In conventional endoscope 10, during the rotation of distal section relative to proximal section, imageing sensor non rotating, because imageing sensor is incorporated in proximal section.Therefore, first piece 2100 and the endoscope 10 shown in second piece of b both catch image 2106.
In each embodiment that the far-end of imageing sensor 380 endoscopically 2106 described herein rotates, situation will not be like this.Endoscope 10 shown in first piece 2100 will catch image 2106, and the identical endoscope 10 rotating to the position shown in second piece 2102 will catch image 2108.Therefore this be, along with the far-end of imageing sensor endoscopically 10 rotates, imageing sensor will be impelled to be inverted.In this position, such as, pickup is the bottom of image by the top of imageing sensor, and this is that the people getting used to conventional endoscope 10 will expect.
Allowing user adaptation in this needs to evade, the degree of rotation of the far-end of image and endoscope 10 can be rotated pro rata.Therefore, the mode of expection may always show with the user getting used to conventional endoscope 10 by image.This possible arbitrarily obscuring that can prevent image rotating sensor from may cause.It can also promote that the user of this endoscope 10 adopts.
The diagram provided by accompanying drawing should be counted as non-limiting example of the present invention disclosed in this description.Disclosure expection comprise still can comprise novel feature of the present invention disclosed herein any replacement scheme, amendment and modification.
There is provided the embodiment shown in accompanying drawing only in order to prove some embodiment of the present disclosure.Further, accompanying drawing is only for illustration of property object; Similarly, the size of some elements may be exaggerated and do not drawn by local scale.In addition, depend on context, the element with same reference numerals shown in accompanying drawing can be identical element or can like representation class or similar element.
When using term " to comprise " in the present description and claims, term " comprises " does not get rid of other element or step.When using indefinite article or definite article, when mentioning singular noun such as " one (a) " " one (an) " or " being somebody's turn to do (the) ", this comprises the plural number of this noun, unless expressly stated otherwise.Therefore, term " comprises " item that should not be construed as limited to and list thereafter, and it does not get rid of other element or step, so the scope of " a kind of equipment comprises project A and B " should not be defined as this equipment only include components A and B.This wording shows, relative to the disclosure, the uniquely relevant parts of equipment are A and B.
In addition, not consider in the description or term used in detail in the claims " first ", " second ", " the 3rd " etc. are intended to distinguish similar element and not necessarily describe continuous print or order in chronological sequence.Should be understood that, the term of such use is interchangeable (unless outside clearly disclosing in addition) in appropriate circumstances, and embodiments of the invention described herein can operate to be different from described herein or shown order and/or to arrange.

Claims (106)

1. an endoscope, has proximal handle assembly and axle is inserted in distally; Described insertion axle has distal part, and described distal part comprises photomoduel; Described insertion axle comprises takes fluid catheter;
Described photomoduel comprises camera lens and electronic image sensor, and takes described in being positioned in fluid catheter; Wherein
The housing of described Handleset comprises fluid port, and described fluid port is communicated with the fluid catheter fluid of taking of described insertion axle.
2. endoscope according to claim 1, wherein, described photomoduel is installed in pivot bearings, and described pivot bearings has the rotation axis of the longitudinal axis transverse to described insertion axle.
3. endoscope according to claim 2, wherein, described in take fluid catheter and comprise the one or more mechanical actuators making described photomoduel movement.
4. endoscope according to claim 1, wherein, described in take fluid catheter and comprise the communication cable being connected to described imageing sensor, or be configured to the fibre bundle that described imageing sensor provides illumination.
5. endoscope according to claim 1, comprise barrier further, described barrier be positioned at take fluid catheter and described Handleset described in described insertion axle inner shell between, described barrier is configured to suppress liquid to take the passing through of housing of fluid catheter to described Handleset from described.
6. endoscope according to claim 5, wherein, described barrier comprises and penetrates barrier, described in penetrate barrier and allow passing through of fibre bundle, mechanical actuator cable or communication cable between the described housing taking fluid catheter and described Handleset.
7. endoscope according to claim 5, wherein, the housing of described Handleset comprises proximal housing section and distally shell section, and described distally shell section is placed between described proximal housing section and described insertion axle;
Described distally shell section comprises pivotable control appliance, with the movement of one or more pivotable control cables of the described photomoduel in control connection to described insertion axle;
Described proximal housing section surrounds electronic control panel to receive view data from described photomoduel;
Wherein, between described insertion axle and described distally shell section first penetrates barrier allows passing through of described one or more pivotable control cables, and the described first pivotable control cables passage penetrated in barrier is configured to allow described one or more pivotable control cables unrestricted nearside and distally in predetermined distance to move;
And wherein, between described distally shell section and described proximal housing section second penetrates barrier allows communication cable from described photomoduel passing through to described electronic control panel, and the described second communication cable passage penetrated in barrier is configured to provide fluid-tight between the distally shell section and proximal housing section of described Handleset.
8. endoscope according to claim 7, wherein, between described distally shell section and described proximal housing section described second penetrates barrier allows passing through of fibre bundle, described fibre bundle is configured to provide illumination at the far-end of described insertion axle, is configured to provide fluid-tight between the distally shell section and proximal housing section of described Handleset at the described second fibre bundle passage penetrated in barrier.
9. endoscope according to claim 7, wherein, between described distally shell section and described proximal housing section described second penetrates barrier allows to take passing through of liquid pipe, described in take liquid pipe and be configured to penetrate by described first end that barrier, described second penetrates barrier and described proximal housing section and liquid transfer to described distally inserted axle or inserts axle transmit fluid from described distally.
10. an endoscope, has proximal handle assembly and axle is inserted in distally, and described Handleset comprises proximal housing and distally housing, and the longitudinal axis of described distally housing relative to described proximal housing and around described insertion axle is rotatable; Described distally housing is connected to or is attached to described insertion axle, makes described insertion axle be configured to rotate with described distally housing;
Wherein, the far-end of described insertion axle comprises photomoduel, and described photomoduel is configured to rotate with described distally housing.
11. endoscopies according to claim 10, wherein, described proximal housing surrounds the sense electronics measurement equipment being mounted or being attached to described distally housing.
12. endoscopies according to claim 11, wherein, described sense electronics measurement equipment comprises rotary sensing equipment, and described rotary sensing equipment is configured to provide rotary electronic signal, and described in described rotary electronic signal designation, distally housing is relative to the position of rotation of described proximal housing.
13. endoscopies according to claim 12, wherein, described rotary sensing equipment comprises the first rotating potentiometer and the second rotating potentiometer, and described second potentiometer offsets rotatably from described first potentiometer.
14. endoscopies according to claim 12, wherein, described rotary sensing equipment comprises rotary encoder.
15. endoscopies according to claim 14, wherein, described rotary encoder comprises potentiometer, magnetic rotary encoder or optical rotary coder.
16. endoscopies according to claim 14, wherein, described rotary encoder comprises potentiometer, described potentiometer is placed to operate and is bonded on keyed jointing axle, making described keyed jointing axle be fixing and described potentiometer relative to described proximal housing is fixing relative to described distally housing, or described keyed jointing axle be fixing and described potentiometer relative to described distally housing is fixing relative to described proximal housing.
17. endoscopies according to claim 14, wherein, described rotary encoder laterally offsets from the longitudinal axis of described insertion axle.
18. endoscopies according to claim 14, wherein, described rotary encoder is connected to gear-box, and described proximal housing and distally housing relative is rotated through described gear-box and is transferred to described rotary encoder.
19. rotary encoders according to claim 18, wherein, total gear ratio of described gear-box is 1:1.
20. endoscopies according to claim 12, comprise imageing sensor further, and described imageing sensor is configured to the electronic image of the visual field providing described lens subassembly.
21. endoscopies according to claim 20, comprise controller further, and described controller is configured to receive described electronic image and rotary electronic signal, and produce for showing display image on a display screen.
22. endoscopies according to claim 21, wherein, described controller controls the spin orientation of described display image based on the value of described rotating signal.
23. endoscopies according to claim 22, wherein, described value is proportional with the degree of the relative rotation between described proximal housing and described distally housing.
24. 1 kinds of endoscopies, comprise proximal handle and the axle with distally insertion end;
Described insertion end receives the photomoduel be pivotably mounted in described axle;
Described pivotable photomoduel comprises camera lens and imageing sensor, and is configured to the axis pivotable around the longitudinal axis being substantially transverse to described axle;
Be installed to the luminous organ of described photomoduel;
Wherein, described luminous organ is configured to along with described photomoduel to project light onto the illuminated field of the visual field corresponding to described imageing sensor around its axis pivotable.
25. endoscopies according to claim 24, wherein, described luminous organ is passive luminous organ.
26. endoscopies according to claim 24, wherein, described luminous organ is made up of light-guide material.
27. endoscopies according to claim 26, wherein, described light-guide material comprises fiber optic materials.
28. endoscopies according to claim 26, wherein, described luminous organ comprises mounting structure, and described mounting structure matches with the couplings on described photomoduel, to promote described luminous organ to be fastened on described photomoduel.
29. endoscopies according to claim 26, wherein, mask is applied to one or more surfaces of described luminous organ to suppress light from described surface emitting.
30. endoscopies according to claim 26, wherein, reflectance coating is applied to one or more surfaces of described luminous organ.
31. endoscopies according to claim 26, wherein, the surface of emission of described luminous organ is roughened to make the light diffusion from described surface emitting.
32. endoscopies according to claim 26, wherein, described luminous organ has curved shape, to comply with the circumferential shape of described camera lens.
33. endoscopies according to claim 26, wherein, described luminous organ is formed by multifiber or is fused to multifiber.
34. endoscopies according to claim 33, wherein, the end of described optical fiber is disposed in one or more recesses of the close described camera lens in described photomoduel.
35. endoscopies according to claim 26, wherein, described luminous organ is formed by the multiple independent optical fiber be fused together.
36. endoscopies according to claim 35, wherein, described luminous organ comprises transitional region, and described transitional region comprises the flexible optical fibre of multiple incomplete fusion, wherein, described transitional region be rigidity at least partially.
37. endoscopies according to claim 36, wherein, described transitional region is attached to a part for described photomoduel.
38. 1 kinds, for the photomoduel of endoscope, comprising:
Lens subassembly, described lens subassembly and imageing sensor separate, and described lens subassembly and imageing sensor are arranged on camera case;
Described camera case, described camera case is configured to rotate around pivot bearings, and described pivot bearings has the rotation axis of the longitudinal axis of the insertion axle transverse to described endoscope; With
Luminous organ, described luminous organ to be arranged on described camera case and to be configured on the direction of the visual field of described imageing sensor luminous.
39. according to photomoduel according to claim 38, and wherein, described luminous organ comprises the terminal portion of flexible optical fibre bundle.
40. according to photomoduel according to claim 38, and wherein, described luminous organ comprises solid transparent illuminated component that is that be molded by flexible optical fibre bundle or that be fused to flexible optical fibre bundle.
41. according to photomoduel according to claim 38, wherein, described camera case is configured to be rotated around described pivot bearings by the effect of trailing cable, described camera case comprises coiling structure, described coiling structure provides the surface of the terminal portion guiding described trailing cable, and described camera case comprises the contact area of the far-end of fixing described trailing cable.
42. photomoduels according to claim 41, wherein, described coiling structure is included in the curved recessed portion on described camera case, and the terminal portion of described trailing cable can navigate in described curved recessed portion.
43. 1 kinds, for the photomoduel of endoscope, comprising:
Lens subassembly, described lens subassembly and imageing sensor separate, and described lens subassembly and sensor are arranged on camera case;
Described camera case is configured to be rotated around pivot bearings by the effect of trailing cable, and described pivot bearings has the rotation axis of the longitudinal axis of the insertion axle transverse to described endoscope;
Wherein, described camera case comprises coiling structure, and described coiling structure is configured to the join domain be wound at least in part by the terminal portion of described trailing cable on the described camera case of the far-end being configured to fixing described trailing cable.
44. photomoduels according to claim 43, wherein, described coiling structure comprises bow-shaped section and straightway.
45. photomoduels according to claim 44, wherein, the arc of described bow-shaped section is limited by constant radius.
46. photomoduels according to claim 45, wherein, described radius extends to the surface of described bow-shaped section from described rotation axis.
47. photomoduels according to claim 43, wherein, the terminal portion that described coiling structure is configured to be wound around around described rotation axis described trailing cable reaches about 360 degree.
48. photomoduels according to claim 43, wherein, described trailing cable is shifted by the longitudinal axis of the control structure in the handle of described endoscope along described inserting paragraph.
49. photomoduels according to claim 48, wherein, described trailing cable is configured to impel the longitudinal axis of the second trailing cable along described inserting paragraph in second-phase opposite direction to be shifted along the displacement of the longitudinal axis of described inserting paragraph in a first direction, and vice versa.
50. photomoduels according to claim 43, wherein, described camera case comprises the attachment point for the second trailing cable.
51. photomoduels according to claim 43, wherein, described camera case comprises the second coiling structure, and described second coiling structure is configured to the second join domain be wound at least in part by the terminal portion of the second trailing cable on the described camera case of the far-end being configured to fixing described second trailing cable.
52. photomoduels according to claim 51, wherein, described second trailing cable is shifted by the longitudinal axis of the control member in the handle of described endoscope along described inserting paragraph.
53. photomoduels according to claim 51, wherein, the terminal portion that described second coiling structure is configured to be wound around around described rotation axis described trailing cable reaches about 360 degree.
54. photomoduels according to claim 51, wherein, described second coiling structure comprises bow-shaped section and straightway.
55. photomoduels according to claim 54, wherein, the arc of described bow-shaped section is limited by constant radius.
56. photomoduels according to claim 55, wherein, described radius extends to the surface of described bow-shaped section from described rotation axis.
57. photomoduels according to claim 51, wherein, described second coiling structure is included in the curved recessed portion on described camera case, and the terminal portion of described second trailing cable can navigate in described curved recessed portion.
58. photomoduels according to claim 43, wherein, described coiling structure is included in the curved recessed portion on described camera case, and the terminal portion of described trailing cable can navigate in described curved recessed portion.
59. 1 kinds of endoscopies, comprising:
Proximal handle end and distally insertion end;
Extend to the insertion axle of described insertion end from handle, described insertion axle is configured to receive elongated pivoted actuator, and described pivoted actuator is connected to the control member on described handle on near-end, and on far-end, be connected to pivotable photomoduel;
Described photomoduel is configured to when described pivoted actuator is when the vertically moving of the handle place of described endoscope, and the axis around the longitudinal axis transverse to described insertion axle rotates;
Wherein, or the longitudinal axis angulation that be redirected to relative to described insertion axle restrained close to the whole latter end of the described elongated pivoted actuator of the connecting portion of described photomoduel.
60. endoscopies according to claim 59, wherein, described angle is in the scope of about 30 degree to about 90 degree.
61. endoscopies according to claim 59, comprise redirected element further, described redirected element impels the whole latter end of described pivoted actuator relative to the longitudinal axis angulation of described insertion axle, wherein, when the some place of described pivoted actuator below the rotation axis of described photomoduel is connected to described photomoduel, described redirected element is positioned at above the rotation axis of described photomoduel, and when described pivoted actuator is connected to described photomoduel above the rotation axis of described photomoduel, described redirected element is positioned at below the rotation axis of described photomoduel.
62. endoscopies according to claim 59, wherein, described elongated pivoted actuator comprises wire rod or cable.
63. endoscopies according to claim 59, wherein, described endoscope comprises the second elongated pivoted actuator further, and wherein, described elongated pivoted actuator is connected to described photomoduel on the side of described photomoduel, and described second elongated pivoted actuator is connected to described photomoduel on the opposite side of described photomoduel.
64. endoscopies according to claim 63, wherein, described elongated pivoted actuator comprises whole latter end, described whole latter end is restrained with the long axis angulation relative to described insertion axle, and described second elongated pivoted actuator comprises whole latter end, described whole latter end is relative to the long axis not angulation of described insertion axle.
65. endoscopies according to claim 63, wherein, described elongated pivoted actuator and described second elongated pivoted actuator is each comprises whole latter end, described whole latter end is restrained with the long axis angulation relative to described insertion axle.
66. endoscopies according to claim 61, wherein, described redirected element is included in the wall in the insertion end of described distally, and described wall comprises notch, post, pulley or the eyelet that described pivoted actuator is redirected against it.
67. endoscopies according to claim 61, wherein, described redirected element is configured to the angle of the longitudinal axis providing described whole latter end relative to described insertion axle, and the visual field of described photomoduel can be rotated in the visual range reaching about 180 degree.
68. endoscopies according to claim 61, wherein, the lens subassembly that described photomoduel comprises imageing sensor and separates with described imageing sensor.
69. 1 kinds of luminous organs formed by fibre bundle, comprising:
Solid transparent illuminated component, described solid transparent illuminated component is molded or is fused to described flexible optical fibre bundle by flexible optical fibre bundle;
The changeover portion of partially fused optical fiber, described changeover portion is adjacent with described illuminated component and adjacent with the flexible optical fibre adjacent to described fibre bundle at the second end place at first end place;
Described changeover portion comprises not easily bending shape at described first end place, and described not easily bending shape maintains the fixed angles relation with described illuminated component;
Wherein, described illuminated component has the general planar surface of emission, and the described surface of emission is configured to be transmitted in the light be transmitted in described fibre bundle.
70. luminous organs according to claim 69, wherein, described illuminated component comprises acrylic acid or Merlon.
71. luminous organs according to claim 69, wherein, described illuminated component is configured as and surrounds lens subassembly at least in part, luminous on the direction that the surface of emission of described component is oriented in the visual field of described lens subassembly.
72. according to the luminous organ described in claim 71, wherein, described illuminated component is installed to rotatable camera assembly, described photomoduel comprises the lens subassembly relative with imageing sensor, wherein, described photomoduel and luminous organ are configured to rotate together with the pivot being connected to described photomoduel.
73. 1 kinds form the method for luminous organ by fibre bundle, comprising:
The section of the far-end of fibre bundle is placed on casting die;
Before described section is placed on described model, period or afterwards, heat is applied to described model or corresponding force or pin member;
Described force or pin member are moved to described model connect in relation;
Pressure is applied to described fibre bundle section; And
Melt described section to be formed by the shape of the determined described emitter of shape of described model and corresponding force or pin member.
74. according to the method described in claim 73, wherein, described model comprises fiber alignment structure, and the changeover portion of cable is placed in described fiber alignment structure, and wherein, described method comprises the described changeover portion of formation further to have fixing angular dependence relative to the mask of described luminous organ.
75. according to the method described in claim 74, and wherein, described fiber alignment structure is incline structure.
76. according to the method described in claim 73, wherein, chuck or radiator is applied to the region close to changeover portion of described fibre bundle.
77. according to the method described in claim 76, and wherein, described chuck or radiator are used in the compression of the far-end of described fibre bundle and the belt section shape that maintains between the period of heating close to the described fibre bundle of described changeover portion.
78. according to the method described in claim 73, wherein, described method be included in further the far-end of described fibre bundle compression and between the period of heating, maintain close to the belt section shape of a part for the described fibre bundle of described changeover portion.
79. according to the method described in claim 78, wherein, maintains described belt section shape and comprises and a part for described fibre bundle being placed in guiding elements.
80. according to the method described in claim 73, wherein, described in execute stressed step and comprise and apply pressure from pneumatic, hydraulic pressure, machinery or Manual pressure source.
81. according to the method described in claim 73, and wherein, described fibre bundle comprises acrylic acid or Merlon.
82. according to the method described in claim 73, and wherein, described method comprises around the axle in described model further to be wound around the far-end of described fibre bundle.
83. according to the method described in claim 73, and wherein, described method comprises further removes flash distillation from described luminous organ after cooling.
84. according to the method described in claim 73, and wherein, described method comprises surface mask or reflectance coating being applied to described luminous organ further.
85. according to the method described in claim 73, wherein, apply described heat comprise utilize stratie apply heat.
86. according to the method described in claim 73, and wherein, described method comprises the amount regulating the heat of applying based on the Temperature Feedback from the temperature sensor be associated with described pin member or model further.
87. according to the method described in claim 73, and wherein, described method comprises use displacer after cooling further and discharges described luminous organ from described model.
88. according to the method described in claim 73, and wherein, described method comprises further and allows the cooling of described emitter make its solidification and then described force or pin member and described model departed from from connecting relation.
89. according to the method described in claim 73, wherein, described method comprise further cool described fibre bundle on one's own initiative with described section that is under pressure adjacent and close at least changeover portion.
90. methods according to Claim 8 described in 9, wherein, what cool described fibre bundle on one's own initiative comprises at least changeover portion blow air across described fibre bundle with described section that is under pressure adjacent and close at least changeover portion.
Assembling the method relative to imageing sensor positioning lens assembly in for the camera in liquid environment for 91. 1 kinds, described lens subassembly has outer optical surface and the relative optical surface in the face of described sensor, and described method comprises:
Be placed on the first surface of block by described lens subassembly, described piece has the right surface of predetermined thickness, second-phase and hole, and the outer optical surface of described lens element can be inserted in described hole;
Described lens element is inserted in described hole, makes the outer optical surface of described lens element not extend through the through thickness of described piece, between the plane that the outer surface at described lens subassembly and the second surface by described piece are formed, leave space;
Sealing is applied between the first surface of described piece and the periphery of the described lens subassembly above the first surface of described piece;
By capillarity to described space adding liquid, described liquid fills described space completely;
Above second surface transparency cover being placed on described piece; And
Regulate the distance between the optical surface of described sensor of described sensor and described lens subassembly, with the image providing focus to aim on the display screen being connected to described sensor, wherein, reference object is placed on from the predetermined distance of the second surface of described piece.
92. according to the method described in claim 91, and wherein, described piece comprises glass or acrylic acid slide glass.
93. according to the method described in claim 91, and wherein, described hole has the diameter at about 1mm to about 3mm.
94. 1 kinds of endoscopies, comprise proximal handle and axle;
Described axle comprises distally insertion end, and described distally insertion end is configured for the anatomical area being inserted into patient;
Described axis limit inner space, described distally insertion end has opening, and the anatomical area that the inner space of described axle and described axle are inserted into fluidly is connected by described opening;
Wherein, described endoscope described insertion end place or near described insertion end, in the inner space of described axle, comprise electronic image sensor.
95. according to the endoscope described in claim 94, and wherein, described imageing sensor is configured to the accessible visual field relative to described opening with the described anatomical area that described axle is inserted into.
96. according to the endoscope described in claim 94, and wherein, described opening is embrasure.
97. according to the endoscope described in claim 94, and wherein, safeguard structure is positioned in described overthe openings, and part covers described opening.
98. according to the endoscope described in claim 96, and wherein, described safeguard structure comprises caged thing.
99. according to the endoscope described in claim 94, and wherein, the wall adjacent with described opening of described axle comprises the longitudinal slit opening near described imageing sensor.
100. according to the endoscope described in claim 98, and wherein, along with described slit opening extends on the distally and nearside both direction of the position for described imageing sensor, the width of described slit opening increases.
101. according to the endoscope described in claim 94, and wherein, described imageing sensor is installed to photomoduel.
102. according to the endoscope described in claim 100, and wherein, described photomoduel is configured to pivotally pivotable.
103. according to the endoscope described in claim 102, wherein, described slit opening and being configured at the described opening of described far-end, along with described photomoduel is switched to about 120 degree relative to the longitudinal axis of described endoscope shaft from about 0 degree, the imageing sensor for described photomoduel provides accessible visual field.
104. according to the endoscope described in claim 101, and wherein, described photomoduel comprises the lens subassembly relative with described imageing sensor.
105. according to the endoscope described in claim 104, wherein, described lens subassembly comprises optical clear window, and the outer surface of described optical clear window and described lens subassembly separates, between described window and the outer surface of described lens subassembly, provide gas or air space hermetically.
106. according to the endoscope described in claim 97, and wherein, described safeguard structure is optically transparent.
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CN108324230B (en) 2021-06-22
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BR112015018323A2 (en) 2017-07-18

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