US 6,632,173 B1 · Device for positioning components within endoscopic systems

Abstract

A device for positioning components within endoscopic systems includes a hermetically sealed housing. An outer ring element is mounted to rotate about the outer side of the housing and carries on its circumference at least one outer magnet. Further, an inner ring element is mounted inside the housing and carries likewise at least one inner magnet, the magnets being aligned in such a way that any rotation of the outer ring element has the effect to move the at least one inner magnet by magnetic coupling, such movement serving the purpose to position the respective components. In order to achieve a simple, relatively small and functionally safe structure it is proposed that both the outer and inner ring elements be configured as axially displaceable rings carrying the oppositely arranged magnets, and that the inner ring be mechanically connected with the component to be positioned.

Claims17

Dependent claims

A device for positioning components within endoscopic systems, comprising:

a housing hermetically sealed and having an outer side;
an outer ring element mounted to rotate about said outer side of said housing and carrying on the circumference at least one outer magnet;
an inner ring element mounted inside said housing and carrying at least one inner magnet;
a component positioned inside said housing;
said at least one inner magnet and said at least one outer magnet being arranged such that any rotation of said outer ring element effects movement of said at least one inner magnet by magnetic coupling, such movement serving the purpose to axially position said component;
wherein said outer and said inner ring elements, are configured as rotatable, but axially nondisplaceable rings carrying oppositely arranged said at least one inner magnet and said at least one outer magnet;
wherein said inner ring is mechanically connectable with said component to be axially positioned;
and
wherein said component to be axially positioned is subjected to the force of a spring in the axial direction.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Device for positioning components within endoscopic systems

Life of this patent

Device for positioning components within endoscopic systems

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims17