JP4010631B2 - Simplified endoscope device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a simple endoscope apparatus in which a light source unit for supplying illumination light to a light guide is connected to an operation unit.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In a simple endoscope apparatus, generally, an incident end portion of a light guide for illuminating a subject is arranged in an operation portion of the endoscope, and a light source lamp for supplying illumination light to the light guide is provided at a tip portion. A light source unit incorporated in the detachable unit is detachably connected to the operation unit.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The light source lamp generates heat as it emits light, thereby heating the components around the light source lamp and increasing the temperature. Then, since the light source lamp is in the vicinity of the connection part between the light source unit and the operation part, the part touching the operator's hand may become hot and hinder the operation.
[0004]
In particular, if the amount of light emitted from the light source lamp is increased in order to improve the amount of illumination light, the amount of heat generated from the light source lamp also increases, which may significantly hinder the operation, and therefore the amount of illumination light cannot be increased. .
[0005]
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a simple endoscope device in which heat generated from a light source lamp of a light source unit connected to an operation unit does not hinder the operation.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the simplified endoscope apparatus of the present invention has an incident end portion of a light guide for illuminating a subject arranged in an operation portion of the endoscope, and emits illumination light to the light guide. In a simple endoscope device in which a light source unit incorporating a light source lamp for supply is connected to the operation unit, the outer periphery of a core made of a transparent member having a high refractive index is made of a transparent member having a refractive index lower than that of the core. The first and second photoconductive rods formed by covering the clad are provided separately for the light source unit and the operation portion, and the illumination light emitted from the light source lamp is provided for the first light source unit provided for the light source unit. The first photoconductive rod is transmitted to the connecting portion with the operation unit, and the illumination light transmitted by the first photoconductive rod is transmitted to the light guide by the second photoconductive rod provided in the operation unit. I will communicate When the diameter and length of the first photoconductive rod are D1 and L1, and the diameter and length of the second photoconductive rod are D2 and L2, D1, L1, D2 and L2 are 1 ≦ (L1 / D1) ≦ 50, 5 ≦ (L1 / L2) ≦ 20, and 1 ≦ (D2 / D1) ≦ 2.
[0007]
The light source unit may be detachable from the operation unit.
The diameter of the core of the second photoconductive rod may be equal to the inner diameter of the base of the entrance end of the light guide, and the diameter of the core of the second photoconductive rod may be equal to the first photoconductive rod. It may be greater than or equal to the diameter of the core of the rod.
[0008]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 2 shows a simplified endoscope apparatus in a state where the light source unit 30 is connected to the operation unit 2, and the base end of the insertion unit 1 covered with a flexible tube is provided at the lower end of the operation unit 2. Are connected.
[0009]
The lower part of the operation unit 2, which is about three-quarters, is a grip part 3 that is gripped by the left hand of the operator. Between the grip part 3 and the insertion part 1, the forceps insertion port part 4 is obliquely forward. It is provided so as to protrude.
[0010]
The operation mechanism unit 5 above the grip unit 3 of the operation unit 2 includes a suction operation valve 6 for performing a suction operation through a forceps channel (not shown) inserted into the insertion unit 1, and a distal end of the insertion unit 1. A bending operation lever 7 for remotely bending a bending portion (not shown) formed in the portion is disposed on the front surface and the rear surface, and an eyepiece portion 8 projects from the upper surface. In addition, all parts, such as the insertion part 1, the operation part 2, and the eyepiece part 8, are comprised by the watertight structure from which water does not penetrate | invade from the outside.
[0011]
The illumination light guide fiber bundle 9 for transmitting the illumination light for illuminating the subject has an incident end portion disposed in the operation mechanism portion 5 and passes through the insertion portion 1 and the grip portion 3 of the operation portion 2. The injection end is arranged at the tip of the insertion portion 1.
[0012]
A light source unit 30 for supplying illumination light to the light guide fiber bundle 9 is detachably connected to a side surface portion of the operation mechanism unit 5. The light source unit 30 is also configured in a watertight structure in which water does not enter from the outside.
[0013]
3 and 4 show a state where the light source unit 30 is connected to the operation unit 2 and a state where it is removed.
A main body case 31 of the light source unit 30 is formed in an L shape by a plastic material, and a light source lamp 32 is attached to a lamp socket 33 at a bent portion.
[0014]
The light source lamp 32 is disposed on the axis of the short shaft portion 31A of the main body case 31 formed in an L shape, and converges the illumination light emitted from the light source lamp 32 on the axis of the short shaft portion 31A. A reflecting mirror 34 is attached to the lamp socket 33 so as to surround the light source lamp 32.
[0015]
In the rear part of the lamp socket 33, the main body case 31 is formed with an opening, and the bottom lid 35 is detachably screwed to the opening. An O-ring 36 for sealing is attached to the fitting surface between the bottom lid 35 and the main body case 31 so that water does not enter inside through the gap. A compression coil spring 37 is interposed between the bottom cover 35 and the lamp socket 33, and the lamp socket 33 and the reflecting mirror 34 are elastically fixed.
[0016]
A battery 38 is housed inside the long shaft portion 31 </ b> B side of the L-shaped main body case 31. As the battery 38, either a dry battery or a rechargeable CADNICA battery may be used, and an AC / DC converter or the like may be used as a power source.
[0017]
A battery case lid 39 made of plastic is detachably screwed into the end opening of the battery housing portion of the main body case 31, and a sealing O-ring 40 is attached to the boundary surface between the two. Water does not enter inside through the gap. If the battery case cover 39 is removed from the main body case 31, the battery 38 can be replaced.
[0018]
Reference numerals 41 and 42 denote negative side electrodes disposed in the battery case lid 39 and the main body case 31, and reference numeral 43 denotes a positive side electrode disposed in the main body case 31, which are connected to the light source lamp 32 via lead wires. ing.
[0019]
A switch for turning on / off the power supply to the light source lamp 32 is provided in the middle of the wiring, but the illustration thereof is omitted. The switch portion is also sealed watertight so that water does not enter the inside from the outside.
[0020]
A metal fitting base 45 that is inserted into the connection tube 20 provided in the operation unit 2 is fixed to the front end portion of the short shaft portion 31 </ b> A of the main body case 31 with screws, and a connection tube is provided on the outer peripheral surface thereof. An O-ring 46 for sealing the mating surface with 20 is mounted, and a positioning pin 51 for restricting the orientation when connected to the connecting cylinder 20 is provided. Reference numeral 48 denotes an O-ring for sealing a boundary portion between the main body case 31 and the fitting base 45.
[0021]
A fastening ring 50 formed with a female screw 50a that is screwed with the male screw 20a formed on the connecting cylinder 20 is attached to the outer peripheral portion of the short shaft portion 31A of the main body case 31 so as not to come out in the axial direction. Yes.
[0022]
At the axial position of the short shaft portion 31A, the first photoconductive member is formed to have a uniform diameter by covering the outer periphery of the core made of a transparent member having a high refractive index with the cladding made of the transparent member having a lower refractive index than the core. The rod 47 is disposed, and the outer end surface (injection end surface) reaches the position of the outer end surface of the fitting base 45.
[0023]
The inner end face (incident end face) of the first photoconductive rod 47 is arranged at a position where the illumination light emitted from the light source lamp 32 is converged by the reflecting mirror 34, and the illumination light emitted from the light source lamp 32 is The light is transmitted through the first photoconductive rod 47 and emitted from the outer end surface.
[0024]
The body case 11 that covers the operation mechanism section 5 of the operation section 2 is made of electrically insulating plastic, and a lid body 12 made of electrically insulating plastic is formed in a side opening that is largely formed in the body case 11. It is inserted. An O-ring 13 for sealing is attached to the fitting surface so that water does not enter the operation portion 2 from the gap.
[0025]
Reference numeral 15 denotes a support cylinder whose base is fixed to a metal frame (not shown) in the operation unit 2, and a pedestal 16 that protrudes outward from a through-hole drilled in the central portion of the lid 12 is supported by The lid 15 is pressed and fixed by a fixing nut 17 that is screwed to the tip of the cylinder 15. Reference numeral 18 denotes an electrically insulating spacer, and 19 denotes an O-ring for sealing.
[0026]
A connection cylinder 20 for inserting and connecting the light source unit 30 is fixed to the pedestal 16 with screws so as to open outward. 21 is an O-ring for sealing. The outer surface of the connection tube 20 is surrounded by a plastic cover tube 22.
[0027]
The central portion of the bottom surface of the connection tube 20 is an illumination light incident window, and the outer periphery of the core made of a transparent member having a high refractive index is coated with a clad made of a transparent member having a refractive index lower than that of the core. A second photoconductive rod 24 having a uniform diameter is joined in a watertight manner. The outer end surface (incident end surface) of the second photoconductive rod 24 is located on the same plane as the bottom surface of the connection tube 20.
[0028]
The incident end portion of the light guide fiber bundle 9 is fixed to the connecting tube 20 with screws in a state where the incident end surface is in close contact with the inner end surface (exit end surface) of the second photoconductive rod 24.
[0029]
A male screw 20 a that engages with a female screw 50 a of a fastening ring 50 provided on the light source unit 30 side and a positioning groove 25 that engages a positioning pin 51 are formed at the protruding end portion of the connection tube 20.
[0030]
Therefore, from the state shown in FIG. 4, the light source unit 30 is moved closer to the operation unit 2 side, the fitting base 45 is inserted into the connection tube 20, and the female screw 50 a of the tightening ring 50 is inserted into the male screw 20 a of the connection tube 20. 3, the light source unit 30 is connected to the operation unit 2 as shown in FIG. 3, and the exit end face of the first photoconductive rod 47 and the entrance end face of the second photoconductive rod 24 face each other. become.
[0031]
As a result, the illumination light radiated from the light source lamp 32 is transmitted through the first photoconductive rod 47 and then transmitted through the second photoconductive rod 24 to enter the light guide fiber bundle 9. .
[0032]
In the simple endoscope apparatus configured as described above, when the light source lamp 32 is arranged close to the operation unit 2, an operator's hand holding the operation unit 2 feels heat generated from the light source lamp 32. May interfere with operation.
[0033]
Therefore, in the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1, the diameter and length of the first photoconductive rod 47 provided on the light source unit 30 side are set to D1 and L1, and the first photoconductive rod 47 provided on the operation unit 2 side is used. When the diameter and length of the two photoconductive rods 24 are D2 and L2, D1, L1, D2 and L2 are 1 ≦ (L1 / D1) ≦ 50 (1)
5 ≦ (L1 / L2) ≦ 20 (2)
1 ≦ (D2 / D1) ≦ 2 (3)
It is set to be in the range.
[0034]
That is, the length L1 of the first photoconductive rod 47 is in the range of 1 to 50 times the diameter D1 (1), and is 5 times or more the length L2 of the second photoconductive rod 24. The range is 20 times or less ((2)). As a result, a distance between the light source lamp 32 and the operation unit 2 is secured, and the heat generated from the light source lamp 32 is not felt uncomfortable by the hand of the operator holding the operation unit 2.
[0035]
The diameter D2 of the second photoconductive rod 24 is in the range of 1 to 2 times the diameter D1 of the first photoconductive rod 47 ((3)). Thereby, illumination light transmission from the light source lamp 32 to the light guide fiber bundle 9 is performed without loss.
[0036]
If the diameter of the core of the second photoconductive rod 24 is equal to or larger than the diameter of the core of the first photoconductive rod 47 and equal to the inner diameter of the base of the light guide fiber bundle 9, the illumination light Transmission is most efficient.
[0037]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, the diameter and length of the first photoconductive rod that is provided in the light source unit and transmits the illumination light emitted from the light source lamp to the connection portion with the operation portion are D1 and L1, and the operation portion has The diameter and length of the second photoconductive rod that is provided and transmits the illumination light transmitted by the first photoconductive rod to the light guide is set to D2 and L2, and 1 ≦ (L1 / D1) ≦ 50, 5 ≦. By setting (L1 / L2) ≦ 20 and 1 ≦ (D2 / D1) ≦ 2, the distance between the light source lamp provided in the light source unit and the operation unit is ensured. Even if it is enlarged to brightly illuminate the subject of the endoscope, the heat generated from the light source lamp does not feel uncomfortable to the operator's hand holding the operation unit, and does not hinder the operation.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of first and second photoconductive rod portions according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a side view of a state in which a light source unit is connected to an endoscope operation unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the connection portion and the light source unit in a state where the light source unit is connected to the endoscope operation portion according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the connection portion and the light source unit in a state in which the light source unit is removed from the endoscope operation portion according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
2 Operation unit 9 Light guide fiber bundle 24 Second photoconductive rod 30 Light source unit 32 Light source lamp 47 First photoconductive rod

Claims (4)

An incident end of a light guide for illuminating a subject is arranged in the operation unit of the endoscope, and a light source unit including a light source lamp for supplying illumination light to the light guide is connected to the operation unit. In a simple endoscope device,
First and second photoconductive rods formed by covering the outer periphery of a core made of a transparent member having a high refractive index with a clad made of a transparent member having a lower refractive index than the core are used as the light source unit and the operation unit. Provided separately, the illumination light emitted from the light source lamp is transmitted to the connecting portion with the operation unit by the first photoconductive rod provided in the light source unit, and transmitted by the first photoconductive rod. Configured to transmit the illuminated light to the light guide by a second photoconductive rod provided in the operation unit,
When the diameter and length of the first photoconductive rod are D1 and L1, and the diameter and length of the second photoconductive rod are D2 and L2, D1, L1, D2 and L2 are:
1 ≦ (L1 / D1) ≦ 50
5 ≦ (L1 / L2) ≦ 20
1 ≦ (D2 / D1) ≦ 2
A simple endoscope apparatus characterized by being in the range. The simple endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the light source unit is detachable from the operation unit. The simplified endoscope apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a diameter of a core of the second photoconductive rod is equal to an inner diameter of a base of an incident end portion of the light guide. The simplified endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein a diameter of the core of the second photoconductive rod is greater than or equal to a diameter of the core of the first photoconductive rod.

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