JPH10165362A - Television camera device for endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To freely operate an endoscope while observing an television and eliminate a burden in washing and sterilization. SOLUTION: This unit 20 is so constituted as to be detachably attached to an eyepiece part 13 of an endoscope. It is provided with a television camera part 21 for picking up an endoscope observation image, a transmission part 22 for transmitting a picture signal outputted from the television camera part 21 on a radio wave, and a battery storage part 24 for storing a battery which is a power supply for a light source lap 23 for feeding an illumination light to the endoscope 10.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an endoscope television camera device for capturing an endoscope observation image.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art When an arthroscope or the like is used during an operation, if the endoscope is observed by looking into an eyepiece, the freedom of the operator's movement is greatly restricted.

Therefore, a television camera is attached to an eyepiece of an endoscope so that an image observed by the endoscope is displayed on a television monitor. Even when performing only normal observation, it is convenient in various aspects.

A television camera used in this manner is detachable from an eyepiece of an endoscope, and an electric cable including a signal line for transmitting a video signal and a power supply line extends from the television camera. .

In addition, a light source device for supplying illumination light to the endoscope is separately arranged, and the endoscope and the light source device are connected by a light guide cable.

[0006]

In the above-described conventional apparatus, an electric cable, a light guide cable, and the like extend from the apparatus in which a television camera is attached to an eyepiece of an endoscope.

Therefore, every time the direction of the endoscope is changed, the cables are entangled, and the operation is often obstructed. In addition, since the cable is twisted, a failure such as disconnection easily occurs.

[0008] Needless to say, the endoscope must be cleaned and disinfected after use, but it is also necessary to sufficiently clean and disinfect the television camera and the like. However, not only is it not easy to make the television camera a structure that can withstand it, but also the cleaning and disinfecting operation every time becomes very complicated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a television camera apparatus for an endoscope which can freely operate an endoscope while observing a television and does not have a burden for cleaning and disinfecting. .

[0010]

In order to achieve the above object, an endoscope television camera apparatus according to the present invention comprises an endoscope observation image formed on a unit detachably attached to an eyepiece of the endoscope. A TV camera unit for capturing an image, a transmitting unit for transmitting a video signal output from the TV camera unit on a radio wave, and a power source for a light source lamp for supplying illumination light to the endoscope. And a battery accommodating portion accommodating a battery.

[0011] A light source lamp for supplying illumination light to the endoscope may be provided on the unit side, or the light source lamp may be mounted on the endoscope side.

A light source lamp for supplying illumination light to the endoscope may be detachable from the endoscope, or may be built in the eyepiece. Further, the battery may be a rechargeable battery, and a charging circuit for charging the battery may be provided in the unit.

[0013] A waterproof cover for wrapping the unit in a watertight state may be provided detachably to the unit. In this case, a part of the waterproof cover is moved from the eyepiece of the endoscope to the above. It may be formed of a transparent member that allows an endoscope observation image projected on the television camera unit to pass therethrough.

[0014] A connector for connecting a wire for supplying power from the battery to the light source lamp is attached to the waterproof cover, and a wire inside the waterproof cover and a wire outside the waterproof cover are connected via the connector. May be electrically connected.

[0015] A connector for connecting wiring for charging the battery is attached to the waterproof cover, and the wiring inside and outside the waterproof cover is electrically connected via the connector. You may make it connectable.

[0016]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a state in which a television camera 20 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is attached to an endoscope 10. However, the television camera 2 for the endoscope 10
The magnitude of 0 is shown larger than it actually is.

The endoscope 10 is a rigid arthroscope here, but may be any of various rigid endoscopes such as a rectoscope and a thoracoscopy, and may be a flexible endoscope using an image guide fiber. It may be.

The insertion section 11 of the endoscope 10 is covered with a rigid pipe, and a glass rod lens 12 for transmitting an endoscope observation image to the eyepiece section 13 is disposed inside the insertion section 11. , 14 are eyepieces.

At the distal end of the insertion portion 11, an emission end 15 of a light guide fiber bundle 15 for illuminating a subject is provided.
a is arranged. Light guide fiber bundle 1
The fifth incident end 15b is disposed to protrude laterally in the vicinity of the eyepiece 13. Reference numeral 17 denotes a flange of a lock mechanism for locking a trocar (not shown).

The television camera 20 transmits an endoscope observation image obtained by the endoscope 10 to a television camera unit 21 and a video signal output from the television camera unit 21 through radio waves. Unit 22, a light source lamp 23 for supplying illumination light to the light guide fiber bundle 12 of the endoscope 10, and a battery chamber 24 containing a battery serving as a power source for the transmitter unit 22 as one unit. Is formed.

At the front end of the television camera section 21, a cylindrical eyepiece attachment 26 which is detachable from the eyepiece section 13 of the endoscope 10 is formed. When the eyepiece attachment 26 is connected to the eyepiece 13 as shown in FIG. 1, the endoscope observation image passing through the eyepiece 14 is solid-state imaged by the projection lens 21 a provided in the eyepiece attachment 26. An image is formed on the element 21b.

The television camera unit 21 includes a solid-state image sensor 2
Although a signal processing circuit and the like for extracting a video signal from the image pickup signal output from 1b are provided, and an oscillation circuit and the like are provided in the transmission unit 22, they are not shown. 28 is a transmitting antenna.

The television system may be a current analog system or a digital system. Regarding the transmission radio wave, in either case of the analog system or the digital system, the image quality is good when ultra-high frequency is used. However, any communication means such as a communication satellite or optical communication may be used.

As the light source lamp 23, a so-called miniature lamp type small lamp is used. By using a halogen lamp, light can be emitted much brighter than a tungsten lamp. However, a metal halide short arc lamp or another suitable lamp can be used.

A commercially available battery can be removably accommodated in the electric chamber 24, and can be replaced with a new battery at any time by opening and closing a battery chamber cover (not shown).

A flexible light guide cable 30 is detachably provided between the light source lamp 23 provided on the television camera 20 and the incident end 15b of the light guide fiber bundle 15 provided on the endoscope 10. Connected
The light emitted from the light source lamp 23 is transmitted to the light guide fiber bundle 15.

The radio wave of the video signal of the endoscope observation image is transmitted from the transmission antenna 28 of the transmission unit 22 from the apparatus configured as described above. The receiving device that receives the radio wave is placed in the same room, and the television monitor is placed at a position most preferable for the operator who operates the endoscope 10.

Therefore, the transmission output of the transmission section 22 can be made very small, and a small device is sufficient. Further, the television monitor can be freely set at a convenient position.

Further, the television camera 20 of this embodiment
Has a built-in light source lamp 23 and a battery serving as a power source thereof, so that there is no need to pull out any cables or the like from the device in which the television camera 20 is attached to the endoscope 10.

Therefore, no matter how the operator changes the direction of the endoscope 10 or how the endoscope 10 is rotated, there is no obstacle to the operation, so that very excellent operability can be obtained. it can. Also, there is no need to worry about cable breakage and the like.

FIG. 2 shows that the light source lamp 23 is
0 and separated from the light guide fiber bundle 15
Are provided detachably at the incident end 15b portion. A power cord 31 connects between the light source lamp 23 and the electric park 24 of the television camera 20.

FIG. 3 shows the portion of the light source lamp 23. A cap-shaped lamp case 32 containing the light source lamp 23 is detachably provided at the incident end 15b of the light guide fiber bundle 15, and its outer periphery is provided. A projection for heat radiation is formed on the surface.

The power cord 31 is wound in a coil shape so that it is highly elastic and does not hang down.
The connection between the power cord 31 and the light source lamp 23 is made via a detachable contact 33 fitted in a hook-type manner.

Returning to FIG. 2, the connection between the battery in the electric power room 24 and the power cord 31 is made by a hook-type separable contact 3 disposed on the front side of the TV camera 20.
4 is performed.

In this embodiment, a rechargeable battery is accommodated in an electric ground room 24, and a charging circuit 25 for charging the battery is built in a unit of the television camera 20.

Reference numeral 35 denotes a pair of contacts for connecting an external power supply to the charging circuit 25. However, the battery may be charged using electromagnetic induction, in which case the contact 35 is not required, and the battery is safe and clean. However, the device becomes larger.

FIG. 4 shows a television camera 20 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. A waterproof cover 50 that wraps the entire unit of the television camera 20 according to the second embodiment in a watertight state is provided. It is provided detachably for 20 units. The configuration of the unit of the television camera 20 is the same as that of the second embodiment.

The waterproof cover 50 is formed in a bag-like shape from a thin material having elasticity and non-permeability (for example, silicone rubber). Is closed behind by a binding device 52 to prevent water from entering from outside. Then, the waterproof cover 50 can be removed from the television camera 20 by releasing the binding device 52.

When the eyepiece 13 of the endoscope 10 is attached to the eyepiece attachment 26, the waterproof cover 50 is sandwiched between the eyepiece 13 and the eyepiece attachment 26. Since the endoscope observation image must pass through, the transparent portion 51 is formed on the waterproof cover 50 only at that portion. In this embodiment, the transparent portion 51 is formed of a transparent plastic plate.

The contact 34 at the base end of the power cord 31 for connecting the light source lamp 23 and the electric field chamber 24 is fixed to the inner surface of the waterproof cover 50, and the power cord 31 connected thereto is connected to the waterproof cover 50. It is located outside of 50.

A detachable double-sided hook-type contact 53 is attached to the waterproof cover 50 at a contact 35 for connecting the charging circuit 25 to an external power supply. Can be connected to the contact 35 of the charging circuit 25.

As described above, the waterproof cover 50 that wraps the entire unit of the TV camera 20 in a watertight state is provided.
Since the waterproof cover 50 can be detachably provided to the unit 0 after use, the waterproof cover 50 can be washed and disinfected or replaced, and the TV camera 20 does not need to be washed and disinfected.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of an eyepiece attachment 26 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
Is a front perspective view of that portion. In this embodiment, the transparent portion 51 of the waterproof cover 50 is formed of a soft transparent member.

Eyepiece attachment 2 formed in a cylindrical shape
A circumferential groove 56 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of 6, and a fixing member 57 for fixing the eyepiece 13 of the endoscope 10 is engaged with the circumferential groove 56.

The fixing member 57 in this embodiment is
A pair of springs urged in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 6 are fixed to the eyepiece attachment 26 by set screws 58.

Therefore, the fixing member 57 is pressed against the back surface tapered portion of the eyepiece 13 by its own urging force, so that the eyepiece 13 is fixed in the eyepiece attachment 26 and the fixing member 57 is moved in the opposite direction. The fixation is released by elastic deformation by hand. Set screw 5
8 is loosened, the fixing member 5 is removed from the eyepiece attachment 26.
7 can be removed.

FIG. 7 shows a fifth embodiment of the present invention, in which a light source lamp 23 is disposed in an endoscope 10. In this embodiment, the TV camera 20 is not covered with the waterproof cover 50.

The light source lamp 23 is disposed in the eyepiece section 13, and the light emitted from the light source lamp 23 is converged on the incident end 15 b of the light guide fiber bundle 15 by the converging lens 61. . 62 is
These are projections for heat dissipation.

The contact 63 for connecting the light source lamp 23 in the endoscope 10 and the electric field room 24 of the television camera 20 is
It is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the eyepiece 13 and the inner peripheral surface of the eyepiece attachment 26, and the contact point on the eyepiece attachment 26 side is provided over the entire 360 ° circumference.

Therefore, even if the eyepiece 13 is rotated in any direction about the axis, the electrical connection at the contact 63 is maintained, and the light source lamp 23 can be always turned on. Reference numeral 64 denotes an O-ring for preventing water from entering the eyepiece attachment 26.

FIG. 8 shows a sixth embodiment of the present invention, in which a waterproof cover 50 surrounding the television camera 20 of the above-described fifth embodiment is provided. In this embodiment, a transparent part 51 made of a soft member is sandwiched between the eyepiece 13 and the eyepiece attachment 26.

Although no O-ring is provided between the eyepiece 13 and the eyepiece attachment 26, appropriate irregularities are formed in the O-ring, and the eyepiece 13 and the waterproof cover 50 are fixed to the eyepiece attachment 26. Has contributed.

As shown in detail in FIG. 9, a contact 63 for connecting the light source lamp 23 and the electric field chamber 24 has a contact 631 on the eyepiece section 13 side and the eyepiece attachment 2.
The contact 632 on the sixth side is in contact via a contact 633 attached to the entire periphery of the transparent portion 51.

The contacts attached to the transparent portion 51 of the waterproof cover 50 are exposed on the front and back surfaces of the transparent portion 51. The contact 631 on the eyepiece 13 and the contact 632 on the eyepiece attachment 26 are connected to the transparent portion 51. Are pressed from behind by springs 634 and 635, respectively, in order to ensure contact with the contacts 633.

FIG. 10 shows a seventh embodiment of the present invention, in which a heat radiating portion 39 is formed on the outer wall portions of the TV camera section 21 and the transmitting section 22 of the TV camera 20, and a waterproof cover that comes into contact therewith. The portion 50 is formed by a heat radiating plate 59 made of a material having good heat radiation. This makes it possible to withstand long-term use.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, instead of providing an eyepiece attachment 26 for connecting an endoscope, a lens is arranged to provide a surveillance television camera, security camera, or the like. May be used,
If a solar cell panel is connected as a power source, it can be operated continuously for a long time.

[0057]

According to the present invention, there is no need to pull out any cables or the like from the device in which the television camera is attached to the endoscope. Or, no matter how it is rotated, there is no obstacle to it, so that very excellent operability can be obtained. In addition, the position of the television monitor can be freely changed without worrying about cable breakage or the like.

Further, by providing a detachable waterproof cover which wraps the entire unit of the endoscope television camera device in a watertight state, the waterproof cover can be washed and disinfected or replaced after use. There is no need to clean and disinfect the camera device. Accordingly, the cleaning and disinfecting operation is greatly reduced, and it is not necessary to make the endoscope television camera device itself waterproof.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic side sectional view showing a state in which an endoscope is connected to a television camera device for an endoscope according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic side sectional view showing a state where an endoscope is connected to a television camera device for an endoscope according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic side sectional view of a light source lamp portion according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic side sectional view of a television camera device for an endoscope according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged side schematic sectional view of a connection portion between an endoscope television camera device and an endoscope according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a front partial perspective view of a connection portion between an endoscope television camera device and an endoscope according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic side sectional view of a connection portion between an endoscope television camera device and an endoscope according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic side sectional view of a connection portion between an endoscope television camera device and an endoscope according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a side sectional view of a contact portion according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a schematic side sectional view of a television camera device for an endoscope according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10 Endoscope 13 Eyepiece 20 TV Camera 26 Eyepiece Attachment 50 Waterproof Cover

Claims (11)

[Claims] A television camera unit for capturing an endoscope observation image is mounted on a unit detachably attached to an eyepiece of an endoscope, and a video signal output from the television camera unit is superimposed on radio waves. A television camera device for an endoscope, comprising: a transmission unit for transmitting the illumination light to the endoscope; and a battery accommodating unit for accommodating a battery serving as a power source of a light source lamp for supplying illumination light to the endoscope. 2. The endoscope television camera device according to claim 1, wherein a light source lamp for supplying illumination light to the endoscope is provided in the unit. 3. The television camera apparatus for an endoscope according to claim 1, wherein a light source lamp for supplying illumination light to the endoscope is attached to the endoscope. 4. An endoscope television camera apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a light source lamp for supplying illumination light to said endoscope is detachable from said endoscope. 5. The endoscope television camera apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a light source lamp for supplying illumination light to the endoscope is built in the eyepiece. 6. An endoscope television camera apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said battery is a rechargeable battery. 7. The television camera device for an endoscope according to claim 6, wherein a charging circuit for charging the battery is provided in the unit. 8. The television camera apparatus for an endoscope according to claim 1, wherein a waterproof cover for wrapping the unit in a watertight state is detachably provided to the unit. 9. The waterproof cover according to claim 8, wherein a portion of the waterproof cover is formed of a transparent member that allows an endoscope observation image projected from the eyepiece of the endoscope to the television camera to pass therethrough. TV camera device for endoscope. 10. A connector for connecting a wire for supplying power from the battery to the light source lamp is attached to the waterproof cover, and a wire inside the waterproof cover and a wire outside the waterproof cover are connected via the connector. The television camera device for an endoscope according to claim 8, wherein the television camera device can be electrically connected. 11. A connector for connecting wiring for charging the battery is attached to the waterproof cover, and the wiring inside and outside the waterproof cover is electrically connected via the connector. 10. The endoscope television camera device according to claim 8, which can be connected to a television.