DE102013108631B4 - Endoscope with image erecting device and method for erecting an image in such an endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

Endoscope (10), comprising: an image transmission device (40) in a shaft (20) for transmitting an image from the distal end (11) to the proximal end (12) of the endoscope (10); an image erecting device (50) for erecting a device by means of the Endoscope (10) captured image, wherein the image erecting device (50) has a first angle-dependent reflective surface (61) and a second angle-dependent reflecting surface (62), wherein the image erecting device (50) is arranged and designed so that light for the image erection successively the first reflective surface (61) is reflected, passes through the first reflective surface (61) and through the second reflective surface (62) and is reflected on the second reflective surface (62), wherein the image erecting device (50) substantially the shape a cuboid, the cuboid in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the image transmission device (40) essentially has a square cross-section, characterized in that the shape of the image erecting device (50) deviates from the shape of an ideal cuboid in that at least either the light entry surface or the light exit surface of the image erecting device (50) - curved and / or - through a rod lens (57, 59 ) changed or supplemented or changed or supplemented by another device with a non-square cross-section, the rod lens (57, 59) or the other device with a non-square cross-section being manufactured in one piece with a part (51, 53) of the cuboid is joined.

Description

The present invention relates to an endoscope with an image erecting device for erecting an image captured by means of the endoscope, in particular to the configuration of the image erecting device, and to a method for erecting an image in an endoscope.

In many rigid endoscopes, relay lens systems consisting of several rod lenses arranged one behind the other are used. Each element of the relay lens system, in particular each rod lens, causes a complete reversal of the image, i.e. a page reversal in both vertical and horizontal direction, which means a rotation by 180 degrees around the optical axis of the relay lens system. In straight-sighted endoscopes or endoscopes with a viewing direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, an upright and laterally correct image is visible to the user in the eyepiece due to a suitable (especially uneven) number of elements of the relay lens system or rod lenses. This also applies to endoscopes which are not straight-sighted and which have a Bauernfeind prism or another arrangement of an even number of coplanar reflecting surfaces to deflect the light emanating from an object.

Endoscopes with an adjustable viewing direction have, for example, only one reflective surface at the distal end, which can be pivoted to adjust the viewing direction (see, for example, FIG DE 10 2010 010 948 A1 ). The individual reflective surface causes a side exchange in a direction parallel to a plane which contains the surface normal of the reflective surface and the optical axis before and after the reflective surface.

Alternatively, for example, two reflective surfaces are provided on the distal end of the endoscope, one of which can be pivoted to adjust the viewing direction (see, for example, FIG DE 10 2010 033 425 A1 ). The observed image rotates when the pivotable reflective surface is pivoted and thus the viewing direction.

A prism according to Dove / Amici or a prism according to Abbe / König can be used for erecting the image or for reverse rotation of the image. Both prisms have specific disadvantages.

The DE 600 15 375 T2 shows an endoscope with a tube, a distal viewing opening and devices for receiving and transmitting an image as well as a first reflector set at a 45 ° angle in order to rotate the image about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the endoscope. The endoscope furthermore comprises a second reflector, which is also set at a 45 ° angle, so that the image is reflected from the first reflector to the second reflector and from this into the image receiving device. Since there are two reflections here, the image is aligned according to the viewed object and no longer needs to be straightened up.

The US 2011/0199471 A1 deals with endoscope optics in which a first reflector deflects incident light at right angles, a second reflection device, which uses three reflections to deflect the light beam back by 180 ° and a third reflector, which returns the light beam by a further 90 ° into the plane of the deflects incident light beam. In order to erect the image again, the endoscope also contains an image erecting prism with a trapezoidal cross-section.

From the GB 1 088 431 A describes a prism erecting system with an entry prism with an entry surface and two reflection surfaces and an exit prism with a reflection surface and an exit surface which is parallel to the entry surface. In some exemplary embodiments, a third prism is comprised between the entry and exit prism, the exit prism in this exemplary embodiment having two reflective surfaces. This always results in an odd number of reflections, so that the image is twisted in relation to the viewed object.

The DE 23 47 914 A presents an endoscope with fiber optics and a prism system. In the various exemplary embodiments, this consists of two prisms or a roof prism. Here the rotation of a prism is compensated with a compensation system, but not an image in relation to the image - mirror image is erected in the position of the object.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved endoscope with an image erecting device and an improved method for erecting an image in an endoscope.

This object is achieved by the subjects of the independent claims.

Further developments are given in the dependent claims.

An endoscope comprises an image transmission device in a shaft for transmitting an image from the distal end to the proximal end of the endoscope and an image erecting device for erecting an image captured by means of the endoscope, the image erecting device having a first angle-dependent reflecting surface and a second angle-dependent reflecting surface, and wherein the image erecting device so is arranged and designed so that light for image erection is successively reflected on the first reflective surface, passes through the first reflective surface and through the second, reflective surface and is reflected on the second reflective surface.

The endoscope can be designed for medical or for non-medical, in particular technical, applications. The endoscope has, in particular at the distal end of the shaft, a reflective surface for coupling light emanating from an object into the image transmission device. The orientation of the reflective surface defines the viewing direction of the endoscope. In particular, the reflective surface can be pivoted to adjust the viewing direction of the endoscope.

The image transmission device comprises in particular a plurality of rod lenses arranged one behind the other or another relay lens system. As an alternative or in addition, the image transmission device can have an ordered bundle of optical fibers, in particular if or to the extent that the shaft of the endoscope is flexible. The image transmission transmits the image in the form of light emanating from an object to be observed.

The image erecting device can be arranged distal or proximal to the image transmission device or between two parts of the image transmission device (in particular between two rod lenses). The erection of the image captured by means of the endoscope, which is effected by the image erecting device, consists of a side reversal in a direction which lies in particular in a plane which is the surface normal of the reflecting surface (in the case of its curvature: in its center) and the optical axis of the image transmission device contains.

Both angle-dependent reflective surfaces of the image erecting device are in particular each flat. Both angle-dependent reflective surfaces are in particular arranged in the shape of a roof.

The configuration of the image erecting device with two angle-dependent reflective surfaces and in particular the arrangement and configuration of the image erecting device such that the light emanating from the object to be observed is reflected successively on the first reflective surface, passes through the first reflective surface and through the second reflective surface and is reflected on the second reflective surface, can enable a particularly compact design of the image erecting device. As can be seen in particular from the further properties and features of the image erecting device presented below and from the description of the embodiments, the image erecting device can have a cross section (in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the image transmission device) that is only slightly larger than the beam cross section. The compact design of the image erecting device is particularly advantageous if the image erecting device is itself rotatable for reverse rotation of an image that is rotated through an angle that is dependent on the viewing direction set. Furthermore, the compact design can enable the image erecting device to be arranged at the distal end or at another location in the shaft of the endoscope.

In the case of an endoscope, as described here, the image erecting device is in particular arranged and designed such that light for erecting the image is successively reflected on the first reflective surface, is reflected on a third reflective surface, passes through the first reflective surface, on a fourth reflective surface is reflected, passes through the second reflective surface, is reflected on a fifth reflective surface and is reflected on the second reflective surface.

The third reflective surface, the fourth reflective surface and the fifth reflective surface are in each case reflective, in particular, independently of the angle, and for this purpose in each case in particular mirrored. The third reflective surface, the fourth reflective surface and the fifth reflective surface are each in particular flat.

In an endoscope, as described here, the third reflective surface, the fourth reflective surface and the fifth reflective surface are in particular arranged parallel to one another.

In an endoscope, as described here, the third reflective surface, the fourth reflective surface and the fifth reflective surface are arranged in particular parallel to the optical axis of the image transmission device.

In the case of an endoscope as described here, all reflective surfaces of the image erecting device that are involved in the image erection are in particular planar and coplanar.

All reflective surfaces on which light has to be reflected to erect the image, i.e. on which light is not only reflected in an edge region of the beam and / or due to manufacturing tolerances or an adjustment error, are involved in the image erection. The first, angle-dependent reflecting surface, the second, angle-dependent reflecting surface and the third, fourth and fifth ( each in particular angle-independent) reflecting surfaces.

In an endoscope as described here, the image erecting device essentially has the shape of a cuboid, the cuboid having an essentially square cross section in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the image transmission device.

The shape of the image erecting device can deviate from the shape of an ideal cuboid, in particular at the edges, in that the edges are provided with bevels to protect against damage. Furthermore, the shape of the image erecting device differs from the shape of an ideal cuboid, in particular in that the image erecting device can be composed of several prisms, between which narrow gaps and / or steps can be provided on the outer surfaces. Furthermore, the shape of the image erecting device differs from the shape of an ideal cuboid in that at least either the light entry surface or the light exit surface of the image erecting device is curved and / or modified or supplemented by a rod lens or other device with a non-square cross-section.

In the case of an endoscope, as described here, the light entry surface of the image erecting device and the light exit surface of the image erecting device are arranged in particular on two of the six flat surface sections of the cuboid opposite one another, and the fourth reflective surface and on two other opposite of the six flat surface sections of the cuboid on the one hand on the other hand, the third and the fifth reflective surface are arranged.

In an endoscope as described here, the image erecting device comprises in particular a first prism, a second prism and a third prism, the first prism comprising a light entry surface of the image erecting device, the first reflective surface and the third reflective surface, the second prism the fourth reflective surface comprises a light inlet surface opposite and parallel to the first reflective surface and a light outlet surface opposite and parallel to the second reflective surface, and wherein the third prism comprises a light outlet surface of the image erecting device, the second reflective surface and the fifth reflective surface.

In particular, the first prism and the third prism are arranged identically and symmetrically to one another. The light entry surfaces of the image erecting device on the first prism and the light exit surface of the image erecting device on the third prism are of the same size and in particular are flat and parallel to one another. The third reflective surface on the first prism and the fifth reflective surface on the third prism are in particular the same size, parallel to one another and lie in a common plane. On the first prism, the light entry surface is in particular perpendicular to the third reflective surface. On the third prism, the light exit surface is in particular perpendicular to the fifth reflective surface. The first reflective surface, the second reflective surface, the light entry surface of the second prism and the light exit surface of the second prism are in particular the same size or essentially the same size.

In particular, an edge region of the first reflective surface on the first prism is glued to an edge region of the light entry surface of the second prism and an edge region of the second reflective surface on the third prism is glued to an edge region of the light exit surface of the second prism. In this case, one (in particular diaphragm-shaped) spacer defines predetermined small distances between the first reflective surface on the first prism and the light inlet surface of the second prism or between the second reflective surface on the third prism and the light outlet surface of the second prism.

The described structure of the image erecting device from three prisms, which are glued to one another in particular in the edge areas of opposing surface sections, enables a particularly robust and permanent adjustment of the three prisms and thus also of all reflective surfaces to one another.

In the case of an endoscope as described here, in particular the first reflective surface and the second reflective surface of the image erecting device are each arranged at an angle of 30 degrees to the optical axis of the image transmission device.

When it is reflected on the first reflective surface, the angle between the light and the surface normal is approximately 60 degrees. After reflection on the first reflective surface, the light hits the third reflective surface at an angle of approx. 30 degrees to the surface normal, is reflected there, passes through the first reflective surface parallel to the surface normal, and hits at an angle of approx. 30 Degrees to the surface normal on the fourth reflective surface, is reflected there, passes through the second reflective surface parallel to the surface normal, hits the fifth reflective surface at an angle of approx. 30 degrees to the surface normal and is reflected on it. Eventually the light hits at an angle of approx. 60 degrees to the surface normal on the second reflective surface and is reflected on this.

An endoscope, as described here, also includes, in particular, a further reflective surface at the distal end of the endoscope for coupling light emanating from an object to be observed into the image transmission device, the further reflective surface for adjusting the viewing direction about a pivot axis is pivotable, and a device for coupling the image erecting device to the further reflective surface such that a pivoting of the further reflective surface about the pivot axis is accompanied by a rotation of the image erecting device about a rotation axis parallel to the optical axis of the image transmission device.

The orientation of the pivotable further reflective surface defines the viewing direction of the endoscope, wherein pivoting the reflective surface by a certain angle can cause the viewing direction to pivot by the same angle, by twice the angle or by a different angle. The pivot axis of the further reflective surface is in particular orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the shaft of the endoscope. The device for coupling the image erecting device to the further reflective surface is in particular a mechanical device. Alternatively, the device can have an electronic or another digital or analog logic and one or more electric motors, ultrasonic motors or other linear or rotary drive devices. The device for coupling comprises in particular a cam gear for converting a rotational movement of the image erecting device into a translational movement of a push or pull rod or another transmission device for transmitting the translational movement to the pivotable further reflective surface at the distal end of the endoscope. The distal end of the transmission device is designed, for example, as a connecting rod or is coupled to the pivotable further reflective surface via a connecting rod.

In a method for erecting an image in an endoscope, light emanating from an object to be observed is reflected on a first angle-dependent reflecting surface, the light is transmitted through the first angle-dependent reflecting surface, the light is transmitted through a second angle-dependent reflecting surface and the light is transmitted to the second angle-dependent reflecting surface reflected.

The method can in particular be carried out by means of an endoscope, as is described here. The endoscope can be provided and designed for medical or non-medical or technical applications. In particular, the steps are carried out in the order given.

Before and / or after the steps described, the light emanating from the object to be observed can be transmitted from a distal end to a proximal end of the endoscope, in particular by means of a relay lens system and / or an ordered bundle of optical fibers.

The light emanating from the object to be observed is reflected in particular after being reflected on the first reflecting surface and before being transmitted by the first reflecting surface on a third reflecting surface, after being transmitted by the first reflecting surface and before being transmitted by the second reflecting surface Surface is reflected on a fourth reflective surface and, after being transmitted by the second reflective surface and before being reflected on the second reflective surface, is reflected on a fifth reflective surface. The third reflective surface, the fourth reflective surface and the fifth reflective surface are each reflective, in particular, independently of the angle.

In a method as described here, light emanating from the object to be observed is reflected in particular by means of a further reflective surface on the distal end of a shaft of the endoscope before all the steps described so far, the orientation of the further reflective surface defining the direction of view of the endoscope .

Figure list

• 1 eine schematische Darstellung eines Endoskops mit einer Bildaufrichtungseinrichtung;
• 2 eine schematische Darstellung eines weiteren Endoskops mit einer Bildaufrichtungseinrichtung;
• 3 eine schematische Darstellung eines weiteren Endoskops mit einer Bildaufrichtungseinrichtung;
• 4 eine schematische Darstellung einer Bildaufrichtungseinrichtung;
• 5 eine weitere schematische axonometrische Darstellung der Bildaufrichtungseinrichtung aus 4;
• 6 eine schematische Darstellung von Teilen eines Endoskops;
• 7 eine schematische Schnittdarstellung einer Bildaufrichtungseinrichtung und eines Magnetträgers;
• 8 ein schematisches Flussdiagramm eines Verfahrens zum Aufrichten eines Bilds in einem Endoskop.

Embodiments are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures. Show it:

• 1 a schematic representation of an endoscope with an image erecting device;
• 2 a schematic representation of a further endoscope with an image erecting device;
• 3rd a schematic representation of a further endoscope with an image erecting device;
• 4th a schematic representation of an image erecting device;
• 5 a further schematic axonometric representation of the image erecting device 4th ;
• 6th a schematic representation of parts of an endoscope;
• 7th a schematic sectional view of an image erecting device and a magnetic carrier;
• 8th a schematic flow diagram of a method for erecting an image in an endoscope.

Description of the embodiments

1 shows a schematic representation of an endoscope 10 with a distal end 11 and a proximal end 12th . The direction of view 14th of the endoscope 10 is inside a by a curved arrow 15th indicated range adjustable. At the proximal end 12th points the endoscope 10 an eyepiece 16 and a clutch 17th for a light guide cable for supplying illuminating light to the endoscope 10 on.

The endoscope 10 includes a shaft 20th that extends from the proximal end 12th to the distal end 11 of the endoscope extends. At the distal end 11 of the endoscope 10 is a swivel prism 30th with a distal light entry surface 31 , a reflective surface 32 and a proximal light exit surface 33 arranged. The swivel prism 30th is designed in particular as a prism according to Dove / Amici and around a pivot axis 38 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft 20th and perpendicular to the plane of the drawing 1 pivotable. A pivoting of the swivel prism 30th The viewing direction is pivoted by an angle 14th at twice the angle.

In the shaft 20th is an image transmission device 40 with an optical axis 48 arranged. The dash-dotted line representing the optical axis 48 the image transmission device 40 indicates is distal to the swivel prism 30th and beyond in the line of sight 14th extended to the transmission of light coming out of the line of sight 14th occurs in the swivel prism 30th and in the image transmission device 40 to suggest. The image transmission device 40 is particularly suitable as an arrangement of rod lenses, the contours of which are in 1 are indicated or designed as another relay lens system. Alternatively, the image transmission device 40 have an ordered bundle of optical fibers. In this case, the shaft 20th be flexible. Alternatively, an ordered bundle of optical fibers and a relay lens system can be arranged one behind the other.

At the proximal end 12th of the endoscope 10 is an image erecting device 50 between the proximal end of the image transmission device 40 and the eyepiece 16 arranged. While each relay lens system / inversion system causes a complete image inversion, both cause the reflective surface 32 on the swivel prism 30th as well as the image erecting device 50 in each case a page swap in one direction in the plane of the drawing 1 . This lifts the image erecting device 50 the effect of the reflective surface that collapses the image 32 of the swivel prism and allows an upright image to be observed through the eyepiece 16 .

The endoscope 10 is designed around the swivel prism 30th , the image transmission device 40 and the image erecting device 50 to be hermetically sealed in order to avoid the penetration of water vapor and other disruptive or destructive fluids and solids into the optical system. The endoscope points to this 10 in particular a curved transparent window component at the distal end 11 and another transparent window component at the proximal end 12th on that in 1 are not shown.

2 shows a schematic representation of a further endoscope 10 , which in some features and properties correspond to the above based on the 1 is similar to the endoscope shown. The drawing plane of the 2 corresponds to the drawing plane of 1 . Only features and properties of the endoscope are described below 10 out 2 from the above based on the 1 shown endoscope differs.

This in 2 illustrated endoscope 10 points as well as the above based on the 1 endoscope shown a swivel prism 30th at the distal end, which is about a pivot axis 38 perpendicular to the plane of the drawing 2 is pivotable. To the effect of the orientation of the swivel prism 30th on the line of sight 14th to indicate is the endoscope 10 in 2 with a different line of sight 14th shown as the endoscope in 1 .

The endoscope 10 differs from the one above based on the 1 illustrated endoscope in particular in that the image erecting device 50 not at the proximal end 12th but near the distal end 11 of the endoscope between the swivel prism 30th and the image transmission device 40 is arranged. The following based on the 4th and 5 Compact design of the image erecting device shown 50 can this distal arrangement of the image erecting device 50 allow without a significantly enlarged cross-section of the shaft 20th to require.

3rd shows a schematic representation of a further endoscope 10 , which in some features and properties correspond to the above based on the 1 endoscope shown and in particular the above with reference to the 2 is similar to the endoscope shown. The following are only the features and characteristics of the endoscope 10 described in which this from above based on the 2 shown endoscope differs. The drawing plane of the 3rd contains the 1 and 2 the optical axis 48 the image transmission device 40 , however, is perpendicular to the plane in which the adjustable viewing directions 14th and thus also perpendicular to the drawing planes of the 1 and 2 .

The endoscope 10 out 3rd differs from the one above based on the 2 endoscope shown in particular in that at the distal end 11 of the endoscope 10 a pivoting reflective surface 32 and a fixed reflective surface 39 are provided. Both reflective surfaces 32 , 39 at the distal end 11 of the endoscope 10 are arranged and designed to deflect or deflect light in each case by an angle of 90 degrees. The pivoting reflective surface 32 is about a pivot axis 38 pivotable in the plane of the drawing 3rd and perpendicular to the optical axis 48 the image transmission device 40 and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft 20th is. The reflective surface 39 is fixed.

The surface normal of the pivoting reflective surface 32 concludes with both the line of sight 14th as well as with the swivel axis 38 each make an angle of 45 degrees. The surface normal of the fixed reflective surface 39 closes with the swivel axis 38 and with the longitudinal axis 48 the image transmission device 40 each make an angle of 45 degrees. Panning the pivotable reflective surface 32 The viewing direction is pivoted by an angle 14th at the same angle. Deviating from the schematic representation in 3rd can use both the pivoting reflective surface 32 as well as the fixed reflective surface 39 at the distal end 11 of the endoscope 10 each be formed on a prism or a similar transparent body, within which both the reflected and the reflected light runs.

Panning the pivotable reflective surface 32 at the distal end 11 of the endoscope 10 around their pivot axis 38 causes the captured image to rotate around the optical axis 48 the image transmission device 40 . A simultaneous rotation of the image erecting device 50 around its axis of rotation 58 that of the optical axis 48 the image transmission device 40 reverses or compensates for this rotation.

4th shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of an image erecting device 50 in the above based on the 1 to 3rd shown endoscopes can be used. The drawing plane of the 4th corresponds to the drawing levels of 1 to 3rd and contains the optical axis 48 the image transmission device 40 (see. 1 to 3rd ) and the axis of rotation 58 the image erecting device 50 . 5 shows a schematic axonometric representation of the image erecting device 50 . The image erecting device 50 is made up of three prisms 51 , 52 , 53 composed. The first prism 51 and the third prism 53 are arranged equally and mirror-symmetrically. The second prism 52 is symmetrical roof-shaped and between the first prism 51 and the third prism 53 arranged. The first prism 51 , the second prism 52 and the third prism 53 together form a substantially cuboid body.

The first prism 51 has a first, angle-dependent reflective surface 61 on that opposite a light entry surface 54 of the second prism 52 and is arranged parallel to this. The third prism 53 has a second, angle-dependent reflective surface 62 on that opposite a light exit surface 55 of the second prism 52 and is arranged parallel to this. The first prism 51 and the second prism 52 as well as the second prism 52 and the third prism 53 are each rigidly connected to one another, in particular by gluing in one or more edge areas of the first reflective surface 61 on the first prism 51 and the light entry surface 54 of the second prism 52 and in one or more edge regions of the second reflective surface 62 at the third prism 53 and the light exit surface 55 of the second prism 52 . Between the first reflective surface 61 on the first prism 51 and the light entry surface 54 of the second prism 52 and between the second reflective surface 62 at the third prism 53 and the light exit surface 55 of the second prism 52 are each thin spacers, for example in the form of frame-shaped components, provided that in the 4th and 5 are not shown and ensure predetermined distances between the opposing surfaces.

On the first prism 51 is a third, angle-independent reflective surface 63 intended. On the second prism 52 is a fourth, angle-independent reflective surface 64 intended. On the third prism 53 is a fifth, angle-independent reflective surface 65 intended. The third reflective surface 63 , the fourth reflective surface 64 and the fifth reflective surface 65 are mirrored and parallel to each other and to the optical axis 48 the image transmission device 40 (see. 1 to 3rd ) arranged. There is also a light entry surface 67 the image erecting device 50 on the first prism 51 and a light exit surface 69 the image erecting device 50 at the third prism 53 intended. The light entry surface 67 and the Light exit surface 69 the image erecting device 50 are in particular flat and parallel to one another and perpendicular to the optical axis 48 arranged.

In the illustrated embodiment are on the light entry surface 67 and on the light exit surface 69 the image erecting device 50 one circular cylinder each 57 , 59 made of glass or another transparent material. The circular cylinder 57 can with the first prism 51 be made in one piece or, for example, joined by gluing. The circular cylinder 59 can with the third prism 53 be made in one piece or, for example, joined by gluing. The circular cylinder 57 , 59 can each be part of the image erection device 50 be the shape of the erecting device 50 at least in the area of the circular cylinder 57 , 59 deviates from the shape of a cuboid. From the image erecting device 50 remote end faces of the circular cylinder 57 , 59 are curved so that the image erecting device 50 together with the circular cylinders 57 , 59 acts like a rod lens, which however does not completely invert the image, but merely swap sides in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the drawing 4th causes.

The image erecting device 50 For example, light passing through from left to right first falls on the first, angle-dependent reflecting surface 61 on the first prism 51 and is totally reflected there due to the large angle to the surface normal (approx. 60 degrees). Then the light is reflected on the third, angle-independent reflecting surface 63 on the first prism 51 reflected, passes through the angle-dependent reflecting surface essentially perpendicularly 61 on the first prism and the light entry surface 54 at the second prism 52 , is on the fourth, angle-independent reflective surface 64 at the second prism 52 reflected again, passes essentially perpendicularly through the light exit surface 55 of the second prism 52 and the second, angle-dependent reflective surface 62 at the third prism 53 and is on the fifth, angle-independent reflective surface 65 reflected. Finally, the light hits the second, angle-dependent reflecting surface flat (at an angle to the surface normal of approx. 60 degrees) 62 and is totally reflected there due to the large angle to the surface normal to the image erecting device 50 to leave to the right.

At the image erecting device 50 all surfaces involved in the erection of the image are perpendicular to the plane of the drawing 4th . The to the drawing plane of the 4th parallel surface sections of the prisms 51 , 52 , 53 are not involved in the erection of the image.

6th shows a schematic representation of parts of an endoscope 10 , which in some features and properties correspond to the above based on the 3rd is similar to the endoscope shown. Only features and properties of the endoscope are described below 10 from the above based on the 3rd shown endoscope differs.

The drawing plane of the 6th corresponds to the drawing plane of 3rd . In contrast to the 3rd however, no external structures of the endoscope, in particular no shaft and no components of a hermetically sealed casing around the optical devices, and only a part of the optical devices are shown. As with the representations in the 1 to 3rd is also in 6th for the sake of simplicity, no lens at the distal end 11 of the endoscope 10 shown, the image transmission device 40 is indicated as an example by several rod lenses.

Similar to the above using the 3rd The endoscope shown in 6th endoscope shown 10 a fixed reflective surface 39 and one about a pivot axis 38 in the plane of the 6th pivoting reflective surface 32 at the distal end 11 on. In 6th is the pivoting reflective surface 32 compared to the in 3rd configuration or situation shown at an angle of approx. 20 to 30 degrees around the pivot axis 38 panned so that the line of sight 14th not in the plane of the 6th lies, but includes a corresponding angle with this.

The endoscope 10 differs from the one above based on the 3rd illustrated endoscope in particular in that the image erecting device 50 at the proximal end 12th of the endoscope 10 is arranged. The image erecting device 50 corresponds to the above based on the 4th and 5 image erecting device shown, wherein glass cylinder 57 , 59 (see. 4th , 5 ) on the light entry surface 67 and on the light exit surface 69 the image erecting device 50 in 6th not shown or in the case of the 6th illustrated endoscope 10 are not provided.

The image erecting device 50 is in an approximately ring-shaped magnet carrier 80 arranged and held, which is also in 7th is shown. 7th shows a schematic sectional illustration of the image erecting device 50 and the magnetic carrier 80 . The cutting plane AA of the 7th is perpendicular to the plane of the drawing 6th to the optical axis 48 the image transmission device 40 (see. 6th ) and to the axis of rotation 58 the image erecting device 50 . The position of the section plane AA is in 6th indicated. In the following, the 6th and 7th Referenced.

The approximately ring-shaped magnet carrier 80 has a plurality of regularly arranged magnets on its outer circumference 82 whose radially outer surfaces are alternating north and south poles. All in the 6th and 7th facilities shown are within one of the 6th and 7th hermetically sealed envelope, not shown, arranged at least in the area of the magnet carrier 80 made of stainless steel or another non-ferromagnetic material. Outside the hermetically sealed envelope, not shown, a corresponding magnet carrier with corresponding magnets is provided, which can be rotated manually. By coupling the magnets on the 6th and 7th manually rotatable magnet carrier, not shown, and the magnet 82 on in the 6th and 7th illustrated magnet carrier 80 is a manually generated rotational movement on the magnet carrier 80 transfer. The image erecting device 50 is in the middle of the magnet carrier 80 through a socket area 85 positively and non-positively and / or cohesively held and with the magnet carrier 80 connected so that any rotation of the magnet carrier 80 with a corresponding rotation of the image erecting device 50 around the axis of rotation 58 (that of the optical axis 48 the image transmission device 40 corresponds to).

The one in the view of 7th annular distal edge of the magnet carrier 80 is like in 6th can be seen as a ramp-shaped sliding surface in sections 84 educated. On a slide 92 is a stylus 94 intended. Furthermore, the slide is 92 with the proximal end of a transmission rod 96 connected, the distal end of which with the pivotable reflective surface 32 is mechanically coupled that a translational movement of the transmission rod 96 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft 20th (see. 1 to 3rd ) or to the optical axis 48 the image transmission device 40 with a pivoting movement of the pivotable reflective surface 32 around their pivot axis 38 goes hand in hand. Details of the mechanical coupling between the transmission rod 96 and pivoting reflective surface 32 are in 6th not shown.

The slider 92 , the stylus 94 and the transmission rod 96 are through in the 6th and 7th Devices not shown are guided so that they only translate movements parallel to the optical axis 48 the image transmission device 40 and to the axis of rotation 58 the image erecting device 50 and the magnetic carrier 80 can perform. Through one in the 6th and 7th Not shown spring or another elastic element is the slide 92 with the stylus 94 and the transmission rod 96 so far distally (in 6th : left) pushed that the distal end of the stylus 94 on the sliding surface 84 on the proximal side of the magnet carrier 80 is applied. The transmission rod 96 reaches through an arched slot 86 in the magnet carrier 80 through.

Due to the ramp-shaped design of the sliding surface 84 on the magnet carrier 80 there is a rotation of the magnet carrier 80 with the image erecting device 50 around the axis 58 with a translational movement of the stylus 94 , the slide 92 and the transmission rod 96 and thus also with a pivoting movement of the pivotable reflective surface 32 at the distal end 11 of the endoscope 10 around their pivot axis 38 hand in hand. The ramp-shaped sliding surface 84 and the stylus 94 form a cam gear that is designed so that when pivoting the pivotable reflective surface 32 around their pivot axis 38 generated rotation of the captured image by the rotation of the image erecting device 50 is reversed or compensated at any time.

8th shows a schematic flow diagram of a method for erecting an image in an endoscope. Although the method can also be carried out with an endoscope which has features and properties that are similar to those of the above with reference to FIG 1 to 7th shown differ, reference numerals are used below as an example from the 1 to 7th used to simplify understanding.

With a first step 101 is emitted by an object (emitted, remitted or reflected) and through a window at the distal end 11 of the endoscope 10 incoming light deflected or redirected. When the object from which the light emanates from the distal end 11 of the endoscope 10 as seen in the direction of view 14th by the orientation of the reflective surface 32 is defined, the light emanating from the object is transmitted to an image transmission device 40 coupled.

In a second step 102 that will be the first step 101 diverted and into the image transmission device 40 coupled light by means of the image transmission device 40 (in particular a rod lens system, another relay lens system and / or an ordered bundle of optical fibers) from the distal end 11 to the proximal end 12th of the endoscope 10 transfer.

In a third step 103 is the light on a first, angle-dependent reflecting surface 61 reflected. In a fourth step 104 the light is reflected on a third, angle-independent reflecting surface 63 reflected. On a fifth step 105 the light passes through the first, angle-dependent reflecting surface 61 transmits or passes through the first, angle-dependent reflective surface 61 through. On a sixth step 106 is the light on a fourth, angle-independent reflecting surface 64 reflected. On a seventh step 107 the light passes through a second, angle-dependent reflecting surface 62 transmits or passes through the second, angle-dependent reflective surface 62 through. At an eighth step 108 is the light on a fifth, angle-independent reflecting surface 65 reflected. At a ninth step 109 the light on the second, angle-dependent reflecting surface 62 reflected.

The third step 103 , the fourth step 104 , the fifth step 105 , the sixth step 106 , the seventh step 107 , the eighth step 108 and the ninth step 109 are executed in the order described here. The second step 102 can before the third step 103 or after the ninth step 109 are executed.

List of reference symbols

10

endoscope

11

distal end of shaft 20

12th

proximal end of shaft 20

14th

Direction of view of the endoscope 10

15th

Adjustability of the viewing direction 12 of the endoscope 10

16

Endoscope eyepiece 10

17th

Coupling for fiber optic cable on the endoscope 10

20th

Endoscope shaft 10

30th

Swivel prism at the distal end 11 of the endoscope 10

31

Light entry surface of the swivel prism 30

32

pivotable reflective surface on the distal end 11 of the endoscope 10

33

Light exit surface of the swivel prism 30

38

The pivot axis of the pivot prism 30

39

fixed reflective surface on the distal end 11 of the endoscope 10

40

Image transmission device in shaft 20

48

optical axis of the image transmission device 40

50

Image erecting device

51

first prism of the image erecting device 50

52

second prism of the image erecting device 50

53

third prism of the image erecting device 50

54

Light entry surface of the second prism 52

55

Light exit surface of the second prism 52

57

Circular cylinder

58

Rotation axis of the image erecting device 50

59

Circular cylinder

61

first, angle-dependently reflective surface of the image erecting device 50

62

second, angle-dependently reflective surface of the image erecting device 50

63

third reflective surface of the image erecting device 50

64

fourth reflective surface of the image erecting device 50

65

fifth reflective surface of the image erecting device 50

67

Light entry surface of the image erecting device 50

69

Light exit surface of the image erecting device 50

80

Magnet carrier

82

Magnets on magnet carrier 80

84

Sliding surface on the magnet carrier 80

85

Socket area for image erecting device 50 on magnet carrier 80

86

Slot for transmission rod 96

92

Slider

94

Stylus on the slide 92

96

Transmission rod for transmitting a translational movement

101

first step (redirecting light from an object)

102

second step (transmitting the light)

103

third step (reflecting the light on a first reflective surface)

104

fourth step (reflecting the light on a third reflective surface)

105

fifth step (transmitting the light through the first reflective surface)

106

sixth step (reflecting the light on a fourth reflective surface)

107

seventh step (transmitting the light through a second reflective surface)

108

eighth step (reflecting the light on a fifth reflective surface)

109

ninth step (reflecting the light on the second reflective surface)

Claims (10)

An endoscope (10), comprising: an image transmission device (40) in a shaft (20) for transmitting an image from the distal end (11) to the proximal end (12) of the endoscope (10); an image erecting device (50) for erecting an image captured by means of the endoscope (10), the image erecting device (50) having a first angle-dependent reflective surface (61) and a second angle-dependent reflective surface (62), the image erecting device (50) arranged in this way and is designed so that light for image erection is successively reflected on the first reflective surface (61), passes through the first reflective surface (61) and through the second reflective surface (62) and is reflected on the second reflective surface (62), wherein the image erecting device (50) essentially has the shape of a cuboid, the cuboid having a substantially square cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the image transmission device (40), characterized in that the shape of the image erecting device (50) has the shape of a ideal cuboid going there deviates that at least either the light entry surface or the light exit surface of the image erecting device (50) - curved and / or - changed or supplemented by a rod lens (57, 59) or - changed or supplemented by another device with a non-square cross-section, the Rod lens (57, 59) or the other device with a non-square cross-section is manufactured or joined in one piece with a part (51, 53) of the cuboid. The endoscope (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the image erecting device (50) is arranged and designed such that light for image erection is successively reflected on the first reflective surface (61), is reflected on a third reflective surface (63) the first reflective surface (61) passes through, is reflected on a fourth reflective surface (64), passes through the second reflective surface (62), is reflected on a fifth reflective surface (65), and on the second reflective surface (62) is reflected. The endoscope (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the third reflective surface (63), the fourth reflective surface (64) and the fifth reflective surface (65) are arranged parallel to one another. Endoscope (10) according to one of the Claims 2 or 3rd wherein the third reflective surface (63), the fourth reflective surface (64), and the fifth reflective surface (65) are arranged parallel to the optical axis (48) of the image transmission device (40). Endoscope (10) according to the preceding claim, in which all reflective surfaces (61, 62, 63, 64, 65) of the image erecting device (50) which are involved in the image erection are planar and their surface normals are coplanar. Endoscope (10) according to one of the Claims 2 to 5 , in which the light entry surface (67) of the image erecting device (50) and the light exit surface (69) of the image erecting device (50) are arranged on two opposite of the six flat surface sections of the cuboid, on two other opposite of the six flat surface sections of the cuboid on the one hand the fourth reflective surface (64) and on the other hand the third and fifth reflective surfaces (63, 65) are arranged. Endoscope (10) according to one of the Claims 2 to 6th , in which the image erecting device (50) comprises a first prism (51), a second prism (52) and a third prism (53), the first prism (51) a light entry surface (67) of the image erecting device (50), the first reflective Surface (61) and the third reflective surface (63), the second prism (52) comprises the fourth reflective surface (64), a light entry surface (54) opposite and parallel to the first reflective surface (61) and a light exit surface (55) opposite and parallel to the second reflective surface (62), the third prism (53) comprises a light exit surface (69) of the image erecting device (50), the second reflective surface (62) and the fifth reflective surface (65). Endoscope (10) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the first reflective surface (61) and the second reflective surface (62) of the image erecting device (50) are each in one Angle of 30 degrees to the optical axis (48) of the image transmission device (40) are arranged. Endoscope (10) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a further reflective surface (32) at the distal end (11) of the endoscope (10) for coupling light emanating from an object to be observed into the image transmission device (40), the further reflective surface (32) for setting the Viewing direction (12) is pivotable about a pivot axis (38); a device (60) for coupling the image erecting device (50) to the further reflective surface (32) such that a pivoting of the further reflective surface (32) about the pivot axis (38) with a rotation of the image erecting device (50) about an axis of rotation ( 58) goes parallel to the optical axis (48) of the image transmission device (40). Method for erecting an image in an endoscope (10) according to one of the preceding claims, with the following steps: Reflecting (103) light emanating from an object to be observed on the first, angle-dependently reflecting surface (61), Transmitting (105) the light through the first, angle-dependently reflecting surface (61), Transmitting (107) the light through the second, angle-dependently reflecting surface (62), Reflecting (109) the light on the second, angle-dependently reflecting surface (62).

Images