DE102021123315A1 - Connection adapter receptacle for a light source for transmitting video signals from a video endoscope to a video processor that can be connected to the light source, connection adapter for a video endoscope, light source, video endoscope, video processor and video endoscope system - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a connection adapter receptacle for a light source for transmitting video signals from a video endoscope to a video processor that can be connected to the light source, the connection adapter receptacle being connectable to an assignable connection adapter of the video endoscope and the assignable connection adapter having at least one optical fiber and one electrical conductor by means of a supply hose of the video endoscope is connected to the video endoscope, the assignable connection adapter having an electrical contact or multiple electrical contacts for transmitting signals and/or video signals and a fiber optic connection, and the connection adapter receptacle having an electrical mating contact or multiple electrical mating contacts and a fiber optic receptacle, so that in the event of a connection between the connection adapter receptacle and the connection adapter video signals between the video endoscope and the light source and further a n can be transmitted to the video processor that can be connected to the light source and light from the light source can be coupled into the video endoscope, the connection adapter receptacle having at least one magnetic element such that when the connection adapter receptacle is connected to the connection adapter, the connection adapter having a counter-magnetic element by means of the at least one magnetic element Connection adapter recording on and / or in the connection adapter recording is detachably magnetically durable. Furthermore, the invention relates to a connection adapter, a light source, a video endoscope, a video processor and a video endoscope system.

Description

The invention relates to a connection adapter holder for a light source for transmitting video signals from a video endoscope to a video processor that can be connected to the light source, the connection adapter holder being able to be connected to an assignable connection adapter of the video endoscope and the assignable connection adapter having at least one optical fiber and one electrical connection adapter by means of a supply hose of the video endoscope Conductor is connected to the video endoscope, wherein the assignable connection adapter has an electrical contact or several electrical contacts for transmitting signals and/or video signals and a fiber optic connection, and the connection adapter receptacle has an electrical mating contact or several electrical mating contacts and a fiber optic receptacle, so that in the event of a Connection between the connection adapter receptacle and the connection adapter video signals between the video endoscope and the light source and we iter can be transmitted to the video processor which can be connected to the light source and light can be coupled from the light source into the video endoscope.

For medical or non-medical applications, flexible endoscopes are usually connected to a light source via a relatively large connector, which in the case of medical application also has a gas supply for insufflating a body cavity to be examined. Furthermore, further connections for supplying water and/or cleaning liquids and for sucking off liquids are usually arranged on the side of the plug. In the case of a video endoscope, such as for gastroenterology, the connecting plug has an additional connection for transmitting the video signals from the video endoscope via a separate cable to the video processor for processing the video signals. The size of the known connector is further increased by the additional connection and/or electronic connector for connecting the video processor to the connector. In addition, the multiple connections with plugs and cables or hoses connected to them lead to too many and/or strong forces acting on the connecting plug from different directions, so that it has too much freedom of movement and can move in both the axial and radial directions and/or turn out.

In addition, due to their voluminous construction, known connectors cannot be easily and quickly connected to a corresponding socket of a light source and/or a video processor, held securely and removed again. However, simple and quick coupling and decoupling of the connector plug of a video endoscope is necessary above all if the video endoscope has to be exchanged for another type of video endoscope during an operation and/or for cleaning purposes of the video endoscope.

Consequently, there is a need for a socket of the light source for connection to a video plug of a video endoscope, which holds the video plug securely and free of movement, but which can also be used to quickly decouple the video plug from the socket again in a simple manner.

From the U.S. 8,177,560 B2 discloses a magnetic connector having a male and female connector that serves as part of a power supply for connecting an electronic device, such as a laptop computer, to a power supply. The plug and socket each have a magnetic element disposed in a recess within the plug or socket.

The U.S. 8,576,034 B2 describes a connector for connecting a first device to a second device which has an electrical contact and a first coded magnet with a plurality of magnetic elements which interacts with a second coded magnet of the second device to establish a connection force and/or the connector within the connection of the second device.

From the WO 2015/000554 A1 discloses a video endoscopy system with a video endoscope, a control device for the video endoscope and a coupling device for connecting the video endoscope to the control device, in which a first coupling device is arranged on the video endoscope and a second coupling device is arranged on the control device, and between the two coupling devices there is an inductive interface for Supply of the video endoscope with electrical energy and an optical interface for the transmission of control data and / or recorded image data are arranged. At least one magnet is proposed for the detachable connection of the two coupling devices in order to align the inductive and optical interfaces with one another.

For coupling between a supply line and a main body of an endoscope consisting of handle and flexible shaft is in the EP 1 645 219 B1 a contactless electromagnetic induction and coupling means for a proposed contactless signal and energy transmission.

In the EP 1 721 568 A1 describes an endoscope in which an attaching/detaching portion is disposed between the front end and the rear end of the operation unit for freely detachable connection between a first unit as an insertion section and a second unit as a cable section. In one embodiment, the assembly/separation section has opposing rotatable magnets, respectively.

From the U.S. 2017/0215702 A1 For example, an endoscope connector is known which has a mating portion having a cylindrical shape with a planar portion, an electroconductive portion being disposed on the planar portion of the cylindrical shape, which has a plurality of electrical contacts which are electrically conductive with an external device.

The object of the invention is to improve the prior art.

The object is achieved by a connection adapter receptacle for a light source for transmitting video signals from a video endoscope to a video processor that can be connected to the light source, the connection adapter receptacle being able to be connected to an assignable connection adapter of the video endoscope and the assignable connection adapter having at least one optical waveguide and a supply hose of the video endoscope an electrical conductor is connected to the video endoscope, with the assignable connection adapter having an electrical contact or a plurality of electrical contacts for transmitting signals and/or video signals and a fiber optic connection, and the connection adapter receptacle having an electrical mating contact or a plurality of electrical mating contacts and a fiber optic receptacle, so that in In the case of a connection between the connection adapter receptacle and the connection adapter, video signals between the video endoscope and the light source and can also be transmitted to the video processor that can be connected to the light source, and light from the light source can be coupled into the video endoscope, the connection adapter receptacle having at least one magnetic element such that when the connection adapter receptacle is connected to the connection adapter, the connection adapter has a counter-magnetic element by means of the at least one Magnetic element of the connection adapter recording on and / or in the connection adapter recording is detachably magnetically durable.

This provides a flexible connection adapter receptacle for receiving a video plug, which enables the video endoscope to be connected to the light source and then to a video processor in a simple, safe and quick manner. As a result, the electrical contacts for transmitting signals and/or video signals of the connection adapter can be connected directly to corresponding mating contacts of the connection adapter receptacle. Consequently, the connection for the video processor is integrated within the connection adapter and an additional connection piece and/or an additional plug for connecting a cable from the light source and/or the video processor to the connection adapter is not required. A small overall size is made possible by the direct formation of all electrical mating contacts and receptacles in the connection adapter receptacle and correspondingly in the connection adapter as a video plug. The smaller size and the smaller number of connecting pieces / plugs for the various connections on the connection adapter compared to known connectors from the prior art means that lower forces are exerted on the connection adapter and in particular on the direct plug connection on the electrical contacts and / or act on the light guide. As a result, the connection adapter can be connected to the connection adapter receptacle of the light source with a precise fit and in a position-retaining manner.

Above all, at least one magnet element of the connection adapter receptacle and a correspondingly configured counter-magnet element of the associated connection adapter ensure that the connection adapter can be detached and/or connected to and/or in the connection adapter receptacle without axial and/or radial local displacement. Consequently, the connection adapter does not have to have a locking ring, corresponding grooves for receiving a locking ring and/or similar mechanical components for locking. Instead, the connection adapter is held securely on and/or in the connection adapter receptacle by the optimally arranged magnetic element of the connection adapter receptacle and the correspondingly designed counter-magnetic element of the connection adapter. Consequently, the number of externally arranged components on the connection adapter is further reduced and its size is further reduced. Above all, handling by a user is simplified since an additional locking of the connection adapter and/or the connection adapter receptacle is not required due to the magnetic element and/or the counter-magnetic element.

The connection adapter receptacle is designed in particular in such a way that different connection adapters and thus different videos endoscopes and/or instruments can be connected directly to the light source. This reduces the effort, since extra components can be arranged in the connection adapter receptacle and/or the light source and not in the connection adapter and/or the video endoscope. As a result, the video endoscope itself is easier to handle and does not require its own power supply.

An essential idea of the invention is based on the fact that the connection adapter receptacle is designed by means of electrical counter-contacts and the light guide receptacle in such a way that signals and/or video signals from the video endoscope to the light source and on to the video processor are transmitted directly via the electrical contacts of the connection adapter and the electrical counter-contacts of the connection adapter receptacle be transmitted without a separate transmission cable between the light source and / or the video processor and the connection adapter of the video endoscope is necessary. In addition to the direct, integrated configuration of the connection adapter receptacle and the connection adapter for the transmission of video signals, the connection adapter is held in the correct position on and/or in the correspondingly configured connection adapter receptacle by means of at least one counter-magnetic element of the connection adapter and at least one magnetic element of the connection adapter receptacle, so that additional locking means between Connection adapter and connection adapter mount can be dispensed with. Both lead to a smaller overall size of the connection adapter compared to known connectors for video endoscopes according to the prior art and to a reduction in forces acting on the connection adapter, so that the positional and fitting accuracy of the connection adapter on the connection adapter receptacle and in particular an axial and/or radial displacement is further reduced and/or prevented.

• Ein „Anschlussadapter“ ist insbesondere ein Verbindungselement, welches ein Übertragen von elektrischen und optischen Signalen und insbesondere Videosignalen ermöglicht. Bei einem Anschlussadapter handelt es sich insbesondere um einen Steckverbinder zum Trennen und Verbinden von elektrischen und optischen Leitungen und/oder Kontakten. Der Anschlussadapter ist insbesondere als Videostecker mit einer integrierten Übertragung von Videosignalen mittels vorzugsweise mehreren elektrischen Kontakten ausgebildet. Prinzipiell ist herauszustellen, dass, auch wenn nachfolgend ein Anschlussadapter einem Videostecker gleichgesetzt wird, der Anschlussadapter auch umgekehrt als Buchse an dem Videoendoskop ausgebildet sein kann und die Anschlussadapteraufnahme als Stecker an der Lichtquelle ausgebildet sein kann. Der Anschlussadapter ist insbesondere frei von einem externen, mechanischen Verriegelungsmittel zum Verriegeln des verbundenen Anschlussadapters an und/oder in der Anschlussadapteraufnahme. Der Anschlussadapter weist insbesondere eine glatte äußere Oberfläche auf, um die Reinigbarkeit des Videoendoskopes zu verbessern und einen Verbleib von Wasser an der Oberfläche und folglich mögliche Kontaminationen zu verhindern. Der Anschlussadapter kann einen Anschluss oder mehrere Anschlüsse zum Zuführen und/oder Abführen von einer Flüssigkeit, wie Wasser und/oder eines Reinigungsmittels, und/oder einem Gas, wie beispielsweise Luft und/oder CO₂ für eine Insufflation, aufweisen. Diese Anschlüsse müssen jedoch nicht zwingend seitlich an den Anschlussadapter geführt sein, sondern können innerhalb des Anschlussadapters durch den Anschlussadapter in axialer und somit in Verbindungsrichtung ausgebildet sein.

The following terms are explained:

• A “connection adapter” is, in particular, a connection element that enables the transmission of electrical and optical signals and, in particular, video signals. A connection adapter is in particular a plug connector for disconnecting and connecting electrical and optical lines and/or contacts. The connection adapter is designed in particular as a video plug with an integrated transmission of video signals by means of preferably a number of electrical contacts. In principle, it should be emphasized that, even if a connection adapter is equated with a video plug below, the connection adapter can also be designed as a socket on the video endoscope and the connection adapter receptacle can be designed as a plug on the light source. In particular, the connection adapter is free of an external, mechanical locking means for locking the connected connection adapter on and/or in the connection adapter receptacle. In particular, the connection adapter has a smooth outer surface in order to improve the cleanability of the video endoscope and prevent water from remaining on the surface and consequently possible contamination. The connection adapter can have one connection or several connections for supplying and/or removing a liquid, such as water and/or a cleaning agent, and/or a gas, such as air and/or CO ₂ for insufflation. However, these connections do not necessarily have to be guided laterally to the connection adapter, but can be formed inside the connection adapter by the connection adapter in the axial direction and thus in the connection direction.

A “connection adapter receptacle” is a connection part designed to correspond to the connection adapter and which is arranged on and/or in the light source and/or video processor. In the case of connecting the video endoscope to the light source, the connection adapter receptacle and the connection adapter form in particular a plug-in connection. A connection adapter receptacle is designed in particular as a socket, but can, as already pointed out above, also be designed as a plug. In particular, the connection adapter can be magnetically connected and/or held in a detachable manner on and/or in the connection adapter receptacle.

A "videoscope" (also referred to simply as an "endoscope") is an endoscope with digital imaging and transmission. In particular, the video endoscope has a long, flexible or rigid shaft and a handle, the handle being connectable or permanently connected to the connection adapter via a supply hose. At least one digital and/or electronic image sensor is arranged at a distal end (distant from the user) or at a proximal end (near the user) of the long shaft. A video endoscope is any type of digital endoscope, for example a mediastinoscope or a gastroscope. In addition to medical and veterinary applications, a video endoscope can also be used for industrial purposes, such as examining the inside of a pipeline.

A “light source” is in particular a device that emits light that is coupled into the video endoscope. The light source is connected via the connection adapter receptacle as a plug connection to the connection adapter, from which a light guide is routed in the supply hose and further to the distal end of the shaft of a video endoscope. In particular, the light source ensures homogeneous illumination of the examination area. The light source is in particular an LED light source and/or cold light source. The light source can be designed as an independent device. Likewise, the light source can be integrated directly in the video processor and thus the light source and the video processor can be designed as a combination device. The light source may include an air/CO ₂ insufflator and be configured as a device. In this case, the light source also includes the insufflator. Likewise, monitor, video processor, light source and insufflator can be formed in a single device.

A "video processor" (also called "camera control unit") is in particular an image processor which, as a combination of hardware (processors) and software (algorithms), processes the received sensor data and in particular the video signals. For example, the video processor can be used to increase the contrast, shift the color tone and/or swap the image data. In addition, a function of the video endoscope can also be controlled by means of the video processor and corresponding control signals (also simply referred to as signals) can be transmitted from the video processor to the video endoscope via the connection adapter. The video processor either has a light source for coupling light into the video endoscope or is connected to a separate light source, for example by means of a cable, in particular a video cable, so that both light and signals can be transmitted from the connection adapter receptacle of the light source to the video endoscope via the connection adapter that is accommodated. while the light source and the associated video processor receive video signals and/or data from the video endoscope in the opposite transmission direction. The processed image data can be transferred from the video processor to a monitor for image display.

A “supply hose” is in particular a hose which has one or more channels and/or electrical and/or optical conductors in its interior. In particular, a supply hose connects the handle of a video endoscope to the connection adapter and thus to the video plug. The supply tube is preferably permanently connected to the video endoscope, but it can also be removable and/or detachable. A supply tube has in particular an optical fiber or multiple optical fibers, a working channel or multiple working channels, a water channel, a flushing channel and/or a biopsy channel.

An “optical waveguide” (also called “optical fiber”) is in particular a cable consisting of optical fibers and/or a line for the transmission of light. An optical waveguide can also be assembled using a plug connector. An optical waveguide has, in particular, fibers made of quartz glass and/or plastic for guiding the light.

An "electrical conductor" is in particular an object or a system for the transmission of electrical energy, signals and/or video signals. An electrical conductor has, in particular, a metallic electrical conductor, for example in the form of wires, strands and/or ribbons. An electrical conductor can be a cable and/or a flexible printed circuit board, for example. The transmission of the electrical conductor is preferably bidirectional, so that both electrical energy and/or control signals can be transmitted to an image sensor on the distal end of a shaft of a video endoscope and electrical signals and/or video signals can be transmitted from the electronic image sensor to the video processor via the connection adapter.

An “electrical contact” is, in particular, a component or a connection that establishes a secure electrical connection between two conductors by making contact. The electrical contact ensures, in particular, that an electrical current and/or a voltage is conducted via the corresponding contact point. An electrical contact is in particular designed to be permanent and/or detachable. For example, the electrical contacts of the connection adapter are permanently connected to the electrical conductor of the supply hose, but are detachably designed as plug connectors on the side of the connection adapter receptacle. In this case, the connection adapter receptacle has, in particular, a corresponding electrical contact (counter contact) in each case, which comes into contact with the respective electrical contact of the connection adapter when it is connected. An electrical contact can have any configuration and arrangement on the connection adapter. An electrical contact can be, for example, a plug-in terminal, a plug, a spring, a flat contact, a contact pad or a pressure-loaded contact pin. A group of electrical contacts is preferably arranged on a horizontal surface of the connection adapter on its upper side and on its lower side. Also can the electrical contacts can be arranged circumferentially around an outer surface of the connection adapter. Preferably, the electrical contacts are disposed on a separate substrate, such as an epoxy laminated FR4 substrate, which is a class of flame retardant and flame retardant composites made of epoxy resin and woven fiberglass. In this case, the separate substrate on the connection adapter can be sealed with glass, rubber and/or urethane or the like by means of an adhesive and/or molded connection, such as casting technology. This avoids separate injection molds for manufacturing the connection adapter and for inserting and/or attaching the electrical contacts. In this case, metallic conductor tracks and/or the electrical contacts can be applied to the connection adapter during injection molding, for example using the MID process (Molded Interconnect Device).

An "electrical supply connection" is an electrical contact that implements the transmission of electrical supply voltage between two conductors.

A “light conductor connection” is in particular a contact which connects two light conductors to one another. An optical fiber connection can in particular be a plug connector. A "fiber optic receptacle" is a corresponding opposite on and/or in the port adapter receptacle to the fiber optic port of the port adapter.

A "magnetic element" is in particular a body and/or component with magnetic properties. In particular, a magnetic element generates a magnetic field in its vicinity. A magnetic element has in particular a magnetic field and is traversed by this. A magnetic element has, in particular, a south pole, at which the field lines enter the magnet, and a north pole, from which the field lines emerge from the magnet. A magnetic element is arranged in particular on and/or in the connection adapter receptacle. A magnetic element can in particular be a permanent magnet (also known as a permanent magnet), an electromagnet and/or a magnetic material.

A "counter-magnetic element" is in particular a magnetic element of the connection adapter, which is polarized opposite to the magnetic element of the connection adapter receptacle. Due to the opposite polarization of the magnetic element of the connection adapter receptacle and the counter-magnetic element of the connection adapter, both attract each other and a connection between the connection adapter and the connection adapter receptacle is maintained and spatially stabilized. Due to the magnetic force of attraction, the connection adapter is preferably pulled into the connection adapter receptacle, which is designed as a socket. A counter-magnet element of the video plug can in particular be a permanent magnet and/or a magnetic material. The magnetic element and/or the counter-magnetic element is or are in particular not visibly arranged within the connection adapter receptacle or the connection adapter.

“Releasably magnetically durable” is understood in particular to mean that the force can be released through the action of the magnetic attraction between the magnetic element and the counter-magnetic element. For example, the magnetic connection between the connection adapter and the connection adapter receptacle can be released by a user pulling on the connection adapter and/or by reversing the polarity, and the connection adapter can thus be removed from the connection adapter receptacle.

In a further embodiment, the connection adapter receptacle has a second magnetic element, a third magnetic element, a fourth magnetic element and/or further magnetic elements.

By selecting the number, arrangement and/or the strength of the magnetic elements and/or correspondingly also the counter-magnetic elements of the associated connection adapter, the binding force between the connection adapter receptacle and the connection adapter and their spatial distribution over the cross section of the connection adapter and/or the connection adapter receptacle can be adjusted in a targeted manner . The connection adapter receptacle preferably has at least two magnetic elements.

A “second, third, fourth and/or further magnetic element” is a magnetic element as defined above in terms of its design and function.

In order to set a permanent, stable and/or constant holding force between the connection adapter receptacle and the connection adapter, the magnet element and/or the magnet elements have a permanent magnet.

The force for manual removal of the connection adapter from the connection adapter receptacle can thus be determined by the user via the number of permanent magnets, their strength, their size, a distance and/or an air gap between the magnetic elements and/or the counter-magnetic elements. In particular, there is the force required to unplug the video connector in a range from 30 to 60 N, preferably in a range from 44 to 54 N. On the other hand, the force for inserting the connection adapter and/or in the connection adapter receptacle is below 0 N due to the attractive force of the corresponding magnetic elements and counter-magnetic elements.

If permanent magnets are used solely as magnetic elements of the connection adapter receptacle and as counter-magnetic elements of the connection adapter, these are designed in such a way that the user can overcome the attraction force between the respective permanent magnets mechanically and in particular with physical strength alone.

A region or an entire outer surface of the connection adapter can also have a magnetic material, for example a stainless steel surface, while correspondingly at least one permanent magnet is arranged in and/or on the connection adapter receptacle or vice versa. The permanent magnets can also be arranged behind a non-magnetic outer surface in the connection adapter and/or the connection adapter receptacle.

The respective magnetic element and/or counter-magnetic element is preferably arranged between the light and/or air components of the connection adapter and/or the connection adapter receptacle.

A "permanent magnet" (also called "permanent magnet") is a magnetic element or counter-magnetic element which, in particular, retains its magnetization over a long period of time. A permanent magnet has, in particular, alloys of iron-nickel and/or aluminum with additives of cobalt, manganese and/or copper or a ceramic material. In order to provide a particularly strong permanent magnet, it can also contain rare earths, such as in the case of neodymium-iron-boron compounds.

A “magnetic material” is understood to mean, in particular, a material such as iron and/or steel, which has magnetic properties or can be magnetized. In this case, the magnetic element and/or the counter-magnetic element is/are formed in particular in that an outer surface or a region of an outer surface of the connection adapter or the connection adapter receptacle has the magnetic material. For example, in particular a side surface of the connection adapter has the magnetic material, which is oriented in a direction towards the connection adapter receptacle. For example, it can be a lateral, horizontally oriented and/or radial surface that comes into contact with the connection adapter receptacle when connecting. This surface is preferably smooth for easier cleaning.

In a further embodiment, the magnetic element or the magnetic elements have a coil, so that an electromagnet can be formed and a detachable magnetic coupling can be realized between the connection adapter receptacle and the connection adapter.

With this embodiment, both the force when inserting the connection adapter into and/or into the connection adapter receptacle and when removing the connection adapter from and/or from the connection adapter receptacle can be adjusted specifically for the user. In particular, the respective force can be varied in terms of time and/or location by being designed as an electromagnet. As a result, the magnetic coupling between the connection adapter and the connection adapter receptacle can be specifically activated and deactivated. As a result, a secure and non-detachable coupling can take place while the video endoscope is being connected to the light source, while the electromagnet can be adjusted after use of the video endoscope so that the connection adapter can be easily removed from the connection adapter receptacle by the user.

In addition to changing the strength of the magnet, the polarity of a magnetic element and/or counter-magnetic element can also be reversed by means of a coil, so that after the video endoscope has been used, the video plug is specifically ejected from the connection adapter receptacle. On the other hand, the magnetic coupling is specifically reinforced during use to ensure that the video plug is held securely in the connection adapter receptacle and to prevent the video plug from falling out. Likewise, an automatic electromagnetic locking can be realized due to the forces of attraction and activated automatically when the connection adapter is plugged into the light source. For this purpose, for example, a coil and/or an electromagnet can be formed on and/or in the connection adapter receptacle and a permanent magnet can be formed on the connection adapter. Likewise, the coil and/or an electromagnet can also be arranged in the light source in the area of the connection adapter receptacle. The arrangement and/or design of the electromagnet in the connection adapter receptacle and/or the light source has the advantage that the connection adapter does not have to be separately supplied with voltage externally before the video endoscope is put into operation, since the connection adapter is not electrically supplied before it is connected to the connection adapter receptacle .

An “electromagnet” is in particular a magnet with one or two current-carrying coils and/or a core made of a soft-magnetic material, such as soft iron. In the case of an electromagnet, the magnetic field is created in particular by electric current through the coil. In particular, an open iron core is arranged in the coil, which conducts and amplifies the magnetic field.

A "coil" is in particular a winding and/or a winding material which is suitable for generating and/or detecting a magnetic field. The coil has at least one winding of a current conductor, such as a wire, silver-plated copper wire, or high-frequency braid.

In order to specifically set and/or change an attraction force or repulsion force between the magnetic element and the counter-magnetic element, the connection adapter receptacle has a switching element for switching a polarity of the respective magnetic element and/or the coil.

A "switching element" is in particular a component which changes and/or reverses the polarity of a magnetic element, counter-magnetic element and/or coil. A switching element can be, for example, a switch, a biometric sensor and/or a similar component. For example, the switching element can be arranged as a fingerprint sensor on the connection adapter receptacle, the light source and/or the video processor. However, a switching element can also be an element which mechanically rotates a magnetic element or a plurality of magnetic elements and thus reverses the polarity of the respective magnetic element. Likewise, the switching element can bring about a mechanical displacement of the permanent magnet and thus a change in the magnetic force.

In a further embodiment, the connection adapter receptacle has a sensor for detecting a magnetic field.

By detecting the magnetic field using the sensor, a function of the video endoscope can be specifically controlled and/or regulated during use. Consequently, a magnetic field strength can be increased and/or changed based on the detected magnetic field, for example by driving the coil and/or the switching element in accordance with the connection adapter receptacle. The magnetic field strength can thus be adjusted and changed in a targeted manner over the usage cycle of the video endoscope and the holding and/or coupling force between the connection adapter and the connection adapter receptacle can be varied depending on the usage phase.

A "sensor for detecting a magnetic field" is in particular any type of sensor that can detect a magnetic property. This sensor can be, for example, a Hall effect sensor, which is in particular a passive sensor which measures the voltage difference which is generated across an electrical conductor when a magnetic field is perpendicular to the direction of flow of an electric current. In particular, a Hall effect sensor can detect an approaching or receding magnetic field of a permanent magnet or electromagnet located on and/or in the connector adapter receptacle. Of course, the sensor can also be arranged on and/or in the connection adapter as an alternative or in addition.

In order to make optimum use of the attractive force and to form it early on when connecting, the magnetic element or magnetic elements are/are arranged on, in and/or behind an inside of the connection adapter receptacle.

The arrangement on, in and/or behind an inner side and thus on the inside in the socket where the connection adapter is inserted supports the insertion process and develops an optimal holding force.

In a further embodiment, the connection adapter receptacle has a shaped element with at least one inclined surface, the magnetic element or the magnetic elements being or are arranged on the back of the inclined surface of the shaped element.

As a result, the outside of the sloping surface is aligned in the direction of the connection adapter and thus counter to the insertion direction of the connection adapter, with one or more magnetic elements being arranged on the back and thus inside the connection adapter receptacle behind the sloping surface.

A "shaped element" is in particular a component of the connection adapter receptacle, which has a specific shape and in particular an inclined surface. A shaped element can be an inclined surface which is partially or completely formed in a horizontal and/or vertical orientation on the connection adapter receptacle. The shaped element can also be a shape or partial surface that widens conically in the direction of the connection adapter. Likewise, the shaped element with the sloping surface can be a pris be men-shaped and / or polygonal part of the connection adapter recording.

The term “oblique surface” is understood in particular to mean that the oblique surface has a longitudinal dimension in an angular range between the vertical and the horizontal axis through the connection adapter receptacle. Preferably, the sloping surface is aligned from a portion of the outer diameter of the terminal adapter receptacle toward the terminal adapter to the horizontal center axis through the terminal adapter receptacle.

In a further aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a connection adapter for a video endoscope, the connection adapter being connected to the video endoscope by means of a supply hose of the video endoscope having at least one optical fiber and one electrical conductor and an electrical contact or a plurality of electrical contacts for transmitting signals and/or video signals and an optical waveguide connection, the connection adapter having at least one counter-magnetic element such that when the connection adapter is connected to a previously described, assignable connection adapter receptacle, the connection adapter can be detachably held magnetically on and/or in the connection adapter receptacle.

In a further embodiment, the counter-magnet element has a magnetizable material, a magnetizable side surface and/or a permanent magnet.

In order to bring the magnetic element of the connection adapter receptacle and the counter-magnetic element or the counter-magnetic elements of the connection adapter into close proximity and to achieve an optimal attraction and holding force, the connection adapter has a conical partial shape, with the conical partial shape tapering in a direction toward the assignable connection adapter receptacle and the counter magnet element or the counter magnet elements is or are arranged on and/or behind a tapering surface of the conical part shape.

Thus, the connection adapter with its conical partial shape and the tapering surface has a shape that corresponds to the inclined surface of the connection adapter receptacle. These two surfaces of the connection adapter receptacle and the connection adapter preferably lie directly against one another when connected.

This prevents both a spatial displacement in the axial direction and in the radial direction of the connection adapter on and/or in the connection adapter receptacle.

Consequently, a better magnetic, detachable holding and/or targeted coupling of the connection adapter on and/or in the connection adapter receptacle is realized. Above all, the magnetic, detachable holding is secure in all spatial directions, even with forces acting on the video plug from different directions.

A “conical partial shape” is in particular a shape whose outer diameter tapers in the direction of the assignable connection adapter receptacle. A conical part shape can be a shape of a cone or truncated cone, a point and/or pyramid, a prism or a polygonal shape. A conical partial shape has, in particular at least in one section, a geometry of a surface of revolution, which is formed by a curve rotating about an axis. In particular, the conical partial shape has a decreasing diameter in the direction of the connection adapter receptacle, so that an inclined surface is formed which corresponds to and is therefore in the opposite direction to the inclined surface of the connection adapter receptacle. This oblique, tapering partial shape is in particular itself made of a magnetizable material and/or a counter-magnet element or several counter-magnet elements are arranged on the back and thus counter to the direction for the assignable connection adapter receptacle.

As a result, when the connection adapter is inserted on and/or in the connection adapter receptacle, contact is first made possible between the magnetic elements and the counter-magnetic elements, and then the electrical contact is established.

In order to insert the connection adapter securely in the correct, predetermined position on and/or in the connection adapter receptacle and to connect it in a twist-proof manner, the connection adapter has a guide element and/or a flat contact surface with a plurality of electrical contacts for connecting the connection adapter to the assignable connection adapter receptacle.

A “guide element” can in particular be a groove and/or recess on the outer shape of the connection adapter, into which a correspondingly designed web or a projection of the connection adapter receptacle engages, or vice versa. As a guide element, for example, the electrical contact surfaces for the transmission of the video signals can be flat, so that due to a flat area or several flat areas in an example wise otherwise round video plug the video plug can be plugged into the connection adapter receptacle in the specified alignment and twist-proof. A flat contact surface with a plurality of electrical contacts thus forms an electrical connection on the one hand and a guide element on the other for inserting the connection adapter into the connection adapter receptacle.

A “planar contact surface” is understood in particular to mean that the area on which the multiple electrical contacts are arranged lies horizontally in one plane. The flat contact surface is preferably aligned parallel to the central axis of the connection adapter and thus parallel to the direction toward the connection adapter receptacle.

In an additional aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a light source for coupling light into a video endoscope and for forwarding video signals from the video endoscope to a video processor, the light source having a connection adapter receptacle as described above.

In a further aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a video endoscope, in particular a medical and/or industrial video endoscope, with a handle and an elongate, flexible shaft, the elongate, flexible shaft having a lens and at least one electronic image sensor and a supply hose on the distal side has at least one light guide, an electrical conductor and/or a working channel, and the video endoscope has a connection adapter as described above, so that the video endoscope can be releasably connected magnetically to a light source as described above.

An "elongated, flexible shaft" is in particular a flexible tube. The elongated, flexible shaft is designed in particular to be inserted into a cavity, in particular a body cavity of a human being or an animal to be examined endoscopically, or into an opening in a technical application. In particular, the elongated, flexible shaft has an outer diameter of 2 mm to 15 mm. In particular, this shaft has one or more channels for supplying water, cleaning liquid and/or working tools to access the interior of the cavity or opening. At the distal end, this shaft has, in particular, an electronic image sensor for recording an image of the object field, with the image being generated by an objective or an objective lens system. The objective or the objective lens system can be arranged on or in the distal end section of this shaft, so that an image is generated on the image-sensitive surface of the image sensor. The electronic image sensor can be, for example, a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor. The image sensor is preferably designed to convert a recorded image into an electronic image and/or video signal.

In a further aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a video processor for processing video signals from a video endoscope, the video processor being connected to a light source as described above by means of a video cable or having a light source as described above, so that the video processor can be detached from the video endoscope via the light source is magnetically connectable.

In a further embodiment of the video processor, the video cable is arranged between the light source and the video processor.

In an additional aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a video endoscope system with a video endoscope and a light source and/or a connectable video processor, the video endoscope being a video endoscope as described above or the video endoscope having a connection adapter as described above and the light source being a light source as described above and/or the video processor is a video processor as previously described.

In order to set and change the attractive force and/or the repulsive force between the connection adapter and the connection adapter receptacle in the video endoscope system in a targeted and time-variable manner, the connection adapter has at least one counter-magnetic element and the connection adapter receptacle has at least one electromagnet, so that a lockable, magnetic coupling between the connection adapter and the connection adapter receptacle is realizable.

As already described above, the counter-magnet element of the connection adapter can preferably be a magnetizable and/or ferromagnetic surface or partial surface or a permanent magnet.

When arranging the electromagnet on and/or in the connection adapter receptacle, it is particularly advantageous that it is directly integrated into a control and/or regulation of the light source and/or the video processor for influencing the function of the video endoscope and both magnetic coupling and locking during the Use of the video endoscope and the light source and / or the video processor can be specifically controlled and adjusted.

• 1 eine dreidimensionale Darstellung eines Videoendoskops und ein zugehöriger Videoprozessor und eine Lichtquelle,
• 2 eine dreidimensionale Darstellung einer Lichtquelle mit einem verbundenen Videoprozessor,
• 3 eine dreidimensionale Darstellung eines Videosteckers mit einer magnetischen Teilfläche,
• 4 eine dreidimensionale Schnittdarstellung einer Aufnahmebuchse und des Videosteckers im Zustand während des Verbindens,
• 5 eine dreidimensionale Darstellung der Aufnahmebuchse und des Videosteckers im verbundenen Zustand, und
• 6 eine schematische dreidimensionale Darstellung einer Alternative der Aufnahmebuchse mit einem Elektromagneten und einem Videostecker im verbundenen Zustand.

The invention is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments. Show it

• 1 a three-dimensional representation of a video endoscope and an associated video processor and a light source,
• 2 a three-dimensional representation of a light source with a connected video processor,
• 3 a three-dimensional representation of a video connector with a magnetic surface,
• 4 a three-dimensional sectional view of a receiving socket and the video plug in the state during connection,
• 5 a three-dimensional representation of the female connector and the video connector when connected, and
• 6 a schematic three-dimensional representation of an alternative of the receiving socket with an electromagnet and a video plug in the connected state.

A video endoscope 101 has a shaft 103 for insertion into a body cavity and a handle 105 . The elongated, flexible shaft 103 has an image sensor 143 and a lens 145 at its distal end 141 . Both an optical fiber and an electrical conductor as well as two working channels and a flushing channel are routed through the shaft 103 . The handle 105 of the video endoscope 101 has a number of operating elements 106 and is connected to a supply hose 107 . A video connector 109 with an air mandrel 125 and an optical fiber connection 123 is arranged at the other end of the supply hose 107 . Furthermore, the video connector 109 in 1 electrical contacts not shown in detail. Inside the video connector 109, the light guide connection 123 is connected to a light guide and the air mandrel 125 to an air duct, which are routed along the supply hose 109 to the handle 105 of the video endoscope 101 and from there along the entire flexible shaft 103. In addition, the supply hose 107 and the flexible shaft 103 have a flushing channel and a channel for suction, which are connected via corresponding connections of the video plug 109 . In addition, there is another in on the handle 105 1 Unspecified connection for inserting instruments into a working channel of the shaft 103.

The video plug 109 can be connected to a socket 205 of a light source 203, the light source 203 being connected to a video processor 201 by means of a video cable 207 ( 2 ). The video signals of the video endoscope 101 recorded by means of the lens 145 and the image sensor 143 are transmitted through the flexible shaft 103, the handle 105 and the supply hose 107 via the video plug 109 to the receiving socket 205 of the light source 203 and further from the light source 203 via the video cable 207 one in 2 processor of the video processor 201, not shown in detail, processed and displayed on a monitor, not shown. Conversely, light from the light source 203 is guided via the receiving socket 205, the light guide connection 123 of the video plug 109 and the light guide connected to it inside the supply hose 107 via the inside of the handle 105 along the flexible shaft 103 to the distal end 141 of the flexible shaft 103. to illuminate the examination area for recording the video images.

The video plug 109 has flat contacts 117 with guide edges 114 on both sides on its upper and lower sides, with each flat contact 117 having eighteen contact plates. The flat contacts 117 are laminated onto a respective surface of the video plug 109 by means of an epoxy resin glass fiber mixture. Laterally next to the flat contacts 117 there are guide side surfaces 115 to facilitate the insertion of the video plug 109 into the corresponding receiving socket 205 (see Fig 3 and 4 ). When the video plug 109 is fully connected to the receiving socket 205, these guiding edges 114 and guiding side surfaces 115 also prevent the video plug 109 from rotating in the receiving socket 205, with the receiving socket 205 being designed to correspond accordingly.

The receiving socket 205 is designed in a correspondingly opposite manner to the video plug 109 and has an inclined surface 213 at the bottom and at the top. A permanent magnet 209 is arranged on the inside behind the inclined surfaces 213 at the top and bottom on both sides (see Fig 4 and 5 ). Furthermore, the receiving socket 205 has a mating contact surface 225 corresponding to the plug contact surfaces 117 of the video plug 109 on the inside at the bottom and at the top. The receiving socket 205 has a light guide 215 for connection to the light source 203 .

Aligned in the connection direction 147 with the receiving socket 205, the video plug 109 has a partial magnetic surface 113 on both sides, which itself tapers conically in the connection direction 147 ( 3 ). When the video plug 109 is fully inserted into the receiving socket 205, the magnetic sub-surfaces 113 are aligned on both sides correspondingly obliquely on the oblique ones Surfaces 213 of the receiving bushing 205 on ( 5 ). Likewise, the mating contact surfaces 225 of the receiving socket 205 come into direct electrical contact with the plug contact surfaces 117 of the video plug 109 . As a result of this oblique orientation of the partial magnetic surfaces 113, the video plug 109 is optimally held in and on the receiving socket 205 so that it is secured against displacement both against axial and radial forces. As a result, the video signals can be securely transmitted from the video plug 109 to the corresponding counter-contact surfaces 225 of the receiving socket 205 of the light source 203 via the plug contact surfaces 117 and further via the video cable 207 into the interior of the video processor 201 and processed by the latter.

in a 6 shown alternative, the receiving socket 205 has an electromagnet 221 with a coil 217 and permanent magnet 209. Furthermore, in 6 on the video connector 109 a connection 127 for suction, a connection 129 for a water bottle and a connection 131 for a leak test are shown.

After the video plug 109 has been fully inserted into the receiving socket 205, the attraction between the permanent magnets 209 of the receiving socket 205 and the magnetic partial surfaces 113 of the video plug 109 is increased by means of the electromagnet 221 and the plugged-in connection is thereby locked. After the video endoscope 101 has been used, a polarity reversal is changed by switching a flow direction through the coil 217 of the electromagnet 221 and the video plug 109 is thereby magnetically ejected from the receiving socket 205 . As a result, the video plug 109 is quickly and easily uncoupled from the receiving socket 205 almost automatically, so that the video endoscope 101 can be cleaned immediately and then used for another application. Thus, by means of an electromagnet 221 on the receiving socket 205 with correspondingly arranged permanent magnets 209, both a releasable magnetic coupling between a video plug 109 and the receiving socket 205 and a secure locking are provided depending on the application requirements.

Reference List

101

video endoscope

103

shaft

105

handle

106

controls

107

supply hose

109

video plug

113

magnetic surface of the video connector

114

leading edges

115

guide face

117

connector contact surface

123

fiber optic connector

125

air spike

127

Connection for suction

129

Connection for water bottle

131

Connection for leak test

141

distal end of the shaft

143

image sensor

145

lens

147

connection direction

153

grip area

201

video processor

203

light source

205

receiving socket

207

video cable

209

permanent magnet

213

sloping surface

215

light guide

217

Kitchen sink

221

electromagnet

225

mating contact surface

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

This list of documents cited by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent Literature Cited

• US8177560B2 [0005]
• US 8576034 B2 [0006]
• WO 2015000554 A1 [0007]
• EP 1645219 B1 [0008]
• EP 1721568 A1 [0009]
• US20170215702A1[0010]

Claims (18)

Connection adapter receptacle (205) for a light source (203) for transmitting video signals from a video endoscope (101) to a video processor (201) that can be connected to the light source (203), the connection adapter receptacle (205) being connected to an assignable connection adapter (109) of the video endoscope ( 101) and the assignable connection adapter (109) is connected to the video endoscope (101) by means of a supply hose (107) of the video endoscope (101) having at least one optical fiber and one electrical conductor, the assignable connection adapter (109) having an electrical contact or has a plurality of electrical contacts (117, 119, 121) for transmitting signals and/or video signals and an optical fiber connection (123), and the connection adapter receptacle (205) has an electrical mating contact or multiple electrical mating contacts (225) and an optical fiber receptacle, so that if a connection between the connection adapter receptacle (205) and d the connection adapter (109), video signals can be transmitted between the video endoscope (101) and the light source (203) and further to the video processor (201) that can be connected to the light source (203) and light from the light source (203) into the video endoscope (101) can be coupled in, characterized in that the connection adapter receptacle (205) has at least one magnetic element (209) such that when the connection adapter receptacle (205) is connected to the connection adapter (109), the connection adapter (109) has a counter-magnetic element (113) by means of the at least one magnetic element (209) of the connection adapter receptacle (205) can be detachably held magnetically on and/or in the connection adapter receptacle (205). Connection adapter mount (205) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the connection adapter receptacle (205) has a second magnetic element, a third magnetic element, a fourth magnetic element and/or further magnetic elements (209). Connection adapter mount (205) according to claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the magnetic element or the magnetic elements has or have a permanent magnet (209). Connection adapter receptacle (205) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the magnetic element or the magnetic elements has or have a coil (217), so that an electromagnet (221) can be formed and a detachable magnetic coupling between the connection adapter receptacle (205) and the connection adapter ( 109) is feasible. Connection adapter receptacle (205) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection adapter receptacle (205) has a switching element for switching over a polarity of the respective magnetic element (209) and/or the coil (217). Connection adapter receptacle (205) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection adapter receptacle (205) has a sensor for detecting a magnetic field. Connection adapter receptacle (205) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the magnet element or the magnet elements (209) is or are arranged on, in and/or behind an inside of the connection adapter receptacle (205). Connection adapter receptacle (205) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection adapter receptacle (205) has a shaped element with at least one inclined surface (213), the magnetic element or the magnetic elements (209) being arranged on the rear of the inclined surface (213) of the shaped element is or are. Connection adapter (109) for a video endoscope (101), the connection adapter (109) being connected to the video endoscope (101) by means of a supply hose (107) of the video endoscope (101) having at least one optical fiber and one electrical conductor and one or more electrical contacts electrical contacts (117) for transmitting signals and/or video signals and an optical fiber connection (123), characterized in that the connection adapter (109) has at least one counter-magnetic element (113) such that when the connection adapter (109) is connected to an assignable connection adapter receptacle (205) according to one of Claims 1 until 8th the connection adapter (109) can be magnetically held on and/or in the connection adapter receptacle (205) in a detachable manner. Connection adapter (109) according to claim 9 , characterized in that the counter-magnet element has a magnetizable material, a magnetizable side surface (113) and/or a permanent magnet. Connection adapter (109) according to one of claims 9 or 10 , characterized in that the connection adapter (109) has a conical partial shape, the conical partial shape (113) tapering in a direction (147) towards the assignable connection adapter receptacle (205) and the Counter magnet element or the counter magnet elements is or are arranged on and/or on the back of a tapering surface of the conical partial shape. Connection adapter (109) according to one of the previous ones claims 9 until 11 , characterized in that the connection adapter (109) has a guide element (114, 115) and/or a flat contact surface (117) with a plurality of electrical contacts for connecting the connection adapter (109) to the assignable connection adapter receptacle (205). Light source (203) for coupling light into a video endoscope (101) and for forwarding video signals from the video endoscope (101) to a video processor (201), characterized in that the light source (203) has a connection adapter mount (205) according to one of the Claims 1 until 8th having. Video endoscope (101), in particular a medical or industrial video endoscope, with a handle (105) and an elongate, flexible shaft (103), the elongate, flexible shaft (103) having a lens (145) and at least one electronic image sensor (143) on the distal side and a supply hose (107) with at least one light guide, one electrical conductor and/or one working channel, characterized in that the video endoscope (101) has a connection adapter (109) according to one of claims 9 until 12 having, so that the video endoscope (101) with a light source (203). Claim 13 is magnetically connectable. Video processor (201) for processing video signals from a video endoscope (101), characterized in that the video processor (201) is connected to a light source (203) by means of a video cable (207). Claim 13 is connected or a light source (203) after Claim 13 has, so that the video processor (201) via the light source (203) with the video endoscope (101) is detachably magnetically connectable. video processor (201). claim 15 , characterized in that the video cable (207) is arranged between the light source (203) and the video processor (201). Video endoscope system with a video endoscope (101) and a light source (203) and/or a connectable video processor (201), characterized in that the video endoscope is a video endoscope (101). Claim 14 is or the video endoscope a connection adapter (109) according to one of Claims 8 until 12 and the light source comprises a light source (203). Claim 13 and/or the video processor is a video processor (201) according to any one of Claims 15 or 16 is. video endoscope system Claim 17 , characterized in that the connection adapter (109) has at least one counter-magnet element (113) and the connection adapter receptacle (205) has at least one electromagnet (221), so that a lockable, magnetic coupling between the connection adapter (109) and the connection adapter receptacle (205) can be implemented .

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