EP3544481A1

EP3544481A1 - Observation instrument

Info

Publication number: EP3544481A1
Application number: EP17832968.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Sebastian BERKNER
Original assignee: Olympus Winter and Ibe GmbH
Current assignee: Olympus Winter and Ibe GmbH
Priority date: 2017-01-28
Filing date: 2017-12-27
Publication date: 2019-10-02
Also published as: DE102017101681B4; US20200015661A1; CN109906049A; JP6796207B2; DE102017101681A1; JP2020501749A; WO2018137875A1; US11278185B2; CN109906049B

Abstract

An observation instrument is presented, having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end of the observation instrument is closed by a viewing window that is attached to a viewing-window frame. The observation instrument is distinguished in that a fixing body made of injection-mouldable material is injection moulded, at least in part, around the viewing-window and the viewing window frame, said fixing body fixing the viewing window in sealing fashion in the viewing-window frame, in that an attachment element for an additional instrument is arranged at the proximal end of the observation instrument and in that the attachment element is constructed at least partly integrally with the fixing body.

Description

monitoring tool

The invention relates to an observation instrument having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end of the observation instrument by a

Viewing window is completed, which is mounted in a viewing window frame.

Observation instruments are used in all areas of technology in which an observation of an object of interest with the naked eye is not possible or only to a limited extent. For this purpose, observation instruments to an optical system, which simplifies the observation or only possible. Here, an object to be observed facing the end of the observation instrument is referred to as a distal end, a the

The observer-facing end of the observation instrument is referred to as the proximal end.

Depending on the task of observation, there are different types of observation instruments, including for example telescopes, periscopes, microscopes and endoscopes.

In order to prevent damage, soiling or other degradation of the optical system, observation instruments are often at least at the proximal end, which is handled by a user and, for example, guided close to the eye, closed by a viewing window, which is to prevent the ingress of dirt and moisture. The viewing window is usually mounted in a viewing window frame. Another window may be provided at the distal end of the viewing instrument. Both the viewing window and a window provided at the distal end of the viewing instrument can have optically active, for example, curved, surfaces.

The attachment of the viewing window in the viewing window frame is complex, here are often screw in combination with adhesives used. To a complete

To achieve sealing, additional sealing elements such as O-inge are sometimes used.

From EP0666054A1 an endoscope is known in which a window closing the optics is connected to a window frame by soldering or welding. However, this is also expensive and leads to an increased thermal stress on the components, which is undesirable.

It is therefore the object of the invention to provide an observation instrument which is improved with regard to the problem described above.

This object is achieved according to the invention by an observation instrument having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end of the

Observation instrument is completed by a viewing window, which in a

Viewing window frame is attached, which is further developed in that the viewing window and the viewing window frame are at least partially encapsulated with a fixing of injection-moldable material, which sealingly fixes the viewing window in the viewing window frame. Furthermore, a fastening element for an additional instrument is arranged at the proximal end of the observation instrument, and the fastening element is at least partially embodied in one piece with the fixing body

The corresponding further development eliminates the manual working steps required for producing a screwed and / or glued connection, as well as any waiting times required for curing the adhesive connection. At the same time a highly effective attachment and sealing of the viewing window is guaranteed. Modern observation instruments are often used in conjunction with other instruments such as video cameras, optical filters or the like, and have a fastener at the proximal end for receiving these additional instruments. In addition, the production and / or assembly of such a fastening element is significantly simplified by the invention.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the observation instrument is an endoscope having a shaft having a distal end and a proximal end, an objective disposed at the distal end of the shaft, one at the proximal end of the shaft

arranged main body, and arranged on and / or in the main body eyepiece, wherein the viewing window is an eyepiece, and wherein the viewing window frame a

Eyepiece window frame is.

Endoscopes are widely used in medicine and the arts to inspect hard to reach body cavities of a patient or areas of a machine and / or to make interventions in the corresponding body cavities or areas. While video-endoscopes with an integrated video camera are often used, endoscopes with an optical image conductor, which transmits an image picked up by a lens to an eyepiece on which it can be viewed with the naked eye or by means of an external camera, are widespread, especially in medicine. Such endoscopes, which are also referred to as optical endoscopes, can be made more slender and therefore more patient-friendly than

Video endoscopes. Depending on the design and application of the endoscopes, fiber image conductors or lens image conductors are used.

In particular, medical endoscopes are subjected to extreme conditions, such as exposure to water vapor at high temperatures and pressures, in the required conditioning between two uses. Therefore, particularly high demands are placed on the sealing of the eyepiece window.

In one embodiment of this seal according to the prior art, it may occur despite everything, that in the preparation of an endoscope minimal amounts of steam diffuse through the seal. In order to avoid impairment of the optics by this moisture, drying bodies of highly hygroscopic material are often installed in the eyepiece, which absorb the moisture. These dry bodies require additional space, at the same time, the hygroscopic material, such as calcium chloride, long-term corrosive effect.

Due to the corresponding development, a highly effective attachment and sealing of the eyepiece window is ensured, so that it may be possible to dispense with the introduction of dry bodies into the eyepiece.

In an embodiment of the observation instrument as an endoscope, according to a further embodiment of the invention, the attachment element may be an eyepiece funnel.

Ocular funnels are originally provided on endoscopes to allow convenient placement of the eyepiece on the user's eye. Owing to the spread of video technology, ocular funnels in modern endoscopes are mainly used to provide a mounting option for video cameras. The Okulartrichter is usually screwed onto the eyepiece after attachment of the eyepiece. By an at least partially integral embodiment of the eyepiece funnel with the fixing body, the production of an endoscope is further simplified. In a possible embodiment of an observation instrument according to the invention, the fastening element can be designed in several parts, wherein a first part of the fastening element is integral with the fixing body, and wherein at least one further part of the fastening element form-fitting, non-positively, and / or materially connected to the first part of Fastener is connected. By a multi-part construction of the

Fastening element, for example, a wear-prone part of

Fastener are exchanged without the integral part of the fixing body executed part of the fastener is affected. The connection of the parts of the

Fastening element, for example, a plug, screw, bayonet and / or

Be adhesive bond.

In a particular embodiment of an observation instrument according to the invention, at least one electrical component can be arranged in the fastening element.

According to a preferred development of an observation instrument according to the invention, the at least one electrical component can be arranged between the first and a further part of the fastening element. In this case, the at least one electrical

Component placed on the first part of the fastener or inserted into a recess provided in this, and then through the other part of the

Fixing element to be fixed.

In a further embodiment of an observation instrument according to the invention, the at least one electrical component can be connected to at least one electrical line which runs through the fixing body into the observation instrument. It is thus an electrical communication between the at least one electrical component and the interior of the observation instrument allows without the sealing of the

Observation instrument is impaired. In this case, the least one electrical line is preferably laid before the encapsulation of the viewing window and the viewing window frame and then sealed by the encapsulation.

In a possible embodiment of an observation instrument according to the invention, the at least one electrical component may be or comprise a coil. This coil may preferably be part of a wireless power transmission arrangement for supplying at least one electrical load in the observation instrument. Such a wireless energy transmission arrangement is known for example from the patent application DE102016108095 of the applicant.

The at least one electrical consumer can comprise a light source and / or a heating device and / or an actuator and / or a video chip.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to some exemplary illustrations. Show it:

1: an endoscope,

2 shows an eyepiece of an endoscope according to FIG. 1 according to the prior art, FIG.

3: an eyepiece of an endoscope,

4 shows an eyepiece of an endoscope according to an embodiment of the invention,

5 shows an eyepiece of an endoscope according to another embodiment of the invention,

Fig. 6: an eyepiece of an endoscope according to an additional embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1 shows an endoscope 1 with a shaft 2, which has a distal end 3 and a proximal end 4. In the distal end 3 of the shaft 2, a lens, not shown, is arranged, the proximal end 4 of the shaft ends at a main body 5. An eyepiece 6 with an eyepiece funnel 7 adjoins the main body 5.

An object to be observed is imaged by an objective, which is not shown at the distal end 3, onto an intermediate image, which is guided to the eyepiece 6 by means of an optical image conductor (also not shown). The image conductor may be, for example, an elay lens system or an ordered bundle of optical fibers. Such fiber bundles are mainly used in endoscopes with flexible shaft application.

Through the eyepiece 6, the relayed by the image guide intermediate image can be viewed with the naked eye or with a camera, the Okulartrichter 7 serves to create the eye of the beholder or for mounting the camera.

On the main body 5, a Lichtleitstutzen 8 is further arranged, to which a light source can be connected directly or via a light guide cable.

FIG. 2 shows the construction of a part of the eyepiece 6. It consists of an eyepiece lens system 10, which is fastened in an eyepiece mount 11. The eyepiece 11 is in turn surrounded by an eyepiece 12, in which an eyepiece 13 is sealingly inserted.

The eyepiece window 13 rests on a circumferential projection 14 of the eyepiece window frame 12 and is held by a union nut 15. Eyepiece window 13, eyepiece window frame 12 and union nut 14 are circumferentially glued together to prevent ingress of

To avoid moisture in the eyepiece 6. To possibly yet penetrating into the eyepiece 6

To absorb moisture, in the eyepiece 6 is a dry ring 16 of highly hygroscopic material, e.g. Calcium chloride (CaCl), arranged.

At the eyepiece window frame 12, a thread 17 is further provided, on which the Okulartrichter 7 can be screwed.

The installation of the illustrated eyepiece 6 is complicated and requires much experience.

In particular, the attachment of the nut 15 is error prone, since too little

Contact force between the union nut 15 and eyepiece window 13 no sealing connection is achieved. If the pressing force is too high, on the other hand, there is the danger that the eyepiece window 13 will be damaged.

FIG. 3 shows the structure of the eyepiece of an endoscope, wherein the eyepiece lens system and the eyepiece mount are not shown for the sake of clarity.

The eyepiece again comprises an eyepiece window frame 22 into which an eyepiece window 23 is inserted. The eyepiece 23 is located on an inner projection 24 of

Eyepiece window socket 22 on.

For fixing the eyepiece window 23 to the eyepiece window frame 22, the eyepiece window 23 and the eyepiece window frame 22 are partially encapsulated with a fixing body 30 made of injection-moldable material. As a material, for example, polyolefins, polystyrene or polyamide in question.

As a result of the encapsulation, the eyepiece window 23 is completely sealed off from the eyepiece window mount 22, so that no moisture can penetrate into the eyepiece. On a dry ring in the eyepiece can therefore be omitted. In the eyepiece window frame 22, a circumferential groove 31 is provided, which is filled by the fixing body 30 and thus additionally in a form-fitting manner on the

Eyepiece window socket 22 stops.

Figure 4 shows the structure of an eyepiece of another endoscope according to an embodiment of the invention. The eyepiece lens system and the eyepiece are omitted again.

The eyepiece in turn has an eyepiece window frame 42 and an eyepiece window 43, which are partially encapsulated with a fixing body 50. In the example shown, the fixing body 50 is designed as Okulartrichter. As a result, the production of the corresponding endoscope is further simplified.

FIG. 5 shows an eyepiece of an endoscope according to a further embodiment of the invention. The eyepiece largely corresponds to the eyepiece shown in FIG. 4 and comprises an eyepiece window mount 62 and an eyepiece window 63, which is replaced by a eyepiece

Fixierkörper 70 are sealingly connected. The fixing body 70 is again designed as eyepiece funnel.

As a special feature, an electrical component 75 is arranged in the fixing body 70, which in the present example is a coupling coil arranged concentrically with respect to the eyepiece. By means of this coil, for example, electrical energy can be transmitted wirelessly to the endoscope from a camera head placed on the eyepiece funnel, as can be seen in the

Patent application DE102016108095 the applicant is described. The electrical energy is transmitted by means of an electrical line 76 into the interior of the eyepiece, to the line 76 is guided through the Okularfensterfassung 62.

Within the eyepiece, an electrical load 77 is arranged, which is supplied via the electrical line 76. The electrical load 77 may be a light source, e.g. an LED, and / or a heater include.

The passage point of the electrical line 76 through the eyepiece window socket 62 is located in the region of the fixing body 70 and is thus completely sealed.

In the example shown in FIG. 5, the electrical component 75 is encapsulated with the fixing body 70; for this purpose, the electrical component must be positioned in the injection mold. For this purpose, a support body, not shown, can be used, which fixes the electrical component 75 on the eyepiece window frame 62 and is also completely encapsulated with.

FIG. 6 shows an alternative embodiment of an eyepiece. The eyepiece in turn comprises an eyepiece window frame 82 and an eyepiece window 83 which are sealingly connected by a fixing body 90. In this case, the fixing body 90 forms only a part of an eyepiece funnel, which is completed by a further part 94. Between the fixing body 90 and the further part 94, an electrical component 95 is arranged, which is connected via an electrical line 96 with an electrical load 97.

The fixing body and the part 94 can be connected by a screw, plug, bayonet and / or adhesive connection.

Even if a two-part construction of the eyepiece funnel from the fixing body and a separate component is described herein in connection with the attachment of an electrical component in the eyepiece funnel, this embodiment is also meaningful regardless of the attachment of an electrical component. Thus, with a corresponding execution, a damaged Okulartrichter be repaired by replacing the additional component without having to replace the fixing body. The sealing of the eyepiece remains completely intact.

Although the invention is described above primarily with reference to an endoscope, it may equally be used in the manufacture of other observation instruments, such as telescopes, spotting scopes, microscopes, periscopes and similar instruments.

Claims

1. observation instrument having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end of the observation instrument is closed by a viewing window, which is mounted in a viewing window frame, characterized in that the viewing window and the viewing window frame are at least partially encapsulated with a fixing of injection-moldable material , which sealing the viewing window in the

Viewing window frame fixes that at the proximal end of the observation instrument a fastener for an additional instrument is arranged, and that the

Fastening element is at least partially integral with the fixing body.

2. Observation instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that the

Observation instrument is an endoscope, with

a shaft (2) having a distal end (3) and a proximal end (4), an objective arranged at the distal end (3) of the shaft (2),

a main body (5) arranged at the proximal end (4) of the shank (2), and an eyepiece (6) arranged at and / or in the main body (5), the viewing window being one

Eyepiece window (13,33,43,63,83), and wherein the viewing window frame a

Eyepiece window socket (12,22,42,62,82).

3. Observation instrument according to claim 2, characterized in that the

Fastener is a Okulartrichter (50,70,90,94).

4. observation instrument according to one of claims 2 to 3, characterized in that the fastening element (90,94) is designed in several parts, wherein a first part (90) of the fastening element (90,94) is designed in one piece with the fixing body (90), and wherein at least one further part (94) of the fastening element (90, 94) is connected to the first part (90) of the fastening element (90, 94) in a form-fitting, force-fitting, and / or material-locking manner.

5. Observation instrument according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that at least one electrical component (75,95) in the fastener (70,90,94) is arranged.

6. observation instrument according to claims 4 and 5, characterized in that the at least one electrical component (95) between the first part (90) and a further part (94) of the fastening element (90,94) is arranged.

7. Observation instrument according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the

at least one electrical component (75, 95) is connected to at least one electrical lead (76, 96) which runs through the fixing body into the observation instrument.

8. Observation instrument according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the at least one electrical component (75,95) is or comprises a coil.

9. An observation instrument according to claim 8, characterized in that the coil (75,95) is part of a wireless power transmission arrangement for supplying at least one electrical load (77,97) in the observation instrument.

10. An observation instrument according to claim 9, characterized in that the at least one electrical load (77,97) comprises a light source and / or a heater and / or an actuator and / or a video chip.