JP2006081615A - Endoscopic system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an endoscopic system which facilitates the replacement of a solid light-emitting element, realizes the prolongation of the service life in a power supply by feeding a stable power from a large-scale power source device, and is based on the consideration of a back-up countermeasure for a light source as well. <P>SOLUTION: This endoscopic system comprises an insertion section and an operation section, and is equipped with at least an illumination optical system, a light guide fiber, the solid light-emitting element, a power stabilization circuit, the power source, a power source cable, and a video processor. A light source unit is constituted of the solid light-emitting element, a plurality of power source wires, and a power source terminal. A plurality of the power source terminals are arranged on a detachable surface of the light source unit in a manner to be exposed. The incidence end surface of the light guide fiber is arranged on the external surface of the operation section, and the power source is arranged in the video processor. The power source cable is inserted and arranged in a universal cord, and one end section of the power source cable is connected with a plurality of the power source terminals on the operation section side. The power stabilization circuit is arranged between a plurality of the power source terminals on the operation section side and the power source. The light source unit is freely detachably arranged to the incidence end surface of the light guide fiber. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an endoscope apparatus, and more particularly to an endoscope apparatus to which a solid light emitting element is applied as an illumination light source.

  Conventionally, by inserting an elongated insertion portion into a body cavity, a medical device capable of observing organs in the body cavity or performing various treatments using a treatment instrument inserted into a treatment instrument channel as necessary Endoscope devices for use are widely used.

  Such a conventional endoscope apparatus is generally configured by an insertion portion that is inserted into a body cavity or the like and an operation portion that performs various operations including a bending operation of the insertion portion. And in the conventional endoscope apparatus, the light source apparatus comprised separately is connected via connection means, such as a universal cord extended from the operation part.

  Illumination light generated from the light source device is transmitted from the light source device to the distal end portion of the insertion portion by a universal cord and a light guide fiber inserted into the insertion portion. Thereby, illumination light is emitted toward the observation object ahead from the distal end portion of the insertion portion, and the observation object is illuminated.

  On the other hand, a compact power source such as a dry battery or a light source unit is directly attached to the operation unit, etc., and the light source unit lamp is lit by the small power source to obtain illumination light, thereby eliminating the universal cord. For example, various types of light source unit-integrated or battery-powered small endoscope devices have been proposed and put into practical use.

  The small-sized endoscope apparatus having such a configuration is advantageous in that it is excellent in portability because it is not necessary to connect a large floor-mounted light source device. On the other hand, a large amount of light is required to function as an endoscope apparatus. Therefore, a large amount of current flows, which causes the life of the light source lamp and the power supply battery to be shortened. Therefore, it is necessary to frequently perform lamp replacement and battery replacement. In addition, when the light source lamp or the power source is worn out or the like becomes unusable, or when the light source is in a so-called light source down state, there is a problem that the backup is complicated.

  Therefore, in recent years, as a means for improving the life of the light source lamp, a solid light emitting element such as a light emitting diode (hereinafter referred to as LED) is applied as a light source of the endoscope apparatus. Various proposals have been made.

  However, under the present circumstances, even if an LED is used, it cannot obtain a sufficient amount of light for functioning the endoscope apparatus alone. For this reason, for example, it is necessary to use a large number of LEDs or to improve the light collection efficiency. Therefore, when many LEDs are used, there is a problem that a large occupied volume for installing the light source unit is required or the number of members increases.

  In general, the operability of the endoscope apparatus depends on the weight and size of the operation unit. For this reason, in an endoscope apparatus in which a power source, a light source unit, and the like are attached to the operation unit, further downsizing of the operation unit is desired.

  However, in the case where a necessary amount of light is secured by using a large number of solid-state light emitting elements such as LEDs as described above, the operation unit tends to be large. Therefore, the operability of the endoscope apparatus is hindered.

  Therefore, in order to reduce the size of the light source unit, it is desirable to improve the overall irradiation light amount, for example, while reducing the number of arranged solid light emitting elements. As a means for that, for example, it is conceivable to cause the LED to emit light with high luminance by energizing a large current.

  However, continuing to pass a large current through the LED impairs the long life, which is one of the advantages of the LED. That is, even if the LED is used, the life of the light source cannot be sufficiently maintained, and maintenance management such as replacement and repair of the LED becomes complicated.

  Furthermore, when a small power source such as a battery is used, in order to stably supply a large current to the light source, there is a problem of insufficient capacity, and it is difficult to obtain a stable current. .

  Moreover, white LED is mainly used as LED used as a light source of an endoscope apparatus. However, the color of this white LED tends to be strong in blue. For this reason, an observation image obtained when a white LED is used as illumination light also tends to be an image with a dark blue tone.

  However, it is desirable to obtain a bright image as an endoscopic image for performing observation diagnosis. Therefore, when using a white LED as an endoscope light source, there is a problem in the hue of the obtained endoscopic image.

  By the way, there are various types of solid-state light emitting elements such as LEDs arranged inside the distal end portion of the insertion portion of the endoscope or the operation portion and configured to illuminate the body cavity using this. Proposals have been made.

For example, in an endoscope apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-126034, a light source unit having a light emitting element is detachably disposed with respect to an operation unit. With such a configuration, the light emitting element can be easily replaced, and thus the maintainability of the endoscope apparatus is improved.
JP 2003-126034 A

  However, the means disclosed in the above Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-126034 is configured such that the LED of the light source unit can be replaced by means similar to those using a normal light source lamp or the like as the light source. Since the LED itself as the light source is disposed inside the operation unit, in order to replace only the LED, the light source unit must be removed from the operation unit. Therefore, there is a problem that the work itself cannot be said to be simple.

  In addition, since the means described in the above publication uses a battery as a power supply means, the problem of extending the life of power supply is solved when the entire endoscope apparatus is considered. It has not been.

  On the other hand, as described above, the endoscope apparatus is configured so that a large current is supplied to the LED in order to obtain high luminance. No proposal has been made in the past to take such a countermeasure.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described points, and an object of the present invention is to have a structure in which a light source composed of a solid-state light emitting element such as a light emitting diode (LED) can be replaced more easily, and video. By adopting a configuration that can supply power from a large-scale power supply device such as a system, it is possible to constantly supply a large amount of power stably, thus solving the problem of extending the service life related to power supply. For example, it is to provide an endoscope apparatus having a configuration in consideration of a backup measure even when the light source is in a down state due to wear of the light source or the like.

  In order to achieve the above object, an endoscope apparatus according to the present invention includes an insertion portion and an operation portion, an illumination optical system disposed at a distal end portion of the insertion portion, and illumination light to the illumination optical system. A light guide fiber that transmits light, a solid-state light-emitting element that emits illumination light, a power stabilization circuit that stably drives the solid-state light-emitting element, a power source that supplies power to the power stabilization circuit, and the solid-state light emission In an endoscope apparatus including at least a power cable for transmitting power to an element and a video processor, the solid state light emitting element includes a light source unit by a plurality of power lines and power terminals connected to the solid state light emitting element. The light source unit is arranged on the attachment / detachment surface so that the plurality of power terminals are exposed to the outside, and the incident end surface of the light guide fiber is the outer surface of the operation unit. The power supply is disposed inside the video processor, the power cable is inserted and disposed in the universal cord, and one end portion is disposed to be exposed on the outer surface of the operation unit. The power stabilization circuit is disposed between the plurality of power supply terminals of the operation unit and the power supply, and the light source unit includes the light guide fiber. It is characterized in that it is detachably arranged with respect to the incident end face.

  According to the present invention, the light source composed of a solid-state light emitting element such as a light emitting diode (LED) can be easily replaced, and the power can be supplied from a large-scale power supply device such as a video system. By doing so, it is possible to always supply a large amount of power stably, thus solving the problem of extending the service life related to power supply, and also when the light source goes down due to wear of the light source, for example Thus, an endoscope apparatus having a configuration in consideration of the backup measures can be provided.

The present invention will be described below with reference to the illustrated embodiments.
1 to 3 show a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an outline of an entire configuration of an endoscope apparatus of the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part of a part where the light source unit is attached to the operation unit, showing a part of the endoscope apparatus of FIG. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a main part showing a locking part of the light source unit in the endoscope apparatus of FIG.

  The endoscope apparatus 1 according to this embodiment includes a solid-state light-emitting element such as a light-emitting diode (LED) provided with an insertion portion 11 having a solid-state imaging element 21 such as a CCD and various operation members (not shown) at a distal end portion 11a. Drive control of the endoscope 2 including the operation unit 12 in which a cap-like (covered-lid) light source unit 14 in which 14a is disposed is detachably disposed, and the solid-state imaging device 21 is performed. A video processor 15 having an LED power source 16 for receiving an image signal from the solid-state image pickup device 21 and performing predetermined image signal processing and driving control of the light source unit 14 and power supply to the light source unit 14; A display screen that receives a universal cord 13 that connects the video processor 15 and the operation unit 12 of the endoscope 2 and an image signal output from the video processor 15. A display device 19 for displaying an endoscopic observation image is mainly constituted by.

  An imaging optical system 21a that forms an optical image of the subject and an illumination optical system 22a that irradiates the subject with an illumination light beam are disposed on the distal end surface of the distal end portion 11a of the insertion portion 11 of the endoscope 2. ing.

  In addition, a solid-state imaging device 21 such as a CCD that generates a predetermined image signal after receiving and optically converting an optical image of a subject formed by the imaging optical system 21a is disposed inside the distal end portion 11a. Has been. The solid-state imaging device 21 is arranged so that the substantially central portion of the light receiving surface is located on the optical axis of the imaging optical system 21a and the light receiving surface is substantially orthogonal to the optical axis.

  A CCD cable 21 b extends from the rear end surface of the solid-state image sensor 21. The CCD cable 21b is inserted through the insertion portion 11 and the operation portion 12 and further through the universal cord 13, and is then connected to a connector 13a provided at the tip of the universal cord 13.

  On the other hand, one end surface of the light guide fiber 22 that transmits the illumination light from the light source unit 14 is disposed behind the illumination optical system 22a. The light guide fiber 22 is inserted through the insertion portion 11 and the operation portion 12, and the other end surface is arranged toward the outer surface of a predetermined portion of the operation portion 12. Here, the other end portion of the light guide fiber 22 is disposed so as to have a convex shape from the outer surface of the operation portion 12.

  In the operation unit 12, the light source unit 14 is detachably disposed at a portion where the other end surface of the light guide fiber 22 is disposed. When the light source unit 14 is attached to a predetermined part of the operation unit 12, the solid light emitting element 14 a of the light source unit 14 is positioned to face the other end surface of the light guide fiber 22. Placed in.

  In this case, a light source unit mounting pin 12c in which an engaging claw 12cc is formed in the vicinity of the distal end portion is planted in the vicinity of the portion where the other end surface of the light guide fiber 22 is arranged at the side of the operation portion 12. It is installed. The engaging claw 12 cc of the light source unit mounting pin 12 c is engaged with an engaging portion 14 c formed on the side of the light source unit 14 when the light source unit 14 is attached to the operation portion 12. ing. As a result, the light source unit 14 is securely fixed to the operation unit 12.

  In addition, a power connection terminal 12b is disposed in the vicinity of the portion where the other end surface of the light guide fiber 22 is disposed in the operation unit 12. One end of a power line 13b that passes through the inside of the universal cord 13 through the operation unit 12 is connected to the power connection terminal 12b. The other end of the power line 13 b is connected to the connector 13 a of the universal cord 13.

  Corresponding to the power supply terminal 12b, the light source unit 14 is provided with a plurality of power supply terminals 14b as power terminals. One end of a power supply line 14d that passes through the inside of the light source unit 14 is connected to the power supply connection terminal 14b. The other end of the power line 14d is connected to the solid state light emitting device 14a.

  In addition, the power supply connection terminal 12b of the operation unit 12 is arranged so as to be exposed to the outside on a convex portion that is formed to slightly protrude from the end surface of the operation unit 12. Further, the power source connection terminal 14 b of the light source unit 14 is exposed to the outside on the wall surface in the recessed hole formed so as to protrude slightly inward from the contact surface on which the light source unit 14 contacts the outer surface of the operation unit 12. Are arranged to be. Therefore, when the convex part of the operation part 12 and the concave hole part of the light source unit 14 are fitted, the power connection terminal 12b and the power connection terminal 14b are brought into contact with each other to ensure electrical connection. In addition, the light source unit 14 is positioned with respect to the operation unit 12.

  Here, the detailed configuration inside the light source unit 14 will be further described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 2, in order to maintain the watertightness between the light source unit 14 and the operation unit 12 when the light source unit 14 is attached to the operation unit 12, the light source unit 14 is in contact with the light source unit mounting pin 12c. An annular seal packing 30 is provided at the contact portion, and an urging packing 31 is disposed on the axial side.

  That is, a hole portion 14e whose one end is closed is formed in a substantially central portion of the light source unit 14, and the solid light emitting element 14a is disposed on the bottom surface portion of the hole portion 14e with its emission surface facing the opening side. Has been. An urging packing 31 is disposed at the peripheral portion of the solid light emitting element 14a and on the bottom surface of the hole 14e. The seal packing 30 is disposed so as to be embedded in the inner peripheral wall of the hole portion 14e.

  Therefore, in a state where the light source unit 14 is attached to the operation unit 12, the seal packing 30 is brought into contact with the peripheral edge of the light source unit mounting pin 12c so as to be in close contact with the distal end portion of the light source unit mounting pin 12c. The packing 31 is abutted so as to be in close contact. Thereby, a watertight structure is formed when the light source unit 14 is attached to the operation unit 12.

  On the other hand, the light source unit mounting pin 12c is engaged with the outer peripheral wall surface of the light source unit 14 as shown in FIG. 3, so that the light source unit 14 is fixedly held as a mounting engagement portion as a mounting engagement portion. 37 is formed. The notch-like locking portion 37 is formed by a vertical groove portion 32 that opens toward the operation portion 12, a slant groove portion 33 that is continuous with the vertical groove portion 32, and a horizontal groove portion 34 that is continuous with the slant groove portion 33. Is formed. Step portions 35 and 36 are formed on the inner wall surface of the lateral groove portion 34 so as to protrude from the lateral groove portion 34 toward the outside from the middle groove portion and the final end portion.

  It should be noted that at least one notch-shaped locking portion 37 may be formed in the light source unit 14, but a plurality of notched locking portions 37 may be formed for one light source unit 14, for example, provided at each target portion. Also good.

  After the light source unit mounting pin 12c is engaged with the notch-shaped locking portion 37, the light source unit mounting pin 12c first falls into the stepped portion 35 by rotating the light source unit 14, and the light source unit 14 The position is fixed to the operation unit 12.

  When the light source unit 14 is further rotated from this position, the light source unit mounting pin 12c is separated from the step portion 35 and enters the step portion 36. At this position, the power connection terminal 14b of the light source unit 14 and the power connection terminal 12b of the operation unit 12 are in contact with each other. Accordingly, when the light source unit 14 is rotated until the light source unit mounting pin 12c falls into the stepped portion 36 after the light source unit mounting pin 12c is inserted into the notch-shaped locking portion 37 from the opening of the vertical groove portion 32, the light source unit 14 is rotated. The unit 14 is turned on.

  That is, in a state where the light source unit 14 is rotated and the light source unit mounting pin 12c reaches the step portion 35, the light source unit 14 is securely fixed to the operation portion 12, but the power source is still Since it is in the off state, the solid state light emitting device 14a can maintain a state in which it does not emit light.

  From this state, the light source unit 14 is further rotated, and the light source unit mounting pin 12c is disposed in the stepped portion 36. Thus, the solid state light emitting device 14a is turned on, and the solid state light emitting device 14a emits light. . In this state, the fixed holding state with respect to the operation unit 12 of the light source unit 14 is maintained, and at the same time, the power-on state is also maintained. Further, in this state, the solid light emitting element 14a is arranged so that the end surfaces of the light guide fiber 22 face each other. As described above, the rotation lock mechanism is applied as an attachment / detachment mechanism for the operation unit 12 of the light source unit 14.

  In this case, in this embodiment, the solid-state light emitting element 14a is disposed at a position that is a substantially central portion of the light source unit 14 and is a rotation center. Therefore, even if the light source unit 14 is configured to rotate, the solid light emitting element 14a is set with the final arrangement position of the solid light emitting element 14a, that is, in a state where the light source unit 14 is fixedly held with respect to the operation unit 12. It is easy to set the solid light emitting element 14a so that the end face of the light guide fiber 22 and the end face of the light guide fiber 22 face each other. Thereby, it has the structure which can suppress the loss of the incident light quantity resulting from the position shift between the solid light emitting element 14a and the end surface (incident end surface) of the light guide fiber 22 as much as possible.

  Further, after the light source unit mounting pin 12c is engaged with the notch-shaped locking portion 37 in order to mount the light source unit 14 on the operation portion 12, the light source unit mounting pin 12c passes through the oblique groove portion 33 and into the lateral groove portion 34. At the end, the urging packing 31 is pressed in the direction of the arrow X1 in FIG. 3 by the tip portion of the light source unit mounting pin 12c, and the urging packing 31 is deformed. At this time, the biasing packing 31 generates a repulsive force in the direction of the arrow X2 in FIG. This repulsive force acts to drop the light source unit mounting pin 12c into the stepped portion 35 or 36. At this time, the user obtains an appropriate click feeling. At the same time, this click mechanism also serves as a fixing force that prevents the light source unit 14 from falling off.

  On the outer peripheral surface of the light source unit 14, for example, a non-slip process such as a knurling or a finger pad is provided, although not particularly illustrated. Thereby, rotation operation at the time of attaching and detaching light source unit 14 can be performed easily.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the universal cord 13 extends from the operation portion 12, and a connector 13 a is formed at the tip thereof. As described above, the other end of the CCD cable 21b and the power supply line 13b is connected to the connector 13a. The connector 13a is detachably connected to a connector receiving portion 15b provided in the video processor 15.

  The video processor 15 generates various control signals to control the operation of the video processor 15 itself and the endoscope 2 connected to the video processor 15, and a video process circuit that mainly performs image signal processing. Drive control signal for the light source unit 14 based on a control signal from the video process circuit / CCD driver 15a and a control signal from the control circuit 18. The LED driver 17 is a current stabilizing circuit that generates the power, the LED power source 16 that is a power supply source to the light source unit 14, and the like.

  As described above, the video process circuit / CCD driver 15a includes the video process circuit unit and the CCD driver unit. Of these, the CCD driver unit outputs a drive control signal for the solid-state imaging device 21 based on a control signal from the control circuit 18. The drive control signal is generated and transmitted to the solid-state image sensor 21.

  The video process circuit unit serves to receive an image signal from the solid-state imaging device 21 and perform predetermined image signal processing to generate an image signal and data in a predetermined form. Here, the image signal processing performed by the video process circuit unit includes, for example, a color tone correction process in which the image signal generated by the solid-state imaging device 21 is matched to the color tone of the solid-state light emitting element 14a.

  The control circuit 18 controls the solid-state light emitting element 14a to emit illumination light with an appropriate light quantity balance based on a signal from the solid-state imaging element 21 obtained by monitoring the video process circuit / CCD driver 15a. Generate a signal. In response to this, the LED driver 17 performs drive control such as adjustment of the current value of the power supplied to the light source unit 14.

  The video processor 15 and the display device 19 are connected by connection connectors 15c and 19c provided respectively. As a result, the image signal output from the video process circuit / CCD driver 15 a of the video processor 15 is transmitted to the display device 19. In response to this, the display device 19 displays an endoscopic observation image on its own display screen.

  The connector 13a of the universal cord 13 is connected to a connector receiving portion 15b of the video processor 15 to be described later, whereby a power transmission path from the LED power source 16 to the solid state light emitting element 14a of the light source unit 14 and a video process circuit / CCD. A signal transmission path from the driver 15a to the solid-state imaging device 21 is formed. As a result, power can be supplied from the LED power source 16 to the light source unit 14, the control signal from the video process circuit / CCD driver 15 a to the solid-state image sensor 21, and the video process circuit from the solid-state image sensor 21. / Transmission of image signals to the CCD driver 15a can be performed.

  As described above, in the endoscope 2 according to the present embodiment, the light source unit 14 is configured to be detachable from the operation unit 12. In the operation unit 12, a conventional battery type light source unit configured to emit a lamp or the like using, for example, a battery instead of the light source unit 14 for a portion where the light source unit 14 is mounted, A light guide fiber cable connected to a light source device which is an external device used in a general endoscope apparatus can be connected and used. Accordingly, the light source means can be appropriately selected and used according to the application, and, for example, even if the LED power supply 16 of the video processor 15 becomes unusable (down state), it is replaced with an alternative light source means. Therefore, it is easy to continue using the device.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, since the light source unit 14 including the solid light emitting element 14a can be easily attached and detached, the replacement work of the light source unit 14 can be performed very easily. it can.

  Further, since the light source unit 14 has a very simple configuration mainly including only the solid-state light emitting element 14a and the power line 14d connected thereto, the light source unit 14 is easy to manufacture and contributes to a reduction in manufacturing cost. be able to. Further, since various light source means are detachable in place of the light source unit 14, backup measures are also taken.

  Further, the LED power source 16 that is a power supply source for the solid state light emitting device 14a is provided on the side of the video processor 15 that is configured separately from the endoscope 2, and thus cannot be achieved with a small power source or the like. A large current can be stably supplied to the light source unit 14 for a long time.

  Furthermore, for example, when a large current is supplied to the solid state light emitting device 14a and used in a high luminance state, even if the life of the solid state light emitting device 14a is shortened, it is easy to replace only the solid state light emitting device 14a. Therefore, it is possible to continue using the apparatus without worrying about the lifetime of the solid state light emitting device 14a.

  Further, for example, a light source and a power source unit having a simple structure including a light emitting light source and a power source can be manufactured at low cost. For example, a light source and a power source for each case can be obtained by using them instead of the light source unit 14. The unit can be replaced and used, and the light source and power supply unit can be made disposable.

  Further, since the incident end face on the base end side of the light guide fiber 22 is disposed so as to be exposed on the outer surface of the operation unit 12, the connection structure between the light guide fiber 22 and the light source unit 14 can be simplified. At the same time, it is possible to adopt a structure that also considers the cleaning property of the incident end face of the light guide fiber 22.

  Further, in the video process circuit / CCD driver 15a of the video processor 15, since the color tone correction processing according to the color tone of the solid state light emitting element 14a is performed on the image signal generated by the solid state imaging element 21, it is always natural. It is possible to display an endoscopic image with a proper color tone. Therefore, the result of the diagnosis performed by observing the endoscopic image can be ensured, and the usability and operability of the endoscope apparatus can be improved.

  Normally, endoscopes are sterilized with ETO gas (sterilization performed with ethylene oxide gas heated to about 60 degrees. The endoscope insertion part and universal cord are rolled into the chamber (processing room) of the sterilizer. In general, a vent hole for adjusting the pressure is provided in consideration of being applied to a reprocessing apparatus having a negative pressure process by, for example, charging in a sterilized state.

  Therefore, in the endoscope of the above-described first embodiment, a hole communicating with the inside of the operation unit 12 is provided in a portion of the operation unit 12 where the light source unit 14 is attached and detached, When the light source unit 14 is attached to the operation unit 12 by providing a watertight check valve at the portion corresponding to the hole and in the light source unit 14, the light source unit 14 is connected to the light source unit 14. Can also be configured to function as a watertight cap for watertightly sealing a portion that is attached to and detached from the operation unit 12.

  In the endoscope 2 in the first embodiment described above, the notch-shaped locking portion 37 formed by connecting the vertical groove portion 32, the oblique groove portion 33, and the horizontal groove portion 34 to the side of the light source unit 14 is provided. The light source unit mounting pin 12c of the operation unit 12 is provided according to this, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the light source unit mounting pin of the light source unit 14 is provided. The operation portion 12 may have a notch-like locking portion (each groove portion) on the side.

  Furthermore, in the endoscope of the first embodiment described above, the other end surface of the light guide fiber 22 is arranged so as to protrude from the outer surface of the operation unit 12. However, it is not limited to such a form. For example, a modified example of the configuration shown in FIG. 4 can be considered.

  FIG. 4 is a main part enlarged cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the endoscope apparatus according to the first embodiment described above, and showing an outline of an attachment portion of the operation unit and the light source unit.

  In this modification, the incident end face of the light guide fiber 22 disposed in the operation unit 12A is arranged so as to be substantially flush with the outer surface of the operation unit 12A.

  In this case, for example, considering that the endoscope 2 is submerged in a sterilizing solution during cleaning, the incident end face of the light guide fiber 22 is a portion opposite to the portion where the light source unit 14A is disposed. A transparent window 12a is provided in a watertight manner at a portion to be disposed, and the transparent window 12a and the outer surface of the operation unit 12A are configured to be substantially flush with each other. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  Even with such a configuration, it is possible to obtain the same effect as that of the first embodiment described above.

  Furthermore, another modified example of the configuration as shown in FIG. 5 is also conceivable. FIG. 5 is an essential part enlarged cross-sectional view showing another modified example of the endoscope apparatus in the first embodiment described above, and showing an outline of an operation part and an attachment part of the light source unit.

  In this another modification, the incident end face of the light guide fiber 22 disposed inside the operation unit 12A is disposed at a site inside the outer surface of the operation unit 12B.

  In this case, a concave hole 12e having a concave shape is provided at a predetermined portion of the operation portion 12B, and a transparent window 12a is provided in a watertight manner at the bottom of the concave hole 12e as in the above-described modification. The incident end face of the light guide fiber 22 is arranged at a portion facing 12a.

  Accordingly, the contact surface of the light source unit 14B with respect to the operation portion 12B is formed in a substantially flat surface, and the solid light emitting element 14a is disposed so as to protrude from the flat surface to the outside. When the light source unit 14B is attached to the operation unit 12B, the solid light emitting element 14a enters the concave hole 12e, and the solid light emitting element 14a is on the incident end face of the transparent window 12a and the light guide fiber 22. It is arranged at the opposite position. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  Even with such a configuration, it is possible to obtain the same effect as that of the first embodiment described above.

  On the other hand, in the light source unit in the first embodiment and the modification thereof described above, one solid light emitting element is disposed and is not limited to such a form. For example, as shown below A single light source unit can be easily provided with a plurality of solid state light emitting elements.

  6 and 7 show a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 schematically shows a part of an operation unit and a light source unit corresponding thereto in the endoscope apparatus of the present embodiment. It is sectional drawing. FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. FIG. 6 shows only the lower half in detail, and the upper half does not show the solid state light emitting device.

  The light source unit 14C in the endoscope apparatus of the present embodiment is configured to include a plurality (three) of solid state light emitting elements 14a. Corresponding to this, a plurality of light guide fibers 22 provided inside the operation unit 12C are also provided, and the incident surface is arranged at a portion facing each of the solid-state light emitting elements 14a. In addition, in the front-end | tip part of the insertion part 11, it comprises so that the several light guide fiber 22 may be put together, and the output surface may be arrange | positioned in the position facing the illumination optical system 22a. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  In the second embodiment configured as described above, not only the same effects as those of the first embodiment described above can be obtained, but also the plurality of solid state light emitting devices 14a and the same number of light guides corresponding thereto. By providing the fiber 22, illumination light with higher luminance can be obtained with the same capacity of power.

  In the first and second embodiments described above, an example in which a light source unit including at least one solid-state light emitting element with respect to the operation unit is configured to be detachable is shown. In the third embodiment of the present invention to be described next, an example of a configuration in which only a solid-state light emitting element can be easily attached to and detached from the light source unit will be described.

  FIGS. 8 to 10 show a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 8 and 9 schematically show a part of the operation unit in the endoscope apparatus of the present embodiment and a light source unit corresponding thereto. FIG. 8 shows a state when the light source unit is attached to a predetermined part of the operation unit, and FIG. 9 shows a state where the light source unit is removed from the predetermined part of the operation unit. The state which removed the LED unit from the light source unit is shown. FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing only the LED unit applied to the light source unit in the endoscope apparatus of the present embodiment.

  The basic configuration of the endoscope apparatus of the present embodiment is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment described above, and the configuration of the light source unit 14D is different. Therefore, illustration and description of the same configuration as that of the above-described first embodiment are omitted, and only different portions will be described below.

  The light source unit 14D is detachably disposed with respect to the operation unit 12D of the endoscope of the endoscope apparatus of the present embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the light source unit 14D includes a cap portion 14Df that detachably holds an LED unit 44 (details will be described later) having a solid light emitting element 14a, and constitutes a unit body. Mainly by a lid member 14Dg for opening and closing the opening of the hole 14De of the portion 14Df, a locking member 14Dj for locking the lid member 14Dg, and an attaching / detaching mechanism of the LED unit 44 provided in the hole 14De. It is configured.

  The cap portion 14Df of the light source unit 14D is formed in a cap shape (covered lid shape) including a hole portion 14De having an opening on one side. The LED unit 44 and its attaching / detaching mechanism are disposed inside the hole 14De.

  That is, an urging member 14Dn made of an extensible spring or the like is disposed at the bottom of the hole 14De with its telescopic axis direction facing the opening of the hole 14De, and at the tip of the urging member 14Dn. The urging plate 14Dm is fixed.

  On the side edge of the cap portion 14Df, a lid member 14Dg and a locking member 14Dj that allow the hole portion 14De to be opened and closed are disposed so as to be rotatable about one end as an axis. Here, one end of the lid member 14Dg is disposed so as to be rotatable in the direction of the arrow R1 in FIG. 9 with respect to the rotation shaft 14Dp fixed to one side edge portion of the cap portion 14Df. Further, one end of the locking member 14Dj is disposed so as to be rotatable in the direction of the arrow R2 in FIG. 9 with respect to the rotation shaft 14Dr fixed to one side edge of the cap portion 14Df.

  A locked portion 14Ds is formed at the other end of the lid member 14Dg. A locking claw 14Dt is formed at the other end of the locking member 14Dj. Therefore, when each of the lid member 14Dg and the locking member 14Dj is rotated in the closing direction to be in the state shown in FIG. 8, the locked portion 14Ds of the lid member 14Dg and the locking claw 14Dt of the locking member 14Dj Are engaged with each other, so that the closed state of the opening of the hole portion 14De of the cap portion 14Df can be maintained.

  In this state, the LED unit 44 is arranged in the hole 14De. That is, the LED unit 44 is arranged in such a manner that it is sandwiched between the urging plate 14Dm and the lid member 14Dg inside the hole portion 14De. At this time, a through hole 14Dh is formed in a substantially central portion of the lid member 14Dg. For example, a female screw is formed on the inner peripheral wall of the through hole 14Dh. And the solid light emitting element 14a with which the LED unit 44 is comprised is arrange | positioned in the site | part facing through-hole 14Dh.

  Further, when the lid member 14Dg is closed with the LED unit 44 disposed in the hole 14De, the LED unit 44 presses the urging plate 14Dm in the direction of the arrow X3 in FIG. ing. Then, since the urging member 14Dn is contracted, the LED unit 44 is fixedly held in the hole portion 14De of the cap portion 14Df by this urging force.

  The LED unit 44 is composed of a thin card-shaped casing unit as a whole, and a solid light-emitting element 14a is fixedly disposed in the vicinity of the center of the unit. A power source is connected to one end of the casing unit. The connection terminal 14b is formed. In the LED unit 44, the solid-state light emitting element 14a and the power connection terminal 14b are electrically connected, although not particularly shown.

  If various types of phosphor LEDs are prepared for each unit in the solid state light emitting device 14a, an illumination color can be selected by simply replacing an arbitrary LED unit 44 as appropriate. Therefore, it is possible to arbitrarily select the color of the obtained endoscopic image only by replacing the LED unit 44.

  A convex portion 12Dd is formed on the side of the operation portion 12D so as to protrude from the outer surface of the operation portion 12D. For example, a male screw is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the convex portion 12Dd. The male screw portion of the convex portion 12Dd can be screwed into a female screw formed in the through hole 14Dh of the lid member 14Dg of the light source unit 14D. Further, the incident end face of the light guide fiber 22 disposed inside the operation portion 12D is exposed at the tip of the convex portion 12Dd.

  When the light source unit 14D is attached to the operation unit 12D, the through hole 14Dh (female screw) of the light source unit 14D is screwed into the convex portion 12Dd (male screw) of the operation unit 12D. This screwing state is made watertight. As a result, the state shown in FIG. 8 is obtained. At this time, the incident end face of the light guide fiber 22 is arranged at a position where the solid light emitting element 14a of the LED unit 44 arranged in the hole 14De of the light source unit 14D faces.

  8 and 9, the illustration of the electrical connection configuration between the operation unit 12D and the light source unit 14D is omitted, but the power supply connection having the same configuration as that of the first embodiment described above is omitted. When the terminal is disposed on the operation unit 12D and the light source unit 14D is attached to the operation unit 12D, the power connection terminal on the operation unit 12D side and the power connection terminal 14b of the LED unit 44 are provided. Is in contact with each other so that electrical connection between the two is ensured.

  Next, the operation of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described.

  First, an arbitrary LED unit 44 is installed in the hole 14De of the light source unit 14D in the state shown in FIG. In this state, the lid member 14Dg is rotated in a predetermined direction along the rotation axis 14Dp, that is, in the direction along the arrow R1 and in the closed state, and the LED unit in which the lid member 14Dg is located in the hole 14De. 44 to be in a state of being substantially parallel. In this state, the locking member 14Dj is rotated along a rotation axis 14Dr in a predetermined direction, that is, in a direction along the arrow R2 and in a closed state, and the locking claw 14Dt of the locking member 14Dj is closed. Engage with the locked portion 14Ds of the member 14Dg. Thereby, light source unit 14D will be in a usable state.

  The assembled light source unit 14D is attached to the operation unit 12D. That is, the female screw of the through hole 14Dh of the light source unit 14D is screwed into the male screw of the convex portion 12Dd of the operation unit 12D. This operation is only an operation of rotating the light source unit 14D in the tightening direction. Then, the rotation of the light source unit 14D is restricted at a predetermined tightening position. As a result, the light source unit 14D is attached to the operation unit 12D as shown in FIG. At this time, the incident end face of the light guide fiber 22 and the solid state light emitting device 14a of the LED unit 44 are disposed at positions facing each other. Further, the power connection terminal 14b of the LED unit 44 comes into contact with a power connection terminal (not shown) of the operation unit 12D, and electrical connection between the two is ensured.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained. In addition, since the LED unit 44 is configured to be detachable from the light source unit 14D with one touch, the solid state light emitting device 14a can be replaced more easily. Therefore, the LED unit 44 including the solid light-emitting element 14a that can emit illumination colors having a hue according to the user's preference and at the same time contributes to improvement of maintenance properties such as repair and is used arbitrarily and easily. Therefore, it is possible to contribute to improvement in the feeling of use.

The schematic block diagram which shows the outline of the whole structure of the endoscope apparatus of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. The principal part expanded sectional view of the site | part by which the light source unit in the endoscope apparatus of FIG. 1 is attached to the operation part. The principal part enlarged view which shows the latching | locking part of the light source unit in the endoscope apparatus of FIG. The principal part expanded sectional view which expands and shows the outline of the attachment part of an operation part and a light source unit which shows the modification of the endoscope apparatus in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. The principal part expanded sectional view which shows another modification of the endoscope apparatus in the 1st Embodiment of this invention, and expands and shows the outline of the attachment part of an operation part and a light source unit. The schematic sectional drawing which shows a part of operation part in the endoscope apparatus of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention, and the light source unit corresponding to this schematically. Sectional drawing which follows the VII-VII line of FIG. FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing a part of an operation unit and a corresponding light source unit in an endoscope apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention, in which a light source unit is attached to a predetermined part of the operation unit The figure which shows a state when doing. FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which a part of the operation unit in the endoscope apparatus of FIG. 8 and a light source unit corresponding thereto are detached from the predetermined part of the operation unit and the LED unit is further removed from the light source unit. . The schematic perspective view which takes out and shows only the LED unit applied to the light source unit in the endoscope apparatus of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Endoscope apparatus 2 ... Endoscope 11 ... Insertion part 11a ... Tip part 12, 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D ... Operation part 12a ... Transparent window 12b ... Power supply connection terminal 12c ... Light source unit mounting pin 12cc …… engaging claw 12e …… concave hole 13 …… universal cord 13a …… connector 13b …… power supply line 14, 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D …… light source unit 14a …… solid light emitting element 14b …… Power connection terminal 14c …… engagement portion 14d …… power supply line 14e …… hole 14De …… hole 14Df …… cap 14Dg …… lid member 14Dh …… through hole 14Dj …… locking member 14Dm …… Biasing plate 14Dn ... Biasing member 14Dp ... Rotating shaft 14Dr ... Rotating shaft 14Ds ... Locked portion 14Dt ... Locking claw 15 ... Video processor 15a ... Deo process circuit / CCD driver 15b …… Connector receiving portion 15c …… Connector 16 · LED power source 17 ··· LED driver 18 ··· Control circuit 19 ··· Display device 21 ··· Solid-state imaging device 21a ··· Imaging optical system 21b …… CCD cable 22 …… Light guide fiber 22a …… Illumination optical system 30 …… Seal packing 31 …… Energizing packing 44 …… LED unit agent Patent attorney Susumu Ito

Claims (8)

An illumination unit comprising an insertion unit and an operation unit, disposed at the distal end of the insertion unit, a light guide fiber that transmits illumination light to the illumination optical system, a solid-state light emitting element that emits illumination light, A power stabilizing circuit that stably drives the solid state light emitting device, a power source that supplies power to the power stabilizing circuit, a power cable that transmits power to the solid state light emitting device, and a video processor. In an endoscope apparatus that
The solid-state light-emitting element constitutes a light source unit by a plurality of power lines and power terminals connected to the solid-state light-emitting element,
The plurality of power supply terminals are arranged on the detachable surface of the light source unit so as to be exposed to the outside,
The incident end face of the light guide fiber is disposed on the outer surface of the operation unit,
The power source is located inside the video processor;
The power cable is inserted and arranged in the universal cord, and one end thereof is connected to a plurality of power terminals arranged exposed on the outer surface of the operation unit,
The power stabilization circuit is disposed between the plurality of power supply terminals of the operation unit and the power supply,
The endoscope apparatus, wherein the light source unit is detachably disposed with respect to an incident end face of the light guide fiber. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a light guide cable, a battery power source, and a light source that are separately prepared can be detachably attached to the incident end face of the light guide fiber. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the power stabilization circuit is configured separately from the light source unit and disposed in a part other than the light source unit. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the power stabilization circuit is disposed inside the video processor. The light source unit is configured with a rotation lock mechanism as an attachment / detachment mechanism with the operation unit,
The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the light source unit can be attached and detached by a rotation operation, and also serves as a power on / off operation of the solid state light emitting device by the rotation operation. The light guide fiber incident end face is disposed at the position of the operation portion corresponding to the portion deviated from the rotation center when the light source unit is attached or detached,
5. The light source unit according to claim 4, wherein the light source unit includes at least one solid-state light emitting element and one or more power supply terminals connected to the solid-state light emitting element according to the incident end face of the light guide fiber. Endoscopic device. The operation part has a hole communicating with the inside of the operation part at a part where the light source unit is attached and detached.
The light source unit has a valve for water tightness check at a portion corresponding to the hole,
2. The inner side according to claim 1, wherein when the light source unit is attached to the operation unit, the light source unit also functions as a watertight cap for watertightly sealing the inside of the operation unit. Endoscopic device. The solid state light emitting device is fixedly held in a card-shaped housing unit,
The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the housing unit is detachably attached to the light source unit.

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