JP2007143751A - Endoscope instrument - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an endoscope instrument which enables the prevention of the dew condensation within the body of an endoscope instrument. <P>SOLUTION: The endoscope instrument 100 is constituted of an optical adaptor 2, an inserting part 3 which enables the optical adaptor 2 to be detachably mounted on its tip part, a body part 4 connected to the base end part of the inserting part 3, a display part 5 for displaying observation images and a user's interface 6 for making users operate the endoscope instrument 100. The body part 4 is so built as to contain an LED drive part 13, a CCD drive part 14, an image processing part 15, a system control part 16, a first and second temperature sensors 20 and 21, a humidity sensor 22, a dew condensation judging part 23, a gas sensor 24, a door drive part 25, doors 26a and 26b, a fan 27 and a heater 28. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an endoscope apparatus that prevents condensation that occurs inside the endoscope apparatus.

  In recent years, endoscope apparatuses, for example, observe the internal organs of body cavities, perform medical treatment using treatment tools as necessary, and internal wounds such as boilers, turbines, engines, chemical plants, It is used in the industrial field where observation and inspection of corrosion and the like are performed, and it is used not only in these fields but also in a wide range of fields.

  In particular, endoscope apparatuses in the industrial field are used in various environments. For example, endoscopic observation may be required in an environment with a lot of dust, dust, moisture, and the like.

  Conventionally, as an endoscope apparatus that reduces dust, dust and the like from entering the apparatus main body as much as possible, for example, the vent hole is opened only during the operation described in JP-A-10-272090 and when the temperature rises. There is something.

However, when the above-described proposed endoscope apparatus is used in a place where the temperature and humidity are high, high-humidity air may enter the inside of the apparatus main body through the ventilation holes. In this case, when trying to prevent dust, dust, moisture, etc. from entering the inside of the apparatus body, it is desirable to completely seal the apparatus body itself.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-272090

  However, in order to replace the battery and to insert / remove an external storage medium such as an IC card, a minimum opening / closing part is also required for the structure. If the device main body is moved to a place where the temperature is low after being used in a place where the temperature and humidity are high, the air inside the device main body is cooled, which may cause a malfunction in the device main body. There is a problem that condensation occurs.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide an endoscope apparatus that can prevent dew condensation inside the main body of the endoscope apparatus.

  An endoscope apparatus according to the present invention is an endoscope apparatus having an insertion portion and a device main body to which the insertion portion is connected, and detects condensation in the device main body and outputs a condensation detection signal. Means, air agitating means arranged inside the apparatus main body for agitating air, air release means for releasing the air inside the apparatus main body to the outside of the apparatus main body, and the apparatus main body based on the dew condensation detection signal Control means for outputting a first control signal for operating the air release means and a second control signal for operating the air agitating means so as to release the internal air to the outside of the apparatus main body; It comprises.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the endoscope apparatus which can prevent dew condensation inside the main body of an endoscope apparatus can be provided.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, the endoscope apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

  First, the points of the present embodiment will be described in brief. In the endoscope apparatus, whether or not condensation occurs inside the apparatus main body based on the temperature outside the apparatus main body and the internal temperature and humidity. , And when it is detected that dew condensation occurs inside the apparatus main body, the dew condensation is prevented by exchanging the air inside and outside the apparatus main body. Further, in the present embodiment, when the combustible gas is present outside the apparatus main body, the endoscope apparatus seals the apparatus main body and warms the air inside the apparatus main body so that the combustible gas is It prevents entry into the body and prevents condensation.

FIG. 1 is a schematic block configuration diagram of the endoscope apparatus 100.
As shown in FIG. 1, an endoscope apparatus 100 includes an optical adapter 2, an insertion portion 3 in which the optical adapter 2 is detachable at a distal end portion, and a main body portion that is an apparatus main body connected to a proximal end portion of the insertion portion 3. 4, a display unit 5 for displaying an observation image, and a user interface 6 for a user to operate the endoscope apparatus 100.

  The optical adapter 2 includes a lens 11 and a light emitting diode (hereinafter abbreviated as LED) 12. A charge coupled device (hereinafter abbreviated as CCD) 10 as a solid-state imaging device is disposed at the distal end of the insertion portion 3. The main body 4 includes an LED driving unit 13, a CCD driving unit 14, an image processing unit 15, a system control unit 16 as a control unit, a first temperature sensor 20, a second temperature sensor 21, and humidity. A sensor 22, a dew condensation determination unit 23, a gas sensor 24, a door drive unit 25, doors 26 a and 26 b, a fan 27, and a heater 28 are included.

  The user interface 6 is a remote controller having a button or the like (not shown) for the user to operate the endoscope apparatus 100. For example, a switch for turning on / off the LED 12, a zoom of an observation image, a freeze, and a distal end portion of the insertion unit 3 are curved. Buttons and LEDs for confirming operations are arranged. The user interface 6 outputs an operation signal corresponding to the operation to the system control unit 16 when the user operates those buttons and the like.

  The system control unit 16 includes, for example, a CPU, RAM, ROM, and the like. The system control unit 16 outputs a control signal based on the input operation signal to each unit of the endoscope apparatus 100.

  Then, the LED drive unit 13 outputs an LED drive signal based on the control signal input from the system control unit 16 to the LED 12. When the optical adapter 2 is attached to the tip of the insertion portion 3, the LED 12 is electrically connected to the LED driving portion 13 by an electrical wiring inserted into the insertion portion 3. The LED 12 illuminates the subject based on the input LED drive signal.

  The reflected light from the illuminated subject is imaged by the lens 11 on the light receiving surface of the CCD 10. The lens 11 is disposed at a position where the reflected light from the subject is imaged on the light receiving surface of the CCD 10 when the optical adapter 2 is attached to the distal end of the insertion portion 3.

  On the other hand, the CCD drive unit 14 outputs a CCD drive signal to the CCD 10 based on the control signal input from the system control unit 16. The CCD 10 photoelectrically converts the subject image formed on the light receiving surface according to the timing based on the CCD driving signal input from the CCD driving unit 14 and outputs an imaging signal. The output imaging signal is transmitted to the image processing unit 15.

  The image processing unit 15 performs image processing based on the imaging signal input from the system control unit 16 and outputs a video signal to the display unit 5. As a result, an image based on the input video signal is displayed on the display unit 5.

Next, a configuration related to prevention of condensation, which is a feature of the endoscope apparatus 100 in the present embodiment, will be described below.
The first temperature sensor 20 is disposed at a position that detects the temperature of the air outside the main body 4. The first temperature sensor 20 always detects the temperature of the air outside the main body 4 and outputs a temperature detection signal T1 based on the detected temperature.

  The second temperature sensor 21 is disposed at a position that detects the temperature of the air inside the main body 4. The second temperature sensor 21 always detects the temperature of the air inside the main body 4 and outputs a temperature detection signal T2 based on the detected temperature.

  Further, the humidity sensor 22 is disposed at a position that detects the humidity of the air inside the main body 4. The humidity sensor 22 always detects the humidity of the air inside the main body 4 and outputs a humidity detection signal H1 based on the detected humidity.

  And the dew condensation determination part 23 as a dew condensation detection signal generation part inputs the temperature detection signal T1, the temperature detection signal T2, and the humidity detection signal H1 from the 1st temperature sensor 20, the 2nd temperature sensor 21, and the humidity sensor, respectively. Is done. The dew condensation determination unit 23 determines what values the temperature detection signal T1, the temperature detection signal T2 and the humidity detection signal H1 have when dew condensation occurs inside the main body 4 based on, for example, a vapor pressure curve. A threshold value is stored in advance. Then, when the received temperature detection signal T1, temperature detection signal T2, and humidity detection signal H1 are equal to or greater than the threshold value, the condensation determination unit 23 determines that condensation occurs and outputs a condensation detection signal. This condensation detection signal continues to be output while it is determined that condensation occurs. The 1st temperature sensor 20, the 2nd temperature sensor 21, the humidity sensor 22, and the dew condensation determination part 23 comprise a dew condensation detection means.

  On the other hand, the gas sensor 24 is disposed at a position for measuring the concentration of the combustible gas contained in the air outside the main body 4. The gas sensor 24 always detects, that is, measures the concentration of combustible gas contained in the air outside the main body 4 and outputs a gas concentration signal corresponding to the measured concentration of combustible gas.

  Then, a gas concentration signal is input from the gas sensor 24 to the system control unit 16. The system control unit 16 stores in advance a threshold value corresponding to a concentration value that may ignite the combustible gas and cause a gas explosion by, for example, a spark generated in various switches provided in the main body unit 4. ing. The system control unit 16 compares the input gas concentration signal with a threshold value, and outputs a gas detection signal when it is determined that the concentration of the combustible gas indicated by the gas concentration signal is equal to or greater than the threshold value. The gas detection signal is continuously output while the gas concentration signal is equal to or greater than the threshold value. The gas sensor 24 and the system control unit 16 constitute gas detection means.

  The gas sensor 24 described above is not limited to the detection of the concentration of the combustible gas, and may detect the type of the combustible gas. For example, the gas sensor 24 that detects the concentration of the combustible gas described above. In addition, by further providing a gas sensor for detecting the type of combustible gas, the concentration value of the combustible gas that may be ignited and stored in the threshold value may be changed according to the type of gas. it can.

  The system control unit 16 performs a condensation prevention process based on the condensation detection signal and the gas detection signal. Details of the condensation prevention process will be described later. In this dew condensation prevention process, the system control unit 16 releases the air inside the main body unit 4, that is, the first control signal for opening the door 26a and the door 26b and the opening signal as the opening control signal, Further, a second control signal for turning on the fan 27 and a stirring signal as a stirring control signal are output. In a situation where the door 26a and the door 26b cannot be opened, a control signal for turning on the heater 28, that is, a heating signal as a heater control signal is output.

  Then, the door driving unit 25 opens the door 26a and the door 26b based on the opening signal input from the system control unit 16. The door driving unit 25 continues to open the door 26a and the door 26b while the open signal is input. The structure of the door 26a and the door 26b will be described later. The door drive unit 25, the door 26a, and the door 26b constitute air release means.

  The fan 27 is turned on based on the stirring signal input from the system control unit 16 and stirs the air. The fan 27 is kept on while the stirring signal is input. When the door 26a is opened, the fan 27 exchanges the air between the inside and outside of the main body 4 and when the door 26a is closed, the air inside the main body 4 is agitated. It arrange | positions in the position which makes the temperature of the air inside the part 4 uniform. Specifically, the fan 27 is provided in the vicinity of an opening described later. The fan 27 constitutes air stirring means.

  Further, the heater 28 is turned on based on the heating signal input from the system control unit 16 and the amount of heat generated is controlled. The heater 28 is kept on while the heating signal is input. The heater 28 constitutes a heater means.

  Next, an example of the arrangement of the second temperature sensor 21, the door 26a, the door 26b, the fan 27, and the heater 28 is shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the main body 4 as viewed from the side. As shown in FIG. 2, the second temperature sensor 21 is disposed on the inner wall surface of the side plate of the main body portion 4 via the heat insulating material 40 so that heat from the main body portion 4 is not transmitted. Further, the door 26a and the door 26b are respectively arranged at different distances from the bottom surface of the main body 4 on the surface of the different side plate of the main body 4. Further, in the present embodiment, the fan 27 is disposed in the vicinity of the opening portion by the door 26a. The heater 28 is disposed at such a position that the air warmed by the heater 28 is sufficiently stirred inside the main body 4 by the fan 27.

  Here, the door drive part 25, the door 26a, and the door 26b are demonstrated using FIGS. 3-6. Hereinafter, only the door 26a will be described for the sake of brevity, and the door 26b has the same configuration as the door 26a, and thus description thereof will be omitted.

  The door 26a includes a door portion 26aa and an extending portion 26ab extending in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the door portion 26aa. In addition, when the door 26a is closed, the door 26aa is disposed so as to cover an opening that communicates the inside and the outside of the body 4 provided in the body 4. FIG. 3 is a simplified perspective view of the main body 4 when the door 26a is closed. As shown in FIG. 3, the door 26 a is disposed on one side surface of the main body 4. Further, when the door 26a is closed, the main body 4 is kept completely airtight. FIG. 4 is a simplified perspective view of the main body 4 when the door 26a is opened. As shown in FIG. 4, the door 26a has a structure like a drawer, and can be opened and closed by moving back and forth in the depth direction substantially perpendicular to the surface of the main body 4 on which the door 26a is arranged. Done.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line V-V in FIG. 3 showing a schematic configuration of the door drive unit 25 and the door 26a when the door 26a is closed. FIG. 5 shows a cross section substantially orthogonal to the surface of the main body 4 on which the door 26a is disposed. The door drive unit 25 includes a rack 31 disposed below the extended portion 26ab of the door 26a, a pinion gear 32 disposed so as to mesh with the rack 31, a gear 33 disposed so as to mesh with the pinion gear 32, and a gear. 33 includes a motor 34 connected to 33 and a guide 35 for guiding the operation of the door 26a. Further, the door 26a has a packing 30 between the door 26a and the main body 4 in order to keep the airtightness of the main body 4 when closed. The packing 30 completely seals the main body 4 when the door 26a is closed.

  FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VI-VI in FIG. 3 showing a schematic configuration of the door driving unit 25 and the door 26a when the door 26a is opened. FIG. 6 shows a cross section of the door 26a as viewed from the same direction as FIG. The rotation direction of the motor 34 can be freely changed, and the rotation of the motor 34 is transmitted to the gear 33. The gear 33 transmits the rotation of the motor 34 to the pinion gear 32. Then, the pinion gear 32 transmits the transmitted rotation to the rack 31. The door 26a is guided by the guide 35, and opens and closes when the rotation of the motor 34 is transmitted.

Next, the operation of the endoscope apparatus 100 configured as described above will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of condensation prevention processing.
The following processing is always performed when the power of the endoscope apparatus 100 is on. The following processing is performed by the system control unit 16. Furthermore, the following processing is assumed to start when the door 26a and the door 26b are closed and the fan 27 and the heater 28 are off.

  First, the system control unit 16 determines whether or not a dew condensation detection signal is input from the dew condensation determination unit 23 (step S11). When the condensation detection signal is not input, that is, when the condensation determination unit 23 determines that the condensation does not occur, the process ends, and the input of the condensation detection signal is continuously monitored. When the dew condensation detection signal is input, that is, when dew condensation determination unit 23 determines that dew condensation occurs, the process proceeds to step S12.

  When it is determined that condensation occurs, the system control unit 16 outputs a stirring signal for turning on the fan 27 to the fan 27 (step S12). The fan 27 continues to stir the air until the system control unit 16 stops outputting the stirring signal.

  Subsequently, the system control unit 16 determines whether or not a gas detection signal is output (step S13). When the gas detection signal is not output, that is, when the concentration of the combustible gas outside the main body 4 is equal to or less than the threshold value, the process proceeds to step S14. When the gas detection signal is output, that is, when the concentration of the combustible gas outside the main body 4 is greater than or equal to the threshold value, the process proceeds to step S20.

  When the gas detection signal is output, if the door 26a and the door 26b are opened, there is a risk of a gas explosion. Therefore, condensation is prevented without opening the door 26a and the door 26b. Therefore, the system control unit 16 determines whether the door 26a and the door 26b are open (step S20). If the door 26a and the door 26b are open, that is, if an open signal is output, the process proceeds to step S21. When the door 26a and the door 26b are closed, that is, when the open signal is not output, the process proceeds to step S22.

  When the door 26a and the door 26b are open, that is, when an open signal is output and there is a risk of gas explosion, the system control unit 16 stops outputting the open signal and closes the door 26a and the door 26b. (Step S21).

  Subsequently, the system control unit 16 outputs a warning display signal for displaying a warning on the display unit 5 to the image processing unit 15 (step S22). This warning is, for example, a warning with a content such as “Currently in a flammable gas atmosphere. Please move the device to a place where there is no flammable gas to prevent internal condensation.” This step S22 constitutes notification means.

  Next, the system control unit 16 determines whether the heater 28 is on, that is, whether a heating signal is output (step S23). When the heater 28 is on, that is, when the heating signal is output, the process proceeds to step S13, and it is determined whether the gas detection signal is output again. When the heater 28 is off and the heating signal is not output, the process proceeds to step S24.

  When the heater 28 is off, the system control unit 16 outputs a heating signal for turning on the heater 28 (step S24). A schematic diagram of the main body 4 in step S24 is shown in FIG. The heater 28 increases the amount of moisture that can be contained in the air inside the main body 4 by warming the air inside the main body 4 and prevents condensation. The amount of heat generated by the heater 28 is controlled to such a degree that condensation does not occur inside the main body 4 by a heating signal. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the warmed air is stirred inside the main body 4 by the fan 27, and the temperature of the air inside the main body 4 is made uniform. As a result, condensation inside the main body 4 is reduced. And a process returns to step S13 and it is determined whether the gas detection signal is output again.

  On the other hand, when the gas detection signal is not output, dew condensation is prevented by opening the door 26a and the door 26b and switching the air inside and outside the main body 4. The system control unit 16 determines whether or not the warning is displayed on the display unit 5 and the heater 28 is on (step S14). If a warning is displayed and the heater 28 is on, the process proceeds to step S15.

  When the warning is displayed and the heater 28 is on, the system control unit 16 stops the output of the heating signal to turn on the heater 28 to the heater 28 and outputs a warning non-display signal to hide the warning. Output to the image processing unit 15. (Step S15).

  Next, the system control unit 16 outputs an opening signal for opening the door 26a and the door 26b to the door driving unit 25 (step S16). A schematic diagram of the main body 4 in step S16 is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, since the door 26a and the door 26b are opened and the fan 27 is turned on, the air inside the main body 4 and the air outside the main body 4 are switched. In other words, the main body part 4 is in a ventilated state, and high humidity air inside the main body part 4 is replaced with air outside the main body part 4, thereby preventing the occurrence of condensation.

  Subsequently, the system control unit 16 determines whether or not a gas detection signal is output (step S17). When the gas detection signal is output, the process proceeds to step S20. When the gas detection signal is not output, the process proceeds to step S18.

  Then, the system control unit 16 determines whether or not a dew condensation detection signal is input from the dew condensation determination unit 23 (step S18). If the dew condensation detection signal is not input, that is, if the air inside and outside the main body 4 is sufficiently switched, the process proceeds to step S19. When the dew condensation detection signal is input, that is, when the air inside and outside the main body 4 is not sufficiently switched, the process proceeds to step S17 and ventilation is continued.

  When the predetermined time has elapsed, the system control unit 16 stops outputting the opening signal to the door driving unit 25 and stops outputting the stirring signal to the fan 27 (step S19).

  And a process is complete | finished and generation | occurrence | production of the dew condensation inside the main-body part 4 is monitored continuously.

  With the configuration as described above, the endoscope apparatus 100 can prevent condensation inside the main body 4. Further, when combustible gas is present in the air outside the main body 4, the main body 4 is sealed to prevent explosion of the combustible gas, and the temperature of the air inside the main body 4 by the heater 28. Condensation can be prevented by keeping

(Second Embodiment)
Hereinafter, the second embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
Since the present embodiment includes almost the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, the same components are given the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram of an endoscope apparatus 300 according to the second embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 10, the endoscope apparatus 300 according to the present embodiment has a configuration in which the door drive unit 25 of the endoscope apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment is omitted. That is, unlike the first embodiment, the door 26a and the door 26b are opened and closed by a user using the endoscope apparatus 300. Since the user can open and close the door 26a and the door 26b by hand, when the endoscope apparatus 300 is used in a place where there is a lot of dust, dust, etc., there is a possibility that dust, dust, etc. may enter. When done, the door 26a and door 26b can remain closed. Even in such a case, the endoscope apparatus 300 of the present embodiment can prevent dew condensation inside the main body 4.

  In addition, the dew condensation determination unit 23 is arranged in the interior of the main body unit 4 based on the input temperature signal T1, temperature signal T2, and humidity signal H1 and a threshold value stored in advance, as in the first embodiment. A dew condensation detection signal indicating that dew condensation occurs is output. Furthermore, the dew condensation determination unit 23 in the present embodiment always calculates a change amount, specifically, a decrease amount of the input humidity signal H1, and stores a threshold value related to the decrease amount. When the amount of decrease is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the dew condensation determination unit 23 determines that the door 26a and the door 26b have been opened by the user and the dew condensation inside the main body 4 has decreased. If the amount of decrease is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the condensation determination unit 23 outputs a condensation reduction signal.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of a condensation prevention process of the endoscope apparatus 300.
The following processing is always performed when the power of the endoscope apparatus 300 is turned on. The following processing is performed by the system control unit 16. Furthermore, the following processing is assumed to start when the door 26a and the door 26b are closed and the fan 27 and the heater 28 are off.

  First, the system control unit 16 determines whether or not a dew condensation detection signal is input from the dew condensation determination unit 23 (step S31). If the condensation detection signal is not input, the process ends and the input of the condensation detection signal is continuously monitored. When the dew condensation detection signal is input, the process proceeds to step S32.

  Next, the system control unit 16 outputs a stirring signal for turning on the fan 27 (step S32).

  Subsequently, the system control unit 16 determines whether or not a gas detection signal is output (step S33). When the gas detection signal is not output, the process proceeds to step S34. When the gas detection signal is output, the process proceeds to step S43.

  When the gas detection signal is output, that is, when the door 26a and the door 26b are opened, there is a risk of gas explosion, the system control unit 16 determines whether the warning 2 is displayed (step S43). If warning 2 is not displayed, the process proceeds to step S45. If warning 2 is displayed, the process proceeds to step S44.

The system control unit 16 outputs a warning 2 non-display signal for hiding the warning 2 on the display unit 5 to the image processing unit 15 (step S44).
Subsequently, the system control unit 16 transmits a warning 1 display signal to the image processing unit 15 so as to display the warning 1 on the display unit 5 (step S45). This warning 1 is, for example, a warning with a content such as “Currently in a flammable gas atmosphere. Please move the device to a place where there is no flammable gas to prevent internal condensation”. This step S45 constitutes notification means.

  Next, the system control unit 16 determines whether the heater 28 is turned on, that is, whether a heating signal is output (step S46). When the heater 28 is on, that is, when the heating signal is output, the process proceeds to step S33, and the output of the gas detection signal is determined again. When the heater 28 is off and the heating signal is not output, the process proceeds to step S47.

  The system controller 16 turns on the heater 28 and outputs a heating signal that maintains the temperature of the air inside the main body 4 (step S47). And a process returns to step S33 again and the above-mentioned process is repeated until the density | concentration of the combustible gas outside the main-body part 4 falls.

  On the other hand, when the gas detection signal is not output, that is, when the door 26a and the door 26b can be opened, the system control unit 16 displays the warning 1 on the display unit 5 and the heater 28 is on. Is determined (step S34). If warning 1 is displayed and the heater 28 is on, the process proceeds to step S35. If the warning 1 is not displayed and the heater 28 is off, the process proceeds to step S36.

  The system control unit 16 transmits a warning 1 non-display signal that hides the warning 1 to the image processing unit 15. Further, the system control unit 16 stops outputting the heating signal to the heater 28 (step S35).

  Subsequently, in step S <b> 36, the system control unit 16 transmits a warning 2 display signal for displaying the warning 2 to the image processing unit 15. This warning 2 is a warning with a content such as “Please open the door”, for example. When the user opens the door 26a and the door 26b, the high humidity air inside the main body 4 and the air outside the main body 4 are interchanged, thereby preventing the occurrence of condensation. In addition, when there is a lot of dust, dust, or the like at the observation place, the user can keep the doors 26a and 26b open. This step S36 constitutes notification means.

  Subsequently, the system control unit 16 determines whether or not a gas detection signal is output (step S37). When the gas detection signal is output, the process proceeds to step S43. When the gas detection signal is not output, the process proceeds to step S38.

  Next, the system control unit 16 determines whether or not a condensation reduction signal is input from the condensation determination unit 23 (step S38). If the condensation reduction signal is input, the process proceeds to step S39. If the condensation reduction signal is not input, the process proceeds to step S48.

  When the dew condensation reduction signal is not input, that is, when the door 26a and the door 26b are not opened, the system control unit 16 determines whether or not the heater 28 is on (step S48). When the heater 28 is on, that is, when the heating signal is output, the process proceeds to step S37 and the determination of the gas detection signal is repeated. When the heater 28 is off, that is, when the heating signal is not output, the process proceeds to step S49.

  Then, the system control unit 16 turns on the heater 28 and outputs a heating signal that maintains the temperature of the air inside the main body 4 (step S49). By turning on the heater 28, condensation can be prevented even when the user cannot open the door 26a and the door 26b. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S37 again, and the determination of the gas detection signal is repeated.

  On the other hand, if the condensation reduction signal is input in step S38, that is, if the door 26a and the door 26b are opened and the condensation is reduced, the system control unit 16 receives a condensation detection signal from the condensation determination unit 23. It is determined whether or not an input has been made (step S39). When the dew condensation detection signal is input, that is, when the exchange of the air inside and outside the main body 4 is not sufficient, the process returns to step S37 again. If the dew condensation detection signal is not input, the process proceeds to step S40.

  Subsequently, the system control unit 16 determines whether the heater 28 is on, that is, whether a heating signal is output (step S40). When the heater 28 is off, that is, when the heating signal is not output, the process proceeds to step S42. If the heater 28 is on, that is, if a heating signal is output, the process proceeds to step S41.

  When the heater 28 is on, that is, when a heating signal is output, the system control unit 16 stops outputting the heating signal to the heater 28 (step S41).

  When the heater 28 is off, that is, when the heating signal is not output, the system control unit 16 outputs a warning 2 non-display signal that hides the warning 2 to the image processing unit 15. Further, the output of the stirring signal to the fan 27 is stopped (step S42).

  And a process is complete | finished and generation | occurrence | production of the dew condensation inside the main-body part 4 is monitored continuously.

  With the configuration as described above, the endoscope apparatus 300 can prevent dew condensation inside the main body 4. Moreover, since the door 26a and the door 26b can be opened and closed according to the user's judgment, dust, dust, and the like entering the inside of the main body 4 can be suppressed as much as possible. Even in that case, condensation can be prevented.

  For example, when the endoscope apparatus 300 of the present embodiment is used in a place where there is a lot of dust, dust, etc., after opening the door 26a and the door 26b in a place where there is little dust, dust, etc., and replacing the air, By moving to a place where there is a lot of dust, dust, etc., the main body 4 can be sealed and used.

(Third embodiment)
Hereinafter, a third embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
Since the present embodiment includes the same components as those of the first embodiment, the same components are given the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 12 is a schematic block configuration diagram of an endoscope apparatus 500 according to the third embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 12, the endoscope apparatus 500 according to the present embodiment omits the gas sensor 24 and the heater 28 of the endoscope apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. In addition, the endoscope apparatus 500 includes a gas filter 29a and a gas filter 29b such as an activated carbon filter so as to cover the open portion inside the main body unit 4. The gas filter 29 a and the gas filter 29 b are for preventing the inflammable gas from entering the inside of the main body 4. Further, the gas filter 29a and the gas filter 29b can be exchanged, and if there is a change in the type of gas to be blocked depending on the usage environment of the endoscope apparatus 500, the gas filter 29a and the gas filter 29b corresponding to the gas. You may change to

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of dew condensation prevention processing of the endoscope apparatus 500.
The following processing is always performed when the power of the endoscope apparatus 500 is turned on. The following processing is performed by the system control unit 16. It is assumed that the fan 27 starts in an off state.

  First, the system control unit 16 determines whether or not a dew condensation detection signal is input from the dew condensation determination unit 23 (step S51). If the condensation detection signal is not input, the process ends and the occurrence of condensation is continuously monitored. When the dew condensation detection signal is input, the process proceeds to step S52.

  Subsequently, the system control unit 16 outputs an opening signal for opening the door 26 a and the door 26 b to the door driving unit 25. Further, the system control unit 16 outputs a stirring signal for turning on the fan 27 to the fan 27 (step S52). In step S52, the air inside and outside the main body 4 is switched to prevent the occurrence of condensation. In addition, since the endoscope apparatus 500 according to the present embodiment includes the gas filter 29a and the gas filter 29b, the door 26a and the door 26b can be opened even when flammable gas is present outside the main body 4. .

  Next, the system control unit 16 determines whether or not a dew condensation detection signal is input from the dew condensation determination unit 23 (step S53). When the dew condensation detection signal is input, that is, when the air inside and outside the main body 4 is not sufficiently exchanged and dew condensation occurs, the process repeats step S53. When the condensation detection signal is not input, that is, when the air inside and outside the main body 4 is sufficiently exchanged and no condensation occurs, the process proceeds to step S54.

  Then, the system control unit 16 stops outputting the open signal to the door driving unit 25. Further, the system control unit 16 stops the output of the stirring signal to the fan 27 (step S54). Then, the process ends, and the occurrence of condensation is continuously monitored.

  With the configuration as described above, it is possible to prevent various flammable gases existing in the observation environment from entering the main body 4 and to prevent condensation by always opening and closing the doors 26a and 26b regardless of the presence of the flammable gases. can do. In addition, since the configuration is simple compared to the first and second embodiments, it is possible to reduce the cost of the device and reduce the weight of the device. Further, unlike the first and second embodiments, since there is no heater 28, power consumption can be suppressed.

  In the present embodiment, similarly to the second embodiment, the door driving unit 25 may be omitted by displaying a warning about opening and closing of the door 26a and the door 26b. In this case, the cost of the endoscope apparatus 500 can be suppressed.

  As described above, the endoscope apparatuses according to the first, second, and third embodiments can prevent condensation inside the endoscope apparatus.

  In the embodiment, the dew condensation determination unit 23 is configured to output a dew condensation detection signal only when dew condensation is detected. However, when dew condensation is detected, a dew condensation detection signal indicating that dew condensation has been detected is output. When condensation is not detected, a condensation non-detection signal different from the condensation detection signal indicating that condensation is not detected may be output. Similarly, regarding the gas detection signal, the system control unit 16 also refers to a gas detection signal indicating that the concentration of the combustible gas is equal to or higher than the threshold value, and a gas detection signal indicating that the concentration of the combustible gas is lower than the threshold value. Different gas non-detection signals may be generated.

  In the embodiment, the condensation determination unit 23 may be omitted, and the system control unit 16 may execute the function of the condensation determination unit 23. In this case, the system control unit 16 generates a dew condensation detection signal based on the input temperature signal T1, temperature signal T2, and humidity signal H1. That is, the system control unit 16 constitutes a dew condensation detection signal generation unit.

  Furthermore, in the embodiment, the warning is configured to be displayed on the display unit 5, but the warning may be performed by lighting an LED or the like provided on the user interface 6, for example. Further, a warning by voice may be performed. A warning may be given by adding a vibration motor and vibrating the main body. Of course, you may make it perform the warning which combined these.

  Furthermore, in the embodiment, the structure of the door 26a and the door 26b may be any structure as long as the air inside the main body 4 can be released or sealed. For example, the structure of the door 26a and the door 26b may be a structure in which the opening is covered with a plurality of plate members, and the plate members are opened and closed by sliding. Further, the door 26a and the door 26b may be structured so as to rotate about one side end of the plate member as a support shaft.

  Further, in the embodiment, the dew condensation determination means including the first temperature sensor 20, the second temperature sensor 21, the humidity sensor 22, and the dew condensation determination unit 23 is based on the temperature signal T1, the temperature signal T2, and the humidity signal H1. Although the occurrence of condensation is determined, the condensation itself may be detected using a moisture sensor or the like.

  In the embodiment, the load on an arithmetic processing unit such as a CPU in the endoscope apparatus is increased, the CPU or the like is heated to raise the temperature of the air inside the main body 4, and the heater 28 is omitted. You may do it. In this case, for example, a CPU capable of changing the clock frequency is provided in the system control unit 16, and processing for operating the CPU with the highest clock is performed, or processing that places a load on the image processing unit 15 is performed. To increase the amount of heat generated from the endoscope apparatus. Further, by increasing the load of the endoscope apparatus, the amount of heat generated from the power supply unit provided in the endoscope apparatus also increases, so the same effect as the heater 28 can be obtained.

  In the present embodiment, the main body 4 may include the LED 12 or other illumination means, and illuminate the subject with a light guide fiber.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a sensor that detects electromagnetic waves that cause the endoscope apparatus to malfunction may be further provided, and a main body portion and a door that are made of a material that blocks the electromagnetic waves. In this case, the malfunction of the endoscope apparatus can be prevented by closing the door when the sensor detects electromagnetic waves.

  In the present embodiment, the endoscope apparatus includes an air agitation unit, an air release unit, and a heater unit. However, for example, a configuration in which the air agitation unit is omitted may be used. In this case, if the air release means is open, the inside of the apparatus main body can be replaced with external air, and condensation can be prevented. Further, for example, a configuration in which the air release means is omitted may be used. In this case, the air heated by the heater means circulates inside the apparatus by the air agitation means, so that the occurrence of condensation can be prevented. Further, for example, a configuration in which the air agitation means and the air release means are omitted may be used. In this case, the air is warmed by the heater means, and the occurrence of condensation can be prevented. As described above, any combination of the above three means may be employed as long as the occurrence of condensation can be prevented.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and modifications can be made without changing the gist of the present invention.

  (Additional Item 1) An endoscope apparatus having an insertion portion and a device body to which the insertion portion is connected, the condensation detection means for detecting condensation in the device body and outputting a condensation detection signal; and An air agitating means arranged inside the apparatus main body for agitating air, a heater means for warming the air inside the apparatus main body, and a first for controlling the air agitating means to agitate the air based on the dew condensation detection signal. And a control means for outputting a second control signal for controlling the heater means so as to warm the air inside the apparatus main body.

1 is a schematic block configuration diagram of an endoscope apparatus 100 according to a first embodiment. FIG. The figure which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of the 2nd temperature sensor 22, the door 26a, the door 26b, the fan 27, and the heater 28 based on 1st Embodiment. The simplified perspective view of the main-body part 4 at the time of closing the door 26a based on 1st Embodiment. The simplified perspective view of the main-body part 4 at the time of opening the door 26a based on 1st Embodiment. The schematic sectional drawing in alignment with the VV line | wire of FIG. 3 which shows schematic structure of the door drive part 25 and the door 26a when the door 26a closes based on 1st Embodiment. The VI-VI diagram of FIG. 3 which shows schematic structure of the door drive part 25 and the door 26a when the door 26a opens based on 1st Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the example of the flow of the dew condensation prevention process based on 1st Embodiment. Schematic of the main-body part 4 in step S24 based on 1st Embodiment. Schematic of the main-body part 4 in step S16 based on 1st Embodiment. The schematic block block diagram of the endoscope apparatus 300 based on 2nd Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the example of the flow of the dew condensation prevention process of the endoscope apparatus 300 based on 2nd Embodiment. The schematic block block diagram of the endoscope apparatus 500 based on 3rd Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the example of the flow of the dew condensation prevention process of the endoscope apparatus 500 based on 3rd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  2 Optical adapter, 3 Insertion section, 4 Main body section, 5 Display section, 6 User interface, 10 Charge coupled device, 11 Lens, 12 Light emitting diode, 29 Gas filter, 30 Packing, 31 Rack, 32 Pinion gear, 33 Gear, 34 Motor , 35 guide, 40 heat insulating material, 100 endoscope apparatus, 300 endoscope apparatus, 500 endoscope apparatus

Claims (14)

An endoscope apparatus having an insertion portion and a device main body to which the insertion portion is connected,
Dew condensation detecting means for detecting dew condensation inside the apparatus body and outputting a dew condensation detection signal;
An air agitating means disposed inside the apparatus body for agitating air;
Air release means for releasing the air inside the apparatus body to the outside of the apparatus body;
Based on the dew condensation detection signal, a first control signal for operating the air release means to open the air inside the apparatus main body to the outside of the apparatus main body, and a first control signal for operating the air agitation means. An endoscope apparatus comprising: control means for outputting two control signals. Furthermore, a gas detection means for detecting a combustible gas outside the apparatus body and outputting a gas detection signal;
Heater means for heating the air inside the apparatus main body based on the dew condensation detection signal and the gas detection signal;
2. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means does not output the first control signal when the concentration indicated by the gas detection signal is greater than a predetermined threshold value.   The air release means further includes an opening that communicates the inside and the outside of the apparatus main body, and includes a gas filter that blocks flammable gas so as to cover the opening. Endoscopic device. The dew condensation detection means
A humidity sensor that detects humidity inside the device and outputs a humidity detection signal;
A first temperature sensor for detecting a temperature outside the device and outputting a first temperature detection signal;
A second temperature sensor for detecting a temperature inside the device and outputting a second temperature detection signal;
And a dew condensation detection signal generator configured to output the dew condensation detection signal based on the humidity detection signal, the first temperature detection signal, and the second temperature detection signal. The endoscope apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.   When the air inside the apparatus main body is released to the outside of the apparatus main body by the air release means, the air agitating means is positioned so as to exchange the air inside the apparatus main body and the air outside the apparatus main body. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the endoscope apparatus is arranged.   The endoscope apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the air agitating unit is disposed at a position where the heater unit agitates warmed air. An endoscope apparatus having an insertion portion and a device main body to which the insertion portion is connected,
Dew condensation detecting means for detecting dew condensation inside the apparatus body and generating a dew condensation detection signal;
An air agitating means for agitating air, and an air releasing means for releasing the air inside the apparatus body to the outside of the apparatus body;
It has a notification means for outputting a control signal for operating the air stirring means so as to stir the air based on the dew condensation detection signal, and for giving a predetermined notification for urging the opening means to open. An endoscope apparatus comprising: a control unit. An endoscope apparatus having an insertion portion and a device main body to which the insertion portion is connected,
Dew condensation detecting means for detecting dew condensation inside the apparatus body and outputting a dew condensation detection signal;
Air release means for releasing the air inside the apparatus body to the outside of the apparatus body;
Heater means for heating the air inside the apparatus body;
Based on the dew condensation detection signal, an open control signal for operating the air release means to open the air inside the apparatus main body to the outside of the apparatus main body, and the heater to warm the air inside the apparatus main body. An endoscope apparatus comprising: control means for selectively outputting a heater control signal for operating the means. An endoscope apparatus having an insertion portion and a device main body to which the insertion portion is connected,
Dew condensation detecting means for detecting dew condensation inside the apparatus body and outputting a dew condensation detection signal;
An air agitating means disposed inside the apparatus body for agitating air;
Heater means for heating the air inside the apparatus body;
Control for selectively outputting a stirring control signal for operating the air stirring means and a heater control signal for operating the heater means so as to warm the air inside the apparatus main body based on the dew condensation detection signal An endoscope apparatus comprising: means. An endoscope apparatus having an insertion portion and a device main body to which the insertion portion is connected,
Dew condensation detecting means for detecting dew condensation inside the apparatus body and outputting a dew condensation detection signal;
Air release means for releasing the air inside the apparatus body to the outside of the apparatus body;
An air agitating means disposed inside the apparatus body for agitating air;
Heater means for heating the air inside the apparatus body;
Based on the dew condensation detection signal, an agitation control signal for operating the air agitation means, and an open control signal for operating the air release means to release the air inside the apparatus body to the outside of the apparatus body. And a control means for selectively outputting a heater control signal for operating the heater means so as to warm the air inside the apparatus main body. An endoscope apparatus having an insertion portion and a device main body to which the insertion portion is connected,
Dew condensation detecting means for detecting dew condensation inside the apparatus body and outputting a dew condensation detection signal;
Heater means for heating the air inside the apparatus body;
An endoscope apparatus comprising: control means for outputting a heater control signal for operating the heater means so as to warm the air inside the apparatus main body based on the dew condensation detection signal.   The endoscope apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 11, further comprising gas detection means for detecting a combustible gas outside the apparatus main body and outputting a gas detection signal. The dew condensation detection means
A first temperature sensor for detecting a temperature outside the device and outputting a first temperature detection signal;
A second temperature sensor for detecting a temperature inside the device and outputting a second temperature detection signal;
The endoscope apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the endoscope apparatus is provided. The dew condensation detection means
A humidity sensor that detects humidity inside the device and outputs a humidity detection signal;
The endoscope apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the endoscope apparatus is provided.

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