JP2007301211A - Light source unit for endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a light source unit for an endoscope which prevents an auxiliary light diaphragm plate from being set in an open condition during a normal use using a main light source. <P>SOLUTION: The light source unit for an endoscope controls the amount of light that enters a light guide from a main light source or an auxiliary light by means of a rotary diaphragm plate 50 having a plurality of diaphragm openings 51a-51k of different numerical apertures and the auxiliary light diaphragm opening 53. A projection 56 and a safety projection 47 that abuts the projection 56 are provided for controlling the rotation of the rotary diaphragm plate 50 so as to prevent the auxiliary light diaphragm opening 53 enters the light path 23a of the main light source during normal use. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an endoscope light source device suitable for an endoscope, an electronic endoscope, and the like.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, electronic endoscope apparatuses are used by connecting a processor incorporating a light source device for illumination to an electronic scope having an electronic camera mounted on the tip and a fiberscope for observation only with an optical member. In particular, electronic scopes are variously formed and used so as to have fineness and function suitable for various parts to be observed. In such a processor that enables connection of various electronic scopes and fiberscopes, the light source device must also be compatible with various electronic scopes and fiberscopes. Therefore, in the conventional light source device, the light source device is formed so that the necessary light amount can be supplied to the electronic scope having the largest illumination light amount necessary for observation.

The light source device has a configuration in which illumination light emitted from a high-intensity lamp is incident on a light guide of a scope, usually an incident end surface of an optical fiber bundle, by a condenser lens. The amount of illumination varies depending on the type of electronic scope and varies depending on the observation site. The diaphragm device is large enough to block all the light emitted from the light source lamp, and has a diaphragm in which a tip part with a notch part is formed integrally with an arm part and a mechanical part at the tip part of the arm part. An apparatus composed of a motor connected to the motor is known. When the motor rotates, the diaphragm rotates about the tip of the arm portion, and the amount of illumination light is adjusted (Patent Document 1). In addition, a plurality of aperture openings having different aperture ratios or transmittances (hereinafter referred to as “aperture ratios”) are provided concentrically at a predetermined interval on the disk-shaped light shielding plate, and the aperture openings are alternatively provided between the light source device and the light guide. A rotary diaphragm disk that restricts the amount of light incident on the incident end face by being positioned between the incident end faces (in the light source optical path) is also conceivable. Thus, the rotary aperture disc is used by rotating the aperture aperture having an aperture ratio or transmittance corresponding to the connected scope so that the aperture aperture is positioned in the light source optical path, and holding that position.
JP 2003-305008 A

  As a means for setting the aperture opening of the rotary diaphragm plate, there is open control by measuring the relative rotation amount, which is measured and controlled from the initial position. In such a case, there may be a problem that the rotary diaphragm plate is likely to be misaligned due to vibration or impact, and an error is likely to occur.

  Further, in general, an endoscope light source device is provided with an auxiliary light having a light amount smaller than that of the main light source in preparation for an obstacle of the main light source. Since the auxiliary lamp has a smaller amount of light than the main light source, the rotary diaphragm plate is provided with a diaphragm aperture in an open state (aperture ratio, transmittance of 100%). Located within. On the other hand, since the main light source has a large amount of light, a diaphragm aperture with a small aperture ratio is used according to the type of scope. For this reason, in a normal use state where the main light source is used, a diaphragm aperture having a higher aperture ratio or transmittance than that permitted by the scope, particularly a diaphragm aperture in the open state is positioned in the light source optical path. If used, the endoscope tip may be overheated.

  The present invention has been made in view of the problem of such a conventional endoscope light source device, and is capable of preventing setting of an auxiliary lamp aperture opening in an open state in normal use. The purpose is to provide.

  The present invention that achieves this object is a light source device for an endoscope in which illumination light from a main light source is incident on an incident end face of a connected light guide, between the incident end face of the light guide and the main light source. A plurality of apertures with different aperture ratios and auxiliary lamp apertures with the highest aperture ratio are formed at a predetermined interval on the same circumference, and any one of the apertures is disposed in the light source optical path. A rotary diaphragm plate that adjusts the amount of light entering the incident end surface by moving inward, a rotating member that rotates the rotary diaphragm plate, and the light source optical path between the diaphragm opening and the main light source is freely movable back and forth. An auxiliary lamp having a light amount smaller than that of the main light source, a first detector associated with the auxiliary lamp aperture opening, and a plurality of second aperture lamps associated with the other aperture openings. 2 detector and the auxiliary light aperture opening A first sensor that detects the first detection unit when a specific aperture other than is located in the light source optical path and a first sensor that detects when the auxiliary lamp aperture is located in the light source optical path When the other aperture opening is located in the light source optical path, the rotary aperture plate is rotated in one direction or the other direction by the second sensor for detecting the second detector and the rotating member, Control means for stopping the rotating member when the first sensor detects the second detection unit, and when the auxiliary lamp has not advanced into the light source optical path, the auxiliary lamp aperture opening is in the light source optical path. Is restricted by restricting the rotation of the rotary diaphragm plate, and when the auxiliary lamp advances into the light source optical path, the restriction is released and the auxiliary lamp diaphragm aperture opening opens into the light source optical path. And a regulating member that makes it possible to It has a feature that was.

  The restricting member is a restricting member provided movably between a protrusion protruding from the rotary diaphragm plate, and a restriction position where the protrusion abuts and a release position where the protrusion abuts when the rotary diaphragm plate rotates. And a drive member that moves the restricting member to the restricting position and the releasing position.

  The auxiliary lamp and the restricting projection are linked by a linkage member. When the auxiliary lamp is retracted from the light source optical path, the restricting member is linked to the restricted position, and the auxiliary lamp advances into the light source optical path. When doing so, the restricting member is linked and moved to the release position.

  When the auxiliary lamp is retracted out of the light source optical path and the restricting member is located at the restricting position, the control means includes the rotating diaphragm plate via the rotating member, and the protrusion is the restricting member. A position that contacts the member is set as a limit position, and the position is rotated between the limit positions so that any one of the other aperture openings is positioned in the light source optical path.

  When the control means moves the auxiliary lamp into the light source optical path through the drive member and moves the restricting member to the release position, the control means moves the rotary diaphragm plate through the rotating member, The auxiliary lamp stop opening is rotated so as to be positioned in the light source optical path.

  Thus, according to the present invention, in the endoscope light source device including the rotary diaphragm device that changes the aperture ratio according to the rotation position, the diaphragm can be prevented from being opened due to a malfunction.

  Embodiments of the invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. 1 is a front view of an endoscope processor incorporating an endoscope light source device to which the present invention is applied, and FIG. 2 is a main component inside the processor cut along a cutting line II-II in FIG. FIG.

  On the front side of the processor 10, there are provided a scope insertion slot 11 into which a connector of the electronic scope is inserted, and a scope lock lever 12 that locks the inserted connector so as not to come off. The scope insertion port 11 is a connector for connecting signal pins and the like of the connector of the electronic scope, and the light guide insertion port to which the light guide connector of the electronic scope and the fiber scope is connected below the scope insertion port 11. 13 is provided.

  Further, an operation panel 14 is provided in front of the processor 10 at a position lateral to the scope insertion slot 11, and a lamp switch 16, an image quality adjustment switch (image quality adjustment button) 17, and dimming selection are provided on the operation panel 14. Operation switches such as a switch (dimming selection button) 18, a manual adjustment switch (aperture selection button) 19, and a scope information display unit 20 are provided. Further, a memory card slot 21 and a main switch 15 for mounting a removable memory card are provided below the operation panel 14.

  Inside the processor 10, a rotary diaphragm plate 50 is disposed at the back position of the light guide insertion slot 13. The rotary diaphragm plate 50 is provided with a plurality of aperture openings having different aperture ratios in the circumferential direction of the disk, and any one of the diaphragm openings is inserted from the light guide insertion opening 13 by the diaphragm plate drive motor 22. The light guide 113 is rotationally driven so as to face the incident end face 113a. A condenser lens L is disposed at a position opposite to the incident end face 113a with the rotary diaphragm plate 50 interposed therebetween, and a main lamp light source 23 is disposed behind the condenser lens L. The main lamp light source 23 has a built-in high-intensity lamp 35, and the illumination light emitted from the lamp 35 is converged by the condenser lens L, and a light beam transmitted through one of the aperture openings of the rotary diaphragm plate 50 is incident. Incident on the end face 113a. The vicinity of the incident end surface 113a of the light guide 113 is fixed in a metal light guide sleeve 114.

  A lamp power supply 24 having an igniter 25 for turning on the main lamp light source 23 is further disposed inside the processor 10, and a cooling fan 26 for cooling the lamp power supply 24 is provided on the rear panel of the processor 10.

  Inside the processor 10, the memory card slot 21 is electrically connected to a memory card inserted in the memory card slot 21 to control reading and writing of the memory card, for example, read information written in the memory card, or A memory card substrate 27 is provided as an interface circuit for writing information such as image information processed by the processor 10 to the memory card. Further, in the processor 10, the memory card substrate 27, the control circuit for controlling the entire operation of the processor 10 such as the control of the diaphragm drive motor 22, and the storage information from the storage means of the electronic scope in which the connector is inserted into the scope insertion slot 11. The control board 28 on which an image processing circuit and the like are mounted, which drives the image sensor of the electronic scope, processes the video signal obtained by driving, and displays the image signal on a monitor display or the like. The video signal processed on the control board 28 is output from a video connector (not shown) or the like mounted on the back panel board 29, and a predetermined video is displayed on a monitor display (not shown) connected to the video connector or the like. .

  In FIG. 3, the main part of the circuit configuration of the processor 10 is shown in blocks. A scope interface 31 is provided in the scope insertion slot 11. The scope interface 31 includes an information connector for reading information written in a memory mounted on the electronic scope, a video connector for transmitting a clock for driving an image sensor such as a CCD, and inputting a video signal output from the image sensor. A plurality of connectors are provided. Each connector is connected to a corresponding terminal such as a terminal of a control circuit 41 provided on the control board 28.

  The scope lock switch 32 is a detection switch that detects that the scope lock lever 12 is turned to the locked state. A status signal of the scope lock switch 32 is input to the control circuit 41.

  The aperture plate drive motor 22 that rotationally drives the rotary aperture plate 50 is driven and controlled by the control circuit 41. Thus, whether or not any aperture of the rotary aperture plate 50 is positioned in the light source optical path is determined by the aperture position sensor 33 (initial position sensor 33a as the first sensor, aperture position sensor 33b as the second sensor). ) And a detection signal is input to the control circuit 41.

  The main lamp light source 23 is turned on by an igniter 25 of a lamp power source 24 that is turned on / off under the control of the control circuit 41. The main lamp light source 23 is provided with a lamp cooling fan 23 b, and the fan 23 b is driven and controlled by a control circuit 41. An igniter 25 for lighting the main lamp light source 23 is driven by a lamp power source 24 which uses an AC input 37, usually a commercial AC power source.

  The AC input 37 is also input to a system power supply 38 that outputs a constant voltage for driving an electronic circuit such as the control circuit 41. When the main switch 15 is turned on, the control circuit 41 is activated by receiving a constant voltage from the system power supply 38. When the lamp switch 16 is turned on, the control circuit 41 transmits a lamp-on signal to the lamp power supply 24, and the igniter. The main lamp light source 23 is turned on via 25.

  The control circuit 41 reads information on the diaphragm from the memory of the electronic scope via the scope interface 31 and selects the upper limit aperture ratio of the rotary diaphragm plate 50 when adjusting the illumination light quantity.

  In addition, the control circuit 41 executes an imaging process of driving an imaging device of the electronic scope via the scope interface 31 and inputting an image signal from the imaging device. Then, the control circuit 41 performs predetermined image signal processing and displays it on the monitor television 43 or writes an image signal to the memory card 42 via the memory card substrate 27. In this embodiment, when the main switch 15 is turned on and activated, the control circuit 41 executes the imaging process. However, it is preferable to provide an image processing circuit that executes the imaging process instead of the control circuit 41.

  The control circuit 41 is connected to input means such as a keyboard via an I / F circuit 39 so that individual information necessary for endoscopy can be input using the keyboard or the like.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an outline of a main part of an electronic scope connectable to the processor of FIG. The electronic scope 100 includes a flexible insertion portion 101 and an operation portion 102, and includes a connector 104 at the tip of a universal tube 103 extending from the operation portion 102. A CCD sensor 105 as an image sensor and a light distribution lens L1 for illumination light are arranged at the distal end of the flexible insertion portion 101. The CCD sensor 105 is connected to a CCD drive circuit 107 provided in the operation unit 102 via a video line 106 routed in the insertion unit 101. The CCD drive circuit 107 is further connected to a signal pin provided in the connector 104 via an operation unit 102 and a video line 108 routed through the universal tube 103.

  Furthermore, an EEPROM 109 which is a storage element storing information such as the type of the electronic scope 100 is mounted in the operation unit 102, and a read / write line 110 connected to an input / output terminal of the EEPROM 109 is connected to a signal pin in the connector 104. Has been. Further, the operation unit 102 is provided with a function button 111 for operations such as moving image shooting and still image shooting, and a switch line 112 connected to the contact of the function button 111 is connected to a signal pin in the connector 104. Has been.

  At the distal end portion of the insertion portion 101, an emission end surface 113b of the light guide 113 is disposed behind the light distribution lens L1. The light guide 113 is guided to the connector 104 through the insertion portion 101, the operation portion 102, and the universal tube 103, and is inserted and fixed in a light guide sleeve 114 that protrudes from the connector 104. An incident end face 113a of the light guide 113 faces the open end face of the light guide sleeve 114.

  In the EEPROM 109 mounted on the electronic scope 100, at least information (type information) for identifying the scope type is written. In this embodiment, as the type of scope, the maximum illumination light amount, that is, the maximum light amount that may be emitted from the light guide 113 is classified into a plurality of groups step by step.

  FIG. 5 is a view for explaining the state of the processor 10 in the vicinity of the endoscope light source device. In FIG. 5, a condenser lens L is disposed in a light source optical path 23 a between an incident end surface 113 a of a light guide sleeve 114 (light guide 113) inserted from the light guide insertion opening 13 and a main lamp light source 23, and In the light source optical path 23a between the incident end face 113a and the condenser lens L, the rotary diaphragm plate 50 is disposed. The incident end face 113a is normally disposed at a position that is orthogonal to the lamp 35 of the main lamp light source 23 and the illumination optical axis O of the condenser lens L and that is distant from the focal point F of the condenser lens L. The substantially parallel illumination light emitted from the lamp 35 is converged toward the focal point F by the condenser lens L, passes through the rotary diaphragm plate 50, is converged to the focal point F, and then diffuses and enters the incident end face 113a. . The illumination light beam incident from the incident end surface 113a is guided through the light guide 113, is emitted from the emission end surface 113b (FIG. 4) of the light guide 113 disposed at the distal end portion of the in-vivo insertion portion 101, and is transmitted through the light distribution lens L1. And illuminate the subject.

  6 to 11 are front views showing a rotary diaphragm plate 50 which is an embodiment of the diaphragm plate of the endoscope light source device. In FIG. 6, the rotary diaphragm plate 50 is made of an aluminum disk 50 a, and the center of the disk 50 a serves as the rotation center 50 b and is fixed to the rotation shaft of the diaphragm plate drive motor 22. The disc 50a has 12 openings at a predetermined interval (center angle interval of 30 degrees) on the circumference centered on the rotation center 50b. In this embodiment, the first aperture aperture 51a to the 11th aperture aperture 51k and the auxiliary apertures are provided. A lamp aperture 53 is formed. The first aperture opening 51a has an aperture ratio (transmittance) of 70%, and the aperture ratio is set to be smaller stepwise clockwise from the first aperture opening 51a in FIG. The aperture ratios of the second diaphragm opening 51b to the eleventh diaphragm opening 51k are 50%, 35%, 25%, 18%, 13%, 9%, 7%, 5%, 3.5%, and 2%, respectively. . However, the auxiliary lamp stop opening 53 has an aperture ratio of 100%. In this embodiment, the third aperture opening 51c having an aperture ratio of 35% is set as the aperture aperture set as the initial position.

  In this embodiment, the first diaphragm opening 51a to the eleventh diaphragm opening 51k have a large number of circular small holes 52 formed at predetermined intervals in the opening region, and the illumination light passes through these small holes 52. Further, it is formed so as to be shielded from light by the surface of the disc 50a that regulates the small hole 52. In one embodiment of the configuration in which the aperture ratios of the apertures 51a to 51k are made different, the density (interval) of the small holes 52 is made different. In another embodiment, the density (interval) is constant and the diameters are different. In yet another embodiment, both density (spacing) and diameter are different. However, the shape of the small hole is not limited to a circle, and the shape of the small hole is arbitrary, and may be a polygon or other shapes. Further, small apertures having different shapes may be formed in each aperture opening, or aperture apertures having small apertures having different shapes may be formed.

  The rotary diaphragm plate 50 is arranged such that the rotation center 50b is located outside the light source optical path 23a, and the first to eleventh aperture openings 51a to 51k and the auxiliary lamp aperture opening 53 cross the light source optical path 23a.

  The rotary diaphragm plate 50 has a diaphragm position detection hole 55 as a second detection unit for detecting that any one of the diaphragm openings 51a to 51k is located in the light source optical path 23a in association with each of the diaphragm openings 51a to 51k. Is opened. In this embodiment, the apertures 51a to 51e, 51g to 51k and the auxiliary lamp aperture 53 are formed as rectangular apertures radially outward. Further, an auxiliary lamp stop opening detection hole (notch) 54 is provided outside the stop opening 51f as a first stop detection unit that detects that the auxiliary lamp stop opening 53 is located in the light source optical path 23a. The auxiliary lamp aperture opening detection hole 54 is formed so that the length in the tangential direction is longer than the aperture position detection hole 55 in the tangential direction of the circle in which the aperture position detection hole 55 is disposed. Each of the aperture position detection hole 55 and the auxiliary lamp aperture opening detection hole 54 is formed so that each side has a straight and long vertical bisector passing through the rotation center 50 b of the rotary diaphragm plate 50. However, the long side may be formed in an arc shape around the rotation center 50b.

  In this endoscope light source device, an initial position sensor 33a as a first sensor for detecting that the rotary diaphragm plate 50 is in the initial rotation position, any one of the aperture openings 51a to 51k, and the auxiliary lamp aperture opening detection hole 54. Is provided as an aperture position sensor 33b as a second center for detecting that the lens is located in the light source optical path 23a. The initial position sensor 33a and the diaphragm position sensor 33b are, for example, a photo reflector or a photo coupler, and any one of the diaphragm openings 51a to 51k or the auxiliary lamp diaphragm opening 53 of the rotary diaphragm plate 50 is located in the light source optical path 23a. When stopped at the position, any one of the aperture position detection hole 55 or the auxiliary lamp aperture opening detection hole 54 opens the optical path of the initial position sensor 33a and the aperture position sensor 33b. When the third diaphragm opening 51c as a predetermined diaphragm opening is located in the light source optical path 23a, the auxiliary lamp diaphragm opening detection hole 54 opens the optical path of the initial position sensor 33a, and at the same time, the diaphragm position detection hole 55 is the diaphragm position sensor 33b. Open the light path. When the auxiliary lamp stop opening 53 is positioned in the light source optical path 23a, the auxiliary lamp stop opening detection hole 54 opens the optical path of the stop position sensor 33b, and at the same time, the stop position detection hole 55 opens the optical path of the initial position sensor 33a. In this embodiment, the initial position sensor 33a and the aperture position sensor 33b are turned on when the optical path is opened.

  In this embodiment, in order to distinguish the aperture position detection hole 55 and the auxiliary lamp aperture opening detection hole 54, the auxiliary lamp aperture opening detection hole 54 is formed in the tangential direction and the circumferential direction is long. In other words, the aperture position sensor 33b and the aperture position detection hole 55 and the auxiliary position are detected by the rotation step number detecting the auxiliary lamp aperture opening detection hole 54 more than the rotation step number detecting the aperture position detection hole 55. The lamp stop opening detection hole 54 is formed so that it can be identified.

  More specifically, the aperture openings 51a to 51k are formed so as to open the optical paths of the initial position sensor 33a and the aperture position sensor 33b while rotating three steps. That is, the initial position sensor 33a and the diaphragm position sensor 33b are turned on at a position where the center of any one of the aperture openings 51a to 51k coincides with the center (optical axis) of the light source optical path 23a. Turns OFF when rotated one step in this direction. On the other hand, the auxiliary lamp aperture opening detection hole 54 has a circumferential length of 40 steps, and the initial position sensor 33a and the aperture position sensor 33b maintain the ON state at the 39-step stop position where the rotary aperture plate 50 continues. It is formed as follows. Accordingly, if the initial position sensor 33a or the diaphragm position sensor 33b is kept on when the rotary diaphragm plate 50 is continuously rotated in any one direction for two steps or more, the auxiliary lamp diaphragm opening detection hole 54 is detected. In this state, the center of the aperture opening 51c or the auxiliary lamp aperture opening 53 coincides with the center of the light source optical path 23a at the 20th step after being turned on.

  The auxiliary lamp aperture opening detection hole 54 as the first and second detection units, the aperture position detection hole 55 and the initial values as the first and second sensors are formed, but the first and second are not limited to the holes. The photo interrupter type initial position sensor 33a and the aperture position sensor 33b raptor are used as the two sensors. However, the present invention is not limited to these combinations, and a photo reflector type sensor may be used as the first and second sensors. In this case, members having different reflectivities may be provided at the positions corresponding to the first and second detection units, or surface processing may be performed.

  The rotary diaphragm plate 50 is driven to rotate stepwise by the diaphragm plate drive motor 22. The aperture plate drive motor 22 is preferably a stepping motor. In this embodiment, a stepping motor that rotates the rotary aperture plate 50 in units of a step angle of 0.5 degrees is used. That is, when the diaphragm plate driving motor 22 rotates by 60 steps, the rotary diaphragm plate 50 rotates by one rotation pitch of 30 degrees and the arrangement pitch of the diaphragm openings 51a to 51k and the auxiliary lamp diaphragm opening 53.

  Further, the rotary diaphragm plate 50 is provided with a projection 56 for safety regulation so as not to stop in a state where the auxiliary lamp diaphragm opening 53 is located in the light source optical path 23a in a normal use state, protruding outward from the diaphragm opening 51f. Has been.

  The processor 10 is provided with an auxiliary lamp 44 (FIG. 5) that operates when the lamp 35 of the main lamp light source 23 is extinguished for some reason such as a lifetime. The auxiliary lamp 44 is mounted between one end of a U-shaped frame 46 that straddles the light source optical path 23 a between the rotary diaphragm plate 50 and the main lamp light source 23. A safety member drive solenoid 45 is connected to the frame 46, and the safety member drive solenoid 45 is movably held by the safety member drive solenoid 45 between a retracted position outside the light source optical path 23a and a lighting position inside the light source optical path 23a. ing. When detecting that the lamp 35 is turned off, the control circuit 41 operates the safety member drive solenoid 45 (FIG. 5) to advance the auxiliary lamp 44 into the light source optical path 23a and turn it on. At that time, the control circuit 41 stops the rotary diaphragm plate 50 in a state where the auxiliary lamp diaphragm opening 53 has advanced into the light source optical path 23a. As the auxiliary lamp 44, for example, a high-intensity LED is used.

  At the other end of the frame 46, when the auxiliary lamp 44 is moved to the retracted position, it is located at a restriction position close to the outer periphery of the rotary diaphragm plate 50, and when the auxiliary lamp 44 is moved to the lighting position. A safety protrusion 47 is provided at a release position away from the outer periphery of the rotary diaphragm plate 50. When the safety protrusion 47 is in the restricting position, when the rotary diaphragm plate 50 rotates clockwise or counterclockwise, the protrusion 56 collides with the safety protrusion 47 and cannot further rotate clockwise or counterclockwise. The auxiliary lamp stop opening 53 is formed so as not to advance into the light source optical path 23a. In this embodiment, the rotary diaphragm plate 50 cannot rotate further clockwise from the contact state shown in FIG. 7, but rotates further counterclockwise from the contact state shown in FIG. I can't. Thus, the rotary diaphragm plate 50 rotates counterclockwise from the rotation position where the first diaphragm opening 51a advances into the light source optical path 23a, and rotates clockwise from the rotation position where the twelfth aperture opening 51k advances into the light source optical path 23a. And any one of the first to twelfth aperture openings 51a to 51k can be advanced into the light source optical path 23a.

  FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of the protrusion 56. In this embodiment, 56 is a notch 56a, and a protrusion 57a is projected radially outward from one short edge of the notch 56a.

  Next, the operation of this electronic endoscope apparatus will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. This process is an operation of the control circuit 41, and the control circuit 41 enters the power-on process when the main switch 15 is turned on.

  When the power-on process is entered, first, the diaphragm plate motor 22 is rotated counterclockwise until the projection 56 of the rotary diaphragm plate 50 comes into contact with the safety projection 47 and stops (S10, see FIG. 7).

  Next, the aperture plate drive motor 22 is stepwise driven clockwise (step (hereinafter abbreviated as “S”) 11) so that the rotary aperture plate 50 is stepped clockwise in FIGS. It is checked whether or not 33a is on (S13). If it is not ON (S13; NO), the process returns to S11 to drive the diaphragm plate motor 22 one step in the clockwise direction (S13). If the initial position sensor 33a is on (S13; YES), it is checked whether or not the initial position sensor 33a has been continuously turned on while being driven to rotate by the first predetermined number of 5 steps (S15). ). If it is not continuously ON during the rotation drive for 5 steps (S15; NO), the process returns to S11 and the processes of S11 to S15 are repeated. When it is continuously ON while being driven to rotate by 5 steps (S15; YES), as shown in FIG. 8, the auxiliary lamp aperture opening detection hole 54 is passing the initial position sensor 33a. .

  When it is determined that 5 steps have been continuously turned on (S15; YES), the diaphragm plate driving motor 22 is further rotated clockwise by the second predetermined number, ie, 15 steps (S17). Then, it is checked whether or not the aperture position sensor 33b is ON (S19). Here, if the aperture position sensor 33b is not ON (S19; NO), an error display, for example, “aperture failure” is displayed on the scope information display unit 20 or the monitor television 43 (S21), and the process ends. . When the initial position sensor 33a detects the edge of the auxiliary lamp aperture opening detection hole 54 (changes from OFF to ON) and the rotary aperture plate 50 rotates 20 steps (20 steps, when ON), FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the aperture position sensor 33b is formed so as to detect (ON) the aperture position detection hole 55. Therefore, when the aperture position sensor 33b is not ON, the rotary aperture plate 50 is displaced. This is because it is estimated that. In this embodiment, if the aperture position sensor 33b is not ON, an error display is displayed and the process is terminated. However, the process returns to S10 and the initialization process is repeated. It is good also as a structure which gives an error display and complete | finishes a process, when is not ON (S19; NO).

  If the aperture position sensor 33b is ON (S19; YES), it is checked whether or not the lamp switch 16 has been turned ON (S23). If it is not ON (S23; NO), the aperture position sensor 33b is turned ON. Is checked (S25), and if it is ON, the process returns to S23 (S25; YES, S23). If the aperture position sensor 33b is not ON (S25; NO), the process returns to S10. This is because the rotary diaphragm plate 50 may be rotated from the initial position for some reason. The lamp switch 16 of this embodiment is a momentary switch, and the control circuit 41 is turned on when the lamp 35 is turned on when the lamp 35 is not lit, and is turned on when the lamp 35 is lit. Then, the light is turned off.

  When the lamp switch 16 is turned on (S23; YES), the lamp 35 is turned on (S27). Then, it is checked whether or not the brightness adjustment switch 19 is turned on (S31). If the brightness adjustment switch 19 is turned on (S31; YES), the electronic shutter speed is set within a predetermined range. Change (S33). For example, if the CCD sensor 105 captures 60 frames per second, 1/60 seconds is the lowest electronic shutter speed. Thereafter, it is checked whether or not it is detected that the main light source is turned off, that is, whether or not the lamp 35 is turned off (S35). If the brightness switch adjustment 19 is not turned on (S31; NO), S33 is skipped and it is checked whether or not it is detected that the lamp 35 is turned off (S35). If the lamp 35 is not extinguished (S35; NO), it is checked whether the lamp switch 16 has been turned on (S37). If not turned on, the process returns to S31 (S37; NO, S31). If so, the lamp 35 is turned off and the process returns to S23 (S37; YES, S39, S23).

  When the lamp 35 is extinguished (S35; YES), the main lamp light source lighting signal is turned off, that is, the energization to the lamp 35 is cut off (S41), the safety member drive solenoid 45 is energized (S43), and the auxiliary lamp 44 is advanced to the light source optical path 23a, and the safety protrusion 47 is moved to the release position. Then, the aperture plate drive motor 22 is rotated counterclockwise, the auxiliary lamp aperture opening 53 is advanced into the light source optical path 23a (S45), the auxiliary lamp 44 is turned on (S47), and this process is stopped. To do. Even if the lamp 35 is extinguished for some reason by the processing of S35 to S47, the auxiliary lamp stop opening 53 having the highest aperture ratio is located in the light source optical path 23a, and the auxiliary lamp 44 advances into the light source optical path 23a to perform illumination. Therefore, the user can safely pull out the endoscope from the body cavity of the patient while being illuminated by the auxiliary light 44.

  The auxiliary lamp 44 is turned on when energized or moved into the light source optical path 23a in conjunction with the safety member drive solenoid 45, and when the energization to the safety member drive solenoid 45 is interrupted or the light source optical path. It is good also as a structure which turns OFF when it moves out of 23a.

"Auxiliary opening setting process"
Details of the auxiliary opening setting process executed in S45 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
First, the diaphragm drive motor 22 is step-driven clockwise to rotate the rotary diaphragm plate 50 stepwise (S61). Next, it is checked whether or not the aperture position sensor 33b is on (S63). If it is not on (S63; NO), the flow returns to S61 to drive the aperture plate drive motor 22 by one step in the clockwise direction. If the aperture position sensor 33b is on (S63; YES), it is checked whether or not the aperture position sensor 33b is continuously ON during the 5-step rotation drive (S65). If the aperture position sensor 33b is not continuously turned on for 5 steps (S65; NO), the process returns to S61. The processing from S61 to S65 is repeated, and the process waits for 5 steps to be continuously turned on.

  When it is determined that 5 steps are continuously ON (S65; YES), the diaphragm plate driving motor 22 is further rotated clockwise by 15 steps (S67). Then, it is checked whether or not the aperture position sensor 33b is ON (S69). If the aperture position sensor 33b is ON (S69; YES), the process returns. Here, the diaphragm position sensor 33b is turned on when the auxiliary lamp diaphragm opening 53 has advanced into the light source optical path 23a. If the stop position sensor 33b is not ON, the auxiliary lamp stop opening 53 has not advanced into the light source optical path 23a, so the process returns to S61 and repeats the processes of S61 to S69.

  As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, even when the diaphragm device that detects the setting of the diaphragm openings 51a to 51k by the relative rotation amount of the rotary diaphragm plate 50 is used, the auxiliary lamp 44 is placed in the light source optical path 23a. In a normal use state in which the auxiliary lamp stop opening 53 does not advance into the light source optical path 23a because the protrusion 57 contacts the safety protrusion 47 and the auxiliary lamp stop opening 53 does not advance into the light source optical path 23a. There is no risk of advancing.

  The protrusions 56 and the safety protrusions 47 of the rotary diaphragm plate 50 have the first diaphragm opening 51a advanced into the light source optical path 23a in a state where the rotary diaphragm plate 50 is rotated and abutted and stopped in the clockwise direction. The eleventh aperture stop 51k may be formed so as to be positioned in the light source optical path 23a in a state of rotating in the counterclockwise direction, contacting and stopping.

It is a front view which shows the general view of embodiment of the processor to which the light source device for endoscopes of this invention is applied. It is a top view which cuts along the cutting line II-II of FIG. 1, and shows a principal part with a block. It is a figure which shows the main circuit of embodiment of the processor with a block. It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of the principal part of the electronic scope connectable to the processor. It is a figure explaining the mode of the light source device vicinity of the processor. It is a front view of the rotary aperture plate which is embodiment of the aperture_diaphragm | restriction of the light source device. It is a figure explaining the positional relationship of the rotation aperture plate in the same embodiment, a light source optical path, an initial position sensor, and an aperture position sensor. It is a figure explaining the positional relationship of the rotation aperture plate, a light source optical path, an initial position sensor, and an aperture position sensor. It is a figure explaining the positional relationship of the rotation aperture plate, a light source optical path, an initial position sensor, and an aperture position sensor. It is a front view which shows another embodiment of the rotation aperture plate. It is a figure which shows the power-on process of the light source device with a flowchart. It is a figure which shows the power-on process of the light source device with a flowchart. It is a figure which shows the auxiliary lamp aperture opening setting process in the power-on process of the light source device with a flowchart.

Explanation of symbols

10 Processor 11 Scope Insert 12 Scope Lock Lever 13 Light Guide Insert 15 Main Switch 16 Lamp Switch 19 Brightness Adjustment Switch 21 Memory Card Slot 22 Diaphragm Drive Motor 23 Main Lamp Light Source 24 Lamp Power Supply 31 Scope Interface 32 Scope Lock Switch 33a Initial position sensor (first sensor)
33b Aperture position sensor (second sensor)
35 Lamp 38 System power supply 41 Control circuit (control means)
42 Memory Card 43 Monitor TV 44 Auxiliary Light 45 Safety Member Drive Solenoid 46 Frame 47 Safety Projection 50 Rotating Diaphragm 51a 51b 51c 51d 51e 51f 51g 51h 51i 51j 51k Aperture Aperture (Multiple Aperture Apertures with Different Aperture Ratios)
53 Auxiliary lamp aperture 54 Auxiliary lamp aperture detection hole (first detector)
55 Aperture position detection hole (second detection part)
113 Light guide 113a Incident end face 114 Light guide sleeve

Claims (5)

An endoscope light source device that makes illumination light from a main light source incident on an incident end face of a connected light guide,
A plurality of aperture openings with different aperture ratios and auxiliary lamp aperture openings with the highest aperture ratio, which are arranged at positions where the light source optical path between the incident end face of the light guide and the main light source is blocked, are arranged at predetermined intervals on the same circumference. A rotary diaphragm plate that is formed and adjusts the amount of light that enters any one of the entrance end faces by advancing any of the aperture openings into the light source optical path;
A rotating member for rotating the rotary diaphragm plate;
An auxiliary lamp that is formed so as to freely advance and retreat in the light source optical path between the aperture opening and the main light source, and has a smaller light amount than the main light source,
A first detector associated with the auxiliary lamp aperture opening and a plurality of second detectors associated with each other aperture opening provided on the rotary diaphragm plate;
A first sensor that detects the first detector when a specific aperture other than the auxiliary lamp aperture is located in the light source optical path;
A second sensor for detecting the first detector when the auxiliary lamp aperture is located in the light source optical path, and for detecting the second detector when another aperture is located in the light source optical path;
Control means for rotating the rotary diaphragm plate in one direction or the other direction by the rotating member, and stopping the rotating member when the first sensor detects a second detection unit;
When the auxiliary lamp does not advance into the light source optical path, the auxiliary lamp aperture opening is restricted from blocking the rotation of the rotary diaphragm plate from being positioned in the light source optical path, and the auxiliary lamp An endoscopic light source device, comprising: a restricting member that cancels the restriction when the light enters the optical path and allows the auxiliary lamp aperture opening stop to advance into the light source optical path. . 2. The endoscope light source device according to claim 1, wherein the restriction member does not contact a protrusion protruding from the rotary diaphragm plate and a restriction position where the protrusion contacts when the rotary diaphragm plate rotates. An endoscope light source device comprising: a restricting member provided movably to a release position; and a drive member that moves the restricting member to the restriction position and the release position. 3. The endoscope light source device according to claim 2, wherein the auxiliary lamp and the restriction projection are linked by a linkage member, and the restriction member is linked to the restriction position when the auxiliary lamp is retracted from the light source optical path. The endoscope light source device is moved, and the restricting member moves in association with the release position when the auxiliary lamp moves into the light source optical path. 4. The endoscope light source device according to claim 2, wherein the control means rotates the auxiliary lamp when the auxiliary lamp is retracted out of the light source optical path and the restricting member is located at the restricting position. The rotary diaphragm plate is rotated via a member between the limit positions, with the position where the projection abuts against the restricting member as a limit position, and any one of the other aperture openings is positioned in the light source optical path. Endoscope light source device. 4. The endoscope light source device according to claim 2, wherein the control means moves the auxiliary lamp into the light source optical path via the drive member and moves the restricting member to the release position. An endoscope light source device for rotating the rotary diaphragm plate through the rotating member so that the auxiliary lamp diaphragm opening is positioned in the light source optical path.

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