JP2009142496A - Separable endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a separable endoscope, when mounting an insertion section on an operation section, capable of correctly detecting a correct mounting state and surely mounting a connecting portion between the operation section and the insertion section. <P>SOLUTION: This separable endoscope includes a feed-side first electric contact 26 provided at the operation section 3 of the separable endoscope 1 which has the insertion section 2 and the operation section 3 separably connected to each other, a receiving-side electric contact 8 provided at the insertion section 2, a locking mechanism 9 detachably locking the insertion section 2 and the operation section 3 when the insertion section 2 is connected to the operation section 3, a control section 22 detecting the connection state of the insertion section 2 to the operation section 3 by the current-carrying state between the first electric contact 26 and the second electric contact 8, and an LED 11 notifying the detection content of the connection state of the insertion section 2 to the operation section 3 based on the detection signal from the control section 22. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a separated endoscope in which an endoscope main body has a coupling portion that is separably coupled to a plurality of components.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a separation type endoscope in which a part of an endoscope body is detachably connected has been developed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which an endoscope hood is detachably connected to a distal end portion of an insertion portion of an endoscope body. Here, when the endoscope hood is disengaged with respect to the distal end portion of the insertion portion, a visual field missing portion is generated in the observation visual field of the endoscope. Therefore, the user can know the state in which the endoscope hood is coming off from the distal end portion of the insertion portion by visually observing the state in which the field missing portion is generated in the observation field of the endoscope. it can.

  Patent Document 2 shows a configuration in which an endoscope hood is detachably connected to a distal end portion of an insertion portion of an endoscope body. Here, when the endoscope hood is not correctly attached to the distal end portion of the insertion portion, a warning display such as an index being twisted at the distal end portion of the insertion portion can be displayed to notify the user.

Patent Document 3 discloses a separation type endoscope in which an insertion portion to be inserted into a lumen and an operation portion disposed at a proximal end portion of the insertion portion are detachably coupled. . Here, an electrical connector having an electrical contact for transmitting a signal to the detachable portion between the insertion portion and the operation portion, an optical transmission means for transmitting a signal by optical coupling, and a signal transmission by electromagnetic coupling Electromagnetic transmission means, power transmission means for transmitting power by electromagnetic coupling, bending drive means for electrically bending driving the bending portion, rotational force transmission means for transmitting rotational force by the bending drive means, and the like are provided. The configuration is shown.
JP 2003-299610 A JP 2005-185855 A JP 2005-279253 A

  In the apparatus of Patent Document 1, the user visually attaches the endoscope hood to the distal end portion of the insertion portion by visually observing the state in which the portion lacking in the field of view of the endoscope is generated. You can know the state that is not. However, the endoscope can be used as usual even in the state in which the visual field defect occurs in the observation field of the endoscope, so the user overlooked the occurrence of the visual field defect part in the observation field of the endoscope. In such a case, there is a possibility that the endoscope hood may continue to be used without being properly attached to the distal end portion of the insertion portion.

  Further, in the device of Patent Document 2, the endoscope can be used as usual even in a state where a warning display such as an indicator being twisted is displayed at the distal end portion of the insertion portion. Therefore, in this case as well, if the user overlooks a warning indication such as an indicator twisting at the distal end of the insertion section, the endoscope hood is not properly attached to the distal end of the insertion section. May continue to be used.

  Moreover, in patent document 3, the detection means which detects whether the attachment / detachment part of an insertion part and an operation part is connected correctly, its warning means, etc. are not shown specially. Therefore, in this case, there is a possibility that the use in a state where the detachable portion between the insertion portion and the operation portion is not properly connected may be continued.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to the above circumstances, and its purpose is to correctly detect a correctly mounted state when the insertion portion is attached to the operation portion, and to connect the operation portion and the insertion portion. An object of the present invention is to provide a separation type endoscope that can be securely attached to a part.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a separation-type endoscope in which an insertion portion having at least an illumination window and an observation window at a distal end portion and an operation portion disposed at a proximal end portion of the insertion portion are detachably connected. A power supply side first electrical contact provided in the operation unit; a power reception side second electrical contact provided in the insertion unit; and between the insertion unit and the operation unit. A lock mechanism that removably locks between the insertion portion and the operation portion at the time of connection, and a connection state of the insertion portion to the operation portion between the first electric contact and the second electric contact Separation characterized by comprising detection means for detecting depending on the energization status, and notification means for notifying the detection content of the connection state of the insertion section to the operation section based on a detection signal from the detection means It is a type endoscope.
In the first aspect of the invention, when the insertion portion of the separation type endoscope is attached to the operation portion, the first electric contact on the power supply side of the operation portion and the second electric contact on the power reception side of the insertion portion. And the insertion portion and the operation portion are detachably locked by the lock mechanism. At this time, by detecting the connection state of the insertion portion to the operation portion according to the energization state of the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact by the detection means, the mounting of the separation type endoscope is completed, The user is informed of the fact that it can be used by notifying means such as generation of light, sound and vibration. Thus, the separation part between the insertion part and the operation part can be reliably mounted.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the separation type endoscope includes an activation unit that activates the endoscope when the detection unit detects that the connection between the insertion unit and the operation unit is completed. The separation type endoscope according to claim 1, wherein:
In the second aspect of the invention, when the detection unit detects that the connection between the insertion unit and the operation unit is completed, the separation type endoscope drives the activation unit to activate the endoscope. It is what I did.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the activation means turns on a light source that generates illumination light supplied to the illumination window, and outputs an image signal from an imaging device that captures an endoscopic image incident from the observation window. The separation type endoscope according to claim 2, wherein the separation type endoscope is started.
In the third aspect of the present invention, when the starting means is driven, the light source of the illumination light is turned on, and the output of the image signal from the image sensor that captures the endoscopic image incident from the observation window is started. It is a thing.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the separable endoscope stops the endoscope when the detecting means detects a state in which the connection between the insertion portion and the operation portion is poor during use. The separation type endoscope according to claim 1, further comprising a stopping unit that stops the operation.
In the invention of claim 4, when the detection means detects a state where the connection between the insertion portion and the operation portion becomes defective during use of the separation type endoscope, the endoscope is stopped by the stop means. It is made to let you.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the stop means turns off a light source that generates illumination light supplied to the illumination window, and outputs an image signal from an imaging device that captures an endoscopic image incident from the observation window. The separation type endoscope according to claim 4, wherein the separation type endoscope is stopped.
In the fifth aspect of the invention, when the stop means is driven, the illumination light source is turned off and the output of the image signal from the image sensor is stopped.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, when the locking mechanism detects attachment of the insertion portion and the operation portion by connecting the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact, The separation type endoscope according to claim 1, further comprising: a lock mechanism driving unit that fixes a connection portion with the operation portion.
In the sixth aspect of the invention, when the attachment of the insertion portion and the operation portion is detected by the connection between the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact, the lock mechanism driving means drives the lock mechanism. The connecting portion between the insertion portion and the operation portion is fixed.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the lock mechanism includes a joining member fixed to the end portion on the insertion portion side, and a movable arm portion provided at a position corresponding to the joining member on the operation portion side. The locking mechanism driving means includes arm part driving means for detachably engaging the movable arm part with the joining member when the first electric contact and the second electric contact are connected. The separation type endoscope according to claim 1.
In the seventh aspect of the present invention, when the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact are connected, the arm portion driving means of the lock mechanism driving means causes the movable arm portion on the operation portion side to be the end portion on the insertion portion side. The joint member is detachably engaged with the joint member.

The invention according to claim 8 is the separation type endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the notification means is a light lighting means.
In the eighth aspect of the invention, the light source is turned on by the light lighting means of the notification means when the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact are connected.

The invention according to claim 9 is the separation type endoscope according to claim 8, wherein the light lighting means is an LED.
In the ninth aspect of the invention, the LED of the light lighting means is turned on when the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact are connected.

The invention according to claim 10 is the separation type endoscope according to claim 8, wherein the light lighting means is located at at least one of the distal end portion of the insertion portion and the operation portion. is there.
In the invention of claim 10, the detected content of the connection state of the insertion portion to the operation portion is notified by the light lighting means located at at least one of the distal end portion of the insertion portion and the operation portion. Is.

The invention according to claim 11 is the separation type endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the notification means is a vibration means.
In the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the detected content of the connection state of the insertion portion to the operation portion is notified by the occurrence of vibration by the vibration means.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the separation type endoscope according to the eleventh aspect, the vibration means is located in the operation portion.
In the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the detected content of the connection state of the insertion portion to the operation portion is notified by the occurrence of vibration by the vibration means located in the operation portion.

The invention according to claim 13 is the separation type endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the notification means is sound generation means.
In the thirteenth aspect of the invention, the detected content of the connection state of the insertion portion to the operation portion is notified by the generation of sound by the sound generation means of the notification means.

The invention according to claim 14 is the separation type endoscope according to claim 13, wherein the sound generating means is located in the operation portion.
According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the detected content of the connection state of the insertion portion to the operation portion is notified by the generation of sound by sound generation means located in the operation portion.

The invention according to claim 15 is the separation type endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the notification means is an image means.
According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the detected content of the connection state of the insertion portion to the operation portion is notified by the video means of the notification means.

The invention of claim 16 is characterized in that the video means has a display unit for displaying a connection state of the insertion unit to the operation unit, and the display unit is located in the operation unit. The separation type endoscope according to claim 15.
In the invention of claim 16, the detected content of the connection state of the insertion portion to the operation portion is notified by the display portion located in the operation portion.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, the video means is shared with a photographed image monitor for displaying an endoscopic image from the observation window, and the connection state of the insertion unit to the operation unit is displayed on the photographed image monitor. The separation type endoscope according to claim 15, further comprising a display unit configured to display the display unit.
In the invention of claim 17, the detection content of the connection state of the insertion portion to the operation portion is notified by the display portion of the notification means shared with the photographed image monitor.

According to the eighteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a separation type endoscope in which an insertion portion having at least an illumination window and an observation window at a distal end portion and an operation portion arranged at a proximal end portion of the insertion portion are detachably connected A power supply side first electrical contact provided in the operation unit; a power reception side second electrical contact provided in the insertion unit; and between the insertion unit and the operation unit. A lock mechanism that removably locks between the insertion portion and the operation portion at the time of connection, and a connection state of the insertion portion to the operation portion between the first electric contact and the second electric contact Detection means for detecting depending on the energization state, and notification means for notifying the detection content of the connection state of the insertion portion to the operation portion based on a detection signal from the detection means, the lock mechanism, A joining member fixed to the end on the insertion portion side, and an operation portion side A movable arm portion that is provided at a position corresponding to the joining member and is detachably engaged with the joining member, and the first electric contact on the power feeding side and the second electric power on the power receiving side. Each contact has a plurality of electrical contact elements, at least one of the first electrical contact elements is an arm contact provided on the movable arm, and at least one second electrical contact element is the Formed by joining member contacts provided on the joining member, respectively, and when the movable arm and the joining member are engaged, the arm contact and the joining member contact are connected to form an energization circuit for the notification means. This is a separation type endoscope.
In the present invention of claim 18, when the insertion portion of the separation type endoscope is attached to the operation portion, the first electric contact on the power supply side of the operation portion and the second electric contact on the power reception side of the insertion portion. And the insertion portion and the operation portion are detachably locked by the lock mechanism. At this time, in the locking mechanism, the joining member on the insertion portion side and the movable arm portion on the operation portion side are detachably engaged. When the movable arm and the joining member are engaged, the arm contact and the joining member contact are connected to form an energizing circuit for the notification means. At this time, by detecting the connection state of the insertion portion to the operation portion according to the energization state of the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact by the detection means, the mounting of the separation type endoscope is completed, The user is informed of the fact that it can be used by notifying means such as generation of light, sound and vibration. Thus, the separation part between the insertion part and the operation part can be reliably mounted.

  According to the present invention, when the insertion portion is attached to the operation portion, the separation type endoscope that can correctly detect the correctly attached state and can reliably attach the connection portion between the operation portion and the insertion portion. Can be provided.

  A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. The separation type endoscope 1 according to the present embodiment includes an elongated insertion portion 2 (shown in FIG. 1A) to be inserted into the body and an operation portion 3 (see FIG. 1) disposed at the proximal end portion of the insertion portion 2. 1 (B)). The insertion part 2 and the operation part 3 are connected so as to be separable.

  The main body 2 </ b> A of the insertion portion 2 includes an elongated flexible tube portion 4, a curved portion 5 having a proximal end portion coupled to the distal end of the flexible tube portion 4, and a proximal end portion coupled to the distal end of the curved portion 5. And the distal end rigid portion 6. The distal end surface of the distal end rigid portion 6 is provided with an illumination window portion of an illumination optical system (not shown), an observation window portion of the observation optical system, a distal end opening portion of the treatment instrument insertion channel, an air supply / water supply nozzle, and the like. ing.

  Inside the distal end rigid portion 6, a distal end portion of a light guide fiber (not shown) is fixed behind the illumination window portion. Further, an imaging unit including a CCD for capturing an endoscopic image is disposed behind the observation window. Furthermore, the distal end portion of the treatment instrument insertion channel and the distal end portion of an air / water feeding tube (not shown) connected to the air / water feeding nozzle are fixed inside the distal rigid portion 6.

  The light guide fiber, a cable (electric signal line) such as an imaging signal line of the imaging unit, a treatment instrument insertion channel, an air supply tube connected to the air supply / water supply nozzle, a water supply tube, 5 extends from the inside of the flexible tube portion 4 to the proximal end side of the flexible tube portion 4.

  In addition, a connecting portion (inserting portion side connecting portion) 7 with the operation portion 3 is provided at the proximal end portion of the flexible tube portion 4. The insertion portion side connecting portion 7 is provided with a second electric contact 8 on the power receiving side and an engagement pin (joining member) 10 of a lock mechanism 9 described later. The second electrical contact 8 has two female connector portions (electrical contact elements) 8a and 8b. Here, the second electrical contact 8 is provided with two electrodes, an anode and a cathode. One connector portion 8a is provided with an anode, and the other connector portion 8b is provided with a cathode.

  Furthermore, the tip surface of the tip rigid portion 6 is provided with notifying means for notifying the detection content of the connection state of the insertion portion 2 to the operation portion 3, for example, an LED 11 which is a light lighting means. The LED 11 is connected to the two female connector portions 8 a and 8 b of the second electrical contact 8 via the LED wiring 12.

  The operation unit 3 is provided with a grip 13 that is held by the surgeon. The base end portion of the universal cord 14 is connected to the end portion of the grip portion 13. A connector portion 15 is connected to the distal end portion of the universal cord 14. An electrical connector 17 is further connected to the connector portion 15 via a connection cord 16.

  The connector unit 15 is detachably connected to the light source device 18. The electrical connector 17 is detachably connected to the console 19. The console 19 includes a video processor 20, a CCD drive unit 21, and a control unit (detection means) 22. The control unit 22 is further connected to the light source device 18 and the CCD drive unit 21, respectively. The video processor 20 is connected to an external monitor 23. And the control part 22 detects the connection state of the insertion part 2 to the operation part 3 by the energization situation of the 1st electrical contact 26 provided in the holding part 13, and the 2nd electrical contact 8, and the detection result Accordingly, the driving of the light source device 18 and the CCD driving unit 21 is controlled. Therefore, the control unit 22 also has a function as an activation unit that activates the endoscope.

  Further, the console 19 is provided with first to third contacts 24 a, 24 b, 24 c at the connection portion with the electrical connector 17. The first contact 24 a is connected to the video processor 20. The second contact 24 b is connected to the CCD drive unit 21, and the third contact 24 c is connected to the control unit 22.

  Further, the operation unit 3 is provided with a connection part (operation part side connection part) 25 to the insertion part side connection part 7 of the insertion part 2 at the distal end part of the grip part 13. The operation unit side connection unit 25 is provided with a first electric contact 26 on the power supply side and a hook member (movable arm unit) 27 of the lock mechanism 9. The first electrical contact 26 has two male connector portions (electrical contact elements) 26a and 26b. Here, the first electrical contact 26 is provided with two electrodes, an anode and a cathode. One connector portion 26a is provided with an anode, and the other connector portion 26b is provided with a cathode.

  The hook member 27 is provided at a position corresponding to the engagement pin 10 of the insertion portion 2. The base end portion of the hook member 27 is pivotally supported around a pivotal support shaft 28 so as to be rotatable. The rotating support shaft 28 is driven to rotate by a rotary solenoid (lock mechanism driving means) 29 that can rotate forward and backward. The hook member 27 is rotated and engaged to engage and disengage the hook member 27 and the engagement pin 10 of the insertion portion 2.

  In addition, an electric signal line connected to two male connector parts 26a and 26b and a rotary solenoid 29 and an electric signal line connected to a cable such as an imaging signal line of an imaging unit (not shown) 3 and the universal cord 14 are extended to the connector portion 15 side, and further connected to the electrical connector 17 via the connection cord 16. The electrical signal lines of the two male connector portions 26a and 26b and the electrical signal line of the rotary solenoid 29 are connected to the third contact 24c. In addition, an electric signal line for an imaging unit (not shown) is connected to the first contact 24a and the second contact 24b.

  Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described. The separable endoscope 1 according to the present embodiment performs an operation of connecting the insertion section 2 and the operation section 3 in a separated state at the time of use. At the time of this connection operation, the insertion portion side connection portion 7 of the insertion portion 2 and the operation portion side connection portion 25 of the operation portion 3 are joined as indicated by arrows in FIG. At this time, two male connector portions of the first electrical contact 26 of the operation unit side connecting portion 25 are connected to the two female connector portions 8a and 8b of the second electrical contact 8 of the insertion portion side connecting portion 7. 26a and 26b are inserted.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 3, when the insertion portion 2 and the operation portion 3 are inserted to the correct connection position, the first electrical contact 26 on the power feeding side of the operation portion 3 and the first power contact side of the insertion portion 2 are connected. 2 electrical contacts 8 are connected. Thereby, the two female connector portions 8a and 8b of the second electrical contact 8 of the insertion portion side connection portion 7 and the two male connector portions 26a of the first electrical contact 26 of the operation portion side connection portion 25 are provided. , 26b are connected to form a closed circuit. Therefore, the LED 11 on the distal end surface of the distal rigid portion 6 is turned on.

  At the same time, the controller 22 detects the energized state of the female connector portions 8a and 8b and the male connector portions 26a and 26b. Therefore, a drive signal is output from the control unit 22 to the rotary solenoid 29. Then, as indicated by an arrow in FIG. 4, the hook member 27 is driven to rotate clockwise about the rotation support shaft 28 by the rotary solenoid 29. At this time, the hook member 27 is detachably engaged with the engagement pin 10 of the insertion portion 2 by the rotation of the hook member 27. Thereby, the lock between the insertion part 2 and the operation part 3 is detachably locked by the lock mechanism 9.

  Further, when the locking is completed, activation signals are output from the control unit 22 to the light source device 18 and the CCD driving unit 21, respectively. Thereby, the operation of the endoscope 1 is started. At this time, the illumination light is turned on when the light source device 18 starts to be driven, and the CCD driving unit 21 starts driving the CCD of the imaging unit. Therefore, image display on the monitor 23 is started. In this state, the endoscope 1 can be used.

  Further, when the insertion portion 2 and the operation portion 3 are out of the correct connection position during use of the endoscope 1, for example, two female connectors of the second electrical contact 8 of the insertion portion side connection portion 7 are used. The connection between the two male connector portions 26a and 26b of the first electrical contact 26 of the operation portion side connecting portion 25 is released. In this case, the gap between the female connector portions 8a and 8b and the male connector portions 26a and 26b is switched to a disconnected state. When this state is detected by the control unit 22, stop signals are output from the control unit 22 to the light source device 18 and the CCD drive unit 21, respectively. As a result, the illumination light of the light source device 18 is turned off, and the CCD drive of the imaging unit by the CCD drive unit 21 is stopped. Therefore, the image display on the monitor 23 is stopped and the operation of the endoscope 1 is stopped. Therefore, the control unit 22 also has a function as a stopping unit that stops the operation of the endoscope 1.

  Therefore, the above configuration has the following effects. That is, in the separation type endoscope 1 of the present embodiment, when the insertion portion 2 is attached to the operation portion 3, the two female connector portions 8a of the second electrical contact 8 of the insertion portion side connection portion 7 are used. , 8b and the first electrical contact 26 of the operation unit side coupling unit 25 to detect that the electrical mounting has been completed by energizing the electrical contacts by connecting the two male connector portions 26a, 26b. it can. At this time, the user is informed that the installation of the separate endoscope 1 is completed and can be used by generation of light, sound and vibration, for example, lighting of the LED 11 of the distal end rigid portion 6 in this embodiment. Can do. Thereby, when the insertion part 2 is attached to the operation part 3, the separation type endoscope that can correctly detect the state of being correctly attached and can reliably attach the connecting part between the operation part 3 and the insertion part 2. 1 can be provided. Therefore, it can prevent that the use in the state in which the attachment / detachment part of the insertion part 2 and the operation part 3 is not connected correctly is continued.

  5 to 10 show a second embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the configuration of the detachable portion between the insertion portion 2 and the operation portion 3 of the separation type endoscope 1 of the first embodiment (see FIGS. 1 to 4) is changed as follows. . In addition, it has the same structure as 1st Embodiment except a change part, The same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part same as 1st Embodiment, and the description is abbreviate | omitted here.

  That is, in the present embodiment, one female connector portion 31 and one engagement pin (first electrical contact element) 32 of the lock mechanism 9 are provided in the insertion portion side connecting portion 7 of the insertion portion 2. Have. Here, the female connector portion 31 and the engagement pin 32 constitute the second electrical contact 8 on the power receiving side. The second electrical contact 8 is provided with two electrodes, an anode and a cathode. For example, the connector portion 31 is provided with an anode, and the engagement pin 32 is provided with a cathode (joining member contact). The LED 11 is connected to the female connector part 31 of the second electrical contact 8 and one engagement pin 32 of the lock mechanism 9 via the LED wiring 33.

  In addition, the operation unit side coupling unit 25 of the operation unit 3 includes one male connector unit 34 and one hook member 35 of the lock mechanism 9. Here, the male connector portion 34 and the hook member 35 constitute a first electric contact 26 on the power feeding side. Note that the first electrical contact 26 is provided with two electrodes, an anode and a cathode. For example, the connector 34 is provided with an anode, and the hook member 35 is provided with a cathode (arm contact). Furthermore, the electrical signal lines of the connector portion 34 and the hook member 35 are connected to the third contact 24c (see FIG. 1).

  The hook member 35 includes a movable arm portion 35a and a substantially C-shaped hook portion (second electrical contact element) 35b formed at the tip of the movable arm portion 35a. The intermediate part of the movable arm part 35 a is rotatably attached to the operation part 3 via a rotation shaft 36.

  The operation unit 3 is provided with an operation button 37 for rotating the hook member 35 around the rotation shaft 36. The operation button 37 is supported so as to be movable in the vertical direction in FIG. Note that the operation button 37 is urged in a direction protruding upward in FIG. 5 by an urging means (not shown). And normally, it is hold | maintained in the protrusion position which protruded upward of the operation part 3 as shown in FIG. 5 with the urging | biasing force of an urging means.

  Further, the lower end portion of the operation button 37 is engaged with the proximal end portion of the hook member 35. Then, as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 7, the hook member 35 rotates clockwise about the rotation shaft 36 in accordance with the pressing operation of the operation button 37, and the hook portion 35b moves upward in FIG. It is supposed to be. Further, by releasing the push-down operation of the operation button 37, the operation button 37 is returned to the protruding position where it protrudes upward as shown by the arrow in FIG. 9 by the urging force of the urging means. At this time, the hook member 35 rotates counterclockwise about the rotation shaft 36 as indicated by an arrow in FIG. 9, and the hook portion 35b moves downward. The hook member 35 and the engagement pin 32 are engaged / disengaged according to the operation of the operation button 37.

  Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described. The separable endoscope 1 according to the present embodiment performs an operation of connecting the insertion section 2 and the operation section 3 in a separated state at the time of use. At the time of this connection operation, the insertion portion side connection portion 7 of the insertion portion 2 and the operation portion side connection portion 25 of the operation portion 3 are joined as indicated by arrows in FIG. At this time, the male connector portion 34 of the first electric contact 26 of the operation unit side connecting portion 25 is inserted into the female connector portion 31 of the second electric contact 8 of the insertion portion side connecting portion 7.

  In the present embodiment, the hook member 35 is operated by the operation button 37 as follows during the connecting operation of the insertion portion 2 and the operation portion 3. That is, before the male connector part 34 of the first electrical contact 26 of the operation part side connecting part 25 is inserted into the female connector part 31 of the second electric contact 8 of the insertion part side connecting part 7. As shown in FIG. 7, the operation button 37 is pushed down. At this time, the hook member 35 rotates clockwise about the rotation shaft 36, and the hook portion 35b moves upward in FIG.

  Subsequently, in a state where the operation button 37 is held in the pushed-down position, the operation unit side connecting portion is connected to the female connector portion 31 of the second electrical contact 8 of the insertion portion side connecting portion 7 as shown in FIG. The male connector portion 34 of the 25 first electrical contacts 26 is inserted. When the insertion portion 2 and the operation portion 3 are inserted to the correct connection position, the female connector portion 31 of the second electrical contact 8 of the insertion portion side connection portion 7 and the first of the operation portion side connection portion 25 are inserted. The male connector portion 34 of one electrical contact 26 is connected.

  At this time, the pressing operation of the operation button 37 is released. As a result, the operation button 37 is returned to the protruding position where the operation button 37 protrudes upward as shown by the arrow in FIG. 9 by the urging force of the urging means. At this time, the hook member 35 rotates counterclockwise about the rotation shaft 36 as indicated by an arrow in FIG. 9, and the hook portion 35b moves downward to engage with the engagement pin 32. To do. Thereby, the lock between the insertion part 2 and the operation part 3 is detachably locked by the lock mechanism 9. Further, when the hook member 35 and the engaging pin 32 are engaged, the arm contact of the hook member 35 and the joining member contact of the engaging pin 32 are connected. As a result, the first electrical contact 26 on the power feeding side of the operation unit 3 and the second electrical contact 8 on the power receiving side of the insertion unit 2 are connected to form a closed circuit. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10, the LED 11 on the distal end surface of the distal rigid portion 6 is turned on.

  At the same time, the connection state between the first electrical contact 26 on the power feeding side of the operation unit 3 and the second electrical contact 8 on the power receiving side of the insertion unit 2 is detected by the control unit 22 (see FIG. 1). Therefore, activation signals are output from the control unit 22 to the light source device 18 and the CCD drive unit 21, respectively. Thereby, the operation of the endoscope 1 is started. At this time, the illumination light is turned on when the light source device 18 starts to be driven, and the CCD driving unit 21 starts driving the CCD of the imaging unit. Therefore, image display on the monitor 23 is started. In this state, the endoscope 1 can be used.

  Further, for example, when the insertion portion 2 and the operation portion 3 are out of the correct connection position during use of the endoscope 1, the female connector portion 31 of the second electrical contact 8 of the insertion portion side connection portion 7. And the connection of the first electrical contact 26 of the operation unit side coupling unit 25 with the male connector unit 34 is released. In this case, the gap between the female connector portion 31 and the male connector portion 34 is switched to a disconnected state. When this state is detected by the control unit 22, stop signals are output from the control unit 22 to the light source device 18 and the CCD drive unit 21, respectively. As a result, the illumination light of the light source device 18 is turned off, and the CCD drive of the imaging unit by the CCD drive unit 21 is stopped. Therefore, the image display on the monitor 23 is stopped and the operation of the endoscope 1 is stopped.

  Therefore, the above configuration has the following effects. That is, in the separation type endoscope 1 of the present embodiment, when the insertion portion 2 is attached to the operation portion 3, the operation is performed with the female connector portion 31 of the second electrical contact 8 of the insertion portion side connection portion 7. Energization of one electrical contact by connection of the first electrical contact 26 of the first side connection portion 25 to the male connector portion 34 and engagement of the hook member 35 and the engagement pin 32 result in an arm portion of the hook member 35. The other electrical contact is energized by connecting the contact and the joining member contact of the engagement pin 32. Thereby, it can be detected by the control unit 22 that the mounting is electrically completed. At this time, the user is informed that the installation of the separate endoscope 1 is completed and can be used by generation of light, sound and vibration, for example, lighting of the LED 11 of the distal end rigid portion 6 in this embodiment. Can do. Thereby, when the insertion part 2 is attached to the operation part 3, the separation type endoscope that can correctly detect the state of being correctly attached and can reliably attach the connecting part between the operation part 3 and the insertion part 2. 1 can be provided. Therefore, it can prevent that the use in the state in which the attachment / detachment part of the insertion part 2 and the operation part 3 is not connected correctly is continued.

  In the present embodiment, one of the electrical contacts of the energization circuit of the LED 11 is also used by the engaging portion between the hook member 35 and the engaging pin 32 of the lock mechanism 9. Therefore, the components of the entire apparatus can be reduced.

  FIG. 11 shows a third embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the configuration of the notification means of the separate endoscope 1 according to the first embodiment (see FIGS. 1 to 4) is changed as follows.

  That is, in the present embodiment, an LED 41 that is a light-lighting unit that constitutes a notification unit is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion-unit-side coupling unit 7 at the base end of the insertion unit 2. The other parts have the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, and the same parts as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted here.

  Therefore, in the separation type endoscope 1 of the present embodiment having the above-described configuration, the insertion portion side connecting portion at the base end portion of the insertion portion 2 indicates that the attachment of the separation type endoscope 1 is completed and can be used. The user can be informed by the lighting of the LED 41. Thereby, when the insertion part 2 is attached to the operation part 3, the separation type endoscope that can correctly detect the state of being correctly attached and can reliably attach the connecting part between the operation part 3 and the insertion part 2. 1 can be provided. Therefore, it can prevent that the use in the state in which the attachment / detachment part of the insertion part 2 and the operation part 3 is not connected correctly is continued.

  FIG. 12 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the configuration of the notification means of the separate endoscope 1 according to the first embodiment (see FIGS. 1 to 4) is changed as follows.

  In other words, in the present embodiment, the LED 51 that is a light lighting unit that constitutes a notification unit is provided in the terminal unit of the operation unit 3. The other parts have the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, and the same parts as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted here.

  Therefore, in the separation type endoscope 1 of the present embodiment having the above-described configuration, the user can confirm that the attachment of the separation type endoscope 1 is completed and can be used by turning on the LED 51 of the terminal portion of the operation unit 3. Can let you know. Thereby, when the insertion part 2 is attached to the operation part 3, the separation type endoscope that can correctly detect the state of being correctly attached and can reliably attach the connecting part between the operation part 3 and the insertion part 2. 1 can be provided. Therefore, it can prevent that the use in the state in which the attachment / detachment part of the insertion part 2 and the operation part 3 is not connected correctly is continued.

  FIG. 13 shows a fifth embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the configuration of the notification means of the separate endoscope 1 according to the first embodiment (see FIGS. 1 to 4) is changed as follows.

  That is, in the present embodiment, a vibrator 61 constituting notification means is provided in the terminal unit of the operation unit 3. The other parts have the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, and the same parts as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted here.

  Therefore, in the separation type endoscope 1 of the present embodiment having the above-described configuration, the operation (vibration) of the vibrator 61 in the terminal unit of the operation unit 3 indicates that the attachment of the separation type endoscope 1 has been completed and is usable. ) Can inform the user. Thereby, when the insertion part 2 is attached to the operation part 3, the separation type endoscope that can correctly detect the state of being correctly attached and can reliably attach the connecting part between the operation part 3 and the insertion part 2. 1 can be provided. Therefore, it can prevent that the use in the state in which the attachment / detachment part of the insertion part 2 and the operation part 3 is not connected correctly is continued.

  FIG. 14 shows a sixth embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the configuration of the notification means of the separate endoscope 1 according to the first embodiment (see FIGS. 1 to 4) is changed as follows.

  That is, in the present embodiment, the speaker 71 or the buzzer constituting the sound notification means is provided in the terminal unit of the operation unit 3. The other parts have the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, and the same parts as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted here.

  Therefore, in the separation type endoscope 1 of the present embodiment having the above-described configuration, the sound from the speaker 71 of the terminal unit of the operation unit 3 indicates that the attachment of the separation type endoscope 1 is completed and can be used, Or the user can be informed by ringing the buzzer. Thereby, when the insertion part 2 is attached to the operation part 3, the separation type endoscope that can correctly detect the state of being correctly attached and can reliably attach the connecting part between the operation part 3 and the insertion part 2. 1 can be provided. Therefore, it can prevent that the use in the state in which the attachment / detachment part of the insertion part 2 and the operation part 3 is not connected correctly is continued.

  FIGS. 15A and 15B show a seventh embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the configuration of the notification means of the separate endoscope 1 according to the first embodiment (see FIGS. 1 to 4) is changed as follows.

  That is, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15A, a liquid crystal display 81 that is a video (character) display means that constitutes a notification means is provided in the terminal portion of the operation unit 3. In the liquid crystal display 81, when the connecting portion between the operation portion 3 and the insertion portion 2 of the separation-type endoscope 1 is not mounted, the display screen (display portion) 82 is not displayed, for example, or “unusable” characters are displayed. Is displayed. Further, when the connecting portion between the operation portion 3 and the insertion portion 2 of the separation type endoscope 1 is correctly mounted, for example, “Connect: OK” is displayed on the display screen 82 of the liquid crystal display 81 as shown in FIG. "!" Is displayed. The other parts have the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, and the same parts as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted here.

  Therefore, in the separation type endoscope 1 of the present embodiment having the above configuration, the display screen of the liquid crystal display 81 of the terminal unit of the operation unit 3 indicates that the attachment of the separation type endoscope 1 is completed and can be used. The user can be notified by the display of 82 characters. Thereby, when the insertion part 2 is attached to the operation part 3, the separation type endoscope that can correctly detect the state of being correctly attached and can reliably attach the connecting part between the operation part 3 and the insertion part 2. 1 can be provided. Therefore, it can prevent that the use in the state in which the attachment / detachment part of the insertion part 2 and the operation part 3 is not connected correctly is continued.

  FIGS. 16A and 16B show an eighth embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the configuration of the notification means of the separate endoscope 1 according to the first embodiment (see FIGS. 1 to 4) is changed as follows.

  That is, in the present embodiment, as the video (character) display means constituting the notification means, a photographic image monitor 23 for displaying an endoscopic image from the observation window is shared as shown in FIG. is there. In the monitor 23 according to the present embodiment, when the connecting portion between the operation portion 3 and the insertion portion 2 of the separation type endoscope 1 is not attached, the display screen is not displayed, for example, or the characters “unusable” are displayed. Is displayed. Further, when the connecting portion between the operation portion 3 and the insertion portion 2 of the separation type endoscope 1 is correctly attached, for example, “Connect: OK!” Is displayed on the display screen as shown in FIG. A display unit 91 for displaying characters is formed. Note that the display unit 91 may be configured to be displayed in an area outside the display area of the captured image for displaying the endoscopic image. The other parts have the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, and the same parts as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted here.

  Therefore, in the separation type endoscope 1 of the present embodiment configured as described above, the fact that the attachment of the separation type endoscope 1 has been completed and is usable becomes possible by the display unit 91 in the display screen of the photographed image monitor 23. The user can be notified by displaying characters. Thereby, when the insertion part 2 is attached to the operation part 3, the separation type endoscope that can correctly detect the state of being correctly attached and can reliably attach the connecting part between the operation part 3 and the insertion part 2. 1 can be provided. Therefore, it can prevent that the use in the state in which the attachment / detachment part of the insertion part 2 and the operation part 3 is not connected correctly is continued.

  In the separate endoscope 1 of each of the above embodiments, the illumination is performed by the light guide fiber fixed behind the illumination window. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an LED is used as illumination means. May be controlled by the light source device 18.

Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Next, other characteristic technical matters of the present application are appended as follows.
Record
(Additional Item 1) A separation-type endoscope capable of connecting and separating the insertion portion and the operation portion, the operation portion having a power feeding portion, the insertion portion having a power receiving portion, and between the insertion portion and the operation portion A locking mechanism for fixing the connection portion at the time of connection, a detecting means for detecting a connection state of the insertion portion to the operation portion based on an energization state of the power supply portion and the electrical contact, and a connection state of the insertion portion to the operation portion. A separation type endoscope comprising: notification means for notifying a user of detected contents.

  (Additional Item 2) The separation type endoscope includes an activation unit that activates the endoscope when the detection unit detects that the connection between the insertion unit and the operation unit is completed. The separate endoscope according to appendix 1.

  (Additional Item 3) The separation type endoscope includes a stop unit that detects that the connection between the insertion unit and the operation unit is defective during use, and the endoscope stops. Item 2. The separation type endoscope according to Item 1, wherein

  (Additional Item 4) The separable endoscope according to Additional Item 1, wherein the lock mechanism fixes the insertion portion when the electrical contact detects attachment of the insertion portion and the operation portion. .

  (Additional Item 5) The additional mechanism according to Additional Item 1, wherein the lock mechanism includes a fixed joining member provided at an end portion on an insertion portion side and a movable arm portion provided on an operation portion side. Separate type endoscope.

  (Additional Item 6) The separation type endoscope according to Additional Item 1, wherein the notification unit is a light lighting unit.

  (Additional Item 7) The separation type endoscope according to Additional Item 6, wherein the light lighting means is an LED.

  (Additional Item 8) The separation type endoscope according to Additional Item 6, wherein the light lighting unit is located in an insertion portion.

  (Additional Item 9) The separation type endoscope according to Additional Item 6, wherein the light lighting unit is located in an operation unit.

  (Additional Item 10) The separation type endoscope according to Additional Item 1, wherein the notification unit is a vibration unit.

  (Additional Item 11) The separation type endoscope according to Additional Item 10, wherein the vibration unit is located in an operation unit.

  (Additional Item 12) The separation type endoscope according to Additional Item 1, wherein the notification unit is a sound generation unit.

  (Additional Item 13) The separation type endoscope according to Additional Item 12, wherein the sound generation unit is located in an operation unit.

  (Additional Item 14) The separation type endoscope according to Additional Item 1, wherein the notification unit is a video unit.

  (Additional Item 15) The separation type endoscope according to Additional Item 14, wherein a display for displaying the video unit is located in the operation unit.

  (Additional Item 16) The separation type endoscope according to Additional Item 14, wherein a display for displaying the video means is shared with the captured image monitor.

  When the insertion part is attached to the operation part, when the insertion part and the operation part are connected to the correct connection position, the notification means is activated so that the correct attachment state can be detected correctly, and the operation This is effective in the technical field of manufacturing and using a separation-type endoscope in which the connecting portion between the portion and the insertion portion can be securely attached.

1 shows a separation state of a separation type endoscope according to a first embodiment of the present invention, in which (A) is a schematic configuration diagram showing a portion of an insertion portion of the endoscope, and (B) is an operation of the endoscope. The schematic block diagram which shows the connection state of a part and an external device. The schematic block diagram which shows the state in the middle of the insertion part and operation part of the separation-type endoscope of 1st Embodiment being connected. The schematic block diagram which shows the state from which the electrical contact of the insertion part and operation part of the separation type endoscope of 1st Embodiment was connected. The schematic block diagram which shows the state by which the lock mechanism was locked at the time of the connection of the insertion part and operation part of the separation type endoscope of 1st Embodiment. The schematic block diagram which shows the state before the insertion part and operation part of the separation type endoscope of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention connected. The schematic block diagram which shows the state in the middle of the insertion part and operation part of the separation-type endoscope of 2nd Embodiment being connected. The schematic block diagram which shows the state which pushed the mounting | wearing button in the middle of connecting the insertion part and operation part of the separation type endoscope of 2nd Embodiment. The schematic block diagram which shows the state in which the lock mechanism is not locked at the time of the connection of the insertion part and operation part of the separation type endoscope of 2nd Embodiment. The schematic block diagram for demonstrating the operation | movement by which a lock mechanism is locked at the time of the connection of the insertion part and operation part of the separation type endoscope of 2nd Embodiment. The schematic block diagram which shows the state by which the lock mechanism was locked at the time of the connection of the insertion part and operation part of the separation type endoscope of 2nd Embodiment. The schematic block diagram which shows the state with which the insertion part and operation part of the separation type endoscope of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention were connected. The schematic block diagram which shows the state with which the insertion part and operation part of the separation type endoscope of the 4th Embodiment of this invention were connected. The schematic block diagram which shows the state with which the insertion part and operation part of the separation type endoscope of the 5th Embodiment of this invention were connected. The schematic block diagram which shows the state with which the insertion part and operation part of the separation type endoscope of the 6th Embodiment of this invention were connected. 7A and 7B illustrate a seventh embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 7A is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a state where an insertion unit and an operation unit of a separation type endoscope are coupled, and FIG. FIG. FIG. 9 shows an eighth embodiment of the present invention, where (A) is a schematic configuration diagram showing a state where an insertion unit and an operation unit of a separation type endoscope are connected, and (B) is displayed on a monitor. The front view which shows an example of a display image.

Explanation of symbols

    DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 2 ... Insertion part, 3 ... Operation part, 8 ... 2nd electrical contact, 9 ... Lock mechanism, 11 ... LED (notification means), 22 ... Control part (detection means), 26 ... 1st electrical contact.

Claims (18)

A separation-type endoscope in which an insertion portion having at least an illumination window and an observation window at a distal end portion and an operation portion arranged at a proximal end portion of the insertion portion are detachably connected,
A first electrical contact on the power supply side provided in the operation unit;
A second electrical contact on the power receiving side provided in the insertion portion;
A locking mechanism that releasably locks between the insertion portion and the operation portion at the time of connection between the insertion portion and the operation portion;
Detecting means for detecting a connection state of the insertion portion to the operation portion based on a current-carrying state between the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact;
Notification means for notifying the detection content of the connection state of the insertion section to the operation section based on a detection signal from the detection means;
A separation-type endoscope characterized by comprising:   The separation-type endoscope includes an activation unit that activates the endoscope when the detection unit detects that the connection between the insertion unit and the operation unit is completed. Item 2. The separation type endoscope according to Item 1.   The activation unit performs lighting of a light source that generates illumination light supplied to the illumination window, and starts output of an image signal from an imaging element that captures an endoscopic image incident from the observation window. The separation type endoscope according to claim 2.   The separation type endoscope includes a stopping unit that stops the endoscope when the detecting unit detects a state in which the connection between the insertion unit and the operation unit becomes defective during use. The separation type endoscope according to claim 1 characterized by.   The stop means performs turning off of a light source that generates illumination light supplied to the illumination window and stopping output of an image signal from an imaging element that captures an endoscopic image incident from the observation window. The separation-type endoscope according to claim 4.   The lock mechanism detects a connection between the insertion portion and the operation portion when detecting attachment of the insertion portion and the operation portion by connecting the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact. 2. The separation type endoscope according to claim 1, further comprising a lock mechanism driving unit for fixing. The lock mechanism includes a joining member fixed to an end portion on the insertion portion side, and a movable arm portion provided at a position corresponding to the joining member on the operation portion side,
The locking mechanism driving means includes arm part driving means for detachably engaging the movable arm part with the joining member when the first electric contact and the second electric contact are connected. The separation-type endoscope according to claim 1.   The separation type endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit is a light lighting unit.   The separation type endoscope according to claim 8, wherein the light lighting unit is an LED.   9. The separation type endoscope according to claim 8, wherein the light lighting means is located at at least one of the distal end portion of the insertion portion and the operation portion.   The separation type endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit is a vibration unit.   The separation type endoscope according to claim 11, wherein the vibration unit is located in the operation unit.   The separation type endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit is a sound generation unit.   The separation type endoscope according to claim 13, wherein the sound generation unit is located in the operation unit.   The separation type endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit is a video unit. The video means has a display unit for displaying a connection state of the insertion unit to the operation unit,
The separation type endoscope according to claim 15, wherein the display unit is located in the operation unit. The video means is shared with a captured image monitor for displaying an endoscopic image from the observation window,
16. The separation type endoscope according to claim 15, further comprising a display unit that displays a connection state of the insertion unit to the operation unit on the photographed image monitor. A separation-type endoscope in which an insertion portion having at least an illumination window and an observation window at a distal end portion and an operation portion arranged at a proximal end portion of the insertion portion are detachably connected,
A first electrical contact on the power supply side provided in the operation unit;
A second electrical contact on the power receiving side provided in the insertion portion;
A locking mechanism that releasably locks between the insertion portion and the operation portion at the time of connection between the insertion portion and the operation portion;
Detecting means for detecting a connection state of the insertion portion to the operation portion based on a current-carrying state between the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact;
Notification means for notifying the detection content of the connection state of the insertion section to the operation section based on a detection signal from the detection means;
Comprising
The lock mechanism is provided at a position corresponding to the joining member fixed to the end portion on the insertion portion side and the joining member on the operation portion side, and is a movable arm that is detachably engaged with the joining member. And
The first electric contact on the power feeding side and the second electric contact on the power receiving side each have a plurality of electric contact elements,
At least one first electrical contact element is formed by an arm contact provided on the movable arm, and at least one second electrical contact element is formed by a joining member contact provided on the joining member. ,
The separable endoscope, wherein the arm contact and the joining member contact are connected when the movable arm and the joining member are engaged to form an energization circuit for the notification means.

Images