JP3295001B2 - Connector for electronic endoscope device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a connector connecting portion of an electronic endoscope apparatus to which a connector of an electronic endoscope and a connector receiver of a video processor are detachably connected.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art It is necessary to removably connect a connector of an electronic endoscope and a connector receiver of a video processor. When a so-called screw mount is used to fix a connection state, a screw is tightened or loosened. The attaching / detaching operation is troublesome.

When a so-called ring-shaped click mechanism is used to fix the connection state, the connector can be easily attached and detached by a simple operation. However, if the click is loose, the connection is easily disconnected during use. If the click is tight, there is a problem that the connector may be damaged by the momentum because force is required to insert and remove the connector.

In view of the above, a rotating handle having a guide cam groove for engaging with the engaging pin is formed on a connector of the electronic endoscope while an engaging pin is projected from a side surface of a connector receiver provided on the video processor. The connector is connected to the connector receiver by rotating the rotary handle by engaging the guide groove with the engaging pin (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-285086).

[0005]

One end of such a guide cam groove is opened due to the necessity of inserting and removing the engaging pin, and the cam groove portion has a very large concentration from the engaging pin. Stress acts. Therefore, the rotating handle must be made quite robust, resulting in heavy parts.

In the electronic endoscope apparatus, the video processor is very heavy and is mounted on the mounting table. Therefore, when connecting the connector of the electronic endoscope to the connector receiver,
The connector is grasped by hand and inserted into the connector receptacle.

However, if the rotating handle provided on the connector is heavy as described above, the connector becomes heavy, making it difficult to insert and remove the connector from the connector receiver. There is a risk that the connector provided earlier may hit the surroundings and cause damage (or breakage). In addition, the processing cost for forming the cam groove is required for each electronic endoscope, which is one of the factors that increase the manufacturing cost.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a connector connecting portion of an electronic endoscope apparatus which can realize a reduction in weight of a connector and a reduction in manufacturing cost.

[0009]

To achieve the above object, a connector connecting portion of an electronic endoscope apparatus according to the present invention comprises an electronic endoscope having a solid-state image pickup device for picking up an endoscopic observation image. Connector connector of an electronic endoscope device for detachably connecting a signal connector provided on a video processor and a connector receiver provided on a video processor having a circuit for processing an image signal output from the solid-state image sensor. At
A guide for projecting an engagement pin on the signal connector side and engaging the engagement pin on the connector receiving side to guide the signal connector to the connector receiver in a predetermined connection fixed state. A cam groove is formed.

The guide cam groove has an inclined portion formed obliquely so that the signal connector and the connector receiver are attracted to each other via the engagement pin, and an innermost portion of the groove. And a parallel portion formed without inclination so as not to change the positional relationship between the signal connector and the connector receiver.

The guide cam groove may be fixedly provided on the connector receiving side, and the engaging pin may be provided on a rotary handle rotatably disposed on the signal connector side. The engagement pin is fixedly provided on the signal connector side, and the guide cam groove is
The rotation may be performed by a rotation handle rotatably arranged on the signal connector side.

Further, the engagement pin is fixedly provided on the signal connector side, and the guide cam groove is rotated by a rotary handle rotatably disposed on the connector receiving side. Is also good. In this case, a lever for rotating the rotation handle from the outside may be protruded from the rotation handle.

Then, at least one of the signal connector-side component and the connector receiving-side component which are attracted to each other by the engagement of the guide cam groove and the engagement pin are urged in a direction opposite to the attracting direction. It may be movable against the urging force. In addition, a rotatable collar that is in contact with the guide cam groove may be attached to the engagement pin.

[0014]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 to 3 show a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows a state in which the connector 10 is connected to a connector receiver 40, and FIG. 2 shows a state before the connector 10 is connected to the connector receiver 40. The state of is shown. However, in FIG. 2, illustration of the front panel and the like of the video processor and light source device 2 is omitted.

The connector 10 is provided at the distal end of the flexible cable 1 of an electronic endoscope in which a solid-state imaging device for capturing an endoscope observation image is built in at the distal end of an insertion section (not shown). ing.

One connector receiver 40 is a front part of the video processor / light source device 2 in which a circuit for driving control of the solid-state imaging device and processing of a video signal captured by the solid-state imaging device and an illumination light source are incorporated. It is provided on the panel 41 portion.

The connector 10 has a light guide connector portion A provided in a lower half portion of an end surface of a connector case 11 formed in a vertically long rectangular parallelepiped shape, and a signal connector portion B provided in an upper half portion. At the same time, on the connector receiver 40 side of the video processor and light source device 2, a light guide connector receiver a is provided in the lower half, and a signal connector receiver b is provided in the upper half.

In the light guide connector receiving portion a, a light guide adapter 43 having a through hole 42 formed in an axis portion.
Are attached by a screw-in ring 44 without play.

The light guide connecting rod 12 projecting from the light guide connector portion A of the electronic endoscope is inserted into the through hole 42 of the light guide adapter 43 to thereby provide the light source built in the video processor and light source device 2. Illumination light radiated from a lamp (not shown) converges on a light guide incident end face disposed on a distal end face of the light guide connection rod 12. Reference numeral 45 denotes a C-ring for elastically and lightly locking the light guide connection rod 12 with a click.

A support tube 46 projects outward from the signal connector receiving portion b. A flange projecting from the outer peripheral surface of the support tube 46 is fixed to a frame plate 49 in the video processor / light source device 2. It is screwed by a screw 50.

However, the set screw 50 is attached to the support cylinder 46.
Is not completely fixed to the frame plate 49, and the support cylinder 46 can play back in all directions parallel to the plate surface of the frame plate 49 (in the direction perpendicular to the plate surface, it is possible to rattle). Absent).

Therefore, the positioning of the connection state between the connector 10 and the connector receiver 40 is determined by the light guide connecting portions A,
Despite being performed on the a side, the signal contact connection portions B and b
The mechanical connection on the side can be made without difficulty.

In the support cylinder 46, a contact receiving member 52 in which a number of holes in which signal contacts are arranged is formed in an electrically insulating material is fixed, and each signal contact is provided in the video processor and light source device 2. It is connected to a control circuit, a video signal processing circuit, and the like.

A cam ring 47 surrounding the projecting portion of the support cylinder 46 outside the front panel 41 is fixed to the support cylinder 46 with screws. The cam ring 47 is a thick metal cylindrical body, and has a pair of guide cam grooves 55 described later.

The signal connector portion B of the connector 10 is provided with a connecting cylinder 15 which is fitted into the support cylinder 46,
A contact member 17 having a large number of contact pins 16 protruding from an electrically insulating member is fixed in the connection cylinder 15.

A positioning pin 18 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the connecting cylinder 15 so as to project outward.
A guide straight groove 48 with which the positioning pin 18 is engaged is formed parallel to the axis.

Each contact pin 16 is connected to a drive circuit of a solid-state image sensor at the tip of the insertion portion (not shown).
It is arranged in correspondence with the position of the contact receiving member 52,
It is connected to the signal contact on the contact receiving member 52 side.

Reference numeral 20 denotes an annular rotary handle attached to the rotatable connector 10 around the axis of the connecting cylinder 15 and has a diameter surrounding the outer periphery of the cam ring 47. Reference numeral 21 denotes a stopper pin for restricting the rotation of the rotary handle 20 from rotating more than necessary. Reference numeral 22 denotes a plunger for setting the rotary handle 20 to a light click-fixed state at both ends of the rotation range.

The rotary handle 20 has a pair of engaging pins 23 projecting inward at 180 ° symmetric positions. A guide cam groove 55 with which the engaging pin 23 is engaged is formed in the cam ring 47 so as to be aligned with the engaging pin 23.

The guide cam groove 55 is a groove having a width with which the engaging pin 23 is engaged without play. As shown in the developed view of FIG. Direction, an inclined portion 55b formed in an oblique direction so as to draw the connector 10 by engaging with the engaging pin 23, and a cam ring 47 in the deepest portion of the groove without inclination. And a parallel portion 55c formed in the circumferential direction.

Therefore, the introduction portion 5 of the guide cam groove 55
After the engagement pin 23 is engaged with the rotation handle 5a,
Is rotated, as the engagement pin 23 enters the inclined portion 55b of the guide cam groove 55, the connector 10
Is drawn to the connector receiver 40 side.

The contact member 17 and the contact receiving member 52
Is firmly connected, the engagement pin 23
Enters the parallel portion 55c, the movement of pulling the connector 10 toward the connector receiver 40 is eliminated, and the click of the plunger 22 acts while the engagement pin 23 is in the middle of the parallel portion 55c.

Therefore, even if the set position of the plunger 22 is slightly shifted, it does not affect the connection state of the connector 10 to the connector receiver 40 at all. In addition, when the engaging pin 23 enters the parallel portion 55c from the inclined portion 55b, the force for turning the rotary handle 20 is reduced and can be felt by hand, so that the plunger 22 may be omitted.

When the connector 10 is connected to the connector receiver 40 of the video processor and light source device 2 in the embodiment configured as described above, first, the light guide connecting rod 12 is inserted into the through hole 42 of the light guide adapter 43. Go, and a little later, positioning pin 1
8 is adjusted to the position of the guide straight groove 48, the engagement pin 23 is engaged in the guide cam groove 55, and the rotary handle 20 is rotated.

Then, the engagement pin 23 is moved to the guide cam groove 55.
After the connector 10 has entered the inclined portion 55b, the connector 10 is gradually drawn toward the connector receiver 40, and when the engagement pin 23 reaches the parallel portion 55c, the light guide connecting rod 1
2 is fully inserted into the through hole 42 of the light guide adapter 43 and is lightly click-fixed by the C-ring 45.

At the same time, the signal contact of the contact receiving member 52 and the contact pin 16 of the contact member 17 are connected, and the engaging pin 23 is connected to the parallel portion 55c of the guide cam groove 55.
, The state is stably maintained.
When removing the connector 10 from the connector receiver 40, the rotating handle 20 may be rotated in the opposite direction and pulled toward the user.

FIGS. 4 to 8 show a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 shows a state in which the connector 10 is connected to the connector receiver 40, and FIG. This shows a state before connection. However, in FIG. 5, illustration of the front panel and the like of the video processor and light source device 2 is omitted.

In this embodiment, the engagement pin 23
The cam ring 47 is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the connection tube body 15 so as to project outward, and the cam ring 47 in which the guide cam groove 55 is formed is rotated by the rotary handle 20. Reference numeral 60 denotes a holding plate for supporting the cam ring 47 on the frame plate 49 so as to be rotatable around the axis.

The engaging pin 23 is parallel to the axis of the support cylinder 46.
Through the escape groove 59 formed in the cam ring 4
7 is engaged with the guide cam groove 55 formed in the guide groove 7. The shape of the guide cam groove 55 is not different from that of the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 6 showing a section taken along the line VI-VI in FIG. 4, a positioning pin 18 projecting from the connecting cylinder 15 separately from the engaging pin 23 is formed on the support cylinder 46. Engaging with the guide straight groove 48, the connection cylinder 15 is guided at the time of connection and positioned in the rotation direction.

The support cylinder 46 is fixed to the frame plate 49 with a set screw 50 so as to be finely movable in all directions parallel to the plate surface of the frame plate 49, as in the first embodiment. A plunger 61 for lightly fixing the rotational position of the cam ring 47 when the connector 10 is not connected to the connector receiver 40 is also attached to the frame plate 49. FIG. 7 shows an arrow VII when the signal connector receiving portion b is viewed from the back side.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 5 showing the cross section taken along the line VIII-VIII in FIG.
A concave portion 63 is formed to engage with a drive pin 62 projecting from the rotary handle 20 so as to fit therein. Rotational movement of the rotary handle 20 is transmitted to the cam ring 47 via the drive pin 62 and the concave portion 63. It has become so. Since the configuration of other parts is the same as that of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment denote the same parts, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In the second embodiment having the above-described configuration, the engagement pin 23 protruding at a position where the connector 10 does not rotate is engaged with the guide cam groove 55 formed in the cam ring 47. At the same time, the cam ring 47 is rotated by the rotating handle 20 provided on the connector 10 side, and the connector 1
The connection and disconnection between 0 and the connector receiver 40 are performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

9 to 17 show a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 shows a state in which the connector 10 is connected to the connector receiver 40, and FIG. This shows a state before connection. However, in FIG. 10, illustration of the front panel and the like of the video processor and light source device 2 is omitted.

In this embodiment, the rotary handle 20 is provided on the connector receiver 40 side (that is, the video processor and light source device 2 side), and the rotary handle 20 and the cam ring 4 are provided.
The cam ring 47 is directly driven to rotate by the rotary handle 20. Reference numerals 66 and 73 shown in FIG. 9 denote stopper pins and arc grooves for restricting the rotation range of the rotary handle 20.

In this embodiment, the support cylinder 46 supporting the contact receiving member 52 is rearwardly moved (in a direction toward the inside of the video processor and light source device 2) by a disc spring 67.
Is attached to the frame plate 49 in a state of being biased toward.

A set screw 68 for restricting the support cylinder 46 from dropping rearward is attached to the support cylinder 46 in such a manner that the support cylinder 46 can rattle with respect to the frame plate 49 in the plate surface direction. Reference numeral 69 denotes a rotation stop pin for restricting the rotation of the contact receiving member 52 around the axis in the support cylinder 46.

On the outer peripheral surface of the connecting cylinder 15, a pair of engaging pins 23 which engage with a guiding cam groove 55 formed in the cam ring 47 as shown in FIG. 9 and a cross section XI-XI are shown. As shown in FIG. 11, the positioning pin 18 which engages with the guide linear groove 48 formed in the support cylinder 46 is provided so as to project outward.

The engaging pin 23 has a head engaged with the guide cam groove 55 through a clearance groove 59 formed in the support cylinder 46 in parallel with the axis. The shape of the guide cam groove 55 is the same as in the first and second embodiments. 71 is a connecting cylinder 1
5 is a rotation stop pin for restricting the rotation of the contact member 17 with respect to 5.

The stopper pin 66 is shown in FIG.
2 engages with an arc groove 73 whose shape is indicated by a broken line and can move within the range of the arc groove 73, and the rotation angles of the cam ring 47 and the rotary handle 20 are restricted to the range. I have.

Between the cam ring 47 and the frame plate 49,
As shown in FIG. 13 showing a cross section taken along the line XIII-XIII, the torsion coil spring 72 is mounted, and the cam ring 47 and the rotary handle 20 are constantly urged in a direction to return to the disconnected state of the connector 10. FIG. 14 shows the torsion coil spring 7.
2 is shown alone.

However, as shown in FIG. 13, a click locking force is applied to the rotary handle 20 by the plunger 74 attached to the frame plate 49, and the rotary handle is pressed against the urging force of the torsion coil spring 72. 20
Turn the turning handle 20 at the position where
Is click-fixed.

In the embodiment configured as described above, after the light guide connecting rod 12 is inserted into the light guide adapter 43, first, the positioning pins 18 protruding from the connecting cylindrical body 15 are inserted into the guide rectilinear grooves 48. And the connection cylinder 15 is pushed into the support cylinder 46.

Next, the engaging pin 23 protruding from the connecting cylinder 15 is engaged from the relief groove 59 into the guide cam groove 55. 15 and 16 show the state at that time,
The engagement pin 23 is located at the introduction portion 55 a of the guide cam groove 55.

In this state, the signal contact connection between the contact receiving member 52 and the contact member 17 has not yet been performed, and the projection 12a near the root of the light guide connecting rod 12 is still in C position.
Not engaged with ring 45. The disc spring 67 is not compressed.

When the rotary handle 20 is rotated from this state, the engaging pin 23 is turned into the inclined portion 55b of the guide cam groove 55.
And the connector 10 is drawn to the connector receiver 40 side.

When the engagement pin 23 is in the middle of the inclined portion 55b, the light guide connecting rod 12 is fully inserted into the light guide adapter 43, and the projection 12a
Are click-locked by the C-ring 45. At that time, the disc spring 67 has not been compressed yet.

When the rotating handle 20 is further rotated to a position where the engaging pin 23 engages with the parallel portion 55c of the guide cam groove 55, the connector 10 is brought into a state where it no longer shifts toward the connector receiver 40. Therefore, the support cylinder 46 on the connector receiver 40 side is drawn toward the connector 10 while squeezing the disc spring 67, and the connection state shown in FIG. 9 is obtained. Finally, as shown in FIG. 13, the rotation of the rotary handle 20 is lightly click-locked by the plunger 74.

As described above, the support cylinder 46 is biased and attached by the disc spring 67 or the like so that the support cylinder 46 can move in the axial direction at the time of connection. Even if there is a dimensional error or the like in the parts, it is possible to absorb the positional deviation due to the dimensional error and prevent an excessive force from being applied at the time of connection. Such a mechanism may be employed in the structures of the first and second embodiments.

As shown in FIG. 17, when a lever 30 is protruded from the rotary handle 20 so that the rotary handle 20 can be rotated from the outside, the rotary handle 2 can be rotated.
Operability when rotating 0 is improved.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, as shown in FIG. 18, a rotatable collar 23a in contact with the guide cam groove 55 is mounted on the engaging pin 23. The present invention can take various embodiments, such as a light operation.

[0062]

According to the present invention, the engagement pin is projected on the signal connector side of the electronic endoscope, and the guide cam groove for engaging with the engagement pin is formed on the connector receiving side, so that the weight becomes heavy. Since the inevitable cam groove forming parts are removed from the signal connector of the electronic endoscope, the connector is reduced in weight, which facilitates the handling of the electronic endoscope, and the guide cam groove for each electronic endoscope. Since it is not necessary to form the semiconductor device, manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side sectional view of a connection state according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a separated state in which a part of the first embodiment of the present invention is omitted.

FIG. 3 is a development view of a guide cam groove according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side sectional view of a connection state according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a separated state in which a part of the second embodiment of the present invention is omitted.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line VI-VI of the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a view on arrow VII of the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII of the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a side sectional view of a connection state according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a separated state in which a part of a third embodiment of the present invention is omitted.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along the line XI-XI of the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an arrow XII view of the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII of the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a side view of a torsion coil spring according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a side cross-sectional view of a state in the middle of connection according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a front view of a guide cam groove portion in the middle of connection according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a front view when a lever is protruded from a rotary handle according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a front sectional view of another embodiment of the engagement pin of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 2 Video Processor and Light Source Device 10 Connector 15 Connection Tube 20 Rotating Handle 23 Engagement Pin 40 Connector Receiver 46 Support Tube 47 Cam Ring 55 Guide Cam Groove

────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-5-285086 (JP, A) JP-A-2-210415 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) A61B 1/00-1/32 G02B 23/24-23/26 H04N 7/18

Claims (7)

(57) [Claims] A signal connector provided in an electronic endoscope having a solid-state imaging device for imaging an endoscope observation image; and a circuit for processing an imaging signal output from the solid-state imaging device. a connector connecting portion of the electronic endoscope apparatus for connecting a connector receptacle provided in the video processor detachably, Rutotomoni is engaging pin projecting from the signal connector side, to the connector receiving side, the A guide cam groove for engaging the engagement pin and guiding the signal connector to the connector receiver in a predetermined connection and fixed state is formed .
And the guide cam groove is fixedly provided on the connector receiving side.
And the engagement pin is turned to the signal connector side.
The rotating handle, which is rotatably arranged, protrudes inward.
The connector connecting portion of the electronic endoscope apparatus characterized by being. 2. A signal connector provided in an electronic endoscope having a solid-state imaging device for imaging an endoscope observation image, and a circuit for processing an imaging signal output from the solid-state imaging device. a connector connecting portion of the electronic endoscope apparatus for connecting a connector receptacle provided in the video processor detachably, Rutotomoni is engaging pin projecting from the signal connector side, to the connector receiving side, the A guide cam groove for engaging the engagement pin and guiding the signal connector to the connector receiver in a predetermined connection and fixed state is formed .
The engagement pin is fixedly provided on the signal connector side.
The guide cam groove is turned toward the signal connector.
It is rotated by a rotatable handle
The connector connecting portion of the electronic endoscope apparatus, wherein was Unishi. 3. A signal connector provided in an electronic endoscope having a solid-state imaging device for imaging an endoscope observation image, and a circuit for processing an imaging signal output from the solid-state imaging device. a connector connecting portion of the electronic endoscope apparatus for connecting a connector receptacle provided in the video processor detachably, Rutotomoni is engaging pin projecting from the signal connector side, to the connector receiving side, the A guide cam groove for engaging the engagement pin and guiding the signal connector to the connector receiver in a predetermined connection and fixed state is formed .
The engagement pin is fixedly provided on the signal connector side.
Have been, the guide for the mosquito-time groove is, times to the connector receiving side
It is rotated by a rotatable handle
The connector connecting portion of the electronic endoscope apparatus, wherein was Unishi. 4. An inclined portion formed in an oblique direction so that the signal connector and the connector receiver are attracted to each other via the engagement pin, and a guide cam groove is provided at a deepest portion of the groove. 4. The connector connecting portion of an electronic endoscope device according to claim 1 , further comprising a parallel portion formed without inclination so as not to change a positional relationship between said signal connector and said connector receiver. 5. A connector connecting portion for an electronic endoscope apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a lever for rotating said rotary handle from outside is protruded from said rotary handle. 6. A signal connector side component and / or a connector receiving side component which are attracted to each other by engagement of the guide cam groove and the engagement pin are urged in a direction opposite to the attracting direction. the connector connecting portion of the electronic endoscope apparatus of any one of claim wherein the 5 claims 1 is movable against its biasing force have. 7. A rotatable collar which is in contact with said guide cam groove is attached to said engaging pin.
7. The connector connecting portion of the electronic endoscope device according to any one of items 6 .