JP3831014B2 - Endoscope - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention relates to an endoscope using a small battery-type light source.
[0002]
[Prior art]
  In general, battery-powered endoscopes have excellent portability and are particularly effective for use in places where it is difficult to carry a large light source device, such as emergency treatment or bedside treatment. Demonstrate.
[0003]
  For example, in Japanese Patent Application No. 8-39739, a battery-type light source (also referred to as a battery light source) that uses a dry cell as a power source and is kept watertight with an O-ring inside is detachably attached to an operation unit. A mirror has been proposed.
[0004]
  Another conventional example is a battery light source 301 as disclosed in FIG. The battery light source 301 includes a battery light source body 304 having a battery housing 302 and a lamp holder housing 303, a cover member 306 that covers the battery housing 302 in a watertight manner with an O-ring 305, and the lamp holder housing 303. And a lamp holder 307 that also functions as a lamp lighting switch.
[0005]
  The lamp holder 307 is provided with a slope portion 308 for mounting. The slope portion 308 is pushed into the lamp holder housing portion 303 in accordance with the contact pin 309, so that the lamp holder 307 is attached to the battery light source body 304. Can be attached.
[0006]
  A lamp removal lever 310 that interlocks with the contact pin 309 is provided on a side surface of the battery light source body 304. By sliding the lamp removal lever 310 downward, the lamp holder 307 is attached to the battery light source body 304. It becomes removable from.
[0007]
  In the state where the lamp holder 307 is attached to the battery light source body 304, both watertightness is maintained by the O-ring 311. That is, the inside and outside of the battery light source are kept completely watertight by the O-ring 305 and the O-ring 311.
[0008]
  Conventionally, as a simple and easy method for disinfecting and sterilizing endoscopes, chemical solution immersion has been widely performed. However, when these battery light sources are immersed in a chemical solution, electrical contacts provided in the battery main body or the battery storage unit In order to prevent the liquid from adhering to the battery, the cover member is attached to the battery housing portion in a watertight manner.
[0009]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
  However, there is a possibility that the above-described battery light source cannot maintain watertightness due to wear or damage of the O-ring of a portion that is repeatedly attached and detached, such as a portion that opens and closes when the battery is replaced, or dust is caught.
[0010]
  In that state, when the battery light source is immersed in the chemical solution, the chemical solution enters the inside, and the liquid adheres to the dry cell main body, causing electric leakage, liquid leakage, gas generation, or removing the dry cell from the battery light source in advance. However, liquid may adhere to the electrical contact portion or the like, and there is a risk of functional damage such as contact failure due to corrosion of the contact surface or formation of a thin film.
[0011]
  In addition, once liquid enters the battery light source and adheres to the electric contacts having a complicated shape, it is very difficult to remove the liquid contact.
[0012]
On the other hand, there has been a demand for an endoscope apparatus that does not interrupt inspection due to lamp breakage, or an endoscope apparatus that can easily adjust the light amount of the lamp.
(Object of invention)
  The present invention focuses on the above points,It is an object of the present invention to provide an endoscope that can be adjusted without any interruption of inspection due to lamp breakage, can easily adjust the light amount of the lamp, can save power consumption, and can extend battery life.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an endoscope that can surely disinfect and sterilize only a contaminated part by immersion in a chemical solution without causing functional damage such as leakage or battery abnormality.
[0013]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  An endoscope according to the present invention includes a light guide fiber provided in the endoscope for guiding illumination light in the endoscope, and the endoscopeA conductive cylindrical rotating shaft that is rotatably disposed in a light source power supply unit housing for generating the illumination light, and is capable of transmitting electric power from the light source. ,Inside the endoscopeA first electrode capable of contacting the surface of the conductive cylindrical rotating shaft and a second electrode different from the first electrode And havingA first lamp and the endoscopeA third electrode capable of contacting the surface of the conductive cylindrical rotating shaft and a fourth electrode different from the third electrode. And havingA second lamp;The second lamp in the first lamp suspended in parallel to the axial direction of the conductive cylindrical rotating shaft from a rotating plate formed extending in the circumferential direction from the surface of the conductive cylindrical rotating shaft. A first lamp holding member that contacts the electrode and holds the first lamp, and is parallel to the axial direction of the conductive cylindrical rotating shaft from the rotary plate, and is different from the first lamp holding member. A second lamp holding member that contacts the fourth electrode of the second lamp that is suspended from a position and holds the second lamp, andThe first lamp isThe conductive cylindrical rotating shaftThe position where the illumination light is incident on the light guide fiber by the electric power supplied through the second lamp and the second lampThe conductive cylindrical rotating shaftThe first lamp and the second lamp are movably fixed in the endoscope between the position where the illumination light is incident on the light guide fiber by the electric power supplied viaLamp fixing meansAnd provided in the endoscope,Lamp fixing meansSwitch to operate the movement ofIt is characterized by comprising.
[0014]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  Embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings.
[0015]
Prior to the description of the embodiment of the present invention, an example serving as a reference of the present invention will be described.
  1 to 8 show the present invention.First reference example1 is related toReference example2 is an exploded view of a battery type light source composed of an internal unit and an exterior cover, FIG. 3 shows the structure of a battery type light source, and FIG. 4 is a diagram of FIG. 5 shows a cross section taken along the line EE, FIG. 5 shows a cross section taken along the line FF of FIG. 4, FIG. 6 shows an explanatory view of the action when the knob portion is rotated, and FIG. FIG. 8 shows a switch mechanism of a battery-type light source.
[0016]
  As shown in FIG.Reference exampleThe endoscope 1 is generally provided with an illumination optical system that guides illumination light, emits the guided illumination light to a subject side such as an affected part, and an observation optical system that observes the illuminated subject. The endoscope main body 2 and a battery-type light source (also referred to as a battery light source) 3 detachably attached to an operation unit 11 (more specifically, a light guide base 13) of the endoscope main body 2 are configured.
[0017]
  As shown in FIG. 2, the battery-type light source 3 includes a battery unit 4 incorporating a dry battery or a rechargeable battery as a power source, and a lamp unit 5 that is detachably connected to the battery unit 4 and to which a lamp 24 as a light source is attached. An internal unit 6 comprising: a lamp house 7 that covers the lamp unit 5 and has a connection base 14 that is detachable from the endoscope body 2; and a battery house 4 that covers the lamp unit 7 and is detachable by screwing. It is comprised from the exterior cover 9 which consists of the battery case 8 connected.
[0018]
  That is, the internal unit 6 including the battery unit 4 having the power source and the power storage unit and the lamp unit 5 storing the light source is entirely covered with the exterior cover 9 including the lamp house 7 and the battery case 8.
[0019]
  An endoscope main body 2 shown in FIG. 1 includes an elongated insertion portion 10, an operation portion 11 formed at the rear end of the insertion portion 10, and an eyepiece portion 12 formed at the rear end of the operation portion 11. The light guide base 13 is provided so as to project from the operation unit 11, and the connection base 14 of the lamp house 7 can be detachably connected to the end of the light guide base 13.
[0020]
  The insertion part 10 is formed at the distal end of the rigid distal end 15 formed at the distal end thereof, and at the rear end of the distal end part 15. The bending part 16 can be freely bent, and from the rear end of the bending part 16 to the front end of the operation part 11. It consists of the flexible part 17 which has the formed flexibility.
[0021]
  The operation part 11 is provided near the insertion part 10 and is formed with a grip part 18 that is held by an operator. A bending operation lever 19 is provided on the rear end side of the grip part 18, and the bending operation lever 19 is rotated. The bending portion 16 can be bent by a moving operation. Further, the operation unit 11 is provided with a suction button 20 for performing suction, and a suction base 21 so as to protrude from the vicinity of the proximal end of the suction button 20, and the suction base 21 is connected to a suction device via a tube (not shown). By operating the suction button 20, body fluid or the like can be sucked through the suction cap 21 that communicates with the suction channel.
[0022]
  Further, a forceps insertion port 22 for inserting a treatment tool such as forceps is formed on the front end side of the operation unit 11, and the forceps insertion port 22 communicates with the suction channel inside. A forceps plug 23 is usually attached to the forceps insertion opening 22.
[0023]
  Further, a vent base 51 protrudes from the back side of the forceps insertion port 22 so that air can be sent from the vent base 51 to the inside of the endoscope body 2, and water leakage of the endoscope body 2 is inspected. To be able to do that.
  A light guide fiber 25 for guiding (transmitting) illumination light is inserted into the insertion portion 10, and the light guide fiber 25 is bent in the operation portion 11 and its rear end is fixed in the light guide base 13. (See FIGS. 3 and 7).
[0024]
  Then, the connection state shown in FIG. 7 can be set by connecting the connection base 14 of the battery-type light source 3 to the light guide base 13 as shown by the arrow in FIG. 1, and the lamp 24 mounted inside the lamp house 7 can be set. Is emitted, the illumination light from the lamp 24 is supplied to the light incident end face 26 of the light guide fiber 25 of the light guide base 13. The supplied illumination light is guided by the light guide fiber 25 and emitted forward from the distal end surface fixed to the illumination window of the distal end portion 15 of the insertion portion 10, that is, the light emitting end surface, and illuminates a subject such as an affected area.
[0025]
  The illuminated subject forms an optical image at its imaging position by an objective lens attached to an observation window adjacent to the illumination window. The distal end surface of the image guide fiber is disposed at this image formation position, and the formed optical image is transmitted to the end surface on the eyepiece 12 side. The transmitted optical image can be enlarged and observed through an eyepiece lens attached to the eyepiece window of the eyepiece 12.
[0026]
  FIG. 3A shows the detailed configuration of the light guide base 13 to which the battery type light source 3 is connected. 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 3A, FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG. 3A, and FIG. 3D is a cross-sectional view taken along line D- in FIG. A cross section taken along line D, FIG. 3 (E) shows a groove portion by developing the connection cap 14 of 3 (A) in the circumferential direction. Further, the connection cap 14 in FIG. 3A is shown by a cross section taken along line AA in FIG.
[0027]
  The base end of the light guide rod 27 is fixed to the base fixing member 11a provided in the operation unit 11 with a screw. The distal end side of the light guide rod 27 is increased in thickness, and the end side of the light guide fiber 25 inserted from the proximal end side is fixed with a screw.
[0028]
  A cover glass 28 is fixed in a watertight manner to an end portion of the light guide rod 27 protruding in a watertight manner from the side of the operation unit 11. Further, a screw portion 29 for attaching a light guide cable connectable to an existing light source (not shown) is provided at a position near the operation portion 11 from the cover glass 28 in the light guide rod 27. Furthermore, a fixing pin 30 for connecting and fixing the battery-type light source 3 is attached by screwing at a position of the light guide rod 27 closer to the operating portion 11 than the screw portion 29.
[0029]
  A heat insulating cover 31 made of a heat insulating material in the axial direction is coaxially provided on the outer peripheral surface excluding the vicinity of the end of the light guide rod 27. The heat insulating cover 31 has one end which is the base end side fixed to the operation unit 11 and the other end extending to a portion where the fixing pin 30 is covered, and the fixing pin 30 can be confirmed so that the position of the fixing pin 30 can be confirmed. An indicator 32 a is provided at the upper part (outer position) of 30.
[0030]
  In a space provided between the light guide rod 27 and the heat insulating cover 31, an elastic spring 33 and a washer 34 urged to the end face side of the light guide rod by this are disposed. The washer 34 is prevented from jumping out of the space by a sliding restricting projection 35 provided on the inner surface of the heat insulating cover 31. Further, a constricted portion 36 is formed in the middle portion of the light guide lot 27 by cutting out the outer peripheral portion, so that the space with the heat insulating cover 31 becomes wider.
[0031]
  Further, this space is formed by grooves 38 (see FIG. 3C) provided at three locations around the light guide lot 27 and slits 37 (see FIG. 3D) provided at three locations around the heat insulating cover 31. The light guide rod 27 is structured to easily dissipate heat to the outside air, and the light guide base 13 is prevented from becoming hot.
[0032]
  3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 show the detailed structure of the battery-type light source 3.
  The lamp unit main body 39 constituting the lamp unit 5 shown in FIG. 3A is formed of an insulating member that can sufficiently withstand the heat generated from the lamp 24.
[0033]
  On the bottom or back surface (battery unit 4 side) of the lamp unit main body 39, a pair of (+ and negative) snap joints 40a sandwich a lamp unit base 41 made of the same material as the lamp unit main body 39, One is fixed to a conductive plate 42 (see FIGS. 4 and 8) embedded in the lamp unit base 41, and the other is fixed to a lamp base 43 fitted in the lamp unit main body 39 with conductive screws.
[0034]
  One end of the conductive plate 42 is sandwiched between the lamp unit main body 39 and the conductive plate 42 by a leaf spring switch 44 made of an elastic conductive member for turning on and off the lamp 24. It is fixed to the screw. That is, one of the snap joints 40a is in electrical conduction with the leaf spring switch 44.
[0035]
  As shown in FIG. 8, the leaf spring switch 44 is fixed to the lamp unit base 41 at an acute angle θ, and the lamp unit main body 39 is cut out at an acute angle θ so as to match the angle. Further, a cam mounting groove 45 into which a cam 58 for pressing the leaf spring switch 44 is dropped from above is provided in the same portion.
[0036]
  A lamp 24 such as a halogen lamp, a xenon lamp, a vacuum lamp, an LED or the like is fixed to the lamp base 43 electrically connected to the snap joint 40a so that the base end of the lamp base 43 can be replaced. The base 43 and one electrical contact of the lamp 24 are also electrically connected.
[0037]
  Furthermore, the contact plate 46 is screwed to a lamp unit main body 39 that is electrically insulated from the lamp base 43 so that the other electrical contact of the lamp 24 is in contact. That is, one of the snap joints 40 a is in an electrically conductive state with respect to the contact plate 46. The arm length of the contact plate 46 and the leaf spring switch 44 is determined so that one end of the contact plate 46 and the leaf spring switch 44 can come into contact with each other.
[0038]
  On the optical axis of the lamp 24, a condensing lens 47 for condensing outgoing light on the light incident end face 26 of the endoscope body 2 is disposed. The condenser lens 47 is detachably fixed to the lamp unit main body 39 by screwing so as to cover the lamp 24. That is, the condenser lens 47 is held at the front surface position of the lamp 24 by the lens frame 48. The lens frame 48 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and a screw portion that is screwed to the lamp unit main body 39 is formed on the outer periphery of the base end, and the outer periphery of the lens fixing frame 48a that fixes the condenser lens 47 on the inner periphery of the front end. There is provided a screw portion that is screwed with the screw portion.
[0039]
  The lens side end of the lens frame 48 (more precisely, the lens fixing frame 48a) is designed so as not to protrude in the circumferential direction from the lamp unit base 41. Further, the inner diameter of the lens side end portion (more precisely, the lens fixing frame 48a) has a dimension that allows the end portion of the light guide base 13 to be fitted.
[0040]
  As shown in FIG. 4, the lamp unit main body 39 and the lamp unit base 41 are provided with three plane portions as shown in FIG. 4, and are positioned in the circumferential direction with respect to the lamp house 7 having the same inner shape. It is designed to fit. When the lamp unit 5 is fitted so as to be covered with the lamp house 7, the optical axes of the lamp 24 and the condenser lens 47 are in the direction of the central axis of the connection base 14 (in other words, as shown in FIG. The positioning fitting portion is formed so as to face the direction of the connecting portion with the light guide base 13 provided in the operation portion 11 of the endoscope body 2.
[0041]
  The battery unit 4 includes, for example, a battery box 49 capable of storing four dry batteries, a conductive metal fitting (not shown) for connecting the four dry batteries stored in series, and the conductive metal fitting. And a pair of snap joints 40b electrically connected to each other, and a pressing spring 50 provided on the lower surface of the battery box 49.
[0042]
  The lamp unit 5 and the battery unit 4 are detachably fitted by the pair (+ pole, -pole) of the snap joints 40a and 40b described above, and are in an electrically conductive state.
  In the lamp house 7, a connection base 14 that can be connected to the light guide base 13 extends, so that the lamp house 7 is sandwiched between a rigid plate 52 that is fitted in a recess on the upper surface of the lamp house 7. It is fixed with screws.
[0043]
  As shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3 (E), the connection base 14 is opened at the end and is provided in the circumferential direction of approximately 90 °, and is a cam into which the fixing pin 30 on the light guide base 13 side is engaged. A groove 53 is provided, and an index 32b indicating the end portion 53a is provided at a position adjacent to the end portion 53a of the cam groove 53.
[0044]
  Further, the lower half of the connection base 14 inserted into the lamp house 7 is cut out except for the upper half that is fixed to the plate 52 with screws, and when the lamp house 7 is externally mounted on the lamp unit 5. In addition, the lens frames 48 can be positioned concentrically without hitting the connection cap 14.
[0045]
  In addition to the cam groove 53, the connection base 14 is provided with a large number of outside air communication ports 54 as shown in FIG. 3B, and even when the connection base 14 is connected to the light guide base 13, the light guide base 13 Outside air touches a part of the end. In addition, a large number of concave grooves 55 are provided on the same circumference as the outside air communication port 54.
[0046]
  The lamp house 7 is provided with a power switch 56 as shown in FIGS. As shown in FIG. 4, in the power switch 56, a rotation shaft 59 is passed through the hole of the lamp house 7, and a knob portion 60 is fixed to a portion protruding to the outside of the lamp house 7 with a screw.
[0047]
  In addition, an O-ring 57 is disposed in the outer peripheral groove of the rotation shaft 59 and can be rotated in a watertight manner with respect to the inner wall of the hole portion of the lamp house 7 around it. Further, a cam 58 is integrally formed at the end of the rotation shaft 59 inside the lamp house 7, and the cam 58 can be rotated by rotating the knob 60. The knob portion 60, the rotation shaft 59, and the cam 58 are formed of non-conductive members.
[0048]
  The cam 58 falls into the cam mounting groove 45 of the lamp unit main body 39 when the lamp house 7 is mounted on the lamp unit 5, and is arranged on the upper surface of the leaf spring switch 44 as shown in FIG. Yes.
[0049]
  5 and 6 show a switch rotation restricting structure provided in the knob portion 60 forming the switch operation portion of the power switch 56. FIG. 5A shows a cross section taken along line FF in FIG. 4, FIG. 5B shows a cross section taken along line F′-F ′ in FIG. 4, and FIG. FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B are explanatory views of the switch rotation restricting operation when the knob portion 60 is rotated.
  As shown in FIG. 5A, a C-ring-shaped groove is provided in the circumferential direction on the back surface of the knob portion 60, and the C-ring-shaped rotation restricting spring 61 is inserted into the C-ring-shaped groove. The center position is fixed with screws. The rotation restricting spring 61 is bent so that the end of the C-ring shaped plate spring is rounded in a semicircular shape and is separated from the back surface of the knob portion 60 as shown in FIG.
[0050]
  Further, the C-ring shape of the rotation restricting spring 61 at this time is formed by cutting the leaf spring at an angle of about 270 °. When the power switch 56 is attached to the lamp house 7 by adopting a spring shape as shown in FIGS. 5 (A) and 5 (C), the knob portion 60 and the lamp are arranged so that the power switch 56 rotates with a slight light force. A slight gap is provided between the houses 7, but the backlash is absorbed by the elasticity of the rotation restricting spring 61 due to the bending process, so that it smoothly rotates. The rotation restricting spring 61 may be formed of a member having no conductivity.
[0051]
  Further, on the sliding surface on the lamp house 7 where the knob portion 60 rotates, a circular recess 62 having a slightly larger curvature than the end of the rotation restricting spring 61, that is, the semicircular shape of the spring end 61a, is provided. One is formed on the same radius (the same position as the radius of the rotation restricting spring 61) that shares the center axis with the movement restricting spring 61 (see FIG. 5B).
[0052]
  Therefore, when the spring end 61a that presses the sliding surface on the lamp house 7 falls into the circular recess 62 when the knob 60 is rotated, a click feeling is generated and the rotation in the same direction is restricted. The
[0053]
  Next, when the knob portion 60 of the power switch 56 is turned in the reverse direction, the spring end portion 61a that has fallen into the circular concave portion 62 starts to rotate up from the circular concave portion 62 to the original position. When the rotation is continued, the other spring end 61a falls into the circular recess 62, and the same effect as described above is brought about. The rotation range at this time is restricted to approximately 90 °.
[0054]
  This state is shown in FIGS. 6 (A) and 6 (B). FIG. 6A shows a state in which the rotation restricting spring 61 does not fall into the circular recess 62. By rotating the knob 60 from this state, the rotation restricting spring 61 is circular as shown in FIG. 6B. It will be in the state which falls in the recessed part 62. FIG.
[0055]
  The lamp house 7 is formed with a screw portion for screwing with the screw portion 8a at the upper end of the battery case 8 on the inner peripheral surface of the opening portion at the lower end, and the internal shape from the screw portion to the ceiling direction has been described above. In this way, it has an irregular shape having a flat portion that fits with the lamp unit 5.
[0056]
  Further, the external appearance of the lamp house 7 is substantially columnar like the battery case 8. The battery case 8 has a cylindrical body with a bottom for housing the battery unit 4 therein, and an opening on the upper end side thereof, a screw portion 8a screwed into the lamp house 7, and the lamp house 7 and the battery case. It comprises a seal portion 8b such as an O-ring that seals the 8 screwed portions.
  The interior of the battery case 8 is wide enough to allow the battery unit 4 to freely rotate within the battery case 8.
[0057]
  As mentioned above,Reference exampleThe main feature is that the entire internal unit 6 can be covered by the lamp house 7 and the battery case 8 constituting the exterior cover 9. The outer cover 9 is made of a material that can sufficiently withstand various disinfection and sterilization means such as various chemical solutions, ethylene oxide gas, and autoclave.
[0058]
  nextReference exampleThe operation of will be described.
  Reference exampleWhen the inspection is performed using the endoscope 1, first, a dry battery is loaded in the battery box 49, and then the battery unit 4 is mounted on the lamp unit 5 via the snap joints 40a and 40b. With this operation, electrical conduction between the two electrodes is completed up to the leaf spring switch 44 and the contact plate 46 for turning on / off the lamp in the lamp unit 5.
[0059]
  Subsequently, the internal unit 6 is housed in the exterior cover 9. At this time, first, the lamp unit 5 is uniquely positioned and inserted into the lamp house 7. That is, after the optical axis direction of the lamp 24 provided in the lamp unit, the connection base 14 of the lamp house 7, the cam mounting groove 45 of the lamp unit 5 and the cam 58 of the lamp house 7 are respectively positioned, the lamp house 7 is moved. Screwing into the battery case 8 begins.
[0060]
  Since the lamp house 7 is screwed into the battery case while the internal unit 6 is fitted in the lamp house 7, the battery unit 4 rotates relative to the battery case 8 inside the battery case 8. Since the convex portion of the pressing spring 50 provided in the lower portion contacts the center of the bottom portion of the battery case 8 with a point, no large resistance is generated in this portion.
[0061]
  Further, when the screwing is completed, the internal unit 6 is always kept in contact with the ceiling portion of the exterior cover 9 by the urging force of the pressing spring 50, so that the internal unit 6 rattles against the exterior cover 9. In addition, since the ceiling of the lamp house 7 and the upper surface of the lamp unit 5 can be used as a reference plane, a design in which the vertical displacement between the lamp 24 and the connection base 14 is minimized is possible.
[0062]
  Next, the battery-type light source 3 is connected to the light guide base 13 of the endoscope body 2. When the opening of the cam groove 53 of the connection base 14 of the battery-type light source 3 is positioned on the fixing pin 30 of the light guide base 13 and is pushed in and rotated until the fixing pin 30 reaches the terminal end 53a of the cam groove 53, the connection is established. The base 14 is inserted into the gap between the light guide lot 27 and the heat insulating cover 31, and the connection base 14 is moved away from the endoscope body 2 (or the operation unit 11) by the biasing force of the elastic spring 33 in the light guide base 13. The fixing pin 30 is securely locked to the end portion 53a of the cam groove 53, and the battery-type light source 3 is attached to the endoscope body 2 without rattling. This state is shown in FIG.
[0063]
  At this time, since the end portion of the light guide base 13 is fitted into the lens frame 48 of the lamp unit 5, there is some backlash between the internal unit 6 of the battery type light source 3 and the outer cover 9. Even if the optical axis and the central axis of the connection base 14 are slightly deviated, the light guide base 13 is corrected when the light guide base 13 is inserted into the connection base 14, and the light condensed by the condenser lens 47 is on the endoscope body 2 side. The light guide fiber 25 can be reliably condensed on the light incident end face 26.
[0064]
  Next, the power switch 56 is turned to the ON side and the OFF side, and the cam 58 is rotated within a specified angle. The shape of the cam 58 is as shown in FIG. 8. When the knob portion 60 is in the OFF position, the leaf spring switch 44 is in a state before elastic deformation, and when the knob portion 60 is in the ON position, the cam 58 is the leaf spring. The switch 44 is pressed and the leaf spring switch end contacts the contact plate 46. Since the knob portion 60 is click-fixed at each ON / OFF position, the cam 58 similarly holds the state before and after the leaf spring switch 44 is pressed.
[0065]
  When the leaf spring switch 44 comes into contact with the contact plate 46, a current is supplied to the lamp 24, the lamp 24 is turned on, and the light condensed by the condenser lens 47 is transmitted from the light incident end face 26 of the endoscope body 2 to the light guide fiber. 25 is emitted forward from the light emitting end face (or further through an illumination lens) via 25 to illuminate a subject such as an affected part.
[0066]
  When the lamp is lit, the heat generated from the lamp 24 is transmitted to the connection base 14 and the light guide rod 27. In order to increase the contact area with the atmosphere, the heat transmitted to the vicinity of the end of the light guide rod 27 by the large number of outside air communication ports 54 and the concave grooves 55 provided in the connection base 14 is efficiently released to the atmosphere.
[0067]
  Further, the portion of the light guide base 13 that is touched when the operator holds the endoscope main body 2 covers the light guide rod 27 with the heat insulating cover 31 and the air provided between the light guide rod 27 and the heat insulating cover 31. The heat insulation effect can be increased by the layer to prevent burns and the like. Further, since the space forming the air layer communicates with the atmosphere through the slits 37 and the grooves 38, heat does not accumulate in those portions.
[0068]
  When the observation with the endoscope 1 is completed, the power switch 56 is turned off, the lamp 24 is turned off, the battery-type light source 3 is pushed into the endoscope main body 2 side, and the fixing pin 30 is unlocked. The battery-type light source 3 is rotated along the cam groove 53 and removed from the endoscope body 2.
[0069]
  Subsequently, when the battery type light source 3 is sterilized and sterilized by various methods, the internal unit 6 is taken out, and only the outer cover 9 is sterilized and sterilized by various chemicals, ethylene oxide gas, autoclave, and the like.
  Since the entire internal unit 6 is covered with the exterior cover 9, it is not contaminated, and there is no need for disinfection and sterilization.
[0070]
  The endoscope body 2 can be immersed in various chemical solutions for a watertight structure. Further, when sterilization with ethylene oxide gas is performed, an air communication base (not shown) is connected to the vent base 51.
[0071]
  Reference exampleHas the following effects.
  Since the heat generating part that can efficiently release the heat generated from the lamp 24 to the atmosphere and that may touch the operator has a heat-proof structure, a high-intensity lamp with a large amount of heat generation can be used without any problem.
[0072]
  By connecting the endoscope body 2 and the battery-type light source 3 to the fixing pin 30 and the cam groove 53 (bayonet type), quick and reliable attachment / detachment is possible. However, the spare battery type light source 3 can be easily and reliably replaced.
[0073]
  The entire internal unit 6 including the conductive portion, the electrical contacts, the lamp 24 and the dry battery is covered with the exterior cover 9, and only the contaminated exterior cover 9 is sterilized and sterilized. Functional failure due to liquid intrusion when immersing ”(for example, leakage of chemicals into dry batteries, leakage, liquid leakage, gas generation, etc. It is possible to eliminate all occurrence factors of electrical contact failure due to formation of a thin film or the like.
[0074]
  Further, the switch portion of the exterior cover 9 serves only to press the leaf spring switch provided in the internal unit 6 and does not have an electrical conduction portion, so that the surface state of the cam 58 is altered by sterilization and sterilization. Even if it does not affect the function.
[0075]
  Therefore, it is possible to surely disinfect and sterilize only the contaminated part without causing a functional failure.
  still,Reference exampleIsReference exampleThe present invention is not limited to this form, and various modifications are possible.
[0076]
  For example, instead of the power switch 56, a commercially available push switch 63 as shown in FIG. In this case, the internal unit 6 is provided with the push switch 63 and an LED 64 for indicating ON / OFF of the push switch 63, and the exterior cover 9 is an elastic cover member having elasticity as a switch operating portion for pushing the push switch 63, Specifically, a rubber cover 65 and a window 66 made of a transparent body for confirming the LED 64 are provided.
[0077]
  A commercially available seesaw switch 67 as shown in FIG. 10 may be used. In this case, the seesaw switch 67 is provided in the internal unit 6, and the outer cover 9 is provided with a rubber cover 68 for pressing the seesaw switch 67.
  Even in these structures, since the outer cover 9 does not have an electrically conductive portion, there is no fear of leakage or corrosion of contacts.
[0078]
(Embodiment of the present invention)
  Next, the present inventionEmbodimentWill be explained.
  11 to 13 show the present invention.EmbodimentFIG. 11 is a perspective view of the battery light source in the present embodiment, FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the battery light source, and FIG. 13 is the endoscope of the present embodiment and the endoscope (see FIG. Or an endoscope hanger provided with charging means.
[0079]
  This embodimentIn this embodiment, the exterior cover 9 covers the entire internal unit 6. However, in this embodiment, an opening for attaching and detaching the internal unit 103 is provided at the lower part (bottom) of the exterior cover 102, and the bottom of the internal unit 103 is the exterior. The structure is exposed from the cover 102.
  As shown in FIG. 12, the battery light source 101 is roughly composed of an exterior cover 102 and an internal unit 103.
[0080]
  The exterior cover 102 includes a plurality of, specifically, an exterior cover main body 105 containing two lamps 104a and 104b, an upper cover 106 screwed above the exterior cover main body 105, and the outer cover main body. A lower cover 107 that is screwed below 105 and a switch 108 that is rotatably attached to the upper cover 106 are configured.
[0081]
  The exterior cover main body 105 has a cylindrical shape closed by a disk (referred to as a bottom plate for convenience) at a position slightly above the lower end, and has two lamps 104a and 104b inside. Further, a screw portion is formed at the upper end of the exterior cover main body 105, and a cylindrical cover-shaped upper cover 106 is attached by screwing. A switch 108 is attached so as to be in contact with the upper surface of the upper cover 106. A cylindrical lower cover 107 having an open bottom is attached to a screw portion at the lower end of the outer cover main body 105 by screwing to form the outer cover 102.
[0082]
  The outer cover body 105 and the upper cover 106 are connected by an O-ring 109, the outer cover body 105 and the lower cover 107 are connected by an O-ring 110, and the upper cover 106 and the switch 108 are connected by an O-ring 111 in a watertight structure.
[0083]
  The switch 108 is provided with a cylindrical rotary shaft portion 112 projecting downward at the center position, and a cylindrical rotary shaft body 113 made of a conductive member is provided at the lower end of the rotary shaft portion 112. It is fixed coaxially inside. The lower end of the rotating shaft 113 is fitted into a recess provided at the center position of the bottom plate of the exterior cover body 105 and rotates together with the turning operation of the switch 108.
[0084]
  Further, a disc-shaped rotation base 114 made of a non-conductive member at a position near the lower end of the rotation shaft body 113 and having a hole at the center is also fixed coaxially and rotates together with the rotation shaft body 113.
[0085]
  The rear end 115 serving as the first contact of the lamps 104a and 104b is always in contact with the rotating shaft 113 and is electrically connected to the first contact pin 117 via the first leaf spring 116. ing. A part of the first leaf spring 116 is fixed to the exterior cover body 105, and a part of the first leaf spring 116 is always in contact with the rotating shaft 113 by its own urging force. Yes. The first contact pin 117 penetrates the insulating bottom plate, and a protruding portion is exposed on the bottom surface of the bottom plate, that is, the inner surface of the storage portion of the internal unit 103.
[0086]
  The first contact pin 117 is fixed to the exterior cover main body 105 in a watertight manner by adhesion, and the protruding portion has a simple shape so that it can be easily wiped off even if liquid adheres. Also, it is made of metal such as stainless steel that is resistant to chemicals for sterilization and sterilization, or is formed by plating the surface of a metal such as copper with a resistant metal such as gold. Yes.
[0087]
  The rotation base 114 is provided with lamp fixing members 118a and 118b for holding and fixing the lamps 104a and 104b, and the two lamps 104a and 104b are held at a position obtained by rotating the rotary shaft 113 by 180 °. ing.
[0088]
  The lamp fixing members 118a and 118b are made of a conductive member, and also serve as an electrical connection with the body portion 119 that is the second contact of the lamps 104a and 104b.
[0089]
  The lamp fixing members 118a and 118b contact the second leaf spring 120 only when the switch 108 is rotated and the switch is turned on. A part of the second leaf spring 120 is fixed to the exterior cover main body 105, and is electrically connected to the second contact pin 121. The second contact pin 121 also penetrates the insulating bottom plate, and a protruding portion is exposed on the bottom surface of the bottom plate, that is, the inner surface of the storage portion of the internal unit 103.
[0090]
  The second contact pin 121 is fixed to the exterior cover main body 105 in a watertight manner by bonding, and the protruding portion has a simple shape so that it can be easily wiped even if liquid adheres. Also, it is made of metal such as stainless steel that is resistant to chemicals for sterilization and sterilization, or it is made of metal such as aluminum and copper plated with metal that is resistant to gold Has been.
[0091]
  As shown in FIG. 11, when the switch is set to “ON (a)”, the two lamps 104 a and 104 b arranged in the exterior cover body 105 are turned on, and “ON ( b) ", the other lamp 104b is lit, and when it is set to" OFF ", the lamp is not lit.
[0092]
  At this time, the lit lamp is positioned in a state of facing the condenser lens 122 by a click mechanism (not shown). The condenser lens 122, the light guide base 134 provided in the operation unit 11 of the endoscope main body 100 (see FIG. 13), the connection base 123 detachably connected, and the exterior cover main body 105 are watertight by bonding. Fixed. Accordingly, the exterior cover body 105 has a completely watertight structure.
[0093]
  By connecting the lower cover 107 to the screw portion at the lower end of the outer cover main body 105, the internal unit 103 is detachably stored between the lower portion of the bottom plate of the outer cover main body 105 and the inner portion of the lower cover 107. An internal unit storage portion is formed.
[0094]
  Next, the internal unit 103 will be described.
[0095]
  The internal unit 103 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and a connecting cylinder portion having the same inner diameter as that of the lower cover 107 is integrally formed on the lower end side thereof, and claws 124 are provided at two opposing positions in the connecting cylinder portion. The lower cover 107 is engaged with engagement grooves 125 provided in two opposing inner surfaces (or the entire inner peripheral surface) near the lower end, thereby connecting the outer cover 102 and the internal unit 103. . The claw 124 is formed by resin molding, for example, and can be set in a state where the claw 124 is bent inward by pushing a pushing portion 126 at a position on the base end side of the claw 124 so as to be disengaged from the engagement groove 125. ing.
[0096]
  The internal unit 103 incorporates a rechargeable battery 127 by molding it with an insulating resin or the like, and the upper surface has elasticity for supplying a current to a lamp lit from the rechargeable battery 127. A first spring contact 128 and a second spring contact 129 made of a conductive member (for example, phosphor bronze) are provided.
[0097]
  The first spring contact 128 and the second spring contact 129 are energized with the contact of the rechargeable battery 127 by a circuit (not shown), and the exterior cover 102 and the internal unit 103 are connected. The first contact pin 117 and the second contact pin 121 of the outer cover main body 105 are brought into contact with each other in a biased state.
[0098]
  Further, the internal unit 103 is provided with charging contacts 130a and 130b that are energized with the contact of the rechargeable battery 127 by a circuit (not shown) on the lower surface thereof. The charging contacts 130a and 130b are made of a ferromagnetic material attracted to the magnet.
[0099]
  When the battery light source 101 is placed on the endoscope hanger 131 shown in FIG. 13, the rechargeable battery 127 can be charged by a charging device provided on the endoscope hanger 131.
[0100]
  The endoscope hanger 131 includes a support, an arm that can be fixed at an arbitrary height position of the support, a battery light source holder 138 attached to the arm, and a charging circuit (not shown) built in the vicinity of the bottom of the battery light source holder 138. This charging circuit is connected to a cord passing through the arm, the inside of the column, etc., and a plug 139 provided at the end of the cord extending from the bottom of the column is connected to a commercial AC power outlet. Thus, the charging circuit can be set to the operating state.
[0101]
  That is, when the endoscope hanger 131 holds the endoscope 99 including the endoscope main body 100 and the battery light source 101 that is detachably connected to the endoscope main body 100, the operation of the endoscope 99 is performed. The battery light source 101 forming the portion is held by the battery light source holder 138.
[0102]
  When the endoscope 99 is hung on the endoscope hanger 131, the charging contacts 130a and 130b are provided on the inner surface of the bottom of the battery light source holder 138 (using a magnet as a charging contact) 132a. 132b by magnetic force, so that a DC voltage of a predetermined voltage required for charging can be supplied from a charging circuit (not shown) to the rechargeable battery 127. The battery light source holder 138 is provided with LEDs 133a and 133b for notifying completion of charging during battery charging.
[0103]
  As shown in FIG. 13, a heat insulating cover 135 is detachably attached to the light guide base 134 of the endoscope main body 100. Other configurations of the endoscope body 100 are as follows:Reference example aboveThe insertion unit 10, the operation unit 11, the eyepiece unit 12, and the like are denoted by the same reference numerals.
[0104]
  Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.
  When performing an inspection using the endoscope described in this embodiment, first, the internal unit 103 in a state where the rechargeable battery 127 is charged is inserted into the exterior cover 102 from below. As a result, the claw 124 of the internal unit 103 and the engagement groove 125 of the lower cover 107 are engaged, and the internal unit 103 and the exterior cover 102 are connected.
[0105]
  At this time, the first spring contact 128 and the second spring contact 129 are in contact with the first contact pin 117 and the second contact pin 121 in a biased state. As a result, the first spring contact 128 is electrically connected to the rear end of the lamp via the first contact pin 117, the first leaf spring 116, and the rotary shaft 113, and The second spring contact 129 is electrically connected to the second leaf spring 120 via the second contact pin 121.
[0106]
  Next, the battery light source 101 is connected to the light guide base 134 of the endoscope body 100.
  Next, the switch 108 is rotated to perform the lamp ON / OFF operation. When the switch 108 is set to “ON (a)”, the lamp fixing member 118a holding the body portion 119 of the lamp 104a comes into contact with the second leaf spring 120, and a current flows through the lamp 104a to light it. Further, the lamp 104a is positioned in a state of facing the condenser lens 122 by a click mechanism (not shown). In addition, when set to “ON (b)”, the lamp 104b is turned on through the same route. Further, when set to “OFF”, the gap between the second leaf spring 120 and the lamp fixing members 118a and 118b is opened, and no current flows through the lamp.
[0107]
  When the lamp is lit, the temperature of the connection base 123 and the light guide base 134 rises due to the heat generated from the lamp, but the hand holding the operation unit 11 with the detachable heat-proof cover 135 is the connection base 123 and the light guide base. Prevent contact with 134.
[0108]
  After completion of the endoscopic examination, the switch 108 is turned “OFF” to turn off the lamp. Thereafter, the push-in portion 126 provided in the internal unit 103 is pushed in, the claw 124 is bent inward, and the claw 124 is removed from the engagement groove 125 provided in the lower cover 107. At this time, since the elastic forces of the first and second spring contacts 128 and 129 provided in the internal unit 103 are released, the internal unit 103 can be easily detached from the exterior cover 102.
[0109]
  Subsequently, only the endoscope main body 100 and the exterior cover 102 of the battery light source 101 are sterilized and sterilized by immersion in a disinfectant solution, ethylene oxide gas, or the like. The heat insulating cover 135 is also removed from the light guide base 134, disinfected and sterilized.
  Since the internal unit 103 is entirely covered with the exterior cover 102 except for the bottom surface that is not touched during the case, there is no need for disinfection and sterilization.
[0110]
  After immersing the disinfectant, the lower cover 107 is removed from the outer cover main body 105, and the liquid adhering to the outer cover 102 is wiped off. Since the contact pins 117 and 121 have a simple shape, the liquid adhering to these portions can be easily wiped off.
  After the disinfection and sterilization are completed, the battery light source 101 is assembled again and it is attached to the endoscope main body 100 after confirming that the switch 108 is “OFF”.
[0111]
  When this is applied to the endoscope hanger 131 in this state, the charging contacts 130 a and 130 b provided on the battery light source 101 and the magnetic contacts 132 a and 132 b provided on the endoscope hanger 131 (the battery light source holder 138 thereof) are magnetic. The rechargeable battery 127 in the internal unit 103 is automatically charged. During battery charging, the display of charging completion is performed by the LEDs 133a and 133b.
[0112]
  The present embodiment has the following effects.
  The internal unit 103 is covered with the exterior cover 102, and only the contaminated exterior cover 102 is sterilized and sterilized, so that there is a problem with conventional products "function failure due to liquid entering inside when immersed in chemicals" Can be eliminated. Further, the outer surface of the battery light source 101 can be surely disinfected and sterilized.
[0113]
  Moreover, since the opening part for attaching / detaching the internal unit 103 is provided in the lower part of the exterior cover 102, the internal unit 103 can be easily attached / detached. Therefore, it is very easy to remove the internal unit 103 before immersing the battery light source 101 in a disinfectant or the like.
[0114]
  In this embodiment, since a plurality of lamps are built in, a spare lamp can be turned on simply by rotating the switch 108 even if the lamp is burned out. Therefore, there is no interruption of the inspection due to lamp burnout. In addition, by storing lamps with different brightness in advance, the amount of light can be adjusted according to the usage of the endoscope and the specifications of the endoscope used in combination. As a result, power consumption can be saved and the battery life can be extended.
[0115]
  By providing a contact for charging outside the battery light source 101 and using a dedicated endoscope hanger 131, the battery light source type endoscope is simply put on the endoscope hanger 131 and is always charged at the start of use. It is in a state. Therefore, it is not necessary to pay attention to the state of charge of the battery.
[0116]
  The present embodiment is not limited to the structure of this embodiment, and various modifications can be made. For example, a battery light source 101 ′ as shown in FIG. 14 may be used. The battery light source 101 ′ includes an exterior cover body 105 having an exterior cover body 105, an upper cover 106 screwed above the exterior cover body 105, and a lower cover threaded below the exterior cover body 105. 107 and a switch 108 ′ attached to the upper cover 106 in a rotatable state. Further, the internal unit 103 (not visible in FIG. 14) can be mounted from the opening at the bottom of the exterior cover 102 ′.
[0117]
  In the first modification, the charging contacts 130 a and 130 b are not provided on the bottom surface of the internal unit 103, but charging contacts 136 a and 136 b are provided on the outer surface of the exterior cover main body 105 instead. The switch 108 'is provided with a "charge" mode. The charging contacts 136a and 136b are not electrically connected to the charging battery contacts at normal times. However, when the switch 108 'is set to "Charge", the charging contacts 136a and 136b are electrically connected to the charging battery contacts by a mechanism (not shown). A connected structure may be used.
[0118]
  Others are aboveEmbodimentThe battery light source 101 has the same configuration. This first variation is the aboveEmbodimentThe battery light source 101 of the state has almost the same operation and effect.
[0119]
  Further, as in the second modified example shown in FIG. 15, the internal unit 148 is structured to be attached to either the upper or lower direction with respect to the exterior cover 147. (Standby state) and charge state (charge standby state) may be separated.
[0120]
  The battery light source 145 includes an outer cover 147 using a lower cover 146 having a slightly different structure in place of the lower cover 107 in the battery light source 101 of FIG. The bottom of the lower cover 146 is open, and the internal unit 148 can be inserted and removed from the opening.
[0121]
  This internal unit 148 has a built-in rechargeable battery 127 as in the case of the internal unit 103 in FIG. 12, and the pair of electrodes are electrically connected to a pair of spring contacts 150a and 150b made of an elastic conductive member provided on the upper end surface. is doing. The spring contacts 150a and 150b are formed using a ferromagnetic material.
[0122]
  In addition, a spring 152 used for urging at the time of removal is provided on the bottom surface of the internal unit 148. Furthermore, a pair of convex pieces 153a and 153b urged to protrude outward by springs are provided on the side surfaces of the internal unit 148, respectively, while holes are provided at corresponding positions on the lower cover 146, respectively. Yes, and covered with elastic covers 154a and 154b.
[0123]
  In this case, during normal use, as shown in FIG. 15A, the internal unit 148 is attached from the opening at the bottom of the lower cover 146 in the exterior cover 147 in the direction in which the spring contacts 150a and 150b are housed. At this time, the spring contacts 150a and 150b are in contact with contact pins 121 and 117 provided on the exterior cover 147 side, respectively.
[0124]
  Further, when the switch 108 is set to the ON position, the lamp 104a is turned on. When the switch 108 is turned to the OFF position from this state, the lamp 104a enters the OFF state where the current is interrupted. That is, the lighting lamp lighting standby state is set.
[0125]
  On the other hand, when charging, the internal unit 148 is attached to the exterior cover 147 in an upside-down state as shown in FIG. At this time, the spring contacts 150a and 150b protrude from the bottom surface of the battery light source, and can come into contact with the magnetic contacts 132a and 132b as charging contacts provided on the endoscope hanger 131 shown in FIG. Other configurations are the same as those in FIG.
[0126]
  Since the internal unit 148 is provided with a spring 152 that does not serve as an electrical contact, the internal unit 148 that is attached upside down by pushing in the covers 154a and 154b serving as push-in portions is also elastic of the spring 152. It can be easily removed by force.
[0127]
  In either of the first and second modified examples, after a very simple setting, the battery light source type endoscope can be automatically charged simply by being placed on the endoscope hanger 131, and the state of charge of the battery There is no need to worry about.
[0128]
  Further, if these means are used, the electric contact for current supply and the electric contact for charging provided in the internal unit 148 can be made common. Othersthe aboveIt has the same effect as the embodiment.
[0129]
(Second reference example)
  FIG. 16 illustrates the present invention.Second reference exampleIndicates.
[0130]
  Second reference exampleThe endoscope main body 201 is provided with a lamp 205 inside the operation unit 202 thereof. The lamp 205 is fitted to the lamp holder 206 so as to be energized, and the lamp holder 206 is detachably attached to the operation unit 202 in a watertight manner.
[0131]
  On the optical axis of the lamp 205, a condensing lens 207 is fixed to a lens frame 208 in the operation unit 202, and a light incident end face 204 is disposed at the focal position of the condensing lens 207. 203 is fixed to a part of the lens frame 208.
[0132]
  On the side surface of the operation unit 202, a power supply unit connection part 211a having an electrical contact part 218 having both positive and negative polarities is provided. The current path of both polarities is an annular lamp power switch 210 arranged around the eyepiece part 209. The lamp holder 206 and the lamp 205 are connected via the. This current path is turned on or off by the turning operation of the lamp power switch 210 (current path is not shown). The other structure of the endoscope body 201 is basically the same as that of the endoscope body 2 of FIG.
[0133]
  On the other hand, the power supply unit 212 includes a battery unit 213 including a battery 215 and a battery box 216 in which the battery 215 is accommodated, and an exterior cover 214 that detachably covers the battery unit 213.
[0134]
  The battery box 216 has an electrical conduction path for connecting the plurality of dry batteries 215 in series and electrically connecting the contact pins 217 of the power supply unit connection portion 211b provided on the exterior cover 214 and the dry batteries 215.
[0135]
  The contact pin 217 is elastically protruded, and when the power supply unit 212 is connected to the operation unit 202 via the power supply unit connection parts 211a and 211b, the contact pin 217 reliably contacts the electrical contact part 218. .
[0136]
  The exterior cover 214 is made of a material that can sufficiently withstand various disinfection and sterilization means such as various chemical solutions, ethylene oxide gas, and autoclave.
[0137]
  nextSecond reference exampleThe operation of will be described.
  The battery unit 213 is stored in the exterior cover 214. Next, the power supply unit connection portion 211b of the power supply unit 212 is slide-fitted to the power supply unit connection portion 211a on the operation unit 202 side.
[0138]
  Subsequently, the lamp 205 is attached to the lamp holder 206, and the lamp holder 206 is attached to the lamp attachment portion 202 provided in the operation portion.
[0139]
  When the lamp power switch 210 is rotated and turned to the ON state, the current from the power supply unit 212 is supplied to the lamp 205 via the power supply unit connection portions 211a and 211b, and the lamp 205 is turned on. The emitted light from the lamp 205 is condensed on the light incident end face 204 by the condenser lens 207 and emitted forward from the light exit end face via the light guide fiber 203 to illuminate the affected part.
[0140]
  When the observation with the endoscope is completed, the lamp power switch 210 is turned to the OFF position, the lamp 205 is turned off, and then the power supply unit 212 is removed from the operation unit 202. Subsequently, when the power supply unit 212 is sterilized and sterilized, the battery unit 213 is removed from the exterior cover 214, and only the contaminated exterior cover 214 is sterilized and sterilized with various chemicals, ethylene oxide gas, oak clave, and the like.
[0141]
  The endoscope main body 201 has a watertight structure in a state where the lamp holder 206 is attached to the operation unit 202, and thus can be immersed in various chemical solutions.
  Further, when sterilization with ethylene oxide gas is performed, the lamp holder 206 is detached from the operation unit 202 and the operation unit 202 is communicated with the atmosphere. BookSecond reference exampleHas the following effects.
1. The entire battery unit 213 including the dry cell 215 is covered with the exterior cover 214, and only the contaminated exterior cover 214 is sterilized and sterilized, so that the biggest problem of the conventional product is that the liquid enters the inside when the chemical is immersed, It is possible to eliminate all occurrence factors of “liquid leakage, leakage, and gas generation” from the dry cell.
[0142]
2. The external part to be attached to the endoscope main body 201 includes only a so-called power supply unit that does not include the lamp unit and the switch unit.Reference exampleThe overall size can be made smaller than that of endoscopes.
[0143]
(Third reference example)
  FIG. 17 illustrates the present invention.Third reference exampleThe endoscope 250 is shown.
  Third reference exampleIn the endoscope main body 251, the suction button 20 is attached to the operation unit 253 so that the direction of the suction base 21 faces the direction of the grip portion 252. Further, the suction bin 254 is engaged with the endoscope main body 251 by an engaging means (not shown) so as to be aligned with the forceps insertion opening 22 below the grip portion 252.
[0144]
  The suction bottle 254 includes a liquid storage portion 255 made of transparent plastic or the like and a plug body 256 that is water-tightly pressed into the liquid storage portion 255. 257 and an intake pipe 258 are provided. The end of the liquid suction pipe 257 extending from the plug 256 is press-fitted in a watertight manner into the suction base 21, and the end of the intake pipe 258 is connected to the side surface of the operation unit 253. The suction pump unit 260 is press-fitted into and fixed to an intake mouthpiece 261.
[0145]
  The power pump unit 259 includes:Second reference exampleThe power supply unit 262 having the same configuration as that of the power supply unit 212 shown in FIG. 5 and the suction pump unit 260 that is detachably attached to the power supply unit 262 and is electrically connected to the power supply in the power supply unit 262 when attached. The That is, the power supply in the power supply unit 262 serves as the power supply for the pump as well as the power supply for the lamp.
[0146]
  The mechanical and electrical connection between the power supply pump unit 259 and the endoscope body 251 is as follows.Second reference exampleThis is performed by power supply unit connection portions 211a and 211b having the same structure.
[0147]
  The suction pump unit 260 is provided with a small electric suction pump (not shown), and the intake side of the pump is connected to the intake base 261 and the discharge side is connected to the exhaust base 263. A pump switch 264 for turning on / off the conductive path between the pump and the power supply unit 262 is provided in the suction pump unit 260 in a watertight manner.
[0148]
  Further, the suction pump unit 260 is entirely watertight by sealing the intake base 261 and the exhaust base 263 with a watertight stopper 265 in a watertight manner. here,Third reference exampleThe suction pump unit 260 is connected and fixed to the power supply unit 262. However, the suction pump unit 260 is not limited to this, and is selected as appropriate so as to be attached to the endoscope main body 251 by selecting a place that does not disturb the operator. May be. At that time, the electrical connection between the power supply unit 262 and the suction pump unit 260 is connected by an energization cable (not shown).
[0149]
  Other configurations areSecond reference exampleIt is the same composition as.
  nextThird reference exampleThe operation of will be described.
  In observation with the endoscope 250, for example, suction of sputum accumulated in the trachea and bronchi is often performed.
[0150]
  When performing sputum suction using the endoscope 250, the suction bottle 254 is attached to the endoscope body 251, the suction pump unit 260 is attached to the power supply unit 262, the liquid suction pipe 257 of the suction bottle 254, and the suction pipe 258 is connected to the suction cap 21 and the suction cap 261, respectively.
[0151]
  Subsequently, the pump switch 264 is turned on to start the suction pump, and the inside of the suction bottle 254 becomes negative pressure, and suction force acts on the upstream air passage. Subsequently, when the suction button 20 is operated, the air passage communicates with a suction channel opened at the distal end of the insertion portion of the endoscope main body 251 and suction is performed.
[0152]
  When the sucked soot flows into the liquid storage portion 255 of the suction bin 254, it accumulates at the bottom of the liquid storage portion 255 and therefore does not flow into the intake pipe 258.
  At the end of observation, the suction bottle 254 is removed from the endoscope body 251 and processed. The suction pump unit 260 becomes watertight by attaching a watertight stopper 265 and can be immersed in a chemical solution.
  OthersSecond reference exampleIs the same.
[0153]
  Third reference exampleHas the following effects.
  Since the suction bottle 254 and the suction pump are provided integrally with the endoscope main body 251 and the power of the suction pump is obtained from the power supply unit that is shared with the illumination lamp, it is a compact that combines not only an observation function but also a treatment function. It becomes a battery-type endoscope device, and the use is further expanded.
[0154]
  OthersSecond reference exampleHas the same effect.
  The embodiment described above,Reference exampleEmbodiments formed by combining, etc., etc. partially are also included in the present invention.
[0155]
[Appendix]
1. In an endoscope provided with a light guide fiber for guiding illumination light, an illumination lamp for entering light at an incident end of the light guide fiber, and a power source for lighting the illumination lamp in an operation unit,
  An endoscope comprising: an internal unit having at least a power source and a power storage unit; and an exterior cover that covers the entire internal unit, wherein the exterior cover is detachable from an operation unit.
[0156]
2. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the illumination lamp is housed in an operation unit, and current from an internal unit is guided to the illumination lamp.
3. The internal unit includes a power source, a power storage unit, an illumination lamp, and a switch for turning on and off the illumination lamp, and the switch is operated by a non-conductive switch operation unit provided on an exterior cover. The endoscope according to appendix 1, which is characterized.
[0157]
4). The endoscope according to appendix 3, wherein the power source is a dry battery.
5). The endoscope according to appendix 3, wherein the switch is constituted by an electrical contact made of a conductive member having elasticity.
6). The endoscope according to appendix 3, wherein the switch operation unit includes a cam mechanism.
[0158]
7). The endoscope according to appendix 3, wherein the switch operation unit is made of an elastic rubber material.
8). When the exterior cover is externally mounted on the internal unit, each of the internal unit and the external cover is arranged such that the optical axis of the illumination lamp provided on the internal unit faces the connection portion with the operation unit provided on the external cover. The endoscope according to appendix 1, wherein a positioning fitting portion is provided.
[0159]
9. An endoscope in which a light guide fiber for guiding illumination light is provided in the operation unit, and a light supply unit for irradiating light to the incident end of the light guide fiber is detachably provided to the operation unit.
  The light supply unit includes an internal unit having a power source and a power storage unit, and an exterior cover that incorporates an illumination lamp in a watertight structure, and externally covers the internal unit so that a part of the internal unit is exposed. An endoscope characterized by comprising.
[0160]
10. Item 9. The supplementary note 9, wherein the illumination lamp includes a plurality of illumination lamps, and switching means for selectively supplying current to one of them and blocking current supply to all the illumination lamps is provided on the exterior cover. Endoscope.
11. The power source provided in the internal unit is a rechargeable battery, and when the operation unit is hung on an endoscope hanger provided with a charging device connectable to a commercial AC power source, the rechargeable battery in the internal unit from the charging device. The endoscope according to appendix 9, wherein a voltage required for charging is applied to the endoscope.
[0161]
12 The endoscope according to appendix 11, wherein electrical contacts of the rechargeable battery are provided on an internal unit exposed from an exterior cover.
13. The endoscope according to claim 11, wherein the internal unit has two attachment directions to the exterior cover, the lighting lamp lighting standby state in the first direction, and the charging standby state in the second direction. .
[0162]
14 A light guide fiber for guiding illumination light, an illumination lamp for entering light at an incident end of the light guide fiber, a power source for lighting the illumination lamp, and a suction channel having one end opened at the distal end of the insertion portion In the endoscope provided in the operation unit,
  An endoscope characterized in that a suction means is provided in the operation section.
[0163]
15. The endoscope according to appendix 14, wherein the suction means is operated by a current supplied from the power source.
16. The endoscope according to appendix 15, wherein the suction means comprises an electric suction pump.
[0164]
【The invention's effect】
  As described above, according to the present invention, since a plurality of lamps are built in the exterior cover, it is possible to easily turn on the spare lamp by simply rotating the switch even when the lamp is cut off. There is no interruption of inspection due to lamp burnout. In addition, by storing lamps with different brightness in advance, the amount of light can be adjusted depending on the usage of the endoscope and the use of the endoscope used in combination, thereby saving power consumption and battery life. Can be extended.
[0165]
  Further, by immersing only the exterior cover in the chemical solution, it is possible to surely disinfect and sterilize only the contaminated portion by immersion in the chemical solution without causing functional damage such as leakage or battery abnormality.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 shows the first of the present invention.Reference exampleThe perspective view which shows the whole structure of the endoscope of this.
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a configuration of a battery-type light source.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a light guide base and an internal structure of a battery-type light source that is detachably connected to the light guide base;
4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line EE in FIG. 3;
5 is a diagram showing a knob portion and the like in the cross section taken along line FF in FIG.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the action of turning restriction when the knob part is turned.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a structure in the vicinity of a connection portion when a connection base is connected to the light guide base.
8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line GG in FIG. 4 and shows a structure in which a switch is turned on and off by rotating a cam.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the structure of a switch in a first modification.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a structure of a switch in a second modified example.
FIG. 11 shows the present invention.EmbodimentThe perspective view which shows the battery light source in.
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a battery light source.
FIG. 13This embodimentThe figure which shows the endoscope of this, and an endoscope hanger.
FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a battery light source in a first modification.
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a battery light source in a second modification.
FIG. 16 shows the present invention.Second reference exampleThe figure which shows the structure of this endoscope.
FIG. 17 shows the present invention.Third reference exampleThe perspective view which shows the structure of this endoscope.
FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing a conventional battery light source.
[Explanation of symbols]
  1 ... Endoscope
  2. Endoscope body
  3 ... Battery type light source
  4 ... Battery unit
  5 ... Lamp unit
  6 ... Internal unit
  7. Lamp house
  8 ... Battery case
  9 ... Exterior cover
  10 ... Insertion section
  11 ... operation part
  13 ... Light guide base
  14 ... Connection base
  15 ... tip
  24 ... Ramp
  25 ... Light guide fiber
  26: Light incident end face
  27 ... Light guide rod
  28 ... Cover glass
  31 ... Thermal barrier
  39 ... Lamp unit body
  41 ... Lamp unit base
  43 ... Lamp base
  44 ... leaf spring switch
  46 ... Contact plate
  47 ... Condensing lens
  48 ... Lens frame
  49 ... Battery box
  52 ... Plate
  56 ... Power switch
  58 ... Cam
  60 ... Knob
  61 ... Rotation restricting spring
  62 ... Circular recess

Claims (1)

In an endoscope,
A light guide fiber provided in the endoscope for guiding illumination light;
A conductive cylindrical rotating shaft that is rotatably arranged in a light source power supply unit housing for generating the illumination light in the endoscope, and is capable of transmitting electric power from the light source power supply. A cylindrical rotating shaft,
A first electrode that is in a light source power supply unit housing for generating the illumination light in the endoscope and that can contact the surface of the conductive cylindrical rotating shaft, and the first electrode A first lamp having a different second electrode ;
A third electrode that is in a light source power supply unit housing for generating the illumination light in the endoscope and that can contact the surface of the conductive cylindrical rotating shaft, and the third electrode A second lamp having a different fourth electrode ;
The second lamp in the first lamp suspended in parallel to the axial direction of the conductive cylindrical rotating shaft from a rotating plate formed extending in the circumferential direction from the surface of the conductive cylindrical rotating shaft. A first lamp holding member that contacts the electrode and holds the first lamp, and is parallel to the axial direction of the conductive cylindrical rotating shaft from the rotary plate, and is different from the first lamp holding member. A second lamp holding member that contacts the fourth electrode of the second lamp that is suspended from a position and holds the second lamp, and the first lamp has the conductive property. The position where the illumination light is incident on the light guide fiber by the electric power supplied through the cylindrical rotating shaft and the second lamp is applied to the light guide fiber by the electric power supplied through the conductive cylindrical rotating shaft. Incident light Between that position, the lamp fixing means for fixing said first lamp and said second lamp and movably the endoscope, and
A switch provided in the endoscope for operating movement of the lamp fixing means ;
An endoscope characterized by comprising:

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