JPH09313436A - Endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To properly select a light source and prevent lighting from being interrupted during the use of an endoscope under the application of a simple configuration by arranging a plurality of converging light sources at the light introduction end of a light guide for introducing light from the light sources to a scope end. SOLUTION: The end of a light guide 2 is plugged in the socket of the housing 1' of a light equipment 1. In addition, the light introduction end 5 of the light guide 2 is positioned within the housing 1'. Also, a plurality of light source lamps 3a and 3b are arranged in the vicinity of the light introduction end 5 of the light guide 2. and illumination light from each of the lamps 3a and 3b is converged on the light introduction end 5 of the light guide 2 via a plurality of reflecting mirrors 6 and 7. In this case, electricity is fed from a power supply to the lamps 3a and 3b, and the lamps 3a and 3b are turned on and off on the operation of a switch. On the other hand, one lamp 3b is used as a main light source lamp and the other lamp 3a as a spare lamp.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an endoscope that can be used as a medical device, an industrial observation device, or the like, and particularly to a scope through a light guide in order to illuminate a subject with illumination light. The present invention relates to a light source mechanism for an endoscope that supplies illumination light to the distal end of a section.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In the medical field, it is highly necessary to observe the inside of human organs by a non-operative method, and in such a case, an endoscope is used as an extremely effective means. Also, in various industrial fields, for example, when observing a crack in a gas pipe in a laid state, an endoscope is also used as an effective means. This type of endoscope light source device inserts the scope of the endoscope into the dark part (for example, in the body of a patient in a medical endoscope) and observes that part, so that the object to be observed at the tip of the scope is the subject. In order to apply the illumination light to the endoscope, the illumination light is supplied to the tip of the scope through the light guide.

Usually, the irradiation light from the light source is collected and incident on the incident end of the light guide.
In addition, a backup light source is provided inside the device in case the main light source is cut off. This is especially because if the main light source is cut off during surgery, it is necessary to immediately replace it with a spare light source. Therefore, as the light source device 1 in which the main light source lamp and the spare light source lamp are switched, the one shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 has been proposed.

In FIG. 6, a main light source lamp (main lamp) 12 and a spare light source lamp (spare lamp) 13 are provided on a slide table 11 which is slid by a motor (not shown).
And (2) are installed side by side, and when the main light source lamp 12 is burnt out (unexpectedly turned off due to life or failure), the motor is rotated and automatically switched to the spare lamp 13 (or manually). Is. A sensor such as a photodiode is arranged between the light introducing end 15 of the light guide 14 inserted in the housing 1'of the light source device 1 and the main light source lamp 12 to detect that the main light source lamp 12 has burned out. You can do it by doing. There is also a slide table 11 which is a rotary table.

In FIG. 7, when the main light source lamp is burnt out, the plug portion of the light guide end 15 of the light guide 14 is pulled out from the socket 16 of the main light source lamp, and the socket 17 for the auxiliary light source is pulled out.
The spare lamp in the housing 1'is turned on by switching to the spare lamp.

[0006]

However, FIG.
The light source switching mechanism of FIG. 7 has the following problems. In FIG. 6, a slide table or a rotary table to which a plurality of light source lamps are attached is mechanically moved to switch from the main light source lamp to the spare light source lamp, which complicates the internal mechanism of the device. There is a risk of malfunction due to malfunction, and the device becomes large and expensive. Further, in FIG. 7, although a mechanical moving mechanism is not required, the main light source lamp cannot be instantaneously switched to the auxiliary light source lamp, and the plug portion at the tip of the light guide is used to switch the lamp to the auxiliary light source lamp. It requires a troublesome operation of replacing it with a socket.

Further, in both the mechanisms shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, it is inevitable that the illumination is interrupted when the main light source lamp is switched to the auxiliary light source lamp. Especially, in the endoscope for medical use, the scope portion is not provided. This means that the illumination is interrupted while being inserted into the patient's body, which poses a particular problem because it may endanger the patient, such as damaging the patient's body with the scope tip. Also, when performing treatment while observing the inside of the patient with a treatment device (such as an electric scalpel) attached to the scope (endoscopic treatment), or when performing treatment with another treatment device while observing with the endoscope. (Endoscopic treatment) has the problem that the illumination to the patient is interrupted during the treatment, thus increasing the risk to the patient.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has a simple structure and can reliably switch the light source, and the endoscope is being used without increasing the cost. It is an object of the present invention to provide an endoscope including a light source device capable of preventing the interruption of the illumination.

[0009]

In order to achieve such an object, the endoscope of the present invention is provided with a plurality of focusing means at a light introducing end of a light guide which guides light from a light source to a distal end of a scope portion. It is characterized by the arrangement of individual light sources.

According to this structure, since the illumination light from the plurality of light sources is focused on the light introducing end of the light guide, the light from each light source is condensed at the light introducing end of the light guide. Therefore, normally, the main light source lamp is supplied with power and is turned on, and the illumination light is guided to the tip of the scope through the light guide to illuminate the subject. When the lamp of this main light source lamp burns out, power is supplied to the other spare lamps to turn on the spare lamps, and the illumination light from the spare lamps is supplied to the tip of the scope via the light guide to illuminate the subject. . At this time, the light from each light source lamp is collected so as to be condensed at the light guide light introduction end,
Since it does not have a mechanically movable part, the light source can be switched instantly and reliably.

Further, since each light source lamp is focused on the light introducing end of the light guide, if a plurality of light source lamps are simultaneously supplied with electric power to be turned on at the same time, the illumination light from each light source lamp is combined. It is supplied to the tip of the scope through the light guide to illuminate the subject, so even if one light source lamp runs out of light, the subject is illuminated by the illumination light of the other light source lamp. In addition, there is no interruption of illumination, and the illumination light from each light source lamp illuminates the subject to illuminate the subject, so the light intensity of each light source lamp can be reduced, thus extending the life of each light source lamp. You can

[0012]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the endoscope of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an overall view showing a schematic configuration of an example of an endoscope according to the present invention.
Note that, although FIG. 1 shows an endoscope configured by an electronic scope, an endoscope configured by a fiberscope,
The present invention can be similarly applied to a light source device provided in a medical endoscope provided with a treatment device (electric scalpel, laser device, etc.).

As shown in FIG. 1, the endoscope comprises a scope section 100, an image processing device 200, an output device 300, a light source device 1, and the like. An imaging element 101 such as a CCD and an objective lens 102 are provided at the tip of the scope section 100, and the emission end of the light guide 2 is also arranged.
A cable 103 that transmits an output signal (electrical signal) from the light guide 2 and the image sensor 101 is connected to the light source device 1 and the image processing device 200 via the tube 104 and the operation unit 105, respectively. When observing with an endoscope, the operator (for example, a doctor, etc.)
The light source lamp in the light source device 1 is turned on, and the irradiation light is supplied to the tip of the scope via the light guide 2 to illuminate the subject, and the image sensor 101 images the subject through the objective lens 102. , Output signal to cable 1
03 to the image processing apparatus 200. The image processing apparatus 200 outputs the imaged subject based on the given signal to the output device 300 such as a monitor. In addition,
The operation unit 105 is for performing operations such as changing the direction of the tip of the scope and cleaning the objective lens 102.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing the structure of the light source device 1 in FIG. 1. Reference numeral 2 is a light guide, the tip of which is inserted into a socket provided in the housing 1'of the light source device 1 to introduce the light into the light guide end. 5 is located in the housing 1 '.
3a and 3b are light source lamps arranged near the light introduction end 5 of the light guide 2, and 6 and 7 are respective light source lamps 3a and 3a.
An elliptical or parabolic reflecting mirror for converging the illumination light of b on the light introduction end 5, whereby the illumination light of each light source lamp is focused on the light introduction end 5 of the light guide 2.

Next, the circuit diagrams of FIGS. 3 and 4 showing the schematic construction of an example of the light source device which is the main part of the present invention will be explained. FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram in which the auxiliary light source lamp is automatically turned on when the main light source lamp is burned out. The light source device 1 includes two power sources B (for example, AC100V power source). The light source lamps 3a and 3b are provided, and the light source lamps 3a and 3b are turned on / off by the switch 4, that is, turned on / off. ON / OFF of the switch 4 is controlled by a control signal CS provided from a control unit (not shown) in response to an operator operating start / stop of observation by the endoscope.
Performed by.

One light source lamp, for example, the light source lamp 3
When b is the main light source lamp and the light source lamp 3a is the auxiliary lamp, only the main light source lamp 3b is normally turned on (the auxiliary light source lamp 3a is turned off), and when the main light source lamp 3b is cut off, this is detected. In order to illuminate the spare light source lamp 3a and illuminate the subject with the illumination light from the spare light source lamp 3a, a lamp burn-out detection unit 20b and a lamp switching unit 40 are provided. The main light source lamp 3b is a lamp. The spare light source lamp 3 a is connected in parallel to the power source B in which the switch 4 is interposed via the lamp switching unit 40 via the burnout detecting unit 20 b and the lamp switching unit 40.

In this structure, when the switch 4 is turned on while the main light source lamp 3b is not cut off, the contacts a and b of the relays constituting the lamp cutoff detection section 20b are connected to each other, and the lamp switching section 40 is turned on. As a result of the connection between the contacts a and b of the constituent relays, power is supplied only to the main light source lamp 3b, and only the main light source lamp 3b is turned on. The main light source lamp 3b includes a light guide end 5 (see FIG. 2) of the light guide 2.
Since the light is focused on the reference light), the illumination light from the light is focused on the light introducing end 5 by the reflecting mirror 7 and guided to the tip of the scope portion by the light guide 2 to illuminate the subject.

When the main light source lamp 3b is burnt out, the contacts a and c of the relays forming the lamp burn-out detecting portion 20b are connected to each other and the LED of the lamp burn-out display portion 21b is connected.
23b is turned on, and the contacts a and c of the relays forming the lamp switching unit 40 are connected, so that the power supply to the main light source lamp 3b is automatically switched to the power supply to the auxiliary light source lamp 3a. Then, the spare light source lamp 3a is turned on. Since this spare light source lamp 3a is focused on the light introducing end 5 of the light guide 2 like the main light source lamp 3b, the illuminating light from it is reflected by the reflecting mirror 6 at the light introducing end 5a.
The light is guided to the tip of the scope portion by the light guide 2 and illuminates the subject.

As a result, even if the main light source lamp 3b is burnt out when the endoscope is used, the backup light source lamp 3a is immediately and automatically switched, so that the interruption of the illumination when the endoscope is used is prevented. The relays forming the lamp burn-out detection unit 20b and the relays forming the lamp switching unit 40 are connected between the contacts a and b when current is flowing through the relay coil 22, and the current flows through the relay coil 22. It is a relay that connects between contacts a and c when it disappears.

In the above structure, the main light source lamp 3b is used.
Although the relay coil 22 of the lamp burnout detection unit 20b is connected in series to detect the lamp burnout of the main light source lamp 3b and the spare light source lamp 3a is turned on, the CCD provided at the tip of the scope unit is used. It is also possible to detect a decrease in the light amount of the image pickup device such as, and control the lamp switching unit 40 accordingly to switch from the main light source lamp 3b to the spare light source lamp 3a. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the operation of the main light source lamp 3b from becoming dark due to a decrease in the amount of light, which makes the operation difficult. Further, in the above embodiment, each of the main light source lamp and the spare light source lamp is composed of one light source lamp, but the main light source lamp and / or the spare light source lamp may be composed of a plurality of light source lamps. .

In FIG. 4, the light amount adjusting units 10a and 10b are provided in the power supply lines to the light source lamps 3a and 3b, respectively, and the light source lamp 3a is also provided with a lamp burnout detection unit 20a and a lamp burnout display unit 21a. Are lit at the same time, and the same reference numerals are attached to the components having the same functions as those in FIG.

Each of the light amount adjusting units 10a and 10b is composed of a variable resistor, and is configured to adjust the light amount of each of the light source lamps 3a and 3b by adjusting the voltage supplied to each of the light source lamps 3a and 3b. Cage, lamp burnout detector 20a
Is for detecting the lamp burnout of the light source lamp 3a, and the lamp burnout detecting unit 20b is for detecting the lamp burnout of the light source lamp 3b.
Is a normally closed type relay (while the light source lamp is on and current is flowing through the relay coil 22,
When the light source lamp is cut off and no current flows through the relay coil 22, the contacts a and b are connected to each other). , 21b are respectively composed of LEDs (light emitting diodes) 23a, 23b, and as shown in the figure, contact points a, b of the lamp burn-out detecting portions 20a, 20b.
By connecting the terminals, power is supplied to the LEDs 23a and 23b, and a circuit is assembled so that the LEDs 23a and 23b are turned on.

In this structure, when the switch 4 is turned on, the light source lamps 3a and 3b are turned on. Since the two light source lamps 3a and 3b are focused so as to be focused on the light introduction end 5 (see FIG. 2) of the light guide 2 by the reflecting mirrors 6 and 7, respectively, the irradiation light from each of the light source lamps 3a and 3b. Is guided to the light introduction end 5, is supplied to the distal end of the scope by the light guide 2, and the subject is illuminated with the irradiation light from each of the light source lamps 3a and 3b. Therefore, even if one of the light source lamps 3a and 3b is burnt out, the other light source lamp 3
Since the subject is illuminated by the illumination light from b or 3a,
It is possible to prevent interruption of lighting.

Also, when the endoscope is used, one light source lamp 3
When a or 3b is cut off, by increasing the amount of illumination light from the other light source lamp 3b or 3a, it is possible to illuminate the subject with the same amount of light as in normal times, and one light source when using the endoscope. Even if the lamp burns out, the operation using the endoscope can be performed in the same manner as in normal times. Furthermore, at normal times (when both light source lamps 3a and 3b are lit), either one of the LEDs 23a and 23b that are off is lit up because the lamp is out (LED 23a is lit up when the light source lamp 3a is off. , The LED 23b is turned on when the light source lamp 3b is burned out), and it is possible to immediately know that the lamp burned out and which light source lamp burned out. The light amount can be adjusted accurately by using the light amount adjusting unit 10b or 10a, and the light source lamp 3a or 3b that has been cut can be replaced accurately.

Further, since the burned out lamp can be replaced while working with the endoscope by the illumination light from the other light source lamps, the lamp replacement work can be performed calmly and surely, and the lamp replacement work of the conventional device can be performed. As described above, it is possible to prevent unnecessary confusion due to the interruption of the illumination due to the lamp being burnt out. Although it is rare that the light source lamps 3a and 3b are turned off at the same time, in order to prevent this from happening, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, the life LT of each of the light source lamps 3a and 3b is set. It is preferable to operate so that the light source lamps 3a and 3b are exchanged with respect to each other with time. Further, a halogen lamp, which is cheaper than a xenon lamp or the like and whose light amount can be adjusted by adjusting the voltage, has a drawback that it suddenly turns off when it reaches a certain life. Since the interruption of the illumination is prevented even when the lamp is burnt out, an inexpensive lamp such as the halogen lamp can be used as the light sources 3a and 3b, and the cost can be reduced.

Further, in this embodiment, each light source lamp 3 is normally operated (when all the light source lamps 3a and 3b are not cut off).
The illumination light from a and 3b is combined to illuminate the subject. Therefore, even if the light amount of each of the light source lamps 3a and 3b is reduced by adjusting the voltage, for example, a sufficient amount of illumination light that illuminates the subject can be obtained. For example, in the case of a halogen lamp or the like, the life of each of the light source lamps 3a and 3b can be extended by reducing the amount of illumination light (the voltage supplied is reduced), and the number of lamps used can be reduced. Therefore, the running cost can be reduced.

In the above embodiment, the light source device 1 is provided with two light source lamps, and the subject is illuminated with the illumination light from each of the light source lamps 3a and 3b. It is also possible to arrange three or more light source lamps in focus with the light introduction end of the light guide 2 and illuminate the subject with illumination light from each of these light source lamps. Further, in FIG. 4, the light amount adjustment is performed manually, but it may be configured to be performed automatically.

Further, in FIG. 4, the light amount is adjusted by adjusting the supply voltage. For example, each light source lamp is provided with a movable diaphragm, and when one of the light source lamps is turned off, the lamp is turned off. It is also possible to detect the breakage and operate the movable diaphragm provided in front of the other light source lamp to increase the amount of illumination light of the remaining light source lamp. In the above embodiment, the light source device is a unit separate from the scope unit, the light guide in the scope unit is connected to the light source device,
Although the light from the light source device is guided to the tip of the scope portion, the present invention is an endoscope in which a light source lamp is incorporated in the operation portion, which the applicant of the present invention has already filed (Japanese Patent Application No. 7-306789). It can also be applied to mirrors.

[0029]

According to the endoscope of the present invention, since a plurality of light sources focused on the light introducing end of the light guide are provided, the light source is switched by switching the switch. Therefore, a mechanical drive mechanism for switching the light source and a changeover of the light guide are not required, and the light source can be surely switched instantaneously with a simple structure. Also, if multiple light source lamps are turned on at the same time,
Even if one of the light source lamps runs out while the endoscope is in use, the illumination light from the other light source lamps will illuminate the subject, and it is possible to prevent interruption of the illumination during use of the endoscope. Since the illumination light from each light source lamp illuminates the subject together, the light intensity of each light source lamp can be reduced, which can extend the life of each light source lamp and correspondingly reduce the cost. It can be reduced.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of an endoscope according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a light source device that is a main part of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a preferred operation example of replacing each light source lamp.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory view of a conventional light source lamp replacement mechanism.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory view of another conventional light source lamp replacement mechanism.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Light source device 2 ... Light guide 3a, 3b ... Light source lamp 4 ... Switch 5 ... Light introduction | transduction end 6, 7 ... Reflector 10a, 10b ... Light amount adjustment part 20a, 20b
... Lamp burn-out detection unit 21a, 21b ... Lamp burn-out display unit 22 ... Relay coil 23a, 23b ... LED 40 ... Lamp switching unit 100 ... Scope unit E ... Power supply

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. An endoscope in which light from a light source is guided to a distal end of a scope through a light guide to illuminate a subject, and a plurality of light sources are arranged in the vicinity of a light introducing end of the light guide. An endoscope, wherein the endoscope is provided and focused so that respective illumination light from each light source is focused on a light introduction end of the light guide.