JPH11151199A - Hanging piece for light guide cable of endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: In engaging and holding of an endoscope with an endoscope retaining platform, to improve durability of the light guide cable by avoiding loading of the whole weight of a light guide cable on a part near the operating section of the light guide cable. SOLUTION: An endoscope 2 is engaged with an endoscope retaining platform 4 using a hanging piece 30 for light guide cable. The endoscope 2 is provided with an operating section 12, a flexible tube 14 connected with the operating section 12, and a light guide cable 16 connected with the operating section 12. The hanging piece 30 for light guide cable consists of the first engaging part 32 deletchable to the operating section 12 of the endoscope 2, the second engaging part 34 delatchable to a connector 18, and a slender member 36 to connect the first engaging part 32 and the second engaging part 34. The first engaging part 32 is elongatedly molded in a C letter form, the second latch part 34 is molded in a tubular form, and the slender member 36 is flexible.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a light guide cable suspending device for an endoscope having an operation section, a flexible tube connected to the operation section, and a light guide cable connected to the operation section. More specifically, the present invention relates to a light guide cable suspending tool used to lock and hold the operation unit on an endoscope holding table with the flexible tube and the light guide cable hanging down.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An endoscope is provided with an operation section, and the operation section is formed so as to extend in a cross section and a length that can be gripped by a hand (specifically, mainly a left hand) of an operator. A flexible tube protrudes from one end, a light guide cable protrudes from the other end in the extending direction of the operation unit, and a bending operation for changing the direction of the field of view of the endoscope end is provided at the other end of the operation unit. A knob and an operation button for switching supply of water or air to the flexible tube are provided. A connector is provided at an end of the light guide cable, and when the endoscope is used, this connector is connected to a device main body including a light source device. And in the case of an electronic endoscope,
Illumination light is emitted from the distal end of the flexible tube via the connector from the light source device of the apparatus main body, power is supplied to the CCD at the distal end of the flexible tube via the connector, and the electric signal is transmitted to the apparatus main body. And an image captured by the imaging lens and the CCD is displayed on a display device. In the case of a fiberscope, illumination light is emitted from the distal end of the flexible tube through a connector, and an image captured by an imaging lens and an optical fiber is taken into the processing apparatus main body through the connector, and the display is displayed. It is displayed on the device. When such an endoscope is not in use, the operation section is locked and held by the holding plate of the endoscope holding base with the side on which the flexible tube protrudes downward facing downward, and the flexible tube is moved from the holding plate to the flexible tube. And the light guide cable is hung downward.

[0003]

In an endoscope, generally,
The flexible tube protrudes in a direction substantially the same as the direction in which the operation section extends, and the light guide cable protrudes in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction in which the operation section extends. Accordingly, in a state in which the operation section of the endoscope is locked and held by the holding plate of the endoscope holding table, the operation section and the flexible tube are positioned substantially on the same vertical line, but the light guide cable is connected to the operation section. After being curved at the deviated portion, it hangs down linearly. On the other hand, a cylindrical reinforcing member made of flexible rubber or the like is provided near the operation portion of the light guide cable, and the reinforcing member prevents breakage of the optical fiber. However, as described above, if the light guide cable is curved near the operation portion, the weight of the light guide cable is always applied to the reinforcing member and the optical fiber portion near the reinforcing member, and the reinforcing member and the optical fiber near the reinforcing member. It is not preferable in terms of durability of the part. The present invention has been devised in view of the above circumstances, the object of the present invention,
When the endoscope is held and held by the endoscope holding stand, the entire weight of the light guide cable is prevented from being applied to the portion near the operation portion of the light guide cable, and thereby the durability of the reinforcing member and the optical fiber, that is, the light guide, It is an object of the present invention to provide a light guide cable suspending device for an endoscope which enhances the durability of the cable.

[0004]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an endoscope having an operation unit, a flexible tube connected to the operation unit, and a light guide cable connected to the operation unit. A light guide cable suspending device, wherein the first engaging portion is detachable from the operating portion, the second engaging portion is detachable from a connector at an end of the light guide cable, It is characterized by comprising an elongated member connecting the first locking portion and the second locking portion. In addition, the present invention provides an endoscope including an operation unit, a flexible tube connected to the operation unit, and a light guide cable connected to the operation unit, by moving the flexible tube and the light guide cable downward. A hanging device for a light guide cable used when the operation unit is locked and held on an endoscope holding table in a hanging state, wherein the first locking unit is detachable from the operation unit; The light guide cable is characterized by comprising a second locking portion detachable from the connector at the end of the light guide cable, and an elongated member connecting the first locking portion and the second locking portion. . Further, the invention is characterized in that at least a part of the elongated member is flexible. Further, the invention is characterized in that a portion between the first locking portion and the second locking portion is formed to have a shorter length than the light guide cable. Also, in the present invention, the endoscope is an electronic endoscope, and a plug containing a power supply line and a signal line is projected from a connector at an end of the light guide cable, and The portion is formed so as to be detachable from the plug. Also, in the present invention, the plug may be provided at a position opposite to a connector at which the light guide cable protrudes, in a direction opposite to a direction in which the light guide cable protrudes from the connector, and The portion is coaxially and detachably coupled to the plug. Further, the invention is characterized in that the second locking portion is formed so as to cover the plug in a state where the second locking portion is connected to the plug.

Further, according to the present invention, the endoscope is a fiberscope, a joint containing an optical fiber is projected from a connector at an end of a light guide cable, and the second locking portion is It is characterized in that it is formed to be detachable from the joint. In addition, the present invention is characterized in that the joint protrudes in a direction opposite to a direction in which the light guide cable protrudes from the connector at a location opposite to a connector location where the light guide cable protrudes, and
The engaging portion is coaxially and detachably connected to the joint. Further, the invention is characterized in that the second locking portion is formed so as to cover the plug in a state where the second locking portion is connected to the plug. In addition, the present invention provides an endoscope including an operation unit, a flexible tube connected to the operation unit, and a light guide cable connected to the operation unit, by moving the flexible tube and the light guide cable downward. A light guide cable suspending tool used to lock and hold the operation unit to an endoscope holding table in a hung state, one end of which is detachably coupled to the operation unit, and Are removably connected to the end of the light guide cable, whereby the end of the light guide cable is lifted.

[0006]

Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which an endoscope is locked and held by an endoscope holding table and a light guide cable hanging device is used, and FIG. 2A is a front view of the light guide cable hanging device. 2 (B) is a sectional view taken along the line BB of FIG. 2 (A), and FIG.
3A is a cross-sectional view of the CC of FIG. 3A, FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B are explanatory views when the third locking portion and the female plug are connected, FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the connector, and FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the endoscope is locked and held on an endoscope holding table without using a suspending tool. As shown in FIG. 1, an endoscope 2 is locked and held on an endoscope holding table 4 using a light guide cable hanging device 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The endoscope holding table 4 has a holding plate 6 supported substantially horizontally at a predetermined height from the floor, and the holding plate 6 is supported by an upper portion of a column,
The columns are erected from a movable base on the floor. The holding plate 6 has a plurality of locking grooves 8 formed on the outer edge of the holding plate 6 in an open manner.

The endoscope 2 includes an operation unit 12, a flexible tube 14 connected to the operation unit 12, and a light guide cable 16 connected to the operation unit 12. The operation section 12 is formed so as to extend with a cross section and a length that can be gripped by the operator's hand (mainly the left hand). The flexible tube 14 extends from one end of the operation section 12 in the extension direction of the operation section 12. The light guide cable 16 projects from the other end of the operation unit 12 in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the operation unit 12 extends. At the end, a connector 18 for connecting the endoscope 2 to a processing apparatus main body including a light source device is provided. Then, the operating portion 12 is inserted into the locking groove 8 from above the locking groove 8 so that the flexible tube 14 hangs downward, and a portion where the cross section on the other end side of the operating portion 12 is large is the locking groove 8. The endoscope 2 is held by the holding plate 6.

The flexible tube 14 and the light guide cable 16 incorporate an optical fiber, a tube for supplying water or air, a tube for suction, a power line, a signal line, and the like. A cylindrical reinforcing member 1 made of flexible rubber or the like is provided on the portion near the portion 12 and the portion near the connector 18.
9 and 20 are provided to prevent breakage of these optical fibers, tubes, and cords. Therefore, the flexible tube 14
When the operating part 12 is locked in the locking groove 8 so that the operating part 12 hangs downward, as shown in FIG. The extension direction of the flexible tube 14 and the flexible tube 14 are located on substantially the same vertical line, and the light guide cable 16 is bent near the front end of the reinforcing member 19 and then hangs down linearly downward. Curved part 1 with small curvature
602 is formed. A forceps port is provided at one end of the operation unit 12 in the extending direction, and a bending operation knob or the like for changing the direction of the visual field of the endoscope end is provided at the other end of the operation unit 12 in the extension direction. An operation button for switching between jetting water and air from the tip of the flexible tube 14 and an operation button for performing suction from the tip of the flexible tube are provided.

In this embodiment, the endoscope 2 is an electronic scope (video scope), and the connector 18 at the end of the light guide cable 16 is connected to the endoscope 2 as shown in FIG.
A power supply line for supplying power to the CCD at the tip of the flexible tube 14 and a signal line for displaying an image captured by the imaging lens and the CCD on a display device of the processing device main body are connected to the light guide cable 16 and the device main body. A female plug 22 is protruded so as to be connected therebetween. The connector 18 has
A joint 24 protrudingly connects the optical fiber in the light guide cable 16 and the optical fiber of the processing apparatus main body so that light is supplied from the light source device of the processing apparatus main body to the distal end of the flexible tube 14 and irradiated. . The female plug 22 is formed in a tubular shape, a locking pin 2202 is provided on the outer peripheral surface thereof, and a joint 24 is provided in a shaft shape. The female plug 22 and the joint 24 are connected to the light guide cable 1.
The light guide cable 16 projects in a direction opposite to and parallel to the projecting direction of the light guide cable 16 at a position opposite to the projecting connector 18.

[0010] The light guide cable hanging device 3
Reference numeral 0 denotes a first locking portion 32 that can be disengaged from the operation portion 12, a second locking portion 34 that can be disengaged from the connector 18, and a first locking portion 3.
2 and an elongated member 36 for connecting the second locking portion 34. The first engagement portion 32 is made of synthetic resin, rubber, steel, or the like, has a circular cross section, and is formed to extend in a C-shape having a diameter larger than the transverse cross section of the operation portion 12, and is elastically deformable. As described above, since the operation dial and the operation button are protrudingly provided on the operation portion 12, when the operation portion 12 is inserted into the first engagement portion 32, the first engagement portion 32 becomes the operation portion 1.
2 will be locked. The second locking portion 34 is made of synthetic resin, rubber, steel, or the like, is formed in a cylindrical shape with a diameter that allows the female plug 22 to be fitted therein, and has the locking pin 2202 on its outer peripheral surface. Lock groove 340 to be inserted
2 are formed extending. The elongated member 36 is made of synthetic resin, rubber, steel, or the like, is at least partially flexible, has a shorter length than the light guide cable 16 or the flexible tube 14, and has one end in the longitudinal direction. Is connected to the end of the first locking portion 32, and the other end in the longitudinal direction is connected to the axis of the second locking portion 34.

Next, a method of using the light guide cable hanging device 30 will be described. When the endoscope 2 is not used, as shown in FIG. 1, the operation unit 12 is inserted into the locking groove 8 from above the locking groove 8 so that the flexible tube 14 hangs downward, and Is locked in the locking groove 8. Next, as shown in FIG. 3, the female pin 22 of the connector 18 is inserted into the second locking portion 34 of the light guide cable hanging device 30 by aligning the locking pin 2202 and the locking groove 3402,
The second locking portion 34 is rotated so that the locking pin 2202 reaches the depth of the locking groove 3402, and the female plug 22 and the second locking portion 34 are irremovably coupled. At the time of connection, the second locking portion 3
Numeral 4 covers the female plug 22. And
When the first locking portion 32 is locked to the operation portion 12, the connector 18 of the light guide cable 16 is hung by the light guide cable hanger 30, as shown in FIG.

As a result, a part of the weight of the light guide cable 16 is received by the light guide cable suspending device 30, and the entirety of the light guide cable 16 is reinforced by the reinforcing member 19 and the light guide cable 16 near the tip of the reinforcing member 19. Because the light guide cable 16 is no longer weighed, the portion of the light guide cable 16 away from the reinforcing member 20 on the connector 18 bends with a large curvature, and the light guide cable 16 that is separated from the reinforcing member 19 on the operation unit 12 side following this bend. It bends with a large curvature to the side at 16 portions. Therefore, the curved portion 1602 having a small curvature near the distal end of the reinforcing member 19 formed when the light guide cable hanging device 30 is not used can be eliminated, and the durability of the light guide cable 16 and the reinforcing member 19 can be significantly improved. It becomes possible. Further, in the present embodiment, the female plug 22 is provided at a location opposite to the location of the connector 18 at which the light guide cable 16 is provided so as to project in a direction opposite to the direction in which the light guide cable 16 is provided. Since the second locking portion 34 is coaxially coupled with the mold plug 22, the portion of the light guide cable 16 near the distal end of the reinforcing member 20 hangs in a substantially vertical direction, and the reinforcing member 20 and the reinforcing member 20
Without bending the light guide cable 16 near the tip of the light guide cable 16 and the reinforcing member 20.
This is advantageous in terms of durability. Further, the female plug 22 when not in use can be protected by the second locking portion 34.

Next, a case where the endoscope is a fiberscope will be described. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a state in which the endoscope is locked and held by the endoscope holding table and a light guide cable suspending tool is used, and FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrams of the third locking portion and the joint. The explanatory view at the time of connection is shown. If the endoscope is a fiberscope, there is no power line or signal line because it does not have a CCD, so the shape of the connector 48 at the end of the light guide cable 16 is different. The structure of the part 54 is also different. As shown in FIG. 7A, an axial joint 50 for connecting an optical fiber between the light guide cable 16 and the light source device main body is projected from the connector 48 at the end of the light guide cable 16. . The second locking portion 54 is made of synthetic resin, rubber, steel, or the like, and has a cylindrical shape with a diameter at which the joint 50 is fitted. A snap ring 5402 that engages with and disengages from the annular bulge 5002 of the joint 50 is attached to the inner peripheral surface near the opening, and when the joint 50 is inserted into the second locking part 54, the bulge 500
2 and the snap ring 5402 are engaged, and the joint 50
And the second locking portion 54 are connected so as not to fall out. At the time of coupling, the second locking portion 54 covers the tip of the joint 50 so as to protect the light incident surface.

As shown in FIG. 6, the connector 48 of the light guide cable 16 is also lifted by the light guide cable hanging device 30 having the second locking portion 54 as shown in FIG. The light guide cable 16 receives a part of the weight of the light guide cable 16 by the light guide cable suspending device 30, and the reinforcing member 19 and the portion of the light guide cable 16 near the distal end of the reinforcing member 19, similarly to the above embodiment. Will not receive the full weight of the light guide cable 16,
The durability of the light guide cable 16 and the reinforcing member 19 can be significantly improved. Also, joint 50
Is a connector 48 from which the light guide cable 16 is protruded.
The light guide cable 16 is protruded in a direction opposite to the direction in which the light guide cable 16 is protruded, and the second locking portion 54 is connected coaxially with the joint 50. The guide cable 16 will hang down in a substantially vertical direction, similar to the above embodiment,
This is advantageous in terms of durability of the light guide cable 16 and the reinforcing member 20. Further, the tip end surface (illumination light incident end surface) of the joint 50 when not in use can be protected by the second locking portion 54.

[0015]

As is apparent from the above description, the hanging device for a light guide cable of an endoscope according to the present invention includes a first locking portion detachable from an operating portion and an end portion of the light guide cable. And a second locking portion which can be disengaged from the first locking portion, and an elongated member connecting the first locking portion and the second locking portion. Therefore, when the endoscope is held by the endoscope holder, the end of the light guide cable is lifted by the light guide cable suspending device, so that the entire light guide cable is moved to a portion closer to the operation part of the light guide cable. The weight is reduced, and the durability of the light guide cable can be increased.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a state in which an endoscope is locked and held by an endoscope holding base and a light guide cable hanging tool is used.

2A is a front view of a light guide cable hanging device, FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of BB of FIG. 2A, and FIG.
It is CC sectional drawing of.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are explanatory views when a third locking portion and a female plug are connected.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a connector.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a state in which the endoscope is locked and held on an endoscope holding base without using a light guide cable suspending tool.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a state in which the endoscope is locked and held on an endoscope holding base and a light guide cable hanging tool is used.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are explanatory views when the third locking portion and the joint are connected.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 2 Endoscope 4 Endoscope holding stand 12 Operation part 14 Flexible tube 16 Light guide cable 18, 48 Connector 30 Hanging tool for light guide cable 32 First locking part 34, 54 Second locking part 36 Slender Parts

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A hanging device for a light guide cable of an endoscope, comprising: an operation unit, a flexible tube connected to the operation unit, and a light guide cable connected to the operation unit, A first locking portion that can be engaged with and disengaged from a connector, a second locking portion that can be disengaged with a connector at an end of the light guide cable, and an elongate connecting the first locking portion and the second locking portion. A light guide cable suspending device for an endoscope, comprising: an endoscope; 2. An endoscope having an operation section, a flexible tube connected to the operation section, and a light guide cable connected to the operation section, hanging the flexible tube and the light guide cable downward. A light guide cable suspending tool used when the operating unit is locked and held on an endoscope holding table in a state where the operating unit is locked, wherein a first locking unit detachable from the operating unit; A second locking portion detachable from the connector at the end of the guide cable, and an elongated member connecting the first locking portion and the second locking portion. Suspension tool for endoscope light guide cable. 3. The hanging device for a light guide cable of an endoscope according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of said elongated member is flexible. 4. A light guide cable for an endoscope according to claim 1, wherein a length between said first locking portion and said second locking portion is shorter than said light guide cable. Hanging equipment. 5. The endoscope is an electronic endoscope, wherein a plug containing a power supply line and a signal line is protruded from a connector at an end of a light guide cable, and the second locking portion is provided. Is formed so as to be detachable from the plug,
5. The hanging device for a light guide cable of an endoscope according to 2, 3, or 4. 6. The connector according to claim 6, wherein the plug is provided at a position opposite to a connector at which the light guide cable protrudes, and protrudes in a direction opposite to a direction in which the light guide cable protrudes from the connector. 6. The hanging device for a light guide cable of an endoscope according to claim 5, wherein the hanging member is coaxially detachably connected to the plug. 7. The plug according to claim 5, wherein the second locking portion is formed so as to cover the plug in a state where the second locking portion is connected to the plug.
The hanging device for a light guide cable of the endoscope according to the above. 8. The endoscope is a fiberscope, and a joint containing an optical fiber is protruded from a connector at an end of a light guide cable, and the second locking portion is connected to the joint. The hanging device for a light guide cable of an endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the hanging device is formed to be detachable. 9. The joint is provided at a position opposite to a connector at which the light guide cable protrudes, in a direction opposite to a direction in which the light guide cable protrudes from the connector. 9. The hanging device for a light guide cable of an endoscope according to claim 8, wherein the hanging member is coaxially detachably connected to the joint. 10. The hanging device for a light guide cable of an endoscope according to claim 8, wherein the second locking portion is formed so as to cover the joint in a state of being connected to the joint. 11. An endoscope having an operation section, a flexible tube connected to the operation section, and a light guide cable connected to the operation section, hanging the flexible tube and the light guide cable downward. A light guide cable suspending tool used when the operation unit is locked and held on an endoscope holding table in a state in which the operation unit is detachably engaged with the operation unit, and the other end is connected to the operation unit. It is detachably coupled to the end of the light guide cable,
The end guide for a light guide cable of an endoscope is configured to lift an end of the light guide cable.