JPS5997643A - Light source apparatus for endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a light source device for an endoscope, which has an improved structure of a socket portion for connecting a connector of an endoscope.

Generally, the trick to a light source device for an endoscope is that a connector provided at the end of the endoscope cable is attached to a part of the light source device, so that the optical system, electrical system, and air/water supply system are connected to each other. It has become so.

Conventionally known connectors for endoscopes include a light guide tube, an air supply tube, and a plurality of contact pins, which are protruded from the bottom of a recess formed on the distal end surface of the connector body. The proximal end portions of the tab, the light guide tube, the air supply tube, and the contact bottle are surrounded by a fitting tube that forms at least the recessed portion.

In recent years, with advances in endoscope cleaning technology, the entire endoscope has been made waterproof and the entire endoscope has been cleaned and disinfected. However, as mentioned above, there is a concave part at the tip of the connector main body, and the light guide tube, air supply pipe, and multiple contact bins are protruded from this concave part, so even if it is pulled out of the cleaning tank, the water does not drain. The cleaning liquid accumulated in the small gaps between the tubes and the bottles at the bottom of the recess, and could not be wiped off.

Therefore, we completely changed the structure of the connector by making the front end of the connector body flat and protruding the light guide tube and air supply tube onto this flat surface. A connector of this type has been proposed that can be returned after the connector body has been opened.This type of connector has no recesses on the outer surface of the connector body, and the cleaning liquid adhering to the outer surface drains naturally. Can be easily wiped off.

However, when using an endoscope that has a connector whose structure has been completely changed in this way, the structure of the socket of the light source device must also be changed to match the connector. Since light source devices are expensive, it is extremely uneconomical for the user to prepare a plurality of light source devices with different sockets.

For this reason, by using two types of adapters between the endoscope connector and the light source device socket, it is possible to use either type of socket, regardless of which type of connector the endoscope has. A connection method has already been proposed that can be used for light source devices of different types and provides compatibility between different types of connectors and light source devices (Japanese Patent Application No. 57-36).
004 application). However, recently, a multiplex transmission system is being used in endoscopic vision systems that transmits a large number of signals using a small number of signal lines. Therefore, when it is attempted to use the same electric light source device for both an endoscope that employs the above-mentioned transmission method and an endoscope of a conventional type, compatibility becomes a problem.

For this reason, even with the above application, in order to ensure consistency, a light source side adapter and a connector side adapter are prepared, and the electrical system is incorporated into these to perform the necessary electrical processing. There is.

Two types of adapters are used to accommodate different types of endoscopes. When two adapters are used in this manner, the structure becomes complicated and expensive, and the handling thereof becomes troublesome.

Furthermore, in order to regenerate a superimposed signal into individual signals, the above-mentioned adapters must be passed through the contact type contacts twice, which has the drawback of lowering reliability.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and its purpose is to connect different types of endoscope connectors to one type of socket without using separate adapters.
To provide a light source device for an endoscope that can be easily connected.

Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described based on the drawings.

In Figure 1, 1 is a conventionally widely used type of endoscope (hereinafter referred to as the 1st type of endoscope), and 2 is a new type of endoscope (hereinafter referred to as the 2nd type of endoscope). It is called a mirror). These endoscopes 1 and 2 of each type have the same basic structure except for a rotor and an electrical system, which will be described later. That is, a flexible and elongated insertion section 5 and a light guide cable 6 are connected to an operation section 4 having an eyepiece section 3. A light guide 7 made of an optical fiber bundle is inserted into the light guide cable 6, and the light guide 7 is passed through the operating section 4 and the insertion section 5 into the insertion section 5.
It is connected to the illumination window 9 of the tip component 8 and makes noise. Further, an image guide (not shown) is inserted into the upper insertion portion 5 and has one end connected to the eyepiece portion 3 and the other end connected to the observation window 10 of the distal end portion 8 .

Further, a connector 11 is attached to the distal end of the light guide cable 6 of the first type endoscope 1. The connector body 12 of this connector 11 is formed into a cylindrical shape, and a fitting tube 3 forming a concave portion is provided at the tip end of the connector body 12. The light guide tube 14 housing the light guide 7 therein, the air supply tube 15, and a plurality of contact pins 16 are placed at the inner bottom of the concave portion surrounded by the fitting tube 13 for insertion into a socket described later. It is protruded in the direction. Further, an air/water supply mouthpiece 17 , a carbon dioxide gas supply mouthpiece 18 , a suction mouthpiece 19 , and a double-frequency earth fitting 20 are protruded from the outer peripheral surface of the connector body 12 . 2 elastic engagement rings are fitted.

On the other hand, the connector 22 attached to the distal end of the light guide cable 6 of the second type endoscope 2 is constructed as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. That is, 23 is a connector body formed in a cylindrical shape, and an opening 24 is provided at the tip thereof. An annular groove 25 is provided along the edge of the opening 24, and a protruding edge 27 of an end plate 26 that closes the opening 24 is fitted and fixed into the annular groove 25. Therefore, this end plate 26 is formed to have a slightly smaller diameter than the connector main body 23, and a stepped portion 28 is formed at the connecting portion thereof. Further, an annular groove 29 having a U-shaped cross section is carved on the outer peripheral surface of the end plate 26, and an elastic engagement member such as NB is formed in this annular groove 29.
A retaining ring 30 made of R rubber is fitted. Further, the end plate 26 is provided with a light guide tube 3 in which the light guide 7 is housed and an air supply g32 projecting forward. Furthermore, a plurality of through holes 33 are bored at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction on the outer circumferential surface of the distal end side of the connector body 23, and these through holes 33 are provided with a plurality of through holes 33. Contact pins 35 are fixed via insulating socks 34. The tips of these contacts 35... are connected to the connector body 23.
It protrudes slightly from the outer peripheral surface of the area, and the end is the endoscope 2.
It is electrically connected to an endoscope camera via a signal line (not shown) inserted therein, and transmits and receives photographing drive signals and control signals. Furthermore, these contact bins 3
5... Connector body 23 located slightly rearward
An annular projection 36 is integrally provided on the outer circumferential surface of the area along the circumferential direction. The protruding height of the annular protrusion 36 is slightly larger than the protruding height of the contact bins 35, so even if the connector 22 is placed horizontally on a desk or the like, the contact bins 35... Connect the contact bin 35 so that it does not touch the desk top.
It has a protective effect on...

As shown in FIG. 2, an air/water supply cap 37, a carbon dioxide gas supply cap 38, a suction cap 39, and a high frequency ground cap 40 are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the connector body 23 in a protruding manner.

On the third side, 4 in FIG. 3 is a light source device, and the front A4 channel 42 of this light source device 4 has a socket portion 43 into which the connectors 11 and 22 of the endoscopes 1 and 2 are respectively attached.
is provided. This socket part 43 has a socket member 44 that is attached and fixed to the front panel 42, and the front end surface of this socket member 44 is connected to the front panel 42.
Yoshi also protrudes forward. Furthermore, the socket member 44
There is an insertion hole 45 for the light guide tube, and an insertion hole 46 for the air supply tube.
A plurality of contact bottle insertion holes 47 are bored in parallel along the insertion direction. A light source lamp (not shown) is installed in the main body of the light source device 4, facing the light guide tube insertion hole 45. Also,
An air pipe 48 is provided inside the air pipe insertion hole 45, and a first electrical connection terminal 49 is provided in the contact bottle insertion hole 47.

Further, a cylindrical member 5 is installed in the socket portion 43 for positioning and fixing each of the connectors 11 and 2 of the endoscope 2 connected to the socket member 44 at predetermined positions. Member 5 is the socket member 44
It is fitted onto the outer periphery and fixed with screws. This cylindrical member 5 provides a gap around the outer periphery of the front end of the socket member 44, and also protrudes forward from the front end surface of the socket member 44. The inner peripheral portion of the cylindrical member 5 facing the outer periphery of the front end of the socket member 44 is fitted with an elastic engaging ring 2 of the connector of the first type endoscope 1. A groove 52 is formed in an annular shape, and constitutes an engaging and fixing portion 53 of M1 that positions and fixes the connector at a predetermined position. Note that when the engagement ring 2 of the connector 1 is fitted into the first engagement fixing part 53, the tip of the fitting cylinder 13 of the connector is between the socket member 44 and the cylindrical member 5. It is designed to fit into the gap between the two.

Furthermore, the inner circumferential surface of the protruding tip of the cylindrical member 5 is formed to have an inner diameter larger than the inner diameter of the first engagement fixing part 53, and the endoscope of the first type, the connector of There should be no problem when inserting 1. In addition, this inner circumferential surface portion is connected to the second type endoscope 2.
A second connector for positioning and fixing the connector 22 at a predetermined location.
It is configured as a locking and fixing part 5.4. An annular engagement groove 55 into which the elastic engagement ring 30 of the connector 22 of the second type endoscope 2 is fitted is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the tab υ. Further, the elastic engagement ring 30 is connected to the engagement groove 5.
A strut horn base 56 is formed, which is a stepped portion against which the circumferential edge of the end plate 26 of the connector 22 comes into contact when the connector 22 is engaged with the connector 5. Furthermore, the stepped portion 28 of the connector 22 is connected to the cylindrical member 5.
It also hits the front end of the hole. Further, when the connector 22 is attached, the contact pins 35 are exposed from the cylindrical member 5, and a second
The electrical connection terminals 57 are brought into contact with each other.

Further, the socket portion 43 has second pins that contact the contact pins 35 of the connector 22 of the second type endoscope 2.
A case 58 for holding electrical connection terminals 57 is attached. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, this case 58 is formed into a double cylindrical shape, and has an opening at the front so that each of the connectors 11 and 22 can be inserted through this opening 59. In addition, notch openings 60.61 are formed in both left and right walls of the front end of the case 58, and the connectors 11.22
Each cap 17.18°19.20 is made not to hit. A small arcuate portion 62 is formed at the upper front of the case 58, and a large arcuate portion 63 is formed at the lower front.

Contact pins 35 of the connector 22 of the second type endoscope 2 are provided at the inner edges of the small arcuate portion 62 and the large arcuate portion 63.
Guide notch grooves 64 for inserting these are provided in correspondence with each of them. Each of the guide notch grooves 64 is provided with the contact pin 35.
The second electrical connection terminals 57, which come into contact with..., are provided.

In addition, a viewing circuit section 6 is provided in the space within the large arc-shaped section 63.
5 is installed, and this matching circuit section 65 processes signals sent to and received from the second type endoscope 2 through the second electrical connection terminals 57 . By regenerating the superimposed signal into individual signals or superimposing the individual signals, it is possible to match the electrical system between the light source device &t 4.1 and the second type endoscope 2. It is now being planned.

In addition, inside the light source device 4, there is a power supply circuit for driving the photographing,
An exposure control circuit (none of which is shown) is provided,
These are connected to the first electrical connection terminals 49 . . . and are also connected to the second electrical connection terminals '57 .

Next, a method of using the light source device 4 configured as described above will be explained. First, the socket part 4 of this light source device 4
3, when attaching the connector 1 of the first type endoscope to the case 58, insert the connector 1 through the opening 59 of the case 58, and insert the connector 1 into the light guide tube insertion hole 45 of the socket member 44 and into the air supply tube insertion hole 45. Insertion hole 47 and contact pin insertion hole 4
When the light guide pipe 4, the air supply pipe 15, and the contact bottle 6 are inserted and pushed into the connectors 7 and 7, respectively, the connector 1 passes through the second engagement fixing part 54 and is inserted into the first The elastic engagement ring 2 fits into the engagement groove 52 of the first engagement fixing part 53 to position and fix the connector 1 at a predetermined position. The pick, the light guide pipe 4, the air supply pipe 15, and the contact pins are inserted into their respective predetermined positions, and the contact pins 16 are connected to the first electrical connection terminals 49, and the air supply pipe 15 is connected to the air supply valve 48. Therefore, the endoscope J and the light source device 4 are electrically, optically, and fluidly connected.

On the other hand, when attaching the connector 22 of the second type endoscope 2, the contact pins 35 of the connector 22 are fitted into the corresponding guide notches 64, as described above. However, since the outer diameter of this connector 22 is larger than that of the connector 11 of the first type endoscope 1, do not insert it all the way into the cylindrical member 5. Part 5
4, the elastic engagement ring 3Q fits into and engages the engagement groove 5.5 of the second engagement fixing portion 54. Further, at this time, the tip of the connector 22 is placed in the stopper 56, and the stepped portion 28 is in contact with the front end of the cylindrical member 5, so that positioning in the insertion direction is ensured. Further, the light guide pipe 31 and the air supply pipe 32 are connected to the socket member 44 side as in the above case. The light guide pipe 3 and the air supply pipe 32 protrude longer than those of the first type, and this corresponds to the offset of the respective retaining and fixing parts 53 and 54, so that they can be connected in the same way. Still in this attached state, the contact pins 35 are in contact with the second electrical connection terminals 57, respectively, and are connected to the electric device in the light source device 4 through the matching circuit section 65 as described above.

In the above configuration, when each connector 11.22 is connected, its contact pins 16...30... are electrical connection terminals 49.
...57... Just by touching it once, the light source device 4
Because it is electrically connected to the side, it is more reliable than the previous type, which required multiple contacts.

As explained above, the present invention allows connectors of different types of endoscopes to be easily connected to one type of socket without using a separate adapter, so it is easy to select an adapter. Anyone can easily and quickly select and connect each connector arbitrarily without the hassle of using it. Furthermore, there is no need for an adapter as a separate member, which results in a corresponding reduction in cost, and further simplifies the internal configuration of the socket portion.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

The drawings show one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing two different types of endoscopes, FIG. 2 is a side view of the connector of the second type of endoscope, and FIG. 3 is a side view of the connector of the second type of endoscope. 4 is a side sectional view showing the socket portion and the connector, and FIG. 4 is a front view of the socket portion. 1.2... Endoscope, 1, 22... Connector, 16
．． 35... Contact pin, 4... Light source device, 43...
・Socket, 49...First electrical connection terminal, 5...
- Cylindrical member, 53... first retaining and fixing part, 54...
Second engagement identification portion, 57...Second electrical connection terminal, 6
5... Matching circuit section.

Claims (3)

[Claims] (1) In an endoscope light source device that has a socket part and connects an endoscope connector to the socket part, the socket part is selected to be connected to each connector of a different type, respectively. A light source device for an endoscope, which is provided with a plurality of retaining and fixing parts for positioning and fixing any one of the connectors at a predetermined location, so that connectors of different types can be arbitrarily selected and used for connection. (2) Each of the above-mentioned retaining and fixing parts is formed on the inner surface of the cylindrical member provided in the above-mentioned socket part, and corresponds to each connector to be connected, and extends from each step part that fits and fixes the peripheral part of the connector. 2. The light source device for an endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the inner diameter of each stepped portion on the outer side is larger than that on the inner side. (3) It has two engaging fixing parts, one of which is fitted with a connector having a contact pin protruding in the insertion direction on its distal end, and the other engaging fixing part is fitted with a contact pin that protrudes in the insertion direction. A connector having contact pins protruding from the outer circumferential surface is fitted into the part, and the contact pins of each connector are connected to separate electrical connectors provided in the socket part corresponding to each fitting position. An endoscope light source device 0 according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is electrically connected to a connection terminal.