WO2020148814A1 - Endoscope system and endoscope - Google Patents

Endoscope system and endoscope Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2020148814A1
WO2020148814A1 PCT/JP2019/000975 JP2019000975W WO2020148814A1 WO 2020148814 A1 WO2020148814 A1 WO 2020148814A1 JP 2019000975 W JP2019000975 W JP 2019000975W WO 2020148814 A1 WO2020148814 A1 WO 2020148814A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
light
connector
contact
contact portion
light guide
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2019/000975
Other languages
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
雄高 代田
Original Assignee
オリンパス株式会社
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by オリンパス株式会社 filed Critical オリンパス株式会社
Priority to PCT/JP2019/000975 priority Critical patent/WO2020148814A1/en
Publication of WO2020148814A1 publication Critical patent/WO2020148814A1/en

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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/06—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor with illuminating arrangements
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an endoscope system including an endoscope for imaging a subject and an external device to which the endoscope can be connected, and an endoscope external device.
  • a medical endoscope generally has an elongated insertion part to be inserted into a body cavity and an operation part located on the proximal end side of the insertion part.
  • An imaging optical system and an illumination optical system are provided as observation optical systems at the tip of the insertion portion.
  • the image pickup optical system has an image pickup unit including an image pickup element, and the illumination optical system has a light guide fiber.
  • the cable and light guide fiber extended from the tip part are inserted into the insertion part, the operation part, and the universal cord, and led out into the endoscope connector part.
  • a light guide connector accommodating a light guide fiber projects from the end surface of the endoscope connector portion.
  • the light guide connector is attachable to and detachable from the receiving portion of the light source device.
  • a light source is provided in the light source device.
  • the light emitted from the light source is supplied to the light guide fiber in the light guide connector connected to the receiving portion of the light source device. This light enters from the end face of the light guide fiber, is transmitted through the light guide fiber, and is emitted from the tip of the endoscope toward the observation site.
  • Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-39642 it is possible to suppress a decrease in illumination light amount due to a deviation from the light source optical axis when a light guide having an axis deviation due to a processing error, an assembly error, or the like is connected.
  • a suitable light source device for an endoscope is shown.
  • a heat sink is attached to the light source lamp of this endoscope light source device, and the heat of the light source lamp is efficiently radiated and cooled by the heat sink.
  • Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-19934 holds a light guide (corresponding to the above-described light guide connector) on the optical axis without bending the incident end.
  • a suitable light source device for an endoscope is shown.
  • the outer peripheral surface on the incident end side of the light guide is covered with a cylindrical body having a pair of rectangular openings on its side surfaces so that the light from the light source lamp does not directly hit the light guide. This prevents the light guide from being heated by the light of the light source lamp.
  • the structure of the connector unit (see reference numeral 20 in the document) that is the receiving unit is complicated and expensive. Further, when the light from the light source lamp hits the cylindrical body, the cylindrical body is heated, and the heat of the cylindrical body may be conducted to the light guide, and the temperature of the light guide may become high.
  • the present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides an endoscope system and an endoscope in which heat of a light source is prevented from being transmitted to a high temperature of a light guide connector portion with a simple configuration.
  • the purpose is to do.
  • An endoscope system is an endoscope system that includes an endoscope that images a subject and an external device that can be connected to the endoscope, wherein the endoscope is A light guide connector portion having a light guide having an end surface that functions as a light receiving surface, and an exterior portion having an opening at the end portion and accommodating the light guide such that the light receiving surface is arranged in the opening.
  • the external device includes a connector receiving portion having a covering surface to which the light guide connector portion is connected and which surrounds an end portion on the light receiving surface side of the exterior portion, and the end surrounded by the covering surface.
  • a light source that emits light toward the light receiving surface located in the opening of the light guide surface, and the light guide connector portion is provided with the light guide connector portion at an end portion of the exterior portion on the light receiving surface side. It includes a contact portion that comes into contact with the covering surface when connected to the connector receiving portion, and a non-contact portion that is provided so as to sandwich the contact portion and that is separated from the covering surface.
  • An endoscope is an endoscope that images a subject detachably attached to an external device having a light source, wherein the endoscope has a light guide having an end face that functions as a light receiving surface, A light guide connector portion having an opening at an end and accommodating the light guide such that the light receiving surface is arranged in the opening; and the light guide connector portion is the exterior.
  • a contact portion that comes into contact with the tapered surface of the connector receiving portion when the light guide connector portion is connected to the connector receiving portion of the external device, and the contact portion at the end portion on the light receiving surface side of the portion. It includes a non-contact portion which is sandwiched and which is separated from the tapered surface.
  • the figure explaining the form of the circular contact part which makes line contact with the coating surface provided in the light-receiving surface side end of the connector part for light guides.
  • FIG. 3B is a view for explaining a form in which a circular contact portion is provided in the circumferential direction and the circular contact portion is divided into three equal parts, and is a cross section taken along line Y6A-Y6A of FIG. 3A.
  • FIG. 3B is a view for explaining a form in which a V-shaped groove is provided in the circumferential direction and a circular contact portion is made into a plurality of contact points, and is a cross section taken along line Y6A-Y6A of FIG.
  • FIG. 3 is a front view illustrating a form of a tapered contact portion that comes into line contact with a covering surface provided on an end portion on the light receiving surface side of the light guide connector portion.
  • FIG. 7A is a side view including a partial step view for explaining the form of the contact portion of the light guide connector portion shown in FIG. 7A.
  • a diagram illustrating the relationship between the light receiving surface of the light guide connector portion and the light source in the connected state The figure explaining the connector pedestal provided with the reflection member.
  • Figure illustrating a connector cradle with heat sink The figure explaining the connector pedestal provided with the light reflection space.
  • the endoscope system 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a medical device.
  • the endoscope system 1 includes, for example, an endoscope 2 that images a subject and a camera control unit 3.
  • the camera control unit 3 is an external device of the endoscope 2 and can be connected to the endoscope 2.
  • the endoscope 2 includes an insertion portion 21, an operation portion 22, and a universal cord 23.
  • the insertion portion 21 has a distal end portion 24, a bending portion 25, and a tubular member 26 in order from the distal end side.
  • the tubular member 26 is a long hard tube formed of a metal tube such as stainless steel or a flexible tube having flexibility.
  • the bending portion 25 can be flexibly bent.
  • the bending portion 25 has a tubular bending piece set (not shown) and a bending rubber 25a.
  • the bending rubber 25a is an outer cover and covers the bending piece set.
  • the bending piece set is configured to bend by connecting a plurality of bending pieces (not shown), for example.
  • each bending operation wire (not shown) are inserted into the bending piece set.
  • the tip of each bending operation wire is fixed to the most distal bending piece.
  • the bending portion 25 bends in an arbitrary direction when the bending operation wire is pulled or loosened.
  • the tip 24 is mainly formed of a metal member such as stainless steel.
  • An imaging unit (not shown) is built in the tip portion 24.
  • the image pickup unit includes a CCD sensor, a CMOS sensor and the like.
  • a communication cable (not shown) and the like extend from the image pickup unit.
  • one end portion of the light guide (11 in FIG. 2) that transmits the illumination light is fixed to the tip portion 24.
  • a communication cable, a light guide, a bending operation wire, and the like extending from the distal end portion 24 are inserted into the tubular member 26 via the bending portion 25.
  • the operation part 22 is connected to the base end of the insertion part 21.
  • the operation section 22 is provided with a bending operation mechanism 27 for remotely operating the bending section 25, various switches 28 for operating the camera control unit 3 and the like.
  • a communication cable, a light guide, a bending operation wire, etc. are inserted through the tubular member 26 into the operation section 22.
  • the wire extension end of each bending operation wire is fixed to the bending operation mechanism 27.
  • the universal cord 23 extends from the base end side of the operation unit 22.
  • An endoscope connector portion 29 is provided on the extension end side of the universal cord 23.
  • Reference numeral 10 is a light guide connector portion.
  • the communication cable and the light guide pass through the universal cord 23 via the operation section 22 and are guided into the endoscope connector section 29.
  • the signal lines and electric wires in the communication cable are electrically connected to predetermined parts in the endoscope connector section 29.
  • the light guide passes through the endoscope connector portion 29 and the extended end portion is housed in the light guide connector portion 10.
  • the endoscope connector section 29 is detachable from the receptacle section 31 of the camera control unit 3.
  • the light guide connector portion 10 is inserted into the connection hole 41 when the endoscope connector portion 29 is mounted on the receptacle portion 31.
  • Numeral 30 is an operation panel, which is provided in front of the camera control unit 3.
  • the operation panel 30 is provided with an operation display unit 32, a power switch 33 and the like in addition to the receptacle unit 31.
  • the camera control unit 3 is a control device that controls the endoscope 2 and has both an image processing device and a light source device. That is, the camera control unit 3 of the present embodiment has a control device, an image processing device, a light source device, and the like built therein.
  • the control device includes a control circuit and the like for controlling the image pickup unit and the like provided in the endoscope 2.
  • the image processing device includes an image processing circuit that receives an image signal acquired by the imaging unit and performs various kinds of image processing and the like.
  • the light source device includes a light source (see reference numeral 51 in FIG. 2) that supplies illumination light emitted from the endoscope 2 to the observation site.
  • the external device is the camera control unit 3 that also serves as the light source device.
  • the endoscope system may include a single light source device as an external device.
  • the endoscope connector section 29 of the endoscope 2 is attached to the receptacle section 31 of the camera control unit 3 to establish a connector connection state.
  • the endoscope connector is connected, electrical connection between the camera control unit 3 and the endoscope 2 is ensured, and light from the light source can be supplied to the light guide provided in the endoscope 2. ..
  • the light guide connector portion 10 projects from the end face of the endoscope connector portion 29 along the endoscope connector longitudinal axis a29.
  • the connector longitudinal axis a10 of the light guide connector portion 10 is parallel to the endoscope connector longitudinal axis a29.
  • the cross-sectional shape of the light guide connector portion 10 orthogonal to the connector longitudinal axis a10 is circular.
  • the light guide connector section 10 is provided with a light guide 11 and an exterior section 12.
  • the end surface of the extended end portion of the light guide 11 functions as the light receiving surface 13.
  • the outer casing 12 is, for example, an annular pipe member and has an opening at the end.
  • the extended end portion of the light guide 11 is housed in the exterior portion 12. In this housed state, the light receiving surface 13 is arranged in the opening.
  • the exterior part 12 is made of metal, for example.
  • the exterior part 12 may be made of resin.
  • the light receiving surface 13 is a plane orthogonal to the connector longitudinal axis a10.
  • Reference numeral 15 is a contact portion.
  • the contact portion 15 is provided on the outer peripheral side of the light-receiving surface-side end surface 12a located on the light-receiving surface 13 side of the exterior portion 12.
  • the opening is closed with an optical member (not shown) that transmits light.
  • the camera control unit 3 has a cover member 34.
  • the cover member 34 is a case body of the camera control unit 3.
  • the operation panel 30 is provided on the outer front surface of the cover member 34.
  • a connector receiving stand 40 and a light source stand 50 are provided in the cover member 34.
  • the light source base 50 is made of metal.
  • the connector pedestal 40 is made of resin whose thermal conductivity is lower than that of metal.
  • the connector pedestal 40 is not limited to being made of resin and may be made of metal.
  • the light source table 50 has, for example, an LED light source serving as a light source 51 fixedly provided at a predetermined position.
  • a connection hole 41 is formed in the connector receiving base 40.
  • the connection hole 41 is a through hole.
  • the hole central axis c41 of the connection hole 41 and the optical axis of the light source 51 coincide with each other.
  • the light emitted from the light source 51 travels toward the light receiving surface 13 of the light guide connector portion 10 arranged in the connection hole 41.
  • connection hole 41 has a connector guide portion 42 and a connector receiving portion 43.
  • the connector receiving portion 43 is located on the light source 51 side, and the connector guide portion 42 is located on the cover member 34 side opposite to the light source 51.
  • Reference numeral 41a is a light source side opening.
  • Reference numeral 41b is an opening for a connector.
  • the connector guide portion 42 is a straight hole whose inner diameter is larger than the outer diameter of the exterior portion 12 in advance. Therefore, a gap is formed between the inner surface of the connector guide portion 42 and the outer peripheral surface of the exterior portion 12 (see reference numeral 12b).
  • the connector receiving portion 43 the end portion of the light guide connector portion 10 on the light receiving surface 13 side is arranged.
  • the connector receiving portion 43 has a covering surface 43a with which the contact portion 15 contacts.
  • the covering surface 43a is a so-called taper surface, which is a slope in which the hole diameter continuously changes from the connector guide portion 42 side toward the light source side opening 41a.
  • the covering surface 43a surrounds and surrounds the end portion of the light guide connector portion 10 on the light receiving surface 13 side.
  • the inner diameter d41a of the light source side opening 41a is preferably the same as the outer diameter D13a of the light receiving surface 13.
  • Numeral 44 is a surface facing the light source 51.
  • the light of the light source 51 is emitted toward the facing surface 44 having the light source side opening 41a. Then, the light applied to the facing surface 44 is blocked, and the light applied to the light source side opening 41a passes through the light source side opening 41a. That is, the facing surface 44 located outside the light source opening 41a functions as a light shielding portion.
  • the contact portion 15 is a curved end portion axial contact portion (hereinafter abbreviated as end contact portion) 16t.
  • the end contact portion 16t is included in the curved end portion 16 provided at the end portion of the exterior portion 12 on the light receiving surface 13 side.
  • the curved end portion 16 is a so-called R surface in which a ridge line at which the light receiving surface side end surface 12a and the outer peripheral surface 12b intersect is rounded.
  • the curved end portion 16 is formed by rounding the end portion including the light receiving surface side end surface 12a of the exterior portion 12 with a predetermined curvature.
  • the curved end portion 16 includes an end contact portion 16t, an end first curved surface 16f, and an end second curved surface 16r.
  • the end first curved surface 16f and the end second curved surface 16r are non-contact portions provided in the connector longitudinal axis a10 direction with the end contact portion 16t interposed therebetween.
  • the end contact portion 16t is a circular contact portion on the curved end portion 16 whose center point is located on the connector longitudinal axis a10.
  • the end contact portion 16t makes a line contact with the covering surface 43a. At this time, it is preferable that the end contact portion 16t is in contact with the covering surface 43a without any gap.
  • the end first curved surface 16f and the end second curved surface 16r are separated from the covering surface 43a when the end contact portion 16t is in contact with the covering surface 43a.
  • a gap S is formed between the covering surface 43a and the end first curved surface 16f on the tip side of the exterior portion 12 on the light receiving surface side plane F1 shown.
  • the light guide connector portion 10 is connected from the endoscope connector portion 29 of the endoscope 2 to the receptacle portion 31 of the camera control unit 3 so that the light guide connector portion 10 comes out of the connector opening 41b as shown by an arrow Y2 in FIG. It is introduced into the connection hole 41.
  • the light guide connector portion 10 passes through the inside of the connector guide portion 42, and the curved end portion 16 enters the inside of the connector receiving portion 43. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 3B, the end contact portion 16t makes a line contact with the covering surface 43a of the connector receiving portion 43 without any gap. As a result, the light guide connector section 10 is connected to the connector receiving section 43 without axial misalignment, and the endoscope connector is connected.
  • the end first curved surface 16f and the end second curved surface 16r which are positioned with the end contact portion 16t interposed therebetween, are arranged apart from the covering surface 43a.
  • the covering surface 43a on the light source side opening 41a side from the light receiving surface side end surface 12a between the end first curved surface 16f and the covering surface 43a, between the end second curved surface 16r and the covering surface 43a, and A gap S is formed between the covering surface 43a and the outer peripheral surface 12b.
  • Light is emitted from the light source 51 when the endoscope is observed after the connection is completed.
  • the emitted light travels in the direction of the light source side opening 41a, and becomes light that passes through the light source side opening 41a of the connector receiving base 40 and light that illuminates the facing surface 44.
  • the irradiation range of the light irradiating the facing surface 44 is a circular light irradiation range La.
  • the contact area Pa of the contact portion P16 is preferably set to be located outside the light irradiation range La.
  • Most of the light that has passed through the light source side opening 41a is transmitted from the light receiving surface 13 through the light guide 11, and is emitted from the distal end portion 24 of the endoscope 2 toward the observation site as illumination light.
  • the light irradiating the facing surface 44 heats the light irradiation range La. Therefore, while the light is continuously applied to the facing surface 44, heat is generated, and the heat is extensively conducted over the light irradiation range La and the temperature of the connector receiving stand 40 rises.
  • the circular end contact portion 16t of the outer casing 12 is in line contact with the covering surface 43a without any gap. Further, the contact area Pa of the contact portion P16 with respect to the covering surface 43a of the end contact portion 16t is set outside the light irradiation range La. Further, the inner diameter d41a of the light source side opening 41a and the outer diameter D13a of the light receiving surface 13 are set to be substantially the same.
  • the contact portion 15 is the end contact portion 16t.
  • the contact portion 15 is not limited to the end contact portion 16t, and as shown in FIG. 4A, the curved surface convex portion around the curved surface convex portion included in the curved surface convex portion 17 provided at the end portion of the exterior portion 12 (hereinafter , Abbreviated as a convex contact portion) 17t.
  • the contact portion 15 is a convex contact portion 17t shown in FIG. 4A, which replaces the end contact portion 16t.
  • the convex contact portion 17t is included in, for example, a hemispherical curved convex portion 17 by rounding the end portion of the light guide connector portion 10 on the light receiving surface 13 side with a predetermined curvature. Therefore, the light receiving surface 13 is a spherical surface.
  • the curved surface convex portion 17 includes a convex portion contact portion 17t, a convex portion first curved surface 17f, and a convex portion second curved surface 17r.
  • the convex first curved surface 17f and the convex second curved surface 17r are non-contact portions provided in the connector longitudinal axis a10 direction with the convex contact portion 17t interposed therebetween.
  • the convex contact portion 17t is a circular contact portion on the curved convex portion 17 whose center point is located on the connector longitudinal axis a10.
  • the convex contact portion 17t makes line contact with the covering surface 43a without a gap.
  • the convex first curved surface 17f and the convex second curved surface 17r are separated from the covering surface 43a when the convex contact portion 17t is in contact with the covering surface 43a.
  • the light guide connector portion 10 is introduced into the connection hole 41 as described above, and as shown in FIG. 4B, the convex contact portion 17 t of the curved convex portion 17 covers the connector receiving portion 43. Line contact with 43a without a gap. As a result, the light guide connector section 10 is connected to the connector receiving section 43 without axial misalignment, and the endoscope connector is connected.
  • the convex first curved surface 17f and the convex second curved surface 17r which are arranged so as to sandwich the convex contact portion 17t, are arranged separately from the covering surface 43a.
  • the light emitted from the light source 51 becomes the light passing through the light source side opening 41a and the light illuminating the facing surface 44 as described above. Then, most of the light that has passed through the light source side opening 41a is transmitted from the light receiving surface 13 of the convex curved surface into the light guide 11, and is emitted as illumination light from the distal end portion 24 of the endoscope 2 toward the observation site. It On the other hand, the light irradiating the facing surface 44 heats the light irradiation range La and gradually raises the temperature of the connector pedestal 40.
  • the circular convex contact portion 17t of the curved convex portion 17 makes line contact with the covering surface 43a in the same manner as the end contact portion 16t described above. Further, the contact area Pa of the contact portion P17 of the convex contact portion 17t is set outside the light irradiation range La, and the inner diameter d41a of the light source side opening 41a and the outer diameter D13a of the light receiving surface 13 are set in the same manner as described above. is there.
  • the exterior portion 12 is directly heated by the light emitted from the light source 51, and the heat generated in the light irradiation range La of the connector pedestal 40 is instantaneously conducted to the contact portion P17. Is prevented.
  • the heat from the connector pedestal 40 is conducted to the exterior portion 12 only from the convex contact portion 17t which is in line contact with the covering surface 43a. Therefore, the same operation and effect as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained.
  • the contact portion 15 is a contact portion around the inclined portion axis (hereinafter abbreviated as a ridge contact portion) 18t.
  • the ridge line contact portion 18t is included in the inclined portion 18 provided at the end of the exterior portion 12 on the light receiving surface 13 side.
  • the inclined portion 18 includes a first inclined surface 18f of the inclined portion 18 that intersects the light-receiving surface side end surface 12a, a second inclined surface 18r of the inclined portion 18 that intersects the outer peripheral surface 12b, a second inclined surface 18r and a first inclined surface 18f. And a ridge line contact portion 18t formed by intersecting.
  • the first slope 18f and the second slope 18r are non-contact portions provided in the connector longitudinal axis a10 direction with the ridge contact portion 18t interposed therebetween.
  • the ridge contact portion 18t is a circular contact portion whose center point is located on the connector longitudinal axis a10.
  • the ridge contact portion 18t makes a line contact with the covering surface 43a.
  • the first slope 18f and the second slope 18r are separated from the covering surface 43a in a state where the ridge contact portion 18t is in contact with the covering surface 43a.
  • the light receiving surface side indicated by the broken line including the light receiving surface 13 including the most distal end center point 13p of the light receiving surface 13 and orthogonal to the connector longitudinal axis a10.
  • the plane F1 there is a space S between the covering surface 43a and the first sloped surface 18f on the tip side of the exterior portion 12.
  • the light emitted from the light source 51 becomes the light passing through the light source side opening 41a and the light illuminating the facing surface 44 as described above. Most of the light that has passed through the light source side opening 41a is transmitted from the light receiving surface 13 through the light guide 11 and is emitted from the distal end portion 24 of the endoscope 2 toward the observation site as illumination light.
  • the light irradiating the facing surface 44 heats the light irradiation range La and gradually raises the temperature of the connector pedestal 40.
  • the circular ridge line contact portion 18t of the inclined portion 18 makes line contact with the covering surface 43a in the same manner as the end contact portion 16 and the convex contact portion 17t described above. Further, the contact area Pa of the contact portion P18 of the ridge contact portion 18t is set outside the light irradiation range La, and the inner diameter d41a of the light source side opening 41a and the outer diameter D13a of the light receiving surface 13 are set in the same manner as described above. ..
  • the exterior portion 12 is directly heated by the light emitted from the light source 51, and the heat generated in the light irradiation range La of the connector receiving base 40 is instantaneously conducted to the contact portion P18. Is prevented.
  • the heat from the connector pedestal 40 is conducted to the exterior portion 12 only from the ridge line contact portion 18t which is in line contact with the covering surface 43a. Therefore, the same operation and effect as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained.
  • a modified example of the contact portion 15 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6A to 6C.
  • the contact part 15 is the circular end contact part 16t, the convex contact part 17t, and the ridge contact part 18t.
  • a modified example of the contact portion 15 will be described with reference to the end contact portion 16t.
  • the end contact portion 16t has the end first curved surface 16f and the end second curved surface 16r that are non-contact portions in the connector longitudinal axis a10 direction with the end contact portion 16t sandwiched between the curved end portion 16t. And are provided.
  • a plurality of, for example, three recesses 15c are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction at the end portion including the light receiving surface side end surface 12a of the exterior portion 12 of the light guide connector portion 10. ..
  • These three concave portions 15c are non-contact portions provided in the circumferential direction.
  • the end contact portion 16t which is the circular contact portion 15 indicated by the chain double-dashed line, is divided into three contact portions 16t1, 16t2, 16t3 at equal intervals by the recess 15c provided in the circumferential direction.
  • the contact area of the circular end contact portion 16t that is in contact with the covering surface 43a is reduced by the number of the recesses 15c.
  • the circular end contact portion 16t is divided into a plurality of portions to cover the cover surface 43a of the connector pedestal 40 and the exterior portion 12. Reduce the contact area with. As a result, the amount of heat conducted from the connector pedestal 40 to the outer casing 12 can be further reduced, and the temperature rise of the guide connector 10 can be prevented more effectively.
  • the three concave portions 15c are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction to reduce the contact area of the contact portion 15, and the three contact portions 16t1, 16t2, 16t3 are brought into line contact to stabilize the connection. It secures sex.
  • the number of the concave portions 15c is not limited to three at equal intervals, and when the contact area can be reduced and the stability at the time of connection can be obtained, two or three or more concave portions 15c can be formed. They may be provided at equal intervals or irregularly to reduce the amount of heat conducted from the connector pedestal 40 to the outer casing 12 to prevent the temperature of the guide connector 10 from rising.
  • a plurality of V-shaped grooves 15v are provided in the circumferential direction as shown in FIG. 6B. Good.
  • a plurality of contact points 16p that come into contact with the covering surface 43a are provided in the circumferential direction between the V-shaped grooves 15v positioned adjacent to each other.
  • the plurality of V-shaped grooves 15v are non-contact portions.
  • the end contact portion 16t which is the circular contact portion 15 indicated by the chain double-dashed line, is divided into the plurality of contact points 16p by the plurality of V-shaped grooves 15v provided in the circumferential direction.
  • a plurality of concave portions 15c or V-shaped grooves 15v are provided in the circumferential direction in the circular end contact portion 16t which is the contact portion 15 to reduce the contact area with the covering surface 43a.
  • the structure is shown.
  • a circular convex contact portion 17t which is the contact portion 15 or a plurality of concave portions 15c or V-shaped grooves 15v in the circumferential direction are provided on the circular ridge contact portion 18t to cover the covering surface 43a. The contact area may be reduced.
  • a circular edge portion around the tip axis (hereinafter abbreviated as tip edge portion) 12t where the light receiving surface side end surface 12a of the exterior portion 12 and the outer peripheral surface 12b intersect may be the contact portion 15. ..
  • the circular leading edge portion 12t is divided into, for example, three contact portions by a plurality of recesses 15c as shown in FIG. 6A.
  • the tip edge portion 12t is a so-called ridge line located at the end portion of the exterior portion 12 on the light receiving surface 13 side, and the center point 13p is located on the connector longitudinal axis a10.
  • the light receiving surface 13 including the center point 13p which is the most distal point, is orthogonal to the connector longitudinal axis a10.
  • the light emitted from the light source 51 becomes the light passing through the light source side opening 41a and the light illuminating the facing surface 44 as described above. Most of the light that has passed through the light source side opening 41a is transmitted from the light receiving surface 13 through the light guide 11 and is emitted from the distal end portion 24 of the endoscope 2 toward the observation site as illumination light.
  • the light irradiating the facing surface 44 heats the light irradiation range La and gradually raises the temperature of the connector pedestal 40.
  • the divided ridgeline portions of the tip edge portion 12t are in line contact with the covering surface 43a. Further, the contact area Pa of the contact portion P12 of the tip edge portion 12t is set outside the light irradiation range La, and the inner diameter d41a of the light source side opening 41a and the outer diameter D13a of the light receiving surface 13 are set in the same manner as described above. ..
  • the exterior portion 12 is directly heated by the light emitted from the light source 51, and the heat generated in the light irradiation range La of the connector receiving base 40 is instantaneously conducted to the contact portion P12. Is prevented.
  • the heat from the connector pedestal 40 is conducted to the exterior portion 12 from the ridge line portion of the tip edge portion 12t which is partially in line contact with the covering surface 43a. Therefore, the same operation and effect as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained.
  • a plurality of V-shaped grooves 15v shown in FIG.
  • 6B may be provided in the circumferential direction. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of heat conducted to the exterior portion 12 by dividing the tip edge portion 12t into a plurality of contact points by the plurality of V-shaped grooves 15v provided in the circumferential direction.
  • the contact portion 15 shown in FIGS. 7A to 7C is an axial ridge line contact portion 19t.
  • the axial ridge line contact portions 19t are included in the contact portion protrusions 19a provided at the end of the exterior portion 12 on the light receiving surface 13 side, for example, at three equal intervals in the circumferential direction.
  • the axial ridge line contact portions 19t are located on the auxiliary lines L1, L2, L3 that pass through the center point c19 and extend outwardly at equal intervals.
  • the contact portion projection 19a is formed by providing three recesses 19b in the circumferential direction at the end of the exterior portion 12.
  • the concave portion 19b has a circumferential bottom surface 19c and two projecting slopes 19d.
  • the recess 19b is set to a predetermined depth from the outer peripheral surface.
  • the axial ridge line contact portion 19t is a ridge line formed by two projecting slopes 19d intersecting each other, and is an inclined surface that matches the tapered surface.
  • the axial ridge line contact portion 19t is a contact portion, and the recessed portion 19b is a non-contact portion.
  • the light guide connector portion 10 is introduced into the connection hole 41 as described above, and the axial ridge line contact portion 19t makes a line contact with the covering surface 43a as shown in FIG. 7C.
  • the light guide connector section 10 is connected to the connector receiving section 43 without axial misalignment, and the endoscope connector is connected.
  • the axial ridge line contact portions 19t extending along the connector longitudinal axis a10 provided at three positions of the guide connector 10 are in contact with the covering surface 43a in the connection hole 41.
  • the projection sloped surface 19d and the recessed portion 19b having the circumferential bottom surface 19c, which are arranged so as to sandwich the axial ridge line contact portion 19t, are arranged apart from the covering surface 43a.
  • the light emitted from the light source 51 becomes the light passing through the light source side opening 41a and the light illuminating the facing surface 44 as described above.
  • the light that irradiates the facing surface 44 heats the light irradiation range La and gradually raises the temperature of the connector pedestal 40.
  • the axial ridge line contact portions 19t of the three contact portion projections 19a are in line contact with the covering surface 43a, which is a tapered surface, along the axial direction. Further, the contact area Pa of the contact area P19 of the axial ridgeline contact portion 19t is set outside the light irradiation area La, and the inner diameter d41a of the light source side opening 41a and the outer diameter D13a of the light receiving surface 13 are set in the same manner as described above. There is.
  • the exterior portion 12 is directly heated by the light emitted from the light source 51, and the heat generated in the light irradiation range La of the connector pedestal 40 is instantaneously conducted to the contact portion P19. Is prevented.
  • heat from the connector pedestal 40 is conducted from the axial ridge line contact portion 19t of the exterior portion 12 which is in line contact. Therefore, the same operation and effect as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained.
  • the conduction state of the heat generated by the light applied to the connector pedestal 40 to the exterior portion 12 can be adjusted.
  • the number of the recesses 18b is not limited to three at equal intervals, and three or more recesses 18b may be provided if the stability at the time of connection can be obtained while reducing the contact area. Good.
  • one or a plurality of circumferential grooves (not shown) that can be non-contact portions that divide the axial ridge line contact portion 19t in the axial direction are formed to reduce the contact area, and the connector pedestal 40 to the exterior portion 12 is formed. The amount of heat transferred may be further reduced.
  • a plurality of peripheral grooves may be provided to make point contact.
  • the light emitted from the light source 51 is directed to the facing surface 44 having the light source side opening 41a.
  • a condenser lens (not shown) between the light source 51 and the light source side opening 41a, the light emitted from the light source 51 is condensed by the condenser lens, and the confronting surface 44 having the light source side opening 41a is formed. You may make it emit light in a direction.
  • the connector pedestal 40 is made of resin, and the exterior portion 12 of the light guide connector unit 10 is made of metal. Therefore, the temperature rise of the connector pedestal 40 can be made lower than that of the metal pedestal. Further, it is possible to prevent the problem that the light guide connector unit 10 is damaged by the repeated contact of the metallic outer casing 12 of the light guide connector unit 10 with the covering surface 43a of the connector receiving base 40.
  • the connector pedestal 40 has a structure that is replaceably attached to a predetermined position of the cover member 34.
  • the exterior part 12 of the light guide connector part 10 may be made of metal instead of resin. As a result, the thermal conductivity of the exterior portion 12 can be reduced and the temperature rise of the light guide connector portion 10 can be prevented more effectively.
  • the covering surface 43a of the connector receiving portion 43 is a tapered surface in which the hole diameter continuously changes from the connector guide portion 42 side toward the light source 51 to a small diameter.
  • the covering surface 43a may be a concave curved surface that allows the contact portion 15 to make a line contact.
  • a sensor may be provided in order to prevent axial misalignment caused by repeated contact of the exterior part 12 of the light guide connector part 10 with the covering surface 43a of the connector receiving base 40.
  • the sensor is a pressure sensor that detects that the exterior portion 12 is in contact with the covering surface 43a, or an optical sensor such as an optical sensor that detects the moving distance or the position of the light guide connector portion 10 in the connection hole 41. , Or a magnetic sensor, etc.
  • the temperature rise of the connector pedestal 40 may be suppressed to reduce the amount of heat generated to prevent the temperature rise of the light guide connector unit 10.
  • the connector pedestal 40A shown in FIG. 8A is made of metal, for example, and has a light reflecting member 61 on the facing surface 44.
  • the light reflecting member 61 is a resin plating applied to the light irradiation range La of the confronting surface 44 and a predetermined range outside thereof, or an annular reflecting plate arranged in the light irradiation range La and a predetermined range outside thereof. Is.
  • a heat sink 62 is provided on the facing surface 44. As described above, by providing the heat sink 62 on the connector receiving base 40B, the heat generated by the light applied to the connector receiving base 40B is radiated to the outside. As a result, the temperature rise of the connector receiving base 40B can be suppressed and the temperature rise of the light guide connector portion 10 can be prevented.
  • a light reflection space 65 is provided between the connector receiving base 40C and the light source base 50.
  • the light reflecting member 61 is provided on the facing surface 44 and the space forming surface 66 which are the inner surfaces of the light reflecting space 65.
  • the light emitted from the light source 51 and irradiating the facing surface 44 is reflected by the light reflecting member 61 of the facing surface 44, and thereafter, the light reflecting member 61 of the space forming surface 66 and the light source base 50.
  • the light is reflected on the front surface or the like and passes through the light source side opening 41a, or is repeatedly reflected and passes through the light source side opening 41a.
  • the reflection member 61 is provided on the entire surface of the base facing the facing surface 44.
  • a temperature sensor is provided on each of the connector pedestals 40, 40A, 40B and 40C to control the temperature of the connector pedestals 40, 40A, 40B and 40C. That is, the temperature rise of the connector pedestal 40 may be suppressed by adjusting the light amount of the light source 51 with reference to the measurement result of the temperature sensor.

Abstract

An endoscope system having an endoscope that images the body of a subject, and, an external device that can connect to the endoscope, wherein: the endoscope comprises a light guide connector part having a light guide that includes an end surface functioning as a light reception surface, said light guide connector part also having an exterior part that includes an opening at an end part thereof and accommodates the light guide such that the light reception surface is positioned at the opening; the external device comprises a connector reception part connected to the light guide connector part and having a cover surface that covers and surrounds a light reception surface side of the end part of the exterior part, and said external device also comprises a light source emitting light towards the light reception surface that is positioned at the opening of the end part covered and surrounded by the cover surface; and, the light guide connector part includes, on the light reception surface side of the end part of the exterior part, a contact part that contacts the cover surface when the light guide connector part is in contact with the connector reception part, and, a non-contact part that is provided sandwiching the contact part and that is separated from the cover surface.

Description

内視鏡システム、および、内視鏡Endoscope system and endoscope
　本発明は、被検体を撮像する内視鏡と前記内視鏡が接続可能な外部装置とを備える内視鏡システム、および、内視鏡外部装置に関する。 The present invention relates to an endoscope system including an endoscope for imaging a subject and an external device to which the endoscope can be connected, and an endoscope external device.
　医療用の内視鏡は一般に、体腔内に挿入される細長な挿入部と、挿入部の基端側に位置する操作部と、を有している。挿入部の先端部には観察光学系として、撮像光学系と照明光学系とが設けられている。撮像光学系は撮像素子を備えた撮像ユニットを有し、照明光学系はライトガイドファイバを有している。 A medical endoscope generally has an elongated insertion part to be inserted into a body cavity and an operation part located on the proximal end side of the insertion part. An imaging optical system and an illumination optical system are provided as observation optical systems at the tip of the insertion portion. The image pickup optical system has an image pickup unit including an image pickup element, and the illumination optical system has a light guide fiber.
　先端部から延伸されるケーブルおよびライトガイドファイバは挿入部内、操作部内、ユニバーサルコード内に挿通されて内視鏡コネクタ部内に導出される。内視鏡コネクタ部の端面からはライトガイドファイバを収容したライトガイド用コネクタが突出している。ライトガイド用コネクタは、光源装置が有する受け部に着脱自在である。 　The cable and light guide fiber extended from the tip part are inserted into the insertion part, the operation part, and the universal cord, and led out into the endoscope connector part. A light guide connector accommodating a light guide fiber projects from the end surface of the endoscope connector portion. The light guide connector is attachable to and detachable from the receiving portion of the light source device.
　光源装置内には光源が設けられている。光源から出射される光は光源装置の受け部に接続されたライトガイド用コネクタ内のライトガイドファイバに供給される。この光はライトガイドファイバの端面から入射し、ライトガイドファイバ内を伝送されて内視鏡の先端部から観察部位に向けて照射される。 A light source is provided in the light source device. The light emitted from the light source is supplied to the light guide fiber in the light guide connector connected to the receiving portion of the light source device. This light enters from the end face of the light guide fiber, is transmitted through the light guide fiber, and is emitted from the tip of the endoscope toward the observation site.
　日本国特許出願公開２０１４－３９６４２号公報には加工誤差、組立誤差等による軸ずれを持つライトガイドが接続された場合における、光源光軸とのずれに起因する、照明光量の低下等を抑えるのに好適な内視鏡用光源装置が示されている。この内視鏡用光源装置の光源ランプにはヒートシンクが取り付けられ、ヒートシンクで光源ランプの熱を効率的に放熱して冷却している。 In Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-39642, it is possible to suppress a decrease in illumination light amount due to a deviation from the light source optical axis when a light guide having an axis deviation due to a processing error, an assembly error, or the like is connected. A suitable light source device for an endoscope is shown. A heat sink is attached to the light source lamp of this endoscope light source device, and the heat of the light source lamp is efficiently radiated and cooled by the heat sink.
　日本国特許出願公開２０１２－１９９３４号公報（以下、文献１と記載する）にはライトガイド（上述したライトガイド用コネクタに対応）の入射端に曲げを生じさせることなく光軸上で保持するのに好適な内視鏡用光源装置が示されている。この内視鏡用光源装置では、ライトガイドの入射端側の外周面を側面に一対の矩形開口を設けた円筒体によって覆い、光源ランプからの光がライトガイドに直接当たることがないようにして、ライトガイドが光源ランプの光で加熱される不具合の発生を防止している。 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-19934 (hereinafter referred to as Document 1) holds a light guide (corresponding to the above-described light guide connector) on the optical axis without bending the incident end. A suitable light source device for an endoscope is shown. In this endoscope light source device, the outer peripheral surface on the incident end side of the light guide is covered with a cylindrical body having a pair of rectangular openings on its side surfaces so that the light from the light source lamp does not directly hit the light guide. This prevents the light guide from being heated by the light of the light source lamp.
　しかしながら、文献１の内視鏡用光源装置は、受け部であるコネクタ部（文献中の符号２０参照）の構造が複雑で高価である。また、光源ランプからの光が円筒体に当たることによってこの円筒体が加熱され、円筒体の熱がライトガイドに伝導されてライトガイドが高温になるおそれがある。 However, in the endoscope light source device of Document 1, the structure of the connector unit (see reference numeral 20 in the document) that is the receiving unit is complicated and expensive. Further, when the light from the light source lamp hits the cylindrical body, the cylindrical body is heated, and the heat of the cylindrical body may be conducted to the light guide, and the temperature of the light guide may become high.
　本発明は前記事情に鑑みてなされたものであり、単純な構成で光源の熱が伝導されてライトガイド用コネクタ部が高温になることを防止した内視鏡システム、および、内視鏡を提供することを目的にしている。 The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides an endoscope system and an endoscope in which heat of a light source is prevented from being transmitted to a high temperature of a light guide connector portion with a simple configuration. The purpose is to do.
　本発明の一態様の内視鏡システムは、被検体を撮像する内視鏡と、前記内視鏡と接続可能である外部装置とを有する内視鏡システムであって、前記内視鏡は、受光面として機能する端面を有するライトガイドと、端部に開口を有し、前記開口に前記受光面が配置されるように前記ライトガイドを収容する外装部と、を有するライトガイド用コネクタ部を備え、前記外部装置は、前記ライトガイド用コネクタ部が接続されて前記外装部の前記受光面側の端部を覆い囲む被覆面を有するコネクタ受け部と、前記被覆面で覆い囲まれた前記端部の開口に位置する前記受光面に向けて光を出射する光源と、を備え、前記ライトガイド用コネクタ部は前記外装部の前記受光面側の端部に、前記ライトガイド用コネクタ部を前記コネクタ受け部に接続したときに前記被覆面に接触する接触部、および、前記接触部を挟んで設けられ前記被覆面に対して離間する非接触部を含んでいる。 An endoscope system according to an aspect of the present invention is an endoscope system that includes an endoscope that images a subject and an external device that can be connected to the endoscope, wherein the endoscope is A light guide connector portion having a light guide having an end surface that functions as a light receiving surface, and an exterior portion having an opening at the end portion and accommodating the light guide such that the light receiving surface is arranged in the opening. The external device includes a connector receiving portion having a covering surface to which the light guide connector portion is connected and which surrounds an end portion on the light receiving surface side of the exterior portion, and the end surrounded by the covering surface. A light source that emits light toward the light receiving surface located in the opening of the light guide surface, and the light guide connector portion is provided with the light guide connector portion at an end portion of the exterior portion on the light receiving surface side. It includes a contact portion that comes into contact with the covering surface when connected to the connector receiving portion, and a non-contact portion that is provided so as to sandwich the contact portion and that is separated from the covering surface.
　本発明の一態様の内視鏡は、光源を有する外部装置に着脱自在な被検体を撮像する内視鏡であって、前記内視鏡は、受光面として機能する端面を有するライトガイドと、端部に開口有し、前記開口に前記受光面が配置されるように前記ライトガイドを収容する外装部と、を有するライトガイド用コネクタ部と、を備え、前記ライトガイド用コネクタ部は前記外装部の前記受光面側の端部に、前記ライトガイド用コネクタ部を前記外部装置のコネクタ受け部に接続したときに、前記コネクタ受け部のテーパー面に接触する接触部、および、前記接触部を挟んで設けられ前記テーパー面に対して離間する非接触部を含んでいる。 An endoscope according to one aspect of the present invention is an endoscope that images a subject detachably attached to an external device having a light source, wherein the endoscope has a light guide having an end face that functions as a light receiving surface, A light guide connector portion having an opening at an end and accommodating the light guide such that the light receiving surface is arranged in the opening; and the light guide connector portion is the exterior. A contact portion that comes into contact with the tapered surface of the connector receiving portion when the light guide connector portion is connected to the connector receiving portion of the external device, and the contact portion at the end portion on the light receiving surface side of the portion. It includes a non-contact portion which is sandwiched and which is separated from the tapered surface.
内視鏡とカメラコントロールユニットとを備える内視鏡システムの一例を説明する図The figure explaining an example of the endoscope system provided with an endoscope and a camera control unit. ライトガイド用コネクタ部とライトガイドコネクタ受け部との関係を説明する図The figure explaining the relationship between the light guide connector part and the light guide connector receiving part. ライトガイド用コネクタ部の受光面側の端部に設けた被覆面に線接触する円形の接触部の形態を説明する図The figure explaining the form of the circular contact part which makes line contact with the coating surface provided in the light-receiving surface side end of the connector part for light guides. 接続状態における図３Ａに示したライトガイド用コネクタ部の受光面と光源との関係を説明する図The figure explaining the relationship between the light-receiving surface and the light source of the connector part for light guides shown in FIG. 3A in a connected state. ライトガイド用コネクタ部に設けた円形の接触部の他の形態を説明する図The figure explaining the other form of the circular contact part provided in the connector part for light guides. 接続状態における図４Ａに示したライトガイド用コネクタ部の受光面と光源との関係を説明する図The figure explaining the relationship between the light-receiving surface of the connector part for light guides shown in FIG. 4A, and a light source in a connected state. ライトガイド用コネクタ部に設けた円形の接触部の別の形態、および、接続状態におけるライトガイド用コネクタ部の受光面と光源との関係を説明する図The figure explaining another form of the circular contact part provided in the connector part for light guides, and the relationship between the light-receiving surface of the connector part for light guides in a connected state, and a light source. 周方向に凹部を設け円形の接触部を三等分に分割した形態を説明する図であって、図３ＡのＹ６Ａ－Ｙ６Ａ線断面FIG. 3B is a view for explaining a form in which a circular contact portion is provided in the circumferential direction and the circular contact portion is divided into three equal parts, and is a cross section taken along line Y6A-Y6A of FIG. 3A. 周方向にＶ字溝を設け円形の接触部を複数の接触点にした形態を説明する図であって、図３ＡのＹ６Ａ－Ｙ６Ａ線断面FIG. 3B is a view for explaining a form in which a V-shaped groove is provided in the circumferential direction and a circular contact portion is made into a plurality of contact points, and is a cross section taken along line Y6A-Y6A of FIG. 外装部の受光面側のエッジ部の周方向に非接触部を有する接続状態におけるライトガイド用コネクタ部の受光面と光源との関係を説明する図The figure explaining the relationship between the light-receiving surface of the connector part for light guides and a light source in the connection state which has a non-contact part in the circumferential direction of the edge part by the side of the light-receiving surface of an exterior part. ライトガイド用コネクタ部の受光面側の端部に設けた被覆面に線接触するテーパー形状の接触部の形態を説明する正面図FIG. 3 is a front view illustrating a form of a tapered contact portion that comes into line contact with a covering surface provided on an end portion on the light receiving surface side of the light guide connector portion. 図７Ａに示したライトガイド用コネクタ部の接触部の形態を説明する一部段面図を含む側面図FIG. 7A is a side view including a partial step view for explaining the form of the contact portion of the light guide connector portion shown in FIG. 7A. 、接続状態におけるライトガイド用コネクタ部の受光面と光源との関係を説明する図, A diagram illustrating the relationship between the light receiving surface of the light guide connector portion and the light source in the connected state 反射部材を設けたコネクタ受け台を説明する図The figure explaining the connector pedestal provided with the reflection member. ヒートシンクを備えるコネクタ受け台を説明する図Figure illustrating a connector cradle with heat sink 光反射空間を設けたコネクタ受け台を説明する図The figure explaining the connector pedestal provided with the light reflection space.
　以下、図面を参照して本発明の実施の形態を説明する。　
　なお、以下の説明に用いる各図において、各構成要素を図面上で認識可能な程度の大きさとするため、構成要素毎に縮尺を異ならせてあるものもある。すなわち、本発明は、これらの図に記載された構成要素の数量、構成要素の形状、構成要素の大きさの比率および各構成要素の相対的な位置関係のみに限定されるものではない。 Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
In each of the drawings used in the following description, the scale of each component may be different in order to make each component recognizable in the drawings. That is, the present invention is not limited to only the numbers of components, the shapes of the components, the ratios of the sizes of the components, and the relative positional relationships of the components described in these drawings.
　図１に示す内視鏡システム１は医療機器である。内視鏡システム１は例えば、被検体を撮像する内視鏡２と、カメラコントロールユニット３と、を備える。カメラコントロールユニット３は、内視鏡２の外部装置であって内視鏡２と接続可能である。 The endoscope system 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a medical device. The endoscope system 1 includes, for example, an endoscope 2 that images a subject and a camera control unit 3. The camera control unit 3 is an external device of the endoscope 2 and can be connected to the endoscope 2.
　内視鏡２は、挿入部２１と、操作部２２と、ユニバーサルコード２３と、を備えている。挿入部２１は先端側から順に、先端部２４と、湾曲部２５と、管状部材２６と、を有する。 The endoscope 2 includes an insertion portion 21, an operation portion 22, and a universal cord 23. The insertion portion 21 has a distal end portion 24, a bending portion 25, and a tubular member 26 in order from the distal end side.
　管状部材２６はステンレスなどの金属管によって形成された長尺な硬性管、または、可撓性を有する可撓管である。 The tubular member 26 is a long hard tube formed of a metal tube such as stainless steel or a flexible tube having flexibility.
　湾曲部２５は柔軟に湾曲自在である。湾曲部２５は管状の湾曲駒組（不図示）および湾曲ゴム２５ａを有する。湾曲ゴム２５ａは外皮であって、湾曲駒組を覆い包む。湾曲駒組は例えば複数の湾曲駒（不図示）を連結して湾曲するように構成されている。 The bending portion 25 can be flexibly bent. The bending portion 25 has a tubular bending piece set (not shown) and a bending rubber 25a. The bending rubber 25a is an outer cover and covers the bending piece set. The bending piece set is configured to bend by connecting a plurality of bending pieces (not shown), for example.
　湾曲駒組内には例えば４本の湾曲操作ワイヤ（不図示）が挿通される。各湾曲操作ワイヤの先端部は最先端湾曲駒に固設される。湾曲部２５は、湾曲操作ワイヤが牽引、あるいは、弛緩されることによって任意の方向に湾曲する。 ④ For example, four bending operation wires (not shown) are inserted into the bending piece set. The tip of each bending operation wire is fixed to the most distal bending piece. The bending portion 25 bends in an arbitrary direction when the bending operation wire is pulled or loosened.
　先端部２４は主にステンレスなどの金属部材で形成されている。先端部２４には撮像ユニット（不図示）が内蔵されている。撮像ユニットにはＣＣＤセンサ、ＣＭＯＳセンサ等が含まれる。撮像ユニットからは通信ケーブル（不図示）等が延出している。 ▽The tip 24 is mainly formed of a metal member such as stainless steel. An imaging unit (not shown) is built in the tip portion 24. The image pickup unit includes a CCD sensor, a CMOS sensor and the like. A communication cable (not shown) and the like extend from the image pickup unit.
　また、先端部２４には照明光を伝送するライトガイド（図２の符号１１）の一方側の端部が固設されている。先端部２４から延出する通信ケーブル、ライトガイド、湾曲操作ワイヤ等は湾曲部２５を経て管状部材２６の内部に挿通されている。 Also, one end portion of the light guide (11 in FIG. 2) that transmits the illumination light is fixed to the tip portion 24. A communication cable, a light guide, a bending operation wire, and the like extending from the distal end portion 24 are inserted into the tubular member 26 via the bending portion 25.
　操作部２２は挿入部２１の基端に連結されている。操作部２２には湾曲部２５を遠隔操作するための湾曲操作機構２７と、カメラコントロールユニット３等を操作するための各種スイッチ２８等と、が設けられている。 The operation part 22 is connected to the base end of the insertion part 21. The operation section 22 is provided with a bending operation mechanism 27 for remotely operating the bending section 25, various switches 28 for operating the camera control unit 3 and the like.
　通信ケーブル、ライトガイド、湾曲操作ワイヤ等は管状部材２６を経て操作部２２の内部に挿通されている。各湾曲操作ワイヤのワイヤ延出端部が湾曲操作機構２７に固設されている。 A communication cable, a light guide, a bending operation wire, etc. are inserted through the tubular member 26 into the operation section 22. The wire extension end of each bending operation wire is fixed to the bending operation mechanism 27.
　ユニバーサルコード２３は操作部２２の基端側から延出している。ユニバーサルコード２３の延出端側には内視鏡コネクタ部２９が設けられている。符号１０はライトガイド用コネクタ部である。 The universal cord 23 extends from the base end side of the operation unit 22. An endoscope connector portion 29 is provided on the extension end side of the universal cord 23. Reference numeral 10 is a light guide connector portion.
　通信ケーブルおよびライトガイドは操作部２２を経てユニバーサルコード２３内を通過して内視鏡コネクタ部２９内に導かれている。通信ケーブル内の信号線、電線は内視鏡コネクタ部２９内において予め定めた部位に電気的に接続される。一方、ライトガイドは内視鏡コネクタ部２９を経て延出端部がライトガイド用コネクタ部１０内に収容される。 The communication cable and the light guide pass through the universal cord 23 via the operation section 22 and are guided into the endoscope connector section 29. The signal lines and electric wires in the communication cable are electrically connected to predetermined parts in the endoscope connector section 29. On the other hand, the light guide passes through the endoscope connector portion 29 and the extended end portion is housed in the light guide connector portion 10.
　内視鏡コネクタ部２９は、カメラコントロールユニット３のレセプタクル部３１に着脱自在である。ライトガイド用コネクタ部１０は、内視鏡コネクタ部２９をレセプタクル部３１に装着するとき、接続孔４１内に挿通される。 The endoscope connector section 29 is detachable from the receptacle section 31 of the camera control unit 3. The light guide connector portion 10 is inserted into the connection hole 41 when the endoscope connector portion 29 is mounted on the receptacle portion 31.
　符号３０は操作パネルであり、カメラコントロールユニット３の正面に設けられている。操作パネル３０にはレセプタクル部３１に加えて操作表示部３２、電源スイッチ３３等が設けられている。 Numeral 30 is an operation panel, which is provided in front of the camera control unit 3. The operation panel 30 is provided with an operation display unit 32, a power switch 33 and the like in addition to the receptacle unit 31.
　カメラコントロールユニット３は、内視鏡２を制御する制御装置であるとともに、画像処理装置と光源装置とを兼ね備えている。つまり、本実施形態のカメラコントロールユニット３は制御装置と、画像処理装置と、光源装置等と、を内蔵している。 The camera control unit 3 is a control device that controls the endoscope 2 and has both an image processing device and a light source device. That is, the camera control unit 3 of the present embodiment has a control device, an image processing device, a light source device, and the like built therein.
　制御装置は、内視鏡２に設けられた撮像ユニット等を制御する制御回路等を含む。画像処理装置は、撮像ユニットによって取得される画像信号を受けて各種の画像処理等を行う画像処理回路等を含む。光源装置は、内視鏡２から観察部位に出射される照明光を供給する光源（図２の符号５１参照）を含む。 The control device includes a control circuit and the like for controlling the image pickup unit and the like provided in the endoscope 2. The image processing device includes an image processing circuit that receives an image signal acquired by the imaging unit and performs various kinds of image processing and the like. The light source device includes a light source (see reference numeral 51 in FIG. 2) that supplies illumination light emitted from the endoscope 2 to the observation site.
　なお、上述において外部装置は光源装置を兼用するカメラコントロールユニット３である。しかし、内視鏡システムは外部装置として単独の光源装置を備えるものであってもよい。 Note that in the above description, the external device is the camera control unit 3 that also serves as the light source device. However, the endoscope system may include a single light source device as an external device.
　内視鏡観察を行う際、カメラコントロールユニット３のレセプタクル部３１に対して内視鏡２の内視鏡コネクタ部２９を装着してコネクタ接続状態にする。内視鏡コネクタ接続状態において、カメラコントロールユニット３と内視鏡２との間の電気的な接続が確保されるとともに、光源の光が内視鏡２に設けられたライトガイドに供給可能になる。 When performing an endoscope observation, the endoscope connector section 29 of the endoscope 2 is attached to the receptacle section 31 of the camera control unit 3 to establish a connector connection state. In the state in which the endoscope connector is connected, electrical connection between the camera control unit 3 and the endoscope 2 is ensured, and light from the light source can be supplied to the light guide provided in the endoscope 2. ..
　図２に示すようにライトガイド用コネクタ部１０は、内視鏡コネクタ部２９の端面から内視鏡コネクタ長手軸ａ２９に沿って突出している。ライトガイド用コネクタ部１０のコネクタ長手軸ａ１０は内視鏡コネクタ長手軸ａ２９に平行である。ライトガイド用コネクタ部１０のコネクタ長手軸ａ１０に直交する断面形状は円形である。 As shown in FIG. 2, the light guide connector portion 10 projects from the end face of the endoscope connector portion 29 along the endoscope connector longitudinal axis a29. The connector longitudinal axis a10 of the light guide connector portion 10 is parallel to the endoscope connector longitudinal axis a29. The cross-sectional shape of the light guide connector portion 10 orthogonal to the connector longitudinal axis a10 is circular.
　ライトガイド用コネクタ部１０にはライトガイド１１と外装部１２とが配置されている。ライトガイド１１の延出端部の端面は受光面１３として機能する。外装部１２は例えば円環状のパイプ部材であって端部に開口を有している。ライトガイド１１の延出端部は外装部１２に収容される。この収容状態において受光面１３は開口に配置される。外装部１２は例えば金属製である。なお、外装部１２は樹脂製であってもよい。 The light guide connector section 10 is provided with a light guide 11 and an exterior section 12. The end surface of the extended end portion of the light guide 11 functions as the light receiving surface 13. The outer casing 12 is, for example, an annular pipe member and has an opening at the end. The extended end portion of the light guide 11 is housed in the exterior portion 12. In this housed state, the light receiving surface 13 is arranged in the opening. The exterior part 12 is made of metal, for example. The exterior part 12 may be made of resin.
　本実施形態において受光面１３は、コネクタ長手軸ａ１０に直交する平面である。符号１５は接触部である。接触部１５は外装部１２の受光面１３側に位置する受光面側端面１２ａ外周側に設けられている。なお、開口は光を透過する光学部材（不図示）で塞がれている。 In the present embodiment, the light receiving surface 13 is a plane orthogonal to the connector longitudinal axis a10. Reference numeral 15 is a contact portion. The contact portion 15 is provided on the outer peripheral side of the light-receiving surface-side end surface 12a located on the light-receiving surface 13 side of the exterior portion 12. The opening is closed with an optical member (not shown) that transmits light.
　カメラコントロールユニット３は、カバー部材３４を有する。カバー部材３４はカメラコントロールユニット３のケース体である。操作パネル３０はカバー部材３４の外方側の正面部に設けられている。 The camera control unit 3 has a cover member 34. The cover member 34 is a case body of the camera control unit 3. The operation panel 30 is provided on the outer front surface of the cover member 34.
　カバー部材３４内にはコネクタ受け台４０、光源用台５０が設けられている。本実施形態において光源用台５０は金属製にしている。これに対して、コネクタ受け台４０は熱伝導率が金属に比べて低い樹脂製にしている。なお、コネクタ受け台４０は樹脂製に限定されるものでは無く、金属製であってもよい。 A connector receiving stand 40 and a light source stand 50 are provided in the cover member 34. In the present embodiment, the light source base 50 is made of metal. On the other hand, the connector pedestal 40 is made of resin whose thermal conductivity is lower than that of metal. The connector pedestal 40 is not limited to being made of resin and may be made of metal.
　光源用台５０には光源５１となる例えばＬＥＤ照明が予め定めた位置に固設されている。コネクタ受け台４０には接続孔４１が形成されている。接続孔４１は貫通孔である。接続孔４１の孔中心軸ｃ４１と光源５１の光軸とが一致している。光源５１から出射する光は接続孔４１内に配置されるライトガイド用コネクタ部１０の受光面１３に向かって進行する。 The light source table 50 has, for example, an LED light source serving as a light source 51 fixedly provided at a predetermined position. A connection hole 41 is formed in the connector receiving base 40. The connection hole 41 is a through hole. The hole central axis c41 of the connection hole 41 and the optical axis of the light source 51 coincide with each other. The light emitted from the light source 51 travels toward the light receiving surface 13 of the light guide connector portion 10 arranged in the connection hole 41.
　本実施形態において接続孔４１は、コネクタ案内部４２と、コネクタ受け部４３と、を有する。コネクタ受け部４３は光源５１側に位置し、コネクタ案内部４２は光源５１の反対側のカバー部材３４側に位置する。符号４１ａは光源側開口である。符号４１ｂはコネクタ用開口である。 In this embodiment, the connection hole 41 has a connector guide portion 42 and a connector receiving portion 43. The connector receiving portion 43 is located on the light source 51 side, and the connector guide portion 42 is located on the cover member 34 side opposite to the light source 51. Reference numeral 41a is a light source side opening. Reference numeral 41b is an opening for a connector.
　コネクタ案内部４２は、内径が外装部１２の外径より予め太径なストレート孔である。したがって、コネクタ案内部４２の内面と外装部１２の外周面（符号１２ｂ参照）との間には間隙が形成される。 The connector guide portion 42 is a straight hole whose inner diameter is larger than the outer diameter of the exterior portion 12 in advance. Therefore, a gap is formed between the inner surface of the connector guide portion 42 and the outer peripheral surface of the exterior portion 12 (see reference numeral 12b).
　これに対して、コネクタ受け部４３にはライトガイド用コネクタ部１０の受光面１３側の端部が配置されるようになっている。コネクタ受け部４３は接触部１５が接触する被覆面４３ａを有する。 On the other hand, in the connector receiving portion 43, the end portion of the light guide connector portion 10 on the light receiving surface 13 side is arranged. The connector receiving portion 43 has a covering surface 43a with which the contact portion 15 contacts.
　被覆面４３ａは、コネクタ案内部４２側から光源側開口４１ａに向かって孔径が連続的に細径に変化する斜面、いわゆるテーパー面である。被覆面４３ａは、ライトガイド用コネクタ部１０の受光面１３側の端部を覆い囲む。光源側開口４１ａの内径ｄ４１ａは、受光面１３の外径Ｄ１３ａと同じであることが好ましい。 The covering surface 43a is a so-called taper surface, which is a slope in which the hole diameter continuously changes from the connector guide portion 42 side toward the light source side opening 41a. The covering surface 43a surrounds and surrounds the end portion of the light guide connector portion 10 on the light receiving surface 13 side. The inner diameter d41a of the light source side opening 41a is preferably the same as the outer diameter D13a of the light receiving surface 13.
　符号４４は対峙面であり、光源５１に対峙した面である。光源５１の光は光源側開口４１ａを有する対峙面４４方向に向かって出射される。そして、対峙面４４に照射された光は遮光され、光源側開口４１ａに照射された光は光源側開口４１ａを通過する。つまり、光源開口４１ａより外側に位置する対峙面４４は遮光部として機能する。 Numeral 44 is a surface facing the light source 51. The light of the light source 51 is emitted toward the facing surface 44 having the light source side opening 41a. Then, the light applied to the facing surface 44 is blocked, and the light applied to the light source side opening 41a passes through the light source side opening 41a. That is, the facing surface 44 located outside the light source opening 41a functions as a light shielding portion.
　図３Ａに示すように接触部１５は曲面端部軸周り接触部（以下、端部接触部と略記する）１６ｔである。端部接触部１６tは受光面１３側の外装部１２の端部に設けた曲面端部１６に含まれている。 As shown in FIG. 3A, the contact portion 15 is a curved end portion axial contact portion (hereinafter abbreviated as end contact portion) 16t. The end contact portion 16t is included in the curved end portion 16 provided at the end portion of the exterior portion 12 on the light receiving surface 13 side.
　曲面端部１６は、受光面側端面１２ａと外周面１２ｂとが交差する稜線を丸めたいわゆるＲ面である。この曲面端部１６は、外装部１２の受光面側端面１２ａを含む端部を予め定めた曲率で丸めて形成されている。 The curved end portion 16 is a so-called R surface in which a ridge line at which the light receiving surface side end surface 12a and the outer peripheral surface 12b intersect is rounded. The curved end portion 16 is formed by rounding the end portion including the light receiving surface side end surface 12a of the exterior portion 12 with a predetermined curvature.
　曲面端部１６は端部接触部１６ｔと、端部第１曲面１６ｆと、端部第２曲面１６ｒと、を含む。端部第１曲面１６ｆと端部第２曲面１６ｒとは端部接触部１６ｔを挟んでコネクタ長手軸ａ１０方向に設けられた非接触部である。 The curved end portion 16 includes an end contact portion 16t, an end first curved surface 16f, and an end second curved surface 16r. The end first curved surface 16f and the end second curved surface 16r are non-contact portions provided in the connector longitudinal axis a10 direction with the end contact portion 16t interposed therebetween.
　端部接触部１６ｔはコネクタ長手軸ａ１０上に中心点が位置する曲面端部１６上の円形な接触部である。端部接触部１６ｔは被覆面４３ａに対して線接触する。このとき、端部接触部１６ｔが被覆面４３ａに隙間無く接触していることが好ましい。 The end contact portion 16t is a circular contact portion on the curved end portion 16 whose center point is located on the connector longitudinal axis a10. The end contact portion 16t makes a line contact with the covering surface 43a. At this time, it is preferable that the end contact portion 16t is in contact with the covering surface 43a without any gap.
　これに対して、端部第１曲面１６ｆおよび端部第２曲面１６ｒは、端部接触部１６ｔが被覆面４３ａに接触した状態において、被覆面４３ａに対して離間する。 On the other hand, the end first curved surface 16f and the end second curved surface 16r are separated from the covering surface 43a when the end contact portion 16t is in contact with the covering surface 43a.
　本実施形態において端部接触部１６ｔが被覆面４３ａに線接触しているとき、受光面１３の最先端の点である中心点１３ｐを含みコネクタ長手軸ａ１０に直交する受光面１３を含む破線に示す受光面側平面Ｆ１上において被覆面４３ａと外装部１２の先端側である端部第１曲面１６ｆとの間は空隙Ｓである。 In the present embodiment, when the end contact portion 16t is in line contact with the covering surface 43a, a broken line including the light receiving surface 13 that includes the center point 13p that is the most distal point of the light receiving surface 13 and is orthogonal to the connector longitudinal axis a10. A gap S is formed between the covering surface 43a and the end first curved surface 16f on the tip side of the exterior portion 12 on the light receiving surface side plane F1 shown.
　ライトガイド用コネクタ部１０は、内視鏡２の内視鏡コネクタ部２９をカメラコントロールユニット３のレセプタクル部３１に接続していくことにより、図２の矢印Ｙ２に示すようにコネクタ用開口４１ｂから接続孔４１内に導入される。 The light guide connector portion 10 is connected from the endoscope connector portion 29 of the endoscope 2 to the receptacle portion 31 of the camera control unit 3 so that the light guide connector portion 10 comes out of the connector opening 41b as shown by an arrow Y2 in FIG. It is introduced into the connection hole 41.
　ライトガイド用コネクタ部１０はコネクタ案内部４２内を通過して曲面端部１６がコネクタ受け部４３内に侵入する。その後、図３Ｂに示すように端部接触部１６ｔがコネクタ受け部４３の被覆面４３ａに対して隙間無く線接触する。このことによって、ライトガイド用コネクタ部１０がコネクタ受け部４３に軸ずれすること無く接続されて、内視鏡コネクタ接続状態になる。 The light guide connector portion 10 passes through the inside of the connector guide portion 42, and the curved end portion 16 enters the inside of the connector receiving portion 43. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 3B, the end contact portion 16t makes a line contact with the covering surface 43a of the connector receiving portion 43 without any gap. As a result, the light guide connector section 10 is connected to the connector receiving section 43 without axial misalignment, and the endoscope connector is connected.
　このとき、端部接触部１６ｔを挟んで位置する端部第１曲面１６ｆ、および、端部第２曲面１６ｒが被覆面４３ａに対して離間して配置される。この結果、受光面側端面１２ａより光源側開口４１ａ側の被覆面４３ａ内、端部第１曲面１６ｆと被覆面４３ａとの間、端部第２曲面１６ｒと被覆面４３ａとの間、および、被覆面４３ａと外周面１２ｂとの間が空隙Ｓになる。 At this time, the end first curved surface 16f and the end second curved surface 16r, which are positioned with the end contact portion 16t interposed therebetween, are arranged apart from the covering surface 43a. As a result, in the covering surface 43a on the light source side opening 41a side from the light receiving surface side end surface 12a, between the end first curved surface 16f and the covering surface 43a, between the end second curved surface 16r and the covering surface 43a, and A gap S is formed between the covering surface 43a and the outer peripheral surface 12b.
　言い換えれば、ガイド用コネクタ１０は接続孔４１内において端部接触部１６ｔだけが被覆面４３ａに対して接触する。この部分を接触部分Ｐ１６と記載する。 In other words, in the guide connector 10, only the end contact portion 16t in the connection hole 41 contacts the covering surface 43a. This portion is referred to as a contact portion P16.
　接続完了後の内視鏡観察時、光源５１から光が出射される。出射された光は光源側開口４１ａ方向に向かって進み、コネクタ受け台４０の光源側開口４１ａを通過する光と、対峙面４４を照射する光とになる。この対峙面４４を照射する光の照射範囲は円形な光照射範囲Ｌａである。 Light is emitted from the light source 51 when the endoscope is observed after the connection is completed. The emitted light travels in the direction of the light source side opening 41a, and becomes light that passes through the light source side opening 41a of the connector receiving base 40 and light that illuminates the facing surface 44. The irradiation range of the light irradiating the facing surface 44 is a circular light irradiation range La.
　接触部分Ｐ１６の接触領域Ｐａは、光照射範囲Ｌａより外側に位置するように設定してあることが好ましい。 The contact area Pa of the contact portion P16 is preferably set to be located outside the light irradiation range La.
　光源側開口４１ａを通過した光の大部分は、受光面１３からライトガイド１１内を伝送されて、内視鏡２の先端部２４から観察部位に向けて照明光として出射される。 Most of the light that has passed through the light source side opening 41a is transmitted from the light receiving surface 13 through the light guide 11, and is emitted from the distal end portion 24 of the endoscope 2 toward the observation site as illumination light.
　一方、対峙面４４を照射する光は光照射範囲Ｌａを加熱する。したがって、光が対峙面４４に照射され続けられている間発熱し、その熱が光照射範囲Ｌａを越えて広範に伝導されてコネクタ受け台４０の温度が上昇していく。 On the other hand, the light irradiating the facing surface 44 heats the light irradiation range La. Therefore, while the light is continuously applied to the facing surface 44, heat is generated, and the heat is extensively conducted over the light irradiation range La and the temperature of the connector receiving stand 40 rises.
　本実施形態においては外装部１２の円形な端部接触部１６ｔが被覆面４３ａに隙間無く線接触している。また、端部接触部１６ｔの被覆面４３ａに対する接触部分Ｐ１６の接触領域Ｐａが光照射範囲Ｌａより外側に設定してある。また、光源側開口４１ａの内径ｄ４１ａと受光面１３の外径Ｄ１３ａとを略同じに設定してある。 In this embodiment, the circular end contact portion 16t of the outer casing 12 is in line contact with the covering surface 43a without any gap. Further, the contact area Pa of the contact portion P16 with respect to the covering surface 43a of the end contact portion 16t is set outside the light irradiation range La. Further, the inner diameter d41a of the light source side opening 41a and the outer diameter D13a of the light receiving surface 13 are set to be substantially the same.
　これらの結果、まず、光源５１から出射された光によって外装部１２が直接的に加熱されることが防止されている。また、コネクタ受け台４０の光照射範囲Ｌａで発生した熱が瞬時に接触部分Ｐ１６近傍まで伝導されることが防止されている。加えて、コネクタ受け台４０からの熱は被覆面４３ａに線接触している端部接触部１６ｔからのみ外装部１２に伝導されるようになっている。 As a result of these, first, it is prevented that the exterior portion 12 is directly heated by the light emitted from the light source 51. Further, heat generated in the light irradiation area La of the connector receiving stand 40 is prevented from being instantaneously conducted to the vicinity of the contact portion P16. In addition, the heat from the connector pedestal 40 is conducted to the exterior portion 12 only from the end contact portion 16t which is in line contact with the covering surface 43a.
　したがって、コネクタ受け台４０の対峙面４４を照射する光によって発生した熱が端部接触部１６ｔから外装部１２に大量に伝導されてライトガイド用コネクタ部１０の温度が上昇することを防止できる。 Therefore, it is possible to prevent a large amount of heat generated by the light that illuminates the facing surface 44 of the connector pedestal 40 from the end contact portion 16t to the exterior portion 12 and increase the temperature of the light guide connector portion 10.
　上述した実施形態においては接触部１５を端部接触部１６ｔとしている。しかし、接触部１５は端部接触部１６ｔに限定されるものでは無く、図４Ａに示すように外装部１２の端部に設けた曲面凸部１７に含まれる曲面凸部軸周り接触部（以下、凸部接触部と略記する）１７ｔであってもよい。 In the above-described embodiment, the contact portion 15 is the end contact portion 16t. However, the contact portion 15 is not limited to the end contact portion 16t, and as shown in FIG. 4A, the curved surface convex portion around the curved surface convex portion included in the curved surface convex portion 17 provided at the end portion of the exterior portion 12 (hereinafter , Abbreviated as a convex contact portion) 17t.
　図４Ａ、図４Ｂを参照して接触部１５の他の構成例を説明する。　
　本実施形態において接触部１５は端部接触部１６ｔに代わる、図４Ａに示す凸部接触部１７ｔである。凸部接触部１７ｔはライトガイド用コネクタ部１０の受光面１３側の端部を予め定めた曲率で丸めて例えば半球状の曲面凸部１７に含まれている。したがって、受光面１３は球面である。 Another configuration example of the contact portion 15 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B.
In this embodiment, the contact portion 15 is a convex contact portion 17t shown in FIG. 4A, which replaces the end contact portion 16t. The convex contact portion 17t is included in, for example, a hemispherical curved convex portion 17 by rounding the end portion of the light guide connector portion 10 on the light receiving surface 13 side with a predetermined curvature. Therefore, the light receiving surface 13 is a spherical surface.
　曲面凸部１７は凸部接触部１７ｔと、凸部第１曲面１７ｆと、凸部第２曲面１７ｒと、を含む。凸部第１曲面１７ｆと凸部第２曲面１７ｒとは凸部接触部１７ｔを挟んでコネクタ長手軸ａ１０方向に設けられた非接触部である。 The curved surface convex portion 17 includes a convex portion contact portion 17t, a convex portion first curved surface 17f, and a convex portion second curved surface 17r. The convex first curved surface 17f and the convex second curved surface 17r are non-contact portions provided in the connector longitudinal axis a10 direction with the convex contact portion 17t interposed therebetween.
　凸部接触部１７ｔはコネクタ長手軸ａ１０上に中心点が位置する曲面凸部１７上の円形な接触部である。凸部接触部１７ｔは被覆面４３ａに対して隙間無く線接触する。これに対して、凸部第１曲面１７ｆおよび凸部第２曲面１７ｒは凸部接触部１７ｔが被覆面４３ａに接触した状態において、被覆面４３ａに対して離間する。 The convex contact portion 17t is a circular contact portion on the curved convex portion 17 whose center point is located on the connector longitudinal axis a10. The convex contact portion 17t makes line contact with the covering surface 43a without a gap. On the other hand, the convex first curved surface 17f and the convex second curved surface 17r are separated from the covering surface 43a when the convex contact portion 17t is in contact with the covering surface 43a.
　本実施形態において凸部接触部１７ｔが被覆面４３ａに線接触しているとき、受光面１３の最先端の頂点１３ａを含みコネクタ長手軸ａ１０に直交する破線に示す頂点側平面Ｆ２上において被覆面４３ａと受光面１３の先端側の球面との間は空隙Ｓである。その他の構成は上述した実施形態と同様であり、同部材には同符号を付して説明を省略している。 In the present embodiment, when the convex contact portion 17t is in line contact with the covering surface 43a, the covering surface on the apex side plane F2 indicated by a broken line including the tipmost apex 13a of the light receiving surface 13 and orthogonal to the connector longitudinal axis a10. An air gap S is formed between 43a and the spherical surface on the tip side of the light receiving surface 13. Other configurations are the same as those of the above-described embodiment, and the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.
　図４Ｂに示すようにライトガイド用コネクタ部１０は上述したように接続孔４１内に導入されて、図４Ｂに示すように曲面凸部１７の凸部接触部１７ｔがコネクタ受け部４３の被覆面４３ａに対して隙間無く線接触する。このことによって、ライトガイド用コネクタ部１０がコネクタ受け部４３に軸ずれすること無く接続されて、内視鏡コネクタ接続状態になる。 As shown in FIG. 4B, the light guide connector portion 10 is introduced into the connection hole 41 as described above, and as shown in FIG. 4B, the convex contact portion 17 t of the curved convex portion 17 covers the connector receiving portion 43. Line contact with 43a without a gap. As a result, the light guide connector section 10 is connected to the connector receiving section 43 without axial misalignment, and the endoscope connector is connected.
　このとき、ガイド用コネクタ１０の凸部接触部１７ｔだけが接続孔４１内の被覆面４３ａに線接触する。この部分を接触部分Ｐ１７と記載する。一方、凸部接触部１７ｔを挟んで配置されている凸部第１曲面１７ｆ、および、凸部第２曲面１７ｒは被覆面４３ａに対して離間して配置される。 At this time, only the convex contact portion 17t of the guide connector 10 comes into line contact with the covering surface 43a in the connection hole 41. This portion is referred to as a contact portion P17. On the other hand, the convex first curved surface 17f and the convex second curved surface 17r, which are arranged so as to sandwich the convex contact portion 17t, are arranged separately from the covering surface 43a.
　この結果、受光面１３の頂点１３ａより光源側開口４１ａ側の被覆面４３ａ内、凸部第１曲面１７ｆと被覆面４３ａとの間、凸部第２曲面１７ｒと被覆面４３ａとの間、および、被覆面４３ａと外周面１２ｂとの間が空隙Ｓになる。 As a result, in the covering surface 43a on the light source side opening 41a side from the vertex 13a of the light receiving surface 13, between the convex first curved surface 17f and the covering surface 43a, between the convex second curved surface 17r and the covering surface 43a, and A space S is formed between the covering surface 43a and the outer peripheral surface 12b.
　接続完了後の内視鏡観察時、上述したように光源５１から出射された光は、光源側開口４１ａを通過する光と、対峙面４４を照射する光となる。そして、光源側開口４１ａを通過した光の大部分は、凸曲面の受光面１３からライトガイド１１内を伝送されて、内視鏡２の先端部２４から観察部位に向けて照明光として出射される。一方、対峙面４４を照射する光は、光照射範囲Ｌａを加熱してコネクタ受け台４０の温度を徐々に上昇させていく。 When the endoscope is observed after the connection is completed, the light emitted from the light source 51 becomes the light passing through the light source side opening 41a and the light illuminating the facing surface 44 as described above. Then, most of the light that has passed through the light source side opening 41a is transmitted from the light receiving surface 13 of the convex curved surface into the light guide 11, and is emitted as illumination light from the distal end portion 24 of the endoscope 2 toward the observation site. It On the other hand, the light irradiating the facing surface 44 heats the light irradiation range La and gradually raises the temperature of the connector pedestal 40.
　本実施形態においては曲面凸部１７の円形な凸部接触部１７ｔが上述した端部接触部１６ｔと同様に被覆面４３ａに線接触している。また、凸部接触部１７ｔの接触部分Ｐ１７の接触領域Ｐａを光照射範囲Ｌａより外側に設定し、光源側開口４１ａの内径ｄ４１ａと受光面１３の外径Ｄ１３ａとを上述と同様に設定してある。 In the present embodiment, the circular convex contact portion 17t of the curved convex portion 17 makes line contact with the covering surface 43a in the same manner as the end contact portion 16t described above. Further, the contact area Pa of the contact portion P17 of the convex contact portion 17t is set outside the light irradiation range La, and the inner diameter d41a of the light source side opening 41a and the outer diameter D13a of the light receiving surface 13 are set in the same manner as described above. is there.
　これらの結果、上述と同様に光源５１から出射された光によって外装部１２が直接的に加熱されること、コネクタ受け台４０の光照射範囲Ｌａで発生する熱が瞬時に接触部分Ｐ１７に伝導されることが防止される。加えて、コネクタ受け台４０からの熱は被覆面４３ａに線接触している凸部接触部１７ｔからのみ外装部１２に伝導されるようになっている。したがって、上述した実施形態と同様の作用および効果を得ることができる。 As a result of these, similarly to the above, the exterior portion 12 is directly heated by the light emitted from the light source 51, and the heat generated in the light irradiation range La of the connector pedestal 40 is instantaneously conducted to the contact portion P17. Is prevented. In addition, the heat from the connector pedestal 40 is conducted to the exterior portion 12 only from the convex contact portion 17t which is in line contact with the covering surface 43a. Therefore, the same operation and effect as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained.
　図５を参照して接触部１５の他の構成例を説明する。 Another configuration example of the contact unit 15 will be described with reference to FIG.
　本実施形態において接触部１５は、図５に示すように接触部１５は傾斜部軸周り接触部（以下、稜線接触部と略記する）１８ｔである。稜線接触部１８ｔは受光面１３側の外装部１２の端部に設けた傾斜部１８に含まれている。 In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the contact portion 15 is a contact portion around the inclined portion axis (hereinafter abbreviated as a ridge contact portion) 18t. The ridge line contact portion 18t is included in the inclined portion 18 provided at the end of the exterior portion 12 on the light receiving surface 13 side.
　傾斜部１８は、受光面側端面１２ａに交差する傾斜部１８の第１斜面１８ｆと、外周面１２ｂに交差する傾斜部１８の第２斜面１８ｒと、第２斜面１８ｒと第１斜面１８ｆとが交差して形成された稜線接触部１８ｔとを含む。 The inclined portion 18 includes a first inclined surface 18f of the inclined portion 18 that intersects the light-receiving surface side end surface 12a, a second inclined surface 18r of the inclined portion 18 that intersects the outer peripheral surface 12b, a second inclined surface 18r and a first inclined surface 18f. And a ridge line contact portion 18t formed by intersecting.
　第１斜面１８ｆと第２斜面１８ｒとは稜線接触部１８ｔを挟んでコネクタ長手軸ａ１０方向に設けられた非接触部である。 The first slope 18f and the second slope 18r are non-contact portions provided in the connector longitudinal axis a10 direction with the ridge contact portion 18t interposed therebetween.
　稜線接触部１８ｔはコネクタ長手軸ａ１０上に中心点が位置する円形な接触部である。稜線接触部１８ｔは被覆面４３ａに対して線接触する。これに対して、第１斜面１８ｆおよび第２斜面１８ｒは、稜線接触部１８ｔが被覆面４３ａに接触した状態において、被覆面４３ａに対して離間する。 The ridge contact portion 18t is a circular contact portion whose center point is located on the connector longitudinal axis a10. The ridge contact portion 18t makes a line contact with the covering surface 43a. On the other hand, the first slope 18f and the second slope 18r are separated from the covering surface 43a in a state where the ridge contact portion 18t is in contact with the covering surface 43a.
　本実施形態において稜線接触部１８ｔが被覆面４３ａに線接触しているとき、受光面１３の最先端の中心点１３ｐを含みコネクタ長手軸ａ１０に直交する受光面１３を含む破線に示す受光面側平面Ｆ１上において被覆面４３ａと外装部１２の先端側である第１斜面１８ｆとの間は空隙Ｓである。 In the present embodiment, when the ridge line contact portion 18t is in line contact with the covering surface 43a, the light receiving surface side indicated by the broken line including the light receiving surface 13 including the most distal end center point 13p of the light receiving surface 13 and orthogonal to the connector longitudinal axis a10. On the plane F1, there is a space S between the covering surface 43a and the first sloped surface 18f on the tip side of the exterior portion 12.
　接続完了後の内視鏡観察時、上述したように光源５１から出射された光は、光源側開口４１ａを通過する光と、対峙面４４を照射する光となる。そして、光源側開口４１ａを通過した光の大部分は、受光面１３からライトガイド１１内を伝送されて、内視鏡２の先端部２４から観察部位に向けて照明光として出射される。一方、対峙面４４を照射する光は、光照射範囲Ｌａを加熱してコネクタ受け台４０の温度を徐々に上昇させていく。 When the endoscope is observed after the connection is completed, the light emitted from the light source 51 becomes the light passing through the light source side opening 41a and the light illuminating the facing surface 44 as described above. Most of the light that has passed through the light source side opening 41a is transmitted from the light receiving surface 13 through the light guide 11 and is emitted from the distal end portion 24 of the endoscope 2 toward the observation site as illumination light. On the other hand, the light irradiating the facing surface 44 heats the light irradiation range La and gradually raises the temperature of the connector pedestal 40.
　本実施形態においては傾斜部１８の円形な稜線接触部１８ｔが上述した端部接触部１６および凸部接触部１７ｔと同様に被覆面４３ａに線接触している。また、稜線接触部１８ｔの接触部分Ｐ１８の接触領域Ｐａを光照射範囲Ｌａより外側に設定し、光源側開口４１ａの内径ｄ４１ａと受光面１３の外径Ｄ１３ａとを上述と同様に設定してある。 In the present embodiment, the circular ridge line contact portion 18t of the inclined portion 18 makes line contact with the covering surface 43a in the same manner as the end contact portion 16 and the convex contact portion 17t described above. Further, the contact area Pa of the contact portion P18 of the ridge contact portion 18t is set outside the light irradiation range La, and the inner diameter d41a of the light source side opening 41a and the outer diameter D13a of the light receiving surface 13 are set in the same manner as described above. ..
　これらの結果、上述と同様に光源５１から出射された光によって外装部１２が直接的に加熱されること、コネクタ受け台４０の光照射範囲Ｌａで発生する熱が瞬時に接触部分Ｐ１８に伝導されることが防止される。加えて、コネクタ受け台４０からの熱は被覆面４３ａに線接触している稜線接触部１８ｔからのみ外装部１２に伝導されるようになっている。したがって、上述した実施形態と同様の作用および効果を得ることができる。 As a result, as described above, the exterior portion 12 is directly heated by the light emitted from the light source 51, and the heat generated in the light irradiation range La of the connector receiving base 40 is instantaneously conducted to the contact portion P18. Is prevented. In addition, the heat from the connector pedestal 40 is conducted to the exterior portion 12 only from the ridge line contact portion 18t which is in line contact with the covering surface 43a. Therefore, the same operation and effect as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained.
　図６Ａ－図６Ｃを参照して接触部１５の変形例を説明する。 A modified example of the contact portion 15 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6A to 6C.
　上述したように接触部１５は円形の端部接触部１６ｔ、凸部接触部１７ｔ、稜線接触部１８ｔである。ここでは端部接触部１６ｔを参照して接触部１５の変形例を説明する。 As described above, the contact part 15 is the circular end contact part 16t, the convex contact part 17t, and the ridge contact part 18t. Here, a modified example of the contact portion 15 will be described with reference to the end contact portion 16t.
　上述したように端部接触部１６ｔは、曲面端部１６に対して端部接触部１６ｔを挟んでコネクタ長手軸ａ１０方向に非接触部である端部第１曲面１６ｆと端部第２曲面１６ｒとを設けて形成されている。 As described above, the end contact portion 16t has the end first curved surface 16f and the end second curved surface 16r that are non-contact portions in the connector longitudinal axis a10 direction with the end contact portion 16t sandwiched between the curved end portion 16t. And are provided.
　本実施形態においては、図６Ａに示すようにライトガイド用コネクタ部１０の外装部１２の受光面側端面１２ａを含む端部に複数、例えば３つの凹部１５ｃを周方向に等間隔で設けている。これら３つの凹部１５ｃは周方向に設けた非接触部である。 In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6A, a plurality of, for example, three recesses 15c are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction at the end portion including the light receiving surface side end surface 12a of the exterior portion 12 of the light guide connector portion 10. .. These three concave portions 15c are non-contact portions provided in the circumferential direction.
　この構成によれば、二点鎖線で示す円形の接触部１５である端部接触部１６ｔが周方向に設けた凹部１５ｃによって、３つの接触部１６ｔ１、１６ｔ２、１６ｔ３に等間隔で分割される。この結果、被覆面４３ａに対して接触していた円形の端部接触部１６ｔの接触面積が凹部１５ｃの数だけ減少される。 According to this configuration, the end contact portion 16t, which is the circular contact portion 15 indicated by the chain double-dashed line, is divided into three contact portions 16t1, 16t2, 16t3 at equal intervals by the recess 15c provided in the circumferential direction. As a result, the contact area of the circular end contact portion 16t that is in contact with the covering surface 43a is reduced by the number of the recesses 15c.
　このように、端部接触部１６ｔの周方向に非接触部である複数の凹部１５ｃを設けて円形の端部接触部１６ｔを複数に分割してコネクタ受け台４０の被覆面４３ａと外装部１２との接触面積を減少させる。この結果、コネクタ受け台４０から外装部１２に伝導される熱量をさらに減少させてガイド用コネクタ１０の温度の上昇をより効果的に防止できる。 In this way, by providing a plurality of concave portions 15c which are non-contact portions in the circumferential direction of the end contact portion 16t, the circular end contact portion 16t is divided into a plurality of portions to cover the cover surface 43a of the connector pedestal 40 and the exterior portion 12. Reduce the contact area with. As a result, the amount of heat conducted from the connector pedestal 40 to the outer casing 12 can be further reduced, and the temperature rise of the guide connector 10 can be prevented more effectively.
　なお、本実施形態においては、３つの凹部１５ｃを周方向に等間隔に設けて接触部１５の接触面積を減少させつつ三箇所の接触部１６ｔ１、１６ｔ２、１６ｔ３を線接触させて接続時の安定性を確保している。しかし、凹部１５ｃの数は等間隔で３つに限定されるものでは無く、接触面積の減少を実現し、かつ、接続時の安定性を得られる場合、２つまたは３つ以上の凹部１５ｃを等間隔あるいは不規則に設けてコネクタ受け台４０から外装部１２に伝導される熱量を減少させてガイド用コネクタ１０の温度の上昇を防止するようにしてもよい。 In the present embodiment, the three concave portions 15c are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction to reduce the contact area of the contact portion 15, and the three contact portions 16t1, 16t2, 16t3 are brought into line contact to stabilize the connection. It secures sex. However, the number of the concave portions 15c is not limited to three at equal intervals, and when the contact area can be reduced and the stability at the time of connection can be obtained, two or three or more concave portions 15c can be formed. They may be provided at equal intervals or irregularly to reduce the amount of heat conducted from the connector pedestal 40 to the outer casing 12 to prevent the temperature of the guide connector 10 from rising.
　また、外装部１２の受光面側端面１２ａを含む端部の周方向に上述した複数の凹部１５ｃを設ける代わりに、図６Ｂに示すように複数のＶ字溝１５ｖを周方向に設けるようにしてもよい。 Further, instead of providing the plurality of concave portions 15c described above in the circumferential direction of the end portion including the light receiving surface side end surface 12a of the exterior portion 12, a plurality of V-shaped grooves 15v are provided in the circumferential direction as shown in FIG. 6B. Good.
　このことによって、隣り合って位置するＶ字溝１５ｖの間に被覆面４３ａに接触する接触点１６ｐが周方向に複数設けられる。これら複数のＶ字溝１５ｖは非接触部である。この構成によれば、二点鎖線で示す円形の接触部１５である端部接触部１６ｔが周方向に設けた複数のＶ字溝１５ｖによって複数の接触点１６ｐに分割される。 Due to this, a plurality of contact points 16p that come into contact with the covering surface 43a are provided in the circumferential direction between the V-shaped grooves 15v positioned adjacent to each other. The plurality of V-shaped grooves 15v are non-contact portions. According to this structure, the end contact portion 16t, which is the circular contact portion 15 indicated by the chain double-dashed line, is divided into the plurality of contact points 16p by the plurality of V-shaped grooves 15v provided in the circumferential direction.
　このため、コネクタ受け台４０の被覆面４３ａに複数の接触点１６ｐが点接触して外装部１２との接触面積が減少する。この結果、コネクタ受け台４０から外装部１２に伝導される熱量をさらに減少させてガイド用コネクタ１０の温度の上昇をより効果的に防止できる。 Therefore, a plurality of contact points 16p come into point contact with the covering surface 43a of the connector pedestal 40, and the contact area with the exterior portion 12 is reduced. As a result, the amount of heat conducted from the connector pedestal 40 to the outer casing 12 can be further reduced, and the temperature rise of the guide connector 10 can be prevented more effectively.
　このように、凹部１５ｃ、Ｖ字溝１５ｖを周方向に設けて接触部１５と被覆面４３ａとの接触面積をより減少させることにより、コネクタ受け台４０に照射される光によって発生する熱を外装部１２に伝導し難くしてライトガイド用コネクタ部１０の温度が上昇する不具合を防止できる。 In this way, by providing the concave portion 15c and the V-shaped groove 15v in the circumferential direction to further reduce the contact area between the contact portion 15 and the covering surface 43a, the heat generated by the light with which the connector pedestal 40 is irradiated is exteriorized. It is possible to prevent the problem that the temperature of the light guide connector unit 10 rises due to the difficulty of conduction to the unit 12.
　なお、上述した図６Ａ、図６Ｂにおいては接触部１５である円形の端部接触部１６ｔに周方向に複数の凹部１５ｃ、または、Ｖ字溝１５ｖを設け、被覆面４３ａに対する接触面積を減少させる構成を示している。しかし、図示は省略するが接触部１５である円形の凸部接触部１７ｔ、あるいは、円形の稜線接触部１８ｔに周方向に複数の凹部１５ｃ、または、Ｖ字溝１５ｖを設け、被覆面４３ａに対する接触面積を減少させるようにしてもよい。 In addition, in FIGS. 6A and 6B described above, a plurality of concave portions 15c or V-shaped grooves 15v are provided in the circumferential direction in the circular end contact portion 16t which is the contact portion 15 to reduce the contact area with the covering surface 43a. The structure is shown. However, although not shown, a circular convex contact portion 17t which is the contact portion 15 or a plurality of concave portions 15c or V-shaped grooves 15v in the circumferential direction are provided on the circular ridge contact portion 18t to cover the covering surface 43a. The contact area may be reduced.
　また、図６Ｃに示すように外装部１２の受光面側端面１２ａと外周面１２ｂとが交差する円形の先端軸周りエッジ部（以下、先端エッジ部と略記する）１２ｔを接触部１５としてもよい。円形の先端エッジ部１２ｔは図６Ａで示したように複数の凹部１５ｃによって例えば３つの接触部に分割されている。なお、先端エッジ部１２ｔは、外装部１２の受光面１３側の端部に位置するいわゆる稜線であってコネクタ長手軸ａ１０上に中心点１３ｐが位置している。 Further, as shown in FIG. 6C, a circular edge portion around the tip axis (hereinafter abbreviated as tip edge portion) 12t where the light receiving surface side end surface 12a of the exterior portion 12 and the outer peripheral surface 12b intersect may be the contact portion 15. .. The circular leading edge portion 12t is divided into, for example, three contact portions by a plurality of recesses 15c as shown in FIG. 6A. The tip edge portion 12t is a so-called ridge line located at the end portion of the exterior portion 12 on the light receiving surface 13 side, and the center point 13p is located on the connector longitudinal axis a10.
　本実施形態において先端エッジ部１２ｔの分割された各稜線部が被覆面４３ａに線接触しているとき、受光面１３の最先端の点である中心点１３ｐを含みコネクタ長手軸ａ１０に直交する受光面１３を含む破線に示す受光面側平面Ｆ１上において凹部１５ｃと被覆面４３ａとの間、受光面１３より先端側の被覆面４３ａ内、および、被覆面４３ａと外装部１２の外周面１２ｂとの間は空隙Ｓである。 In the present embodiment, when each divided ridge line portion of the tip edge portion 12t is in line contact with the covering surface 43a, the light receiving surface 13 including the center point 13p, which is the most distal point, is orthogonal to the connector longitudinal axis a10. On the light receiving surface side plane F1 shown by the broken line including the surface 13, between the recess 15c and the covering surface 43a, inside the covering surface 43a on the tip side of the light receiving surface 13, and between the covering surface 43a and the outer peripheral surface 12b of the exterior portion 12. A space S is provided between them.
　接続完了後の内視鏡観察時、上述したように光源５１から出射された光は、光源側開口４１ａを通過する光と、対峙面４４を照射する光となる。そして、光源側開口４１ａを通過した光の大部分は、受光面１３からライトガイド１１内を伝送されて、内視鏡２の先端部２４から観察部位に向けて照明光として出射される。一方、対峙面４４を照射する光は、光照射範囲Ｌａを加熱してコネクタ受け台４０の温度を徐々に上昇させていく。 When the endoscope is observed after the connection is completed, the light emitted from the light source 51 becomes the light passing through the light source side opening 41a and the light illuminating the facing surface 44 as described above. Most of the light that has passed through the light source side opening 41a is transmitted from the light receiving surface 13 through the light guide 11 and is emitted from the distal end portion 24 of the endoscope 2 toward the observation site as illumination light. On the other hand, the light irradiating the facing surface 44 heats the light irradiation range La and gradually raises the temperature of the connector pedestal 40.
　本実施形態においては先端エッジ部１２ｔの分割された各稜線部が被覆面４３ａに線接触している。また、先端エッジ部１２ｔの接触部分Ｐ１２の接触領域Ｐａを光照射範囲Ｌａより外側に設定し、光源側開口４１ａの内径ｄ４１ａと受光面１３の外径Ｄ１３ａとを上述と同様に設定してある。 In the present embodiment, the divided ridgeline portions of the tip edge portion 12t are in line contact with the covering surface 43a. Further, the contact area Pa of the contact portion P12 of the tip edge portion 12t is set outside the light irradiation range La, and the inner diameter d41a of the light source side opening 41a and the outer diameter D13a of the light receiving surface 13 are set in the same manner as described above. ..
　これらの結果、上述と同様に光源５１から出射された光によって外装部１２が直接的に加熱されること、コネクタ受け台４０の光照射範囲Ｌａで発生する熱が瞬時に接触部分Ｐ１２に伝導されることが防止される。加えて、コネクタ受け台４０からの熱は被覆面４３ａに部分的に線接触している先端エッジ部１２ｔの稜線部から外装部１２に伝導されるようになっている。したがって、上述した実施形態と同様の作用および効果を得ることができる。　なお、外装部１２の受光面側端面１２ａを含む端部の周方向に複数の凹部１５ｃを設ける代わりに、図６Ｂに示した複数のＶ字溝１５ｖを周方向に設けるようにしてもよい。このことによって、先端エッジ部１２ｔが周方向に設けた複数のＶ字溝１５ｖによって複数の接触点に分割して外装部１２に伝導される熱量の減少を図れる。 As a result, as described above, the exterior portion 12 is directly heated by the light emitted from the light source 51, and the heat generated in the light irradiation range La of the connector receiving base 40 is instantaneously conducted to the contact portion P12. Is prevented. In addition, the heat from the connector pedestal 40 is conducted to the exterior portion 12 from the ridge line portion of the tip edge portion 12t which is partially in line contact with the covering surface 43a. Therefore, the same operation and effect as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained. Note that, instead of providing the plurality of concave portions 15c in the circumferential direction of the end portion including the light receiving surface side end surface 12a of the exterior portion 12, a plurality of V-shaped grooves 15v shown in FIG. 6B may be provided in the circumferential direction. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of heat conducted to the exterior portion 12 by dividing the tip edge portion 12t into a plurality of contact points by the plurality of V-shaped grooves 15v provided in the circumferential direction.
　図７Ａ－図７Ｃを参照して接触部のまた他の構成例を説明する。 Another configuration example of the contact portion will be described with reference to FIGS. 7A to 7C.
　図７Ａ－図７Ｃに示す接触部１５は軸方向稜線接触部１９ｔである。軸方向稜線接触部１９ｔは受光面１３側の外装部１２の端部に周方向に例えば３つ等間隔に設けた接触部突起１９ａに含まれる。軸方向稜線接触部１９ｔは、中心点ｃ１９を通過して外方に延出する等間隔の補助線Ｌ１、Ｌ２、Ｌ３上に位置している。 The contact portion 15 shown in FIGS. 7A to 7C is an axial ridge line contact portion 19t. The axial ridge line contact portions 19t are included in the contact portion protrusions 19a provided at the end of the exterior portion 12 on the light receiving surface 13 side, for example, at three equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The axial ridge line contact portions 19t are located on the auxiliary lines L1, L2, L3 that pass through the center point c19 and extend outwardly at equal intervals.
　接触部突起１９ａは外装部１２の端部に凹部１９ｂを周方向に３つ設けて形作られている。凹部１９ｂは周状底面１９ｃと２つの突起斜面１９ｄとを有している。凹部１９ｂは外周面から予め定めた深さに設定される。 The contact portion projection 19a is formed by providing three recesses 19b in the circumferential direction at the end of the exterior portion 12. The concave portion 19b has a circumferential bottom surface 19c and two projecting slopes 19d. The recess 19b is set to a predetermined depth from the outer peripheral surface.
　軸方向稜線接触部１９ｔは２つの突起斜面１９ｄが交差して形成される稜線であり、テーパー面に一致する傾斜面である。軸方向稜線接触部１９ｔは接触部であり、凹部１９ｂは非接触部である。 The axial ridge line contact portion 19t is a ridge line formed by two projecting slopes 19d intersecting each other, and is an inclined surface that matches the tapered surface. The axial ridge line contact portion 19t is a contact portion, and the recessed portion 19b is a non-contact portion.
　本実施形態においてはライトガイド用コネクタ部１０が上述したように接続孔４１内に導入されて、図７Ｃに示すように軸方向稜線接触部１９ｔが被覆面４３ａに対して線接触する。このことによって、ライトガイド用コネクタ部１０がコネクタ受け部４３に軸ずれすること無く接続されて、内視鏡コネクタ接続状態になる。 In the present embodiment, the light guide connector portion 10 is introduced into the connection hole 41 as described above, and the axial ridge line contact portion 19t makes a line contact with the covering surface 43a as shown in FIG. 7C. As a result, the light guide connector section 10 is connected to the connector receiving section 43 without axial misalignment, and the endoscope connector is connected.
　このとき、ガイド用コネクタ１０の三箇所に設けたコネクタ長手軸ａ１０に沿って延出する軸方向稜線接触部１９ｔが接続孔４１内の被覆面４３ａに接触している。一方、軸方向稜線接触部１９ｔを挟んで配置されている突起斜面１９ｄおよび周状底面１９ｃを有する凹部１９ｂは被覆面４３ａに対して離間して配置される。 At this time, the axial ridge line contact portions 19t extending along the connector longitudinal axis a10 provided at three positions of the guide connector 10 are in contact with the covering surface 43a in the connection hole 41. On the other hand, the projection sloped surface 19d and the recessed portion 19b having the circumferential bottom surface 19c, which are arranged so as to sandwich the axial ridge line contact portion 19t, are arranged apart from the covering surface 43a.
　すなわち、軸方向稜線接触部１９ｔが被覆面４３ａに線接触しているとき、受光面１３より光源側開口４１ａ側の被覆面４３ａ内、凹部１９ｂの周状底面１９ｃおよび突起斜面１９ｄと被覆面４３はａとの間、および、被覆面４３ａと外周面１２ｂとの間が空隙Ｓになる。 That is, when the axial ridge line contact portion 19t is in line contact with the covering surface 43a, in the covering surface 43a on the light source side opening 41a side of the light receiving surface 13, the circumferential bottom surface 19c of the concave portion 19b, the projection sloped surface 19d and the covering surface 43. Is a space S between the cover surface 43a and the outer peripheral surface 12b.
　接続完了後の内視鏡観察時、上述したように光源５１から出射された光は、光源側開口４１ａを通過する光と、対峙面４４を照射する光となる。上述したように対峙面４４を照射する光は、光照射範囲Ｌａを加熱してコネクタ受け台４０の温度を徐々に上昇させていく。 When the endoscope is observed after the connection is completed, the light emitted from the light source 51 becomes the light passing through the light source side opening 41a and the light illuminating the facing surface 44 as described above. As described above, the light that irradiates the facing surface 44 heats the light irradiation range La and gradually raises the temperature of the connector pedestal 40.
　本実施形態においては３つの接触部突起１９ａの軸方向稜線接触部１９ｔがテーパー面である被覆面４３ａに軸方向に沿って線接触している。また、軸方向稜線接触部１９ｔの接触範囲Ｐ１９の接触領域Ｐａを光照射範囲Ｌａより外側に設定し、光源側開口４１ａの内径ｄ４１ａと受光面１３の外径Ｄ１３ａとを上述と同様に設定してある。 In the present embodiment, the axial ridge line contact portions 19t of the three contact portion projections 19a are in line contact with the covering surface 43a, which is a tapered surface, along the axial direction. Further, the contact area Pa of the contact area P19 of the axial ridgeline contact portion 19t is set outside the light irradiation area La, and the inner diameter d41a of the light source side opening 41a and the outer diameter D13a of the light receiving surface 13 are set in the same manner as described above. There is.
　これらの結果、上述と同様に光源５１から出射された光によって外装部１２が直接的に加熱されること、コネクタ受け台４０の光照射範囲Ｌａで発生する熱が瞬時に接触部分Ｐ１９に伝導されることが防止される。加えて、コネクタ受け台４０からの熱は外装部１２の線接触している軸方向稜線接触部１９ｔから伝導されるようになっている。したがって、上述した実施形態と同様の作用および効果を得ることができる。 As a result, as described above, the exterior portion 12 is directly heated by the light emitted from the light source 51, and the heat generated in the light irradiation range La of the connector pedestal 40 is instantaneously conducted to the contact portion P19. Is prevented. In addition, heat from the connector pedestal 40 is conducted from the axial ridge line contact portion 19t of the exterior portion 12 which is in line contact. Therefore, the same operation and effect as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained.
　なお、周状底面１９ｃの外周面からの深さを適宜設定することにより、コネクタ受け台４０に照射される光によって発生する熱の外装部１２に対する伝導状態を調整できる。また、凹部１８ｂの数は等間隔で三箇所に限定されるものでは無く、接触面積の減少を実現しつつ接続時の安定性を得られる場合は３つ以上の凹部１８ｂを設けるようにしてもよい。また、軸方向稜線接触部１９ｔを軸方向に分割する非接触部と成り得る１つまたは複数の周溝（不図示）を形成して接触面積を減少させてコネクタ受け台４０から外装部１２に伝導される熱量をさらに減少させるようにしてもよい。なお、複数の周溝を設けて点接触させるようにしてもよい。 Incidentally, by appropriately setting the depth from the outer circumferential surface of the circumferential bottom surface 19c, the conduction state of the heat generated by the light applied to the connector pedestal 40 to the exterior portion 12 can be adjusted. Further, the number of the recesses 18b is not limited to three at equal intervals, and three or more recesses 18b may be provided if the stability at the time of connection can be obtained while reducing the contact area. Good. In addition, one or a plurality of circumferential grooves (not shown) that can be non-contact portions that divide the axial ridge line contact portion 19t in the axial direction are formed to reduce the contact area, and the connector pedestal 40 to the exterior portion 12 is formed. The amount of heat transferred may be further reduced. A plurality of peripheral grooves may be provided to make point contact.
　上述した実施形態においては光源５１から出射された光が光源側開口４１ａを有する対峙面４４に向かうとしている。しかし、光源５１と光源側開口４１ａとの間に集光レンズ（不図示）を配置して、光源５１から出射された光を集光レンズで集光し、光源側開口４１ａを有する対峙面４４方向に光を出射させるようにしてもよい。 In the above-described embodiment, the light emitted from the light source 51 is directed to the facing surface 44 having the light source side opening 41a. However, by disposing a condenser lens (not shown) between the light source 51 and the light source side opening 41a, the light emitted from the light source 51 is condensed by the condenser lens, and the confronting surface 44 having the light source side opening 41a is formed. You may make it emit light in a direction.
　また、上述した実施形態においてコネクタ受け台４０が樹脂製で、ライトガイド用コネクタ部１０の外装部１２が金属製である。このため、コネクタ受け台４０の温度上昇を金属製に比べて低下させることができる。また、ライトガイド用コネクタ部１０の金属製の外装部１２がコネクタ受け台４０の被覆面４３ａに繰り返し接触することによってライトガイド用コネクタ部１０が破損する不具合を防止することができる。 Further, in the above-described embodiment, the connector pedestal 40 is made of resin, and the exterior portion 12 of the light guide connector unit 10 is made of metal. Therefore, the temperature rise of the connector pedestal 40 can be made lower than that of the metal pedestal. Further, it is possible to prevent the problem that the light guide connector unit 10 is damaged by the repeated contact of the metallic outer casing 12 of the light guide connector unit 10 with the covering surface 43a of the connector receiving base 40.
　しかし、外装部１２が被覆面４３ａに繰り返えし接触することによって被覆面４３ａが摩耗して軸ずれの要因になるおそれがある。このため、コネクタ受け台４０はカバー部材３４の予め定めた位置に交換可能に取り付けられる構造にしてある。 However, the repeated contact of the exterior part 12 with the covering surface 43a may cause the covering surface 43a to wear and cause a shaft misalignment. For this reason, the connector pedestal 40 has a structure that is replaceably attached to a predetermined position of the cover member 34.
　また、ライトガイド用コネクタ部１０の外装部１２を金属製から樹脂製にしてもよい。このことによって、外装部１２の熱伝導率を低下させてライトガイド用コネクタ部１０の温度上昇をより防止できる。 Further, the exterior part 12 of the light guide connector part 10 may be made of metal instead of resin. As a result, the thermal conductivity of the exterior portion 12 can be reduced and the temperature rise of the light guide connector portion 10 can be prevented more effectively.
　また、上述した実施形態においてコネクタ受け部４３の被覆面４３ａをコネクタ案内部４２側から光源５１方向に向かって孔径が連続的に細径に変化するテーパー面としている。しかし、被覆面４３ａは接触部１５が線接触可能な凹曲面であってもよい。 Also, in the above-described embodiment, the covering surface 43a of the connector receiving portion 43 is a tapered surface in which the hole diameter continuously changes from the connector guide portion 42 side toward the light source 51 to a small diameter. However, the covering surface 43a may be a concave curved surface that allows the contact portion 15 to make a line contact.
　また、ライトガイド用コネクタ部１０の外装部１２がコネクタ受け台４０の被覆面４３ａに繰り返し接触することによって発生する軸ずれを防止するためにセンサを設けるようにしてもよい。センサは、外装部１２が被覆面４３ａに当接したことを検知する圧力センサ、あるいは、光センサ等、ライトガイド用コネクタ部１０の接続孔４１内における移動距離、あるいは、位置を検出する光センサ、あるいは、磁気センサ、等である。センサを外装部１２、接続孔４１内に設けることによってライトガイド用コネクタ部１０、あるいは、コネクタ受け台４０の破損を防止できる。 Further, a sensor may be provided in order to prevent axial misalignment caused by repeated contact of the exterior part 12 of the light guide connector part 10 with the covering surface 43a of the connector receiving base 40. The sensor is a pressure sensor that detects that the exterior portion 12 is in contact with the covering surface 43a, or an optical sensor such as an optical sensor that detects the moving distance or the position of the light guide connector portion 10 in the connection hole 41. , Or a magnetic sensor, etc. By providing the sensor in the exterior portion 12 and the connection hole 41, damage to the light guide connector portion 10 or the connector receiving base 40 can be prevented.
　また、図８Ａ－図８Ｃに示すようにコネクタ受け台４０の温度上昇を抑制して発生する熱量を減少させて、ライトガイド用コネクタ部１０の温度上昇を防止するようにしてもよい。 Further, as shown in FIGS. 8A to 8C, the temperature rise of the connector pedestal 40 may be suppressed to reduce the amount of heat generated to prevent the temperature rise of the light guide connector unit 10.
　図８Ａに示すコネクタ受け台４０Ａは例えば金属製であって、対峙面４４に光反射部材６１を設けている。光反射部材６１は、対峙面４４の光照射範囲Ｌａおよびその外側の予め定めた範囲に施した樹脂メッキ、あるいは、光照射範囲Ｌａおよびその外側の予め定めた範囲に配置した円環状の反射板である。　
　このように光反射部材６１をコネクタ受け台４０Ａに設けることによって、光源５１から出射された光が光反射部材６１で反射される。この結果、コネクタ受け台４０Ａに照射される光を減少させコネクタ受け台４０Ａの温度上昇を抑制してライトガイド用コネクタ部１０の温度上昇を防止できる。 The connector pedestal 40A shown in FIG. 8A is made of metal, for example, and has a light reflecting member 61 on the facing surface 44. The light reflecting member 61 is a resin plating applied to the light irradiation range La of the confronting surface 44 and a predetermined range outside thereof, or an annular reflecting plate arranged in the light irradiation range La and a predetermined range outside thereof. Is.
By providing the light reflecting member 61 on the connector receiving base 40A in this manner, the light emitted from the light source 51 is reflected by the light reflecting member 61. As a result, it is possible to reduce the light radiated to the connector receiving base 40A and suppress the temperature rise of the connector receiving base 40A to prevent the temperature rise of the light guide connector unit 10.
　また、図８Ｂに示すように対峙面４４にヒートシンク６２を設ける。このように、コネクタ受け台４０Ｂにヒートシンク６２を設けることにより、コネクタ受け台４０Ｂに照射された光によって発生する熱が外部に放熱される。この結果、コネクタ受け台４０Ｂの温度上昇を抑制してライトガイド用コネクタ部１０の温度上昇を防止できる。 Further, as shown in FIG. 8B, a heat sink 62 is provided on the facing surface 44. As described above, by providing the heat sink 62 on the connector receiving base 40B, the heat generated by the light applied to the connector receiving base 40B is radiated to the outside. As a result, the temperature rise of the connector receiving base 40B can be suppressed and the temperature rise of the light guide connector portion 10 can be prevented.
　また、図８Ｃに示すようにコネクタ受け台４０Ｃと光源用台５０との間に光反射空間６５を設ける。この光反射空間６５の内面である対峙面４４、空間形成面６６に光反射部材６１を設ける。 Further, as shown in FIG. 8C, a light reflection space 65 is provided between the connector receiving base 40C and the light source base 50. The light reflecting member 61 is provided on the facing surface 44 and the space forming surface 66 which are the inner surfaces of the light reflecting space 65.
　この構成によれば、光源５１から出射されて対峙面４４を照射する光は、対峙面４４の光反射部材６１で反射され、その後、空間形成面６６の光反射部材６１、光源用台５０の正面等で反射されて光源側開口４１ａを通過、あるいは、さらに繰り返し反射されて光源側開口４１ａを通過する。 According to this configuration, the light emitted from the light source 51 and irradiating the facing surface 44 is reflected by the light reflecting member 61 of the facing surface 44, and thereafter, the light reflecting member 61 of the space forming surface 66 and the light source base 50. The light is reflected on the front surface or the like and passes through the light source side opening 41a, or is repeatedly reflected and passes through the light source side opening 41a.
　すなわち、光源５１から出射された光の大部分が光源側開口４１ａを通過して光学効率が大幅に向上する。このため、光源５１から出射させる光を減少させてコネクタ受け台４０Ｃの温度上昇を抑制できる。加えて、上述したように光反射部材６１で光を反射させてコネクタ受け台４０Ｃに照射される光で温度上昇することを抑制できる。このことによって、ライトガイド用コネクタ部１０の温度が上昇することを防止できる。 That is, most of the light emitted from the light source 51 passes through the light source side opening 41a, and the optical efficiency is significantly improved. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the light emitted from the light source 51 and suppress the temperature rise of the connector receiving base 40C. In addition, as described above, it is possible to suppress the temperature rise due to the light reflected by the light reflecting member 61 and being irradiated on the connector receiving base 40C. This can prevent the temperature of the light guide connector unit 10 from rising.
　光源用台５０が樹脂製の場合、対峙面４４に対峙する台一面に反射部材６１を設ける。 If the light source base 50 is made of resin, the reflection member 61 is provided on the entire surface of the base facing the facing surface 44.
　なお、コネクタ受け台４０、４０Ａ、４０Ｂ、４０Ｃに温度センサを設け、コネクタ受け台４０、４０Ａ、４０Ｂ、４０Ｃの温度を制御する。つまり、温度センサの計測結果を参考に光源５１の光量の調整を行ってコネクタ受け台４０の温度上昇を抑制するようにしてもよい。 A temperature sensor is provided on each of the connector pedestals 40, 40A, 40B and 40C to control the temperature of the connector pedestals 40, 40A, 40B and 40C. That is, the temperature rise of the connector pedestal 40 may be suppressed by adjusting the light amount of the light source 51 with reference to the measurement result of the temperature sensor.
　本発明は、上述した実施形態に限定されるものではなく、発明の要旨を逸脱しない範囲において種々変更あるいは応用が可能である。 The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and applications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Claims (15)

  1. 　被検体を撮像する内視鏡と、前記内視鏡と接続可能である外部装置とを有する内視鏡システムであって、
    　前記内視鏡は、
    　受光面として機能する端面を有するライトガイドと、
    　端部に開口を有し、前記開口に前記受光面が配置されるように前記ライトガイドを収容する外装部と、を有するライトガイド用コネクタ部を備え、
    前記外部装置は、　前記ライトガイド用コネクタ部が接続されて前記外装部の前記受光面側の端部を覆い囲む被覆面を有するコネクタ受け部と、
    　前記被覆面で覆い囲まれた前記端部の開口に位置する前記受光面に向けて光を出射する光源と、を備え、
    　前記ライトガイド用コネクタ部は前記外装部の前記受光面側の端部に、前記ライトガイド用コネクタ部を前記コネクタ受け部に接続したときに前記被覆面に接触する接触部、および、前記接触部を挟んで設けられ前記被覆面に対して離間する非接触部を含む
    　ことを特徴とする内視鏡システム。     An endoscope system having an endoscope for imaging a subject and an external device connectable to the endoscope,
    The endoscope is
    A light guide having an end surface that functions as a light receiving surface,
    A light guide connector part having an opening at an end, and an exterior part accommodating the light guide so that the light receiving surface is arranged in the opening;
    The external device is a connector receiving portion having a covering surface to which the light guide connector portion is connected and which surrounds an end portion of the exterior portion on the light receiving surface side,
    A light source that emits light toward the light receiving surface located in the opening of the end portion surrounded by the covering surface,
    The light guide connector portion has a contact portion at an end portion of the exterior portion on the light receiving surface side, which comes into contact with the covering surface when the light guide connector portion is connected to the connector receiving portion, and the contact portion. An endoscope system, comprising: a non-contact portion which is sandwiched between and which is separated from the covering surface.
  2. 　前記接触部は前記外装部の前記受光面側の端部において、前記ライトガイド用コネクタ部の長手軸周りに設けられる軸周り接触部であり、
    　前記軸周り接触部が前記被覆面に接触しているとき、前記受光面の最先端の点を含み前記ライトガイド用コネクタ部の長手軸に直交する平面上に位置する前記被覆面と前記外装部との間が空隙であることを特徴とする請求項１に記載の内視鏡システム。     The contact portion is an axial contact portion provided around the longitudinal axis of the light guide connector portion at an end portion of the exterior portion on the light receiving surface side,
    When the contact portion around the axis is in contact with the coating surface, the coating surface and the exterior portion which are located on a plane including the most distal point of the light receiving surface and orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the light guide connector portion. The endoscope system according to claim 1, wherein a space is provided between and.
  3. 　前記軸周り接触部は前記外装部の受光面側端面と外周面とが交差する稜線を予め定めた曲率で丸めた曲面端部に含まれる曲面端部軸周り接触部であり、
    　前記非接触部は前記曲面端部軸周り接触部を挟んで設けられた端部第１曲面および端部第２曲面である
    　ことを特徴とする請求項２に記載の内視鏡システム。     The axial contact part is a curved end part axial contact part included in a curved end part in which a ridgeline at which the light receiving surface side end surface of the exterior part and the outer peripheral surface intersect is rounded with a predetermined curvature,
    The endoscope system according to claim 2, wherein the non-contact portion is an end first curved surface and an end second curved surface that are provided with the contact portion around the curved end portion axis interposed therebetween.
  4. 　前記軸周り接触部は前記ライトガイド用コネクタ部の受光面側の端部に予め定めた曲率で形成された曲面凸部に含まれる曲面凸部軸周り接触部であり、
    　前記非接触部は前記曲面凸部軸周り接触部を挟んで設けられた凸部第１曲面および凸部第２曲面であり、
    　前記曲面凸部接触部が前記被覆面に線接触した状態において、前記被覆面と前記凸部第１曲面との間および前記被覆面と前記凸部第２曲面との間に空隙が設けられる
    　ことを特徴とする請求項２に記載の内視鏡システム。     The axial contact portion is a curved convex portion axial contact portion included in a curved convex portion formed with a predetermined curvature at the end portion on the light receiving surface side of the light guide connector portion,
    The non-contact portion is a convex first curved surface and a convex second curved surface that are provided with the curved convex portion around the axis contact portion interposed therebetween,
    Gap is provided between the covering surface and the convex first curved surface and between the covering surface and the convex second curved surface in a state where the curved convex contact portion is in line contact with the covering surface. The endoscope system according to claim 2, wherein:
  5. 　前記軸周り接触部は前記外装部の受光面側端面と外周面とが交差する稜線を予め定めた複数の面を設けて形成した傾斜部に含まれる傾斜部軸周り接触部であり、
    　前記非接触部は前記傾斜部軸周り接触部を挟んで前記傾斜部に設けられた第１斜面および第２斜面である、
    　ことを特徴とする請求項２に記載の内視鏡システム。     The axial contact part is a tilted part axial contact part included in an inclined part formed by providing a plurality of predetermined ridge lines intersecting the light receiving surface side end surface of the exterior part and the outer peripheral surface,
    The non-contact portion is a first slope and a second slope provided on the inclined portion with a contact portion around the inclined portion axis interposed therebetween.
    The endoscope system according to claim 2, wherein:
  6. 　前記受光面側の端部に前記接触部を分割する複数の非接触部を設けた
    　ことを特徴とする請求項１に記載の内視鏡システム。     The endoscope system according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of non-contact portions that divide the contact portion are provided at an end portion on the light-receiving surface side.
  7. 　前記複数の非接触部によって分割された接触部は、複数の箇所で前記被覆面に線接触、あるいは、点接触する
    　ことを特徴とする請求項６に記載の内視鏡システム。     7. The endoscope system according to claim 6, wherein the contact portion divided by the plurality of non-contact portions makes line contact or point contact with the covering surface at a plurality of locations.
  8. 　前記接触部が前記被覆面に線接触する接触領域を、前記光源から出射されて前記コネクタ受け部の前記光源に対峙する対峙面に照射された光照射範囲より外側に設定した
    　ことを特徴とする請求項１に記載の内視鏡システム。     The contact area where the contact portion makes a line contact with the covering surface is set outside the light irradiation range emitted from the light source and irradiated on the facing surface of the connector receiving portion facing the light source. The endoscope system according to claim 1.
  9. 　前記コネクタ受け部の被覆面は、前記ガイド用コネクタが挿通される接続孔のコネクタ案内部側から前記光源側開口に向かって孔の径が連続的に細径に変化するテーパー面である
    　ことを特徴とする請求項１に記載の内視鏡システム。     The covering surface of the connector receiving portion is a tapered surface in which the diameter of the hole continuously changes from the connector guide portion side of the connection hole through which the guide connector is inserted to the light source side opening. The endoscope system according to claim 1, which is characterized in that.
  10. 　前記コネクタ受け部の前記光源側開口の径は、前記ライトガイド用コネクタ部の受光面の径と同じである
    　ことを特徴とする請求項１に記載の内視鏡システム。     The endoscope system according to claim 1, wherein a diameter of the light source side opening of the connector receiving portion is the same as a diameter of a light receiving surface of the light guide connector portion.
  11. 　前記外部装置は、
    　前記光源が固設された光源用台と、
    　前記ライトガイド用コネクタ部の受光面側の端部に設けられた接触部が接触するコネクタ受け部、および、ライトガイド用コネクタ部が導入されるコネクタ案内部を有する貫通孔が形成されたコネクタ受け台と、を具備し、
    　前記コネクタ受け台の光照射範囲およびその外側の予め定めた範囲に光反射部材を設けた
    　ことを特徴とする請求項１に記載の内視鏡システム。     The external device is
    A light source table on which the light source is fixed,
    A connector receiver having a through hole having a connector receiving portion with which a contact portion provided at an end portion on the light receiving surface side of the light guide connector portion contacts, and a connector guide portion into which the light guide connector portion is introduced. And a stand,
    The endoscope system according to claim 1, wherein a light reflection member is provided in a light irradiation range of the connector pedestal and a predetermined range outside the light irradiation range.
  12. 　前記コネクタ受け台の前記光源に対峙する対峙面に、ヒートシンクを設けた
    　ことを特徴とする請求項１１に記載の内視鏡システム。     The endoscope system according to claim 11, wherein a heat sink is provided on a surface of the connector pedestal that faces the light source.
  13. 　前記コネクタ受け台と前記光源用台との間に光反射空間を設け、前記コネクタ受け台の前記光源に対峙する対峙面、および、前記光反射空間の内面に光反射部材を設けた
    　ことを特徴とする請求項１１に記載の内視鏡システム。     A light reflection space is provided between the connector pedestal and the light source pedestal, and a light reflection member is provided on the facing surface of the connector pedestal facing the light source and on the inner surface of the light reflection space. The endoscope system according to claim 11.
  14. 　前記コネクタ受け部は樹脂製であることを特徴とする請求項１１に記載の内視鏡システム。 The endoscope system according to claim 11, wherein the connector receiving portion is made of resin.
  15. 　光源を有する外部装置に着脱自在な被検体を撮像する内視鏡であって、
    　前記内視鏡は、受光面として機能する端面を有するライトガイドと、端部に開口有し、前記開口に前記受光面が配置されるように前記ライトガイドを収容する外装部と、を有するライトガイド用コネクタ部と、を備え、
    　前記ライトガイド用コネクタ部は前記外装部の前記受光面側の端部に、前記ライトガイド用コネクタ部を前記外部装置のコネクタ受け部に接続したときに、前記コネクタ受け部のテーパー面に接触する接触部、および、前記接触部を挟んで設けられ前記テーパー面に対して離間する非接触部を含む
    　　ことを特徴とする内視鏡。     An endoscope for picking up an image of a subject that is detachably attached to an external device having a light source,
    The endoscope includes a light guide having an end surface that functions as a light receiving surface, and an exterior portion that has an opening at the end and accommodates the light guide so that the light receiving surface is arranged in the opening. And a connector part for guide,
    The light guide connector section contacts the tapered surface of the connector receiving section when the light guide connector section is connected to the light receiving surface side end of the exterior section and the connector receiving section of the external device. An endoscope comprising: a contact portion, and a non-contact portion provided with the contact portion interposed therebetween and spaced from the tapered surface.
PCT/JP2019/000975 2019-01-15 2019-01-15 Endoscope system and endoscope WO2020148814A1 (en)

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JPS63109969A (en) * 1986-10-28 1988-05-14 Seiko Giken:Kk End face forming and polishing method for optical fiber
JPH02132406A (en) * 1988-11-14 1990-05-21 Hitachi Ltd Optical fiber guide structure
JPH03228729A (en) * 1990-01-31 1991-10-09 Olympus Optical Co Ltd Endoscope mirror device
US5289555A (en) * 1992-06-18 1994-02-22 Sanso David W Optical-fibre cable coupler for endoscope light source
JPH11183808A (en) * 1997-12-19 1999-07-09 Asahi Optical Co Ltd Light source device for endoscope
JP2000035544A (en) * 1998-07-16 2000-02-02 Asahi Optical Co Ltd Light guide connector connecting part of endoscope device
JP2007252676A (en) * 2006-03-24 2007-10-04 Pentax Corp Light guide connecting mechanism of light source device for endoscope

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS6356618A (en) * 1986-08-27 1988-03-11 Nippon Telegr & Teleph Corp <Ntt> Ferrule for optical connector
JPS63109969A (en) * 1986-10-28 1988-05-14 Seiko Giken:Kk End face forming and polishing method for optical fiber
JPH02132406A (en) * 1988-11-14 1990-05-21 Hitachi Ltd Optical fiber guide structure
JPH03228729A (en) * 1990-01-31 1991-10-09 Olympus Optical Co Ltd Endoscope mirror device
US5289555A (en) * 1992-06-18 1994-02-22 Sanso David W Optical-fibre cable coupler for endoscope light source
JPH11183808A (en) * 1997-12-19 1999-07-09 Asahi Optical Co Ltd Light source device for endoscope
JP2000035544A (en) * 1998-07-16 2000-02-02 Asahi Optical Co Ltd Light guide connector connecting part of endoscope device
JP2007252676A (en) * 2006-03-24 2007-10-04 Pentax Corp Light guide connecting mechanism of light source device for endoscope

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