JP3735294B2 - Endoscope adapter - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an endoscope adapter for connecting a light source to an endoscope in order to supply illumination light from the light source to the endoscope.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In JP-A-8-1060567 and JP-A-8-106058, a method of branching out and extracting illumination light emitted from a single light source and supplying the illumination light to a light guide fiber bundle of a plurality of endoscopes An endoscope illumination apparatus has been proposed.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In otolaryngology, a technique is known in which strobe light is blinked at a frequency substantially synchronized with the frequency of the vocal cords, and the dynamics of the vocal cord vibrations are observed. In this procedure, it is necessary to guide the strobe light to the vocal cords through the endoscope, so the conventional illumination device described above, which merely splits the illumination light emitted from a single normal observation light source, is used for this means. could not.
[0004]
That is, conventionally, when the strobe light is guided to the vocal cord, it is necessary to reconnect the light guide connector portion of the endoscope from the normal observation light source to the strobe light source. Reconnecting the endoscope's light guide connector to the strobe light source hinders complex and smooth procedures. In particular, in the stage where the light guide connector portion of the endoscope is reconnected from the normal observation light source to the strobe light source, the endoscope light guide connector is connected to the normal observation light source. Since this is an operation after the distal end portion is guided to the target site, the illumination light is temporarily interrupted at that time, so that the position of the distal end portion of the endoscope may deviate from a desired position.
[0005]
The present invention has been made paying attention to the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to immediately switch illumination light guided from a normal light source and a special light source, and to perform an endoscopic procedure simply and smoothly. An object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope adapter that can be used.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention relates to an endoscope adapter used by interposing between a light source connection connector of an endoscope and a light source side socket for receiving the connector.
An adapter body connected to a light source connection connector of the endoscope is provided. The adapter body includes a first light guide connector portion connected to the first light source and a second light source connected to the second light source. The light guide connector part is provided, and further, the first illumination light sent from the first light source through the first light guide connector part and the second light source sent through the second light guide connector part. An optical path switching means is provided for selecting one of the second illumination lights and switching the optical path so that the selected illumination light is incident on the illumination light incident portion of the endoscope.
[0007]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
<First embodiment>
With reference to FIGS. 1-2, the adapter for endoscopes which concerns on 1st embodiment of this invention is demonstrated.
[0008]
(Constitution)
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes an endoscope. This endoscope 1 is formed by connecting an insertion section 2, an operation section 3 and an eyepiece section 4 in this order from the distal end side, and a light guide cable 5 is connected to the operation section 3. As shown in FIG. 2, the light guide cable 5 has a connector portion 8 to which a first adapter 6 and a second adapter 7 having different types are screwed and connected. A light guide fiber bundle 9 is disposed in the light guide cable 5, and this light guide fiber bundle 9 is led from the distal end portion of the insertion portion 2 of the endoscope 1 to the distal end portion of the connector portion 8. It is installed.
[0009]
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the connection relationship showing the relationship between the first adapter 6 and the second adapter 7 that can be connected to any single connector portion 8 in the light guide cable 5 of the endoscope 1.
[0010]
The first adapter 6 includes an adapter main body 11 having a light guide connector rod 10 that can be inserted into a connector holder of a normal observation light source and connected to the normal observation light source. A rod lens 12 having a concentric two-layer structure of a core and a clad is disposed in the tube of the light guide connector rod portion 10. The adapter main body 11 is formed with a female screw portion 14 that is screwed into the male screw portion 13 of the connector portion 8. The first adapter 6 can be connected to the connector portion 8 by screwing the female screw portion 14 of the adapter main body portion 11 into the male screw portion 13 of the connector portion 8.
[0011]
When the first adapter 6 is connected to the connector portion 8, the incident end face of the light guide fiber bundle 9 and the end face of the rod lens 12 are arranged close to each other, and the light guide fiber bundle 9 is illuminated from the rod lens 12. The positional relationship is such that light can be sent.
[0012]
The second adapter 7 includes an adapter main body portion 21, and a female screw portion 22 that is screwed into the male screw portion 13 of the connector portion 8 of the endoscope 1 is formed at the front end opening of the adapter main body portion 21. ing. The second adapter 7 can be connected to the connector portion 8 by screwing the female screw portion 22 of the adapter main body portion 21 into the male screw portion 13 of the connector portion 8. A light guide connector rod portion 23 as a light guide connector portion to be inserted into the normal observation light source (first light source) is attached to the adapter main body portion 21 of the second adapter 7. A rod lens 24 having a concentric two-layer structure of a core and a clad is disposed in the light guide connector rod portion 23. The light guide connector rod portion 23 has the same configuration as the light guide connector rod portion 10 of the first adapter 6, and the light guide connector rod portion 23 is inserted into a connector receiver of a common normal observation light source. Can connect.
[0013]
A condensing means 25 made of a lens or the like is provided in the adapter main body 21. This condensing means 25 is disposed at a position close to the incident end face of the light guide fiber bundle 9 when the second adapter 7 is connected to the connector portion 8 of the endoscope 1 so that the optical axes of both coincide. ing. The light guide connector rod portion 23 is positioned on the incident side optical axis extension line of the condensing means 25.
[0014]
An optical path switching means 27 having a mirror 26 is provided in the adapter main body 21. The mirror 26 is disposed so as to be positioned on the optical path between the light collecting means 25 and the light guide connector rod portion 23. The optical path switching means 27 is disposed obliquely on the normal illumination position retracted from the optical path connecting the condensing means 25 and the light guide connector rod portion 23 and on the optical axis between the condensing means 25 and the light guide connector rod portion 23. The mirror 26 is positioned at one of the strobe illumination positions to be activated. The optical path switching means 27 is interlocked with an operation lever (not shown) as an operation input means provided on the outer surface portion of the adapter main body 21, and by operating the operation lever, the mirror 26 is set at each angular position as shown in FIG. Can be positioned.
[0015]
An adapter light guide cable 31 is connected to the right side wall of the adapter main body 21 in the figure. This light guide cable 31 for adapters has a light guide fiber bundle 33 disposed in a flexible tube 32, and the light guide fiber bundle 33 is guided from the adapter body 21 to the second light guide connector 34. Yes.
[0016]
The second light guide connector portion 34 is connected to a connector receiver of a strobe light source that is a second light source. In addition, the end surface of the light guide fiber bundle 33 in the light guide cable 31 on the adapter main body side is arranged to face the mirror 26 of the optical path switching means 27 installed in the adapter main body 21.
[0017]
When the mirror 26 of the optical path switching means 27 is at the strobe illumination position when it is obliquely positioned on the optical axis, the strobe light from the light guide fiber bundle 33 is reflected by the reflecting surface of the oblique mirror 26 and collected. Proceed toward the light means 25.
[0018]
(Function)
Next, with reference to FIG. 2, an operation when the first adapter 6 and the second adapter 7 are used will be described.
[0019]
First, when only normal observation is performed, the first adapter 6 is used, and this is screwed and connected to the connector portion 8 in the light guide cable 5 of the endoscope 1. Then, the light guide connector rod portion 10 of the first adapter 6 is inserted and connected to a connector receiver of a single light source for normal observation. In this state, generally, a single observation light source that is often used can be used to introduce illumination light into the endoscope 1 to perform normal observation.
[0020]
Next, when two light sources are used and two types of illumination light are selectively supplied to the endoscope 1, the second adapter 7 is used. The second adapter 7 is screwed and connected to the connector portion 8 in the light guide cable 5 of the endoscope 1. Then, the light guide connector rod portion 23 of the second adapter 7 is inserted and connected to the connector receiver of the light source for normal observation, and the second light guide connector portion 34 of the adapter light guide cable 31 is connected to the second light source. Connect to the connector receiver of the strobe light source.
[0021]
Therefore, first, when selecting illumination light from the first light source for normal observation, the lever is operated so that the mirror 26 of the optical path switching means 27 is vertical in FIG. At this time, the illumination light of the first light source for normal observation enters the light guide fiber bundle 9 of the light guide cable 5 directly from the rod lens 24 through the condensing means 25 without the mirror 26 interposed.
[0022]
Further, when selecting the illumination light from the strobe light source as the second light source, the lever is operated so that the 45 ° mirror 26 tilts to the right in FIG. Then, the illumination light from the strobe light source as the second light source received by the second light guide connector portion 34 is directed toward the light collecting means 25 side by the mirror 26 in the adapter main body portion 21 via the light guide fiber bundle 33. Thus, the optical path is bent and enters the light guide fiber bundle 9 of the endoscope 1. At this time, since the illumination light from the first light source is blocked by the back surface of the mirror 26, it does not enter the light guide fiber bundle 9.
[0023]
When the illumination light from the first light source is introduced into the endoscope 1, the illumination light from the second light source is irradiated in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the light collecting means 25. The light guide fiber bundle 9 is not incident.
[0024]
Here, when the first light source is a normal light source, the second light source is a strobe light source, and the vocal cords are observed, first, the optical path switching means 27 is set so that the first light source is incident on the endoscope 1. Operate and carefully advance the tip of the insertion section 2 of the endoscope 1 to the vocal cords. When the distal end of the insertion section 2 of the endoscope 1 reaches the vicinity of the vocal cords, when the image angle is such that the movement of the vocal cords can be observed and the optical path switching means 27 is operated by the lever, the illumination light from the strobe light source is instantaneously It switches so that it may be supplied to the endoscope 1. The time required for switching the illumination light at this time is only the time when the mirror 26 of the optical path switching means 27 is switched, and is a very short time.
[0025]
(effect)
As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to irradiate the strobe light instantaneously with the optical path switching means 27 after the distal end of the endoscope insertion portion is positioned at the target location with normal light. In addition, the trouble of reconnecting the connector of the endoscope 1 is reduced, and the illumination light is switched without inserting a hair, so that the position of the distal end portion of the endoscope 1 is shifted from a desired position. It ’s gone. In addition, since the time when the endoscopic image is interrupted is only instantaneous, it is possible to observe the vocal cord strobe more safely and reliably.
[0026]
<Second Embodiment>
An endoscope adapter according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.
[0027]
(Constitution)
In this embodiment, the configuration of the optical path switching means incorporated in the second adapter 7 is different from that of the first embodiment. That is, the optical path switching means 27 in this embodiment is provided with a driving means 41 such as a small motor, for example, a servo motor, in the adapter main body 21, and the driving means 41 operates the mirror 26 of the optical path switching means 27. It has become. The connection terminal 43 to the transmission cable 42 for the input signal to the driving means 41 is provided in the adapter main body 21, and when the adapter main body 21 is connected to the connector 8 of the endoscope 1, the connector part of the endoscope 1 is connected. The connection terminal 43 is automatically connected to the endoscope side connection terminal 44 provided in FIG. A signal cable 45 is connected to the endoscope side connection terminal 44, and this signal cable 45 is connected to a switch unit 46 as operation input means provided on the operation unit 3 of the endoscope 1. A signal is sent to the driving means 41 by operating the switch section 46 on the endoscope 1 side, and the driving means 41 is driven. Note that the endoscope 1 in this embodiment is of an electronic endoscope type.
[0028]
(Function)
In this embodiment, when the adapter main body 21 is connected to the endoscope 1, the optical path switching means 27 is remotely switched by operating the switch unit 46 on the operation unit 3 of the endoscope 1.
[0029]
(effect)
According to the present embodiment, the type of illumination light can be selected without the operator releasing his / her hand from the operation unit 3. Further, the switching operation of the optical path switching means 27 can be easily operated.
[0030]
Further, in the case of the present embodiment, it is possible to provide an operation switch not only in the operation unit 3 but also in any other place and remotely operate the optical path switching means 27 from that place.
[0031]
<Third embodiment>
An endoscope adapter according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
[0032]
(Constitution)
In this embodiment, in the first embodiment described above, a signal cable 52 connected to a transmission cable 51 for transmitting various signals (for example, EE signal) from the endoscope 1 is provided in the first adapter 6. is there. This signal cable 52 is automatically connected to the connection terminal 54 of the transmission cable 51 on the endoscope 1 side when the adapter main body 11 is connected to the connector portion 8 of the endoscope 1, and serves as an extension line of the transmission cable 51. Used.
[0033]
The second adapter 7 may also be provided with a signal cable 52 as an extension line of the transmission cable 51 in the same manner, and may serve as a signal transmission means with a second light source interlocked with the optical path switching means.
[0034]
As described above, in the present embodiment, the signal cable 52 is provided as an extension of the transmission cable 51 in the adapters 6 and 7, and signal exchange such as a dimming signal with the light source can be performed via the signal cable 52. Therefore, even when using either light source, it is possible to perform, for example, photography with optimum brightness or video recording.
[0035]
In the above embodiment, the strobe light observation of the vocal cords in the otolaryngology is described, but it goes without saying that the type of light is not limited to the strobe light. For example, the present invention is applicable to a specific light source that emits a specific wavelength such as fluorescence.
[0036]
Further, according to the above description, items listed below and items obtained by arbitrarily combining the items listed below can be obtained.
[0037]
(Appendix)
1. In the endoscope adapter used by interposing between the light source connection connector of the endoscope and the light source side socket receiving it,
An adapter body connected to a light source connection connector of the endoscope is provided. The adapter body includes a first light guide connector portion connected to the first light source and a second light source connected to the second light source. The light guide connector portion is provided, and the first illumination light is sent from the first light source through the first light guide connector portion, and the second light source is sent through the second light guide connector portion. An optical path switching means is provided for selecting one of the second illumination lights and switching the optical path so that the selected illumination light is incident on the illumination light incident portion of the endoscope. Adapter for endoscope.
[0038]
2. The flexible light guide means for guiding the second illumination light sent from the second light guide connector connected to the second light source to the optical path switching means provided in the adapter main body in the first item. An endoscope adapter characterized by that. 3. 2. The endoscope adapter according to claim 1, wherein the adapter main body is provided with optical path switching means and operation input means for operating the optical path switching means.
[0039]
4). An endoscope adapter according to claim 1 is provided, an optical path switching means is provided in the adapter body, and an operation input means for operating the optical path switching means is provided in the operation section of the endoscope, and the optical path switching means and the operation input are provided. An endoscope apparatus characterized in that an electrical signal transmission path connecting between the means and the means is provided from the operation section of the endoscope to the adapter body.
5. 2. The endoscope adapter according to claim 1, wherein a signal transmission means such as a dimming signal cable between the endoscope and the light source is provided with an endoscope adapter interposed.
[0040]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the optical path of the illumination light can be instantaneously switched without inserting / removing the light guide connector portion with respect to the light source. Therefore, for example, the illumination light guided from the normal light source and the special light source can be immediately switched, and the procedure using the endoscope can be performed easily and smoothly.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an overall explanatory view of an endoscope using an endoscope adapter according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a layout view showing a relationship between a first adapter and a second adapter for connecting an endoscope adapter according to the first embodiment of the present invention to a connector portion of the endoscope.
FIG. 3 is a layout view showing a relationship between a first adapter and a second adapter that connect an endoscope adapter according to a second embodiment of the present invention to a connector portion of the endoscope.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a use state of an endoscope according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a layout view showing a relationship between a first adapter and a second adapter for connecting an endoscope adapter according to a third embodiment of the present invention to a connector portion of the endoscope.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Endoscope 2 ... Insertion part 3 ... Operation part 5 ... Light guide cable 6 ... Adapter 7 ... Adapter 8 ... Connector part 9 ... Light guide fiber bundle 11 ... Adapter main-body part 21 ... Adapter main-body part 25 ... Condensing means 26 Mirror 27 Optical path switching means 31 Light guide cable 34 Light guide connector section 41 Driving means

Claims (1)

In the endoscope adapter used by interposing between the light source connection connector of the endoscope and the light source side socket receiving it,
An adapter body connected to a light source connection connector of the endoscope is provided. The adapter body includes a first light guide connector portion connected to the first light source and a second light source connected to the second light source. The light guide connector part is provided, and further, the first illumination light sent from the first light source through the first light guide connector part and the second light source sent through the second light guide connector part. An optical path switching means is provided for selecting one of the second illumination lights and switching the optical path so that the selected illumination light is incident on the illumination light incident portion of the endoscope. Adapter for endoscope.

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