OPTICAL INSTRUMENT

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an optical instrument, in particular an endoscope or an exoscope.

[0002] Optical instruments, such as endoscopes, typically have an integrated illumination system, in particular one or more LEDs within the endoscope housing. Alternatively, endoscopes are known that have an external light source or connection. Light from an external light source can be transmitted into the endoscope via a light cable and then forwarded to the distal end of the endoscope via optical fibers. For example, document US 2018 / 317758 A1 discloses an endoscope whose light connection can switch between two external light sources via a light cable.

[0003] One object of the present invention is to demonstrate an improved optical instrument which offers greater flexibility in lighting options.

[0004] The problem is solved by an optical instrument with a housing, wherein a light source is arranged in the housing, which is configured to generate a first luminous flux that exits at a first interface inside the housing, and a light supply from outside the housing is guided through a housing wall of the housing, which is configured to guide a second luminous flux from outside the housing into an interior of the housing and to allow it to exit at a second interface inside the housing, wherein a light guide is arranged in the housing, which is configured to receive light at a first end via a third interface and to allow it to exit at a second end via a fourth interface at a distal end of the optical instrument, wherein the third interface is arranged to be displaceable relative to the first and the second interfaces.that the third interface can, in a first position, receive light from the first interface and, in a second position, receive light from the second interface.

[0005] This makes it possible to use at least two different illumination systems in one optical instrument, which can be used interchangeably. It is also possible to switch the respective illumination system on or off depending on the position of the third interface.

[0006] The illumination can be provided either by an external light source connected to the optical instrument via a light cable, or alternatively by the integrated light source, in particular one or more LEDs. The power supply for the light source can be provided via the data cable typically found in video endoscopes.

[0007] To switch between the first and second positions, the optical instrument is equipped with a switching device that allows the optical fiber within the instrument to be toggled back and forth. This enables the fiber to be either optically coupled to the light from the instrument's internal light source or to be supplied with light from an external light source via the existing light connection. This allows the user to switch between different illumination systems with a single device, resulting in a high degree of flexibility.

[0008] Depending on the user's requirements, the internal light source can be used in illumination mode, eliminating the need for a light cable connected to the optical instrument. If the user requires higher light intensity or light of a specific wavelength, for example, that cannot be provided by the internal light source, an external light source is connected to the optical instrument via a light supply, in particular a light cable. Switching between the different light sources can be achieved, for example, using a mechanical, magnetic, or electrical switch.

[0009] The internal light source can be located in the shaft or handle of the optical instrument, each of which can be a separate, connectable part of the optical instrument. Similarly, the light source, in particular a light connection, for the external light source can be located in the shaft or handle, each of which can again be a separate, connectable part of the optical instrument.

[0010] This completes the task.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the first end of the light guide is held in a guide so that it can be moved linearly.

[0012] This design allows the first end of the light guide a certain degree of displacement when the third interface is moved from the first to the second position, and vice versa. It is generally necessary for the light guide to be held at a defined location or fixed point within the housing of the optical instrument. When moving from the first to the second position, and vice versa, the path of the light guide can change from the fixed point towards the first end. The linear displacement capability provides the freedom to accommodate this change without mechanically stressing the light guide.

[0013] In a further preferred embodiment, the first end has a sleeve and the sleeve is held in the guide in a linearly displaceable manner.

[0014] This design allows for good relocation of the first end.

[0015] In another preferred embodiment, the guide and the sleeve are cylindrical in shape.

[0016] This design offers an additional degree of freedom, as the first end can now rotate within the guide.

[0017] In a further preferred embodiment, the sleeve has a flange that forms a stop for displacement of the sleeve.

[0018] This design allows for a defined displacement of the sleeve. The stop can limit displacement in either a proximal or distal direction. If two stops are used on the sleeve, displacement in both proximal and distal directions can be limited. Furthermore, the sleeve, and thus its first end, has a defined position at the stop.

[0019] In another preferred embodiment, the light source is supplied with energy via an energy supply that is routed from outside the housing through the housing wall.

[0020] This design ensures a reliable power supply for the internal light source. If a power supply is already available, for example in a power supply for an image sensor in the optical instrument, this existing power supply can also be used to power the internal light source.

[0021] In a further preferred embodiment, the first end is arranged on an inner ring inside the housing, which is rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the optical instrument.

[0022] This design allows for a guided relocation of the first end.

[0023] In a further preferred embodiment, the optical instrument further comprises an outer ring which is arranged outside the housing and is rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the optical instrument, wherein at least one first magnet is arranged on the inner ring, at least one second magnet is arranged on the outer ring, and the first magnet and the second magnet interact in such a way that a rotation of the inner ring can be effected by means of a rotation of the outer ring.

[0024] This design allows the inner ring to be repositioned by external actuation, without requiring an opening in the housing. Specifically, the first and second magnets are positioned opposite each other with opposite poles, so that they interact in such a way that the distance between them is as small as possible.

[0025] In a further preferred embodiment, the housing has two inwardly directed first stops which interact with a first projection on the inner ring and limit a displacement of the inner ring to a first angular range, and the housing has two outwardly directed second stops which interact with a second projection on the outer ring and limit a displacement of the outer ring to a second angular range, wherein the second angular range is larger than the first angular range.

[0026] This design allows the projection of the inner ring to be pulled with a certain force against one of the first stops, thus securing the inner ring in its position. For this to occur, the first and second magnets are positioned opposite each other with opposite poles. Since the outer ring can rotate further than the inner ring can follow, the magnets exert the necessary force to pull the inner ring against one of the first stops and thus fix it in place.

[0027] In a further preferred embodiment, the second projection has a detent which is pressed inwards against the housing by a spring, and the detent interacts with at least one recess on the housing to releasably fix the outer ring in at least one defined position.

[0028] This design allows the outer ring to be fixed in at least one defined position. Furthermore, haptic feedback can be achieved by the locking mechanism engaging in the recess.

[0029] In another preferred embodiment, the light supply and / or the light guidance is an optical waveguide.

[0030] It goes without saying that the features described above and below can be used not only in the combinations explicitly mentioned, but also in other combinations and in isolation.

[0031] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawing and are explained in more detail in the following description. They show: Figure 1: An embodiment of an endoscope in a first perspective view; Figure 2: The embodiment in a second perspective view; Figure 3: The embodiment without a housing with rings in a second position in a first perspective view; Figure 4: The embodiment without a housing in a second perspective view; Figure 5: The view from Figure 3 in partial exploded view; Figure 6 the view from Figure 5as a wireframe model; Figure 7 a section through the proximal end of the embodiment; Figure 8 the embodiment without the housing with the rings in an intermediate position; Figure 9 the embodiment without the housing with the rings in a first position; Figure 10 a schematic representation of the rings of the embodiment in conjunction with the housing; Figure 11 a schematic representation of the function of a sleeve in the embodiment; Figure 12 a sectional view of the embodiment along the longitudinal axis with the rings in the second position; Figure 13 a top view of the rings in the second position; Figure 14 a sectional view of the embodiment along the longitudinal axis with the rings in the first position; and Figure 15 a top view of the rings in the first position.

[0032] The Figure 1 shows, in connection with the Figures 2 to 5An endoscope 10, as an example of an optical instrument, has a housing 12, wherein a light source 14 is arranged in the housing 12. The light source 14 is configured to generate a first luminous flux that exits at a first interface 16 inside the housing 12. An exoscope represents another example of an optical instrument.

[0033] A light source 18 is guided from outside the housing 12 through a housing wall 20 of the housing 12. The light source 18 is designed to guide a second luminous flux from outside the housing 12 into an interior of the housing 12 and to a second interface 22 (see Figure 8 ) to allow it to escape within the housing 12.

[0034] In the housing 12 a light guide 24 is arranged, which is designed to direct light at a first end 26 over a third interface 28 (see Figure 5) to receive and to allow the endoscope to exit at a second end 30 via a fourth interface 32 at a distal end 34 of the endoscope 10.

[0035] The third interface 28 is arranged to be displaceable relative to the first and second interfaces 16, 22 such that the third interface 28 is in a first position (see Figure 9 ) light can be absorbed from the first interface 16 and in a second position (see Figure 3 ) can absorb light from the second interface 22.

[0036] The first end 26 is held linearly displaceable in a guide 36. For this purpose, the first end 26 has a sleeve 38, and the sleeve 38 is held linearly displaceable in the guide 36. The guide 36 and the sleeve 38 are cylindrical in shape. Furthermore, see Figure 11 , the sleeve 38 has a flange 40 which forms a stop for displacement of the sleeve 38, here a stop in the distal direction.

[0037] As in the Figure 2 As indicated, the light source 14 is supplied with energy via an energy supply 42, which is routed from outside the housing 12 through the housing wall 20 of the housing 12.

[0038] Based on the Figures 5, 6 and 7 It will now be explained how switching between the light source 14 and the light supply 18 can be achieved. The first end 26 is arranged on an inner ring 44 inside the housing 12, which is rotatable about a longitudinal axis L of the endoscope 10. In some embodiments, the longitudinal axis L of the endoscope 10 can be the longitudinal center axis of the endoscope 10.

[0039] The endoscope 10 further comprises an outer ring 46, which is arranged outside the housing 12 and is rotatable about the longitudinal axis L of the endoscope 10. At least one first magnet 48 is arranged on the inner ring 44, and at least one second magnet 50 is arranged on the outer ring 46. There are four magnets 48 and 50 in each case. The first magnets 48 and the second magnets 50 interact such that a rotation of the outer ring 46 causes a rotation of the inner ring 44. As shown here, the attractive force of opposite poles can be used, or alternatively, the repulsive force of like poles.

[0040] The Figures 8 and 9This shows how the magnetic interaction of the first magnets 48 and the second magnets 50, when the outer ring 46 is rotated, leads to a corresponding displacement of the inner ring 44 and thus of the end 26. This allows operation despite the housing 12, which is located between the inner ring 44 and the outer ring 46, without weakening the hermetic seal of the housing 12.

[0041] It is involved in Figure 8 It can be seen that the end 26 with the sleeve 38 has shifted in the proximal direction. This allows the end 26 to be displaced so that the light guide 24 can be attached to the housing at a fixed point 52, and yet length compensation of the light guide 24 can still occur when the inner ring 44 is rotated.

[0042] Figure 10Figure 1 shows that the housing 12 or the housing wall 20 has two inwardly directed first stops 54. The first stops 54 interact with a first projection 56 on the inner ring 44 and limit a displacement of the inner ring 44 to a first angular range α.

[0043] The housing 12 or the housing wall 20 further has two outwardly directed second stops 58 which interact with a second projection 60 on the outer ring 46 and limit a displacement of the outer ring 46 to a second angular range β, wherein the second angular range is larger than the first angular range.

[0044] The second projection 60 has a detent 62, which is pressed inwards against the housing 12 by a spring 61. The detent 62 interacts with at least one recess 64 on the housing 12 to releasably fix the outer ring 46 in at least one defined position. The detent 62 is designed as a ball detent.

[0045] In Figure 11 Two exemplary situations are shown, such as can occur during a rotation of the inner ring 44. Illustration a) can correspond to the situation as it appears in Figure 3 or Figure 9 is shown, and representation b) corresponds to the situation as it is in Figure 8 shown.

[0046] In illustration a), the distance from the fixed point 52 to the entrance of the guide 36 is slightly greater than in illustration b). In illustration a), the flange 40 rests against the proximal end of the guide 36. In illustration b), the flange 40 has detached from the sleeve 36. This allows the shortened distance to be taken into account and avoids mechanical resistance caused by compression or bending of the light guide 24.

[0047] Figure 12 shows a sectional view of the embodiment along the longitudinal axis L with the rings in the second position, and Figure 13The figure shows a top view of the rings in the second position. The third interface 28 is also shown here in its second position.

[0048] Figure 14 shows a sectional view of the embodiment along the longitudinal axis L with the rings in the first position, and Figure 15 This shows a top view of the rings in the first position. The third interface 28 is also shown here in its first position.

Claims

1. An optical instrument with a housing (12), wherein a light source (14) is arranged in the housing (12) and is designed to generate a first light flux which emerges at a first boundary surface (16) inside the housing (12), and a light supply (18) is guided from outside the housing (12) through a housing wall (20) of the housing (12), which is designed to guide a second light flux from outside the housing (12) into an interior of the housing (12) and to allow it to emerge at a second boundary surface (22) inside the housing (12), wherein a light guide (24) is arranged in the housing (12) and is designed to receive light at a first end (26) via a third boundary surface (28) and to allow it to emerge at a second end (30) via a fourth boundary surface (32) at a distal end (34) of the optical instrument, wherein the third boundary surface (28) is arranged to be displaceable relative to the first and second boundary surfaces (16, 22) in such manner that the third boundary surface (28) can receive light from the first boundary surface (16) in a first position and can receive light from the second boundary surface (22) in a second position.

2. The optical instrument according to claim 1, wherein the first end (26) of the light guide (24) is held linearly displaceably in a guide (36).

3. The optical instrument according to claim 2, wherein the first end (26) has a sleeve (38) and the sleeve (38) is held linearly displaceably in the guide (36).

4. The optical instrument claim 2 or 3, wherein the guide (36) and the sleeve (38) are cylindrical.

5. The optical instrument according to claim 4, wherein the sleeve (38) has a flange (40) which forms a stop for a displacement of the sleeve (38).

6. The optical instrument according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the light source (14) is supplied with power via a power supply (42) which is guided from outside the housing (12) through the housing wall (20) of the housing (12).

7. The optical instrument according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first end (26) is arranged on an inner ring (44) inside the housing (12), which is arranged so as to be rotatable about a longitudinal axis (L) of the optical instrument.

8. The optical instrument according to claim 7, further comprising an outer ring (46) which is arranged outside the housing (12) and is arranged so as to be rotatable about the longitudinal axis (L) of the optical instrument, wherein at least one first magnet (48) is arranged on the inner ring (44), at least one second magnet (50) is arranged on the outer ring (46) and the first magnet (48) and the second magnet (50) cooperate in such manner that a rotation of the inner ring (44) can be effected by means of a rotation of the outer ring (46).

9. The optical instrument according to claim 8, wherein the housing (12) has two inwardly directed first stops (54) which cooperate with a first projection (56) on the inner ring (44) and limit a displacement of the inner ring (44) to a first angular range (α), and has two outwardly directed second stops (58) which cooperate with a second projection (60) on the outer ring (46) and limit a displacement of the outer ring to a second angular range (β), wherein the second angular range (β) is greater than the first angular range (α).

10. The optical instrument according to claim 9, wherein the second projection (60) has a catch (62) which is pressed inwards against the housing (12) by a spring (61) and the catch (62) cooperates with at least one recess on the housing (64) in order to detachably fix the outer ring (46) in at least one defined position.

11. The optical instrument according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the light supply (18) and / or the light guide (24) has an optical waveguide.