Endoscope connectors for cameras, methods for engaging and disengaging endoscopes and cameras, and cameras

Abstract

The present invention provides an endoscope connector for a camera, having a proximal end for placement on the camera, a camera fixing mechanism for securing it to the camera, and an endoscope receiving region for partially receiving an endoscope lens when the endoscope is connected to the camera, wherein the endoscope receiving region is accessed from the distal end of the endoscope connector via a channel of the endoscope lens, and the endoscope is secured to the endoscope connector by the endoscope fixing mechanism, wherein the endoscope fixing mechanism has a movably supported clamp that is subjected to a spring force to press the clamp into the channel and block the channel, wherein the region of the clamp extending into the channel is shaped such that its distal portion gradually tapers toward the distal end, such that pressure on the distal portion of the region of the clamp extending into the channel generates a force that counteracts the spring force. The present invention also relates to a method for connecting and disconnecting a camera and an endoscope using the endoscope connector.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an endoscope connector. Background Technology

[0002] Endoscopy is one of the most important methods for examining the inside of the human body (especially for visual examination) and initiating treatment when necessary. Cameras are used not only to record what is found but also to make possible treatments; these cameras are detachably attached to the proximal region of the endoscope by means of an endoscope connector with a holding mechanism.

[0003] Such endoscope connectors are known in the prior art, for example by DE 10 2012 005 037 A1, WO2013 / 156024A1 or DE 10 2014 222 880 A1. However, a drawback of the known endoscope connectors is that the retaining mechanism for the detachable connection requires a high level of operating force because the fixed assembly must be separated in every situation, which is impossible or very difficult, especially for single-handed operation. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope connector that operates with less operating force and, in various cases, a method for engaging or disengaging an endoscope and a camera via an endoscope, which simplifies the engagement or disengagement. Furthermore, the object of the present invention is to provide a camera with an endoscope connector that can be operated with less operating force.

[0005] This objective is achieved by an endoscope connector according to one aspect of the invention, a camera according to another aspect of the invention, and a camera according to yet another aspect of the invention. Advantageous embodiments of the endoscope connector and method are according to other aspects of the invention.

[0006] An endoscope connector for a camera according to the present invention comprises: a proximal end for being disposed on a camera; a camera fixing mechanism for attaching the endoscope connector to the camera; and an endoscope lens receiving region for at least partially receiving an endoscope lens when the endoscope is attached to the camera, wherein the endoscope lens receiving region has a channel for engaging the endoscope lens from the distal end of the endoscope connector. Furthermore, the endoscope connector has an endoscope fixing mechanism for attaching the endoscope to the endoscope connector.

[0007] Camera mounting mechanisms can be, for example, conventional threaded connections, bayonet connections, parts that are pressed by or press against the camera, or snap-lock mechanisms.

[0008] Importantly for the present invention, the endoscope fixation mechanism has at least one movably supported clamp that is subjected to a spring force such that at least one region of the clamp is pressed into the channel and blocks the channel, wherein at least the region of the clamp extending into the channel is shaped such that its distal portion tapers gradually toward the distal end of the endoscope connector, so that the pressure of the clamp on the distal portion of the region extending into the channel toward the proximal end of the endoscope connector generates a reaction force of the spring force.

[0009] In this way, an endoscope, particularly the eyepiece funnel of the endoscope, can be pressed against a clamp designed in this manner toward the proximal end of the endoscope connector, wherein the endoscope or eyepiece funnel preferably conforms to DIN 58105.

[0010] This is preferred when contact is about to begin, especially when there are multiple such clamps. A particularly preferred embodiment is one with at least three such clamps, and the endoscope can achieve self-centering alignment when the clamps are designed identically in terms of their geometry.

[0011] Then, due to the gradually tapering portion of the clamp, a component force is generated when pressed. This component force reacts against the spring force in the radial direction and eventually overcomes the spring force, causing the clamp to be gradually pushed away from the channel of the endoscope lens receiving area, while the endoscope gradually moves towards the endoscope lens receiving area until the clamp is removed from the channel and the endoscope lens enters the endoscope lens receiving area.

[0012] Because the endoscope or its eyepiece funnel tapers towards the distal end, as the endoscope continues to advance into the endoscope receiving area, the clamps begin to slide back into the channel and block the distal movement of the endoscope until the endoscope finally impacts the bottom of the endoscope receiving area.

[0013] In this state, depending particularly on the spring force exerted on the clamps, the endoscope can still rotate relative to the endoscope connector; in this respect, the endoscope is at least fixed to prevent displacement.

[0014] Particularly preferred is that the endoscopic connector also has a release mechanism, which, when actuated, removes or can be removed from the channel the area of ​​the clamp that extends into the channel. Specifically, this can be achieved by configuring the release mechanism to reduce the spring force applied to the clamp upon actuation.

[0015] The release mechanism is preferably configured such that it is triggered by rotation in the circumferential direction of the endoscope connector. This rotation is easily performed with one hand, and all clamps can be released simultaneously, whereas release mechanisms relying on translational motion typically only release a single clamp.

[0016] Furthermore, if the region into which the clamp extends is shaped such that the slope of its proximal portion tapering towards the proximal end of the endoscope connector is steeper than the slope of its distal portion tapering towards the distal end of the endoscope connector, then the fixation of the endoscope, particularly the eyepiece funnel, when inserted into the endoscope receiving area is improved.

[0017] On the other hand, the release process can be well controlled, and if the release mechanism is accidentally actuated, the release will not occur immediately, but only when additional distal tension is applied to the endoscope. Its working principle is similar to that of inserting an endoscope, but the angle of the cone is different. Without reducing the spring force applied to the clamps by actuating the release mechanism, a greater tension is required to push the clamps out of the endoscope receiving area. However, the release mechanism can be designed such that a residual spring force remains applied to the clamps, which must be actively overcome by tension.

[0018] According to a preferred improvement of the invention, the movably supported clamp is rotatably supported on one side about an axis extending parallel to the insertion direction of the endoscope. Particularly preferred is that this axis is further disposed in a particularly annular component, which can rotate circumferentially together with the clamp. For example, a release mechanism, which can be triggered by rotation and preferably by one hand, can be implemented in a particularly simple manner by cooperating with a suitable assembly or swivel.

[0019] In order to enable the circumferential rotation of the shaft when clamps are arranged on the axis, it is advantageous that if the support rotatable about an axis extending parallel to the insertion direction of the endoscope is realized by a first pin, the first pin protrudes beyond the clamps either only in the direction toward the distal end of the endoscope connector or only in the direction toward the proximal end of the endoscope connector.

[0020] The engagement of the clamps in the channel can be controlled by the guide, which specifically enables the clamps, which are movably supported, to be movably supported in the guide groove on the other side. This guide can be implemented particularly simply by providing movable support in the guide groove via a second pin that extends beyond the clamps only in the direction opposite to the direction in which the first pin extends beyond the clamps, wherein the first pin provides support that can rotate about an axis extending parallel to the insertion direction of the endoscope.

[0021] Therefore, a particularly advantageous possibility for achieving pressure load by means of spring force lies in the fact that this spring force is applied by a spring, especially a compression spring, arranged in a guide groove. In particular, this configuration also allows the release mechanism to automatically return to the locked position after actuation.

[0022] The method of attaching an endoscope to a camera using an endoscope connector according to the present invention includes the steps of attaching the endoscope connector to the camera and attaching the endoscope lens to the endoscope connector, characterized in that the endoscope lens is attached to the endoscope connector simply by applying pressure. This results in an extremely simple connection that can also be performed with one hand.

[0023] A particularly preferred method is one in which an endoscope connector according to the invention, preferably according to any of the above embodiments, is used as an endoscope connector.

[0024] The key feature of the method for separating an endoscope from an endoscope connector according to the invention is that the method includes actuating only one release mechanism, which acts on all the fixation devices holding the endoscope on the endoscope connector. This achieves a simple separation process, which can typically be performed with only one hand.

[0025] Particularly preferred is to use an endoscope connector according to the invention with a release mechanism, wherein the release mechanism is preferably actuated by rotational movement in the circumferential direction of the endoscope connector.

[0026] The highlight of the camera according to the invention is the endoscope connector according to the invention. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the endoscope connector (1) is securely connected to the camera, particularly by compression and / or tightening.

[0027] Part of the camera's optical system is preferably arranged on the endoscope connector. This makes particularly efficient use of installation space. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention. Wherein it is shown that:

[0029] Figure 1a This is an exploded view of the endoscope connector.

[0030] Figure 1b for Figure 1a Top view of the endoscope connector.

[0031] Figure 1c To pass through along section line AA Figure 1b The first cross-section of the endoscope connector,

[0032] Figure 1d To pass through along the section line BB Figure 1b The second cross-section of the endoscope connector,

[0033] Figure 1e To pass through along the section line CC Figure 1b The third cross section of the endoscope connector,

[0034] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the initial state of the endoscope lens to be engaged with the endoscope connector before engagement, during the engagement of the endoscope connector and the endoscope lens.

[0035] Figure 3a for Figure 2 The view of the endoscope connector and endoscope lens just before engagement.

[0036] Figure 3b for Figure 3a The endoscope connector in a second view before engagement, with no endoscope lens and no cover ring.

[0037] Figure 4a for Figure 2 The view of the endoscope connector and endoscope lens during engagement.

[0038] Figure 4b for Figure 4a A second view of the endoscope connector during engagement, showing no endoscope lens and no cover ring.

[0039] Figure 5a A view of the endoscope connector and endoscope lens in the engaged state in Figure 3, and...

[0040] Figure 5b For being in the engagement state Figure 5a A second view of the endoscope connector, without the endoscope lens and without the cover ring. Detailed Implementation

[0041] Unless otherwise stated, the same components of the same embodiment of the endoscope connector have the same reference numerals in the drawings. However, for clarity, not all reference numerals are labeled in all drawings.

[0042] Figures 1a to 1e An endoscope connector 1 with clamps 15, 16, and 17 is shown. Specifically, Figure 1a An exploded view is shown. Figure 1b The diagram shows a top view of the endoscope connector as viewed along the insertion direction of the endoscope to be engaged. Figure 1c A cross-section is shown along line AA, corresponding to the diameter of endoscope connector 1, passing through endoscope connector 1. Figure 1d The diagram shows a half-section view along line BB passing through the endoscope connector 1. Line BB defines a section passing through the first support member of the support members of clamps 15, 16, and 17, exemplified by clamp 15. Figure 1e The image shows a half-section of the endoscope connector 1 along line CC, which defines a section of the second support member passing through the support member of clamps 15, 16, 17, exemplified by clamp 16.

[0043] These figures show that, for example, in Figure 1c It is particularly evident that the endoscope connector 1 has a proximal end 2 for positioning the endoscope connector 1 on the camera (not shown) and a distal end 3 opposite to the proximal end 2. This directly results in the definition of the proximal direction P and the distal direction D of the endoscope connector 1, as shown by arrows for illustration.

[0044] As from Figure 1a and Figure 1c As shown particularly clearly, the endoscope connector 1 has a basin-shaped endoscope receiving portion 13 having a bottom 13a, circumferential sidewalls 13b, and a wide edge region 13c extending parallel to the bottom 13a, the edge region 13c extending radially outward from its distal end. Furthermore, the basin-shaped endoscope receiving portion 13 has a support portion 13d, which in this embodiment is designed as a thickened local block protruding radially outward from the edge region 13c.

[0045] The interior of the basin-shaped endoscope receiving portion 13 forms an endoscope lens receiving area 14. An opening is present at the bottom 13a of the basin-shaped endoscope receiving portion 13, through which an image from the endoscope can reach a camera; alternatively, optical elements, such as a lens system, may also be arranged here.

[0046] Furthermore, in this exemplary embodiment, a camera fixing mechanism 12a is formed on the bottom 13a, the camera fixing mechanism 12a having an opening for tightening the endoscope connector 1 to the camera; and a camera fixing mechanism 12b for pressing the lens edge of the camera. However, in principle, the camera fixing mechanism may also be connected to a separate, preferably annular, substrate, which in turn supports the basin-shaped endoscope receiving portion 13.

[0047] like Figure 1c , Figure 1d and Figure 1eIt is particularly clear that the edge region 13c of the endoscope receiving portion 13 is surrounded by an assembly, in this exemplary embodiment, comprising clamps 15, 16, 17, an attachment 18, and a ring 19, which are placed on the edge region 13c. The attachment 18 has an annular cover 18a and a circumferential edge 18b extending proximally P perpendicular to the outer edge of the cover 18a beyond the edge region 13c. In this embodiment, the ring 19 has three partial protrusions 19a extending distally, abutting against the bottom surface of the edge region 13c and against the outer side of the circumferential sidewall 13b in the radial direction. An operating element 20 is also connected to this assembly, which, in the illustrated embodiment, is specifically implemented by being molded onto the attachment 18 in the transition region between the cover 18a and the circumferential edge 18b.

[0048] To form the assembly, ring 19 is attached to edge 18b of attachment 18, which in this example is accomplished by screw 32, and clamps 15, 16, and 17 each have first pins 21, 22, and 23 in their end regions, as shown in... Figure 1a or Figure 1d As shown, the first pins 21, 22, and 23 extend parallel to the insertion direction E of the endoscope 90 and are connected to the annular cover 18a, wherein the pins 21, 22, and 23 are rotatably supported in the clamps 15, 16, and 17 and the cover 18a. Therefore, the clamps 15, 16, and 17 can all rotate about an axis extending parallel to the insertion direction E of the endoscope 90.

[0049] The aforementioned components are essentially arranged to be rotatable relative to the endoscope receiver 13, but the extent of this movement is limited by the fact that second pins 24, 25, and 26 exist at the ends of the clamps 15, 16, and 17, different from the ends where the first pins 21, 22, and 23 are arranged, as... Figure 1a or Figure 1e As shown, they are all guided in guide grooves 27, 28, 29 embedded on the distal side of edge region 13c, and subjected to a force applied by spring 31, as... Figure 1a , Figure 3b , Figure 4b and Figure 5b As shown in the diagram, spring 31 is clamped between protrusion 19a and support portion 13d and serves as a compression spring that counteracts the relative rotation between the aforementioned assembly and endoscope housing 13.

[0050] The opening of the annular cover 18a is aligned with the endoscope receiving area 14 and defines a channel 30 leading to the endoscope receiving area 14. The channel 30 is formed by a spatial region defining an opening between the upper side of the annular cover 18a at the distal end 3 of the endoscope connector 1 and the upper side of the distal end of the edge region 13c.

[0051] exist Figure 1b As shown in the illustration, clamp 15 has a region 115 that extends into and blocks the channel 30 in this manner. Starting from the farthest point 125 extending into the channel 30, there is a distal portion 126 of the extension into the channel 30 adjacent to region 115 on one side, in which clamp 15 tapers gradually in the direction of the distal end 3 of the endoscope connector 1, wherein the distal end of region 115 is aligned with the inner edge of the annular cover 18a. Starting from this point 125, there is a proximal portion 127 of the extension into the channel 30 of region 115 on the other side, which tapers gradually in the direction toward the proximal end 2 of the endoscope connector 1, and its slope is steeper than the slope of the taper of the distal portion 126 of the extension into the channel 30 of region 115.

[0052] Now refer to Figures 2 to 5b A detailed explanation of the working principle of the endoscope connector 1. Figure 2 This diagram illustrates the initial state of the endoscope connector 1, to be connected to the endoscope before connection, when the endoscope connector 1 and the endoscope lens 90 are connected. Figure 3a and Figure 3b The image shows the endoscope 90 before engagement. Figure 4a and Figure 4b The image shows the endoscope 90 in engagement. Figure 5a and 5b The image shows the endoscope 90 after it has been engaged.

[0053] exist Figure 3a , Figure 4a and Figure 5a The cover 18a and the endoscope lens 90 are partially made transparent, thereby allowing the positions of the clamps 15, 16, and 17, which were originally invisible, to be observed in these figures. Figure 3b , Figure 4b and Figure 5b The annular cover 18a is omitted in all cases to facilitate the understanding of the movement of the clamps 15, 16, and 17 by observing the interior of the endoscope connector 1. This configuration will be referred to below as the open endoscope connector 1.

[0054] To understand these figures correctly, it is important that clamps 15, 16, 17 and circumferential edge 18b, ring 19 connected to circumferential edge 18b and operating element 20 arranged on circumferential edge 18b move together, while the basin-shaped endoscope housing 13 connected to a camera (not shown) via camera fixing mechanisms 12a, 12b remains stationary.

[0055] Figure 2The diagram shows an open endoscope connector 1 and an endoscope lens 90 with an eyepiece funnel 91 in a possible starting position before the engagement process begins. The insertion direction E is indicated by an arrow, extending towards the proximal end of the endoscope connector, i.e., towards its proximal end 2.

[0056] In this state, the clamps 15, 16, and 17 of the endoscope connector 1 are in the following positions: Figure 3b It is particularly clear that, through the interaction of at least one spring 31 with the second pins 24, 25, 26 guided in the guide slots 27, 28, 29, regions 115, 116, 117 are pressed into the channel 30 and block the channel 30, thereby causing the eyepiece funnel 91 of the endoscope 90 to... Figure 3a As shown, it is impossible to enter the endoscope lens receiving area 14 without interacting with the clamps 15, 16, 17 of the endoscope connector 1.

[0057] If the endoscope 90 contacts the clamps 15, 16, 17, particularly their distal portions 126, in the regions 115, 116, 117 of the insertion channel 30 and applies sufficient pressure to overcome the spring force, the clamps 15, 16, 17 retract in their respective guide grooves 27, 28, 29. Since the clamps 15, 16, 17 are connected to the annular cover 18a (not shown) via first pins 21, 22, 23, this causes the entire assembly, including the circumferential edge 18b, the ring 19, and the operating element 20, to rotate in the regions 115, 116, 117 of the insertion channel 30 as it is pushed out of the channel 30, until it finally reaches... Figure 4a and 4b The endoscope 90 begins to enter the endoscope receiving area 14 through the eyepiece funnel 91, as shown in the diagram. In this state, the spring 31 is maximally tensioned, that is, it is configured as a compressed spring with maximum compression.

[0058] Once the outer edge of the eyepiece funnel 91 passes the point 125 of the deepest point of penetration into the channel among the regions 115, 116, and 117 of the clamps 15, 16, and 17, it reaches the proximal portion 127 of those regions. Driven by spring force, the clamps 15, 16, and 17 begin to close again, causing the regions 115, 116, and 117 of the clamps to re-enter the channel 30. Therefore, the outer edge of the eyepiece funnel 91 is pressed against the bottom 13a of the endoscope receiving portion 13, thereby clamping the endoscope lens 90 onto the bottom 13a and preventing it from easily leaving the endoscope lens receiving region 14. Figure 5a and 5b As shown.

[0059] To enable operation at the end of endoscope use, by means of operating element 20, clamps 15, 16, and 17, having a circumferential edge 18b, a ring 19, an annular cover 18a, and arranged thereon via first pins 21, 22, and 23, can rotate in the same direction as the movement of the endoscope 90 during insertion caused by the interaction between the endoscope 90 and the clamps 15, 16, and 17. This forces the clamps 15, 16, and 17 to move within guide grooves 27, 28, and 29, thereby pulling regions 115, 116, and 117 out of channel 30. The endoscope 90 is then released and can be removed again.

[0060] List of reference numerals

[0061] 1. Endoscope connector

[0062] 2 Proximal

[0063] 3. Remote

[0064] 12a Camera mounting mechanism

[0065] 12b Camera mounting mechanism

[0066] 13 Endoscope Reception Section

[0067] 13a Bottom

[0068] 13b Sidewall

[0069] 13c edge region

[0070] 13d Support section

[0071] 14 Endoscope lens accommodating area

[0072] Clamps 15, 16, and 17

[0073] 18. Annex

[0074] 18a Cover

[0075] 18b edge

[0076] 19 rings

[0077] 19a Protrusion

[0078] 20 Operating elements

[0079] 21, 22, 23 First Selling

[0080] 24, 25, 26 Second Selling

[0081] 27, 28, 29 guide slots

[0082] 30 channels

[0083] 31 Spring

[0084] 32 screws

[0085] Areas 115, 116, and 117

[0086] 125 points

[0087] 126 Distal part

[0088] 127 Proximal portion

[0089] P Proximal direction

[0090] D. Distal direction

[0091] E Insertion direction

[0092] AA section line

[0093] BB section line

[0094] CC section line.

Claims

1. An endoscope connector (1) for a camera, comprising: The proximal end (2) of the endoscope connector (1) for placement on a camera has a camera fixing mechanism and an endoscope lens receiving area (14) for at least partially receiving an endoscope lens (90) when the endoscope is attached to the camera. The endoscope enters the endoscope receiving area (14) from the distal end (3) of the endoscope connector (1) via the channel (30) of the endoscope (90), and the endoscope is fixed to the endoscope connector (1) by the endoscope fixing mechanism. in, The endoscope fixation mechanism has at least one movably supported clamp (15, 16, 17) subjected to a spring force, such that at least one region (115, 116, 117) of the clamp (15, 16, 17) is pressed into the channel (30) and blocks the channel (30) before receiving the endoscope. The regions (115, 116, 117) into which at least one of the clamps (15, 16, 17) extends into the channel (30) are shaped such that their distal portions (126) taper gradually toward the distal end (3) of the endoscope connector (1), such that pressure on the distal portions (126) of the regions (115, 116, 117) into the channel (30) in the direction toward the proximal end (2) of the endoscope connector (1) generates a force that counteracts a spring force, which presses at least one region (115, 116, 117) of the clamps (15, 16, 17) into the channel (30) and blocks the channel (30). The regions (115, 116, 117) into which the clamps (15, 16, 17) extend into the channel (30) are capable of being removed from the channel (30) to release the engaged endoscope; and, The spring is used to counteract the relative rotation between the endoscope connector and the endoscope housing.

2. The endoscope connector (1) according to claim 1, Its features are, At least the regions (115, 116, 117) into which the clamps (15, 16, 17) extend into the channel (30) are shaped such that the slope of the proximal portion (127) in the direction toward the proximal end (2) of the endoscope connector (1) is steeper than the slope of the distal portion (126) in the direction toward the distal end (3) of the endoscope connector (1).

3. The endoscope connector (1) according to claim 1, The movable clamps (15, 16, 17) are supported such that they can rotate about an axis extending parallel to the insertion direction of the endoscope (90).

4. The endoscope connector (1) according to claim 3, Its features are, The movable clamps are supported so that they can move in the guide slots (27, 28, 29).

5. The endoscope connector (1) according to claim 4, Its features are, The spring force is applied by at least one spring arranged in the guide groove.

6. The endoscope connector (1) according to claim 1, Its features are, The movablely supported clamp is supported by a first pin that protrudes beyond the movablely supported clamp (15, 16, 17) either only in the direction toward the distal end (3) of the endoscope connector (1) or only in the direction toward the proximal end (2) of the endoscope connector (1), such that the movablely supported clamp can rotate about an axis extending parallel to the insertion direction of the endoscope lens.

7. The endoscope connector (1) according to claim 6, Its features are, The movablely supported clamps are slidably supported in guide slots (27, 28, 29) by second pins (24, 25, 26), which extend beyond the clamps (15, 16, 17) only in a direction opposite to that of the first pins (21, 22, 23), wherein the supported clamps, which are rotatable about an axis extending parallel to the insertion direction of the endoscope (90), are achieved by the first pins (21, 22, 23).

8. A camera having an endoscope connector (1), the endoscope connector comprising: The proximal end (2) of the endoscope connector (1) for placement on a camera has a camera accessory and an endoscope lens receiving area (14) for at least partially receiving an endoscope lens (90) when the endoscope is attached to the camera. The endoscope enters the endoscope receiving area (14) from the distal end (3) of the endoscope connector (1) via the channel (30) of the endoscope (90), and the endoscope is fixed to the endoscope connector (1) by the endoscope fixing mechanism. The endoscope fixation mechanism includes at least one movably supported clamp (15, 16, 17) subjected to a spring force, such that at least one region (115, 116, 117) of the clamp (15, 16, 17) is pressed into the channel (30) and blocks the channel (30) before the endoscope is received. The regions (115, 116, 117) into which at least one of the clamps (15, 16, 17) extends into the channel (30) are shaped such that their distal portions (126) taper gradually toward the distal end (3) of the endoscope connector (1), such that pressure on the distal portions (126) of the regions (115, 116, 117) into the channel (30) in the direction toward the proximal end (2) of the endoscope connector (1) generates a force that counteracts a spring force, which presses at least one region (115, 116, 117) of the clamps (15, 16, 17) into the channel (30) and blocks the channel (30). The spring is used to counteract the relative rotation between the endoscope connector and the endoscope housing, and When the spring force applied to the clamps (15, 16, 17) decreases, the regions (115, 116, 117) of the clamps (15, 16, 17) that extend into the channel (30) can be moved out of the channel (30).

9. The camera according to claim 8, Its features are, Specifically, the endoscope connector (1) is securely connected to the camera by means of compression and / or tightening.

10. The camera according to claim 8, Its features are, A portion of the camera's optical system is arranged on the endoscope connector (1).

Images