Endoscopic device

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope device, in which, in an endoscope device having a non-contact connector portion, the connector portion can be miniaturized and a stable connection state can be maintained. The endoscope device comprises: an endoscope having a connector portion; and a processor having a slot for inserting the connector portion and connected to the endoscope. The slot has a first length in a width direction intersecting an insertion direction of the connector portion, and has a second length greater than the first length in the insertion direction. The slot has a transmitting coil for transmitting power on its side. The connector portion has a receiving coil on its side for receiving power from the transmitting coil.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an endoscopic device. Background Art

[0002] An endoscope device generally includes an endoscope having an insertion portion inserted into a subject's body (eg, digestive organ) and a processor connected to the endoscope. The processor is configured to supply power or light to the endoscope and to be able to exchange various signals with the endoscope.

[0003] In conventional endoscope devices, the endoscope and the processor are usually connected via a contact-type connector having electrical contacts. However, in recent years, an endoscope device has been proposed that is configured to transmit and receive power and various electrical signals between the endoscope and the processor in a non-contact manner (for example, see Patent Document 1). Power is transmitted and received, for example, by the endoscope and a transceiver coil provided in the processor. In addition, various electrical signals are temporarily converted into optical signals in the endoscope or the processor, and then transmitted and received via an optical communication port, and then converted into electrical signals again in the endoscope or the processor.

[0004] However, when such a contactless connector is used to transmit and receive optical signals, a plurality of transmitting and receiving ports are provided on the contact surface between the connector and the processor. Therefore, the contact surface area between the connector and the processor becomes larger, and it is difficult to miniaturize the connector. In addition, since the contact surface area between the connector and the processor becomes larger, the connector may be disconnected due to the upward, downward, leftward, and rightward movement of the endoscope, and the connection state between the connector and the processor becomes unstable.

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 5978238 Summary of the invention

[0008] Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope device having a non-contact type connector portion, in which the connector portion can be miniaturized and a stable connection state can be maintained.

[0010] Technical solutions to solve problems

[0011] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the endoscope device of the present invention comprises: an endoscope having a connector portion; and a processor having a slot inserted into the connector portion and connected to the endoscope. The slot has a first length in a width direction intersecting with an insertion direction of the connector portion, and has a second length greater than the first length in the insertion direction. The slot has a transmitting coil for transmitting power on its side. The connector portion has a receiving coil on its side for receiving power from the transmitting coil.

[0012] Effects of the Invention

[0013] According to the endoscope of the present invention, it is possible to provide an endoscope apparatus having a non-contact type connector portion, in which the connector portion is miniaturized and a stable connection state can be maintained. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 It is an external view of the endoscope device 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 It is a schematic perspective view for explaining the structure of the distal end portion 104 of the endoscope 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 3 It is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the configuration of the slot SL and the connector portion 106 according to the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 4 It is an external view of an endoscope device according to a second embodiment.

[0018] Figure 5 It is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the configuration of the slot SL and the connector portion 106 according to the second embodiment.

[0019] Figure 6 It is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the configuration of the slot SL and the connector portion 106 according to the third embodiment.

[0020] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the endoscope device according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, functionally identical elements are sometimes also shown with the same number. In addition, the accompanying drawings show embodiments and installation examples that follow the principles of the present disclosure, but these are used to understand the present disclosure and are by no means used to interpret the present disclosure in a limiting manner. The descriptions in this specification are merely typical examples and do not limit the scope of protection or application examples of the present disclosure in any sense.

[0022] In the present embodiment, those skilled in the art have described in sufficient detail for implementing the present disclosure, but it should be understood that other installations and forms are also possible, and the composition and structure can be changed and various elements can be replaced without departing from the scope and spirit of the technical idea of ​​the present disclosure. Therefore, the following description cannot be limited to this for interpretation.

[0023] [First embodiment]

[0024] First, an endoscope device according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. Figure 1 is an external view of an endoscope device 1 according to a first embodiment. Figure 2 1 is a perspective view showing the structure of the distal end portion 104 of the endoscope 100. The endoscope device 1 is roughly composed of the endoscope 100, a processor 200, a light source device 300, a water and air supply unit 400, a suction unit 500, a display 600, and an input unit 700.

[0025] The endoscope 100 is configured to be insertable into a subject's body to capture an image of the subject, and has a function of transmitting an image signal of the captured image to the processor 200. The processor 200 receives the image signal from the endoscope 100 and performs predetermined signal processing.

[0026] The light source device 300 is configured to be connectable to the processor 200, and has a light source therein for emitting irradiation light for irradiating the subject. The light from the light source is irradiated to the subject via a light guide described later. The light source device 300 can be configured to be separate from the processor 200 and connectable to the processor 200, or it can be assembled inside the processor 200.

[0027] The water and air supply unit 400 includes an air pump (not shown) for releasing a water flow or an air flow supplied to the subject. The suction unit 500 includes a pump and a tank (not shown) for sucking body fluids and resected material sucked from the subject's body via the endoscope 100 .

[0028] The display 600 is, for example, a display device for displaying the results of data processing by the processor 200. In addition, the input unit 700 is a device for inputting instructions from an operator during various measurement operations.

[0029] The endoscope 100 includes an insertion portion 10 , a handheld operation portion 102 , a universal cable 105 , and a connector portion 106 . The insertion portion 10 further includes a flexible tube portion 101 , a bending portion 103 , and a distal end portion 104 .

[0030] like Figure 1As shown, the insertion portion 10 of the endoscope 100 is flexible and includes a flexible tube portion 101 for insertion into the body of a subject. The flexible tube portion 101 is connected to a handheld operation portion 102 at one end thereof. The handheld operation portion 102 includes, for example, a bending operation knob 102A and other operation portions that can be operated by a user, and is a portion for allowing the operator to perform various operations for photographing the endoscope device 1. In addition, a treatment instrument insertion port 102B for inserting a treatment instrument is provided in the handheld operation portion 102.

[0031] The portion of the flexible tube portion 101 close to the bending portion 103 is the first flexible tube portion 101A, and the portion close to the handheld operation portion 102 is the second flexible tube portion 101B. The shape of the bending portion 103 can be actively changed by the operator's operation of the bending operation knob 102A, whereas the first flexible tube portion 101A is a portion whose shape is passively changed by external forces unrelated to the operation of the bending operation knob 102A, such as the external force generated by the front end portion 104 and the bending portion 103 hitting the wall of the digestive organ. The second flexible tube portion 101B is the same, but the degree of shape change is smaller than that of the first flexible tube portion 101A (the maximum curvature radius is larger). In addition, in Figure 1 In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the flexible tube portion 101 includes two types of flexible tube portions, but the present invention is not limited thereto and may include three or more types of flexible tube portions or may include only one type of flexible tube portions.

[0032] The flexible tube portion 101 has a bendable bending portion 103 (active bending portion) at its distal end. As described above, the operation wire (in the embodiment of FIG. 1 ) is linked to the rotation operation of the bending operation knob 102A provided on the handheld operation portion 102. Figure 1 The bending portion 103 is bent by traction of the bending portion 103 (not shown). In addition, a bending wire W or a connection portion that is not deformed by an external force may be provided between the bending portion 103 and the first flexible tube portion 101A.

[0033] A distal end portion 104 including an imaging element (imaging unit) is connected to the distal end of the bending portion 103. The orientation of the distal end portion 104 changes according to the bending operation of the bending portion 103 caused by the rotation of the bending operation knob 102A, thereby changing the imaging area of ​​the endoscope 100.

[0034] The universal cable 105 extends from the opposite side of the handheld operation unit 102 toward the connector unit 106. The universal cable 105 includes a light guide, various wirings, and various tubes therein, similarly to the insertion unit 10.

[0035] The connector part 106 is a connection part for connecting the endoscope 100 to the processor 200. The connector part 106 is inserted into the slot SL provided in the processor 200, and after being inserted to a predetermined position, it is fixed to the processor 200 by the latch LT. The connector part 106 includes a water and air supply tube 108 as a path for conveying water and air toward the insertion part 10, and a suction tube 109 for suction.

[0036] In addition, the connector portion 106 is configured to be able to transmit and receive power, light, and various signals in a non-contact manner with the processor 200. Specifically, the connector portion 106 has a receiving coil 111 on its side. When the connector portion 106 is inserted into the slot SL, the receiving coil 111 is arranged at a position opposite to the transmitting coil 211 provided on the side of the processor 200. The connector portion 106 receives power supplied to the transmitting coil 211 via the receiving coil 111.

[0037] In addition, the connector portion 106 has an optical transceiver port 112 for optical communication at its front end. The optical transceiver port 112 cooperates with a light emitting element and a light receiving element not shown in the figure. By inserting the connector portion 106 into the slot SL, the optical transceiver port 112 is arranged at a position opposite to the optical transceiver port 212 arranged on the inner side (bottom surface) of the slot SL. The optical transceiver port 212 also cooperates with a light emitting element and a light receiving element not shown in the figure. In addition, although the illustration is omitted, the connector portion 106 is also provided with an optical fiber for transmitting light from the light source device 300 to the insertion portion 10 and an optical connector for incident light on the optical fiber.

[0038] Reference Figure 2 , the structure of the distal end portion 104 of the endoscope 100 is described. Light distribution lenses La and Lb are arranged at the distal end portion 104 of the endoscope 100, and light guides LGa and LGb extend from the distal end portion 104 to the connector portion 106. Light from the light source device 300 is guided by the light guides LGa and LGb, and is irradiated toward the subject through the light distribution lenses La and Lb arranged at the distal end portion 104.

[0039] In addition, if Figure 2 As shown, the endoscope 100 includes an objective lens 113 and an imaging element 133 at the distal end 104 . The objective lens 113 provided at the distal end 104 focuses scattered light and reflected light from the subject and forms an image of the subject on the light receiving surface of the imaging element 133 .

[0040] As an example, the imaging element 133 may be composed of a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS sensor (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor Sensor). The imaging element 133 is controlled by a signal (gain control signal, exposure control signal, shutter speed control signal, etc.) supplied from the processor 200 via the electrical wiring 138, and supplies an image signal of the captured image to the processor 200 via the electrical wiring 138 and an A / D conversion circuit (not shown). The electrical signal transmitted and received via the electrical wiring 138 is converted into an optical signal, and then transmitted and received between the endoscope 100 and the processor 200 via the above-mentioned light transmission parts W1 and W2.

[0041] In addition, an air and water supply port 114, an auxiliary water supply port 115, and a treatment tool port 116 are provided as ends or openings of various tubes at the end surface of the front end portion 104. The air and water supply port 114 (nozzle) is connected to the air and water supply pipe 121 to introduce water or air flow for cleaning the front end portion 104, etc.

[0042] The auxiliary water supply port 115 is connected to the auxiliary water supply pipe 122 for introducing auxiliary water for removing dirt in the field of view. The tubes 121 and 122 are arranged to extend along the front end 104, the bending part 103, the flexible tube part 101, the handheld operation part 102 and the universal cord 105.

[0043] In addition to the tubes 121 to 122, a treatment instrument tube 141 is provided inside the endoscope 100. The treatment instrument tube 141 is arranged so that treatment instruments such as forceps can be freely advanced and retracted therein. The front end of the treatment instrument tube 141 forms a treatment instrument port 116 at the front end portion 104.

[0044] Reference Figure 3 , the configuration of the slot SL and the connector 106 will be described. As described above, a receiving coil 111 for receiving power is disposed on the side of the connector 106. The receiving coil 111 can be Figure 3 The winding coil L1 is composed as shown in (a) of FIG. On the other hand, a transmission coil 211 for transmitting power to the winding coil L1 is arranged on the side of the slot SL. The transmission coil 211 can be composed of Figure 3 The winding coil L2 shown in the figure is formed. The power supplied to the transmitting coil 211 can be transmitted to the receiving coil 111 by electromagnetic induction.

[0045] like Figure 3As shown in (b), the connector part 106 has a linear slide rail 1061 extending along the insertion direction of the connector part 106 on its lower surface. In addition, a slide groove 2001 for inserting the slide rail 1061 is formed on the lower surface of the slot SL. When the slide rail 1061 is inserted into the slide groove 2001, the connector part 106 slides inside the slot SL, whereby the connector part 106 can move linearly in the slot SL.

[0046] Here, the size of the slot SL has a length D in the depth direction (insertion direction of the connector part 106), a length H in the height direction orthogonal to the depth direction, and a length W in the width direction intersecting the depth direction. The length D is larger than H and W, and preferably, D is 1.5 times or more of H and W. The connector part 106 inserted into the slot SL also has a shape corresponding to the slot SL at the insertion portion.

[0047] Thus, in the endoscope device of the first embodiment, the slot SL and the insertion portion of the connector part 106 have a longitudinal shape that is long in the depth direction. By having a longitudinal shape, for example, even if the endoscope 100 is swung up and down or left and right, thereby applying a force to the connector part 106, the possibility that the connector part 106 swings left and right and changes in its position is reduced.

[0048] In addition, in the first embodiment, the coils 111 and 211 for transmitting and receiving power are arranged on the side of the connector part 106 and the slot SL. By arranging the receiving coil 111 and the transmitting coil 211 on the side, the area for arranging other transmitting and receiving ports at the front end of the connector part 106 can be increased accordingly. In addition, the receiving coil 111 and the transmitting coil 211 are formed on the side of the connector part 106 and the slot SL, so that the transmission and reception of power between the two can be performed not only at the stage where the connector part 106 is inserted and fixed, but also in the middle of the insertion action. Therefore, compared with the past, the timing of starting the power supply from the processor 200 to the endoscope 100 can be advanced.

[0049] [Second embodiment]

[0050] Next, refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 An endoscope device according to a second embodiment will be described. Figure 4 and Figure 5 In, with Figure 1 and Figure 3 The same components are marked Figure 1 The same reference numerals are used, and therefore repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0051] like Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown in FIG. 1 , in the endoscope device of the second embodiment, the area of ​​the transmitting coil 211 is larger than the area of ​​the receiving coil 111. Thus, it is easier to receive electromagnetic induction from the transmitting coil 211 than in the first embodiment. Figure 5 As shown, preferably, when the connector portion 106 is fixed, the receiving coil 111 including its front end and rear end is completely included in the transmitting coil 211, and one end of the transmitting coil 211 on the entrance side of the slot SL is closer to the entrance side of the slot SL than one end of the receiving coil 111. Thus, the timing of starting to transmit power to the connector portion 106 can be advanced, and the start-up of the endoscope device 1 can be advanced.

[0052] [Third Embodiment]

[0053] Next, refer to Figure 6 An endoscope device according to a third embodiment will be described. Figure 6 In, with Figure 3 The same components are marked Figure 1 The same reference numerals are used, and therefore repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0054] like Figure 6 As shown, in the endoscope device of the third embodiment, the transmitting coil 211 is composed of a plurality of (for example, three) coils L21 to L23. The plurality of coils L21 to L23 are arranged along the insertion direction of the connector portion 106. The plurality of coils L21 to L23 can be as follows: Figure 6 They are shown arranged in a partially overlapping manner, or they may be arranged at predetermined intervals.

[0055] In addition, similarly to the second embodiment, the total area of ​​the transmitting coil 211 is larger than the total area of ​​the receiving coil 111. Therefore, it is easier to receive electromagnetic induction from the transmitting coil 211 than in the first embodiment. Figure 6 As shown, preferably, when the connector portion 106 is fixed, the receiving coil 111 including its front end and rear end is completely included in the transmitting coil 211, and one end of the transmitting coil 211 on the entrance side of the slot SL is closer to the entrance side of the slot SL than one end of the receiving coil 111. Thus, the timing of starting to transmit power to the connector portion 106 can be advanced, and the start-up of the endoscope device 1 can be advanced.

[0056] Furthermore, the power supplied to the coils L21 to L23 may be the same or different from each other. For example, the central coil L22 may be supplied with a larger power than the other coils L21 and L23. Furthermore, the timing of supplying power may be different between the coils L21 and L22.

[0057] Reference Figure 7 , the operation of the third embodiment is described. Figure 7 (a)~ Figure 7 (c) shows in time series how the connector 106 is inserted into the slot SL and gradually moves in the depth direction. Figure 7 As shown in (a), even when the front end of the connector part 106 is still near the entrance of the slot SL, the coil L21 in the transmitting coil 211 and the receiving coil 111 are in an overlapping state, and power can be supplied from the processor 200 to the endoscope 100. The endoscope 100 can start the initial setting operation, for example, by starting the power supply.

[0058] Moreover, if Figure 7 As shown in (b), when the connector part 106 moves further into the depth direction of the slot SL, it receives electromagnetic induction not only from the coil L21 but also from the coil L22 located on the inner side, and can start to supply more power to the endoscope 100. Figure 7 As shown in (c) , when the front end of the connector portion 106 reaches the inner side of the slot SL and the connector portion 106 is fixed by the latch LT, the supply of power from all the coils L21 to 23 can be started.

[0059] As described above, the connector part 106 moves linearly inside the slot SL along the slide rail 1061 and the groove 2001. Therefore, the optical transceiver ports 112 and 212 can be in a state where communication is possible compared to before the connector part 106 is fixed to the final position. Figure 7 (a) Figure 7 In the state (b) of FIG. 1 , the optical transmission and reception ports 112 and 212 are also arranged in a straight line, so that light transmission and reception can be performed. Figure 7 Before the state (c), the received power can be used for optical communication to start, for example, the initial setting of the endoscope 100. Thus, the initial setting can be completed during the connection preparation of the connector part 106, so the performance of the endoscope device can be improved.

[0060] [other]

[0061] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and includes various modified examples. For example, the above-mentioned embodiments are described in detail in order to explain the present invention in an easy-to-understand manner, and are not limited to all the structures described. In addition, a part of the structure of a certain embodiment can be replaced with the structure of other embodiments, and in addition, the structure of other embodiments can be added to the structure of a certain embodiment. In addition, for a part of the structure of each embodiment, other structures can be added, deleted, or replaced.

[0062] Description of Reference Numerals

[0063] 1: endoscope device; 100: endoscope; 10: insertion portion; 101: flexible tube portion; 101A: first flexible tube portion; 101B: second flexible tube portion; 102: handheld operation portion; 102A: bending operation knob; 103: bending portion; 104: front end portion; 105: universal cable; 106: connector portion; SL: slot; 108: water and air supply tube; 109: suction tube; 111: transmitting coil; 211: receiving coil; LGa, LGb: light guide; La, Lb: light distribution lens; 113: objective lens; 114: air and water supply port; 115: auxiliary water supply port; 116: treatment device port; 121: air and water supply pipe; 122: auxiliary water supply pipe; 141: treatment device pipe; 133: imaging element; 138: electrical wiring; 200: processor; 300: light source device; 400: water and air supply unit; 500: suction unit; 600: display; 700: input unit.

Claims

1. An endoscope device, characterized in that: The endoscope device comprises: An endoscope having a connector portion; and A processor having a slot for inserting the connector portion and connected to the endoscope, The slot has a first length in a width direction intersecting an insertion direction of the connector portion and a second length greater than the first length in the insertion direction. The slot has a transmitting coil on its side for transmitting power. The connector portion includes a receiving coil on a side surface thereof for receiving power from the transmitting coil. The connector part has a linear slide rail extending along an insertion direction of the connector part, and a slide groove into which the slide rail is inserted is formed on a lower surface of the slot.

2. The endoscope device according to claim 1, characterized in that The transmitting coil has a larger area than the receiving coil.

3. The endoscope device according to claim 1, characterized in that The transmitting coil includes a plurality of coils arranged along the insertion direction.

4. The endoscope device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The transmitting coil has a larger area than the receiving coil.

5. The endoscope device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The plurality of coils are arranged so as to partially overlap along the insertion direction.

6. The endoscope device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connector portion includes a first optical transceiver port at its front end portion. The slot includes a second optical transceiver port at a position on the bottom surface thereof facing the first optical transceiver port.

7. The endoscope device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The transmitting coil has a larger area than the receiving coil.

8. The endoscope device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The transmitting coil includes a plurality of coils arranged along the insertion direction.

9. The endoscope device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The transmitting coil has a larger area than the receiving coil.

10. The endoscope device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The plurality of coils are arranged so as to partially overlap along the insertion direction.

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