Optical coupler, endoscopy assembly and corresponding applications

Abstract

The invention relates to an optical coupling, an endoscopy assembly and a corresponding use, the optical coupling having a coupling part and a mating coupling part which are detachably connected to one another, a connection element being provided on the coupling part and a mating connection element being provided on the mating coupling part, the connection element and the mating connection element together forming an optical channel, characterized in that the mating connection element is provided with a gap in the mating coupling part and without a gap in the coupling part.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an optical coupler having a coupling element and a mating coupling element that can be detachably connected to each other, wherein a connecting element is provided on the coupling element, and a mating connecting element is provided on the mating coupling element, the connecting element and the mating connecting element together forming an optical channel. Such optical couplers are known.

[0002] The present invention further relates to an endoscopic examination assembly having an optical coupler. Such endoscopic examination assemblies are known.

[0003] The present invention also relates to the application of an optical coupler in endoscopic examination. Such applications are known. Background Technology

[0004] Such optical couplers are known and used, for example, in endoscopes, to connect a light source or light conductor to the corresponding light path of the endoscope. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention is based on the objective of orienting the transition between two optical subpaths (e.g., connecting elements and mating connecting elements) as precisely as possible to prevent, for example, unwanted heat formation, heat loss, or imaging errors in the case of image transmission. Furthermore, this invention is based on the objective of minimizing the sum of manufacturing errors of the components and facilitating the mechanical construction and assembly of the components. These objectives are achieved through advantageous features. Advantageous designs are described in the dependent claims.

[0006] To address the aforementioned task, the present invention proposes advantageous features. In particular, in order to solve the mentioned task, the present invention provides for an optical coupler of the type described at the beginning, wherein the mating connecting element is disposed with a gap in the mating coupling and without a gap in the coupling. In this manner, the coupling orients the connecting element and the mating connecting element relative to each other, thereby minimizing the impact on manufacturing tolerances. Therefore, over-determination during orientation can be avoided.

[0007] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the connecting element may be configured as a fiber cone. Alternatively or additionally, the mating connecting element may be configured as a fiber bushing. Alternatively or additionally, the coupling element may be configured as a connecting bushing. Alternatively or additionally, the mating coupling element may be configured as a fiber connecting bushing. Therefore, different functions of the components can be utilized and specific structural implementations can be specified.

[0008] In another advantageous design, a guide surface can be provided on the coupling element, which positions the connecting element and the mating connecting element relative to each other. Therefore, the orientation of the mating connecting element on the coupling element can be easily achieved.

[0009] Of particular advantage is that the guide surface is cylindrical. This allows for an optimized arrangement between the connecting element and the mating connecting element. Furthermore, it minimizes the total manufacturing tolerances and facilitates the mechanical construction and assembly of the components. It is especially advantageous here that the guide surfaces for the connecting element and the mating connecting element can be manufactured in a single process.

[0010] In another advantageous design, the mating coupling element can be specified to be securely threaded onto the base. This allows for a simple and detachable connection between the base and the mating coupling element.

[0011] In another advantageous design, the mating coupling element can be specified to be screwed onto the coupling element using a coupling thread. This allows for a simple and detachable connection between the coupling element and the mating coupling element.

[0012] In another advantageous design, the starting torque of the fastening thread can be specified to be greater than that of the coupling thread. Therefore, the connection between the mating coupling and the coupling element can be separated using a smaller starting torque or torque, without separating the connection between the mating coupling and the base. This further simplifies the manufacturing or installation process.

[0013] Such selective disconnection of connections is necessary, for example, when assembling or grinding optical conductors (e.g., fiber conductors or optical fibers).

[0014] The starting torque can be defined by the diameter and pitch of the thread. For example, the fastening thread can be manufactured as a fine thread with a small pitch of M8 x 0.5. The coupling thread can, for example, be manufactured as a fine thread with a larger pitch of M9 x 1.0. The diameters of the fastening thread and the coupling thread can be the same, in which case different thread pitches will be necessary.

[0015] In another advantageous design, the mating connector may have a channel opening that narrows toward the connector. This simplifies the positioning of optical elements, such as fiber conductors or optical fibers, within the channel opening and toward the connector. The channel opening may, for example, be flared. It is also advantageous to reduce friction between the optical elements, such as fiber conductors, and the mating connector, thus preventing damage to the optical elements. Another advantage is that it facilitates the assembly of, for example, optical fibers within the mating connector.

[0016] In another advantageous design, an optical conductor can be provided within the connecting element. The optical conductor can be material-locked and / or force-locked connected to the connecting element. The optical conductor can be, for example, an optical fiber or a glass element, such as a glass lens. Material locking can be achieved, for example, by adhesive or welding. This ensures optimized positioning of the optical conductor and additionally ensures a tight seal.

[0017] Alternatively or additionally, an optical conductor may be provided in the mating connecting element. The optical conductor may be specified to be material-locked and / or force-locked connected to the mating connecting element. Material locking may be achieved, for example, by adhesive material or by (brazing) welding. This ensures optimized positioning of the optical conductor relative to the mating connecting element.

[0018] In another advantageous design, the optical conductor can be specified as a light conductor. This ensures optimized use. Furthermore, light or heat loss during light transmission can be reduced by enabling precise orientation without gaps.

[0019] Alternatively or additionally, the optical conductor can be specified as an image conductor. This ensures optimized use. Furthermore, imaging errors during image transmission can be reduced by enabling precise orientation without gaps.

[0020] In another advantageous design, a glass body can be provided in the connecting element, and a fiber conductor can be provided in the mating connecting element. This ensures optimized positioning between the glass body and the fiber conductor. Advantageously, the glass body and the connecting element are hermetically connected. This prevents unwanted liquid ingress or leakage. Typically, the fiber conductor has a bundle of optical fibers that, while compacted and bonded, are not tightly sealed, allowing moisture to permeate between the individual optical fibers.

[0021] The present invention further relates to an endoscopic examination assembly comprising an optical coupler having features according to the invention, wherein, for example, an optical channel for light transmission and / or image transmission is used. Therefore, it is possible to reduce manufacturing tolerances or improve product quality in preferred applications.

[0022] In one advantageous design, a coupling element may be provided proximally within the endoscopic examination assembly. It is advantageous here that the gapped component is not directly positioned on the mating coupling portion of the optical cable.

[0023] Alternatively, the coupling element can be specified to be located on the distal side. Therefore, structural alternatives can be provided.

[0024] Proximal can refer to the side that is close to the operator (e.g., a doctor) or far from the object being examined (e.g., a patient); distal can refer to the side that is close to the object being examined (e.g., a patient).

[0025] The present invention further relates to the application of an optical coupler having features according to the invention in endoscopic examinations, for example, for light transmission. Therefore, precise matching and positioning of the optical conductors or improved construction can be achieved. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to several embodiments, but is not limited to these embodiments. Further variations and embodiments of the invention are derived by combining one or more features with each other and / or with one or more features of the embodiments and / or variations of the apparatus according to the invention described above.

[0027] In the attached diagram:

[0028] Figure 1 An optical coupler in the prior art is shown.

[0029] Figure 2 An optical coupler according to the present invention is shown, and

[0030] Figure 3 The endoscope examination components are shown. Detailed Implementation

[0031] In the following description of different embodiments of the invention, elements that are consistent in function are given consistent reference numerals, even if they are different in design or shape.

[0032] Figure 1 An optical coupler in the prior art is shown.

[0033] The optical coupler 1 includes a coupling element 2, a mating coupling element 3, a connecting element 4, and a mating connecting element 5.

[0034] The optical coupler 1 is fastened to the substrate 9. The fastening can be achieved, for example, by means of threads or welding.

[0035] The optical coupler 1 has an optical channel 6 that passes through the hole of the connecting element 4, the hole of the mating connecting element 5, and the hole of the mating coupling member 3.

[0036] The coupling element 3 and the coupling element 2 are screwed together by the coupling thread 10.

[0037] The diameter of the hole in connecting element 4 should be the same as the diameter of the hole in mating connecting element 5.

[0038] The guide surface 7 is formed on the coupling element 2 and is in direct contact with the connecting element 4. The guide surface 7 is cylindrical.

[0039] The mating connecting element 5 and the connecting element 4 are arranged together (facing ground). The positioning of these two elements is determined by the contact between the connecting element 4 and the coupling element 2, especially the guide surface 7, the contact between the coupling element 2 and the mating coupling element 3, and the contact between the mating coupling element 3 and the mating connecting element 5. In this example, correspondingly, three or more manufacturing tolerances are considered, which, when combined, result in a suboptimal orientation of the end faces of the connecting element 4 and the mating connecting element 5, and subsequently lead to a higher defect rate of the material or component during quality analysis.

[0040] The coupling element 3 has a shoulder, and the connecting element 5 is mounted on the shoulder.

[0041] Figure 2 An optical coupler according to the present invention is shown.

[0042] The optical coupler 1 includes a coupling element 2, a mating coupling element 3, a connecting element 4, and a mating connecting element 5.

[0043] The connecting element 4 can be constructed as a fiber cone. The mating connecting element 5 can be constructed as a fiber bushing. The coupling element 2 can be constructed as a connecting bushing. The mating coupling element 3 can be constructed as a fiber connecting bushing.

[0044] The optical coupler 1 is fastened to the base 9. The base 9 is an endoscope shaft or endoscope. The fastening is achieved by means of a fastening thread 8. The fastening thread 8 is formed between the mating coupler 3 and the base 9.

[0045] The optical coupler 1 has an optical channel 6 that passes through the hole of the connecting element 4, the hole of the mating connecting element 5, and the hole of the mating coupling member 3.

[0046] The mating connecting element 5 is disposed in the coupling member 2 without gap, and the mating connecting element 5 is disposed in the mating coupling member 3 with gap. In this sense, "without gap" means that there is direct contact between the mating connecting element 5 and the coupling member 2 in the transverse direction to the axial direction. In this sense, "with gap" means that there is no direct contact between the mating connecting element 5 and the mating coupling member 3 in the transverse direction to the axial direction.

[0047] The coupling element 3 and the coupling element 2 are screwed together by the coupling thread 10.

[0048] The starting torque of the fastening thread 8 is greater than that of the coupling thread 10. The magnitude of the starting torque can be defined by the thread diameter and pitch. For example, the fastening thread 8 can be manufactured as a fine metric thread of M8 x 0.5. For example, the coupling thread 10 can be manufactured as a fine metric thread of M9 x 1.0. Therefore, selective opening of threaded components or prevention of damage to, for example, fiber conductors can be ensured during assembly and manual operation.

[0049] Guide surface 7 is formed on coupling element 2 and is in direct contact with connecting element 4 and mating connecting element 5. Guide surface 7 is cylindrical. Guide surface 7 positions connecting element 4 and mating connecting element 5 relative to each other. In another embodiment, guide surface 7 may be (circular) conical.

[0050] Connecting element 4 and mating connecting element 5 are arranged opposite each other (facing each other). The positioning of these two elements is determined by the contact between connecting element 4 and coupling element 2, and the contact between coupling element 2 and mating connecting element 5. In this example, correspondingly, two or more manufacturing tolerances are considered, and therefore fewer than Figure 1 Examples describing existing technologies. In this regard, Figure 2 The example is Figure 1 Examples include improvements in mechanical manufacturing and precise positioning. Optimized positioning between the connecting element 4 and the mating connecting element 5, and therefore between the optical conductors located in the optical channel, is desirable to prevent, for example, light loss or excessive heat formation.

[0051] The connecting element 4 has a shoulder on which the coupling member 2 is mounted. The connection between the connecting element 4 and the coupling member 2 is material-locked. The material lock is ensured by a weld and is therefore a tight seal. In another embodiment, the material lock can be achieved via an adhesive. Advantageously, this prevents liquid from entering and exiting the optical coupler.

[0052] The mating coupling member 3 has a shoulder, on which the mating connecting element 5 is mounted.

[0053] The connection between the substrate 9 and the coupling element 2 is material-locked. This material locking can be ensured by a weld, thus providing a tight seal. In another embodiment, the material locking can be achieved via an adhesive. It is also advantageous here to prevent liquid from entering and exiting the optical coupler.

[0054] An optical conductor is provided in the connecting element 4 (in Figure 2 (Not shown in the image). A fiber conductor is provided in the mating connecting element 5 (in... Figure 2 (Not shown in the image).

[0055] The fiber conductor may be, for example, an optical conductor, an image conductor, or a combination of both. The fiber conductor may include a bundle of optical fibers.

[0056] The mating connecting element 5 has a channel opening 11 that narrows toward the connecting element 4. The shape of the channel opening 11 can be described as trumpet-shaped. This allows for improved positioning of, for example, the fiber conductor and the optical fiber belonging to the fiber conductor, and reduces potential damage due to friction between the fiber conductor and the surface of the mating connecting element 5. The optical fiber in the fiber conductor of the mating connecting element 5 is compacted and bonded at the contact point with the optical conductor in the connecting element 4, but not tightly sealed. The optical fiber can conduct liquid capillarily. The structure described herein facilitates assembly, which includes, for example, grinding and bonding of the optical fiber.

[0057] exist Figure 2 The situation shown in the diagram specifies that the substrate 9 and the endoscope axis (in) Figure 2 (not shown in the image) connected and light source 13 (in Figure 2 (Not shown in the image) acts from above, and the optical conductor cable 14 (in...) Figure 2 (Not shown in the image) is guided from above to the connecting element 4. The optical conductor cable 14 has a mating coupling portion (in...). Figure 2 (Not shown in the image), the mating coupling part is directly fitted onto the optical coupler 1 and is detachably connected to the connecting element 4. Glass body (in...) Figure 2 (Not shown) is disposed in connecting element 4. The connection between the glass body and connecting element 4 is tightly sealed, thereby preventing liquid ingress or leakage. The glass body may be a glass lens. In another embodiment, the glass body may be made of plastic. Figure 2 In this configuration, the coupling element 2 is located on the proximal side.

[0058] However, this is not the only possibility. In another embodiment, the coupler can be positioned on the distal side. Alternatively, the optical coupler 1 can be installed in the opposite direction.

[0059] Figure 3 The endoscope examination components are shown.

[0060] The endoscopic examination assembly 12 includes a light source 13, which is connected to the endoscope 16 via an optical conductor cable 14. The endoscope 16 has, in particular, an optical channel for light transmission.

[0061] The optical conductor cable 14 is connected to the endoscope 16 by means of the optical conductor connector 15.

[0062] Endoscope 16 further includes an optical coupler 1 according to the invention and according to the claimed features (in) Figure 3 (Not shown in the image).

[0063] An optical coupler is proposed having a coupling element and a mating coupling element that can be detachably connected to each other, wherein a connecting element is provided on the coupling element and a mating connecting element is provided on the mating coupling element, the connecting element and the mating connecting element forming an optical channel with each other, characterized in that the mating connecting element is disposed in the mating coupling element with a gap and disposed in the coupling element without a gap.

[0064] List of reference numerals

[0065] 1 Optical Coupler

[0066] 2 coupling components

[0067] 3. Coupling components

[0068] 4 connecting elements

[0069] 5. Matching connecting elements

[0070] 6 optical channels

[0071] 7 guide surfaces

[0072] 8 Fastening threads

[0073] 9 matrix

[0074] 10 coupling threads

[0075] 11-channel opening

[0076] 12 Endoscopic Examination Components

[0077] 13 light sources

[0078] 14 Optical Conductor Cable

[0079] 15 Optical Conductor Connector

[0080] 16 Endoscopes

Claims

1. An optical coupler (1), the optical coupler having a coupling element (2) and a mating coupling element (3) that can be detachably connected to each other, a connecting element (4) provided on the coupling element (2), and a mating connecting element (5) provided on the mating coupling element (3), the connecting element and the mating connecting element together forming an optical channel (6), characterized in that, The mating connecting element (5) is disposed in the mating coupling element (3) with a gap and disposed in the coupling element (2) without a gap. The mating coupling element (3) is screwed onto the base (9) with a fastening thread (8). The mating coupling element (3) is screwed onto the coupling element (2) with a coupling thread (10). The starting torque of the fastening thread (8) is greater than the starting torque of the coupling thread (10).

2. The optical coupler (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The connecting element (4) is constructed as a fiber cone, and / or the mating connecting element (5) is constructed as a fiber bushing, and / or the coupling element (2) is constructed as a connecting bushing, and / or the mating coupling element (3) is constructed as a fiber connecting bushing.

3. The optical coupler (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The guide surface (7) is constructed on the coupling element (2), which sets the connecting element (4) and the mating connecting element (5) relative to each other.

4. The optical coupler (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The mating connecting element (5) has a channel opening (11) that narrows toward the connecting element (4).

5. The optical coupler (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, An optical conductor is provided in the connecting element (4) and / or the mating connecting element (5).

6. The optical coupler (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The optical conductor is a light conductor and / or an image conductor.

7. The optical coupler (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, A glass body is connected in the connecting element (4), and a fiber conductor is provided in the mating connecting element (5).

8. The optical coupler (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The cylindrical guide surface (7) is constructed on the coupling element (2).

9. The optical coupler (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that, A glass body is sealed in the connecting element (4).

10. An endoscope examination assembly (12) having an optical coupler (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The endoscopic examination assembly (12) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The coupling element (2) is disposed on the proximal side or the coupling element (2) is disposed on the distal side.

12. The endoscopic examination assembly (12) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The optical channel (6) is used for optical transmission and / or image transmission.

13. The application of the optical coupler (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 in endoscopic examination.

14. The application according to claim 13, characterized in that, The optical coupler is used for optical transmission.

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