Locking mechanism for optical tomography device

Abstract

A lock mechanism for an optical tomography apparatus includes a male lock portion and a female lock portion, a protrusion of the male lock portion being in contact with a wall of a circumferential recess provided on a base-end-side cylindrical member of the female lock portion, and a protrusion of the female lock portion being in contact with a wall of the circumferential recess provided on the base-end-side cylindrical member of the female lock portion. In this state, after the base-end-side cylindrical member is moved toward the base-end-side fixed member further against the biasing force of the spring, the male lock portion is rotated, whereby the protrusion of the male lock portion is moved into the lock space of the circumferential recess of the female lock portion, and the male lock portion and the female lock portion are locked. According to the invention, the male locking part of the optical probe and the female locking part of the driving part can be reliably locked, and the connection between the optical probe and the driving part cannot be randomly released.

Description

[0001] This case is a divisional application with application number 202080105919.0, application date December 9, 2020, and application name "Connecting mechanism and locking mechanism for optical tomography device". Technical Field

[0002] The invention relates to a connecting mechanism and a locking mechanism for an optical tomography device. Background Art

[0003] A tomographic imaging system for photographing cross-sectional images of various tubular elements of biological tissues, such as the digestive tract, pancreatic and bile ducts, fallopian tubes, urethra, trachea, blood vessels, and lymphatic vessels, generally comprises a tomographic imaging system body having: an optical probe inserted into the tubular element of the biological tissue; and a driving unit for rotating the optical probe in order to obtain a cross-sectional image of the entire circumference of the tubular element of the biological tissue.

[0004] The optical probe is a replacement part that is installed on the tomography system body whenever tomography is performed. After tomography, the optical probe needs to be removed from the tomography system body and discarded. Therefore, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2 propose a connection mechanism that enables replacement of the optical probe.

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 5139298

[0008] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent No. 5150725

[0009] The connection mechanism is provided on the optical probe and the driving unit respectively. The connection mechanism of the optical probe and the connection mechanism of the driving unit are respectively configured as connectors having optical fibers passing therein and can be separated. By fitting the connectors together, the optical fibers are connected to connect the optical probe and the driving unit.

[0010] On the other hand, if the connector cannot be properly engaged, the optical probe and the drive unit cannot be properly connected. Therefore, the connection mechanism of the optical probe and the connection mechanism of the drive unit are preferably configured to guide each other's connectors to the correct position. In addition, it is preferred to lock the connection between the optical probe and the drive unit so that the connection between the optical probe and the drive unit will not be accidentally released due to the rotation of the drive unit. Summary of the invention

[0011] To this end, the present invention proposes a connection mechanism and a locking mechanism for reliably connecting an optical probe and a driving unit.

[0012] In view of the above technical problems, the present invention provides the following technical solutions:

[0013] A locking mechanism for maintaining connection between an optical probe for an optical tomography apparatus and a driving unit for rotating the optical probe,

[0014] (a) the locking mechanism comprises a male locking portion and a female locking portion that cooperate with each other, the female locking portion is arranged on the distal end side of the driving portion, and the male locking portion is arranged on the proximal end side of the optical probe;

[0015] (b) the male locking portion has at least one first protrusion disposed on its outer peripheral surface;

[0016] (c) The female locking portion comprises:

[0017] A terminal side cylindrical component is arranged at the terminal end of the female locking part, the terminal side cylindrical component is provided with a passage for the male locking part to pass through, and a guide structure is arranged on the inner circumference of the passage to cooperate with the first protrusion of the male locking part;

[0018] A base end side fixing member provided on the base end side of the female locking portion and fixed to the driving portion in a manner opposed to the tip end side cylindrical member;

[0019] a movable proximal end side cylindrical component, located between the distal end side cylindrical component and the proximal end side fixed component, the proximal end side cylindrical component being movable in the axial direction of the female locking portion;

[0020] a spring for applying a force to the base end side cylindrical member to make it approach the tip end side cylindrical member;

[0021] The inner circumferential surface of the base end side cylindrical component is provided with a circumferential recess that cooperates with the guide structure, and when the base end side cylindrical component is biased by a spring, the circumferential recess and the guide structure form a locking space into which the first protrusion of the male locking part can enter;

[0022] (d) By inserting the male locking part into the terminal side cylindrical part channel of the female locking part, the first protrusion of the male locking part contacts the wall of the circumferential recess, and after overcoming the force of the spring to push the base side cylindrical part toward the base side fixing part, the male locking part is rotated to make the first protrusion of the male locking part enter the locking space, thereby realizing the locking connection between the optical probe and the driving part.

[0023] The locking mechanism provided by the present invention locks the connection between the male connecting part of the optical probe and the female connecting part of the driving part so that the male locking part of the optical probe and the female locking part of the driving part will not accidentally release the connection between the optical probe and the driving part. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which will help to understand the objects and advantages of the present invention, wherein:

[0025] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an optical tomography apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing a male connecting portion and a male locking portion;

[0027] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the male connecting portion and the male locking portion shown;

[0028] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the male connection part and the female connection part;

[0029] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the male connection part and the female connection part;

[0030] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the male connection part and the female connection part;

[0031] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing a female locking portion;

[0032] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the engagement of a male locking portion and a female locking portion;

[0033] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the engagement of a male locking portion and a female locking portion;

[0034] Fig.10 is a schematic diagram showing the engagement of a male locking portion and a female locking portion;

[0035] Fig.11 It is a schematic diagram showing the engagement of the male locking portion and the female locking portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The technical solution of the present invention will be described clearly and completely below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0037] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the present invention. In addition, the terms "first", "second", and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0038] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a direct connection, or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or it can be the internal communication of two components. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0039] In addition, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of the present invention described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0040] Hereinafter, embodiments of a connection mechanism and a locking mechanism for an optical tomography apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0041] [Optical tomography device]

[0042] Figure 1 The schematic diagram of a swept source optical coherence tomography apparatus (SS-OCT: Swept Source Optical Coherence Tomography) 100 according to the embodiment is shown.

[0043] The SS-OCT 100 includes an optical unit 200 and a signal processing unit 400 .

[0044] [Optical Department]

[0045] The optical unit 200 includes a plurality of optical elements. The plurality of optical elements include a wavelength swept light source 210, a first optical coupler 212, a first optical circulator 214, a second optical circulator 216, a second optical coupler 218, a biological tubular element imaging unit 220, an optical distance adjustment unit 222, and a detection unit 224. As described below, these optical elements are optically coupled to each other through an optical transmission element such as an optical fiber.

[0046] [Wavelength swept light source]

[0047] The wavelength swept light source 210 outputs light required for imaging a cross section of a biological tubular element. The wavelength swept light source 210 is configured to periodically change the wavelength of the output light, for example, sweeping the wavelength from 1260 nm to 1360 nm at a frequency of 100 kHz.

[0048] [First Optical Coupler]

[0049] The first optical coupler (splitter) 212 is a part that optically couples two optical fibers arranged in parallel by heating and melting them. One of the two optical fibers optically couples the first optical coupler 212 and the first optical circulator 214, and the other optical fiber optically couples the wavelength swept light source 210 and the second optical circulator 216 via the first optical coupler 212. Therefore, the light output from the wavelength swept light source 210 is branched into two lights by the first optical coupler 212, and the light of one side after branching is sent to the first optical circulator 214, and the light of the other side after branching is sent to the second optical circulator 216.

[0050] [First Light Circulator]

[0051] The first optical circulator 214 is a three-port optical circulator, the first port of which is connected to the first optical coupler 212, the second port is connected to the second optical coupler 218, and the third port is connected to the biological tubular element imaging unit 220. The light sent from the wavelength swept light source 210 to the first optical circulator 214 via the first optical coupler 212 is sent to the biological tubular element imaging unit 220, and the light returned from the biological tubular element imaging unit 220 is sent to the second optical coupler 218.

[0052] [Second light circulator]

[0053] The second circulator 216 is a three-port optical circulator, the first port is connected to the first optical coupler 212, the second port is connected to the second optical coupler 218, and the third port is connected to the optical distance adjustment unit 222. The light sent from the wavelength swept light source 210 to the second optical circulator 216 via the first optical coupler 212 is sent to the optical distance adjustment unit 222, and the light returned from the optical distance adjustment unit 222 is sent to the second optical coupler 218.

[0054] [Second photocoupler]

[0055] The second optical coupler 218 (interference section) is a portion that optically couples an optical fiber having one end (base end) connected to the first optical circulator 214 and an optical fiber having one end (base end) connected to the second optical circulator 216 by heating and melting them midway, so that light (reflected light) sent from the biological tubular element imaging section 220 via the first optical circulator 214 and light (reference light) sent from the optical distance adjustment section 222 via the second optical circulator 216 to the second optical coupler 218 are overlapped to obtain interference light.

[0056] [Biological tubular element photography department]

[0057] The biological tubular element imaging unit 220 includes a base 226 and a lens 226 extending in a predetermined direction ( Figure 1 The linear moving part 228 is connected to a linear moving motor 230 provided on a base 226, and is configured to move forward or backward in a predetermined direction based on the drive of the linear moving motor 230. The base end of a hollow cylindrical flexible tube (hereinafter referred to as a "sheath") 232 made of a light-transmitting resin is detachably fixed to the base 226 by a retainer 233. As shown in the figure, the base end of the sheath 232 is open and the tip end is closed.

[0058] The linear moving part 228 is provided with a base end collimator lens 234 and a terminal end collimator lens 236. The base end collimator lens 234 and the terminal end collimator lens 236 are arranged on one optical axis at a certain interval. Light passing through the base end collimator lens 234 passes through the optical axis of the terminal end collimator lens 236.

[0059] The proximal collimator lens 234 is fixed to the linear motion unit 228 and optically connected to the first optical circulator 214 via an optical fiber.

[0060] The distal end side collimating lens 236 is supported by a rotating portion (driving portion) 238 provided on the linear moving portion 228. The rotating portion 238 is rotatably supported on the linear moving portion 228 around the optical axes of the proximal end side collimating lens 234 and the distal end side collimating lens 236 while maintaining the distance between the proximal end side collimating lens 234 and the distal end side collimating lens 236 at a constant level.

[0061] The rotating portion 238 is drivingly coupled to a rotary motor 240 fixed to the linear moving portion 228 via a rotation transmission mechanism (not shown) including, for example, gears and a toothed belt.

[0062] The optical probe 300 is detachably connected to the rotating part 238. The optical probe 300 has an optical fiber 310 and an optical component 312. The optical component 312 is connected to the end of the optical fiber 310. The base end of the optical fiber 310 is detachably connected to the rotating part 238 via a connecting mechanism 242 and a locking mechanism 243 described later, and the optical fiber 310 is configured to rotate with the rotation of the rotating part 238, and the light collected by the terminal side collimating lens 236 is incident on the core of the optical fiber 310 from its base end.

[0063] The light incident from the base end of the optical fiber 310 enters the optical component 312 via the end of the optical fiber 310. The optical component 312 has an inclined surface 314 on the end side. The light incident on the optical component 312 is reflected by the inclined surface 314, travels in a direction perpendicular to the optical fiber 310, and is emitted in a radial direction from the side surface of the optical component 312 on the end side. On the contrary, the light incident on the optical component 312 from the side surface of the optical component 312 on the end side is incident on the optical fiber 310 via the inclined surface 314.

[0064] The sheath 232 and the optical probe 300 are provided in a state where the optical probe 300 is inserted into the sheath 232. When in use, the optical fiber 310 of the optical probe 300 is connected to the rotating part 238 via the connecting mechanism 242 and the locking mechanism 243, and the base end of the sheath 232 is fixed to the base 226 by the holder 233.

[0065] Therefore, based on the drive of the linear motion motor 230, the linear motion unit 228 and the optical probe 300 move forward and backward relative to the base 226. On the other hand, the sheath 232 is maintained on the base 226. Therefore, based on the drive of the linear motion motor 230, the optical probe 300 moves forward and backward in the sheath 232. In addition, based on the drive of the rotary motor 240, the rotary unit 238 rotates around the optical axis. At this time, since the optical probe 300 is connected to the rotary unit 238 via the connecting mechanism 242 and the locking mechanism 243, it rotates together with the rotary unit 238. Thus, after the light sent from the first optical circulator 214 to the photographing unit 220 is incident on the optical fiber 310 via the base end side collimating lens 234 and the terminal end side collimating lens 236, it is emitted from the optical fiber 310 in a radial direction via the optical component 312, and the emitted light scans at a constant speed in the circumferential direction centered on the optical axis.

[0066] The size of the sheath 232 and the optical probe 300 housed in the sheath 232 is appropriately determined according to the size of the tubular element of the biological body to be photographed. In order to allow the optical probe 300 to stably rotate in the sheath 232, the inner diameter of the sheath 232 and the outer diameter of the optical probe 300 housed therein are determined to be larger than the maximum outer diameter of the optical component 312, for example, by about 50 μm. For example, when the maximum outer diameter of the optical component 312 is about 200 to 500 μm, the inner diameter of the sheath 232 is about 250 to 550 μm.

[0067] [Optical distance adjustment unit]

[0068] The optical distance adjustment unit 222 includes a collimating lens 242 and a reference reflector 244. The collimating lens 242 is immovably fixed. The reference reflector 244 has a reflecting surface (reflector surface) perpendicular to the optical axis of the collimating lens 242. The reference reflector 244 is supported on a linear motion unit 246. The linear motion unit 246 can move along the optical axis of the collimating lens 242. The linear motion unit 246 is also connected to a linear motion motor 248, and is configured to move forward and backward toward the collimating lens 242 based on the drive of the linear motion motor 248, thereby adjusting the optical distance (optical distance) of the reference light.

[0069] [Detection Department]

[0070] The detection unit 224 is an optical component that receives the light sent from the second optical coupler 218 and performs photoelectric conversion, and is particularly a double balanced detector having two light input units. The double balanced detector has two photodiodes that detect the light (interference light) sent from the second optical coupler 218, and the two photodiodes are respectively connected to the ends of the two optical fibers constituting the second optical coupler 218. The detection unit 224 is also configured to convert the light input from the two optical fibers into electrical signals, and then to extract only the electrical signal based on the interference light by mutually canceling the DC components included in these electrical signals.

[0071] [Signal Processing Unit]

[0072] The signal processing unit 400 includes a control unit 410, an analog / digital (A / D) conversion unit 414, a Fourier transformation unit 416, an image processing unit 418, and an image display unit (monitor) 420. In the figure, the A / D conversion unit 414, the Fourier transformation unit 416, and the image processing unit 418 represent functional blocks, which do not need to be physical structures, and may be part of a program installed in a storage unit of the control unit 410 described later.

[0073] [Control Department]

[0074] The control unit 410 includes a control unit, a computing unit, and a storage unit (not shown). The storage unit can temporarily store programs required for executing the processing described later and various data (e.g., image data) generated during the processing described later. The computing unit performs the operations to be performed during the processing described later according to the programs stored in the storage unit.

[0075] Although not shown in the figure, the control unit 410 is configured to be communicatively connected to various devices included in the optical unit 200 (wavelength swept light source 210, rotating motor 240, linear motion motor 230, linear motion motor 248 of reference reflector 244), and to drive and control these devices separately according to the program of the storage unit.

[0076] Although not shown in the figure, the control unit 410 is configured to be connected to the input unit and execute the processing described below based on the signal input from the input unit. The input unit can be any one of a keyboard, a pointing device, a touch screen, a mouse, a joystick, a trackball, a scanner, OCR, OMR, a voice input device, a graphic input tablet, etc.

[0077] [A / D conversion unit]

[0078] The A / D converter 414 converts the analog signal (electric signal based on the interference light) output from the detector 224 into a digital signal.

[0079] [Fourier Transformation Unit]

[0080] The Fourier transform unit 416 performs Fourier transform (e.g., fast Fourier transform, discrete Fourier transform) on the digital signal output from the A / D conversion unit 414 to obtain the intensity (power spectrum) of the interference light relative to the difference (optical distance difference) between the optical distance of the reflected light and the optical distance of the reference light.

[0081] [Image Processing Department]

[0082] The image processing unit 418 receives the power spectrum including the spectral components of the biological tubular element and the sheath 232 from the Fourier transform unit 416 , and outputs image information for each rotation angle of the optical probe 300 based on the intensity distribution of the biological tubular element and the sheath 232 in the power spectrum.

[0083] [Image display unit]

[0084] The image display unit 420 is a normal monitor and outputs the image output from the image processing unit 418 .

[0085] [Connection mechanism]

[0086] The connection mechanism 242 connecting the optical probe 300 and the rotating part 238 includes: a male connection part 500 (see Figure 2 , Figure 3 ,); provided on the rotating portion 238 of the female connection portion 600 (reference Figure 4 ).

[0087] [Male connection part on the optical probe side]

[0088] Figure 2 , Figure 3 500. The male connecting part 500 has a main shaft 510. The main shaft 510 has a hollow cylindrical optical fiber holding part 514 extending along a central axis 512. The optical fiber holding part 514 has a waveguide (optical fiber insertion hole) 515 composed of an elongated hole extending along the central axis 512. The end of the waveguide 515 ( Figure 3 The left end portion of the optical fiber 310 is optically coupled to the base end portion of the optical fiber 310.

[0089] The optical fiber 516 is accommodated in the waveguide 515 so as to be rotatable about the axis 512 and movable along the axis 512. The inner diameter of the waveguide 515 is designed to be substantially the same as the outer diameter of the optical fiber 516. Therefore, light emitted from the optical fiber 516 to the waveguide 515 is incident on the optical fiber 310 via the waveguide 515, and light emitted from the optical fiber 310 to the waveguide 515 is incident on the optical fiber 516. In this way, the waveguide 515 has a function of optically coupling the optical fiber 310 on the distal end side and the optical fiber 516 on the proximal end side.

[0090] The main shaft portion 510 has a Figure 2 , Figure 3 The optical fiber holding portion 514 is provided with two cylindrical parts protruding from the optical fiber holding portion 514 (right side), namely, an inner cylindrical part 518 arranged concentrically with the central axis 512 so as to surround the base end side of the optical fiber holding portion 514; and an outer cylindrical part (terminal side cylindrical cover) 520 arranged concentrically with the central axis 512 and the inner cylindrical part 518 so as to surround the inner cylindrical part 518. The base end of the outer cylindrical part 520 extends further toward the base end side than the base end of the inner cylindrical part 518, and a base end side cylindrical cover 521 is concentrically connected to the extended part. A small diameter cylindrical part 522 is formed on the terminal side of the base end side cylindrical cover 521, and the small diameter cylindrical part 522 is inserted into the base end of the outer cylindrical part 520, and the cylindrical covers 520 and 521 on the terminal side and the base end side are connected.

[0091] The male connection portion 500 on the optical probe 300 side has a substantially cylindrical terminal rotating cylinder portion 523 on the base end side, which extends along the central axis 512, is coaxial with the central axis 512 and is rotatable around the axis 512. The base end side of the terminal rotating cylinder portion 523 is open. An annular inner wall 524 extending radially inward and an annular outer wall (flange) 528 extending radially outward are integrally formed on the terminal side of the terminal rotating cylinder portion 523. A through hole 526 centered on the axis 512 is formed in the center of the annular inner wall 524. The through hole 526 has a size that the optical fiber 516 can pass through. The outer diameter of the annular outer wall 528 is smaller than the inner diameter of the outer cylindrical portion 520 and larger than the inner diameter of the small diameter cylinder portion 522. Therefore, the distal rotating cylinder 523 can move between a retracted position where the distal end surface of the annular inner wall 524 abuts against the proximal end of the inner cylindrical portion 518 and an advanced position where the proximal end surface of the annular outer wall 528 abuts against the small diameter cylinder 522 .

[0092] Inside the distal end rotating cylinder 523 , a hollow cylindrical elastic member 530 fixed to the annular inner wall 524 and an optical fiber connector 532 fixed to the base end of the elastic member 530 are arranged concentrically with the central axis 512 .

[0093] The elastic member 530 is preferably formed of synthetic rubber such as natural rubber or nitrile rubber.

[0094] The optical fiber connector 532 is, for example, an SC connector for connecting an optical fiber, and is optically connected to the base end of the optical fiber 516. The base end of the optical fiber connector 532 has a shape and size that can be connected to an adapter (drive unit side adapter) 610 of the female connector 600 described later.

[0095] like Figure 3 , Figure 5 As shown, the terminal side rotating cylinder 523 is formed with a guide portion 534 of a predetermined length extending from the base end of the terminal side rotating cylinder 523 toward the terminal end in parallel with the shaft 512. In the embodiment, the guide portion 534 is a narrow groove penetrating the inner circumference and the outer circumference of the terminal side rotating cylinder 523, but it can also be a bottomed groove formed along the inner circumference of the terminal side rotating cylinder 523.

[0096] The base end of the distal rotating cylinder 523 is formed with an inclined end surface 536 along a surface obliquely intersecting the shaft 512. The distal end portion (deepest portion) of the inclined end surface 536 coincides with the guide portion 534, and the inclined end surface 536 has a symmetrical shape with respect to a surface including the guide portion 534 and the shaft 512.

[0097] [Female connection part on the rotating part side]

[0098] Figures 4 to 6: represents the female connection part 600. The female connection part 600 has a base end side rotating cylinder part 612. The base end side rotating cylinder part 612 constitutes a part of the connection mechanism 242, is arranged coaxially with the optical axis of the terminal side collimating lens 236 provided on the rotating part 238, and is connected to the rotating part 238 in a manner of rotating together with the rotating part 238. The base end side and the terminal side of the base end side rotating cylinder part 612 are open, and an adapter 610 of a shape and size that can be connected to the connector 532 is fixed to the terminal side of the annular wall 614 provided between the base end side and the terminal side. The central axis of the adapter 610 is consistent with the central axis 616 of the base end side rotating cylinder part 612, and the light guide path (not shown) formed inside the adapter 610 is optically connected to the terminal side collimating lens 236 provided on the rotating part 238.

[0099] The base end rotating cylinder 612 is configured so that its inner diameter is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the terminal side rotating cylinder 523 of the male connection part 500 on the optical probe 300 side, and can be externally mounted on the terminal side rotating cylinder 523 in a state where the male connection part 500 and the female connection part 600 are connected. On the inner circumferential surface of the base end rotating cylinder 612, a slender protrusion 618 extending straight in the direction of the central axis 616 or a protrusion consisting of a cylindrical protrusion is formed corresponding to the guide part 534 of the terminal side rotating cylinder 523. By inserting the protrusion 618 of the base end rotating cylinder 612 into the guide part 534 of the terminal side rotating cylinder 523, the base end rotating cylinder 612 is positioned relative to the terminal side rotating cylinder 523 in the circumferential direction, and the connector 532 and the adapter 610 are in a state where they can be connected.

[0100] [Locking mechanism]

[0101] In the embodiment, the locking mechanism 243 for maintaining the connection between the male connecting portion 500 of the optical probe 300 and the female connecting portion 600 of the rotating portion 238 includes a male locking portion 700 on the optical probe 300 side and a female locking portion 800 on the rotating portion 238 side (see Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 to Figure 11 ).

[0102] [Male lock part]

[0103] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the male locking portion 700 has a cylindrical outer peripheral surface 701 provided on the base end side of the outer cylindrical portion (distal end side cylindrical cover) 520 constituting a part of the male connecting portion 500, and a cylindrical outer peripheral surface 702 of the base end side cylindrical cover 521. The outer peripheral surfaces 701 and 702 have the same outer diameter, are coaxially arranged with respect to the shaft 512, and form a cylindrical outer peripheral surface 703 that is continuous in the axial direction.

[0104] A pair of cylindrical first protrusions 704 (only one protrusion is shown) are formed on the outer peripheral surface 701. The pair of cylindrical first protrusions 704 are spaced apart from the base end of the outer peripheral surface 701 and protrude radially outward at positions symmetrical to the central axis 512 (180 degrees apart in the circumferential direction). At the base end of the outer peripheral surface 701, a narrow groove 705 penetrating the cylindrical portion 520 is formed along a plane including the central axis 512 and the center of the first protrusion 704 at positions symmetrical to the central axis 512 (180 degrees apart in the circumferential direction). On the other hand, in the small diameter cylindrical portion 522 (refer to Figure 3 ) is formed with a short protrusion 707 extending in the direction of the central axis 512 on the outer peripheral surface 706, and a second protrusion 708 in the shape of a longitudinal protrusion extending in the direction of the central axis 512 is formed on the outer peripheral surface 702. The protrusion 707 and the second protrusion 708 are arranged on the same straight line. The height of the protrusion 707 is determined so that its front end (the end on the radially outer side) is consistent with the outer peripheral surface 702 of the cover 710.

[0105] With such a structure, the outer cylindrical portion (end side cylindrical cover) 520 and the end side cylindrical cover 521 are connected in a state of being positioned in the circumferential direction by inserting the protrusion 707 of the end side cylindrical cover 521 into the narrow groove 705. As described above, since the height of the protrusion 707 is determined so that its front end is consistent with the outer peripheral surface 702, the protrusion 707 does not protrude from the outer peripheral surface 701 when the covers 520 and 521 are connected. In addition, a predetermined gap 709 is separated in the direction of the axis 512 between the first protrusion 704 and the protrusion 708 (refer to Figure 2 ).

[0106] [Female locking part]

[0107] Figure 7 The outer appearance of the female locking part 800 is shown. The female locking part 800 roughly includes a distal end side cylindrical member 802 , a proximal end side fixing member 804 , a proximal end side cylindrical member 806 , a connecting mechanism 808 , and an urging mechanism 810 .

[0108] The terminal side cylindrical component 802 integrally includes a terminal side cylinder portion 812 and a base side cylinder portion 814. The terminal side cylinder portion 812 is integrally formed with an annular flange 816 protruding outward at the terminal end of the terminal side cylinder portion 812. The terminal side cylinder portion 812 has a large diameter cylindrical inner surface 820 centered on the central axis 818. The base side cylinder portion 814 has a small diameter cylindrical inner surface (not shown) centered on the central axis 818. An annular protrusion 824 protruding inward is formed at the terminal end of the small diameter cylindrical inner surface. The inner diameter of the annular protrusion 824 is the same as the outer peripheral surface 703 (refer to Figure 2 , Figure 3 ,) have roughly the same outer diameters.

[0109] The annular protrusion 824 is symmetrically formed with a pair of first longitudinal grooves 826 (only one groove is shown in the figure) extending in the direction of the central axis 818 with respect to the central axis 818. The depth (equivalent to the height of the annular protrusion 824) and the width of the first longitudinal groove 826 are substantially equal to the height and width of the first protrusion 704 of the male locking portion 700. The annular protrusion 824 is a guide structure 828 that causes a portion adjacent to one side of each first longitudinal groove 826 (the clockwise downstream side of the groove 826 when viewed from the distal end side to the proximal end side) to protrude toward the proximal end side. The guide structure 828 is formed into a substantially trapezoidal protrusion, and as shown in the figure, the corners on both sides of the circumferential direction of the trapezoidal protrusion 828 are inclined along an inclined straight line or curve.

[0110] The distal cylindrical member 802 has three protrusions 830 arranged at regular intervals in the circumferential direction on the proximal side of the flange 816. Each protrusion 830 has a connection hole (not shown) extending from the proximal end surface toward the distal side along the axis 818.

[0111] The base end fixing member 804 is composed of an annular ring 832. The ring 832 has a through hole 834 whose inner diameter is substantially equal to the outer diameter of the base end cylindrical member 806 described later. Three connecting pins 836 arranged at a certain interval in the circumferential direction are fixed to the distal end surface of the ring 832. The size and arrangement of the connecting pins 836 correspond to the connecting holes (not shown) formed on the protrusion 830 of the distal end cylindrical member 802. Therefore, the distal end cylindrical member 802 and the base end fixing member 804 are connected in a state where the protrusions 830 of the distal end cylindrical member 802 are spaced apart from each other by embedding the three connecting pins 836 into the protrusion 830 of the distal end cylindrical member 802.

[0112] The base end side cylindrical member 806 is composed of a hollow cylindrical body 840. The outer diameter of the hollow cylindrical body 840 is substantially the same as the inner diameter of the small diameter cylindrical inner surface of the terminal side cylindrical member 802 and the inner diameter of the through hole 834 of the ring 832 of the terminal side fixing member 804. Therefore, as shown in the figure, the base end side cylindrical member 806 can penetrate the ring 832 and be inserted into the small diameter cylindrical inner surface of the terminal side cylindrical member 802.

[0113] The inner circumferential surface 841 of the proximal cylindrical member 806 has an inner diameter substantially the same as the inner diameter of the annular protrusion 824 formed on the proximal cylindrical portion 814 of the distal cylindrical member 802. Therefore, in a state where the distal end of the proximal cylindrical member 806 is inserted into the distal cylindrical member 802 from the proximal end side of the distal cylindrical member 802 ( Figure 7 In the state shown in FIG. 8 , the inner circumferential surface 841 of the base end side cylindrical member 806 is located on the same cylindrical surface as the inner circumferential surface of the annular protrusion 824.

[0114] The portion of the inner circumferential surface 841 of the base end side cylindrical member 806 on the distal end side is cut away within a range of a predetermined length in the circumferential direction, thereby forming a circumferential recess 842. The circumferential length of the circumferential recess 842 is greater than the circumferential length of the trapezoidal protrusion 828 of the distal end side cylindrical member 802. The depth (radial dimension) of the circumferential recess 842 is substantially the same as the depth (radial dimension) of the first longitudinal groove 826, and is the same as or greater than the height (radial dimension) of the trapezoidal protrusion 828. The axial length of the circumferential recess 842 is substantially equal to the axial length of the trapezoidal protrusion 828.

[0115] On the inner circumferential surface 841 of the base end side cylindrical member 806, a recess or concave surface 844 is formed in a region extending toward the base end side from a position separated from the circumferential recess 842 by a predetermined distance toward the base end side, and the recess or concave surface 844 has the same width as the circumferential recess 842 in the circumferential direction and has a length in the axial direction that is substantially the same as the axial length of the second protrusion 708 of the male locking portion 700. The depth (diameter in the radial direction) of the concave surface 844 is smaller than the depth (diameter in the radial direction) of the first longitudinal groove 826.

[0116] The circumferential recessed portion 842 and the concave surface 844 are connected by the second longitudinal groove 826 that connects one circumferential end portion thereof (when viewed from the distal end side to the proximal end side, the clockwise upstream end portion of the circumferential recessed portion 842 and the concave surface 844), and a peninsula-shaped circumferential wall 848 is formed in the region surrounded on three sides by the circumferential recessed portion 842, the concave surface 844, and the second longitudinal groove 826. The axial length or width of the circumferential wall 848 is equal to the axial length of the gap 709 between the protrusion and the protrusion of the male locking portion 700. The depth of the concave surface 844 and the second longitudinal groove 826 is the same, which is smaller than the height of the protrusion 708 and the depth of the first longitudinal groove 826 (both are radial dimensions).

[0117] Three protrusions 850 are fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the base end side cylindrical part 806 and are arranged at a certain interval in the circumferential direction. A through hole 852 is formed in each protrusion 850 along the direction of the central axis 818. When the distal end side cylindrical part 802, the base end side fixing part 804 and the base end side cylindrical part 806 are combined, the connecting pin 836 of the base end side fixing part 804 is inserted through each through hole 852. The distal end of the connecting pin 836 is embedded in the connecting hole of the protrusion 830 (not shown). In addition, a spring 854 is arranged on each connecting pin 836, such as Figure 7 As shown, the proximal end cylindrical member 806 is urged to move to a position on the most distal side relative to the proximal end fixing member 804 .

[0118] The positions of the connection hole of the protrusion 830 and the through hole 852 of the protrusion 850 are determined such that, in the state where the distal cylindrical member 802, the proximal fixing member 804, and the proximal cylindrical member 806 are combined, the distal end surface of the proximal cylindrical member 806 abuts against the proximal end surface of the annular protrusion 824 by the urging force of the spring 854, the first longitudinal groove 826 of the distal cylindrical member 802 and the second longitudinal groove 826 of the proximal cylindrical member 806 are aligned with the central axis direction, and the trapezoidal protrusion 828 is accommodated in the circumferential recess 842. As described above, since the circumferential length of the circumferential recess 842 is longer than the circumferential length of the trapezoidal protrusion 828 of the distal cylindrical member 802, in the combined state, a space (protrusion accommodation chamber) 856 of a predetermined length is formed in the circumferential direction on the opposite side of the first longitudinal groove 826 and the second longitudinal groove 846 across the trapezoidal protrusion 828.

[0119] A rib 857 projecting radially outward is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the proximal cylindrical member 806 at a position closer to the proximal side than the projection 850. The rib 857 extends in the direction of the shaft 818 and is spaced a certain distance from the proximal fixing member 804 so that the distance between the proximal end of the rib 857 and the proximal fixing member 804 is larger than the diameter of the first projection 704.

[0120] The female locking portion 800 thus configured is fixed to the linear moving portion 228 by using a suitable fastening member such as a bolt, while the proximal rotating cylinder portion 612 of the female connecting portion 600 is housed inside the proximal cylindrical member 806. In this state, the proximal rotating cylinder portion 612 of the female connecting portion 600 is connected to the rotating portion 238 of the linear moving portion 228 and can rotate together with the rotation of the rotating portion 238.

[0121] In the above structure, when the optical probe 300 is connected to the imaging unit 220, the base end of the male connection part 500 is made to face the female connection part 600. In this state, the male locking part 700 on the optical probe 300 side faces the female locking part 800 of the linear moving part 228, and the distal end side rotating cylinder part 523 of the male connection part 500 on the optical probe 300 side faces the base end side rotating cylinder part 612 of the female connection part 600.

[0122] From this state, the male connection part 500 on the optical probe 300 side is moved toward the female connection part 600. As a result, in the locking mechanism 243, the base end of the second protrusion 708 of the male locking part 700 abuts against the distal end surface of the annular protrusion 824 of the female locking part 800. From this state, the male connection part 500 is rotated to make the second protrusion 708 coincide with the first longitudinal groove 826, and then the cylindrical outer peripheral surface 703 of the male locking part 700 is pushed into the inner peripheral surface of the base end side cylindrical component 806 of the female locking part 800. As a result, in the locking mechanism 243, the second protrusion 708 enters the concave surface 844 on the base end side through the first longitudinal groove 826 and the second longitudinal groove 846.

[0123] During the process of pushing in the male connection part 500, the inclined end face 536 of the male connection part 500 contacts the protrusion 618 of the female connection part 600. When the male connection part 500 is moved toward the female connection part 600 in this state, the protrusion 618 moves relatively along the inclined end face 536, thereby the terminal side rotating cylinder 523 receives the circumferential rotational force. The rotation of the terminal side rotating cylinder 523 ends when the protrusion 618 reaches the deepest part of the inclined end face 536. If the male connection part 500 is further moved toward the base end side from this state, the protrusion 618 enters the guide part 534. In this state, the connector 532 is opposite to the adapter 610 in a connectable state. In addition, in the locking mechanism 243, the terminal end of the protrusion 708 is accommodated in the second longitudinal groove 826.

[0124] When the male connecting portion 500 is pushed further toward the base end, the first protrusion 704 of the locking mechanism 243 enters the axial deepest portion of the circumferential recess 842 and is aligned with the radial wall (step) 858 (see FIG. Figure 7 )touch.

[0125] Next, when the male connection part 500 is pushed further toward the base end side against the force of the spring 854, the first protrusion 704 pushes the wall 858, causing the base end side cylindrical member 806 to retreat toward the base end side until the base end of the rib 857 of the base end side cylindrical member 806 abuts against the base end of the inner cylindrical portion 518. At this time, the connector 532 of the male connection part 500 abuts against the adapter 610 and is urged toward the distal end side. As the connector 532 is urged toward the distal end side, the distal end side rotating cylinder 523 moves to the retreated position where the distal end surface of the annular inner wall 524 abuts against the base end of the inner cylindrical portion 518.

[0126] At this time, the elastic member 530 contracts in accordance with the force applied to the connector 532 from the adapter 610. Thus, the connector 532 is prevented from excessively moving toward the distal end.

[0127] As described above, the connector 532 is urged toward the distal end side while in contact with the adapter 610 , and is connected to the adapter 610 .

[0128] Next, if the male connection portion 500 is rotated (at Figure 7 When the first protrusion 704 passes between the trapezoidal protrusion 828 and the circumferential wall 848 opposite thereto, it reaches the circumferential end of the circumferential recess 842. Then, when the force applied to the male connection part 500 is released from this state, the base end side cylindrical part 806 and the first protrusion 704 are pushed back to the distal end side by the force of the spring 854. As a result, the first protrusion 704 is stored in the protrusion storage chamber 856, and the optical probe 300 is locked in the state connected to the rotating part 238.

[0129] When the optical probe 300 is separated from the rotating part 238, the male connecting part 500 is pushed toward the base end by overcoming the force of the spring 854, and the first protrusion 704 causes the base end side cylindrical member 806 to retreat toward the base end. Then, while maintaining this state, the male connecting part 500 is rotated (at Figure 7 When the male connector 500 is rotated counterclockwise when viewed from the distal end side to the proximal end side, the first protrusion 704 passes between the trapezoidal protrusion 828 and the circumferential wall 848 opposite thereto, and reaches between the first longitudinal groove 826 and the second longitudinal groove 846. Next, when the force applied to the male connector 500 is released from this state, the first protrusion 704 and the male connector 500 are pushed back to the distal end side by the force of the spring 854.

[0130] When the male connection part 500 is moved toward the distal end side from the state where the first protrusion 704 is located between the first longitudinal groove 826 and the second longitudinal groove 846, the guide part 534 moves toward the distal end side, and the distal end side rotating cylinder part 523 moves to the advanced position where the base end surface of the annular outer wall 528 abuts against the small diameter cylinder part 522, thereby separating the connector 532 from the adapter 610. Furthermore, in the locking mechanism 243, the second protrusion 708 moves toward the distal end side from the concave surface 844 on the base end side through the first longitudinal groove 826 and the second longitudinal groove 846. Finally, the male locking part 700 separates from the female locking part 800, and the male connection part 500 separates from the female connection part 600.

[0131] [Explanation of symbols]

[0132] 238: Driving unit (rotating unit)

[0133] 242: Connecting mechanism

[0134] 243: Locking mechanism

[0135] 300: Optical probe

[0136] 500: Male connection

[0137] 512: Central axis

[0138] 523: Rotating cylinder at the end

[0139] 532: Connector

[0140] 534: Guidance Department

[0141] 536: Inclined end face

[0142] 600: Female connection

[0143] 610: Adapter

[0144] 612: Base end side rotating cylinder

[0145] 616: Central axis

[0146] 618: protrusion

[0147] 700: Male locking part

[0148] 704: Protrusion

[0149] 800: Female locking part

[0150] 802: End side cylindrical part

[0151] 804: Base end fixing member

[0152] 806: Base end side cylindrical part

[0153] 818: Central axis

[0154] 826: Vertical Slot

[0155] 828: Protrusion

[0156] 842: Circumferential concave portion

[0157] 854: Spring

[0158] 856: Space

[0159] 858: wall

[0160] Obviously, the above embodiments are merely examples for the purpose of clear explanation, and are not intended to limit the implementation methods. For those skilled in the art, other different forms of changes or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is not necessary and impossible to list all the implementation methods here. However, the obvious changes or modifications derived therefrom are still within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A locking mechanism (243) for maintaining a connection between an optical probe (300) for an optical tomography apparatus and a driving unit (238) for rotating the optical probe (300), characterized in that: (a) the locking mechanism (243) comprises a male locking portion (700) and a female locking portion (800) which cooperate with each other, the female locking portion (800) being arranged at the distal end side of the driving portion (238), and the male locking portion (700) being arranged at the proximal end side of the optical probe (300); (b) the male locking portion (700) has at least one first protrusion (704) disposed on its outer peripheral surface; (c) The female locking portion (800) comprises: A terminal side cylindrical component (802) disposed at the terminal end of the female locking portion (800), the terminal side cylindrical component (802) being provided with a passage for the male locking portion (700) to pass through, and a guide structure (828) cooperating with the first protrusion (704) of the male locking portion (700) being provided on the inner circumferential surface of the passage; A base end fixing member (804) provided on the base end side of the female locking portion (800) is fixed to the driving portion (238) in a manner opposite to the tip end cylindrical member (802); A movable base end side cylindrical component (806) is located between the terminal side cylindrical component (802) and the base end side fixed component (804), and the base end side cylindrical component (806) can move along the axial direction (818) of the female locking portion (800); a spring (854) for applying a force to the base end side cylindrical part (806) to bring it closer to the tip end side cylindrical part (802); The inner circumferential surface of the base end side cylindrical component (806) is provided with a circumferential recess (842) cooperating with the guide structure (828); when the base end side cylindrical component (806) is biased by the spring (854), the circumferential recess (842) and the guide structure (828) form a locking space (856) into which the first protrusion (704) of the male locking portion (700) can enter; (d) By inserting the male locking part (700) into the channel of the terminal side cylindrical part (802) of the female locking part (800), the first protrusion (704) of the male locking part (700) contacts the wall (858) of the circumferential recess (842), and after overcoming the force of the spring (854) to push the base side cylindrical part (806) toward the base side fixing part (804), the male locking part (700) is rotated to make the first protrusion (704) of the male locking part (700) enter the locking space (856), thereby realizing the locking connection between the optical probe (300) and the driving part (238).

2. The locking mechanism (243) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The end-side cylindrical component (802) is provided with a first longitudinal groove (826) to form a passage for the male locking portion (700) to pass through.

3. The locking mechanism (243) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The guide structure (828) is configured as a protrusion structure that protrudes toward the base end side along the axial direction (818).

4. The locking mechanism (243) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The male locking portion (700) further includes a second protrusion (708), wherein the second protrusion (708) is spaced apart from the first protrusion (704) along the axial direction; The inner peripheral surface of the base end side cylindrical component (806) of the female locking portion (800) further comprises: A concave surface (844) located at the base end side of the circumferential concave portion (842) and separated from the circumferential concave portion (842); a second longitudinal groove (846) connecting the circumferential recess (842) and the concave surface (844); A circumferential wall (848) formed by the circumferential recess (842), the concave surface (844) and the second longitudinal groove (846); When the first protrusion (704) of the male locking part (700) is in contact with the wall (858) of the circumferential recess (842), the second protrusion (708) enters the concave surface (844) through the second longitudinal groove (846), and when the male locking part (700) rotates, the circumferential wall (848) enters between the first protrusion (704) and the second protrusion (708).

5. The locking mechanism (243) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first protrusion (704) is configured as a cylindrical protrusion extending in the radial direction, and the second protrusion (708) is configured as a long strip protrusion extending in the axial direction.

6. The locking mechanism (243) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The base end side fixing member (804) is connected to the tip side cylindrical member (802) and the base end side cylindrical member (806) via a connecting pin (836).

7. The locking mechanism (243) according to claim 6, characterized in that: The connecting pin (836) passes through the pin holes on the base side fixing part (804), the base side cylindrical part (806) and the terminal side cylindrical part (802) in sequence; and the inner diameter of the pin hole of the base side cylindrical part (806) is larger than the diameter of the connecting pin (836) to allow the base side cylindrical part (806) to move along the axial direction (818) relative to the connecting pin (836).

8. The locking mechanism (243) according to claim 6, characterized in that: The spring (854) is sleeved on the connecting pin (836), one end of which abuts against the base end side fixing component (804) and the other end abuts against the base end side cylindrical component (806).

9. The locking mechanism (243) according to claim 1, characterized in that: A rib (857) extending along the axial direction (818) is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the base end side cylindrical component (806) for limiting the moving distance of the base end side cylindrical component (806) in the axial direction (818).

Images