adapter

Abstract

The present application provides an adapter. The adapter has: a first connection portion that is detachably connected to a control device that controls an endoscope; a second connection portion to which a first cord portion is detachably connected, the first cord portion being provided to extend from an operation portion of the endoscope and including a liquid line that communicates with a liquid delivery port provided on a distal end side of the endoscope; and a frame that is provided with the first connection portion and the second connection portion and has a first surface that is located on a side opposite to the first connection portion side in a moving direction of the frame when the first connection portion is connected to the control device, a second surface that is located on a side opposite to the first connection portion side more than the first surface in the moving direction and that intersects the moving direction, and a third surface that connects the first surface and the second surface, the second connection portion being provided on the third surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an adapter. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an adapter for an endoscope system, the adapter comprising: a housing; a sensor for receiving light waves emitted from a light source that can be connected to the adapter; and a converter connected to the sensor for converting the light intensity read from the sensor into a signal containing a command for generating light using a light generator of the endoscope, the adapter being configured to output the signal to the endoscope.

[0003] Patent Document 2 describes an endoscope connection mechanism that connects a light source device that supplies illumination light to an endoscope to a connector of the endoscope. The endoscope connection mechanism is characterized by having a connection interface with a hole for inserting and removing a cylinder of the connector and at least one optical shutter disposed inside the hole. The cylinder of the connection interface houses a light guide component. The optical shutter includes a first part, a second part, and a third part. The first part has a first end and a second end as fixed ends. The second part has a third end and a fourth end that contact the second end. The third part has a fifth end that contacts the fourth end and a sixth end as a free end. When the cylinder is not inserted into the hole, the third part is located in the optical path of the illumination light. When the cylinder is inserted into the hole, the first part is pressed by the cylinder, and the third part is located outside the optical path.

[0004] Patent document 3 describes a relay adapter that relays between a processor and an insertion device. The relay adapter is characterized by comprising: a first connector for connecting to the processor; a second connector for connecting to the insertion device; a power supply circuit that converts the power supplied from the processor into power corresponding to the insertion device and supplies it to the insertion device; and a switching circuit that cuts off the power supply to the insertion device when the first connector is connected to the processor and the second connector is not connected to the insertion device.

[0005] Patent Document 4 discloses a relay adapter for relaying a processor and an endoscope device. The relay adapter includes: a first connector for connecting the endoscope device; a second connector for connecting the processor; a storage unit for storing a program for controlling the operation of the relay adapter; and a control unit for reading and executing the program from the storage unit. The control unit performs the following processing: acquiring first specification information containing signal processing content from the endoscope device and second specification information containing signal processing content from the processor; verifying the first specification information and the second specification information, and based on the verification result, converting the signal received from the endoscope device into a form that can be processed by the processor to generate a conversion signal; and outputting the conversion signal to the processor.

[0006] Patent document 5 describes a relay adapter for relaying a processor and an endoscope device.

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2024-68196

[0008] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2024-47524

[0009] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-87676

[0010] Patent Document 4: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-62262

[0011] Patent Document 5: Japanese Patent No. 7177231 Summary of the Invention

[0012] An adapter according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a first connecting portion detachably connected to a control device for controlling an endoscope; a second connecting portion detachably connected to a first plug cord portion, the first plug cord portion extending from the operating portion of the endoscope and including a liquid conduit communicating with a liquid outlet disposed at the front end of the endoscope; and a frame having the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion, and having a first surface located on the side opposite to the first connecting portion side and intersecting the moving direction in the moving direction of the frame when the first connecting portion is connected to the control device, a second surface located on the side opposite to the first connecting portion side and intersecting the moving direction in the moving direction, and a third surface connecting the first surface and the second surface, the second connecting portion being disposed on the third surface. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the general structure of an endoscope device 100, which is one aspect of the technology of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing the internal structure of the control device 80 and the reusable endoscope 10 connected thereto.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the appearance of connector 16A.

[0016] Figure 4 This is the front view of connector connection part 80A.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of a single-use endoscope 40.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing an example of the external structure of adapter 50 and connector 46A.

[0019] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Side view of adapter 50 shown.

[0020] Figure 8 Observing from different directions Figure 6 A perspective view of connector 46A shown.

[0021] Figure 9 It means Figure 6 A perspective view (1) showing the state of adapter 50 connected to connector 46A.

[0022] Figure 10 It means Figure 6 A perspective view (2) showing the state of adapter 50 connected to connector 46A.

[0023] Figure 11 This is a block diagram showing the internal structure when the adapter 50 with connector 47A is connected to the control device 80.

[0024] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram used to illustrate the image displayed on the display device 90.

[0025] Figure 13 This is a perspective view showing a modified example of adapter 50.

[0026] Figure 14 It means and Figure 13 A perspective view of an example structure of connector 46A connected to adapter 50.

[0027] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a modified example of a single-use endoscope 40.

[0028] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0029] 10 - Reusable endoscope; 11, 41 - Insertion section; 12, 42 - Flexible section; 13, 43 - Bending section; 14, 44 - Front end; 14A, 44A - Observation window; 14B, 44B - Illumination window; 14C, 44C - Instrument outlet; 14D - Delivery outlet; 15, 45 - Operating section; 16 - Universal plug cord; 16A, 46A, 47A - Connector; 21 - Optical guide; 21A - Fiber optic bundle; 21B - Optical guide rod; 21Bd - Dummy rod; 23 - Endoscope control section; 24, 54, 87 - Signal conversion section; 25, 55, 86 - Signal transceiver section; 27, 57 - Image signal modulation section; 28, 58 - Image signal transmission section; 29, 59 - Power generation section; 3 0, 51 - Power receiving section; 31, 531 - Image signal transmission connector; 32 - Air supply interface; 32d - Dummy interface; 33 - Water supply connection interface; 35 - Ventilation connector; 40 - Single-use endoscope; 44D - First feed outlet; 44E - Second feed outlet; 46 - First cord plug; 47 - Second cord plug; 50 - Adapter; 50A - First connection section; 50B, 164, 564 - Engaging protrusions; 50C - Substrate connector; 50S - Circuit board; 50Ba - Recess; 50Bb - Restriction protrusion; 51A - Power receiving area; 53 - Adapter control section; 56 - Light source drive section; 80 - Control device; 80A - Connector connection section; 80B - Input device; 81 - Power supply section. 82-Power supply circuit, 83-Image signal receiving unit, 84-Image signal demodulation unit, 85-Gas supply device, 88-System control unit, 89-Light source device, 90-Display device, 90A-Endoscope image, 90B-First mask, 90C-Second mask, 91-Power supply, 100-Endoscope device, 141, 441-Optical system, 142, 442-Image sensor, 161-First connector housing, 162-Second connector housing, 163-Third connector housing, 320-Gas outlet, 443-Light source, 451-Treatment device tubing, 452-Branch tubing, 453-Treatment device inlet, 454, 456-Valve mechanism, 455-Suction nozzle, 460, 500... 800 - Frame, 461 - Gas and water supply pipes, 461A - Gas and water supply connection interface, 462 - Water supply pipe, 462A - Secondary water supply interface, 463 - Linkage component, 464 - Engaging recess, 465 - Engaging component, 465A - Front end, 466B - Gas inlet, 467 - Suction pipe, 471 - Signal line, 501 - First adapter housing, 501S - Surface, 502 - Second adapter housing, 502A - First surface, 502B - Second surface, 502C - Third surface, 502D - Opening, 801 - Second engaging recess, 802, 806 - Window, 803 - First engaging recess, 804 - Insertion port, 805 - Gas supply hole, 810 - Power supply area, SL1 - Signal lineW1, W2, W3, W4 - Windows. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the general structure of an endoscope device 100, which is one aspect of the technology of the present invention. Figure 1 As shown, the endoscope device 100 includes a reusable endoscope 10 that can be reused through a reprocessing (disinfection and cleaning) procedure, a control device 80 for controlling the reusable endoscope 10, a display device 90 such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (electro-luminescence) display, and an endoscope system SS. The endoscope system SS includes a single-use endoscope 40 capable of single-use only, and an adapter 50 for connecting the single-use endoscope 40 to the control device 80. In the endoscope device 100, off-the-shelf components other than the endoscope system SS can be used. However, program updates, etc., are required for the control device 80.

[0031] The control device 80 has an input device 80B (physical button, touch panel, keyboard or mouse, etc.) that receives input from the user, and centrally controls the endoscope device 100 according to the instructions input from the input device 80B.

[0032] The control device 80 is configured to connect to the reusable endoscope 10 and to control the connected reusable endoscope 10. The control device 80 is also configured to connect to the single-use endoscope 40 via the adapter 50 and to control the single-use endoscope 40 via the adapter 50.

[0033] The connection between the endoscope and the control device includes at least one of the following: electrical connection between the endoscope and the control device (in a state where signals can be transmitted or received via wires, radio waves, or light); optical connection between the endoscope and the control device (in a state where illumination light can be transmitted or received); and spatial connection between the endoscope and the control device (in a state where air or other gases can be transmitted or received).

[0034] The reusable endoscope 10 exemplifies a flexible endoscope, which includes a flexible insertion portion 11 inserted into the subject, an operating portion 15 operable at the base of the insertion portion 11, a universal plug cord 16 extending from the operating portion 15, and a connector 16A disposed at the end of the universal plug cord 16 and detachably connected to a connector connection portion 80A of a control device 80. The reusable endoscope 10 is not limited to a flexible endoscope, but may also be other types of endoscopes such as rigid endoscopes.

[0035] The insertion part 11 has, sequentially from the front end side, a front end portion 14 formed of a rigid member, a bent portion 13 connected to the base end side of the front end portion 14, and a flexible portion 12 connecting the bent portion 13 and the operating part 15. The bent portion 13 is formed by connecting multiple bent members (corner rings) and is configured to bend in a predetermined direction according to the operation of the operating part 15. The flexible portion 12 is slender and has a long dimension, and is flexible.

[0036] Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing the internal structure of the control device 80 and the reusable endoscope 10 connected thereto. (Example) Figure 2 As shown, the reusable endoscope 10 has an observation window 14A for taking in the subject light from the observed part, an illumination window 14B for emitting illumination light to illuminate the observed part, a treatment device outlet 14C for discharging treatment devices, and an air or water supply nozzle, i.e., an outlet 14D, for discharging air or water or liquids.

[0037] An optical system 141 is provided inside the front end 14 to image the subject light from the observed part taken in through the observation window 14A as an optical image, and an imaging element 142 to convert the optical image imaged by the optical system 141 into an image signal. The imaging element 142 is, for example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor, a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor, etc.

[0038] The image signal output from the camera element 142 is transmitted to the connector 16A via the signal line SL1, which is inserted through the front end of the insertion part 11 and configured to the connector 16A inside the insertion part 11, the operation part 15 and the universal plug cord 16.

[0039] Inside the front end portion 14, a light-emitting end of a light guide 21 for transmitting illumination light is disposed opposite to the illumination window 14B. The light guide 21 includes an optical fiber bundle 21A that extends from the front end portion 14 through the interior of the operating section 15 and the universal plug 16 and is inserted into the connector 16A, and a light guide rod 21B connected to the base end of the optical fiber bundle 21A. The light guide rod 21B protrudes from the connector 16A to the side opposite to the operating section 15. The light guide rod 21B is configured to allow illumination light incident from its front end to enter the optical fiber bundle 21A connected to its base end, and is constructed of rigid material.

[0040] The operation unit 15 includes a bevel knob for adjusting the orientation of the front end face of the insertion part 11 in the up, down, left, and right directions; air supply and water supply buttons for ejecting air or liquid from the outlet 14D of the front end 14; and a still image release button for recording video images. Operation signals from the buttons, etc., located on the operation unit 15 are transmitted to the connector 16A via signal lines inserted through the operation unit 15 and the universal plug cord 16.

[0041] The universal plug rope 16 is covered by a tubular, slender, and flexible outer wall. The aforementioned signal line SL1 and light guide 21, as well as air supply and water supply pipes (not shown), are inserted into the tube inside the outer wall and are arranged in the cavity inside the insertion part 11 and the operation part 15.

[0042] Connector 16A is configured to be detachable from connector connection portion 80A provided in the housing 800 of control device 80. Through the connection between connector 16A and connector connection portion 80A, power supply from control device 80 to reusable endoscope 10, image signal transmission from reusable endoscope 10 to control device 80, and transmission and reception of control signals between reusable endoscope 10 and control device 80 can be performed in a non-contact manner without the need for physical wires.

[0043] like Figure 2 As shown, the connector 16A of the reusable endoscope 10 includes an endoscope control unit 23, a signal conversion unit 24, a signal transceiver unit 25, an image signal modulation unit 27, an image signal transmission unit 28, a power generation unit 29, and a power receiving unit 30, all of which control various parts of the reusable endoscope 10. The endoscope control unit 23 is configured to include a processor and a memory that execute programs for various processes. The endoscope control unit 23 is connected to the imaging element 142 via a signal line SL1. Operation signals from various buttons (e.g., release buttons) included in the operation unit 15 are input to the endoscope control unit 23.

[0044] The control device 80 is housed in a housing 800, which includes a power supply unit 81, a power circuit 82, an image signal receiving unit 83, an image signal demodulation unit 84, an air supply device 85 consisting of an air pump that draws in and delivers air, a signal transceiver unit 86, a signal conversion unit 87, a system control unit 88, and a light source device 89. The system control unit 88 is configured to include a processor and a memory that execute programs for various processing tasks.

[0045] The power required to drive the internal circuitry of the reusable endoscope 10 is supplied from the control device 80 through a non-contact power supply mechanism consisting of the power supply unit 81 of the control device 80 and the power receiving unit 30 of the reusable endoscope 10.

[0046] This contactless power supply mechanism utilizes electromagnetic coupling to generate and receive power in a contactless manner. When connector 16A is installed on connector connection portion 80A, the power supply unit 81 and the power receiving unit 30 are positioned close together at a distance where electromagnetic coupling can occur, thereby enabling contactless power transmission from the power supply unit 81 to the power receiving unit 30. The power supply unit 81 is connected to an external commercial power supply 91 of the control device 80 via power circuit 82. Power supplied by the commercial power supply 91 and generated in power circuit 82 is supplied to the power supply unit 81. Power is supplied from the power supply unit 81 to the power receiving unit 30 in a contactless manner using the power supplied from power circuit 82. The power receiving unit 30 receives power from the power supply unit 81 in a contactless manner.

[0047] Preferably, the power supply section 81 is a primary coil connected to the power supply circuit 82, and the power receiving section 30 is a secondary coil electromagnetically coupled to the primary coil. As a structure of the primary and secondary coils, a structure having a planar substrate and a coil wound in a spiral shape on the planar surface can be cited.

[0048] The power generation unit 29 of connector 16A generates power voltages to each part of the reusable endoscope 10 based on the power received from the power receiving unit 30. The image signal output from the imaging element 142 of the reusable endoscope 10 is transmitted to the endoscope control unit 23 via signal line SL1. The endoscope control unit 23 performs necessary processing on the image signal, such as amplification. The processing performed by the endoscope control unit 23 on the image signal may exclude de-mosaic processing (processing to give one pixel of the image signal multiple color information), gamma correction processing, white balance adjustment processing, and defect correction processing (processing to interpolate signals from surrounding defective pixels of the imaging element 142 contained in the image signal). This reduces the manufacturing cost of the reusable endoscope 10.

[0049] In order to transmit the image signal processed by the endoscope control unit 23 to the control device 80 via optical communication, the image signal modulation unit 27 performs optical modulation based on the image signal to generate an image light signal.

[0050] The image signal transmitting unit 28 illuminates the control device 80 with light (light based on the image signal) that follows the image light signal generated by the image signal modulation unit 27. The image signal transmitting unit 28 can be any light-emitting device capable of illuminating light used for optical communication, such as a laser light-emitting element or a light-emitting diode. A laser light-emitting element is a device that illuminates laser light as coherent light, such as a gas laser, a solid-state laser, or a semiconductor laser.

[0051] The signal conversion unit 24 performs optical modulation and demodulation of control signals that need to be transmitted and received between the reusable endoscope 10 and the control device 80 via optical communication. These control signals may include a first control signal sent from the control device 80 to the reusable endoscope 10 for controlling the imaging element 142, etc., and a second control signal sent from the reusable endoscope 10 to the control device 80.

[0052] The signal conversion unit 24 generates a second control optical signal by optical modulation based on the second control signal output from the endoscope control unit 23. The signal conversion unit 24 demodulates the electrical signal output from the signal transceiver unit 25 to obtain the first control signal.

[0053] The signal transceiver unit 25 includes: a light-emitting device that illuminates light (light based on the second control signal) following a second control light signal generated by the signal conversion unit 24 toward the control device 80; and a light-receiving device that receives light (light based on the first control signal) following a first control light signal modulated according to a first control signal generated by the control device 80.

[0054] The light-emitting device of the signal transceiver unit 25 can be, for example, a laser light-emitting element or a light-emitting diode. The light-receiving device of the signal transceiver unit 25 can be a light-receiving element such as a photodiode or a phototransistor or other semiconductor device.

[0055] The image signal receiving unit 83 of the control device 80 is a light-receiving device that receives light irradiated from the image signal transmitting unit 28 and converts it into an electrical signal. For example, light-receiving elements such as photodiodes or phototransistors can be included.

[0056] The image signal demodulation unit 84 demodulates the image signal transmitted from the reusable endoscope 10 based on the electrical signal output from the image signal receiving unit 83. The image signal is processed by the system control unit 88 to generate an endoscopic image, which is displayed on the display device 90.

[0057] The signal conversion unit 87 generates a first control optical signal by optical modulation based on the first control signal output from the system control unit 88. The signal conversion unit 87 demodulates the electrical signal output from the signal transceiver unit 86 to obtain a second control signal.

[0058] The signal transceiver unit 86 includes: a light-emitting device that illuminates light (light based on the first control signal) toward the light-receiving device of the signal transceiver unit 25 of the reusable endoscope 10 according to the first control light signal generated by the signal conversion unit 87; and a light-receiving device that receives the light illuminated by the light-emitting device of the signal transceiver unit 25 of the reusable endoscope 10.

[0059] The light-emitting device of the signal transceiver unit 86 can be, for example, a laser light-emitting element or a light-emitting diode. The light-receiving device of the signal transceiver unit 86 can be a light-receiving element such as a photodiode or a phototransistor or other semiconductor device.

[0060] When connector 16A is connected to connector connection portion 80A, the image signal transmitting unit 28 and the image signal receiving unit 83 are positioned close together at a distance suitable for optical communication, thus enabling non-contact optical communication from the image signal transmitting unit 28 to the image signal receiving unit 83. Furthermore, the signal transceiver unit 25 and the signal transceiver unit 86 are positioned close together at a distance suitable for optical communication, thus enabling non-contact optical communication between the signal transceiver unit 25 and the signal transceiver unit 86. Therefore, in this embodiment, communication of image signals and control signals between the reusable endoscope 10 and the control device 80 can be performed via a non-contact optical communication mechanism. Moreover, the method of optical communication is not particularly limited, and various methods can be employed. Wired communication, wireless communication, or magnetic communication can also be used instead of optical communication.

[0061] The light source device 89 includes, for example, a semiconductor device such as a xenon lamp, a laser diode, or a light-emitting diode. When the connector 16A is connected to the connector connection portion 80A of the control device 80, the light guide rod 21B of the reusable endoscope 10 can be inserted into the frame 800 of the control device 80, thereby aligning the light emitting portion of the light source device 89 housed in the frame 800 with the light guide rod 21B. Thus, the illumination light from the light source device 89 can be transmitted to the front end portion 14 via the light guide 21.

[0062] The light source device 89 is controlled by the system control unit 88. The system control unit 88 can be divided into a processor that controls the light source device 89 and a processor that performs other processing besides controlling the light source device 89. The control device 80 can be structured as follows: it is divided into a housing that houses the light source device 89 and the processor that controls the light source device 89, and a housing that houses functional modules other than the light source device 89 and the processor that controls them. The two processors are electrically connected by cables or the like.

[0063] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the appearance of connector 16A. Figure 3 In connector 16A, the direction from the end on the operating part 15 side toward the end on the opposite side is denoted as the forward direction Fr, and the opposite direction of the forward direction Fr is denoted as the rearward direction Rr. The forward direction Fr and the rearward direction Rr are collectively referred to as the front-rear direction. The front-rear direction is the length direction of connector 16A. Figure 3 In the diagram, two directions perpendicular to the front and back directions are shown: the left and right directions (R and L) and the up and down directions (U and D). Figure 4This is the front view of connector connection part 80A.

[0064] like Figure 3 As shown, the frame of connector 16A is composed of a first connector housing 161, a second connector housing 162 behind the first connector housing 161, and a third connector housing 163 behind the second connector housing 162.

[0065] A cylindrical engaging protrusion 164 protrudes forward Fr from the connecting surface of the first connector housing 161 and the connector connecting portion 80A. A light guide rod 21B protrudes forward Fr from the front end face of the engaging protrusion 164. An air supply port 32 protrudes forward Fr from the front end face of the engaging protrusion 164, below the light guide rod 21B. The air supply port 32 communicates with an air supply line disposed inside the reusable endoscope 10 for supplying air to the front end portion 14 of the reusable endoscope 10.

[0066] like Figure 4 As shown, the frame 800 of the control device 80 is provided with a cylindrical first engaging recess 803, an insertion port 804 extending from the bottom surface of the first engaging recess 803 into the frame 800, an air supply hole 805 extending from the bottom surface of the first engaging recess 803 into the frame 800, an optical communication window 802, a second engaging recess 801 having an optical communication window 806 on the bottom surface, and a power supply area 810 near which a coil constituting the power supply unit 81 is arranged. These constitute the connector connection part 80A.

[0067] Figure 3 The image signal transmitting connector 31 shown is used for the alignment of the image signal transmitting unit 28 of the reusable endoscope 10 with the image signal receiving unit 83 of the control device 80. Specifically, the image signal transmitting unit 28 is arranged in the direction extending from the central axis of the image signal transmitting connector 31. A window W2 for light transmission is provided at the front end of the image signal transmitting connector 31. The image signal transmitting connector 31 is inserted into the second engaging recess 801 of the frame 800, and the window W2 is arranged opposite to the window 806 of the frame 800. Light passes through these windows, enabling image signal-based light transmission and reception between the image signal transmitting unit 28 and the image signal receiving unit 83.

[0068] With connector 16A connected to connector connection portion 80A, light guide rod 21B is inserted through insertion port 804, and with air supply interface 32 inserted through air supply hole 805, engaging protrusion 164 engages with first engaging recess 803, thereby stably holding connector 16A to control device 80. Furthermore, by positioning light guide rod 21B and light source device 89, illumination light can be supplied from light source device 89 to reusable endoscope 10. Furthermore, by connecting air supply interface 32 and air supply device 85, air can be supplied from air supply device 85 to the air supply line of reusable endoscope 10. Air supply hole 805 constitutes a fluid outlet for discharging gas (air) as a fluid. Furthermore, by engaging image signal transmission connector 31 with second engaging recess 801, window 806 and window W2 are arranged opposite each other, thereby enabling optical communication.

[0069] like Figure 3 As shown, a window W1 is provided on the connection surface of the first connector housing 161 and the connector connection portion 80A, at a position corresponding to the signal transceiver portion 25. By arranging the window 802 and the window W1 opposite each other in the control device 80, optical transmission and reception based on control signals are performed between the signal transceiver portion 25 and the signal transceiver portion 86 via the window 802 and the window W1.

[0070] A power receiving part 30 is disposed inside the first connector housing 161 and at a position in the first connector housing 161 near the connection surface of the connector connection portion 80A. Since the power receiving part 30 is disposed inside the first connector housing 161, it is not exposed to the outside.

[0071] A water supply connection interface 33 is provided on the side of the first connector housing 161. The water supply connection interface 33 is connected to a water tank (not shown). By operating the air supply and water supply buttons on the operation unit 15, air and water can be supplied to the front end 14. By supplying water from the water tank connected to the water supply connection interface 33 and spraying it out from the outlet 14D of the front end 14, dirt on the observation window 14A of the front end 14 is removed. Furthermore, by supplying air from the air supply device 85 of the control device 80 and spraying it out from the outlet 14D of the front end 14, water droplets on the observation window 14A are removed or the lumen of the subject is expanded.

[0072] A vent connector 35 is provided on the side of the third connector housing 163. The vent connector 35 allows for airtightness testing to check for leaks in the insertion portion 11. The vent connector 35 communicates with the interior of the connector 16A. The interior of the connector 16A communicates with the interiors of the universal plug cord 16, the operating portion 15, and the insertion portion 11, therefore the vent connector 35 communicates with the interior of the insertion portion 11.

[0073] The universal plug cord 16 protrudes from the third connector housing 163.

[0074] The system control unit 88 of the control device 80 controls each part of the control device 80. Simultaneously, when the reusable endoscope 10 is connected to the control device 80 via connector 16A to connector connection part 80A, it sends control signals (including signals specifying the sensitivity and exposure time of the imaging element 142) to the endoscope control unit 23 of the reusable endoscope 10 and controls the reusable endoscope 10. Furthermore, when the reusable endoscope 10 is connected to the control device 80, the system control unit 88 performs the following control: performs demosaic processing, gamma correction processing, white balance adjustment processing, defect correction processing, etc., on the image signal (first image signal) received from the reusable endoscope 10 to generate an endoscope image, stores the endoscope image in a storage medium, and displays the endoscope image on the display device 90.

[0075] When the reusable endoscope 10 is connected to the control device 80, the system control unit 88 controls the light source device 89 and controls the amount of light emitted from the illumination window 14B of the front end 14 through the light guide 21. The user inputs a target value, or first target value, of the brightness of the image signal captured by the reusable endoscope 10 to the system control unit 88 via the operation input device 80B. Based on this setting instruction, the system control unit 88 performs the following control: sets the target value of the image signal brightness to the first target value, and supplies light based on the first target value from the light source device 89 to the reusable endoscope 10 (light guide 21). The brightness of the image signal received from the reusable endoscope 10 is compared with the first target value, and the amount of light based on the first target value is determined as the value at which the brightness converges to the first target value.

[0076] When the reusable endoscope 10 is connected to the control device 80, the system control unit 88 enables the following modes of operation of the light source device 89: a first light intensity limiting mode and a second light intensity limiting mode that limit the amount of illumination light emitted from the reusable endoscope 10, and a light transmission mode that sets the amount of illumination light emitted from the reusable endoscope 10 to the amount of light that can be transmitted from inside the subject to outside the subject. Mode activation means that the mode can be set through user operation.

[0077] The reusable endoscope 10 emits illumination light supplied from the light source device 89 from its tip 14, thus increasing the amount of illumination light. Consequently, the heat generated in the tip 14 may increase. The first light intensity limiting mode is a mode that sets an upper limit on the amount of illumination light to suppress heat generation in the tip 14 within the subject.

[0078] With the insertion portion 11 of the reusable endoscope 10 outside the patient's body, the reusable endoscope 10 exists in a dimly lit examination room. In this state, compared to when the tip 14 is inside the patient's body, the difference between the brightness of the image signal and the first target value becomes larger, thus the state of high illumination light intensity persists. If the high light intensity persists for a long time, the tip 14 will heat up, potentially affecting insertion into the patient's body. The second light intensity limiting mode is as follows: when the cumulative illumination light intensity after the illumination light emission begins reaches a predetermined value or higher, the illumination light intensity is lower than the intensity based on the first target value to suppress heating. With the insertion portion 11 inside the patient's body, the likelihood of the high illumination light intensity persisting is low, therefore the second light intensity limiting mode can be deactivated.

[0079] The light transmission mode is a mode in which light that can be transmitted through the illumination window 14B is emitted intermittently, so that the surgeon can confirm the position of the anterior end 14 inside the subject.

[0080] like Figure 1 As shown, the single-use endoscope 40 exemplifies a flexible endoscope, which includes a flexible insertion portion 41 inserted into the subject, an operating portion 45 operably disposed at the base of the insertion portion 41, a first cord plug portion 46 extending from the operating portion 45, a connector 46A disposed at the end of the first cord plug portion 46 and detachably connected to an adapter 50, a second cord plug portion 47 extending from the operating portion 45, and a connector 47A disposed at the end of the second cord plug portion 47 and detachably connected to the adapter 50. The connector 46A is configured not to be electrically connected to the adapter 50. The connector 47A is configured to be electrically connected to the adapter 50.

[0081] The single-use endoscope 40 is not limited to a flexible endoscope, but can also be other types of endoscopes such as rigid endoscopes. The first cord plug 46 and the second cord plug 47 are respectively configured to have a tubular outer skin and a component inserted and disposed inside the outer skin.

[0082] The insertion part 41 has, sequentially from the front end side, a front end portion 44 formed of a rigid component, a bent portion 43 connected to the base end side of the front end portion 44, and a flexible portion 42 connecting the bent portion 43 and the operating part 45. The bent portion 43 is formed by connecting multiple bent members (corner rings) and is configured to bend in a predetermined direction according to the operation of the operating part 45. The flexible portion 42 is slender and has a long dimension, and is flexible.

[0083] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of a single-use endoscope 40. (Example) Figure 5As shown, the outer surface of the front end 44 of the single-use endoscope 40 is provided with an observation window 44A for taking in subject light from the observed area, an illumination window 44B for emitting illumination light to illuminate the observed area, a treatment device outlet 44C for discharging treatment devices, a first fluid outlet 44D for discharging fluid, and a second fluid outlet 44E for discharging fluid. The first fluid outlet 44D is an air / water supply nozzle. The second fluid outlet 44E is a secondary water supply port (spray nozzle).

[0084] The first outlet 44D is configured to deliver either air (gas) or water (liquid) to the observation window 44A. Water delivered from the first outlet 44D can clean the observation window 44A. Air delivered from the first outlet 44D can remove water droplets adhering to the observation window 44A. The second outlet 44E is configured to deliver water (liquid) toward the lumen of the subject, thereby removing dirt and other contaminants from the lumen.

[0085] The connector 46A of the first plug rope part 46 is provided with a gas and water supply connection interface 461A that can be connected to a gas supply and water supply device, and a secondary water supply interface 462A that can be connected to a syringe that delivers liquid.

[0086] An air and water supply line 461 is provided inside the insertion part 41, serving as a liquid line and a gas line communicating with the first outlet 44D. The air and water supply line 461 is, for example, composed of a rigid tube provided at the front end 44 of the insertion part 41 and a flexible tube connected to the rigid tube. The air and water supply line 461 connects from the first outlet 44D through the insertion part 41, the operation part 45, and the interior of the first plug part 46 to the air and water supply connection interface 461A of the connector 46A.

[0087] The air and water supply device connected to the air and water supply interface 461A operates, thereby supplying air or water to the first outlet 44D through the air and water supply pipeline 461. A valve mechanism 456 is provided inside the operation unit 45 midway through the air and water supply pipeline 461. The valve mechanism 456 is configured, for example, as an air and water supply button. By opening and closing the valve provided in the valve mechanism 456, the supply of air or water from the air and water supply device connected to the air and water supply interface 461A to the first outlet 44D can be switched on and off. The air and water supply pipeline 461 constitutes a first pipeline through which cleaning liquid for the observation window 44A passes.

[0088] A water supply line 462, serving as a liquid conduit communicating with the second outlet 44E, is provided inside the insertion part 41. The water supply line 462 is, for example, composed of a rigid tube provided at the front end 44 of the insertion part 41 and a flexible tube connected to the rigid tube. The water supply line 462 extends from the second outlet 44E through the insertion part 41, the operation part 45, and the interior of the first plug rope part 46, and connects to the auxiliary water supply interface 462A of the connector 46A. By operating the syringe connected to the auxiliary water supply interface 462A, water contained in the syringe can be supplied to the second outlet 44E through the water supply line 462. The water supply line 462 constitutes a second conduit for supplying liquid to the subject.

[0089] A treatment device pipeline 451 communicating with the treatment device outlet 44C is provided inside the insertion part 41. The treatment device pipeline 451 has a branch pipeline 452 inside the operation part 45, and the outlet of the branch pipeline 452 becomes the treatment device inlet 453 of the operation part 45.

[0090] A suction nozzle 455 is connected to the branch pipe 452 of the treatment device line 451, closer to its base (on the side opposite to the treatment device outlet 44C). The suction nozzle 455 protrudes from the frame of the operating part 45 and can be connected to a suction device (not shown). A valve mechanism 454 is provided between the branch pipe 452 in the treatment device line 451 and the suction nozzle 455. The valve mechanism 454 is configured as, for example, a suction button.

[0091] By opening and closing the valve provided in the valve mechanism 454, a negative pressure can be generated by drawing air from inside the treatment device tubing 451 through the suction device connected to the suction nozzle 455. This allows for the suction of bodily fluids from the patient's body through the treatment device outlet 44C and the treatment device tubing 451. Thus, the treatment device outlet 44C also functions as a suction port located at the front end of the insertion section 41, and the treatment device tubing 451 also functions as a suction line extending from this suction port to the operation section 45.

[0092] The front end 44 of the insertion section 41 is provided with an optical system 441 that forms an optical image by taking in the light from the observed area through the observation window 44A, an imaging element 442 that converts the optical image formed by the optical system 441 into an image signal, and a light source 443 that generates illumination light emitted from the illumination window 44B. The light source 443 includes a light-emitting element made of a semiconductor device such as a light-emitting diode. By using a semiconductor device as the light-emitting element included in the light source 443, the manufacturing cost of the single-use endoscope 40 can be reduced.

[0093] A signal line 471, which is connected to the camera element 442 and the light source 443, is provided inside the insertion part 41. The signal line 471 is connected to the connector 47A from the front end 44 through the insertion part 41, the operation part 45 and the interior of the second cord plug part 47.

[0094] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing an example of the external structure of adapter 50 and connector 46A. Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Side view of adapter 50 shown. Figure 8 Observing from different directions Figure 6 A perspective view of connector 46A shown. Figure 9 and Figure 10 This indicates that there is a connection. Figure 6 A perspective view showing the state of adapter 50 and connector 46A. Figures 6 to 10 In the diagram, when the adapter 50 is connected to the connector connection portion 80A of the control device 80, the direction of movement of the adapter 50 is shown as the forward and backward direction (the direction in which the adapter 50 moves closer to the control device 80 is the forward direction Fr, and the direction in which the adapter 50 moves away from the control device 80 is the backward direction Rr). Figures 6 to 10 In, with Figure 3 Similarly, two directions perpendicular to the front-back direction are shown (left-right and up-down directions).

[0095] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the frame 500 of the adapter 50 is composed of a first adapter housing 501 with a shape substantially the same as the first connector housing 161 of the connector 16A, and a second adapter housing 502 connected and disposed behind the first adapter housing 501.

[0096] like Figure 7 As shown, a first connecting portion 50A is provided on the front surface 501S of the first adapter housing 501, which is detachably connected to the connector connecting portion 80A. The first connecting portion 50A is configured to have an engaging protrusion 564 with the same shape as the engaging protrusion 164 of the connector 16A, a dummy rod 21Bd protruding from the front end surface of the engaging protrusion 564 and with the same shape as the light guide rod 21B of the connector 16A, a dummy interface 32d protruding from the front end surface of the engaging protrusion 564 and with the same shape as the air supply interface 32 of the connector 16A, and an image signal transmitting connector 531 protruding from the surface 501S and with the same shape as the image signal transmitting connector 31 of the connector 16A. A window W4 with the same structure as the window W2 of the connector 16A (see reference) is provided at the front end of the image signal transmitting connector 531. Figure 9The first connecting part 50A constitutes a device-side connecting part that is detachably connected to the control device 80. The dummy rod 21Bd constitutes a insertion member that can be inserted into the insertion port 804 of the connector connecting part 80A.

[0097] like Figure 9 As shown, a window W3 with the same structure as the window W1 of the connector 16A is provided on the surface 501S of the first adapter housing 501. Furthermore, the surface 501S includes a power receiving area 51A, which is located close to the power receiving part 51 and is housed inside the frame 500 (described later).

[0098] When the adapter 50 is connected to the connector connection part 80A, the dummy rod 21Bd is inserted through the insertion port 804, and the dummy interface 32d is inserted through the air supply port 805. The engaging protrusion 564 engages with the first engaging recess 803, thereby stably holding the adapter 50 to the control device 80. The dummy rod 21Bd is a generally cylindrical component with its front end closed. Therefore, when the dummy rod 21Bd is inserted through the insertion port 804, the light emission outlet of the light source device 89 housed within the frame 800 of the control device 80 is blocked by the dummy rod 21Bd. The dummy rod 21Bd also functions as a guide when connecting the adapter 50 to the control device 80. When the dummy rod 21Bd is inserted through the insertion port 804, the control device 80 can detect the dummy rod 21Bd and thus detect that the adapter 50 is connected to the control device 80. The dummy interface 32d is a roughly cylindrical component with its front end closed. Therefore, with the dummy interface 32d inserted through the air supply port 805, the air outlet of the air supply device 85 housed within the frame 800 of the control device 80 is blocked by the dummy interface 32d. The dummy interface 32d is not essential and can be omitted.

[0099] If the adapter 50 is connected to the connector connection part 80A, then the window 802 of the control device 80 is arranged opposite to the window W3 of the adapter 50, and the window 806 of the control device 80 is arranged opposite to the window W4 of the adapter 50, thus achieving a state where optical communication can be performed.

[0100] like Figure 7 As shown, the second adapter housing 502 has a first surface 502A located on the side opposite to the first connecting portion 50A in the front-rear direction and intersecting the front-rear direction (in Figure 7 In the example, the second surface 502B is located on the side opposite to the first connecting part 50A (rear side) in the front-back direction and intersects the front-back direction (in the front-back direction). Figure 7In the example, the surface includes a region orthogonal to the front-back direction and the third surface 502C connecting the first surface 502A and the second surface 502B. The second surface 502B constitutes the rear end face of the adapter 50 (the end face opposite to the side where the first connecting part 50A is provided).

[0101] When viewed in the front-to-back direction, the first surface 502A and the second surface 502B are positioned offset in the vertical direction (first direction). The first surface 502A is positioned above the second surface 502B. A space is created between the upper end of the first surface 502A and the upper end of the second surface 502B, within which the connector 46A of the first cord-tightening portion 46 can be positioned.

[0102] Face 3, 502C, is a face that includes the area intersecting the vertical direction. Figure 7 In this example, the plane is orthogonal to the vertical direction. Inside the second adapter housing 502, located between the first surface 502A and the second surface 502B in the front-rear direction, is a circuit board 50S on which electronic components mounted on the adapter 50 are installed. A board connector 50C is provided on the circuit board 50S for connection to the connector 47A of the second cord-tightening section 47.

[0103] like Figure 6 As shown, an opening 502D is provided on the second surface 502B, exposing the substrate connector 50C inside the opening 502D. A connector 47A, through the second cord plug 47, is inserted into the opening 502D, and the connector 47A is electrically connected to the substrate connector 50C. The opening 502D and the substrate connector 50C exposed therein constitute a third connection portion or a first endoscope-side connection portion to which the second cord plug 47 is detachably connected.

[0104] A locking protrusion 50B is provided on the third surface 502C, which is detachably connected to the connector 46A of the first cord plug portion 46. The locking protrusion 50B is composed of a generally flat plate-shaped protrusion that protrudes upward from the third surface 502C in the U direction and extends in the front-rear direction. The locking protrusion 50B constitutes a second connecting portion or a second endoscope-side connecting portion detachably connected to the first cord plug portion 46.

[0105] like Figure 8 As shown, a engaging recess 464 is provided in the frame 460 of connector 46A, which can engage with the engaging protrusion 50B of adapter 50. The engaging recess 464 is a generally cuboid shape that is open at the front and extends back and forth. In the frame 460, a pair of engaging members 465 that can move in the left and right directions are provided inside the left and right walls of the engaging recess 464. Figure 6 As shown, the adapter 50 has a recess 50Ba in the engagement protrusion 50B that can engage with the pair of engagement members 465.

[0106] On the left, right, and rear sides of the frame 460 of connector 46A, there is a pair of moving links 463 that are linked to the engaging members 465. When the pair of moving links 463 are not pressed, they form the front ends 465A of the engaging members 465 (see reference). Figure 8 The connector 46A is inserted into the engagement recess 464. In this state, if the engagement recess 464 of the connector 46A is engaged from its front side to the rear side of the engagement protrusion 50B, and the connector 46A is slid forward in the direction Fr, the front ends 465A of the pair of engagement members 465 of the connector 46A slide against the left and right sides of the engagement protrusion 50B and move forward, thereby passing over the limiting protrusion 50Bb (see reference) provided in the engagement protrusion 50B. Figure 6 The connector 46A engages with the recess 50Ba. With the front end 465A engaged with the recess 50Ba, even if the connector 46A is to be moved rearward in the direction Rr, the movement of the front end 465A is restricted by the protrusion 50Bb, thus preventing the connector 46A from being removed. Therefore, by sliding the housing 460 of the connector 46A forward in the direction Fr relative to the adapter 50, as... Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, connector 46A can be connected to adapter 50.

[0107] When adapter 50 is connected to connector connection part 80A, the direction in which adapter 50 moves (forward direction Fr) is the same as the direction in which connectors 46A and 47A move when connectors 46A and 47A are connected to adapter 50. Therefore, a series of operations, including connecting connectors 46A and 47A to adapter 50 and then connecting adapter 50 to connector connection part 80A, can be performed smoothly, thereby improving the efficiency of endoscopic examination.

[0108] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a second endoscope-side connection portion connected to connector 46A and a first endoscope-side connection portion connected to connector 47A are arranged on the side opposite to the control device 80, compared to when the first connection portion 50A is connected to the control device 80. Therefore, it is also possible to connect the adapter 50 to the control device 80 and then connect the first cord plug portion 46 and the second cord plug portion 47 to the adapter 50. Even in this case, the connection between the adapter 50 and the connector can be easily performed.

[0109] In the housing 500 of the adapter 50, a cutout corresponding to the shape of the connector 46A is provided on its rear and upper side. This cutout is used to connect the connector 46A to the adapter 50. Figure 9 and Figure 10 In the state shown, the shape of the portion that aligns the adapter 50 with the first cord portion 46 is similar to... Figure 3The connector 16A of the reusable endoscope 10 shown is the same. Therefore, the single-use endoscope 40 can be used with the same operational feel as when using the reusable endoscope 10, thereby increasing the value of the single-use endoscope 40.

[0110] When the connector 46A is connected to the adapter 50, pressing a pair of linkage members 463 will cause the front ends 465A of a pair of engaging members 465 to retract from the engaging recess 464, releasing the engagement between the recess 50Ba and the front ends 465A. In this state, the front ends 465A are retracted to a position where they do not contact the limiting protrusion 50Bb. Therefore, with the pair of linkage members 463 pressed, the connector 46A can move rearward in the direction Rr, thereby allowing the connector 46A to be removed from the adapter 50. Thus, the engaging members 465 constitute an engaging portion capable of engaging with the adapter 50, and the linkage members 463 constitute a releasing portion that releases the engagement with the adapter 50 based on the engaging members 465.

[0111] Furthermore, the mechanism for engaging the second adapter housing 502 and the connector 46A is not limited to the mechanism shown in the figure. For example, a structure could be provided where a recess is formed on the third surface 502C and a protrusion engaging with the recess is provided in the frame 460 of the connector 46A. With the structure providing an engaging protrusion 50B in the adapter 50 and an engaging recess 464 in the connector 46A, the internal space of the frame 500 can be expanded, ensuring sufficient space when the adapter 50 is multifunctional.

[0112] The area of ​​the third surface 502C is larger than the areas of the first surface 502A and the second surface 502B. This allows for a sufficiently large increase in the size of the engaging protrusion 50B (the second connecting portion), enabling a secure engagement with the connector 46A. Furthermore, it facilitates easy connection between the connector 46A and the adapter 50. Moreover, the large area of ​​the third surface 502C ensures a sufficient front-to-back distance between the first surface 502A and the second surface 502B, allowing for the placement of a large-area circuit board 50S between them.

[0113] like Figure 6 and Figure 8 As shown, a secondary water supply interface 462A protrudes to the right (R) from the right side of the frame 460 of connector 46A. The secondary water supply interface 462A is connected to the water supply pipe 462 inside the frame 460. On the left side of the frame 460 of connector 46A, a gas and water supply connection interface 461A protrudes to the left (L). The gas and water supply connection interface 461A is connected to the gas and water supply pipe 461 inside the frame 460.

[0114] like Figure 9 and Figure 10As shown, with connector 46A connected to adapter 50, the auxiliary water supply interface 462A and the gas and water supply connection interface 461A, which are connected to gas and water supply lines 461 and 462 respectively, are exposed to the outside and are visually identifiable and accessible. That is, the gas and water supply lines 461 and 462 are configured such that they do not penetrate into the interior of the adapter 50's housing 500 and cannot communicate with the interior of the housing 500.

[0115] Both the air supply and water supply lines 461 and 462 are connected to the body under examination and allow liquid to pass through. In the adapter 50, these lines do not penetrate the housing 500 that houses the substrate connector 50C. Therefore, the adapter 50 can be reliably separated from moisture, protecting the electronic components. Furthermore, there is no need to worry about the adapter 50 becoming soiled by liquid. Therefore, the adapter 50 can be designed to be reusable rather than single-use. Compared to a single-use endoscope 40 with an integrated connector 46A and adapter 50 structure, the adapter 50 can be reused, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the single-use endoscope 40. Furthermore, since the adapter 50 can be made into a watertight structure, it can also be configured for reprocessing, similar to the reusable endoscope 10.

[0116] Furthermore, the single-use endoscope 40 can be used by connecting to a portable terminal equipped with an endoscope control device that includes a processor for the single-use endoscope 40, instead of connecting to the control device 80. When connecting the single-use endoscope 40 to the portable terminal, the single-use endoscope 40 and the endoscope control device are electrically connected by connecting connector 47A to the connector of the portable terminal. When using air and water supply lines 461 and 462, the air supply, water supply device, or water supply cylinder is connected to connector 46A. In this case, if connector 46A and adapter 50 are integrated, the operation of the single-use endoscope 40 becomes difficult due to the size of adapter 50. By separating adapter 50 from connector 46A, the single-use endoscope 40 is easier to operate when connected to the portable terminal, thereby improving the efficiency of endoscopic examinations.

[0117] Figure 11 This is a block diagram showing the internal structure when the adapter 50, with connector 47A attached, is connected to the control device 80. (Example) Figure 11As shown, the adapter 50's housing 500 includes: a power receiving unit 51, which has the same function as the power receiving unit 30 and wirelessly receives power from the control device 80; a power generating unit 59, which has the same function as the power generating unit 29; an image signal transmitting unit 58, which has the same function as the image signal transmitting unit 28; an image signal modulation unit 57, which has the same function as the image signal modulation unit 27; a signal transceiver unit 55, which has the same function as the signal transceiver unit 25; a signal conversion unit 54, which has the same function as the signal conversion unit 24; an adapter control unit 53, which controls each part of the adapter 50 and the single-use endoscope 40; and a light source driving unit 56. The power voltage generated by the power generating unit 59 is supplied to each part of the adapter 50 that requires power and to each part of the single-use endoscope 40 that requires power (including the imaging element 442 and the light source 443).

[0118] exist Figure 11 In the shown state, the light source drive unit 56 is electrically connected to the light source 443 via the signal line 471 provided in the second cable 47. The adapter control unit 53 is electrically connected to the imaging element 442 via the signal line 471 provided in the second cable 47.

[0119] The light source driving unit 56 is a driving circuit that drives the light-emitting element included in the light source 443. The light source driving unit 56 drives the light source 443 according to instructions from the adapter control unit 53, causing the light source 443 to emit a predetermined amount of light. By setting the amount of light emitted from the light source 443 to a predetermined amount, the manufacturing cost of the single-use endoscope 40 can be reduced. Furthermore, by providing the light source driving unit 56 in the adapter 50, the manufacturing cost of the single-use endoscope 40 can be reduced.

[0120] Figure 9 The image signal transmitting connector 531 shown is used for the alignment of the image signal transmitting unit 58 of the adapter 50 and the image signal receiving unit 83 of the control device 80. In particular, the image signal transmitting unit 58 is arranged in the extending direction of the central axis of the image signal transmitting connector 531. Light passes through the window W4 at the front end of the image signal transmitting connector 531, and image signal-based optical transmission and reception are performed between the image signal transmitting unit 58 and the image signal receiving unit 83.

[0121] Optical transmission and reception based on control signals are performed between the signal transceiver unit 55 and the signal transceiver unit 86 via window W3 of adapter 50.

[0122] A power receiving part 51 is disposed inside the first adapter housing 501 and near the connection surface of the connector connection part 80A within the first adapter housing 501. The area in the surface 501S opposite to the power receiving part 51 constitutes the power receiving area 51A. Since the power receiving part 51 is disposed inside the first adapter housing 501, it is not exposed to the outside. A power supply voltage is generated based on the power received by the power receiving part 51 near the power receiving area 51A, and this power supply voltage is supplied to the imaging element 442 or the light source 443 via the second cord plug 47. Therefore, the power receiving area 51A becomes the area for supplying power to the second cord plug 47 connected to the substrate connector 50C.

[0123] The image signal modulation unit 57 and the signal conversion unit 54 constitute a conversion unit that converts the electrical signal input from the second plug section 47 via the substrate connector 50C into an optical signal. The image signal transmitting unit 58 and the signal transceiver unit 55 function as optical transmission units that transmit the optical signal to the control device 80.

[0124] Similar to connector 16A, adapter 50 performs wireless power transmission and reception with control device 80, and optical communication-based signal transmission and reception with control device 80. Therefore, in both the case of using reusable endoscope 10 and the case of using single-use endoscope 40, the basic processing of control device 80, such as power transmission and signal reception, can be commonalized, minimizing program changes to existing control device 80 and thus reducing the construction cost of endoscope device 100.

[0125] Next, the processing of the system control unit 88 and the adapter control unit 53 when the endoscope 40 is connected to the control device 80 via the adapter 50 connected to the connector 47A on the connector connection part 80A will be described.

[0126] When using the single-use endoscope 40, the user inputs a setting instruction to the system control unit 88 via the operation input device 80B, specifying a target value, or second target value, for the brightness of the image signal captured by the single-use endoscope 40. Based on this setting instruction, the system control unit 88 performs the following control: sets the target value for the brightness of the image signal to the second target value, and sends target value information related to this second target value to the adapter 50.

[0127] Regarding the amount of light emitted from the light source 443, the adapter control unit 53 controls the light source drive unit 56 in a manner that becomes a predetermined value instead of following the instructions from the system control unit 88.

[0128] The adapter control unit 53 controls the imaging element 442 according to the instructions from the system control unit 88. Based on the target value information related to the second target value sent from the system control unit 88 and the image signal output from the imaging element 442, the adapter control unit 53 controls at least one of the exposure time and imaging sensitivity of the imaging element 442.

[0129] Specifically, the adapter control unit 53 compares the brightness of the image signal acquired from the imaging element 442 with the second target value, determines the exposure time and imaging sensitivity at which the brightness converges to the second target value, and controls the imaging element 442 to take pictures according to the determined exposure time and imaging sensitivity.

[0130] Thus, the adapter control unit 53 controls the exposure (brightness of the image signal output from the image sensor 442) of the image sensor 442 by changing at least one of the exposure time and the image sensitivity, rather than the amount of illumination light. The image sensitivity of the image sensor 442 is determined by the amplification rate (digital gain) of the signal amplification processing performed on the image signal by the adapter control unit 53.

[0131] The adapter control unit 53 can perform at least one of white balance adjustment processing and defect correction processing of the image signal output from the imaging element 442. This reduces the cost of program changes to the control device 80.

[0132] In the mode where the adapter control unit 53 performs white balance adjustment and defect correction processing, the system control unit 88 does not perform white balance adjustment and defect correction processing on the image signal received from the adapter 50, but performs other necessary processing (such as de-mosaic processing or gamma correction processing) to generate an endoscopic image. Then, the system control unit 88 controls the display of the endoscopic image on the display device 90.

[0133] Defect correction processing requires acquiring information about defective pixels in the imaging element 442 during manufacturing and storing it in the memory of the single-use endoscope 40. Therefore, in order to reduce the manufacturing cost of the single-use endoscope 40, neither the adapter control unit 53 nor the system control unit 88 may perform defect correction processing.

[0134] Thus, without performing defect correction processing, if the imaging sensitivity of the imaging element 442 is set to the upper limit when the endoscope 40 is outside the subject during single use and the defective pixel is not located, the level of the pixel signal output from the defective pixel will be greatly amplified, which may cause the defect to become obvious in the endoscopic image obtained by the endoscope 40 during single use.

[0135] Therefore, during the preparation stage before inserting the single-use endoscope 40 into the patient (when the single-use endoscope 40 is suspended in the endoscope hanger, etc.), the adapter control unit 53 sets the upper limit of the target value of the brightness of the image signal acquired from the single-use endoscope 40 to a first upper limit value. Thus, even if the second target value set by the user is greater than the first upper limit value, the camera sensitivity is limited because the target value is also limited to the first upper limit value. When the adapter control unit 53 determines that the single-use endoscope 40 has been inserted into the patient, it sets the upper limit of the target value of the brightness of the image signal acquired from the single-use endoscope 40 to a second upper limit value that is higher than the first upper limit value.

[0136] This process prevents the imaging sensitivity of the single-use endoscope 40 from becoming excessively high before insertion into the patient. As a result, defects are less noticeable in endoscopic images obtained using the single-use endoscope 40, avoiding misdiagnosis as malfunctions by the surgeon before the examination begins. Furthermore, with the single-use endoscope 40 inserted into the patient, the imaging sensitivity can be sufficiently increased according to the target brightness value set by the surgeon, thus maintaining the required observation performance.

[0137] For example, the adapter control unit 53 determines that insertion has occurred before the endoscope image taken by the endoscope 40 during a single use is unchanged (the brightness of the image signal is not changed), and determines that insertion has occurred after the endoscope image changes (the brightness of the image signal becomes higher than a threshold and changes in the direction of increasing brightness).

[0138] The imaging sensitivity of the imaging element 442 is adjusted by changing the digital gain of the image signal multiplied and added, but it can also be adjusted by changing the analog gain of the analog signal multiplied and added inside the imaging element 442. Through this control, by reducing the upper limit of the analog gain before insertion of the endoscope 40 for single use, it is also possible to suppress heating of the tip 44 of the single-use endoscope 40 before insertion of the subject.

[0139] In addition to changing the target value of the image signal brightness, the adapter control unit 53 can also perform the structural emphasis processing of the endoscopic image after insertion, instead of before insertion. This makes defects less noticeable in the endoscopic image, preventing the surgeon from misdiagnosing a malfunction before the examination begins.

[0140] When the endoscope 40 is connected to the control device 80 via the adapter 50 for single-use applications, the system control unit 88 preferably limits the functions of the devices included in the control device 80. For example, the light source device 89 can be raised as a device whose functions are limited. When the endoscope 40 is connected to the control device 80 via the adapter 50 for single-use applications, the system control unit 88 controls the amount of illumination light emitted from the light source device 89 to below a threshold (e.g., a settable minimum value), or stops the light source device 89 so that no illumination light is emitted. By doing so, the power consumption of the control device 80 can be reduced. Setting the amount of illumination light to a minimum value has the advantage of reducing the need for program changes in the control device 80 compared to stopping the light source device 89.

[0141] As a device with limited functionality, for example, the air supply device 85 can be raised. When the endoscope 40 is connected to the control device 80 via the adapter 50 for a single use, the system control unit 88 stops the air supply device 85. As a result, the power consumption of the control device 80 can be reduced.

[0142] When the single-use endoscope 40 is connected to the control device 80 via the adapter 50, the system control unit 88 can restrict the operating mode. For example, when the single-use endoscope 40 is connected to the control device 80 via the adapter 50, the system control unit 88 is set so that at least one of the light intensity limiting mode and the transmission mode cannot be set. For example, even if the user performs a setting operation to enable the light intensity limiting mode or the transmission mode, the system control unit 88 will control the output of an error sound or the display of an error message. The single-use endoscope 40 has a light-emitting element with a low light intensity at its front end 44, so there is no problem even if the light intensity limiting mode cannot be set. Furthermore, since it is difficult to transmit the illumination light from the light source 443 from inside the subject to outside the subject, it is preferable to preset the transmission mode so that it cannot be set.

[0143] When displaying an endoscope image (referred to as the first image) taken by the reusable endoscope 10 and an endoscope image (referred to as the second image) taken by the single-use endoscope 40, the system control unit 88 preferably makes the display shape of the first image different from the display shape of the second image.

[0144] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram used to illustrate the image displayed on the display device 90. Figure 12The diagram shows an endoscopic image 90A generated based on an image signal output from an endoscope. The system control unit 88 performs the following control: applying an oblong first mask 90B to the endoscopic image 90A, capturing the oblong image within the first mask 90B as a first image, and displaying it on the display device 90. The system control unit 88 also performs the following control: applying a rectangular second mask 90C (square in the example) to the endoscopic image 90A, capturing the rectangular image within the second mask 90C as a second image, and displaying it on the display device 90.

[0145] The second mask 90C is internally tangent to the first mask 90B and is smaller than the first mask 90B. Therefore, the display area of ​​the first image is larger than the display area of ​​the second image. Figure 12 In the example, the vertical length of the second mask 90C is slightly shorter than that of the first mask 90B. Therefore, the system control unit 88 preferably processes the image within the second mask 90C in the magnified endoscope image 90A so that the vertical lengths of the first image and the second image are the same.

[0146] Thus, by displaying the first and second images in different shapes, the surgeon can easily determine whether a reusable endoscope 10 or a single-use endoscope 40 is being used. By reducing the size of the second image, the chip size of the imaging element 442 can be reduced, thereby lowering the manufacturing cost of the single-use endoscope 40.

[0147] The adapter control unit 53 of the adapter 50 stores a program for controlling the adapter 50 and the single-use endoscope 40 in its memory. This memory also stores log information about the adapter 50 (such as the number of times the adapter 50 has been used). The system control unit 88 is configured to communicate with the adapter 50 even when the adapter 50 is connected but the single-use endoscope 40 is not connected to it. A maintenance mode can be set in the control device 80. This maintenance mode can be set when the adapter 50 is connected to the control device 80. When the maintenance mode is set, the system control unit 88 retrieves log information from the adapter 50 or updates the program of the adapter 50. When maintenance of the adapter 50 is required, it can be performed simply by connecting the adapter 50 to the control device 80 and setting the maintenance mode, even without connecting the single-use endoscope 40.

[0148] When the single-use endoscope 40 is connected via the adapter 50, the system control unit 88 can be set to a special light observation mode that cannot be set. The light source 443 located at the front end of the single-use endoscope 40 is preferably designed to prevent the generation of multiple illumination lights to reduce manufacturing costs. Therefore, by setting the single-use endoscope 40 to a mode that cannot be set, it is possible to prevent the setting of unusable modes.

[0149] Figure 13 This is a perspective view showing a modified example of adapter 50. Figure 13 The adapter 50 shown has the following structure: the dummy interface 32d is replaced with the same component as the air supply interface 32 of the reusable endoscope 10, and a gas outlet 320 is added to the first side 502A of the frame 500 to allow the gas flowing from the control device 80 into the air supply interface 32 to flow out.

[0150] Figure 14 It means and Figure 13 A perspective view of an example structure of connector 46A connected to adapter 50. Figure 14 The connector 46A shown is configured such that when connected to the adapter 50, a gas inlet 466B is added to the surface opposite the gas outlet 320, allowing gas flowing out of the gas outlet 320 to flow in.

[0151] With adapter 50 connected to control device 80 and connector 46A connected to adapter 50, the gas outlet of the gas supply device 85 inside control device 80 is connected to the gas inlet 466B of connector 46A. A gas inlet 466B is connected to the gas inlet 466B. Figure 11 The air and water supply line 461 is shown. In this modification, the air and water supply connection interface 461A is replaced with a water supply connection interface, and a water tank can be connected to the water supply connection interface. Air supplied from the air supply device 85 flows into the air and water supply line 461 through the adapter 50 and exits from the first outlet 44D at the tip of the single-use endoscope 40. According to this modification, pressurized air can be supplied to the water tank, similar to the reusable endoscope 10.

[0152] exist Figure 13 and Figure 14 In the modified example shown, a path for air from the air supply device 85 is provided inside the frame 500 of the adapter 50. However, since the air is clean, there is no concern about contaminating the adapter 50. According to this modified example, the air supply device 85 provided in the control device 80 can be used, thus improving convenience.

[0153] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a modified example of a single-use endoscope 40. Figure 15 The single-use endoscope 40 shown is Figure 5 The difference in the structure shown is that the suction nozzle 455 provided in the operation section 45 is provided in the connector 46A, and the suction line 467 extending from the valve mechanism 454 provided in the treatment device line 451 to the suction nozzle 455 of the connector 46A is added to the first plug rope section 46.

[0154] By connecting the suction device to the suction nozzle 455 and operating the valve mechanism 454, substances within the patient's body can be aspirated from the treatment device outlet 44C and delivered to the suction device via the treatment device tubing 451 and the suction tubing 467. The suction nozzle 455 is configured to be visually identifiable or tangible when the connector 46A is connected to the adapter 50. When the connector 46A is connected to the adapter 50, the suction tubing 467 is not connected to the interior of the adapter 50's housing 500. Therefore, there is no need to worry about bodily fluids or other substances contaminating the adapter 50 via the suction tubing 467.

[0155] In the above description, the adapter 50 and connector 46A are designed to be separable, but they can also be designed to be integrated.

[0156] As explained above, at least the following items are described in this specification. The components corresponding to the above embodiments are described in parentheses below, but the specification is not limited thereto.

[0157] (1) An adapter (adapter 50) comprising:

[0158] The first connecting part (first connecting part 50A) is detachably connected to the control device (control device 80) for controlling the endoscope.

[0159] The second connecting part (engaging protrusion 50B) is detachably connected to the first plug rope part (first plug rope part 46), which extends from the endoscope's operating part (operating part 45) and includes a liquid pipeline (air supply / water supply pipeline 461 or water supply pipeline 462) communicating with a liquid outlet (first outlet 44D or second outlet 44E) located at the front end of the endoscope; and

[0160] The frame (frame 500) is provided with the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion, and has a first surface (first surface 502A) located on the side opposite to the first connecting portion and intersecting the moving direction (front-back direction) of the frame when the first connecting portion is connected to the control device; a second surface (second surface 502B) located on the side opposite to the first connecting portion and intersecting the moving direction; and a third surface (third surface 502C) connecting the first surface and the second surface.

[0161] The second connecting portion is provided on the third surface.

[0162] (2) The adapter according to (1) comprises:

[0163] The substrate (circuit board 50S) is disposed inside the frame between the position of the first surface and the position of the second surface in the above-mentioned moving direction.

[0164] (3) The adapter according to (1) or (2) comprises:

[0165] The third connecting part (opening 502D and substrate connector 50C) is detachably connected to a second cord plug part (second cord plug part 47) extending from the above-mentioned operating part and including a signal line (signal line 471), and is provided on the above-mentioned second surface of the above-mentioned frame.

[0166] (4) The adapter according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein,

[0167] When viewed in the aforementioned direction of movement, the first and second surfaces are positioned offset along the first direction (vertical direction).

[0168] (5) The adapter according to (4), wherein,

[0169] The third surface mentioned above intersects with the first direction mentioned above.

[0170] (6) The adapter according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein,

[0171] The area of ​​the third surface mentioned above is greater than the area of ​​the first surface mentioned above and the area of ​​the second surface mentioned above.

[0172] (7) The adapter according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein,

[0173] The second connecting part protrudes from the third surface.

[0174] (8) The adapter according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein,

[0175] The second connecting part is configured to be attachable to or detachable from the first rope-plugging part by moving the first rope-plugging part in the moving direction.

Claims

1. An adapter comprising: The first connecting part is detachably connected to the control device for controlling the endoscope; The second connecting part is detachably connected to the first plug rope part, which extends from the operating part of the endoscope and includes a liquid conduit communicating with a liquid outlet located at the front end of the endoscope; and The frame is provided with the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion, and has a first surface located on the side opposite to the first connecting portion side and intersecting the moving direction of the frame in the moving direction when the first connecting portion is connected to the control device; a second surface located on the side opposite to the first connecting portion side and intersecting the moving direction in the moving direction; and a third surface connecting the first surface and the second surface. The second connecting portion is provided on the third surface.

2. The adapter according to claim 1, wherein, The adapter includes a base plate disposed inside the frame between the positions of the first surface and the second surface in the moving direction.

3. The adapter according to claim 1, wherein, The adapter has a third connection portion, which is detachably connected to a second cord portion extending from the operation portion and containing a signal line, and is disposed on the second side of the frame.

4. The adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The first surface and the second surface are positioned offset along the first direction when viewed in the direction of movement.

5. The adapter according to claim 4, wherein, The third surface intersects with the first direction.

6. The adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The area of ​​the third surface is greater than the area of ​​the first surface and the area of ​​the second surface.

7. The adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The second connecting portion protrudes from the third surface.

8. The adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The second connecting part is configured to be attachable to or detachable from the first rope-plugging part by moving the first rope-plugging part in the moving direction.

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