Endoscope and illumination system therefor
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202522122399.7
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-09-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-11-03
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-09-30
AI Technical Summary
Existing disposable endoscopes suffer from high heat issues due to the use of LED light sources, which prevents them from achieving high-brightness illumination, affecting image quality, and are also costly.
It adopts a combination of laser light source and plastic optical fiber. The laser light source is placed in the main unit and connected to the disposable lens body through plastic optical fiber. The lens body uses plastic optical fiber for light transmission. The laser light source has high brightness and low heat. The lens body can be disconnected from the light source module, reducing costs.
It achieves high-brightness illumination, improves image quality, and reduces the cost of using the endoscope by using inexpensive plastic optical fibers, while ensuring biosafety.
Smart Images
Figure CN224925135U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of endoscope technology, and in particular to an endoscope and its illumination system. Background Technology
[0002] An endoscope is a medical device whose endoscope can be inserted into the human body through natural cavities or tiny incisions for observation, diagnosis, or treatment. An endoscope typically includes an illumination system and an imaging system. The illumination system provides light to the imaging system, which is responsible for image acquisition and imaging. Image quality largely depends on the brightness of the illumination; generally, higher brightness results in better image quality.
[0003] In recent years, disposable endoscopes have gradually become an industry trend due to their ability to significantly reduce cross-infection and other problems associated with endoscopes. Because the endoscope is for single use, cost control is extremely important. Currently, reusable endoscopes generally employ an external light source + glass fiber bundle illumination scheme. This means the light source is located outside the endoscope, and the light is guided internally using a glass fiber bundle. This light guiding method generates almost no heat, preventing the endoscope from overheating and enabling high-brightness illumination, resulting in high-quality images. However, because the glass fiber bundle consists of tens of thousands of fiber optic strands, it is relatively expensive.
[0004] To reduce the cost of disposable endoscopes, some related technologies employ LED light sources placed at the front of the endoscope for illumination. However, during the LED's light emission process, approximately 60% of the electrical energy is converted into heat. Biosafety requirements stipulate that the endoscope's body temperature must not exceed 41°C, while the endoscope's diameter is only a few millimeters, resulting in limited heat dissipation. This means that disposable endoscopes using this illumination method cannot utilize high-power LEDs to achieve high-brightness illumination, thus limiting image quality. Utility Model Content
[0005] This utility model provides an endoscope and its illumination system to solve the above-mentioned problems.
[0006] An illumination system for an endoscope, comprising:
[0007] Light source module, including laser light source; and
[0008] A disposable mirror body includes a plastic optical fiber coupled to the light source module, wherein the light emitted by the laser light source is coupled to the plastic optical fiber for illumination, and the plastic optical fiber can be disconnected from the light source module.
[0009] In one embodiment, the light source module includes a first light-guiding optical fiber coupled to the plastic optical fiber. The light emitted by the laser light source is coupled to the plastic optical fiber via the first light-guiding optical fiber. The first light-guiding optical fiber is a glass optical fiber or a quartz optical fiber.
[0010] In one embodiment, the light source module includes a second light guide fiber coupled to the laser light source. The light emitted by the laser light source is coupled to the plastic optical fiber via the second light guide fiber. The second light guide fiber is a glass optical fiber or a quartz optical fiber.
[0011] In one embodiment, the light source module includes a first coupling element, wherein the light emitted by the laser light source is coupled to the first coupling element via the second light guide fiber, and finally coupled to the plastic optical fiber.
[0012] In one embodiment, the laser source includes a first dichroic mirror and two light-emitting elements. The light emitted by the two light-emitting elements is combined by the first dichroic mirror and then coupled to the second light-guiding fiber.
[0013] In one embodiment, the disposable lens body includes a third optical fiber coupled to the plastic optical fiber, and the light emitted by the laser source is coupled to the plastic optical fiber via the third optical fiber. The third optical fiber is a glass optical fiber or a quartz optical fiber.
[0014] In one embodiment, the laser source includes at least one of a single green light source and a single orange light source. The green light source includes a first blue light element, a first fluorescent ceramic, and a blue-to-green dichroic mirror. The light from the first blue light element is reflected by the blue-to-green dichroic mirror to the first fluorescent ceramic. The light generated by the excitation of the first fluorescent ceramic passes through the blue-to-green dichroic mirror and is finally coupled to the plastic optical fiber. The orange light source includes a second blue light element, a second fluorescent ceramic, and a blue-to-orange dichroic mirror. The light from the second blue light element is reflected by the blue-to-orange dichroic mirror to the second fluorescent ceramic. The light generated by the excitation of the second fluorescent ceramic passes through the blue-to-orange dichroic mirror and is finally coupled to the plastic optical fiber.
[0015] In one embodiment, the light source module includes a wavelength combiner disposed between the laser light source and the plastic optical fiber. The laser light source includes at least two of the following: violet light source, blue light source, green light source, orange light source, and red light source. The light emitted by all the laser light sources is combined by the wavelength combiner and then coupled to the plastic optical fiber.
[0016] In one embodiment, the wavelength combining device includes a second coupling element and at least one second dichroic mirror. The second coupling element, one of the laser light sources, and all the second dichroic mirrors are located in a first optical path. The remaining laser light sources are located laterally in the first optical path and correspond one-to-one with the second dichroic mirrors. The second dichroic mirrors are tilted relative to the first optical path. The light rays from the laser light sources in the first optical path that illuminate the second dichroic mirrors are combined with the light rays from the remaining laser light sources that illuminate the corresponding second dichroic mirrors, and then illuminate the second coupling element, which couples the light rays to the plastic optical fiber.
[0017] In one embodiment, the plastic optical fiber is a single optical fiber or a bundle of optical fibers.
[0018] An endoscope includes an imaging module and an illumination system for the endoscope as described in any of the above embodiments, the illumination system being used to illuminate the imaging module.
[0019] The above-described endoscope and its illumination system include a light source module and a disposable endoscope body. The light source module includes a laser light source, and the disposable endoscope body includes a plastic optical fiber coupled to the light source module. The light emitted from the laser light source is coupled to the plastic optical fiber for illumination, and the plastic optical fiber can be disconnected from the light source module. In this illumination system, the light source module can be placed inside the main unit or light source box and connected to the disposable endoscope body. The disposable endoscope body can be disconnected from the light source module, thus enabling single-use. The light source module uses a laser light source with higher brightness than LED light sources, ensuring the illumination brightness of the endoscope illumination system and thus improving the imaging quality of the endoscope. Furthermore, the price of plastic optical fiber is much lower than that of quartz or glass optical fibers and fiber bundles, and it generates very little heat when conducting the light emitted from the laser light source, reducing the cost of using disposable endoscopes while ensuring biosafety. Attached Figure Description
[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of the illumination system for the endoscope of this application;
[0022] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the insert of the illumination system of the endoscope shown;
[0023] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the insert shown;
[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of the illumination system for the endoscope of this application;
[0025] Figure 5 This is a laser spot morphology diagram of a laser source coupling in a related technology;
[0026] Figure 6 This is a topographic image of the receiving surface of a plastic optical fiber in related technologies;
[0027] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of the third embodiment of the illumination system for the endoscope of this application;
[0028] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of the illumination system of the endoscope in the third embodiment;
[0029] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a third embodiment of the illumination system of the endoscope in the third embodiment;
[0030] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a fourth embodiment of the illumination system of the endoscope in the third embodiment;
[0031] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of a fourth embodiment of the illumination system for the endoscope of this application.
[0032] Figure label:
[0033] First Embodiment
[0034] 10. Lighting system; 11. Light source module; 111. Laser light source; 12. Disposable mirror body; 121. Plastic optical fiber; 122. Handheld component; 123. Insert component;
[0035] Second Embodiment
[0036] 30. Lighting system; 31. Light source module; 312. First optical fiber; 32. Disposable mirror body; 311. Laser light source; 321. Plastic optical fiber;
[0037] Third Embodiment
[0038] 40. Lighting system; 41. Light source module; 411. Laser light source; 4111. First dichroic mirror; 4112. Light-emitting element; 4113. Violet light source; 4114. Blue light source; 4115. Green light source; 41151. First blue light element; 41152. First fluorescent ceramic; 41153. Blue-reflecting and green-transmitting dichroic mirror; 41154. Third coupling element; 41155. Fourth coupling element; 4116. Orange light source; 41161. Second Blue light source; 41162, Second fluorescent ceramic; 41163, Blue-reflecting and orange-transmitting dichroic mirror; 41164, Fifth coupling element; 41165, Sixth coupling element; 4117, Red light source; 412, Second optical fiber; 413, First coupling element; 414, Wavelength combiner; 4141, Second coupling element; 4142, Second dichroic mirror; 41a, First optical path; 41b, Second optical path; 42, Disposable mirror body; 421, Plastic optical fiber;
[0039] Fourth embodiment
[0040] 50. Lighting system; 51. Light source module; 511. Laser light source; 52. Disposable mirror body; 521. Plastic optical fiber; 522. Third optical fiber. Detailed Implementation
[0041] The following detailed description of preferred embodiments represents the preferred mode for implementing this invention. This description is not intended to be limiting; it is provided to illustrate the general principles of the invention.
[0042] It should be understood that, for ease of understanding of this utility model, the terms "installation," "connection," "coupling," and "installation" in the following description refer to the connection relationships shown in the drawings. For example, "connection" can refer to a permanent connection or a detachable connection. Furthermore, "connection" can also refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection, or a connection via other auxiliary components. Therefore, the above terms should not be construed as limiting the actual connections of the various elements of this utility model.
[0043] It should be understood that the terms "length," "width," "top," "bottom," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "external," and "internal" refer to the orientation or positioning relationship in the accompanying drawings to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and do not limit the actual position or orientation of the present invention. Therefore, the above terms should not be construed as limiting the actual position of the components of the present invention.
[0044] It should be understood that the terms "first," "second," "an," "a," and "one" in the following description refer to "at least one" or "one or more" in the embodiments. In particular, the term "a" may refer to "one" in one embodiment and "more than one" in another embodiment. Therefore, the above terms should not be construed as limiting the actual number of elements of the present invention.
[0045] To facilitate understanding of this utility model, a more complete description will be given below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Preferred embodiments of this utility model are shown in the drawings. However, this utility model can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to provide a more thorough and complete understanding of the disclosure of this utility model.
[0046] First Embodiment
[0047] refer to Figure 1 The first embodiment of this application discloses an illumination system 10 for an endoscope, which can be applied to an endoscope (not shown). An endoscope is a medical device whose scope can enter the human body through natural cavities or tiny incisions for observation, diagnosis or treatment.
[0048] The endoscope may also include an imaging module (not shown), and the endoscope's illumination system 10 is used to illuminate the imaging module. The imaging module may include a camera for image acquisition and imaging. The imaging quality of the imaging module depends largely on the illumination brightness; generally, higher brightness results in better image quality.
[0049] The endoscope illumination system 10 includes a light source module 11 and a disposable endoscope body 12. The light source module 11 includes a laser light source 111, and the disposable endoscope body 12 includes a plastic optical fiber 121 coupled to the light source module 11. The light emitted by the laser light source 111 is coupled to the plastic optical fiber 121 for illumination, and the plastic optical fiber 121 can be disconnected from the light source module 11. Furthermore, the disposable endoscope body 12 includes a connector (not shown), which allows it to be disconnected from the light source module 11. In the above-described endoscope illumination system 10, the light source module 11 can be placed inside the main unit or light source box and connected to the disposable endoscope body 12 via the connector's interface. The disposable endoscope body 12 can be disconnected from the light source module 11 via the connector, thus facilitating single-use. The light source module 11 uses a laser light source 111, which has higher brightness than LED light sources, ensuring the illumination brightness of the endoscope illumination system 10 and thereby improving the imaging quality of the endoscope. The price of plastic optical fiber 121 is much lower than that of quartz or glass optical fiber, and it generates very little heat when conducting light emitted by laser light source 111, thus reducing the cost of using disposable endoscopes while ensuring biosafety.
[0050] Continue to refer to Figure 1 In some embodiments, the disposable lens 12 may include a handheld component 122 and an inserter 123. A plastic optical fiber 121 and the inserter 123 are respectively connected to the handheld component 122. The handheld component 122 is operable by the user. The inserter 123 is used to enter the human body through natural cavities or small incisions. Light from the light source module 11 passes through the plastic optical fiber 121, the handheld component 122, and the inserter 123, and exits from the end of the inserter 123 furthest from the handheld component 122, providing illumination for the imaging module. Figure 1 As shown, the insert 123 may also include a plastic optical fiber 121, or the plastic optical fiber 121 extends into the insert 123 to ensure normal light transmission.
[0051] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 In some embodiments, the imaging component 20 of the imaging module is disposed at the end of the insert 123 away from the handheld component 122, and the imaging component 20 can be a camera. The insert 123 of the disposable lens body 12 can be provided with multiple plastic optical fibers 121, which are arranged circumferentially along the imaging component 20. For example... Figure 2 As shown, when only one plastic optical fiber 121 is used to illuminate the imaging component 20, the illumination field of the plastic optical fiber 121 and the imaging field of the imaging component 20 are easily inconsistent, resulting in inconsistent image brightness acquired by the imaging component 20. When two plastic optical fibers 121 are used for simultaneous illumination, such as Figure 3 As shown, this provides more uniform illumination for the imaging component 20 of the imaging module. It is understood that the disposable lens 12 can also include more plastic optical fibers 121 for illumination. The more plastic optical fibers 121 circumferentially distributed on the imaging component 20 of the imaging module, the better the illumination effect and the improved image quality. However, the more plastic optical fibers 121 there are, the wider the insert 123 of the disposable lens 12 will also be, which may need to be adjusted according to actual needs.
[0052] In some embodiments, the plastic optical fiber 121 is preferably a single optical fiber, as a single optical fiber has a lower cost. In other embodiments, the plastic optical fiber 121 can be an optical fiber bundle, that is, a bundled structure formed by combining multiple optical fibers.
[0053] Second Embodiment
[0054] refer to Figure 4 The second embodiment of this application discloses an illumination system 30 for an endoscope, which can be applied to an endoscope (not shown). An endoscope is a medical device whose scope can be inserted into the human body through natural cavities or tiny incisions for observation, diagnosis or treatment.
[0055] The endoscope may also include an imaging module (not shown), and the endoscope's illumination system 30 is used to illuminate the imaging module. The imaging module may include a camera for image acquisition and imaging. The imaging quality of the imaging module depends largely on the illumination brightness; generally, higher brightness results in better image quality.
[0056] The endoscope's illumination system 30 includes a light source module 31 and a disposable endoscope body 32. The light source module 31 includes a laser light source 311, and the disposable endoscope body 32 includes a plastic optical fiber 321 coupled to the light source module 31. The light emitted from the laser light source 311 is coupled to the plastic optical fiber 321 for illumination, and the plastic optical fiber 321 can be disconnected from the light source module 31. The plastic optical fiber 321 is preferably a single fiber, as single fibers have lower costs. In other embodiments, the plastic optical fiber 321 can be a bundle of optical fibers, i.e., a bundled structure formed by combining multiple optical fibers.
[0057] The difference from the first embodiment is that the light source module 31 in the second embodiment includes a first light-guiding fiber 312, that is, the first light-guiding fiber 312 is integrated with the light source module 31, and the first light-guiding fiber 312 is coupled to a plastic fiber 321. The light emitted by the laser light source 311 is coupled to the plastic fiber 321 via the first light-guiding fiber 312. The first light-guiding fiber 312 is a glass fiber or a quartz fiber. For example, the first light-guiding fiber 312 can be a single glass fiber or a single quartz fiber, which is less expensive. In other embodiments, the first light-guiding fiber 312 can also be a bundle of glass fibers composed of tens of thousands of glass fiber cores, or a bundle of quartz fibers composed of tens of thousands of quartz fiber cores. In some embodiments, a shorter section of glass fiber bundle, quartz fiber bundle, or a single glass fiber or a single quartz fiber can also be called a light guide rod. Specifically, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the first optical fiber 312 and the light source module 31 can be housed in the same light source box. One end of the first optical fiber 312 corresponds to the laser light source 311, receiving the light from the laser light source 311, and the other end is connected to the plastic optical fiber 321, transmitting the light into the plastic optical fiber 321. For example, the first optical fiber 312 is a quartz optical fiber. Because quartz has a low thermal conductivity and high temperature resistance, its placement before the plastic optical fiber 321 provides good thermal insulation, preventing excessive temperature rise in the plastic optical fiber 321 and ensuring its operational reliability.
[0058] Furthermore, such as Figure 5 As shown, the light spot morphology after coupling of the laser light emitted from the laser source 311 is approximately elliptical. The light receiving surface of the plastic optical fiber 321 is typically as follows: Figure 6The dark black area shown is roughly circular. When there is a significant difference between the laser spot parameters after coupling the laser source 311 and the receiving surface parameters of the plastic optical fiber 321, some of the light emitted by the laser source 311 may illuminate the outer periphery of the receiving surface of the plastic optical fiber 321. Due to the high energy density of the laser source 311, this may cause problems at the receiving end of the plastic optical fiber 321, such as excessive temperature rise, leading to reduced reliability of the plastic optical fiber 321. However, when the first optical fiber 312 is made of glass or silica fiber, since both the first optical fiber 312 and the plastic optical fiber 321 are optical fibers, their receiving surfaces can be processed to be more consistent. Furthermore, glass or silica fiber has better heat resistance than plastic optical fiber 321. Even when there is a certain difference between the laser spot parameters after coupling the laser source 311 and the receiving surface parameters of the plastic optical fiber 321, the operational reliability of the fiber at the receiving surface of the plastic optical fiber 321 can be guaranteed. In other words, by adopting the above scheme, the light emitted by the laser source 311 is first coupled into the first optical fiber 312 and then coupled into the plastic optical fiber 321. This can more effectively prevent some of the light emitted by the laser source 311 from shining on the outer periphery of the receiving surface of the plastic optical fiber 321, thus reducing the reliability and improving the working reliability of the plastic optical fiber 321.
[0059] Third Embodiment
[0060] refer to Figure 7 In the first embodiment of the third embodiment of this application, an illumination system 40 for an endoscope is disclosed, which can be applied to an endoscope (not shown). An endoscope is a medical device whose scope can be inserted into the human body through natural cavities or tiny incisions for observation, diagnosis or treatment.
[0061] The endoscope may also include an imaging module (not shown), and the endoscope's illumination system 40 is used to illuminate the imaging module. The imaging module may include a camera for image acquisition and imaging. The imaging quality of the imaging module depends largely on the illumination brightness; generally, higher brightness results in better image quality.
[0062] The endoscope's illumination system 40 includes a light source module 41 and a disposable endoscope body 42. The light source module 41 includes a laser light source 411, and the disposable endoscope body 42 includes a plastic optical fiber 421 coupled to the light source module 41. The light emitted by the laser light source 411 is coupled to the plastic optical fiber 421 for illumination, and the plastic optical fiber 421 can be disconnected from the light source module 41. The plastic optical fiber 421 is preferably a single optical fiber, as single optical fibers have lower costs. In other embodiments, the plastic optical fiber 421 can be an optical fiber bundle, i.e., a bundled structure formed by combining multiple optical fibers.
[0063] The difference from the second embodiment is that the light source module 41 in the third embodiment includes a second light-guiding fiber 412, which is coupled to the laser light source 411. The light emitted from the laser light source 411 is coupled to the plastic optical fiber 421 via the second light-guiding fiber 412. The second light-guiding fiber 412 can be a glass fiber or a quartz fiber. For example, the second light-guiding fiber 412 can be a single glass fiber or a single quartz fiber, which is less expensive. In other embodiments, the second light-guiding fiber 412 can also be a bundle of glass fibers composed of tens of thousands of glass fiber cores, or a bundle of quartz fibers composed of tens of thousands of quartz fiber cores. In some embodiments, a shorter section of glass fiber bundle, quartz fiber bundle, or a single glass fiber or quartz fiber can also be called a light guide rod. In this embodiment, the light source module 41 may include a first coupling member 413. The light emitted from the laser light source 411 is coupled to the first coupling member 413 via the second light-guiding fiber 412, and then finally coupled to the plastic optical fiber 421. The first coupling element 413 can be a single lens or a lens group consisting of multiple lenses. For example, as shown... Figure 7 As shown, the light emitted by the laser source 411 passes through the second optical fiber 412 and then illuminates the first coupling member 413. Finally, the first coupling member 413 couples the light to the plastic optical fiber 421.
[0064] refer to Figure 8 In the second embodiment, the laser source 411 includes a first dichroic mirror 4111 and two light-emitting elements 4112. The light emitted by the two light-emitting elements 4112 is combined by the first dichroic mirror 4111 and coupled to the second light-guiding fiber 412, and finally coupled into the plastic optical fiber 421 through the first coupling member 413. In this embodiment, the center wavelengths of the two light-emitting elements 4112 can be different or the same. When the center wavelengths of the two light-emitting elements 4112 are the same, even if one of the laser source 411 fails unexpectedly, the entire light source module 41 can still emit light normally, thus playing a redundancy role and improving the overall reliability of the endoscope.
[0065] When the center wavelengths of the two light-emitting elements 4112 are different, different biological tissues have different reflectivity, transmittance, absorption parameters, and scattering coefficients for different wavelengths of light. For example, hemoglobin absorbs blue and green light strongly, while water absorbs near-infrared light significantly. The laser light source 411 can be configured with two light sources with different center wavelengths, such as a blue light source (center wavelength 440-490nm) and a red light source (center wavelength 610-640nm). The light emitted from the two laser light sources 411 in the light source module 41 is combined by the first dichroic mirror 4111 and then coupled to the first coupling element 413 via the second light-guiding fiber 412, and then to the plastic optical fiber 421 for final illumination. This utilizes the specific interaction between different wavelengths of light and biological tissues to achieve more accurate and comprehensive lesion detection and tissue observation. In other words, in this embodiment, the second light-guiding fiber 412 and the first coupling element 413 are as follows: Figure 8 As shown, it is positioned between the first dichroic mirror 4111 and the plastic optical fiber 421.
[0066] refer to Figure 9 In a third embodiment, the light source module 41 includes a wavelength combiner 414 disposed between the laser light source 411 and the plastic optical fiber 421. The laser light source 411 may include at least two of the following: a violet light source 4113, a blue light source 4114, a green light source 4115, an orange light source 4116, and a red light source 4117. The light emitted by all the laser light sources 411 is combined by the wavelength combiner 414 and then coupled to the plastic optical fiber 421. In this embodiment, the laser light source 411 may include at least two laser light sources 411 with different center wavelengths. For example, as shown... Figure 9 As shown, because different biological tissues have different reflectivity, transmittance, absorption parameters, and scattering coefficients for different wavelengths of light, the laser source 411 can be equipped with five light sources with different center wavelengths, such as a violet light source 4113 (center wavelength 405-425nm), a blue light source 4114 (center wavelength 440-490nm), a green light source 4115 (center wavelength 500-580nm), an orange light source 4116 (center wavelength 580-610nm), and a red light source 4117 (center wavelength 610-640nm). The light from the multiple laser sources 411 in the light source module 41 is combined by a wavelength combiner 414 and then directed to a second coupling member 4141, ultimately coupling to a plastic optical fiber 421. This enables multi-illumination modes such as narrowband illumination, making the endoscope suitable for illumination scenarios involving a wider variety of physiological tissues. Of course, the number of laser sources 411 with different center wavelengths can be further increased or decreased.
[0067] Specifically, the wavelength combining member 414 includes a second coupling member 4141 and at least one second dichroic mirror 4142. The second coupling member 4141, one of the laser light sources 411, and all the second dichroic mirrors 4142 are located in the first optical path 41a. The remaining laser light sources 411 are located to the side of the first optical path 41a and correspond one-to-one with the second dichroic mirrors 4142. The second dichroic mirrors 4142 are tilted relative to the first optical path 41a. The light from the laser light source 411 on the first optical path 41a that illuminates the second dichroic mirror 4142 is combined with the light from the remaining laser light sources 411 that illuminate the corresponding second dichroic mirrors 4142, and then illuminates the second coupling member 4141, which couples the light to the plastic optical fiber 421.
[0068] For example, such as Figure 9 As shown, a violet light source 4113 and four second dichroic mirrors 4142 are sequentially arranged on the first optical path 41a. The angle between the second dichroic mirrors 4142 and the first optical path 41a can be 45 degrees. One side of the second dichroic mirror 4142 is used to receive the light from the laser light source 411 of the first optical path 41a, and the other side is used to receive the light from other corresponding laser light sources 411, such as blue light source 4114, green light source 4115, orange light source 4116, and red light source 4117, and to achieve wavelength beam combining onto the first optical path 41a, illuminating the second coupling member 4141, and then coupling to the plastic optical fiber 421 via the second coupling member 4141. In some embodiments, the second coupling member 4141 can be a single lens or a lens group composed of multiple lenses. In other words, in this embodiment, a second light guide fiber 412 and a first coupling member 413 are arranged between each laser light source 411 and the corresponding second dichroic mirror 4142, such as... Figure 9 As shown. This structural design ensures the reliability of the plastic optical fiber 421 and prevents problems with the reliability of the plastic optical fiber 421 when the light coupled by the second coupling member 4141 is coupled into the plastic optical fiber 421 due to excessive heat from the combined light of multiple laser sources 411.
[0069] refer to Figure 10In the fourth embodiment, the laser light source 411 includes at least one of a single green light source 4115 and a single orange light source 4116. The green light source 4115 includes a first blue light element 41151, a first fluorescent ceramic 41152, and a blue-green dichroic mirror 41153. The light from the first blue light element 41151 is reflected by the blue-green dichroic mirror 41153 to the first fluorescent ceramic 41152. The light generated by exciting the first fluorescent ceramic 41152 passes through the blue-green dichroic mirror 41153 and is finally coupled to the plastic optical fiber 421. The orange light source 4116 includes a second blue light element 41161, a second fluorescent ceramic 41162, and a blue-to-orange dichroic mirror 41163. The light from the second blue light element 41161 is reflected by the blue-to-orange dichroic mirror 41163 to the second fluorescent ceramic 41162. The light generated by exciting the second fluorescent ceramic 41162 passes through the blue-to-orange dichroic mirror 41163 and is finally coupled to the plastic optical fiber 421.
[0070] In the structural design of the orange light source 4116, besides the blue-to-orange dichroic mirror 41163 replacing the blue-to-green dichroic mirror 41153, the second blue light element 41161 can be the same as the first blue light element 41151 of the green light source 4115, and the second fluorescent ceramic 41162 can be the same as the first fluorescent ceramic 41152 of the green light source 4115. The design of the laser light source 411 allows the endoscope's illumination system 40 to achieve high color rendering index (CRI) illumination. High CRI illumination refers to an artificial standard light source with a CRI close to that of sunlight, thus achieving high color fidelity and accurate representation of the true colors of objects.
[0071] The green light source 4115 and orange light source 4116 obtained by exciting fluorescent ceramics with blue light can have broader spectra, thus enabling a higher color rendering index. For the green light source 4115, such as... Figure 10As shown, the green light source 4115 is sequentially equipped with a blue-to-green dichroic mirror 41153, a third coupling element 41154, and a first fluorescent ceramic 41152 on the second optical path 41b. The first blue light element 41151 of the green light source 4115 is correspondingly arranged with the blue-to-green dichroic mirror 41153, and a fourth coupling element 41155 is arranged between the first blue light element 41151 and the blue-to-green dichroic mirror 41153. The second optical path 41b can be perpendicular to the first optical path 41a, and the angle between the blue-to-green dichroic mirror 41153 and the second optical path 41b can be 45 degrees. The light irradiated by the first blue light element 41151 is coupled to the blue-green dichroic mirror 41153 via the fourth coupling element 41155. The blue light irradiated by the first blue light element 41151 is reflected by the blue light irradiated by the first blue light element 41151 to the third coupling element 41154. After passing through the third coupling element 41154, the light irradiates the first fluorescent ceramic 41152. The light generated by the first fluorescent ceramic 41152 under blue light excitation is coupled to the blue-green dichroic mirror 41153 via the third coupling element 41154. The green light portion passes through the blue-green dichroic mirror 41153 and then passes through the corresponding second light guide fiber 412 and the first coupling element 413 to irradiate the corresponding second dichroic mirror 4142 on the first optical path 41a. After being bundled by the second dichroic mirror 4142, the light irradiates the second coupling element 4141 and is finally coupled to the plastic optical fiber 421.
[0072] For orange light source 4116, such as Figure 10 As shown, the orange light source 4116 has a blue-to-orange dichroic mirror 41163, a fifth coupling element 41164, and a second fluorescent ceramic element 41162 sequentially arranged on the second optical path 41b. The second blue light element 41161 of the orange light source 4116 is correspondingly arranged with the blue-to-orange dichroic mirror 41163, and a sixth coupling element 41165 is arranged between the second blue light element 41161 and the blue-to-orange dichroic mirror 41163. The angle between the blue-to-orange dichroic mirror 41163 and the second optical path 41b can be 45 degrees. The light irradiated by the second blue light element 41161 is coupled to the blue-reflecting orange-transmitting dichroic mirror 41163 via the sixth coupling element 41165. The blue light irradiated by the second blue light element 41161 is reflected by the blue light irradiated ...
[0073] Fourth embodiment
[0074] refer to Figure 11 The fourth embodiment of this application discloses an illumination system 50 for an endoscope, which can be applied to an endoscope (not shown). An endoscope is a medical device whose scope can be inserted into the human body through natural cavities or tiny incisions for observation, diagnosis or treatment.
[0075] The endoscope may also include an imaging module (not shown), and the endoscope's illumination system 50 is used to illuminate the imaging module. The imaging module may include a camera for image acquisition and imaging. The imaging quality of the imaging module depends largely on the illumination brightness; generally, higher brightness results in better image quality.
[0076] The endoscope's illumination system 50 includes a light source module 51 and a disposable endoscope body 52. The light source module 51 includes a laser light source 511, and the disposable endoscope body 52 includes a plastic optical fiber 521 coupled to the light source module 51. The light emitted from the laser light source 511 is coupled to the plastic optical fiber 521 for illumination, and the plastic optical fiber 521 can be disconnected from the light source module 51. The plastic optical fiber 521 is preferably a single optical fiber, as single optical fibers have lower costs. In other embodiments, the plastic optical fiber 521 can be an optical fiber bundle, i.e., a bundled structure formed by combining multiple optical fibers.
[0077] The fourth embodiment differs from the third embodiment in that the disposable mirror body 52 includes a third light-guiding fiber 522. The two ends of the third light-guiding fiber 522 are coupled one-to-one with the plastic fiber 521 and the light source module 51. Light emitted from the laser light source 511 is coupled to the plastic fiber 521 via the third light-guiding fiber 522. The third light-guiding fiber 522 is either a glass fiber or a quartz fiber. For example, the third light-guiding fiber 522 can be a single glass fiber or a single quartz fiber, which is less expensive. In other embodiments, the third light-guiding fiber 522 can also be a bundle of glass fibers composed of tens of thousands of glass fiber cores, or a bundle of quartz fibers composed of tens of thousands of quartz fiber cores. In some embodiments, a shorter section of glass fiber bundle, quartz fiber bundle, or a single glass fiber or quartz fiber can also be referred to as a light guide rod. Figure 11 As shown, the third optical fiber 522 can be disposed inside the disposable mirror body 52 and between the plastic optical fiber 521 and the light source module 51. One end of the third optical fiber 522 receives the light after coupling from the laser light source 511 of the light source module 51, and the other end is connected to the plastic optical fiber 521 and transmits the light into the plastic optical fiber 521.
[0078] In this implementation, the light source module 51 may adopt the light source structure of the first, second, or third implementation of the third embodiment, which will not be described in detail here.
[0079] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.
[0080] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of this utility model, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the utility model patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this utility model, and these all fall within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model patent should be determined by the appended claims.
Claims
1. An illumination system for an endoscope, characterized in that, include: Light source module, including laser light source; as well as A disposable mirror body includes a plastic optical fiber coupled to the light source module, wherein the light emitted by the laser light source is coupled to the plastic optical fiber for illumination, and the plastic optical fiber can be disconnected from the light source module.
2. The illumination system for an endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that, The light source module includes a first light-guiding optical fiber, which is coupled to the plastic optical fiber. The light emitted by the laser light source is coupled to the plastic optical fiber through the first light-guiding optical fiber. The first light-guiding optical fiber is a glass optical fiber or a quartz optical fiber.
3. The illumination system for an endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that, The light source module includes a second light guide fiber, which is coupled to the laser light source. The light emitted by the laser light source is coupled to the plastic optical fiber through the second light guide fiber. The second light guide fiber is a glass optical fiber or a quartz optical fiber.
4. The illumination system for an endoscope according to claim 3, characterized in that, The light source module includes a first coupling element. The light emitted by the laser light source is coupled to the first coupling element via the second light guide fiber, and finally coupled to the plastic optical fiber.
5. The illumination system for an endoscope according to claim 4, characterized in that, The laser source includes a first dichroic mirror and two light-emitting elements. The light emitted by the two light-emitting elements is combined by the first dichroic mirror and then coupled to the second light-guiding fiber.
6. The illumination system for an endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that, The disposable mirror body includes a third optical fiber, which is coupled to the plastic optical fiber. The light emitted by the laser source is coupled to the plastic optical fiber through the third optical fiber. The third optical fiber is a glass optical fiber or a quartz optical fiber.
7. The illumination system for an endoscope according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The laser source includes at least one of a single green light source and a single orange light source. The green light source includes a first blue light element, a first fluorescent ceramic, and a blue-to-green dichroic mirror. The light from the first blue light element is reflected by the blue-to-green dichroic mirror to the first fluorescent ceramic. The light generated by the excitation of the first fluorescent ceramic passes through the blue-to-green dichroic mirror and is finally coupled to the plastic optical fiber. The orange light source includes a second blue light element, a second fluorescent ceramic, and a blue-to-orange dichroic mirror. The light from the second blue light element is reflected by the blue-to-orange dichroic mirror to the second fluorescent ceramic. The light generated by the excitation of the second fluorescent ceramic passes through the blue-to-orange dichroic mirror and is finally coupled to the plastic optical fiber.
8. The illumination system for an endoscope according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The light source module includes a wavelength combiner disposed between the laser light source and the plastic optical fiber. The laser light source includes at least two of the following: violet light source, blue light source, green light source, orange light source, and red light source. The light emitted by all the laser light sources is combined by the wavelength combiner and then coupled to the plastic optical fiber.
9. The illumination system for an endoscope according to claim 8, characterized in that, The wavelength combining device includes a second coupling element and at least one second dichroic mirror. The second coupling element, one of the laser light sources, and all the second dichroic mirrors are located in the first optical path. The remaining laser light sources are located laterally in the first optical path and correspond one-to-one with the second dichroic mirrors. The second dichroic mirrors are tilted relative to the first optical path. The light rays from the laser light sources in the first optical path that illuminate the second dichroic mirrors are combined with the light rays from the remaining laser light sources that illuminate the corresponding second dichroic mirrors, and then illuminate the second coupling element, which couples the light rays to the plastic optical fiber.
10. The illumination system for an endoscope according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The plastic optical fiber can be a single optical fiber or a bundle of optical fibers.
11. An endoscope, characterized in that, The endoscope includes an imaging module and an illumination system for the endoscope according to any one of claims 1-10, wherein the illumination system is used to illuminate the imaging module.