Light control device for controlling illuminating light in an optical instrument

Abstract

A light control device for controlling the illumination direction (a, b, d) for an optical instrument (10) comprises a plurality of light transmission devices (70, 80, 90), wherein each light transmission device (70, 80, 90) has a light entry surface (72, 82, 92) and at least one light exit surface (76, 86, 96) and is provided and designed to transmit illumination light from the light entry surface (72, 82, 92) to the at least one light exit surface (76, 86, 96), wherein illumination light coupled into the light entry surfaces (72, 82, 92) exits through light exit surfaces (76, 86, 96) of different light transmission devices (70, 80, 90) in different illumination directions (a, b, d); and a controllable coupling device (30; 40; 50;60) for the controllable coupling of illuminating light generated by a light source (60) into the light entry surface (72, 82, 92) of at least one selectable light transmission device (70, 80, 90);

Description

[0001] The present invention is directed to a light control device for controlling illumination light and to an endoscope, an exoscope or another optical instrument for medical or technical purposes.

[0002] The optical observation or viewing of an object requires illuminating light that is reflected or remitted by the object. Optical instruments for applications in confined spaces, particularly in cavities, often incorporate illumination devices to illuminate the viewed objects. Such an illumination device can comprise one or more light sources integrated into the optical instrument and / or one or more light transmission devices. Light from a separate light source can be transmitted to the optical instrument via a fiber optic cable and, within the optical instrument, to one or more light exit surfaces via one or more light transmission devices.

[0003] The higher the intensity of the illumination light, the sharper the image of moving objects, the sharper the contrast, and the clearer the color distinction. This is particularly relevant for highly miniaturized lenses and image sensors. Therefore, the most intense illumination possible is desirable.

[0004] However, illuminating light is also partially absorbed by any real, i.e., not perfectly transparent, beam path, and by any real, i.e., not ideally reflective or remitting object. Therefore, intense illuminating light always heats up the optical instrument and the object being viewed. In the case of a medical endoscope, for example, both can harm a patient.

[0005] With an endoscope or other optical instrument with a variable viewing direction—for example, a variable angle between the viewing direction and the longitudinal axis of the endoscope—a portion of the illuminating light will always illuminate objects or areas that cannot be observed without further action. This represents a waste of illuminating light and poses a particular hazard, as approaching an unobserved, but also particularly hot, object may remain undetected. Therefore, the illuminating direction should correspond as closely as possible to the viewing direction at all times, and the currently captured field of view should be illuminated as evenly and brightly as possible, while minimizing the amount of illuminating light reaching adjacent areas outside the field of view.

[0006] If illumination light generated by different light sources is emitted in different illumination and viewing directions, these light sources can be supplied with power depending on the current viewing direction. For example, if the illumination light for all viewing directions is generated by a single light source, this is not possible.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to enable improved illumination of an object observed by means of an optical instrument, in particular to increase the intensity of illuminating light within a field of view and / or to reduce the waste heat generated during the transmission of the illuminating light.

[0008] This problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claim.

[0009] Further embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0010] A light control device for controlling the illumination direction for an optical instrument comprises a plurality of light transmission devices, wherein each light transmission device has a light entry surface and at least one light exit surface and is provided and designed to transmit illumination light from the light entry surface to the at least one light exit surface, wherein illumination light coupled into the light entry surfaces exits through light exit surfaces of different light transmission devices in different illumination directions; and a controllable coupling device for controllably coupling illumination light generated by a light source into the light entry surface of at least one selectable light transmission device.

[0011] The light source can comprise one or more light-emitting diodes, lasers, high-pressure gas discharge lamps, or other individual light sources. When controlling the coupling of illumination light, the light fluxes generated by different light sources are not varied. Rather, the illumination light generated by one light source is coupled into different light transmission devices by the controllable coupling device.

[0012] The light source can be integrated into the optical instrument into which the light control device is integrated or for which the light control device is provided. Alternatively, the predetermined light source can be part of a device that is separate from the optical instrument and can be mechanically and optically separated, and that can be coupled to the optical instrument by means of a fiber optic cable.

[0013] The light control device is particularly intended and designed for integration into an endoscope, an exoscope, or a microscope with a variable viewing direction for medical or non-medical purposes. Alternatively, the light control device can be part of such an endoscope, exoscope, or microscope, in particular integrated into it.

[0014] The field of view of an optical instrument is the area within which all objects are optically captured, i.e., imaged. All objects within the field of view are captured, for example, they are visible through an eyepiece or are imaged onto a readout area of ​​an image sensor. All objects outside the field of view are not captured, i.e., they are not visible through an eyepiece of the optical instrument, or they are not imaged onto an image sensor or onto a readout area of ​​the image sensor.

[0015] The viewing direction is the direction from the optical instrument or from the distal end of the optical instrument to a distant object that lies in the center of the image-side field of view, i.e., that is imaged in the center of an image captured by the optical instrument (and not yet rectified). An optical instrument has a variable viewing direction if the viewing direction of the stationary optical instrument, which is neither moved translationally nor rotated or pivoted about any axis, is variable, in particular pivotable. For example, the angle between the viewing direction and a longitudinal axis of a shaft of the optical instrument is variable.

[0016] An optical instrument with a variable viewing direction comprises, for example, a pivoting mirror, a pivoting prism, or a pivoting camera. The pivoting mirror, the pivoting prism, or the pivoting camera is, in particular, pivotable relative to the otherwise stationary optical instrument. The pivoting mirror, the pivoting prism, or the pivoting camera is, in particular, arranged at a distal end of the optical instrument, for example, at the distal end of an endoscope. Alternatively, an optical instrument with a variable viewing direction can, for example, comprise a stationary lens with a very wide field of view, wherein only a partial area of ​​the real image generated by the lens is captured at any given time. For example, only a partial area of ​​an image sensor that captures the entire real image is read out at any given time, wherein the partial area is movable.Alternatively, for example, an image sensor that only captures a portion of the real image at any given time can be moved laterally to change the viewing direction.

[0017] Each light transmission device comprises, in particular, one or more optical fibers or one or more bundles or sub-bundles each comprising multiple optical fibers. Illumination light coupled into the light entry surface of a first light transmission device is emitted through the light exit surface of the first light transmission device in a first illumination direction. Illumination light coupled into the light entry surface of a second light transmission device is emitted through the light exit surface of the second light transmission device in a second illumination direction, wherein the second illumination direction differs from the first illumination direction.If the first light transmission device and / or the second light transmission device each have a plurality of light exit surfaces through which illumination light is emitted in different illumination directions, the illumination directions of the first light transmission device and the illumination directions of the second light transmission device are at least partially different.

[0018] The controllable coupling device comprises, in particular, at least one translatable, pivotable, rotatable, or otherwise movable part. The controllable coupling device can be inherently rigid or flexible. The controllable coupling device, or a part thereof, is moved, in particular, such that the field of view is largely or completely illuminated at all times, and significantly less illumination light, or as little illumination light as possible, falls on objects outside the field of view. For this purpose, the controllable coupling device is, in particular, mechanically, magnetically, or otherwise connected directly or indirectly to a pivotable mirror, a pivotable prism, or a pivotable camera in such a way that both are moved synchronously, at least in certain areas.The controllable coupling device can, for example, comprise a pivotable or translatable light source and / or a pivotable mirror and / or a non-rotationally symmetrical but rotatable fiber cone and / or a flexible light guide.

[0019] The light control device can improve the ratio between the luminous flux of the illuminating light within the field of view and the total light output of the light source by emitting less illuminating light outside the field of view at any given time. For example, the light control device can increase the luminous flux of the illuminating light within the field of view while maintaining the same total light output, or enable the same luminous flux within the field of view with a lower total light output.

[0020] A light control device as described here comprises in particular a drive device for moving at least part of the controllable coupling device.

[0021] The drive device is particularly provided and configured to translationally move, pivot, rotate, or otherwise move a translatable, pivotable, rotatable, or otherwise movable part of the controllable coupling device. Alternatively, the drive device can be provided and configured to translationally move, pivot, rotate, or otherwise move the entire controllable coupling device.

[0022] The drive device is in particular provided and designed to move a light source or a mirror or another reflective surface and / or to deform a flexible light guide.

[0023] In a light control device as described here, the drive device comprises in particular an actuating device which is directly manually operable, directly or indirectly mechanically or magnetically coupled to the controllable coupling device.

[0024] The actuating device is in particular provided and designed to simultaneously pivot the viewing direction.

[0025] The actuating device is arranged in particular at a proximal end region of the optical instrument, for example, on a handling device for manual handling. The actuating device comprises, for example, a manually rotatable wheel, a manually pivotable lever, a manually pivotable rocker, a manually displaceable element, and a manually depressable button.

[0026] The actuating device can be mechanically coupled directly or indirectly to the coupling device, for example, by friction wheels, gears, racks, pull or push rods, Bowden cables, cables, hydraulically, pneumatically, or magnetically. In the case of a magnetic coupling, for example, several first magnets of alternating polarity are arranged in or on a manually rotatable wheel outside a hermetically sealed casing of the optical instrument, and several corresponding second magnets are arranged within the hermetically sealed casing, wherein the second magnets are mechanically connected or coupled to the coupling device.

[0027] In a light control device as described here, the drive device comprises in particular an electric motor.

[0028] The electric motor is in particular designed and constructed to simultaneously pivot the viewing direction.

[0029] The electric motor can be a rotating electric motor with a stator and a rotor that rotates or pivots during the intended use, or a linear motor. The electric motor can be connected to the coupling device directly or via a gear unit, particularly a reduction gear unit. A controller can supply the electric motor with electrical power, particularly depending on a human input at a user interface.

[0030] In a light control device as described here, the controllable coupling device comprises in particular a light guide device with a light entry surface and a light exit surface, wherein at least either the light guide device or the light entry surface of the light guide device or the light exit surface of the light guide device or the light entry surface of at least one light transmission device is translatable or rotatable or pivotable in such a way that the light exit surface of the light guide device is arranged opposite the light entry surface of at least one selectable light transmission device or rests against it.

[0031] The light-guiding device is particularly flexible. For example, the light entry surface of the light-guiding device is arranged permanently and immovably relative to a light source or in a coupling for coupling the optical instrument to a fiber optic cable, while the light exit surface is translationally movable or pivotable in order to be arranged relative to the fixed light entry surface(s) of one or more selectable light transmission devices.

[0032] Alternatively, for example, the light exit surface of the light guide device is fixed, while the light entry surfaces of the light transmission devices are movable relative to the light exit surface of the light guide device.

[0033] In a light control device as described here, the controllable coupling device comprises in particular a fiber cone with a light entry surface and a light exit surface, wherein at least either the fiber cone or the light entry surface of at least one light transmission device is rotatable or pivotable such that the light exit surface of the fiber cone is arranged opposite the light entry surface of at least one selectable light transmission device or rests against it.

[0034] A fiber cone—often referred to as a fiber taper or fiber optic connector—is an optical component that enables, for example, the low-loss coupling of light from a first light guide with a first, larger diameter into a second light guide with a second, smaller diameter. A fiber cone is a component of many endoscopes and other optical instruments and is particularly found in a light coupling. The light exit surface of a fiber optic cable, which is mechanically and optically connected to the light coupling, is often positioned at a short distance directly opposite the light entry surface of the fiber cone or is adjacent to it.

[0035] Designing the fiber cone simultaneously as a coupling device or as part of the coupling device can simplify the design of the optical instrument and reduce the required installation space.

[0036] In a light control device as described here, the fiber cone is rotatable in particular about a rotation axis orthogonal to the light entry surface of the fiber cone, wherein the light exit surface of the fiber cone is not symmetrical to the rotation axis.

[0037] The light entry surface of the fiber cone is, in particular, rotationally symmetrical to the axis of rotation. As a result, rotation of the fiber cone around the axis of rotation does not change the light flux coupled into the fiber cone. The arrangement or design of the light exit surface of the fiber cone asymmetrically to the axis of rotation enables controllable coupling of illuminating light passing through the fiber cone into the light entry surfaces of various light transmission devices. For this purpose, the light entry surfaces or their surface centers are arranged, in particular, on a circular base.

[0038] In a light control device as described here, the controllable coupling device is particularly provided and designed to move a light source at least either translationally or to pivot or rotate it.

[0039] By translational movement, pivoting or rotating, the illumination light generated by the light source can be directed onto different light entry surfaces and thus coupled into different light transmission devices.

[0040] An optical instrument includes a light control device as described herein.

[0041] The optical instrument is in particular an endoscope, an exoscope or a microscope for medical or non-medical applications.

[0042] An optical instrument as described here further comprises, in particular, a proximal end region to which the optical instrument can be attached or manually guided during the intended use; and a distal end region at which the light exit surfaces of the light transmission devices of the light control device are arranged, wherein the controllable coupling device is arranged in the proximal end region of the optical instrument.

[0043] The optical instrument is in particular an endoscope or an exoscope.

[0044] The proximal end region of the optical instrument comprises in particular a handling device or is formed by a handling device.

[0045] The distal end region of the optical instrument comprises in particular a distal end region of a shaft of the optical instrument or is formed by the distal end region of the shaft.

[0046] An optical instrument as described here further comprises, in particular, a controllable viewing direction device for controlling the viewing direction (a, b, d) of the optical instrument, wherein the controllable coupling device is coupled to the controllable viewing direction device.

[0047] The controllable viewing direction device and the controllable coupling device are in particular mechanically coupled to one another, for example by means of a gear, a Bowden cable, a pull or push rod, a pull cable or in another way.

[0048] An optical instrument as described here further comprises, in particular, a light coupling at the proximal end region of the optical instrument for mechanically and optically coupling a fiber optic cable to the optical instrument, wherein the controllable coupling device is arranged on or in the light coupling.

[0049] The light coupling has, for example, lugs for a bayonet connection (often also called a bayonet connection) or an external thread for a detachable mechanical connection with a union nut at one end of a fiber optic cable.

[0050] In particular, if the controllable coupling device comprises a rotatable fiber cone, its at least partial arrangement in the light coupling can reduce the number of components and save installation space. Short description of the characters

[0051] The following embodiments are explained in more detail with reference to the attached figures. They show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of an optical instrument; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a section through an optical instrument with a light control device; Fig. 3 a schematic representation of an arrangement of light entry surfaces of light transmission devices; Fig. 4 a schematic representation of a further arrangement of light entry surfaces of light transmission devices; Fig. 5 a schematic representation of a further arrangement of light entry surfaces of light transmission devices Fig. 6 a schematic representation of a section through another optical instrument with a light control device; Fig. 7 a schematic representation of a further arrangement of light entry surfaces of light transmission devices; Fig. 8 a schematic representation of a further arrangement of light entry surfaces of light transmission devices; Fig. 9 a schematic representation of a section through another optical instrument with a light control device; Fig. 10 a schematic representation of a section through another optical instrument with a light control device. Description of the embodiments

[0052] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an optical instrument 10, namely an endoscope. The endoscope 10 has a proximal end portion 12 with an eyepiece that generates a virtual image. The virtual image generated by the eyepiece can be captured by a camera or directly with the human eye. A light coupling 14 is also provided at the proximal end portion 12 of the endoscope 10.

[0053] The endoscope 10 further comprises a shaft 16, the distal end region of which forms the distal end region 18 of the endoscope 10. In the distal end region 18 of the endoscope 10 and of its shaft 16, a Fig. 1, a viewing direction device (not shown) is provided for varying the viewing direction of the endoscope 10. The viewing direction device comprises, for example, a pivotable camera or a pivotable reflective interface or layer. The reflective interface or layer is provided, for example, on a pivotable prism. By pivoting the camera or the reflective interface or layer, the angle between the viewing direction and the longitudinal axis of the shaft 14 can be changed. Examples of such devices are shown in Fig. 1 three viewing directions a, b, d and three corresponding fields of view A, B, D are shown.

[0054] At the Fig. In the configuration shown in Figure 1, the light coupling 14 is connected to an external light source by a fiber optic cable 20. Illumination light generated by the external light source is transmitted through the fiber optic cable 20 to the proximal end portion 12 of the endoscope 10 and, within the endoscope 10, through one or more light transmission devices to the distal end portion 18 of the endoscope 10. The illumination light exits the distal end portion 18 of the endoscope 10 and illuminates an object viewed by the endoscope 10.

[0055] The endoscope has one of the following characteristics: Fig. 2 to 9, which controls the direction of illumination in such a way that the illuminating light emerges predominantly or largely only in the current viewing direction a, b, d and illuminates the current field of view A, B, D.

[0056] Fig. 2 shows a schematic and enlarged view of a section through an embodiment of the Fig. 1 shown endoscope 10. The cutting plane of the Fig. 2 is parallel to the plane of the Fig. 1. The shaft 16 of the endoscope 10 is shown in a shortened form. The proximal end portion 12 of the endoscope 10, namely the eyepiece located there, is also shown in a shortened form.

[0057] The endoscope 10 has a handwheel 22, which, in the example shown, is rotatable about the light coupling 14. The handwheel 22 is arranged outside a hermetically sealed casing of the endoscope 10. The handwheel 22 has several magnets 24, whose poles facing the inside of the handwheel 22 are alternating north and south poles in the circumferential direction.

[0058] Within the hermetically sealed casing of the endoscope 10, magnets 26 are provided on a mount 28. The radially outward-facing ends of the magnets 26 on the mount 28 also alternate north and south poles in the circumferential direction. The north poles of the magnets 24 on the handwheel 22 attract the south poles of the magnets 26 on the mount 28, and the south poles of the magnets 24 on the handwheel 22 attract the north poles of the magnets 26 on the mount 28. A rotation of the handwheel 22 is therefore accompanied by a rotation of the mount 28.

[0059] The socket 28 holds a fiber cone 30 with a light entry surface 32 and a light exit surface 36.

[0060] The light entry surface 32 of the fiber cone 30 can, as in Fig. 2 so that they are in contact with a light exit surface of a light guide cable 20 connected to the light coupling 14 (cf. Fig. 1) can be directly optically coupled. The light entry surface 32 of the fiber cone 30 lies directly against the light exit surface of the fiber optic cable 20. Alternatively, in the intended use, the light exit surface of a fiber optic cable 20 can be arranged at a short distance from the light entry surface 32 of the fiber cone 30. The shape and size of the light entry surface 32 of the fiber cone 30 are, in particular, adapted to the shape and size of the light exit surface of a fiber optic cable 20 for which the endoscope 10 is intended.

[0061] Deviating from the representation in Fig. 2, for example, a cover glass can form the outer surface of the endoscope 10 in the region of the light entry surface 32 of the fiber cone 30.

[0062] The light exit surface 36 is smaller than the light entry surface 32. The fiber cone 30 is rotatable about a rotation axis 38. The rotation axis 38 of the fiber cone 38 is parallel to the plane of the Fig. 2. The light entry surface 32 of the fiber cone 30 is orthogonal to the plane of the Fig. 2 and orthogonal and rotationally symmetrical to the rotation axis 38. The light exit surface 36 of the fiber cone 30 is orthogonal to the plane of the Fig. 2 and orthogonal, but not rotationally symmetric to the rotation axis 38.

[0063] The endoscope 10 further comprises a plurality of light transmission devices 70, 80, 90, which extend within the endoscope, primarily within the shaft 16, from the proximal end region 12 to the distal end region 18 of the endoscope 10. Each light transmission device 70, 80, 90 has a light entry surface 72, 82, 92 and one or more light exit surfaces 76, 86, 96. Each light transmission device 70, 80, 90 comprises an optical fiber or an optical waveguide or a bundle of optical fibers or optical waveguides, which can be divided or fanned out, at least near the distal end, into several sub-bundles, each with a light exit surface.

[0064] The light entry surfaces 72, 82, 92 of the light transmission devices 70, 80, 90 are arranged next to one another in a plane in the proximal end region 12 of the endoscope 10. The plane in which the light entry surfaces 72, 82, 92 of the light transmission devices 70, 80, 90 lie is in particular parallel to the light exit surface 36 of the fiber cone 30. The plane in which the light entry surfaces 72, 82, 92 of the light transmission devices 70, 80, 90 lie is a short distance from the light exit surface 36 of the fiber cone 30. Alternatively, the light exit surface 36 of the fiber cone 30 abuts one or more light entry surfaces 72, 82, 92 of the light transmission devices 70, 80, 90.

[0065] The light exit surface 36 of the fiber cone is smaller than the light entry surfaces 72, 82, 92 of the light transmission devices 70, 80, 90. Therefore, illumination light emerging from the light exit surface 36 of the fiber cone 30 is always coupled exclusively or predominantly into a part of the light transmission devices 70, 80, 90, while no illumination light or only significantly less illumination light is coupled into one or more light transmission devices 70, 80, 90.

[0066] The light entry surfaces 72, 82, 92 of the light transmission devices 70, 80, 90 are arranged in such a way that by rotating the fiber cone 30 about the rotation axis 38 into different positions, it is possible to select into which light transmission devices 70, 80, 90 illumination light is to be coupled. Two possible arrangements of the light entry surfaces 72, 82, 92 of the light transmission devices 70, 80, 90 are shown below with reference to the Fig. 3 shown.

[0067] Near the light exit surfaces 76, 86, 96 of the light transmission devices 70, 80, 90, the optical fibers or optical waveguides forming the light transmission devices 70, 80, 90 are oriented differently. Likewise, the light exit surfaces 76, 86, 96 of the light transmission devices 70, 80, 90 are oriented differently. Therefore, illuminating light exits from different light exit surfaces 76, 86, 96 in different directions. For example, illuminating light exits from the light exit surface 76 of the light transmission device 70 in viewing direction a, illuminating light exits from the light exit surface 86 of the light transmission device 80 in viewing direction b, and illuminating light exits from the light exit surface 96 of the light transmission device 90 in viewing direction d.The intensity is always a continuous function of the angle, so that the illuminating light, for example, has the highest intensity in a certain direction a, b, d, but is also radiated in neighboring directions with decreasing intensity.

[0068] The handwheel 22 is an actuating device; together with the magnets 24, 26 and the socket 28, it forms a drive device for moving, namely rotating, the fiber cone 30. The fiber cone 30 is a movable light-guiding device and forms a coupling device for coupling illumination light into the light entry surface 72, 82, 92 of at least one selectable light transmission device 70, 80, 90.

[0069] By rotating the handwheel 22, the fiber cone 30 can be rotated about its rotation axis 38, the light transmission device or the light transmission devices 70, 80, 90 into which the illumination light is coupled or predominantly coupled, and thus the direction a, b, d into which the illumination light is directed or predominantly directed, can be selected.

[0070] The handwheel 22 serves in particular simultaneously for manually controlling the viewing direction, for example by tilting a prism or a camera in the distal end region 18 of the endoscope 10. Deviating from the illustration in Fig. 2, the handwheel 22 can be arranged at a different location, for example, enclose the shaft 16 or the tube surrounding the eyepiece or be arranged at a different location.

[0071] Alternatively, another manual user interface or device for manually moving the fiber cone 30 and a viewing direction device may be provided, for example, a lever, a button, a rocker. Alternatively, for example, an electric motor may be provided to move the fiber cone 30. Optionally, and deviating from the illustration in Fig. 2 The handwheel, lever, button, rocker or other manual user interface or electric motor can be coupled to the fiber cone by a gear mechanism.

[0072] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of the light entry surfaces 72, 82, 92 of the Fig. 2 shown light transmission devices 70, 80, 90. The drawing plane of the Fig. 3 is orthogonal to the plane of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 and orthogonal to the rotation axis 38 of the fiber cone 30.

[0073] In the Fig. In the example shown in Figure 3, each individual light entry surface 72, 82, 92 is circular, and the diameters of all light entry surfaces 72, 82, 92 are the same. The light entry surfaces 72, 82, 92 are arranged in close proximity to one another, meaning they touch one another or are separated from one another only by structurally necessary components such as hose- or tube-like sheaths.

[0074] The design of the Fig. 3 is easy to represent in that a light transmission device made of a bundle of optical fibers or optical waveguides can be configured particularly easily with a circular cross-section. A disadvantage of the embodiment of the Fig. 3 is that depending on the position of the fiber cone 30 and its light exit surface 36 (cf. Fig. 2) a portion of the illumination light enters the spaces between the light entry surfaces 72, 82, 92. This portion of the illumination light is not transmitted to the distal end region 18 of the endoscope 10, thus does not contribute to the illumination of a viewed object, but rather heats the proximal ends of the light transmission devices 70, 80, 90.

[0075] Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of the light entry surfaces 72, 82, 92 in another embodiment. The type of representation, in particular the position of the plane of the drawing, corresponds to that of Fig. 3.

[0076] In the Fig. In the example shown in Figure 4, each individual light entry surface 72, 82, 92 has the shape of a circular segment with two straight edge sections and one circular arc-shaped edge section. The light entry surfaces 72, 82, 92 are arranged such that together they form a circular surface.

[0077] At the Fig. 4, there are no gaps between the light entry surfaces 72, 82, 92. However, even in a similar real embodiment, which can be achieved with relatively high technical effort, only small gaps between the light entry surfaces 72, 82, 92 can be realized. Therefore, in comparison to the Fig. 3, less illumination light is lost, and the proximal ends of the light transmission devices 70, 80, 90 and their surroundings are heated less.

[0078] Fig. Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of the light entry surfaces 72, 82, 92 in a further embodiment. The type of representation, in particular the position of the plane of the drawing, corresponds to that of Fig. 3 and Fig. 4.

[0079] In the Fig. In the example shown in Figure 5, each individual light entry surface 72, 82, 92 has straight and circular-arc-shaped edge sections. The light entry surfaces 72, 82, 92 adjoin one another with their straight edge sections and together form a circular arc segment with rounded ends.

[0080] At the Fig. In the idealized embodiment shown in Figure 5, there are no gaps between the light entry surfaces 72, 82, 92. However, even in a similar real embodiment, which can be achieved with relatively high technical effort, only small gaps between the light entry surfaces 72, 82, 92 can be realized. Therefore, in comparison to the embodiment shown in Figure 5, Fig. 3, less illumination light is lost, and the proximal ends of the light transmission devices 70, 80, 90 and their surroundings are heated less.

[0081] While the results obtained from the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 illustrated embodiments of the light entry surfaces 72, 82, 92, the asymmetric fiber cone 30 is rotated by approximately 240 degrees in order to direct the illumination light successively in the directions a, b, d (cf. Fig. 2) is sufficient for the Fig. 5, an angle of approximately 180 degrees. The circular arc formed by the light entry surfaces 72, 82, 92 can be shorter or longer than in Fig. 5. Accordingly, the rotation angle of the asymmetric fiber cone 30 can be less than or greater than 180 degrees from a direction of directing the illumination light in direction a to a direction of directing the illumination light in direction d.

[0082] Fig. 6 shows a schematic representation of a section through a further embodiment of the endoscope 10 from Fig. 1, which in some features, characteristics and functions of the Fig. 2. The type of representation, the position and orientation of the drawing plane correspond to those of the Fig. 2. In the following, features, properties and functions are described in particular, in which the Fig. 6 shown embodiment differs from the one shown in Fig. 2 shown embodiment.

[0083] As with the Fig. 2, the light entry surfaces 72, 82, 92 of the light transmission devices 70, 80, 90 are arranged next to one another in a plane. In the example shown, the orientation of this plane is different from that shown in the Fig. 2 illustrated embodiment.

[0084] The Fig. The embodiment of the endoscope 10 shown in Figure 6 differs from that shown in Figure 6. Fig. 2 is characterized in particular by the fact that, instead of a rotatable but non-rotationally symmetrical fiber cone, a non-rotatable but flexible light-guiding device 40 is provided in the proximal end region 12 of the endoscope. The flexible light-guiding device 40 has a light entry surface 42 and a movable light exit surface 46. The flexible light-guiding device 40 consists in particular of a bundle of optical fibers or optical waveguides and can be similar to the light transmission devices 70, 80, 90.

[0085] The light entry surface 42 of the flexible light guide device 40 can, as in Fig. 6 be arranged so that they are in contact with a light exit surface of a light guide cable 20 connected to the light coupling 14 (cf. Fig. 1) can be directly optically coupled. The light entry surface 42 of the flexible light guide device 40 lies directly against the light exit surface of the light guide cable 20. Alternatively, in the intended use, the light exit surface of a light guide cable 20 can be arranged at a short distance from the light entry surface 42 of the flexible light guide device 40.

[0086] Deviating from the representation in Fig. 6, for example, a cover glass can form the outer surface of the endoscope 10 in the area of ​​the light entry surface 42 of the flexible light guide device 40. Deviating from the illustration in Fig. 6, alternatively or in addition to a cover glass, a fiber cone can be provided that optically couples a fiber optic cable 20 connected to the light coupling 14 and the flexible light guide device 40. The fiber cone and the flexible light guide device 40 can be integrated into one component.

[0087] In contrast to the light entry surface 42 of the flexible light guide device 40, the light exit surface 46 of the flexible light guide device 40 can be as in Fig. 6 indicated by an arrow. The light exit surface 46 of the flexible light guide device 40 can thus alternatively be arranged opposite one or more of the light entry surfaces 72, 82, 92 of the light transmission devices 70, 80, 90 or, deviating from the illustration in Fig. 6, apply to this.

[0088] A drive device for moving the light exit surface is in Fig. 6 is not shown. Similar to the Fig. As shown in Figure 2, a handwheel, a lever, a button, a rocker, or another manually movable component can be provided as a mechanical user interface as a drive device for moving the light exit surface 46 of the flexible light-guiding device 40. Alternatively, an electric motor, for example, can be provided as the drive device. The drive device can be mechanically coupled to the flexible light-guiding device 40 directly or indirectly, for example, by means of a gear.

[0089] The flexible light guide device forms a coupling device for coupling illumination light into the light entry surface 72, 82, 92 of at least one selectable light transmission device 70, 80, 90. By positioning the light exit surface 46, the light transmission device or the light transmission devices 70, 80, 90 into which the illumination light is coupled or predominantly coupled, and thus the direction a, b, d in which the illumination light is directed or predominantly directed, can be selected.

[0090] In Fig. In Figure 6, the flexible light guide device 40 is shown in solid lines in a position in which the illumination light is exclusively or predominantly coupled into the light transmission device 90 and emitted in direction d. Dashed lines show positions and configurations of the flexible light guide device 40 in which the illumination light is coupled into the light transmission devices 80 and 70, respectively, and emitted in directions b and a, respectively.

[0091] Fig. 7 shows a schematic representation of the light entry surfaces 72, 82, 92 of the Fig. 6 illustrated light transmission devices 70, 80, 90. The drawing plane of the Fig. 7 is orthogonal to the drawing planes of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 6 and orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the shaft 16 of the endoscope 10 (cf. Fig. 1).

[0092] Similar to the one based on the Fig. The example shown in Figure 3 is also the case in Fig. In the example shown in Figure 7, each individual light entry surface 72, 82, 92 is circular, and the diameters of all light entry surfaces 72, 82, 92 are the same. The light entry surfaces 72, 82, 92 are arranged next to each other, meaning they touch each other or are separated from each other only by structurally necessary components such as hose- or tube-like casings. Unlike the example shown in Figure 7, Fig. In the example shown in Figure 3, the light entry surfaces 72, 82, 92 are arranged in a row.

[0093] Similar to the Fig. The example shown in Figure 3 is also the one in Fig. The example shown in Figure 7 is easy to manufacture, but has the disadvantage that, depending on the position of the light exit surface 46 of the flexible light guide device 40, a portion of the illumination light is not coupled into a light transmission device 70, 80, 90. The uncoupled illumination light does not contribute to the illumination of a viewed object, but rather heats the area surrounding the proximal ends of the light transmission devices 70, 80, 90.

[0094] Fig. Figure 8 shows a schematic representation of the light entry surfaces 72, 82, 92 in another embodiment. The type of representation, in particular the position of the plane of the drawing, corresponds to that of Fig. 7.

[0095] In the Fig. In the example shown in Figure 8, the end light entry surfaces 72, 92 each have the shape of a fusion of a half-circle and a rectangle, each with three straight edge sections and one semicircular edge section. The central light entry surface 82 has the shape of a rectangle. The light entry surfaces 72, 82, 92 are arranged such that together they form a rectangular strip with rounded ends.

[0096] At the Fig. In the idealized embodiment shown in Figure 7, there are no gaps between the light entry surfaces 72, 82, 92. However, even in a similar real embodiment, which can be achieved with relatively high technical effort, only small gaps between the light entry surfaces 72, 82, 92 can be realized. Therefore, in comparison to the embodiment shown in Figure 7, Fig. 7, less illumination light is lost, and the proximal ends of the light transmission devices 70, 80, 90 and their surroundings are heated less.

[0097] Fig. 9 shows a schematic representation of a section through a further embodiment of the endoscope 10 from Fig. 1, which in some features, properties and functions exceeds the Fig. 2 and Fig. 6. The type of representation, the position and orientation of the drawing plane correspond to those of the Fig. 2 and Fig. 6. In the following, features, properties and functions are described in particular, in which the Fig. 9 shown embodiment differs from the one shown in Fig. 6 shown embodiment.

[0098] As with the Fig. 6, the light entry surfaces 72, 82, 92 of the light transmission devices 70, 80, 90 are arranged next to one another in a plane. The shape and arrangement of the light entry surfaces 72, 82, 92 of the light transmission devices 70, 80, 90 corresponds, for example, to the Fig. 7 or the Fig. 8.

[0099] As with the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, a fiber cone 30 is provided, which, however, is not movable. A translationally movable mirror 50 is provided in the proximal end region 12 of the endoscope 10. A first collimator 52, stationary relative to the endoscope 10, is arranged at a distance approximately equal to its focal length from the light exit surface 36 of the fiber cone 30. A second collimator 54, movable together with the mirror 50, is arranged at a distance approximately equal to its focal length from the light entry surfaces 72, 82, 92 of the light transmission devices 70, 80, 90.

[0100] The mirror 50 and the second collimator 54 are mounted on a carriage 56 in a predetermined arrangement and orientation relative to each other. Fig. 9, an arrow indicates that the carriage 56 is translationally movable. A linear guide (not shown) enables movement of the carriage 56 along a predetermined and, in particular, straight path and prevents all other movements. A first end of a lever 58 is arranged outside the housing of the endoscope 10 and is manually operable or pivotable. A second end of the lever 58 is mechanically coupled to the carriage 56, so that a Fig. 9 by a circular arrow indicated pivoting movement of the lever 58 with a Fig. 9 is accompanied by a translational movement of the carriage 56 indicated by a straight arrow.

[0101] Divergent illumination light emanating from the light exit surface 36 of the fiber cone 30 propagates after the stationary first collimator 52 essentially in a parallel beam with only slight divergence or convergence. The collimated light falls on the mirror 50 and is directed by it onto the second collimator 54. The second collimator focuses the illumination light onto one or more of the light entry surfaces 72, 82, 92 of the light transmission devices 70, 80, 90.

[0102] The lever 58 forms a drive device for the carriage 56. The carriage 56, together with the mirror 50 and the second collimator 54, forms a controllable coupling device. By manually actuating the lever 58, the carriage 56 with the mirror 50 and the second collimator 54 can be moved. This allows selection of the light transmission device 70, 80, 90 into which the illumination light is coupled and in which direction a, b, d the illumination light is emitted.

[0103] Fig. 10 shows a schematic representation of a section through a further embodiment of the endoscope 10 from Fig. 1, which in some features, properties and functions exceeds the Fig. 2, Fig. 6 and Fig. 9. The type of representation, the position and orientation of the drawing plane correspond to those of the Fig. 2, Fig. 6 and Fig. 9. In particular, features, characteristics and functions are described below in which the Fig. 10 shown embodiment differs from the ones shown in Fig. 6 5 and 9 shown embodiments.

[0104] As with the Fig. 6 and Fig. 9, the light entry surfaces 72, 82, 92 of the light transmission devices 70, 80, 90 are arranged next to one another in a plane. The shape and arrangement of the light entry surfaces 72, 82, 92 of the light transmission devices 70, 80, 90 corresponds, for example, to the Fig. 7 or the Fig. 8.

[0105] Unlike the ones based on the Fig. 2, Fig. 6 and Fig. In the embodiments shown in Figure 9, the endoscope 10 does not have a light coupling. Instead, a light source 60 is provided in the proximal end region 12 of the endoscope 10. The light source 60 and a lens 64 are attached to a translationally movable carriage 66. In Fig. 10, an arrow indicates that the carriage 66 is translationally movable. A linear guide (not shown) enables movement of the carriage 66 along a predetermined and, in particular, straight path and prevents all other movements. A first end of a lever 58 is arranged outside the housing of the endoscope 10 and is manually operable or pivotable. A second end of the lever 58 is mechanically coupled to the carriage 66, so that a Fig. 10 by a circular arrow indicated pivoting movement of the lever 58 with a Fig. 10 is accompanied by a translational movement of the carriage 66 indicated by a straight arrow.

[0106] Divergent illumination light emanating from the light source 60 is focused by the lens 64.

[0107] The lever 58 forms a drive device for the carriage 66. The carriage 66, together with the light source 60 and the lens 64, forms a controllable coupling device. By manually actuating the lever 58, the carriage 66, together with the light source 60 and the lens 64, can be moved. This allows selection of the light transmission device 70, 80, 90 into which the illumination light generated by the light source 60 is coupled and in which direction a, b, d the illumination light is emitted. Reference symbol 10 Endoscope 12 proximal end of the endoscope 10 14 Light coupling at the proximal end portion 12 of the endoscope 10 16 Shaft of the endoscope 10 18 distal end region of the endoscope 10 20 fiber optic cables 22 Handwheel for manually controlling the viewing direction and the illumination direction of the endoscope 10 24 Magnet on the handwheel 26 Magnet within a hermetically sealed shell of the endoscope 10 28 Socket for fiber cone 30 30 fiber cones 32 Light entry surface of the fiber cone 30 36 Light exit surface of the fiber cone 30 38 Rotation axis of the fiber cone 30 40 Light guide device in the proximal end 12 of the endoscope 10 42 Light entry surface of the light guide device 42 46 movable light exit surface of the light guide device 42 50 mirrors 52 stationary first collimator 54 movable second collimator 56 translationally movable carriage to which the mirror 50 and the movable collimator 54 are attached. 58 levers 60 Light source for generating illumination light at the proximal end of the endoscope 10 64 Lens for focusing the illumination light generated by the light source 60 66 translationally movable carriage, to which the light source 60 and the lens 64 are attached 70 first light transmission device for transmitting illumination light from the proximal end 12 to the distal end 18 of the endoscope 10 72 Light entry surface of the first light transmission device 70 76 Light exit surface of the first light transmission device 70 80 second light transmission device for transmitting illumination light from the proximal end 12 to the distal end 18 of the endoscope 10 82 Light entry surface of the second light transmission device 80 86 Light exit surface of the second light transmission device 80 90 third light transmission device for transmitting illumination light from the proximal end 12 to the distal end 18 of the endoscope 10 92 Light entry surface of the third light transmission device 90 96 Light exit surface of the third light transmission device 90 a first line of sight A first field of view b second viewing direction B second field of view d third viewing direction D third field of view

Claims

[1] Light control device for controlling the illumination direction (a, b, d) for an optical instrument, with a plurality of light transmission devices (70, 80, 90), wherein each light transmission device (70, 80, 90) has a light entry surface (72, 82, 92) and at least one light exit surface (76, 86, 96) and is provided and designed to transmit illumination light from the light entry surface (72, 82, 92) to the at least one light exit surface (76, 86, 96), wherein illumination light coupled into the light entry surfaces (72, 82, 92) exits through light exit surfaces (76, 86, 96) of different light transmission devices (70, 80, 90) in different illumination directions (a, b, d); a controllable coupling device (30; 40; 50; 60) for controllably coupling illumination light generated by a light source (60) into the light entry surface (72, 82, 92) of at least one selectable light transmission device (70, 80, 90). [2] Light control device according to the preceding claim, further comprising a drive device (22, 24, 26) for moving at least part of the controllable coupling device. [3] Light control device according to the preceding claim, in which the drive device comprises an actuating device (22) which is directly manually operable and directly or indirectly mechanically or magnetically coupled to the controllable coupling device (30; 40; 50; 60). [4] Light control device according to claim 2, wherein the drive device comprises an electric motor. [5] Light control device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the controllable coupling device comprises a light guide device (30; 40) with a light entry surface (32; 42) and a light exit surface (36; 46), at least either the light guide device (30; 40) or the light entry surface (32) of the light guide device (30; 40) or the light exit surface (36) of the light guide device (30; 40) or the light entry surface (72, 82, 92) of at least one light transmission device (70, 80, 90) is translatable or rotatable or pivotable in such a way that the light exit surface (36; 46) of the light guide device (30, 40) is arranged opposite the light entry surface (72, 82, 92) of at least one selectable light transmission device (70, 80, 90) or is adjacent to it. [6] Light control device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the controllable coupling device comprises a fiber cone (30) with a light entry surface (42) and a light exit surface (36), at least either the fiber cone (30) or the light entry surface (72, 82, 92) of at least one light transmission device (70, 80, 90) is rotatable or pivotable such that the light exit surface (36) of the fiber cone (30) is arranged opposite the light entry surface (72, 82, 92) of at least one selectable light transmission device (70, 80, 90) or rests against it. [7] Light control device according to the preceding claim, wherein the fiber cone (30) is rotatable about a rotation axis (38) orthogonal to the light entry surface (32) of the fiber cone (30); the light exit surface (36) of the fiber cone (30) is not symmetrical to the rotation axis (38). [8] Light control device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the controllable coupling device is provided and designed to move a light source (60) at least either translationally or to pivot or to rotate. [9] Optical instrument (10) comprising a light control device according to one of the preceding claims. [10] Optical instrument (10) according to the preceding claim, comprising a proximal end region (12) to which the optical instrument (10) can be fastened or manually guided during the intended use; a distal end region (18) at which the light exit surfaces (76, 86, 96) of the light transmission devices (70, 80, 90) of the light control device are arranged, wherein the controllable coupling device (30; 40; 50; 60) is arranged in the proximal end region (12) of the optical instrument (10). [11] Optical instrument (10) according to one of claims 9 and 10, further comprising: a controllable viewing direction device for controlling the viewing direction (a, b, d) of the optical instrument (10), wherein the controllable coupling device (30; 40; 50; 60) is coupled to the controllable viewing direction device. [12] Optical instrument (10) according to one of claims 9 to 11, further comprising a light coupling (14) at the proximal end region (12) of the optical instrument (10) for mechanically and optically coupling a light guide cable (20) to the optical instrument (10), wherein the controllable coupling device (30; 40; 50; 60) is arranged on or in the light coupling (14).

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