Control device of endoscope

Abstract

To provide a control device of an endoscope capable of improving inspection efficiency at the time of endoscope inspection.SOLUTION: A control device 11 includes a housing 70. The housing 70 has: a connector 12 to which an endoscope connector 18 can be connected; and an illumination part that illuminates the connector 12 with annular light. The illumination part includes: an annular member 75 provided inside a hole part 70K provided in a front panel 70P constituting a front surface part 70F of the housing 70, along a peripheral direction of the hole part 70K; and a light emission element 77 capable of introducing light into the annular member 75.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology of the present disclosure relates to a control device for an endoscope.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an endoscope light source device that supplies illumination light to a light guide of an endoscope. The device includes a plurality of first semiconductor light sources that emit light in different wavelength regions, an illumination light generation unit that generates the illumination light of white light from the light emitted by the plurality of first semiconductor light sources, and a light source attachment unit in which a second semiconductor light source is detachably configured. When the second semiconductor light source is attached to the light source attachment unit, the illumination light generation unit generates the illumination light from the light emitted by the plurality of first semiconductor light sources and the light emitted by the second semiconductor light source.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The technology of the present disclosure provides a control device for an endoscope that can improve the inspection efficiency during endoscopy.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A control device for an endoscope according to one aspect of the technology of the present disclosure includes a housing. The housing has a connection portion to which a connector of the endoscope can be connected, and an illumination portion that illuminates the connection portion with annular light.

Effects of the Invention

[0006] According to the technology of the present disclosure, the inspection efficiency during endoscopy can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] FIG. 1 is an external view showing an endoscope apparatus which is one aspect of the technology of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the endoscope apparatus 2 of FIG. 1.

[0009] As shown in FIG. 1, the endoscope apparatus 2 includes an endoscope 10, a control device 11, and a monitor 19. The control device 11 comprehensively controls the entire endoscope apparatus 2 in accordance with an operation of an operator input from an input device (such as an operation switch, a keyboard, and a mouse) (not shown).

[0010] The endoscope 10 is an example of a flexible endoscope and includes a flexible insertion portion 13 that is inserted into a patient's body cavity, an operation portion 15 provided at the proximal end portion of the insertion portion 13, a universal cord 17 provided at the operation portion 15, and an endoscope connector 18 provided at the end of the universal cord 17 and connected to the connector 12 of the control device 11. The endoscope 10 is not limited to a flexible endoscope and may be other types of endoscopes such as a rigid endoscope.

[0011] An observation window, a lighting window, etc. are provided on the tip surface of the insertion portion 13. At the tip portion 14 that constitutes the tip of the insertion portion 13, an objective optical system that forms an optical image of subject light from the observed site captured through the observation window, and an imaging element that converts the optical image formed by the objective optical system into an image signal, etc. An imaging unit 30 (see FIG. 2) is provided. The imaging element is, for example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor, a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor, etc.

[0012] The image signal output from the imaging unit 30 is transmitted to the endoscope connector 18 through a transmission cable that is inserted and arranged inside the insertion portion 13, the operation portion 15, and the universal cord 17 up to the endoscope connector 18.

[0013] At the tip portion 14, a light emitting portion of a light guide 41 that transmits light for irradiating the observed site from the lighting window is arranged. The light guide 41 is inserted and arranged inside the insertion portion 13, the operation portion 15, and the universal cord 17 up to the endoscope connector 18. A light guide rod 20 connected to the light guide 41 is provided so as to protrude from the endoscope connector 18.

[0014] The operation unit 15 includes an angle knob for adjusting the orientation of the tip surface of the insertion unit 13 in the vertical, horizontal, and left - right directions, an air - and - water supply button for ejecting air and water from the tip surface of the insertion unit 13, a release button for recording a still image of the captured image, and the like. The orientation of the tip surface of the insertion unit 13 is adjusted by curving a curved portion provided in the vicinity of the proximal - end side of the distal end portion 14.

[0015] The universal cord 17 is covered with an outer wall portion that is tubular, slender, and flexible. Inside the tube of the outer wall portion, the above - mentioned transmission cable, light guide 41, and air - and - water supply tube that are inserted and arranged in the cavity portions inside the insertion unit 13 and the operation unit 15 are inserted and arranged.

[0016] The endoscope connector 18 is connected to the connector 12 of the control device 11. Through the endoscope connector 18 and the connector 12, without physical connection of electric wires, non - contact power supply from the control device 11 to the endoscope 10, transmission of image signals from the endoscope 10 to the control device 11, and transmission and reception of control signals between the endoscope 10 and the control device 11 are performed.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 2, the endoscope 10 includes a power - receiving unit 36 provided in the endoscope connector 18. The control device 11 includes a power - supply unit 51 provided in the connector 12. The power required to drive the internal circuit of the endoscope 10 is supplied from the control device 11 by non - contact power - supply means composed of the power - supply unit 51 of the control device 11 and the power - receiving unit 36 of the endoscope 10.

[0018] This non-contact power supply means is a means for transmitting and receiving power non-contact using electromagnetic coupling. When the endoscope connector 18 is attached to the connector 12, the power supply unit 51 and the power receiving unit 36 are arranged close to each other at a distance where electromagnetic coupling is possible, and non-contact power transmission from the power supply unit 51 to the power receiving unit 36 is set to be possible. The power supply unit 51 is connected to a commercial power supply 100 outside the control device 11 via a power supply circuit 52. The power supplied from the commercial power supply 100 and generated by the power supply circuit 52 is supplied to the power supply unit 51. The power supplied from the power supply circuit 52 to the power supply unit 51 supplies power non-contact from the power supply unit 51 to the power receiving unit 36. The power receiving unit 36 receives power non-contact from the power supply unit 51.

[0019] The power supply unit 51 is preferably a primary coil connected to the power supply circuit 52, and the power receiving unit 36 is preferably a secondary coil electromagnetically coupled to the primary coil. Examples of the structure of the primary coil and the secondary coil include a structure having a substrate with a plane and a coil wound in a spiral shape on the plane.

[0020] The endoscope 10 includes an image signal transmission unit 35 provided in the endoscope connector 18, a signal transmission / reception unit 40 provided in the endoscope connector 18, a power supply generation unit 31 that generates a power supply voltage to be supplied to each part of the endoscope 10 from the power received by the power receiving unit 36, an A / D converter (Analog / Digital converter) 32, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) 33, an image signal modulation unit 34, a timing signal generation circuit (TSG: Timing Signal Generator) 37, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 38 that controls each part of the endoscope 10, and a signal conversion unit 39.

[0021] The image signal output from the imaging unit 30 is changed from an analog signal to a digital signal by the A / D converter 32. The image signal output from the A / D converter 32 is transmitted to the DSP 33. The DSP 33 performs necessary processes such as amplification, gamma correction, and white balance processing on the image signal from the A / D converter 32.

[0022] The image signal modulation unit 34 performs optical modulation based on this image signal to generate an image optical signal in order to transmit the image signal from the DSP 33 to the control device 11 by optical communication.

[0023] The image signal transmission unit 35 irradiates the control device 11 with light (light based on the image signal) according to the image optical signal generated by the image signal modulation unit 34. The image signal transmission unit 35 may be any light emitting device capable of irradiating light for optical communication, and examples include a laser light emitting element or a light emitting diode. A laser light emitting element refers to an element that irradiates laser light, which is coherent light, and examples include a gas laser, a solid laser, or a semiconductor laser.

[0024] The signal conversion unit 39 performs optical modulation based on the control signal and demodulates the control signal in order to transmit and receive control signals that need to be transmitted and received between the endoscope 10 and the control device 11 by optical communication. This control signal includes a first control signal transmitted from the control device 11 to the endoscope 10 to control the imaging unit 30 and the like, and a second control signal transmitted from the endoscope 10 to the control device 11.

[0025] The signal conversion unit 39 performs optical modulation based on the second control signal output from the CPU 38 to generate a second control optical signal. The signal conversion unit 39 demodulates the electrical signal output from the signal transmission / reception unit 40 to obtain the first control signal.

[0026] The signal transmission / reception unit 40 includes a light emitting device that irradiates the control device 11 with light (light based on the second control signal) according to the second control optical signal generated by the signal conversion unit 39, and a light receiving device that receives light (light based on the first control signal) according to the first control optical signal modulated based on the first control signal and generated by the control device 11.

[0027] Examples of the light emitting device of the signal transmission / reception unit 40 include a laser light emitting element or a light emitting diode. Examples of the light receiving device of the signal transmission / reception unit 40 include a light receiving element such as a semiconductor device such as a photodiode or a phototransistor.

[0028] The control device 11 includes an image signal receiving unit 53 provided in the connector 12, a signal transmitting and receiving unit 56 provided in the connector 12, an image signal demodulating unit 54, a signal processing circuit 55, a signal conversion unit 57, and a control unit 58.

[0029] The image signal receiving unit 53 is a light receiving device that receives the light irradiated from the image signal transmitting unit 35 and converts it into an electrical signal. Examples of the light receiving element include a light receiving element such as a semiconductor device such as a photodiode or a phototransistor.

[0030] The image signal demodulating unit 54 demodulates the image signal transmitted from the endoscope 10 based on the electrical signal output from the image signal receiving unit 53. This image signal is processed by the signal processing circuit 55 and output to the monitor 19. Further, this image signal is transmitted to the control unit 58 and processed to generate an endoscope image, and this endoscope image is recorded in a memory or the like.

[0031] The signal conversion unit 57 performs optical modulation based on the first control signal output from the control unit 58 to generate a first control optical signal. The signal conversion unit 57 demodulates the electrical signal output from the signal transmitting and receiving unit 56 to obtain a second control signal.

[0032] The signal transmitting and receiving unit 56 includes a light emitting device that irradiates the light (light based on the first control signal) according to the first control optical signal generated by the signal conversion unit 57 toward the light receiving device of the signal transmitting and receiving unit 40 of the endoscope 10, and a light receiving device that receives the light irradiated from the light emitting device of the signal transmitting and receiving unit 40 of the endoscope 10.

[0033] Examples of the light emitting device of the signal transmitting and receiving unit 56 include a laser light emitting element or a light emitting diode. Examples of the light receiving device of the signal transmitting and receiving unit 56 include a light receiving element such as a semiconductor device such as a photodiode or a phototransistor.

[0034] When the endoscope connector 18 is attached to the connector 12 of the control device 11, the image signal transmission unit 35 and the image signal reception unit 53 are arranged close to each other at a distance where optical communication is possible, and non-contact optical communication from the image signal transmission unit 35 to the image signal reception unit 53 is set to a possible state. Also, the signal transmission / reception unit 40 and the signal transmission / reception unit 56 are arranged close to each other at a distance where optical communication is possible, and non-contact optical communication between the signal transmission / reception unit 40 and the signal transmission / reception unit 56 is set to a possible state. Thus, in this embodiment, communication of the image signal and the control signal between the endoscope 10 and the control device 11 is performed by non-contact optical communication means. Note that the optical communication method is not particularly limited, and various methods can be adopted. Instead of optical communication, wireless communication or magnetic communication can also be used.

[0035] The control device 11 includes a light source unit 59. The light source unit 59 has a light source including, for example, a xenon lamp, a semiconductor device such as a laser diode or a light emitting diode. When the endoscope connector 18 is attached to the connector 12 of the control device 11, the light guide rod 20 of the endoscope 10 is connected to the connector 12, and the light emitting portion of the light source unit 59 and the light guide rod 20 are aligned. Thereby, the light from the light source unit 59 is transmitted to the distal end portion 14 via the light guide rod 20 and the light guide 41.

[0036] The control unit 58 is mainly composed of a processor, controls each part of the control device 11, sends a control signal to the CPU 38 etc. constituting the internal circuit of the endoscope 10, and controls the entire endoscope device 2.

[0037] The processor of the control unit 58 is a general-purpose processor that executes software to perform various functions, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a programmable logic device (PLD) such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) whose circuit configuration can be changed after manufacturing, or a dedicated electric circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) that has a circuit configuration designed specifically to execute specific processing.

[0038] This processor may be composed of one processor, or may be composed of a combination of two or more processors of the same type or different types (for example, a plurality of FPGAs, or a combination of a CPU and an FPGA). More specifically, the hardware structure of this processor is an electric circuit (circuitry) that combines circuit elements such as semiconductor elements. The control unit 58 is separately provided with a light source processor that controls the light source unit 59 and a control processor that controls the control unit composed of each part other than the light source unit 59. In the control device 11, the part excluding the light source unit 59 and the light source processor constitutes the control unit. When the endoscope connector 18 is connected to the connector 12, the endoscope 10 and the light source unit 59 are connected in a state where the light from the light source unit 59 can be introduced into the endoscope 10, and further, the endoscope 10 and the control unit are connected in a state where they can communicate with each other and transmit and receive power. In this way, the connector 12 constitutes a connection part to which the endoscope connector 18 can be connected, and connects the endoscope 10 and the light source unit 59, and also connects the endoscope 10 and the control unit.

[0039] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the appearance of the endoscope connector 18. The endoscope connector 18 includes a light guide rod 20 that protrudes from the endoscope connector 18 toward the connector 12 (not shown) and an image signal transmission connector 22.

[0040] The endoscope connector 18 can be composed of, for example, a first connector case 18A, a second connector case 18B, and a third connector case 18C in order from the side connected to the connector 12 of the control device 11.

[0041] From the first connector case 18A having a connection surface with the connector 12, a columnar engaging portion 18D protrudes toward the connector 12. From the tip surface of the engaging portion 18D, a light guide rod 20 protrudes toward the connector 12. On the tip surface of the engaging portion 18D, below the light guide rod 20, an air supply base 21 is provided substantially parallel to the light guide rod 20. The air supply base 21 communicates with an air supply and water supply pipeline disposed in the endoscope 10 for performing air supply and water supply to the distal end portion 14 of the endoscope 10. When the endoscope connector 18 is connected to the connector 12, the engaging portion 18D engages with an engaging hole portion 12C (see FIG. 6) provided in the connector 12, so that the endoscope connector 18 is stably held with respect to the control device 11, and the positioning of the light guide rod 20 and the light source unit 59 is performed.

[0042] From the connection surface of the first connector case 18A with the connector 12, an image signal transmission connector 22 protrudes along the insertion direction into the connector 12. The image signal transmission connector 22 is used for aligning the image signal transmission unit 35 of the endoscope 10 and the image signal reception unit 53 of the control device 11. In particular, the image signal transmission unit 35 is disposed in the extending direction of the central axis of the image signal transmission connector 22. A window 22A is provided at the tip of the image signal transmission connector 22 to transmit light. Through this window 22A, light passes, and light transmission and reception based on the image signal are performed between the image signal transmission unit 35 and the image signal reception unit 53.

[0043] A window 23 is provided at a position corresponding to the signal transmission and reception unit 40 on the connection surface of the first connector case 18A with the connector 12. Through this window 23, light transmission and reception based on the control signal are performed between the signal transmission and reception unit 40 and the signal transmission and reception unit 56.

[0044] Inside the first connector case 18A, a power receiving unit 36 is disposed at a position close to the connection surface with the connector 12 in the first connector case 18A. Since the power receiving unit 36 is disposed inside the first connector case 18A, it is not exposed to the outside.

[0045] An air / water supply connector 24 is provided on the side surface of the first connector case 18A. The air / water supply connector 24 is connected to a water supply tank (not shown). By operating the air / water supply button of the operation unit 15, air or water can be supplied to the distal end portion 14. Dirt on the lens surface of the distal end portion 14 is removed by the water supplied to the distal end portion 14. Also, the lumen of the patient is widened or the water droplets on the lens are removed by the air supplied to the distal end portion 14.

[0046] For example, a balloon connector 25 is provided on the side surface of the second connector case 18B. By connecting a tube to the balloon connector 25, a balloon (not shown) provided in the insertion portion 13 can be inflated and deflated. In the case of the endoscope 10 in which the balloon is not provided in the insertion portion 13, it is not necessary to provide the balloon connector 25 on the endoscope connector 18.

[0047] A ventilation connector 26 is provided on the side surface of the third connector case 18C. The ventilation connector 26 enables a leak test for inspecting air leakage in the insertion portion 13. The ventilation connector 26 communicates with the inside of the endoscope connector 18. Since the inside of the endoscope connector 18 communicates with the inside of each of the universal cord 17, the operation unit 15, and the insertion portion 13, the ventilation connector 26 communicates with the inside of the insertion portion 13.

[0048] The universal cord 17 protrudes from the end of the third connector case 18C.

[0049] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the light source unit 59 shown in FIG. 2. The light source unit 59 includes four or more (five in the example of the figure) light source parts 80 that generate light of different colors, and an optical member 60 configured to be able to introduce the light generated by the five light source parts 80 into the light guide 41 (light guide rod 20) of the endoscope 10. The five light source parts 80 are controlled by the light source processor of the control unit 58. Further, each light source part 80 may be provided with a light detection element (not shown) configured to be able to detect a part of the generated light, and the control unit 58 may control the light amount of each light source part 80 based on the light detected by the light detection element.

[0050] The five light source parts 80 generate light in five wavelength bands with different center wavelengths (wavelengths at which the intensity is maximum). The five light source parts 80 include, for example, a B light source part 84 that generates light in a blue wavelength band (hereinafter referred to as B light), a V light source part 83 that generates light in a purple wavelength band (hereinafter referred to as V light), a G light source part 82 that generates light in a green wavelength band (hereinafter referred to as G light), an A light source part 81 that generates light in an amber (or red) wavelength band (hereinafter referred to as A light), and an LB light source part 85 that generates light in a light blue wavelength band (hereinafter referred to as LB light).

[0051] Each light source part 80 includes a light emitting part configured to include at least a light emitting element such as a light emitting diode or a laser diode, and a phosphor, an excitation light cut filter, etc. The light source part 80 includes a light emitting part (blocks marked with the letters "A", "G", "B", "V", "LB" in the figure) that generates light of any of the above-described colors, a collimating lens 86 through which the light generated by the light emitting part passes, and a light distribution control member 87 provided between the collimating lens 86 and the light emitting part to control the light distribution of the light emitted from the collimating lens 86. Another lens may be provided between the light distribution control member 87 and the light emitting part in the light source part 80.

[0052] The light distribution control member 87 is not limited in structure as long as it can control the orientation of light. For example, an aperture having an annular light-shielding region (a frame member having a circular light-transmitting region inside) is preferably used. The inner diameter of the light-shielding region (that is, the outer diameter of the light-transmitting region) of the light distribution control member 87 is determined according to the color of the light generated by the light source unit 80 included therein. By providing the light distribution control member 87 to the light source unit 80, the structure of the optical system including the collimating lens 86 can be made common for all the light source units 80 to reduce the manufacturing cost, while the light distribution can be appropriately controlled for each light source unit 80.

[0053] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of the optical system included in the light source unit 80. In the example of FIG. 5, the light source unit 80 includes another lens 86A between the collimating lens 86 and the light emitting unit 80L. The light source unit 80 has a cylindrical lens holder 88, and the lens 86A is supported at the end of the lens holder 88 on the light emitting unit 80L side, and the collimating lens 86 is supported at the end of the lens holder 88 on the side opposite to the light emitting unit 80L side. The lens holder 88 and the light emitting unit 80L are supported by a housing (not shown) that constitutes the exterior of the light source unit 59. The lens holder 88 constitutes a lens support portion.

[0054] In the example of FIG. 5, the light distribution control member 87 is provided on the lens holder 88. Specifically, the light distribution control member 87 is supported on the inner peripheral surface of the lens holder 88 by adhesion or the like. The light distribution control member 87 may be integrally formed with the lens holder 88. The inner diameter 87r of the light distribution control member 87 is set to a value corresponding to the color of the light generated by the light emitting unit 80L. Note that the configuration is not limited to the case where the inner diameters 87r of all the light distribution control members 87 of the five light source units 80 are different, and there may also be a configuration in which there are a plurality of light source units 80 including light distribution control members 87 having the same inner diameter 87r.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 5, since the light distribution control member 87 is provided independently of the collimating lens 86 and the lens 86A, the manufacture of these lenses becomes easy and the manufacturing cost can be significantly reduced. Note that the light distribution control member 87 can be formed, for example, by applying a light-shielding material to the light incident surface of the collimating lens 86. However, according to the configuration in which the light distribution control member 87 is provided independently of the lens as shown in FIG. 5, the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 4, the optical member 60 includes dichroic mirrors 61, 62, 63, and 64, and a condenser lens 65 disposed between the dichroic mirror 63 and the light guide rod 20.

[0057] The B light generated by the B light source unit 84 is incident on the dichroic mirror 64. The B light incident on the dichroic mirror 64 passes through here and is incident on the dichroic mirror 63, is reflected by the dichroic mirror 63, and reaches the light guide rod 20 through the condenser lens 65.

[0058] The V light generated by the V light source unit 83 is incident on the dichroic mirror 64. The V light incident on the dichroic mirror 64 is reflected here and is incident on the dichroic mirror 63, is reflected by the dichroic mirror 63, and reaches the light guide rod 20 through the condenser lens 65.

[0059] The G light generated by the G light source unit 82 is incident on the dichroic mirror 61. The G light incident on the dichroic mirror 61 passes through the dichroic mirror 62 and the dichroic mirror 63 in this order, and reaches the light guide rod 20 through the condenser lens 65.

[0060] The A light generated by the A light source unit 81 is incident on the dichroic mirror 61. The A light incident on the dichroic mirror 61 is reflected here and passes through the dichroic mirror 62 and the dichroic mirror 63 in this order, and reaches the light guide rod 20 through the condenser lens 65.

[0061] The LB light generated by the LB light source unit 85 is incident on the dichroic mirror 62. The LB light incident on the dichroic mirror 62 is reflected here and transmitted through the dichroic mirror 63, and reaches the light guide rod 20 through the condenser lens 65.

[0062] Note that the positions of the respective light source units 80 are not limited to those shown in FIG. 4 and can be arbitrarily determined. Also, the configuration of the optical member 60 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 4. As long as the optical member 60 is configured to be able to introduce A light, B light, V light, G light, and LB light into the light guide 41, other configurations can also be adopted.

[0063] The light source unit 59 is assumed to have five light source units 80, but it is also possible to have a configuration with six or more light source units 80. Also, the light source unit 59 can have a configuration with four light source units 80. For example, in FIG. 4, it is also possible to have a configuration in which the LB light source unit 85 is omitted. Also, the light source unit 59 may be a combination other than visible light sources. For example, in FIG. 4, it is also possible to have a configuration in which the LB light source unit 85 is replaced with an infrared light source.

[0064] The light source unit 59 is operable in a plurality of modes in which the number of lights introduced into the light guide 41 of the endoscope 10 is different. These plurality of modes are selected according to the purpose in endoscopy. In the case of a configuration in which the LB light source unit 85 is omitted, for example, a normal observation mode in which A light, B light, G light, and V light are combined and introduced into the light guide 41, a special light observation mode in which the ratio of V light in the normal observation mode is increased, an observation mode in which A light, B light, and G light are combined and introduced into the light guide 41 with the V light source unit 83 turned off, etc., the light source unit 59 is operable.

[0065] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an external configuration example of the control device 11. FIGS. 7 and 8 are perspective views of the control device 11 shown in FIG. 6 as viewed from other directions. FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the control device 11 shown in FIG. 6 with the cover 71 removed. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of the control device 11 shown in FIG. 6. In the following description, in the control device 11, among the three orthogonal directions, in the order of decreasing length, they are referred to as the front-rear direction, the left-right direction, and the up-down direction. Also, in the following description, for convenience, as shown in FIGS. 6 to 10, the front, rear, left, right, up, and down are defined, and the front is indicated as F, the rear as B, the left as L, the right as R, the up as U, and the down as D.

[0066] As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the control device 11 includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped housing 70 that houses the light source unit 59 and the above-described control unit. The housing 70 includes a front surface portion 70F (see FIGS. 6 to 8) where the connector 12 is provided, a rear surface portion 70B (see FIG. 7) on the opposite side of the front surface portion 70F in the front-rear direction, a lower surface portion 70D (see FIG. 8) facing the mounting portion when the housing 70 is mounted on a flat plate or the like included in a cart or the like that houses the endoscope device 2, an upper surface portion 70U (see FIGS. 6 and 7) on the opposite side of the lower surface portion 70D in the up-down direction, a right side surface portion 70R (see FIGS. 6 and 9) connecting the right end edges of the front surface portion 70F, the rear surface portion 70B, the lower surface portion 70D, and the upper surface portion 70U, and a left side surface portion 70L (see FIGS. 7 and 8) connecting the left end edges of the front surface portion 70F, the rear surface portion 70B, the lower surface portion 70D, and the upper surface portion 70U. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the upper surface portion 70U, the right side surface portion 70R, and the left side surface portion 70L are integrally formed to form the cover 71. The front surface portion 70F constitutes the first surface, the rear surface portion 70B constitutes the second surface, the lower surface portion 70D constitutes the third surface, the upper surface portion 70U constitutes the fourth surface, and the right side surface portion 70R and the left side surface portion 70L each constitute the fifth surface.

[0067] The housing 70 is provided with an intake port and a plurality of exhaust ports for cooling the components housed inside. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, at a lower position in the right side surface portion 70R, three side surface exhaust ports RE are provided side by side in the front-rear direction. At least one side surface exhaust port RE may be provided.

[0068] Also, as shown in FIG. 7, three rear exhaust ports BE are provided side by side in the horizontal direction at a position above the rear portion 70B. At least one rear exhaust port BE may be provided.

[0069] Also, as shown in FIG. 8, an intake port DE is provided over substantially the entire lower surface portion 70D.

[0070] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, a chassis 72 that divides the internal space of the housing 70 into upper and lower parts is provided inside the housing 70. A large number of ventilation holes are provided in the chassis 72.

[0071] Above the chassis 72, a light source unit 59, a first circuit board 59S connected to the light source unit 59, a power supply board 74, and a blower device 73B disposed opposite to the rear exhaust port BE of the rear portion 70B are provided. The control unit 58 includes a light source processor that controls the light source unit 59 and a control processor that controls the control unit. A light source processor and the like are provided on the first circuit board 59S.

[0072] The power supply board 74 is a board on which a power supply circuit 52 is provided and generates a particularly large amount of heat in the control device 11. The power supply board 74 is provided on the rear side in the front-rear direction. And the blower device 73B is provided between the power supply board 74 and the side exhaust port RE of the rear portion 70B. Thus, when the blower device 73B operates, the power supply board 74 is efficiently cooled. As shown in FIG. 9, since the first circuit board 59S is disposed close to the blower device 73B, it is efficiently cooled.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 10, below the chassis 72, a second circuit board 11S included in the control unit and a blower device 73R disposed opposite to the side exhaust port RE are provided. A control processor of the control unit 58, an image signal demodulation unit 54, a signal processing circuit 55, a signal conversion unit 57, and the like are provided on the second circuit board 11S.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 6, a front panel 70P provided with various operation members and a connector 12 is provided at a substantially central portion of the front surface portion 70F. The connector 12 is provided with an engagement hole portion 12C to which an engagement portion 18D is connected, a window 12B disposed opposite to the window 23, and a communication hole 12A to which an image signal transmission connector 22 is connected.

[0075] A sub-connector 16 is provided at the lower right position of the front surface portion 70F, away from the connector 12. The endoscope 10 shown in FIG. 1 has a configuration in which a light guide 41, a power supply means, and a communication means are provided in one endoscope connector 18. As the endoscope 10, there is also one having a two-connector structure separated by a connector provided with a light guide 41 and a connector provided with a power supply means and a communication means. The sub-connector 16 is provided to correspond to such an endoscope 10 having a two-connector structure. When connecting the endoscope 10 having a two-connector structure to the control device 11, the connector provided with the light guide is connected to the engagement hole portion 12C, and the connector provided with the power supply means and the communication means is connected to the sub-connector 16. Thereby, the connection between the light guide 41 of the endoscope 10 and the light source unit 59 is made by the connector 12, and the connection between the internal circuit of the endoscope 10 and the control unit and the power supply to the endoscope 10 are made by the sub-connector 16.

[0076] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view showing a main part configuration of the front panel 70P. The connector 12 has a coil housing portion 360 in which a coil constituting a power receiving portion 36 is disposed inside the front panel 70P. The communication hole 12A is provided so as to penetrate the front panel 70P in the front-rear direction. The engagement hole portion 12C includes a circular hole portion 70K that penetrates the front panel 70P in the front-rear direction, and an annular member 75 provided along the circumferential direction of the hole portion 70K inside the hole portion 70K. The hole portion 70K constitutes a hole portion into which the engagement portion 18D of the endoscope connector 18 can be inserted.

[0077] In the example of FIG. 11, the annular member 75 is constituted by a substantially cylindrical member whose axial direction coincides with the front-rear direction. Inside the annular member 75, a cylindrical member (not shown) fixed to the light source unit 59 is inserted and arranged. By engaging the inner peripheral surface of this cylindrical member with the outer peripheral surface of the engaging portion 18D of the endoscope connector 18, the positioning of the light guide rod 20 and the light source unit 59 is achieved. The above-described cylindrical member provided inside the annular member 75, together with the hole portion 70K and the annular member 75, constitutes the engaging hole portion 12C.

[0078] A part of the annular member 75 (for example, the front end face) is supported by the front panel 70P in a state where it is visible from the front of the front panel 70P. On the outer peripheral surface of the annular member 75, two rectangular plate-shaped support pieces 76 extending radially outward are provided at substantially the central portion in the axial direction. In the example of FIG. 11, the two support pieces 76 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction and face each other. Light emitting elements 77 such as light emitting diodes are supported on the rear surfaces of the two support pieces 76. The light emitting elements 77 are arranged such that their light emitting surfaces face the outer peripheral surface of the annular member 75.

[0079] The annular member 75 is constituted by a member capable of diffusing the light generated by the light emitting elements 77 inside. Therefore, when the two light emitting elements 77 emit light, the light is diffused by the annular member 75, and annular light corresponding to the outer shape of the annular member 75 is generated. This annular light illuminates the cylindrical member constituting the engaging hole portion 12C from its outer peripheral side. Therefore, even in a situation where the surroundings of the endoscope apparatus 2 are dark, the position of the engaging hole portion 12C to which the engaging portion 18D of the endoscope connector 18 should be connected can be easily recognized by this annular light. With such a configuration, the connection between the endoscope connector 18 and the connector 12 can be performed quickly, and the endoscope examination can be performed efficiently. The annular member 75 and the light emitting elements 77 constitute an illuminating portion that illuminates the engaging hole portion 12C, which is the portion where the engaging portion 18D of the connector 12 is connected, with annular light.

[0080] In the above description, it was assumed that the annular member 75 is constituted by a cylindrical member. However, the annular member 75 may be a member having a C-shaped or arcuate cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction. Even with such a configuration, since C-shaped or arcuate light reflecting the shape of the annular member 75 is generated and the engagement hole portion 12C is illuminated, the connection of the endoscope connector 18 to the connector 12 can be easily performed. The C-shaped or arcuate light is a form of annular light.

[0081] As described above, at least the following matters are described in this specification.

[0082] (1) Comprising a housing, The housing is A connection part to which an endoscope connector can be connected, and An illumination part for illuminating the connection part with annular light, a control device for an endoscope having the same.

[0083] (2) The control device according to (1), wherein The illumination part includes a light emitting element and an annular member for diffusing the light generated by the light emitting element.

[0084] (3) The control device according to (2), wherein The connection part includes a hole part into which the connector can be inserted, The annular member is provided along the circumferential direction of the hole part.

[0085] (4) The control device according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein A light source unit provided inside the housing, and A control unit provided inside the housing, and The connection part is at least for connecting the endoscope and the light source unit.

[0086] (5) The control device according to (4), wherein The connection part is a control device that further connects the endoscope and the control unit.

[0087] (6) The control device according to (4) or (5), The light source unit includes four or more light source parts each including a light emitting part and a lens through which the light generated by the light emitting part passes. The light source part is a control device provided with a light distribution control member for controlling the light distribution of the light emitted from the lens between the light emitting part and the lens.

[0088] (7) The control device according to (6), The light source part includes a lens support part that supports the lens, The light distribution control member is a control device provided on the lens support part.

[0089] (8) The control device according to (7), The light distribution control member has an annular light shielding region, The light distribution control members included in the four or more light source parts include a plurality of types with different inner diameters of the light shielding region.

[0090] (9) The control device according to any one of (4) to (8), The housing includes an air inlet and a plurality of air outlets, Inside the housing, a blower is provided facing the air outlet, The housing includes a first surface where the connection part is provided, a second surface opposite to the first surface, a third surface facing the placement part when the housing is placed on the placement part, a fourth surface opposite to the third surface, and a fifth surface connecting the first surface, the second surface, the third surface, and the fourth surface. The air inlet is provided on the third surface, The plurality of air outlets include those provided on the second surface and those provided on the fifth surface.

[0091] (10) The control device according to (9), inside the housing, a power supply board is provided on the second surface side rather than the first surface, a control device in which the blower device is provided between the power supply board and the second surface.

[0092] (11) The control device according to (9), inside the housing, a first circuit board connected to the light source unit and a second circuit board included in the control unit are provided side by side in the direction in which the third surface and the fourth surface are arranged, the first circuit board is provided on the fourth surface side, the second circuit board is provided on the third surface side.

Explanation of Signs

[0093] 2 Endoscope device 10 Endoscope 11 Control device 11S Second circuit board 12 Connector 12A Communication hole 12B, 22A, 23 Window 12C Engagement hole portion 13 Insertion portion 14 Tip portion 15 Operation portion 16 Sub - connector 17 Universal code 18 Endoscope connector 18A First connector case 18B Second connector case 18C Third connector case 18D Engagement portion 19 Monitor 20 Light guide rod 21 Air supply nozzle 22 Image signal transmission connector 24 Air supply / water supply connector 25 Balloon connector 26 Ventilation connector 30 Imaging unit 31 Power generation unit 32 A / D converter 33 DSP 34 Image signal modulation unit 35 Image signal transmission unit 36 Power receiving unit 37 Timing signal generation circuit 38 CPU 39,57 Signal conversion unit 40,56 Signal transmission / reception unit 41 Light guide 51 Power supply unit 52 Power circuit 53 Image signal reception unit 54 Image signal demodulation unit 55 Signal processing circuit 58 Control unit 59 Light source unit 59S First circuit board 60 Optical member 61,62,63,64 Dichroic mirror 65 Condensing lens 70 Housing 70B Rear part 70D Bottom part 70F Front part 70K Hole part 70L Left side part 70P Front panel 70R Right side part 70U Top part 71 Cover 72 Chassis 73B,73R Blower 74 Power supply board 75 Annular member 76 Support piece 77 Light emitting element 80 Light source section 80L Light emitting section 81 A light source section 82 G light source section 83 V light source section 84 B light source section 85 LB light source section 86 Collimating lens 86A lens 87 Light distribution control member 87r Inner diameter 88 Lens holder 100 Power supply 360 Coil housing part

Claims

1. Comprising a housing, The housing is, A connection part to which an endoscope connector can be connected, An endoscope control device having an illumination part for illuminating the connection part with annular light.

2. The control device according to claim 1, The illumination part includes a light emitting element and an annular member for diffusing the light generated by the light emitting element.

3. The control device according to claim 2, The connection part includes a hole into which the connector can be inserted, The annular member is provided along the circumferential direction of the hole.

4. The control device according to claim 3, A light source unit provided inside the housing, A control unit provided inside the housing, and includes, The connection part is a control device that connects at least the endoscope and the light source unit.

5. The control device according to claim 4, The connection part further connects the endoscope and the control unit.

6. The control device according to claim 5, The light source unit includes four or more light source parts each including a light emitting part and a lens through which the light generated by the light emitting part passes, The light source part is provided with a light distribution control member for controlling the light distribution of the light emitted from the lens between the light emitting part and the lens.

7. The control device according to claim 6, The light source part includes a lens support part for supporting the lens, The light distribution control member is provided on the lens support part.

8. The control device according to claim 7, The light distribution control member has an annular light shielding region, The light distribution control members included in the four or more light source parts include a plurality of types with different inner diameters of the light shielding region.

9. The control device according to any one of claims 4 to 8, The housing includes an air inlet and a plurality of air outlets, A blower is provided inside the housing facing the air outlet, The housing includes a first surface where the connection part is provided, a second surface opposite to the first surface, a third surface facing the placement part when the housing is placed on the placement part, a fourth surface opposite to the third surface, and a fifth surface connecting the first surface, the second surface, the third surface, and the fourth surface, The air inlet is provided on the third surface, The plurality of air outlets include those provided on the second surface and those provided on the fifth surface.

10. The control device according to claim 9, wherein a power supply board is provided inside the housing on the second surface side rather than the first surface side, and a blower device is provided between the power supply board and the second surface.

11. The control device according to claim 9, wherein a first circuit board included in the light source unit and a second circuit board included in the control unit are provided side by side in the direction in which the third surface and the fourth surface are aligned inside the housing, the first circuit board is provided on the fourth surface side, and the second circuit board is provided on the third surface side.

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