Optical connectors and medical devices

Abstract

This optical connector 7 comprises: a cylindrical outer shell 71 having inserted therein a portion of an optical transmission line 6a1 for transmitting optical signals, the outer shell 71 covering an optical signal emission end of the optical transmission line 6a1; a collimator lens 73 that is provided inside the outer shell 71 and faces the emission end; and a support mechanism 74 that is provided inside the outer shell 71 and maintains the orientation of the collimator lens 73 inside the outer shell 71. A positioning surface 712 for maintaining the orientation of the collimator lens 73 inside the outer shell 71 by being in contact with the collimator lens 73 is provided inside the outer shell 71. The support mechanism 74 comprises an urging member 75 and a pressing member 76 that presses the urging member 75 and urges the collimator lens 73 with the urging member 75 toward the positioning surface 712.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to optical connectors and medical devices. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, optical connectors are known that mechanically and optically connect two transmission cables, each having an optical fiber for transmitting an optical signal, (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Such optical connectors generally have a cylindrical outer shell in which a portion of an optical fiber is disposed, and a collimator lens is disposed opposite the input end or output end of the optical fiber. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-85474 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, if the position of the collimator lens within the outer shell changes, there is a risk that this will affect the reliability of optical communication. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an optical connector and a medical device that can maintain the orientation of a collimator lens in a good condition and ensure the reliability of optical communication.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide an optical connector and medical device that can maintain the posture of a collimator lens in a good state and ensure the reliability of optical communication. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the optical connector of the present disclosure comprises: a cylindrical outer shell into which a portion of an optical transmission line that transmits an optical signal is inserted, the outer shell covering the input end or output end of the optical signal in the optical transmission line; a collimator lens provided within the outer shell and facing the input end or the output end; and a support mechanism provided within the outer shell for maintaining the orientation of the collimator lens within the outer shell, wherein a positioning surface is provided within the outer shell for abutting against the collimator lens to maintain the orientation of the collimator lens within the outer shell, and the support mechanism comprises a biasing member and a pressing member that presses the biasing member and biases the collimator lens toward the positioning surface by the biasing member.

[0007] Furthermore, a medical device according to the present disclosure includes a medical observation device that images a subject and generates an image, two transmission cables each having an optical transmission line that transmits an optical signal based on the image, and an optical connector that mechanically and optically connects the two transmission cables together, the optical connector including a cylindrical outer shell through which a portion of the optical transmission line is inserted and that covers an input end or an output end of the optical signal in the optical transmission line, a collimator lens that is provided within the outer shell and faces the input end or the output end, and a support mechanism that is provided within the outer shell and maintains the orientation of the collimator lens within the outer shell, the outer shell including a positioning surface that abuts against the collimator lens to maintain the orientation of the collimator lens within the outer shell, and the support mechanism includes a biasing member and a pressing member that presses the biasing member and biases the collimator lens toward the positioning surface by the biasing member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the optical connector and medical device of the present disclosure, the orientation of the collimator lens can be maintained properly, and the reliability of optical communication can be ensured. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a medical observation system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the plug. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the plug. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the effects of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the effect of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a plug according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a plug according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a plug according to the third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a plug according to the third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a plug according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a plug according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a receptacle according to a modification of the first to fourth embodiments. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a receptacle according to a modification of the first to fourth embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, modes for carrying out the present disclosure (hereinafter, referred to as embodiments) will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described below. Furthermore, in the drawings, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0011] [General configuration of medical observation system] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a medical observation system 1 according to the first embodiment. The medical observation system 1 is used in the medical field and is a system for observing a subject (inside a living body in the first embodiment). This medical observation system 1 corresponds to the medical device according to the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 1, this medical observation system 1 includes an insertion section 2, a light source device 3, a light guide 4, a camera head 5, first and second transmission cables 6a and 6b, a plug 7, a receptacle 8, a display device 9, a third transmission cable 10, a control device 11, and a fourth transmission cable 12.

[0012] In the first embodiment, the insertion section 2 is configured as a rigid endoscope. That is, the insertion section 2 has an elongated shape that is entirely rigid or partially flexible and partially rigid, and is inserted into a living body. Inside the insertion section 2, an optical system (not shown) is provided that is configured using one or more lenses and that focuses light from a subject.

[0013] The light source device 3 is connected to one end of a light guide 4, and under the control of a control device 11, supplies light to the one end of the light guide 4 to irradiate the inside of a living body. In the first embodiment, the light source device 3 is configured as a separate body from the control device 11, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the light source device 3 may be configured to be provided inside the control device 11. One end of the light guide 4 is detachably connected to the light source device 3, and the other end is detachably connected to the insertion portion 2. The light guide 4 transmits light supplied from the light source device 3 from one end to the other end and supplies it to the insertion portion 2. The light (subject image) irradiated into the living body and reflected within the living body is collected by an optical system (not shown) within the insertion portion 2.

[0014] The camera head 5 corresponds to the medical observation device according to the present disclosure. This camera head 5 is detachably connected to the base end (eyepiece 21 (FIG. 1)) of the insertion section 2. The camera head 5 also includes an imaging element (not shown) that captures an image of a subject, and an electro-optical conversion element (not shown) that electro-optically converts the captured image (electrical signal) obtained by imaging with the imaging element into an optical signal. Under the control of the control device 11, the camera head 5 captures the image of the subject focused by the insertion section 2, and photoelectrically converts the captured image (electrical signal) obtained by imaging into an optical signal and outputs it.

[0015] The first transmission cable 6a is a composite cable in which an optical fiber 6a1 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) which is an optical transmission line for transmitting an optical signal (captured image) output from the camera head 5 and an electric signal cable (not shown) are arranged inside an outer jacket (not shown) which is the outermost layer. One end of the first transmission cable 6a is connected to the camera head 5. The second transmission cable 6b is a composite cable in which an optical fiber 6b1 (see FIGS. 4 and 5) and an electric signal cable (not shown) are arranged inside a jacket (not shown) that is the outermost layer, similar to the first transmission cable 6a. One end of the second transmission cable 6b is connected to the control device 11. The first and second transmission cables 6a and 6b described above correspond to the two transmission cables according to the present disclosure.

[0016] The plug 7 is a male connector and corresponds to the optical connector according to the present disclosure, and is attached to the other end of the first transmission cable 6a. The receptacle 8 is a female connector and is attached to the other end of the second transmission cable 6b. By connecting the plug 7 and receptacle 8 described above, the first and second transmission cables 6a, 6b are electrically and optically connected to each other, enabling the transmission of electrical signals and optical signals. As a result, the first and second transmission cables 6a, 6b transmit optical signals (captured images) output from the camera head 5 to the control device 11, and also transmit control signals, synchronization signals, clocks, power, and the like output from the control device 11 to the camera head 5. The detailed structure of the plug 7 will be explained in the "Plug Configuration" section below.

[0017] The display device 9 is configured with a display using liquid crystal or organic EL (Electro Luminescence) or the like, and displays an image based on a video signal from the control device 11 under the control of the control device 11. One end of the third transmission cable 10 is detachably connected to the display device 9, and the other end is detachably connected to the control device 11. The third transmission cable 10 transmits the video signal processed by the control device 11 to the display device 9.

[0018] The control device 11 is configured with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), etc., and controls the operations of the light source device 3, the camera head 5, and the display device 9 in an integrated manner. Specifically, the control device 11 acquires an optical signal (captured image) output from the camera head 5 via the first and second transmission cables 6a and 6b, and photoelectrically converts the optical signal into an electrical signal. The control device 11 then performs various image processing on the photoelectrically converted electrical signal (captured image), and displays the processed captured image on the display device 9. The control device 11 also outputs control signals and the like to the camera head 5 via the first and second transmission cables 6a and 6b. Furthermore, the control device 11 outputs control signals and the like to the light source device 3 via the fourth transmission cable 12, and performs dimming control and the like. One end of the fourth transmission cable 12 is detachably connected to the light source device 3, and the other end is detachably connected to the control device 11. The fourth transmission cable 12 transmits a control signal from the control device 11 to the light source device 3.

[0019] [Plug configuration] Next, we will explain the configuration of the plug 7. In explaining the configuration of the plug 7, the "tip side" used below means the side of the receptacle 8 connected to the plug 7 (the right side in FIG. 2), and the "base side" used below means the side away from the receptacle 8 (the camera head 5 side, the left side in FIG. 2). 2 and 3 are diagrams illustrating the configuration of the plug 7. Specifically, Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the plug 7 cut along a plane passing through the central axis Ax of the outer wall 71. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the plug 7 as seen from the base end side. For ease of explanation, only the portion of plug 7 that optically connects to receptacle 8 will be described below. Only this portion is shown in Figures 2 and 3. For ease of explanation, outer casing 71 is shown by a dashed line in Figure 3. As shown in FIG. 2 or 3, the plug 7 includes an outer shell 71, a cover member 72, a collimator lens 73, and a support mechanism 74.

[0020] The outer shell 71 is made of a metal material and has a substantially cylindrical shape as shown in Fig. 2 or 3. Note that the outer shell 71 is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and may be formed of a cylinder having another cross-sectional shape as long as it is cylindrical. The optical fiber 6a1 that constitutes the first transmission cable 6a is inserted into the outer shell 71 along the central axis Ax. As a result, the outer shell 71 covers the output end of the optical fiber 6a1 from which the optical signal is emitted. In the first embodiment, four optical fibers 6a1 are provided in the first transmission cable 6a, as shown in Fig. 3. A ferrule 6a2 is provided at the output end of each optical fiber 6a1 from which an optical signal is emitted, as shown in Fig. 2.

[0021] The inner surface of this outer shell 71 has three steps from the base end to the tip end, with the inner diameter decreasing in a stepped manner. For ease of explanation, of the three steps, the step located closest to the base end will be referred to as a first positioning surface 711 (FIG. 2), the step located second from the base end will be referred to as a second positioning surface 712 (FIG. 2), and the step located closest to the tip end will be referred to as a third positioning surface 713 (FIG. 2). 2, the first positioning surface 711 is an annular flat surface facing the base end side and is located in a plane substantially perpendicular to the central axis Ax. The first positioning surface 711 abuts against the pressing member 76 that constitutes the support mechanism 74, thereby positioning the pressing member 76 within the outer shell 71 in a direction along the central axis Ax.

[0022] The second positioning surface 712 corresponds to the positioning surface according to the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 2, the second positioning surface 712 is an annular flat surface facing the base end side, similar to the first positioning surface 711, and is located in a plane substantially perpendicular to the central axis Ax. The second positioning surface 712 abuts against the collimator lens 73, thereby maintaining the orientation of the collimator lens 73 within the outer shell 71. 2, the third positioning surface 713 is an annular flat surface facing the base end side, and is located in a plane substantially perpendicular to the central axis Ax, similar to the first positioning surface 711. In the first embodiment, when the collimator lens 73 is in contact with the second positioning surface 712, a predetermined clearance is formed between the third positioning surface 713 and the collimator lens 73.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 2, the outer shell 71 is provided on the inner peripheral edge of the tip with an attachment portion 714 for attaching the cover member 72. Specifically, the attachment portion 714 is a recess that is recessed in a direction inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the central axis Ax, as shown in Fig. 2. The bottom portion of this attachment portion 714 is formed by an annular flat surface.

[0024] The cover member 72 is made of a flat plate with both sides parallel to each other. The cover member 72 is placed on the bottom of the mounting portion 714 and airtightly connected to the outer shell 71 (mounting portion 714) by soldering, brazing, bonding, or glass sealing. By joining as described above, each plate surface of the cover member 72 is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to a plane perpendicular to the central axis Ax. The cover member 72 described above is made of glass or single crystal sapphire that is resistant to heat and chemicals. At least one of the surfaces of the cover member 72 may be provided with an anti-reflection film.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 2, the collimator lens 73 has a substantially cylindrical shape and is disposed within the outer shell 71 with the lens optical axis Bx' (the central axis of each optical path of the lens, see FIGS. 4 and 5) of the collimator lens 73 substantially aligned with the direction along the central axis Ax. When disposed within the outer shell 71, the collimator lens 73 is located closer to the base end than the cover member 72 and faces the output end (ferrule 6a2) of the optical fiber 6a1. The collimator lens 73 collimates the light (optical signal) emitted from the output end of the optical fiber 6a1. In the first embodiment, the collimator lens 73 is a resin lens made of a resin material such as polyetherimide resin. The collimator lens 73 is a single lens facing each output end of the four optical fibers 6a1 and collimates the light emitted from each output end.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 2 or 3, the collimator lens 73 has an annular protruding portion 731 on its outer circumferential surface that protrudes in a direction away from the lens optical axis Bx' of the collimator lens 73. The end face of the protruding portion 731 on the tip side is a flat surface, and is located in a plane perpendicular to the lens optical axis Bx′ of the collimator lens 73. For ease of explanation, the cylindrical portion of the collimator lens 73 other than the protruding portion 731 will be referred to as the lens body 730 below.

[0027] In the first embodiment, the outer diameter of the annular protrusion 731 is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the annular second positioning surface 712. The outer diameter of the lens body 730 is also slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the second positioning surface 712 (the outer diameter of the third positioning surface 713). That is, the collimator lens 73 is disposed with a predetermined clearance between it and the inner surface of the outer shell 71 in the radial direction centered on the central axis Ax.

[0028] Furthermore, in the lens body 730, the end face on the base end side is provided with recesses 732 extending toward the tip side, through which the emission end (ferrule 6a2) of the optical fiber 6a1 is inserted, as shown in FIG. In the first embodiment, since there are four optical fibers 6a1, four recesses 732 are also provided.

[0029] The support mechanism 74 is provided inside the outer shell 71 and maintains the orientation of the collimator lens 73 inside the outer shell 71. The support mechanism 74 includes a biasing member 75 and a pressing member 76, as shown in FIG. In the first embodiment, the biasing member 75 is made of a coil spring. The biasing member 75 is not limited to a coil spring, and may be made of other biasing members such as a leaf spring, rubber, or other elastic material having elasticity. The biasing member 75 is disposed in a state where a portion of the lens body 730 closer to the base end than the protruding portion 731 is inserted into the lens body 730. In this state, one end (the end on the tip side) of the biasing member 75 abuts against the end face of the proximal end of the protruding portion 731.

[0030] The pressing member 76 presses the biasing member 75, which biases the collimator lens 73 toward the second positioning surface 712. Due to this biasing, the support mechanism 74 abuts the tip end surface of the protruding portion 731 against the second positioning surface 712, thereby maintaining the orientation of the collimator lens 73 within the outer shell 71. That is, by abutting the tip end surface of the protruding portion 731 against the second positioning surface 712, the position of the collimator lens 73 in the direction along the central axis Ax is maintained, and a state in which the lens optical axis Bx' of the collimator lens 73 is substantially parallel to the central axis Ax is maintained. Furthermore, to prevent moisture from entering the area that becomes the optical path from the outside of the outer shell 71, a slow-curing or thermosetting resin is injected into the outside of the pressing member 76 to seal it. As shown in FIG. 2 or 3, the pressing member 76 includes a pressing member main body 761 and a prevention member 762 that prevents the injected resin from flowing in.

[0031] The pressing member main body 761 is a portion that presses the biasing member 75, has a substantially cylindrical shape, and is disposed in a position in which the central axis of the cylinder substantially coincides with the central axis Ax. As shown in FIG. 2 or 3, the pressing member main body 761 includes a small diameter portion 7611, a pressing portion 7612, and a large diameter portion 7613. The small diameter portion 7611 is provided at the end portion on the tip side of the pressing member main body 761, and has a cylindrical shape with an outer diameter dimension that is approximately the same as the outer diameter dimension of the lens main body 730. The small diameter portion 7611 is disposed in a state where it is inserted into the biasing member 75, as shown in FIG.

[0032] The pressing portion 7612 has a cylindrical shape with an outer diameter larger than that of the small diameter portion 7611, and is integrally formed coaxially with the base end portion of the small diameter portion 7611. The tip end surface of the pressing portion 7612 abuts against the other end (the base end portion) of the biasing member 75, and presses the biasing member 75 toward the tip side. The large diameter portion 7613 has a cylindrical shape with an outer diameter larger than that of the pressing portion 7612, and is integrally formed coaxially with the end portion on the base end side of the pressing portion 7612.

[0033] In the first embodiment, the pressing member main body 761 is set so that the outer diameter dimensions of the pressing portion 7612 and the large diameter portion 7613 are slightly larger than the inner diameter dimensions of the corresponding positions of the outer wall 71. The pressing member main body 761 is press-fitted into the outer wall 71 with the tip end face of the large diameter portion 7613 abutting against the first positioning surface 711. In other words, the pressing member main body 761 (pressing member 76) is fixed inside the outer wall 71.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 2 or 3, the pressing member main body 761 is provided with a storage hole 7614 (FIG. 2) and an installation hole 7615 (FIG. 3). 2, the storage hole 7614 is a hole that penetrates from the end face on the tip side to the end face on the base side of the pressing member main body 761. The portion of the optical fiber 6a1 on the output end (ferrule 6a2) side is stored in the storage hole 7614. The storage hole 7614 has a large diameter hole 7614a located on the tip side and a small diameter hole 7614b located on the base side and communicating with the large diameter hole 7614a, and the inner surface is formed in a stepped shape.

[0035] The large diameter hole 7614a is a hole having an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the ferrule 6a2. The small diameter hole 7614b is a hole having an inner diameter smaller than that of the large diameter hole 7614a and slightly larger than the outer diameter of the optical fiber 6a1. In the first embodiment, four storage holes 7614 are provided since there are four optical fibers 6a1.

[0036] 3, the installation hole 7615 is a hole that penetrates from the outer peripheral surface of the pressing member main body 761 to the inside of the storage hole 7614. The installation hole 7615 is used when storing the portion of the optical fiber 6a1 on the side of the output end (ferrule 6a2) in the storage hole 7614. In other words, the portion of the optical fiber 6a1 on the side of the output end (ferrule 6a2) is stored in the storage hole 7614 from the outer peripheral surface of the pressing member main body 761 via the installation hole 7615. In the first embodiment, four installation holes 7615 are provided corresponding to the respective storage holes 7614 since there are four optical fibers 6a1.

[0037] The preventing member 762 is configured as a plate having cutout portions 7621 (FIGS. 2 and 3) that surround all of the storage holes 7614 when viewed from the base end side. The preventing member 762 is fixed to the end surface on the base end side of the pressing member main body 761 with fixing members SC (FIGS. 2 and 3), such as screws, with all of the optical fibers 6a1 positioned within the cutout portions 7621. This prevents the injected resin from flowing into the biasing member 75, the ferrule 6a2, and the recess 732 of the collimator lens 73B through the installation holes 7615.

[0038] According to the first embodiment described above, the following effects are achieved. 4 and 5 are diagrams illustrating the effects of embodiment 1. Specifically, Fig. 4 shows a case where the lens optical axis Bx' of the collimator lens 73 is deviated in the radial direction centered on the central axis Ax from the lens optical axis Bx of the collimator lens 83 that constitutes the receptacle 8. Fig. 5 shows a case where the lens optical axis Bx' of the collimator lens 73 is tilted with respect to the lens optical axis Bx of the collimator lens 83. In the plug 7 according to the first embodiment, the collimator lens 73 is made of a resin material. Therefore, the collimator lens 73 can be manufactured at a lower cost than when the collimator lens 73 is made of glass or the like.

[0039] However, when the collimator lens 73 is made of a resin material, a difference in linear expansion coefficient occurs between the collimator lens 73 and the outer casing 71 made of a metal material. That is, due to the difference in volume fluctuation between the collimator lens 73 and the outer casing 71, unnecessary stress is applied to the collimator lens 73, which may cause deformation or change in posture of the collimator lens 73.

[0040] In the first embodiment, the collimator lens 73 is disposed with a predetermined clearance between it and the inner surface of the outer shell 71 in the radial direction centered on the central axis Ax. The collimator lens 73 is also biased by the biasing member 75 and disposed in a state of contact with the second positioning surface 712. Therefore, unnecessary stress is not applied to the collimator lens 73 due to a difference in volume fluctuation between the collimator lens 73 and the outer shell 71, and deformation of the collimator lens 73 can be prevented.

[0041] Here, for example, assume that due to a difference in volume fluctuation between the collimator lens 73 and the outer shell 71, the collimator lens 73 moves radially around the central axis Ax, i.e., the lens optical axis Bx' of the collimator lens 73 becomes parallel to the lens optical axis Bx of the collimator lens 83, but shifts from the lens optical axis Bx (hereinafter referred to as the first case). 4, the parallel light emitted from the collimator lens 73 remains parallel to the lens optical axes Bx, Bx'. Therefore, the focal point of the light emitted from the plug 7 (collimator lens 73) and focused via the collimator lens 83 remains positioned at the incident end of the optical fiber 6b1. That is, no problem occurs in the first case.

[0042] On the other hand, for example, a case will be considered in which the lens optical axis Bx' of the collimator lens 73 is tilted with respect to the lens optical axis Bx of the collimator lens 83 (hereinafter referred to as the second case). 5, the parallel light emitted from the collimator lens 73 does not remain parallel to the lens optical axes Bx, Bx'. Therefore, the light emitted from the plug 7 (collimator lens 73) and converged through the collimator lens 83 constituting the receptacle 8 reaches a point that is not aligned with the input end of the optical fiber 6b1. In other words, in this case, the reliability of optical communication cannot be ensured.

[0043] In the first embodiment, the collimator lens 73 is biased by the biasing member 75 and disposed in a state of contact with the second positioning surface 712. Therefore, the position of the collimator lens 73 in the direction along the central axis Ax is maintained, and the lens optical axis Bx' of the collimator lens 73 is maintained in a state of being approximately parallel to the central axis Ax (a state of being approximately aligned with the lens optical axis Bx of the collimator lens 83). That is, the structure does not allow the second case to occur. Therefore, according to the plug 7 according to the first embodiment, the attitude of the collimator lens 73 can be maintained in a good state, and the reliability of optical communication can be ensured.

[0044] In the first embodiment, the collimator lens 73 is a single lens facing each of the output ends of the four optical fibers 6a1, and collimates the light emitted from each of the output ends. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which a collimator lens is provided for each of the four optical fibers 6a1, it is easier to position each of the optical fibers 6a1 and the collimator lens 73, and the plug 7 can be manufactured more easily.

[0045] (Embodiment 2) Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the following description, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted or simplified. In the present embodiment 2, the configuration of the plug 7 is changed from that of the above-described embodiment 1. For convenience of explanation, the plug 7 according to the present embodiment 2 will be referred to as a plug 7A below.

[0046] 6 and 7 are diagrams illustrating the configuration of a plug 7A according to embodiment 2. Specifically, Fig. 6 is a diagram corresponding to Fig. 2, and Fig. 7 is a diagram corresponding to Fig. 3. 6 or 7, in plug 7A, the configuration of pressing member 76 in support mechanism 74 is changed from that of plug 7 described in the above-mentioned first embodiment. For convenience of explanation, the support mechanism 74 and pressing member 76 according to the second embodiment will be referred to as support mechanism 74A and pressing member 76A, respectively, hereinafter.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 6 or 7, the pressing member 76A includes a pressing member main body 77 and a restricting member 78. The pressing member main body 77 has the same configuration as the pressing member 76 described above in embodiment 1. In the pressing member main body 77, the same components as those of the pressing member 76 are denoted by the same reference numerals. Here, unlike the pressing member 76, the pressing member main body 77 has outer diameter dimensions at the pressing portion 7612 and the large diameter portion 7613 that are set slightly smaller than the inner diameter dimensions at corresponding positions of the outer shell 71, making it movable along the central axis Ax within the outer shell 71.

[0048] 6 or 7, a sealant 771 is provided at the corner between the end face on the tip side of the large diameter portion 7613 and the outer circumferential surface of the pressing portion 7612 in the pressing member main body 77. This sealing material 771 is an adhesive material such as an O-ring or silicone resin or epoxy resin, and is sandwiched between the above-mentioned corner portion of the pressing member main body 77 and the first positioning surface 711 to prevent liquid from entering.

[0049] The restricting member 78 is configured to be detachable from the outer case 71, and restricts movement of the pressing member main body 77 in the direction opposite to the biasing direction of the collimator lens 73 by the biasing member 75 (toward the base end). In the second embodiment, the restricting member 78 has a cylindrical shape, through which the optical fiber 6a1 is inserted, and is inserted into the outer case 71 from the base end side of the outer case 71. As shown in FIG. 6 or 7 , a screw structure 78a that screw together is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the restricting member 78 on the base end side and the inner surface of the outer case 71 on the base end side. That is, the restricting member 78 is inserted into the outer case 71 and screwed into the outer case 71 by the screw structure 78a, thereby pressing the pressing member main body 77 until the sealing material 771 of the pressing member main body 77 abuts against the first positioning surface 711 at the end surface on the tip side.

[0050] According to the second embodiment described above, in addition to the same effects as those of the first embodiment, the following effects are achieved. In the plug 7A according to the second embodiment, the pressing member 76A includes the above-described pressing member main body 77 and the restricting member 78. Therefore, by removing the restricting member 78 from the outer casing 71, the collimator lens 73 can be replaced with a new collimator lens 73. This improves convenience.

[0051] (Embodiment 3) Next, a third embodiment will be described. In the following description, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted or simplified. In the present embodiment 3, the configuration of the plug 7 is changed from that of the above-described embodiment 1. For convenience of explanation, the plug 7 according to the present embodiment 3 will be referred to as a plug 7B below.

[0052] 8 and 9 are diagrams illustrating the configuration of a plug 7B according to embodiment 3. Specifically, Fig. 8 is a diagram corresponding to Fig. 2, and Fig. 9 is a diagram corresponding to Fig. 3. 8 or 9, in plug 7B, the configurations of collimator lens 73 and biasing member 75 in support mechanism 74 are changed compared to plug 7 described in the above-mentioned first embodiment. For convenience of explanation, hereinafter, collimator lens 73, support mechanism 74, and biasing member 75 according to the third embodiment will be referred to as collimator lens 73B, support mechanism 74B, and biasing member 75B, respectively. The collimator lens 73B has a configuration in which the protruding portion 731 is omitted from the collimator lens 73 described in the first embodiment, that is, the collimator lens 73B has a configuration similar to that of the lens body 730.

[0053] Like the biasing member 75 described in the first embodiment, the biasing member 75B is formed of a coil spring. The biasing member 75B is not limited to a coil spring, and may be formed of other biasing members, such as a leaf spring or an elastic member having elasticity, such as rubber. As shown in FIG. 8 or FIG. 9 , the biasing member 75B is disposed in the large-diameter hole 7614a with the optical fiber 6a1 inserted therethrough. In this state, one end (the distal end) of the biasing member 75B abuts against the ferrule 6a2, and the other end (the proximal end) of the biasing member 75B abuts against the bottom surface of the large-diameter hole 7614a. When the pressing member 76 is press-fitted into the outer shell 71 and pressed by the pressing member 76 (the bottom surface of the large-diameter hole 7614a), the biasing member 75B biases the collimator lens 73B toward the third positioning surface 713 via the ferrule 6a2. In the third embodiment, four biasing members 75B are provided since there are four optical fibers 6a1.

[0054] The third positioning surface 713 according to the third embodiment corresponds to the positioning surface according to the present disclosure. That is, the collimator lens 73B is pressed toward the tip end by the ferrule 6a2 due to the biasing force of the biasing member 75B, and the end face on the tip end side abuts against the third positioning surface 713. Then, by the end face on the tip end side abutting against the third positioning surface 713, the position of the collimator lens 73B in the direction along the central axis Ax is maintained, and a state in which the lens optical axis of the collimator lens 73B substantially coincides with the central axis Ax is maintained.

[0055] Even when the plug 7B according to the third embodiment described above is employed, the same effects as those of the first embodiment described above can be achieved.

[0056] (Fourth embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. In the following description, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted or simplified. In the present embodiment 4, the configuration of the plug 7 is changed from that of the above-described embodiment 1. For convenience of explanation, the plug 7 according to the present embodiment 4 will be referred to as a plug 7C below.

[0057] 10 and 11 are diagrams illustrating the configuration of a plug 7C according to embodiment 4. Specifically, Fig. 10 is a diagram corresponding to Fig. 2, and Fig. 11 is a diagram corresponding to Fig. 3. 10 or 11, in the plug 7C, the configurations of the collimator lens 73 and the support mechanism 74 are changed from those of the plug 7 described in the above-mentioned first embodiment. Note that the collimator lens 73 according to the fourth embodiment is the same as the collimator lens 73B described in the third embodiment. For convenience of explanation, the support mechanism 74 according to the fourth embodiment will be referred to as a support mechanism 74C below.

[0058] 10 or 11, in support mechanism 74C, the configuration of biasing member 75 is changed to the configuration of biasing member 75B (FIG. 10) described in embodiment 3 above, and the configuration of pressing member 76 is also changed, compared to support mechanism 74 described in embodiment 1 above. For ease of explanation, pressing member 76 according to embodiment 4 will be referred to as pressing member 76C below. As shown in FIG. 10 or 11, the pressing member 76C includes a press-fitting member 761C and a pressing member main body 763.

[0059] Press-fitting member 761C has substantially the same configuration as pressing member main body 761 described above in embodiment 1. Note that in press-fitting member 761C, the same components as pressing member main body 761 are denoted by the same reference numerals. 11, unlike pressing member main body 761 described in the first embodiment, press-fitting member 761C does not have installation hole 7615. Also, as shown in FIG. 10, storage hole 7614 in press-fitting member 761C does not have small diameter hole 7614b described in the first embodiment, but has large diameter hole 7614a described in the first embodiment extending to the end face on the base end side of press-fitting member 761C. Furthermore, the inner diameter dimension of storage hole 7614 on the tip side is smaller than the other inner diameter dimensions and is set to a dimension slightly larger than the outer diameter dimension of ferrule 6a2. Similarly to the pressing member main body 761, the press-fit member 761C is press-fitted into the outer wall 71 with the tip end face of the large diameter portion 7613 abutting against the first positioning surface 711. That is, the press-fit member 761C is fixed inside the outer wall 71.

[0060] The pressing member main body 763 is detachably attached to the press-fitting member 761C and presses the biasing member 75B. The pressing member main body 763 is formed of a plate having insertion holes 7631 (FIG. 11) through which the emission end (ferrule 6a2) side portion of the optical fiber 6a1 can be inserted. In the fourth embodiment, four insertion holes 7631 are provided because there are four optical fibers 6a1. The pressing member main body 763 is fixed to the base end side end surface of the press-fitting member 761C by a fixing member SC (FIGS. 10 and 11), such as a screw, in a state in which each optical fiber 6a1 is inserted into each insertion hole 7631. As a result, one end (the tip end) of the biasing member 75B abuts against the ferrule 6a2, and the other end (the base end) abuts against the plate surface of the pressing member main body 763 on the tip end side. When pressed by the pressing member body 763, the biasing member 75B biases the collimator lens 73B toward the third positioning surface 713 via the ferrule 6a2. The pressing member body 763 has the same function as the prevention member 762, which prevents the injection resin from flowing in.

[0061] The third positioning surface 713 according to the fourth embodiment corresponds to the positioning surface according to the present disclosure. That is, the collimator lens 73B is pressed toward the tip end by the ferrule 6a2 due to the biasing force of the biasing member 75B, and the end face on the tip end side abuts against the third positioning surface 713. Then, by the end face on the tip end side abutting against the third positioning surface 713, the position of the collimator lens 73B in the direction along the central axis Ax is maintained, and a state in which the lens optical axis of the collimator lens 73B is substantially parallel to the central axis Ax is maintained.

[0062] According to the fourth embodiment described above, in addition to the same effects as those of the first embodiment, the following effects are achieved. In the plug 7C according to the fourth embodiment, the pressing member 76C includes the above-described press-fit member 761C and pressing member main body 763. Therefore, by removing the pressing member main body 763 from the press-fit member 761C, the collimator lens 73B can be replaced with a new collimator lens 73B. This improves convenience.

[0063] (Other embodiments) Up to this point, the embodiments for carrying out the present disclosure have been described, but the present disclosure should not be limited to only the above-described first to fourth embodiments. The optical connector according to the present disclosure is not limited to the plugs 7 (7A to 7C) described in the above-mentioned embodiments 1 to 4, but may also employ a receptacle 8. In describing the configuration of the receptacle 8, the "tip side" used below means the side of the plugs 7 (7A to 7C) connected to the receptacle 8 (left side in FIG. 12), and the "base side" used below means the side away from the plugs 7 (7A to 7C) (control device 11 side, right side in FIG. 12). 12 and 13 are diagrams illustrating the configuration of receptacle 8 according to a modification of embodiments 1 to 4. Specifically, Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of receptacle 8 cut along a plane passing through central axis Ax of outer wall 81. Fig. 13 is a perspective view of receptacle 8 viewed from the tip side. For ease of explanation, only the portion of receptacle 8 according to this modification that is optically connected to plugs 7 (7A to 7C) will be described below. Only this portion is shown in Figures 12 and 13. For ease of explanation, outer periphery 81 is shown by a dashed line in Figure 13. As shown in FIG. 12 or 13, the receptacle 8 according to this modification includes an outer shell 81, a collimator lens 83, and a support mechanism 84.

[0064] The outer shell 81 is made of a metal material and has a substantially cylindrical shape as shown in Fig. 12 or 13. Note that the outer shell 81 is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and may be made of a cylinder having another cross-sectional shape as long as it is cylindrical. The optical fiber 6b1 that constitutes the second transmission cable 6b is inserted into the outer shell 81 along the central axis Ax. As a result, the outer shell 81 covers the incident end of the optical fiber 6b1 at which an optical signal enters. The number of optical fibers 6b1 constituting the second transmission cable 6b is the same as the number of optical fibers 6a1, that is, 4. As shown in FIG. 12, a ferrule 6b2 is provided at the input end of each optical fiber 6b1 for receiving an optical signal. The inner surface of this outer shell 81 has three steps from the base end to the tip end, with the inner diameter dimension decreasing in a stepped manner, and has first to third positioning surfaces 811 to 813 similar to the first to third positioning surfaces 711 to 713 described in the above-mentioned embodiment 1.

[0065] 12, the collimator lens 83 has the same configuration as the collimator lens 73B described in the third and fourth embodiments. That is, the collimator lens 83 has a recess 832 similar to the recess 732 of the collimator lens 73B. The collimator lens 83 is disposed within the outer shell 81 with the lens optical axis of the collimator lens 83 approximately parallel to the direction along the central axis Ax. The outer diameter of the collimator lens 83 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the second positioning surface 712 (the outer diameter of the third positioning surface 713). That is, the collimator lens 83 is disposed with a predetermined clearance between it and the inner surface of the outer shell 81 in the radial direction centered on the central axis Ax. The collimator lens 83 is a single lens facing each of the incident ends of the four optical fibers 6b1, and focuses the optical signals (parallel light) emitted from the collimator lens 73 (73B) in the plug 7 (7A to 7C) onto each of the incident ends of the optical fibers 6b1.

[0066] The support mechanism 84 is provided in the outer case 81 and maintains the attitude of the collimator lens 83 within the outer case 81. The support mechanism 84 has a configuration similar to that of the support mechanism 74C described in the fourth embodiment above. That is, the support mechanism 84 has a biasing member 85 and a pressing member 86 (including a press-fit member 861 (including a small diameter portion 8611, a pressing portion 7612, a large diameter portion 7613, and a storage hole 7614) and a pressing member main body 863 (including an insertion hole (not shown))) similar to the biasing member 75B and pressing member 76C (including a press-fit member 761C (including a small diameter portion 7611, a pressing portion 7612, a large diameter portion 7613, and a storage hole 7614) and a pressing member main body 763 (including an insertion hole 7631)) in the support mechanism 74C. The press-fitting member 861 is press-fitted into the outer shell 81 with the tip-side end face of the large-diameter portion 8613 abutting against the first positioning surface 811. That is, the press-fitting member 861 is fixed inside the outer shell 81. The pressing member main body 863 is fixed to the base-side end face of the press-fitting member 861 with a fixing member SC ( FIG. 12 ), such as a screw, with the optical fibers 6b1 inserted through the insertion holes (not shown). As a result, one end (the tip-side end) of the urging member 85 abuts against the ferrule 6b2, and the other end (the base-side end) abuts against the tip-side plate surface of the pressing member main body 863. The urging member 85 is pressed by the pressing member main body 863, and urges the collimator lens 83 toward the third positioning surface 813 via the ferrule 6b2.

[0067] The third positioning surface 813 according to this modification corresponds to the positioning surface according to the present disclosure. That is, the collimator lens 83 is pressed toward the tip end by the ferrule 6b2 due to the biasing force of the biasing member 85, and the end face on the tip end side abuts against the third positioning surface 813. Then, by the end face on the tip end side abutting against the third positioning surface 813, the position of the collimator lens 83 in the direction along the central axis Ax is maintained, and a state in which the lens optical axis of the collimator lens 83 is substantially parallel to the central axis Ax is maintained.

[0068] In this modification, the same configuration as the support mechanism 74C described in the above-mentioned embodiment 4 is adopted as the support mechanism 84, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the same configuration as the support mechanisms 74, 74A, and 74B described in the above-mentioned embodiments 1 to 3 may also be adopted. When the same configuration as the support mechanisms 74 and 74A is adopted as the support mechanism 84, the collimator lens 83 also adopts the same configuration as the collimator lens 73 described in the above-mentioned embodiment 1.

[0069] In the above-described first to fourth embodiments and the modifications shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the collimator lenses 73, 73B, and 83 may be made of other materials such as glass, in addition to resin materials.

[0070] In the above-described first to fourth embodiments, the medical observation system 1 in which the insertion section 2 is configured as a rigid endoscope is used as the medical device according to the present disclosure, but this is not limiting. For example, the medical device according to the present disclosure may be a medical observation system in which the insertion section 2 is configured as a flexible endoscope. Furthermore, the medical device according to the present disclosure may be a medical observation system such as a surgical microscope (see, for example, JP 2016-42981 A) that magnifies and observes a predetermined field of view inside a subject (inside a living body) or on the surface of a subject (surface of a living body).

[0071] The following configurations also fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure. (1) An optical connector comprising: a cylindrical outer shell into which a portion of an optical transmission line for transmitting an optical signal is inserted, the outer shell covering an input end or output end of the optical transmission line for the optical signal; a collimator lens provided within the outer shell and facing the input end or the output end; and a support mechanism provided within the outer shell for maintaining the orientation of the collimator lens within the outer shell, wherein a positioning surface is provided within the outer shell for abutting against the collimator lens to maintain the orientation of the collimator lens within the outer shell, and the support mechanism comprises a biasing member and a pressing member that presses the biasing member and biases the collimator lens toward the positioning surface by the biasing member. (2) The optical connector according to (1), wherein the biasing member abuts against the collimator lens. (3) The optical connector according to (2), wherein the pressing member is press-fitted into the outer shell. (4) The optical connector described in (2) above, wherein the pressing member comprises a pressing member main body that presses the urging member, and a regulating member that is detachably attached to the outer shell and that regulates movement of the pressing member main body in a direction opposite to the urging direction of the collimator lens by the urging member. (5) An optical connector according to (1), wherein a ferrule is provided at the input end or the output end of the optical transmission line, and the biasing member abuts against the ferrule and biases the collimator lens toward the positioning surface via the ferrule. (6) The optical connector according to (5), wherein the pressing member is press-fitted into the outer shell. (7) The optical connector described in (5) above, wherein the pressing member comprises a press-fit member pressed into the outer shell, and a pressing member main body configured to be detachable from the press-fit member and pressing the urging member. (8) The optical connector according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the positioning surface is a surface that intersects with the central axis of the outer shell. (9) The optical connector according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein the collimator lens is made of a resin material. (10) An optical connector according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein the optical transmission lines are arranged in parallel within the outer shell, and the collimator lens is a single lens facing each of the input ends or each of the output ends of the multiple optical transmission lines. (11) A medical device comprising: a medical observation device that images a subject to generate an image; two transmission cables each having an optical transmission line that transmits an optical signal based on the image; and an optical connector that mechanically and optically connects the two transmission cables together, wherein the optical connector comprises: a cylindrical outer shell through which a portion of the optical transmission line is inserted and which covers an input end or an output end of the optical signal in the optical transmission line; a collimator lens that is provided within the outer shell and faces the input end or the output end; and a support mechanism that is provided within the outer shell and maintains the orientation of the collimator lens within the outer shell, wherein a positioning surface is provided within the outer shell that abuts against the collimator lens to maintain the orientation of the collimator lens within the outer shell, and the support mechanism comprises: a biasing member; and a pressing member that presses the biasing member and biases the collimator lens toward the positioning surface by the biasing member. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 1 Medical observation system 2 Insertion section 3 Light source device 4 Light Guide 5 Camera Head 6a First transmission cable 6a1 optical fiber 6a2 ferrule 6b Second transmission cable 6b1 optical fiber 6b2 ferrule 7,7A~7C plug 8 receptacles 9 Display device 10 Third Transmission Cable 11 Control device 12 Fourth Transmission Cable 21 Eyepiece 71 Outer Wall 72 Cover member 73,73B Collimator Lens 74,74A~74C Support mechanism 75, 75B biasing member 76, 76A, 76C Pressing member 77 Pressing member body 78 Regulatory Members 78a Screwed structure 81 Outer Wall 83 Collimator Lens 84 Support mechanism 85 biasing member 86 Pressing member 711 first positioning surface 712 Second Locating Surface 713 Third Locating Surface 714 Mounting part 730 lens body 731 Overhang 732 recess 761 Pressing member body 761C Press-fit member 762 Prevention member 763 Pressing member body 771 Encapsulating materials 811 first positioning surface 812 Second Locating Surface 813 Third Locating Surface 832 recess 861 Press-fit member 863 Pressing member body 7611 Small diameter section 7612 Pressing part 7613 Large diameter part 7614 Storage hole 7614a Large diameter hole 7614b Small diameter hole 7615 Installation hole 7621 Notch 7631 Insertion hole 8611 Small diameter section 8612 Pressing part 8613 Large diameter part 8614 Storage hole Ax center axis Bx,Bx´ Lens optical axis SC fixing member

Claims

1. a cylindrical outer shell through which a portion of an optical transmission line for transmitting an optical signal is inserted and which covers an input end or an output end of the optical transmission line for the optical signal; a collimator lens provided within the outer shell and facing the entrance end or the exit end; a support mechanism that is provided within the outer shell and maintains the orientation of the collimator lens within the outer shell, Within the outer shell, a positioning surface is provided to abut against the collimator lens to maintain the orientation of the collimator lens within the outer shell; The support mechanism includes: A biasing member; a pressing member that presses the biasing member and biases the collimator lens toward the positioning surface by the biasing member, The input end or the output end of the optical transmission line has: A ferrule is provided, The pressing member has: a through hole is provided that penetrates the collimator lens along the lens optical axis, The collimator lens has a surface on which the optical transmission line is disposed, a recessed portion recessed along the lens optical axis; The optical transmission line comprises: inserted into the through hole, The ferrule is An optical connector disposed within the recess.

2. The biasing member is 2. The optical connector according to claim 1, wherein the optical connector abuts against the collimator lens.

3. The pressing member is 3. The optical connector according to claim 2, wherein the optical connector is press-fitted into the outer shell.

4. The pressing member is a pressing member body that presses the biasing member; 3. The optical connector according to claim 2, further comprising a restricting member configured to be detachable from the outer shell and restricting movement of the pressing member body in a direction opposite to a biasing direction of the collimator lens by the biasing member.

5. The biasing member is 2. The optical connector according to claim 1, wherein the collimator lens is brought into contact with the ferrule and biased toward the positioning surface via the ferrule.

6. The pressing member is 6. The optical connector according to claim 5, wherein the optical connector is press-fitted into the outer shell.

7. The pressing member is a press-fitting member press-fitted into the outer shell; 6. The optical connector according to claim 5, further comprising a pressing member body that is detachably attached to the press-fitting member and presses the biasing member.

8. The positioning surface is 2. The optical connector according to claim 1, wherein the surface intersects with the central axis of the outer shell.

9. The collimator lens is 2. The optical connector according to claim 1, which is made of a resin material.

10. The optical transmission line comprises: A plurality of the nozzles are arranged in parallel within the outer shell, The collimator lens is 2. The optical connector according to claim 1, wherein the optical connector comprises a single lens facing each of the input ends or output ends of the plurality of optical transmission lines.

11. The through hole is a first hole having an inner diameter dimension larger than an outer diameter dimension of the ferrule and in which the ferrule is disposed; 2. The optical connector according to claim 1, further comprising: a second hole communicating with the first hole, having an inner diameter smaller than that of the first hole and larger than an outer diameter of the optical transmission line, and in which the optical transmission line is disposed.

12. a medical observation device that captures an image of a subject and generates a captured image; two transmission cables each having an optical transmission line for transmitting an optical signal based on the captured image; an optical connector that mechanically and optically connects the two transmission cables together, The optical connector comprises: a cylindrical outer shell into which a portion of the optical transmission line is inserted and which covers an input end or an output end of the optical transmission line for an optical signal; a collimator lens provided within the outer shell and facing the entrance end or the exit end; a support mechanism that is provided within the outer shell and maintains the orientation of the collimator lens within the outer shell, Within the outer shell, a positioning surface is provided to abut against the collimator lens to maintain the orientation of the collimator lens within the outer shell; The support mechanism includes: A biasing member; a pressing member that presses the biasing member and biases the collimator lens toward the positioning surface by the biasing member, The input end or the output end of the optical transmission line has: A ferrule is provided, The pressing member has: a through hole is provided that penetrates the collimator lens along the lens optical axis, The collimator lens has a surface on which the optical transmission line is disposed, a recessed portion recessed along the lens optical axis; The optical transmission line comprises: inserted into the through hole, The ferrule is A medical device disposed within the recess.

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