Power supply device for medical equipment with rear support base

Abstract

The present invention relates to a power supply device for a medical device, and more particularly to a power supply device having a built-in power source that supplies power to the medical device so that the medical device can be operated. The present invention provides a power supply device for a medical device that is coupled to the medical device to supply power to the medical device, and has a new structure that can maintain durability even when the medical device is repeatedly attached and detached.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] One aspect of the present invention relates to a power supply device for medical equipment, and more particularly to a power supply device having a power source for providing power to medical equipment so that the medical equipment can be driven.

Background Art

[0002] The content described here merely provides background information related to embodiments of the present invention and does not constitute prior art.

[0003] An endoscope generally refers to a medical instrument for observing the inside of the body for medical purposes. Depending on the part to be examined, it is called a "bronchoscope", "gastroscope", "laparoscope", "colonoscope", etc. Different from most other medical imaging devices, an endoscope is a medical instrument that is directly inserted into the body to photograph internal organs.

[0004] Endoscopes have been supported by the development of optical fibers and the rapid development of optical technology and electronics engineering, and have now reached the current electronic endoscopes, which have greatly contributed to the development of the field of gastroenterology. With the development of electronic endoscopes, not only in the diagnostic field of directly observing the inside of the subject and performing histological examinations, but also due to the rapid development of various therapeutic endoscopes, they have come to replace open surgery.

[0005] The structure of an endoscope generally includes an insertion portion (Insertion Tube) having a bending portion and a flexible portion and inserted into the body, an operation portion connected to one end of the insertion portion for controlling the bending operation of the bending portion, a connector coupled to a light source device, etc., and a universal cord for separating the operation portion and the connector.

[0006] In addition, a mechanical string is provided between the bending portion and the operation portion of the endoscope to control the bending operation of the bending portion, and the mechanical string is connected to a control knob provided on the operation portion. An endoscope having such a structure is configured such that when an operator, who is a user, manually operates the control knob, the mechanical string transmits power and the bending portion can perform a bending operation.

[0007] An endoscope system may include an endoscope, a light source device, and an image processing device. A generally well-known conventional endoscope system consists of a camera at the tip of the endoscope, which includes a light source device that emits light to allow visualization of internal organs, an image sensor that receives the light signal reflected from the surface of internal organs after the light emitted from the light source device is incident on them and converts it into an electrical signal (image signal), and a camera chip that includes an encoder that converts this image signal into an electronic signal so that it can be observed on a monitor.

[0008] A light source device generally includes a light source that generates light, an air pump that generates air, and various electronic components inside a housing, with a control panel on the front for user operation and a connector receiving section for an endoscope. The endoscope is equipped with a light guide cable made of optical fiber inside to transmit light, and when the connector of the endoscope is connected to the connector receiving section, the light source inside the light source device and the light guide cable of the connector are connected, and light can be supplied.

[0009] In an endoscope system, the user connects the endoscope to a light source or image processing unit in order to use the endoscope, and after use, separates the endoscope from the light source unit for cleaning, maintenance, and management. The user repeatedly attaches and detaches the endoscope from the light source unit in order to use the endoscope, but during this process, the power transmission system inside the light source unit is subjected to shock, which can cause malfunction or damage to the light source unit.

[0010] If an endoscopy system malfunctions, repairs can be time-consuming and laborious. In some cases, this could cause patients to miss opportunities to receive medical services. Therefore, there is a need to develop a new structure that improves the durability of the endoscopic system.

[0011] In particular, in recent years, research has been conducted on automated endoscopes that operate using power rather than relying on manual knob operation by the operator. However, in such endoscopes, a power transmission system is added to the connector, and mechanical shocks frequently occur during the process of adding the power transmission system, thus increasing the risk of malfunction. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a new structure that can ensure the durability of the endoscope system.

[0012] The aforementioned background technology is technical information that the inventor possessed or acquired during the process of deriving embodiments of the present invention, and does not necessarily constitute prior art disclosed to the general public before filing the application for embodiments of the present invention. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0013] Therefore, one aspect of the present invention has been proposed to solve the aforementioned problems, and the object of the present invention is to provide a power supply device for medical devices having a power supply unit with a new structure that can maintain durability even with repeated attachment and detachment of medical devices.

[0014] The technical problems that this invention aims to solve are not limited to those described above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those with ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains from the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] To achieve the above objectives, one aspect of the present invention provides: a power source that generates power; a power transmission unit that transmits the power generated from the power source; A power supply member that provides power transmitted from the power transmission unit to a medical device; A power supply member support base having a power supply member coupling portion that supports the power supply member and connects the power supply member in an operable manner; and A power supply device for a medical device can be provided, which includes one or more of the following: a rear support base positioned adjacent to the power supply member and preventing the power supply member from being pushed backward;

[0016] According to one embodiment, the power supply member coupling portion may be characterized by including rail coupling structures formed on the power supply member support base and the power supply member, respectively.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the medical device may have a first coupling that is supplied with power, and the power supply member may have a second coupling that interacts with the first coupling to supply power to the first coupling.

[0018] According to the embodiment, the first coupling portion may include a first projection or a first recess, and the second coupling portion may include a second recess corresponding to the first projection or a second projection corresponding to the first recess.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the medical device may include an endoscope, and the first coupling portion may be provided on the connector of the endoscope.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the rear support base may be integrally formed with the power supply member support base.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the power supply member support base may be characterized by having a power supply member receiving portion that connects to the power supply member with a rail structure, and the rear support base may include one side of the power supply member receiving portion.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the rear support base may be positioned opposite the rear surface of the power supply member.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the power supply member may be characterized by providing power in a manner that performs linear motion.

[0024] According to an embodiment, the medical device may be inserted into the subject's body to collect video information within the subject's body and may have a curved portion that performs a bending operation.

[0025] Here, the range of movement of the power supply member may be characterized by corresponding to the bending angle range of the curved portion.

Advantages of the Invention

[0026] As described above, an embodiment of the present invention is a power supply device that is coupled to a medical device to provide power to the medical device, and has a new structure that can maintain durability even with repeated detachment and attachment of the medical device. A power supply device for a medical device is provided.

[0027] In addition, according to an embodiment, the present invention has various effects such as excellent versatility, and such effects can be clearly confirmed from the description of the embodiments described later.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate an embodiment of the present invention and are for the purpose of making it easier to understand the technical idea of the present invention together with the above-mentioned summary of the invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be construed as being limited only to the matters described in the drawings.

[0029] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows an endoscope according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows a power supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows a state where the upper housing is removed from the power supply device of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a power supply member support base according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 shows a view of the power supply member support base of FIG. 4 as seen from above. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows a power supply member according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an endoscope connector according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows how the first joint and the second joint are joined according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows a rear support base and stopper provided in the power supply member receiving section according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows the power supply member, pinion gear, and rear support base from the side in the power supply member receiving section of Figure 9. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0030] The advantages and features of the present invention, as well as methods for achieving them, will become apparent with reference to the embodiments described in detail with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments presented below and can be embodied in a variety of different forms, and should be understood to include all transformations, equivalents or substitutes that fall within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention. The embodiments presented below are provided to complete the disclosure of the present invention and to fully inform those who are ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. Where it is determined that a specific description of the relevant prior art would obscure the gist of the present invention, such detailed description will be omitted.

[0031] The terms used in this application are used solely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0032] In this application, the terms “includes” or “have” should be understood to indicate the presence of features, figures, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and not to preemptively exclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, figures, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof. Terms such as “First,” “Second,” etc., may be used to describe various components, but components should not be limited by the terms above. The terms above are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0033] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In this description with reference to the attached drawings, the same drawing number will be assigned to identical or corresponding components, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. Figure 1 shows an endoscope according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 shows a power supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention. The power supply device 200 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a device that performs the function of supplying power to a medical device.

[0034] In this specification, medical devices may include an endoscope 100. The endoscope 100 includes devices that are inserted into a patient's body to collect image information and to diagnose, treat, alleviate, manage, or prevent diseases. According to one embodiment, the endoscope 100 may be configured to include one or more of the following: an insertion section 140, an operating section 130, a universal cord 120, and a connector 110.

[0035] According to this embodiment, an operating section 130 may be provided between one end of the insertion section 140 and one end of the universal cord 120, and a connector 110 may be connected to the other end of the universal cord 120.

[0036] The insertion portion 140 may be the part that is inserted into the patient's body when the user, who is the operator, performs an examination or treatment on the patient using the endoscope 100. The insertion portion 140 may be composed of a tip portion, a bending portion 141, and a flexible portion.

[0037] The tip may be configured to illuminate the target area, collect image information, or perform treatment. The tip may be located at the end of the insertion section and may include lighting means for illuminating the inside of the subject, imaging means for photographing the inside of the subject, a biopsy channel for collecting tissue from the subject, and air / water supply channels for spraying air or water for various purposes.

[0038] The curved portion 141 can bend at the user's operation and move along the inside of a curved and bent tubular organ within the body. A tip may be provided at the end of the curved portion 141, and by bending the tip through the bending motion, the tip can be positioned in the direction desired by the user. The flexible portion is located between the curved portion 141 and the operating portion 130, and may be the portion that moves together with the curved portion 141 as it moves along tubular organs within the patient's body.

[0039] The operating unit 130 may be provided with control means 131 that can control the bending motion of the curved section 141, and may also be provided with a flow control valve or flow control switch that can control air supply, water supply, or suction. Here, the control means 131 may include, for example, a joystick, which will be described later.

[0040] An insertion section 140 may be connected to one side of the operating section 130, and a universal cord 120 may be connected to the other side. A connector 110 may be connected to the end of the universal cord 120.

[0041] The connector 110 can serve the function of connecting the endoscope 100 to an external device. Here, the external device may include a power supply device 200. The power supply device 200 may include, for example, a light source device, an image processing device, and the like.

[0042] When the endoscope 100 is connected to a light source device or an image processing device by the connector 110, the endoscope 100 can be supplied with light from the light source device 300 through the connector 110 to illuminate the inside of the patient's body, and the image information of the inside of the patient's body collected by the endoscope 100 can be transmitted to the image processing device through the connector 110.

[0043] The universal cord 120 connects the operating unit 130 and the connector 110, and separates the connector 110 from the operating unit 130 so that the user can easily move the operating unit 130 when gripping it and using the endoscope 100. In one embodiment, the universal cord 120 may be omitted, and the connector 110 may be connected to the other side of the operating unit 130. Figure 3 shows the power supply device from Figure 2 with the upper housing removed, and Figure 4 shows a power supply member support base according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 shows a top view of the power supply member support base shown in Figure 4, and Figure 6 shows a power supply member according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 7 shows an endoscope connector according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 8 shows the first coupling part and the second coupling part connected according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the power supply device 200 may be configured to include one or more of the following: a power source 410 that generates power; power transmission units 330, 412 that transmit power generated from the power source 410; a power supply member 300 that operates by receiving power from the power transmission units 330, 412 in order to provide power to a medical device; and a power supply member support base 400 having a power supply member coupling unit 340 that supports the power supply member 300 and to which the power supply member 300 is operably coupled.

[0046] The power source 410 may include a device that generates power. The power source 410 may include, for example, a motor. The power transmission units 330 and 412 can transmit the power generated by the power source 410 to the power supply member 300. The power supply member 300 receives power from the power transmission units 330 and 412 and can supply power to the medical device while sliding.

[0047] The power supply member support base 400 can perform the function of supporting the power supply member 300 so that the power supply member 300 can be placed on and moved within it. The power supply member 300 and the power supply member support base 400 can be connected through the power supply member coupling portion 340.

[0048] According to the embodiment, the power supply member coupling portion 340 may include a grooved structure formed on the power supply member support base 400 and the power supply member 300, respectively. The grooved structure may have a structure that extends long in the vertical direction. The power supply member 300 and the power supply member support base 400 are coupled by the grooved structure, and the power supply member 300 can move linearly up and down by riding on the power supply member support base 400 through the grooved structure.

[0049] The power supply device 200 will be described in detail below. A control panel 230 may be located on the front of the housing 240 of the power supply device 200. The user can operate the power supply device 200 by operating the control panel 230.

[0050] A control panel 230 may be provided on the front of the power supply device 200, and a connector receiving portion 210, to which the connector 110 of the endoscope 100 is connected, may be located in the center of the control panel 230. A power supply member support base 400 may be provided on the inside of the front of the power supply device 200.

[0051] The power supply member support base 400 may be configured to include a body portion 440 formed vertically and supporting the power source 410, a bottom fixing portion 430 provided to fix the body portion 440 to the bottom surface, and a power supply member receiving portion 450.

[0052] According to this embodiment, the bottom fixing portion 430 may be formed by cutting and bending the lower end of the body portion 440. The body portion 440 and the slider receiving portion 450 may be formed perpendicular to each other. That is, the first plate of the power supply member support base 400 that constitutes the body portion 440 and the second plate on which the power supply member receiving portion 450 is formed may be arranged perpendicular to each other.

[0053] The power supply member receiving portion 450 may be formed to cover the power supply member 300 overall, according to the embodiment. The power supply member 300 may consist of a main body portion 310 and a second connecting portion 320. Rail structures may be formed on both sides of the main body portion 310 of the power supply member 300. According to the embodiment, the rail structure may include an uneven shape.

[0054] The power supply member receiving section 450 may have two rail side walls 451 that surround the main body 310 of the power supply member 300, facing both sides. A rail structure may be formed on the inner surfaces of the two rail side walls 451. The rail structure of the power supply member receiving section 450 may be formed to correspond in shape to the rail structure formed on the main body 310 of the power supply member 300. With such a structure, the power supply member 300 can slide smoothly inside the power supply member receiving section 450. A through groove may be formed on the front surface of the power supply member receiving portion 450. The through groove is formed to extend long in the vertical direction.

[0055] The main body portion 310 of the power supply member 300 is received by the power supply member receiving portion 450, but the second coupling portion 320 of the power supply member 300 may be exposed to the outside by passing through a through groove. A connector receiving portion 210 is formed on the front surface of the power supply member receiving portion 450, and a through slot 220 is formed on the inner surface of the connector receiving portion 210, and the second coupling portion 320 may be exposed to the outside on the inner surface of the connector receiving portion 210 by passing through the through slot 220.

[0056] The power source 410 may be mounted on the power supply member support base 400. A position information collection unit 420 may be provided at the opposite end of the power source 410 from the portion mounted on the power supply member support base 400 for collecting position information such as the rotational speed and amount of rotation of the drive shaft 411 of the power source 410. The position information collection unit 420 may include, for example, an encoder.

[0057] A drive shaft through-hole 441 may be formed in the fuselage portion 440, where the power source 410 is provided, so that the drive shaft 411, which is drawn out from the power source 410, passes through it. A pinion gear 412 may be provided at the tip of the drive shaft 411 that is exposed after passing through the drive shaft through-hole 441.

[0058] The power supply member receiving portion 450 may have an overall hexahedral shape. It may be composed of two rail side walls 451 that support the main body portion 310 on both sides so that the main body portion 310 of the power supply member 300 can slide, as well as an upper side wall, a lower side wall, and a rear side wall. A through hole may be formed in the center of the rear side wall, and the main body portion 310 of the power supply member 300 may be exposed through the through hole.

[0059] A sawtooth shape may be formed on the rear surface of the main body 310. That is, a rack gear 330 may be formed therein. The drive shaft 411 drawn from the power source 410, the pinion gear 412 connected to the tip of the drive shaft 411, and the rack gear 330 of the main body 310 may constitute power transmission sections 330 and 412.

[0060] With this structure, the rack gear 330 formed on the rear surface of the main body 310 meshes with the pinion gear 412 provided at the tip of the drive shaft 411 of the power source 410, and power can be transmitted from the pinion gear 412 to the rack gear 330. In other words, when the drive shaft 411 of the power source 410 rotates, the pinion gear 412 rotates, the rack gear 330 moves up and down by the pinion gear 412, the main body 310 of the power supply member 300 moves up and down, and the second coupling part 320, which is integrally formed with the main body 310, moves up and down.

[0061] According to one embodiment, in the connector 110 of the endoscope 100, a power receptor 111 receives power transmitted from the outside. The power receptor 111 can perform a function similar to that of a power supply member 300. Inside the connector 110 is a main frame, and a power receptor receiving portion may be located on the front of the main frame. The power receptor 111 may be connected to the power receptor receiving portion so as to be slidable. Rail structures are formed on the inner surface of the power receptor receiving portion and on both sides of the power receptor 111, and these rail structures have a structure that is geometrically connected to one another. With such a structure, the power receptor 111 can slide along the rail structure inside the power receiving portion.

[0062] The power receiver 111 may be configured to include a first coupling portion 112 and a base portion 113 to which the first coupling portion 112 extends. Rail structures are formed on both sides of the base portion 113, and the structure is such that it is morphologically coupled with the rail structure formed on the inside of the power receiver receiving portion. A through groove is formed on the front surface of the power receiver receiving portion. The first coupling portion 112 of the power receiver 111 may be exposed to the outside by passing through the through groove. A front cover 114 is placed on the front surface of the connector 110 facing the power receiver 111, and a slot 115 is formed on one side of the front cover 114. The first coupling portion 112 may be exposed to the outside of the connector 110 by passing through the through groove and the slot 115 in sequence.

[0063] When the user connects the connector 110 of the endoscope 100 to the connector receiving portion 210 of the power supply device 200, the first connecting portion 112 of the connector 110 and the second connecting portion 320 of the power supply device 200 can be joined together in terms of shape.

[0064] According to the embodiment, the first coupling portion 112 may include a first projection or a first recess, and the second coupling portion 320 may include a second recess 321 corresponding to the first projection or a second projection corresponding to the first recess. In this case, the first projection of the first coupling portion 112 and the second recess 321 of the second coupling portion 320 can be geometrically coupled to each other.

[0065] When the connector 110 of the endoscope 100 is connected to the power supply device 200, the connection between the power supply member 300 of the power supply device 200 and the power receiver 111 is completed, and the device is ready to transmit power from the power supply device 200 to the connector 110.

[0066] According to this embodiment, the power supply member 300 can supply power to the medical device in a manner that performs vertical linear motion. The mechanical method for transmitting power from the power supply device 200 to the endoscope 100 may include various methods, but in this embodiment, the power supply member 300 may be connected to a rail structure formed on the power supply device 200 and move along the rail structure, and the power receiver 111 may also be connected to a rail structure 200 provided on the connector 110, similar to the power supply member 300, and may be configured as a kind of slider that moves along the rail structure 200.

[0067] In this structure, when the power supply member 300, which has received power from the power source 410, moves, the power receiver 111, which is firmly engaged with the power supply member 300, moves together, and power can be supplied from the light source device to the connector 110.

[0068] Since the first coupling portion 112 and the second coupling portion 320 are each made of a material with sufficient thickness and rigidity, the interlocking force is very large. Therefore, power can be transmitted without loss. Accordingly, in this embodiment, when the power supply member 300 having the second coupling portion 320 provides power and the connector 110 receiving power also adopts the configuration of a power receiver 111 having the first coupling portion 112, power can be provided accurately and precisely, and problems such as response delays and non-uniform responses due to backlash during power transmission can be solved.

[0069] If the first connecting portion 112 is a protruding portion and the second connecting portion 320 is a recessed portion 321, the corners of the protruding portion or recessed portion 321 may be rounded or inclined. By rounding the corners of the protruding portion or recessed portion 321 or providing inclined portions, the first connecting portion 112 and the second connecting portion 320 can be smoothly connected, and vibration and noise can be suppressed.

[0070] According to the embodiment, the medical device has a curved section that is inserted into a subject and performs a bending motion in order to collect image information from within the subject, and the range of motion of the power supply member 300 may be set to correspond to the bending angle range of the curved section.

[0071] In the connector 110, the power receiver 111 is connected to a power transmission means, and the power transmission means has a structure that is connected to the curved portion via a universal cord, an operating portion and an insertion portion.

[0072] Therefore, when the power receiver 111 receives power at the connector 110 while moving up and down in a linear reciprocating motion and transmits it to the power transmission means, the power transmission means transmits power to the curved section through the universal cord, operating section, and insertion section at the connector 110, and the curved section that receives the transmitted power begins to perform a bending motion.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the system may include a control command receiving unit 250 that receives a control command signal from a medical device to control the travel distance d of the power supply member 300; and a power source control unit that controls the power generation of the power source 410 based on the control command signal received by the control command receiving unit 250.

[0074] The curved section performs both vertical and horizontal bending movements, and by combining these movements, it becomes possible to achieve bending in all directions. In order to realize such a combination of movements, according to this embodiment, the aforementioned components such as the power source 410, power supply member 300, power supply member receiving section 450, and power supply member support base 400 may all be configured in pairs.

[0075] The control command signal may be generated by a control means provided in the operating unit. The control command signal generated in the operating unit can be transmitted to the power source control unit through the universal code and the connector 110, through the control signal terminals provided in the connector 110, and through the control command receiving unit 250 provided in the connector receiving unit 210 of the power supply device 200. When a user connects the connector 110 to the connector receiving unit 210 to transmit a control signal, the control signal terminal of the connector 110 and the control command receiving unit 250, which is located in the connector receiving unit 210 and corresponds to the position where the control signal terminal of the connector 110 is provided, become electrically coupled. Therefore, an electrical control command signal can be transmitted. The control command signal may include control commands to control the vertical curvature of the curved section and control commands to control the horizontal curvature, and the power source control unit receives the control commands and controls the power source 410 to provide power. One of the pair of power supply members 300 can provide power to realize the vertical curvature of the curved portion, and the other of the pair of power supply members 300 can provide power to realize the horizontal curvature of the curved portion. A pair of power supply members 300 and a pair of power receiving parts corresponding to each other, provided on the connector 110, can function in the same way.

[0076] The power supply device 200 according to this embodiment may include, for example, a light source device that is coupled to the endoscope 100 and provides light, or an image processing device that receives and processes image information from the endoscope 100 and transmits it to a monitor so that the user can view it.

[0077] A light source device or image processing device capable of processing images, which has a light source 260 inside, may also be equipped with a power source 410, a power source 410 controller, a power supply unit, and power transmission units 330 and 412 that transmit the power generated by the power source 410 to the power supply unit. In other words, a power supply system capable of supplying power to a light source device or image processing device may be provided. Hereinafter, the power supply device 200 according to this embodiment will be referred to as the light source device.

[0078] The light source device according to this embodiment may consist of one or more of the following: a housing 240; a light source 260 provided inside the housing 240 to generate light; an air pump 270 to generate air; a power supply unit to supply power; and a power supply system.

[0079] According to one embodiment, in the light source device, a pair of power supply member support bases 400 may be arranged facing each other at a predetermined distance apart. Between the pair of power supply member support bases 400, a light supply unit 280 and an air supply unit may be arranged. The light supply unit 280 is arranged adjacent to the light source 260 and can provide the light generated by the light source 260 to the outside. In the endoscope 100, the light guide cable connects from the connector through a universal cord, an operating unit, an insertion unit, and to the tip.

[0080] This structure allows the light generated by the light source 260 to be transmitted to the illumination means at the tip. A light receiving part 116 and an air receiving part may be arranged in the center of the connector 110. When the user connects the connector 110 to the connector receiving part 210, the light receiving part 116 and the air receiving part connect to the light providing part 280 and the air providing part, respectively, and prepare to transmit light and air.

[0081] Here, the light-providing unit 280 and the air-providing unit may be mounted on a central support base, which may be positioned between two power-providing member support bases 400. In this structure, an optical path is provided through the connector receiving unit 210 and the connector 110 to transmit light and air to the central part, and a pair of second coupling units 320 for providing power are positioned on both sides of the optical path through which light and air are transmitted. This structure has the advantage of improving space efficiency in a light source device that can transmit power and light simultaneously. Figure 9 shows a rear support base provided on the power supply member receiving section according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 shows the power supply member, pinion gear, and rear support base from the side in the power supply member receiving section of Figure 9.

[0082] A power supply device 200 for a medical device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a power source 410 that generates power; a power transmission unit that transmits the power generated from the power source 410; and a power supply member 300 that provides the power transmitted from the power transmission unit to the medical device.

[0083] The system may also include a power supply member support base 400 having a power supply member coupling portion 340 that supports the power supply member 300 and operably connects the power supply member 300, and a rear support base 510 (Rear Support) positioned adjacent to the power supply member 300 to prevent the power supply member 300 from being pushed backward. According to one embodiment, the power supply member coupling portion 340 may include rail coupling structures formed on the power supply member support base 400 and the power supply member 300, respectively.

[0084] According to this embodiment, the rear support base 510 may be positioned adjacent to the power supply member 300 and can perform the function of suppressing the power supply member 300 from being pushed backward.

[0085] In other words, during the process of connecting the connector 110, the power supply member 300 is pushed in the first direction P, but the rear support base 510 provides a reaction force in the second direction Q, which is opposite to the first direction P, thereby suppressing the power supply member 300 from being pushed backward.

[0086] The shape of the rear support base 510 may include a variety of shapes within the scope of the technical concept that it is positioned adjacent to the power supply member 300 and serves to suppress the power supply member 300 from being pushed backward.

[0087] The rear support base 510 may be positioned at a certain distance from the rear of the power supply member 300. Alternatively, the rear support base 510 may be positioned opposite the rear surface of the power supply member 300. According to the embodiment, the rear support base 510 may be composed of various shapes, such as a plate shape or a protruding part shape.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the rear support base 510 may be integrally formed with the power supply member support base 400. According to another embodiment, the rear support base 510 may include one surface of the power supply member receiving portion 450. According to another embodiment, the rear support base 510 may include a member that constitutes the rear surface of the power supply member receiving portion 450.

[0089] The power supply member receiving section 450 may have stoppers 520 positioned in the upper and lower sections, respectively, to suppress the sliding movement of the power supply member 300. In one embodiment, the stoppers 520 and the rear support base 510 may be integrally formed. In another embodiment, the stoppers 520 and the rear support base 510 may be an L-shaped cover member 500 that covers the upper and lower sections and the rear surface of the power supply member receiving section 450. The operation process of the rear support base 510 will be explained in detail.

[0090] The rail structure formed by the power supply member 300 and the power supply member receiving portion 450, i.e., the power supply member coupling portion 340, may be designed to have a small gap between them (without a gap, sliding movement would be impossible). This ensures that even if the power supply member 300 is pushed backward by the gap in the rail structure during the process of the user connecting the connector 110 to the connector receiving portion 210 of the power supply device 200, it will come into contact with the rear support base 510 at a predetermined position, preventing the power supply member 300 from moving backward. In other words, the power supply member 300 is stopped by the rear support base 510 and will not be pushed any further backward.

[0091] In the process by which the user connects the connector 110 to the connector receiving portion 210 of the power supply device 200, the first coupling portion 112 and the second coupling portion 320 connect to each other. Here, the first coupling portion 112 pushes in a first direction, momentarily pressing the power supply member 300, including the second coupling portion 320. That is, a physical collision occurs between the power supply member 300 and the power receiver components. The power supply member 300 is temporarily supported by the power supply member coupling portion 340, which prevents it from being pushed backward. However, the main function of the power supply member coupling portion 340 is to support the power supply member 300 so that it can move in a specific direction.

[0092] Therefore, if the power supply member coupling 340 is repeatedly subjected to impact, it may become distorted or damaged. If the power supply member coupling 340 is damaged, it will cause problems with the sliding motion of the power supply member 300, which moves on the power supply member coupling 340.

[0093] According to the embodiment, the power supply member 300 can provide power in a manner that performs linear motion. Furthermore, according to the embodiment, the medical device may have a curved part that is inserted into the subject and performs bending motion in order to collect image information from within the subject, in which case the range of motion of the power supply member 300 can correspond to the bending angle range of the curved part.

[0094] When the power supply member 300 moves linearly in the manner described above, small factors that hinder the movement of the power supply member 300 can cause problems with the accuracy of power transmission. This can ultimately hinder the precise positional movement of the curved section, which can become a major problem in endoscopic examinations and treatments.

[0095] Furthermore, according to the embodiment, in a structure in which the body portion and the power supply member receiving portion 450 of the power supply member support base 400 are arranged vertically, the rack gear 330 formed on the power supply member 300 meshes with the drive shaft 411 and pinion gear 412 that are directly extended from the power source 410. However, in this structure, if the power supply member 300 is pushed backward, the drive shaft 411 that supports the pinion gear 412 may become distorted or damaged. In this case, the accuracy of power transmission may decrease, or power transmission itself may become impossible, which is problematic.

[0096] The user habitually pushes the connector 110 firmly towards the connector receiving part 210 out of concern that electrical contact between the connector 110 and the connector receiving part 210 will not be properly established. As a result, the connector receiving part 210 will similarly push the connector 100 firmly in return.

[0097] The power supply member 300 is connected to the power supply member receiving section 450 by a rail structure, and can withstand a certain degree of impact. However, as mentioned above, the rail structure alone cannot withstand fatigue caused by repeated attachment and detachment.

[0098] Repeated attachment and detachment of the connector 110 causes fatigue, which ultimately leads to deformation of the rail structure of the power supply member 300 and the power supply member receiving part 450, resulting in a malfunction.

[0099] In the present invention, the power supply member receiving section 450 has a rear support base 510 that suppresses the rearward movement of the power supply member 300. As a result, even if the user forcefully pushes and inserts the connector 110 into the connector receiving section 210, the rear support base 510 suppresses the rearward movement of the power supply member 300, thereby protecting the rail structure of the power supply member 300 and the power supply member receiving section 450, and improving the durability of the endoscope.

[0100] On the other hand, a power supply device 200 for medical devices according to another embodiment of the present invention comprises: a power source 410 that generates power; a power transmission unit that transmits the power generated from the power source 410; and a power supply member 300 that provides the power transmitted from the power transmission unit to the medical device.

[0101] The power supply member support base 400, which supports the power supply member 300 and has a power supply member coupling portion 340 to which the power supply member 300 is operably coupled; and a stopper 520 (Stopper) which is arranged adjacent to the power supply member 300 and limits the operating range of the power supply member 300; may be configured to include one or more of these.

[0102] According to one embodiment, the power supply member coupling portion 340 may be configured to include rail coupling structures formed on the power supply member support base 400 and the power supply member 300, respectively.

[0103] According to the embodiment, the stopper 520 configuration may be arranged adjacent to the power supply member 300 and can perform the function of limiting the operating range of the power supply member 300. For example, when the power supply member 300 performs linear motion within the power supply member receiving portion 450, stoppers 520 can be arranged at one end of the linear motion (referred to as the first end) and the other end (referred to as the second end), thereby limiting the operating range so that the power supply member 300 moves only between the first end and the second end.

[0104] Furthermore, the stopper 520 can serve to close the upper and lower sections inside the through-slot 220. The upper and lower sections inside the through-slot 220 may have open openings, but when viewing the connector receiving section 210 side of the power supply device 200 from the outside, the internal components of the power supply device 200 would be visible through the openings in the upper and lower sections inside the through-slot 220, detracting from the aesthetic appearance of the power supply device 200.

[0105] Furthermore, dust and other foreign matter may flow into the power supply device 200 through the upper and lower openings inside the through slot 220. The stopper 520 configuration according to this embodiment also functions as a cover that closes the upper and lower openings inside the through slot 220, thereby improving aesthetics, preventing the inflow of foreign matter, and improving durability.

[0106] The shape of the stopper 520 may include various shapes and structures within the scope of the technical idea that it is positioned adjacent to the power supply member 300 and serves to limit the range of motion of the power supply member 300 so that it moves only between the first end and the second end and does not move outside the space between the first end and the second end.

[0107] The stopper 520 may be designed to have sufficient thickness and rigidity to structurally limit the operating range of the power supply member 300, that is, sufficient thickness and rigidity to withstand the force of the motor which is the power source 410.

[0108] The stopper 520 may be provided as a pair of upper and lower stoppers, and the pair of stoppers 520 may be positioned at the first and second ends of the power supply member receiving section 450, respectively. According to the embodiment, the upper stopper may be positioned on the upper part of the power supply member receiving section 450, and the lower stopper may be positioned on the lower part of the power supply member receiving section 450.

[0109] Furthermore, the upper stopper may be positioned opposite the upper surface of the power supply member 300, and the lower stopper may be positioned opposite the lower surface of the power supply member 300. According to the embodiment, the stopper 520 may be formed into various shapes, such as a plate shape or a protruding part shape.

[0110] According to the embodiment, the stopper 520 may be integrally formed with the power supply member support base 400. According to the embodiment, the stopper 520 may include the upper and lower surfaces of the power supply member receiving portion 450. According to the embodiment, the stopper 520 may include a cover member 500 that covers the upper and lower surfaces and the rear surface of the power supply member receiving portion 450.

[0111] According to one embodiment, the stopper 520 and the rear support base 510 may be integrally formed. According to another embodiment, the stopper 520 and the rear support base 510 may be an L-shaped cover member 500 that covers the upper and lower sections and the rear surface of the power supply member receiving section 450. The operation process of stopper 520 will be explained in detail.

[0112] The control command signal generated by the operating section of the endoscope 100 can be transmitted to the power supply device 200 via the connector 110 and the connector receiving section 210, and the power source control unit of the power supply device 200 can control the power source 410 in response to the control command. If the power source 410 is a motor, the power source control unit can control the generation of power, such as the rotation direction, rotational speed, and rotational force of the power source 410. However, errors may occur between the control command and the power provided during the power generation and power transmission process involving a rotating element, and these errors are problematic because they ultimately reduce the accuracy of the bending motion of the bending section.

[0113] Therefore, by pre-setting the distance d over which the power supply member 300 moves in a linear reciprocating motion during the power transmission process, the accuracy of the bending motion can be maintained, and the user can predict the position of the tip of the bending section.

[0114] The stopper 520 configuration according to this embodiment allows the movement distance d of the power supply member 300 to be set in advance, thus maintaining the accuracy of the bending motion, enabling the user (the surgeon) to predict the position of the tip and allowing for precise posture control of the bending portion.

[0115] The curvature angle range of the curved section may be determined between an upper limit and a lower limit. When the curved section curves vertically, for example, it may curve between a first angle and a second angle, and when it curves horizontally, for example, it may curve between a third angle and a fourth angle. Here, the first angle and the second angle may represent the upper and lower limits when curving vertically, and the third angle and the fourth angle may represent the upper and lower limits when curving horizontally.

[0116] The power supply member 300 controls the curved section 141 to move within a curved angle range by reciprocating between the first end where the upper stopper is located and the second end where the lower stopper is located. Here, the first end where the upper stopper is located can correspond to the first angle within the curved angle range of the curved section, and the second end where the lower stopper is located can correspond to the second angle. For example, when the power supply member 300 moves from the first end to the second end, the curved section 141 can be curved from the first angle to the second angle.

[0117] It is desirable that the bending angle range of the bending section 141 be predetermined by a set value. For example, it is desirable that the bending angle range of the bending section 141 be set so that it bends only from a first angle to a second angle. By doing so, the endoscope 100 is motorized, and the bending section 141 can be precisely positioned by a computer, and the operator can predict the bending range of the bending section 141. It is important for the operator to predict the bending range because the bending section moves within the tubular organs of the patient's body and could cause fatal injury to the patient.

[0118] The stopper 520 structure according to this embodiment ensures that the bending motion of the curved section 141 accurately adheres to a predetermined bending angle range by setting the travel distance E and range of the power supply member 300, thereby improving the accuracy of the response output by the power supply device 200 and enabling the operator to predict the bending angle range of the curved section.

[0119] The power supply member support base 400 may be located on the inner surface of the front portion where the control panel 230 of the power transmission device is located, and may be configured as a pair. The pair of power supply member support bases 400 may consist of a first power supply member support base and a second power supply member support base. The first power supply member support base can provide power for the up-and-down bending movement of the curved portion, and the second power supply member support base can provide power for the left-and-right bending movement of the curved portion. According to the embodiment, the first power supply member support base may have a first power supply member receiving portion, and the second power supply member support base may have a second power supply member receiving portion.

[0120] According to the embodiment, the first power supply member support base may be provided with a pair of first stoppers to restrict the movement of the first power supply member, and the second power supply member support base may be provided with a pair of second stoppers to restrict the movement of the second power supply member.

[0121] A pair of first stoppers may include a first upper stopper and a first lower stopper, and a pair of second stoppers may include a second upper stopper and a second lower stopper.

[0122] According to the embodiment, the first upper stopper and the first lower stopper are provided at both ends of the first power supply member receiving portion, and can limit the range of the vertical curvature angle of the curved portion. In addition, the second upper stopper and the second lower stopper are provided at both ends of the second power supply member receiving portion, and can limit the range of the horizontal curvature angle of the curved portion.

[0123] According to the embodiment, the manufacturer can set the range of the curvature angle of the curved portion using a first stopper and a second stopper. For example, when the distance E between the first upper stopper and the first lower stopper is set as the first distance, and the distance between the second upper stopper and the second lower stopper is set as the second distance, the range of the vertical curvature angle of the curved portion may be set by the first distance between the pair of first stoppers, and the range of the horizontal curvature angle of the curved portion may be set by the second distance between the pair of second stoppers. The first distance and the second distance do not have to be the same and may be set independently.

[0124] The stopper 520 structure according to this embodiment has the advantage that the range of the vertical curvature angle and the horizontal curvature angle of the curved section can be set during the manufacturing process, since the first distance between a pair of first stoppers and the second distance between a pair of second stoppers can be adjusted respectively.

[0125] On the other hand, when the curved section is curved by a motor which is the power source 410, the power transmission means may supply excessive power to the connector 110 due to problems with the power supply unit that supplies power to the motor, motor failure, sudden overcurrent flowing through the motor, or other abnormal motor operation for unknown reasons.

[0126] Even in such abnormal situations where excessive power is suddenly supplied, the bending section must perform its bending motion within the set range inside the patient's body. Otherwise, the patient's body may be damaged.

[0127] The stopper 520 structure of the present invention functions as a safety device that can ensure patient safety by limiting the power supply range of the power supply member receiving portion 450 so that it operates only within a set bending angle range even if an abnormal operation occurs in the motor.

[0128] The use of the term "the foregoing" and similar descriptive terms in the specification of this invention (particularly in the claims) may be singular or plural. Furthermore, when a range is described in this invention, it includes inventions to which individual values ​​belonging to the above range are applied (unless otherwise stated), and is equivalent to describing each individual value constituting the above range in the detailed description of the invention.

[0129] With respect to the steps constituting the method according to the present invention, unless otherwise stated, the steps may be performed in any order that suits them. The present invention is not necessarily limited to the order in which the steps are described above. The use of all examples or illustrative terms (e.g., etc.) in the present invention is solely for the purpose of illustrating the invention in detail, and the scope of the present invention is not limited by such examples or illustrative terms unless otherwise limited by the claims. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that the claims or their equivalents can be constructed in various modifications, combinations, and variations depending on the design conditions and factors.

[0130] Therefore, the concept of the present invention should not be limited to the embodiments described above, and it can be said that not only the scope of the appended claims, but also all scopes equivalent to or equivalently modified from those claims, fall within the scope of the concept of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0131] 100: Endoscope 110: Connector 111: Power Receptor 112: First joint 113: Base section 114: Front cover 115: Opening 120: Universal Code 130:Operation unit 131: Control means 140: Insertion part 141: Curved section 200: Power supply device 210: Connector receiving section 220: Penetrating slot 230: Control Panel 240: Housing 250: Control command receiving unit 260: Light source 270: Air pump 280: Light provision department 300: Power supply component 310: Main body 320: Second joint 321: Recess 330: Rack gear 340: Rail structure (power supply member connection part) 400: Power supply member support base 410: Power source 411: Drive shaft 412: Pinion gear 420: Location Information Collection Unit 430: Bottom fixing part 440: Torso 441: Drive shaft through hole 450: Power supply member receiving section 451: Rail side wall 500: Cover component 510: Rear support stand 520: Stopper

Claims

1. A power source that generates power; A power transmission unit that transmits power generated from the aforementioned power source; A power supply member that provides power transmitted from the power transmission unit to the first coupling part of the medical device; A support base for the power supply member that supports the aforementioned power supply member; A power supply member coupling portion having a rail coupling structure formed on the power supply member support base and the power supply member, respectively; and Includes a rear support base positioned adjacent to the power supply member at the rear of the power supply member to prevent the power supply member from being pushed backward; The aforementioned rear support base is composed of two separate pairs. A power supply device for medical equipment characterized by the following features.

2. The power supply member has a second coupling portion that interacts with the first coupling portion to supply power to the first coupling portion. A power supply device for medical devices according to claim 1.

3. The second joint includes a second recess corresponding to the first protrusion of the first joint or a second protrusion corresponding to the first recess of the first joint. A power supply device for medical devices according to claim 2.

4. The rear support base is integrally formed with the power supply member support base. A power supply device for medical devices according to claim 1.

5. The power supply member support base has a power supply member receiving portion formed therein that connects to the power supply member with a rail structure, and the rear support base includes one side of the power supply member receiving portion. The power supply device for medical devices according to claim 4.

6. The rear support base is positioned opposite the rear surface of the power supply member. A power supply device for medical devices according to claim 1.

7. The aforementioned power supply member provides power in a manner that performs linear motion. A power supply device for medical devices according to claim 1.

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