Handheld mobile light source

Abstract

An enhanced lighting system is provided for use in providing light to medical and industrial equipment. [Solution] The handheld lighting system (2000) includes a handheld housing (2001) extending from a proximal end (PE) to a distal end (DE), and a light module at least partially disposed within the housing. The handheld lighting system further includes a removable and replaceable power module coupled to (i.e., at least partially disposed within) the housing and electrically coupled to (e.g., via a pair of electrical conductors) the light module to provide power to the light module. Light intensity from the light module can be controlled from a knob on the power module. Various adapters allow the lighting system to be coupled to many medical, industrial, dental, or veterinary endoscopes or other tools.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Related Applications This application claims priority to provisional patent applications titled "Handheld mobile light source" with application number 62 / 247,456, filed on October 28, 2015; "Embeddable module for high output LED" with application number 62 / 247,454, filed on October 28, 2015; and "Elliptical optical lens for high output LED" with application number 62 / 247,451, filed on October 28, 2015, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0002] This application is also related to utility applications titled "Embeddable module for high output LED" and "Elliptical optical lens for high output LED", filed simultaneously with this application and hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Background Art

[0003] Background The present invention generally relates to a handheld lighting system that can be mechanically coupled to various devices such as medical and industrial endoscopes to provide high-intensity, low-heat light.

[0004] Many devices that operate in small, enclosed areas require a light source for operation. For example, laparoscopy and endoscopic procedures are performed through small incisions in the skin or natural body openings. To manipulate or view internal areas, medical professionals use endoscopes that have a small, elongated distal section that fits snugly within these small openings but is long enough to reach internal areas within the body. These instruments need to provide precise and accurate movements to reach areas within the body that are difficult to access. The distal working end of an endoscope usually includes a small camera that allows the medical professional to view internal areas within the body while performing the procedure. The camera and working end of the endoscope must have sufficiently remotely controlled illumination so that the medical professional can see the internal area. In some endoscopes, a camera located outside the patient's body can receive radiation reflected from the illuminated internal area via a light guide, and form an image of the area observed by the medical professional.

[0005] Many conventional light sources are inefficient at converting electricity into light, requiring connection to an external power source and limiting their range of motion. While light-emitting diodes (LEDs) can produce light without generating a large amount of heat, they generally cannot provide sufficient illumination to be useful in various applications such as endoscopic systems. Even with the use of numerous LEDs, many conventional systems inefficiently couple the light produced by the LEDs to the device's light guide, resulting in insufficient illumination intensity.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for enhanced lighting systems, and in particular, systems that can be used to provide light to various medical and industrial devices. [Overview of the project]

[0007] In one embodiment, a handheld illumination system is disclosed, which operates from the proximal to the distal end. The handheld lighting system includes a handheld housing extending to and a removable and replaceable optical module, at least part of which is located within the housing. The handheld lighting system further includes a power module coupled to the housing (i.e., at least part of which is located within the housing) and electrically coupled to the optical module, for example, through a pair of conductors, in order to supply power to it.

[0008] The optical module further includes an adapter located at the distal end of the housing to connect the illumination system to one or more optical guides, for example, a device having one or more optical fibers, in order to provide light from the optical module to those optical guides, so that the optical guides can then direct the light into their field of view for illumination. In some embodiments, the adapter is removable and replaceable.

[0009] In some embodiments, the handheld housing includes at least a portion formed of a thermally conductive material, such as a metal like aluminum. In some such embodiments, the thermally conductive portion includes a corrugated outer surface that facilitates the transfer of heat generated by the optical module and / or power module to the external environment. In some such embodiments, the corrugated outer surface includes a plurality of fins that increase its surface area, thereby enhancing the dissipation of heat through the surface. In some such embodiments, the fins extend along the longitudinal axis and have a height ranging from about 1 / 8 inch to about 1 / 6 inch.

[0010] In some embodiments, the power module allows for adjustment of the intensity of light produced by the optical module. In some embodiments, the optical module includes a pair of electrical connectors (leads) protruding from the inner wall of the housing for electrically connecting the optical module to the power module.

[0011] In some embodiments, the housing includes a first enclosure extending from the distal end of the housing to its inner wall for receiving an optical module, and a second housing extending from the inner wall of the housing to its proximal end for receiving a power module.

[0012] In some embodiments, the housing includes a rotatable shell coupled to a power module such that the rotation of the rotatable shell adjusts the optical module with power supplied by the power module, thereby changing the intensity of the light produced by the optical module. In some such embodiments, the housing includes a heat sink portion to which the rotatable shell is coupled. For example, the rotatable shell may include a spring-suspended ball that can engage in a retaining groove provided in the inner wall of the heat sink portion. For example, the rotation of the shell potentiometer The power module is electrically coupled to the light source of the optical module and mechanically coupled to the rotatable shell of the adjustable component, thereby changing the resistance and adjusting the intensity of the light produced by the optical module. potentiometer It can include...

[0013] In some embodiments, the optical module includes a hollow chamber extending from a proximal end to a distal end, a lens located within the hollow chamber that is removable and replaceable, the lens having a lens body including an input surface that receives light from a light source (e.g., an LED) and an output surface through which light exits the lens, the lens further including a collar that at least partially surrounds the lens body.

[0014] The optical module may further include at least one sleeve positioned in a hollow chamber in contact with the lens collar to provide mechanical support to the lens, and an optical window positioned in the hollow chamber and optically coupled to the output surface of the lens, so that light exiting the lens passes through the optical window before leaving the optical module. To provide the input surface of the lens, it can be coupled to it at the proximal end of the hollow chamber. The optical window can be formed from any suitable material such as a sapphire window, a quartz window, glass, etc.

[0015] In some embodiments of the optical module described above, the retaining window can be detachably coupled to the distal end of the hollow chamber, for example, via a plurality of threads that engage with each other at the distal end of the hollow chamber. The retaining window may have an opening for coupling to an adapter, which can then be coupled to an optical guide to deliver light from the optical module to the optical guide.

[0016] In some embodiments, a gasket can be placed between the optical window and the retaining window.

[0017] The optical module may further include a printed circuit (PC) board to which a light source is mounted. The PC board may include multiple wires for applying power to the light source and optionally for controlling its operation.

[0018] The plate can be coupled to the distal end of the housing of the optical module, where the plate may have multiple openings through which the conductors of the lighting module can pass and extend for coupling to the power module of the lighting system.

[0019] In some embodiments, the optical module may include shoulders for holding the lens within its housing. For example, the optical module may include at least one sleeve for supporting the lens on a PC substrate. In some embodiments, a pair of sleeves are positioned opposite the lens collar, with one sleeve supporting the lens on the PC substrate and the other sleeve supporting the optical window on the lens.

[0020] Multiple different lenses can be used in the optical module. For example, a lens may include a lens body having a proximal section having the input surface and a distal section having the output surface. The proximal section may include a substantially elliptical peripheral surface that receives at least some of the light entering the lens body through the input surface and directs at least some of the received light toward the distal section via total internal reflection, such that at least some of the light directed toward the distal section exits the lens body through the output surface. The peripheral elliptical surface is characterized by a proximal focus and a distal focus. In some embodiments, the peripheral surface is formed such that the distal focus is located outside the lens body, for example, slightly away on the output surface of the lens. In other embodiments, the distal focus may be located inside the lens body, for example, below or on the output surface. In even more embodiments, the proximal focus is positioned substantially on or near the light source such that the elliptical surface directs at least some of the light emitted by the light source from the proximal focus to the distal focus. In many configurations, the focal point is located on the optical axis of the lens, for example, on an axis that gives the lens body rotational symmetry.

[0021] In some embodiments, the input surface includes a central convex portion and an outer periphery surrounding the central convex portion. In such embodiments, the input surface can form a hole surface configured to receive a light source at least partially. In some such embodiments, the proximal focus can be located at the input hole.

[0022] In some embodiments, the outer periphery of the input surface is a proximal concave section. segment) and distal convex segment It may include.

[0023] In some embodiments, the outer peripheral portion of the input surface is formed such that at least a portion of the light entering the lens body through the outer peripheral portion spreads to the outer peripheral elliptical surface by which it is reflected. The outer peripheral portion of the input surface is formed such that at least about 80%, or at least about 90%, or at least about 95% (and preferably 100%) of the light entering the lens body through the outer peripheral portion spreads to the outer peripheral surface of the lens body by which it is reflected.

[0024] In some embodiments, the convex portion of the input surface can exhibit a positive optical power in the range of about 50D to about 300D. In some such embodiments, at least a portion of the light entering the lens body through the convex portion spreads to the output surface without hitting the outer peripheral surface.

[0025] In some embodiments, the input surface of the lens is configured to capture at least about 70%, or at least about 80%, or at least about 90%, or at least about 95% (and preferably 100%) of the light energy emitted by the light source. In some embodiments, the lens transfers the light energy emitted by the light source from the light source to its output surface with an efficiency of at least about 70%, or at least about 80%, or at least about 90%, or at least about 95%.

[0026] In some embodiments, the optical module of the illumination system couples the light emitted by the light source to the light guide of the device coupled by the illumination system with an efficiency of at least about 30%, or at least about 40%, or at least about 50%, or at least about 60%, or at least about 70%, or at least about 80%, or at least about 90%.

[0027] In some embodiments, the output surface of the lens is substantially flat and orthogonal to the optical axis of the lens.

[0028] Lenses can be formed from a variety of different materials, such as polymer materials or glass. Some examples of suitable materials, though not limited to them, include polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate, and silicone.

[0029] In some embodiments, the power module of the lighting system may be battery-powered, and in other embodiments, the power module may receive an AC line voltage and convert that voltage to a DC voltage suitable for application to a light source.

[0030] In some embodiments, a handheld lighting system may include an optical module, which includes a hollow chamber extending from a proximal to a distal end, a lens located within the hollow chamber, the lens having a lens body with an input surface for receiving light from a light source and an output surface for light exiting through the lens, and the lens further includes a collar that at least partially surrounds the lens body. The optical module may further include at least one shoulder on which the collar is mounted, and a light source coupled to the hollow chamber at the distal end to provide light to the input surface of the lens. In some embodiments, the shoulder providing the seat for the lens may be in the form of a sleeve located within the hollow chamber. In other embodiments, the shoulder may be in the form of a projection extending from the inner wall of the chamber.

[0031] In the optical module described above, the lens may further include an outer surface that receives at least a portion of the light entering the lens body through the input surface and directs the received light to the output surface of the lens via total internal reflection. In some such embodiments, the outer surface may have a truncated ellipse characterized by the input and output focal points.

[0032] In some embodiments, the housing of a lighting system may include a corrugated outer surface that facilitates the transfer of heat generated by at least one of the optical module and power module to the external environment. For example, the corrugated surface may include a number of fins arranged on the outer surface of the housing to enhance its surface area, thereby facilitating the dissipation of heat into the surrounding environment.

[0033] In a related embodiment, an endoscope system is disclosed which includes an optical guide configured to be inserted at least partially into a subject, and a handheld illumination system optically coupled to the optical guide to provide light thereto. The handheld illumination system is The device may include a handheld housing extending from a proximal end to a distal end, an optical module located within the housing and having at least one light source for generating light, and a power module located within the housing and electrically coupled to the optical module for supplying power to it.

[0034] In some embodiments, the optical module may be arranged in a removable and replaceable manner within the housing of the lighting system.

[0035] The illumination system for the above-mentioned endoscope, including the optical module, may be implemented using the method described above.

[0036] In relevant embodiments, an apparatus is disclosed which includes a body housing at least one optical guide, and a handheld illumination system mechanically coupled to the body to optically couple to the optical guide in order to provide light to the optical guide. The handheld illumination system may include a removable and replaceable optical module to produce light that will be delivered to the optical guide of the apparatus. The handheld illumination system including the optical module may be carried out in the manner discussed above. In some embodiments, the apparatus may be an endoscope, a surgical instrument to be illuminated, such as a surgical headlight, a video camera, a retractor, or a microscope.

[0037] A further understanding of the various aspects of the present invention can be obtained by referring to the following detailed description, along with the drawings which are briefly described below. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0038] [Figure 1] This is a schematic perspective view of a handheld lighting system according to the embodiment of this instruction. [Figure 2A] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the handheld lighting system. [Figure 2B] This is a partial cross-sectional view of a hole provided at the distal end of the illumination system to receive a removable and replaceable optical module, and an adapter for coupling the illumination system to the device to supply light to the device. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the handheld lighting system shown. [Figure 4] This is an exploded view of another handheld lighting system. [Figure 5A] This is an exploded perspective view of an optical module suitable for use with the handheld lighting system described in this instruction. [Figure 5B] Figure 5A is a cross-sectional view of the optical module. [Figure 6] This is an exploded view of the power module of a handheld lighting system according to the method of instruction, showing various components. [Figure 7] This is an illustrative circuit diagram of a power module for adjusting the intensity of LEDs used in a lighting system. [Figure 8A] This is a cross-sectional view of an endoscope in which the illumination system described in this instruction provides light to illuminate the field of view. [Figure 8B] Figure 8A is a perspective view of the endoscope. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view of an endoscope equipped with the illumination system described in this instruction, where the illumination system receives an AC line voltage. [Figure 10A] This is a cross-sectional view of another optical module that can be used in the lighting system of this instruction. [Figure 10B]Figure 10A is a perspective view of the lens used in the optical module. [Figure 11] This is a top perspective view of an optical module in a different configuration. [Figure 12] This is another top perspective view of the optical module shown in Figure 11. [Figure 13] Figure 11 is a lower perspective view of the optical module. [Figure 14] This is a lower view of the optical module shown in Figure 11. [Figure 15] This is a perspective cross-sectional view of the optical module. [Figure 16] This is a cross-sectional view of an optical module. [Figure 17] This is an exploded perspective view of the optical module. [Figure 18] This is a top perspective view of the housing portion of the optical module configured to hold the lens. [Figure 19] Figure 18 is a side cross-sectional view of the lens holder. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0039] Detailed description of the invention The present invention generally relates to a handheld illumination system (also referred to herein as a handheld lighting system) capable of efficiently transferring light emitted by a light source (typically an LED) to an optical guide (e.g., an optical fiber). In some embodiments, the illumination system can transfer light emitted by the LED to the optical guide with an efficiency of about 30%, or about 40%, or about 50%, or about 60%, or about 70%, or about 80%, or about 90%, or about 95%. The illumination system includes a removable and replaceable optical module for generating light, and a power module for supplying power to the optical module and control its operation. As discussed above, the handheld illumination system according to this teaching can be coupled to a variety of different medical and industrial devices to provide them with light. In many embodiments, at least a portion of the system housing functions as a heat sink to efficiently dissipate heat generated by either the optical or power module. As will be discussed in more detail below, a handheld illumination system can collect light emitted by a light source (e.g., an LED) over a wide angular diffusion (e.g., an angle of view of approximately 180 degrees), and then focus that light onto a lens to a substantially smaller angular diffusion, efficiently coupling it to the optical guide of a device (e.g., an endoscope). Furthermore, in some embodiments, the output light produced by the handheld illumination system according to this teaching can exhibit high color-over-angle uniformity. Various embodiments of the handheld illumination system according to this teaching are discussed below.

[0040] Various terms are used herein in accordance with their common meanings in the art. Further explanations of some terms are provided below: The term “optical power” is used herein in accordance with its common meaning in the art, and refers to the degree to which an optical element or surface focuses or diverges incident light, and is equal to the reciprocal of the focal length of the surface element.

[0041] As used herein, the term "ellipsoid" or similar terms refers to a surface formed as a section of an ellipse. In other words, an ellipsoid is the form of an ellipse with its ends cut off.

[0042] The term "numerical aperture" is used herein in accordance with its common meaning in the art and refers to a dimensionless number that characterizes the range of angles at which an optical element or system can emit or receive light.

[0043] As used herein, the term "approximately" is intended to indicate a variation of up to 10% in a given value.

[0044] As used herein, the term “substantially” is intended to mean a deviation of less than 5% from the perfect state or condition.

[0045] With reference to Figures 1, 2A, 2B, 3, 4, 5A, and 5B, the handheld lighting system 2000 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a handheld housing 2001 extending from a proximal end (PE) to a distal end (DE) and comprising a proximal section 2001a (also referred herein as a rotatable shell) and a distal section 2001b (also referred herein as a heat sink portion), which are detachably coupled to each other. The handheld lighting system 2000 also includes an end cap 2001c. In this embodiment, the heat sink portion 2001b is formed of a thermally conductive material such as aluminum and functions as a heat sink for transferring heat generated within the housing to the external environment. In this embodiment, the rotatable shell 2001a and the end cap 2001c may be formed of a plastic such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). In other embodiments, the heat sink, rotatable shell, and end cap may be formed of the same material, for example, aluminum.

[0046] The heat sink portion 2001b includes an enclosure 2002, which consists of two substantially cylindrical hollow portions 2002a and 2002b of different diameters. The stand-alone optical module 2004 is removable and replaceable in the hollow portion 2002a. The optical module 2004 includes a housing 2005, in which the various components of the optical module are arranged. In particular, the optical module 2004 includes a lens 2006 having a proximal section 2006a with an input surface 2008 that forms a hole for receiving light from a light-emitting diode 2010 mounted on a printed circuit board (PC) board 2012. In this embodiment, the input surface includes a central convex portion 2008a surrounded by an outer peripheral portion 2008b, where the outer peripheral portion 2008b includes a proximal concave portion (A) and a distal convex portion (B). In some embodiments, the central convex portion 2008a may exhibit a refractive power in the range of about 50D to about 300D.

[0047] In this embodiment, the central convexity of the input surface provides a positive refractive force, which causes the light rays entering the lens body to converge through its surface to a focal point (also referred to herein as the convergence point), which is generally located within the lens body, for example, at a distance slightly below the output surface of the lens. In some other embodiments, the convexity is configured such that its focal point (i.e., the point where the light rays refracted by that portion converge) is outside the lens. For example, the focal point of the convexity may be within the proximal end of an optical guide coupled to the lens, or it may be outside both the lens and the optical pipe, so that the light rays spreading from the focal point exhibit the maximum angular diffusion corresponding to the solid angle subtended by the input surface of the optical guide, in order to illuminate the input surface of an optical pipe. In some such embodiments, the focal point of the convexity may substantially coincide with the distal focal point of the elliptical outer surface.

[0048] The proximal portion 2006a further includes an elliptical outer surface 2016, which directs incident light on it to the output surface of lens 2014 via total internal reflection. Lens 2006 further includes a distal section 2006b having an output surface 2014 through which light passes and exits the lens and outer surface 2013, the outer surface 2013 being a truncated cone in this embodiment, but other shapes may also be used.

[0049] The outer ellipsoid 2016 features an input focus f1 and an output focus f2, which in this embodiment lie on the optical axis (OA) of the lens. The outer ellipsoid is illuminated by light emitted by the light source 2010. At least a portion of the beam is shifted from the input focus to the output focus. In this embodiment, the input focus is located within the input aperture, and the output focus is located slightly outward relative to the lens and the output surface of the lens. In some embodiments, the position of the output focus is selected such that the rays spreading from the output focus represent the angular diffusion across the input surface of the optical guide that couples to the lens that maximizes the coupling of the light to the optical guide. For example, the spreading beam may have an angular diffusion corresponding to the input numerical aperture of the optical guide. For example, the distance between the output focus 1240 and the output surface of the lens may be in the range of about 4 mm to about 6 mm, but other values ​​may also be used depending on, for example, the size of the lens and / or the specific application in which the lens is used.

[0050] Multiple leads 2017a / 2017b enable coupling of the optical module to the power module 2028, which is described in more detail below. A pair of sleeves 2013a / 2013b protect the leads 2017a / 2017b.

[0051] The lens 2006 further includes a collar 2018 (also referred to herein as a flange) surrounding the lens body. In this embodiment, the collar 2018 partially surrounds the lens body, while in other embodiments, the collar completely surrounds the lens body. The lens 2006 is mechanically fixed onto the PC substrate 2012 via a pair of sleeves 2020 and 2022 (also referred to herein as spacers) positioned below and above, and in contact with, the respective lens collars 2018. The optical window 2024 is positioned on the output surface 2014 of the lens and is supported by the sleeves 2022.

[0052] The optical wind 2024 preferably contacts the output surface 2014 of the lens to ensure good optical coupling between the wind and the lens. In some embodiments, a material with a matching refractive index, such as a gel, can be placed between the output surface of the lens and the optical wind to minimize optical loss when light exiting the lens couples with the wind through which it passes. The optical wind 2024 can protect the output surface of the lens. In addition, in some embodiments, the optical wind 2024 can tune one or more properties of the light exiting the lens. For example, the optical wind 2024 can be selected to function as a filter, such as a bandpass filter, allowing the passage of light of a specific wavelength exiting the lens while blocking other wavelengths. Such filtering of light exiting the lens can be used, for example, to adjust the color temperature of the light. The optical wind 2024 can be formed from a variety of different materials, such as sapphire, quartz, glass, etc. In some embodiments, the material forming the optical wind 2024 is substantially transparent to visible radiation. In other embodiments, the optical wind 2024 is transparent to radiation in another region of the electromagnetic spectrum. For example, in some embodiments in which the optical module emits radiation in the electromagnetic spectrum of the infrared region, the optical window 2024 may be formed of high-density polyethylene.

[0053] The optical module 2004 further includes a retaining window 2025 (also referred to herein as a ring window) that is removable and replaceable and attached to the upper end of the housing 2005 of the optical module. In particular in this embodiment, the wind ring 2025 includes a plurality of external threads 2025a that can engage with a plurality of internal threads 2005a provided at the upper end of the module housing. A gasket 2026 is positioned between the retaining window and the optical window. The retaining window, optical window, and gasket jointly seal the optical module from the external environment.

[0054] The handheld illumination system 2000 further includes an adapter 2027 (also referred to herein as the “optical guide adapter”), which can be removably and replaceably received in the upper hollow cylindrical portion 2002b of the enclosure 2002, provided near the distal end of the housing 2001, allowing the illumination system to be coupled to multiple different devices that use an optical guide to illuminate a field of view, for example. In this embodiment, the optical guide adapter is located above The hollow cylindrical portion 2002b may include a plurality of threads 2027a that can engage with a plurality of threads 2019 provided on its inner wall. In another embodiment, the optical guide adapter 2027 can be snapped into the enclosure 2002b. A gasket 2011 is placed between the adapter 2027 and the optical module 2004 to provide a seal between them.

[0055] Advantageously, the handheld system 2000 can be coupled to various different devices, for example, simply by changing the optical guide adapter 2027, to provide light to the optical guide used in such devices to illuminate the field of view. Some examples of such devices, but not limited to, are endoscopic systems, surgical instruments to be illuminated, such as surgical headlights, video cameras, retractors, microscopes, and other devices where high intensity and quality are required.

[0056] With reference to Figures 2A, 3, and 6, the handheld lighting system 2000 further includes a power module 2028 located within the housing 2001, which provides power to the optical module 2004 and control its operation. More specifically in this embodiment, a portion of the power module is housed within a rotatable shell 2001a, and another portion is housed within a hollow enclosure 2000d provided within a heat sink portion 2001b of the housing 2001. In this embodiment, the power module 2028 is secured to the housing via screws 2029 protruding from the inner wall 2030 of the housing.

[0057] The power module 2028 includes a casing 2032 (also referred to herein as a sled) that houses at least one battery 2034 to supply power to the LED 2010. The power module 2028 further includes a printed circuit board 2036 on which electronic elements for controlling the operation of the optical module are mounted, as will be discussed in more detail below. potentiometer Switch 2038 is mounted on switch printed circuit board 2040, which is then mounted on PC board 2036. When switch 2038 is used to turn on the lighting system, spring 2042 facilitates the formation of electrical contact with battery 2034. potentiometer The 2038 includes a shaft 2038a that allows its ohm resistance to be adjusted, which in turn allows for adjustment of the intensity of the light emitted by the LED 2010, as will be discussed in more detail below.

[0058] The power module 2038 further, potentiometer It includes a printed circuit board mount 2044 having an opening 2044a through which a shaft can pass and extend. potentiometer The shaft is potentiometerThe shaft extends into an opening 2046 provided within the end cap 2001c of the housing to allow it to rotate into the rotatable shell 2001a. The spacer 2046 and the static seal 2048 are positioned between the end cap 2001c of the housing and the PC board mount 2044, where the static seal helps to seal the power module from the external environment.

[0059] In this embodiment, a rotatable shell 2001a is rotatably coupled to a heat sink portion 2001b of the housing. More specifically, the outer wall of the heat sink portion includes a circumferential groove 2050 at its proximal end, where the groove extends 300 degrees around the housing. The rotatable shell 2001a includes a spring-suspended ball 2052 that can engage with the groove 2050. The groove 2050 includes a retaining mechanism at each end of the groove to capture the ball, thereby limiting the rotation of the rotatable shaft.

[0060] The user applies rotational torque to the rotatable shell 2001a to disengage the spring-suspended ball from the retaining mechanism, and then rotates the shell, which is then connected via the end cap 2046. potentiometer This causes the shaft to rotate. potentiometer The rotation of the shaft results in a change in its resistance, which in turn causes an adjustment in the intensity of the light emitted by the LED2010. In this embodiment, potentiometer A single wire 4 positioned in a groove of shaft 2038a assists in connecting the shaft to the end cap 2046.

[0061] A dynamic seal 2054 is provided between the rotatable shell 2001a and the heat sink portion 2001b to facilitate sealing of the various components within the housing, while also allowing rotation of the shell 2001a to adjust the intensity of the light emitted by the LED 2010.

[0062] Continuing with Figure 5, the power module 2028 further includes a pair of wires 1 and 2, and related components 3 that enable the formation of an electrical connection between the battery 2034 and the circuit board 2036.

[0063] Figure 6 schematically shows the circuit diagram of the electrical components within the power module 2028, at least some of which are mounted on the PC board 2026, supplying power to the LED 2010 and adjusting the intensity of the emitted light. As described above, the battery 2034 provides power to the LED 2010. In this embodiment, the battery provides a voltage of 3.7 volts and a current of 750 milliamperes. Transistor Q1 provides protection against reverse orientation of the battery. A switch (R13-NC / R13C) allows power to be switched to the LED 2010. potentiometer R13-1,2,3 adjusts the current flowing to LED2010 by swapping current from the feedback network (R1,R2,R3,C4 and C6). The output current (Iout) of switch regulator U1 (LTC3112EDHD) accurately reflects the LED current, allowing U1 to increase the LED current until the voltage at the FB pin reaches the feedback voltage. Low dropout voltage regulators U2, R20 and R21 set a stable voltage so U1 can regulate the LED current all the way down to zero (to ensure the current is properly regulated, for example, when the battery voltage drops). Resistor R4 sets an upper limit on the LED current (approximately 1.03A). The value of this resistor can be increased to limit the LED current to less than 1A. In this embodiment, capacitor C5 and resistors R6 and R7 set the maximum output voltage to 6V, which limits the voltage when the LED is not mounted in a handheld system. Furthermore, U1 and inductor L1 switch between step-down and step-up voltage to maintain LED current when faced with a drop in battery voltage.

[0064] As described above, the heat sink portion 2001b not only provides housing for parts of the optical module and power module, but also facilitates the transfer of heat generated by one or more components within the housing to the external environment, thereby ensuring that the temperature of the outer surface of the housing remains below a desired threshold. With reference to Figures 1 and 3, the outer surface of the heat sink portion 2001b of the housing 2001 includes a plurality of fins 2064, which facilitate the transfer of heat generated by one or more components (e.g., LED 2010) within the housing to the external environment. More specifically, the fins 2064 increase the external surface area of ​​the heat sink portion, thereby enhancing the dissipation of heat to the external environment. In this embodiment, the fins 2064 are arranged longitudinally along the outer surface of the heat sink portion (i.e., parallel to the optical axis (OA) of the illumination system). The use of longitudinal fins can also provide manufacturing advantages, as it allows for the fabrication of the housing using protruding techniques.

[0065] In this embodiment, 12 blades are used, but the number of blades may differ in other embodiments. In some implementations, the depth of the groove between adjacent blades (or in other words, the height of the blades) may range, for example, from about 1 / 8 inch to about 1 / 6 inch. In some embodiments, the total effective surface area of ​​the outer surface of the heatsink portion, i.e., the area effective for heat dissipation, may be at least about 10 square inches. In some embodiments, when the lighting system is in use, the efficiency of heat dissipation by the heatsink is such that the temperature of the outer surface of the housing is maintained below about 115°F. To ensure this, in some cases, maintaining the housing temperature at or below the maximum temperature can be achieved even if the LED2010 is operating with a current of 1 ampere.

[0066] In some embodiments, not only the heat sink portion 2001b but also the rotatable shell 2001a may be formed of a thermally conductive material, such as a metal like aluminum, to facilitate the transfer of heat generated by one or more components within the housing to the external environment. Furthermore, in such embodiments, the rotatable shell may include multiple fins to enhance heat dissipation.

[0067] As described above, in some embodiments, a handheld illumination system may be coupled to a medical or industrial device to provide light to one or more optical guides of the device, for example, to illuminate a field of view. As an example, Figures 8A and 8B schematically represent an endoscope 2056 having an endoscope body 2058 including a flexible elongated element 2060 extending from a proximal end (PE) to a distal end (DE), in which multiple optical fibers 2061 are arranged. The endoscope 2056 may also include other optical components in a manner known to the art, such as one or more lenses, a camera, and image processing circuits (not shown in this figure). The elongated element is configured for insertion into a patient. The exemplary endoscope 2056 also includes a handle 2062 for operating the device.

[0068] The handheld illumination system 2000 described herein is coupled to the endoscope body to provide light to an optical fiber positioned in a flexible element 2060. More specifically, the handheld illumination system 2000 is coupled to the endoscope body via an optical guide adapter 2027. An optical guide connector 2063 can optically couple the optical module 2004 to the optical fiber, facilitating the provision of light to the optical fiber, which can then transmit the light to the distal end (DE) of the flexible elongated element 2060 to illuminate the field of view.

[0069] In use, the flexible element 2060 is inserted at least partially into the patient, and an external illumination system 2000 can be used to provide light to one or more light guides positioned on the elongated element 2060, which then direct the light distal to the elongated element, through which the light exits the endoscope and illuminates the field of view.

[0070] In some embodiments, the handheld illumination system according to this teaching can be powered by batteries, while in other embodiments, the handheld illumination system may be supplied with AC line power. For example, Figure 9 schematically represents an endoscope 3000 according to an embodiment of this teaching, which includes a handheld illumination system 3002 powered by AC (alternating current) line voltage. The handheld illumination system 3002 is similar to the handheld illumination system 2000 discussed above, but differs in that its power module includes an AC / DC converter that converts the AC line voltage to an appropriate DC voltage for application to the LEDs of the optical module located within the housing.

[0071] One advantage of the handheld illumination system according to this instruction is that it can be used with various different optical modules. For example, relating to Figures 10A and 10B, an optical module 300 in another embodiment includes a housing 301, where the lens 302 is removable and replaceable. The lens 302 includes an input surface 304 that optically couples to LEDs 306, which is mounted on a printed circuit board 308 and receives light from them. The lens 302 further includes an output surface 310 (which is substantially flat in this embodiment) through which light passes and exits the lens. The lens 302 also includes an outer peripheral surface 312 that receives at least some of the light entering the lens through the input surface and directs the incident light on it toward the output surface via total internal reflection. Similar to the above embodiment, the outer peripheral surface 312 has a truncated elliptical shape, which has an input focal point f1 on or near the LEDs 306 and a little further away from the lens, for example The outer output focal point f2 is located in the range of approximately 4mm to 6mm above the output surface 310 of the lens. A collar (also referred to herein as a flange) 314 partially surrounds the lens body and facilitates the placement of the lens within the housing 301, as will be discussed in more detail below.

[0072] More specifically, a sleeve 316 in contact with the lower surface of the color 314 supports the lens 312 on the printed circuit board 308. Another sleeve 318 is mounted on the upper surface of the lens color 314 and supports an optical window 320 at a distance D from the output surface 310 of the lens. The optical window 320 can be implemented, for example, in the manner described above in relation to the above embodiment.

[0073] The retaining window 322 is detachably coupled to the housing via a plurality of threads 322a, which engage with the respective threads provided on the inner surface of the housing 301. A gasket 322 located between the retaining window 322 and the optical window 320 can provide a seal. Similar to the above embodiment, the retaining window 322 can be connected to an adapter 326 of the optical guide (not shown) to optically couple the optical module 300 to the optical guide. The optical guide module 300 includes a pair of conductors 300a and 300b for connecting the optical module to a power source, for example, one or more batteries.

[0074] In some embodiments, the handheld lighting system according to this teaching may include an optical module having a housing that provides shoulders in the form of projections extending, for example, from the inner wall of the module housing for mounting a lens. As an example with respect to Figures 11-19, an optical module 1 in another embodiment, which can be removed and replaced into the housing, includes an external housing 5 having a lens holder 17 and a wind ring 8 that are detachably coupled to each other. In this embodiment, the lens holder 17 includes a cylindrical internal passage 19 having an upper opening 20 and a lower opening 21. The lens holder 17 includes internal shoulders 22 to hold an optical lens 3 within the internal passage 19. The lens holder 17 further includes a second internal shoulder 23 to hold a sapphire wind 14 substantially flat and aligned across the output surface 4 of the optical lens 3. The lower opening 21 of the lens holder 17 allows any wire or power supply to be operably connected to the LED 2.

[0075] In this embodiment, the optical lens 3 is formed from a single transparent material to allow light emitted from the LED 2 to pass through. For example, the lens 3 can be made of glass, plastic, or sapphire. The lens 3 includes a proximal (or light-receiving) section 9 having an input surface 10 to receive light from the LED 2, and a distal (light-emitting) section 6 having a substantially flat output surface 4. The optical lens 3 also includes a collar 8 which can be mounted on an internal shoulder 22 for being held within the lens holder 17. The input surface 10 includes an outer periphery curved surface 12 and a central convex surface 13 that converge to form a hole 11. The optical lens 3 includes an outer ellipsoidal surface that reflects incident light via total internal reflection.

[0076] The wind ring 18 includes a cylindrical internal passage 24 having an upper opening 25 and a lower opening 26. The wind ring 18 contacts the upper surface 15 of the sapphire wind 14, securing the sapphire wind to the internal shoulder 23. In this embodiment, the lower surface of the wind ring 18 and the upper surface of the lens holder 17 are threaded to connect them so that they can be attached to and detached from each other.

[0077] The external housing 5 protects the LED 2, the elliptical optical lens 3, and the sapphire wind 14 from the external environment. The resilient external housing 5 allows the module 1 to be attached to the lighting device without the risk of misalignment or damage to the internal LED 2, elliptical optical lens 3, and sapphire wind 14. In some embodiments, the lens holder 17 and the wind ring 18 may be formed of metal, alloy, or plastic.

[0078] In some embodiments, module 1 can be connected to a power source to supply power to LED 2 and any circuit, providing LED 2 with the correct voltage, both of which are well known in the art. For example, the power source may be one or more batteries or AC line power.

[0079] Those skilled in the art will likely find that various modifications can be made to the above embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, elements disclosed in relation to one embodiment can be used in another embodiment.

Claims

1. A handheld lighting system: A housing extending from the proximal end to the distal end, A light module is provided within the housing, which is removable and replaceable, and which has at least one light source to generate light. A power module disposed within the housing and electrically coupled to the optical module to supply power to the optical module, The optical module is adjacent to the optical module and is removable and replaceable at the distal end of the housing, and the adapter connects the optical module to an optical guide, causing the optical guide to receive the light generated by the optical module, The aforementioned optical module, A hollow chamber extending from the proximal end to the distal end, and A lens disposed within the hollow chamber and having a lens body, wherein the lens body comprises an input surface that receives light from the light source and an output surface through which light passes when it exits the lens, The aforementioned lens is the only lens in the handheld lighting system. Handheld lighting system.

2. The handheld lighting system according to claim 1, wherein the housing and the adapter are configured such that the adapter can be removed from the housing independently of the lens, the light source, and the light guide.

3. The handheld lighting system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the housing and the adapter are configured such that the adapter can be removed from the housing while the lens and the light source remain located within the housing.

4. The handheld lighting system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the power module allows for adjustment of the intensity of the light generated by the light module.

5. The handheld lighting system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the optical guide includes an optical fiber.

6. The handheld lighting system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the optical module includes a pair of electrical connectors protruding through the inner wall of the housing separating the optical module and the power module, for electrically connecting the optical module to the power module.

7. The handheld lighting system according to claim 6, wherein the housing includes a first enclosure extending from the inner wall to the distal end for receiving the optical module.

8. The handheld lighting system according to claim 7, wherein the housing further includes a second enclosure extending from the inner wall to the proximal end for receiving the power module.

9. The handheld lighting system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the power module includes a rotatable outer shell, and the rotation of the outer shell adjusts the intensity of the light generated by the optical module.

10. The handheld lighting system according to claim 9, wherein the housing includes a retaining groove that engages with the end of the outer shell to lock the power module into the housing.

11. The handheld lighting system according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the power module includes an adjustable potentiometer, which is electrically coupled to the light source and mechanically coupled to the rotatable outer shell, and the rotation of the outer shell results in a change in the resistance of the potentiometer, thereby adjusting the intensity of the light generated by the optical module.

12. The handheld lighting system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the housing comprises a thermally conductive material.

13. The handheld lighting system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising a plurality of external screw threads disposed at the distal end of the hollow chamber.

14. The handheld lighting system according to claim 13, further comprising a retaining window adapted to be detachably coupled to the distal end of the hollow chamber.

15. The handheld lighting system according to claim 14, wherein the retaining window includes a plurality of internal threads adapted to engage with the external threads at the distal end of the hollow chamber.

16. The handheld lighting system according to claim 15, wherein the retaining window includes an opening for coupling with the adapter and for coupling the optical module to the optical guide.

17. A handheld lighting system according to any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising a printed circuit board on which LEDs are arranged, wherein the board comprises a plurality of wires for applying power from the power module to the LEDs.

18. A handheld illumination system according to any one of claims 1 to 17, configured for use in an endoscope system.

19. The aforementioned adapter An upper portion configured to be coupled to the optical guide, A lower portion configured to engage with the distal end of the housing in a removable and replaceable manner, A handheld lighting system according to any one of claims 1 to 18, comprising:

20. The handheld lighting system according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the adapter is a first adapter among a plurality of adapters, and each of the plurality of adapters has an upper portion configured to be coupled to a corresponding optical guide of one of a plurality of devices, and a lower portion configured to be removable and replaceable to engage with the distal end of the housing for coupling the optical module to the corresponding optical guide so that the optical guide receives the light generated by the optical module.

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