JP2006218225A - Battery unit, battery device having the same, medial instrument and endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make a battery adaptable favorably to the high-temperature condition of the external environment and also facilitate the confirmation of the degraded performance of the battery by enabling the observation of the internal environment of the battery unit. <P>SOLUTION: The battery 34 is surrounded with a cover 33m as a heat conduction lowering means into one unit to produce the battery unit 33a. The battery unit 33a is provided with an environment observing device for observing the internal environment of the battery unit 33a while frame bodies of a battery unit housing part 33 and a housing case 33b of the battery device 3 are provided respectively with window parts 40 and 33b1 made of a transparent resin material, for instance, that enables the recognition of the display of LEDs 39a and 39b on a shape observing device from outside. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a battery unit having battery means (hereinafter simply referred to as a “battery”) used as a primary battery or a secondary battery, a battery device having the battery unit, a medical device, and an endoscope, particularly in a high temperature state. The present invention relates to a battery unit having resistance to an external environment including a battery unit, a battery device having the battery unit, a medical device, and an endoscope.

  For example, a battery such as a conventional dry battery is housed in a battery housing case provided with a positive electrode and a negative electrode provided in a predetermined device, and is electrically connected via a conductive wire connected to the electrode and the electrode. The function execution means can be driven by supplying power to a load device or a circuit as a function execution means for executing the predetermined function.

  However, in recent years, there may be a case where a battery having such a configuration is placed in a high-temperature external environment or used in a high-temperature external environment. Such situations include the use of batteries in space environments where temperature conditions are severe, such as when sterilization is required, for example, when medical treatment is performed on a subject, or when the battery is used for industrial purposes at high or low temperatures. If you want to. In such a case, in a configuration in which the battery is housed in a battery housing case made of metal or plastic material such as stainless steel having thermal conductivity, which is generally used, heat from the outside is transmitted to the battery. As a result, the performance of the battery may deteriorate, and it is difficult to cope with a high temperature state. In particular, in the case of a conventional dry battery, it is generally known that liquid leakage and gas generation occur when performance deteriorates. For example, in the medical endoscope apparatus shown in Patent Document 1 as a function execution device, the battery housing case is made of a metal or plastic material having high thermal conductivity, and the battery is housed in the battery housing case. The lamp is a load device and a battery is electrically connected to supply power to the lamp.

  In this endoscope apparatus, the emitted light from the lamp is guided to a light guide fiber or the like, and the guided illumination light is emitted from the illumination window on the front end side of the light unit, so that the test site of the subject is examined. By illuminating the inside of the organ such as the stomach and large intestine (inside the body cavity) and taking the reflected light into the endoscope device, observation by a doctor or a nurse was made possible.

JP-A-9-56672

  However, in the current medical treatment, for example, pressurized water vapor with high temperature and pressure is generated, and the endoscope apparatus is steam sterilized (autoclave sterilization) with this water vapor before being used for the subject. May occur. In this autoclave sterilization, for example, the endoscope apparatus is sterilized by heating with pressurized steam heated to 135 ° C. and pressurized to 2.2 atmospheres for 20 minutes. The heat generated by the heat is transmitted to the battery through the battery housing case, and may adversely affect the battery and degrade the battery performance.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problem. A battery unit that can satisfactorily cope with a high temperature state of the external environment without deteriorating the performance of the battery even when the external environment is a high temperature state. It is an object of the present invention to provide a battery device, a medical device, and an endoscope.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a battery unit in which the internal environment of the battery unit can be observed, and to easily check the performance deterioration of the battery accompanying this, a battery device having the battery unit, a medical device, and an internal device. To provide an endoscope.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, a battery unit according to the present invention includes a first heat conduction reducing region in which heat conduction from the outside to the inside is reduced. Based on the detection result of the detection means, the battery means having the electrode portion and provided in the first heat conduction reduction area, the detection means for detecting the internal environmental change, And a notification means for performing notification.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a battery unit according to the above invention, wherein the first heat conduction reduced region forming means and the battery means are accommodated in the battery unit and the notification means can be recognized from the outside. It further has a body.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a battery unit according to the above invention, wherein the first heat conduction reduced region forming means and the battery means are housed in the frame body, provided in the frame body, and from the outside. And a first window portion made of a member recognizable by the notification means.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a battery device comprising: a first heat conduction reduced region forming means for forming a first heat conduction reduced region in which heat conduction from the outside to the inside is reduced; and an electrode Battery means provided in the first heat conduction reduction region, detection means for detecting an internal environmental change, notification means for performing notification based on a detection result of the detection means, and the first A frame body made of a member that accommodates one heat conduction reduced region forming unit and the battery unit and is recognizable by the notification unit from the outside; the first heat conduction reduced region forming unit; the battery unit; Forming an accommodation space capable of accommodating a battery unit composed of a detection means, the notification means, and a frame, and being provided in an accommodation space of the accommodation section; From outside to inside Wherein the heat conduction has a second heat transfer reduction region forming means for forming a second heat transfer reduction region to be reduced, the.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a battery device comprising: a first heat conduction reduced region forming means for forming a first heat conduction reduced region in which heat conduction from the outside to the inside is reduced; and an electrode A battery means provided in the first heat conduction reduced region, a frame housing the first heat conduction reduced region forming means and the battery means, and detecting an internal environmental change. A detection means, a notification means for performing notification based on a detection result of the detection means, a frame body for housing the first heat conduction reduced region forming means and the battery means, provided in the frame body, and A first window portion made of a member recognizable by the notification means from the outside; the first heat conduction reduced region forming means; the battery means; the detection means; the notification means; the frame body; Accommodates battery unit consisting of windows And a member that can be recognized by the notification means, and a member that is formed in the accommodation portion and that can be recognized by the battery means from the outside through the first window portion. And a second heat conduction for forming a second heat conduction reduction region provided in the accommodation space of the accommodation portion and reducing the heat conduction from the outside to the inside. And a reduced region forming means.

  The endoscope according to the invention of claim 6 includes a first heat conduction reduced region forming means for forming a first heat conduction reduced region in which heat conduction from the outside to the inside is reduced, Battery means having an electrode portion, provided in the first heat conduction reduction region, detection means for detecting an internal environmental change, notification means for performing notification based on a detection result of the detection means, A frame body made of a member that accommodates the first heat conduction reduced region forming unit and the battery unit and is recognizable by the notification unit, and the first heat conduction reduced region forming unit and the battery unit. An accommodation space that can accommodate a battery unit that includes the detection means, the notification means, and a frame, and that is formed of a member that can be recognized by the notification means, is provided in the accommodation space of the accommodation portion. , Heat from outside to inside A battery comprising: a second heat conduction reduced region forming means for forming a second heat conduction reduced region where conduction is reduced; and the battery unit, the housing portion, and the second heat conduction reduced region forming means. And a device.

  The endoscope according to the invention of claim 7 includes a first heat conduction reduced region forming means for forming a first heat conduction reduced region in which heat conduction from the outside to the inside is reduced, A battery means having an electrode portion and provided in the first heat conduction reduction region, a frame housing the first heat conduction reduction region forming means and the battery means, and detecting an internal environmental change Detection means for performing notification based on the detection result of the detection means, a frame body for housing the first heat conduction reduction region forming means and the battery means, and provided in the frame body, And the 1st window part which consists of a member which the said notification means can recognize from the outside, a said 1st heat conduction reduction area | region formation means, the said battery means, the said detection means, the said notification means, the said frame, and the said 1st body Can accommodate a battery unit consisting of A housing part that forms a container space and that can be recognized by the notification means, and a member that is formed in the housing part and that can be recognized by the battery means from the outside through the first window part. A second window portion and a second heat conduction reduction region for forming a second heat conduction reduction region provided in the housing space of the housing portion and reducing heat conduction from the outside to the inside. And a battery device including the battery unit, the accommodating portion, the second window portion, and the second heat conduction reduced region forming means.

  The battery unit according to the present invention surrounds the periphery of the battery with heat conduction reducing means, and electrically connects the battery and the positive and negative electrode members provided outside through the heat conduction reducing means. Since the battery and the heat conduction reducing means are housed and the environmental change inside the battery unit due to the deterioration of the battery performance is detected and the notification is made based on the detection result, it can cope with the high temperature state of the external environment well. Thus, there is an effect that the internal environment of the battery unit can be confirmed, and the accompanying battery performance deterioration can be easily confirmed.

  The battery unit according to the present invention surrounds the periphery of the battery with heat conduction reducing means, and electrically connects the battery and the positive and negative electrode members provided outside through the heat conduction reducing means. A first unit capable of accommodating a battery and a heat conduction reducing unit, detecting an environmental change inside the battery unit due to battery performance deterioration, performing notification based on the detection result, and recognizing the display from the outside. The window part of the battery unit is provided in the frame of the battery unit, so that it can cope with the high temperature condition of the external environment well and the internal environment of the battery unit can be confirmed, so that the battery performance deterioration associated with this can be easily done. There is an effect that it can be confirmed.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of a battery unit, a battery device having the battery unit, a medical device, and an endoscope according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings of FIGS. The present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a portable endoscope apparatus using a battery device according to the present invention. In the figure, an endoscope apparatus 1 includes a watertight endoscope 2 that prevents leakage and permeation of liquid, and a battery device 3 that is detachably attached to the endoscope 2 and electrically connected thereto. Has been. Further, a light guide cable (not shown) can be detachably attached to the endoscope 2 instead of the battery device 3.

  The endoscope 2 is provided with an eyepiece unit 21 provided at one end, an operation unit 22 provided on an attachment side to which the eyepiece unit 21 is attached, and the other end of the operation unit 22. And an elongated cylindrical insertion portion 23 to be inserted therein. A light guide base 22a protrudes from the side surface of the operation portion 22 on the attachment side, and the connection portion 31 of the battery device 3 is detachably connected. In addition, a bending operation lever 22b for performing a bending operation of the distal end of the insertion portion 23 and a suction button 22c for performing a suction operation protrude from the side surface of the operation unit 22 at different positions. Yes. A suction base 22d communicating with a suction channel (not shown) provided in the endoscope 2 protrudes from the side surface of the suction button 22c. For example, a tube is attached to the suction base 22d, and the suction base 22d is connected to the suction button 22c via the tube. By connecting to a predetermined suction device and appropriately operating the above-described suction button 22c, the liquid in the body cavity can be sucked and discharged through the insertion portion 23, the suction channel, and the suction base 22d.

  In addition, the operation unit 22 is provided with a grip portion 22e that is held by a doctor or the like in order to hold and fix the endoscope 2. In the operation portion 22, a forceps insertion port 22f for inserting forceps protrudes from the attachment side to which the insertion portion 23 is attached. The forceps insertion port 22f is normally closed with a forceps plug 22g. . Further, on the opposite side of the forceps insertion opening 22f, for example, a vent hole 22h is provided, and a water leak inspection of the endoscope 2 is performed by sending air into the endoscope 2 from the vent hole 22h. Is possible.

  The insertion portion 23 to be inserted into the subject includes a hard distal end portion 23a provided at the distal end, a bending portion 23b that performs a bending operation by operating the operation portion 22, and a flexible tube 23c having flexibility. These parts are configured to be continuous in a line.

  A light guide fiber (not shown) for guiding the illumination light emitted from the battery device 3 is housed inside the insertion portion 23. One end of the light guide fiber is bent inside the operation unit 22 and is fixed in the light guide base 22a. The other end of the light guide fiber is fixed to an illumination window 23 d provided at the distal end of the insertion portion 23. Therefore, the endoscope apparatus 1 can irradiate the illumination light emitted from the battery device 3 from the light guide base 22a through the light guide fiber to the outside through the illumination window 23d, and thereby the body cavity of the subject inserted therein The interior can be illuminated. A male screw portion 22i for connection is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the light guide base 22a.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the external appearance of the operation unit 22 and the connection unit 31 of the battery device 3 illustrated in FIG. 1. 1 and 2, the connection portion 31 of the battery device 3 has a connection ring 31a provided on the outer peripheral surface, and the connection ring 31a includes a female screw portion 31b formed on the inner peripheral surface, and a female screw. And a screw cover 31c covering the outer peripheral surface of the portion 31b. The connection ring 31a is provided so as to surround the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical connection base 31d, and the connection ring 31a is connected to the connection base 31d in such a manner that the movement in the longitudinal direction of the connection base 31d is restricted within a certain range. It is attached to the base 31d. The female screw portion 31b is configured to be screwed with a male screw portion 22i provided on the outer peripheral surface of the light guide base 22a.

  A watertight ring 31e is provided around the outer peripheral surface of the connection base 31d. When the connection portion 31 is connected to the light guide base 22a, the watertight ring 31e is connected to the inner periphery of the connection tube 22j of the light guide base 22a. It is in close contact with the surface. That is, by rotating the connection ring 31a of the battery device 3 in a predetermined direction and screwing the male screw portion 22i of the light guide base 22a and the female screw portion of the connection ring 31a, the light guide base 22a of the endoscope 2 is engaged. The connection ring 31a is screwed and fixed, and the connection cylinder 22j and the connection base 31d are brought into close contact with each other by the watertight ring 31e, so that the endoscope 2 and the battery device 3 are combined together. With this configuration, watertightness at the connecting portion is ensured.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an outline of the AA cross section of the battery device 3 shown in FIG. 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an outline of the BB cross section of the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing a partial section of the contact of the battery device shown in FIG. In these drawings, a battery device 3 is a lamp housing portion 32 that houses a lamp made of a horizontally long rectangular frame and battery unit housing means that houses a battery unit, and forms a battery unit housing space. And a battery unit housing portion 33 formed of a frame having a vertically long rectangular shape having an inner surface.

  Inside the battery unit housing portion 33, a cylinder that is in contact with and electrically connected to a battery unit positive electrode 33p1 of the battery unit 33a including an IC chip 36 to which a later-described battery 34 and two LEDs 39a and 39b are connected. A connection terminal 32e having a shape is provided so as to protrude.

  The lamp housing portion 32 is electrically connected to the connection terminal 32e, and supplies a power source supplied from the battery 34 as a battery means via the connection terminal to the lamp 32a. The lamp 32a is turned on. The switch 32d for switching the mode between the mode for turning off the lamp and the mode for charging the battery 34 from the power supply means (not shown) via the charging connection terminal 32f by shutting off the power supply to the lamp and the switch 32d When the mode for lighting the lamp 32a is selected, the power supply voltage supplied to the lamp 32a is converted into a driving voltage that is a constant voltage suitable for lighting the lamp 32a, and the power supply voltage is supplied from the battery 34. The lamp 32a as function executing means that receives and functions and the illumination light emitted from the lamp 32a. Houses and the condenser lens 32b, a to.

  In addition, the frame of the lamp housing portion 32 includes a charging connection terminal 32f for charging from a power supply means electrically connected to the switch 32d and the battery 34, or for performing a charge check, and the endoscope 2. A contact 32g that is electrically connected to the lamp housing 32 is provided through the side surface of the frame body of the lamp housing 32. The lamp 32a is connected to the battery unit positive electrode 33p1 of the battery unit 33a via the switch 32d and the connection terminal 32e, and to the battery unit negative electrode 33q1 of the battery unit 33a via the contact 32g. The switch 32d is configured to be able to be switched from the outside of the battery device 3.

  The connection terminals 32e and 32f and the contact 32g are formed of a conductive member having low thermal conductivity and at least a metal contact used as a normal electrical contact. For example, these members are formed of silicon rubber (silicon rubber having a product number of KE3801M-U manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.) or the like. The connection terminal 32f and the contact 32g are arranged on the side surface of the frame body of the lamp housing portion 32 on the connection ring 31a side. Among these members, the charging connection terminal 32f is provided when, for example, a charging state monitor circuit (not shown) for checking the charging state of a battery provided outside is attached to the battery device 3 by the connection ring 31a. The charging state monitor circuit and the battery 34 are electrically connected via the charging connection terminal 32f. As a result, the charge state monitor circuit can check the charge state of the battery 34.

  Further, the contact 32g is electrically connected when the battery device 3 is attached to the endoscope 2 by the connection ring 31a, and enables power supply from the battery 34 to the lamp 32a. That is, as shown in FIG. 5, the contact 32g of the battery device 3 has a contact pin 32g1 electrically connected to the battery negative electrode 34b of the battery 34, and a spring that urges the contact pin 32g1 to protrude outside. 32g2 is provided. Further, a projection 22k is provided at a predetermined position of the endoscope 2 facing the contact point 32g of the battery device 3, and when the battery device 3 is attached to the endoscope 2, FIG. As shown, the protrusion 22k comes into contact with the contact pin 32g1 of the contact 32g and pushes the contact pin 32g1 into the battery device 3. By this pressing, the contact pin 32g1, the electric circuit 32a1 on the lamp 32a side, and the electric circuit 32a2 on the battery unit negative electrode 33q1 side come into contact, and power can be supplied from the battery 34 to the lamp 32a. When the battery device 3 is detached from the endoscope 2, as shown in FIG. 5B, the contact between the protrusion 22k and the contact 32g is released, and the contact 32g returns to the original position. The contact 32g is not in contact with the electric circuit on the lamp 32a side and the electric circuit on the battery unit negative electrode 33q1 side, and power supply from the battery 34 to the lamp 32a becomes impossible. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the switch 32d is in the ON state and the battery device 3 is attached to the endoscope 2, power is supplied from the battery unit 33a to the lamp 32a for the first time. Light is emitted. The condensing lens 32b is disposed in the connection base 31d, condenses the illumination light from the lamp 32a, and emits it to the light guide fiber in the endoscope 2.

  The battery unit housing part 33 includes a battery 34, for example, two cylindrical battery units 33a and a substantially cylindrical frame body having an inner surface forming an internal space which is a housing part for housing the battery unit 33a. The battery case 33b and the battery unit 33a at a predetermined position in the internal space that is provided on the inner surface of the battery case 33b so that the battery unit positive electrode 33p1 provided on the battery unit 33a contacts the connection terminal 32e. A plurality of ribs 33c as support means for supporting and fixing the battery, a connection terminal 33d connected to the battery unit negative electrode 33q1 provided in the battery unit 33a, and a contact point provided on the outer surface of the battery unit housing portion 33 Temperature switch 33e connected between the electric circuit of 32g and connection terminal 33d Equipped with a. In addition, if the storage case 33b is also composed of a member having a low thermal conductivity, the housing case 33b has the function of the heat conduction reducing means according to the present invention.

  The rib 33c functions as a support means, and together with the battery unit 33a and the housing case 33b, forms a space that forms an air layer 33f as a heat conduction reducing means between the outer surface of the battery unit 33a and the housing case 33b. It also has a function as a means. The air layer 33f is provided so as to surround the cylindrical battery unit 33a, and prevents heat from being conducted from the outside of the battery device 3 to the battery unit 33a via the housing case 33b.

  Further, the rib 33c is formed of a member having a substantially semi-cylindrical shape and low thermal conductivity, and prevents heat from being conducted from the housing case 33b to the battery unit 33a via the rib 33c. Therefore, the rib 33c reduces heat conduction from the outside to the battery unit 33a together with the formed air layer 33f. The connection terminal 33d is formed of a tongue-shaped plate spring, one end is fixed to a partition wall 33h described later, and the other end is easily contacted with the battery unit negative electrode 33q1 of the battery unit 33a by the urging force of the plate spring. It is configured as follows. The temperature switch 33e is disposed on the outer surface of the battery unit housing portion 33. When the external temperature reaches a predetermined temperature, the temperature switch 33e is turned on to conduct the electrical circuit between the contact 32g and the connection terminal 33d. . With this configuration, the electric path from the battery unit 33a to the lamp 32a is conducted, and power can be supplied from the battery unit 33a to the lamp 32a.

  In addition, the battery unit housing portion 33 is provided below the battery unit 33a from a power feeding coil 33g that takes in a power feeding signal oscillated from an external power supply device (not shown) by electromagnetic induction, and from the power feeding signal that is taken in. A regeneration booster circuit (not shown) that regenerates power and boosts the regenerated power and supplies it to the battery unit 33a. The power feeding coil 33g and the regeneration booster circuit constitute power supply means. . As shown in FIG. 3, the power supply coil 33g is wound around a pedestal 33j in the storage portion 33i, which is disposed below the battery unit 33a and separated by a partition wall 33h having a U-shaped cross section and a substantially circular upper surface. A regenerative booster circuit that is rotated and electrically connected to the power feeding coil 33g is provided in the housing case 33b. The partition wall 33h forms the bottom surface of the housing case 33b. In addition, the partition wall 33h is better in structure if it is formed of a member having low thermal conductivity.

  With this configuration, the power feeding signal captured by the power feeding coil 33g is regenerated as power by the regeneration boosting circuit, and further boosted to the potential of the battery 34 in the battery unit 33a, and then stored in the battery 34. The Thus, the battery device 3 has a configuration in which power is supplied by electromagnetic induction from the outside. In the present invention, the power feeding is not limited to the electromagnetic induction system shown in the embodiment, and microwaves may be used.

  Furthermore, the battery unit housing part 33 and the housing case 33b function as space forming means for forming an air layer 33k as heat conduction reducing means between the outer surface of the battery unit housing part 33 and the outer surface of the housing case 33b. Have. The air layer 33k is formed so as to surround the housing case 33b. With this configuration, the battery device 3 includes the double air layers 33f and 33k, and reduces heat conduction from the outside to the battery unit 33a. In the present invention, instead of the air layer 33k, a vacuum layer can be formed between the battery unit housing portion 33 and the housing case 33b, and 33f can be formed in the vacuum layer. In addition, this layer can be partitioned by a plurality of rectangular parallelepiped partition walls 33l protruding from the housing case. With this configuration, heat conduction can be reduced and the internal strength of the battery device 3 can be increased. .

  FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the first embodiment of the configuration of battery unit 33a shown in FIG. In the following drawings, the same components as those in FIGS. 1 to 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals for convenience of explanation. In FIG. 6, as a heat conduction reducing unit that surrounds and covers the battery 34 made of, for example, an AA type dry cell, between the cover 33 m and the outer surface of the battery 34 and the inner surface of the cover 33 m, An air layer 33r, a plurality of substantially semi-cylindrical ribs 33s as support means for supporting and fixing the battery 34 in the cover 33m, a unit accommodating portion 33n in which the cover 33m is accommodated, and an electrode according to the present invention The battery positive electrode 34a of the battery 34 as a part and the electrode members 33p and 33q connected to the battery negative electrode 34b as a second electrode part according to the present invention are provided. The electrode member 33p is, for example, a thin disk-shaped battery unit positive electrode 33p1 as an electrode member according to the present invention provided on the outer surface of the battery unit 33a, and the battery unit positive electrode 33p1 and the battery 34 battery. A conductive line 33p2 is provided as a conductive means for electrically connecting the positive electrode 34a. The electrode member 33q is, for example, a thin disk-shaped battery unit negative electrode 33q1 as a second electrode member according to the present invention provided on the outer surface of the battery unit 33a, and the battery unit negative electrode 33q1. A conductive wire 33q2 as a conductive means for electrically connecting the battery negative electrode 34b of the battery 34 is provided. A ring-shaped gap C is provided between the electrodes 33p1 and 33q1 and the unit accommodating portion 33n, and the electrodes 33p1 and 33q1 and the unit accommodating portion 33n are in direct contact so that the battery 34 is not short-circuited.

  In addition, the space in which the battery 34 is disposed in the unit accommodating portion 33n constitutes a heat conduction reducing region according to the present invention, and the unit accommodating portion 33n and the cover 33m are used to form this heat conduction reducing region. The heat conduction reduced region forming means according to the present invention is constituted. In the present invention, the gap C may not be provided by forming the unit accommodating portion 33n with an insulator. The air layer 33r may be formed of a vacuum layer. Furthermore, in this embodiment, an AA type battery is assumed, but the present invention is not limited to this, and any type of battery may be used.

  Since the cover 33m is formed of a heat conduction reducing member made of, for example, styrene foam, which is a material having low thermal conductivity, heat is prevented from being conducted from the housing case 33b to the battery 34. Further, when the strength of the cover is sufficiently high, the battery unit 33a is not necessarily provided with the unit housing portion 33n. With such a configuration, the battery unit 33a can reduce heat conduction to the battery 34, reduce the weight of the battery device, and help improve the operability by the operator.

  FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view showing a state in which the battery unit 33a is housed in the battery device 3, and the battery unit 33a is a battery due to battery performance deterioration as shown in FIGS. An environment observation device for observing environmental changes inside the unit is provided. The environmental observation apparatus includes, for example, ph sensors 35a and 35b that measure liquid leaking from the battery 34, such as zinc chloride, an alkaline electrolyte, or moisture accompanying the intrusion of water vapor, and the ph sensors 35a and 35b are electrically connected to each other. An IC chip 36 to be connected and two LEDs 39a and 39b connected to the IC chip 36 are provided.

  The ph sensor 35 is placed below the battery 34 on a cover 33m corresponding to the bottom surface of the battery unit 33a. The ph sensor 35 measures the water (hereinafter referred to as “liquid”) liquefied by the electrolytic solution and water vapor leaking from the battery 34 by changing the ph according to the degree of acidity or alkalinity.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the IC chip 36 is provided with an outer wall of the unit accommodating portion 33n of the battery unit 33a, and two LEDs 39a and 39b that perform lighting display toward the outside are connected to the surface of the IC chip 36. Yes. Further, as shown in the block diagram of the environment observation apparatus in FIG. 8, the IC chip 36 is connected to ph sensors 35a and 35b, and a liquid for detecting a liquid leak accompanying a ph change from the ph sensors 35a and 35b. This includes a detection circuit 37 and a display control circuit 38 that controls lighting of the LEDs 39a and 39b in accordance with a detection signal output from the liquid leakage detection circuit 37. In addition, commercially available dry batteries and the like may have slightly different ph values of the electrolyte depending on the lot at the time of manufacture. For this reason, the leak detection circuit 37 measures the ph value of the electrolyte solution of the dry battery to be measured in advance, and in advance, based on the measurement result, sets a threshold value as a judgment criterion for the presence or absence of ph change. By setting, it corresponds to the ph change from the ph sensors 35a and 35b.

  The LEDs 39a and 39b are LEDs that emit different colors, for example, red light emission and green light emission. The display control circuit 38 turns on the green LED, for example, in a normal state where no leakage is detected. When the detection signal indicating the detection of leakage is input from the leakage detection circuit 37, the display control circuit 38 turns on the red LED. The lighting control of the two LEDs is performed so as to light up. The ph sensors 35a and 35b and the leak detection circuit 37 constitute detection means according to the present invention, and the display control circuit 38 and the LEDs 39a and 39b constitute notification means according to the present invention. Moreover, the power supply by the battery 34 is used for the power supply of this environmental observation apparatus. Further, the number of LEDs is not limited to two, and one or a plurality of LEDs may be used as long as a display showing an environmental change is possible.

  Further, in this embodiment, as shown in the block diagram of FIG. 7, a window portion as a second window portion according to the present invention is provided in the frame of the battery device 3, for example, the housing case 33 b and the battery unit housing portion 33. 33b1 and 40 are provided, respectively. These window portions 33b1 and 40 have, for example, the same shape and are formed to face each other at the same position when viewed from the outside of the battery device 3 so that the LEDs 39a and 39b provided on the outer wall of the unit accommodating portion 33n can be seen from the outside. It is made of a rectangular or square plate member made of a transparent material, for example, a plastic material.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the battery is surrounded by the cover, which is a heat conduction reducing means, and an air layer is formed between the battery unit and the housing case, so that the performance of the battery is improved even when the external environment is at a high temperature. It can cope with the high temperature of the external environment without deterioration.

  Further, in this embodiment, for example, an environmental observation device that detects an environmental change inside the battery unit due to battery performance deterioration is provided. Since the battery unit is provided with a window that can be used to indicate that there is an error and the display can be recognized from the outside, it is possible to observe the environmental change (leakage) in the battery unit. The accompanying battery performance degradation can be easily confirmed.

  Further, in this embodiment, in addition to the leakage from the battery, for example, moisture obtained by liquefying water vapor that has entered the battery unit can be measured. Although the battery device according to the present invention maintains water tightness, even when water vapor enters the battery unit during autoclave sterilization, the water content can be measured. It is possible to easily recognize the deterioration of the battery performance, and to prevent the battery from being damaged due to this.

  The present invention is not limited to the ph sensor shown in the embodiment, but is generated from, for example, a gas sensor that measures gas generated from a battery, such as hydrogen gas, a humidity sensor that detects humidity due to leaked liquid, or a battery. It is possible to measure environmental changes in the battery unit, such as a pressure sensor that measures the pressure in the battery unit 33a that changes due to gas filling, and a temperature sensor that measures the temperature in the battery unit that also changes due to gas generation. If possible, other sensors can also be used.

  In addition, the notification means is not limited to the LED display shown in the embodiment, and a configuration in which notification is given by, for example, a buzzer or voice is also possible. In this case, it is possible to notify the outside of the battery shape change without providing a window in the battery device.

  Further, in the present invention, the lamp housing portion 32, the battery unit housing portion 33, and the frame body of the battery device 3, excluding the lamp case 32h and the connection base 31d in which the lamp 32a shown in FIG. The housing case 33b can be made of a transparent plastic material. Thereby, even if it does not provide a window part, it becomes possible to recognize easily the LED display provided in the battery unit 33a through the battery unit accommodating part 33 and the accommodating case 33b of the battery apparatus 3 from the outside.

  Furthermore, in the present invention, a transparent film (product number manufactured by Sony Chemical Co., Ltd.) as a means for reducing heat conduction, for example, a material having low heat conductivity, is provided on at least one of the inside and outside of the windows 40 and 33b1. It is also possible to affix a Sieg film of Sieg F-7710). In this case, the heat conduction into the battery device can be further reduced.

(Embodiment 2)
9 is a cross-sectional view showing Embodiment 2 of the configuration of the battery unit shown in FIG. 3, and FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view showing a state in which the battery unit shown in FIG. 9 is housed in the battery device. It is. In this embodiment, it is assumed that a battery as a power source is not used for the notification means.

  9 and 10, in the environmental observation apparatus of this embodiment, a belt-shaped litmus paper 41 having a predetermined width is wound in the circumferential direction of the battery 34 below the vicinity of the negative electrode of the battery 34. It is pasted. In this embodiment, the litmus test paper 41 can be easily recognized from the outside through the window 33n1 described below.

  That is, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, a transparent window 33n1 as a first window according to the present invention is provided in the frame of the unit housing 33n. The window portion 33n1 is provided below the unit housing portion 33n so that the litmus test paper 41 wound around the battery 34 can be recognized, and is provided on the frame of the battery unit housing portion 33 and the housing case 33b accordingly. The window portions 40 and 33b1 are also arranged so as to overlap with the window portion 33n1. Further, the cover 33m is formed in the unit accommodating portion 33n in a state where the region portion of the window portion 33n1 is removed so that the litmus test paper 41 can be recognized.

  For example, when liquid leaks from the battery 34, the leaked liquid adheres to the litmus paper 41. Due to this liquid adhesion, the color of the litmus test paper 41 changes, and the color change can be easily visually observed from the outside through the window portions 33n1, 33b1, 40.

  Thus, in this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, it is possible to cope with the high temperature state of the external environment satisfactorily without deteriorating the performance of the battery even when the external environment is a high temperature state, and below the outer surface of the battery. Even if liquid leakage from the battery occurs, the litmus test paper changes its color and changes the color of the litmus test paper through the windows provided in the battery unit and the battery device. This change can be visually observed from the outside, so it is possible to observe the internal environment (liquid leakage) of the battery unit without using the battery as a power source, which facilitates battery performance degradation. Can be confirmed.

  Further, in this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, it is possible to measure moisture or the like that water vapor that has entered the battery unit has been liquefied, so even if moisture is generated in the battery, Therefore, it is possible to easily recognize the deterioration of the performance of the battery based on the battery, and to prevent a failure such as damage to the battery due to this.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an endoscope 2 in which a secondary battery is incorporated, and FIG. 12 is an external view illustrating an external appearance of the endoscope illustrated in FIG. 11. In these drawings, a light guide fiber 24 as a light guiding means for guiding illumination light is inserted in the operation unit 22, and the light guide fiber 24 is bent in the operation unit 22 and connected at one end. It is fixed in the socket 25. Further, the connection socket 25 includes an illumination lamp unit 27 and a condenser lens 26 that condenses illumination light from the illumination lamp unit 27 on one end surface of the light guide fiber 24.

  Further, the connection socket 25 biases the contact pin 29 and the coil spring 28 that is electrically connected to the battery positive electrode 34 a of the battery 34, the contact pin 29 that is electrically connected to the battery negative electrode 34 b of the battery 34. A spring 30 is provided for projecting. The illumination lamp unit 27 includes a lamp 32a that emits illumination light and a lamp holder 35 that holds the lamp 32a. With this configuration, when the illumination lamp unit 27 is inserted into the connection socket 25, the coil spring 28 and the contact pin 29 abut against the illumination lamp unit 27, and the battery 34 and the lamp 32a are electrically connected. The illumination light emitted from the lamp 32 a is supplied to the light incident end face of the light guide fiber 24 through the condenser lens 26.

  The battery unit housing portion 33 has substantially the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, and includes a mode for turning on the lamp 32a, a mode for turning off the lamp, and a charging connection terminal 32f provided on the operation portion 22 of the endoscope 2. A switch 32d for switching the mode of charging the battery 34 via the battery 34, a battery unit 33a including the battery 34 and the unit housing portion 33n, a housing case 33b as a housing portion for housing the battery unit 33a, and a housing case A plurality of ribs 33c as support means for supporting and fixing the battery unit 33a in 33b, an air layer 33f, and electrode members 33p and 33q of the battery unit 33a are provided. Further, the battery unit housing portion 33 includes a power feeding coil 33g that takes in a power feeding signal oscillated from an external power supply device (not shown) by electromagnetic induction below the battery unit 33a.

  Similarly to the first embodiment, the battery unit 33a includes ph sensors 35a and 35b that measure a liquid such as a solution that leaks from the battery 34, and an IC chip 36 to which the ph sensors 35a and 35b are electrically connected. And an environmental observation device composed of two LEDs 39a and 39b connected to the IC chip 36, and measures the ph value of the liquid generated in the battery unit 33a to detect liquid leakage and the like. Yes.

  In this embodiment, the frame of the battery unit housing portion 33 and the housing case 33b of the endoscope 2 is transparent so that the LEDs 39a and 39b of the battery unit 33a can be easily lit. The window portions 40 and 33b1 made of a material have the same shape and are arranged to face each other at the same position when viewed from the outside of the battery device.

  As described above, in this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, even when the external environment is in a high temperature state, the battery performance can be satisfactorily dealt with without deteriorating the performance of the battery. An environmental observation device that detects environmental changes is provided, and when liquid leakage is detected inside based on the measurement of the ph value, an LED that is a notification means displays a liquid leakage due to red lighting, for example. Since the endoscope has a window part that can be recognized and recognized from the outside, it is possible to observe environmental changes (leakage) in the battery unit and easily check battery performance deterioration. it can.

  Further, in this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, for example, it is possible to measure water that has been liquefied from water vapor that has entered the battery unit, so that it is possible to easily recognize deterioration in battery performance based on this water. Further, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of troubles such as battery damage due to this.

  In the present invention, the battery unit housing portion 33 and the housing case 33b can be made of a transparent plastic material as in the first embodiment. Thereby, even if it does not provide window part 40, 33b1 in an endoscope, it becomes possible to recognize easily the display of LED39a, 39b as an alerting | reporting means provided in the unit accommodating part 33n outer wall of the battery unit 33a. .

  In the present invention, it is also possible to provide the endoscope with the same configuration as that of the second embodiment. In this case, as in the second embodiment, the battery is not used as the power source for the notification means. However, it becomes possible to observe the environmental change in the battery unit, and thereby it is possible to easily confirm the deterioration of the battery performance.

  In these embodiments, the case where a window is provided in the frame and the case where a transparent member is used for the frame have been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, for example, the frame of the unit accommodating portion 33n. Uses a transparent member, an opaque member is used for the battery unit housing portion 33 and the housing case 33b, and the window portions 40 and 33b1 are provided. It is also possible to configure an endoscope.

  In addition, the operation section of a normal endoscope is made of a material such as polysulfone or noryl, but the heat conduction reducing member according to the present invention has a higher heat insulating effect than these materials, such as polystyrene foam. It is preferable to use it.

  Moreover, although the case where the battery unit concerning this invention was used for the endoscope apparatus was demonstrated in embodiment mentioned above, this invention is not limited to this, For example, an electric knife, an ultrasonic surgical instrument, a thermal knife, a drill It can also be used as a power source for surgical instruments or inspection instruments and observation instruments that require sterilization, such as shavers, staplers, oral mirrors, ultrasonic observation apparatuses, and capsule endoscopes. It can also be used as a power source for implantable devices that require sterilization, such as artificial organs and pacemakers. It can also be used as a power source for equipment used in the clean area of operating rooms such as monitors and laser pointers used for observation. Furthermore, it is used not only in medical equipment but also in industrial endoscopes and space stations that are used when observing high-temperature and low-temperature tanks and piping at fire sites and plants, etc. It can also be used as a power source for equipment used in the space environment (for example, work manipulators and autonomously moving robots). These endoscope apparatuses, medical instruments, etc. constitute a part of the battery device according to the present invention. Furthermore, the environment observation apparatus described above can be used for, for example, a currently used battery apparatus or endoscope that does not use the heat conduction reducing means according to the present invention.

It is a perspective view which shows an example of a structure of the portable endoscope apparatus using the battery apparatus concerning this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the external appearance of the connection part of the operation part and battery apparatus which were shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows schematic structure of the AA cross section of Embodiment 1 in the battery apparatus shown in FIG. Similarly, it is sectional drawing which shows schematic structure of the BB cross section of Embodiment 1 in a battery apparatus. It is sectional drawing which shows the partial cross section of the contact of the battery apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the first embodiment of the configuration of the battery unit shown in FIG. 3. It is a partial perspective view which shows the state which accommodated the battery unit shown in FIG. 6 in the battery apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the shape observation apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a second embodiment of the configuration of the battery unit shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view showing a state where the battery unit shown in FIG. 9 is housed in the battery device. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the endoscope which incorporated the secondary battery. It is an external view which shows the external appearance of the endoscope shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Endoscope apparatus 2 Endoscope 3 Battery apparatus 21 Eyepiece part 22 Operation part 22a Light guide base 22b Curve operation lever 22c Suction button 22d Suction base 22e Grasping part 22f Forceps insertion port 22g Forceps plug 22h Vent hole 22i Male screw part 22j Connection cylinder 22k Protrusion 23 Insertion part 23a Tip part 23b Curved part 23c Flexible tube 23d Lighting window 24 Light guide fiber 25 Connection socket 26 Condensing lens 27 Illumination lamp unit 28 Coil spring 29, 32g1 Contact pin 30, 32g2 Spring 31 Connection part 31a Connection ring 31b Female thread part 31c Screw cover 31d Connection base 31e Watertight ring 32 Lamp housing part 32a Lamp 32a1, 32a2 Electric circuit 32b Condensing lens 32c Power supply circuit 32d Switch 32e, 33d Connection terminal 32 f Charging connection terminal 32g Contact point 32h Lamp case 33 Battery unit accommodation portion 33a Battery unit 33b accommodation case 33b1, 33n1, 40 Window portion 33c, 33s Rib 33e Temperature switch 33f, 33k, 33r Air layer 33g Power supply coil 33h Bulkhead 33i Accommodation Part 33j Base 33l Partition wall 33m Cover 33n Unit housing part 33p, 33q Electrode member 33p1, 33q1, 34a, 34b Electrode 33p2, 33q2 Conductive wire 34 Battery 35 Lamp holder 35a, 35b ph sensor 36 IC chip 37 Leakage detection circuit 38 Display control circuit 41 Litmus paper C Cavity

Claims (7)

First heat conduction reduced region forming means for forming a first heat conduction reduced region in which heat conduction from the outer side to the inner side is reduced;
Battery means having an electrode portion and provided in the first heat conduction reduced region;
Detection means for detecting internal environmental changes;
Notification means for performing notification based on a detection result of the detection means;
A battery unit comprising:   The battery unit further includes a frame body that accommodates the first heat conduction reduction region forming unit and the battery unit, and includes a member that can be recognized by the notification unit from the outside. The battery unit according to 1. The battery unit includes a frame that houses the first heat conduction reduced region forming means and the battery means;
A first window made of a member provided on the frame and recognizable by the notification means from the outside;
The battery unit according to claim 1, further comprising: First heat conduction reduced region forming means for forming a first heat conduction reduced region in which heat conduction from the outer side to the inner side is reduced;
Battery means having an electrode portion and provided in the first heat conduction reduced region;
Detection means for detecting internal environmental changes;
Notification means for performing notification based on a detection result of the detection means;
A frame body that contains the first heat conduction reduced region forming means and the battery means, and is made of a member that can be recognized by the notification means from the outside;
From the member which forms the accommodation space which can accommodate the battery unit which consists of the 1st heat conduction reduction area formation means, the battery means, the detection means, the information means, and a frame, and the information means can recognize A containing part,
A second heat conduction reduced region forming means for forming a second heat conduction reduced region provided in the housing space of the housing portion and reducing heat conduction from the outside to the inside;
A battery device comprising: First heat conduction reduced region forming means for forming a first heat conduction reduced region in which heat conduction from the outer side to the inner side is reduced;
Battery means having an electrode portion and provided in the first heat conduction reduced region;
A frame housing the first heat conduction reduced region forming means and the battery means;
Detection means for detecting internal environmental changes;
Notification means for performing notification based on a detection result of the detection means;
A frame housing the first heat conduction reduced region forming means and the battery means;
A first window made of a member provided on the frame and recognizable by the notification means from the outside;
Forming an accommodation space capable of accommodating a battery unit comprising the first heat conduction reduced region forming means, the battery means, the detection means, the notification means, the frame body, and the first window; and An accommodating portion made of a member recognizable by the notification means;
A second window portion formed of a member formed in the housing portion and recognizable by the battery means from the outside through the first window portion;
A second heat conduction reduced region forming means for forming a second heat conduction reduced region provided in the housing space of the housing portion and reducing heat conduction from the outside to the inside;
A battery device comprising: First heat conduction reduced region forming means for forming a first heat conduction reduced region in which heat conduction from the outer side to the inner side is reduced;
Battery means having an electrode portion and provided in the first heat conduction reduced region;
Detection means for detecting internal environmental changes;
Notification means for performing notification based on a detection result of the detection means;
A frame body that contains the first heat conduction reduced region forming means and the battery means, and is made of a member that can be recognized by the notification means from the outside;
From the member which forms the accommodation space which can accommodate the battery unit which consists of the 1st heat conduction reduction area formation means, the battery means, the detection means, the information means, and a frame, and the information means can recognize A containing part,
A second heat conduction reduced region forming means for forming a second heat conduction reduced region provided in the housing space of the housing portion and reducing heat conduction from the outside to the inside;
A battery device comprising the battery unit, the accommodating portion, and the second heat conduction reduced region forming means;
The endoscope characterized by having. First heat conduction reduced region forming means for forming a first heat conduction reduced region in which heat conduction from the outer side to the inner side is reduced;
Battery means having an electrode portion and provided in the first heat conduction reduced region;
A frame housing the first heat conduction reduced region forming means and the battery means;
Detection means for detecting internal environmental changes;
Notification means for performing notification based on a detection result of the detection means;
A frame housing the first heat conduction reduced region forming means and the battery means;
A first window made of a member provided on the frame and recognizable by the notification means from the outside;
Forming an accommodation space capable of accommodating a battery unit comprising the first heat conduction reduced region forming means, the battery means, the detection means, the notification means, the frame body, and the first window; and An accommodating portion made of a member recognizable by the notification means;
A second window portion formed of a member formed in the housing portion and recognizable by the battery means from the outside through the first window portion;
A second heat conduction reduced region forming means for forming a second heat conduction reduced region provided in the housing space of the housing portion and reducing heat conduction from the outside to the inside;
A battery device comprising the battery unit, the accommodating portion, the second window portion, and the second heat conduction reduced region forming means;
The endoscope characterized by having.

Images