JP6284110B1 - Repeater device connectable to flexible endoscope and endoscope system using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To connect a flexible endoscope having a light guide and an image guide, which can eliminate a receiving error of these two guides and reduce a risk of connection failure by the two guides. A repeater device and an endoscope system using the same repeater device. A relay device connectable with a flexible endoscope and an endoscope system using the same are disclosed. The repeater device of the present invention can be connected to a flexible endoscope including a light guide and an image guide via a receiving port, and the first connection terminal extending from the light guide of the flexible endoscope and the receiving terminal. A light supply unit connectable through an entrance; a light source for irradiating the light guide from the light supply unit; a second connection terminal extending from the image guide of the flexible endoscope and a connection through the receiving port A lens barrel unit; a camera mechanism for receiving an image transmitted from the image guide to the lens barrel unit; and the light supply unit being fixed via an elastic member. [Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a relay device that can be connected to a flexible endoscope, and an endoscope system using the same, and more particularly, a light guide that emits light to the outside from a distal tip, and a distal tip The present invention relates to a relay device that can be connected to a flexible endoscope having two guides, an image guide that transmits image information from a section, and an endoscope system using the same.

  In recent years, various endoscopic techniques that enable diagnosis, surgery, and the like in the human body have been developed.

  In particular, a flexible endoscope called a vascular endoscope or a vascular endoscopic catheter is used to measure the property, length, and / or stenosis of a lesion in a blood vessel such as a coronary artery. Such a vascular endoscope has a long axis and a very small diameter in order to facilitate advancement and retraction in a blood vessel as compared with, for example, a digestive organ endoscope used for diagnosis of a digestive organ, surgery, and the like. Designed. Furthermore, the blood vessel endoscope is a light composed of an illuminating fiber capable of irradiating light to the outside at the distal tip portion thereof (that is, the tip portion of the endoscope furthest away from the doctor's hand). There are provided at least two guide members including a guide and an image guide composed of an image transmission fiber for transmitting image information obtained at the distal tip to the doctor side.

  Further, in the blood vessel endoscope, these two guides are connected to the repeater device on the proximal end side (that is, the distal end portion of the endoscope closest to the hand of the doctor), and the repeater device is also connected to the repeater device. It is electrically connected to a medical console having various information processing functions for displaying, analyzing, storing and the like of transmitted image information. As such a repeater device, for example, a device described in Patent Document 1 is known.

  Here, the connection between the two guides of the blood vessel endoscope and the relay device is normally performed by a surgical assistant other than a doctor, but it is complicated to connect the light guide and the image guide. For this reason, for example, each guide in the blood vessel endoscope is integrated in the form of a connection plug, and on the other hand, in the repeater device, a light supply unit including a port for receiving and connecting a connection terminal of the light guide, and an image guide It is conceivable to arrange a lens barrel portion having a port for receiving and connecting the connection terminal, thereby allowing the blood vessel endoscope to be connected to the plug receiving port of the repeater device by one operation.

  However, in such a connection method, an acceptance error between the light guide and the image guide with respect to the plug receiving port of the repeater device (that is, an acceptance height error in an arbitrary direction in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction) easily occurs. There is a risk that at least one of the guide and the image guide will be poorly connected.

  In the endoscope system using the flexible endoscope as described above, the flexible endoscope is usually a product that is assumed to be disposable, while the repeater device and the medical console are products that are assumed to be repeatedly used. . Even if an improvement that can eliminate the error between the light guide and the image guide is performed, it is difficult to say that the improvement is performed on the flexible endoscope side that is assumed to be disposable in consideration of the manufacturing cost and the like.

International Publication No. 2015/166648

  An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems, and the object of the present invention is to eliminate an acceptance error of these two guides for a flexible endoscope including a light guide and an image guide, and An object of the present invention is to provide a repeater device that can be connected to a flexible endoscope, and an endoscope system using the same, which can reduce the risk of poor connection due to two guides.

The present invention is a repeater device that can be connected to a flexible endoscope including a light guide and an image guide via a receiving port,
A light supply unit connectable with the first connection terminal extending from the light guide of the flexible endoscope via the receiving port;
A light source for irradiating the light guide from the light supply unit;
A barrel portion connectable to the second connection terminal extending from the image guide of the flexible endoscope via the receiving port;
A camera mechanism for receiving an image transmitted from the image guide to the lens barrel;
With
It is a repeater device in which the light supply unit is fixed via an elastic member.

  In one embodiment, the axis of the light supply section and the axis of the lens barrel section are arranged substantially parallel to each other.

  In one embodiment, the elastic member is a rubber material, a thermoplastic elastomer material, a thermosetting elastomer material, a spring, or a leaf spring.

  In one embodiment, the light supply unit is surrounded by one elastic member.

  In one embodiment, the repeater device of the present invention includes the flexible endoscope including a connection plug in which the first connection terminal of the light guide and the second connection terminal of the image guide are arranged substantially in parallel. And can be connected through the receiving port.

  In a further embodiment, the repeater device according to the present invention has a step between the tip end portion of the first connection terminal of the light guide and the tip end portion of the second connection terminal of the image guide in the connection plug. It can be connected to the soft endoscope provided through the receiving port.

  In a further embodiment, the softness is provided with a step so that a distal end portion of the second connection terminal of the image guide in the connection plug protrudes from a distal end portion of the first connection terminal of the light guide. The light supply unit and the light source are arranged closer to the receiving port than the lens barrel unit and the camera mechanism so that the endoscope can be connected to the receiving port through the receiving port. .

  In one embodiment, a locking mechanism is provided for biasing a flange provided on the connection plug so as to introduce and fix the connection plug to the receiving port.

  In one embodiment, at least a part of the outer periphery of the lens barrel part is surrounded by a gimbal part.

  In one embodiment, the flexible endoscope is a vascular endoscope.

The present invention is also an endoscope system comprising:
A flexible endoscope comprising a light guide and an image guide, the flexible endoscope comprising a first connection terminal extending from the light guide and a second connection terminal extending from the image guide;
In the repeater device, the light supply unit is connected to the first connection terminal of the flexible endoscope through the receiving port, and the lens barrel unit is connected to the first connection terminal of the flexible endoscope. A repeater device connected to the second connection terminal of the flexible endoscope; and a console connected to the repeater device via a cable, obtained from the camera mechanism of the repeater device A console through which image information is transmitted over the cable;
It is a system provided with.

  According to the present invention, a flexible endoscope including a light guide and an image guide can be easily attached and detached while reducing the risk of poor connection. Furthermore, according to the present invention, there is no need to provide a mechanism for eliminating an acceptance error for the two guides of the flexible endoscope on the flexible endoscope side, and a flexible endoscope having a simpler structure can be connected. Can do.

It is a figure which shows typically an example of the repeater apparatus of this invention, Comprising: (a) is a perspective view of the said repeater apparatus, (b) is a front view of the said repeater apparatus, and (c) These are the back views of the said repeater apparatus. It is a schematic diagram of the flexible endoscope 400 which can connect the repeater apparatus of this invention. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the connection plug 404 of the flexible endoscope shown in FIG. 2, (a) is a plan view of the connection plug 404, and (b) is a top view of the connection plug 404. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a state in which the connection plug 404 of the flexible endoscope shown in FIG. 3 is connected to the repeater device 100 of the present invention, and (a) of the repeater device 100 to which the connection plug 404 is connected. It is a front view, and (b) is an AA direction sectional view of the (a) concerned. It is a figure for demonstrating the structure 200 which removed the housing 102 from the repeater apparatus 100 of this invention shown in FIG. 1, (a) is a front view of the said structure 200, (b) is the said It is a side view of structure 200, and (c) is a BB direction sectional view of the (a) concerned. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a state in which the connection plug 404 of the flexible endoscope shown in FIG. 3 is connected to the repeater device 100 of the present invention, and (a) of the repeater device 100 to which the connection plug 404 is connected. It is a front view, and (b) is CC sectional drawing of the said (a). FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a state in which the connection plug 404 of the flexible endoscope shown in FIG. 3 is connected to the repeater device 100 of the present invention, and (a) of the repeater device 100 to which the connection plug 404 is connected. It is a side view, (b) is a DD direction sectional view of the (a), and (c) is a partially enlarged view of a portion surrounded by a circle in (b). It is a figure for demonstrating the locking mechanism provided in the repeater apparatus 100 of this invention, Comprising: (a) inserts the connection plug 404 of the flexible endoscope shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a horizontal sectional view of the repeater device for explaining a state before being locked, and (b) is operated by locking the connection plug 404 to the receiving port 101 of the repeater device 100 and locked. It is sectional drawing in the horizontal direction of the said repeater apparatus for demonstrating the state after a short time. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the endoscope system containing the repeater apparatus 100 of this invention.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a repeater device according to the present invention. A repeater device 100 of the present invention shown in FIG. 1A includes a housing 102 and grips 104 and 104 ′ provided on a side surface of the housing 102. In one embodiment of the present invention, four operation buttons 106, 108, 110, 112 are provided on the upper surface of the housing 102. The operation buttons 106, 108, 110, and 112 are for controlling an image recording function provided in a medical console (not shown; hereinafter, may be abbreviated as “console”) connected to the repeater device 100. A recording button and a stop button, and a button for adjusting increase / decrease in light illuminance at the distal tip of the flexible endoscope. Further, in the repeater device shown in FIG. 1A, an adjustment screw for adjusting a gimbal portion, which will be described later, at the approximate center of the place where the operation buttons 106, 108, 110, 112 are disposed and the side surface of the housing 102. Are provided with holes 114 and 116, respectively.

  On the front side of the repeater device 100 of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1B, a first connection terminal extending from the light guide of the flexible endoscope and a second connection terminal extending from the image guide are respectively provided. A receiving port 101 is provided for receiving. Further, the receiving port 101 is provided with a first port 103 for receiving the first connection terminal and a second port 105 for receiving the second connection terminal. In the repeater apparatus 100 according to the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1B, the first port 103 and the second port 105 are preferably provided side by side in a substantially horizontal direction with respect to the repeater apparatus 100. It has been.

  On the other hand, on the back side of the repeater device 100 of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1C, a cable for transmitting image information obtained from the flexible endoscope from the repeater device 100 to the console. A port 114 is provided for connecting the two.

  Next, before describing the internal structure of the repeater device of the present invention, a flexible endoscope that can be connected to the repeater device will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a flexible endoscope 400 that can be connected to the repeater device of the present invention.

  The flexible endoscope 400 includes an endoscope catheter portion 402 and a connection plug 404. The endoscopic catheter portion 402 is composed of a flexible elongated shaft member, and a light guide (not shown) composed of a plurality of illumination fibers is provided in the interior thereof, and is obtained at the distal tip. And an image guide (not shown) composed of a plurality of image transmission fibers for transmitting the obtained image information to the doctor side.

  As used herein, the term “distal” refers to the position of an instrument such as an endoscope, and the position of the instrument. When the instrument is used by a doctor, the instrument Or the part of the device that is farther from the operator, and the term “proximal” is a term that describes the position of the instrument and the device, when the instrument is used by a physician Or it refers to the part of the device that is closer to the doctor.

  The length of the endoscope catheter portion 402 is not particularly limited, but is preferably designed to be 1000 mm to 2500 mm, more preferably 1200 mm to 2300 mm. On the other hand, the average outer diameter of the length of the endoscope catheter portion 402 is preferably 0.3 mm to 3 mm, and more preferably 0.5 mm to 2 mm.

  Further, in FIG. 2, the light guide of the endoscopic catheter portion 402 is in communication with the first connection terminal 406 in the connection plug 404, and the image guide is in communication with the second connection terminal 408 in the connection plug 404. I'm in touch. In the flexible endoscope 400 used for the repeater device of the present invention, the first connection terminal 406 of the light guide and the second connection terminal 408 of the image guide are substantially parallel by the connection plug 404. It is preferable to arrange so as to be.

  Examples of such flexible endoscopes include vascular endoscopes, ureteroscopes, and oviductors. In the present invention, the flexible endoscope is preferably a vascular endoscope.

  3 is an enlarged view of the connection plug 404 of the flexible endoscope shown in FIG. 2, wherein (a) is a plan view of the connection plug 404, and (b) is a top view of the connection plug 404. In FIGS. 3A and 3B, the description of the endoscope catheter portion of the flexible endoscope is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 3A, in the present invention, the tip 410 of the first connection terminal 406 (extending from the light guide) provided on the connection plug 404 and the second connection (extending from the image guide) are provided. A predetermined step t ₁ is preferably provided between the tip 412 of the terminal 408. Such step t _1, disposed between repeaters apparatus internal components of the present invention to be described later is determined. The length (mm) of the step t ₁ itself is not necessarily limited, but in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, between the base end portion 411 of the second connection terminal 408 and the tip end portion 410 of the first connection terminal 406. resulting a step _{t 2,} the said step _{t 2} satisfy the relation of _t 2> 0 (i.e., the proximal side of the base end portion of the second connection terminal 408 is the distal end portion 410 of the first connection terminal 406 It is preferably designed to have such a length (mm). By having such a level difference t _2, with respect to the first port and a second port provided in the receiving port of the repeater device of the present invention, the first connection terminal 406 and the second connection Even if the terminals 408 are mistakenly inserted into each other, the connection plug 404 does not sufficiently enter the central device of the present invention, so that it is possible to easily recognize the erroneous connection.

  As shown in FIG. 3B, the flexible endoscope connection plug 404 also extends in a direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the first connection terminal 406 of the light guide and the second connection terminal 408 of the image guide. A flange 414 is preferably provided. This is because the connection plug 404 can be more easily attached to and detached from the repeater device by engaging with a lock mechanism that can be provided in the repeater device of the present invention to be described later.

  4 is a diagram for explaining a state in which the connection plug 404 of the flexible endoscope shown in FIG. 3 is connected to the repeater device 100 of the present invention. FIG. 4 (a) is a repeater device in which the connection plug 404 is connected. 100 is a front view of 100, and (b) is a cross-sectional view in the AA direction of (a). In FIGS. 4A and 4B, the description of the endoscope catheter portion of the flexible endoscope is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 4B, the repeater device 100 of the present invention includes a light source 121, a light supply unit 122, a lens barrel unit 142, and a camera mechanism 144.

  The light source 121 is a light emitting element such as an LED, and irradiates the light supply unit 122 with light. In the present invention, it is preferable that the light source 121 is directly fixed to the light supply unit 122 without any interval.

  The light supply unit 122 is a member having a hollow portion connected to the first connection terminal 406 extending from the light guide of the flexible endoscope via the first port 103 of the receiving port 101, and is obtained from the light source 121. It plays a role of guiding the emitted light from the first connection terminal 406 of the connection plug 404 to the ride guide. The length of the hollow portion of the light supply unit 122 is preferably designed to be substantially the same as or shorter than that of the first connection terminal 406. Alternatively, in the present invention, the length of the hollow portion of the light supply portion 122 is different even if the hollow portion of the light supply portion 122 is longer than the first connection terminal 406. More preferably, it is designed to be as small as possible.

  In the case where the hollow portion of the light supply unit 122 is designed to be longer than the first connection terminal 406, when the first connection terminal 406 is inserted into the light supply unit 122, the first connection terminal 406 An air gap (interval) is generated between the tip portion and the light source 121 provided behind (upstream) the light supply unit 122. The presence of such an air gap reduces the amount of light when the light from the light source 121 is transmitted to the first connection terminal 406, and ultimately reduces the amount of light at the distal end tip of the flexible endoscope. This may lead to problems such as darkening the image obtained from the distal end tip. Therefore, in the present invention, when the first connection terminal 406 is completely inserted into the hollow portion of the light supply unit 122, the air gap is caused by the tip portion of the first connection terminal 406 substantially contacting the light source 122. It is preferable that the hollow portion of the light supply unit 122 is designed so as not to occur.

  The lens barrel 142 is a member having a hollow portion connected to the second connection terminal 408 extending from the image guide of the flexible endoscope via the second port 105 of the receiving port 101, and preferably a cylindrical shape. Have The lens barrel 142 plays a role of transmitting an image obtained from the second connection terminal 408 of the connection plug 404 to the camera mechanism 144 through an image guide of a flexible endoscope. Although the length of the hollow part of the lens-barrel part 142 is not necessarily limited, For example, it is designed so that it may become the same length as the 2nd connection terminal 408, or the length beyond it. Here, in the repeater apparatus 100 of the present invention, it is preferable that the axis of the light supply unit 122 and the axis of the lens barrel 142 are arranged so as to be substantially parallel to each other. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the axis of the light supply part 122 and the axis of the lens barrel part 142 may be arranged so as to be horizontal and substantially parallel to each other.

  The camera mechanism 144 is preferably provided behind the lens barrel 142 (downstream), preferably at a predetermined interval. In one embodiment of the present invention, the image transmitted to the camera mechanism 144 is guided to an image sensor (for example, a CMOS image sensor or a CCD image sensor) disposed therein through the lens 146, and the image sensor performs the process. It is converted into digital information by a method well known in the technical field. The converted digital information is transmitted to the console through a cable (not shown) connected to the back of the repeater device 100 of the present invention.

  In the repeater device 100 of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 4B, the light supply unit 122 and the light source 121 are forward (toward the receiving port 101) with respect to the lens barrel unit 142 and the camera mechanism 144. It is preferable that they are arranged. For example, by arranging the lens barrel 142, the camera mechanism 144, the light supply unit 122, and the light source 121 so as to satisfy such a relationship, the length in the width direction of the repeater device 100 is suppressed, and the doctor can more This is because an outer shape that can be easily gripped can be configured. Such an arrangement also makes it possible to reduce the distance between the first connection terminal 406 and the second connection terminal 408 in the connection plug 404 of the flexible endoscope.

  FIG. 5 is a view for explaining a structure 200 in which the housing 102 is removed from the repeater device 100 of the present invention shown in FIG. 1, and (a) is a front view of the structure 200. b) is a side view of the structure 200, and (c) is a cross-sectional view in the BB direction of the (a).

  As shown in FIG. 5C, in the structure 200 constituting the repeater device of the present invention, the light supply unit 122 is fixed via an elastic member 150 fixed to the frame unit 148. In other words, in the repeater device 100 of the present invention, the light supply unit 122 is connected to the elastic member 150 in a state where the connection plug 404 of the flexible endoscope is not inserted or the first connection terminal 406 is not connected. Only in contact and fixed in the frame 148 of the repeater device. Accordingly, the light supply unit 122 forms a kind of floating state (floating structure) with respect to the peripheral members via the elastic member 150. In the repeater device according to the present invention, the light supply unit 122 has such a floating structure, so that when the connection plug of the flexible endoscope is inserted into the repeater device, “ From the first connection terminal and the image guide extending from the light guide in any direction of the repeater device (ie, the horizontal direction (X-Y direction), the vertical direction (Z direction), and a combination thereof) by “bending” It is possible to absorb an acceptance error between the extended second connection terminal.

  Furthermore, in the present invention, as a result of having a “floating structure” in which the light supply unit 122 is fixed via the elastic member 150, the light source 121 disposed behind (upstream) the light supply unit 122 is replaced with the elastic member 150. In consideration of “deflection” (that is, elastic force) of the material constituting the light source, it is preferable that the light supply unit 122 be disposed on the side where the light supply unit 122 is located (that is, the front side or the downstream side) with a small distance. For example, in the repeater device 100 of the present invention shown in FIG. 4B, this “slight distance” means that the connection plug 404 of the flexible endoscope is inserted into the receiving port 101, and This is a distance corresponding to the front (downstream) side with respect to the position of the light source 121 in the repeater device 100 when the one connection terminal 406 contacts the light source 121 through the hollow portion of the light supply unit 122. . The “slight distance” is preferably 0.3 mm to 1 mm, for example, when urethane rubber or silicon rubber is used as the elastic member 150.

  The reason why it is preferable to arrange such a “slight distance” in front (downstream) on the light supply unit 122 side can be explained as follows, for example.

  For example, when the conventional light supply unit is not surrounded by an elastic member, the connection terminal extending from the light guide of the flexible endoscope comes into contact with the light source to obtain the maximum amount of light (for example, a person who performs connection (for example, Doctors had to adjust the insertion level of the connection terminal with their own sense, and this adjustment was one of the advanced and important “skills”.

  On the other hand, in the present invention, as shown in FIG. 5C again, since the light supply unit 122 has the “floating structure” fixed through the elastic member 150, for example, FIG. ), When the first connection terminal 406 of the connection plug 404 passes through the hollow portion of the light supply unit 122, the light supply unit 122 inserts the first connection terminal 406 in the insertion direction (for example, (c) of FIG. ) In the direction from the receiving port 101 to the light source 121). At this time, since at least a part of the force applied to the first connection terminal 406 is absorbed by the elastic member 150 surrounding the light supply unit 122 shown in FIG. 5C, the light supply unit 122 itself is The first connection terminal 406 moves in the insertion direction by a slight distance. Next, the light source 121 fixed to the light supply unit 122 also moves in the same direction by a distance corresponding to the slight distance, and the tip of the first connection terminal 406 collides with the light source 121 violently. It is avoided. As a result, the distal end portion of the first connection terminal 406 can make a “mild” and “reliable” contact with the light source 121, and the risk of the light source 121 being damaged by a collision can be avoided. Further, since the contact itself can be easily achieved, it is possible to eliminate the necessity for the person who performs the connection to have advanced and important “skills” as described above.

  Furthermore, in the present invention, the “mild” and “reliable” contact can be easily achieved, so that light can be provided with a larger amount of light to the light guide of the flexible endoscope. As a result, the diameter of the flexible endoscope itself can be reduced.

  In the present invention, examples of the member constituting the elastic member 150 include a rubber material, a thermoplastic elastomer material, a thermoplastic elastomer material, a spring, and a leaf spring. Preferable examples of the members constituting the elastic member 150 include silicon rubber and urethane rubber. In the present invention, the fixing of the light supply unit 122 only through the elastic member 150 is limited to the embodiment described in FIG. 5C as long as the floating structure can be achieved. It is not a thing.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a state in which the connection plug 404 of the flexible endoscope shown in FIG. 3 is connected to the repeater device 100 of the present invention, and (a) is a relay in which the connection plug 404 is connected. It is a front view of the device 100, and (b) is a CC direction sectional view of the (a).

  In the repeater device 100 of the present invention, at least a part of the outer peripheral surface of the lens barrel portion 142 is surrounded by the gimbal portion 160. The gimbal portion 160 is a plate-like member made of metal (for example, aluminum, titanium, stainless steel) or resin (for example, polycarbonate resin, acrylic resin, ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) resin).

  FIG. 7 is a view for explaining a state in which the connection plug 404 of the flexible endoscope shown in FIG. 3 is connected to the repeater device 100 of the present invention. FIG. It is a side view of device 100, (b) is a DD direction sectional view of the (a), and (c) is a partial enlarged view of a portion surrounded by a circle in (b). . In FIG. 7A, the description of the endoscope catheter portion of the flexible endoscope is omitted.

  In FIG. 7B, the barrel portion 142 is disposed so as to penetrate the gimbal portion 160 perpendicular to the thickness direction with respect to the gimbal portion 160. A plurality of slits 162 are provided so as to surround the portion discontinuously, with the portion through which the lens barrel portion 142 passes being the center. In the present invention, the gap between the beams provided between one slit 162 and a slit disposed inside or outside of the gimbal portion 160 in the gimbal portion 160 varies depending on the material and thickness used for the gimbal portion 160 and is not necessarily limited. . For example, when the gimbal portion 160 is made of a metal such as aluminum or titanium, the distance between the beams is preferably 1 mm to 2 mm. Or when the gimbal part 160 is comprised with resin, it is preferable that the space | interval of the said beam is set larger than the case of the said metal, More preferably, they are 2 mm-4 mm.

  Further, the adjustment screws 164 and 166 are arranged in the gimbal portion 160 in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction, and the tip ends of the adjustment screws 164 and 166 are directed to the lens barrel portion 142. ing. As shown in FIG. 7 (c), bosses 172 and 174 are arranged at the tip portions of the adjusting screws 164 and 166, respectively, and the bosses 172 and 174 are located at the center of the gimbal portion 160 and the gimbal. It is embedded in a rigid part 175 provided integrally with the part 160 or independently from the gimbal part 160. The adjusting screws 164 and 166 can be screwed through the holes 114 and 116 described in FIG.

  In the repeater device 100 of the present invention, at least a part of the outer peripheral surface of the lens barrel portion 142 is surrounded by the gimbal portion 160 having the above-described configuration, thereby arbitrarily finely adjusting the axis of the lens barrel portion 142. Can do. Specifically, the rigid body portion of the gimbal portion 160 is adjusted by adjusting the degree of screwing of the adjusting screws 164 and 166 shown in FIG. 7B or FIG. The bosses 172 and 174 embedded in the 175 abut against the rigid body portion 175, respectively, and the lens barrel portion 142 is moved in desired directions in the height direction (vertical direction) and the width direction (horizontal direction) of the repeater device. Can do. As a result, the axis of the lens barrel 142 also moves, so that the axis alignment with the camera mechanism provided behind (downstream) the lens barrel 142 can be performed at any stage. Such axial alignment of the lens barrel portion with respect to the camera mechanism, for example, makes maintenance of the repeater device easier.

  The repeater device 100 of the present invention also includes a lock mechanism for facilitating the attachment / detachment of the connection plug 404 of the flexible endoscope.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a locking mechanism provided in the repeater device 100 of the present invention. FIG. 8A is a diagram showing a connection plug 404 of the flexible endoscope shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing in the horizontal direction of the said repeater apparatus for describing the state before inserting and locking in the inlet_port | entrance 101, and (b) inserts the said connection plug 404 in the receiving port 101 of the repeater apparatus 100 It is sectional drawing in the horizontal direction of the said repeater apparatus for demonstrating the state after being locked. In FIGS. 8A and 8B, the description of the endoscope catheter portion of the flexible endoscope is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 8A, the repeater device 100 of the present invention is provided with a locking cam 180 that acts as a locking mechanism on the receiving port 101 side. The locking cam 180 is oriented in a direction substantially perpendicular to the lever 182, a lever 182 projecting out of the housing 102, a first hook portion 184 provided to face the lever 182, and a connection plug In a state before 404 is inserted, the second hook portion 186 protrudes out of the housing 102 and is rotatable about the camshaft 188.

  When the connection plug 404 of the flexible endoscope is inserted into the receiving port 101 of the repeater device 100, first, the connection plug 404 is disposed at a position shown in FIG. Thereafter, the lever 182 is rotated toward the connection plug 404, whereby the flange 414 provided on the connection plug 404 presses the first hook portion 184 of the locking cam 180. As a result, the first hook portion 184 rotates around the cam shaft 188. Further, the rotation of the lever 182 causes the third hook portion 185 to rotate over the latched leaf spring 187 that has been biased, and the latch hook leaf 187 causes the third hook portion 185 to rotate in the reverse direction. Energize to inhibit. When the lever 182 continues to rotate, as shown in FIG. 8B, the second hook portion 186 presses the flange 414 of the connection plug 404 from the rear to further push the connection plug 404 into the receiving port 101. be able to. At this time, the latch-type leaf spring 187 biases the first hook portion 184 so as to inhibit the first hook portion 184 from rotating in the reverse direction. Thus, by operating the lever 182 of the locking cam 180, the flange 414 provided on the connection plug 404 is urged, and the connection plug 404 of the flexible endoscope is introduced and fixed to the receiving port 101. Then, it can be easily attached to the repeater device 100 via the receiving port 101.

  On the other hand, when removing the connection plug 404 from the repeater device 100, the lever 182 is rotated away from the connection plug 404 from the state shown in FIG. 8B (that is, reversely rotated in the opposite direction). . Further, the reverse rotation of the lever 182 causes the third hook portion 185 to reversely rotate over the urged latch-type leaf spring 187, and the third hook portion 185 is urged to rotate by the latch-type leaf spring 187. Energize as follows. Thereby, the contact of the second hook portion 186 with the flange 414 of the connection plug 404 is released, the first hook portion 184 is pressed from the front of the flange 414, and the connection plug 404 moves away from the repeater device 100. Be energized. As described above, the connection plug 404 of the flexible endoscope can be easily detached from the repeater device 100 by performing an operation opposite to the case of attaching the lever 182.

  Since the repeater device 100 of the present invention includes the locking cam 180 as described above, a special skill for connection with the connection plug 404 of the flexible endoscope is further unnecessary. Thereby, the contact between the connection terminal extending from the light guide of the flexible endoscope and the light source is further facilitated, and a larger amount of light can be secured.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the repeater device 100 of the present invention is connected to the flexible endoscope 400 as described above, and is also connected to the medical console 500 via the cable 520. In this way, the endoscope system 600 is constructed.

  In the present invention, the endoscope system 600 allows the doctor to move the endoscope catheter portion 402 of the flexible endoscope 400 to a desired position, for example, through the blood vessel of the patient, and perform the endoscope using the repeater device 100. An image of the affected area obtained from the distal tip of the mirror catheter portion 402 can be displayed on the display 540 of the medical console 500. At this time, the doctor can instruct the medical console to enlarge and reduce the image displayed on the display and to record or stop the image through the operation buttons provided on the repeater device 100.

  In addition, although the example which connected the repeater apparatus 100 and the medical console 500 via the cable 520 was demonstrated above, this invention is not limited only to such embodiment. In the present invention, for example, a member included in the repeater device 100 may be directly incorporated in the console without using the cable 520, and a single console device may be configured as a whole. Such a console device is also included in the repeater device as one embodiment of the present invention. In this case, the connection plug of the flexible endoscope is connected to the console device through the same receiving port as the repeater device 100 provided in the console device.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Repeater 101 Reception port 102 Housing 104,104 'Grip 114,116 Hole 121 Light source 122 Light supply part 142 Lens barrel part 144 Camera mechanism 146 Lens 148 Frame 150 Elastic member 160 Gimbal part 162 Slits 164,166 Adjustment screw 172,174 Boss 180 Locking cam 182 Lever 184 First hook portion 185 Third hook portion 186 Second hook portion 187 Latching leaf spring 188 Cam shaft 400 Flexible endoscope 402 Endoscopic catheter portion 404 Connection plug 406 First connection terminal 408 Second connection terminal 414 Flange 500 Medical console 540 Display 600 Endoscope system

Claims (12)

A repeater device connectable to a flexible endoscope including a light guide and an image guide via a receiving port,
A light supply unit connectable with the first connection terminal extending from the light guide of the flexible endoscope via the receiving port;
A light source fixed to the light supply unit and irradiating the light guide from the light supply unit; and
A barrel portion connectable to the second connection terminal extending from the image guide of the flexible endoscope via the receiving port;
A camera mechanism for receiving an image transmitted from the image guide to the lens barrel;
With
The repeater device, wherein the light supply unit and the light source are fixed in the repeater device via an elastic member.   The repeater apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an axis of the light supply unit and an axis of the lens barrel are disposed substantially parallel to each other.   The repeater apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the elastic member is a rubber material, a thermoplastic elastomer material, a thermosetting elastomer material, a spring, or a leaf spring.   The repeater apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the light supply unit is surrounded by one elastic member.   The flexible endoscope having a connection plug in which the first connection terminal of the light guide and the second connection terminal of the image guide are arranged substantially in parallel can be connected via the receiving port. Item 5. A relay device according to any one of Items 1 to 4.   The flexible endoscope in which a step is provided between a distal end portion of the first connection terminal of the light guide and a distal end portion of the second connection terminal of the image guide in the connection plug; 6. The repeater device according to claim 5, wherein the repeater device is connectable via an inlet.   The flexible endoscope provided with a step so that a distal end portion of the second connection terminal of the image guide in the connection plug protrudes from a distal end portion of the first connection terminal of the light guide; The said light supply part and the said light source are arrange | positioned with respect to the said receiving port near the said lens-barrel part and the said camera mechanism so that it can connect via the said receiving port. Repeater device. The repeater apparatus according to claim 5 , further comprising a lock mechanism for urging a flange provided in the connection plug to introduce and fix the connection plug to the receiving port.   The repeater device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein at least a part of an outer periphery of the lens barrel portion is surrounded by a gimbal portion.   The repeater apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the flexible endoscope is a blood vessel endoscope. The light source is inserted into the light supply unit in the repeater device before the first connection terminal is inserted into the light supply unit, and a hollow portion of the light supply unit The repeater device according to claim 1, wherein the repeater device is disposed on a side where the light supply unit is located with respect to a position where the light supply unit abuts. An endoscope system,
A flexible endoscope comprising a light guide and an image guide, the flexible endoscope comprising a first connection terminal extending from the light guide and a second connection terminal extending from the image guide;
A repeater apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the light supply unit is connected with the first connection terminal of the soft property endoscope through the receiving port, and said barrel A relay device connected to the second connection terminal of the flexible endoscope via the receiving port; and a console connected to the repeater device via a cable, the relay device A console through which the image information obtained from the camera mechanism of the device is transmitted via the cable;
A system comprising:

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