JP2019018049A - connector - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a connector for an endoscope which is easily to be held and easily connected to a light source device.SOLUTION: A connector 25 includes: a light guide unit 31; a wireless communication unit 33; a wireless reception unit 34; a housing unit P1 housing the wireless communication unit 33 and the wireless reception unit 34, and, in a connection attitude of being connected to a light source device 14, causing the light guide unit 31 to project from a front face 32 located at a light source device 14 side; and a grip part P2 including a recessed-shaped finger placing part 51 on which a thumb 81 is placed, at an upper face 41 on a central axis of the light guide part 31, when viewing from the upper face 41 located vertically upward in the connection attitude. The finger placing part 51 is a stadium-type recess whose first-directional length Wz along a central axis Lof the grip part P2 is longer than a second-directional length Wx that is perpendicular to a central axis Lof the grip part P2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to an endoscope connector connected to a light source device that generates illumination light.

  In the medical field, diagnosis using an endoscope system including an endoscope, a light source device, and a processor device has become common. The endoscope has an insertion portion that is inserted into the subject, and images an observation target (such as a mucous membrane in the subject) irradiated with illumination light generated by the light source device. The processor device generates an image of the observation target using an image signal obtained by imaging the observation target, and displays the image on the monitor.

  The endoscope, the light source device, and the processor device are connected by a cable called a universal cable. The universal cable is extended from the operation part (grip part) of the endoscope, and a connector for connecting to the light source device and the processor is provided at the end part. In a system in which the light source device and the processor device are separated as in the endoscope systems of Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, the connector is a light guide (light guide unit) that guides illumination light generated by the light source device. ) Protrudes, and a processor device is inserted by a connector (hereinafter referred to as an optical connector) optically connected by inserting a light guide into the light source device, and an electrical contact for transmitting and receiving a control signal, an image signal obtained by an endoscope, and the like. A connector (hereinafter referred to as an electrical connector) that is electrically connected to the optical connector. For example, the electrical connector is branched from the optical connector. Further, as in Patent Documents 3 to 5, in a system in which a light source device and a processor device are integrated, a connector in which an optical connector and an electrical connector are integrated is used.

  In addition, the connector may be provided with a wireless transmission unit that wirelessly transmits an image signal and a power reception unit that receives power supply in a contactless manner (Patent Document 3).

JP 2008-043450 A JP2012-125401A JP 2013-208187 A JP2013-158425A JP 2007-097691 A JP2013-013648A

  As in Patent Documents 1 to 6, a light guide (an end portion of an optical fiber that is not bundled in Patent Document 6) protrudes from the end face of the connector on the endoscope side. For this reason, when the connector is connected to the light source device, depending on the orientation and angle of the connector, the light guide is not inserted correctly into the hole provided on the light source device side where the light guide is inserted, and the light source device collides. Doing so may damage the light guide. For this reason, when connecting the connector to the light source device, it is necessary to carefully connect while confirming whether the connection position and angle are correct.

  If the light guide is damaged, the light guide efficiency of the illumination light deteriorates and the observation object becomes dark. Therefore, in recent years, the shape of the connector is made easier to hold than the conventional connector, and the light source device It is required to make it easy to connect to.

  For example, the connectors of Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 are not specified at all in the way of gripping, and can be gripped in almost any direction and angle. Therefore, each time the connector is connected to the light source device, the way of gripping the connector is changed. The direction and angle with respect to the light source device must be adjusted, for example, by changing. For this reason, the connectors of Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 have room to make it easier to hold and to connect to the light source device.

  The connectors of Patent Documents 3 to 5 are L-shaped in which a tip portion on the light source device side has a large rectangular parallelepiped shape, and a portion connected to the universal cable projects from the tip portion of the rectangular parallelepiped. In consideration of the position where the anti-slip is provided and the connection terminal for connecting to the water supply tank etc. provided in the vicinity, the narrow root part is sandwiched from above and below. It is unstable and it is difficult to accurately control the insertion position of the light guide. It is also conceivable to hold the L-shaped connector by sandwiching a large rectangular parallelepiped part on the light source device side from the left and right, but with this holding method, the vertical position of the light guide and the insertion angle of the light guide can be accurately determined. It is difficult to control.

  Moreover, although the notch is formed in the outer surface of the cylindrical connector of patent document 6, it is a side surface of a connector that the notch is formed. For this reason, when the connector is naturally held by utilizing the notch, the connector is covered from the upper surface and sandwiched between the fingers and held in a direction perpendicular to the arm. Therefore, considering the movable range of the wrist, it is difficult to connect this connector while grasping the light source device in front and confirming the connection position.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a connector that is easier to hold than a conventional connector and can be easily connected to a light source device.

  The present invention relates to an endoscope connector connected to a light source device that generates illumination light, a light guide unit that guides illumination light, a wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication with the light source device, and wireless power from the light source device. A wireless power receiving unit that receives power, a wireless communication unit and a wireless power receiving unit, and a storage unit in which a light guide unit protrudes from a front surface located on the light source device side in a connection posture connected to the light source device, and a vertical in a connection posture Provided between the gripping part having a concave finger placement part for placing a thumb on the central axis of the light guide part when viewed from the upper surface located above, the storage part and the gripping part, and the lower face in the connection posture and wireless power reception A finger locking portion that locks the index finger behind the portion, and the finger placement portion has a length in the first direction along the central axis of the gripping portion and a second direction perpendicular to the central axis of the gripping portion It is a stadium-type recess that is longer than the length.

  It is preferable to include a finger locking portion that is provided between the storage portion and the gripping portion and locks the index finger on the lower surface in the connection posture and behind the wireless power receiving portion.

  When viewed from the upper surface side in the connection posture, it is preferable that the central axis of the grip portion and the central axis of the light guide portion coincide with each other.

  It is preferable that the central axis of the light guide unit is offset to the upper surface side in the connection posture with respect to the central axis of the gripping unit.

  The storage unit preferably stores the wireless communication unit and the wireless power receiving unit on the lower surface side that is positioned vertically downward in the connection posture.

  It is preferable that the gripping portion has a shape in which the cross-sectional area decreases from the front portion on the storage portion side to the rear portion on the opposite side to the storage portion in the connection posture.

  The storage unit preferably has a flat bottom surface positioned vertically below in the connection posture.

  The storage unit preferably has a curved upper surface positioned vertically upward in the connection posture.

  The wireless communication unit preferably performs near infrared communication with the light source device.

  When connected to the light source device, it is preferable that there is a gap between the front surface where the wireless power receiving unit receives power supply from the light source device and the contact surface of the light source device.

  Preferably, the storage unit contacts the upper surface in the connection posture to store the wireless power reception unit, and the wireless power reception unit preferably receives supply of power from the light source device via the upper surface in the connection posture.

  It is preferable that the light source device has an upper collar portion that holds the upper surface in the connection posture, and the wireless power receiving unit is supplied with electric power through the upper collar portion.

  When viewed from the left side or the right side in the connection posture, it is preferable that the central axis of the light guide unit coincides with the central axis of the gripping unit.

  The connector of the present invention is easier to hold than the conventional connector and is easy to connect to the light source device.

It is an external view of an endoscope system. It is an external appearance perspective view of a connector. It is a front view of a connector. It is a front view of the connector placed on a table or the like. It is the top view and sectional drawing of the part of a finger mounting part. It is a top view of a connector. It is a side view of a connector. It is a perspective view of the connector grasped with the right hand. It is a side view of the connector grasped with the right hand. It is a perspective view of a light source device. It is a side view of the connection part which connected the connector. It is a perspective view of the connector which provided the wireless power receiving part on the upper surface. It is a side view of the connector which made the center axis | shaft of a light guide part and a holding part correspond.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the endoscope system 10 includes an endoscope 12, a light source device 14, a processor device 16, a monitor 18, and a console 20. The endoscope 12 includes an insertion portion 21 to be inserted into a subject, an operation portion 22 provided at a proximal end portion of the insertion portion 21, and a universal cable 23. The universal cable 23 is irradiated with a light guide unit 31 (see FIG. 2) that guides illumination light emitted from the light source device 14, a control line that controls an imaging sensor provided at the distal end of the insertion unit 21, and illumination light. This is a cable in which a signal for transmitting an image signal output by an image sensor when an observation target is imaged, a power line for supplying power to each part of the image sensor, and the like are integrated. The universal cable 23 extends from the proximal end portion of the operation unit 22, and a connector 25 connected to the light source device 14 is provided at the distal end of the universal cable 23. The light guide 31 of the endoscope 12 is a light guide in which optical fibers are bundled.

  The light source device 14 generates illumination light by, for example, a semiconductor light source such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or LD (Laser Diode) or a halogen lamp such as a xenon lamp. When the connector 25 is connected to the light source device 14, the illumination light is incident on the light guide portion 31 of the connector 25 and is irradiated on the observation target from the distal end of the insertion portion 21.

  The light source device 14 is electrically connected to the processor device 16, and the connector 25 of the endoscope 12 is connected to the processor device 16 via the light source device 14. Transmission and reception of control signals, image signals, and the like between the light source device 14 and the connector 25 are wireless communications. Therefore, the light source device 14 transmits a control signal and the like transmitted and received with the connector 25 wirelessly to the processor device 16. Furthermore, the light source device 14 supplies power to the connector 25 for driving the imaging sensor and the like, and this power is also supplied wirelessly.

  The processor device 16 controls the amount and timing of the illumination light emitted from the light source device 14, the operation of the imaging sensor, and the like, and uses the image signal obtained by imaging the observation target irradiated with the illumination light to produce an endoscopic image. Generate. The processor device 16 is electrically connected to the monitor 18 and the console 20. The monitor 18 displays an endoscopic image generated by the processor device 16 and information related to the endoscopic image. The console 20 is a user interface that receives input operations such as function settings.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the connector 25 has a storage part P1, a gripping part P2, and an intermediate part P3. The connector 25 has a plurality of connection terminals 29 a to 29 f that are connected to devices other than the light source device 14. Hereinafter, a posture in which the connector 25 is correctly connected to the light source device 14 is referred to as a “connection posture”, a connection direction in which the connector 25 is connected to the light source device 14 in the connection posture is a Z direction, and a vertical direction of the connector 25 in the connection posture is a Y direction. And the horizontal plane direction perpendicular to the Z direction and the Y direction is taken as the X direction. The positive side in the Z direction is the side where the light source device 14 is located when viewed from the connector 25, the positive side in the Y direction is vertically upward, and the positive side in the X direction is the left direction when viewed from the negative side in the Z direction to the positive side. And

  In this case, the surface when the connector 25 is viewed from above in the connection posture is the upper surface 41, and the surface when the connector 25 is viewed from below in the connection posture is the lower surface 42. The surface of the connector 25 viewed from the X direction positive side in the connection posture is the left side surface, and the surface of the connector 25 viewed from the X direction negative side in the connection posture is the right side surface. The surface of the connector 25 viewed from the Z direction positive side in the connection posture is the front surface (or front surface), and the surface of the connector 25 viewed from the Z direction negative side in the connection posture is the rear surface (or back surface).

  The storage unit P1 stores a wireless communication unit 33 that performs wireless communication with the light source device 14 and a wireless power reception unit 34 that receives power supply from the light source device 14 wirelessly, and from the front surface 32 that is located on the light source device 14 side in the connection posture. The light guide part 31 protrudes. Since the position where the light guide unit 31 protrudes is the upper surface 41 side that is positioned vertically upward in the connection posture, the storage unit P1 has the lower surface 42 that the wireless communication unit 33 and the wireless power reception unit 34 are positioned vertically downward in the connection posture. Store on the side.

The front surface 32 is an XY plane perpendicular to the Z direction, and is also a tip surface of the connector 25. From the front surface 32, in addition to the light guide portion 31, a pump connection portion 38 protrudes vertically below the light guide portion 31. The pump connection unit 38 is connected to a pump (not shown) provided in the light source device 14 when the connector 25 is connected to the light source device 14. The pump connection portion 38 is connected to a pipe line such as an air / water supply channel communicating with the connector 25, the universal cable 23, the operation portion 22, and the insertion portion 21. Furthermore, a fitting convex portion 39 that fits with a fitting concave portion 111 (see FIG. 10) provided on the light source device 14 side is provided at the proximal end portion of the light guide portion 31 and the pump connection portion 38. The fitting convex portion 39 also protrudes from the front surface 32. Since the light guide part 31 protrudes in the Z direction longer than the fitting convex part 39, the light guide part 31 is visible when the connector 25 is gripped. The central axis L _LG of the light guide part 31 and the protruding direction of the pump connection part 38 are parallel to the Z direction.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the light guide unit 31 and the pump connection unit 38 are arranged side by side in the Y direction at the left and right centers of the front surface 32. Further, in the storage portion P1, the upper surface 41 positioned vertically upward in the connection posture is a curved surface as indicated by an arrow A1, and the lower surface 42 positioned vertically downward in the connection posture is a plane as indicated by an arrow A2. . More specifically, the storage part P1 is a so-called “hog-backed”. That is, the upper surface 41 of the storage portion P1 has an arc shape that is convex in the Y-direction positive side when viewed from the front surface 32 side, and a substantially constant height in the Z direction when viewed from the right or left side. The shape is maintained. The light guide unit 31 and the pump connection unit 38 are provided on the upper surface 41 side of the front surface 32. On the other hand, the radio communication unit 33 and the radio power reception unit 34 are housed side by side on the lower surface 42 side of the front surface 32.

  The wireless communication unit 33 is a control signal transmission / reception unit 36 that wirelessly transmits and receives a control signal for controlling the light source device 14 and the imaging sensor, and an image signal obtained by imaging an observation target irradiated with illumination light. And an image signal transmission unit 37 that wirelessly transmits to the light source device 14. The wireless communication performed by the control signal transmitting / receiving unit 36 and the image signal transmitting unit 37 is optical communication, for example, near infrared communication using near infrared light (light having a wavelength of about 0.7 μm to 2.5 μm). It is preferable. The connection terminals of the control signal transmission / reception unit 36 are formed substantially on the front surface 32, and the connection terminals of the image signal transmission unit 37 protrude from the front surface 32 in parallel in the Z direction.

  The wireless power receiving unit 34 is, for example, a coil (so-called secondary coil), and supplies power from a coil (so-called primary coil) provided in the light source device 14 by a non-contact power transmission method such as an electromagnetic induction method or a magnetic field resonance method. Receive. At this time, the wireless power receiving unit 34 is provided behind the front surface 32, and thus receives power from the light source device 14 from the front surface 32. The wireless power receiving unit 34 supplies power to each unit of the endoscope 12 such as an imaging sensor.

  When the connector 25 is connected, the light source device 14 is locked by the upper surface 41 and the lower surface 42 of the storage part P1, thereby locking the connector 25 and maintaining the connection. Therefore, the light source device 14 is provided with a locking member 108 (see FIG. 10) for locking the connector 25 at positions corresponding to the upper surface 41 and the lower surface 42 of the storage portion P1. Correspondingly, the upper surface 41 of the connector 25 is provided with a groove 43 into which the locking member 108 of the light source device 14 is fitted, and the lower surface 42 of the connector 25 is provided with a groove 44 into which the locking member of the light source device 14 is fitted. ing.

  Further, a left ear portion 46a protruding to the X direction positive side is provided on the left side surface of the storage portion P1, and a right ear portion 46b protruding to the X direction negative side is provided on the right side surface of the storage portion P1. Yes. That is, the storage portion P1 includes a left ear portion 46a and a right ear portion 46b that protrude in the horizontal direction on the side surface between the upper surface 41 and the lower surface 42. As shown in FIG. 4, even if the connector 25 falls when the connector 25 is placed on the table or the like 47, the connection terminals 29 a to 29 c on the left side surface of the connector 25 collide with the table or the like 47. To prevent that. Similarly, the right ear portion 46 b prevents the connection terminals 20 d to 29 f on the right side surface of the connector 25 from colliding with the table etc. 47 even if the connector 25 placed on the table etc. 47 falls. In addition, since the lower surface 42 of the accommodating part P1 is a flat surface in the connector 25, the connector 25 is less likely to fall than when the lower surface 42 is a curved surface.

  The gripping portion P2 is a rear end (portion on the negative side in the Z direction) of the connector 25, and is a gripping portion that grips when the connector 25 is connected to the light source device 14 and when the connector 25 is removed from the light source device 14. The upper surface 41 of the gripping portion P2 has a concave finger placement portion 51 on which a thumb is placed when the connector 25 is gripped.

As shown in FIG. 5, when the connector 25 is viewed from the upper surface 41 side, the finger placement portion 51 includes a semicircular front portion 56 on the storage portion P1 side, and a rectangular middle portion whose longitudinal direction is along the Z direction. 57 and a semicircular rear portion 58 on the universal cable 23 side, and the length Wz in the direction (first direction) along the center axis L _grip of the grip portion P2 is the center axis L of the grip portion P2. _This is a stadium-shaped recess that is longer than the length Wx in the direction perpendicular to the _grip (second direction). The surface of the front portion 56 on the storage portion P1 side is a curved surface, and the finger placement portion 51 extends from the middle portion 57 and the rear portion 58 side opposite to the storage portion P1 to the storage portion P1 side, as indicated by an arrow A3. It is formed into a shape that gradually becomes shallower. For this reason, the depth of the front part 56 is shallow from the rear part 58 (or middle part 57) side to the storage part 57 side. Further, the depth of the front portion 56 of the finger placement portion 51 is shallower as it is farther from the center as viewed in the X direction. That is, the front portion 56 of the finger placement portion 51 has a shape that fits the shape of the tip of the thumb placed on the finger placement portion 51. The depth of the front portion 56 (the middle portion 57, the rear portion 58, or the finger placement portion 51) is the depth with respect to the upper surface 41 around the finger placement portion 51.

  An anti-slip 59 is formed in the middle portion 57 of the finger placement portion 51. The anti-slip 59 is an elongated stadium-type convex portion parallel to the X direction. The anti-slip 59 exerts a resistance force along the Z direction against the surface of the thumb's belly (the part where the thumb has the fingerprint) when the thumb is placed on the finger rest 51. For this reason, when the connector 25 is connected to the light source device 14 or when the connector 25 is removed from the light source device 14, the thumb placed on the finger rest portion 51 is difficult to slip even if force is applied in the Z direction. The middle portion 57 of the finger placement portion 51 has a substantially constant depth in the Z direction, but has a curved U-shaped surface shape in the X direction, so that the thumb rests on the finger placement portion 51. Then, the thumb rests on the center of the finger rest 51 naturally.

  The rear part 58 of the finger placement part 51 is formed in a curved surface like the front part 56. However, the surface shape of the rear portion 58 becomes shallower from the middle portion 57 to the rear end side of the connector 25 to which the universal cable 23 is connected, as opposed to the front portion 56, and becomes shallower as it is farther from the center as viewed in the X direction. Yes.

The overall shape of the gripping portion P2 is a generally cylindrical shape that is easy to grip, and the universal cable 23 is connected to the rear portion P2E of the gripping portion P2. The cover 52 covers the connecting portion between the gripping portion P2 and the universal cable 23, and smoothly connects the rear portion P2E of the gripping portion P2 and the universal cable 23. Further, the front portion P2F of the gripping portion P2 has a substantially constant thickness, but the rear portion P2E of the gripping portion P2 is shown by arrows A4 and A5 in FIG. 6 and arrows A6 and A7 in FIG. The universal cable 23 is narrowed toward the rear. That is, the gripping portion P2 has a shape in which the cross-sectional area decreases from the front portion P2E on the storage portion P1 side to the rear portion P2E on the opposite side to the storage portion P1 in the connection posture. Further, the cross section perpendicular to the central axis L _grip of the gripping part P2 is generally circular regardless of the position in the Z direction. More specifically, the front part P2F of the gripping part P2 has a substantially constant cross-sectional area, and the rear part P2E of the gripping part P2 decreases in cross-section toward the Z-direction negative side where the universal cable 23 is connected. . For example, when comparing the cross section CS1 indicated by the two-dot chain line in the front portion P2E and the cross section CS2 indicated by the two-dot chain line in the rear portion P2E, both are substantially circular, but the cross section of the rear portion P2E rather than the cross section CS1 of the front portion P2F The area of CS2 is smaller.

When the connector 25 is viewed from the upper surface 41 side, as shown in FIG. 6, the center axis L _grip of the _grip portion P _{<b> 2} coincides with the center axis L _LG of the light guide portion 31 protruding from the front surface 32. In addition, when the connector 25 is viewed from the upper surface 41 side, the finger placement portion 51 is formed on the central axis L _grip of the grip portion P2. On the other hand, when the connector 25 is viewed from the left side as shown in FIG. 7 or when the connector 25 is viewed from the right side, the light guide portion 31 protruding from the front surface 32 with respect to the central axis L _grip of the _grip portion P2. Center axis L _LG is offset to the upper surface 41 side.

  In addition to the above, a connection terminal 29c is provided on the right side surface of the gripping portion P2, and a connection terminal 29f is provided on the left side surface of the gripping portion P2. The other connection terminals 29a, 29b, 29d, and 29e provided on the side surface of the connector 25 protrude in the horizontal direction (X direction positive side or X direction negative side) with respect to the connector 25 in the connection posture. In contrast, the connection terminal 29c and the connection terminal 29f provided on the side surface of the gripping portion P2 are inclined toward the upper surface 41 side by an angle φ from the horizontal direction and protrude from the side surface of the gripping portion P2 (FIG. 2). reference). The connection terminal 29a is a tank connector connected to the water supply tank, the connection terminal 29c is a ventilation connector, the connection terminal 29d is a suction cap, and the connection terminal 29f is used when a high-frequency treatment instrument such as an electric knife is used. An S terminal for connecting an S cord.

The intermediate portion P3 is a portion that connects the storage portion P1 and the grip portion P2, and matches the shape of the grip portion P2 on the grip portion P2 side, and matches the shape of the storage portion P1 on the storage portion P1 side. Since the cross section of the storage portion P1 is generally a semi-cylindrical shape and the cross section of the gripping portion P2 is a generally cylindrical shape, the intermediate portion P3 connecting them smoothly transitions from a cylindrical shape to a semi-cylindrical shape from the gripping portion P2 side to the storage portion P1 side. It has a shape to do. For this reason, as indicated by an arrow A8 in FIG. 7, the upper surface 41 of the intermediate portion P3 swells on the Y direction positive side from the gripping portion P2 side to the storage portion P1 side. Further, as indicated by an arrow A9, the lower surface 42 of the intermediate portion P3 has a concave finger locking portion 61 on the Y direction positive side from the gripping portion P2 side to the storage portion P1 side. The finger locking portion 61 is provided between the storage portion P1 and the gripping portion P2 where the index finger comes when the connector 25 is gripped by the gripping portion P2, and engages the index finger on the lower surface 42 in the connection posture and behind the wireless power receiving portion 34. Stop. The finger locking portion 61 has an inclined surface 62 that is inclined with respect to the central axis L _grip of the gripping portion P2, and the inclined surface 62 extends from the gripping portion P2 side to the storage portion P1 side to the central axis L of the gripping portion P2. It is a curved surface in which the inclination angle with respect to the _grip gradually increases.

  When the connector 25 is naturally gripped, the index finger is locked to the finger locking portion 61, so that there is always a certain distance from the wireless power receiving portion 34. For this reason, the wireless power receiving unit 34 is heated when receiving power from the light source device 14, but since the finger locking unit 61 is provided, it touches the vicinity of the heated wireless power receiving unit 34. The connector 25 can be safely removed from the light source device 14.

  As illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, the connector 25 configured as described above places the thumb 81 on the finger rest 51 and grips the grip portion P <b> 2 when gripping with the right hand 80, for example. At this time, the back of the right hand 80, the index finger 82, the middle finger 83, the ring finger 84, and the little finger 85 wrap around the lower surface 42 while contacting the right side surface of the connector 25. The index finger 82 is attached to the finger locking portion 61 of the intermediate portion P3, and the grip portion P2 is gripped by the thumb 81, the middle finger 83, the ring finger 84, the little finger 85, and the wrist portion 86. That is, the connector 25 can “grip” the grip portion P <b> 2 using substantially the entire right hand 80, so that the connector 25 can be stably gripped and easily connected to the light source device 14.

  In particular, when the thumb 81 is placed on the finger placement portion 51, the above-described gripping method is almost automatically performed, so that the posture when the connector 25 is gripped naturally becomes a connected posture. For this reason, the fact that the finger placement part 51 is provided on the upper surface 41 of the gripping part P2 makes the connector 25 easier to grip and connect to the light source device 14 than the connector of a conventional endoscope. .

The section perpendicular to the central axis L _grip of the gripping part P2 is substantially circular regardless of the position in the Z direction, and the front part P2F on the storage part P1 side of the gripping part P2 has a substantially constant cross-sectional area. And since the cross-sectional area becomes small toward the rear end of the connector 25 of the Z direction negative side where the universal cable 23 has the rear part P2E, it fits the above-mentioned grip method. For this reason, the connector 25 has a shape that is particularly easy to grip and can be easily connected to the light source device 14.

  Further, when the thumb 81 is placed on the finger placement part 51 and the gripping part P2 is gripped by almost the entire right hand 80, when the index finger 82 is attached to the finger locking part 61, the gripped connector 25 is moved toward the light source device 14. The axis of the connecting operation to be made is less likely to shake. For this reason, the finger locking part 61 on the lower surface 42 of the intermediate part P3 also improves the stability when gripping the connector 25 and the stability of the connection operation to the light source device 14.

In addition to the above, the fact that the upper surface 41 of the storage portion P1 has an arcuate curved surface makes it easy to connect the connector 25 to the light source device 14. Specifically, when the connector 25 is gripped and the top surface 41 of the storage portion P1 is viewed, the apex that appears to protrude the most in the storage portion P1 and the sensual central axis (L _{grip) of the} right hand 80 that grips the connector 25. ) And the light guide portions 31 are arranged in a straight line, and there is an overall sense of unity. For this reason, the sense of position of the light guide portion 31 does not go wrong depending on the angle at which the connector 25 is viewed, and the connector 25 is easily connected to the light source device 14. Note that, for example, the storage portion P1 is more space-saving than the case where the storage portion P1 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape because the upper surface 41 of the storage portion P1 has an arcuate curved surface.

The sense of direction when the connector 25 is gripped depends on the direction of the thumb 81 placed on the finger rest 51. Connector 25, with respect to the central axis _{L grip} of the gripper P2, offset the central axis _{L LG} of the light guide portion 31 on the upper surface 41 side, closer to the center axis _{L LG} and thumb 81 of the light guide section 31. For this reason, since the position of the light guide part 31 can be correctly grasped | ascertained rather than the case where these are separated, the connector 25 is easy to connect to the light source device 14. FIG. Further, the connector 25, the central axis L _LG of the light guide part 31 that is offset to the upper surface 41 side, a space for forming the finger engaging portion 61 on the lower surface 42 of the intermediate portion P3 is generated. For this reason, the offset of the central axis L _LG of the light guide portion 31 toward the upper surface 41 also contributes to the ease of gripping the connector 25.

The sense of direction of the right hand 80 that holds the connector 25 also depends on the center of the grip, that is, the center axis L _grip of the grip portion P2. When the connector 25 is viewed from the upper surface 41 side, the center axis L _grip of the grip portion P2 and the center axis L _LG of the light guide portion 31 protruding from the front surface 32 coincide with each other. The direction sense of the right hand 80 coincides with the direction of the light guide unit 31 (center axis L _LG ). For this reason, the connector 25 is easily connected to the light source device 14.

Further, when the connector 25 is viewed from the upper surface 41 side, since the finger placement portion 51 is formed on the central axis L _grip of the grip portion P2, the direction of the thumb 81 that grips the connector 25 is naturally aligned with the grip portion. Along the central axis L _{grip of} P2. For this reason, since the connector 25 can easily determine the direction of the light guide portion 31, it can be easily connected to the light source device 14. Further, the shape of the finger placement portion 51 is such that the length Wz in the direction (first direction) along the center axis L _grip of the grip portion P2 is perpendicular to the center axis L _grip of the grip portion P2 (second direction). Therefore, the direction of the thumb 81 is naturally easily along the central axis L _grip of the grip portion P2. Therefore, the shape of the finger placement portion 51 also facilitates the connection of the connector 25.

  In the connector 25, the connection terminal 29c and the connection terminal 29f provided on the side surface of the grip portion P2 are inclined from the horizontal direction by an angle φ to the upper surface 41 side and protrude from the side surface of the grip portion P2. When grasping the gripping portion P2, the right hand 80 or the left hand does not prevent the gripping portion P2 from being gripped. That is, the inclination of the connection terminal 29c and the connection terminal 29f provided on the side surface of the gripping part P2 from the horizontal direction makes it easier to hold the connector 25. The connector 25 is provided with a connection terminal 29c on the left side surface of the gripping portion P2 and a connection terminal 29f on the right side surface, but only one of the connection terminal 29c and the connection terminal 29f is provided. Alternatively, a plurality of connection terminals may be provided on one side surface so as to be inclined toward the upper surface 41 side.

As shown in FIG. 10, a power button 101, an operation button 102, and a display panel 103 are provided on the front surface of the light source device 14, and a connector 25 is connected to the front right side (X direction positive side). A section 104 is provided. The connecting portion 104 has an upper collar portion 106 and a lower collar portion 107 that protrude from the front surface of the light source device 14 toward the negative side in the Z direction at positions corresponding to the upper surface 41 and the lower surface 42 of the connector 25. When the connector 25 is connected, the light source device 14 is connected to the connector 25 by locking the upper surface 41 and the lower surface 42 of the storage portion P1 with the upper flange portion 106 and the lower flange portion 107 of the connection portion 104. maintain. Therefore, a locking member 108 that locks the connector 25 is provided on the inner surface of the upper collar portion 106 that contacts the upper surface 41 of the connector 25 and the inner surface of the lower collar portion 107 that contacts the lower surface 42 of the connector 25. ing. Of the connecting portion 104, the upper flange portion 106 and the lower flange portion 107 are holding portions that hold the connector 25 connected to the connecting portion 104. Further, since the upper collar portion 106 has a curved shape corresponding to the upper surface 41 of the storage portion P1, and the lower collar portion 107 has a planar shape corresponding to the lower surface 42 of the storage portion P2, the upper collar portion 106 and the lower collar part 107 also function as a connection guide part for guiding the attitude of the connector 25 to the correct connection attitude. Since the lower surface 42 of the housing portion P1 of the connector 25 is a flat surface, and the lower collar portion 107 of the connecting portion 104 corresponding thereto supports the connector 25 in a flat surface, the universal cable 23 moves and the central axis L of the light guide portion 31 moves. Even if a twisting force is applied around _LG , the connecting portion 104 stably holds the connector 25 without applying a load to the light guide portion 31 and the like.

  A front surface (hereinafter referred to as a contact surface) 109 that contacts the front surface 32 of the connector 25 is formed with a fitting concave portion 111 into which the fitting convex portion 39 of the connector 25 is fitted. Furthermore, the 1st hole part 112 which inserts the light guide part 31 of the connector 25, and the 2nd hole part 113 which inserts the pump connection part 38 are provided.

  Behind the lower portion of the contact surface 109 are a wireless communication unit 114 that wirelessly communicates with the wireless communication unit 33 of the connector 25 and a wireless power supply unit 115 that supplies power to the wireless power reception unit 34 of the connector 25. Is provided. The wireless communication unit 114 includes a control signal transmission / reception unit 36, a control signal transmission / reception unit 116 that transmits / receives a control signal, and an image signal reception unit 117 that receives an image signal from the image signal transmission unit 37. The connection terminal of the control signal transmission / reception unit 116 is substantially formed on the contact surface 109, and the connection terminal of the image signal reception unit 117 is a hole having a shape into which the image signal transmission unit 37 is inserted. The wireless power feeding unit 115 is, for example, a coil (so-called primary coil), and supplies power to the wireless power receiving unit 34 by a non-contact power transmission method such as an electromagnetic induction method or a magnetic field resonance method.

  As shown in FIG. 11, when the connector 25 is connected to the connecting portion 104, the locking is performed so that a gap D <b> 1 is formed between the front surface 32 of the connector 25 and the contact surface 109 of the connecting portion 104. The position of the groove | channel 43 and the groove | channel 44 in which the member 108 and the locking member 108 fit is defined. When power is supplied from the wireless power feeding unit 115 to the wireless power receiving unit 34, if dust or the like is present between the wireless power feeding unit 115 and the wireless power receiving unit 34, the dust may generate heat. By providing a gap D <b> 1 between the contact surfaces 109, dust or the like is prevented from being caught between the wireless power feeding unit 115 and the wireless power receiving unit 34, and power is safely supplied from the wireless power feeding unit 115 to the wireless power receiving unit 34. can do.

  In the above embodiment, the housing part P1 of the connector 25 is in contact with the front surface 32 and houses the wireless power receiving unit 34 behind the front surface 32. Instead, like the connector 225 shown in FIG. The storage unit P <b> 1 may store the wireless power receiving unit 34 in contact with the upper surface 41 and receive power from the upper surface 41. In this case, the connection unit 104 of the light source device 14 is provided with a wireless power feeding unit 115 in the upper collar unit 106, and supplies power from the wireless power feeding unit 115 to the wireless power receiving unit 34 via the upper collar unit 106.

In the above-described embodiment, when the connector 25 is viewed from the left side or when the connector 25 is viewed from the right side, the central axis of the light guide portion 31 protruding from the front surface 32 with respect to the central axis L _grip of the _grip portion P2. L _LG is offset to the upper surface 41 side. However, like the connector 325 shown in FIG. 13, the arrangement of the pump connection portion 38 and the light guide portion 31 is changed, so that the light guide portion 31 protruding from the front surface 32 is removed. The central axis L _LG may coincide with the central axis L _grip of the gripping part P2.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Endoscope system 12 Endoscope 14 Light source device 16 Processor apparatus 22 Operation part 23 Universal cable 25,225,325 Connector 29a-29f Connection terminal 31 Light guide part 32 Front surface 33,114 Wireless communication part 34 Wireless power receiving part 41 Upper surface 42 Lower surface 51 Finger placement portion 59 Non-slip 61 Finger locking portion 62 Inclined surface 104 Connection portion 115 Wireless power feeding portion

Claims (13)

In an endoscope connector connected to a light source device that generates illumination light,
A light guide for guiding the illumination light;
A wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication with the light source device;
A wireless power receiving unit that wirelessly receives power from the light source device;
A housing unit that houses the wireless communication unit and the wireless power receiving unit and projects the light guide unit from a front surface located on the light source device side in a connection posture to connect to the light source device;
A gripping portion having a concave finger placement portion for placing a thumb on the central axis of the light guide portion when viewed from an upper surface positioned vertically upward in the connection posture;
With
The finger placement unit is a connector that is a stadium-shaped recess in which a length in a first direction along a central axis of the gripping unit is longer than a length in a second direction perpendicular to the central axis of the gripping unit.   The connector according to claim 1, further comprising a finger locking portion that is provided between the storage portion and the gripping portion and locks an index finger on a lower surface in the connection posture and behind the wireless power receiving portion.   The connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a center axis of the grip portion and a center axis of the light guide portion coincide with each other when viewed from the upper surface side in the connection posture.   The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a central axis of the light guide portion is offset to an upper surface side in the connection posture with respect to a central axis of the grip portion.   The connector according to claim 4, wherein the storage unit stores the wireless communication unit and the wireless power receiving unit on a lower surface side that is positioned vertically downward in the connection posture.   The connector according to claim 1, wherein the gripping portion has a shape in which a cross-sectional area decreases from a front portion on the storage portion side to a rear portion on the opposite side to the storage portion in the connection posture.   The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the storage unit has a flat lower surface positioned vertically downward in the connection posture.   The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the storage portion has a curved upper surface positioned vertically upward in the connection posture.   The connector according to claim 1, wherein the wireless communication unit performs near infrared communication with the light source device.   10. The device according to claim 1, wherein, when connected to the light source device, there is a gap between a front surface where the wireless power receiving unit receives power supply from the light source device and a contact surface of the light source device. Connector described in. The storage unit stores the wireless power reception unit in contact with the upper surface in the connection posture,
The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the wireless power receiving unit is supplied with electric power from the light source device via an upper surface in the connection posture. The light source device has an upper collar portion that holds the upper surface in the connection posture,
The connector according to claim 11, wherein the wireless power receiving unit is supplied with electric power through the upper collar. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a center axis of the light guide portion coincides with a center axis of the grip portion when viewed from the left side surface or the right side surface in the connection posture.

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