JPH11337846A - Endoscope connector - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an endoscope connector which surely connects an endoscope eyepiece part, which has a high general usefulness and various shapes, to an image pickup device with a simple structure and as small number of parts as possible. SOLUTION: An eyepiece is inserted to an insertion hole 18 and is brought into contact with a reference face 19a with a retaining body 15 placed in a long-sized notched groove 22. Thereafter, both arms of the retaining body 15 are approximated along the long-sized notched groove 22, and the extent of elastic deformation of the detaining body 15 toward the diametral center of the endoscope eyepiece part is increased, and the eyepiece is nipped and inserted up to the position of a connection groove from the right and left and is elastically deformed furthermore with a part, which is pressed to the eyepiece, as the fulcrum. Thereafter, the retaining body 15 is turned toward a short-sized notched groove 23 along the connection groove, and the eyepiece is elastically deformed with the part, which is pressed to the eyepiece, as the fulcrum so as to be pressed to the reference face 19a. When the retaining body 15 is moved to the short-sized notched groove 23 side, it is detained by the short-sized notched groove 23 and is held.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an endoscope connecting device for detachably connecting an imaging device such as a photographing device or a television photographing device to an eyepiece of an endoscope.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an endoscope used in various fields such as medical treatment, various image pickup devices such as a photographing device and a television photographing device may be connected to an eyepiece. Various endoscope connection devices for connecting an eyepiece and an imaging device have been proposed.

For example, Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open Publication No. Sho 64-30525 (hereinafter referred to as a first conventional example) provides an insertion port for inserting an endoscope eyepiece into a mount portion of an imaging device such as a camera.
The endoscope eyepiece is inserted into the insertion opening of the mount part from the incident direction of the incident light (the optical axis direction of the endoscope eyepiece), so that the endoscope eyepiece is inserted into the mount part of the imaging device. An endoscope connection device configured to be detachably connected is shown.

A lock mechanism for preventing the endoscope eyepiece from slipping off is provided at the mount side of the first conventional imaging apparatus at the entrance side of the insertion port. The lock mechanism includes a locking member that protrudes and retracts on the entrance side of the insertion port, and a biasing member that urges the locking member in a direction protruding toward the entrance side of the insertion port.

[0005] When the endoscope eyepiece is connected to the mount of the image pickup apparatus, the endoscope eyepiece is inserted from the entrance side to a regular connection position in the insertion slot.
The endoscope eyepiece is held by the mount of the imaging device. Furthermore, when the endoscope eyepiece is inserted to the regular connection position in the insertion port, the locking member projects to the entrance side of the insertion port by the urging force of the urging member of the lock mechanism, and the regular The endoscope eyepiece is prevented from falling out of the connection position.

The lock mechanism is unlocked by moving the locking member in a direction to retract from the entrance side of the insertion port against the urging force of the urging member, and the insertion port of the mount portion of the image pickup apparatus is released. The endoscope eyepiece can be removed from the camera.

Japanese Unexamined Utility Model Publication No. 2-55214 (hereinafter referred to as a second conventional example) discloses that, as shown in FIG. 10, for example, a torsion coil spring 1 is provided at one end and a knob portion 2 is provided at the opposite end. Are formed integrally, are each rotatable around the axis 4, and are urged by the torsion coil spring 1 toward the inside of the insertion port 5 (in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis) into which the endoscope eyepiece is inserted. An endoscope connection device provided with a pair of locking members 3 is shown. In addition, the bottom surface 6 of the insertion port 5 is a surface for the eyepiece of the endoscope to come into contact with. With this configuration, when the knobs 2 are gripped with fingers or the like and brought close to each other, the locking members 3 are separated from each other against the urging force of the torsion coil spring 1,
The locking body 3 is retracted from the insertion port 5. When the grip of the knob 2 is released, the locking body 3 is moved into the insertion port 5 by the biasing force of the torsion coil spring 1, and the eyepiece of the endoscope inserted into the insertion port 5. Is fixed to the insertion slot 5.

[0008]

However, in the first conventional example, since a plurality of lock mechanisms are used, an attachment / detachment mechanism between the mount unit of the imaging apparatus and the endoscope eyepiece unit is used. There is a problem that the number of parts increases and the cost increases.

On the other hand, the second conventional example has a simple structure with a small number of parts and can solve the problem of high cost of the first conventional example. However, the pair of locking members are displaced in a manner perpendicular to the optical axis to bring the locking members into contact with the back side of the eyepiece, and use the tapered surface of the shape of the back side of the eyepiece to control the light. In order to obtain the pressing force in the axial direction and the force for fixing the position in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction, depending on the variation in the shape of the endoscope eyepiece (particularly, the shape of the taper on the back side), The endoscope eyepiece and the locking body 3 cannot be properly contacted, and the above-mentioned forces cannot be generated properly in a well-balanced manner, so that the endoscope eyepiece can be securely fixed to the insertion opening 5. Can be difficult.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and it is intended to securely connect endoscope eyepieces of various shapes with high versatility with as few components and a simple structure as possible. It is an object of the present invention to provide an endoscope connection device that can perform the operation.

[0011]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an endoscope connecting apparatus including an eyepiece of an endoscope and a predetermined imaging device provided in a main body of the connecting apparatus. In the endoscope connecting device detachably connected by operation of a locking body, the locking body is capable of crimping the eyepiece with a reference surface based on an optical axis direction set in advance on the connection device main body. ,
It is provided such that it can be displaced in the optical axis direction and in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

In the endoscope connecting device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the reference surface and the eyepiece with respect to the optical axis direction set in advance in the connecting device main body and the locking member are perpendicular to the optical axis direction and the optical axis. The eyepiece of the endoscope is connected to a predetermined imaging device by performing a displacement operation in a desired direction and performing pressure bonding. Since the locking body is displaced in both the optical axis direction and the direction perpendicular to the optical axis, reliable connection can be performed.

[0013]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 to 4 show a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 1 is an external view of components of the endoscope connection device, FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of connecting an endoscope eyepiece to the endoscope connection device, and FIG. 4) is an AA cross-sectional view, and FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of connection between the endoscope connection device and the TV camera.

In these figures, reference numeral 10 denotes an endoscope connecting device. The endoscope connecting device 10 is formed in a cylindrical shape and has one side provided with various types of imaging devices such as a photographing device and a television photographing device. A connecting portion of the device 11 is detachably connected, and an eyepiece 12 of the endoscope is detachably connected to the other side.
And a receiver cover 14 which is fitted on the connection side of the scope receiver 13 with the endoscope eyepiece 12 and is fixed with screws or the like to form a connection device main body; A locking member 15 provided on the connection side with the mirror eyepiece 12 and formed substantially U-shaped with a wire having a substantially circular cross section and having elasticity, and provided with a knob 15a with both ends bent.
It is composed of

Various imaging devices 1 of the scope receiver 13
A large-diameter flange 16 is formed at the boundary between the side to which the eyepiece 1 is connected and the side to which the eyepiece 12 of the endoscope is connected, to which the various imaging devices 11 of the scope receiver 13 are connected. On the outer periphery of the side end, a pawl 17a of a bayonet type mount is provided.
Are formed, and the connecting portions of the various imaging devices 11 can be freely connected by engaging the claws 17a with the claws 17b of the bayonet-type mounts of the various imaging devices 11.

The eyepiece 1 of the endoscope of the large-diameter flange 16
The surface on the side where 2 is connected is a contact surface for fitting the receiving cover 14, so that the outer diameter of the large-diameter flange 16 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the receiving cover 14. Have been.

The endoscope eyepiece 1 of the scope receiver 13
The inside of the tube to which the endoscope 2 is connected is an insertion port 18 of the endoscope eyepiece 12, and the endoscope eyepiece 1 inserted from the end.
The second eyepiece 12a is applied to one surface of a positioning flange 19 formed inside the insertion port 18, that is, a predetermined reference surface 19a, so that positioning in the optical axis direction is performed. The positioning flange 19
In the center of the endoscope, a hole large enough to allow an image from the endoscope eyepiece 12 to be sufficiently observed by the various imaging devices 11 connected to the other side of the scope receiver 13 or an endoscope. A hole having an optical system for transmitting an image from the eyepiece 12 is formed.

The endoscope eyepiece 1 of the scope receiver 13
Two symmetrical grooves 20, 20 which are elongated in the radial direction are formed on the side wall of the cylinder on the side where 2 is connected. Small-diameter flanges 21 and 21 are formed between the grooves 20 so as to divide the outer periphery of the side wall of the cylinder into a tip end side and the large-diameter flange 16 side. This small diameter flange 2
Reference numerals 1 and 21 are formed slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the receiving cover 14 so that the receiving cover 14 can be fitted to the outside.

That is, the small-diameter flanges 21, 21
Is in a state where the receiver cover 14 is attached.
One of the small-diameter flanges 21 is connected to the large-diameter flange 16.
, The middle part of the locking body 15 is held as the center of the rotation axis.
When a force is applied to the opposite ends of the lock member 5 in the approaching direction, the locking member 15
Of the scope receiver 1 from the grooves 20, 20
3 is largely projected in the inner diameter direction.

The eyepiece 12a provided in the endoscope eyepiece 12 is formed in a tapered shape whose diameter is gradually increased from the endoscope side, and the eyepiece 12a is provided near the boundary between the eyepiece 12a and the endoscope side. Over one side of the large diameter flange 16,
The side of the scope receiver 13 to which the endoscope eyepiece 12 is connected is covered with the receiver cover 14.

The positions corresponding to both ends of the small-diameter flange 21 on the side of the scope receiver 13 that does not hold the locking member 15 are substantially the starting points on the side surfaces of the receiver cover 14. Two pairs of long and short notches (long notches 22, 22 and short notches 23, 23) are formed symmetrically corresponding to the two grooves 20, 20.

The long notch groove 22 and the short notch groove 23 are provided at their starting points (position sides corresponding to both ends of the small-diameter flange 21 on the side of the scope receiver 13 not holding the locking body 15). ) Are communicated with each other by communication grooves 24, and the receiver cover 14 is attached to the scope receiver 1.
In the state where the above-mentioned locking body 15 is held and fitted to 3,
The locking body 15 is rotatable by operating the knob 15a of the locking body 15 from the side of the long notch groove 22 to the side of the short notch groove 23 or vice versa. I have.

When the locking member 15 is moved to the long cutout groove 22, the locking member 15
Greatly expands along the long notch groove 22,
The scope receiver 13 is detached from the inner diameter side. On the other hand, in a state where the locking body 15 is moved to the short notch groove 23, the locking body 15 only slightly expands along the short notch groove 23, and the scope receiving member 13 Both arms are kept in a state of protruding greatly on the inner diameter side.

The locking body 15 is connected to the short cutout groove 23.
, The distance between the arms protruding greatly on the inner diameter side of the scope receiver 13 is determined by the distance between the endoscope eyepieces 12
The eyepiece 12a is set to have a small distance such that the tapered surface of the eyepiece 12a can sufficiently contact the eyepiece 12a.

Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described. First, as shown in FIG. 4, the endoscope connection device 10 is attached to the various imaging devices 11 by engaging the claws 17a and 17b of the respective bayonet-type mounts. It should be noted that the endoscope connecting device 10 and the endoscope eyepiece 12 are described below.
It may be after making the connection.

Next, connection between the endoscope connection device 10 and the endoscope eyepiece 12 will be described. Locking body 15 is receiver cover 1
4 is located in the long notch groove 22 (FIG. 2).
(State (a)), the eyepiece 12 of the endoscope eyepiece 12
a into the insertion port 18 and abut against the reference surface 19a of the positioning flange 19 (the state of FIG.
(B) omits the receiver cover 14 for easy understanding).

Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 3, both arms of the locking body 15 are moved in a direction of approaching (displacement in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis) by operating a pair of knobs 15a at both ends. Accordingly, the amount of elastic deformation of the locking body 15 toward the center of the diameter of the endoscope eyepiece 12 increases, and the eyepiece 12a of the endoscope eyepiece 12 starts to be pinched from the left and right.

When the operation of the knob 15a is further continued,
The locking body 15 is provided with a communication groove 24 at the starting point of the long cutout groove 22.
To the part where is formed. At this time, the locking body 15
Are further elastically deformed with the portion of the endoscope eyepiece 12 pressed against the eyepiece 12a as a fulcrum. In this state, the position of the endoscope eyepiece 12 in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis is determined.

Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 2 (c), the knob 15a of the locking member 15 is operated to move the knob 15a along the communication groove 24 toward the short notch groove 23. The locking body 15 is rotated (displaced in the optical axis direction).
Then, the locking body 15 elastically deforms so as to press the eyepiece 12a against the reference surface 19a of the positioning flange 19 with the portion pressed against the eyepiece 12a as a fulcrum. In this state, the position of the endoscope eyepiece 12 in the optical axis direction is determined.

When the locking member 15 is moved toward the short notch groove 23 and is elastically deformed until it comes into contact with the large-diameter flange 16, the knob 15 a is moved to the endoscope eyepiece 12. When the operating force pinched toward the center of the diameter of the endoscope is loosened, the locking body 15 enters the short cutout groove 23 due to the radial elastic force of the endoscope eyepiece 12.

In this process, the positioning flange 19 is used until the locking member 15 completely enters the short cutout groove 23.
Needless to say, the operating force for elastically deforming the locking body 15 in the direction of the reference surface 19a must not be reduced.

In this manner, the endoscope eyepiece 12 is provided with the locking body 1.
5, elastic force due to elastic deformation acting in two directions (the optical axis direction and the direction perpendicular to the optical axis), that is, the elastic force in the optical axis direction that presses the eyepiece 12a of the endoscope eyepiece 12 against the reference plane 19a; And, the elastic force in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis toward the center of the diameter of the endoscope eyepiece 12 causes the endoscope connection device 10
Can be attached securely.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, since the endoscope is attached to the connecting device by elastic deformation of one locking body, the number of parts is small and the structure is simple.
Easy to assemble and inexpensive. In addition, since the locking body is displaced in the optical axis direction and the direction perpendicular to the optical axis to connect the endoscope eyepiece, it can be used for various types of tapered eyepieces and can be connected reliably. Wide nature. Furthermore, since the locking body is configured using a wire having a substantially circular cross section, even when the observation direction by the endoscope is changed by rotating the endoscope with respect to the connection device, the eyepiece for the endoscope can be used. No damage to the part.

Next, FIGS. 5 to 7 show a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an endoscope connection device.
FIG. 6 is a top view of the endoscope connection device, and FIG. 7 is a side view for explaining connection by the endoscope connection device. The second embodiment of the present invention
In the form, the locking body is formed by a pair of long plate-like elastic plates rotatably attached by hinges and a tension coil spring, and the shape of the connection device main body is formed so as not to use a cover. . The configuration of the endoscope eyepiece side and the connection structure with the imaging device are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment,
The illustration and description of such parts are omitted.

In these figures, reference numeral 30 denotes an endoscope connecting device. The connecting portion of the endoscope connecting device 30 is connected to and detached from one side of various image pickup devices 11 such as a photographing device and a television photographing device. A connecting device main body 31 to which the eyepiece 12 of the endoscope is detachably connected to the other side while being freely connected, and a connecting side of the connecting device main body 31 to which the endoscope eyepiece 12 is connected. Symmetrically, an elastic plate 34 as a pair of long plate-shaped first locking members attached via a pair of hinges 33 rotatably provided by a pair of pins 32, and an inside view of the connection device body 31 It mainly comprises a tension coil spring 37 as a second locking body provided on the connection side with the mirror eyepiece 12.

The connection device body 31 is substantially disk-shaped, and can hold the distal ends of the pair of elastic plates 34 on the surface of the scope receiver 35 to which the endoscope eyepiece 12 is connected. It is formed by providing a pair of locking body receivers 36.

That is, in the scope receiver 35, an insertion port 38 into which the eyepiece 12a of the endoscope eyepiece 12 is inserted is formed at the center of one surface to which the endoscope eyepiece 12 is connected. The bottom surface of the insertion port 38 is formed as a reference surface 39 for positioning in the optical axis direction, and the inner wall surface of the insertion port 38 is formed as a positioning surface 40 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

In the center of the bottom of the insertion port 38, the image from the endoscope eyepiece 12 is sufficiently observed by the various imaging devices 11 connected to the other side of the scope receiver 35. Or a hole 41 having an optical system for transmitting an image from the endoscope eyepiece 12.

One side surface of the insertion opening 38 is cut out toward the outer periphery of the scope receiving member 35, and the pair of locking portions are provided on both sides of the cutout side with the groove 42 as a center. Body supports 36 are provided symmetrically facing each other,
The pair of hinges 33 are provided symmetrically at the edge of the insertion port 38 side, and the pair of elastic plates 34 can be freely hung parallel to each other along the groove 42 from the edge of the insertion port 38. Is provided.

The tension coil spring 37 is provided so as to pass over the groove 42 at a position close to the insertion opening 38, and comes into contact with the eyepiece 12 a of the endoscope eyepiece 12 inserted into the insertion opening 38. The eyepiece 12a is particularly pressed against the positioning surface 40 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

The pair of elastic plates 34 are formed of elastically deformable plate members. Each of the pair of elastic plates 34 has a substantially hemispherical area centered on the hinge 33 by hinges 33 provided rotatably on the scope holder 35. It is movable inside.

Then, the eyepiece 1 of the endoscope eyepiece 12
2a are held by the locking body receiver 36 in a state of being held between the insertion port 38 side. In this state, portions that come into contact with the opposing eyepieces 12a are chamfered (not shown).

Next, the operation of the second embodiment will be described. 6, a pair of elastic plates 34 are inserted so that the eyepiece 12a of the endoscope eyepiece 12 can be inserted into the insertion opening 38.
Is rotated about the pin 32 of each hinge 33 as a rotation center in the direction of the arrow in the drawing (direction of separation from each other), and at the same time, is separated from the scope receiver 35 by the action of the hinge 33 in the direction of the arrow in FIG. Direction).

Next, the eyepiece 12 of the endoscope eyepiece 12 will be described.
As a result, the eyepiece 12a of the endoscope eyepiece 12 is inserted into the insertion opening 38 while pushing and expanding the tension coil spring 37. In this state, the eyepiece 12a of the endoscope eyepiece 12 is
Is pressed against the positioning surface 40 by the elastic force of the tension coil spring 37. That is, the endoscope eyepiece 12
Is determined in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis.

While rotating the pair of elastic plates 34 in the directions opposite to the arrows in FIG. 5 (directions approaching the scope receiver 35) by the action of the hinges 33, respectively, FIG.
An operation of rotating in a direction opposite to the direction indicated by the arrow in the middle (a direction in which the elastic plates 34 approach each other) is performed.

Then, the elastic plate 34 comes into contact with the tapered surface of the eyepiece 12a of the endoscope eyepiece 12, and is elastically deformed with the portion as a fulcrum, so that the eyepiece 12a of the endoscope eyepiece 12 is elastic. It is pressed against the reference surface 39 by force. That is, the position of the endoscope eyepiece 12 in the optical axis direction is also determined.

The above operation is further continued from this state, and the endoscope eyepiece section 12 and the endoscope connection device 30 are connected by supporting the pair of left and right elastic plates 34 on the locking body receiver 36. In this state, the eyepiece 12 of the endoscope eyepiece 12 is
Due to the tapered surface a, the tension coil spring 37 generates not only a pressing force on the positioning surface 40 but also a pressing force on the reference surface 39, and the elastic plate 34 generates not only a pressing force on the reference surface 39 but also the positioning surface 40. Pressing force is also generated to secure securely.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, since the tension coil spring and the plate-like elastic plate are provided on the rotatable hinge, the number of parts is small, the structure is simple, and the assembly is easy. And inexpensive. In addition, not only the tension coil spring but also the elastic plate that can move within a substantially hemispherical range is displaced in the optical axis direction and the direction perpendicular to the optical axis to connect the endoscope eyepiece. Widely versatile as it can be used to securely connect various types of tapered eyepieces. Further, since the endoscope eyepiece is inserted into the insertion opening and pressed against the positioning surface by the tension coil spring, the endoscope connection operation can be performed with one hand. In addition, since each component constituting the present apparatus can be formed small, the size and weight can be reduced.

Next, FIGS. 8 and 9 show a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the endoscope connection device, and FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along the line BB of FIG. is there. In the third embodiment, the locking member is formed of a plate that is slidable and whose movement in the optical axis direction is restricted. Further, the configuration on the endoscope eyepiece side and the connection structure with the imaging device are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment, and the drawings and explanations of those parts are omitted.

In these figures, reference numeral 50 denotes an endoscope connecting device. The connecting portion of the endoscope connecting device 50 is connected to and detached from one side of various image pickup devices 11 such as a photographing device and a television photographing device. A connection device main body 51 to which the eyepiece 12 of the endoscope is detachably connected to the other side while being freely connected, and a connection side of the connection device main body 51 with the endoscope eyepiece 12. It is mainly composed of a plate-shaped locking body 52 provided to be slidable in one direction (a direction perpendicular to the optical axis) and to be restricted from moving in the optical axis direction.

The connection device main body 51 includes an endoscope eyepiece 1.
At the center of the side to which 2 is connected, necessary components are arranged in a scope receiver 54 having an insertion opening 53 into which the eyepiece 12a of the endoscope eyepiece 12 is inserted.

That is, in the insertion port 53 of the scope receiver 54, the bottom surface is formed as a reference surface 55 for positioning in the optical axis direction, and the inner wall surface is formed as a positioning surface 56 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. In the center of this bottom side,
An image from the endoscope eyepiece 12 is transmitted to the scope receiver 54.
A hole large enough to be observed by the various imaging devices 11 connected to the other side of the
A hole 200 having an optical system for transmitting an image from is formed.

In the scope receiver 54, the locking body 52 moves in the optical axis direction of the endoscope eyepiece 12, and is moved in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis direction of the endoscope eyepiece 12. , A guide portion 57 for restricting sliding in a direction other than one direction and a locking member stopper 58 are integrally provided.

An eyepiece made of rubber or the like is provided on the bottom side of the insertion opening 53 of the scope receiver 54 so as to press the side surface of the eyepiece 12a of the endoscope eyepiece 12 against the positioning surface 56. The pressing member 59 is fixed with an adhesive or the like.

The locking body 52 of the scope receiver 54
A small hole 60 is provided in the optical axis direction in a portion where the slider slides, and a positioning mechanism 61 of the sliding position of the locking body 52 is incorporated in the small hole 60.

The positioning mechanism 61 is fitted into the inner diameter of the small hole 60 and is provided with the release positioning hole 6 formed in the locking body 52.
2 or a positioning pin 64 inserted into the locking positioning hole 63, a coil spring 65 for urging the positioning pin 64 in the direction of the locking body 52, and a small hole 60 formed by the positioning pin 64 and the coil spring 65. It is mainly composed of a holding nut 66 screwed into the scope receiving member 54 for holding the holding member inside.

A shaft (knob shaft) 67 extends to the outside of the scope receiver 54 on the side opposite to the side where the positioning pins 64 are inserted into the positioning holes 62 and 63 of the locking body 52. A knob 68 is attached to the end of the knob shaft 67 with a set screw (not shown) for pulling out the positioning pin 64 from each of the positioning holes 62 and 63 to make the locking body 52 slidable. Have been.

As described above, the locking body 52 is configured to be slidable in the direction guided by the guide portion 57 of the scope receiver 54, that is, in one direction perpendicular to the optical axis.
A leaf spring 6 is attached to the locking body 52 by a screw (not shown) so that an elastic force acts between the locking body 52 and the guide portion 57.
9 is attached.

Further, on the end face side opposite to the side where the locking body 52 is inserted, a locking body operating portion 70 for slidingly operating the locking body 52 is provided.

The two positioning holes 62 and 63 formed in the locking body 52 are provided at positions (release positioning) when the eyepiece 12a of the endoscope eyepiece 12 is inserted into the insertion opening 53 by the positioning mechanism 61. From the position of the hole 62)
The sliding range of the locking body 52 is restricted to a position (a position by the locking positioning hole 63) when the eyepiece 12a of the endoscope eyepiece 12 is connected and fixed to the scope receiver 54.

Next, the operation of the third embodiment will be described. First, referring to FIG.
The positioning pin 64 is retracted from the locking positioning hole 63 by operating in the direction of compression against the urging force. In this state, the locking body 52 is slid in a direction away from the insertion port 53 until the positioning pin 64 is inserted into the release positioning hole 62 by the elastic force of the coil spring 65. Thereby, the insertion port 53 of the scope receiver 54 is released.

In the above-described state, the eyepiece 12 a of the endoscope eyepiece 12 is inserted into the insertion opening 53. Endoscope eyepiece 12
When the eyepiece 12a is inserted until it comes into contact with the reference surface 55, the side surface of the eyepiece 12a of the endoscope eyepiece 12 is pressed against the positioning surface 56 by the eyepiece pressing member 59. The position of the eye 12 in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis is determined.

Next, the knob 68 is operated in the direction of compression against the urging force of the coil spring 65 to release the release positioning hole 62.
The positioning pin 65 is retracted from the position. In this state, until the positioning pin 65 is projected into the locking positioning hole 63 by the urging force of the coil spring 65, the locking body 52 is
Slide in the direction to approach 3.

When the locking body 52 is slid, the edge of the locking body 52 comes into contact with the eyepiece 12 a of the endoscope eyepiece 12. Then, the locking body 52 is lifted by the tapered surface of the eyepiece 12a, but the eyepiece 12a of the endoscope eyepiece 12 is pressed against the reference plane 55 by the leaf spring 69 and the locking body stopper 58. .

That is, at this time, the movement of the locking body 53 in the optical axis direction is restricted not only by the guide portion 57 but also by the locking body stopper 58, and the eyepiece 12 a of the endoscope eyepiece 12 is engaged. Since the plate spring 69 provided between the stop body 52 and the guide portion 57 is pressed against the reference surface 55, the position of the eyepiece of the endoscope in the optical axis direction is determined.

The endoscope eyepiece 12 is connected to the endoscope connection device 50.
9, the knob 68 is operated in the direction of compression against the urging force of the coil spring 65, and the positioning pin 64 is retracted from the locking positioning hole 63. In this state, until the positioning pin 64 is inserted into the release positioning hole 62 by the urging force of the coil spring 65, the locking member 5
2 is slid away from the insertion port 53, and the endoscope eyepiece is retracted from the insertion port 53.

As described above, according to the third embodiment, since the locking member is slidably provided and formed,
It has a simple structure with few parts, is easy to assemble, and is inexpensive. Further, the locking body is slid in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis, and can be displaced and biased in the optical axis direction by a leaf spring provided on the locking body. As long as an external force large enough to deform the stopper does not act, the eyepiece of the endoscope does not come off from the apparatus, and a reliable connection can be made. This connection is also compatible with reliable connection of various types of tapered eyepieces, and is widely used. Also,
Even if the knob is operated by mistake, the locking body presses the eyepiece of the endoscope eyepiece with the elastic force of the leaf spring, so that the endoscope eyepiece and the endoscope connection device come off immediately. I can't. That is,
There is no fear that the operation time may be extended due to the sudden disconnection of the endoscope eyepiece from the endoscope connection device.

Meanwhile, as an endoscope connecting device for detachably connecting a predetermined image pickup device or the like to the endoscope eyepiece, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 61-130915 and Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. One disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent No. 6412 is known.

For example, in the endoscope connecting device disclosed in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Sho 61-130915 (hereinafter referred to as a conventional example of the first mode and thereafter), as shown in FIG. Includes an optical adapter 84 having an adapter mount 83 configured to be connectable to an eyepiece 82 of an endoscope 81. The optical adapter 84 is configured to be connectable to an image pickup device 85, and is capable of forming an image of a subject 86 guided through the endoscope 81 on an image pickup device (not shown) in the image pickup device 85. It is configured. Then, the subject 8 formed on the imaging device in the imaging device 85
The image 6 can be displayed on the monitor 88 via the control device 87.

However, the adapter mount section 83 of the optical adapter 84 in the conventional example after the first mode is used.
However, there is a problem that the manufacturing cost increases because the number of parts is large and the workability of assembling is poor because of the structure composed of a plurality of elastic members and a fixing member having a complicated structure.
Another problem is that the large number of components having a complicated structure leads to an increase in the size and weight of the device.

Therefore, the following first aspect is to solve such a problem positively, and by reducing the number of parts and simplifying the shape of the parts, it is possible to reduce the unit cost of parts and the number of parts to be assembled. As well as reducing manufacturing costs such as
An object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope connection device having a simple structure capable of achieving a reduction in size and weight.

FIGS. 11 to 13 show the first embodiment, and FIGS.
Is a cross-sectional view illustrating the movement of the coil spring when the endoscope eyepiece is connected to the endoscope connection device. FIG. 12 is a front view of a portion of the endoscope connection device to which the endoscope eyepiece is connected. FIG. 13 is a sectional view taken along the line CC of FIG.

In these figures, reference numeral 90 denotes an endoscope connecting device, and the endoscope connecting device 90 mainly includes a main body barrel 91 and an adapter mount 92. In the first embodiment, in the figure, the main body barrel 91
Although the adapter mount 92 and the adapter mount 92 are joined and fixed by a screw 93, they may be integrally formed or may be rotatably attached to each other.

The main body barrel section 91 has a connection section 95 which can be connected to a predetermined image pickup device 94.
In the connection part 95, a screw part 95a to which the imaging device 94 can be screwed is formed. Further, an image of an object (not shown) guided through the eyepiece 97 of the endoscope 96 is formed on the image pickup device (not shown) of the image pickup device 94 in the main body barrel 91. A lens system 98 is built in.

The adapter mount 92 has an eyepiece connecting surface 100 that can be brought into contact with an eyepiece 99 of an eyepiece 97 of an endoscope 96, and an outer diameter portion of the eyepiece 97. 9
An eyepiece housing 102 is formed by arranging a cylindrical portion 101 having an inner diameter into which 7a is fitted, substantially coaxially with an optical axis 98a of the imaging lens system 98.

As shown in FIG.
A coil spring 104,
105 is a screw 104a, 104b, 105a, 105
b, the outer diameter portion 97a of the eyepiece 97.
The strings 106 and 107 are formed.

Further, the end face 103 is
Strings 106 and 107 formed by the coil springs 104 and 105 attached above are provided at positions where the taper portion 97b of the eyepiece 97 can be pressed.

In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, the eyepiece 97 of the endoscope 96 is moved from the side of the cylindrical portion 101 of the adapter mount 92 to the cylindrical portion 1.
When moving between the strings 106 and 107 toward the center direction of 01 and the direction of the eyepiece joint surface 100, the string 1
The strings 106 and 107 receive a pressing force from the outer diameter portion 97a of the eyepiece 97 abutting on 06 and 107.

When the movement of the eyepiece 97 is further advanced,
Since the strings 106 and 107 are formed by the coil springs 104 and 105, the strings are pressed against the eyepiece 97 by pressing force so as to separate from each other in the radial direction of the eyepiece 97 as shown by the dashed line in FIG. 11. The eyepiece 97 is elastically deformed so that it can be spread.
The outer diameter portion 97a is the cylindrical portion 1 of the adapter mount portion 92.
The eyepiece 97 can be accommodated in the eyepiece housing 102.

The position of the end surface 103 of the cylindrical portion 101 in the direction of the optical axis 98a of the imaging lens system 98 is at the position where the tapered portion 97b of the eyepiece 97 exists.
The coil springs 104 and 105 attached to the eyepiece 3 are stored in the eyepiece storage section 102, and then the eyepiece section 97 is
To the position where it comes into contact with the tapered portion 97b.

The rounded shapes of the coil springs 104 and 105 allow the elastic deformation of the coil springs 104 and 105 to be reduced when the eyepiece 97 presses the strings 106 and 107.
7 and the eyepiece joint surface 100
Even if the coil springs 104 and 105 abut on the end face 103 of the cylindrical portion 101 due to the movement of the coil springs 104 and 105 in the direction, the coil springs 104 and 105 move toward the outer diameter direction of the eyepiece 97.

Further, since the coil springs 104 and 105 which have moved to the outside of the outer diameter portion 97a of the eyepiece 97 have rounded shapes, the eyepieces 97 are stored in the eyepiece storage section 102 before the eyepieces are received. When moving to the position where it abuts on the tapered portion 97b of the portion 97, the outer diameter portion 97a of the eyepiece 97 does not get caught.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, since the coil springs 104 and 105 have round shapes, the coil springs 1 and 2 are used to store the eyepiece 97 in the eyepiece storage 102.
04, 105, the coil springs 104, 10
5 smoothly moves to the outer diameter portion 97a of the eyepiece 97, the eyepiece 97 is housed in the eyepiece housing 102, and then the coil springs 104 and 105 reach the position where they come into contact with the tapered portion 97b of the eyepiece 97. It is possible to return smoothly.

Further, since the coil springs 104 and 105 constitute the strings 106 and 107 with respect to the outer diameter portion 97a of the eyepiece 97 and press the tapered portion 97b of the eyepiece 97, the eyepiece is provided. Part 97 is pressed against the eyepiece joint surface 100 of the endoscope connection device 90, and the coil spring 10
The movement of the eyepiece 97 with respect to the optical axis 98a of the imaging lens system 98 due to the pressing force of the taper portion 97b of the eyepieces 97 of 4,105 is regulated by the inner diameter of the eyepiece housing 102.

The adapter mount 92 having the eyepiece housing 102 and the end face 1 of the eyepiece housing 102
03 by coil springs 104 and 105 attached to
In spite of the connection mechanism of the eyepiece 97 having a small number of parts and a simple part shape, simply pressing the eyepiece 97 against the endoscope connection device 90 allows the eyepiece 9 to be easily and simply constructed.
7 can be connected to the endoscope connection device 90 such that the optical axes are aligned with each other.

Further, since the number of parts is small and the shape of the parts is simple, the endoscope connection device which is reduced in size and weight as well as the production cost as the number of assembly steps and the number of assembly members is reduced. It becomes possible.

In the first embodiment, not only a coil spring but also an elastic member such as a rubber wire having a circular cross section can provide the same function and effect.

Next, the second object having the same purpose as in the first embodiment described above.
Embodiments are described below. 14 to 19 show a second embodiment,
14 is a front view of a portion of the endoscope connection device to which the endoscope eyepiece is connected, FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD of FIG. 14, and FIG. 16 presses the eyepiece from two strings. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line EE of FIG. 16, and FIG. 18 is a front view illustrating the movement of the coil spring when pressing the eyepiece from one chord side. FIG. 19 and FIG. 19 are FF sectional views of FIG. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that three coil springs are provided on the end face of the eyepiece housing to form three strings, and the other parts are the same.

That is, the endoscope connection device 110 according to the second embodiment includes the adapter mount 111 and the first
It is mainly configured to have the main body barrel 91 described in the aspect.

Coil springs 114, 115, and 116 are provided on the end surface 113 of the eyepiece storage section 112 of the cylindrical section 120 of the adapter mount section 111 with screws 114 a and 114.
b, 115a, 115b, 116a, and 116b, and chords 117, 118, and 119 are formed in a substantially triangular shape with respect to the outer diameter portion 97a of the eyepiece 97.
The other configuration is substantially the same as that described in the first embodiment, and thus the description is omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the eyepiece 97 has substantially triangular chords 117, 118,
When pressed toward the center direction of the cylindrical portion 120 of the adapter mount portion 111 and the direction of the eyepiece joint surface 121 so as to be in contact with the two strings 117 and 118 of the adapter mount portion 111, they are received from the eyepiece portion 97. String 11 by pressing force
Reference numerals 7 and 118 denote eyepieces 9 as indicated by dashed lines in the figure.
7 is elastically deformed so as to be pushed and spread to the eyepiece 97 in such a manner as to be separated from each other in the outer diameter direction, and one end of the eyepiece 97 is inserted into the eyepiece housing 112 and the other end of the eyepiece 97 is initially It comes into contact with the remaining strings 119 that have not been pressed.

Further, when the eyepiece 97 is pressed toward the eyepiece housing 112, the string 119 at the substantially opposite ends of the string 119 intersects with the outer diameter 97 a of the eyepiece 97 at the intersection 12.
Eyepiece 97 from 2,123 toward the center of string 119
Presses the string 119, the string 119 is elastically deformed in the radial direction of the eyepiece 97, and as a result, the eyepiece 97
Are stored in the eyepiece storage unit 112.

As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19,
Strings 117, 118, and 11 having a substantially triangular shape for the eyepiece 97
9, when the string 119 is pressed against the eyepiece housing 112 while being hooked on one of the strings 119, the string 119 on which the eyepiece 97 is hooked is pressed by the tapered portion 97b of the eyepiece 97. , The remaining two strings 117, 11 that have been elastically deformed in the radial direction of the eyepiece 97 and have not been engaged with the eyepiece 97.
8 are pressed by the eyepiece 97 from the intersections 124 and 125 of the strings 117 and 118 with the outer diameter portion 97a of the eyepiece 97, and as shown by a dashed line in the figure, the eyepieces 97 are pressed together. Are elastically deformed so as to be pushed out and spread to the eyepiece 97 in such a manner as to separate in the outer diameter direction of the eyepiece 9.
7 is stored in the eyepiece storage unit 112. The configuration other than the portions related to the above-described contents is the same as that of the first embodiment.

As described above, in the second embodiment, since there is no direction in which the mounting strength is weaker than in the first embodiment, a more stable connection can be established between the endoscope eyepiece and the endoscope connection device. It is possible to keep.

Further, the number of strings in the first embodiment is shown as a minimum of three, which is an example in which the above-mentioned effect can be obtained, but the same effect can be obtained even if the number of strings is larger than that. It is clear.

Further, a third embodiment having the same purpose as the above-described first embodiment will be described below. 20 and 21 show a third embodiment. FIG. 20 is a front view of a portion to which an endoscope eyepiece of an endoscope connection device is connected, and FIG. 21 is a sectional view taken along line GG of FIG. The third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that one coil spring is provided on the end face of the eyepiece housing to form two strings, and the other parts are the same.

That is, the endoscope connection device 130 according to the third embodiment includes the adapter mount 131 and the first
It is mainly configured to have the main body barrel 91 described in the aspect.

The end surface 133 of the eyepiece housing 132 of the adapter mount 131 of the endoscope connection device 130 has
Hooks 135 and 136 capable of locking both ends 134 a and 134 b of one coil spring 134 are provided integrally with the adapter mount 131.

Also, between the hooks 135 and 136, the hook 1 is attached to the end surface 133 of the eyepiece housing 132.
37 is provided, and an intermediate portion of the coil spring 134 is hooked on the hook 137 so that the coil spring 134 forms two strings 138 and 139 with respect to the outer diameter portion 97 a of the eyepiece 97. doing. The other configuration is substantially the same as that described in the first embodiment, and thus the description is omitted.

By using the two strings 138 and 139 formed by one coil spring 134, the endoscope eyepiece 97 and the endoscope connection device 130 are connected. .

Specifically, the eyepiece 97 is connected to the two strings 13
8, 139 so as to be in contact with the center direction of the cylindrical portion 140 of the adapter mount portion 131 and the eyepiece portion joining surface 1
When pressed in the 41 direction, the strings 138 and 139 are elastically spread by the pressing force received from the eyepiece 97 so that the strings 138 and 139 are separated from each other in the outer diameter direction of the eyepiece 97 and spread to the eyepiece 97. The eyepiece 97 is deformed and one end of the eyepiece 97 is
After that, the eyepiece 97 on the side not in contact with the two strings 138 and 139 is also stored in the eyepiece storage 132.

The eyepiece 97 is connected to two strings 138,1
After the strings 138 and 139 are first stored in the eyepiece storage section 132 on the side without the 39, the strings 138 and 139 may be pressed by the eyepiece section 97 and stored while being elastically deformed. The configuration other than the portions related to the above-described contents is the same as that of the first embodiment.

As described above, according to the third aspect, the mounting portion of the coil spring can be formed by integral molding, and only one coil spring is required, so that the member cost can be further reduced as compared with the first aspect. it can.

Further, the number of fixed portions of the coil spring is reduced, and the mounting of the coil spring is simple, so that the number of assembling steps can be reduced. In the third embodiment, the same effect as in the second embodiment can be obtained by increasing the number of hooks on which the coil spring is hooked. It goes without saying that using a plurality of coil springs and increasing the number of strings of any of these coil springs with hooks can be used together. Further, the members constituting the strings are not limited to the coil springs, similarly to the first and second embodiments.

As described above, the endoscope connection device according to the first to third embodiments has a small number of parts and a simple part shape due to the endoscope eyepiece housing and the coil spring attached to this end face. Because it is a mechanism, it is possible to achieve a reduction in manufacturing costs such as a reduction in member costs and a reduction in the number of assembling steps, as well as a sufficient reduction in size and weight.

Instead of the conventional endoscope connecting device shown in FIG. 22, the endoscope connecting device aims at reducing the manufacturing cost such as the reduction of the above-mentioned member costs and the number of assembling steps, and at the same time, aiming at reduction in size and weight. Are realized by other means than the coil springs shown in the first to third aspects described above, specifically, in the following fourth and fifth aspects.

FIGS. 23 to 25 show a fourth embodiment, and FIGS.
Is an explanatory cross-sectional view of a main part of the endoscope connection device, FIG. 24 is an external perspective view of the wire spring, and FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram of the endoscope connection device when the inner diameter of the wire spring is expanded.

In these figures, reference numeral 150 denotes an endoscope connecting device, and the endoscope connecting device 150 mainly includes a main body barrel portion 151 and an adapter mount portion 152. In the fourth embodiment, the main body barrel 151 and the adapter mount 152 are joined and fixed by screws 153, but they may be formed integrally or may be attached to each other so as to be rotatable. In some cases.

The main body tube section 151 has a connection section 155 that can be connected to a predetermined image pickup device 154. In the connection section 155, the image pickup apparatus 15
A screw portion 156 is formed to enable the screw 4 to be detachably screwed.

An image pickup device (not shown) provided in the image pickup device 154 is provided with an image of a subject (not shown) guided through the eyepiece 158 of the endoscope 157 in the main body barrel 151. No.) imaging lens system 159 for imaging
Is also built-in.

The adapter mount 152 is mainly composed of a frame 160, an outer frame 161 that further covers the outside of the frame 160, and a wire spring 162.

The frame 160 has an eyepiece connecting surface 164 that can be brought into contact with the eyepiece 163 of the eyepiece 158 and an outer diameter 158 a of the eyepiece 158. The cylindrical surface 165 having an inner diameter that varies
The eyepiece housing 166 is formed by being disposed substantially coaxially with respect to the optical axis 159a. Further, a fixing portion for performing the fixing by the screw 153 is also formed. Further, the endoscope 157 of the eyepiece storage section 166 is provided.
A fixing hole 1 for fitting the wire spring 162 is provided on the side end face.
67 are formed.

As shown in FIG. 24, the wire spring 162 has a substantially arc-shaped portion 162a formed such that its inner diameter at no load is smaller than the outer diameter of the eyepiece 158.
The shape of both ends is such that one end is a fixed end 162
b has a linear shape bent in the axial direction of the arc shape, and the other end has a linear shape bent outward in the radial direction of the arc shape as the movable end 162c. The fixed end 162b is connected to the fixed hole 167.
Is rotatably fitted in the connector.

The outer frame 161 has a ring shape having an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter 158a of the eyepiece 158, and is formed so as to be connected and fixed to the frame 160. I have. When the outer frame 161 and the frame 160 are connected and fixed, the adapter mount 152
A groove 168 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the wire spring 162.
Is in a state where a part thereof is housed in the groove 168. The position of the groove 168 on the optical axis 159a is such that the tapered portion 158b of the eyepiece 158 exists when the eyepiece 163 of the eyepiece 158 comes into contact with the joint face 164 of the eyepiece. Formed at the position where

A slot 170 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the outer frame 161 at a position corresponding to the movable end 162c of the wire spring 162. Through the elongated hole 170, the movable end 162c is connected to the adapter mount. 152 protrudes on the outer peripheral surface.

A knob 162d is externally fitted to the protruding portion of the movable end 162c from the adapter mount 152. The movable direction range of the knob 162d is the direction in which the substantially arc-shaped portion 162a exists due to the elongated hole 170. , And a fixed knob 171 protrudes from an outer periphery of the adapter mount 152 at a portion near one end of the elongated hole 170 corresponding to the knob 162d. .

The method of joining and fixing the frame 160 and the outer frame 161 has been described with the method using the screw 172 in the fourth embodiment.
Alternatively, the frame 160 and the outer frame 161 are not separated,
It may be molded as an integral part from the beginning.

Then, as shown in FIG.
When a load is applied in a direction in which the second knob 162d and the fixed knob 171 approach each other, the movable end 162c of the wire spring 162 moves to apply a load to the wire spring 162, and the inner diameter of the substantially circular arc-shaped portion 162a is expanded. It becomes larger than the outer diameter of the eye part 158.

In this state, the eyepiece 158 is connected to the optical axis 1
When the eyepiece 158 is moved in the direction 59a, the eyepiece 158 comes into contact with the eyepiece joint surface 164, and the eyepiece storage 166 is brought into contact with the eyepiece 158.
Can be stored.

When the load applied to the knob 162d and the fixed knob 171 is removed while the eyepiece 158 is stored in the eyepiece storage 166, the substantially arc-shaped portion 162a of the wire spring 162 will return to its original inner diameter. Is applied to the tapered portion 158b of the eyepiece 158.

Since the wire spring 162 is caught by the groove 168 provided on the inner peripheral surface of the adapter mount 152, the pressing force is kneaded with the force toward the center of the arc of the substantially arc-shaped portion 162a. Since it passes through the tapered portion 158b of the eyepiece 158, it acts as a force for bringing the eyepiece 158 into contact with the eyepiece joint surface 164.

As described above, since the inner peripheral cylindrical surface 165 of the eyepiece housing 166 is formed so as to fit with the outer diameter portion 158a of the eyepiece 158, the eyepiece 158 is joined to the eyepiece joint. By being in contact with the surface 164, the eyepiece 158 is fixed in the eyepiece housing 166 while being fitted therein.

In this state, the knob 162d is turned on again.
When a load is applied in the direction in which the and the fixing knob 171 approach each other, the inner diameter of the substantially arc-shaped portion 162a of the wire spring 162 is widened, and the eyepiece 158 can be removed from the eyepiece housing 166.

As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the eyepiece 158 is formed by the simple structure basically composed of the frame 160, the outer frame 161 and the wire spring 162 with a small number of parts. Since the structure is such that it can be connected and fixed to the lens barrel 151, the manufacturing cost is lower than before, and the size and weight are reduced.

Next, the fifth embodiment for the same purpose as the above-described fourth embodiment will be described.
Embodiments are described below. 26 to 28 show a fifth embodiment,
26 is an explanatory view showing a cross section of a main part for explaining an endoscope connecting device, FIG. 27 is an explanatory view showing an example of a case where a wire spring is formed by a leaf spring, and FIG. 28 is an explanatory view of a new problem in the fourth mode. is there.
In the fifth embodiment, the structure of the wire spring housed in the adapter mount is changed, and the other parts are substantially the same as those in the fourth embodiment.

That is, as shown in FIG. 26, the endoscope connection device 180 according to the fifth embodiment includes the adapter mount 1
81 and the main body barrel 151 described in the fourth embodiment.

The wire spring 183 accommodated in the groove 182 formed on the inner peripheral surface of the adapter mount 181 has a projection member 18 large enough to be accommodated in the groove 182.
4 are provided.

Also, the movable end 183b of the wire spring 183
In the portion projecting from the outer peripheral surface of the adapter mount 181, the movable hole 183 b prevents the movable end 183 b from being excessively deformed radially outward of the substantially arc-shaped portion 183 a constituting the wire spring 183. Locking member 186 is provided.

In the fifth mode, the wire spring 183
27 is not limited to a wire spring shape, but may be a leaf spring 187 as shown in FIG. 27. In this case, the locking member 186 is formed by cutting out both width portions of the leaf spring 187 by a predetermined width. It can be formed by the notch 188.
In this case, the projection member 184 is provided as a projection 189 by, for example, projecting the surface of the leaf spring 187. In addition, it is also possible to integrally form the wire spring, the projection member, and the locking member with a material such as a resin having an elastic force. The configuration other than the portions related to the above-described contents is the same as that of the first embodiment.

With the above configuration, in the fifth embodiment, it is possible to produce the same operation as that already described in the fourth embodiment. However, unlike the fourth embodiment, the eyepiece 1
The projecting member 184 provided on the wire spring 183 directly applies a pressing force to the tapered portion 158 b of the 58.

In the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 28, when an external force acts to tilt the eyepiece 158 with respect to the optical axis 159a, the movable end 162c of the wire spring 162 is moved. Deformation in the direction in which the inner diameter of the substantially arc-shaped portion 162a is increased newly occurs, but in the fifth aspect, the deformation can be prevented by the locking member 186.

In the fourth embodiment, in order to obtain the effect, the wire spring 162 is connected to the tapered portion 158b of the eyepiece 158.
Must be locked in the groove portion 168 while applying a pressing force to the wire, so that the wire diameter is restricted by itself. Therefore, when attaching or detaching the eyepiece 158, the knob 16
The load applied to the 2d and the fixed knob 171 is also limited, and it may be difficult to freely set the load at the time of design.

In the fifth embodiment, however, the restriction is not caused by the wire diameter of the wire spring 183 but by the outer diameter of the projection member 184.
Any conceivable wire diameter can be employed as long as the outside diameter dimension of 81 is acceptable.
Therefore, the amount of load applied to the knob 162d and the fixed knob 171 can be freely set at the time of design.

In the fourth aspect, the wire spring 1
FIG. 28 does not have a substantially closed circular shape.
When an external force acts to tilt the eyepiece 158 with respect to the optical axis 159a as shown in FIG. , Can be deformed radially outward of the arc shape. Therefore, when an external force in this direction is generated, the eyepiece 158 is easily detached from the adapter mount 152.

However, in the fifth embodiment, the locking member 1
86 prevents the movable end 183b from being deformed, so that the eyepiece 158 does not come off the adapter mount 181 even when the above-mentioned external force is generated, and the connection reliability is improved as compared with the fourth aspect. Thus, the endoscope connection device 180 is obtained.

As described above, in the endoscope connecting device according to the fourth and fifth embodiments, the connecting portion of the endoscope connecting device is composed of two frames and one elastic member with a small number of parts and a simple structure. Since it can be configured, it is possible to achieve a reduction in manufacturing cost such as a reduction in the unit cost of parts and a reduction in the number of assembly steps, as well as a reduction in size and weight.

[Supplementary Notes] In an endoscope connecting device for detachably connecting an eyepiece of an endoscope and a predetermined imaging device by operating a locking member provided on the connecting device main body, the locking body is attached to the connecting device main body in advance. An endoscope connection device characterized in that a reference surface based on a set optical axis direction and the eyepiece are press-fitted and displaceable in an optical axis direction and a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0138] 2. The endoscope connection device according to claim 1, wherein the locking body is formed of a spring wire.

That is, in the endoscope connection device according to Appendix 1, the locking member is formed of a spring wire, and when the locking member is displaced in the optical axis direction and the direction perpendicular to the optical axis, the elastic force in these directions is obtained. Is generated, and the reference surface of the connection device main body and the eyepiece are securely crimped.

3. The locking body is formed in a U-shape, the connecting device main body includes a holding portion that rotatably holds a central portion of the locking body, and both arm portions of the locking body with the connecting device main body. A first notch groove which can be freely introduced at the center side,
The endoscope according to claim 2, further comprising a second notch groove movable in the reference plane direction with the both arm portions of the locking body being introduced to a center side of the connection device main body. Connection device.

That is, in the endoscope connection device described in Appendix 2, displacement of the U-shaped locking body in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis is caused by moving both arm portions along the first cutout groove. Then, displacement along the optical axis direction is performed by moving along the second notch groove.

[0142] 4. 4. The endoscope connection device according to claim 3, wherein the holding portion is formed integrally with the connection device body.

That is, in the endoscope connection device according to attachment 3, the holding portion is preferably formed integrally with the connection device main body.

[0144] 5. The endoscope connection device according to claim 1, wherein the locking body is formed of a leaf spring and another elastic body.

That is, in the endoscope connection device according to Appendix 1, the locking body is formed of a leaf spring and another elastic body.
In one of the optical axis direction and the direction perpendicular to the optical axis, for example, the elastic force in the optical axis direction is generated by displacing the leaf spring in the optical axis direction, and the other in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis. The elastic body is displaced to generate an elastic force in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, so that the reference surface of the connection device body and the eyepiece are securely pressed.

6. 6. The endoscope connection device according to claim 5, wherein the other elastic body is a tension coil spring.

That is, in the endoscope connection device described in Appendix 5, specifically, the other elastic body is a tension coil spring.

[0148] 7. 6. The endoscope connection device according to claim 5, wherein the other elastic body is a resin material having elasticity.

That is, in the endoscope connection device according to Supplementary Note 5, specifically, the other elastic body is a resin material having elasticity.

8. In an endoscope connection device for detachably connecting a predetermined imaging device or the like to an endoscope eyepiece, an endoscope joint surface joined to the endoscope eyepiece, and the endoscope joint An elastic member attaching portion provided outside the surface, and an elastic member attached to the elastic member attaching portion, wherein the elastic member attaching portion moves the elastic member with respect to an outer diameter of the endoscope eyepiece. An endoscope connection device, wherein at least two strings are formed and stretched, and the elastic member is disposed at a position where the endoscope eyepiece is pressed against the endoscope joint surface. .

That is, in the endoscope connection device according to the above supplementary note 8, the elastic member stretched on the elastic member attaching portion presses the endoscope ocular portion to the endoscope joint surface, whereby the endoscope is connected. A predetermined imaging device or the like is detachably connected to the eyepiece.

9. 9. The endoscope connection device according to claim 8, wherein a positioning portion that comes into contact with an outer diameter of the eyepiece of the endoscope is protruded at a position near the endoscope joint surface.

That is, in the endoscope connection device according to appendix 8, the positioning portion and the outer diameter of the endoscope eyepiece are brought into contact with each other, so that the optical axis of the endoscope eyepiece and the endoscope connection device is adjusted. Are positioned so that they are aligned with each other.

10. Of the cross section of the elastic member in a direction perpendicular to the string formed by the elastic member, at least when connecting the endoscope eyepiece, the endoscope eyepiece and the positioning portion 10. The endoscope connection device according to claim 9, wherein the contacting portion has an arc shape.

That is, in the endoscope connection device according to appendix 9, when the endoscope eyepiece is pressed from above the elastic member toward the endoscope joint surface, the elastic member is connected to the endoscope eyepiece. By moving the endoscope in the outer diameter direction, the outer diameter portion of the endoscope eyepiece can pass through the elastic member. Further, the elastic member that has moved outside the outer diameter of the endoscope eyepiece can smoothly return to a position where it contacts the tapered portion of the endoscope eyepiece.

11. In an endoscope connection device for detachably connecting a predetermined imaging device to an endoscope eyepiece, an endoscope joint surface joined to the endoscope eyepiece, and the endoscope eyepiece And an elastic member disposed to be biased toward the endoscope joint surface, wherein the elastic member has an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the endoscope eyepiece in a no-load state. The arc-shaped portion is formed to have a length at least whose central angle is 180 degrees or more, and the inner diameter of the arc-shaped portion is larger than the outer diameter of the endoscope eyepiece when the endoscope eyepiece is attached or detached. An endoscope connection device, which is provided so as to be deformable in a direction.

That is, in the endoscope connection device according to the above supplementary note 11, when the endoscope connection device and the endoscope eyepiece are attached to and detached from each other, the inner diameter of the arc-shaped portion of the elastic member is changed by the endoscope eyepiece. The endoscope eyepiece is attached to and detached from the endoscope joint surface by deforming in a direction larger than the outer diameter. When the endoscope eyepiece is joined to the endoscope joint surface, the arc-shaped portion of the elastic member becomes smaller than the outer diameter of the endoscope eyepiece, and the endoscope eyepiece is viewed through the endoscope eyepiece. It is urged toward the endoscope joint surface to securely fix the endoscope eyepiece to the endoscope joint surface.

12. The elastic member urges the endoscope eyepiece toward the endoscope joint surface via a plurality of projection members that are locked to the endoscope eyepiece provided on the elastic member. 12. The endoscope connection device according to appendix 11, wherein:

That is, in the endoscope connection device according to appendix 11, when the elastic member urges the endoscope eyepiece toward the endoscope joint surface, the endoscope provided on the elastic member may be used. This is performed via a plurality of protrusion members that are locked to the mirror eyepiece.

13. 13. The endoscope connection device according to claim 12, wherein the inner diameter of the arc-shaped portion of the elastic member is not limited by the outer diameter of the endoscope eyepiece.

That is, in the endoscope connection device described in Appendix 12, the inner diameter of the arc-shaped portion of the elastic member is smaller or larger than the outer diameter of the eyepiece of the endoscope because of the projection member. They can be equal or can be set freely.

[0162]

As described above, according to the present invention,
An advantageous effect is obtained that it is possible to connect endoscope eyepieces of various shapes with high versatility and with certainty to the imaging device with as few components and a simple structure as possible.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external explanatory view of components of an endoscope connection device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory view when the endoscope eyepiece is connected to the endoscope connection device.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view of connection between the endoscope connection device and the TV camera;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an appearance of an endoscope connection device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the endoscope connection device;

FIG. 7 is a side view illustrating the connection by the endoscope connection device.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an appearance of an endoscope connection device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line BB of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is an explanatory view showing an example of a conventional endoscope connection device for the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view illustrating the movement of a coil spring when the endoscope eyepiece is connected to the endoscope connection device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a front view of a part of the endoscope connection device to which an endoscope eyepiece is connected;

FIG. 13 is a sectional view taken along the line CC in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a front view of a portion of the endoscope connection device to which the endoscope eyepiece is connected according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a sectional view taken along the line DD in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a front view illustrating the movement of the coil spring when the eyepiece is pressed from the two strings side;

FIG. 17 is a sectional view taken along the line EE of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a front view illustrating the movement of the coil spring when the eyepiece is pressed from one string side;

19 is a sectional view taken along line FF of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a front view of a portion to which an endoscope eyepiece of an endoscope connection device is connected according to a third embodiment;

FIG. 21 is a sectional view taken along the line GG of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is an endoscope connection device according to a conventional example after the first mode.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory sectional view showing a main part of an endoscope connection device according to a fourth embodiment;

FIG. 24 is an external perspective view of the wire spring;

FIG. 25 is an explanatory view of the endoscope connection device when the inner diameter of the wire spring is expanded.

FIG. 26 is an explanatory sectional view showing a main part of an endoscope connection device according to a fifth embodiment;

FIG. 27 is an explanatory view showing an example in which the wire spring is formed by a leaf spring;

FIG. 28 is an explanatory view of a new problem in the fourth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Endoscope connection device 11 Imaging device 12 Endoscope eyepiece 12a Eyepiece 13 Scope receiver (connection device main body) 14 Receiver cover (connection device main body) 15 Locking body 19 Positioning flange 19a Reference surface 20 Groove 22 Long Dimensional Notch Groove 23 Short Dimensional Notch Groove 24 Communication Groove

Claims (1)

[Claims] An endoscope connecting device for detachably connecting an eyepiece of an endoscope and a predetermined imaging device by operating a locking member provided on a connecting device main body, wherein the locking member is An endoscope in which a reference surface based on an optical axis direction set in advance on the connection device body and the eyepiece are press-fittable and displaceable in an optical axis direction and a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. Mirror connection device.