DE102021123315B4 - Connection adapter for a light source for transmitting video signals from a video endoscope to a video processor connectable to the light source; connection adapter for a video endoscope, light source, video endoscope, video processor and video endoscope system - Google Patents

Abstract

Connection adapter receptacle (205) for a light source (203) for transmitting video signals from a video endoscope (101) to a video processor (201) connectable to the light source (203), wherein the connection adapter receptacle (205) is connectable to an assignable connection adapter (109) of the video endoscope (101) and the assignable connection adapter (109) is connected to the video endoscope (101) by means of a supply tube (107) of the video endoscope (101) having at least one optical fiber and one electrical conductor, wherein the assignable connection adapter (109) has one or more electrical contacts (117) for transmitting signals and/or video signals and an optical fiber connection (123), and the connection adapter receptacle (205) has one or more electrical mating contacts (225) and an optical fiber receptacle, such that in the event of a connection between the connection adapter receptacle (205) and The connection adapter (109) allows video signals to be transmitted between the video endoscope (101) and the light source (203) and further to the video processor (201) which can be connected to the light source (203), and allows light from the light source (203) to be coupled into the video endoscope (101), wherein the connection adapter receptacle (205) has at least one magnetic element (209) such that, in the event of the connection adapter receptacle (205) being connected to the connection adapter (109), the connection adapter (109) having a counter-magnetic element (113) is detachably magnetically held on and/or in the connection adapter receptacle (205) by means of the at least one magnetic element (209) of the connection adapter receptacle (205), characterized in that the connection adapter receptacle (205) has a shaped element with having at least one inclined surface (213), wherein the magnetic element or magnetic elements (209) is or are arranged on the rear side of the inclined surface (213) of the shaped element.

Description

The invention relates to a connection adapter receptacle for a light source for transmitting video signals from a video endoscope to a video processor connectable to the light source, wherein the connection adapter receptacle is connectable to an associated connection adapter of the video endoscope and the associated connection adapter is connected to the video endoscope by means of a supply tube of the video endoscope having at least one optical fiber and an electrical conductor, wherein the associated connection adapter has an electrical contact or several electrical contacts for transmitting signals and/or video signals and an optical fiber connection, and the connection adapter receptacle has an electrical mating contact or several electrical mating contacts and an optical fiber receptacle, so that in the case of a connection between the connection adapter receptacle and the connection adapter, video signals can be transmitted between the video endoscope and the light source and further to the video processor connectable to the light source, and light from the light source can be coupled into the video endoscope.

For medical or non-medical applications, flexible endoscopes are typically connected to a light source via a relatively large connector. In medical applications, this connector also includes a gas supply for insufflating a body cavity under examination. Furthermore, the connector usually has additional ports on the sides for supplying water and/or cleaning fluids, as well as for suctioning fluids. In the case of a video endoscope, such as those used in gastroenterology, the connector has an additional port for transmitting the video signals from the endoscope to the video processor via a separate cable. This additional port and/or electronic connector for connecting the video processor to the connector further increases the overall size of the connector. Moreover, the multiple ports with their attached plugs, cables, or tubes result in excessive and/or strong forces acting on the connector from various directions, causing it to have excessive freedom of movement and potentially shift and/or flex in both axial and radial directions.

Furthermore, due to their bulky design, conventional connectors cannot be easily and quickly connected, securely held, and disconnected from a corresponding socket on a light source and/or video processor. However, simple and quick coupling and uncoupling of a video endoscope's connector is essential, especially when the video endoscope needs to be replaced with a different type during surgery and/or for cleaning purposes.

Consequently, there is a need for a socket on the light source for connecting to a video plug of a video endoscope, which holds the video plug securely and without movement, but also allows the video plug to be easily and quickly disconnected from the socket.

From the US 8 177 560 B2 A magnetic connector with a plug and a socket is known, which serves as part of a power supply for connecting an electronic device, such as a laptop computer, to the power supply. The plug and the socket each have a magnetic element which is arranged in a recess within the plug or socket.

The US 8 576 034 B2 describes a plug for connecting a first device to a second device, which has an electrical contact and a first coded magnet with multiple magnetic elements, which interacts with a second coded magnet of the second device to establish a connecting force and/or to align the plug within the socket of the second device.

From the WO 2015/ 000 554 A1 A video endoscopy system is known, comprising a video endoscope, a control device for the video endoscope, and a coupling device for connecting the video endoscope to the control device. A first coupling device is arranged on the video endoscope, and a second coupling device is arranged on the control device. Between the two coupling devices, an inductive interface for supplying the video endoscope with electrical energy and an optical interface for transmitting control data and/or recorded image data are arranged. At least one magnet is proposed for the detachable connection of the two coupling devices, enabling alignment of the inductive and optical interfaces.

To couple a supply line to the main body of an endoscope, consisting of a handle and a flexible shaft, the following is used in the EP 1 645 219 B1 a contactless electromagnetic induction and coupling device for a Contactless signal and energy transmission is proposed.

In the EP 1 721 568 A1 An endoscope is described in which an assembly/separation section is arranged between the front end and the rear end of the control unit, providing a freely detachable connection between a first unit (insertion section) and a second unit (cable section). In one embodiment, the assembly/separation section has opposing rotatable magnets.

From the US 2017 / 0 215 702 A1 An endoscope connector is known which has a fitting section with a cylindrical shape and a planar section, wherein an electroconductive section is arranged on the planar section of the cylindrical shape, which has a plurality of electrical contacts which are electrically conductive with an external device.

JP 2005-192 753 A The figure reveals an endoscope with a first connector section in which a first magnetic element, followed by electrical signal pin groups and an optical fiber, protrude progressively further beyond the end face of the first connector section. A second connector section has correspondingly shaped signal pin insertion sections, an optical fiber insertion section, and a second magnetic element exposed in its end face. After the optical fiber is inserted, the signal pin groups are inserted into the corresponding receptacles of the second connector section by means of attraction between the first and second magnets.

The US 11 298 003 B2 This concerns a control system for coupling an input device and an input module of an imaging system for a medical procedure. A connector connected to a camera head has a connecting magnet on both its left and right sides, and a corresponding receptacle of the input module has a receiving magnet on both its left and right sides, each of which is arranged on and/or directly behind a flat connecting surface.

The purpose of the invention is to improve the state of the art.

The problem is solved by a connection adapter receptacle for a light source for transmitting video signals from a video endoscope to a video processor connectable to the light source, wherein the connection adapter receptacle is connectable to an associated connection adapter of the video endoscope, and the associated connection adapter is connected to the video endoscope by means of a supply tube of the video endoscope comprising at least one optical fiber and one electrical conductor, wherein the associated connection adapter has one or more electrical contacts for transmitting signals and/or video signals and an optical fiber connection, and the connection adapter receptacle has one or more electrical contacts and an optical fiber receptacle, such that, in the event of a connection between the connection adapter receptacle and the connection adapter, video signals can be transmitted between the video endoscope and the light source and further to the video processor connectable to the light source, and light can be coupled from the light source into the video endoscope, wherein the connection adapter receptacle has at least one magnetic element such that, in the event of a connection of the connection adapter receptacle to the connection adapter, the connection adapter comprising a The counter-magnet element is detachably magnetically secured to and/or in the connection adapter receptacle by means of the at least one magnetic element of the connection adapter receptacle, wherein the connection adapter receptacle has a shaped element with at least one inclined surface, wherein the magnetic element or magnetic elements are arranged behind the inclined surface of the shaped element.

This provides a flexible connection adapter receptacle for a video connector, enabling a simple, secure, and quick connection of the video endoscope to the light source and subsequently to a video processor. The electrical contacts for transmitting signals and/or video signals from the connection adapter can be directly connected to corresponding contacts in the adapter receptacle. Consequently, the connection for the video processor is integrated within the adapter, eliminating the need for an additional connector or plug to connect a cable from the light source and/or video processor to the adapter. The direct integration of all electrical contacts and receptacles within the adapter receptacle and the corresponding video connector within the adapter itself allows for a compact design. Compared to conventional connectors, the smaller size and fewer connectors/plugs for the various connections on the adapter result in reduced forces acting on the adapter and, in particular, on the direct connection at the electrical contacts and/or the optical fiber. Consequently, the connection adapter fits precisely and securely with the connection adapter receptacle of the light source.

In particular, at least one magnetic element in the connector adapter receptacle and a correspondingly designed counter-magnetic element in the associated connector adapter ensure that the connector adapter can be detachably connected to and/or within the connector adapter receptacle without axial and/or radial displacement. Consequently, the connector adapter does not require a locking ring, corresponding grooves for receiving a locking ring, and/or similar mechanical components for locking. Instead, the optimally positioned magnetic element in the connector adapter receptacle and the correspondingly designed counter-magnetic element in the connector adapter securely hold the connector adapter in and/or within the connector adapter receptacle. This further reduces the number of externally arranged components on the connector adapter and its overall size. Most importantly, user handling is simplified because no additional locking mechanism for the connector adapter and/or the connector adapter receptacle is required due to the magnetic element and/or the counter-magnetic element.

The adapter mount is specifically designed to allow different adapters, and therefore different video endoscopes and/or instruments, to be connected directly to the light source. This reduces complexity, as additional components can be located in the adapter mount and/or the light source, rather than in the adapter itself or the video endoscope. This makes the video endoscope easier to handle and eliminates the need for a separate power supply.

A key aspect of the invention is that the connection adapter receptacle is designed with electrical mating contacts and a fiber optic receptacle such that signals and/or video signals are transmitted directly from the video endoscope to the light source and then to the video processor via the electrical contacts of the connection adapter and the electrical mating contacts of the connection adapter receptacle, without the need for a separate transmission cable between the light source and/or the video processor and the connection adapter of the video endoscope. In addition to the direct, integrated design of the connection adapter receptacle and the connection adapter for transmitting video signals, the precise positioning of the connection adapter on and/or in the correspondingly designed connection adapter receptacle is achieved by means of at least one counter-magnetic element of the connection adapter and at least one magnetic element of the connection adapter receptacle, thus eliminating the need for additional locking means between the connection adapter and the connection adapter receptacle. Both of these factors result in a smaller size of the connection adapter compared to known connectors for video endoscopes according to the state of the art and a reduction in forces acting on the connection adapter, so that the positional and fitting accuracy of the connection adapter on the connection adapter receptacle and in particular axial and/or radial displacement is further reduced and/or prevented.

The following terms will be explained:

A "connector adapter" is, in particular, a connecting element that enables the transmission of electrical and optical signals, and especially video signals. A connector adapter is specifically a plug for disconnecting and connecting electrical and optical lines and/or contacts. The connector adapter is specifically designed as a video connector with integrated video signal transmission via preferably multiple electrical contacts. It should be noted that, although a connector adapter is subsequently equated with a video connector, the connector adapter can also be configured as a socket on the video endoscope, and the connector adapter receptacle can be configured as a plug on the light source. The connector adapter is specifically free of an external, mechanical locking mechanism for securing the connected connector adapter to and/or in the connector adapter receptacle. The connector adapter has, in particular, a smooth outer surface to improve the cleanability of the video endoscope and to prevent water from remaining on the surface and consequently, potential contamination. The connection adapter can have one or more ports for supplying and/or discharging a liquid, such as water and/or a cleaning agent, and/or a gas, such as air and/or _CO₂ for insufflation. These ports do not necessarily have to be located laterally on the connection adapter, but can also be formed axially within the adapter, thus running in the direction of connection.

A "connector adapter receptacle" is a connecting part designed to correspond to the connection adapter, which is arranged on and/or in the light source and/or video processor. When the video endoscope is connected to the light source, the connector adapter receptacle and the connection adapter form a plug connection. A connector adapter receptacle is typically designed as a socket. However, as already mentioned above, it can also be designed as a plug. The connection adapter is specifically designed to be magnetically detachable and/or securely attached to and/or within the connection adapter receptacle.

A "video endoscope" (also simply called an "endoscope") is an endoscope with digital image generation and transmission. In particular, a video endoscope has a long, flexible or rigid shaft and a handle, the handle being either connectable to the adapter via a supply tube or permanently attached. At least one digital and/or electronic image sensor is located at a distal (farthest from the user) or proximal (nearest the user) end of the long shaft. A video endoscope is any type of digital endoscope, for example, a mediastinoscope or a gastroscope. Besides human and veterinary medical applications, a video endoscope can also be used for industrial purposes, such as inspecting the inside of a pipeline.

A "light source" is, in particular, a device that emits light which is coupled into the video endoscope. The light source is connected to the adapter via a plug connection. From the adapter, a light guide runs through the supply tube and on to the distal end of the video endoscope shaft. The light source ensures, in particular, homogeneous illumination of the examination area. The light source is typically an LED and/or a cold light source. The light source can be a separate device. Alternatively, it can be integrated directly into the video processor, thus forming a combined unit. The light source can also include an air/ _CO₂ insufflator and be designed as a single device. In this case, the light source also includes the insufflator. Similarly, the monitor, video processor, light source, and insufflator can be integrated into a single device.

A "video processor" (also called a "camera control unit") is, in particular, an image processor that, as a combination of hardware (processors) and software (algorithms), processes the received sensor data, especially the video signals. For example, the video processor can be used to enhance contrast, shift hue, and/or invert the image data. In addition, the video processor can control a function of the video endoscope and transmit corresponding control signals (also simply called signals) from the video processor to the video endoscope via the connection adapter. The video processor either has a light source for coupling light into the video endoscope or is connected to a separate light source, for example, via a cable, especially a video cable, so that both light and signals from the light source's connection adapter can be transmitted to the video endoscope via the adapter, while the light source and the connected video processor receive video signals and/or data from the video endoscope in the opposite direction. The processed image data can then be transferred from the video processor to a monitor for display.

A "supply tube" is, in particular, a tube that has one or more channels and/or electrical and/or optical conductors inside it. A supply tube connects, in particular, the handle of a video endoscope to the connection adapter and thus to the video connector. Preferably, the supply tube is permanently attached to the video endoscope, but it can also be detachable and/or disconnectable. A supply tube has, in particular, one or more optical fibers, one or more working channels, a water channel, an irrigation channel, and/or a biopsy channel.

An optical fiber (also called a "light guide") is, in particular, a cable and/or line consisting of optical fibers for transmitting light. An optical fiber can also be terminated using a connector. An optical fiber typically contains fibers made of quartz glass and/or plastic to guide the light.

An "electrical conductor" is, in particular, an object or system for transmitting electrical energy, signals, and/or video signals. An electrical conductor specifically comprises a metallic electrical conductor, for example, in the form of wires, strands, and/or strips. An electrical conductor can, for example, be a cable and/or a flexible printed circuit board. The transmission of the electrical conductor is preferably bidirectional, so that electrical energy and/or control signals can be transmitted to an image sensor at the distal end of a video endoscope shaft, and electrical signals and/or video signals can also be transmitted from the electronic image sensor to the video processor via the connection adapter.

An "electrical contact" is, in particular, a component or connection which, through contact, ensures a safe electrical connection. An electrical contact establishes a connection between two conductors. In particular, the electrical contact ensures the conduction of an electric current and/or voltage across the corresponding contact point. An electrical contact is designed to be either permanent and/or detachable. For example, the electrical contacts of the connection adapter are permanently connected to the electrical conductor of the supply hose, but are designed as plug connectors on the side of the connection adapter receptacle. In this case, the connection adapter receptacle has a corresponding electrical contact (counter-contact) that makes contact with the respective electrical contact of the connection adapter when connected. An electrical contact can have any form and arrangement on the connection adapter. For example, an electrical contact can be a terminal block, a plug, a spring, a flat contact, a contact pad, or a pressure-loaded contact pin. Preferably, a group of electrical contacts is arranged on a horizontal surface of the connection adapter on its top and bottom surfaces. The electrical contacts can also be arranged around an outer surface of the connection adapter. Preferably, the electrical contacts are arranged on a separate substrate, such as an epoxy-laminated FR4 substrate, which is a class of flame-retardant composite materials consisting of epoxy resin and fiberglass fabric. This separate substrate can be sealed to the connection adapter using adhesive bonding and/or a molded connection, such as casting, with glass, rubber, urethane, or similar materials. This eliminates the need for separate injection molds for manufacturing the connection adapter and for inserting and/or attaching the electrical contacts. Metallic conductors and/or the electrical contacts can then be applied to the connection adapter during injection molding, for example, using the MID (Molded Interconnect Device) process.

An "electrical supply connection" is an electrical contact that enables the transmission of electrical supply voltage between two conductors.

A "fiber optic connection" is, in particular, a contact that connects two fiber optic cables. A fiber optic connection can be, in particular, a connector. A "fiber optic receptacle" is the corresponding counterpart on and/or in the connector adapter receptacle to the fiber optic connection of the connector adapter.

A "magnetic element" is, in particular, a body and/or component with magnetic properties. A magnetic element generates, in particular, a magnetic field in its surroundings. A magnetic element possesses, in particular, a magnetic field and is permeated by it. A magnetic element has, in particular, a south pole where the field lines enter the magnet and a north pole where the field lines exit the magnet. A magnetic element is, in particular, arranged on and/or in the connection adapter receptacle. A magnetic element can, in particular, be a permanent magnet, an electromagnet, and/or a magnetic material.

A "countermagnetic element" is, in particular, a magnetic element of the connector adapter that is polarized oppositely to the magnetic element of the connector adapter receptacle. Due to the opposite polarity of the magnetic element of the connector adapter receptacle and the countermagnetic element of the connector adapter, they attract each other, thus maintaining and spatially stabilizing a connection between the connector adapter and the connector adapter receptacle. Preferably, due to the magnetic attraction, the connector adapter is drawn into the connector adapter receptacle, which is designed as a socket, when approached. A countermagnetic element of the video connector can, in particular, be a permanent magnet and/or a magnetic material. The magnetic element and/or the countermagnetic element is/are, in particular, arranged invisibly within the connector adapter receptacle or the connector adapter itself.

The term "releasable magnetic connection" specifically means that the force created by the magnetic attraction between the magnetic element and the counter-magnetic element can be released by force. For example, the magnetic connection between the connector adapter and the connector adapter receptacle can be released by a user pulling on the connector adapter and/or by reversing the polarity, thus removing the connector adapter from the connector adapter receptacle.

In another embodiment, the connection adapter receptacle has a second magnetic element, a third magnetic element, a fourth magnetic element and/or further magnetic elements.

By selecting the number, arrangement and/or strength of the magnetic elements and/or correspondingly also the counter-magnetic elements of the associated connection adapter, the binding force between the connection adapter receptacle and the connection adapter, as well as its The spatial distribution can be adjusted across the cross-section of the connection adapter and/or the connection adapter receptacle. Preferably, the connection adapter receptacle has at least two magnetic elements.

A "second, third, fourth and/or further magnetic element" is, in its design and function, a magnetic element as defined above.

To establish a permanent, consistent and/or uniform holding force between the connector adapter receptacle and the connector adapter, the magnetic element and/or magnetic elements have a permanent magnet.

Thus, the force required for manually removing the connector adapter from its receptacle can be determined by the number of permanent magnets, their strength, their size, the spacing, and/or the air gap between the magnetic elements and/or the counter-magnetic elements. In particular, the force required to remove the video connector is in the range of 30 to 60 N, preferably in the range of 44 to 54 N. Conversely, the force required to insert the connector adapter onto and/or into the receptacle is less than 0 N due to the attractive force of the corresponding magnetic and counter-magnetic elements.

When permanent magnets are used exclusively as magnetic elements of the connection adapter receptacle and as counter-magnetic elements of the connection adapter, they are designed in such a way that the user can overcome the attractive force between the respective permanent magnets mechanically and, in particular, solely with body force.

Similarly, an area or the entire outer surface of the connector adapter can have a magnetic material, for example, a stainless steel surface, while correspondingly at least one permanent magnet is arranged in and/or on the connector adapter receptacle, or vice versa. The permanent magnets can also be arranged behind a non-magnetic outer surface in the connector adapter and/or the connector adapter receptacle.

Preferably, the respective magnetic element and/or counter-magnetic element is arranged between the light and/or air components of the connection adapter and/or the connection adapter receptacle.

A permanent magnet (also called a "permanent magnet") is a magnetic element or counter-magnetic element that retains its magnetization over a long period of time. Permanent magnets typically consist of alloys of iron-nickel and/or aluminum with additions of cobalt, manganese, and/or copper, or a ceramic material. To create a particularly strong permanent magnet, it may also contain rare earth elements, such as in neodymium-iron-boron compounds.

A "magnetic material" is understood to mean, in particular, a material such as iron and/or steel that possesses magnetic properties or is magnetizable. The magnetic element and/or the counter-magnetic element is specifically designed by having an outer surface or a region of an outer surface of the connection adapter or the connection adapter receptacle comprise the magnetic material. For example, a side surface of the connection adapter, oriented towards the connection adapter receptacle, may have the magnetic material. This could be, for example, a lateral, horizontally oriented and/or radial surface that comes into contact with the connection adapter receptacle during connection. Preferably, this surface is smooth for easier cleaning.

In another embodiment, the magnetic element or elements have a coil, so that an electromagnet can be formed and a detachable magnetic coupling between the connection adapter receptacle and the connection adapter can be realized.

This design allows the force required to insert the connection adapter into the adapter receptacle, as well as to remove it from the receptacle, to be precisely adjusted for the user. In particular, by using an electromagnet, the force can be varied temporally and/or spatially. Consequently, the magnetic coupling between the connection adapter and the adapter receptacle can be selectively activated and deactivated. This ensures a secure and permanent connection when the video endoscope is connected to the light source, while after use, the electromagnet can be adjusted so that the connection adapter can be easily removed from the adapter receptacle by the user.

In addition to changing the magnetic strength, a coil can also be used to reverse the polarity of a magnetic element and/or counter-magnetic element, so that after use of the The video connector of the video endoscope is intentionally ejected from the adapter receptacle. However, during use, the magnetic coupling is specifically strengthened to ensure a secure hold of the video connector in the adapter receptacle and prevent it from falling out. An automatic electromagnetic locking mechanism based on attractive forces can also be implemented and automatically activated when the adapter is inserted into the light source. For this purpose, a coil and/or an electromagnet can be located on and/or within the adapter receptacle, and a permanent magnet can be incorporated into the adapter itself. Alternatively, the coil and/or electromagnet can also be located within the light source in the vicinity of the adapter receptacle. The arrangement and/or design of the electromagnet within the adapter receptacle and/or the light source has the advantage that the adapter does not require a separate external power supply before the video endoscope is used, as it is not electrically powered before being connected to the adapter receptacle.

An "electromagnet" is, in particular, a magnet with one or two current-carrying coils and/or a core made of a soft magnetic material, such as soft iron. In an electromagnet, the magnetic field is generated primarily by an electric current flowing through the coil. The coil typically contains an open iron core, which guides and amplifies the magnetic field.

A "coil" is, in particular, a winding and/or a winding material suitable for generating and/or detecting a magnetic field. The coil comprises at least one winding of a conductive material, such as a wire, silver-plated copper wire, or a high-frequency stranded wire.

In order to selectively adjust and/or change an attractive or repulsive force between the magnetic element and the counter-magnetic element, the connection adapter receptacle has a switching element for switching the polarity of the respective magnetic element and/or the coil.

A "switching element" is, in particular, a component that causes a change and/or reversal of the polarity of a magnetic element, counter-magnetic element, and/or coil. A switching element can be, for example, a switch, a biometric sensor, and/or a similar component. For instance, the switching element could be a fingerprint sensor located on the connector adapter, the light source, and/or the video processor. A switching element can also be an element that mechanically rotates one or more magnetic elements, thereby reversing the polarity of the respective magnetic element. Similarly, the switching element can cause a mechanical displacement of the permanent magnet, thus changing the magnetic force.

In another embodiment, the connection adapter receptacle has a sensor for detecting a magnetic field.

By detecting the magnetic field with the sensor, a function of the video endoscope can be specifically controlled and/or regulated during use. Consequently, based on the detected magnetic field, the magnetic field strength can be increased and/or changed, for example, by controlling the coil and/or the switching element according to the connection adapter receptacle. Thus, the magnetic field strength can be specifically adjusted and changed throughout the video endoscope's usage cycle, and the holding and/or coupling force between the connection adapter and the connection adapter receptacle can be varied depending on the usage phase.

A "sensor for detecting a magnetic field" refers to any type of sensor capable of detecting a magnetic property. This sensor could, for example, be a Hall effect sensor, which is a passive sensor that measures the voltage difference generated across an electrical conductor when a magnetic field is perpendicular to the direction of electric current. Specifically, a Hall effect sensor can detect the approaching or receding magnetic field of a permanent magnet or electromagnet located on and/or within the connection adapter. Alternatively, or additionally, the sensor can also be located on and/or within the connection adapter.

In order to optimally utilize the attraction force and to develop it early during connection, the magnetic element or elements are arranged on, in and/or behind an inner surface of the connection adapter receptacle.

By arranging the adapter on, in and/or behind an inner surface, and thus inside the socket where it is inserted, the insertion process is supported and an optimal holding force is created.

According to the invention, the connection adapter receptacle has a form element with at least one inclined surface, wherein the magnetic element or elements are arranged on the rear side of the inclined surface of the shaped element.

This means that the outside of the inclined surface is oriented towards the connector adapter and thus against the insertion direction of the connector adapter, with a magnetic element or several magnetic elements arranged behind the inclined surface on the back and thus inside the connector adapter receptacle.

A "form element" is, in particular, a component of the connection adapter receptacle that has a specific shape and, in particular, an inclined surface. A form element can be an inclined surface that is partially or completely formed horizontally and/or vertically on the connection adapter receptacle. The form element can also be a conically expanding shape or partial surface extending towards the connection adapter. Likewise, the form element with the inclined surface can be a prismatic and/or polygonal section of the connection adapter receptacle.

The term "sloping surface" is understood to mean, in particular, that the sloping surface has a longitudinal dimension in an angular range between the vertical and the horizontal axes through the connection adapter receptacle. Preferably, the sloping surface is oriented from a region of the outer diameter of the connection adapter receptacle towards the connection adapter and the horizontal central axis through the connection adapter receptacle.

In a further aspect of the invention, the problem is solved by a connection adapter for a video endoscope, wherein the connection adapter is connected to the video endoscope by means of a supply tube of the video endoscope comprising at least one optical fiber and one electrical conductor, and has an electrical contact or several electrical contacts for transmitting signals and/or video signals and an optical fiber connection, wherein the connection adapter has at least one counter-magnetic element such that, in the event of connecting the connection adapter to a previously described, assignable connection adapter receptacle, the connection adapter is detachably magnetically held on and/or in the connection adapter receptacle, wherein the connection adapter has a conical partial shape, wherein the conical partial shape tapers in one direction towards the assignable connection adapter receptacle, and the counter-magnetic element or counter-magnetic elements are arranged on and/or behind a tapered surface of the conical partial shape.

In another embodiment, the counter-magnet element comprises a magnetizable material, a magnetizable side surface and/or a permanent magnet.

In order to bring the magnetic element of the connection adapter receptacle and the counter-magnetic element or elements of the connection adapter into close proximity and to achieve optimal attraction and holding force, the connection adapter has a conical partial shape according to the invention, wherein the conical partial shape tapers in a direction towards the associated connection adapter receptacle and the counter-magnetic element or elements are arranged on and/or behind a tapered surface of the conical partial shape.

Thus, the connector adapter, with its conical shape and tapered surface, has a corresponding shape to the inclined surface of the connector adapter receptacle. Preferably, these two surfaces of the connector adapter receptacle and the connector adapter lie directly against each other when connected.

This prevents both axial and radial displacement of the connection adapter on and/or in the connection adapter receptacle.

Consequently, improved magnetic, releasable retention and/or targeted coupling of the connector adapter to and/or within the connector adapter receptacle is achieved. Most importantly, the magnetic, releasable retention is secure in all spatial directions, even when forces act on the video connector from different directions.

A "conical sub-shape" is, in particular, a shape whose outer diameter tapers towards the associated adapter receptacle. A conical sub-shape can be a cone or truncated cone, a point and/or pyramid, a prism, or a polygonal shape. A conical sub-shape, in particular, has, at least in one section, a geometry of a surface of revolution formed by a curve rotating about an axis. The conical sub-shape has, in particular, a decreasing diameter towards the adapter receptacle, forming an inclined surface that corresponds to and thus opposes the inclined surface of the adapter receptacle. This inclined, tapered sub-shape is itself made of a magnetizable material. A counter-magnetic element or several counter-magnetic elements are arranged on the back and/or on the reverse side and thus in the opposite direction to the assignable connection adapter receptacle.

This ensures that when the connection adapter is inserted into and/or into the connection adapter receptacle, contact is first established between the magnetic elements and the counter-magnetic elements, and then the electrical contact is established.

To ensure that the connection adapter is securely inserted into the correct, predetermined position on and/or in the connection adapter receptacle and connected in a twist-proof manner, the connection adapter has a guide element and/or a flat contact surface with multiple electrical contacts for connecting the connection adapter to the corresponding connection adapter receptacle.

A "guiding element" can be, in particular, a groove and/or recess on the outer shape of the connector adapter into which a correspondingly shaped ridge or projection of the connector adapter receptacle engages, or vice versa. The electrical contact surfaces for transmitting the video signals can also act as a guiding element, for example, by being flat. This allows the video connector, which is otherwise round, to be inserted into the connector adapter receptacle in a predetermined orientation and without rotation, thanks to one or more flat areas. Thus, a flat contact surface with multiple electrical contacts forms both an electrical connection and a guiding element for inserting the connector adapter into the connector adapter receptacle.

A "planar contact surface" is understood to mean, in particular, that the area on which the multiple electrical contacts are arranged lies horizontally in a plane. Preferably, the planar contact surface is aligned parallel to the central axis of the connection adapter and thus parallel to the direction towards the connection adapter receptacle.

In an additional aspect of the invention, the problem is solved by a light source for coupling light into a video endoscope and for forwarding video signals from the video endoscope to a video processor, wherein the light source has a previously described connection adapter receptacle.

In a further aspect of the invention, the problem is solved by a video endoscope, in particular a medical and/or industrial video endoscope, with a handle and an elongated, flexible shaft, wherein the elongated, flexible shaft has a lens and at least one electronic image sensor distally, as well as a supply tube with at least one light guide, an electrical conductor and/or a working channel, and the video endoscope has a previously described connection adapter, so that the video endoscope can be detachably magnetically connected to a previously described light source.

An "elongated, flexible shaft" is, in particular, a flexible tube. The elongated, flexible shaft is specifically designed to be inserted into a cavity, especially a body cavity of a human or animal to be examined endoscopically, or into an opening in a technical application. The elongated, flexible shaft has, in particular, an outer diameter of 2 mm to 15 mm. This shaft has, in particular, one or more channels for supplying water, cleaning fluid, and/or working instruments to access the interior of the cavity or opening. At its distal end, this shaft has, in particular, an electronic image sensor for capturing an image of the object field, the image being generated by a lens or lens system. The lens or lens system can be arranged on or within the distal end section of this shaft, so that an image is generated on the image-sensitive surface of the image sensor. The electronic image sensor can be, for example, a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor. Preferably, the image sensor is designed to convert a captured image into an electronic image and/or video signal.

In a further aspect of the invention, the problem is solved by a video processor for processing video signals from a video endoscope, wherein the video processor is connected to a previously described light source by means of a video cable or has a previously described light source, such that the video processor can be detachably magnetically connected to the video endoscope via the light source.

In another embodiment of the video processor, the video cable is arranged between the light source and the video processor.

In an additional aspect of the invention, the problem is solved by a video endoscope system comprising a video endoscope and a light source and/or a connectable video processor, wherein the video endoscope is a previously described video endoscope or the video endoscope is a previously described connection adapter ter has and the light source is a previously described light source and/or the video processor is a previously described video processor.

In order to selectively and time-variably adjust and change the attraction and/or repulsion force between the connection adapter and the connection adapter receptacle in the video endoscope system, the connection adapter has at least one counter-magnet element and the connection adapter receptacle has at least one electromagnet, so that a lockable magnetic coupling between the connection adapter and the connection adapter receptacle is possible.

As described above, the counter-magnetic element of the connection adapter can preferably be a magnetizable and/or ferromagnetic surface or partial surface, or a permanent magnet.

When arranging the electromagnet on and/or in the connection adapter receptacle, it is particularly advantageous that it can be directly integrated into a control and/or regulation system for the light source and/or the video processor to influence the function of the video endoscope, and that both magnetic coupling and locking can be specifically controlled and adjusted during the use of the video endoscope and the light source and/or the video processor.

• 1 eine dreidimensionale Darstellung eines Videoendoskops und ein zugehöriger Videoprozessor und eine Lichtquelle,
• 2 eine dreidimensionale Darstellung einer Lichtquelle mit einem verbundenen Videoprozessor,
• 3 eine dreidimensionale Darstellung eines Videosteckers mit einer magnetischen Teilfläche,
• 4 eine dreidimensionale Schnittdarstellung einer Aufnahmebuchse und des Videosteckers im Zustand während des Verbindens,
• 5 eine dreidimensionale Darstellung der Aufnahmebuchse und des Videosteckers im verbundenen Zustand, und
• 6 eine schematische dreidimensionale Darstellung einer Alternative der Aufnahmebuchse mit einem Elektromagneten und einem Videostecker im verbundenen Zustand.

The invention will now be explained in more detail using exemplary embodiments. These will show...

• 1 a three-dimensional representation of a video endoscope and an associated video processor and light source,
• 2 a three-dimensional representation of a light source with an associated video processor,
• 3 a three-dimensional representation of a video connector with a magnetic sub-area,
• 4 a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of a recording socket and the video connector in the state during connection,
• 5 a three-dimensional representation of the recording socket and the video connector in the connected state, and
• 6 A schematic three-dimensional representation of an alternative recording socket with an electromagnet and a video connector in the connected state.

A video endoscope 101 has a shaft 103 for insertion into a body cavity and a handle 105. The elongated, flexible shaft 103 has an image sensor 143 and a lens 145 at its distal end 141. A fiber optic cable, an electrical conductor, two working channels, and an irrigation channel are guided through the shaft 103. The handle 105 of the video endoscope 101 has several control elements 106 and is connected to a supply tube 107. At the other end of the supply tube 107, a video connector 109 with an air pin 125 and a fiber optic connection 123 is arranged. Furthermore, the video connector 109 has in 1 The electrical contacts are not shown in detail. Inside the video connector 109, the optical fiber connection 123 is connected to an optical fiber, and the air pin 125 is connected to an air channel. These run along the supply hose 109 to the handle 105 of the video endoscope 101 and from there along the entire flexible shaft 103. The supply hose 107 and the flexible shaft 103 also have a flushing channel and a suction channel, which are connected via corresponding connections on the video connector 109. Additionally, there is another connection on the handle 105. 1 unspecified connection for inserting instruments into a working channel of the shaft 103.

The video connector 109 can be connected to a recording socket 205 of a light source 203, wherein the light source 203 is connected to a video processor 201 by means of a video cable 207 ( 2 The video signals of the video endoscope 101, recorded by means of the lens 145 and the image sensor 143, are transmitted via the flexible shaft 103, the handle 105 and the supply tube 107 through the video connector 109 to the recording socket 205 of the light source 203 and further from the light source 203 via the video cable 207 to a 2 The video processor 201 (not shown in detail) transmits the signal, processes it, and displays it on a monitor (not shown). Conversely, light from the light source 203 is guided through the recording socket 205, the fiber optic connection 123 of the video plug 109, and the fiber optic cable connected thereto inside the supply tube 107, through the interior of the handle 105, along the flexible shaft 103 to the distal end 141 of the flexible shaft 103, in order to illuminate the examination area for recording the video images.

The video connector 109 has flat contacts 117 on its upper and lower surfaces, each with guide edges 114 on both sides, and each flat contact 117 having eighteen contact plates. The flat contacts 117 are laminated onto the respective surface of the video connector 109 using an epoxy resin glass fiber mixture. Guide surfaces 115 are located laterally next to the flat contacts 117 to facilitate insertion. ckens of the video connector 109 into the corresponding recording socket 205 (see 3 and 4 When the video plug 109 is fully connected to the recording socket 205, these guide edges 114 and guide side surfaces 115 also prevent the video plug 109 from rotating in the recording socket 205, the recording socket 205 being designed accordingly.

The recording socket 205 is designed in a corresponding, opposite configuration to the video connector 109 and has a slanted surface 213 facing both downwards and upwards. A permanent magnet 209 is arranged on both sides, top and bottom, inside behind the slanted surfaces 213 (see figure). 4 and 5 Furthermore, the receiving socket 205 has a mating contact surface 225 on its inner side, both at the top and bottom, corresponding to the plug contact surfaces 117 of the video plug 109. The receiving socket 205 has a light guide 215 for connection to the light source 203.

Aligned in the connection direction 147 with the recording socket 205, the video plug 109 has a magnetic partial surface 113 on both sides, which itself tapers conically in the connection direction 147 ( 3 ). When the video plug 109 is fully inserted into the recording socket 205, the magnetic partial surfaces 113 are aligned at an angle on both sides against the inclined surfaces 213 of the recording socket 205 ( 5 Likewise, the mating contact surfaces 225 of the receiving socket 205 come into direct electrical contact with the plug contact surfaces 117 of the video plug 109. This angled orientation of the magnetic partial surfaces 113 optimally secures the video plug 109 against both axial and radial forces within and on the receiving socket 205. This allows the video signals to be reliably transmitted from the video plug 109 to the corresponding mating contact surfaces 225 of the receiving socket 205 of the light source 203, and further via the video cable 207 into the interior of the video processor 201, where they can be processed.

In a 6 In the alternative shown, the receiving socket 205 has an electromagnet 221 with a coil 217 and permanent magnets 209. Furthermore, in 6 Video connector 109 shows a connection 127 for a suction system, a connection 129 for a water bottle and a connection 131 for a leak test.

After the video connector 109 is fully inserted into the receiving socket 205, the electromagnet 221 increases the attractive force between the permanent magnets 209 of the receiving socket 205 and the magnetic surfaces 113 of the video connector 109, thereby locking the inserted connection. After use of the video endoscope 101, switching the magnetic flux direction through the coil 217 of the electromagnet 221 reverses the polarity, magnetically ejecting the video connector 109 from the receiving socket 205. This quickly and easily decouples the video connector 109 from the receiving socket 205, allowing the video endoscope 101 to be cleaned immediately and then used for another application. Thus, by means of an electromagnet 221 at the recording socket 205 with appropriately arranged permanent magnets 209, both a detachable magnetic coupling between a video plug 109 and the recording socket 205 and a secure locking mechanism are provided, depending on the application requirements.

Reference symbol list

101

Video endoscope

103

shaft

105

handle

106

Controls

107

Supply hose

109

Video connector

113

magnetic surface of the video connector

114

Guide edges

115

Guide side surface

117

plug contact surface

123

Fiber optic connection

125

air spike

127

Connection for extraction

129

Water bottle connection

131

Connection for leak testing

141

distal end of the shaft

143

Image sensor

145

lens

147

Connection direction

153

Grip area

201

Video processor

203

light source

205

Recording socket

207

video cable

209

Permanent magnet

213

sloping surface

215

optical fibers

217

Sink

221

Electromagnet

225

Counter-contact surface

Claims (16)

Connection adapter receptacle (205) for a light source (203) for transmitting video signals from a video endoscope (101) to a video processor (201) connectable to the light source (203), wherein the connection adapter receptacle (205) is connectable to an assignable connection adapter (109) of the video endoscope (101) and the assignable connection adapter (109) is connected to the video endoscope (101) by means of a supply tube (107) of the video endoscope (101) having at least one optical fiber and one electrical conductor, wherein the assignable connection adapter (109) has one or more electrical contacts (117) for transmitting signals and/or video signals and an optical fiber connection (123), and the connection adapter receptacle (205) has one or more electrical mating contacts (225) and an optical fiber receptacle, such that in the event of a connection between the connection adapter receptacle (205) and The connection adapter (109) allows video signals to be transmitted between the video endoscope (101) and the light source (203) and further to the video processor (201) which can be connected to the light source (203), and allows light from the light source (203) to be coupled into the video endoscope (101), wherein the connection adapter receptacle (205) has at least one magnetic element (209) such that, in the event of the connection adapter receptacle (205) being connected to the connection adapter (109), the connection adapter (109) having a counter-magnetic element (113) is detachably magnetically held on and/or in the connection adapter receptacle (205) by means of the at least one magnetic element (209) of the connection adapter receptacle (205), characterized in that the connection adapter receptacle (205) has a shaped element with at least one inclined surface (213), wherein the magnetic element or magnetic elements (209) are located on the rear side of the inclined surface (213). of the form element is or are arranged. Connection adapter holder (205) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the connection adapter receptacle (205) has a second magnetic element, a third magnetic element, a fourth magnetic element and/or further magnetic elements (209). Connection adapter holder (205) according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the magnetic element or magnetic elements comprise or comprise a permanent magnet (209). Connection adapter receptacle (205) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the magnetic element or magnetic elements have or have a coil (217) such that an electromagnet (221) can be formed and a detachable magnetic coupling between the connection adapter receptacle (205) and the connection adapter (109) can be realized. Connection adapter receptacle (205) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection adapter receptacle (205) has a switching element for switching a polarity of the respective magnetic element (209) and/or the coil (217). Connection adapter receptacle (205) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection adapter receptacle (205) has a sensor for detecting a magnetic field. Connection adapter receptacle (205) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the magnetic element or magnetic elements (209) is or are arranged on, in and/or behind an inner surface of the connection adapter receptacle (205). Connection adapter (109) for a video endoscope (101), wherein the connection adapter (109) is connected to the video endoscope (101) by means of a supply tube (107) comprising at least one optical fiber and one electrical conductor, and has one or more electrical contacts (117) for transmitting signals and/or video signals and an optical fiber connection (123), wherein the connection adapter (109) has at least one counter-magnetic element (113) such that, in the event of the connection adapter (109) being connected to an attributable connection adapter receptacle (205) according to one of the Claims 1 until 7 the connection adapter (109) is detachably magnetically secured to and/or in the connection adapter receptacle (205), characterized in that the connection adapter (109) has a conical partial shape, wherein the conical partial shape (113) tapers in a direction (147) towards the associated connection adapter receptacle (205) and the counter magnet element or counter magnet elements are arranged on and/or behind a tapered surface of the conical partial shape. Connection adapter (109) to Claim 8 , characterized in that the counter-magnet element or elements comprise a magnetizable material, a magnetizable side surface (113) and/or a permanent magnet. Connection adapter (109) according to one of the Claims 8 or 9 characterized in that the connection adapter (109) has a guide element (114, 115) and/or a flat contact surface (117) with several electrical contacts for connecting the connection adapter (109) to the associated connection adapter receptacle (205). Light source (203) for coupling light into a video endoscope (101) and for transmitting video signals from the video endoscope (101) to a video processor (101), characterized in that the light source (203) has a connection adapter receptacle (205) according to one of the Claims 1 until 7 exhibits. Video endoscope (101), in particular a medical or industrial video endoscope, with a handle (105) and an elongated, flexible shaft (103), wherein the elongated, flexible shaft (103) has a lens (145) and at least one electronic image sensor (143) distally, as well as a supply tube (107) with at least one optical fiber, an electrical conductor and/or a working channel, characterized in that the video endoscope (101) has a connection adapter (109) according to one of the Claims 8 until 10 exhibits such that the video endoscope (101) is equipped with a light source (203) according to Claim 11 It can be magnetically connected. Video processor (201) for processing video signals from a video endoscope (101), characterized in that the video processor (201) is connected to a light source (203) by means of a video cable (207). Claim 11 is connected or a light source (203) after Claim 11 exhibits such that the video processor (201) can be magnetically connected to the video endoscope (101) via the light source (203). Video processor (201) after Claim 13 , characterized in that the video cable (207) is arranged between the light source (203) and the video processor (201). Video endoscope system with a video endoscope (101) and a light source (203) and/or a connectable video processor (201), characterized in that the video endoscope is a video endoscope (101) according to Claim 12 is or the video endoscope has a connection adapter (109) to one of the Claims 8 until 10 exhibits and the light source is a light source (203) according to Claim 11 and/or the video processor a video processor (201) according to one of the Claims 13 or 14 is. Video endoscope system according to Claim 15 , characterized in that the connection adapter (109) has at least one counter-magnet element (113) and the connection adapter receptacle (205) has at least one electromagnet (221), so that a lockable magnetic coupling between the connection adapter (109) and the connection adapter receptacle (205) can be realized.