Patent ID: 7121736
Filing Date: 2006-10-17
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
1. A connection socket for detachably connecting different light guide means of endoscopes to a light source device including a light source lamp so as to couple light from the light source lamp into the light guide means, said connection socket comprising: a socket block configured with a cylindrical aperture for insertion of a distal end of a light guide means in an axial direction of said cylindrical aperture; and retainer means installed in said socket block for holding and retaining said distal end of said light guide means inserted within said cylindrical aperture, said retainer means comprising a plurality of retainer plates which are arranged around said cylindrical aperture and each of which is pivotally mounted on a pivot shaft fixed to said socket block, respectively, and has a peripheral edge facing said cylindrical aperture that comprises a first retaining edge section at a first distance from an axis of said pivot shaft, a second retaining edge section at a second distance shorter than said first distance from said axis of said pivot shaft and a shoulder section bridging said first and said second retaining edge section; wherein, when a distal end of a thin light guide means is inserted within said cylindrical aperture, said retainer plates hold and retain said distal end of said thin light guide means with said first retaining edge sections, thereby connecting said thin light guide means to the light source device and, when a distal end of a thick light guide means is inserted within said cylindrical aperture, said retainer plates are pushed at said shoulder section and turned about said pivot shafts, respectively, by a distal edge of said thick light guide means to bring said second retaining edge sections into close contact with said distal end of said thick light guide means so as thereby to hold and retain said distal end of said thick light guide means. thereby connecting said thick light guide means to the light source device.