Patent ID: 6494826
Filing Date: 2002-12-17
Classification: A61B,G02B,G03B

Abstract:
A coupling for a mechanical, a light-guiding, and an image-guiding connection of an endoscope to a camera module, said camera module is provided with an interlock system for mechanical interlocking said coupling, said coupling comprising as a first coupling element a coupling end on said endoscope and as a second coupling element a coupling end on said camera module,said endoscope having a long cylindrical shaft of approximately constant diameter, said shaft receiving an image guiding system and a light guiding system, comprising: a first cylindrical stem projecting from said coupling end of said endoscope in a direction of movement of said two coupling elements during closing or opening of said coupling, said first cylindrical stem has a first diameter and a first length, in an interior of said first cylindrical stem a proximal end section of said light guiding system is received, and a second approximately cylindrical stem projecting from said coupling end of said endoscope in said coupling direction, said second stem has a second length and a second diameter greater than the first length and the first diameter of said first stem, in an interior of said second stem a proximal end section of said image guiding system is received, said second stem coacting with said interlock system of said camera module for mechanical interlocking of said coupling, with said first stem and said second stem extending at a distance next to one another, wherein said coupling end of said camera module is provided with a first and a second receptacle corresponding to said two stems, into which receptacle penetrates the corresponding stem when closing said coupling, said first receptacle for receiving said shorter first stem is provided with a light guide, and wherein said second receptacle for receiving said second stem is provided with a base optically connected to an image sensing system of said camera module; and wherein said interlock system is configured as a locking element, displaceable transversely to said direction of movement of said two coupling elements during closing or opening of said coupling, and said locking element can engage into a recess provided on said second stem.