Patent Abstract:
An intubation system includes an intubation instrument for capturing an image, wherein the intubation instrument has a first interface for providing an image signal representing the captured image, a display device with a second interface for receiving the image signal, wherein the display device is provided and designed to display the image captured by the intubation instrument, and a cable with a third interface at a first end of the cable and with a fourth interface at a second end of the cable. The first, second, third, and fourth interfaces are designed such that the first interface at the intubation instrument is connectable directly to the second interface at the display device and is alternatively connectable directly to the third interface at the cable, and such that the second interface at the display device is connectable directly to the first interface at the intubation instrument and is alternatively connectable directly to the fourth interface at the cable.

Full Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to an intubation system that is easy to handle even in unusual circumstances. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    When intubating a patient, a clear or unobstructed view of the larynx, in particular of the vocal cords, is necessary in order to avoid endangering or injuring the patient. To this end, a laryngoscopy system or intubation system is in particular used that comprises a curved blade, a handle connected mechanically to the proximal end of the blade, and a screen connected to the proximal end of the handle. A light source illuminates the environment of the distal end of the blade. A camera captures an image of the environment of the distal end of the blade. The image is reproduced on the screen. Such a laryngoscope is described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,095,298 B2, for example. 
         [0003]    A conventional laryngoscopy system or intubation system allows medical personnel to carry out visual monitoring during the intubation of a patient or during similar measures. However, intubation of a patient may in some circumstances be difficult or fraught with risk. In emergency medicine, for example, situations arise in which the head of a patient is not freely accessible. If spatial conditions are unfavorable, it may prove difficult to view the image on the screen. In neonatology too, intubation using a conventional laryngoscope may entail an increased risk of injury to the patient. In particular, the weight of the laryngoscope may make it considerably difficult to achieve delicate and cautious handling under the conditions that prevail in neonatology. 
         [0004]    US 2008/0195128 A1 describes a surgical instrument for minimally invasive surgery of carpal tunnel syndrome (paragraphs [0002], [0004] to [0019]). An arm 36 at a display 54 can be connected directly to a handle 30 of the surgical instrument (paragraphs [0159], [0175]; FIG. 3A). Alternatively, the display 54 can be connected to the handle 30 by means of a cable 52 (paragraph [0175]; FIG. 1). 
         [0005]    CN 201328799 describes a video laryngoscope having a laryngoscope 1 with a camera 104 (the paragraph bridging pages 4 and 5 of the description; FIG. 2). The video laryngoscope can be connected directly to a display 4 (FIGS. 1 and 3) or can be connected via a cable 9 to a display charging stand 10, which for its part is connectable to the display 4 (FIG. 4; second complete paragraph on page 6 of the description). For this purpose, the display 4 comprises a plug connector 2 (the paragraph bridging pages 4 and 5 of the description; FIG. 1). A damped pivot joint 3 permits pivoting of the plug connector 2 relative to the display 4 within an angle range of +95 degrees to −60 degrees (ibid.; FIG. 3). 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    It is an object of the present invention to make available an improved intubation system. 
         [0007]    This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claim. 
         [0008]    Developments are set forth in the dependent claims. 
         [0009]    Embodiments of the present invention are based on the idea of making available a laryngoscopy or intubation system in which a screen, a monitor or another display device can be connected to the handle of a laryngoscope or of an intubation endoscope directly or, alternatively, indirectly via a cable provided for the purpose. 
         [0010]    An intubation system includes an intubation instrument for capturing an image, wherein the intubation instrument includes a first interface for providing an image signal representing the image, a display device with a second interface for receiving the image signal, wherein the display device is provided and designed to display the image captured by the intubation instrument, and a cable with a third interface at a first end of the cable and with a fourth interface at a second end of the cable, wherein the first interface at the intubation instrument, the second interface at the display device, the third interface and the fourth interface at the cable are designed such that the first interface at the intubation instrument is connectable directly to the second interface at the display device and is alternatively connectable directly to the third interface at the cable, and such that the second interface at the display device is connectable directly to the first interface at the intubation instrument and is alternatively connectable directly to the fourth interface at the cable. 
         [0011]    The intubation instrument is an instrument that is suitable for facilitating or supporting visual monitoring during intubation. This does not exclude a suitability of the intubation instrument for other uses, for example for laryngoscopy without intubation. 
         [0012]    The intubation instrument is in particular a video laryngoscope with a handle and a camera or one or more image sensors. The handle can be connected permanently to a blade, i.e. such that it is not releasable without destruction. Alternatively, the handle can be designed to be connected releasably to a blade. The blade is in particular curved or able to be curved. Alternatively, the blade can be straight or have a straight portion. The proximal end of the blade is in particular connected or connectable rigidly to the handle of the laryngoscope. A proximal area of the blade adjoins the handle in particular at an angle of between 90 degrees and 150 degrees or between 110 degrees and 130 degrees. Alternatively, the handle of the laryngoscope can be connected to the blade rectilinearly. The camera or the one or more image sensors are arranged in particular at the blade or in the handle. A light admission face, through which light can enter from the environment of the distal end of the blade, is in particular arranged near the distal end of the blade. 
         [0013]    Alternatively, the intubation instrument is or includes an intubation endoscope with a straight or curved, rigid or flexible shaft, which can be combined with a blade or with a laryngoscope in order to form a video laryngoscope or a medical instrument having a functionality that is similar to or corresponds to the functionality of a video laryngoscope. A light admission face, through which light can enter from the environment of the distal end of the blade, is in particular arranged at or near the distal end of the intubation endoscope. The intubation endoscope in particular includes a camera or one or more image sensors near the light admission face or near the proximal end of the intubation endoscope. 
         [0014]    If the one or more image sensors is/are spaced apart from the light admission face, a coherent bundle of optical fibers or a relay lens system can be arranged for example between the light admission face and the image sensor or the image sensors. 
         [0015]    Moreover, the intubation instrument includes in particular a light source and/or a light exit face through which illumination light generated by a light source can exit in order to illuminate an environment of the distal end of the intubation instrument. If the intubation instrument is a laryngoscope, the light exit face is in particular arranged near the distal end of the blade. If the intubation instrument is an intubation endoscope, the light exit face is in particular arranged near the distal end of the shaft of the intubation endoscope. 
         [0016]    The first interface is in particular arranged at the proximal end of the intubation instrument. If the intubation instrument is a laryngoscope, the first interface is in particular arranged at the proximal end of the handle and thus at the proximal end of the laryngoscope. 
         [0017]    The first interface is in particular formed by a plug connector, for example a socket or a plug, or includes a plug connector. 
         [0018]    The second interface of the display device is in particular formed by a plug connector corresponding to the first interface of the intubation instrument, for example a plug or a socket, or includes a plug connector. 
         [0019]    The cable is in particular flexible, that is to say elastically and/or plastically deformable. The cable is in particular provided and designed to transmit electrical power from the display device to the intubation instrument and to transmit an analog or digital, electrical or optical image signal from the intubation instrument to the display device. Moreover, the cable is provided and designed in particular to transmit control signals in one direction or in both directions. Moreover, the cable can be provided and designed to transmit an analog or digital, electrical or optical sound signal or audio signal. In particular, the cable is provided and designed to transmit a sound signal or audio signal from the intubation instrument to the display device. 
         [0020]    The first end of the cable is in particular the distal end, i.e. the end directed toward the intubation instrument and thus toward the patient during the intended use. The second end of the cable is in particular the proximal end, i.e. the end directed toward the display device and thus toward the medical personnel during the intended use. 
         [0021]    The second interface at the display device and the third interface at the first end of the cable can be identical to each other or substantially similar such that both the third interface at the first end of the cable and also the second interface at the display device correspond to the first interface at the intubation instrument and can be mechanically and electrically and/or optically connected in an identical or similar way to the first interface at the intubation instrument. The first interface at the intubation instrument and the fourth interface at the second end of the cable can be identical to each other or substantially similar such that both the first interface at the intubation instrument and also the fourth interface at the second end of the cable correspond to the second interface at the display device and can be mechanically, electrically and/or optically connected in an identical or similar way to the second interface at the display device. 
         [0022]    By virtue of the design of the interfaces, the intubation system can be used in several different configurations. If the display device is connected directly to the intubation instrument without use of the cable, a compact unit is obtained which is easy to handle and safe to use in many pre-clinical or clinical situations. 
         [0023]    If the display device is connected to the intubation instrument indirectly, namely by means of the cable, a configuration is obtained which, in many situations in emergency medicine or in clinical practice, can simplify or indeed facilitate the handling of the intubation system or the view of the display device and therefore, for example, safe intubation of a patient. Moreover, the weight of the display device does not act on the intubation instrument if it is only connected thereto indirectly by means of the cable. This may simplify or indeed facilitate particularly delicate handling of the intubation instrument, as may be required in neonatology for example. 
         [0024]    The intubation system facilitates both configurations and thus easily provides a degree of flexibility and adaptability to specific situations that conventional intubation systems lack. 
         [0025]    In an intubation system as described here, the first interface at the intubation instrument, the second interface at the display device, the third interface and the fourth interface at the cable are each provided and designed in particular to transmit electrical or optical signals and to transmit electrical or optical power. 
         [0026]    An intubation system as described here is in particular designed such that, during an intended use of the intubation system, electrical power is transmitted from the display device to the intubation instrument and an image signal is transmitted from the intubation instrument to the display device. 
         [0027]    In the intended use of the intubation system, in particular no electrical power is transmitted from the intubation instrument to the display device, apart from the power transmission necessarily associated with each transmission of information. 
         [0028]    In an intubation system as described here, the cable comprises in particular no power source and comprises no further interface for receiving power. 
         [0029]    In an intubation system as described here, the cable is in particular not a charging cable and is not designed to charge an energy store of the display device. 
         [0030]    The cable includes no charging cradle and no charging stand and no charger for the display device. 
         [0031]    In an intubation system as described here, the display device includes in particular an energy store or a fifth interface for direct connection to an energy store. 
         [0032]    A display device for an intubation system as described here, or for another laryngoscopy system or intubation system, includes an energy store or an interface for direct connection to an energy store. 
         [0033]    The energy store includes in particular an accumulator or a battery or a fuel cell for storing chemical energy and for converting chemical energy to electrical energy and/or a capacitor that is able to store the entirety of the energy converted in a period of several minutes by the display device or by the entire laryngoscopy system or intubation system. The fifth interface is distinct from the second interface of the display device, which is provided and designed to connect the display device to the first interface of the intubation instrument or to the fourth interface at the second end of the cable, and in particular also differs from this. 
         [0034]    In an intubation system as described here, the energy store is in particular provided to supply power to the intubation instrument. 
         [0035]    In an intubation system as described here, the intubation instrument is in particular designed to draw power from the energy store of the display device or via the fifth interface of the display device. 
         [0036]    The intubation instrument is in particular designed to draw the entire power required in the intended use of the intubation system exclusively from the energy store of the display device or via the fifth interface at the display device, i.e. from an energy store connected to the fifth interface at the display device. In this case, power is transmitted from the energy store to the intubation instrument via the fifth interface at the display device, the second interface at the display device and the first interface at the intubation instrument or via the fifth interface at the display device, the second interface at the display device, the fourth interface at the second end of the cable, the cable, the third interface at the first end of the cable and the first interface at the intubation instrument. 
         [0037]    A supply of power to the intubation instrument through an energy store integrated in the display device or directly connected to the display device can facilitate a particularly compact design of the intubation instrument and/or a particularly low weight of the intubation instrument. This can make it easier to achieve particularly delicate handling of the intubation instrument, as is required in neonatology for example. 
         [0038]    A display device for an intubation system as described here, or for another laryngoscopy system or intubation system, includes an image reproduction surface for displaying an image captured by means of an intubation instrument, a recess at a rear face of the display device directed away from the image reproduction surface, into which recess an energy store is insertable, an interface for coupling the display device to an intubation instrument, and a power interface in or at the recess, for connection to an energy store inserted into the recess. 
         [0039]    In an intubation system as described here, the display device in particular includes a recess at a rear face directed away from an image reproduction surface of the display device, into which recess an energy store is insertable, wherein the fifth interface is arranged in or at the recess. 
         [0040]    Arranging an energy store in a recess at the rear face of the display device can facilitate simple access to the energy store and, therefore, a quick exchange of the energy store. 
         [0041]    In an intubation system as described here, the first interface at the intubation instrument, the second interface at the display device, the third interface and the fourth interface at the cable are each designed in particular as plug connectors. 
         [0042]    In an intubation system as described here, an area of an outer surface of the intubation instrument adjoining the first interface is in particular substantially rotationally symmetrical with respect to an axis of symmetry, wherein the area of the outer surface of the intubation instrument adjoining the first interface deviates from an ideal rotational symmetry by comprising a web parallel to the axis of symmetry. 
         [0043]    The axis of symmetry of the area of the outer surface of the intubation instrument adjoining the first interface is in particular parallel to a plug-in direction of a plugged connection to be formed by the first interface at the intubation instrument and the second interface at the display device or the third interface at the first end of the cable. The area of the outer surface of the intubation instrument adjoining the first interface comprises in particular substantially the shape of a jacket surface of a circular cylinder. The area of the outer surface of the intubation instrument adjoining the first interface comprises in particular exactly one web and is otherwise rotationally symmetrical. 
         [0044]    In an intubation system as described here, or in a display device as described here, an area of an outer surface of the display device adjoining the second interface is in particular substantially rotationally symmetrical with respect to an axis of symmetry, wherein the area of the outer surface of the display device adjoining the second interface deviates from an ideal rotational symmetry by comprising a web parallel to the axis of symmetry. 
         [0045]    The axis of symmetry of the area of the outer surface of the display device adjoining the second interface is in particular parallel to a plug-in direction of a plugged connection to be formed by the second interface at the display device and the first interface at the intubation instrument or the fourth interface at the second end of the cable. The area of the outer surface of the display device adjoining the second interface comprises in particular substantially the shape of a jacket surface of a circular cylinder. The area of the outer surface of the display device adjoining the second interface comprises in particular exactly one web and is otherwise rotationally symmetrical. 
         [0046]    In an intubation system as described here, the first interface and the second interface are mechanically connectable, in particular exclusively in such a way that the webs are flush. 
         [0047]    Two webs are flush when, in a projection parallel to the axes of symmetry, their contours are congruent or substantially congruent or are only slightly offset from each other. 
         [0048]    In an intubation system as described here, an area of an outer surface of the first end of the cable adjoining the third interface is in particular substantially rotationally symmetrical with respect to an axis of symmetry, wherein the area of the outer surface of the first end of the cable adjoining the third interface deviates from an ideal rotational symmetry by comprising a web parallel to the axis of symmetry. 
         [0049]    The axis of symmetry of the area of the outer surface of the first end of the cable adjoining the third interface is in particular parallel to a plug-in direction of a plugged connection to be formed by the third interface at the first end of the cable and the first interface at the intubation instrument. The area of the outer surface of the first end of the cable adjoining the third interface comprises in particular substantially the shape of a jacket surface of a circular cylinder. The area of the outer surface of the first end of the cable adjoining the third interface comprises in particular exactly one web and is otherwise rotationally symmetrical. 
         [0050]    In an intubation system as described here, the first interface at the intubation instrument and the third interface at the first end of the cable are mechanically connectable, in particular exclusively in such a way that the webs are flush. 
         [0051]    In an intubation system as described here, an area of an outer surface of the second end of the cable adjoining the fourth interface is in particular substantially rotationally symmetrical with respect to an axis of symmetry, wherein the area of the outer surface of the second end of the cable adjoining the fourth interface deviates from an ideal rotational symmetry by comprising a web parallel to the axis of symmetry. 
         [0052]    The axis of symmetry of the area of the outer surface of the second end of the cable adjoining the fourth interface is in particular parallel to a plug-in direction of a plugged connection to be formed by the second interface at the display device and the fourth interface at the second end of the cable. The area of the outer surface of the second end of the cable adjoining the fourth interface comprises in particular the shape of a jacket surface of a circular cylinder. The area of the outer surface of the second end of the cable adjoining the fourth interface comprises in particular exactly one web and is otherwise rotationally symmetrical. 
         [0053]    In an intubation system as described here, the second interface at the display device and the fourth interface at the second end of the cable are mechanically connectable, in particular exclusively in such a way that the webs are flush. 
         [0054]    Since a mechanical connection also means that an electrical and/or optical connection of the first interface and of the second interface is possible only when the webs are flush, an incorrect connection, or a connection in an unintended orientation or configuration, is not possible. The flush arrangement of webs can be identified both visually and by touch. Thus, the webs can assist in a reliable and quick connection of the intubation instrument and of the display device even under unfavorable conditions. 
         [0055]    In an intubation system as described here, a grip area near the second end of the cable comprises in particular a substantially ring-shaped groove, wherein the ring-shaped groove is interrupted by a web. 
         [0056]    The groove comprises in particular a shallow cross section. The ratio between the depth of the groove and the width of the groove is in particular in a range with a lower limit of 1:20 or 1:10 and an upper limit of 1:4 or 1:6. 
         [0057]    The ring-shaped groove is in particular interrupted by exactly one web. The web is in particular parallel to a plug-in direction of a plugged connection to be formed by the second interface at the display device and the fourth interface at the second end of the cable. 
         [0058]    In an intubation system as described here, the web interrupting the ring-shaped groove in the grip area and the web at the area adjoining the fourth interface are in particular flush. 
         [0059]    In an intubation system as described here, the display device comprises in particular a first component having a substantially shallow cuboid shape with cuboid edges and with an image reproduction surface, wherein the display device comprises a second component with a substantially L-shaped configuration and with a first limb and a second limb, wherein the first limb of the second component is connected to the first component in such a way that the second component is pivotable relative to the first component about a pivot axis, wherein the pivot axis is parallel to one of the cuboid edges of the first component and orthogonal to both limbs of the second component, and wherein the second interface is arranged at the second limb of the second component or is integrated therein or forms the second limb of the second component. 
         [0060]    In an intubation system as described here, the second component of the display device is arranged in particular at a middle third of one of the cuboid edges of the first component. 
         [0061]    The second component of the display device is in particular arranged in the middle of one of the cuboid edges of the first component. 
         [0062]    In an intubation system as described here, a plug-in direction of the second interface is in particular parallel to the second limb of the second component. 
         [0063]    A display device for an intubation system as described here, or for another laryngoscopy system or intubation system, includes a first component having a substantially shallow cuboid shape with cuboid edges and with an image reproduction surface, a second component with a substantially L-shaped configuration and with a first limb and a second limb, and an interface for coupling the display device to a laryngoscope or to an intubation instrument, wherein the first limb of the second component is connected to the first component in such a way that the second component is pivotable relative to the first component about a pivot axis, wherein the pivot axis is parallel to one of the cuboid edges of the first component and orthogonal to both limbs of the second component, and wherein an interface is arranged at the second limb of the second component or is integrated therein or forms the second limb of the second component. 
         [0064]    In a display device as described here, the second component is arranged in particular in a middle third of one of the cuboid edges. 
         [0065]    The second component is in particular arranged in the middle of one of the cuboid edges. 
         [0066]    In a display device as described here, a plug-in direction of the interface is in particular parallel to the second limb of the second component. 
         [0067]    The first component of the display device is substantially cuboid, particularly when it yields a cuboid which circumscribes the first component completely, or only with the exception of a few protruding details whose total volume amounts to not more than 5% of the volume of the cuboid, and which the first component fills to at least four fifths or to at least nine tenths or to at least 19 twentieths. The shape of the first component of the display device deviates from a cuboid particularly insofar as corners and edges of the first component may be rounded. 
         [0068]    The second component of the display device is in particular arranged in the middle of one of the four longest cuboid edges or in the middle of one of the four second longest cuboid edges. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0069]    Embodiments are explained in more detail below with reference to the attached figures, in which: 
           [0070]      FIG. 1  shows a schematic view of a laryngoscopy system in a first configuration; 
           [0071]      FIG. 2  shows a schematic view of the laryngoscopy system from  FIG. 1  in a second configuration; 
           [0072]      FIG. 3  shows a schematic view of a display device of the laryngoscopy system from  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; 
           [0073]      FIG. 4  shows a further schematic view of the display device from  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0074]      FIG. 5  shows a further schematic view of the display device from  FIGS. 3 and 4 ; 
           [0075]      FIG. 6  shows a further schematic view of the display device from  FIGS. 3 to 5 ; 
           [0076]      FIG. 7  shows a schematic axonometric view of the display device from  FIGS. 3 to 5 ; 
           [0077]      FIG. 8  shows a schematic axonometric view of the display device from  FIGS. 3 to 5 ; 
           [0078]      FIG. 9  shows a schematic axonometric view of an accumulator for the laryngoscopy system from  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; 
           [0079]      FIG. 10  shows a schematic view of a plug at a first end of the cable of the laryngoscopy system from  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; 
           [0080]      FIG. 11  shows a schematic view of a variant of the plug from  FIG. 10 ; 
           [0081]      FIG. 12  shows a schematic view of a plug at a second end of the cable of the laryngoscopy system from  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0082]      FIG. 1  shows a schematic view of a laryngoscopy system  10  with a laryngoscope  20  and a display device  40 . The laryngoscopy system  10  is shown in  FIG. 1  in a first configuration. The laryngoscopy system  10  is an example of an intubation system which simplifies or facilitates visual monitoring during the intubation. The laryngoscope  20  is an example of an intubation instrument. Another example of an intubation instrument, which can be part of the laryngoscopy system or intubation system  10 , is an intubation endoscope with a straight or curved, rigid or flexible shaft, which can be combined with a blade or with a laryngoscope in order to form a video laryngoscope or a medical instrument with a functionality that is similar to or corresponds to the functionality of a video laryngoscope. 
         [0083]    The laryngoscope  20  comprises a distal end  21 , which is formed by a curved blade  22 . The blade  22  is provided and designed to be introduced into the throat (pharynx) of a patient and there in particular to move the tongue forward and, for example, simplify or facilitate an intubation procedure. The proximal end of the blade  22  is connected to a handle  24 . A push button  26  for controlling one or more functions of the laryngoscopy system  10  is provided at a proximal (in  FIG. 1  upper) end  28  of the handle  24  and of the laryngoscope  20 . 
         [0084]    The laryngoscope  20  also comprises at its proximal end  28  a socket  30  serving as an interface to the display device  40 . The socket  30  is a substantially concave component and is not visible in  FIG. 1 . Only a surface area  33  of the laryngoscope  20  adjoining the socket  30  is visible. The surface area  33  encloses the socket  30  or a part of the socket  30 , which is actually able to reach deeper into the handle  24  of the laryngoscope  20 . 
         [0085]    The surface area  33  adjoining the socket  30  comprises substantially the shape of a jacket surface of a circular cylinder. The surface area  33  adjoining the socket  30  comprises a web  34 , in a deviation from the shape of an ideal circular cylinder. The web  34  is parallel to an axis of symmetry  38  of the symmetrical portion of the surface area  33  of the laryngoscope  20  adjoining the socket  30 . 
         [0086]    The display device  40  comprises an image reproduction surface  41 . An image captured by a camera of the laryngoscope  20  can be reproduced at the image reproduction surface  41 , for example by means of a liquid crystal display or a matrix or an array of light-emitting diodes. 
         [0087]    The display device  40  moreover comprises a plug  50  as an interface to the laryngoscope  20 . The plug  50  at the display device  40  corresponds to the socket  30  at the laryngoscope  20 . In the configuration shown in  FIG. 1 , the plug  50  of the display device  40  is arranged largely inside the socket  30  of the laryngoscope  20  and is therefore not visible. 
         [0088]    A surface area  53  of the display device  40  adjoining the plug  50 , and also visible in the configuration shown in  FIG. 1 , comprises substantially the shape of a jacket surface of a circular cylinder. In a deviation from the shape of an ideal circular cylinder, a web  54  is provided at the surface area  53  adjoining the plug  50 . The web  54  is parallel to an axis of symmetry  58  of the symmetrical portion of the surface area  53  adjoining the plug  50 . 
         [0089]    The surface area  33  of the laryngoscope  20  adjoining the socket  30  and the surface area  53  of the display device  40  adjoining the plug  50  have the same diameters and, in the configuration shown in  FIG. 1 , are arranged flush and adjacent to each other. The web  34  of the surface area  33  of the laryngoscope  20  adjoining the socket  30  and the web  54  at the surface area  53  of the display device  40  adjoining the plug  50  also comprise identical or similar cross sections. 
         [0090]    In the configuration shown in  FIG. 1 , the web  34  at the surface area  33  of the laryngoscope  20  adjoining the socket  30  and the web  54  at the surface area  53  of the display device  40  adjoining the plug  50  are flush. The socket  30  and the plug  50  are designed such that the intended plugged connection between the plug  50  at the display device  40  and the socket  30  at the laryngoscope  20  can only be produced when the webs  34 ,  54  are flush. 
         [0091]    The intended plug-in direction of the plug  50  at the display device  40  and of the socket  30  at the laryngoscope  20  is parallel to the axis of symmetry  38  of the surface area  33  of the laryngoscope  20  adjoining the socket  30 , to the axis of symmetry  58  of the surface area  53  of the display device  40  adjoining the plug  50 , and to the webs  34 ,  54 . 
         [0092]    The laryngoscopy system  10  is shown in  FIG. 1  in a configuration or situation that is suitable for many applications of the laryngoscopy system  10 . By means of the plugged connection between the plug  50  at the display device  40  and the socket  30  at the laryngoscope  20 , the laryngoscope  20  and the display device  40  are connected to each other mechanically and electrically. The laryngoscopy system  10  can be guided and used as a unit with one hand. 
         [0093]    The display device  40  has two hinges, one of which facilitates a pivoting of the image reproduction surface  41  relative to the plug  50  and to the laryngoscope  20  about a horizontal pivot axis  48  in  FIG. 1 , and the other of which facilitates a pivoting movement of the image reproduction surface  41  about a pivot axis corresponding to the axes of symmetry  38 ,  58 . 
         [0094]      FIG. 2  shows a schematic view of the laryngoscopy system  10  from  FIG. 1  in a further configuration or situation. In the situation shown in  FIG. 2 , the display device  40  is not connected directly to the laryngoscope. Instead, the display device  40  is connected to the laryngoscope  20  by a cable  60 . The cable  60  is a constituent part of the laryngoscopy system  10 . 
         [0095]    The cable  60  comprises a first or distal end  62 , which is provided and designed for connection to the laryngoscope  20 , and a second or proximal end  64 , which is provided and designed for releasable connection to the display device  40 . Near the distal end  62  of the cable  60 , an anti-kink grommet  63  is provided for protecting the cable  60  from a mechanical overload. In a deviation from the view in  FIG. 2 , an anti-kink grommet can also be provided at the proximal end of the cable  60 . 
         [0096]    A plug  70  serving as interface to the laryngoscope  20  and corresponding to the socket  30  at the laryngoscope  20  is provided at the distal end  62  of the cable  60 , which plug  70 , in the configuration shown in  FIG. 2 , is arranged in the socket  30  and is therefore not visible. The plug  70  at the distal end  62  of the cable  60  is identical or largely similar to the plug  50  at the display device  40 . A surface area  73  of the distal end  62  of the cable  60  adjoining the plug  70  is also identical or similar to the surface area  53  of the display device  40  adjoining the plug  50 . In particular, the surface area  73  of the distal end  62  of the cable  60  adjoining the plug  70  comprises substantially the shape of a jacket surface of a circular cylinder and, in a deviation from the shape of an ideal circular cylinder, comprises a web  74 . The web  74  is parallel to an axis of symmetry  78  of the symmetrical portion of the surface area  73  of the distal end  62  of the cable  60  adjoining the plug  70 . 
         [0097]    A socket  80  serving as interface to the display device  40  and corresponding to the plug  50  at the display device  40  is provided at the proximal end  64  of the cable  60 . The socket  80  is a substantially concave component and is not visible in  FIG. 2 . The socket  80  at the proximal end  64  of the cable  60  is identical or largely similar to the socket  30  at the laryngoscope  20 . A surface area  83  of the proximal end  64  of the cable  60  adjoining the socket  80  is also identical or similar to the surface area  33  of the laryngoscope  20  adjoining the socket  80 . In particular, the surface area  83  of the proximal end  64  of the cable  60  adjoining the socket  80  comprises substantially the shape of a jacket surface of a circular cylinder and, in a deviation from the shape of an ideal circular cylinder, comprises a web  84 . The web  84  is parallel to an axis of symmetry  88  of the symmetrical portion of the surface area  83  of the proximal end  64  of the cable  60  adjoining the socket  80 . 
         [0098]    A grip area  90  is also provided at the proximal end  64  of the cable  60 . The grip area  90  is immediately distal to the surface area  83  of the cable  60  adjoining the socket  80 . The grip area  90  is substantially rotationally symmetrical to an axis of symmetry  98 , which corresponds to the axis of symmetry  88  of the surface area  83  adjoining the socket  80 . 
         [0099]    The grip area  90  includes a substantially circular groove  92 , which is interrupted by a web  94 . The groove comprises a cross section with a circular arc-shaped edge and with a depth amounting to approximately one eighth of its width. The web  94  is parallel to the axis of symmetry  98  of the grip area  90 . The web  94  of the grip area  90  and the web  84  at the surface area  83  of the proximal end  64  of the cable  60  adjoining the socket  80  are flush. 
         [0100]    The webs  34 ,  54 ,  74 ,  84 ,  94  make it easier to correctly produce the plugged connections of the laryngoscopy system  10 . 
         [0101]    The configuration of the laryngoscopy system  10  shown in  FIG. 2  may be particularly suitable for situations in which access to the patient is difficult, for example in emergency medicine. The display device  40  can be arranged at a suitable location independently of the position of the head of the patient. Moreover, the configuration of the laryngoscopy system  10  shown in  FIG. 2  may be particularly suitable for uses in neonatology. The weight of the display device  40  does not place a load on the laryngoscope  20 . This can facilitate delicate movement of the laryngoscope  20 . 
         [0102]      FIG. 3  shows a schematic view of the display device  40  of the laryngoscopy system shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The display device  40  includes a first, substantially cuboid component  42  and a second, substantially L-shaped component  44 . 
         [0103]    Deviating from the shape of an ideal cuboid, the first component  42  comprises several rounded corners and edges. Two rounded corners can be seen at the top in  FIG. 3 . The contour of the cuboid, which is substantially the shape presented by the first component  42 , is indicated by broken lines in the area of the rounded corners. 
         [0104]    The cuboid, which is approximately the shape presented by the first component  42 , comprises three groups of in each case four parallel cuboid edges of equal length. The cuboid edges of the group of the longest cuboid edges are parallel to the pivot axis  48 . The first component  42  and the second component  44  of the display device  40  are mechanically connected to each other in such a way that the first component  42  is pivotable relative to the second component  44  about the pivot axis  48 . The axis of symmetry  58  of the surface area  53  of the display device  40  adjoining the plug  50  is orthogonal to the pivot axis  48 . The end of the second component  44  connected in a hinged manner to the first component  42  is arranged close to two cuboid edges  43  (which are congruent in the view in  FIG. 3 ) and their centers. 
         [0105]    A nose  57  at the plug  50  is visible in  FIG. 3 . The plug  50  comprises two noses  57 , one of which is concealed and is therefore not visible in  FIG. 3 . In the configuration shown in  FIG. 3 , both noses  57  are arranged with mirror symmetry in relation to a plane that is parallel to the drawing plane of  FIG. 3  and that contains the axis of symmetry  58 . The noses  57  are provided, designed and arranged to engage in corresponding recesses in the socket  30  at the proximal end  28  of the laryngoscope  20  (cf.  FIG. 2 ) when the plug  50  is in the intended orientation relative to the socket  30 . In a relative orientation other than the intended one, the noses  57  positively prevent the production of a plugged connection. 
         [0106]      FIG. 4  shows a further schematic view of the display device  40  from  FIG. 3 . The drawing plane of  FIG. 4  is orthogonal to the pivot axis  48 , parallel to the axis of symmetry  58  of the surface area  53  of the display device  40  adjoining the plug  50 , orthogonal to the plane in which the image reproduction surface  41  lies, and orthogonal to the drawing plane of  FIG. 3 . 
         [0107]    Rounded edges of the first component  42  can be seen in  FIG. 4 . Broken lines in the area of rounded edges indicate the contour of the cuboid, which is the shape approximately presented by the first component  42 . 
         [0108]    The second component  44  is substantially L-shaped with a first limb  45  and a second limb  46 . The limbs  45 ,  46  of the substantially L-shaped second component  44  are arranged orthogonally with respect to each other. The end of the first limb  45  of the second component  44  directed away from the second limb  46  is connected to the first component  42  in a hinged manner. The end of the second limb  46  of the second component  44  directed away from the first limb  45  is formed by the plug  50  of the display device  40 . 
         [0109]      FIG. 5  shows a further schematic view of the display device  40  from  FIGS. 3 and 4 . The drawing plane of  FIG. 5  corresponds to the drawing plane of  FIG. 4 . 
         [0110]    The display device  40  is shown in  FIG. 5  in a configuration that differs from the configuration shown in  FIG. 4 . In particular, the first component  42  is pivoted relative to the second component  44  about the pivot axis  48 , in order to facilitate an unrestricted view of the image reproduction surface  41  from another direction. 
         [0111]      FIG. 6  shows a further schematic view of the display device  40  from  FIGS. 3 to 5 . The drawing plane of  FIG. 6  corresponds to the drawing planes of  FIGS. 4 and 5 . 
         [0112]    The display device  40  is shown in  FIG. 6  in a configuration that differs from the configurations shown in  FIGS. 3 to 5 . The first component  42  and the second component  44  of the display device  40  assume a third angle position relative to each other, which differs from the configurations shown in  FIGS. 3 to 5 . Proceeding from the configuration shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the second component  44  is pivoted relative to the first component  42  about the pivot axis  48  by an angle of ca. 180 degrees. 
         [0113]    Particularly when the display device  40  is connected to the laryngoscope  20 , as shown in  FIG. 1 , or to the proximal end  62  of the cable  60 , as shown in  FIG. 2 , the configuration shown in  FIG. 6  does not facilitate a clear view of the image reproduction surface  41  of the display device  40 . However, in the configuration shown in  FIG. 6 , the display device  40  takes up a relatively small space. The configuration shown in  FIG. 6  is therefore suitable in particular for a non-operational state of the laryngoscopy system  10 . When the display device  40  in the configuration shown in  FIG. 6  is connected directly to the laryngoscope  20  as shown in  FIG. 1 , the first component  42  of the display device  40  is arranged parallel to and near the handle  24  of the laryngoscope  20 . 
         [0114]    The laryngoscopy system  10 , in particular the display device  40 , can be designed such that, in the configuration shown in  FIG. 6 , supply of power to the laryngoscopy system  10  is automatically stopped or the laryngoscopy system  10  is set to a non-operational state. 
         [0115]      FIG. 7  shows a schematic axonometric view of the display device  40  from  FIGS. 3 to 6 . The configuration of the display device  40  shown in  FIG. 7  corresponds to the configuration shown in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0116]      FIG. 8  shows a further axonometric view of the display device  40  shown in  FIGS. 3 to 7 . The configuration of the display device  40  shown in  FIG. 8  corresponds to the configuration shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . 
         [0117]    A rear face of the first component  42  of the display device  40 , directed away from the image reproduction surface  41  (cf.  FIGS. 3 to 7 ), is visible in  FIG. 8 . A recess  47  for receiving an accumulator for supplying power to the laryngoscopy system is provided in this rear face. An accumulator interface  49  with a plurality of electrical contacts is arranged in the recess  47 . 
         [0118]      FIG. 9  shows a schematic axonometric view of an accumulator  100  for supplying power to the laryngoscopy system  10  shown in  FIGS. 1 to 8 . The accumulator  100  is provided and designed to be inserted into the recess  47  at the rear face of the first component  42  of the display device  40  directed away from the image reproduction surface  41  (cf.  FIG. 8 ) and thus to be connected to the accumulator interface  49 . 
         [0119]    The accumulator  100  is provided and designed to serve as the sole energy store and sole source of electrical power for the entire laryngoscopy system  10 , in particular for the display device  40  and the laryngoscope  20  with one or more light sources and/or cameras arranged therein. 
         [0120]    In a departure from the view in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the accumulator  100  can be integrated in the display device  40  such that it cannot be exchanged or cannot readily be exchanged. In particular, the accumulator  100  can be arranged inside a housing of the display device  40 . 
         [0121]      FIG. 10  shows a schematic view of the distal end  62  of the cable  60  shown in  FIG. 2 . The drawing plane of  FIG. 10  is orthogonal to the plug-in direction and axis of symmetry  78  of the surface area  73  adjoining the plug  70 . 
         [0122]    The plug  70  includes several electrical contacts  71 , which correspond to contacts in the socket  30  at the laryngoscope  20 . 
         [0123]    Two noses  77  are arranged at the outside of the plug  70 . The noses  77  at the plug  70  at the distal end  62  of the cable  60  correspond to the noses  57  at the plug  50  at the display device  40 . The noses  77  are provided, designed and arranged to engage in corresponding recesses in the socket  30  at the proximal end  28  of the laryngoscope  20  (cf.  FIG. 2 ) when the plug  70  is in the intended orientation relative to the socket  30 . In a relative orientation other than the intended one, the noses  77  positively prevent the production of a plugged connection. 
         [0124]    The web  74 , which interrupts the rotational symmetry of the surface area  73  of the distal end  62  of the cable  60  adjoining the plug  70 , is so wide that it can be easily identified not just by touch but also visually. The flanks of the web  74  merge smoothly with concave fillets into the rotationally symmetrical portion of the surface area  73  of the distal end  62  of the cable  60  adjoining the plug  70 . 
         [0125]    The anti-kink grommet  63  is arranged exactly opposite the web  74 , at a side directed away from the web  74 . 
         [0126]      FIG. 11  shows a schematic view of a variant of the distal end  62  of the cable  60  shown in  FIG. 10 . The nature of the view corresponds to that of  FIG. 10 . The variant shown in  FIG. 11  differs from that shown in  FIG. 10  in that the groove  74  and the anti-kink grommet  63  are not arranged exactly opposite each other. In relation to the axis of symmetry  78 , the web  74  and the anti-kink grommet  63  are arranged at an angle of ca. 120 degrees. 
         [0127]      FIG. 12  shows a schematic view of the proximal end  64  of the cable  60  of the laryngoscopy system  10  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The nature of the view corresponds to that of  FIGS. 10 and 11 . The drawing plane of  FIG. 12  is orthogonal to the axis of symmetry  88  of the surface area  83  adjoining the socket  80  at the proximal end  64  of the cable  60  and orthogonal to the axis of symmetry  98  of the grip area  90 . 
         [0128]    The socket  80  includes several electrical contacts  81 , which correspond to contacts in the plug  50  at the display device  40 . 
         [0129]    Two recesses  87  in the form of two grooves extending parallel to the plug-in direction and to the axes of symmetry  88 ,  98  are provided in the socket  80 . The recesses  87  correspond to the noses  57  at the plug  50  at the display device  40  (cf.  FIG. 3 ). The noses  57  at the plug  50  at the display device  40  and the recesses  87  at the socket  80  at the proximal end  64  of the cable  60  ensure that a plugged connection between the plug  50  at the display device  40  and the socket  80  at the proximal end  64  of the cable  60  can be produced only in the intended manner, particularly only in the intended relative orientation.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0