SWITCH MECHANISM FOR USE IN MEDICAL APPARATUSES, AND IMAGE-PICKUP DEVICE FOR USE IN ENDOSCOPES

Abstract

A switch mechanism for use in medical apparatuses, includes an airtight unit being able to retain airtight therein, a first magnet provided outside the airtight unit, an operation unit provided outside the airtight unit and being able to move the first magnet with respect to the airtight unit, a second magnet provided in the airtight unit and being able to receive a force from the first magnet in accordance with a position of the first magnet, and a switch unit provided in the airtight unit and being able to be switched on and off by using a force acting between the first magnet and the second magnet.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention, and together with the general description given above and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an endoscope system according to a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the structure of the endoscope system according to the first embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are longitudinal sectional views showing the switch device provided in the image-pickup device used in the endoscope system according to the first embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 4A to 4C are schematic diagrams, each showing the tactile switch and a modified second magnet, both used in the switch device provide on the image-pickup device used in the endoscope system according to the first embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are longitudinal sectional views schematically showing the switch device provided in the image-pickup device used in the endoscope system according to a second embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are longitudinal sectional views schematically showing the switch device provided in the image-pickup device used in the endoscope system according to a third embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are longitudinal sectional views schematically showing a modification of the switch device provided in the image-pickup device used in the endoscope system according to the third embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 8A and 8B are longitudinal sectional views schematically showing the switch device provided in the image-pickup device used in the endoscope system according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 9A and 9B are longitudinal sectional views schematically showing a modification of the switch device provided in the image-pickup device used in the endoscope systems according to the first to fourth embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 10A and 10B are longitudinal sectional views schematically showing another modification of the switch device provided in the image-pickup device used in the endoscope systems according to the first to fourth embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 11A and 11B are longitudinal sectional views schematically showing still another modification of the switch device provided in the image-pickup device used in the endoscope systems according to the first to fourth embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 12 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the switch device provided in the image-pickup device used in the endoscope system according to a fifth embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 13A to 13C are plan views, taken along line XIII-XIII in FIG. 12, schematically showing the switch device provided in the image-pickup device used in the endoscope system according to the fifth embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 14A to 14C are plan views, taken along line XIV-XIV in FIG. 12, schematically showing the switch device provided in the image-pickup device used in the endoscope system according to the fifth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 15A is a longitudinal sectional view showing the switch device provided in the image-pickup device used in the endoscope system according to a sixth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 15B is a perspective view schematically showing the light-cutoff member provided in the switch provided in the image-pickup device used in the endoscope system according to the sixth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view schematically showing the optical switch and the light-cutoff member, both provided in the switch provided in the image-pickup device used in the endoscope system according to a seventh embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 17 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the switch device provided in the image-pickup device used in the endoscope system according to an eighth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 18 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the switch device provided in the image-pickup device used in the endoscope system according to a ninth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 19 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the switch device provided in the image-pickup device used in the endoscope system according to a tenth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram showing the outer appearance of the switch device provided in the image-pickup device used in the endoscope system according to an eleventh embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 21A and 21B are longitudinal sectional views schematically showing the switch device provided in the image-pickup device used in the endoscope system according to the eleventh embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 22 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing a modification of the slide switch, which may be provided in the image-pickup device used in the endoscope system according to the eleventh embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 23A and 23B are longitudinal sectional views schematically showing the switch device provided in the image-pickup device used in the endoscope system according to a twelfth embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 24A and 24B are longitudinal sectional views schematically showing the switch device provided in the image-pickup device used in the endoscope system according to a thirteenth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 25 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the switch device provided in the image-pickup device used in the endoscope system according to a fourteenth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 26 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the switch device provided in the image-pickup device used in the endoscope system according to a fifteenth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 27 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the switch device provided in the image-pickup device used in the endoscope system according to a sixteenth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 28 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the switch device that may be provided in the image-pickup device used in the endoscope system according to the sixteenth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 29 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the switch device provided in the image-pickup device used in the endoscope system according to a seventeenth embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 30A and 30B are longitudinal sectional views schematically showing the switch device provided in the image-pickup device used in the endoscope system according to an eighteenth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 31 is a perspective view schematically showing a modification of the switch device provided in the image-pickup device used in the endoscope system according to the eighteenth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 32 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing a modification of the switch device provided in the image-pickup device used in the endoscope system according to the eighteenth embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 33A and 33B are longitudinal sectional views schematically showing the switch device provided in the image-pickup device used in the endoscope system according to a nineteenth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 34 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the structure of an image-pickup device for use in the endoscope system according to a twentieth embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 35A and 35B are longitudinal sectional views schematically showing the switch device provided in the image-pickup device used in the endoscope system according to the twentieth embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 36A and 36B are longitudinal sectional views schematically showing the switch device provided in an image-pickup device used in the endoscope system according to a twenty-first embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 37A and 37B are longitudinal sectional views schematically showing the switch device provided in the image-pickup device used in the endoscope system according to a twenty-second embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 38A and 38B are longitudinal sectional views schematically showing the switch device provided in the image-pickup device used in the endoscope system according to a twenty-third embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 39A and 39B are longitudinal sectional views schematically showing the switch device provided in the image-pickup device used in the endoscope system according to a twenty-fourth embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 40A and 40B are longitudinal sectional views schematically showing the switch device provided in the image-pickup device used in the endoscope system according to a twenty-fifth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 41 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the structure of the endoscope system according to a twenty-sixth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 42 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of magnets in the switch device provided in the image pickup device used in the endoscope system according to a twenty-seventh embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 43 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of magnets in the switch device provided in the image pickup device used in the endoscope system according to a twenty-eighth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 44 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the structure of the endoscope system according to a twenty-ninth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 45 is a transverse sectional view schematically showing the switch device provided in the image-pickup device used in the endoscope system according to the twenty-ninth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 46 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the switch device provided in the image-pickup device used in the endoscope system according to a thirtieth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 47 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the switch device provided in the image-pickup device of the endoscope system according to a thirty-first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 48 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view showing the second heat conductor of the switch device that is provided in the image-pickup device used in the endoscope system according to a thirty-second embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 49A and 49B are schematic longitudinal sectional views showing the switch mechanism of the switch device that is provided in the image-pickup device used in the endoscope system according to a thirty-third embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 50A and 50B are schematic longitudinal sectional views showing the switch mechanism of the switch device that is provided in the image-pickup device used in the endoscope system according to a thirty-fourth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 51A is a schematic longitudinal sectional view showing the positional relation between the airtight frame, outer shell, magnetic sensor and operation member of the switch device that is provided in the image-pickup device used in the endoscope system according to a thirty-fifth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 51B is a schematic perspective view showing the operation member used in the switch device that is provided in the image-pickup device used in the endoscope system according to the thirty-fifth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 51C is a schematic diagram showing the operation member put on the operator's finger, said member used with the switch device provided in the image-pickup device used in the endoscope system according to the thirty-fifth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 52 is a schematic perspective view of an operation member used with the switch device provided in the image-pickup device used in the endoscope system according to a thirty-sixth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 53 is a schematic diagram showing the magnetic unit provided in the image-pickup device used in the endoscope system according to a thirty-seventh embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 54A and 54B are longitudinal sectional views schematically showing the magnetic unit provided in the image-pickup device used in the endoscope system according to the thirty-seventh embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 55 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the means for aligning the permanent magnets provided in the magnetic unit of the image-pickup device used in the endoscope system according to the thirty-seventh embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 56 is a schematic diagram showing the magnetic unit provided in the image-pickup device used in the endoscope system according to a thirty-eighth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 57 is a schematic diagram showing a modification of magnetic unit provided in the image-pickup device used in the endoscope system according to the thirty-eighth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 58 is a schematic diagram showing another modification of magnetic unit provided in the image-pickup device used in the endoscope system according to the thirty-eighth embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 59 is a schematic diagram showing still another modification of magnetic unit provided in the image-pickup device used in the endoscope system according to the thirty-eighth embodiment of the invention.

Claims

1. A switch mechanism for use in medical apparatuses, comprising: an airtight unit which is able to retain airtight therein;a first magnet which is provided outside the airtight unit;an operation unit on which the first magnet is arranged, which is provided outside the airtight unit and which is able to move the first magnet with respect to the airtight unit;a second magnet which is provided in the airtight unit and which is able to receive a force from the first magnet in accordance with a position of the first magnet; anda switch unit which is provided in the airtight unit and which is able to be switched on and off by using a force acting between the first magnet and the second magnet.

2. The switch mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the first magnet and the second magnet are arranged to repel each other, andthe switch unit is arranged farther from the first magnet than from the second magnet to be switched by a repulsive force acting between the first magnet and the second magnet.

3. The switch mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the first magnet and the second magnet are arranged to attract each other, andthe switch unit is arranged between the first magnet and the second magnet to be switched by an attractive force acting between the first magnet and the second magnet.

4. The switch mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the operation unit comprises a return mechanism which automatically moves the operation unit from a position that the operation unit takes after operated, to a position that the operation unit takes before operated.

5. The switch mechanism according to claim 4, wherein the return mechanism uses an elastic force of the operation unit to automatically return the operation unit to the position that the operation unit takes before operated, thereby moving the first magnet and the second magnet away from each other.

6. The switch mechanism according to claim 4, wherein the return mechanism comprises an elastic member which biases the operation unit to move away from the switch unit.

7. A switch mechanism for use in medical apparatuses, comprising: an airtight unit which is able to retain airtight therein;a magnetic switch which is provided in the airtight unit and which is able to detect changes in a magnetic force;a magnetic-force generating unit which is provided outside the airtight unit; anda magnetic-force changing mechanism which is able to change a magnetic force acting between a magnet and the magnetic switch.

8. The switch mechanism according to claim 7, wherein the magnetic-force changing mechanism comprises an operation unit which moves outside the airtight unit, the operation unit being arranged between the magnet and the magnetic switch.

9. The switch mechanism according to claim 8, wherein the magnetic-force changing mechanism comprises a return mechanism which automatically moves the operation unit from a position that the operation unit takes after operated, to a position that the operation unit takes before operated.

10. The switch mechanism according to claim 7, wherein the magnetic-force changing mechanism comprises an operation unit which is configured to move the magnet, the operation unit being arranged the magnet.

11. The switch mechanism according to claim 10, wherein the operation unit comprises a return mechanism which automatically moves the operation unit from a position that the operation unit takes after operated, to a position that the operation unit takes before operated.

12. The switch mechanism according to claim 7, wherein the magnetic-force changing mechanism comprises a first magnetic member provided outside the airtight unit and a second magnetic member provided in the magnetic switch.

13. A switch mechanism for use in medical apparatuses, comprising: an airtight unit which is able to retain airtight therein;a first magnet which is provided outside the airtight unit;an operation unit on which the first magnet is arranged, which is provided outside the airtight unit and which is able to move the first magnet with respect to the airtight unit;a second magnet which is provided in the airtight unit and which is able to receive a force from the first magnet in accordance with a position of the first magnet; anda detection switch unit which is provided in the airtight unit, which has a light-emitting part being able to emit light and a light-receiving part being able to receive light emitted from the light-emitting part, and which is able to detect a change in an amount of light received by the light-receiving part, in accordance with the position of the second magnet.

14. The switch mechanism according to claim 13, wherein the second magnet is arranged between the light-emitting part and the light-receiving part and is able to move between a position where the second magnet cuts off the light coming from the light-emitting part and a second position where the second magnet allows passage of the light coming from the light-emitting part.

15. The switch mechanism according to claim 13, further comprising: a first board which is secured to the airtight unit; anda second board which is able to move together with the second magnet,wherein the light-emitting part is provided on the first board or the second board, andthe light-receiving part stays on the second board while the light-emitting part remains on the first board and stays on the first board while the light-emitting part remains on the second board.

16. An image-pickup device for use in endoscopes, comprising: a switch mechanism for use in medical apparatuses, as described in claim 1;an outer shell which is arranged outside the air-tight unit of the switch mechanism;an observation optical system which is provided in the airtight unit; anda cover glass which is arranged at the airtight unit and which is optically connected to the observation optical system provided in the airtight unit.

17. An image-pickup device for use in endoscopes, comprising: a switch mechanism for use in medical apparatuses, as described in claim 7;an outer shell which is arranged outside the air-tight unit of the switch mechanism;an observation optical system which is provided in the airtight unit; anda cover glass which is arranged at the airtight unit and which is optically connected to the observation optical system provided in the airtight unit.