WO2012169433A1

WO2012169433A1 - Clouding prevention system for endoscope

Info

Publication number: WO2012169433A1
Application number: PCT/JP2012/064207
Authority: WO
Inventors: 勇太杉山
Original assignee: オリンパス株式会社
Priority date: 2011-06-08
Filing date: 2012-05-31
Publication date: 2012-12-13
Also published as: JP2012254154A

Abstract

In one embodiment of the present invention, a clouding prevention system for an endoscope comprises a magnetothermal means disposed on a distal end of the endoscope and an alternating magnetic field generating means separate from the endoscope. The magnetothermal means and the alternating magnetic field generating means are both disposed in a state where the alternating magnetic field generated by the alternating magnetic field generating means approaches a range acting on the magnetothermal means.

Description

Endoscope anti-fogging system

The present invention relates to an endoscope fogging prevention system for preventing fogging of an endoscope inserted into a body.

In the medical field, endoscopes such as rigid endoscopes and flexible endoscopes are widely used for inserting into a body cavity and observing the inside or performing surgery. When performing an operation using such an endoscope, the operator takes an image of the surgical site from the optical system at the distal end of the endoscope and performs an operation based on the image data obtained thereby.

The inside of the body cavity into which the endoscope is inserted is in an environment of, for example, a temperature of about 35 to 37 ° C. and a humidity of about 98 to 100%. Since the inserted endoscope tip is generally at a lower temperature than in the body cavity, the surface of the inserted endoscope tip optical system, for example, the surface of the cover glass is caused by a temperature difference from the body cavity. Condensation occurs and cloudiness occurs, but such cloudiness can hinder observation, surgery, and the like.

Therefore, in order to prevent such fogging, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a surface treatment unit in which the surface of the cover glass of the optical system at the tip of the endoscope is subjected to hydrophilic treatment, and heating for heating the cover glass. An endoscope anti-fogging device having a means (heater) is disclosed.

JP 2006-282 A

In the endoscope anti-fogging device described in Patent Document 1, since the heater is disposed inside the endoscope tip, it is necessary to perform electrical wiring for the heater up to the vicinity of the endoscope tip. Therefore, it is difficult to introduce the configuration of the apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 into an optical visual tube (rigid endoscope) that does not have an existing wiring.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide an endoscope anti-fogging system that prevents fogging of an endoscope inserted into a body cavity.

One embodiment of the present invention comprises magnetic heating means disposed on the distal end side of an endoscope, and alternating magnetic field generation means separate from the endoscope, wherein the magnetic heating means and the alternating magnetic field generation means Is an anti-fogging system for an endoscope which is arranged in a state where the alternating magnetic field generated by the alternating magnetic field generating means is close to the range where the alternating magnetic field acts on the magnetic heating means.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an endoscope fogging prevention system that prevents fogging of an endoscope inserted into a body cavity.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an aspect of an endoscope anti-fogging system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating another aspect of the anti-fogging system for the endoscope according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an anti-fogging system for an endoscope according to a second embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an anti-fogging system for an endoscope according to a third embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an anti-fogging system for an endoscope according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an anti-fogging system for an endoscope according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 7 is a graph showing the temperature change of the relative permeability of the magnetic heating element in the fifth embodiment. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a magnetic heating element of an endoscope anti-fogging system according to a sixth embodiment. FIG. 9 is a graph showing the temperature change of the resistivity of the magnetic heating element in the sixth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an anti-fogging system for an endoscope according to a seventh embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an endoscope anti-fogging system according to an eighth embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an endoscope anti-fogging system according to a ninth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a block diagram schematically showing a characteristic part of an anti-fogging system for an endoscope according to a tenth embodiment. FIG. 14A is a diagram showing a magnetic heating element in the anti-fogging system of the eleventh embodiment. FIG. 14B is a diagram showing a magnetic heating element in the anti-fogging system of the eleventh embodiment.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an aspect of an anti-fogging system 1 for an endoscope according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
The endoscope anti-fogging system 1 roughly includes an endoscope 2 that is a rigid endoscope, an AC magnetic field generator 3, and a tray 4.

The endoscope tip 2a has a normal endoscope such as an optical system including an objective lens 5 and a cover glass 6 that is a light-transmissive member that covers the objective lens 5, and an irradiation unit that emits illumination light. It has the component which has. The optical system may have no cover glass 6 and the objective lens 5 may be exposed on the surface.

On the side of the endoscope tip 2a, a magnetic heating element 7 is disposed as a magnetic heating means. The magnetic heating element 7 has, for example, a ring shape, and is integrally formed with the endoscope 2 by being embedded in the endoscope tip 2a. The magnetic heating element 7 is composed of a member having at least one property of a high relative permeability, a low resistivity, and a large holding force as compared with a member on the endoscope distal end 2a side. For the magnetic heating element 7, for example, a magnetic material such as iron or permalloy is used. In addition, the magnetic heating element 7 can take any shape and arrangement suitable for heating the endoscope tip 2a.

The AC magnetic field generation device 3 as AC magnetic field generation means has at least one coil 8, a power source 9 for the coil, a control computer 10, and a switch 11. The AC magnetic field generator 3 is configured such that when the switch 11 is turned on, the power source 9 is activated by the control computer 10 and an AC current flows through the coil 8 to generate a desired AC magnetic field. In addition, if the alternating magnetic field generator 3 is a structure provided with the some coil 8, the output of each coil 8 will be controlled separately.

On the upper surface of the AC magnetic field generator 3, a tray 4 made of, for example, stainless steel that hardly takes magnetism (for example, austenitic stainless steel) is placed. The tray 4 is made of a material having at least one property of a relative permeability lower than that of the magnetic heating element 7, a higher resistivity, and a lower coercive force.

The tray 4 is a tray in which the AC magnetic field generator 3 and the magnetic heating element 7 are arranged close to each other. That is, the endoscope 2 including the magnetic heating element 7 can be placed on the tray 4, that is, placed on the AC magnetic field generator 3 indirectly via the tray 4. The tray 4 is sterilized at least at the part that touches the endoscope 2 during use.

Next, a procedure for using the endoscope anti-fogging system 1 configured as described above will be described.
First, the medical staff places the autoclaved endoscope 2 on the same autoclaved tray 4 placed on the AC magnetic field generator 3 to exchange AC with the magnetic heating element 7 at the endoscope tip 2a. The magnetic field generator 3 is arranged in a state of being close to each other. Then, the switch 11 of the AC magnetic field generator 3 is turned on. As a result, an alternating current flows through the coil 8 by the power source 9 via the control computer 10, and an alternating magnetic field is generated on the upper surface of the alternating magnetic field generator 3.

At this time, since the relative permeability of stainless steel, which is the material of the tray 4, is small, the tray 4 itself is hardly magnetized by the alternating magnetic field generated by the alternating magnetic field generator 3, and the alternating magnetic field passes through the tray 4. When this alternating magnetic field reaches the magnetic heating element 7 embedded in the endoscope tip 2a, eddy current loss and magnetic hysteresis loss occur due to electromagnetic induction, and the magnetic heating element 7 generates heat (induction heating). . As a result, the endoscope tip 2a is warmed.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 2, without using the tray 4, a medical worker holds the endoscope proximal end 2 b, is close to the AC magnetic field generation device 3, and the endoscope distal end 2 a generates an AC magnetic field. The endoscope tip 2a may be warmed by holding the device 3 so as not to touch it, that is, by placing the AC magnetic field generator 3 and the magnetic heating element 7 close to each other. Also in this case, as in the case of using the tray 4, the AC magnetic field generated by the AC magnetic field generator 3 reaches the magnetic heating element 7 within a range where it acts on the magnetic heating element 7 at the endoscope tip 2 a. The magnetic heating element 7 and the AC magnetic field generator 3 need only be close enough to be heated to a desired temperature.

Here, regarding the temperature of the endoscope tip, according to Japanese Industrial Standard JIS T 0601-2-18 and International Standard IEC 60601-2-18, the temperature of the insertion portion (endoscope tip) excluding the irradiated light emission portion is: When an endoscope is used in combination with an endoscope accessory, the maximum temperature is set to 50 ° C. Therefore, it is preferable that the endoscope distal end 2a inserted into the body cavity is warmed to be, for example, 35 ° C. or higher and lower than 50 ° C. so as to be in a temperature range from the body temperature or higher to 50 ° C.

The medical staff inserts the endoscope 2 into the body cavity after the endoscope tip 2a is warmed to the body temperature or higher (within the above temperature range). Since the endoscope tip 2a is warmer than the body temperature, the cover glass 6 (or the objective lens 5) of the optical system of the endoscope tip 2a is not clouded by water vapor from the body.

According to the present embodiment, since the endoscope tip can be preheated to a temperature higher than the body temperature by the magnetic heating element arranged at the endoscope tip, the endoscope is inserted into the body cavity when the endoscope is inserted into the body cavity. It is possible to prevent the endoscope tip from becoming clouded due to a temperature difference between the endoscope tip and the endoscope tip. In addition, since the magnetic heating element inside the endoscope generates heat by induction heating, the tip of the endoscope can be warmed rapidly and uniformly compared to the method using warm air or the like.

Furthermore, although the AC magnetic field generator is not necessarily sterilized, when the endoscope tip is warmed, the endoscope is placed on the AC magnetic field generator via an autoclavable tray. The tip of the endoscope can be warmed without using consumables to separate the unclean and clean areas. Since the medical staff only needs to place an endoscope on the tray above the AC magnetic field generator, the work of the medical staff is simplified.

Further, in consideration of compatibility with a device including a CCD, an optical fiber, and the like attached to the proximal end of the endoscope, the endoscope does not have an electrical wiring for a heater at the distal end of the endoscope as in this embodiment. By preventing fogging of the optical system at the tip, it is possible to provide a more versatile endoscope fogging prevention system without being restricted by restrictions due to compatibility with the device.

Hereinafter, the second to eleventh embodiments will be described. In the following description, the same components as those in the endoscope anti-fogging system 1 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an anti-fogging system 20 for an endoscope according to the second embodiment.
In the endoscope anti-fogging system 20, instead of the tray 4 of the endoscope anti-fogging system 1, the AC magnetic field generator 3 and the magnetic heating element 7 are in non-contact with each other, and the generated AC magnetic field is magnetic. A holding member that holds the endoscope 2 in a state of being close to the range in which the heating element 7 acts is provided. In the present embodiment, the holding member is a holding hook 21 that is arranged above the upper surface of the AC magnetic field generation device 3 and holds the endoscope 2 by being hooked. The endoscope tip 2 a is held in a non-contact manner near the upper surface of the AC magnetic field generator 3 by the holding hook 21.

During use, the medical staff hooks the endoscope 2 on the holding hook 21, and the endoscope 2 is held in a state of being suspended by the holding hook 21. And the endoscope front-end | tip 2a is warmed by induction heating similarly to 1st Embodiment.

Also in this embodiment, by holding either the endoscope or the AC magnetic field generator with the holding member, the endoscope tip can be moved without using consumables for separating the unclean area and the clean area. Can be warmed. In addition, since the medical worker only needs to hang the endoscope on the holding hook, the work of the medical worker is simplified.

[Third Embodiment]
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an anti-fogging system 30 for an endoscope according to a third embodiment.
The anti-fogging system 30 of the endoscope is an AC magnetic field in a state where the AC magnetic field generator 3 and the magnetic heating element 7 are not in contact with each other and are close to each other within a range where the generated AC magnetic field acts on the magnetic heating element 7. A holding member for holding the generator 3 is provided. In the present embodiment, the holding member is an arm 32 that holds the coil 31 of the AC magnetic field generator 3.

In this embodiment, the AC magnetic field generator 3 includes a coil 31 instead of the coil 8 of the endoscope anti-fogging system 1, a power supply 9 for the coil, a control computer 10, and a switch 11. The coil 31 is attached to the distal end of an arm 32 whose proximal end is attached to the upper surface of the apparatus. The arm 32 is composed of, for example, an interlock tube, and can be freely bent and disposed at a desired position of the coil 31.

Further, the endoscope 2 to which the magnetic heating element 7 is attached is not limited to the upper surface of the AC magnetic field generator 3 but is placed where a medical worker normally places the endoscope 2.

In use, a medical worker flexes the arm 32 to which the coil 31 is attached, and brings the coil 31 close to the vicinity of the endoscope tip 2a to which the magnetic heating element 7 is attached in a non-contact manner. And the endoscope front-end | tip 2a is warmed by induction heating similarly to the procedure of 1st Embodiment.

This embodiment has an advantage that it is not necessary to change the place where the endoscope is placed because the tip of the endoscope is warmed by bringing the coil close to the place where the endoscope was originally placed.

[Fourth Embodiment]
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an anti-fogging system 40 for an endoscope according to a fourth embodiment.
In the endoscope anti-fogging system 40, at least a part of a member that arranges the AC magnetic field generator 3 and the magnetic heating element 7 in a state of being close to each other is constituted by the AC magnetic field generator 3. In the present embodiment, the member to be arranged is a coil unit 42 in which the coil 41 is built.

In this embodiment, the AC magnetic field generator 3 includes a power source 9, a control computer 10, a switch 11, a coil unit 42 in which a coil 41 that replaces the coil 8 of the endoscope anti-fogging system 1 is incorporated, have. The coil unit 42 is detachable from the AC magnetic field generator 3. The coil unit 42 has, for example, a cylindrical shape with an upper opening, and accommodates and holds the endoscope 2 therein. The coil unit 42 is composed of an autoclavable member.

Further, when the coil unit 42 is mounted on the AC magnetic field generator 3, they are energized by mutual electrical contacts (coil unit side electrical contact 43, AC magnetic field generator side electrical contact 44).

In use, the endoscope 2 is placed in a coil unit 42 which becomes a case of the endoscope 2 instead of the tray 4 of the endoscope anti-fogging system 1. And the endoscope front-end | tip 2a is warmed by induction heating similarly to the procedure of 1st Embodiment.

In this embodiment, since the coil unit that is a part of the AC magnetic field generator and can be attached to and detached from this device also serves as the case of the endoscope, there is an advantage that it is not necessary to add a member for the case.

[Fifth Embodiment]
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an endoscope anti-fogging system 50 according to a fifth embodiment.
In the present embodiment, the configuration of the anti-fogging system 50 for the endoscope is the same as the configuration of the anti-fogging system 1 for the endoscope, but the magnetic heating element 51 corresponding to the magnetic heating element 7 has the temperature shown in FIG. -It is made of a temperature-sensitive magnetic material having a relative magnetic permeability characteristic. That is, the magnetic heating element 51 is made of a magnetic material having a Curie point of around 40 ° C., and the relative permeability is remarkably reduced around 40 ° C., which is a temperature somewhat higher than the body temperature.

As described above, the temperature of the distal end of the endoscope inserted into the body cavity is preferably 35 ° C. or higher and lower than 50 ° C. Therefore, the magnetic material constituting the magnetic heating element 51 also has a relative permeability within this range. A material is selected that significantly reduces. As such a temperature-sensitive magnetic material, for example, Ni—Cu—Zn ferrite is used.

The greater the relative permeability of the magnetic heating element 51, the greater the amount of heat generated by the magnetic heating element 51 under a constant AC magnetic field. When a constant AC magnetic field is applied by the AC magnetic field generator 3, if the temperature of the magnetic heating element 51 is 40 ° C. or less, the magnetic permeability of the magnetic heating element 51 is sufficiently high, so that the magnetic heating element 51 generates heat. . However, when the temperature reaches around 40 ° C., the relative permeability of the magnetic heating element 51 is remarkably reduced, so that the amount of heat generated by the magnetic heating element 51 is similarly reduced. As described above, since the temperature of the magnetic heating element 51 is maintained at around 40 ° C. due to a significant decrease in the amount of heat generation, the endoscope distal end 2a is also maintained at the same temperature.

According to this embodiment, a temperature-sensitive magnetic material is used as the magnetic heating element, and the temperature of the endoscope tip heated by induction heating is controlled using the properties of the temperature-sensitive magnetic material. The temperature of the endoscope tip can be set to a predetermined temperature without arranging a sensor.

[Sixth Embodiment]
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a magnetic heating element 61 of the endoscope anti-fogging system according to the sixth embodiment.
In the present embodiment, the configuration of the anti-fogging system for the endoscope is the same as that of the anti-fogging system 1 for the endoscope, but the magnetic heating element 61 corresponding to the magnetic heating element 7 is the same as that of the fifth embodiment. It is composed of a core magnetic body 62 having a relative permeability larger than that of the magnetic heating element 51 and a temperature-sensitive resistance material 63 coated around the core.

The temperature-sensitive resistance material 63 has a resistivity-temperature characteristic as shown in FIG. 9, and the resistivity significantly increases around 40 ° C. As described above, the temperature of the distal end of the endoscope inserted into the body cavity is preferably 35 ° C. or higher and lower than 50 ° C. Therefore, the temperature sensitive resistance material 63 constituting the magnetic heating element 61 is also within this range. A material whose resistivity is significantly increased is selected. The temperature-sensitive resistance material 63 has, for example, a structure in which conductive particles are compounded with a resin, and the resistivity varies greatly depending on the glass transition temperature of the resin.

The smaller the resistivity of the temperature sensitive resistance material 63 of the magnetic heating element 61, the greater the amount of heat generated by the magnetic heating element 61 under a constant AC magnetic field. When a constant alternating magnetic field is applied by the alternating magnetic field generator 3, if the temperature of the temperature sensitive resistance material 63 is 40 ° C. or less, the resistivity of the temperature sensitive resistance material 63 is sufficiently small. Generates heat. However, when the temperature reaches around 40 ° C., the resistivity of the temperature-sensitive resistance material 63 is greatly increased, so that the magnetic heating element 61 is difficult to generate heat, and the amount of generated heat is remarkably reduced. Accordingly, since the temperature of the magnetic heating element 61 is maintained at around 40 ° C., the endoscope distal end 2a is also maintained at the same temperature.

According to the present embodiment, the temperature of the endoscope tip heated by induction heating is controlled using the property of the temperature sensitive resistance material by using the temperature sensitive resistance material as the magnetic heating element. The temperature of the endoscope tip can be set to a predetermined temperature without arranging a sensor.

[Seventh Embodiment]
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an endoscope anti-fogging system 70 according to a seventh embodiment.
The endoscope anti-fogging system 70 includes an infrared temperature camera (infrared temperature sensor) 71 as an endoscope tip temperature detecting means in addition to the configuration of the endoscope anti-fogging system 1 of the first embodiment. is doing. The infrared temperature camera 71 is disposed above the tray 4 and detects the temperature of the upper surface of the tray 4 as an image. The infrared temperature camera 71 is connected to communicate with the control computer 10 of the AC magnetic field generator 3. An image detected by the infrared temperature camera 71 is transmitted to the control computer 10.

When the control computer 10 analyzes the image transmitted from the infrared temperature camera 71 and recognizes a heat source having a size within a certain range, the control computer 10 uses the heat source as a heating portion (magnetic heating element 7) of the endoscope tip 2a. Judge. The control computer 10 adjusts the magnitude of the AC magnetic field by changing the output of the AC magnetic field while performing feedback control, and controls the temperature of the endoscope tip 2 a to a target temperature (for example, 45 ° C.). When the target temperature is reached, the operator can be notified visually by an alarm or the like, or displayed on a display (not shown).

According to this embodiment, it is possible to instantaneously generate a large alternating magnetic field by performing temperature feedback control, and the endoscope tip can be heated more quickly. Further, a wide range of temperatures can be detected by using an infrared temperature camera, and the temperature of the endoscope tip can be detected wherever the endoscope tip is placed in the vicinity of the AC magnetic field generator.

[Eighth Embodiment]
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an anti-fogging system 80 for an endoscope according to an eighth embodiment.
In addition to the configuration of the endoscope anti-fogging system 1 of the first embodiment, the anti-fogging system 80 of the endoscope serves as an endoscope tip temperature detecting means disposed on the upper surface of the AC magnetic field generator 3. A contact temperature sensor 81 is provided. The contact-type temperature sensor 81 detects the temperature of the endoscope tip 2a through the heat conduction of the tray 4 placed on the upper surface of the AC magnetic field generation device 3 and the endoscope 2 placed on the upper surface. The contact sensor 81 is connected to communicate with the control computer 10 of the AC magnetic field generator 3. The temperature detected by the contact temperature sensor 81 is transmitted to the control computer 10.

The control computer 10 adjusts the magnitude of the AC magnetic field while performing feedback control based on the temperature detected by the contact temperature sensor 81, and sets the temperature of the endoscope tip 2a to a target temperature (for example, 45 ° C.). Control. When the target temperature is reached, the operator may be notified.

Also in this embodiment, it is possible to instantaneously generate a large alternating magnetic field by performing temperature feedback control, and it is possible to heat the endoscope tip more quickly. In addition, by using a contact temperature sensor, feedback control can be performed with an inexpensive configuration.

The contact temperature sensor 81 may be mounted not only on the AC magnetic field generator 3 side but also on the tray 4. In that case, an electrical contact is provided between the AC magnetic field generator 3 and the tray 4, and the control computer 10 reads the temperature detected by the contact-type temperature sensor 81.

[Ninth Embodiment]
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an endoscope anti-fogging system 90 according to a ninth embodiment.
In the endoscope anti-fogging system 90, a temperature sensor 91 and a permanent magnet 92 are disposed inside the endoscope 2. Further, a magnetic sensor 93 is disposed on the upper surface of the AC magnetic field generator 3. The magnetic sensor 93 detects a change in the magnetic field formed by the permanent magnet 92 of the endoscope 2 placed on the upper surface via the tray 4. Similar to the magnetic heating element 51 of the fifth embodiment, the temperature sensor 91 is made of a temperature-sensitive magnetic material whose relative permeability is remarkably reduced at around 40 ° C. As such a temperature-sensitive magnetic material, a material whose relative permeability decreases in proportion to temperature, for example, Li—Zn—Cu ferrite is used.

When the magnetic heating element 7 of the endoscope 2 placed on the tray 4 is heated by the alternating magnetic field generated by the alternating magnetic field generation device 3 and the temperature of the endoscope tip 2a reaches around 40 ° C., the relative permeability of the temperature sensor 91 is increased. Is significantly reduced. Thereby, among the magnetic fields formed by the permanent magnet 92, the magnetic field leaking to the outside of the endoscope tip 2a changes. By detecting the change with the magnetic sensor 93, it is detected that the temperature of the endoscope front end 2a is close to 40 ° C.

The control computer 10 controls the temperature of the endoscope tip 2a to a target temperature (for example, 45 ° C.) while performing feedback control based on the detection of the magnetic sensor 93. When the target temperature is reached, the operator may be notified.

Also in this embodiment, it is possible to instantaneously generate a large alternating magnetic field by performing temperature feedback control, and it is possible to heat the endoscope tip more quickly.

Also, since the temperature of the endoscope tip can be detected wirelessly, it is not necessary to provide an electrical wiring inside the endoscope, and the diameter of the endoscope can be reduced. Furthermore, since the temperature inside the endoscope can be detected by the temperature sensor, there is an advantage that the responsiveness is better than that of the contact type temperature sensor.

In addition to the method using a temperature-sensitive magnetic material, a resistance temperature sensor and a wireless temperature sensor using wireless communication technology can be used. In this case, for example, a coil is provided inside the endoscope 2, and power is generated using the AC magnetic field from the AC magnetic field generator 3, and used as a temperature sensor or communication power.

[Tenth embodiment]
FIG. 13 is a block diagram schematically showing a characteristic part of an anti-fogging system for an endoscope according to a tenth embodiment.
In the present embodiment, the temperature sensor 101 is disposed inside the endoscope tip 2a. The endoscope 2 including the temperature sensor 101 is connected to the endoscope video center 102 by the wiring 103, and transmits the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 101 to the endoscope video center 102. The endoscope video center 102 is further connected to communicate with the AC magnetic field generator 3 via the wiring 104.

The control computer 10 adjusts the magnitude of the AC magnetic field while performing feedback control based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 101, and controls the temperature of the endoscope tip 2a to a target temperature (for example, 45 ° C.).

According to the present embodiment, the temperature sensor provided at the endoscope tip is smaller than the heating means such as a heater, and the wiring thereof is relatively thin, so that it is easy to arrange at the tip of the endoscope. In other words, if a heating source such as a heater is provided at the distal end of the endoscope, a relatively thick wiring is required and the diameter of the endoscope becomes larger. Since the means is smaller than the heat source and does not require electric power, the wiring is thin even if such a temperature sensor is provided at the distal end of the endoscope, and further, it can be constructed at low cost. Have.

[Eleventh embodiment]
FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B are diagrams showing a magnetic heating element 111 in the anti-fogging system of the eleventh embodiment.
In the present embodiment, a magnetic heating element 111 instead of the magnetic heating element 7 of the endoscope anti-fogging system 1 is attached to the endoscope distal end 2a so as to engage with the outer peripheral surface thereof. The magnetic heating element 111 has a shape that can be attached to and detached from the endoscope distal end 2a such as a cap type. By attaching the magnetic heating element 111 to the endoscope 2, the endoscope that does not have the magnetic heating element in advance is also induction-heated.

The anti-fogging system having such a configuration is not limited to an endoscope that is inserted into a body cavity by surgery or the like, but can also be used for a mirror that is inserted into an oral cavity used in dentistry or the like. In that case, a magnetic heating element is arranged near the mirror, for example, on the back side of the mirror.

As mentioned above, although each embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, A various improvement and change are possible in the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention.

The following are additional items of the present invention.
(Appendix 1) An endoscope having an optical member at the distal end, and an alternating magnetic field generating means separate from the endoscope, and a magnetic heating means is provided on the distal end side of the endoscope, The magnetic heat generating means and the AC magnetic field generating means are arranged close to the range where the magnetic heat generating means is induction heated by the AC magnetic field generated by the AC magnetic field generating means. An anti-fogging system for an endoscope, wherein the optical member is heated.
(Supplementary note 2) The endoscope anti-fogging system according to supplementary note 1, further comprising a member that arranges the magnetic heat generating means and the alternating magnetic field generating means in the close proximity to each other.
(Supplementary Note 3) The member to be disposed is made of a material having at least one property of a low relative magnetic permeability, a high resistivity, and a low coercive force as compared with the magnetic heating means. The anti-fogging system for an endoscope according to supplementary note 2, characterized by the above.
(Supplementary Note 4) The magnetic heating means is made of a material having at least one property of a high relative permeability, a low resistivity, and a large coercive force as compared with the endoscope tip side member. The anti-fogging system for an endoscope according to appendix 1, wherein the anti-fogging system is provided.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Endoscope fog prevention system, 2 ... Endoscope, 2a ... End of endoscope, 3 ... AC magnetic field generator, 4 ... Tray, 5 ... Objective lens, 6 ... Cover glass, 7 ... Magnetic heating element, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 8 ... Coil, 9 ... Power supply, 10 ... Control computer, 11 ... Switch, 20 ... Endoscope anti-fog system, 21 ... Holding hook, 30 ... Endoscope anti-fog system, 31 ... Coil, 32 ... Arm , 40 ... endoscope fogging prevention system, 41 ... coil, 42 ... coil unit, 50 ... endoscope fogging prevention system, 51 ... magnetic heating element, 61 ... magnetic heating element, 62 ... magnetic substance, 63 ... feeling Thermal resistance material, 70 ... Anti-fogging prevention system, 71 ... Infrared temperature camera, 80 ... Endoscope anti-fogging system, 81 ... Contact temperature sensor, 90 ... Endoscope anti-fogging system, 91 ... Temperature sensor, 92 ... Permanent magnet , 93 ... magnetic sensor, 101 ... temperature sensor, 102 ... endoscopic video center, 103 ... wire, 111 ... Cap magnetic heating elements.

Claims

Magnetic heating means arranged on the distal end side of the endoscope;
An AC magnetic field generating means separate from the endoscope,
An endoscope characterized in that the magnetic heat generating means and the alternating magnetic field generating means are arranged in a state close to a range in which the alternating magnetic field generated by the alternating magnetic field generating means acts on the magnetic heat generating means. Anti-fogging system.
2. The endoscope anti-fogging system according to claim 1, further comprising a member that arranges the magnetic heat generating means and the alternating magnetic field generating means in the close proximity to each other.
3. The endoscope anti-fogging system according to claim 2, wherein the member to be arranged is a member for placing the magnetic heat generating means indirectly above the AC magnetic field generating means.
The member to be described above is made of a material having at least one property of a low relative magnetic permeability, a high resistivity, and a low coercive force as compared with the magnetic heating means. The endoscope fogging prevention system according to claim 3.
The member to be arranged is a member that holds either the endoscope or the AC magnetic field generation unit, and holds the magnetic heat generation unit and the AC magnetic field generation unit in the close state without contact with each other. The endoscope anti-fogging system according to claim 2.
3. The endoscope anti-fogging system according to claim 2, wherein at least a portion of the member to be arranged that touches the endoscope is sterilized.
3. The endoscope anti-fogging system according to claim 2, wherein at least a part of the members to be arranged is constituted by an alternating magnetic field generating means.
The magnetic heat generating means is composed of a member having at least one property of a high relative magnetic permeability, a low resistivity, and a large coercive force as compared to a member on the distal end side of the endoscope. The endoscope anti-fogging system according to claim 1.
The fogging of the endoscope according to claim 8, wherein the magnetic heating means is a member made of a temperature-sensitive magnetic material whose relative permeability is remarkably reduced in a range of 35 to 50 degrees Celsius. Prevention system.
9. The endoscope according to claim 8, wherein the magnetic heat generating means is a member combining a magnetic material and a temperature-sensitive resistance material whose resistivity is remarkably increased in the range of 35 to 50 degrees Celsius. Mirror anti-fogging system.
The endoscope according to claim 1, further comprising an endoscope tip temperature detecting means, wherein the temperature of the endoscope tip is controlled to an arbitrary temperature by changing an output of the AC magnetic field generating means. Anti-fogging system.
12. The endoscope anti-fogging system according to claim 11, wherein the endoscope tip temperature detecting means is an infrared temperature sensor separate from the endoscope.
12. The endoscope anti-fogging system according to claim 11, wherein the endoscope tip temperature detecting means is a contact-type temperature sensor separate from the endoscope.
12. The endoscope tip temperature detection means includes a temperature sensor provided inside the endoscope tip, and a temperature transmission means for transmitting temperature to the AC magnetic field generation means by radio. The endoscope anti-fogging system as described.
12. The endoscope tip temperature detection means includes a temperature sensor provided inside the endoscope tip, and a temperature transmission means for transmitting temperature to the AC magnetic field generation means by wire. The endoscope anti-fogging system as described.
2. The endoscope anti-fogging system according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic heat generating means has a shape that can be attached to and detached from the distal end of the endoscope.
The endoscope anti-fogging system according to claim 1, wherein the AC magnetic field generating means has at least one coil, and the output of each coil can be individually controlled.