JP2002058636A - Electronic endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic endoscope which enables diagnosis even in a combination of an endoscope with an electric focussing mechanism and an existing processor. SOLUTION: An imaging device 7 comprising an objective optical system 8, a liquid crystal cell 9 to change the focus of the objective optical system 8, and a CCD 10 is provided in the tip end part of an inserting part 2 of this electronic endoscope 1. The drive circuit 13 of the liquid crystal cell 9 to generate liquid crystal cell drive signals to drive the liquid crystal cell 9 from a CCD drive power source by a CCD drive power cable 11b is built in a connector part 5. Thus the liquid crystal cell 9 can be driven using the CCD drive power source even when the endoscope is connected to an existing video processor 6A to improve the convenience in use.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic endoscope provided with a variable focus mechanism for changing the focus of an objective optical system by using a liquid crystal cell.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An objective optical system of an endoscope is required to have a wider field of view, a deeper observation depth, and a sufficient brightness. However, it was very difficult to satisfy all of the restrictions on the outer shape and the overall length.

For example, a deep observation depth can be realized by using a variable-focus type objective optical system. However, since a variable lens mechanism or the like is required, the outer shape and overall length are sometimes increased. If the focus variable mechanism is realized by liquid crystal, power ON / OF
Since the focus is switched at F, the size of the objective optical system can be avoided.

[0004]

However, since it is necessary to operate electrically, a separate driving device dedicated to the processor is required in addition to the existing processor as disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 2843587. Therefore, in a variable-focus endoscope that uses a liquid crystal lens, a dedicated drive device is added to an existing processor, or a new processor having a built-in drive device is required, and the endoscope is used. There was a possibility that the mirror system would be complicated and inconvenient to use.

(Object of the Invention) The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and enables an electronic endoscope which can be diagnosed even by a combination of an electronic endoscope having an electric focus variable mechanism and an existing processor. It is intended to provide an endoscope.

[0006]

According to the present invention, an image pickup means to which a DC power is supplied from the outside is provided at a distal end side of an insertion portion, and a focus variable for changing a focus of an objective optical system constituting the image pickup means. In an electronic endoscope provided with a liquid crystal cell as a mechanism, a liquid crystal cell driving circuit for driving the liquid crystal cell from the DC power supply is provided in the electronic endoscope, so that a DC power supply or the like for driving an imaging unit is provided. Number of supply signals from existing processors to supply (number of connector pins)
While keeping the same, a liquid crystal cell driving power supply can be generated in the electronic endoscope using, for example, a CCD driving power supply or a zoom driving power supply, and the variable focus mechanism can be operated.

[0007]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. (First Embodiment) FIGS. 1 to 9 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1 shows a case where an electronic endoscope according to the first embodiment is connected to an existing video processor. FIG. 2 shows the configuration of an image pickup device arranged at the distal end of the insertion portion, FIG. 3 shows the circuit configuration of a liquid crystal cell driving circuit, FIG. 4 shows an overview of the liquid crystal cell, and FIG. FIG. 6 is a front view showing a positional relationship between a liquid crystal cell and a CCD, FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration when an electronic endoscope and a second video processor are connected, and FIG. Show the figure,
8 shows an explanatory diagram of a liquid crystal cell driving waveform, FIG. 9 shows a configuration in a case where an electronic endoscope and a second video processor are connected, and FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of an imaging device according to a modification. First, the configuration and operation of the present embodiment will be described.

As shown in FIG. 1, an electronic endoscope (hereinafter, referred to as a video scope) according to a first embodiment of the present invention is provided at an elongated insertion portion 2 and at a rear end of the insertion portion 2. The operation unit 3 and the universal cord 4 extended from the operation unit
And a connector portion 5 provided at an end of the universal cord 4.

The connector section 5 is detachably connected to an existing video processor (or camera control unit) 6A as an external connection device of the video scope 1.

A light guide (not shown) is inserted into the insertion portion 2, and the light guide is further inserted into the universal cord 4, and its end is detachably connected to a light source device (not shown). Then, the illumination light supplied from the light source device is transmitted by the light guide, and emitted (the transmitted illumination light) from the distal end surface attached to the distal end of the insertion section 2 to illuminate the subject such as the affected part. An image pickup device 7 having the structure shown in FIG. 2 is arranged at the distal end of the insertion section 2, and picks up an image of an illuminated subject.

The image pickup device 7 is connected to an objective optical system 8 (representing the lenses 8a to 8g and the optical lens 25 in FIG. 2) and a liquid crystal cell 9 arranged in the objective optical system 8 and constituting a variable focus mechanism. For example, a charge-coupled device (abbreviated as CCD) 10 as a solid-state imaging device disposed at an image position is provided.

A liquid crystal cell 9 and a CCD 10 are provided in the insertion section 2.
Signal cables 11a to 11d, one ends of which are connected to
And the other ends of the signal cables 11a to 11d are connected to the contact pins of the connector section 5 or the contact pins via the liquid crystal cell drive circuit 13 provided in the connector section 5. ing. The contact pins of the connector section 5 are detachably connected to the contact pins (constituting the connector receiver) on the video processor 6A side.

The video processor 6A has a CCD drive circuit 14 for generating a CCD drive signal for driving the CCD 10.
And an image processing circuit 1 for performing image processing (video signal generation processing) on the CCD output signal photoelectrically converted by the CCD 10
5 and CC generated by the CCD drive circuit 14.
The D drive signal is applied to the CCD 10 via, for example, the signal cables 11a and 11b.

The CCD drive signals include horizontal and vertical drive signals and C drive signals.
In FIG. 1, for example, a signal cable 11a transmits horizontal and vertical drive signals, and a signal cable (also referred to as CCD drive power cable) 11b transmits CCD drive power. In the present embodiment,
A liquid crystal cell driving circuit 13 provided in the connector section 5 is supplied with a CCD driving power supply via a signal cable 11b.
The liquid crystal cell driving circuit 13 operates the liquid crystal cell 9 by the CD driving power supply.
A liquid crystal cell driving signal (liquid crystal cell driving power supply) for driving the liquid crystal cell is generated, and the liquid crystal cell driving signal is transmitted through a signal cable (also referred to as a liquid crystal cell driving cable) 11 c and can be applied to the liquid crystal cell 9.

Further, by applying a CCD drive signal supplied from the CCD drive circuit 14 of the video processor 6A,
The CCD output signal (Vou) photoelectrically converted by the CCD 10
t) is a signal cable (also called a CCD output cable) 1
1d, and input to the image processing circuit 15 in the video processor 6A via the connector unit 5. The image signal (video signal) processed by the image processing circuit 15 is output from the image signal cable 16 to a monitor (not shown) or the like.

A power cable 17 extends to the video processor 6A, and a plug at the end of the power cable 17 is connected to an outlet of a commercial power supply, so that the video processor 6A
DC power necessary for the operation is supplied to the CCD drive circuit 14 and the image processing circuit 15 via a power supply circuit (not shown).

The liquid crystal cell 9 used in the image pickup device 7 according to the present embodiment is an electronic component whose orientation changes depending on an AC voltage value (liquid crystal cell drive signal) and whose refractive index changes. However, in the case of a liquid crystal in which the alignment state is completely switched by applying a voltage value of 30 V with respect to the alignment state in the case of a voltage value of 0 V, the refractive index becomes variable in the middle of the liquid crystal. Is the same as the refractive index when 30 V is applied.

By supplying a liquid crystal cell drive signal to the liquid crystal cell 9, the refractive index of the liquid crystal cell 9 itself can be changed, and accordingly, the focal length of the objective optical system 8 can be changed, and A variable mechanism is formed.

As described above, the liquid crystal cell drive circuit 13 is arranged in the connector section 5, and generates a liquid crystal cell drive signal using a CCD drive power supply. The liquid crystal cell 9 can be switched by turning on / off a liquid crystal cell drive SW 18 provided in the operation unit 3. As described above, the CCD cables (11a, 11b, 11d) including the CCD drive signal, the CCD video output signal, and other CCD drive signals, and the liquid crystal cell drive cable 11c are connected to the insertion section 2 to the connector section 5 respectively.
Are grouped together as a composite cable 12.

The configuration of the liquid crystal cell drive circuit 13 will be described with reference to FIG. The liquid crystal cell driving signal is an AC signal, whereas the CC supplied by the signal cable 11b is CC.
Since the D drive power supply is direct current, first, the liquid crystal cell drive voltage generation circuit 37 including a DC-DC converter converts the direct current into the alternating current.

Subsequently, the liquid crystal cell drive waveform forming circuit 38 generates a drive waveform corresponding to the drive conditions of the liquid crystal cell. The drive signal generated in this way is supplied to the liquid crystal cell drive SW
The signal is transmitted to the liquid crystal cell 9 via the liquid crystal cell driving signal cable 11c while being switched by the focal position switching circuit 39 based on the information from 18.

When the video scope 1 is connected to a second video processor 6B to be described later, a focus position control signal is applied to the focus position switching circuit 39 from the second video processor 6B.

In the present embodiment, the liquid crystal cell drive circuit 13 uses a CCD drive power supply. However, other liquid crystal drive signals (horizontal drive signals and vertical drive signals) may be used. .

Next, the configuration of the imaging device 7 will be described with reference to FIG. The imaging device 7 shown in FIG.
Lenses 8a to 8g constituting the objective optical system 8 attached to the reference numerals 1a and 21b, and a liquid crystal cell 9 interposed therebetween.
A CCD 10 attached to a CCD holding frame 22 fixed to a lens frame 21b; and an electronic circuit board 2 provided on the back side of the CCD 10 and mounted with an IC chip 23 and the like.
4 and a liquid crystal cell 9, a CCD 10, an electronic circuit board 2
4 is connected to the composite cable 12.

The composite cable 12 collectively includes a VDD simple line signal cable 11b, a Vout coaxial cable 11d, a liquid crystal cell driving signal cable 11c which is two simple lines, and the like. Liquid crystal cell drive signal cable 11c
Instead of using two simple wires, the inner conductor and the outer conductor of one coaxial cable may be used.

The CCD 10 comprises a CCD chip 10a and a CCD cover glass 10 having a light-receiving surface adhered with a UV adhesive.
b, a TAB tape 10 which is, for example, bump-bonded to electrodes provided in a line at the lower end of the drawing on the same surface as the light receiving surface.
c. The bump bonding portion and the connection portion between the CCD chip 10a and the CCD cover glass 10b are entirely covered with a sealant.

The TAB tape 10c is firmly adhered and fixed to the lower end of the CCD chip 10a, and extends straight backward. The electronic circuit board 24 is an L-shaped ceramic substrate on which the IC chip 23 is flip-chip mounted and a cable connection land or TAB is mounted.
A connection land for the tape 10c is also provided.

After arranging the electronic circuit board 24 on the back of the CCD chip 10a as shown in FIG.
The B tape 10c and the electronic circuit board 24 are electrically connected with solder or the like.
Connect mechanically. CCD cover glass 1 for CCD 10
An optical lens 25b such as an optical filter is affixed to the center Ob, and a flare stop 26 is dropped into the CCD holding frame 22, and the optical lens 25 and the like are assembled.

After all the cables of the composite cable 12 except for the liquid crystal cell drive cable 11c are soldered to the electronic circuit board 24, the shield frame 27 is fitted and fixed to the CCD holding frame 22, and the sealing resin is sealed in the shield frame 27. Fill 28. The shield frame 27 is manufactured by providing a cutout for releasing the liquid crystal cell drive cable 11c at a part of its rear end. The liquid crystal cell drive cable 11c is connected to the rear end of the flexible circuit board (FPC) 29 of the liquid crystal cell 9.

The liquid crystal cell 9, the objective lenses 8a to 8g, the lens spacing rings 31a to 31 are provided on the lens frames 21a and 21b.
c, insulating frame 32, brightness aperture plate 33, anti-flare plate 34
a and 34b are inserted, and the outer periphery of the front end surface of the objective lens 8a and the outer periphery of the rear end surface of the objective lens 8g are bonded and fixed all around.

The lens frame 21b and the lens spacing ring 31a are partially cut away from a circle so as to avoid the FPC 29 of the liquid crystal cell 9. The brightness diaphragm plate 33 is processed so as to avoid the FPC 29 after being adjusted to the outer shape of the liquid crystal cell 9. Similarly, the objective lenses 8c and 8d are partly cut from a circle, and are formed in a D shape so as to avoid the FPC 29.

The lens frame 21b and the lens spacing ring 31
a, the aperture stop plate 33, and the objective lenses 8c and 8d are assembled so that the cutout portions are aligned with the position of the FPC 29. An adhesive 35 is filled between the notch portion of the FPC 29 and the lens frame 21b, and firmly fixes the FPC 29. The insulating frame 32 is made of an insulating material such as ceramics.

The lenses 8a to 8 are mounted on the lens frames 21a and 21b.
g and CCD holding frame 2
2 with a CCD chip 10a attached
The lens frames 21a and 21b are focused on the D side.
And the CCD holding frame 22 are fixed. Lens frame 21
An adhesive 35 is also filled between a and the FPC 29. When the positions of the objective lens and CCD are determined, FPC2
9 and the liquid crystal cell drive cable 11c are soldered and electrically and mechanically connected. Thereafter, the whole is heat-shrinkable tube 36
Then, after sealing resin 28 is filled therein, it is shrunk and fixed.

The liquid crystal cell 9 will be described with reference to FIGS. The liquid crystal cell 9 includes a biconcave lens 41, glass plates 42 and 43 provided on both surfaces thereof, two liquid crystal 44 provided between a biconcave surface portion of the biconcave lens 41 and glass plates 42 and 43 provided on both surfaces thereof. And the FPC 29. The biconcave lenses 41 to the glass plate 43 have the same outer shape, and have a shape obtained by cutting a part of the upper and lower parts from a circle. A concave surface is formed at the center of both surfaces of the biconcave lens 41, and the other flat surface is entirely subjected to black processing 46 such as chrome plating.

Further, a transparent electrode 47a and an alignment film 48 are sequentially formed over the entire surface of both surfaces of the biconcave lens 41, and a folded electrode 47b partially drawn from the transparent electrode 47a is formed on one cut portion (upper side in the drawing). ing. Similarly, an alignment film 48, a transparent electrode 47a, and a folded electrode 47b are formed on one surface of each of the glass plates 42 and 43.

The biconcave lens 41 to the alignment film 4 of the glass plate 43
The surfaces on which 8 and the like are formed are joined together, and three lenses are bonded and fixed to the outer shape. The FPC 29 is bonded and fixed with an anisotropic conductive resin or the like to the cut surface on which the folded electrode 47b is formed. The two conductor patterns 44 are formed by the folded electrodes 47b of the glass plates 42 and 43 and the folded electrodes of the biconcave lens 41, respectively. 47b.

With such a connection, it is possible to apply a voltage to the liquid crystals 44 provided at two places at the same time. The base material 45 of the FPC 29 is made of polyimide or the like, and has a black color so as not to cause optical problems. FPC2
The nine tips are arranged so as to protrude slightly from the front surface of the glass plate 42, and the protruding portion is reinforced and fixed with an adhesive 49a.

The connection between the glass plate 43 and the FPC 29 is also reinforced and fixed by the adhesive 49b. Further, the cut surfaces of the biconcave lenses 41 to the glass plate 43 and the ends on the FPC 29 side are also reinforced and fixed firmly with the adhesive 50a. The FPC 29 is bent upward at an angle of about 60 ° with an appropriate radius near the glass plate 43.

In this state, the biconcave lens 41 to the glass plate 43
The liquid crystal 4 is placed in the concave portion of the biconcave lens 41 from the other cut surface side of
Fill 4 After filling, the entrance is filled with a sealant 50b. The material and the filling amount of the liquid crystal 44, the biconcave lens 41
The refractive index, switching speed, and the like of the liquid crystal cell 9 vary greatly depending on the curvature, depth, applied voltage value, and the like.

Here, the positional relationship between the liquid crystal cell 9 and the CCD 10 will be described with reference to FIG. CCD 10 has T
The AB tape 10c is arranged, and the vertical size Vpkg is larger and longer than the horizontal size Hpkg in the entire package (Hpkg).
<Vpkg). In addition, the image area is formed such that the horizontal size Image is larger than the vertical size Image and is horizontally long (Image> Vim).
age).

The liquid crystal cell 9 has its cut surface disposed above and below the image area of the CCD 10, that is, on the narrow angle side of the observed image. The FPC 29 is located above the CCD 10,
That is, they are arranged so as to be located on the short side of the CCD 10. This direction is also a position opposite to the TAB tape 10c.

The focus setting method will be described with reference to FIG. The observation depth of an existing fixed focus videoscope is, for example, 5 mm to 100 mm as shown in FIG.
It is set as follows. In the video scope 1 of the variable focus mechanism using the liquid crystal cell 9 as in the present embodiment,
As shown in FIG. 8B, by driving the liquid crystal cell 9, an observation depth close to the near point (= macro) that allows closer observation can be set in addition to an observation depth equivalent to a fixed focus (= normal). At this time, the viewing angle does not change between normal and macro.

In this embodiment, the liquid crystal cell 9 is normally ON (= 30 V), and the liquid crystal cell 9 is
F (= 0V) is set. First, with the liquid crystal cell 9 in the ON state, a normal observation depth (5 mm to 100 m
m), the liquid crystal cell 9 is turned off, and the macro observation depth (2 to 6 mm) is confirmed.

Here, it is predicted that a certain performance cannot be obtained in a macro mode due to manufacturing variations of the liquid crystal cell 9.
The following adjustments can ensure stable quality. When the macro is too close, the liquid crystal cell 9 is set to 0V.
Instead, it may be set to, for example, 4V. If it is desired to further overlap the macro and normal observation depths, the voltage of the liquid crystal cell 9 in the macro is increased, for example, 8
It is good to set to V or the like.

On the contrary, it is also possible to first set the macro with the liquid crystal cell 9 in the OFF state and adjust the voltage value in the ON state to 30 V or less to set the normal. Since the relationship between the applied voltage value and the refractive index, that is, the focal length, differs depending on the characteristics of the liquid crystal 44 and the unevenness and curvature of the lens accommodating the liquid crystal 44, the voltage value is normally 0V and the macro voltage value is 30V. It is also possible to make such settings. These adjustments may be made in the liquid crystal cell drive circuit 13 in FIG. 1 according to the individual difference of the video scope 1 including the liquid crystal cell 9.

The above adjustment will be described with reference to FIGS. For simple ON / OFF switching that does not require any particular adjustment, for example, a liquid crystal cell driving signal of 30 V AC may be generated by the liquid crystal cell driving voltage generation circuit 37 of FIG. 3 using a CCD driving power supply of 15 V DC.

At this time, the driving waveform is as shown in FIG. 8A, and the liquid crystal cell driving waveform forming circuit 38 in FIG. However, when switching is performed at a stretch with a large voltage difference (30 V → 0 V) or when the filling amount of the liquid crystal 44 is large, the orientation state of the liquid crystal 44 may not change smoothly or the switching speed may be reduced. Therefore, there is a method in which the focus position switching circuit 39 shown in FIG. 3 gradually switches from 30 V to 0 V over a certain period of time (for example, about 0.5 second) with a drive waveform as shown in FIG. 8B.

In this way, natural switching of the orientation state and improvement of the switching speed can be expected. Also, as mentioned above, 4V
In the case of switching such as 8V → 30V, FIG.
The driving waveform is as shown in FIG. The low voltage (4 or 8 V) and the high voltage (30
V) is generated, and both are switched by the focus position switching circuit 39.

The configuration when the video scope 1 is connected to the second video processor 6B will be described with reference to FIG. The second video processor 6B has an autofocus (AF) function added to the video processor 6A.

The second video processor 6B has a CCD 10
The CCD video output signal is read into the image processing circuit 15, and the signal processed by the image processing circuit 15 is received by the focus position determination circuit 51. The focus position determination circuit 51 uses the information such as contrast and brightness to blur the image. The amount is determined, and a focus position control signal is sent to the liquid crystal cell drive circuit 13 by a signal cable (focus position control cable) 52 as to whether the focus position is to be normal or macro.

As shown in FIG. 3, both the liquid crystal cell drive switch (SW) 18 and the focus position control signal send signals to the focus position switching circuit 39, and both operate in the same manner. The signal of the cell drive SW 18 is given priority over the signal from the focus position control signal. The focal position is not limited to the two focal points, and may be set at a plurality of intermediate positions as needed. That is, setting such as three-focal point and four-focal point is possible by the objective optical system 8.

The switch signal from the liquid crystal cell drive SW 18 via the switch signal cable 53 and the AF signal via the AF signal cable 54 from the focus position determining circuit 51 are transmitted to the image processing circuit 15 in the second video processor 6B.
Is transmitted to the liquid crystal cell drive SW 18 at various points as an endoscope system including an image signal output from the image processing circuit 15 and the like.

For example, at the time of macro observation, (1) electronic zoom is applied, (2) electronic mask shape is changed,
(3) AGC gain level is set high, (4) light source lamp drive voltage / current is increased, (5) imaging period (or exposure time / accumulation time) is shortened, (6)
Increase the sensitivity of the CCD. Or (7) Normal /
The macro may be displayed as an image, or the maximum magnification at the time of the closest observation in (8) and (7) may be displayed.

The connector section 5 of the video scope 1 is provided with a signal cable 52 for transmitting a focal position control signal and an electrical contact pin of a switch signal cable 53 for transmitting a switch signal, as shown in FIG. When the processor 6A and the video scope 1 are connected, the contact pin is in a floating state. The contact pin may be provided in the existing electric contact portion, or may be provided separately near the connector portion 5.

The video scope 1 is a video processor 6A.
With the connection to the second video processor 6B, observation by AF and MF is possible only with the connection with the second video processor 6B. That is, for the operator, the former is a bifocal switching scope as shown in FIG. 7B, and the latter is an autofocus scope with a wide observation range (2 mm to 100 mm) as shown in FIG. 7C.

An imaging device 141 as a modification of the imaging device 7 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The imaging device 141 of this modification is a case where the liquid crystal cell 143 is relatively large with respect to the small CCD 142.

This imaging device 141 has a lens frame 144a,
Objective lenses 8a, 8b, 8 attached to 144b
c, 8e, 8f, a liquid crystal cell 143 interposed between the objective lenses 8b and 8c, and a CCD attached to a CCD holding frame 145 fitted and fixed to the lens frame 144b.
142, and a TAB tape 146 on which electronic components are mounted on the back side of the CCD 142.

The CCD chip 14 constituting the CCD 142
The light receiving surface 2a is covered with a CCD cover glass 142b. The liquid crystal cell 143 includes a biconcave lens 147, glass plates 148 and 149 provided on both surfaces of the biconcave lens 147, a liquid crystal 150 provided on the biconcave surface of the biconcave lens 147, and the liquid crystal 1.
50 and an FPC 151 connected thereto.

The structure of the liquid crystal cell 143 is substantially the same as that of the liquid crystal cell 9 except that the biconcave lens 147 is processed into a D-shape in which only the portion to which the FPC 151 is connected is cut. They are connected so as not to protrude, and the FPC 151 is mounted without being bent.

The lens frame 144b is cut away so as to avoid the FPC 151. A liquid crystal cell drive cable 153 is also incorporated in the composite cable 152 connected to the TAB tape 146 or the like, and the internal conductor 15
3a is connected to the glass plates 148 and 149, and the outer conductor 153c is connected to the electrode of the FPC 151 connected to the biconcave lens 147. Note that 153b and 153d are insulators.

First, the CCD cable of the composite cable 152 is connected to the CCD 142, and the heat-shrinkable tube 155 is tightened while the sealant 154 is filled around the CCD 142. After the focusing operation is completed, the FPC 151 is extended straight to the outer periphery of the heat-shrinkable tube 155, and the liquid crystal cell drive cable 153 is connected to the FPC 151 in this state. Finally, the heat-shrinkable tube 15 including the periphery of the connection portion
5 is filled with a sealant 156, and the heat-shrinkable tube 1
Tighten 57 to complete.

The effect of the present embodiment will be described.

The video scope 1 having the liquid crystal cell 9 has a built-in liquid crystal cell drive circuit 13 in the connector section 5, and the liquid crystal cell drive circuit 13 uses a CCD drive power supply. It can be used without the need for a separate driving device for driving.

As a result, the liquid crystal cell 9 can be effectively operated without adding a separate driving device to the existing video processor 6A as well as the new second video processor 6B. Can be used for endoscopic diagnosis or endoscopy without the need for additional adapters, etc.
Easy to use.

Further, if the second video processor 6B is selected, there is an effect that additional functions such as AF and image processing can be used. The liquid crystal cell drive circuit 13
Can be made small enough to fit in the connector section 5, and there is no handling problem with the existing video scope 6A.

The liquid crystal cell driving circuit 13 is a video scope 1
The videoscope 1 can exhibit stable performance by adjusting the liquid crystal cell drive circuit 13 according to the variation in the performance of the liquid crystal cell 9. Since the CCD drive power supply, CCD video output signal, liquid crystal cell drive power supply, and other CCD drive cables are collectively collected by the composite cable 12, assembling workability is improved, and mechanical reliability against disconnection and the like is improved.

Since the switching operation of the liquid crystal cell 9 can be easily performed by the liquid crystal cell driving switch 18, the observation is easy without blurring during the observation. Also, macro observation is possible in addition to the observation depth of the existing scope, so that magnifying observation can be performed more easily than in the past simply by approaching the subject, and detailed diagnosis can be performed. If the AF is used, it is possible to observe the object more closely by the same operation as the conventional scope, so that there is an excellent effect that the observation can be performed without worrying about the distance to the subject.

Since the liquid crystal cell 9 is electrically switched and has no mechanically moving parts, the structure of the image pickup device 7 is not only simple, but also can be assembled very small. Therefore, the outer diameter of the insertion portion 2 of the video scope 1 can be manufactured to be exactly the same size as the existing video scope 6A.

In an endoscope, it is required to efficiently arrange a large number of built-in components.
Reference numeral 10 is manufactured to suppress the size in a certain direction. For example, a forceps insertion channel (not shown) is
The proportion occupying the cross section is large, and the outer diameter of the insertion portion 2 is often determined by this size and the short side of the CCD 10. Therefore C
Since the dimension of the short side (for example, in the horizontal direction) of the CD 10 is definitely required to be suppressed, in this embodiment, the FPC 29 is
10 (short side direction). In this way, even when the liquid crystal cell 9 is mounted, the outer diameter of the insertion section 2 does not need to be increased.

The FPC 29 is arranged on the upper side while the TAB tape 10c of the CCD 10 is arranged on the lower side. In other words, by providing the TAB tape 10c and the FPC 29 on different sides, the connection work of the return cable 12 becomes easy, and there is no fear of a short circuit or the like.

The image area of the CCD 10 is provided horizontally long, and a pair of cut portions of the liquid crystal cell 9 are provided on the upper and lower sides of the image area. That is, since the cut portion is provided on the narrow angle of view side, the biconcave lens 4
1 to increase the flat portion connecting the glass plate 43 and the FPC 29, so that the electrical and mechanical reliability is improved. Since the insulation between the liquid crystal cell 9 and the lens frame 21a, that is, the mounting portion, is ensured by the insulating frame 32, there is no risk of malfunction or the like even when a high-frequency device or the like is used, and sufficient resistance to static electricity is ensured. be able to.

In FIG. 10, since the FPC 151 is arranged without bending, the peeling of the liquid crystal cell 143 is prevented, and the durability is improved. In addition, the heat shrink tube 15
5, 157, the connection work of the composite cable 152 is facilitated.

(Second Embodiment) A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 14. The same reference numerals are given to components common to the first embodiment. Therefore, the description is omitted. FIG. 11 shows a configuration when the video scope of the second embodiment is connected to a video processor and a zoom drive device, FIG. 12 shows an explanatory diagram of observation depth, and FIG. 13 shows an external view and a front view of a liquid crystal cell. FIG. 1
4 shows a sectional view, a front view, and a sectional view of a mounted state of a liquid crystal cell of a modification.

First, the structure and operation of this embodiment will be described.
This will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, the video scope 61 is connected to the video processor 6A (or 6B) and the zoom control device 62.

The video scope 61 according to the present embodiment includes an objective optical system 8 having a movable lens 64 movable in the optical axis direction as an imaging device 63 provided at the distal end of the insertion section 2, a liquid crystal cell 65, and a CCD 10. And That is, similarly to the first embodiment, a variable focus mechanism using the liquid crystal cell 65 is provided, and the movable lens 64 is connected to the movable lens drive motor 66.
The zoom mechanism is provided by adopting a configuration in which the objective optical system 8 is moved back and forth along the optical axis direction of the objective optical system 8.

In this embodiment, a zoom control device 62 separate from the video processor 6 A (6 B) is connected to the video scope 61, so that the movable lens drive motor 66 is supplied with a motor drive power supply via the signal cable 67. Given. The operation unit 3 is further provided with a zoom SW 68. By switching the zoom SW 68, a switch signal is sent to the zoom control device 62 by a signal cable 69, and a motor drive power is supplied to the movable lens drive motor 66 and the movable lens 64 Can be moved, and a zoom mechanism can be used.

The connector section 5 is provided with a liquid crystal cell driving circuit 70, which has almost the same configuration as the liquid crystal cell driving circuit 13 described in FIG. 3 of the first embodiment.
The only difference is that instead of the supply of the CCD driving power by the signal cable 11b, the supply of the motor driving power by the signal cable 67 is replaced.

That is, in the present embodiment, the DC power from the zoom controller 62 is used as the AC power for driving the liquid crystal cell. As in the first embodiment, the liquid crystal cell 65 can be operated by operating the liquid crystal cell drive switch 18, and a variable focus mechanism can be used.

A CCD drive cable 11a, a CCD drive power supply cable 11b, a CCD video output signal cable 1
In addition to the CCD cable such as 1d, a liquid crystal cell drive cable 11c and a motor drive cable 67
They are grouped together as 1. A focus position determination circuit 51 shown by a dashed line is provided in the video processor 6A, and a focus position control signal is output to the liquid crystal cell drive circuit 70 by a cable 52, whereby AF can be performed similarly to the second video processor 6B. Configuration. (However, the zoom mechanism is manually operated.) The observation depth setting of the video scope 61 will be described with reference to FIG. In a conventional two-point switching zoom scope, as shown in FIG.
e 2-3 mm / viewing angle 60 °, Wide 8 mm-1
The setting was such as 00 mm / 140 ° viewing angle.
For this reason, the normal observation (Wide) has a shortage of near points, and the magnification observation (Tele) has a disadvantage that the observation depth is extremely narrow and the viewing angle is narrow, so that it is difficult to capture the subject.

In this embodiment, since the focus can be changed by the liquid crystal cell 65, the observation depth at the time of Wide is added to the depth range A at the time of the conventional Wide as shown in FIG. It is also possible to switch to B (4 mm to 9 mm). 4m overall when using AF
A wide observation range of m to 100 mm can be covered.

At the time of Tele, similarly to the above, FIG.
As described above, it is possible to switch to the observation range C (2.5 mm to 5 mm) in addition to the conventional observation depth D at the time of Tele. If the AF is used, a remarkably wide observation depth can be obtained at the tele time of 2 to 5 mm as compared with the conventional example. In the case of 4 mm to 5 mm, Wid
Since the observation ranges of e and Tele overlap, when viewing at this distance, the viewing angle can be switched between 60 ° / 140 °.

Next, the configuration of the liquid crystal cell 65 will be described with reference to FIG. The glass plates 42 and 43 have the same outer shape as in the first embodiment, but the biconcave lens 72 has a D-shaped outer shape in which only a part of a circular shape is cut out. Folded electrode 73-
As shown in the figure, 75 is formed from the notch to a part of the outer periphery of the circle. In the FPC 78, a base material 81 is formed in a U-shape, and two L-shaped conductor patterns 79 and 80 are formed on the base material 81. One conductive pattern 79 is connected to the folded electrodes 73 and 74 and the other is formed. The conductor pattern 80 is connected to the folded electrode 75 with an anisotropic conductive adhesive or the like.

As shown in FIG. 13B, the folded electrode 73
If the conductor patterns 79 and 80 and the solders 76 and 77 are used for soldering and fixing by using the outer peripheral portion of
Has a stronger connection strength. Therefore, even if the FPC 78 is bent and fixed after the liquid crystal cell drive cable 11c is soldered to the conductor patterns 79 and 80, it does not peel off.

The structure of a liquid crystal cell 83 according to a modification will be described with reference to FIGS. In this liquid crystal cell 83, glass plates 85 and 86 are provided on both sides of a biconcave lens 84,
The liquid crystal 44 is provided between the concave portions of the biconcave lens 83 and the glass plates 85 and 86. Each of the glass plates 85 and 86 has an outer shape in which two opposing portions are cut from a circular shape like the glass plates 42 and 43, but the cut amount of one is small.

A folded electrode was provided on the side surface having a small cut amount, and this electrode was arranged on the upper side of the biconcave lens 84 and the lower side of the glass plates 85 and 86 in the drawing, and three electrodes were bonded together, and the liquid crystal 44 was filled. FP for the biconcave lens 84
C87 is connected to FPC88 to glass plates 85 and 86,
The connecting portion was reinforced with adhesives 89, 90 and the like. Here, the glass plate 85 is formed so as to be thicker than the glass plate 86 so that the front end of the FPC 88 does not protrude from the front surface of the glass plate 85.

The structure when the liquid crystal cell 83 is incorporated in the objective lens frame will be described with reference to FIG. FP
C87, 88 are approximately 90 from the base to the connecting surface.
° Formed into a bent shape and fixed.

Glass plates 91 and 92 having a larger outer diameter than the liquid crystal cell 83 are arranged before and after the liquid crystal cell 83,
Incorporate in 3. The lens frame 93 has a cut-out portion corresponding to the liquid crystal cell 83 so that the FPCs 87 and 88 do not interfere when the liquid crystal cell 83 is assembled. In addition, the glass plate 9
The portions sandwiched between 1 and 92 are filled with adhesives 94 and 95, and have a structure in which the FPCs 87 and 88 are not easily peeled off.

Next, effects of the present embodiment will be described.

Although the liquid crystal cell 65 is incorporated in the video scope 61 using the zoom control device 62, since the liquid crystal cell 65 is driven by using the motor driving power from the zoom control device 62, a separate driving device is used. Is not required. Therefore, the existing video processor 6A and zoom control device 6
The liquid crystal cell 65 can be effectively operated only by the combination of the two, and the system is not complicated.

Further, if a new second video processor 6B to which a focus position discriminating circuit 51 and a signal cable 52 for a focus position control signal are added is used, AF can be used, and a conventional zoom scope can be used. In addition to the above, there is an effect that not only magnifying observation can be performed much more easily but also operability during normal observation is improved. In addition, since the liquid crystal cell 65 has a structure in which the FPC 78 is not easily peeled, improvement in assemblability and durability can be expected.

In the liquid crystal cell 83, the FPCs 87, 88
Does not protrude from the front surface of the glass plate 85, so that assemblability is improved and peeling off can be prevented. FPC8
Since the wirings 7 and 88 are divided up and down, the cut portion from the circle can be reduced, so that the circumference can be increased.

[0092] For this reason, it is possible to suppress the misalignment when assembled in the lens frame. Since there are steps between the biconcave lens 84 and the glass plates 85, 86, the FPCs 87, 88
Can be securely connected. When incorporated into the lens frame 93, the FPCs 87, 88 are firmly fixed because the glass plates 91, 92 are large.

If the cut amount of the biconcave lens 84 to the glass plate 86 is the same in the upper and lower portions, a large liquid crystal filling portion can be obtained even with the same outer diameter. Even if the liquid crystal filling portion is the same, an effect that the sealing portion of the liquid crystal 44 can be largely removed and the resistance is improved can be expected.

(Third Embodiment) A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
Components common to those of the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. FIG. 15 shows a configuration when the video scope of the third embodiment is connected to a video processor and a zoom drive device, and FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of operation switches.

The configuration and operation of this embodiment will be described first with reference to FIG. The video scope 96 according to the present embodiment includes a video processor 97 and a zoom control device 6.
2 is connected to. This video scope 96 is different from the video scope 61 of the second embodiment in that an ID output circuit 98 is further provided in the connector section 5 of the video scope 96, and a video processor 97 is further provided with an ID processing circuit 99 in the video processor 6A. Has been added.

The ID output circuit 98 is a circuit driven by using the CCD drive power supply cable 11b.
The information unique to the video scope is created from 3, 69. I
The information created by the D output circuit 98 is transmitted to the ID processing circuit 99 as an ID output signal by the cable 101,
After the processing according to D is performed, it is sent to the image processing circuit 15 and the processing related to the display is performed. CCD drive power supply, CCD
CCD cable (11a, 11
b, 11d), the liquid crystal cell drive power cable 11c, and the motor drive power cable 67 are collectively collected as a composite cable 102.

FIG. 1 shows the configuration of the integrated switch 100.
This will be described in Section 6. The total switch 100 is a lever switch S
It comprises a W103 and a button drive SW104. Drive SW1 with switch SW103 fixed above
When the user presses 04, the liquid crystal cell 65 can be operated, and the focus can be switched. When the drive SW 104 is pressed while the switch SW 103 is fixed at the lower position, the movable lens drive motor 66
Can be driven, and zoom switching can be performed. Note that a foot switch 105 for performing zoom control is connected to the zoom control device 62.

The ID output circuit 98 stores the observation magnification at the time of closest observation at each observation depth of A, B, C, and D in FIG. 12 of the second embodiment. The observation magnification is called in accordance with the operation of the general SW 100, and the ID processing circuit 9
9 is transmitted. The overall observation magnification is calculated in the ID processing circuit 99 together with the image output screen size and the magnification of the electronic zoom, and the magnification is displayed on the monitor via the image processing circuit 15.

In the ID output circuit 99, in addition to the observation magnification, various kinds of information such as the type of image sensor unique to the video scope and the length of the cable are stored, and new information such as the total use time and the sterilization circuit is stored. It is written each time it is used.

Since the maximum observation magnification can be changed by the voltage value applied to the liquid crystal cell 65, the observation magnification can be preset from the outside. A switch is operated from the front panel or the like of the video processor 97, and a signal is transmitted from the ID processing circuit 99 to the ID output circuit 98 to change the B and D observation magnification settings. By transmitting a signal from the ID output circuit 98 to the liquid crystal cell driving circuit 70 so as to generate a liquid crystal cell driving waveform according to the setting, observation at a new observation magnification becomes possible by operating the comprehensive SW 100.

Of course, it is also possible to provide a switch that acts on the ID output circuit 98 or the liquid crystal cell drive circuit 70 directly from the video scope 96 instead of from the video processor 97 so that the preset operation can be performed. Naturally, these functions shown in the present embodiment can be applied even in a configuration without a zoom mechanism as in the first embodiment.

The effect will be described. The main effects are the same as those of the second embodiment. Since the observation can be performed at the operator's favorite maximum magnification using the ID function, the operability is improved.

Since two operations can be performed by one integrated switch 100, the operation is simple and space is saved. Since both are not operated at the same time, there is no operational defect at all. Since all cables are put together as the composite cable 102, assembly workability is improved.

(Fourth Embodiment) A fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 to 22, and the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those of the first to third embodiments. The description is omitted. FIG. 17 shows a configuration when a video scope and a video processor according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention are connected, FIG. 18 shows a configuration of a liquid crystal cell driving circuit, and FIG.
FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure and the like of an imaging device, FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal cell of a modification, FIG. 21 shows the appearance of a biconcave lens constituting a liquid crystal cell of still another modification, and FIG. FIG. 3 shows an explanatory diagram of a method of connecting a drive cable. First, the configuration and operation will be described.

As shown in FIG. 17, a video scope 106 according to the present embodiment
7, an objective optical system 8, a liquid crystal cell 108, a CCD 1
09, a liquid crystal cell driving circuit 110 is also provided, and CCD cables such as a CCD driving power supply cable 11b and a CCD video output signal cable 11d extend from the liquid crystal cell driving circuit 110 through the insertion section 2 to the connector section 5. .

In the liquid crystal cell drive circuit 110, a liquid crystal cell drive power supply is generated using a CCD drive power supply, and is supplied to the liquid crystal cell 108 via the liquid crystal cell drive cable 11c.
Note that the liquid crystal cell driving circuit 110 is provided with an HI for the CCD 109.
A circuit is provided as a part of the C substrate.

FIG. 17 shows the liquid crystal cell driving circuit 110.
This will be described with reference to FIG. The CCD drive power supply by the CCD drive power supply cable 11b is input to the liquid crystal cell drive voltage generation circuit 112 and is supplied to the CCD 109 as it is, and is processed into a liquid crystal cell drive power supply as an AC power supply and sent to the focus position switching circuit 113 by the cable 11c. Can be

The focus position switching circuit 113 is turned ON / OFF by a signal from the focus position determination circuit 114. In the focus position determination circuit 114, C
Based on the CCD video output signal of the CD video output signal cable 11d, it is determined whether the focus position is in the macro range or the normal range.

A signal is sent to the focus position switching circuit 113 when the current normal / macro state does not match the focus position, and only when the signal is sent, the focus position switching circuit 1
13 is set to be switched. The CCD video output signal from the CCD 109 is branched in the liquid crystal cell drive circuit 110 and transmitted as it is to the image processing circuit 15 of the video processor 6 in addition to the focus position determination circuit 114.

Next, referring to FIG.
07 will be described. The imaging device 107 includes an objective lens 8a attached to lens frames 116a and 116b,
8b, 8e, 8f, objective lens 8b and objective lens 8
e, a liquid crystal cell 108 inserted between the
The CCD 109 is provided with a CCD 109 mounted on a CCD holding frame 117 fitted and fixed to the frame b, and a liquid crystal cell drive circuit 110 provided on the back side of the CCD 109.

The liquid crystal cell 108 is connected to the front end of a liquid crystal cell drive cable 119 via a connection pin 118, and the rear end of the liquid crystal cell drive cable 119 is
20 and connected by soldering. An electronic component 121 such as a chip capacitor and a chip resistor and an IC chip 122 are mounted on the TAB tape 120.
A liquid crystal cell driving circuit 110 that drives and controls the liquid crystal cell 108 in addition to the driving and output of the liquid crystal cell 109 is configured. The TAB tape 120 has a CCD cable 123
Is connected.

The CCD 109 is a CCD chip 109.
a is covered with the CCD cover glass 109b. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 19B showing the AA cross section of FIG.
The left and right corners of one side (upper part of the drawing) of the D holding frame 117 are notched. The side (upper side in the drawing) on the electrode side of the CCD chip 109a constituting the CCD 109 is indicated by B in FIG.
TAB tape 12 as shown in FIG.
It is formed to be slightly narrower in accordance with the width of 0.

The lens frame 116b shown in FIG. 19A is processed with an insulating material, and is provided with through holes corresponding to the electrode portions of the liquid crystal cell 108. Connection pin 11 in through hole
8 are provided and connected and fixed to the liquid crystal cell 108 by soldering. The connection pin 118 and the liquid crystal cell drive cable 119 are connected by soldering, and the liquid crystal cell drive cable 1
Numeral 19 is arranged along the cutout of the CCD holding frame 117 and the narrow portion of the CCD chip 109a, and the other end of the liquid crystal cell drive cable 119 is connected to the electrode provided in the liquid crystal cell drive circuit 110 by soldering. Is done. The outside of the liquid crystal cell drive cable 119 is covered with a shield frame 124, and the outside is further covered with a heat-shrinkable tube 36.

FIG. 20 shows a liquid crystal cell 126 according to a modification.
The liquid crystal cell holding frame 127 is made of ceramics, and has its inner surface and both end surfaces subjected to metal evaporation. Liquid crystal cell holding frames 128, 12
9 is also made of the same material and has a metal deposited on the inner surface and one end surface. Each of the biconcave lens 130 and the glass plates 131 and 132 has an electrode which is electrically connected to the liquid crystal filling portion on the entire outer peripheral portion.

The lens constituting the liquid crystal cell 108 shown in FIG. 19A may have a structure like a biconcave lens 133 shown in FIG. That is, a plurality of cut portions are provided on the outer peripheral portion of the biconcave lens 133, and the electrode 134 is provided in that portion.
Is formed.

As for the connection of the liquid crystal cell drive cable 119, a connection board 136 is provided outside the shield frame 135 as shown in FIG. 22A, and the liquid crystal cell drive cable 119 and the liquid crystal cell drive cable 137 are connected to the connection board 136. Alternatively, the connection may be made via a connection. The liquid crystal cell drive cable 137 is connected to the TAB tape 120 as shown in FIG. In addition, as shown in FIG. 22B, by using a shield frame 138 in which wiring is printed on a surface subjected to insulation treatment,
The liquid crystal cell drive cable 119 and the liquid crystal cell drive cable 137 may be directly connected to this.

The effect of the present embodiment will be described. Even if the video processor 6A is completely existing, AF becomes possible, and observation can be performed as desired by the operator. Since the liquid crystal cell drive circuit 110 is provided at the distal end, the same CCD cable 123 as the existing video scope can be used, and the insertion section 2 can be manufactured with exactly the same diameter.

Since the CCD holding frame 117 and the CCD 109 are provided with appropriate notches, the image pickup apparatus 1 is provided despite the provision of the liquid crystal cell drive cable 119 for the liquid crystal cell 108.
07 does not increase in size. Liquid crystal cell 108 and liquid crystal cell 12
Since the lens 6 has only an electrode on the lens itself, it is easy to handle and assemble it alone.

Since the electrodes 134 are provided at a plurality of locations as shown in FIG. 21, even if there is a problem in soldering with the connection pins 118, it is possible to make corrections. Needless to say, if the FPC is assembled as in the liquid crystal cells of the first and second embodiments, it is possible to make adjustments when assembling the FPC. It should be noted that embodiments and the like configured by partially combining the above-described embodiments and the like also belong to the present invention.

[Supplementary Notes] An electronic endoscope having an imaging unit to which DC power is supplied from the outside at the distal end side of the insertion unit and including a liquid crystal cell as a focus variable mechanism for changing a focus of an objective optical system constituting the imaging unit. ,
An electronic endoscope, wherein a liquid crystal cell driving circuit for driving the liquid crystal cell from the DC power supply is provided in the electronic endoscope.

0 '. In an endoscope apparatus provided with a liquid crystal cell as a focus variable mechanism for changing the focus of the objective optical system in an objective optical system provided on the distal end side of the insertion portion of the endoscope, an external endoscope is provided. An endoscope apparatus, wherein a liquid crystal cell drive circuit for converting a DC power supply supplied to the endoscope into an AC power supply as a drive power supply for the liquid crystal cell is provided in the endoscope. 1. An electronic endoscope having a liquid crystal cell as a variable focus mechanism in an objective optical system, characterized in that the electronic endoscope is provided with a liquid crystal cell drive circuit for generating an AC power supply as a liquid crystal cell drive power supply from a DC power supply supplied from outside. Electronic endoscope.

2. An electronic endoscope having a liquid crystal cell as a variable focal point mechanism in an objective optical system, comprising a liquid crystal cell drive circuit for generating a liquid crystal cell drive power supply from a CCD drive power supply. 3. In an electronic endoscope having a movable electronic component for electrically driving a movable lens in an objective optical system having a movable lens and a liquid crystal cell as a focus variable mechanism, a liquid crystal cell is supplied from a CCD drive power supply or a movable electronic component drive power supply. An electronic endoscope comprising a liquid crystal cell drive circuit for generating a drive power supply.

4. In additions 1 to 3, the liquid crystal cell drive circuit is controlled by a switch provided in the electronic endoscope. 5. In additions 1 to 3, the liquid crystal cell driving circuit is controlled by CCD video output. 6. Appendix 5 is characterized in that an input terminal for controlling the liquid crystal cell driving circuit is provided in the connector portion.

7. In additions 1 to 3, the liquid crystal cell driving circuit is provided on a CCD driving HIC substrate provided in the distal end portion of the electronic endoscope insertion portion. 8. In additions 1 to 3, the liquid crystal cell drive circuit is provided in the connector portion. 9. In Supplementary Notes 1 to 3, the driving voltage generating circuit includes a driving voltage generating circuit that generates an AC power supply to the liquid crystal cell, a driving waveform forming circuit that forms a voltage value to be applied to the liquid crystal cell, and a focus position switching circuit that switches a state of the liquid crystal cell. And a liquid crystal cell driving circuit. 10. Appendix 9 is characterized in that the voltage value is binary.

(11) An electronic endoscope comprising a liquid crystal cell as a variable focus mechanism in an objective optical system, comprising an adjustment circuit for setting and storing a liquid crystal cell drive voltage. 12a. An electronic endoscope having a liquid crystal cell as a variable focal point mechanism in an objective optical system, further comprising a liquid crystal cell drive circuit for generating an AC power supply as a liquid crystal cell drive power supply from a DC power supply supplied from outside, further comprising the liquid crystal cell drive circuit. An electronic endoscope comprising an adjustment circuit for setting and storing a liquid crystal cell drive voltage in a circuit.

12b. An electronic endoscope having a liquid crystal cell as a variable focus mechanism in an objective optical system, further comprising a liquid crystal cell driving circuit for generating a liquid crystal cell driving power supply from a CCD driving power supply, and further comprising a liquid crystal cell driving voltage in the liquid crystal cell driving circuit. An electronic endoscope provided with an adjustment circuit for setting and storing a value. 12c. In an electronic endoscope having a movable electronic component for electrically driving a movable lens in an objective optical system having a movable lens and a liquid crystal cell as a focus variable mechanism, a liquid crystal cell is supplied from a CCD drive power supply or a movable electronic component drive power supply. An electronic endoscope comprising: a liquid crystal cell driving circuit for generating a driving power source; and an adjusting circuit for setting and storing a liquid crystal cell driving voltage in the liquid crystal cell driving circuit. 13. In additions 12a to 12c, the voltage value is stored in an ID output circuit provided in the electronic endoscope.

(Background of Supplementary Notes 11 to 13) (Prior art) Even if the same voltage is applied, the optical performance varies due to the lens shape, the distance between the surfaces, the alignment state of the filled liquid crystal, and the like. There is a possibility that the magnification varies depending on the scope. (Purpose) For the purpose of absorbing the variation of the liquid crystal cell and obtaining stable quality, the constitutions of appendices 11 to 13 were adopted.

14. An electronic endoscope comprising a liquid crystal cell as a variable focus mechanism in an objective optical system, wherein a liquid crystal cell drive cable and other cables are combined as a single composite cable. 15a. An electronic endoscope having a liquid crystal cell as a variable focal point mechanism in an objective optical system, comprising a liquid crystal cell drive circuit for generating an AC power supply as a liquid crystal cell drive power supply from a DC power supply supplied from outside, and a liquid crystal cell drive cable. An electronic endoscope comprising a CCD drive cable and a single composite cable.

15b. An electronic endoscope having a liquid crystal cell as a variable focal point mechanism in an objective optical system is provided with a liquid crystal cell drive circuit for generating a liquid crystal cell drive power supply from a CCD drive power supply, and one liquid crystal cell drive cable and one CCD drive cable are provided. An electronic endoscope characterized as a composite cable. 15c. In an electronic endoscope having a movable electronic component for electrically driving a movable lens in an objective optical system having a movable lens and a liquid crystal cell as a focus variable mechanism, a liquid crystal cell is supplied from a CCD drive power supply or a movable electronic component drive power supply. An electronic endoscope comprising a liquid crystal cell driving circuit for generating a driving power source, wherein a liquid crystal cell driving cable and a CCD driving cable are combined into one composite cable. 16. In Supplementary Notes 14 to 15c, the liquid crystal cell drive cable, the CCD drive cable, and the movable electronic component drive cable are combined into one composite cable.

(Background of Supplementary Notes 14 to 16) (Prior Art) Since a cable for driving a liquid crystal cell and a cable for driving a CCD or a cable for driving a zoom are provided separately, it is sometimes difficult to assemble the cable. (Purpose) For the purpose of improving the assemblability, the constitutions of appendices 14 to 16 were adopted.

17. An image pickup apparatus having a liquid crystal cell and an image pickup device comprising a plurality of optical lens members, a liquid crystal material, and a wiring member, wherein a wiring material of the liquid crystal cell is arranged at a short side position of the image pickup device. 18. Appendix 17 is characterized in that the wiring material is FPC. 19. Appendix 17 is characterized in that the wiring material is a cable.

(Background of Supplementary Notes 17 to 19) (Prior Art) The draw-out position of the FPC constituting the liquid crystal cell has not been considered. (Purpose) To reduce the size of the imaging device and improve the assemblability,
The configurations of Supplementary Notes 17 to 19 were adopted.

20. In an electronic endoscope system including an electronic endoscope having a liquid crystal cell as a focus variable mechanism in an objective optical system, a video processor connected thereto and performing various controls, and a light source, a drive switching signal of the liquid crystal cell is transmitted. An electronic endoscope system wherein system settings are switched in conjunction with each other. 21. Appendix 21 is characterized in that the setting of the system is electronic zoom.

22. Appendix 21 is characterized in that the setting of the system is an electronic mask shape. 23. In Appendix 21, the setting of the above system is AGC
The gain level is 24. Appendix 21 is characterized in that the setting of the system is a driving voltage / current of a light source lamp.

25. Appendix 21 is characterized in that the setting of the system is an imaging period (or an exposure time / accumulation time). 26. In Appendix 21, the setting of the above system is CCD
The sensitivity is characterized by the following. 27. Appendix 21 is characterized in that the setting of the system is image display of characters or symbols indicating the focal position. 28. Appendix 21 is characterized in that the setting of the system is to display an image at the highest magnification at the time of closest observation at the focal position.

(Background of Supplementary Notes 20 to 28) (Prior Art) Only the optical system changes due to the operation of the liquid crystal cell, and other optimum settings have to be adjusted by the operator as appropriate. (Purpose) For the purpose of improving the operability and the observability, the constitution of Supplementary Notes 20 to 28 was adopted.

29. In an imaging apparatus having an imaging device including a liquid crystal cell including a plurality of optical lens members, a liquid crystal material, and a wiring member, an imaging device chip, and a TAB tape, the side of the imaging device on which the TAB tape is disposed is An imaging device, wherein wiring materials for a liquid crystal cell are arranged on different sides. 30. Supplementary Note 29, wherein the wiring material is FPC. 31. Appendix 29, wherein the wiring material is a cable.

(Background of Supplementary Notes 29 to 31) (Prior Art) Since the FPC constituting the liquid crystal cell passes through the side surface of the CCD, the outer shape becomes larger than that of the conventional image pickup device, and the insertion portion as a videoscope is inserted. The outer diameter was sometimes enlarged. (Purpose) For the purpose of reducing the outer diameter of the insertion portion,
31 was adopted.

32. In an image pickup apparatus including a plurality of optical lens members, a liquid crystal material, and a wiring member, the optical lens member having a liquid crystal cell having a part cut from a circular shape and an image pickup element, a long side of an image area of the image pickup element An imaging device, wherein a cut portion of an optical lens member is arranged at a position. 33. Supplementary note 32, wherein the cut portion of the optical member is a connection portion for connecting the wiring member. 34. Appendix 32, the cut portion of the optical member is a liquid crystal material injection port.

(Background of Supplementary Notes 32-34) (Prior Art) The lens constituting the liquid crystal cell had to be partially cut from a circle in order to secure a space for wiring of the FPC. Depending on the position of the cut portion, the height of the light beam of the optical system cannot be ensured, so that the lens becomes large, or the connection strength of the FPC becomes insufficient due to the small cut portion. (Purpose) To improve the reliability and miniaturization of liquid crystal cells,
The configuration of Supplementary Notes 32 to 34 was adopted.

35. An image pickup device detachably connected to an external device and supplied with DC power from the external device is provided at the distal end side of the insertion section, and a focus variable mechanism for changing the focus of an objective optical system constituting the image pickup device. An electronic endoscope comprising a liquid crystal cell, wherein a liquid crystal cell drive circuit for driving the liquid crystal cell from the DC power supply is provided in the electronic endoscope. 36. In Supplementary Note 35, the external device is a video processor that drives a solid-state imaging device that forms an imaging unit, and the DC power supply is a solid-state imaging device power supply supplied to the solid-state imaging device. 37. In Supplementary Note 35, the external device is a lens driving device that drives a part of a movable lens of an objective optical system that constitutes an imaging unit, and the DC power source is a power source that is supplied to a motor that drives the movable lens.

[0142]

As described above, according to the present invention, an image pickup means to which DC power is supplied from the outside is provided at the distal end side of the insertion section, and the focal point of the objective optical system constituting the image pickup means is changed. In the electronic endoscope provided with a liquid crystal cell as a variable focal point mechanism, a liquid crystal cell driving circuit for driving the liquid crystal cell from the DC power supply is provided in the electronic endoscope. A liquid crystal cell driving power source is generated in the electronic endoscope using, for example, a CCD driving power source or a zoom driving power source while keeping the number of signals (the number of connector pins) supplied from an existing processor for supplying power and the like. Thus, the variable focus mechanism can be operated.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration when an electronic endoscope according to a first embodiment of the present invention is connected to an existing video processor.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an imaging device arranged at a distal end of an insertion unit.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of a liquid crystal cell drive circuit.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a liquid crystal cell.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a structure of a liquid crystal cell.

FIG. 6 is a front view illustrating a positional relationship between a liquid crystal cell and a CCD.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of observation depth.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a liquid crystal cell drive waveform.

FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram when an electronic endoscope and a second video processor are connected.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an imaging device according to a modification.

FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram when a video scope, a video processor, and a zoom driving device are connected according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of an observation depth.

13A and 13B are an external view and a front view of a liquid crystal cell.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view, a front view, and
Sectional drawing of a mounting state.

FIG. 15 is a configuration diagram when a video scope, a video processor, and a zoom driving device are connected according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of an operation switch.

FIG. 17 is a configuration diagram when a video scope and a video processor according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention are connected.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a liquid crystal cell drive circuit.

FIG. 19 illustrates a cross-sectional structure and the like of an imaging device.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal cell according to a modification.

FIG. 21 is an external view of a biconcave lens constituting a liquid crystal cell of still another modification.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram of a method of connecting a liquid crystal cell drive cable.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Electronic endoscope (video scope) 2 ... Insertion part 3 ... Operation part 4 ... Universal code 5 ... Connector part 6A, 6B ... Video processor 7 ... Imaging device 8 ... Objective optical system 9 ... Liquid crystal cell 10 ... CCD 10a ... CCD chip 10c TAB tape 11a to 11d Signal cable 12 Composite cable 13 Liquid crystal cell drive circuit 14 CCD drive circuit 15 Image processing circuit 18 Liquid crystal cell drive SW 21a, 21b Lens frame 22 CCD holding frame 29 ... FPC 37 ... Liquid crystal cell drive voltage generation circuit 38 ... Liquid crystal cell drive waveform forming circuit 39 ... Focal position switching circuit

Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat II (Reference) H04N 5/225 H04N 5/225 C 5/232 5/232 A 7/18 7/18 M (72) Inventor Toshio Nakamura Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo (72) Inventor Masahiro Kawachi 2-43-2 Hatagaya Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Tsuyoshi Ogura Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo (72) Inventor Jun Hiroya 2-43-2 Hatagaya Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 2H040 BA14 CA11 CA12 CA22 DA17 DA21 GA02 GA11 4C061 CC06 FF40 HH28 LL02 NN01 PP13 5C022 AA09 AB66 AC51 AC54 5C054 AA01 AA05 CA04 CC07 FA01 FA02 HA12

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. An image pickup device to which DC power is supplied from the outside is provided at a distal end side of an insertion portion, and a liquid crystal cell is provided as a focus changing mechanism for changing a focus of an objective optical system constituting the image pickup device. In the electronic endoscope, a liquid crystal cell driving circuit for driving the liquid crystal cell from the DC power supply is provided in the electronic endoscope.