JP2013099469A - Imaging device and endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging device including a simply-structured configuration which can prevent fog of optical members without decreasing the amount of light of illumination light supplied to a subject.SOLUTION: The imaging device includes: optical members 43, 42a, 44; frames 41, 42 which retain the optical members 43, 42a, 44; a heat conversion member 61 which converts infrared light I of an observation light L from an object that entered into the optical members 43, 42a, 44 and passing the optical members 43, 42a 44 into heat; and a heat transfer member 62 which is connected to the heat conversion member 61 and the frames 41, 42 for transferring the heat converted by the heat conversion member 61 to the frames 41, 42.

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus and an endoscope for imaging a subject.

  An imaging device, for example, an imaging device used for an endoscope, images a region to be examined in a subject. For example, the distal end side in the insertion direction of the insertion portion of the endoscope (hereinafter simply referred to as the distal end side). The structure provided in the front-end | tip part located in is known.

  The imaging device includes a lens for observing a region to be examined, a holding frame for holding the lens, a prism provided behind the lens in the optical axis direction (hereinafter simply referred to as the rear), and an emission side of the prism. The structure which consists of an image pick-up element etc. which image the image of the to-be-examined part provided in is known.

  Further, the imaging device is fixed to the distal end hard member constituting the distal end portion in the distal end portion, and a configuration in which the distal end hard member is formed of a resin such as polysulfone or PEEK is well known. When the tip hard member is made of resin, it is possible to reduce the size of the tip hard member and to increase the mass productivity of the tip hard member because it can be molded, and the illumination lens is integrated with the tip hard member. There is a merit that can be formed.

  By the way, the distal end portion in the insertion portion of the endoscope may be immersed in the liquid during use or after use.

  For example, when an insertion portion is inserted into the bladder to observe the inside of the bladder, the distal end portion may be used while being immersed in urine in the bladder.

  In addition, in order to clean and disinfect the endoscope after using the endoscope, the endoscope is immersed in a chemical solution such as a cleaning solution or a disinfecting solution. In this case, the tip portion is naturally also immersed in the chemical solution.

  Here, the lens is bonded and fixed to the holding frame via an adhesive, the prism is also bonded and fixed to the holding frame via an adhesive, and the hard end member is made of a resin such as polysulfone or PEEK. In this case, if the tip is immersed in the liquid, since the resin such as polysulfone and PEEK has a hygroscopic property, the moisture is absorbed into the adhesive through the hard tip member, and the moisture (moisture) However, there is a problem that the adhesive enters the holding frame as an entry path and fogs optical members such as lenses and prisms.

  In addition, even when the distal end hard portion is made of a material that does not have hygroscopicity such as metal, the bonding portion between the imaging device exposed to the outside of the endoscope from the opening of the distal end hard portion and the distal end hard portion In addition, there is a problem that moisture (humidity) enters the holding frame from an adhesion portion between the lens and the holding frame exposed to the outside, and the optical members such as the lens and the prism are fogged.

  Incidentally, such a problem is that if the lens at the tip is shortened in the optical axis direction, the fitting length of the lens to the holding frame in the optical axis direction is reduced, that is, the adhesive in the optical axis direction. The adhesive length becomes shorter, and the amount of adhesive applied becomes smaller, which becomes more remarkable.

  Therefore, in Patent Document 1, a part of the tip of the light guide that is inserted into the insertion portion and supplies illumination light into the subject is arranged toward the holding frame, and a part of the illumination light from the tip of the light guide is arranged. A structure is disclosed in which the lens is prevented from being fogged by heating the holding frame with illumination light by supplying the same to the holding frame to increase the evaporation rate of moisture in the adhesive.

JP 9-173282 A

  Here, when the diameter of the insertion portion is reduced, the number of light guides inserted through the insertion portion naturally decreases.

  Therefore, as in Patent Document 1, in a configuration in which a part of the tip of the light guide is arranged toward the holding frame and the illumination light is supplied also to the holding frame, the entire illumination light from the light source device via the light guide is the subject. Therefore, if the number of light guides for supplying illumination light into the subject is reduced, the amount of illumination light supplied into the subject is greatly reduced. There was a problem such as.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and includes a configuration that can prevent fogging of an optical member with a simple configuration without reducing the amount of illumination light supplied into the subject. An object is to provide an imaging device and an endoscope.

  In order to achieve the above object, an imaging apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention is an imaging apparatus that images a subject, and is incident on the optical member, a holding member that holds the optical member, and the optical member. A heat conversion member that converts part of the observation light from the subject that has passed through the heat into heat, and the heat converted by the heat conversion member is transmitted to the holding member, and is connected to the heat conversion member and the holding member A heat transfer member.

  In addition, an endoscope according to one aspect of the present invention is an endoscope in which the imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9 is inserted into the subject or an insertion direction base end of the insertion unit. With the operation unit connected to the side.

  According to the present invention, there are provided an imaging apparatus and an endoscope having a configuration capable of preventing fogging of an optical member with a simple configuration without reducing the amount of illumination light supplied into a subject. be able to.

The perspective view which shows the endoscope system which equips the front-end | tip part of the insertion part of an endoscope with the imaging device of 1st Embodiment. The perspective view which shows the structure inside the front-end | tip part of the insertion part of FIG. FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of the imaging apparatus of FIG. FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing a configuration of a modified example of the imaging apparatus in FIG. 3. The fragmentary sectional view which shows roughly the structure of the imaging device of 2nd Embodiment The fragmentary sectional view which shows roughly the structure of the imaging device of 3rd Embodiment The fragmentary sectional view which shows roughly the structure of the imaging device of 4th Embodiment The figure which shows roughly the state by which the cover glass was affixed on the front surface of the image pick-up element, and the light shielding film was vapor-deposited on the front surface of the cover glass 8 is a plan view of the cover glass and the light shielding film in FIG. 8 as viewed from the IX direction in FIG. The figure which shows roughly the state by which the cover glass was affixed on the front surface of the image pick-up element, and the light shielding film which has a burr | flash on the outer periphery was vapor-deposited on the front surface of the cover glass. FIG. 10 is a plan view of the cover glass and the light shielding film when viewed from the XI direction in FIG. A plan view of the cover glass and the light shielding film showing a state where a black adhesive is filled in the area exposed by the burr of the light shielding film on the front surface of the cover glass A plan view of the cover glass and the light shielding film showing a state in which the area exposed by the burr of the light shielding film on the front surface of the cover glass is optically roughened A plan view of the cover glass and the light shielding film showing a state in which a mechanical mask is attached to the area exposed by the burr of the light shielding film on the front surface of the cover glass.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an endoscope system including the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment at the distal end portion of the insertion portion of the endoscope, and FIG. 2 shows an internal configuration of the distal end portion of the insertion portion in FIG. FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of the imaging apparatus in FIG. 2.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the endoscope system 1 includes an endoscope 2, a light source device 3, a video processor 4, and a monitor 5.

  The endoscope 2 includes an elongated insertion portion 9, an operation portion 10 connected to a proximal end side in the insertion direction of the insertion portion 9 (hereinafter simply referred to as a proximal end side) via a bend stopper 11, and the operation The main part is composed of a universal cable 17 extended from the part 10 and a connector 18 provided at the extended end of the universal cable 17.

  The insertion portion 9 includes a distal end portion 6, a bending portion 7, and a flexible tube portion 8 in order from the distal end side in the insertion direction, and a main portion is configured.

  The operation unit 10 is formed with a treatment instrument channel opening 12 through which various treatment instruments provided in the insertion section 9 are inserted, and is operated when the bending section 7 is bent. In addition to the operation knob 16 being rotatably provided, various endoscope operation switches (not shown) and the like are provided.

  The bending operation knob 16 includes a UD bending operation knob 14 that is operated when the bending portion 7 is bent in the vertical direction, and an RL bending operation knob 15 that is operated when the bending portion 7 is bent in the left-right direction. The main part is composed of

  The connector 18 is freely connectable to the light source device 3. The endoscope 2 receives illumination light emitted from the light source device 3 via a light guide (not shown) inserted into the connector 18, the universal cable 17, the operation unit 10, and the insertion unit 9. It has the structure which supplies in a test object from the illumination lens which is provided in the front end surface.

  A coiled coil cable 19 extends from the connector 18, and an electrical connector 19 a that can be connected to the video processor 4 is provided at the extended end of the coil cable 19.

  The video processor 4 is electrically connected to a monitor 5 that displays an endoscopic image, and performs signal processing on an electrical signal photoelectrically converted by an imaging device 40 (see FIG. 2) described later of the endoscope 2. , And has a function of outputting to the monitor 5 as an image signal.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the distal end portion 6 of the insertion portion 9 of the endoscope 2 has a distal end hard member 30 formed of a resin such as polysulfone or PEEK. In addition, the member which comprises the front-end | tip hard member 30 is not limited to resin, A metal may be sufficient.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the distal end hard member 30 has holes 31 and 32 through which the treatment instrument channel and the light guide described above are inserted, and a space 33 in which the imaging device 40 is disposed. .

  The hole portions 31 and 32 and the space portion 33 extend from the distal end of the distal end hard member 30 in the insertion direction (hereinafter simply referred to as the distal end) to the proximal end in the insertion direction (hereinafter simply referred to as the proximal end). It is formed along the insertion direction. Therefore, the holes 31 and 32 and the openings of the space 33 are formed on the distal end surface and the proximal end surface of the distal end hard member 30.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the imaging device 40 includes an observation lens 43 that is an optical member, a first optical member holding frame 41 that is a holding member of the observation lens 43, a cover glass 42a that is an optical member, The first optical member holding frame 41, the second optical member holding frame 42 that is a holding member of the cover glass 42a, the prism 44 that is an optical member, the protection member 45, the heat conversion member 61, and the heat transfer member 62. The image sensor 46, the substrate 47, and the electronic component 48 are provided to constitute a main part.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the imaging device 40 is provided in the distal end portion 6 is described as an example. However, the imaging device 40 is provided in another portion of the insertion portion 9 or in the operation portion 10. It does not matter.

  The observation lens 43 is for observing a region to be examined that is a subject, and includes, for example, a plurality of lenses. Further, the observation lens 43 is fixed to the first optical member holding frame 41 made of, for example, metal via an adhesive applied to the adhesion region (fitting region) A, thereby 1 optical member holding frame 41. Note that what is held by the first optical member holding frame 41 may be a single lens instead of a plurality of lenses, or may be an optical member such as a cover glass instead of a lens.

  Further, a cover glass 42a held by a second optical member holding frame 42 made of, for example, metal is located behind the observation lens 43 in the optical axis direction D.

  The second optical member holding frame 42 is applied to an adhesion region (fitting region) B between the outer periphery on the proximal end side of the first optical member holding frame 41 and the outer periphery on the distal end side of the second optical member holding frame 42. The first optical member holding frame 41 is fixed and held via the adhesive 41a, and the cover glass 42a is fixed and held via the adhesive applied to the bonding region (fitting region) C. . The second optical member holding frame 42 may be formed integrally with the first optical member holding frame 41.

  Further, the surface on the distal end side of the prism 44 is bonded to the end surface on the proximal end side of the second optical member holding frame 42. That is, the prism 44 is also held by the second optical member holding frame 42. Note that the cover glass 42 a protects the incident surface of the prism 44.

  Of the observation light L incident on the prism 44 via the observation lens 43 and the cover glass 42a, the prism 44 reflects the visible light V and transmits the infrared light I, or transmits the visible light V and transmits the infrared light. A reflective film 44a that reflects the light I is provided.

  In the present embodiment, the following description will be made assuming that the reflective film 44a has a function of reflecting the visible light V and transmitting the infrared light I. Further, as a member constituting the reflection film 44a that reflects the visible light V and transmits the infrared light I, a known cold mirror that is a dielectric multilayer film, or the like can be given.

  The prism 44 is formed on an optical path on the side that transmits the reflection film 44a, that is, on the transmission end surface of the prism 44 located on the optical path of the infrared light I, specifically on the inclined surface of the prism 44 in FIG. A protective member 45 that protects the reflective film 44a is attached to the base end face. In the present embodiment, the protective member 45 is composed of a translucent member having at least infrared light transmission.

  In addition, the imaging element 46 having the light receiving element 46a on the reflection-side emission end face located on the optical path of the visible light V reflected by the reflection film 44a of the prism 44, specifically, the bottom face in FIG. Is attached. Note that the imaging element 46 is provided such that the longitudinal direction is along the optical axis direction D in order to reduce the diameter of the distal end portion 6.

  The image sensor 46 is composed of, for example, a CCD or a CMOS, and an electronic circuit unit 46b including an amplifier such as a transistor is provided therein. Note that the imaging element 46 is, for example, an electronic circuit unit 46b packaged together with a light receiving element 46a.

  A front end portion of a substrate 47 made of FPC, TAB, or the like is electrically connected to the upper surface on the base end side of the image sensor 46. An electronic component 48 is mounted on the bottom surface of the substrate 47.

  The board 47 has a plurality of connection lands on the upper surface, and a plurality of cables included in the electrical cable 23 inserted into the connector 18, the universal cable 17, the operation unit 10, and the insertion unit 9. The ends of the 25 core wires 25a are electrically connected by solder or the like. The electric cable 23 is configured by covering a bundle of a plurality of cables 25 with an exterior sheath (not shown).

  Here, on the optical path of the infrared light I transmitted by the reflective film 44a, that is, on the base end face of the protective member 45, a part of the observation light that has entered the observation lens 43 and the prism 44 and passed through them, specifically, A heat conversion member 61 that converts the infrared light I that has passed through the reflection film 44 a of the prism 44 and passed through the protection member 45 to heat is connected to the heat conversion member 61. The heat conversion member 61 is a member that absorbs infrared light I, and is made of a material having high heat absorption and high heat conductivity such as stainless steel and aluminum.

  Moreover, the surface which receives the infrared light I of the heat conversion member 61 increases the surface area for receiving the infrared light I by preventing the reflection of the infrared light I by roughening the surface roughness such as a satin finish. It is preferable that the infrared light I be efficiently converted into heat.

  The heat conversion member 61 is connected to the base end of a heat transfer member 62 whose front end is connected to the second optical member holding frame 42.

  The heat transfer member 62 transmits the heat converted by the heat conversion member 61 to the second optical member holding frame 42, and is made of a material having high thermal conductivity such as aluminum. Note that the front end side of the heat transfer member 62 may be connected to the first optical member holding frame 41 as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG.

  Thus, in the present embodiment, it has been shown that the reflection film 44a provided on the prism 44 reflects the visible light V and transmits the infrared light I in the observation light L.

  Further, a protective member 45 that transmits infrared light I that protects the reflective film 44a is attached to the transmission end face of the reflective film 44a of the prism 44, and the distal end side of the protective member 45 is the second side. It has been shown that the heat conversion member 61 that converts the infrared light I that has passed through the protection member 45 and is connected to the base end of the heat transfer member 62 connected to the optical member holding frame 42 is connected.

  According to this, among the observation light L that is incident on and passes through the observation lens 43 and the prism 44, the infrared light I passes through the reflection film 44a and further passes through the protective member 45 to be converted into heat. Since it is converted into heat by the member 61 and the converted heat is transmitted to the second optical member holding frame 42 via the heat transfer member 62, the second optical member holding frame 42 and the second optical The first optical member holding frame 41 connected to the member holding frame 42 can be heated. That is, the observation lens 43, the prism 44, and the cover glass 42a can be heated. The infrared light I is unnecessary light that is not particularly used in observation and imaging of a normal test site using the image sensor 46.

  Therefore, when the distal end portion 6 of the insertion portion 9 of the endoscope 2 is immersed in the liquid, the moisture absorbed by the adhesive in the bonding areas A and B can be evaporated in a short time. The conventional imaging that the prism 44 and the cover glass 42a held by the second optical member holding frame 42 and the observation lens 43 held by the first optical member holding frame 41 become cloudy due to the ingress of moisture. The apparatus can be reliably prevented and suppressed by a simple configuration in which only the heat conversion member 61 and the heat transfer member 62 are provided in the apparatus.

  The observation lens 43, the cover glass 42a, and the prism, which are optical members disposed inside the optical member holding frames 41 and 42, due to the heat transferred through the heat transfer member 62 and the optical member holding frames 41 and 42. 44 and the internal space of the optical member holding frames 41 and 42 are heated, so that the surface temperature of the optical member in the optical member holding frames 41 and 42 and the temperature of the space are substantially uniform, and the surface of the optical member Condensation can be prevented and suppressed, and fogging of the optical members in the optical member holding frames 41 and 42 can be reliably prevented and suppressed with a simple configuration.

  In order to heat the inside of the optical member holding frames 41, 42, it is desirable that the optical member holding frames 41, 42 be made of a material having high thermal conductivity. Similarly, the optical member holding frames 41, 42 are bonded. It is desirable to use an adhesive having a high thermal conductivity as the adhesive 41a or the optical member holding frames 41 and 42 to be bonded to the optical member.

  Further, since the infrared light I in the observation light L incident on the observation lens 43 and the prism 44 is used to heat the second optical member holding frame 42 and the first optical member holding frame 41, Since a part of the light guide is not used as in the prior art, even if the number of light guides inserted into the insertion portion 9 is reduced in order to reduce the diameter of the insertion portion 9, all the light of the light guide is used. Since the object can be irradiated, the amount of illumination light irradiated in the object does not decrease.

  As described above, it is possible to provide the imaging apparatus 40 and the endoscope 2 having a configuration capable of preventing the optical member from being fogged with a simple configuration without reducing the amount of illumination light supplied into the subject. Can do.

  Hereinafter, a modification will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing a configuration of a modified example of the imaging apparatus of FIG.

  In the present embodiment described above, the reflection film 44a is shown to have a function of reflecting the visible light V and transmitting the infrared light I in the observation light L.

  Therefore, the heat conversion member 61 is attached to the base end surface of the protection member 45 on the optical path of the infrared light I, and the image sensor 46 is disposed on the emission end surface of the visible light V located on the bottom surface side of the prism 44 in FIG. Further, the image sensor 46 is shown to have a longitudinal direction positioned along the optical axis direction D in order to reduce the diameter of the distal end portion 6.

  Not only this but as shown in FIG. 4, when the imaging device 40 has the structure by which the longitudinal direction of the image pick-up element 46 is arrange | positioned along the radial direction Q orthogonal to the optical axis direction D, the image pick-up element 46 Is attached to the base end surface of the protection member 45 in FIG. 4, and the heat conversion member 61 is attached to the bottom surface of the prism 44. Further, similar to the above-described embodiment, the heat conversion member 61 is connected to the base end of the heat transfer member 62 whose distal end is connected to the second optical member holding frame 42.

  In this configuration, the reflection film 44a has a function of transmitting the visible light V and reflecting the infrared light I. In addition, a known hot mirror etc. are mentioned as a member of the reflecting film 44a which permeate | transmits the visible light V and reflects the infrared light I.

  Therefore, in this configuration, the bottom surface of the prism 44 constitutes an emission end surface of the infrared light I, and the base end surface of the prism 44 constitutes an emission end surface of the visible light V. The protective member 45 has a function of transmitting at least visible light V.

  Other configurations are the same as those in the above-described embodiment.

  Thus, even if the imaging device 40 has a configuration in which the longitudinal direction of the imaging element 46 is arranged along the radial direction Q orthogonal to the optical axis direction D, the infrared reflected by the reflective film 44a. The light I is converted into heat by the heat conversion member 61, and the heat is transmitted to the second optical member holding frame 42 by the heat transfer member 62, so that the same effect as the above-described embodiment is obtained. be able to.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment.
The configuration of the imaging device of the second embodiment is such that the heat conversion member is formed integrally with the heat transfer member as compared with the imaging device of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. Is different. Therefore, only this difference will be described, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in the imaging device 40 in the present embodiment, a heat conversion member 61 and a heat transfer member 62 are integrally provided. That is, one end is connected to the second optical member holding frame 42 and the other end is connected to the protection member 45. The infrared light I is converted into heat, and the converted heat is converted into the second optical member holding frame 42. And a member 65 for transmitting to the head. In other words, the member 65 also serves as the heat conversion member 61 and the heat transfer member 62.

  Also in the present embodiment, one end side of the member 65 may be connected to the first optical member holding frame 41. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment described above.

  According to such a configuration, since there is no place where the heat conversion member 61 and the heat transfer member 62 are joined, it is possible to eliminate the thermal resistance generated at the joined place, so that the infrared light I is efficiently converted. Heat can be transferred to the second optical member holding frame 42.

  Therefore, in view of the above, if the member 65 is formed integrally with the second optical member holding frame 42, heat can be more efficiently transferred to the optical member. Note that this is the same when the heat conversion member 61 and the heat transfer member 62 are provided separately as shown in FIG. 3, and the heat transfer member 62 is connected to the second optical member holding frame 42. If formed integrally, heat can be more efficiently transferred to the optical member.

  Other effects are the same as those of the first embodiment described above. In addition, as described above, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the imaging device 40 has a configuration in which the longitudinal direction of the imaging element 46 is arranged along the radial direction Q orthogonal to the optical axis direction D. The same applies to.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of the imaging apparatus of the present embodiment.
The configuration of the image pickup apparatus according to the third embodiment includes a member in which a heat conversion member and a heat transfer member are integrally formed, as compared with the image pickup apparatus according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. The difference is that they are formed integrally with the protective member. Therefore, only this difference will be described, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those in the second embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in the imaging device 40 according to the present embodiment, a member 65 and a protective member 45 'are provided integrally.

  That is, one end is connected to the second optical member holding frame 42, and the other end is attached to the outgoing end face of the prism 44 located on the optical path of the infrared light I of the prism 44, that is, to the base end face of the prism 44. The formed member 67 has a function of converting the infrared light I into heat and transmitting the converted heat to the second optical member holding frame 42.

  That is, the protective member 45 ′ itself has a function of converting the infrared light I into heat. In other words, the member 67 also serves as a heat conversion member, a heat transfer member, and a protection member. Therefore, the protective member 45 ′ does not need to have light transmittance.

  Also in the present embodiment, one end side of the member 67 may be connected to the first optical member holding frame 41. Other configurations are the same as those of the second embodiment described above.

  According to such a configuration, since the heat capacity of the member 67 that functions as a heat conversion member that absorbs infrared rays and converts it into heat is larger than that of the first and second embodiments described above, the infrared light I Even if the converted heat is small, the amount of heat transferred to the second optical member holding frame 42 is much easier to ensure than in the first and second embodiments.

  Other effects are the same as those of the second embodiment described above.

(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of the imaging apparatus of the present embodiment.
The configuration of the imaging device according to the fourth embodiment includes a member in which a heat conversion member and a heat transfer member are integrally formed, as compared with the imaging device according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 5 described above. The difference is that it is formed integrally with the reflective film and that no protective member is used. Therefore, only this difference will be described, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those in the second embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 7, in the imaging device 40 in the present embodiment, the heat conversion member 61 and the heat transfer member 62 shown in the second embodiment are integrally provided without providing the protection member 45. The member 65 ′ and the reflection film 44 a are integrally provided as a member 69.

  That is, one end is connected to the second optical member holding frame 42 and the other end is attached to the transmission end side of the prism 44 located on the optical path of the infrared light I of the prism 44, that is, the base end surface of the prism 44. The member 69 reflects the visible light V, absorbs the infrared light I and converts it into heat, and transmits the converted heat to the second optical member holding frame 42.

  That is, the reflective film 44a itself has a function of converting the infrared light I into heat. In other words, the member 69 also serves as a heat conversion member, a heat transfer member, a protection member, and a reflective film. In this case, the surface of the member 69 that receives the infrared light I has a mirror finish so that the surface reflects at least visible light even if a film that reflects visible light and transmits infrared light is formed on the surface. It may be a surface.

  In the present embodiment also, one end side of the member 69 may be connected to the first optical member holding frame 41. Other configurations are the same as those of the second embodiment described above. In such a configuration, an effect similar to that of the second embodiment described above can be obtained.

  In the first to fourth embodiments described above, the imaging apparatus 40 provided with one imaging element 46 is described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the imaging apparatus 40 is visible for one observation light. The present invention can also be applied to an imaging apparatus provided with two or more imaging elements, such as for normal observation using light and special light observation using light of a specific wavelength.

  At this time, a prism 44 having three or more exit end faces is used. For example, infrared light from one face of the exit end face, specific wavelength light for special light observation from two faces, A prism that emits visible light is used. In this case, a member for converting the infrared light I into heat is attached to the emission end face from which the infrared light I is emitted, and a plurality of emission end faces from which the remaining light is emitted correspond to the emission end face. Then, the image sensor may be attached.

  Furthermore, in the above-described first to fourth embodiments, the imaging device 40 used at the distal end portion of the insertion portion of the direct-view endoscope is described as an example. You may apply to the imaging device 40 used for the front-end | tip part of this endoscope.

  Furthermore, the imaging device 40 provided in the endoscope is shown as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to other instruments in which a part having the imaging device 40 other than the endoscope is immersed in a liquid. It is. For example, the present invention can also be applied to an imaging device used in an endoscope image display device for displaying an observation image on a monitor by connecting to an eyepiece portion of an endoscope that is observed with the naked eye using an image guide.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically illustrating a state in which a cover glass is attached to the front surface of the image sensor and a light shielding film is deposited on the front surface of the cover glass. FIG. 9 illustrates the cover glass and the light shielding film in FIG. It is the top view seen from the inside IX direction.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing a state in which a cover glass is attached to the front surface of the image sensor, and a light-shielding film having burrs on the outer periphery is deposited on the front surface of the cover glass. FIG. It is the top view which looked at the glass and the light shielding film from the XI direction in FIG.

  Incidentally, as shown in FIG. 8, for example, when the imaging device 40 has a configuration in which the longitudinal direction of the imaging device 46 is arranged along the radial direction Q orthogonal to the optical axis direction D, the imaging device 46. A configuration in which a cover glass 72 for protecting the light receiving element 46a of the image sensor 46 is attached to the front surface in the optical axis direction D (hereinafter simply referred to as the front surface) is well known.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, unnecessary light is incident on the light receiving element 46a on the front surface 72f of the cover glass 72, and unnecessary light is not incident on the light receiving element 46a. In general, a light shielding film 70 made of metal that prevents the light from being incident is formed by vapor deposition or the like.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the light shielding film 70 has an outer shape substantially the same as the light receiving element 46a in order to prevent unnecessary light from being incident on the light receiving element 46a. When viewed in plan from the front side, an opening 70k through which the observation light L passes is provided at a position overlapping the light receiving element 46a.

  Here, the light shielding film 70 is formed by depositing a metal film on the front surface 72f and then polishing the outer peripheral surface of the cover glass 72. After polishing, a part of the outer peripheral surface of the cover glass 72 is formed. There is a problem that a plurality of burrs E are generated in the vicinity of the outer periphery of the light shielding film 70 as shown in FIG. 11 due to chipping or peeling off a part of the light shielding film 70.

  If the burr E is formed on the light shielding film 70, the portion where the burr E is formed cannot cover the front surface 72f of the cover glass 72, that is, the front surface 72f is exposed by the burr E. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10, unnecessary light L ′ is incident on the image sensor 46 from the portion, and the incident light is formed in the outer peripheral region of the light receiving element 46 a of the image sensor 46. As a result of being reflected by a metal wiring, a circuit pattern, etc., the reflected light is incident on the light receiving element 46a, there is a problem that an image defect occurs.

  Note that the image defect due to the incident unnecessary light L ′ is more influenced by the burr E because the diameter of the cover glass 72 becomes smaller as the diameter of the tip 6 is reduced.

  Hereinafter, a configuration for solving such a problem will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 12 is a plan view of the cover glass and the light shielding film showing a state where a black adhesive is filled in a region exposed by the burr of the light shielding film on the front surface of the cover glass, and FIG. 13 is a plan view of the light shielding film on the front surface of the cover glass. FIG. 14 is a plan view of the cover glass and the light shielding film showing a state in which the area exposed by the burr is optically roughened. FIG. 14 shows a mechanical mask attached to the area exposed by the burr of the light shielding film on the front surface of the cover glass. It is a top view of the cover glass and light shielding film which show a state.

  As shown in FIG. 12, if the black adhesive 80 is filled in the area exposed by the burr E of the light shielding film 70 on the front surface 72 f of the cover glass 72, the front surface 72 f of the cover glass 72 is not the opening 70 k. Since the light shielding film 70 and the adhesive 80 are surely covered, it is possible to reliably prevent the unnecessary light L ′ from entering the image sensor 46 as shown in FIG.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 13, if the region F exposed by the burr E of the light shielding film 70 on the front surface 72f of the cover glass 72 is optically roughened, it is unnecessary to enter the cover glass 72 in the state F. Since the light L ′ is irregularly reflected, it is possible to reliably reduce unnecessary light L ′ from entering the image sensor 46.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 14, the ring-shaped opening 70k has a shape in plan view in a region exposed by the burr E of the light shielding film 70 on the front surface 72f of the cover glass 72, that is, a region excluding the opening 70k of the light shielding film 70. If the mechanical mask 90 having a larger circular hole 90c is pasted, the area exposed by the burr E on the front surface 72f is covered with the mechanical mask 90, so that unnecessary light L ′ is generated as shown in FIG. It is possible to reliably prevent light from entering the image sensor 46.

  In addition, the structure shown in FIGS. 12-14 is applicable also to the light shielding film 70 formed in the base end surface of the cover glass 72, and also the cover glass 42a shown in FIGS. The present invention can also be applied to a light shielding film attached to the front surface.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 2 ... Endoscope 9 ... Insertion part 10 ... Operation part 40 ... Imaging device 41 ... 1st optical member holding frame 42 ... 2nd optical member holding frame 42a ... Cover glass (optical member)
43 ... Observation lens (optical member)
44. Prism (optical member)
44a ... Reflective film 45 ... Protective member 61 ... Heat conversion member 62 ... Heat transfer member D ... Optical axis direction I ... Infrared light (part of observation light)
L ... Observation light

Claims (10)

An imaging device for imaging a subject,
An optical member;
A holding member for holding the optical member;
A heat conversion member that is incident on the optical member and converts part of the observation light from the subject that has passed through the optical member into heat;
A heat transfer member connected to the heat conversion member and the holding member, which transfers the heat converted by the heat conversion member to the holding member;
An imaging apparatus comprising:   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the heat conversion member and the heat transfer member are integrally formed.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the heat transfer member and the holding frame are integrally formed.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a part of the observation light converted into the heat by the heat conversion member is infrared light. A reflective film that transmits or reflects the infrared light is provided behind the optical member in the optical axis direction,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the heat conversion member is provided on an optical path of the infrared light transmitted or reflected by the reflective film. The optical member includes an observation lens for observing the subject, and a prism positioned rearward in the optical axis direction of the observation lens,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the reflective film is provided on the prism. A protective member for protecting the reflective film is attached to the optical path on the side of the reflective film that transmits the reflective film,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the heat conversion member is connected to the protection member. The protection member and the heat conversion member are integrally formed,
The imaging device according to claim 7, wherein the protection member further has a function of converting the infrared light into the heat. The heat conversion member and the reflective film are integrally formed,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the reflective film further has a function of converting the infrared light into the heat.   It has the said imaging device of any one of Claims 1-9 in the operation part connected to the insertion part inserted in the said subject, or the insertion direction base end side of this insertion part, Endoscope.

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