JPH04329510A - Endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide the endoscope which is equipped with an effective dirt preventing means or dirt removing means without any increase in the size of an endoscope device and can hold the visual field of an observation optical system excellent at all times. CONSTITUTION:A transparent film shutter 6 is provided on the tip surface 1a of an endoscope tip part 1 and an opening and closing means for the transparent film shutter 6 is provided; when an endoscope insertion part is inserted, the opening and closing means closes the transparent film shutter 6 on the endoscope tip surface 1a to prevent dirt from sticking. When the insertion part reaches an observed place, the opening and closing means opens transparent film shutter 6 to make an observation and the dirt is effectively prevented from sticking on the observation optical system 3.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an endoscope that ensures a good field of view with an observation optical system.

0002

2. Description of the Related Art Currently, a wide variety of endoscopes are used in various medical and industrial fields, and the environments in which these endoscopes are used are also various. As described above, with the expansion of the fields in which endoscopes are used, the endoscope insertion section is often used in environments where it is easily contaminated, and in particular, the observation optical system is installed inside the distal end of the endoscope insertion section. Because it is set up,
It is necessary to maintain a good field of view for this observation optical system.

By the way, if you are using an endoscope that does not have a means for removing dirt from the observation optical system and the observation optical system becomes dirty during observation, pull out the endoscope and remove the dirt from the observation optical system. Because of the inconvenience of having to remove the dirt and reinsert it for observation, many endoscopes are currently known that are equipped with dirt removal means.

[0004] In other words, in medical endoscopes, in order to maintain a good field of view of the observation optical system at the distal end of the endoscope, as shown in techniques such as Japanese Utility Model Application No. 62-35315, As a means of removing dirt from the end of the endoscope, a water supply pipe is provided at the end of the endoscope to remove dirt adhering to the observation optical system exposed from the end of the endoscope insertion section or the observation optical system cover member. It can be removed by water flow from the water supply pipe.

On the other hand, in industrial endoscopes, the observation target is inside pipes, boilers, precision equipment, etc., so washing with water to remove oil, dust, etc. It can cause rust and corrosion, and it can also cause damage to tanks and piping in chemical plants.
Rinsing with water is not recommended since the observation will be done in solution.
This is undesirable because water will be mixed into the solution.

[0006] In addition, as a means for removing dirt using gas such as air instead of water, there is an observation method that is exposed from the distal end of the endoscope insertion section through an air supply line provided at the distal end of the endoscope. A technique is known in which adhered dirt is removed by blowing air onto an optical system or an observation optical system cover member.

However, in order to send gas for air blowing, a new device such as a compressor is required, leading to an increase in the size of the endoscope device.As a result, the versatility of the endoscope is reduced and the range of use is limited. This causes problems such as limitations.

[0008] For this reason, it has been difficult for conventional industrial endoscopes to be equipped with effective means for removing dirt, as in medical endoscopes.

[0009]

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] As described above, in conventional endoscopes, especially industrial endoscopes, it is difficult to provide effective dirt removal means such as washing with water in medical endoscopes. Providing a dirt removal means such as an air blower would lead to an increase in the size of the endoscope, which would reduce the versatility of the endoscope and limit its range of use. It was difficult to keep it in good condition.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and is provided with an effective dirt prevention means or dirt removal means so that the field of view of the observation optical system can be maintained at all times without increasing the size of the endoscope device. The purpose is to provide an endoscope that can be maintained in good condition.

[0011]

[Means for Solving the Problems] (1) In order to achieve the above object, a first endoscope according to the present invention is provided with a light-transmitting membrane shutter on the distal end surface of the distal end of the endoscope insertion section, and , which is equipped with means for opening and closing this light-transmitting film shutter.

(2) The second endoscope is equipped with a vibration means for vibrating the observation optical system or the observation optical system cover member exposed from the distal end of the endoscope insertion portion.

[0013]

[Function] (1) By adopting the first configuration above, when inserting the endoscope insertion section, the light-transmitting membrane shutter on the distal end surface of the distal end is closed by the opening/closing means, and dirt is removed. Prevents adhesion of

[0014] When the observation site is reached, the light-transmitting film shutter is opened by the opening/closing means to perform observation.

(2) With the second configuration, the observation optical system exposed from the tip of the endoscope, or
Dirt attached to the observation optical system cover member is removed by vibrating the observation optical system exposed from the tip portion or the observation optical system cover member using a vibration means.

[0016]

Embodiments Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

{First Embodiment} FIGS. 1 and 2 show a first embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the distal end portion of an endoscope, and FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of an opening/closing means circuit.

As shown in FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 indicates the tip of the insertion section of the endoscope, and the tip surface 1a of the endoscope tip 1 has the following features:
The output end face of the light guide 2 is arranged, and the light guide 2 is inserted through an endoscope insertion section, an operation section, and a universal cord (all not shown), and is guided to a light source device (not shown).

Further, inside the endoscope tip 1, there are provided an observation optical system 3 such as a lens, and a solid-state image sensor 4 such as a CCD placed at an image forming position of the observation optical system 3. There is. A signal line 5 connected to the solid-state image sensor 4 is inserted through an endoscope insertion section, an operation section, and a universal cord (all not shown), and is connected to a signal processing circuit (not shown).

Further, in front of the observation optical system 3, on the distal end surface 1a of the endoscope tip 1, there is provided a translucent plate made of a glass plate material or a translucent resin material like a mechanical shutter blade of a single-lens reflex camera. A translucent film shutter 6 made of a transparent material is disposed to cover the observation optical system 3. connected to an opening/closing means configured.

The structure of the light-transmitting film shutter 6 is of the vario shutter or guillotine shutter type, and the shutter trigger is electromagnetically performed by the drive coil 7.

Next, the operation of the embodiment with the above configuration will be explained.

First, when inserting the endoscope insertion section, the opening/closing switch 9 of the opening/closing means is turned off, that is, the light-transmitting membrane shutter 6 is closed, and the tip of the endoscope is inserted into the observation target area. Lead to 1. Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent dirt from adhering to the observation optical system 3 when the endoscope insertion section is inserted. Furthermore, since the external state can be observed to some extent through the light-transmitting membrane shutter 6, the endoscope tip 1 can be accurately guided to the observation target site.

Next, when the insertion of the endoscope tip 1 to the observation target site is completed, the opening/closing switch 9 of the opening/closing means is turned on, and the drive coil 7 opens the transparent membrane shutter 6. do. Then, a good image signal is sent from the observation optical system 3 in which a good field of view is maintained to the signal processing circuit via the solid-state image pickup device 4 and the signal line 5 to obtain a good observation image.

Although this embodiment has been described as an example of application to an electronic endoscope equipped with a solid-state imaging device such as a CCD, it is also applicable to other endoscopes such as fiberscopes.

Furthermore, the endoscope according to this embodiment is not limited to industrial endoscopes, but can also be applied to medical endoscopes.

{Second Embodiment} FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a distal end portion of an endoscope according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

This second embodiment is constructed almost similarly to the first embodiment, but a light-transmitting film shutter is disposed over almost the entire surface of the distal end of the endoscope to prevent light from the light guide. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it is also possible to prevent a decrease in the amount of emitted light.

It should be noted that the same components as those of the apparatus of the first embodiment are given the same symbols, and the explanation thereof will be omitted.

That is, as shown in FIG. 3, reference numeral 21 indicates the tip of the insertion section of the endoscope, and the output end surface of the light guide 22 is disposed inside the tip surface of the endoscope tip 21. The light guide 22 is inserted through an endoscope insertion section, an operation section, and a universal cord (all not shown), and is guided to a light source device (not shown).

Further, inside the endoscope tip 21, there are provided an observation optical system 3 such as a lens, and a solid-state image sensor 4 such as a CCD placed at the imaging position of the observation optical system 3. There is. The signal line 5 connected to the solid-state image sensor 4 is inserted through an endoscope insertion section, an operation section, and a universal cord (all not shown), and is connected to a signal processing circuit (not shown).

Further, in front of the observation optical system 3, on the tip surface of the endoscope tip 21, a glass plate material or a translucent resin material is formed like a mechanical shutter blade of a single-lens reflex camera. A translucent film shutter 26 made of a member is disposed to cover the observation optical system 3 and the output end face of the light guide 22. It is connected to opening/closing means constituted by a power source 8 and an opening/closing switch 9.

The structure and other features of the light-transmitting film shutter 26 are the same as those of the first embodiment, so a description thereof will be omitted.

Next, the operation of the embodiment with the above configuration will be explained.

First, when inserting the endoscope insertion section, the opening/closing switch 9 of the opening/closing means is turned off, that is, the light-transmitting membrane shutter 26 is closed, and the tip of the endoscope is inserted into the observation target site. Lead 21. Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent dirt from adhering to the observation optical system 3 and the output end face of the light guide 22 when the endoscope insertion section is inserted. In addition, since the external state can be observed to some extent through the light-transmitting membrane shutter 26, the endoscope tip 21
can be accurately guided to the observation target site.

Next, when the insertion of the endoscope tip 21 to the observation target site is completed, the opening/closing switch 9 of the opening/closing means is turned on, and the drive coil 7 opens the transparent membrane shutter 26. do. Then, a good image signal is sent from the observation optical system 3 in which a good field of view is maintained to the signal processing circuit via the solid-state image sensor 4 and the signal line 5, and a good observation image is obtained.

In this way, since the light-transmitting film shutter covers the observation optical system as well as the output end face of the light guide, it is possible to prevent the amount of light emitted from the light guide from decreasing due to dirt.

Although this embodiment has been described as an example of application to an electronic endoscope equipped with a solid-state imaging device such as a CCD, it is also applicable to other endoscopes such as fiberscopes.

Furthermore, the endoscope according to this embodiment is not limited to industrial endoscopes, but can also be applied to medical endoscopes.

{Third Embodiment} FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the distal end portion of an endoscope according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

This third embodiment is constructed almost the same as the second embodiment, but an adapter equipped with a translucent film shutter is used, and if necessary, the translucent film shutter can be used to prevent contamination. This embodiment differs from the second embodiment in that this embodiment is made as follows.

[0042] The same components as those of the device of the second embodiment will be given the same symbols and the explanation will be omitted.

That is, as shown in FIG. 4, reference numeral 31 indicates the tip of the insertion portion of the endoscope, and the output end surface of the light guide 22 is disposed inside the tip surface of the endoscope tip 31. The light guide 22 is inserted through an endoscope insertion section, an operation section, and a universal cord (all not shown), and is guided to a light source device (not shown).

Further, inside the endoscope tip 31, there are provided an observation optical system 3 such as a lens, and a solid-state image sensor 4 such as a CCD placed at the imaging position of the observation optical system 3. There is. A signal line 5 connected to the solid-state image sensor 4 is inserted through an endoscope insertion section, an operation section, and a universal cord (all not shown), and is connected to a signal processing circuit (not shown).

On the other hand, reference numeral 10 denotes an adapter that can be attached to the tip of the endoscope tip 31, and on the tip side of the adapter 10, there is a transparent membrane shutter 36 having the same structure as in the second embodiment. The adapter 10 is disposed so as to cover the observation optical system 3 and the output end face of the light guide 22 when the adapter 10 is attached to the distal end portion 31 of the endoscope. Furthermore, inside the adapter 10,
A contact point 12 from the translucent membrane shutter 36 is provided at the portion attached to the endoscope tip 31,
It can be freely connected to one of the distal end side contacts 11 provided on the endoscope distal end section 31.

Further, the wiring from the tip side contact 11 is connected to an opening/closing means constituted by a driving coil 7, a driving power source 8, and an opening/closing switch 9.

Next, the operation of the embodiment with the above configuration will be explained.

First, if the environment in which the endoscope is used is one where dirt easily adheres, the adapter 10 is attached to the endoscope tip 3.
1 Attach to the tip. Here, at the same time as the adapter 10 is attached, the contact 12 on the adapter 10 side and the tip end side contact 11 are electrically connected.

When inserting the endoscope insertion section, the opening/closing switch 9 of the opening/closing means is turned OFF, that is, the transparent membrane shutter 36 is closed, and the endoscope tip 31 is inserted to the observation target site. guide. Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent dirt from adhering to the observation optical system 3 and the output end face of the light guide 22 when the endoscope insertion section is inserted. In addition, since the external state can be observed to some extent through the light-transmitting membrane shutter 36, the endoscope tip 31
can be accurately guided to the observation target site.

Next, when the insertion of the endoscope tip 31 to the observation target site is completed, the opening/closing switch 9 of the opening/closing means is turned on, and the drive coil 7 opens the transparent membrane shutter 36. do. Then, a good image signal is sent from the observation optical system 3 in which a good field of view is maintained to the signal processing circuit via the solid-state image sensor 4 and the signal line 5, and a good observation image is obtained.

Furthermore, if the environment in which the endoscope is used is one in which there is no fear of dirt adhesion, the adapter 10 is removed from the end of the endoscope distal end 31 for observation.

In this way, in addition to the effects of the second embodiment, the light-transmitting film shutter can be removed together with the adapter, making it possible to improve maintainability.

Although this embodiment has been described as an example of application to an electronic endoscope equipped with a solid-state imaging device such as a CCD, it is also applicable to other endoscopes such as fiberscopes.

Furthermore, the endoscope according to this embodiment is not limited to industrial endoscopes, but can also be applied to medical endoscopes.

{Fourth Embodiment} FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the distal end portion of an endoscope according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

This fourth embodiment is constructed almost similarly to the first embodiment, but includes a vibration means for vibrating the observation optical system exposed from the distal end of the endoscope. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it is possible to remove .

Note that the same components as those of the apparatus of the first embodiment are given the same symbols, and the explanation thereof will be omitted.

That is, as shown in FIG. 5, reference numeral 41 indicates the tip of the insertion section of the endoscope, and the output end surface of the light guide 2 is disposed on the tip surface 41a of the endoscope tip 41. The light guide 2 is inserted through an endoscope insertion section, an operation section, and a universal cord (all not shown), and is guided to a light source device (not shown).

Further, inside the endoscope tip 41, there is an observation optical system 3 such as a lens disposed so as to be exposed on the distal end surface 41a, and an observation optical system 3 is disposed so as to fix the observation optical system 3. A piezoelectric element 13 constituting a vibrating means, and a solid-state image sensor 4 such as a CCD placed at the imaging position of the observation optical system 3 are provided. A signal line 5 connected to the solid-state image sensor 4 is inserted through an endoscope insertion section, an operation section, and a universal cord (all not shown), and is connected to a signal processing circuit (not shown). Further, a piezoelectric element drive signal line 14 is connected to the piezoelectric element 13, and the other end of this piezoelectric element drive signal line 14 constitutes a vibration means provided in a device inside or outside the endoscope. Transmitter 1
5.

Next, the operation of the embodiment with the above configuration will be explained.

First, the endoscope insertion section is inserted and the endoscope tip 41 is guided to the observation target site.

Here, the distal end surface 4 of the endoscope distal end portion 41 is
When dirt adheres to the observation optical system 3 exposed from 1a, the transmitter 15 is driven to cause the piezoelectric element 13 to expand and contract via the piezoelectric element drive signal line 14. This expansion and contraction movement of the piezoelectric element 13 is transmitted to the observation optical system 3, and the observation optical system 3 is violently vibrated. As a result, dirt adhering to the observation optical system 3 is effectively removed.

Therefore, the observation optical system 3 can always be maintained in a state where a good field of view can be obtained, and a good image signal can be transmitted from the observation optical system 3 via the solid-state image pickup device 4 and the signal line 5. is sent to a signal processing circuit to obtain a good observation image.

In this embodiment, the observation optical system exposed from the tip was vibrated to remove dirt, but a cover glass or the like was disposed in front of the observation optical system.
The cover glass may be vibrated to remove dirt. Furthermore, if dirt is removed by the vibration of the cover glass, if this cover glass is placed over the light output end face of the light guide, it will be possible to remove the dirt attached to the light guide output end face. The amount of light emitted from the guide can always be kept in a good state.

[0065] In addition, although this embodiment has been described as an example of application to an electronic endoscope equipped with a solid-state imaging device such as a CCD,
It can also be applied to other endoscopes such as fiberscopes.

Furthermore, the endoscope according to this embodiment is not limited to industrial endoscopes, but can also be applied to medical endoscopes.

{Fifth Embodiment} FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the distal end portion of an endoscope according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

This fifth embodiment is also constructed almost in the same way as the fourth embodiment, but uses an adapter that includes a vibrating cover glass and a piezoelectric element that vibrates the cover glass, and This embodiment differs from the fourth embodiment in that dirt can be removed by using the same method.

It should be noted that the same components as those of the apparatus of the fourth embodiment are given the same symbols, and the explanation thereof will be omitted.

That is, as shown in FIG. 6, reference numeral 51 indicates the tip of the insertion portion of the endoscope, and the output end surface of the light guide 2 is disposed inside the tip surface of the endoscope tip 51.
This light guide 2 is inserted through the endoscope insertion section, the operation section, and the universal cord (all not shown).
It is guided to a light source device (not shown).

Further, inside the endoscope tip 51, there are provided an observation optical system 3 such as a lens, and a solid-state image sensor 4 such as a CCD placed at the image forming position of the observation optical system 3. There is. A signal line 5 connected to the solid-state image sensor 4 is inserted through an endoscope insertion section, an operation section, and a universal cord (all not shown), and is connected to a signal processing circuit (not shown).

On the other hand, reference numeral 17 is an adapter that can be attached to the tip of the endoscope tip 51, and a cover glass 16 is attached to the tip side of the adapter 17. In this state, the observation optical system 3 and the light guide 2 are disposed so as to cover the output end faces thereof, and the cover glass 16
A piezoelectric element 13 constituting a vibration means is arranged so as to fix the vibration means.

Further, a contact 60 formed at the other end of the piezoelectric element drive signal line 14 from the piezoelectric element 13 is provided inside the adapter 17 at a portion attached to the endoscope tip 51. It can be freely connected to one tip side contact 61 provided on the endoscope tip 51. Furthermore, this tip end side contact 61 is connected to a transmitter 15 constituting a vibration means provided in a device inside or outside the endoscope.

Next, the operation of the embodiment with the above configuration will be explained.

First, if the environment in which the endoscope is used is one where dirt tends to adhere, the adapter 17 should be attached to the endoscope tip 5.
1 Attach to the tip. Here, at the same time as the adapter 17 is attached, the contact 60 on the adapter 17 side and the contact 61 on the tip end side are electrically connected.

Next, the endoscope insertion section is inserted and the endoscope tip 51 is guided to the observation target site.

Here, if dirt adheres to the cover glass 16 of the endoscope distal end surface 51, the transmitter 15 is driven, and the piezoelectric element is driven via the distal end side contact 61 and the adapter side contact 60. Piezoelectric element 13 via signal line 14
to expand and contract. The expansion and contraction motion of the piezoelectric element 13 is transmitted to the cover glass 16, and the cover glass 16 is violently vibrated. As a result, dirt adhering to the cover glass 16 is effectively removed.

Furthermore, if the environment in which the endoscope is used is one in which there is no fear of dirt adhesion, the adapter 17 is removed from the end of the endoscope distal end 51 and observation is performed.

For this reason, the cover glass 16 is always
Since a good visual field state can be maintained, a good image signal can be sent from the observation optical system 3 to the signal processing circuit via the solid-state image sensor 4 and the signal line 5, and a good observation image can be obtained.

It is also possible to remove dirt adhering to the surface of the cover glass 16 from which the light from the light guide 2 is emitted, and the amount of light emitted from the light guide 2 can always be kept in a good condition.

In this way, in addition to the effects of the fourth embodiment, the cover glass can be removed together with the adapter, making it possible to improve maintainability.

Although this embodiment has been described as an example of application to an electronic endoscope equipped with a solid-state imaging device such as a CCD, it is also applicable to other endoscopes such as fiberscopes.

Furthermore, the endoscope according to this embodiment is not limited to industrial endoscopes, but can also be applied to medical endoscopes.

[0084]

[Effects of the Invention] As explained above, according to the present invention, the following excellent effects can be achieved.

(1) In the first endoscope, a light-transmitting film shutter is provided on the end face of the endoscope, and means for opening and closing the light-transmitting film shutter is provided to prevent dirt from adhering to the end face of the endoscope. Since this can be effectively prevented, it is possible to always maintain a good field of view of the observation optical system without increasing the size of the endoscope apparatus.

(2) The second endoscope is equipped with a vibration means for vibrating the observation optical system exposed from the distal end of the endoscope insertion portion or the observation optical system cover member, so that the distal end surface of the endoscope is Since dirt can be effectively removed, it is possible to always maintain a good field of view of the observation optical system without increasing the size of the endoscope device.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of the distal end portion of an endoscope according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the opening/closing means circuit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of the distal end portion of an endoscope according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of the distal end portion of an endoscope according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram of the distal end portion of an endoscope according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram of the distal end portion of an endoscope according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Tip part 1a Tip surface 3 Observation optical system 6 Transparent film shutter 7 Opening/closing means (driving coil) 8 Opening/closing means (driving power supply) 9 Opening/closing means (opening/closing switch) 13 Vibration means (piezoelectric element) 14 Vibration means (piezoelectric element drive signal line) 15
Vibration means (transmitter)

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. An endoscope, characterized in that a light-transmitting film shutter is provided on the distal end surface of the distal end of the endoscope insertion portion, and a means for opening and closing the light-transmitting film shutter is provided. 2. An endoscope comprising a vibration means for vibrating the observation optical system or the observation optical system cover member exposed from the distal end of the endoscope insertion section.