JP2000139819A - Endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an endoscope with an eyepiece section with a diopter adjusting mechanism which is capable of adjusting a diopter by an observer even in the case of an endoscope using an image guide fiber as an image transmitting means, is satisfactory in assemblability and reparability and prevents deterioration of observing performance by high-pressure and high-temperature steam of autoclave sterilization. SOLUTION: In order to cope with autoclave sterilization, the endoscope is provided with an eyepiece unit 633 at the eyepiece section facing the base end surface of the image guide fiber 615 to catch a subject transmitted by the fiber 615. This unit 633 is provided with freely extensible bellows 640 for changing the focal position of an eyepiece group 632 and the unit 633 with these bellows 640 is provided with hermetically sealed structure of a sealing degree higher than the watertight level of an armor in the endoscope.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an endoscope which uses an image guide fiber for transmitting an image of a subject image and performs sterilization after use by an autoclave device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an elongated insertion portion is inserted into a body cavity to observe organs in the body cavity, and, when necessary, to perform various treatments using a treatment tool inserted into a treatment tool channel. Medical endoscopes that can be used are widely used. Also, in the industrial field, industrial endoscopes capable of observing and inspecting internal scratches and corrosion of boilers, turbines, engines, chemical plants, and the like are widely used.

[0003] In particular, an endoscope used in the medical field uses an insertion part inserted into a body cavity to observe an organ or the like, or uses a treatment tool inserted into a treatment tool channel of the endoscope. Perform various treatments and treatments. Therefore, when reusing an endoscope or treatment tool that has been used for another patient, it is necessary to prevent infection between patients via the endoscope or treatment tool. Had to be washed and disinfected.

For disinfecting and sterilizing these endoscopes and their accessories, a gas such as ethylene oxide gas (EOG) or a disinfecting solution has been used. However, as is well known, sterilizing gases are highly toxic, and there has been a problem that the working process is complicated to ensure the safety of the sterilizing operation. Also, after sterilization, it takes time to aerate to remove gas adhering to the equipment. Therefore, there is a problem that the device cannot be used immediately after sterilization. In addition, the adverse effect of gas on the environment is also viewed as a problem. And
There was a problem that running cost became expensive. On the other hand, in the case of a disinfectant solution, management of the disinfectant solution is complicated,
There is a problem that it takes a lot of money to dispose of the disinfectant.

[0005] Therefore, recently, without complicated work,
Autoclave sterilization (high-pressure steam sterilization), which can be used immediately after sterilization and has low running costs, is becoming the mainstream in endoscope devices. Representative conditions for autoclave sterilization include the approval of the American National Standards Institute and the American standard ANSI / AAMI ST37-1992 issued by the Medical Device Development Association.
32 ° C, 4 minutes, sterilization step 13 for gravity type
2 ° C., 10 minutes. Conditions vary from country to country, but generally, the autoclave sterilization temperature is
The temperature is set between 115 ° C. and 140 ° C., and the pressure during the sterilization step is set to about plus 0.2 MPa with respect to the atmospheric pressure.

[0006]

However, the high-pressure high-temperature steam under the above-mentioned conditions has a property of permeating a material mainly composed of a polymer material such as rubber, elastomer, resin (plastics) and an adhesive. ing. In particular,
Flexible materials such as rubber and elastomer generally easily transmit water vapor, and among them, silicone rubber-based materials have extremely high water vapor permeability.

For this reason, when a conventional endoscope having a water-tight structure made of an O-ring made of silicone rubber or a silicone-based adhesive is subjected to autoclave sterilization, high-pressure, high-temperature steam enters the endoscope, and the endoscope is exposed. Water droplets may remain inside the mirror.

[0008] In addition to the silicone rubber, an O-ring made of fluoro rubber or an epoxy adhesive may be used.
Further, even with various other high-molecular materials, water vapor permeates at a lower level than silicone rubber. In other words, during autoclave sterilization, in order to prevent the invasion of water vapor into the endoscope, the watertightness that does not allow the chemical solution to enter even when immersed in the conventional chemical solution, or the airtightness at normal atmospheric pressure, etc. Much higher airtightness is required.

At present, general materials that do not allow high-pressure, high-temperature vapor to pass under conditions specified by US standards and the like are limited to materials selected from metals, ceramics, glass, and crystalline materials. Also, the joining means for joining the materials is limited to a joining method in which the main component of the joining portion is metal, ceramics, glass, or a crystalline material, such as soldering.

[0010] When the autoclave sterilization is of the prevacuum type, there is a prevacuum step as a decompression step in order to make water vapor permeate into the details of the equipment before the sterilization step. When a curved endoscope having a curved portion is inserted into the insertion portion in this prevacuum type autoclave sterilization, the inside and outside of the endoscope are communicated to perform autoclave sterilization in order to prevent the outer tube of the curved portion from bursting. It is common. For this reason, high-pressure and high-temperature steam during autoclave sterilization positively enters the endoscope through the communication section.

Further, most of the multi-component glass having good workability, which is a general lens glass material, is deteriorated by high-pressure high-temperature steam in autoclave sterilization. For this reason, as described above, when the vapor enters the endoscope, the glass material itself may be deteriorated, which may cause a poor visual field.

For example, in an eyepiece of an endoscope disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open No. 63-180821, an eyepiece diopter adjustment ring is watertightly mounted by an O-ring, and the diopter adjustment ring is operated. This allows the eyepiece to move in the optical axis direction to enable diopter adjustment. When this endoscope is sterilized by an autoclave device, water vapor infiltrates into the eyepiece through an O-ring. Then, the water vapor reaches the inner surface of the cover glass, the back surface of the eyepiece, and the end surface of the image guide fiber. For this reason, when the endoscope is taken out and observed after the sterilization treatment, there is a possibility that a fogging may occur or a problem that the fog appears to be white may occur. And
Continuous or repeated autoclave sterilization for long periods of time causes water droplets to adhere to the inner surface of the cover glass, the lens surface, and the end surface of the image guide fiber, and deteriorates the lens glass material, thereby significantly impairing the observation performance of the endoscope. There was a fear.

[0013] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 62-212614 discloses a rigid endoscope in which an observation optical system including an eyepiece is hermetically sealed and the insertion portion is hard. However, since the diopter of the eyepiece cannot be adjusted with this endoscope, when applied to an endoscope using an image guide fiber, there is a problem that the diopter does not match depending on the observer.

That is, in the case of an endoscope using an image guide fiber, it is necessary to accurately focus the eyepiece on the image output end face of the image guide fiber as well as the rigid endoscope and the flexible endoscope. That is, by adjusting the diopter according to the diopter of each observer, the best subject image can be obtained.

Therefore, the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 62-21261 is disclosed.
In the configuration of the rigid endoscope disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4 (1999) -195, an insertion portion using a relay lens as an image transmitting means that does not require diopter adjustment of an eyepiece is limited to a rigid endoscope.

Since this rigid endoscope has a structure in which an optical member such as a lens or a cover glass and a frame are joined by an adhesive, it is difficult to actually obtain the effect of blocking water vapor at an excessively high pressure and temperature. That is, when the autoclave sterilization is performed under the conditions specified by the current US standard and the like described above, water vapor enters the observation optical system through the adhesive.

For this reason, in a rigid endoscope in which the insertion portion shown in DE19631840A1 is hard, the housing constituting the exterior of the endoscope is made of a metal as much as possible, and the joining portion is hermetically sealed by soldering or the like. Are joined. This provides a hermetically sealed configuration in which the high-pressure high-temperature steam of the autoclave does not enter through the endoscope exterior. In the present embodiment, the lens disposed inside the airtightly sealed endoscope is moved by deforming a deformable wall region provided on the endoscope exterior, so that the focal length of the optical system is changed. A rigid endoscope capable of performing adjustment is disclosed.

However, in the case of, for example, a curved endoscope having a curved portion in the insertion portion, the outer tube of the curved portion is made of a polymer material such as flexible rubber or elastomer. Also, in the case of a curved endoscope, a rubber seal member such as an O-ring is generally used as a seal member for a rotating shaft of an operation lever for performing the bending operation of the bending portion. Furthermore, even if the endoscope does not have a curved portion in the insertion portion, if the insertion portion is soft, a flexible polymer material is also used as the outer tube of the insertion portion.

Therefore, in the case of a flexible endoscope in which at least a part of the insertion portion is made flexible, at least a part of the endoscope exterior is made of a polymer material.
As shown in E19631840A1, it is impossible to completely hermetically seal the entire endoscope exterior. That is, during autoclave sterilization, high-pressure high-temperature steam gradually enters the endoscope.

As described above, the aforementioned DE19631840A
The endoscope shown in 1 is limited to a rigid endoscope in which the insertion portion is made of metal or ceramics and the entire endoscope exterior can be made airtight.

In DE 196 31 840 A1, a deformable wall area for adjusting the focal length of the optical system, that is, the diopter adjustment operation section is also a part of the endoscope exterior, so that the airtightness is maintained. It must be made of a material such as a metal through which vapor does not permeate, such as a metal thin film or a metal bellows provided with a lever. Therefore, the operability when adjusting the focal length of the optical system is the same as that of the above-mentioned Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open No. 63-1.
It decreases as compared with a diopter adjustment ring or the like as disclosed in JP-A-80821.

Further, the deformable wall region must be hermetically joined as an endoscope exterior by soldering or the like. And all the joints between the components of the endoscope exterior also need to be air-tightly joined, such as by soldering, so not only the assemblability is very poor, but also once assembled,
There has been a problem in that it is almost impossible to remove a part of the exterior when performing repair of internal components of the endoscope, readjustment of members for adjusting diopter, or the like.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and it is possible to adjust diopter by an observer even in an endoscope using an image guide fiber as an image transmitting means, and to assemble and repair the device. It is an object of the present invention to provide an endoscope having an eyepiece with a diopter adjustment mechanism, in which observation performance is prevented from deteriorating due to autoclave-sterilized high-pressure and high-temperature steam.

[0024]

An endoscope according to the present invention has an insertion portion provided with an objective lens for forming an image of a subject at a distal end thereof, and is disposed in the insertion portion and is formed by the objective lens. An endoscope comprising: an image guide fiber configured of an optical fiber for transmitting a subject image; and at least an eyepiece facing the base end surface of the image guide fiber and capturing a subject image transmitted by the image guide fiber. An eyepiece having a lens, wherein the eyepiece has a sealed structure of an eyepiece unit having a sealing degree higher than a watertight level of an exterior of the endoscope, and a focus for changing a focal position of the eyepiece of the eyepiece unit Position changing means.

In addition, at least a part of the insertion portion has a flexible portion on which an exterior member made of a flexible polymer material is disposed, and the image guide fiber is disposed inside the insertion portion.

According to this configuration, even in an endoscope using an image guide fiber for transmitting an image of a subject image, the focus of the eyepiece is adjusted by the focus position changing means, so that the observer can observe the image. Optimal observation can be performed according to the diopter. In addition, during autoclave sterilization, even when high-pressure high-temperature steam intrudes from an exterior member formed of a flexible polymer material provided on at least a part of the insertion section, the eyepiece lens unit is formed in a sealed structure. Hot vapor is prevented from entering the eyepiece unit. Further, since the configuration is such that only the eyepiece unit, which is a part of the eyepiece, is closed instead of the entire endoscope, assembly is easy and adjustment or repair of internal components of the endoscope can be easily performed.

[0027]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 to 7 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a view for explaining the configuration of an endoscope.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the configuration near the distal end of the insertion portion of the endoscope, FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the eyepiece unit and the operation of the eyepiece unit, FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an interlocking frame, FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a cover glass is disposed on a cover glass frame, FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an eyepiece lens unit, and FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between the eyepiece lens unit and an endoscope main body. 3A is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an eyepiece, FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating a state in which an eyepiece unit disposed in the eyepiece has moved to the distal end, and FIGS. 5A is a diagram illustrating a state in which a distal cover glass is disposed on a distal cover glass frame, and FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating a state in which a proximal cover glass is disposed on a proximal cover glass frame.

As shown in FIG. 1, the endoscope 60 of the present embodiment
Reference numeral 0 denotes an insertion portion 601 in which an image guide fiber, which is an image transmission means constituted by an optical fiber bundle indicated by reference numeral 615 in FIG. 2 described later, is inserted, and a viewer arranged at the base end side of the insertion portion 601 Operating unit 60 that is gripped and performs various operations
2 and an eyepiece unit 60 provided at an end of the operation unit 602
3 and a universal cord 604 extending from the side surface of the operation unit 602. At the other end of the universal cord 604, a connector 605 having a light guide connector 606 connected to a light source device (not shown) is provided.

The internal spaces of the insertion portion 601, the operation portion 602, the universal cord 604, and the connector portion 605 communicate with each other. Thereby, one endoscope internal space (also simply referred to as an internal space) is formed with respect to the endoscope exterior. In addition, an outer tube made of a flexible rubber material such as a silicone rubber tube is used for the exterior of the universal cord 604 because of its flexibility, lightness, and good handling. Further, in the present invention, the insertion section 601 and the operation section 602 in which the image guide fiber is arranged are collectively expressed as an endoscope main body (hereinafter abbreviated as main body) 630.

The insertion portion 601 includes a distal end portion 607, a bendable bending portion 608, and a flexible tube 609 having flexibility.
It is composed of

As the outer tube constituting the exterior of the curved portion 608, a rubber material such as fluoro rubber having high strength and flexibility even if it is thin, or a thermoplastic elastomer is used.

As the exterior member of the flexible tube 609, a flexible thermoplastic elastomer such as a polyester elastomer or a polyamide elastomer is used in order to obtain appropriate flexibility.

The operation section 602 is provided with a bending operation lever 610 for controlling the operation of the bending section 608, a treatment tool insertion port 611 for inserting a treatment tool such as forceps, and the like. The bending operation lever 610 is rotatably and watertightly assembled by an O-ring (not shown) made of silicone rubber or fluorine rubber.

The connector section 605 is provided with a vent 612 for communicating the internal space of the endoscope 600 with the outside. By attaching a ventilation cap 613 to the ventilation mouthpiece 612 as shown by an arrow, the inside and outside of the endoscope exterior, that is, the internal space of the endoscope 600 and the outside are communicated.

At the time of autoclave sterilization, the ventilation cap 613 is attached to the ventilation cap 612,
The endoscope 600 is placed in the chamber of the autoclave sterilizer. As a result, the inner space of the endoscope 600 communicates with the outside to prevent the outer tube constituting the curved portion 608 from being ruptured.

The endoscope 600 is provided with the vent cap 61.
The internal space and the outside are not communicated with each other unless the 2 is in a communicating state, that is, a watertight structure in which liquid does not enter the internal space at the time of immersion in a chemical solution or the like.

As described above, in the case where the insertion section 601 is the flexible endoscope 600 or the endoscope 600 having the curved section 608, rubber and thermoplastic elastomer or the like are used as members constituting the exterior and sealing members. A polymer material is used. Therefore, it is impossible to completely prevent the vapor from entering the internal space of the endoscope 600.

As shown in FIG. 2, the endoscope 600 has a distal end main body 614 formed of a rigid member at the distal end 607 of the insertion section 601. An image guide fiber 615 constituting an observation optical system and a light guide fiber 616 constituting an illumination optical system are assembled to the distal end main body 614. The light guide fiber 616
An illumination lens 617 is fixed to the distal end body 614 by an adhesive on the distal end surface of the light emitting device.

A distal bending piece 618 constituting a bending portion 608 is fixed to a proximal end of the distal end body 614.
A plurality of bending pieces 619,..., 619 are rotatably connected to the base end side of the tip bending piece 618 by rivets 620.

The tip bending piece 618 and the plurality of bending pieces 6
The outer periphery of 19 is covered with a metal mesh tube 621, and the outer periphery thereof is further covered with an outer tube 622 made of fluoro rubber as an exterior member. In addition, the tip bending piece 6
A bending wire 6 for bending the bending portion 608 by being pulled by the operation of the bending operation lever 610 is provided at 18.
The tip of 29 is brazed and fixed.

On the other hand, the image guide fiber 615
The two ends are solidified with acid-melting glass such that the arrangement of the fiber strands arranged at the distal end and the arrangement of the fiber strands arranged at the base end are aligned. The space between the fiber strands at the ends hardened by the acid-melting glass is airtight. In addition, in the intermediate portion of the image guide fiber 615, the strands composed of the core and the clad are formed in a disjointed state in order to improve the bendability.

Further, the image guide fiber 615
Is hermetically joined by molten glass to a metal image guide fiber frame 623 which is a hermetic partition member having resistance to high pressure and high temperature steam. Then, a base lens 625 constituting the objective lens group 624 of the objective lens unit is adhered and fixed to the distal end surface of the image guide fiber 615 by a translucent adhesive.

The objective cover glass 626 disposed at the forefront of the objective lens section is made of sapphire, which is an airtight partition member. The outer peripheral surface of the objective cover glass 626 is airtight with a metal objective lens frame 627. Surface treatment is performed by metallizing to enable joining.
Thus, the objective cover glass 626 and the objective lens frame 627 are hermetically joined by soldering.

The surface treatment of the outer peripheral surface of the objective cover glass 626 is a treatment for making the surface of the non-metallic member a metal surface, and is called a metallizing treatment. For example, chromium, nickel, and gold are sequentially vacuum-deposited. Surface treatment obtained by the above method.

Each layer may be formed by sputtering, ion plating, plating, or the like, in addition to vacuum deposition. Further, various materials other than those described above can be used as the material constituting each layer. Then, like a metallic objective lens frame 627, it is preferable to improve the wettability with solder by applying a gold layer or the like to a metal component to be soldered.

The distal lens 628 of the objective lens group 624 is inserted and fixed inside the objective lens frame 627 to which the objective cover glass 626 is airtightly bonded. Then
The objective lens group 62 is provided inside the objective lens frame 627.
The image guide fiber frame 623 provided with the image guide fiber 615 to which the base lens 625 of No. 4 is attached is inserted. Then, the insertion of the image guide fiber frame 623 is stopped at the focused position, and the objective lens frame 627 and the image guide fiber frame 623 are temporarily fixed by spot welding. Thereafter, the objective lens frame 627 and the image guide fiber frame 623 are hermetically joined by, for example, laser welding.

This laser welding is performed by using the objective lens frame 627.
By performing the process from the outer peripheral side to the entire periphery, the members can be melted and joined in an airtight manner. By these, the objective cover glass 626 and the objective lens frame 6
27, an image guide fiber frame 623, and a portion surrounded by the end of the image guide fiber 615,
Since the structure is airtightly sealed by the airtight partition member and the airtight joining means, when autoclaving is performed, steam does not enter the airtight sealing portion.

As described above, the image guide fiber 615 is a flexible fiber bundle in which the distal end portion and the proximal end portion are hardened with acid-melting glass, and the wires having the core and the clad at the intermediate portion are separated. The present invention is not limited to this. For example, a conduit fiber in which a plurality of core glasses are arranged in a clad glass, which is a single conduit over the entire length, may be used. In general, the flexible fiber bundle is often made of multi-component glass, and the conduit fiber may be made of quartz glass or the like in addition to the multi-component glass.

As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the eyepiece 603 includes an eyepiece 631 fixed to the operation section 602 of the main body 630, and at least one eyepiece provided in the eyepiece 631. An eyepiece lens unit 633 having an eyepiece lens group 632 composed of the above optical members and a diopter adjustment ring 634 serving as a diopter adjustment operation unit for adjusting the position of the focal position changing unit of the eyepiece lens group 632 are mainly used. Is configured.

At the distal end of the eyepiece unit 633, a proximal end of an image guide fiber 615 extending from the distal end 607, that is, an image output end is disposed.

The eyepiece unit 633 includes a metal front cover glass frame 635 serving as an airtight partition member.
The sapphire tip cover glass 6 which is an airtight partition member airtightly joined to the tip cover glass frame 635
36, a metal base cover glass frame 637 as an airtight partition member, a sapphire base cover glass 638 as an airtight partition member airtightly joined to the base cover glass frame 637, A metal eyepiece frame 639, which is an airtight partition member, which is airtightly joined to the cover glass frame 637, and both ends are airtightly joined to the eyepiece lens frame 639 and the front cover glass frame 635 to expand and contract in the optical axis direction. A metal bellows 640 which is a tubular elastic airtight partition member serving as a flexible focal position changing means;
The eyepiece lens group 632 disposed in the camera 39.

The eyepiece lens group 632 includes a spacing ring 641.
And the pressing member 642, it is arranged and fixed at a predetermined position in the eyepiece frame 639. The distal cover glass 636 and the proximal cover glass 638 serve as a distal optical window and a proximal optical window of the eyepiece unit 633, respectively.

As the bellows 640, for example, a metallic vacuum bellows used for vacuum piping can be used as a tubular member that can expand and contract in the optical axis direction and maintain airtightness. This flexible bellows for vacuum includes a bellows shape formed by welding a plurality of metal disc-shaped members, and a bellows shape integrally formed of metal.

The base end of the image guide fiber 615 is located on the further front side of the front cover glass 636. A base end image guide fiber frame 643 is, for example, bonded and fixed to the base end outer periphery of the image guide fiber 615, and a fiber cover glass frame 644 is bonded and fixed to the base end outer periphery of the base end image guide fiber frame 643. Have been. A fiber cover glass 645 is bonded and fixed to the fiber cover glass frame 644, and the fiber cover glass 645 and the base end surface of the image guide fiber 615 are bonded to each other with a light-transmitting adhesive without an air layer. Is fixed. The fiber cover glass 645 and the front cover glass 636 of the eyepiece lens unit 633 are also bonded together with a light-transmitting adhesive so that there is no air layer.

The fiber cover glass frame 64
4 is adhesively fixed to the main body 630.

An interlocking frame 647 having a cam hole 646 formed obliquely to the circumferential direction as shown in FIG. 4 is provided on the outer periphery of the eyepiece frame 639 of the eyepiece unit 633.
Are externally arranged. A cam pin 648 attached to the eyepiece frame 639 is engaged with the cam hole 646.

A rotation restricting groove 6 for restricting rotation of the eyepiece unit 633 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the eyepiece 631.
49 are formed. The rotation restricting groove 649 has a rotation stop pin 65 attached to the eyepiece frame 639.
0 is engaged.

A circumferential through-hole 651 is formed in the side peripheral portion of the eyepiece 631. A fixing pin 652 for fixing the diopter adjustment ring 634 is inserted through the circumferential through hole 651. By fixing the fixing pin 652 to the interlocking frame 647, the diopter adjustment ring is fixed. 634 and the interlocking frame 647 are integrally fixed.

As a result, the diopter adjustment ring 63
By rotating the 4, the interlocking frame 647 connected and fixed by the fixing pin 652 simultaneously rotates.
When the interlocking frame 647 rotates, the cam pin 648 engaged with the cam hole 646 of the interlocking frame 647 is moved in the optical axis direction as shown in FIG. The bellows 640 shrinks as the eyepiece frame 639 in which the group 632 is disposed moves in the optical axis direction, for example, in the distal direction. At this time, the airtightness in the eyepiece unit 633 is maintained.

Since the rotation stop pin 650 is engaged with the rotation restricting groove 649 of the eyepiece 631, the eyepiece frame 639 does not rotate. Also, the main body 630 of the endoscope 600 and the eyepiece 631,
And the eyepiece 631 and the eyepiece unit 6
33, and O-rings 653, 654, 655, 656 for maintaining water tightness between the eyepiece 631 and the diopter adjusting ring 634, and between the diopter adjusting ring 634 and the fixing pin 652, respectively. 657 are arranged. This prevents the liquid from entering the eyepiece 603 at the time of washing or immersion in a chemical solution.

Here, referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, the detailed configuration of the eyepiece unit 633 and the eyepiece 603 will be described.
Will be described.

First, the front cover glass frame 635 and the front cover glass 636 as shown in FIG. 5A and the base cover glass frame 637 and the base cover glass 638 as shown in FIG. Each is hermetically joined by soldering or brazing. In addition, the tip side cover glass 6
The outer peripheral surfaces of the base 36 and the base cover glass 638 have been subjected to the above-described metallizing process.

Next, as shown in FIG. 6, the base cover glass frame is attached to the base end of an eyepiece lens frame 639 having an eyepiece lens group 632 which is disposed and fixed at a predetermined position by a spacing ring 641 and a pressing member 642. 637 is hermetically joined by laser welding.

Next, one end of the metal bellows 640 is hermetically joined to the front cover glass frame 635 by laser welding. The other end of the bellows 640 is hermetically joined to the tip of the eyepiece frame 639 by laser welding.

As a result, the front cover glass 63
6, a front cover glass frame 635, and a bellows 640.
, An eyepiece frame 639 and a base cover glass frame 637
And the inner space of the eyepiece unit 633 surrounded by the base cover glass 638 is constituted by a metal member and sapphire, which are airtight partition members, and airtight joining such as soldering or laser welding is performed between the members. It is configured as an airtight seal by being airtightly joined by means.

The eyepiece lens unit 633, which is formed by airtightly joining a substantially rigid metal member, which is an airtight partition member, and sapphire has a very strong structure. For this reason, it has the strength not to be destroyed by pressurization and decompression during autoclave.

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 7, an interlocking frame 647 is externally arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the eyepiece frame 639 constituting the eyepiece unit 633, and the cam pins 648 are inserted through the cam holes 646 of the interlocking frame 647. Frame 63
9 and fix it. Thereafter, a rotation stop pin 650 is screwed and fixed at a predetermined position of the eyepiece frame 639.

Next, the base end of the image guide fiber 615 is pulled out from the main body 630 of the endoscope 600, and the base end face of the image guide fiber 615 and the fiber cover glass 645 fixed to the fiber cover glass frame 644 are connected. It is stuck and fixed with a translucent adhesive so that there is no air layer.

Next, the fiber cover glass 64
5 and the cover glass 636 of the eyepiece unit 633, which is hermetically sealed, are bonded and fixed with a light-transmitting adhesive without an air layer. As a result, the eyepiece unit 633 hermetically sealed from the base end surface of the image guide fiber 615, that is, the image output end.
It is possible to eliminate a portion where water vapor enters the optical path up to the base end cover glass 638 corresponding to the base end side optical window.

Then, as shown in FIG.
The fiber cover glass frame 644 in this state is attached to the main body 6.
After that, the rotation-stop pin 650 is engaged with the rotation restricting groove 649 of the eyepiece 631, and the eyepiece 631 is slid from the rear to the front end so as to cover the outer periphery of the eyepiece unit 633. .
Finally, the eyepiece 631 and the main body 630 are integrally fixed by screws 658.

At this time, a diopter adjusting ring 634 is previously fitted around the outer periphery of the eyepiece 631. For this reason, the diopter adjusting ring 634 and the interlocking frame 6 are connected to each other through the circumferential through hole 651 formed in the eyepiece 631.
47 is integrally fixed with the fixing pin 652, thereby completing the assembly of the eyepiece 603.

The procedure of assembling the exterior of the endoscope other than the eyepiece 603 is the same as that of the conventional endoscope. The exterior members are kept watertight by an O-ring or an adhesive (not shown). It is configured.

That is, the endoscope 600 of the present embodiment configured as described above has a configuration in which only the eyepiece unit 633 and the objective lens unit, which are a part of the observation optical system, are hermetically sealed. Can be assembled in the same manner as a conventional endoscope. For this reason, assembling is easy like a conventional endoscope. Further, in the present embodiment, since the diopter adjustment operation section for performing the diopter adjustment operation is not a part of the partition wall member constituting the hermetically sealed space, it is the same as the conventional case.
Eyepiece 603 using rings 655, 656, 657
Since the diopter adjustment ring system that ensures only watertightness inside can be adopted, the configuration is excellent in operability.

The operation of the endoscope 600 according to this embodiment will be described.

In use, the endoscope 600 allows the observer to look into the eyepiece 603 and to use the objective lens group 62.
4 allows the formed subject image to be observed. The subject image is formed on the image incident end face, which is the distal end face of the image guide fiber 615, by the objective lens section of the distal end portion 607, and transmitted to the image output end face, which is the base end face, by the image guide fiber 615 passing through the insertion section 601. Is done.

The subject image transmitted to the base end face of the image guide fiber 615 is
And is observed by an observer. At this time, if the focal position of the eyepiece group 632 does not coincide with the base end surface of the image guide fiber 615,
An in-focus image cannot be obtained, resulting in a blurred image.

The diopter of the observer varies.
Therefore, it is necessary to adjust the focal position of the eyepiece lens group 632 each time the observer changes. That is, the observer must adjust the diopter in order to obtain the best subject image.

When adjusting the diopter, the observer rotates the diopter adjusting ring 634. This diopter adjustment ring 634
Is rotated, the interlocking frame 647 connected by the fixing pin 652 rotates. As a result, the eyepiece frame 639 in which the eyepiece lens group 632 is disposed as described above moves forward and backward in the optical axis direction to adjust the focal position.

At this time, the bellows 640 expands and contracts, so that the eyepiece frame 639 can be moved in the optical axis direction while the airtightness in the eyepiece unit 633 is maintained.

The diopter adjustment is used not only when the observer visually observes, but also when the image input means of the external photographing apparatus is attached to the eyepiece 603. That is, for example, when the subject image on the exit surface of the image guide fiber is formed on the solid-state image pickup device of the external camera head, the diopter adjustment ring 634 is operated to operate the eyepiece lens group 6.
32 focus positions are adjusted. As a result, the best subject image is displayed on a monitor screen (not shown).

The endoscope 600 used for observation and the like as described above is subjected to autoclave sterilization after use. In the case of the pre-vacuum type autoclave sterilization, first, in the pre-vacuum step, a pressure difference is generated between the inside and outside of the eyepiece unit 633 which is hermetically sealed.

Subsequently, in the sterilization process, the endoscope 600
Are exposed to high pressure and high temperature steam. At this time, high-pressure, high-temperature steam gradually penetrates into the endoscope through a member made of a polymer material such as the outer tube 622 of the curved portion 608 constituting the endoscope exterior. Further, when the inside and outside of the endoscope 600 are in communication, the high-pressure high-temperature steam actively enters the inside of the endoscope. Then, at this time, the endoscope 600
It is heated up to about 140C.

In the subsequent drying step, a pressure difference similar to that in the pre-vacuum step occurs inside and outside the eyepiece unit 633.

As described above, during autoclave sterilization,
An eyepiece unit 633 having a hermetically sealed configuration
No high-pressure, high-temperature steam enters the interior. Further, since the eyepiece unit 633 has a strong structure, the eyepiece unit 633 is not broken by the influence of a pressure difference and a temperature change during the autoclave sterilization. Further, the endoscope 6
When repairing 00 (for example, when adjusting the bending mechanism or replacing the internal parts), it can be easily repaired by removing a part of the endoscope exterior similarly to a normal endoscope. Replacement of internal parts.

This embodiment has the following effects.

Even if the endoscope uses an image guide fiber as the image transmission means, the diopter can be adjusted by the observer, and the visual field defect caused by the high-pressure high-temperature steam in the autoclave sterilization is reliably prevented. be able to.

An endoscope having a curved endoscope in which at least a part of the endoscope exterior needs to be made of a polymer material, an endoscope having a flexible insertion portion, and using an image guide fiber as an image transmission means. Even in the case of an endoscope, the diopter can be adjusted by the observer, and a visual field defect caused by high-pressure high-temperature steam in autoclave sterilization can be reliably prevented.

The other configuration is conventionally sealed by sealing only a part of the observation optical system, such as the eyepiece unit constituting the eyepiece, without airtightly sealing the entire endoscope exterior. Can be configured similarly to the endoscope. For this reason, as well as the conventional endoscope, not only is it easy to assemble, but also when the internal parts of the endoscope fail, just like the conventional endoscope, only a part of the endoscope exterior is removed. Therefore, the internal parts can be easily replaced, so that the repairability is good.

Since the diopter adjustment operation unit for performing the diopter adjustment operation is not a part of the hermetic partition wall member constituting the hermetically sealed structure, a diopter adjustment operation unit with good operability can be realized. In the present embodiment, the operability is improved by employing a diopter adjustment operation unit using a diopter adjustment ring system similar to the conventional one.

The eyepiece unit can be kept airtight and the diopter can be adjusted with a very simple configuration without electric control. That is, since the endoscope used in the present embodiment is basically a fiber type endoscope that does not require an electric signal, the endoscope is configured to perform no electric control for adjusting the diopter, thereby achieving an endoscope. The configuration does not require a power supply to use the mirror.

If the eyepiece optical system is a fixed-focus zoom optical system, an airtight eyepiece unit with a zooming mechanism can be constructed.

The eyepiece unit in the present embodiment is preferably hermetically sealed as described above. In addition, the airtight partition member and the airtight joining means for making the eyepiece lens unit have an airtight sealing structure are not limited to those described in the present embodiment, but include an airtight partition member and an airtight joining means as described below. There may be.

That is, in the present embodiment, metal and sapphire are used as the material of the hermetic partition wall member constituting the hermetically sealed portion of the eyepiece lens unit. These materials are
It has high heat resistance, pressure resistance that is not destroyed by decompression and pressurization in autoclave sterilization, and high vacuum characteristics of the material itself (by using a helium leak detector such as JIS Z2331 and the like, the volume in the test body is 0.1 to 0.1%). 0.4c
The equivalent reference leak amount in the case of m ³ is 1 × 10 ⁻⁹ Pa · m ³
/ S or less), which is a material that can be hermetically bonded. The material that can be hermetically bonded is a material having heat resistance that can withstand heating at the time of bonding by airtight bonding means as described later. On the other hand, a general polymer material such as resin and rubber cannot satisfy the conditions as the airtight partition member.

That is, the material of the airtight partition member is metal,
It is limited to a material mainly composed of ceramics, glass, and a crystalline material, and a more preferable material is selected therefrom. Various materials can be used as the metal. For example, metals such as stainless steel and Kovar can be used.

In the present embodiment, ceramics and glass are distinguished from each other as different materials, but ceramics is a general term for non-metallic inorganic materials obtained through processes such as molding and firing. . For this reason, in a broad sense, glass is also included in ceramics. Many of such ceramics satisfy the requirements of the hermetic partition member, and are used when metal cannot be used as the hermetic partition member due to insulation problems, optical problems, and the like. However, among the ceramics, there are materials having low vacuum characteristics, materials that are cracked by heating during hermetic bonding, and materials that are extremely deteriorated by steam. Therefore, care must be taken when selecting the material. For example, it is preferable to use fine ceramics having insulating properties such as aluminum nitride, sialon, alumina, plaque alumina, and silicon nitride, and having high vacuum characteristics as the insulating member. .

Further, since multi-component glass generally used as an optical member often deteriorates due to steam, an optical member used as an airtight partition member, that is, a light-transmitting crystalline material, or a high pressure It is necessary to use a multi-component glass having high temperature steam resistance. Incidentally, the sapphire is a single crystal of Al ₂ O ₃ and is classified as a translucent crystalline material, and is a typical optical material that satisfies the conditions of the hermetic partition wall member. In addition, as the translucent crystalline material, ruby, quartz (quartz), and the like can be given.

Although laser welding and brazing such as soldering or brazing are employed as the airtight joining means, other various kinds of joining by metal welding can be employed.

Examples of the welding include fusion welding typified by laser welding and electron beam welding, pressure welding typified by resistance welding, brazing, brazing such as soldering, and the like. For example, when two metal parts, which are airtight partition members, are joined by laser welding, the two metal parts are melted and integrated, so that the joint part becomes the airtight partition member itself and ensures airtightness. it can.

When the brazing is performed, the joint between the hermetic partition members is filled with metal to ensure airtightness. As this brazing material, various brazing agents such as gold brazing, silver brazing, nickel brazing, and copper brazing can be used.
A brazing material having high corrosion resistance and less rust, such as nickel brazing, is more preferable. As the solder material, in addition to general Pb-Sn solder, Ag-containing solder, Cu-containing solder, Au-Sn solder, etc. can be used. However, a highly corrosion-resistant and rust-resistant solder material such as Au-Sn solder is more preferable. preferable.

In addition to the above-mentioned metal welding, joining by molten glass is a joining means capable of joining in a gas-tight manner and can be adopted. As a molten glass for airtight filling and joining,
There is a low-melting powder glass or the like, and by heating and melting the glass, it is possible to ensure airtightness in which the joint between the airtight partition members is filled with glass. As the low melting point powder glass, there are glassy ones and crystallized ones. For ceramics other than glass, there is a bonding agent that can be hermetically bonded by firing.

That is, any joining means whose main component of the joining portion is metal, ceramics, glass, or a crystallizable substance can be adopted as an airtight joining means.

At the time of joining by these airtight joining means, for example, at 200 ° C. in the case of soldering which is a typical metal welding.
~ 400 ° C, 700 ° C ~ 100 for brazing
The temperature rises to about 0 ° C., and further to the melting temperature of the metal (about 1400 ° C. for stainless steel) in the case of laser welding. Further, low melting glass is generally used as the molten glass for hermetic bonding, and its melting point is 300 ° C. to 600 ° C.
It is about.

The airtightness described in the present invention means that the equivalent reference leak amount (0.1 to 0.4 cm ^{3 of the} space in the test body) is basically determined by a helium leak detector described in JIS Z2331, etc. As 1 × 10 ^-9
Pa · m ³ / S or less.

When the value exceeds 1 × 10 ⁻⁹ Pa · m ³ / S, when autoclave sterilization is performed, high-pressure and high-temperature steam infiltrates, and the autoclave sterilization repeatedly causes vapor to accumulate and condense on the lens surface. Yawning occurs,
The coating and the adhesive applied to the lens and the lens surface may be deteriorated to cause a defect such as an observed image defect.

Table 1 shows the relationship between the difference in the equivalent reference leak amount due to the difference in the joining method and the presence or absence of vapor intrusion.

An airtight structure by welding, in other words, the airtight structure of the airtight sealing portion shown in the above-described embodiment and a watertight structure formed by using a general O-ring or an adhesive have a different transmission reference leak amount. You can see that.

[0107]

[Table 1] The data on the presence or absence of water vapor intrusion after autoclave sterilization shows that in the case of bonding or sealing using a polymer material, vapor enters through the bonding portion and the sealing member for welding such as brazing and fusion welding. This manifests itself as a more pronounced difference with repeated autoclaving.

As described above, in the present invention, the eyepiece lens unit is hermetically sealed. However, even if the eyepiece lens unit is not completely airtight, for example, the eyepiece lens unit may have a watertightness level lower than that of the endoscope exterior. The effects of the present invention can be obtained if the sealing is performed at a high sealing level.

In particular, in the case of such a configuration, for example, the front cover glass frame 63 in the eyepiece unit is provided.
5 is provided with a water absorbing member indicated by reference numeral 659 in FIG. This makes it possible to prevent the slightly invading vapor from being absorbed by the water-absorbing member 659, and prevent problems such as water droplets from adhering to the lens surface even when autoclave sterilization is repeated. It is more effective to make this water-absorbing member removable and replaceable.

Even in the case of this configuration, it is necessary that the joint and the partition member of the eyepiece lens unit 633 are configured so that water vapor does not enter as much as possible. For example, when the joint is sealed by bonding with an adhesive. Instead of using a silicone adhesive, an adhesive having low vapor permeability such as an epoxy adhesive or a ceramic adhesive is used.

When a polymer material is used as the partition member of the eyepiece unit, a super engineering plastic having a dense structure among the polymer materials such as polyphenylene sulfide, polyether ether ketone, and polyphenyl sulfone is used. use.

Further, a gas-barrier coating may be applied to the outer surface of the eyepiece lens unit to make it nearly airtight. Finally, the eyepiece unit seals at a sealing level at least higher than the watertight level of the endoscope exterior. In the above-described embodiment, the medical endoscope for performing autoclave sterilization has been described.In addition, the endoscope for performing steam sterilization, immersion in a liquid for a long time, or steam may be introduced into the endoscope. It is effective to use the configuration of the present invention for an endoscope that may enter, for example, an industrial endoscope used in a high humidity environment.

Further, in this embodiment, the endoscope 600 having the flexible insertion portion 601 and the curved portion 608 has been described as shown in FIG. 1, but the flexible tube 6 of the insertion portion 601 has been described.
The configuration of the present invention is also effective for an endoscope whose portion corresponding to 09 is hard. Furthermore, an endoscope having a flexible insertion portion 601 and no bending portion 608 is similarly effective. That is, the configuration in the present embodiment is
At least a portion of one is effective in all flexible endoscopes.

The present invention can also be applied to a rigid endoscope which uses an image guide fiber as an image transmission means and is rigid over the entire length of the insertion section. By adopting this configuration, it has been disclosed in the above-mentioned DE 196 31 840 A1. A rigid endoscope having better assemblability and repairability than an endoscope and capable of adjusting diopter can be provided. The operability of this diopter adjustment is also greatly improved.

In place of the vent cap 613, a check valve adapter 663 having a check valve function for communicating when the internal space of the endoscope 600 becomes higher than the external pressure by a predetermined pressure or more can be attached to the vent base 612. And configure
The outer tube of the curved portion 608 may be prevented from bursting. In this case, water vapor does not actively enter through the communication portion, and deterioration of internal components of the endoscope is prevented for a long time.

FIG. 8 shows a modification of the eyepiece of the endoscope. As shown in the figure, in the eyepiece lens unit 633A of the present embodiment, only one lens 660 is used as the eyepiece lens group 632. And this eyepiece 6
60 is airtightly joined directly to the eyepiece frame 639 by soldering or the like. That is, the cover glass 636
, A front cover glass frame 635, and the bellows 640.
And an eyepiece unit 633A hermetically sealed by the eyepiece frame 639 and the eyepiece 660.

As shown in this embodiment, one eyepiece lens group
The eyepiece 660, or the eyepiece 6
The effect of the present invention can be obtained even when the 60 functions as an optical window in the eyepiece unit 633A without being disposed inside the airtight space. In this case, the eyepiece 660 needs to be formed of a glass material having resistance to high-temperature and high-pressure steam in autoclave sterilization.

FIGS. 9 and 10 relate to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the configuration of the eyepiece of the endoscope main body, and FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram of a liquid crystal lens.

As shown in FIG. 9, an eyepiece 2 constituting an eyepiece 100 is fixedly fastened to the main body 1 of the endoscope. An eyepiece unit 3 having an eyepiece group 6 is provided in the eyepiece 2.

The eyepiece unit 3 has a metal outer frame 4 constituting an exterior part in a substantially pipe shape, and convex portions 5 a, 5 on both ends arranged on the inner peripheral surface of the unit outer frame 4.
a metal unit main body frame 5 having a substantially bobbin-shaped internal space 5c having an inner space 5b, a plurality of optical lenses in a pipe-shaped inner hole disposed in the internal space 5c of the unit main body frame 5, and A metal eyepiece frame 7 having an eyepiece lens group 6 provided with a liquid crystal lens 20 as a focus position changing means (diopter adjustment mechanism), and a base of the eyepiece lens frame 7 and the unit body frame 5 And a cover glass 8 formed of high heat resistant glass such as sapphire disposed at the end.

A through hole 5d, which is an image guide fiber mounting portion communicating with the internal space 5c, is formed substantially at the center of the convex portion 5a of the unit main body frame 5, and is provided on the base end surface side of the convex portion 5b. Is formed with a concave portion 5e in which the cover glass 8 is arranged. The length of the eyepiece frame 7 is shorter than the depth of the inner space 5c by the thickness of the cover glass 8.

On the other hand, inside the main body 1, an image guide fiber 10 extending from an observation optical system (not shown) disposed at the end of the endoscope and an electric signal are supplied to drive the liquid crystal lens 20. Cables 9a and 9b are arranged, a metal fiber base 11 covering the end of the image guide fiber 10, and a contact terminal 12 electrically connected to the ends of the signal cables 9a and 9b. Are fixed to the convex portion 5a.

The signal cables 9a and 9b are provided with a switch 700 for adjusting diopter. The switch 700 is provided so as to be operable from outside the main body 1. Further, a signal cable 701 extending from the switch 700 is electrically connected to an external device (not shown) or a battery provided inside the endoscope. The switch 700 is attached to the main body in a watertight manner, is a push button type whose operation unit is covered with rubber or the like, and has very good operability.

The end of the unit outer frame 4 and the projection 5a, and the inner peripheral surface of the unit outer frame 4 and the projection 5a
b with the outer peripheral surface, for example, brazing by soldering or the like,
Alternatively, they are hermetically joined by laser welding, ultrasonic welding or the like, metal welding such as fusion welding, pressure welding, or the like so as to prevent gas from entering from the joining surface. Further, each optical lens constituting the eyepiece lens group 6 is bonded and fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the eyepiece lens frame 7 with an adhesive. Further, the cover glass 8 is air-tightly bonded to the inner peripheral surface of the concave portion 5e of the unit main body frame 5 by performing a metallizing process on the outer peripheral surface of the glass and then brazing. This prevents gas from entering through the joint surface between the cover glass 8 and the unit body frame 5.

On the other hand, the end portion of the image guide fiber 10 and the fiber base 11 are filled with, for example, molten glass filled between the fiber base lines and the outer peripheral surface of the fiber end portion and the inner peripheral surface of the fiber base 11. In addition, they are hermetically bonded so as to prevent gas from entering through a bonding surface between the outer peripheral surface of the fiber end and the inner peripheral surface of the fiber base 11.

The fiber base 11 is connected to the projection 5
In the through hole 5d of a, airtight joining is performed by metal welding so as to prevent gas from entering from the joining surface.
Further, the contact terminal 12 is filled with a non-conductive molten glass in a through hole 5f formed in the projection 5a in a gap between the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 5f and the outer peripheral surface of the contact terminal 12. The protrusions 5a are integrally joined in a gas-tight manner so as to prevent gas from entering through the through holes 5f. Thereby, the internal space of the eyepiece unit 3 is hermetically sealed.

One end of a relay cable 17 is connected to the liquid crystal lens 20 constituting the eyepiece lens group 6.
The other end is electrically connected to the contact terminal 12.
As a result, the liquid crystal lens 20 and the external device (not shown) disposed in the inner space of the eyepiece unit 3 which is hermetically sealed are connected to the relay cable 17, the contact terminal 12,
Electrically connected by signal cables 9a and 9b,
By operating the switch 700, an electric signal from an external device or a battery is transmitted to the liquid crystal lens 20.

The hermetic joining is selectively performed from among soldering, brazing, welding by laser, sealing with molten glass, and the like. In addition, the relay cable 1
Reference numeral 7 connects the liquid crystal lens 20 and the contact terminal 12 through through holes formed in the eyepiece lens frame 7 and the unit body frame 5 and communicating with each other.

Here, referring to FIG.
Will be described. (Note that
The liquid crystal lens of the present embodiment is a liquid crystal lens as disclosed in JP-A-10-073758. The liquid crystal lens 20 shown in the figure has a first liquid crystal main body 21 made of a substantially transparent birefringent liquid crystal material, and a second liquid crystal body made of a substantially transparent birefringent liquid crystal material similar to the first liquid crystal main body 21. It comprises a liquid crystal main body 22 and two pairs of electrodes 23 for applying an electric field or a magnetic field to the whole of the first liquid crystal main body 21 and the second liquid crystal main body 22, and utilizes a birefringence difference between the liquid crystal main bodies 21 and 22. Variable focus. Therefore, by operating a switch (not shown) provided on the main body 1, signal cables 9a, 9b
Electricity flows to the liquid crystal lens 20 via the liquid crystal, and the arrangement of the liquid crystal changes. As a result, the focus of the liquid crystal lens 20 changes, and the diopter can be adjusted according to the eyesight of the observer.

In this configuration, two liquid crystal layers constituting each of the liquid crystal main bodies 21 and 22 are disposed in a superposed manner, and the orientation directions of the respective layers are orthogonal to each other, so that a variable focus which does not require a polarizing plate is provided. Lens is possible. Further, the liquid crystal main bodies 21 and 22 and the light distribution films 24 and 2 constituting the liquid crystal lens 20 are formed.
5, 26, 27, the transparent electrodes 28, 29, 30, 31 and the parallel plate lenses 32, 33 and the concave lens 34 are selected from heat-resistant members capable of withstanding the sterilization temperature of autoclave sterilization. Etc. are used.

As described above, since the eyepiece lens group having the liquid crystal lens provided in the eyepiece lens unit that prevents gas from entering through the joint surface is formed, electricity flows through the liquid crystal lens and the liquid crystal is aligned. By changing the focal length, it is possible to adjust the diopter in accordance with the visual acuity of the observer by changing the focal length, and also to prevent poor visual field due to clouding of the eyepiece due to water vapor even when performing autoclave sterilization. . Further, although an electric signal is required, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained. Also, depending on the optical system of the liquid crystal lens, an airtight eyepiece unit with a variable power mechanism can be configured.

The method for hermetically sealing to prevent gas from entering through the joint surfaces of the members constituting the eyepiece lens unit 3 is not limited to the method of this embodiment, but is described below. It may be a configuration.

For example, one or more of metal, ceramics, glass, and sapphire are selected as the material of the unit partition member. On the other hand, as welding means, metal welding,
One or more are selectively used from the joining by molten glass. The space is hermetically sealed by appropriately combining the material and the joining means to form the space. Examples of the metal welding include fusion welding such as laser welding, brazing such as brazing and soldering, and pressure welding such as resistance welding.

By the way, gas such as water vapor permeates elastomer such as plastic, rubber and thermoplastic elastomer. For this reason, it becomes impossible to airtightly seal by using these members for the partition.

The adhesive is also permeable to gas such as water vapor. For this reason, it becomes impossible to seal hermetically by using an adhesive for the joint. In particular, silicone rubber has a very high vapor permeability. For this reason, when a silicone rubber is used for the partition wall, a silicone O-ring is used for the seal portion, or a silicone-based adhesive is used for the joint portion to form a closed space, the watertight seal is required. Even so, the space is very easily permeated by gas such as water vapor.

For this reason, when an adhesive is unavoidably used, an adhesive other than a silicon-based adhesive, such as an epoxy-based adhesive or a ceramics adhesive, is employed. Applying a gas-barrier coating to the outer surface of the joint with an adhesive is effective for hermetic sealing. If the coating is transparent, it is possible to coat the entire eyepiece unit. When the coating is non-transparent, a masking process is performed in advance so that the optical path portion such as a cover glass is not coated, and then the coating operation is performed.

Examples of the transparent coating include a silica coating converted from silazane and a parylene resin coating. Examples of the non-transparent coating include a metal deposition coating such as an aluminum deposition coating and a soldering agent dip coating. Other effects can also be obtained with ceramic coating and the like.

In addition, by disposing a water-absorbing member inside the eyepiece lens unit in advance, it is effective to prevent fogging of the lens. The water-absorbing member may be made detachable and replaceable.

There is also a means for preventing the fogging of the lens by filling the entire internal space of the eyepiece lens unit with a transparent filler such as silicone oil.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of an objective lens optical system according to an application of the second embodiment. As shown in the drawing, in the present embodiment, the configuration of the eyepiece group 6 constituting the eyepiece unit 3 provided in the eyepiece unit 100 is applied to the objective lens optical system 103 located at the distal end 102 of the endoscope 101. It was done.

As shown in FIG.
An objective lens group 105 having a plurality of optical lenses and a liquid crystal lens 104 serving as a focal position changing means (a diopter adjustment mechanism) is provided in a through hole 102a formed in the second through-hole in a pipe-shaped inner hole. A metal objective lens frame 106 provided;
An objective lens unit 108 mainly including cover glasses 107a and 107b formed of high heat-resistant glass such as sapphire disposed at the distal end and the proximal end of the objective lens frame 106 is disposed.

The cover glasses 107a and 107b are
After metallizing the outer peripheral surface of the glass, the objective lens frame 106 is joined to the inner peripheral surface of the distal end portion and the inner peripheral surface of the base end portion by brazing. This prevents gas from entering through the joint surface between the cover glasses 107a and 107b and the objective lens frame 106.

A solid-state image sensor 109 is arranged behind the objective lens unit. The cover glass 110 located on the front surface of the solid-state imaging device 109 and the cover glass 107b located on the rear side of the objective lens unit 108 are tightly fixed by a translucent adhesive.

The liquid crystal lens 104 has a signal cable 111
Are connected to each other, and the other end is electrically connected to an operation switch (not shown). By this switch operation, the liquid crystal lens 104 disposed in the airtightly sealed internal space of the objective lens unit 108 and an external device (not shown) are electrically connected, and an external electric signal is transmitted to the liquid crystal lens 104. This liquid crystal lens 104
Electricity flows and the alignment of the liquid crystal changes. As a result, the focus of the liquid crystal lens 104 changes, and the focus of the objective lens unit 108 is adjusted. The liquid crystal lens 104 and the signal cable 111 are electrically connected via connection pins 112. The connection pin 112 is inserted into a through-hole formed in the objective lens frame 106 through the molten glass 11.
3 and hermetically sealed and insulated from the objective lens frame 106.

As described above, since the objective lens unit is air-tightly constructed and the objective lens group is constructed by arranging a plurality of optical lenses and liquid crystal lenses, even if autoclave sterilization is performed, the optical lens of the objective lens unit can be obtained. In addition, it is possible to prevent a visual field defect caused by clouding due to water vapor, and to adjust the focus of the objective lens unit by electrically changing the focal length of the liquid crystal lens.

Further, by disposing an objective lens group provided with a focus adjustment mechanism in an airtightly sealed objective lens unit, an endoscope provided with a focus adjustment mechanism in the objective lens unit of the endoscope can be easily provided. Can be configured.

As a result, it is possible to adjust the focus of the objective lens unit, change the depth of focus, perform magnification observation, etc. without causing a problem such as fogging of the lens due to water vapor. A mirror is provided.

In this embodiment, not only the focus adjustment but also the change of the depth of focus during the endoscopic inspection and the magnified observation can be performed depending on the optical system of the liquid crystal lens. Further, in the present embodiment, the configuration in which the solid-state imaging device is disposed behind the objective lens unit has been described. The configuration may be applied.

FIGS. 12 and 13 relate to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating another configuration of the eyepiece of the endoscope main body, and FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram of a variable focus lens. It is.

As shown in FIG. 12, in the present embodiment, a variable focus made of a transparent liquid is used instead of the liquid crystal lens 20 arranged in the eyepiece group 6 constituting the eyepiece unit 3 of the first embodiment. The eyepiece lens unit 3A is configured by arranging a lens 40 and a focal position changing unit (diopter adjustment mechanism), and providing an actuator unit 41 for deforming the varifocal lens 40.

One end of the relay cable 17 is connected to the actuator section 41.
The other end of 7 is connected to a contact terminal 12 through a through hole formed in the eyepiece lens frame 7 and the unit body frame 5 and communicating with each other. As a result, an electric signal from the external signal cable 9c can be transmitted to the varifocal lens 40 of the eyepiece unit 3 which is hermetically sealed. Other configurations are the same as those of the second embodiment, and the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 13, the varifocal lens 40
Is mainly composed of a pair of heat-resistant transparent elastic films 42 and a transparent operating liquid 43 filled in the pair of transparent elastic films 42.

The actuator section 41 has a pressure drive section 44 composed of a piezoelectric element, and a shaft section fixed to the pressure drive section 44 and for pushing and pulling the elastic film 42 with the displacement of the pressure drive section 44. 45.

Therefore, by operating a switch (not shown) provided in the main body 1, the signal cable 9c external to the eyepiece unit 3 is connected to the signal cable 9c as shown in FIG.
As shown in (b), an electric signal is transmitted to the actuator section 41, and the shaft section 45 moves as shown by the arrow to change the shape of the varifocal lens 40 to change the focal point, thereby changing the focus of the observer. The diopter can be adjusted according to the eyesight.

As described above, by supplying electricity to the actuator unit and moving the actuator unit back and forth, the shape of the varifocal lens changes, the focal length changes, and diopter adjustment in accordance with the visual acuity of the observer is performed. It can be carried out.
Other functions and effects are the same as those of the second embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating another configuration of the eyepiece of the endoscope main body according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
In this embodiment, a diopter adjustment member 50 that converts an air-equivalent optical path length as a focal position changing means (diopter adjustment mechanism) between the end of the image guide fiber 10 and the eyepiece unit 3B of the eyepiece 100. Is provided with a diopter adjustment member mounting portion (hereinafter abbreviated as a member mounting portion) 59 for inserting and disposing. Reference numeral 56 denotes the member mounting portion 59.
After the diopter adjustment member 50 is disposed, the rubber lid is attached to the member mounting portion 59 for preventing the diopter adjustment member 50 from coming off.

A plurality of diopter adjusting members 50, for example, a first member 51, a second member 52,..., A fifth member 55 are prepared, and can be selectively arranged on the member mounting portion 59.
The first member 51 and the second member 52 of the diopter adjusting member 50 are, for example, optical members having different refractive indexes or a third member 53.
Are formed by optical members having different thicknesses as described above, and the difference converts the air-equivalent optical path length between the end of the image guide fiber 10 and the eyepiece unit 3B. The fourth member 54 is provided with an optical member for converting a focal length in a lens shape. Further, the fifth member 55 is a diopter adjusting member for connecting a camera head which is an image input device having a CCD, and is made of a birefringent optical member such as quartz or sapphire. It focuses on the end face and serves as a low-pass filter for removing moiré interference fringes.

The eyepiece lens unit 3B has an eyepiece lens group 1 composed of a metal eyepiece lens frame 13 and a plurality of optical lenses disposed in the eyepiece lens frame 13.
4 and eyepiece cover glasses 15a and 15b made of high heat resistant glass such as sapphire disposed at both ends of the eyepiece frame 13.

The eyepiece cover glass 15 is
After metallizing the outer peripheral surface of the glass, the outer peripheral surface of the eyepiece frame 13 is joined by brazing to the inner peripheral surface of the distal end portion and the inner peripheral surface of the base end so as to prevent gas from entering through the joining surface. I have. The eyepiece frame 13 and the eyepiece cover glass 15 are hermetically joined.

On the other hand, a fiber cover glass 16 made of high heat-resistant glass such as sapphire is hermetically bonded to the eyepiece also on the end face of the image guide fiber 10 on the endoscope side. Thus, the configuration is such that water vapor does not enter the end of the image guide fiber 10.

Each hermetic joint is selected from soldering, brazing, welding by laser or the like, sealing with molten glass, and the like. Further, a water droplet wiping brush 57 is provided to remove water droplets adhering to the surface of the eyepiece cover glass 15a or the surface of the fiber cover glass 16.
Is prepared. A high water-absorbing member such as a sponge 58 is provided at the tip of the brush 57. further,
Reference numeral 17 denotes a metal fiber base covering the end of the image guide fiber 10. In this embodiment, the eyepiece unit 3B is fixed to the eyepiece unit 100.
00 may be configured to be detachable. This makes it possible to easily wipe off water droplets attached to the eyepiece cover glass 15a and the fiber cover glass 16.

As described above, by selectively attaching a desired diopter adjusting member from among a plurality of diopter adjusting members to the member attaching portion, the air conversion between the end face of the image guide fiber and the eyepiece unit is achieved. By changing the optical path length, that is, changing the focus of the eyepiece, it is possible to adjust the diopter in accordance with the eyesight of the observer.

By mounting the fifth member for connecting the camera head to the member mounting portion, the CCD of the camera head can be mounted.
And the one end face of the image guide fiber can be focused, and the optical image transmitted from the image guide fiber undergoes birefringence by the birefringent optical member, thereby suppressing the occurrence of moire due to the mesh of the fiber. .

Further, by mounting a lens-shaped focal length changing optical member such as the fourth member to the member mounting portion, not only diopter adjustment but also eyepiece magnification can be changed.

When autoclaving is performed, water droplets adhere to the cover glass. The water droplets can be wiped off with a water droplet wiping brush. At this time, water droplets do not adhere to the inside of the eyepiece unit and the end face of the image guide fiber.

A diopter adjusting member 50 for converting the air-equivalent optical path length as a focal position changing means (diopter adjusting mechanism) between the end of the image guide fiber 10 and the eyepiece unit 3B of the eyepiece 100. Instead of inserting
As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, a configuration may be adopted in which the diopter adjustment member 60 is disposed on the base end side of the eyepiece frame 13.

At this time, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 15, the male screw portion 61 of the diopter adjusting member 60 is screwed and attached to the screw portion 18 provided at a position corresponding to the eyepiece frame 13 of the eyepiece 2a. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 16, the male screw 61 of the diopter adjusting member 60 is screwed and attached to the screw 19 provided at a position corresponding to the eyepiece frame 13 of the eyepiece 100. It has become. The diopter adjustment member 60 is prepared using an optical member having various shapes or different refractive indexes in order to match the diopter of the observer, and can convert the focal length of the eyepiece. . In addition, a diopter adjustment member 62 that plays a role of a low-pass filter is also provided. And
During autoclave sterilization, water droplets attached to the eyepiece cover glass 15b can be easily wiped off by removing the diopter adjustment member 60.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 15, a through hole 13 provided in the eyepiece frame 13 constituting the eyepiece unit 3C
a, a base 1 provided at the end of the image guide fiber 10
1 is airtightly bonded as in the first embodiment, or as shown in FIG. 16, an eyepiece cover glass 15a and a fiber cover glass 16 constituting an eyepiece unit 3D are provided.
Are bonded by a translucent adhesive to prevent water droplets from adhering.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view for explaining another configuration of the eyepiece of the endoscope main body according to the fifth embodiment. In the present embodiment, an eyepiece 2 constituting the eyepiece 100 is fixedly fastened to the main body 1 of the endoscope. An eyepiece unit 3E is fixed in the eyepiece 2.

The eyepiece unit 3E has a substantially pipe-shaped unit outer frame 4 and a cover glass 8 made of a high heat-resistant glass such as sapphire, which is air-tightly joined to one end of the unit outer frame 4 and has an opening 71a. The base unit unit frame 71 made of a metal having a substantially convex cross-sectional shape in which the image guide fiber 10 is air-tightly bonded and fixed to the other end of the unit outer frame 4, and the image guide fiber 10 is connected to the opening 72a. The base 11 provided at the end of the metal seal 11 is hermetically joined and fixed, the cross-sectional shape is substantially convex, and the inner space is hermetically sealed with a metal front end side unit frame 72. In addition, each airtight joining is selectively performed by brazing, welding by laser or the like, sealing by molten glass, or the like.

On the air-tight area side of the base unit frame 71 and the front unit frame 72, cylindrical protrusions 71b, 72b are provided, respectively.
A predetermined gap is formed between the distal end surfaces of b and 72b.

In the space between the outer periphery of the projecting portions 71b, 72b and the inner peripheral surface of the unit outer frame 4, a ring-shaped first member constituting a focus position changing means (diopter adjusting mechanism) is provided.
The electromagnet 73 and the second electromagnet 74 are fixed. The power supply for these electromagnets 73, 74 is
74, a relay cable 17 having one end connected thereto, a contact terminal 12 located on the side of the airtight area to which the other end of the relay cable 17 is connected, and a signal connected on the side opposite to the airtight area of the contact terminal 12. The power is supplied from an external device (not shown) via the cables 9d and 9e and the switch 75.

The contact terminal 12 is provided with a through hole 72c.
Non-conductive molten glass is sealed in the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the contact terminal 12 and the outer peripheral surface of the contact terminal 12 so as to prevent gas from entering the front end unit frame 72 through the through hole 72c. Airtightly joined to

A lens frame 7 having an eyepiece lens group 14 formed of a plurality of optical lenses in a ring shape slidable in the axial direction is provided on the inner peripheral surface side of the protrusions 71b and 72b.
6 are arranged. O-rings 7 are provided on the inner peripheral surfaces of the protrusions 71b and 72b which slide with the lens frame 76.
7 to load an appropriate sliding resistance on the lens frame 76. A magnetic body 78 such as a ring-shaped magnet or the like constituting a focal position changing means (diopter adjustment mechanism) is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the lens frame 76 in the middle. The magnetic body 78 protrudes beyond the outer shape of the protrusions 71b, 72b from a gap formed between the tip surfaces of the protrusions 71b, 72b. Other configurations are the same as those of the second embodiment, and the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

By configuring the focal position changing means as described above, in the present embodiment, the switch 7
By appropriately operating 5, a magnetic force is generated between the first electromagnet 73 and the magnetic body 78 or between the second electromagnet 74 and the magnetic body 78. At this time, the magnetic force generated between the magnets and exceeding the resistance of the O-ring 77 causes the lens frame 7 to move.
6 moves to the distal side or the proximal side in the axial direction as shown by the arrow, and the focal point changes.

Then, when the focus is adjusted, the finger is released from the switch 75 so that the distance between the first electromagnet 73 and the magnetic body 78 or between the second electromagnet 74 and the magnetic body 78 is reduced.
And the magnetic force acting between them disappears, and the lens frame 76 is again fixed at the focus adjusted position by the sliding resistance of the O-ring 77.

The electromagnets 73 and 74 and the magnetic body 78
The magnetic force acting between them may be either a force that attracts each other or a force that repels each other. Thus, the same operation and effect as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

FIG. 18 is a sectional view for explaining a modification of the fifth embodiment. In the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 17, when the lens frame 76 is slid by the magnetic force acting between the electromagnets 73 and 74 and the magnetic body 78, an appropriate sliding resistance is applied to the lens frame 76. Projection 7 for loading
An O-ring 77 is arranged on the outer circumference of 1b, 72b. In this embodiment, an output adjusting device 79 is provided as shown in FIG. 18 instead of disposing the O-ring 77 to apply a sliding resistance.

The output adjusting device 79 includes a first electromagnet 73
And the output of the second electromagnet 74 is relatively adjusted. When one output is increased, the other output is adjusted to be decreased. That is, when the switch 75 is operated, the balance between the magnetic force between the first electromagnet 73 and the magnetic body 78 and the magnetic force between the second electromagnet 74 and the magnetic body 78 changes, so that the lens frame 76 moves. I do. Then, when the finger is released from the switch 75, the output adjusting device 79 is released.
The lens frame 7 is adjusted by adjusting the relationship between the distance and the magnetic force.
6 is brought to a stationary state. Other configurations, operations and effects are the same as those of the fifth embodiment, and the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 19 is a sectional view for explaining a modification of the embodiment shown in FIGS. ◎ In the present embodiment, a distal end component frame 81 is provided instead of the distal end side unit frame 72, and the base 11 a provided at the base end of the image guide fiber 10 is disposed on the fiber fixing frame 80 which is fixed to the main body 1. Thus, the eyepiece lens unit 3F is configured.

Specifically, as shown in the figure, a fiber fixing frame 80 having a substantially convex cross section is fixedly provided at the base end of the main body 1. A base 11a in which the end of the image guide fiber 10 is inserted is fixed to a through hole 80a formed at the center of the fiber fixing frame 80 by an adhesive. Also, the small diameter portion 80b of the fiber fixing frame 80
An O-ring 82 is arranged in a concave portion formed on the outer peripheral surface of the O-ring 82.

On the other hand, the front end constituting frame 81 is substantially pipe-shaped, has a flange portion 81c at the center, and has a front end side protruding portion 8c.
1a and a base end side protruding portion 81b.
A cover glass 83 made of high heat-resistant glass such as sapphire is hermetically bonded and fixed to a substantially central portion of the inner peripheral surface of the front end frame 81.

The inner peripheral surface of the distal-side protruding portion 81a is externally fitted on the outer peripheral surface of the small-diameter portion 80b of the fiber fixing frame 80. Water tightness between the outer peripheral surface of the small-diameter portion 80b and the inner peripheral surface of the distal-side protruding portion 81a is secured by the O-ring 82. Then, in this state, the fiber fixing frame 8 arranged in the inner peripheral surface of the distal-side protruding portion 81a is provided.
A space portion 84 is formed between the base end surface of the small-diameter portion 80b and the front end surface of the cover glass 83. The space 84 is filled with a transparent liquid such as oil.

The contact terminal 12 is provided with a through hole 81d.
Non-conductive molten glass is sealed in the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the contact terminal 12 and the outer peripheral surface of the contact terminal 12 so as to prevent gas from entering the front end constituting frame 81 through the through hole 81d. Airtightly joined. Other configurations are the same as those of the fifth embodiment and the modified example of the fifth embodiment, and the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

By configuring the eyepiece unit 3F as described above, the optical system disposed between the cover glass 8 and the front cover glass 83 is disposed in a space that is airtightly joined. Therefore, exposure to steam during autoclave sterilization is prevented. Further, since the space between the cover glass 83 and the end face of the image guide fiber 10 is filled with the liquid, dew condensation is prevented even if steam enters during autoclave sterilization.

As described above, the distal end component frame having the distal-side projecting portion is externally fitted to the fiber fixing frame fixed to the main body, and the narrow-diameter portion base of the fiber-fixing frame disposed inside the distal-side projecting portion is provided. By filling a transparent liquid into the space formed between the end face and the front end face of the cover glass to form the eyepiece unit, when fixing the rear end of the image guide fiber to the eyepiece unit, Since an airtight joining level is not required and the watertight level used in assembling a normal endoscope apparatus can be fixed, an inexpensive endoscope compatible with autoclave sterilization can be provided. Other functions and effects are the same as those of the fifth embodiment and the fifth embodiment.
This is the same as the modification of the embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a sectional view for explaining another structure of the eyepiece of the endoscope body according to the sixth embodiment.
As shown in the drawing, in the present embodiment, a lens frame 76 including an eyepiece group 14 including a plurality of optical lenses is provided.
Instead of moving the balance between the magnetic force between the first electromagnet 73 and the magnetic body 78 and the magnetic force between the second electromagnet 74 and the magnetic body 78 in the projection 72b as focus position changing means. The eyepiece lens unit 3G is configured so as to be performed by the optical axis direction drive pulse generator (hereinafter abbreviated as pulse device) 85.

The pulse device 85 includes a device main body 85a.
And a vibrating part 85 reciprocating in the optical axis direction as shown by the arrow.
b. The device main body 85a is provided with a fixing portion 85c provided on the device main body 85a and a projecting portion 7c.
It is arranged in a concave portion 72d provided on the outer peripheral surface of 2b, and is integrally fixed to this protruding portion 72b.

On the other hand, the vibrating portion 85b is
Are disposed in engagement holes 76a provided on the outer peripheral surface of the lens frame 76 having the eyepiece lens group 14, and are integrally fixed to the lens frame 76.

The power source of the pulse device 85 includes a relay cable 17 having one end connected to the pulse device 85, a contact terminal 12 located on the airtight area side to which the other end of the relay cable 17 is connected, The signal is supplied from an external device via a signal cable 9f connected to the non-airtight area side of the contact terminal 12 and a switch (not shown).

The pulse device 85 is obtained, for example, by converting the vibration of an ultrasonic transducer having amplitude in the optical axis direction or the rotational motion of a motor into a reciprocating motion in the optical axis direction. On the other hand, a relatively high-speed amplitude motion is applied to the vibrating portion 85b. As the amplitude, an amplitude suitable for the focal point movement of the eyepiece lens group 14 is selectively used. Other configurations are the same as those of the fifth embodiment, and the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

Since the eyepiece lens unit 3G is configured as described above, the lens frame 76, that is, the eyepiece lens group 14, reciprocates at high speed in the optical axis direction by the vibration of the pulse device 85. The focal position is displaced at high speed from the far point to the near point by this high-speed reciprocating motion, and the after-image of the observation image in those states causes the focal position to be deeper than when the eyepiece lens group 14 is stationary. Observed images can be obtained.

As described above, by moving the lens frame constituting the eyepiece lens unit back and forth at high speed in the optical axis direction by the vibration of the pulse device, the same effect as that of increasing the depth of field of the observed image can be obtained. be able to. As a result, the eyepiece group can be reciprocated at high speed by the vibration of the pulse device, and the trouble of performing the focus adjustment can be omitted, so that a smooth diagnosis and treatment can be performed. Other functions and effects are the same as those of the above-described embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view for explaining another configuration of the eyepiece of the endoscope main body according to the seventh embodiment. In this embodiment, the eyepiece frame 2 is attached to the main body 201 of the endoscope.
Reference numeral 10 denotes a detachable configuration.

As shown in the figure, an image guide fiber frame (hereinafter abbreviated as “fiber frame”) 202 having a through hole is fixed to the rear end of the main body 201.
A metal base 205 covering the image guide fiber 203 is hermetically bonded and fixed to the through hole 2 by metal welding such as brazing, and the base end of the fiber frame 202 is made of high heat resistant glass such as sapphire. Cover glass 20 formed
4 are joined and fixed airtightly. A metal base 205 is hermetically bonded and fixed to the end of the image guide fiber 203 with molten glass or the like.

The rear end of the main body 201 projects cylindrically coaxially with the fiber frame 202 and has a female screw 2
An eyepiece fixing portion 206 formed with 06a is provided. A coil spring 208 is disposed in a gap 207 between the inner peripheral surface of the eyepiece fixing section 206 and the fiber frame 202, and a washer 209 is disposed on the base end side of the coil spring 208. Reference numeral 206b denotes a stopper that protrudes circumferentially from the inner peripheral surface of the main body 201 to prevent the coil spring 208 from dropping from the gap 207.

On the other hand, a male screw 211 screwed to the female screw 206a is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the distal end portion of the eyepiece frame 210. The eyepiece frame is screwed with the male screw 211 and the female screw 206a. The distal end surface is configured to contact the washer 209.

The eyepiece frame 210 is provided with a recess at its substantially central portion in a circumferential shape.
An O-ring 212 is provided to ensure watertightness between the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface of the eyepiece frame 210 and to provide rotational resistance between the eyepiece frame 210 and the eyepiece fixing part 206.

The eyepiece frame 210 is provided with a lens frame 213 in which an eyepiece lens group 216 composed of a plurality of optical lenses is arranged in an inner hole. And this lens frame 2
An eyepiece unit 215 is formed by hermetically joining a cover glass 214 formed of high heat-resistant glass such as sapphire to the front and rear ends of the lens 13.

The operation of the endoscope configured as described above will be described. When using the endoscope, the male screw 2 of the eyepiece frame 210 is used.
11 and the female screw 206 a of the eyepiece fixing section 206 are screwed together, and the eyepiece frame 210 is attached to the main body 201. At this time, the coil spring 208 is
Eye contact due to the contact resistance of the threaded portion between the female screw 206a and the male screw 211 and the contact resistance of the O-ring 212 to the inner peripheral surface of the eyepiece fixing portion 206 generated by the force urging the distal end surface of the eyepiece frame 210 The frame 210 is the eyepiece fixing unit 20
6 is integrally fixed and held at a desired position. The means for fixing the eyepiece to the endoscope main body may be other than this structure, and may be provided separately, for example.

Note that the eyepiece frame 210 is
The eyepiece frame 210 can be moved in the direction of tightening until the end face 210b of the eyepiece frame 210 comes into contact with the eyepiece frame 6b. By moving the eyepiece frame 210 in the optical axis direction, the rear end face of the image guide fiber 203, the eyepiece lens group 216, The focus adjustment can be performed by changing the distance between.

That is, the focus position changing means of the present embodiment comprises an eyepiece having a detachable eyepiece unit in the main body and a position fixing means which can be fixedly attached to a desired position in the optical axis direction. Be composed.

After use, at the time of cleaning, the eyepiece frame 210 and the main body 2
01 can be performed in an integrated state, but when sterilization is performed by an autoclave apparatus, the eyepiece frame 210 and the main body 201 are separately provided. In addition, sterilization may be performed by an autoclave device in a state where the eyepiece frame 210 and the main body 201 are integrated, but in this case, the eyepiece frame 210 may be used.
Water vapor may enter the space formed between the body frame 201 and the main body 201, and dew may be formed on the glass surfaces of the cover glasses 204 and 214 to obstruct the visual field. Separate and clean dew condensation.

As described above, since the eyepiece frame and the main body are detachably provided separately, there is no need to airtightly join the entire endoscope, and the autoclave can be manufactured while reducing the manufacturing cost. An endoscope that can be sterilized can be provided. Other functions and effects are the same as those of the above-described embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a sectional view for explaining a modification of the seventh embodiment. In this embodiment, the main body 2 of the endoscope is used.
The eyepiece frame 210a is detachable with respect to 01,
The eyepiece frame 210 a is fixed to the main body 201 by a fixing ring 220.

As shown in the figure, a female screw 206a is formed on the inner peripheral surface on the base end side of the eyepiece fixing portion 206. Further, two convex portions 221 projecting outward are provided at symmetrical positions on the outer peripheral portion of the image guide fiber frame 202 fixed to the rear end portion of the main body portion 201.

On the other hand, the eyepiece frame 210a of the present embodiment is configured such that the tip end is slidably engaged with the inner peripheral surface of the eyepiece fixing portion 206. The image guide fiber 203 and the eyepiece lens group 21 are fitted by fitting these two parts.
6 is prevented from shifting or tilting in the axial direction. The inner peripheral surface of the eyepiece frame 210a is provided with the protrusion 2
A groove 222 in which the reference numeral 21 is arranged is formed in the optical axis direction. The protrusion 222 engages the groove 222 to prevent the eyepiece frame 210a and the main body 201 from rotating.

The outer peripheral surface of the eyepiece frame 210a on the distal end side is provided with a watertight O.D.
A ring 212 is provided. A fixing ring 220 having a female screw 223 screwed to the male screw 206c of the eyepiece fixing section 206 is rotatably provided on the outer peripheral surface of the central portion of the eyepiece frame 210a.

[0209] The distal end surface of the eyepiece frame 210a is in contact with the washer 209. Reference numeral 224 denotes the fixing ring 2
While preventing falling off from the 20 eyepiece frame 210a,
A locking projection serving as a stopper for fixing and disposing the eyepiece frame 210a at a desired position. Other configurations are the same as those of the sixth embodiment, and the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

[0210] The operation of the endoscope configured as described above will be described. When using the endoscope, the eyepiece frame 210a is
Attach to 1. At this time, the female screw 223 of the fixing ring 220 is screwed into the male screw 206c. Then, with the locking projection 224 pressing the fixing ring 220, the distal end surface of the eyepiece frame 210a contacts the washer 209, and the coil spring 208 presses the eyepiece frame 210a toward the base end.
As a result, the female screw 223 and the male screw 206c
The eyepiece frame 210a is integrally held and fixed to the eyepiece fixing part 206 by applying contact resistance to the screwed part with the eyepiece frame 210a.

In this state, when the fixing ring 220 is rotated in the tightening direction, the eyepiece frame 210a is
Move to 01 side. At this time, the protrusion 221 is
By moving into the eyepiece 22, it moves in the optical axis direction without rotating due to the rotational torque acting on the eyepiece frame 210 a. This allows the image guide fiber 203
The focal length can be adjusted by changing the distance between the rear end face of the lens and the eyepiece lens group 216.

When sterilization is performed by an autoclave after use, the fixing ring 220 is turned to sterilize the eyepiece frame 210a and the main body 201 in a separated state.

As described above, when the eyepiece frame is connected to the main body through the fixing ring, the eyepiece frame can be moved only in the optical axis direction and attached without rotating with respect to the main body. As a result, when the focus is adjusted,
Even when a camera such as a CCD is connected to the eyepiece frame, focus adjustment can be performed in the connected state. In addition, since the centering can be performed by fitting by fitting the main body portion and the eyepiece frame, the optical axis of the image guide fiber and the eyepiece lens group is compared with the fifth embodiment in which the eyepiece frame is screwed into the main body portion. Deviation and inclination can be prevented. Other functions and effects are the same as those of the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of an objective lens optical system according to an application of the seventh embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the drawing, a distal end frame 301 that forms the distal end of the endoscope is disposed in the distal end portion 300 of the endoscope. The end frame 301 is provided with a lens frame arrangement hole 302 and a fiber arrangement hole 303 therethrough.

A fiber cover glass 304 made of high heat-resistant glass such as sapphire is hermetically bonded and fixed to the distal end of the fiber disposing hole 303 by brazing, melting glass, or the like. The front end of the fiber cover glass 304 is attached to the fiber frame 3.
The distal end surface of the image guide fiber 305 which is hermetically bonded and fixed by molten glass or the like is disposed in the inside of the optical fiber.

In the lens frame arrangement hole 302, an objective lens group 308 composed of a plurality of optical lenses is inserted.
The objective lens unit 310 arranged in the inner hole 9 is arranged. Cover glasses 311 and 312 similar to the fiber cover glass 304 are hermetically bonded and fixed to both ends of the lens frame 309.
Thus, the objective lens unit 310 is airtightly configured.

A female screw 313 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the lens frame disposing hole 302, and a male screw 314 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the lens frame 309 is screwed into the female screw 313. Reference numeral 309 is fixed to the lens frame arrangement hole 302.

The outer peripheral surface of the lens frame 309 is
A concave portion 316 for disposing the ring 315 is formed in a circumferential shape,
The objective lens unit 310 is mounted on the front end frame 30 on the front end surface.
An eyelet 317 is formed for arranging the tip of an eye wrench for use when attaching / detaching the eyelet wrench.

When using an endoscope, the tip of an eye wrench (not shown) is placed in the eye hole 317, and the lens frame 309 is rotated in a predetermined direction. Then, the male screw 314 of the lens frame 309 and the lens frame arrangement hole 3
02 female screw 313 is screwed. And the lens frame 3
By screwing until the distal end surface of the end lens 09 and the distal end surface of the distal end frame 301 coincide with each other, the attachment and fixation of the objective lens unit 310 to the endoscope distal end portion 300 are completed.

At this time, the O-ring 315 is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the lens frame disposing hole 302 to secure a watertight state, and the cover glass 312 is provided opposite to the front surface of the fiber cover glass 304 for observation. become.

After use, sterilization is performed in an autoclave. At this time, water vapor penetrates into a space formed between the cover glass 312 and the fiber cover glass 304 via the O-ring 315 and dew forms on the glass surface of the fiber cover glass 304 or the cover glass 312. May occur. In this case, the objective lens unit 310 is detached from the end frame 301 and the surface of the condensed glass is cleaned.

As described above, by making the objective lens unit airtightly attached to and detachable from the distal end portion of the endoscope, the entire distal end portion of the endoscope does not need to be airtightly formed. An endoscope that can be autoclaved while reducing costs can be provided.

Incidentally, as shown in FIG. 24, the fiber frame 30 for joining and fixing the tip of the image guide fiber 305 is used.
A focus lens 321 made of high heat resistant glass such as sapphire is hermetically bonded and fixed to the front end of the lens frame 6a instead of the fiber cover glass 304.
21 and a focus lens 322 similar to 21 is hermetically bonded to form a lens frame 309a to which the cover glass 312 is not bonded.
By inserting the fiber frame 306a into the inner peripheral surface of the lens frame 309a through the opening at the base end of the lens frame 309a, the same operation and effect as the embodiment shown in FIG. 23 can be obtained. it can. As a result, the cost can be reduced by eliminating three cover glasses.

When attaching the objective lens unit 310 to the front end frame 301, the objective lens unit 31
The focus adjustment of the objective lens is performed by adjusting the amount of screwing into the zero end frame 301. And
After the end of the focus adjustment, the screwing portion is adhered and fixed using an adhesive having a relatively small fixing force, for example, a silicone-based adhesive so that the objective lens unit 310 can be removed. Further, the fiber frame 306a is integrally fixed to the fiber arrangement hole 303 by bonding.

Further, as shown in FIG. 25, the illumination optical system may be configured with the configuration shown in FIGS. 23 and 24. That is, instead of the image guide fiber 305 of FIGS. 23 and 24, the light guide fiber 33 is used.
1 and an illumination lens 332 in place of the objective lens group 308 in FIG.
An illumination optical unit 330 that is detachable with respect to 00 is configured.

By making the illumination optical unit airtightly attached to and detachable from the distal end of the endoscope, the entire distal end of the endoscope does not need to be airtight, and the manufacturing process can be simplified. An endoscope that can be autoclaved while reducing costs can be provided.

FIG. 26 is an explanatory view showing a configuration of an endoscope distal end portion according to another application example of the eighth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, a distal end frame 340 is fixed to the distal end portion 300 of the endoscope.
0 is arranged.

In the end frame 340, there are provided fiber installation holes 341 and 3 which are through holes for installing the image guide fiber 305 and the light guide fiber 331, respectively.
42 are provided at two places.

A fiber cover glass 304 made of high heat-resistant glass such as sapphire is hermetically bonded and fixed to the tips of the fiber arrangement holes 341 and 342 by brazing, melting glass, or the like.

Then, the frame members 343 are brought into contact with the rear end side surfaces of the respective fiber cover glasses 304.
Image guide fiber 305 with the tip disposed inside
The distal end face of the light guide fiber 331 is arranged and fixed.

A male screw 344 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the distal end portion of the distal end frame 340, and an O-ring 34 is formed on the proximal end side.
A groove 346 for disposing 5 is circumferentially formed. Further, at least two positioning pins 347 protrude from the front end surface of the front end frame 340.

On the other hand, in the lens frame 350, unit holes 353 and 354, which are through holes for forming the observation optical unit 351 and the illumination optical unit 352, are provided in the fiber arrangement holes 341 and 342 formed in the end frame 340. Are provided at two locations so as to penetrate therethrough.

At both ends of the unit holes 353 and 354, cover glasses 355 made of high heat-resistant glass such as sapphire are air-tightly fixed by brazing or molten glass.

In the unit hole 353, an objective lens group 356 composed of a plurality of optical lenses is provided.
An illumination lens 357 is provided in the unit hole 354.

Further, a positioning hole 358 into which a positioning pin 347 provided on the front end frame 340 is engaged is formed on the rear end surface of the lens frame 350.

A substantially pipe-shaped fixing ring 360 rotatable with respect to the lens frame 350 is fitted around the outer periphery of the lens frame 350. The male screw 3 is attached to the base ring side open end of the fixing ring 360.
A female screw 361 to be screwed into the screw 44 is formed, and a concave portion 363 for arranging the O-ring 362 is formed in the inner peripheral surface of the distal end side opening.

When using the endoscope, first, the end frame 34
At this time, the positioning of the positioning pin 347 and the positioning hole 358 is matched. Next, the fixing ring 36 is attached to the outer peripheral side of the lens frame 350.
0, and the fixing ring 360 is rotated in a predetermined direction. Then, the female screw 361 of this fixing ring 360
And the male screw 344 of the 340 are screwed together. And
By screwing until the distal end surface of the fixing ring 360 matches the distal end surface of the lens frame 350, the lens frame 3
The mounting and fixing of the 50 to the end frame 340 are completed.

At this time, the O-ring 345 comes into close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the fixed ring 360 to ensure a watertight state, and the O-ring 362 comes into close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the lens frame 350 to maintain a watertight state. The cover glass 3
Reference numeral 55 faces the front surface of the fiber cover glass 304 to enter an illumination state and an observation state.

After use, sterilization is performed in an autoclave. At this time, water vapor penetrates into the space formed between the cover glass 355 and the fiber cover glass 304 via the O-ring 362 and dew forms on the glass surface of the fiber cover glass 304 or the cover glass 355. May occur. In this case, after the fixing ring 360 is detached from the end frame 340, the lens frame 350 is detached from the end frame 340 to clean the dew condensation glass surface.

As described above, since the lens frame in which the observation optical unit and the illumination optical unit disposed in front of the distal end frame are disposed by the fixing ring so as to be detachably mounted on the distal end portion of the endoscope, the objective is improved. Around the optical unit and the illumination optical unit can be collectively attached and detached to make the configuration easy to handle.

In the above embodiment, the image guide fiber 305 is arranged on the rear end face of the cover glass 304. However, as shown in FIG.
0 may be arranged.

FIGS. 28 to 31 relate to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 28 is a view showing a schematic configuration of an endoscope apparatus, FIG. 29 is a sectional view for explaining a configuration of an eyepiece, and FIG. FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an actuator, and FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between an endoscope and a driving device.

As shown in FIG. 28, the endoscope 400
It mainly includes an endoscope 401, a light source device 402 for supplying illumination light to the endoscope 401, and a driving device 403. An insertion portion 404 inserted into the body is provided in the endoscope 401.
And the operation unit 40 connected to the base end of the insertion portion 404.
5, a universal cord 406 extending from the outer peripheral surface of the operation section 405, and a connector 407 connected to an end of the universal cord 406.

The insertion section 404 of the endoscope 401 is provided with an elongated and flexible flexible tube section 408.
8 has a distal end portion 410 via a curved portion 409.
Are connected. The operation unit 405 includes an eyepiece unit 4
11 are provided.

As shown in FIG. 29 and FIG.
1 includes an eyepiece optical system 412 and a base end of an image guide fiber 413 disposed in a base 413a for transmitting an image formed by an objective lens (not shown) provided in the distal end component 410. Has been established.

The eyepiece optical system 412 has a fixed lens frame 4
15, and a diopter adjusting focusing lens (zoom lens) fixed to a movable lens frame 416 movable in the optical axis direction of the eyepiece optical system 412 with respect to the fixed lens frame 415. (Also possible) 41
4b. The fixed lens frame 41
5 is integrally fixed to the eyepiece main body 417.

The fixed lens frame 41 of the eyepiece main body 417
5, a housing 4 for an actuator 420 for moving the focusing lens 414b in the optical axis direction.
18 are provided.

The fixed lens frame 415 has the eyepiece optical system 4
Twelve slit-shaped guide grooves 415a are formed in the optical axis direction. Further, the movable lens frame 416 supporting the focusing lens 414b passes through the guide groove 415a, and the
A projection 416a protruding toward the 18 side is provided.

On the other hand, the actuator 420 is a piezoelectric actuator, and is an elongated, substantially concave-shaped moving body 4 integrally fixed to the projection 416a via a connecting member 421.
22 and a piezoelectric element (or an electrostrictive element) 423 as an impact force generator fixed to the moving body 422.

As the piezoelectric element, for example, an electrode is formed on ceramics such as barium titanate, lead zirconate titanate, magnetism, etc., and mechanical expansion deformation is caused by applying a direct current to the electrode. is there. Also,
A piezoelectric element is an element in which a distortion proportional to the electric field intensity is generated by a reverse voltage effect. Further, the electrostrictive element is an element in which distortion proportional to the square of the driving voltage occurs.

The moving element 422 includes the piezoelectric element 423
A beam portion 422a protrudes so as to surround the upper and lower outer peripheral portions of the eyepiece portion. are doing.

One end of a lead wire 424 is connected to the piezoelectric element 423. The other end of the lead wire 424 extends to the connector 407 via the operation section 405 of the endoscope 401 and the inside of the universal cord 406.

The actuator 4 configured as described above
Reference numeral 20 performs expansion and contraction operations by applying a voltage to the piezoelectric element 423 via the lead wire 424. The expansion and contraction operation of the piezoelectric element 423 is transmitted as a driving force to the moving body 422, and the moving lens frame 416 constituting the eyepiece optical system 412 is moved in the optical axis direction via the connecting member 421 fixed to the moving body 422. Move. This allows
The focusing lens 414b fixed to the moving lens frame 416 moves in the optical axis direction to adjust the diopter.

As shown in FIGS. 28 and 31, the operation section 405 of the endoscope 401 is provided with a diopter adjustment switch (hereinafter abbreviated as a switch) 425 for adjusting the diopter by operating the actuator 420. Have been.

The switch 425 is operated by the surgeon
The switch 4 is used to adjust the diopter of the switch 1.
By operating the lens 25, the diopter can be adjusted by moving the focusing lens 414b of the eyepiece optical system 412 in the optical axis direction.

From the switch 425, the driving device 4
A signal line 426 extending from No. 03 extends. This signal line 4
Reference numeral 26 extends to the connector 407 via the operation unit 405 and the universal cord 406.

At the end of the connector 407 of the universal cord 406, there is provided a light source connecting portion 427 detachably connected to the light source device 402. The light source connecting portion 427 is connected to the connecting portion 402a of the light source device 402. The illumination light from the lamp in the light source device 402 is incident on the incident end face of a light guide fiber (not shown), and the illumination light for observation is supplied to the endoscope 401.

An electrical connector receiver 430 is provided on the side of the connector 407. A first connector 431a provided at one end of the connection cord 431 is detachably connected to the electric connector receiver 430, and a second connector 431b provided at the other end is connected to the electric connector receiver 430. The drive unit 403 is detachably connected to the drive unit 403.

An endoscope 4 is provided inside the connection cord 431.
01 and the lead wire 424 and the signal line 42
6 are provided with connection lead wires 433 and connection signal lines 434, respectively.

A drive circuit 435 for supplying drive power to the piezoelectric element 423 of the actuator 420 is provided inside the drive device 403. This drive circuit 435
Are connected to respective ends of a lead wire 436 and a device-side signal line 437. The other ends of the device-side lead wire 436 and the device-side signal line 437 are connected to the connection cord 431 via a second connector 431b. The connection leads 433 and the connection signal lines 434 are electrically connected to each other.

That is, by connecting the connector 407 and the driving device 403 via the connection cord 431, the operation signal of the switch 425 is transmitted to the signal line 42.
6, input to the drive circuit 435 via the connection signal line 434 and the device side signal line 437.

Then, the driving circuit 4 receiving this operation signal
From 35, the device side lead wire 436, the connection lead wire 4
The actuator driving power is supplied to the piezoelectric element 423 of the actuator 420 via the lead wire 433.

The endoscope 4 is connected to the light source connecting portion 427.
01 is provided with a connecting portion communicating with an air supply tube and a water supply tube (not shown) built in the air supply tube, and the light source connecting portion 427 is disposed at the connecting portion 402a, so that the air supplying tube is provided through the connecting portion. Air and water are supplied to the water supply tube.

The operation of the endoscope apparatus 400 configured as described above will be described. In the endoscope device 400 of the present embodiment, the connection cord 431 is connected to the normal drive device 403 in advance. Therefore, the connector 407 of the endoscope 401 is connected and fixed to the light source device 402 when the device is used, and then the first connector 431 a of the connection cord 431 is connected and fixed to the electric connector receiver 430. This allows the endoscope 40
1 becomes operable.

In this state, the operator operates the switch 425 of the operation unit 405. Then, an operation signal from the switch 425 is transmitted to the drive circuit 435, and actuator drive power is supplied from the drive circuit 435 to the actuator 420. This allows the piezoelectric element 423
When a voltage is applied to the movable body 422 to expand and contract, a driving force is transmitted to the movable body 422, and the connecting member 421 fixed to the movable body 422 moves the movable lens frame 416 in the optical axis direction to perform focusing. The diopter can be adjusted by moving the lens 414b in the optical axis direction. Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the above-described embodiment.

As described above, the diopter can be adjusted by driving and controlling the actuator to move the focusing lens in the optical axis direction. In addition, in the configuration of the present embodiment, since a movable part using an O-ring or the like is not required in the eyepiece part, the through-hole part and the joint part can be hermetically joined by the method described above, An airtight endoscope can be easily provided by airtightly joining.

As shown in FIGS. 32 and 33, the end of the image guide fiber 413 is disposed in a base 440 which also serves as a moving frame, and this base 440 is constituted by an objective lens group 441 composed of a plurality of optical lenses. Lens frame 4 with
42 may be arranged in the inner peripheral surface.

At this time, the lens frame 442 has a slit-shaped guide groove 442a formed by cutting out in the optical axis direction of the eyepiece optical system 412. Further, the base 440 in which the image guide fiber 413 is disposed passes through the guide groove 442a and the actuator accommodating portion 41.
A protrusion 440a protruding toward the side 8 is provided.

As a result, the base 440 is moved in the optical axis direction in the lens frame 442 by the actuator 420, and the end face of the light guide fiber provided in the base 440 and the objective lens group 441 in the lens frame 442 are moved. And the same effect as in the seventh embodiment can be obtained.

FIGS. 34 and 35 relate to the tenth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the eyepiece, and FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 34 and 35, an end of an image guide fiber 503 inserted into an insertion portion serving as a first eyepiece optical system is arranged in an eyepiece 505 of this embodiment. The distal end of the image guide fiber 503 faces the objective lens provided at the distal end of the insertion section.

The rear end of the image guide fiber 503 is connected to an eyepiece 50 as a second eyepiece optical system disposed in an eyepiece 505 provided at the base end of the operation section 502.
5a has been reached. For this reason, an image of the to-be-tested part in the body cavity is formed on the distal end surface of the image guide fiber 503 by an objective lens (not shown), and the eyepiece 505a is formed.
Observed through.

The rear end of the image guide fiber 503 is inserted into the through hole 506a of the fiber base 506 and is fixed by molten glass or the like.
The fiber base 506 is inserted into a support hole 502a formed in the operation section 502 and joined by brazing.

On the rear end face 503a of the image guide fiber 503, a mask 509 for adjusting the shape of the observation visual field is provided.
Is fixed. The rear end face 503a of the image guide fiber 503 is connected to the fiber base 506.
And the transparent cover glass 516 hermetically joined to the opening of the dust-proof cylindrical portion 506b.

A main body tube 510 constituting the eyepiece 505
A female screw 508 that is screwed into a male screw 507 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the operation unit 502 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the distal end of the operation unit 502. A substantially pipe-shaped eyepiece frame 511 having a large-diameter portion and a small-diameter portion is disposed in an inner hole of the main body tube 510 so as to be movable in the optical axis direction. This body tube 51
A substantially pipe-shaped diopter correction ring 512 is loosely disposed on the outer periphery of the zero.

The rotation restricting pin 51 is provided on the side of the large diameter portion of the eyepiece frame 511 holding the eyepiece 505a.
4 is screwed and fixed. The proximal end of the rotation restricting pin 514 is connected to the straight guide groove 51 formed in the main body cylinder 510.
0a is disposed in a cam 513 formed on the inner peripheral surface of the diopter correction ring 512.

The rotation restricting pin 514 is provided on the outer periphery of the small-diameter portion of the eyepiece lens frame 511.
Due to the urging force of No. 5, it is always in contact with the cam surface 513a. That is, the compression spring 515 slidably biases the eyepiece frame 511 toward the operation unit 502.

Therefore, by turning the diopter correction ring 512, the rotation regulating pin 514 moves along the inclined surface of the cam surface 513a, and the eyepiece frame 511 holding the eyepiece 505a is moved. The diopter is adjusted by moving in the optical axis direction. The eyepiece 505a is hermetically sealed by an eyepiece frame 511 and a cover glass 517 hermetically joined by solder or the like.

The eyepiece 505 of the present embodiment
In the eyepiece 505 where a is arranged, since a movable member such as the diopter correction ring 512 is arranged, it is difficult to configure an airtight structure for the entire eyepiece. Therefore, it is necessary to adopt a watertight structure so that the cleaning liquid does not enter inside at least when the cleaning is performed by a normal apparatus.

For this reason, the operation unit 502 in which the eyepiece 505 and the image guide fiber 503 are airtightly joined.
Is autoclaved in a state where it is fixed by the female screw 508 of the main body tube 510 and the male screw 507 provided in the operation section 502, and then the transparent cover glass 516, 5
17, when water droplets adhere to the female screw 508 and the male screw 5
07 and the transparent cover glass 51
A clear image can be observed by wiping off water droplets attached to 6,517. Since water vapor does not enter the image guide fiber 503 and the eyepiece 505a, deterioration of the image guide fiber 503 and the eyepiece 505a is prevented.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but can be variously modified without departing from the gist of the invention.

[Supplementary Notes] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the following configuration can be obtained.

(1) In an endoscope having an image guide fiber for transmitting an image to a flexible endoscope insertion portion and an eyepiece for observing an image transmitted by the image guide fiber, An endoscope apparatus in which an eyepiece unit in the inside is hermetically sealed and a focus position changing means is provided in the eyepiece.

(2) The endoscope according to attachment 1, wherein the eyepiece lens unit is hermetically sealed.

(3) One or more materials selected from the group consisting of metal, ceramics, glass, and sapphire are selectively used as materials for the exterior parts of the eyepiece unit that is hermetically sealed. 4. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein one or more of metal welding or molten glass joining are selectively used as a joining means for the parts.

(4) The endoscope according to appendix 3, wherein the metal welding is fusion welding, brazing, or pressure welding.

(5) The endoscope according to appendix 4, wherein the fusion welding is laser welding.

(6) The endoscope according to Appendix 4, wherein the brazing is brazing or soldering. (7) Metal, ceramics, glass, One or a plurality of materials are selectively used from sapphire, and one or a plurality of materials are selectively used as a joining means of the exterior parts from a metal welding or a joining with a molten glass or an adhesive. The endoscope according to attachment 1.

(8) The endoscope according to attachment 7, wherein the adhesive is an epoxy adhesive.

(9) The endoscope according to attachment 7, wherein the adhesive is a ceramic adhesive.

(10) Supplementary note 1 in which a water-absorbing member is arranged inside the eyepiece unit which is hermetically sealed.
The endoscope as described.

(11) The endoscope according to appendix 1, wherein a coating having gas barrier properties is applied to at least a part of an exterior part of the eyepiece lens unit.

(12) The endoscope according to appendix 11, wherein the coating having a gas barrier property is coated on a portion excluding an image transmission optical path.

(13) The endoscope according to appendix 11, wherein the coating having gas barrier properties is applied to a joint of an exterior part.

(14) The endoscope according to appendix 1, wherein a transparent coating having gas barrier properties is applied to the entire exterior part of the eyepiece lens unit.

(15) The endoscope according to appendix 14, wherein the transparent coating having gas barrier properties is a silica coating converted from silazane.

(16) The endoscope according to appendix 14, wherein the transparent coating having gas barrier properties is a parylene resin coating.

(17) The endoscope according to appendix 11, wherein the coating is a metal deposition coating.

(18) The endoscope according to appendix 17, wherein the metal-deposited coating is an aluminum-deposited coating.

(19) The endoscope according to appendix 11, wherein the coating is a solder dip coating.

(20) The endoscope according to attachment 19, wherein the soldering agent is a Pb-Sn-based soldering agent.

(21) The endoscope according to appendix 1, wherein a transparent filler is filled in an inner space of the eyepiece unit.

(22) The endoscope according to appendix 1, wherein the eyepiece lens unit is detachable from an endoscope main body in which the image guide fiber is disposed.

(23) The endoscope according to appendix 22, further comprising a sealed space between the end face of the image guide fiber and the end face of the eyepiece unit.

(24) The endoscope according to appendix 23, wherein the sealed space is filled with a transparent filler.

(31) The endoscope according to appendix 1, wherein the focus position changing means is a variable focus lens disposed in an eyepiece unit that is sealed and configured.

(32) The endoscope according to attachment 31, wherein the variable focus lens is a liquid crystal lens.

(33) The endoscope according to appendix 32, wherein the liquid crystal lens includes a liquid crystal lens body made of a substantially transparent birefringent liquid crystal, and an electrode for applying an electromagnetic field or a magnetic field to the liquid crystal lens body.

(34) The liquid crystal lens comprises a liquid crystal lens first liquid crystal main body made of a substantially transparent birefringent liquid crystal, a liquid crystal lens second liquid crystal main body made of a substantially transparent birefringent liquid crystal, and an electromagnetic field. 33. The endoscope according to claim 32, further comprising at least one pair of electrodes for applying a magnetic field to the entire liquid crystal lens first liquid crystal main body and the liquid crystal lens second liquid crystal main body.

(35) The endoscope according to appendix 31, wherein the varifocal lens comprises a transparent elastic film and a transparent liquid.

(36) The endoscope according to appendix 35, wherein the transparent elastic film is disposed so as to face, and a transparent liquid is sealed inside the elastic film.

(37) An endoscope according to attachment 36, further comprising a driving means for changing a curvature of the transparent elastic film.

(38) The driving means is a pressure driving section comprising at least one piezoelectric element, and is fixed to the pressure driving section, and pushes and pulls the elastic film with the displacement of the pressure driving section. 38. The endoscope according to attachment 37, wherein the endoscope is an actuator including a shaft.

(41) The endoscope according to appendix 1, wherein the focal position changing means is an air-equivalent optical path length converting means that can be selectively arranged in an image transmission optical path.

(42) The air-equivalent optical path length converting means includes:
A plurality of air-converted optical path length converting members formed of optical members having different thicknesses and / or refractive indices, and an air-converted optical path length converting member mounting portion provided in the image transmission optical path; Supplementary note 4 wherein the plurality of air-converted optical path length converting members can be selectively mounted on the converting member mounting portion.
The endoscope according to 1.

(43) The endoscope according to attachment 42, wherein at least one of the plurality of air-converted optical path length converting members includes a birefringent optical member.

(44) The air-equivalent optical path length converting member including the birefringent optical member is connected to the solid-state imaging device when the image input device having the solid-state imaging device is connected to the eyepiece of the endoscope. 44. The endoscope according to attachment 43, wherein the air-equivalent optical path length is set so that the end face of the image guide fiber is in focus.

(45) The endoscope according to attachment 43, wherein the birefringent optical member is quartz.

(46) The endoscope according to attachment 43, wherein the birefringent optical member is sapphire.

(47) In an endoscope having an image guide fiber for transmitting an image and an eyepiece for observing the image transmitted by the image guide fiber,
The eyepiece unit in the eyepiece is configured to be sealed,
An endoscope capable of selectively mounting a plurality of air-equivalent optical path length converting members made of optical members having different thicknesses and / or refractive indexes in an image transmission optical path.

(48) The endoscope according to attachment 43, wherein the birefringent optical member functions as a low-pass filter for removing moiré.

(49) The endoscope according to appendix 1, wherein said focal position changing means is an optical member for changing a focal position selectively disposed in an image transmission optical path.

(50) The endoscope according to attachment 49, wherein the optical member is a lens.

(51) The endoscope according to appendix 49, wherein the optical member is disposed on an end face of the eyepiece. (61) The focal position changing means may be a sealed eyepiece unit or the whole eyepiece unit. 2. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein a part of an optical member constituting the eyepiece unit moves in an optical axis direction.

(62) The endoscope according to attachment 61, wherein an electromagnetic force is used as a driving force for moving the entire eyepiece lens unit or a part of the optical member constituting the eyepiece lens unit in the optical axis direction.

(63) The eyepiece lens unit has a focusing lens and is fixed to a lens frame movable in the direction of the optical axis, and a magnetic member fixed to the endoscope body so as to be immovable. 63. The endoscope according to attachment 62, further comprising: an electromagnet arranged to face the body in the optical axis direction.

(64) The endoscope according to attachment 63, wherein the endoscope is moved in an optical axis direction by an attractive force generated between the electromagnet and the magnetic body.

(65) The endoscope according to attachment 63, wherein the endoscope is moved in an optical axis direction by a repulsive force generated between the electromagnet and the magnetic body.

(66) The whole eyepiece lens unit moving in the optical axis direction or a part of the optical member constituting this eyepiece lens unit has a friction slightly smaller than the force generated between the electromagnet and the magnetic body. 62. The endoscope according to supplementary note 61, wherein the endoscope is fixedly held at a predetermined position by position holding means that generates resistance.

(67) The endoscope according to attachment 66, wherein the position holding means is an O-ring interposed between the lens frame and the main body of the eyepiece unit.

(68) The endoscope according to Supplementary Note 66, wherein the position holding means fixes and holds the lens frame at an arbitrary position by adjusting the attraction of the two electromagnets and the magnetic body in relation to each other. mirror.

(71) The endoscope according to appendix 1, wherein the focal position changing means is an optical axis direction driving pulse generator.

(72) The endoscope according to appendix 71, wherein the optical axis direction drive pulse generator converts the rotational motion of the motor into a reciprocating motion in the optical axis direction and outputs the reciprocating motion.

(73) The endoscope according to attachment 71, wherein the optical axis direction drive pulse generator generates ultrasonic vibration in the optical axis direction.

(74) The endoscope according to attachment 71, wherein the focal position changing means is a piezoelectric actuator.

(75) The endoscope according to attachment 71, wherein the focal position changing means is a cam mechanism.

(76) The endoscope according to attachment 71, wherein the focus position changing means is a screw mechanism.

(77) An endoscope main body having an image guide fiber disposed therein, and an eyepiece for observing an image transmitted by the image guide fiber, wherein the eyepiece is provided with the endoscope main body. In an endoscope detachable with respect to a part, an eyepiece unit in the eyepiece part is configured to be sealed, and the eyepiece unit is movable in an optical axis direction and can be fixed in position by position fixing means. An endoscope.

(78) The endoscope according to appendix 77, wherein the position fixing means is constituted by a locking portion and a pressing portion provided at the eyepiece portion and the eyepiece portion mounting portion of the endoscope body. .

(79) The endoscope according to attachment 77, further comprising a mechanism provided between the eyepiece section and the eyepiece mounting section to prevent a deviation or an inclination of the optical axis between the image guide fiber and the eyepiece lens.

(80) The endoscope according to attachment 78, wherein a seal member is provided between the eyepiece and the eyepiece mounting portion.

(81) The diopter of the endoscope can be adjusted by the mounting position of the eyepiece and the eyepiece mounting part.
Supplementary note 8 in which the seal member also functions as a diopter adjustment force determining member
0 endoscope.

(91) An endoscope main body provided with an image guide fiber for transmitting an image, an objective lens for forming an image of a subject on the incident end face of the image guide fiber, and an image transmitted by the image guide fiber An endoscope having an eyepiece that magnifies the at least one hermetically sealed lens unit,
An endoscope which is detachable from an endoscope main body provided with the image guide fiber.

(92) The endoscope according to appendix 91, wherein the endoscope further comprises a light guide fiber for transmitting illumination light.

(93) In an endoscope having an objective lens for forming a subject image and a solid-state image pickup device for picking up the formed subject image, the objective lens unit is provided with the solid-state image pickup device. An endoscope that can be attached to and detached from the endoscope body.

(94) The endoscope according to appendix 91, wherein the lens unit is movable in the optical axis direction and can be fixed in position by position fixing means.

(95) The endoscope according to attachment 94, wherein the position fixing means is constituted by a locking portion and a pressing portion provided on a mounting portion of the lens unit and the endoscope main body.

(96) The endoscope according to attachment 91, further comprising a mechanism for preventing a deviation or an inclination of the optical axis between the image guide fiber and the lens between the lens unit and the mounting portion.

(97) The endoscope according to appendix 91, wherein a seal member is provided between the lens unit and the mounting portion.

(98) The endoscope according to attachment 97, wherein the focus of the endoscope can be adjusted by the mounting position of the lens unit and the mounting portion, and the seal member also serves as a focus adjusting force determining member.

(99) The endoscope according to attachment 91, wherein the lens unit is an eyepiece lens unit.

(100) The endoscope according to attachment 91, wherein the lens unit is an objective lens unit.

(101) The endoscope according to attachment 92, wherein the lens unit is an emission-side illumination lens unit.

(102) The endoscope according to attachment 92, wherein the lens unit is an incident side illumination lens unit.

(103) The lens unit is a tip lens unit that includes an objective lens and an emission-side illumination lens, and is a tip lens unit that can be integrally attached to and detached from the endoscope main body.
The endoscope according to 1.

(104) The endoscope according to attachment 91, wherein the lens unit is hermetically sealed.

(105) An endoscope using a fiber as a light guide path, wherein a lens unit formed by sealing one end face of the fiber is detachable.

(106) An endoscope using a solid-state image pickup device as an image pickup means, wherein a lens unit formed by sealing the end surface of an image pickup section of the solid-state image pickup device is detachable.

(111) In an endoscope having an objective lens unit arranged in front of an image transmitting means and forming an image of a subject on the image transmitting means, the objective lens unit is hermetically sealed. An endoscope provided with a focal position changing means for changing a focal position of a unit.

(112) The endoscope according to attachment 111, wherein the objective lens unit is hermetically sealed.

(113) The endoscope according to appendix 112, wherein the focus position changing means is arranged in the objective lens unit.

(114) The endoscope according to attachment 113, wherein said focal position changing means is a variable focus lens.

(115) The endoscope according to attachment 113, wherein said focal position changing means is an air-equivalent optical path length converting means which can be selectively arranged in an optical path.

(116) The endoscope according to appendix 113, wherein said focal position changing means is an optical member for changing a focal position selectively disposed in an optical path.

(117) The endoscope according to attachment 113, wherein said focal position changing means is a liquid crystal lens.

(121) A first eyepiece optical system in which a light guide fiber fixed to an operation section of an endoscope is arranged, and a second eyepiece optical system detachably attached to the first eyepiece optical system. An eyepiece apparatus for an endoscope, comprising at least the first eyepiece optical system in an airtight manner.

(122) The eyepiece device for an endoscope according to attachment 121, wherein a diopter correction device is provided in the second eyepiece optical system.

(123) The endoscope eyepiece device according to attachment 121, wherein the first eyepiece optical system and the second eyepiece optical system are detachable.

(124) The first eyepiece optical system and the second eyepiece optical system are detachably attached by screws.
An eyepiece for an endoscope according to claim 23.

(125) The eyepiece apparatus for an endoscope according to attachment 122, wherein the second eyepiece optical system has a watertight structure.

(126) The endoscope according to appendix 1, wherein the sealed eyepiece unit is hermetically sealed so as to prevent at least steam from entering under high-temperature and high-pressure steam during autoclave sterilization.

(131) An image composed of an insertion portion provided with an objective lens for forming an object image at the distal end thereof, and an optical fiber disposed in the insertion portion and transmitting the object image formed by the objective lens. An endoscope comprising: a guide fiber; an eyepiece having at least an eyepiece facing the base end face of the image guide fiber and capturing a subject image transmitted by the image guide fiber; Is an endoscope having an eyepiece unit having a sealed structure having a higher degree of sealing than a watertight level of an exterior of the endoscope, and a focus position changing means for changing a focus position of the eyepiece of the eyepiece unit.

(132) At least a part of the insertion portion has a flexible portion in which an exterior member formed of a flexible polymer material is disposed, and the image guide fiber is disposed inside the insertion portion. The endoscope as described.

(133) The eyepiece lens unit is composed of a plurality of airtight partition members and airtight joining means for joining these airtight partition members in an airtight manner. 131. The endoscope according to Appendix 131, wherein the endoscope is sealed at an airtight level that is higher than the watertight level.

(134) The airtight partition member is a member formed of metal, ceramics, glass, or a crystalline material, and the airtight joining means is made of metal welding such as fusion welding, pressure welding, brazing, or welding glass. The endoscope according to attachment 133, wherein the endoscope is a joint.

(135) The eyepiece lens unit has a pressure resistance that is not destroyed by negative pressure and pressure during autoclave sterilization, and a sealing degree that prevents high-pressure and high-temperature steam from entering inside during autoclave sterilization. 133. The endoscope according to supplementary note 133, comprising:

(136) The eyepiece unit is connected to at least a pressure-resistant partition member which is not destroyed by negative pressure and pressure during autoclave sterilization, and these partition members are joined to each other to at least seal the exterior of the endoscope. 131. The endoscope according to appendix 131, wherein a water-absorbing member is disposed in an internal space of the eyepiece unit when the bonding unit is configured to have a sealing degree higher than the level.

(137) The endoscope according to appendix 131, wherein the focus position changing means is a tubular elastic airtight partition wall member that can expand and contract in the optical axis direction, constituting the eyepiece lens unit.

(138) The tubular elastic airtight partition member is
136. The endoscope according to attachment 137, wherein the endoscope is a thin metal plate formed in a bellows structure.

(139) The tubular elastic airtight partition member is
The eyepiece is joined to the eyepiece frame for holding and fixing the eyepiece by airtight joining means. Therefore, during focus adjustment, the tubular elastic airtight partition member expands and contracts while maintaining the airtightness in the eyepiece unit. 137. The endoscope according to supplementary note 137, wherein the endoscope moves forward and backward in the optical axis direction.

(140) Further, a volume change absorbing member that absorbs a volume change of gas in the internal space that changes when the tubular elastic airtight partition member expands and contracts is provided in the eyepiece lens unit in an airtight manner. 140. The endoscope according to attachment 139.

(141) When two tubular elastic airtight partition members are provided in the eyepiece lens unit, the space between the eyepiece lens tip side space and the eyepiece lens base side space formed with the eyepiece lens interposed therebetween is communicated. 137. The endoscope according to supplementary note 137, further comprising a vent hole for absorbing a change in volume of the gas.

(142) The endoscope according to attachment 131, wherein the focal position changing means is a varifocal lens disposed in the eyepiece unit.

(143) The endoscope according to attachment 142, wherein the variable focus lens is a liquid crystal lens.

(144) The focal position changing means is an air-equivalent optical path length converting member that can be selectively arranged in an image transmission optical path on the base end side from the base end face of the image guide fiber which is the image output end. 131. The endoscope according to 131.

(145) The air-converted optical path length converting member is a plurality of optical members having at least one of different thicknesses and refractive indexes, and is selectively provided to the air-converted optical path length converting member mounting portion provided in the image transmission optical path. 144. The endoscope according to attachment 144, wherein the endoscope is attachable to a computer.

(146) The air-conditioning optical path length conversion member mounting portion is provided in the image transmission optical path between the base end surface of the image guide fiber and the airtightly sealed eyepiece unit. Endoscope.

(147) The focus position changing means is provided at a position where an eyepiece having a detachable eyepiece unit disposed at a predetermined position on the main body can be fixedly attached to a desired position in the optical axis direction. The endoscope according to attachment 131, wherein the endoscope is a fixing means.

(148) The endoscope according to attachment 147, wherein the position fixing means comprises a locking portion and a pressing portion provided at the eyepiece mounting portion of the eyepiece portion and the main body portion.

(149) The endoscope according to attachment 147, further comprising a sealing member provided between the eyepiece and the eyepiece mounting portion.

(150) High-pressure, high-temperature steam during autoclave sterilization enters the optical path from the base end face, which is the image output end of the image guide fiber, to the base end side optical window of the eyepiece unit exposed to the exterior of the endoscope. 131. The endoscope according to supplementary note 131, wherein a space for performing the operation is eliminated.

(151) The eyepiece lens unit has two optical windows at the distal optical window and the proximal optical window, and the distal optical window of the eyepiece unit is connected to the image output end face of the image guide fiber. 150. The endoscope according to attachment 150, wherein the endoscope is disposed in close contact with the endoscope, and the proximal optical window is disposed so as to be exposed to the exterior of the endoscope.

(152) Further, the focus position changing means includes a diopter adjustment operation unit operated by the observer, and the diopter adjustment operation unit is a member separate from a member constituting the eyepiece unit having the airtight structure. 127. The endoscope according to supplementary note 127.

(153) The endoscope according to attachment 152, wherein the diopter adjustment operation unit is attached to an exterior member of the endoscope in a watertight manner.

[0395]

As described above, according to the present invention, even in an endoscope using an image guide fiber as an image transmitting means, the diopter can be adjusted by the observer, and the assemblability and repairability are improved. Prevented the observation performance from deteriorating due to good autoclave sterilization high pressure and high temperature steam.
An endoscope having an eyepiece with a diopter adjustment mechanism can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIGS. 1 to 7 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1 is a view for explaining a configuration of an endoscope;

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration near a distal end of an insertion section of an endoscope.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an eyepiece and an operation of an eyepiece unit;

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an interlocking frame.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state in which a cover glass is arranged on a cover glass frame.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an eyepiece unit.

FIG. 7 is a view for explaining a relationship between an eyepiece unit and an endoscope main body;

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a modification of the eyepiece of the endoscope.

FIGS. 9 and 10 are related to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an eyepiece of an endoscope main body.

FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram of a liquid crystal lens.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of an objective lens optical system according to an application example of the second embodiment.

FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 are related to a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating another configuration of the eyepiece of the endoscope main body.

FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram of a variable focus lens.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating another configuration of the eyepiece of the endoscope main body according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an eyepiece in which a diopter adjusting member is disposed on a base end surface side of an eyepiece frame;

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing another configuration example of an eyepiece in which a diopter adjustment member is arranged on the base end surface side of an eyepiece frame;

FIG. 17 is a sectional view illustrating still another configuration of the eyepiece of the endoscope main body according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a sectional view illustrating a modification of the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a sectional view for explaining a modification of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 17 and 18;

FIG. 20 is a sectional view illustrating still another configuration of the eyepiece of the endoscope main body according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a sectional view illustrating still another configuration of the eyepiece of the endoscope main body according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a sectional view illustrating a modification of the seventh embodiment.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of an objective lens optical system according to an application example of the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of an objective lens optical system according to another application example of the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the configuration shown in FIG. 23 is used for an illumination optical system.

FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of an endoscope distal end portion according to another application example of the eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a state where a solid-state imaging device is arranged instead of the image guide fiber.

28 to 31 relate to a ninth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 28 is a view showing a schematic configuration of an endoscope apparatus;

FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an eyepiece.

FIG. 30 illustrates a configuration of an actuator.

FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between an endoscope and a driving device.

FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view illustrating another configuration of the eyepiece.

FIG. 33 illustrates another configuration of the actuator.

34 and 35 relate to a tenth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an eyepiece.

35 is a sectional view taken along line AA shown in FIG. 34;

[Explanation of symbols]

 603: Eyepiece 615: Image guide fiber 630: Body 631: Eyepiece 632: Eyepiece group 633: Eyepiece unit 635: Front cover glass frame 636: Front cover glass 637: Base cover glass frame 638: Base End cover glass 639 ... Eyepiece frame 640 ... Bellows

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Yousuke Yoshimoto 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Inside Olympus Optical Industries Co., Ltd. (72) Hidetoshi Saito 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo No. Olympus Optical Kogyo Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Ichiro Nakamura 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Tokyo Intraoral Optics Kogyo Co., Ltd. (72) Yutaka Tatsuno 2-43-2, Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo No. Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. (72) Takao Yamaguchi, the inventor 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Tokyo (72) Inventor Susumu Aono 2-43-2, Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan No. Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Takeaki Nakamura 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Olympus Within Gaku Kogyo Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Kazutaka Nakachi 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Orimpus Optical Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Takahiro Kishi 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Ori (72) Inventor Yasuhito Kura 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Inside Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. An image guide comprising: an insertion portion provided with an objective lens for forming a subject image at a distal end thereof; and an optical fiber disposed in the insertion portion and transmitting the subject image formed by the objective lens. An endoscope comprising a fiber, comprising: an eyepiece having at least an eyepiece facing the base end face of the image guide fiber and capturing a subject image transmitted by the image guide fiber; An endoscope comprising: an eyepiece unit having a sealed structure having a higher degree of sealing than a watertight level of an exterior of the endoscope; and a focus position changing means for changing a focus position of the eyepiece of the eyepiece unit. . 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a flexible portion on at least a part of the insertion portion, on which an exterior member formed of a flexible polymer material is disposed, and wherein the image guide fiber is disposed inside the insertion portion. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein