JP2000237128A - Endoscope image pickup device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To minimize the whole length by processing signal lines at the minimum required length, and providing a removable connector. SOLUTION: Signal lines 4 incorporated in a cable 2 connected to a camera control unit are connected to a conductive pattern 8 folded at a hollow section 15 through the through hole 7 of a first connector unit 6 in this device. The conductive pattern 8 is electrically connected to an image pickup element 10 through a first signal pin 9, a pin receiver 11, a second signal pin 13, and a drive circuit board 14 mounted with a drive circuit and is formed into an image by a camera control unit. When the cable 2 is to be replaced, the first signal pin 9 is removed from the pin receiver 11, then the second signal pin 13, the first connector unit 6 and a second connector unit 12 are separated.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an endoscope image pickup apparatus, and more particularly to an endoscope image pickup apparatus having a characteristic connector structure.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A camera head or an electronic endoscope which is detachably attached to an eyepiece of an optical endoscope having a fiber or relay lens provided with a solid-state image pickup device such as a CCD is provided. In an endoscope image pickup device such as an image pickup unit, reduction of the manufacturing cost is an important issue. For this purpose, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-172628
It has been proposed that a conductive pattern is formed on the resin housing itself as shown in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. H11-107, and that the number of parts is reduced by improving the workability and providing an electric connection part integrally with the structure, and the member cost is reduced by miniaturization. I have.

[0003]

However, an endoscope image pickup device used in a medical field is used together with a sharp medical instrument such as a scalpel, so that a cable extending from the endoscope image pickup device is used. In many cases, the cable needs to be replaced because the cable is damaged. For this reason, the cable needs a structure that can be exchanged on the side of the imaging unit that has a particularly expensive camera head, filter, and optical system.
In the above-mentioned prior example, there is a problem that the cable cannot be replaced because the signal line in the cable is soldered in the endoscope image pickup device.

[0004] In an endoscope image pickup apparatus, shortening the overall length is of the utmost importance along with the reduction in the diameter. A signal line in the cable is connected to an electric board on which the CCD is mounted, and is connected to the outer periphery of the cable. The shield braid that is covered must also be electrically connected to the GND level of the endoscope image pickup device and the overall length must be reduced.

That is, when connecting signal lines in a cable to an electric board, a predetermined length is required such as crimping, soldering, and processing of a shield braid, but this length must be left unnecessarily. Increases its total length.

However, in the above-mentioned prior art, the connector has a structure in which a connection portion is further provided on the image pickup element side of the cylindrical connector, so that the overall length is correspondingly longer. In addition, since a concave conductive pattern is provided in the outer peripheral portion of the cylindrical connector in the longitudinal direction of the cable, the length of the signal line protruding from the cable is required to be equal to the length of the conductive pattern portion. In addition, the overall length is longer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and it is possible to process a signal line with a minimum necessary length and to provide a detachable connector so that the overall length can be made as short as possible. An object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope image capturing device.

[0008]

An endoscope image pickup apparatus according to the present invention has a built-in image pickup device for picking up an endoscope image at a distal end thereof.
An endoscope image pickup device connected to a control unit having a video generation circuit by a cable, the endoscope image pickup device having a hollow portion through which a signal line included in the cable passes, and a signal line of the signal line provided on the image pickup device side. A first connector unit made of an insulating material for connecting the signal line to a conductive pattern portion electrically connecting an end portion, and a second connector unit made of an insulating material having a connection surface electrically connected to the conductive pattern portion.
And a drive circuit board for driving the image sensor electrically connected to the second connector unit. The cable is provided on the connection surface side of each of the first and second connector units. A space for accommodating the signal lines, and a pair of connectors for electrically connecting the first and second connector units to a connection surface of each of the first and second connector units. Is done.

In the endoscope image pickup apparatus according to the present invention, a space for accommodating the cable and the signal line is provided on the connection surface side of each of the first and second connector units, and
By providing a pair of connectors for electrically connecting the first and second connector units to the connection surface of each of the connector units, the signal line is processed with a minimum necessary length, and A detachable connector is provided to make the overall length as short as possible.

[0010]

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

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing the structure of a camera head according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

(Configuration) As shown in FIG. 1, a camera head 1 which is an endoscope image pickup apparatus of the present embodiment is connected to a camera control unit (not shown) by a cable 2, and the cable 2 is connected to the camera head 1. After reaching the inside, the shield braid 3 at the end thereof is folded back, and is brought into close contact with the jacket of the cable 2 and the plurality of signal wires 4 are protruded by a predetermined length. Outside the folded shield braid 3, the shield frame 5 of the cable 2 is connected to the shield braid 3 at the same potential.

A first connector unit 6 is built in the shield frame 5. First connector unit 6
Has a through-hole 7 at the center, through which the signal line 4 of the cable 2 passes. Further, the camera head 1 is provided with an image pickup device 10 for picking up an endoscope image, and a conductive pattern 8 is printed on an end surface of the first connector unit 6 on the image pickup device 10 side. Each corresponding signal line 4 is folded back to the cable 2 side to be electrically connected.

The first connector unit 6 has an image sensor 1
A first protrusion protruding from the conductive pattern 8 near the outer periphery of the 0-side end face
Signal pin 9 is provided perpendicular to the end face on the image sensor side.

The image pickup device 10 of the first connector unit 6
On the side, a second connector unit 12 having a built-in concave pin receiver 11 for maintaining electrical connection to the first signal pin 9 is detachably connected.

In the second connector unit 12, a second signal pin 13 electrically connected to the pin receiver 11 protrudes from the end face of the second connector unit 12 on the image sensor 10 side. The second signal pin 13 is connected to a drive circuit board 14 on which a drive circuit of the image sensor 10 is mounted, and the drive circuit board 1
The imaging device 10 is connected to 4.

A hollow portion 15 is provided between the first connector unit 6 and the second connector unit 12 so that the signal line 4 turned back through the through hole 7 is accommodated.

(Operation) The signal line 4 built in the cable 2 connected to the camera control unit (not shown) passes through the through hole 7 of the first connector unit 6 and is folded back at the hollow portion 15 to form the conductive pattern 8. Connected. The conductive pattern 8 is electrically connected to the image pickup device 10 via the first signal pin 9, the pin receiver 11, the second signal pin 13, and the drive circuit board 14 on which the drive circuit is mounted, and the image is formed by the camera control unit. Be transformed into

When replacing the cable 2, the first connector unit 6 and the second connector unit 12 are separated by removing the first signal pin 9 from the pin receiver 11.

(Effect) As described above, in the present embodiment, the first connector unit 6 and the second connector unit 12
The signal line 4 folded back through the through-hole 7 is accommodated in the hollow portion 15 between them, so that the projecting length of the signal line 4 is minimized, and the total length can be shortened at this length.
In addition, since a detachable connector mechanism is configured such that the first signal pin 9 is removed from the pin receiver 11, the overall length can be reduced.

Furthermore, since the signal line 4 is connected through the through hole 7, stress such as bending that the cable 2 receives due to external pressure is not received at the end of the signal line (connection portion with the conductive pattern 8) (prevention of disconnection). ). Further, for the same reason, the operation section of the first connector unit 6 is improved during assembly and repair (there is no fear of disconnection).

If the first and second connector units are both MIDs (three-dimensional wiring boards), the number of components can be reduced and the drive circuit board can be mounted on the second connector unit.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing the structure of a camera head according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Since the second embodiment is almost the same as the first embodiment, only different points will be described, and the same components will be denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

(Construction) In this embodiment, the shield braid 51 included in the cable 2 is folded back, and the first connector unit 5
It is fixed so as to be sandwiched between 2 and the shield presser 53.
The shield retainer 53 is made of a conductor, and the shield frame 54 also made of a conductor is connected to the first connector unit 5.
2 and the shield presser 53.

The first connector unit 52 has a through hole 55 at the center thereof, and a conductive pattern 56 is formed on the end surface of the image pickup device 10 side. In addition, a GND pattern 60 is formed on an inner peripheral portion of the first connector unit 52 that sandwiches the shield braid 51, and a GND of the necessary signal line 4 is formed.
It is electrically connected to the D line.

Image sensor 1 of first connector unit 52
A pair of SMD-type second connector units 57 are formed on the 0-side end surface, and each contact is connected to a predetermined conductive pattern 56. The image sensor 10 and a drive circuit board 58 on which a drive circuit for the image sensor 10 is mounted are connected to the image sensor side of the second connector unit 57.

The signal line 4 projecting a predetermined length from the cable 2 is connected to the first connector unit 52 and the drive circuit board 58.
The second connector unit 57 is folded back in the space 59 defined by the length of the cable 2 in the longitudinal direction and is electrically connected to the conductive pattern 56.

(Operation) The signal line 4 built in the cable 2 connected to the camera control unit (not shown) passes through the through hole 55 of the first connector unit 52, is folded back in the space 59, and is connected to the conductive pattern 56. Is done.
The conductive pattern 56 is electrically connected to the image sensor 10 via the second connector unit 57 and the drive circuit, and is imaged by the camera control unit.

When the cable 2 is replaced, the cable 2 is separated by the second connector unit 57. The shield braid 51 becomes equipotential with the shield frame 54 via the shield retainer 53 at the inner peripheral portion of the first connector unit 52, and secures an electrical shield.

(Effect) In the present embodiment, since the processing of the shield braid 51 is performed on the inner peripheral portion of the first connector unit 52, the protruding length of the signal line 4 is shorter than that of the first embodiment. Yes, and the overall length can be further reduced.

Since the second connector unit 57 of the SMD type, which is a commercially available detachable connector mechanism, is used, the configuration can be made inexpensively.

Further, since the GND pattern 60 is formed on the inner periphery of the first connector unit 52, the shield braid 51 can be connected to the GND line of the signal line 4.

The first connector unit 52 is connected to a PC
By using the shield braid 51 as a substrate and sandwiching the shield braid 51 with the shield retainer 53, the overall length can be further reduced.

By the way, generally, a video camera or the like 3
In a plate-type color imaging device, it is necessary to adjust the relative position of each solid-state imaging device color separation prism with high accuracy with a submicron error.

As one example, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-1
Japanese Patent Publication No. 53052 proposes a technique of using a chart box containing a reference lens and a reference chart, and accurately adjusting the relative positions of a color separation prism and a solid-state imaging device with respect to a camera mount.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 61-16690 proposes an image pickup apparatus mainly including an image pickup lens, a color separation prism, a mounting frame to be attached to the color separation prism, and a solid-state image pickup device. The image pickup apparatus adjusts the position of the optical system by connecting a mounting frame that has been precisely machined and a solid-state image pickup device that can be finely adjusted with a mounting screw.

However, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 6-153052, since the optical axis is adjusted by the reference lens, the actual use of the interchangeable imaging lens alone or the connection part between the imaging lens and the imaging device is eccentric. There is a problem that the eccentricity sometimes increases. In particular, when the imaging device is used for an endoscope, observation may be hindered, for example, if there is eccentricity, a part to be observed cannot be observed.

On the other hand, JP-A-61-16690 discloses that
There is a problem that it is necessary to process the mounting frame with high precision or to use a dedicated solid-state imaging device, which leads to an increase in cost. The final fixing method between the color separation prism and the solid-state imaging device is a mounting screw. However, fixing with a screw makes it difficult to adjust the position with high accuracy on the submicron level, and may cause color misregistration.

Next, an inexpensive endoscope image pickup apparatus with little eccentricity, no color shift, and low cost will be described.

FIGS. 3 to 6 relate to a first embodiment of an inexpensive endoscope image pickup apparatus having little eccentricity, no color shift, and FIG. 3 shows a configuration of an optical system of the endoscope image pickup apparatus. FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of the color separation prism and the solid-state imaging device of FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an endoscope image capturing apparatus including the optical system of FIG. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a modification of the endoscope image pickup device of FIG.

(Structure) As shown in FIG. 3, an optical system of an endoscope image pickup apparatus 101 according to the present embodiment includes an image pickup optical system 102 for picking up an image from an endoscope (not shown) and the image pickup optical system. The solid-state imaging devices 103a, 103b, and 103c, which are, for example, CCDs, which capture the imaging light from the system 102, are configured as a framework.

The imaging optical system 102 includes an imaging optical system 104 that forms an image from an endoscope (not shown), an optical filter 105 that cuts, for example, infrared light, and an imaging light that has passed through the optical filter 105. The color separation prism 106 separates each color component. The optical filter 105 may be removed by, for example, applying an infrared cut coating to the color separation prism 106.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the imaging optical system 104 and the optical filter 105 are incorporated in a lens barrel 107, while the color separation prism 106 has a support base 109 mounted on a side surface 108 thereof. , For example, is attached to the lens barrel 107 with a screw 110 or the like.

In this state, the solid-state imaging device 103a,
103b, 103c are fixed to the emission ends 111a, 111b, 111c of the color separation prism 106 by, for example, an adhesive by adjusting the optical path length, relative position, eccentricity and the like.

The adjustment of the optical path length, the relative position, and the eccentricity are as follows.
A known technique such as connecting a chart box having a built-in reference chart (not shown) to the tip of the imaging optical system 104 and imaging the reference chart can be used. Further, the color separation prism 106 and the solid-state imaging device 103a,
As for the fixing method of 103b and 103c, not only an adhesive but also a known technique can be used.

(Operation) According to the endoscope image pickup apparatus 101 configured as described above, an image from an endoscope (not shown) is formed by the image forming optical system 104 and then is filtered by the optical filter 105. The light is transmitted and guided to the color separation prism 106. The color separation prism 106 converts imaging light into red, green,
The light is separated into blue light and the emission ends 111a, 111b, 111c are separated.
From the solid-state imaging device 103a, 103b,
An image is taken at 103c.

(Effect) Such an endoscope image pickup apparatus 1
01 adjusts the solid-state imaging devices 103a, 103b, and 103c with respect to the imaging optical system 102,
It is possible to provide an inexpensive endoscope image capturing apparatus with little eccentricity and no color shift.

As shown in FIG. 6, even when the optical filter 105 is attached to the support base 109, the same operation and
The effect can be obtained.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing the configuration of an endoscope image pickup apparatus according to a second embodiment of the inexpensive endoscope image pickup apparatus with little eccentricity and no color shift.

The second embodiment of the inexpensive endoscope image pickup apparatus with little eccentricity and no color shift is the first embodiment of the inexpensive endoscope image pickup apparatus with little eccentricity and no color shift. Therefore, only different points will be described, and the same components will be denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

(Structure) The endoscope image pickup apparatus according to the first embodiment which is inexpensive and has no eccentricity and has no color shift is almost the same as that of the first embodiment, but the imaging optical system 104 is movable as shown in FIG. To enable focus adjustment. In addition, as the focus adjustment mechanism, for example, the cam pin 112, the focus ring 1
13, a known technique such as using a cam groove (not shown) provided in the lens barrel 107 can be used.

(Function) The endoscope image is observed by rotating the focus ring so that the endoscope image is in focus.

(Effects) In this embodiment, in addition to the same effects as the first embodiment of the inexpensive endoscope image pickup apparatus with little eccentricity and no color shift, the focus ring can be used to adjust the focus. Therefore, it can be used by connecting to various endoscopes.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing the configuration of an endoscope image pickup apparatus according to a third embodiment of the inexpensive endoscope image pickup apparatus with little eccentricity, no color shift, and low cost.

The third embodiment of the inexpensive endoscope image pickup apparatus with little eccentricity and no color shift is the first embodiment of the inexpensive endoscope image pickup apparatus with little eccentricity and no color shift. Therefore, only different points will be described, and the same components will be denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

(Structure and operation) The endoscope image pickup apparatus is almost the same as the first embodiment of the inexpensive endoscope image pickup apparatus with little eccentricity and no color shift, but as shown in FIG.
An aperture 114 is provided before 04. The stop 114 may be a fixed stop or a variable stop. Further, the variable aperture may be a manual aperture or an automatic aperture linked to the brightness of the solid-state imaging devices 103a, 103b, 103c.

The image forming optical system may be movable as in the third embodiment.

Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first embodiment of the inexpensive endoscope image pickup apparatus with little eccentricity and without color shift.

(Effects) In this embodiment, in addition to the same effects as those of the first embodiment of the inexpensive endoscope image pickup apparatus with little eccentricity and without color shift, the depth of field is also Image can be obtained. Further, since the depth of field is wide, various endoscopes can be connected and used.

As in the second embodiment of the inexpensive endoscope image pickup apparatus with little eccentricity and no color shift, the imaging optical system 104 is made movable so that a wider range of endoscopes can be obtained. Can be used.

[Appendix 1] (Appendix 1-1) In an endoscope image pickup apparatus provided with an image pickup optical system, a solid-state image pickup device is positioned and fixed to the image pickup optical system. Mirror image pickup device.

(Additional Item 1-2) The endoscope image capturing apparatus according to Additional Item 1-1, wherein the imaging optical system includes an imaging optical system, a filter, and a color separation prism.

(Additional Item 1-3) The endoscope image capturing apparatus according to additional item 1-1, wherein the imaging optical system is movable and is capable of adjusting a focus.

(Additional Item 1-4) The endoscope image pickup apparatus according to additional item 1-1, wherein a stop is provided in front of the imaging optical system.

(Additional Item 1-5)
14. The endoscope image pickup device according to item 1-1, wherein the endoscope image pickup device comprises a CCD.

(Additional Item 1-6) The endoscope image pickup according to additional item 1-1, wherein the positioning and fixing method of the solid-state imaging device comprises bonding a color separation prism and a solid-state imaging device. apparatus.

On the other hand, in the endoscope image pickup device, shortening the overall length is the most important along with the reduction in the diameter, and the signal lines in the cable are connected to the electric board on which the CCD is mounted, and are connected to the outer periphery of the cable. The shield braid that is covered must also be electrically connected to the GND level of the endoscope image pickup device and the overall length must be reduced.

That is, when connecting the signal line in the cable to the electric board, a predetermined length such as crimping, soldering, and processing of a shield braid is required, but this length should be left unnecessarily. Increases its total length.

Conventionally, however, the electric circuit between the CCD and the camera cable is usually arranged in the camera head in the order of the camera cable, the electric circuit section, and the CCD. There is a problem that a space for processing becomes a dead space and the overall length of the camera head becomes longer.

Next, an endoscope image pickup apparatus capable of processing a signal line with a minimum necessary length and shortening the entire length as much as possible will be described.

FIGS. 9 and 10 relate to a first embodiment of an endoscope image pickup apparatus capable of processing a signal line with a minimum necessary length and shortening the entire length as much as possible. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the endoscope image pickup device, and FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the shape of a circuit board made of the flexible board in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 9, the camera head 201 has a hole 203 covered with a cover glass 202 and a hole 205 through which a camera cable 204 is inserted. In a hole 203 covered with the cover glass 202, there is provided a CCD for receiving an imaging light beam transmitted through the cover glass 202.
A lead terminal 20 of the CCD 206 is provided.
Reference numeral 7 denotes a through hole 209 provided on a circuit board 208 disposed on the back of the imaging light receiving unit of the CCD 206.
And soldered. On the other hand, the end of the camera cable 204 inserted into the camera head 201 from the hole 205 is stripped to expose a core wire 210, and the exposed core wire 210 is connected to the circuit board 208. Connector 211 is provided.

As shown in FIG. 10, the circuit board 208
Is a flexible substrate having a connector receiver 212 connected to the connector 211 of the camera cable 204, and an A surface 213 on which the connector receiver 212 is disposed, on which electric components 214 are disposed. B side 2
15 is bent at a right angle. The B surface 215 on which the electrical components 214 are arranged is wider than the A surface 213 in a direction perpendicular to the A surface 213 and the mounting shaft 216, and the camera cable 204 is exposed in the camera head 201. It is arranged along the core wire 210 and surrounding it.

Following the B side 215, the CCD 2
06 through terminal 20 into which lead terminal 207 is inserted
There is a D surface 219a that leads to a C surface 217 having a C surface 9 and the A surface 2
13 and the bending portion 218 of the B surface 215
It is bent at a position 219 close to the 206 side,
As a result, in the camera head 201, the CCD 206 can be positioned closer to the cover glass 202 than the connector 211 and the connector receiver 212 of the camera cable 204 and the circuit board 208.

Normally, the electric circuit between the CCD and the camera cable is arranged in the camera head in the order of the camera cable, the electric circuit section, and the CCD. In the present embodiment, the exposed core wire of the camera cable is used. Since the electric circuit section is arranged around the camera, the space for processing the core wire of the camera cable, which is a dead space in the conventional structure, can be effectively used, and the overall length of the camera head can be reduced. It is possible.

FIGS. 11 and 12 relate to a second embodiment of an endoscope image pickup apparatus capable of processing a signal line with a minimum necessary length and shortening the entire length as much as possible.
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the endoscope image capturing apparatus, and FIG.
FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing a section taken along line AA of FIG.

The second embodiment of the endoscope image pickup apparatus capable of processing this signal line with a minimum length and shortening the entire length as much as possible has a problem that the signal line has a minimum length. This is almost the same as that of the first embodiment of the endoscope image pickup apparatus which can perform the processing and shorten the entire length as much as possible.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, a first embodiment of an endoscope image pickup apparatus capable of processing a signal line with a necessary minimum length and shortening the entire length as much as possible. Similarly, the camera head 220 includes a CCD 222 disposed behind the cover glass 221 and a cover glass 221.
The camera cable 223 inserted from the opposite side from the camera head 223 is inserted.
The inside of 0 is stripped and the core wire 224 is exposed.

A flexible substrate 225 is provided on the back of the light receiving surface of the CCD 222.
5 is provided with a through hole 228 into which the lead terminal 227 of the CCD 222 is inserted, and is connected by soldering.

If the cover glass 221 side of the camera head 220 is defined as the front direction and the camera cable 223 projecting side is defined as the rear direction, the camera cable 223 is provided at the rear of the CCD 222 mounting surface of the A surface 226 of the flexible substrate 225. A cylindrical member 229 is arranged toward the side. An electric circuit pattern 231 is formed on the outer peripheral portion 230 of the cylindrical member 229, and various electric components 232 are mounted in the electric circuit 231. Contact portions 23 connected to the electric circuit pattern are provided on both end surfaces 233 and 234 of the cylindrical member 229, respectively.
5, 236 are provided.

Of the contact portions, the camera cable 223
The contact portion 235 on the side end surface 233 has the CCD 2
The flexible substrate 225 on which 22 is mounted is connected. Also, the contact portion 2 on the end surface 234 on the CCD 222 side
The core wire 224 of the camera cable 223 that has passed through the through hole 237 of the cylindrical member 229 is connected to 36.

As described above, also in this embodiment, the signal line is processed with the minimum necessary length, and the total length can be made as short as possible. Similarly, since the electric circuit portion is disposed around the exposed portion of the core wire of the camera cable, the overall length of the camera head can be reduced.

Further, unlike the first embodiment of the endoscope image pickup apparatus capable of processing the signal line with the minimum necessary length and shortening the entire length as much as possible, the electric circuit component is different from the first embodiment. Since it is a rigid member, there is no need for forming when a flexible substrate is used, and there is no need for assembling due to the irregular shape, so that the quality of the product is stabilized.

[Supplementary Note 2] (Supplementary note 2-1) In an endoscope image pickup apparatus having a solid-state image pickup device, which is connected to a controller main body by a cable, a connection is made between the solid-state image pickup device and the cable. An endoscope image pickup device, wherein an electric circuit is provided, and the electric circuit is disposed around a portion where the cable exists.

(Additional Item 2-2) The electric circuit is formed by a shape-changeable flat substrate, and the solid-state imaging of the shape-changeable parallel substrate by changing the shape of the shape-changeable flat substrate. An element connection side and the cable connection side are disposed adjacent to each other, and the electric circuit formed on the shape-changeable parallel substrate between the solid-state imaging device and the cable surrounds an outer periphery of the cable. Item 2. The imaging device for an endoscope according to Additional Item 2-1.

(Additional Item 2-3) The electric circuit is formed on an outer peripheral surface of a substantially cylindrical member.
The imaging device for an endoscope according to additional item 2-1 characterized in that the imaging device for an endoscope is arranged in a through hole of the substantially cylindrical member.

Conventionally, a cable clamp structure for fixing a video camera cable or the like to a camera head structural member is, for example, as shown in FIG.
1 is fixed to the cable 502 by caulking, and the annular member 501 is further fixed to the structural member 5 by screws 521.
03.

Alternatively, as disclosed in FIGS. 6 and 7 of Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 6-35204, there is known a method of bonding a cable to a structural member or fixing the cable by sandwiching the cable between the structural members. I have.

However, for example, in the method using adhesive or caulking, the members such as the cable 502 and the annular member 501 cannot be reused when repairing the equipment, so that the members are forced to be discarded. Further, in the method of sandwiching between the structural members, the processing of the structural members themselves requires a processing technique such as slice plane processing, so that the cost of the structural members cannot be suppressed at low cost.

Further, as shown in FIG.
In order to electrically conduct the two-piece braided shield wire 504 to the structural member 503, the shield wire 504 is folded outside the cable coating 505 in order to suppress the radiation of unnecessary electromagnetic waves from the device. By caulking the annular member 501 from above, the shield wire 504 is formed.
Is electrically connected to the structural member 503 through the annular member 501 and the screw 503.

Alternatively, as shown in JP-A-5-293078, the shielded wire 5 is provided between two base members.
There is also known a method in which the same electrical continuity is obtained by sandwiching the “04”.

By the way, in the case of use in an imaging device for an endoscope, for example, in addition to such an electric conduction structure, the cable clamp structure prevents liquid from entering from the exterior of the device to the inside. A watertight structure must be provided. However, in the electrical conduction structure as described above, a watertight structure must be provided in addition to the same structure, which leads to an increase in the number of parts, an increase in the number of assembly steps, and an increase in the size of the device itself. Will be.

Therefore, an endoscope image pickup apparatus having a low-cost and simple cable clamp structure in which members can be reused at the time of repair or the like will be described.

FIGS. 13 and 14 relate to a first embodiment of an endoscope image pickup apparatus having a low-cost and simple cable clamp structure, in which members can be reused even during repair or the like. 13 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a cable clamp structure of the endoscope image capturing device, and FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a modification of the cable clamp structure of the endoscope image capturing device of FIG.

(Configuration) As shown in FIG.
02 is inserted through a hole 306 provided in the structural member 303 of the device, and the structural member 303 and, consequently, the outside 307 of the device.
It is connected to. The inner diameter of the hole 306 is
3 has a stepped portion 308 and becomes larger to form a clamp built-in portion 309. Built-in clamp 30
9 has a built-in clamp member 310 through which the cable is inserted. The clamp member 310 is prevented from moving in the cable axial direction by a ring member 311. The annular member 311 is fixed to the structural member 303 by a screw 312 formed on the inner peripheral surface of the clamp built-in portion 309. At least one screw 313 is disposed in a portion corresponding to the clamp member 310 of the clamp built-in portion 309 in a direction perpendicular to the cable 2 axis direction.

The inner diameter of the hole 306 and the clamp member 3
The difference (A−B) from the inner diameter of the clamp 10 is
9 Difference between inner diameter and outer diameter of clamp member 310 (D-C)
These components are formed to be smaller.

(Operation) According to such a configuration, by tightening the screw 313, the clamp member 310 moves in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the cable 302, and the inner diameter A
And the inner diameter B of the hole 306 is eccentrically fixed. At this time, since the minimum diameter of the hole formed by the inner diameter portion A and the inner diameter portion B is smaller than the outer diameter of the cable 302,
The cable 302 is fixed and clamped at this portion.

(Effect) As described above, according to the present embodiment, the clamp member 310, the screw 313, and the annular member 3
With three very simple members of 11
The cable 302 can be clamped by a simple method of tightening the screw 313. Further, the screw 31
If the member 3 is loosened, the clamp can be easily released, and the member is not damaged by bonding or swaging, so that it can be used again.

When a material that is easily damaged is selected for the covering of the cable 302, an R may be provided at the inner peripheral end of the clamp member 310 as shown in FIG. 14 to prevent the cable from being damaged.

The clamp member 310 and the cable 30
By folding and arranging the shield wire (not shown) of the cable 302 between the two coatings, it is also possible to achieve electrical conduction between the shield wire and the structural member 303.

FIG. 15 shows an endoscope image pickup apparatus according to a second embodiment of the endoscope image pickup apparatus having an inexpensive and simple cable clamp structure in which members can be reused even during repair or the like. It is a figure showing composition of a cable clamp structure of a device.

The second embodiment of the endoscope image pickup apparatus having an inexpensive and simple cable clamp structure in which members can be reused even in the case of repair, etc. Since it is almost the same as the first embodiment of the endoscope image capturing apparatus having an inexpensive and simple cable clamp structure that can be used, only different points will be described, and the same components will be denoted by the same reference numerals. Is omitted.

(Structure) In this embodiment, the first embodiment of the endoscope image pickup apparatus having an inexpensive and simple cable clamp structure that can be reused even in the case of repair, etc. As shown in FIG.
Is formed eccentrically with respect to the inner diameter of the hole 306. The clamp member 310 and the screw 313 are not provided.

(Operation) According to the above-described configuration, the annular member 311 is screwed into the screw 312 to thereby form the hole 30.
6 and the eccentricity of the inner diameter of the annular member 311 are similar to those of the first embodiment of the endoscope image pickup apparatus having an inexpensive and simple cable clamp structure that allows the member to be reused even during repair or the like. Cable clamp effect can be obtained.

(Effects) In the present embodiment, the members can be reused even in the case of repair and the like, and an endoscope image pickup apparatus having an inexpensive and simple cable clamp structure as compared with the first embodiment of the endoscope image pickup apparatus. Thus, the cable clamping effect can be obtained with a smaller number of members. In addition, the members can be reused.

FIGS. 16 and 17 relate to a third embodiment of an endoscope image pickup device having an inexpensive and simple cable clamp structure, and FIG. 16 shows the configuration of the cable clamp structure of the endoscope image pickup device. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a configuration of a modified example of the cable clamp structure of the endoscope image pickup device.

The third embodiment of the endoscope image pickup apparatus having an inexpensive and simple cable clamp structure in which members can be reused even in the case of repair, etc. Since it is almost the same as the first embodiment of the endoscope image capturing apparatus having an inexpensive and simple cable clamp structure that can be used, only different points will be described, and the same components will be denoted by the same reference numerals. Is omitted.

(Configuration) As shown in FIG.
02 is removed to the vicinity of the outside of the structural member 303 of the equipment, and the core wire 3 constituting the cable 302 is removed.
Only 14 is inserted through the hole 306 provided in the structural member 303 into the device. The shield line 304 of the cable is disposed so as to cover the outside of a shield contact portion 315 provided on the structural member 303. Further, there is provided a breaking preventing member 316 formed from an elastic material such as rubber, which covers from the shielded wire 304 to the covering 305 of the cable 302.

A seal portion 317 is formed on an inner peripheral surface of a portion of the breaking preventing member 316 which is in contact with the cable coating 305.

A metal annular member 318 is provided on the outer side of the portion of the buckling member 316 corresponding to the portion of the cable 305 of the cable 302 from the shielded wire 304, and is provided in the inner diameter direction (in the direction of the arrow shown in the drawing). ), The bending preventing member 316 is fixed to the structural member 303.

(Operation) By caulking the annular member 318, the bending preventing member 316 is attached to the structural member 30.
3 and the shield wire 304 is brought into close contact with the shield contact portion 315 to achieve electrical continuity between the two.
The watertightness of the gap between the cable outer peripheral portion and the inside of the device is ensured by being in close contact with the device.

(Effect) Since the electrical conduction structure and the watertight structure of the shield can be achieved by the same buckling member 316, the structure can be simplified and the assembling can be simplified, and the above object can be achieved with an inexpensive structure. be able to.

Note that the shield contact portion 315 is
As shown in FIG. It is possible to increase the clamping strength of the buckling member 316 and the cable 302.

FIG. 18 shows an endoscope image pickup apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the endoscope image pickup apparatus having a cable clamp structure which is inexpensive and simple, in which members can be reused even during repair or the like. It is a figure showing composition of a cable clamp structure of a device.

The fourth embodiment of the endoscope image pickup apparatus having an inexpensive and simple cable clamp structure in which members can be reused even in the case of repair, etc. Since it is almost the same as the first embodiment of the endoscope image capturing apparatus having an inexpensive and simple cable clamp structure that can be used, only different points will be described, and the same components will be denoted by the same reference numerals. Is omitted.

(Structure) In this embodiment, the first embodiment of the endoscope image pickup apparatus having an inexpensive and simple cable clamp structure in which members can be reused even in the case of repair, etc. As shown in FIG.
The ring member 318 and the ring member 318 are integrally formed, and the ring member 318 and the structural member 303 are provided with screw portions 319 for connecting and fixing them to each other. A washer 3 made of metal or resin is provided between the fold-preventing member 316 and the structural member 303.
20, a shield line 304 of the cable 302, an outer washer 320 and the annular member 31.
As in the first embodiment, a seal portion 317 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the fold-preventing member 316 corresponding to the portion sandwiched by 8.

(Operation) When the annular member 318 is screwed into the structural member 303 by the screw portion 319 in the above-described configuration, the bend preventing member 316 is fixed.
The anti-folding member 316 presses the shield wire 304 against the structural member 303 via the washer 320 to achieve an electrical conduction structure between the shield wire 304 and the structural member 303. Further, since the fold-preventing member 316 is formed of an elastic body such as rubber, when the structural member 303 is screwed in, the seal portion contracts to the inner diameter side, and the cable 302
Achieves a watertight structure in close contact with the coating.

(Effect) According to the above configuration, since the parts are not damaged by caulking or the like, the members can be reused even in the case of repair or the like, and a cheap and simple cable clamp structure is provided. 1st endoscope imaging device
In addition to the effect similar to that of the embodiment, the member can be reused, that is, repaired.

[Supplementary Note 3] (Supplementary Note 3-1) An image pickup device for taking an endoscope image is built in the tip, and a cable clamp structure for fixing a cable connected to a control unit having an image generation circuit is provided. In the endoscope image capturing apparatus, the cable clamp structure includes the cable, at least two or more hole members provided with holes through which the cable passes, and fixing means for fixing the hole members, When the means fixes the hole member, the cable is fixed by fixing the hole members at eccentric positions with respect to each other.

(Additional Item 3-2) The endoscope image capturing apparatus according to additional item 3-1 wherein the fixing means is a screw or a screw for fixing the hole member in the cable axial direction. .

(Additional Item 3-3) The endoscope according to Additional Item 3-1 wherein the fixing means is a screw or a screw for fixing the hole member in a direction perpendicular to the cable shaft. Image capturing device.

(Additional Item 3-4) An endoscope image pickup device having a built-in image pickup device for picking up an endoscope image at the tip and having a cable clamp structure for fixing a cable connected to a control unit having an image generation circuit. In the device, the cable clamp structure includes a conductive base member to which the shield wire provided in the cable is connected, a bending preventing member configured to prevent bending of the cable, and formed of an elastic body,
A fixing member for fixing the breaking preventing member, wherein the breaking preventing member, when fixed by the fixing member, comes into water-tight contact with the coating outer peripheral surface of the cable and presses the shield wire against the base member. An endoscope image pickup device characterized by being connected and fixed.

(Additional Item 3-5) The endoscope image pickup apparatus according to additional item 3-4, wherein the fixing member is made of a metal annular member, and is fixed by caulking. .

(Additional Item 3-6) The endoscope image capturing apparatus according to Additional Item 3-4, wherein the fixing member is formed of an annular member, and is fixed with a screw.

[0126]

As described above, according to the endoscope image pickup apparatus of the present invention, a space for accommodating cables and signal lines is provided on the connection surface side of each of the first and second connector units. , A pair of connectors for electrically connecting the first and second connector units are provided on the connection surface of each of the second connector units, so that the signal lines are processed with a minimum necessary length, In addition, there is an effect that a detachable connector is provided and the overall length can be made as short as possible.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a configuration of a camera head according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing a configuration of a camera head according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of an optical system of the endoscope image capturing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the inexpensive endoscope image capturing apparatus without color shift;

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of a color separation prism and a solid-state imaging device in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an endoscope image pickup apparatus including the optical system of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a modification of the endoscope image pickup device of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an endoscope image capturing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the inexpensive endoscope image capturing apparatus with little eccentricity, no color shift, and low cost.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an endoscope image capturing apparatus according to a third embodiment of an inexpensive endoscope image capturing apparatus with little eccentricity, no color shift, and low cost.

FIG. 9 shows an endoscope image capturing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the endoscope image capturing apparatus capable of processing a signal line with a minimum necessary length and making the overall length as short as possible. Sectional view showing configuration

FIG. 10 is a view showing a shape of a circuit board made of the flexible board in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 illustrates an endoscope image capturing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the endoscope image capturing apparatus capable of processing a signal line with a minimum necessary length and shortening the overall length as much as possible. Sectional view showing configuration

FIG. 12 is a sectional view showing a section taken along line AA of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the endoscope image capturing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the endoscope image capturing apparatus having a low-cost and simple cable clamp structure in which members can be reused even during repair or the like. Diagram showing the configuration of the cable clamp structure

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a configuration of a modification of the cable clamp structure of the endoscope image pickup device of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of an endoscope image capturing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention, in which members can be reused even during repairs and the like, and which has an inexpensive and simple cable clamp structure. Diagram showing the configuration of the cable clamp structure

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of an endoscope image capturing apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention, in which members can be reused even during repairs and the like, and which has an inexpensive and simple cable clamp structure. Diagram showing the configuration of the cable clamp structure

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a configuration of a modification of the cable clamp structure of the endoscope image pickup device of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 shows an endoscope image pickup apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the endoscope image pickup apparatus having a low-cost and simple cable clamp structure, in which members can be reused even during repair or the like. Diagram showing the configuration of the cable clamp structure

FIG. 19 is a first explanatory view illustrating a cable clamp structure of a conventional endoscope image capturing apparatus.

FIG. 20 is a second explanatory view illustrating a cable clamp structure of a conventional endoscope image capturing apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 camera head 2 cable 3 shield braid 4 signal wire 5 shield frame 6 first connector unit 7 through hole 8 conductive pattern 9 first signal pin 10 imaging element 11 pin receiver 12 ... second connector unit 13 ... second signal pin 14 ... drive circuit board 15 ... hollow part

Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Shinkichi Tanizawa 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Inside Olympus Optical Industrial Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Hitoshi Kimura 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Olympus Optical (72) Inventor Hiroyuki Kuroda 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Olympus Optical Industrial Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Masahiro Hagiwara 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Olympus Optical F-term in Industrial Co., Ltd. (Reference) 2H040 CA26 DA00 DA12 DA17 GA01 GA03 4C061 AA00 BB00 CC06 DD03 FF02 FF04 FF07 GG17 JJ11 LL01 5C022 AA09 AC42 AC51 AC54 AC70 AC75 AC78 5C054 AA01 AA05 CA04 CC07 EA01 BB12 BB BB BB BB BB BB E12 CC22 CC26 GG03 GG08 GG21 JJ30

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. An endoscope image pickup device having a built-in image pickup device for picking up an endoscope image at a distal end, and connected to a control unit having a video generation circuit by a cable, wherein a signal line included in the cable is connected to a control unit. It has a hollow part to pass through,
A first insulating material having a conductive pattern portion for electrically connecting an end of the signal line disposed on the image sensor side;
A second connector unit made of an insulating material having a connection surface electrically connected to the conductive pattern portion; and a drive for driving the image sensor electrically connected to the second connector unit. A circuit board, and a space for accommodating the cable and the signal line on a connection surface side of each of the first and second connector units; and a connection surface of each of the first and second connector units. An endoscope image pickup device, comprising: a pair of connectors for electrically connecting the first and second connector units. 2. The first connector unit or the second connector unit.
2. The endoscope image pickup device according to claim 1, wherein at least one inner peripheral portion of the connector unit has a conductive pattern that is electrically connected to a shield knitted portion that covers the signal line of the cable. 3.