JP2001112708A - Endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent fogging and deterioration of objective lenses by preventing intrusion of steam even if autoclave sterilization is repeatedly performed. SOLUTION: The front end cover frame 14 of a front-end hermetic optical cover member 38 and the frame 20 of a rear-end hermetic optical cover member 39 are hermetically joined, from a longitudinal direction, to an insulating frame 17 which supports a lens frame 16 holding a group of objective lens 15, and thereby the group of objective lenses 15 is sealed. Since the group of objective lenses 15 is sealed, intrusion of moisture is prevented even if autoclave sterilization is repeatedly performed, to thereby prevent fogging and deterioration.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an endoscope in which an airtight optical cover member is joined to one end of an optical unit supporting frame for supporting an optical unit, thereby preventing invasion of water vapor during autoclave sterilization.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, endoscopes capable of observing a deep part or the like in a body cavity by inserting the body into a body cavity or the like and performing a medical treatment or the like by using a treatment tool as necessary have been developed in the medical field. It has become widely used.

[0003] In the case of a medical endoscope, it is essential to surely disinfect and sterilize the used endoscope in order to prevent infectious diseases and the like.

Conventionally, this disinfection sterilization treatment has relied on a gas such as ethylene oxide or a disinfectant solution. However, as is well known, since sterilization gases are highly toxic, sterilization must be performed with great care to ensure safety. Is required, and work efficiency is poor.

[0005] In addition, there is another problem that it takes a long time for aeration to remove gas adhering to equipment after sterilization, so that it cannot be used immediately after sterilization. In addition, the adverse effect of the gas on the environment has been regarded as a problem. Further, there is a problem that the running cost is high.

Further, in the case of a disinfecting solution, there is a disadvantage that the management of the disinfecting solution is complicated, and a great deal of expense is required for disposal treatment of the disinfecting solution.

Therefore, recently, without complicated work,
Autoclave sterilization (high-pressure steam sterilization), which can be used immediately after sterilization and has a low running cost, is becoming mainstream in endoscope devices. 0.2 M for autoclave sterilization
The high-temperature (about 115 ° C. to 135 ° C.) steam is permeated into the object to be sterilized under a high pressure of about Pa to sterilize.

[0008] However, high-pressure steam permeates most polymer materials (resin, rubber, resin adhesive).

For this reason, water vapor due to autoclave sterilization enters the endoscope, and water vapor that has passed through the adhesive of the lens system enters the lens system, leaving water droplets on the lens surface or preventing the lens or lens from joining. There is a possibility that the adhesive for use may deteriorate and obstruct the visual field.

[0010] Conventionally, epoxy resin, which is generally used as an adhesive, is deteriorated by high-temperature water vapor. Therefore, there is a concern that water vapor may easily enter the lens system due to peeling of the adhesive.

In addition, since autoclave sterilization is at a high temperature, stress is applied between components due to the difference in the coefficient of thermal expansion of each material, and there is a concern that water vapor may enter into the lens system due to peeling of the adhesive.

Therefore, conventionally, a technique has been used in which the inside of the lens system is made airtight by soldering instead of bonding with an adhesive.

For example, in a rigid scope, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-2346
As shown in Japanese Patent Publication No. 49, by inserting an objective optical system into an inner cylinder in an insertion portion having a cover glass hermetically attached at the tip and assembling the lens, clouding of the lens, deterioration of the lens, Deterioration is prevented.

In this case, the objective lens group is fixed to a frame holding the objective lens group in a state where the objective lens group is focused on the solid-state imaging device, and the entire focused objective optical system (the objective lens group, the objective lens) Group holding frame, solid-state image sensor)
Is inserted into the inner cylinder.

[0015]

However, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
In Japanese Patent No. 234649, a focused objective optical system is inserted into an inner cylinder having a cover glass hermetically attached to the distal end, and a hermetic connector is hermetically assembled at a base end side of the inner cylinder. Since all the objective optical systems including the image pickup device are airtightly packaged, the size of the airtight package is inevitably increased.

Such a configuration can be employed as long as the rigid mirror can lengthen the airtight package of the objective optical system. However, it is necessary to accommodate the airtight package portion of the objective optical system at the tip of the curved portion. Difficult to adopt for scope. In other words, if this rigidity is adopted for a curved endoscope,
There is a problem in that the distal end hard length is longer than the curved portion, and the burden on the patient is increased.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a configuration in which at least one end of an optical unit that needs to be focused at the time of assembly is sealed, so that the optical member does not become clouded or deteriorated even when autoclaving is performed, and An object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope with good assemblability in which an optical unit arrangement portion (for example, a distal end portion of a curved endoscope) can be formed small.

[0018]

In order to achieve the above object, an endoscope according to the present invention supports an optical unit having at least one optical member and supports the optical unit so as to be adjustable in the optical axis direction. An optical unit support frame and an airtight optical cover member having an optical window joined to the optical unit support frame so as to cover one end of the optical unit are provided.

With this configuration, when assembling the endoscope, the optical unit is focused on the optical unit support frame and then fixed. Thereafter, an airtight optical cover member having an optical window is placed on the optical unit support frame so as to cover one end of the optical unit, and the airtight optical cover member and the optical unit support frame are joined.

The endoscope assembled in a predetermined manner is
It is used for medical purposes and after use it is placed in the chamber of an autoclave sterilizer for sterilization. In the autoclave pre-sterilization process, the chamber is evacuated. At the time of sterilization, the inside of the chamber is filled with high-temperature and high-pressure steam. However, since one end of the optical unit support frame that supports the optical unit is sealed with an airtight optical cover member, invasion of steam into the optical unit is prevented.

[0021]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First Embodiment (Configuration) FIGS. 1 to 10 show a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows an overall schematic view of the endoscope.

As shown in FIG. 1, a distal end portion of the endoscope main body 1 has a soft insertion portion 2 to be inserted into the body.
Is provided with a tip portion 3 and a curved portion 4. An operation section 5 is provided at a base end of the insertion section 2, and the operation section 5 is provided with an angle lever 6 for remotely operating the bending section 4.

The endoscope body 1 has a connector 7 for connecting to a light source device (not shown) and a connector 8 for connecting to a video system center. The connectors 7 and 8 and the operation unit 5 are connected via a flexible cord 9. Connected.

The connector 7 is provided with an on-off valve 10 which communicates with the internal space of the endoscope body 1 and can be opened and closed by an adapter (not shown). In this case, the on-off valve 10
May have a check valve structure that communicates when the internal space of the endoscope body 1 becomes higher than the external pressure by a predetermined pressure or more, and a check valve adapter (not shown) is attached to the on-off valve 10. It may be.

Due to the configuration of the on-off valve 10, even if the inside of the chamber is evacuated during the autoclave sterilization process or the like, the bending rubber 35 (see FIG. 2) of the bending portion 4 of the endoscope, etc.
Rupture of the flexible portion of the endoscope septum is prevented.

The connector 8 can be provided with a waterproof cap 11 for making the electrical contact portions watertight. The endoscope main body 1 has a watertight structure in which water does not enter the inside of the endoscope main body 1.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing the vicinity of the distal end portion 3 of the insertion section 2. The imaging unit 12 and the light guide fiber 30 are assembled to the distal end component member 29 of the distal end portion 3, and an illumination lens 37 is disposed at the distal end of the light guide fiber 30.

A tip cover member 3 is provided on the outer periphery of the tip component.
A plurality of bending pieces 32 forming the bending portion 4 are connected to each other by rivets 33 and mounted to the rear thereof. Further, the outer periphery of the plurality of bending pieces 32 is covered with a metal mesh tube 34 and a bending rubber 35.

The hard portion 36 of the imaging unit 12
Is disposed on the tip side of the first rivet 33 from the tip side, that is, inside the hard tip length.

FIG. 3 shows a cross section of the imaging unit 12. At the tip of the imaging unit 12, a cover glass 13 using sapphire, which is an optical window exposed on the outer surface of the insertion section 2, is provided, and is joined to a metal tip cover frame 14 in an airtight state. The front cover frame 14 and the cover glass 13 constitute a front airtight optical cover member 38 (see FIG. 5A).

The surface of the front cover frame 14 is electroplated with nickel on the lower layer and gold on the outermost layer. At the rear of the cover glass 13, an optical unit in which the objective lens group 15 is mounted on a lens frame 16 is arranged.

The lens frame 16 is made of an insulating material such as ceramics for positioning and holding the lens frame 16 in the optical axis direction.
7 is adhered and fixed. Aluminum nitride, sialon, black alumina, or the like is used for the ceramics of the insulating frame 17. A diaphragm 22 is fixed to the insulating frame 16 by bonding.

The solid-state image pickup device 18 serving as an image pickup means is positioned on a cover glass 19 using sapphire by means of a reticle or the like, and is fixed by bonding. On the other surface of the cover glass 19, a lens group 21 is positioned and adhesively fixed. The cover glass 19 is fitted to a frame 20 made of metal, and is air-tightly joined. The cover glass 19 and the frame 20 constitute a rear end airtight optical cover member 39 (see FIG. 5B).

The other end of the frame 20 is fitted to the insulating frame 17 and joined in an airtight state. The surface of the frame 20 is electroplated with nickel on the lower layer and gold on the outermost layer.

The solid-state image sensor 18 is electrically connected to a cable 24 via a substrate 23 by soldering or the like. An IC, a capacitor, and the like are assembled on the substrate 23 and sealed with an insulating adhesive.

The shield frame 2 is provided outside the solid-state image pickup device 18.
5 is attached to the frame 20 by bonding or welding. The space between the shield frame 25 and the solid-state imaging device 18 is filled with a sealant or potting agent having low water vapor permeability (for example, a fluororubber-based sealant or potting agent).

(Operation) Next, the procedure of assembling the endoscope will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4A is an external view of the cover glass 13 alone, and FIG. 4B is an external view of the cover glass 19 alone.

The outer peripheral surfaces 26 of the cover glasses 13 and 19 are both subjected to a surface treatment (metal coating). Although sapphire is used here for the cover glasses 13 and 19, glass may be used as long as the material has high heat resistance and high water vapor resistance.

The metal coat includes a chromium layer provided as a lowermost layer as a metallization layer, a nickel layer provided as a second layer as an intermediate layer, and a metal forming the uppermost layer. Each layer is applied by evaporation, sputtering, or plating even in a vacuum.

Next, the procedure for assembling the tip airtight optical cover member 38 will be described with reference to FIG. The cover glass 13 is dropped into the front cover frame 14, and the outer peripheral surface of the front cover frame 14 to which the cover glass 13 is fitted is irradiated with laser (from the direction of arrow A). The laser device is preferably a YAG laser that can be finely adjusted at a low output.

The gold on the outer peripheral surface 26 of the cover glass 13 and the gold on the outermost layer on the inner surface of the tip cover frame 14 are respectively melted by a laser, and then cooled to be joined.

This laser irradiation is performed on the entire circumference of the front cover frame 14. In the case of irradiating with a pulse wave laser, a reliable airtightness can be ensured by overlapping 80% or more with the adjacent pulse. Thus, the tip airtight optical cover member 38 is assembled.

Similarly, the frame 20 and the cover glass 19 are indicated by arrows B
And the rear end airtight optical cover member 39 is assembled.

Next, as shown in FIG.
9 and the solid-state imaging device 18 to which the substrate 23 and the cable 24 are assembled are bonded together by using a translucent adhesive so that there is no air layer. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 8, the lens group 21 is positioned on the front surface of the cover glass 19 and adhered thereto.
To hermetically join.

The above-mentioned translucent adhesive is an adhesive which does not cause at least significant deterioration such as peeling when subjected to autoclave sterilization. Further, since this adhesive portion is inside the endoscope, the attack of water vapor is small, and the bonding between the cover glass 19 and the optical member disposed on the imaging surface of the solid-state imaging device 18, that is, the bonding between the optical members is performed. Therefore, since the difference in the coefficient of thermal expansion between the members constituting the bonding surface is small, there is a possibility that the adhesive is peeled off as compared with a case where the cover glass 13 and the metal front cover frame 14 are bonded and fixed, for example. Is low.

FIG. 7 shows a half sectional view of the insulating frame 17. The outer peripheral surface 27 of the insulating frame 17 that fits with the front cover frame 14 and the outer peripheral surface 28 that fits with the frame 20 are subjected to a surface treatment (metal coating).
No surface treatment with a material having conductivity is performed between the first and second substrates. The same applies to the inner peripheral surface. Therefore, the front cover frame 14 fitted and assembled to the outer peripheral surface 27 and the frame 20 fitted and assembled to the outer peripheral surface 28 are electrically insulated.

The surface treatment of the outer peripheral surfaces 27 and 28 is constituted by a lower nickel layer and an upper metal.

As shown in FIG. 8, the insulating frame 17 is
0, assembled, and attached to the outer peripheral surface of the frame 20 (arrow C).
Irradiate the laser). The laser device is preferably a YAG laser that can be finely adjusted at a low output. After the gold on the outer peripheral surface 28 of the insulating frame 17 and the gold on the outermost layer of the frame 20 are respectively melted by the laser, they are joined by cooling. This laser irradiation is performed on the entire circumference of the frame 20. In the case of irradiating with a pulse wave laser, a reliable airtightness can be ensured by overlapping 80% or more with the adjacent pulse.

In this bonding, the bonding portion is heated to a high temperature (100
(0 ° C. or more), but since it is local and instantaneous, there is no effect on the stop 22 bonded and fixed in the insulating frame and on the bonded portion.

Next, as shown in FIG. 9, a lens frame 16 on which the objective lens group 15 is assembled is fitted and inserted into the opening at the front end of the insulating frame 17, and the position of the lens frame 16 is adjusted in the optical axis direction. After focusing, the insulating frame 17 and the lens frame 16
And fixed by adhesive. Here, an optical unit is configured by the lens frame 16 and the objective lens group 15.

Thereafter, the tip airtight optical cover member 38 constituted by the cover glass 13 and the tip cover frame 14 so as to cover the objective lens group 15 is fitted to the insulating frame 17 as shown in FIG. Assemble and perform airtight joining.

The outer peripheral surface of the front cover frame 14 is irradiated with laser (from the direction of arrow D). The laser device is preferably a YAG laser that can be finely adjusted at a low output. The gold on the outer peripheral surface 27 of the insulating frame 17 and the tip cover frame 14 are
After the gold of the outermost layer of each of the above is melted, it is bonded by cooling. This laser irradiation is performed over the entire circumference of the front cover frame 14. In the case of irradiating with a pulse wave laser, a reliable airtightness can be ensured by overlapping 80% or more with the adjacent pulse.

In this bonding, the bonding portion was heated to a high temperature (100
0 ° C. or higher), but since it is local and instantaneous, there is no effect on the portion bonded to the lens frame 16 or the objective lens group 15.

With the above structure, the airtight objective lens unit 100 having the rear end airtight optical cover member 39 and the front end airtight optical cover member 38 airtightly joined via the insulating frame 17 and having the objective lens group 15 built therein is provided. It is formed.

By performing this assembling operation in a dry inert gas atmosphere such as nitrogen gas, or by replacing the inside of the lens unit with a dry inert gas, it is possible to more reliably prevent fogging of the lens. It becomes possible.

The endoscope assembled as described above is used for medical purposes, and after use, placed in a chamber of an autoclave sterilizer for sterilization.

In the pre-sterilization process of the autoclave, the inside of the chamber is evacuated. During the sterilization process, the inside of the chamber is filled with high-temperature and high-pressure steam, and the high-temperature and high-pressure steam enters the inside of the endoscope to increase the humidity. For example, even in an endoscope having a watertight structure as a whole, vapor enters from a portion made of a polymer material such as an adhesive. During the drying process, the inside of the chamber is evacuated and the inside of the endoscope is dried to some extent, but not completely.

However, the airtight objective lens unit 100
Since each joint is hermetically joined, water vapor does not enter the hermetically sealed objective lens unit 100 even if autoclave sterilization is repeated.

(Effect) As described above, according to the present embodiment, the provision of the tip airtight optical cover member 38 enables
It is possible to cover the distal end side of the imaging unit 12, which is exposed to the outer surface of the endoscope and in which the water vapor of the autoclave has a strong attack, so that the objective lens group 15 is not deteriorated by high-temperature water vapor, and Autoclave sterilization can be performed repeatedly without clouding due to the resulting condensation.

Further, by sealing the distal end side of the objective lens, which needs to be focused at the time of assembly, with the distal airtight optical cover member 38, it is possible to prevent vapor from entering the objective lens group 15 with a compact configuration. Even with a curved endoscope, the distal end portion can be made small and the distal end hard length can be made short.

Further, by providing the rear end airtight optical cover member 39, water vapor that has entered the endoscope by the autoclave does not enter the objective lens group 15.

In this case, the airtight objective lens unit 100
Since there is almost no water vapor inside (replaced by dry inert gas), no clouding occurs even if rapid cooling is performed.

In the present embodiment, since the bonding can be used at the time of focusing, the lens frame 16 can be easily fixed at the focus adjustment position. afterwards,
In the final step of covering the hermetic optical cover members 38 and 39 to hermetically seal, a laser that does not require a flux is used, so that problems such as flux entering the hermetic objective lens unit 100 in the final step do not occur. . That is, according to the present embodiment, the airtight objective lens unit 100 having good assemblability can be provided.

(Modification) In the present embodiment, the hermetic bonding is performed by melting gold by laser heating, but the hermetic bonding may be performed by other metal welding, molten glass, or the like. Laser welding,
There are fusion welding represented by electron beam welding, pressure welding represented by resistance welding, brazing, brazing such as soldering, etc.
With these joining means, airtight joining is possible.

The joining between the front cover frame 14 and the cover glass 13 is preferably air-tight as described above. However, even if the joining is performed, the joining of the lens frame 16 and the insulating frame 17 and the joining of the lens frame 16 and the objective lens group 15 are preferable. Than the most advanced lens cement
If the joining of the front cover frame 14 and the cover glass 13 is more highly airtight, the effect of securing the airtightness by the front airtight optical cover member 38 can be obtained.

In the present embodiment, the objective lens group 1
5, the cover glass 19 and the frame 20, and the frame 20 and the insulating frame 17 are hermetically bonded, respectively, and these bonded portions are located inside the endoscope. Because of the low water vapor attack, even with adhesion, etc., due to the effect of the tip airtight optical cover member 38,
Almost no vapor penetrates into the objective lens group 15, and no visual field defect occurs.

Although the present embodiment has been described with respect to a medical endoscope that performs autoclave sterilization, the endoscope according to the present embodiment may be an endoscope that performs steam sterilization or an endoscope that is immersed in a chemical solution. For example, the present invention can be applied to an industrial endoscope used in a high humidity environment.

The present embodiment can be applied to various lens systems of an endoscope apparatus other than the objective lens section, for example, an eyepiece of a fiberscope, an optical system of a camera head attached to the eyepiece, and the like. The lens unit adopting this configuration can prevent the invasion of steam and can be configured compact. Of course, the present invention can also be applied to a rigid endoscope using a relay lens as an imaging unit.

<Second Embodiment> (Configuration) FIGS. 11 and 12 show a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional view of the imaging unit 40. This imaging unit 40 is a modified example of the imaging unit 12 described in the first embodiment, and has a configuration of an imaging unit having no insulating frame.

The imaging unit 40 includes a solid-state imaging device 41
A substrate 42 on which electronic components are disposed; a cable 43 electrically connected to the solid-state imaging device 41 via the substrate 42; an objective lens group 44 disposed in front of the solid-state imaging device 41; A lens frame 45 to which the lens group 44 is assembled, a lens frame support frame 46 as a metal optical unit support frame that positions and holds the lens frame 45 in the optical axis direction, and is disposed in front of the objective lens group 44. A cover glass 47 made of sapphire and a metal front cover frame 48 hermetically bonded to the cover glass 47.

The cover glass 47 and the metal front cover frame 48 are hermetically joined by brazing and soldering to form a front airtight optical cover member 49 (see FIG. 12). When a flux is used at the time of brazing or soldering, the flux is sufficiently washed and removed in the state of the tip airtight optical cover member 49.

The outer periphery of the cover glass 47 is subjected to a surface treatment (metal coating) as shown in the first embodiment for metallizing the outermost layer.

The end cover frame 48 is plated with gold, nickel, tin, or the like to facilitate soldering.

In addition to the brazing and the soldering, the airtight joining method between the cover glass 47 and the metallic front cover frame 48 can be performed by the same laser joining method as in the first embodiment or by a molten glass joining method. good.

In this embodiment, the exterior of the solid-state imaging device 41 and the lens frame support frame 46 are also soldered, brazed,
It is hermetically joined by welding, molten glass, or the like. At this time, when the exterior of the solid-state imaging device 41 is made of a non-metal, a surface treatment (metal coating) may be performed similarly to the outer periphery of the cover glass 47.

Further, the solid image pickup element 41 and the substrate 42 are filled with a filler 54 having low water vapor permeability, and a heat-shrinkable tube 55 having low water vapor permeability such as fluororesin is coated therearound. ing. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the solid-state imaging device 41 and the substrate 42 from being destroyed by steam in the autoclave.

(Operation) Next, the procedure for assembling the endoscope according to the present embodiment will be described. First, the exterior of the solid-state imaging device 41 and the lens frame support frame 46 are hermetically joined. Thereafter, the lens frame 45 in which the objective lens group 44 is pre-assembled is adjusted in position in the optical axis direction within the lens frame support frame 46 to perform focus adjustment.
5 and the lens frame support frame 46 are fixed by bonding.

Thereafter, a tip airtight optical cover member 49 composed of a cover glass 47 and a tip cover frame 48 is placed so as to cover the tip side of the objective lens group 44, and the opening side of the tip cover frame 48 is placed on the lens frame support frame. 46 is airtightly bonded.

The front cover frame 48 and the lens frame support frame 4
6 is a metal because both members are metal, so that laser welding is the most suitable airtight joining method. In the case of laser welding, since local heating is performed, the already assembled solid-state imaging device 41 and the like are not destroyed.

Further, there is an advantage that airtight joining can be performed without using flux in the final step of airtight sealing.

When laser welding is performed, laser irradiation is performed all around from the direction of arrow E.

Thus, an airtight package 101 in which the objective lens group 44 is airtightly sealed is formed.

According to the present embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, even if the endoscope using the imaging unit 40 is repeatedly subjected to autoclave sterilization, the endoscope is stored in the airtight package 101 containing the objective lens group 44. No water vapor enters.

(Effect) An airtight package 101 which is smaller than the first embodiment and houses the objective lens group 44.
Can be formed.

(Modification) In the present embodiment, the solid-state image pickup device 41 located closer to the base end than the objective lens group 44 and the lens frame support frame 46 are air-tightly joined. Since it is located inside and has a low water vapor attack in the autoclave, if it is sealed at a certain level by bonding or the like, the tip airtight optical cover member 49
With the effect described above, the vapor does not enter most of the objective lens groups 44, and the visual field defect does not occur.

In this embodiment, the tip cover frame 48 and the lens frame support frame 46 are hermetically joined by laser welding, but this junction is inside the endoscope, and the tip cover frame 48 and the lens Since the frame support frame 46 is made of metal parts, preferably of the same material, and has substantially no difference in coefficient of thermal expansion, this joint has a longer fitting length than the fitting part between the cover glass 47 and the front cover frame 48. Since it can be taken long, if the adhesive is sealed to a certain level, the adhesive does not peel off, and the vapor hardly enters the objective lens group due to the effect of the tip airtight cover member 49. On the other hand, the joint between the cover glass 47 and the distal end cover frame 48 forming the distal airtight optical cover member 49 is directly affected by the steam of autoclave sterilization and is a joint between the optical member and the metal. It is preferable that the members are securely hermetically joined by brazing, soldering, or the like.

<Third Embodiment> (Configuration) FIG. 13 shows a third embodiment according to the present invention.
This embodiment is a modification of the second embodiment, and the solid-state imaging device 41 is not air-tightly joined to the lens frame support frame 46, but is inserted and fixed in the lens frame support frame 46.

The lens frame support frame 46 extends to the base end side, and covers the outer periphery of the solid-state imaging device 41 and the substrate 42. Further, a hermetic connector 50 is hermetically joined to the base end of the lens frame support frame 46.

The hermetic connector 50 includes a metallic hermetic connector main body 51, a contact pin 52 for electrically connecting the front end side and the base end side of the hermetic connector, and
The contact pin 52 is insulated from the hermetic connector main body 51 and comprises an insulating sealing portion 53 for keeping the hermetic airtight. The board 42 and the cable 43 are electrically connected. In addition, the insulating sealing portion 53
Is made of glass or the like. Otherwise, the structure on the tip side is the same as that of the second embodiment.

As a result, the tip airtight optical cover member 49
, A lens frame support frame 46, and a hermetic connector 50.
Thus, not only the objective lens group 44 but also the solid-state imaging device 41 and the substrate 42 on which the electronic components are arranged are hermetically sealed, and the hermetic package 102 is formed.

(Operation) According to the above configuration, the solid-state imaging device 41 and the substrate 4 are at a higher level than in the second embodiment.
2 can be protected from water vapor in the autoclave, and the life of these elements and components can be extended. Further, the wiring on the substrate 42 does not deteriorate due to rust.

As a result, similarly to the first embodiment, even if the endoscope using the imaging unit of the present embodiment is repeatedly subjected to autoclave sterilization, the objective lens group 44, the solid-state imaging device 41, the substrate 42 The water vapor does not enter the airtight package 102 in which is stored.

(Effects) According to the present embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first and second embodiments, the solid-state image pickup device 41 and the substrate 42 have a higher level than those of the first and second embodiments. Can be protected from water vapor in the autoclave, and the life of these elements and components can be extended. Furthermore, high reliability can be obtained without the wiring on the substrate 42 being deteriorated by rust.

(Modification) The lens frame support frame 46 may be divided into two or more parts, for example, in the vicinity of the fixed portion of the solid-state imaging device 41, in consideration of assemblability. In this case, the respective joints of the lens frame support frame 46 divided into a plurality of pieces are hermetically joined by laser welding, soldering, or the like.

<Fourth Embodiment> (Structure) FIG. 14 shows an imaging unit 56 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, an image guide fiber 57 is used as an imaging unit of the imaging unit 56, that is, an image input unit and an image transmission unit, instead of a solid-state imaging device and a cable.

A first objective lens 58 is affixed to the tip of the image guide fiber 57 with a translucent adhesive. Further, a fiber frame 59 as an optical unit support frame is provided on the outer periphery of the image guide fiber 57.
Are joined in an airtight state by molten glass or the like.

A lens frame 61 is fitted and inserted into the distal end of the fiber frame 59, and the second objective lens 60 is mounted on the lens frame 61. In addition, the lens frame 6
1 adjusts the position of the fiber frame 59 in the optical axis direction,
It is glued and fixed where focus is achieved.

Further, near the tip of the fiber frame 59, a tip airtight optical cover member 64 composed of a cover glass 62 and a tip cover frame 63 joined in an airtight state to the cover glass 62 is provided. The two objective lenses 60 are joined in an airtight state so as to cover the front.

The air-tight joining method includes the first embodiment to
Various joining methods described in the third embodiment can be adopted.

The outer end of the fiber frame 59 is covered with an outer tube 65 made of, for example, a fluorine-based resin having a low vapor permeability.

(Operation) In the present embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, even if the endoscope using the imaging unit of the present embodiment is repeatedly subjected to autoclave sterilization, the first and second endoscopes can be used. Water vapor does not enter the objective lenses 58 and 60.

(Effect) Even in a fiberscope using the image guide fiber 57, as in the first and second embodiments, even if the autoclave sterilization is repeated, there is no invasion of water vapor, and the objective lenses 58 and 60 do not. Is not fogged and does not deteriorate. Since the junction between the outer periphery of the image guide fiber 57 and the fiber frame 59 is located inside the endoscope, almost no vapor penetrates to the objective lenses 58 and 60 even if they are bonded, and the field of view is poor. Does not occur.

<Fifth Embodiment> (Structure) FIG. 15 shows a fifth embodiment according to the present invention.
This embodiment is a modification of the fourth embodiment, in which the first objective lens 58 is provided at the tip of the image guide fiber 57 inserted into the fiber base 67 with a light-transmitting adhesive so that there is no air layer. A lens frame 66 as an optical unit support frame is hermetically bonded to the outer periphery of the first objective lens 58.

Further, the second objective lens 60 constituting the optical unit is inserted into the distal end side of the lens frame 66 in a state of being directly fitted. The position of the second objective lens 60 is adjusted in the optical axis direction with respect to the lens frame 66, and is fixed to the lens frame 66 when it is in focus.

The tip cover frame 63 of the tip airtight optical cover member 64 abuts the projection of the lens frame 66, and is hermetically joined by a laser at this portion. At this time, the cover glass 62 and the second objective lens 60 are in a non-contact state, facing each other with a predetermined gap.

(Operation) In the present embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, even if the endoscope using the imaging unit is repeatedly subjected to autoclave sterilization, the second objective lens 6 can be used.
Water vapor does not penetrate to the 0 and first tip surfaces of the first objective lens 58.

Further, since the rear end face of the first objective lens 58 is attached to the front end of the image guide fiber 57 by a translucent adhesive without an air layer, this face is not fogged by steam.

(Effects) According to the present embodiment, in addition to the effects of the fourth embodiment, the lens frame 61 of the fourth embodiment becomes unnecessary. In addition, image guide fiber 5
It is not necessary to join the outer periphery of 7 and the lens frame 66 in an airtight state.

<Sixth Embodiment> (Structure) FIG. 16 shows a sixth embodiment according to the present invention.
This embodiment is a modification of the fourth embodiment, in which the second objective lens 60 is fixed near the front end in the lens frame 68, An image guide fiber 57 to which a first objective lens 58 is adhered with a translucent adhesive is inserted.

The image guide fiber 57 and / or the first objective lens 58 are fixed to the lens frame 68 by an adhesive or the like at a position where the first objective lens 58 is in focus.

The vicinity of the distal end of the image guide fiber 57 is formed rigidly, and a fiber frame 69 is fixed to a part of its outer periphery in an airtight state. Near the distal end of the fiber frame 69, a distal airtight optical cover member 64 composed of a cover glass 62 and a distal cover frame 63 is joined in an airtight state.

Accordingly, the position of the fiber frame 69 in the present embodiment can be adjusted relative to the second objective lens 60 and the lens frame 68 in the optical axis direction.

In this case, in the present embodiment, an optical unit is constituted by the second objective lens 60 and the lens frame 68, and the fiber frame 69 is connected to the optical unit via the hard portion of the image guide fiber 57. It functions as an optical unit support frame. As a result, the present embodiment has the same operation and effect as the fourth embodiment.

<Seventh Embodiment> (Structure) This embodiment shown in FIGS. 17 to 19 is a modification of the second embodiment. In this embodiment, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 7, the optical window of the tip airtight optical cover member 70 is a concave lens 71 made of sapphire or an optical member having high heat resistance and high water vapor resistance. 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.

(Operation) In the method of assembling an endoscope according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 18, a lens frame 73 to which an objective lens group 72 except for a concave lens 71 which is an optical window is mounted.
Is adjusted in the optical direction within the lens frame support frame 46 to perform focus adjustment, and the lens frame 73 and the lens frame support frame 46 are bonded and fixed at the point where focus is achieved. Objective lens group 7
Reference numeral 2 denotes an optical system that can form an image on the solid-state imaging device 41 without the concave lens 71, and is capable of performing the focus adjustment operation.

After the focus adjustment, the concave lens 7 shown in FIG.
17 and covers the distal end side of the objective lens group 72 as shown in FIG. 17, and the opening of the distal end cover frame 48 is supported by the lens frame. It is air-tightly joined to the frame 46. Thereby, the optical system has a wider angle than the optical system of the objective lens group 72 from which the concave lens 71 at the time of focus adjustment has been removed. Of course, an optical system combining the concave lens 71 and the objective lens group 72 is also an optical system capable of forming an image on the solid-state imaging device 41.

(Effect) According to the present embodiment, the second
The imaging unit 74 having a wider viewing angle than the embodiment can be provided. Further, the imaging unit is provided with the second
As in the embodiment, the size is small and the assembling property is good.

(Modification) FIG. 20 shows a modification of the assembling method. In the present embodiment, focus adjustment is performed in a state where the temporary concave lens 75 is attached as shown in the figure, and then the temporary concave lens 75 is removed, and the tip airtight optical cover member 70 is attached again as shown in FIG. This is an assembly method.
This assembling method is effective for an optical system in which an image cannot be completely formed by the objective lens group 72 excluding the concave lens 71.

[Appendix] As described in detail above, according to the present invention, the following configuration can be obtained. (1) An optical unit having at least one optical member, an optical unit support frame for supporting the optical unit so that its position can be adjusted in the optical axis direction, and a state in which the optical unit support frame covers one end of the optical unit. And an airtight optical cover member having an optical window joined by the endoscope.

(2) In (1), the hermetic optical cover member comprises an optical window and a cover frame hermetically joined to the optical window.

(3) In the above (1), the optical unit comprises at least one optical member and a lens frame to which the optical member is attached.

(4) In the above (1), the optical unit and the optical unit support frame are fitted together and assembled.

(5) In (1), the opening of the hermetic optical cover member having the optical window was joined to the optical unit support frame.

(6) In the above (1), the optical unit support frame and the hermetic optical cover member are hermetically joined.

(7) An endoscope having an optical unit composed of at least one optical member, an optical frame to which the optical member is assembled, and an optical unit support frame that can be fitted and assembled to the optical unit. In the mirror, the optical unit support frame, the optical window, the opening of the hermetic optical cover member constituted by the cover frame airtightly joined to the optical window, airtightly joined the opening, the airtight optical cover member with the above An endoscope that covers one end of an optical unit.

(8) An optical unit composed of at least one optical member and an optical frame to which the optical member is attached, and an assemblable fitting capable of adjusting the relative position of the optical unit to the optical unit in the optical axis direction. An optical unit supporting frame, the endoscope having the optical unit supporting frame, the optical window, the opening of the hermetic optical cover member constituted by the cover frame air-tightly joined to the optical window. An endoscope which is hermetically joined and covers one end of the optical unit with the airtight optical cover member.

(9) In the above (2), (7) and (8), the optical window of the hermetic optical cover member and the cover frame are joined by hermetic joining means such as soldering or brazing.

(10) In the above (1), (7) and (8), the airtight optical cover member is joined to the optical unit support frame by an airtight joining means such as soldering, brazing or welding. I have.

(11) In the above (1), (7) and (8), the joints from the optical unit support frame to the optical member or the image pickup device provided on the base end side of the optical unit are all airtight. Are joined.

(12) In the above (1), (7), and (8), a joint portion between the optical unit support frame and the hermetic optical cover member and a base end side of the optical unit from the optical unit support frame. All of the joined parts to the optical member or the image pickup element are hermetically joined.

(13) In (12) above, a dry inert gas was filled in the hermetically sealed airtight space.

(14) The above (2), (6), (9),
In (10), (11), (12), and (13), the hermetically bonded portion is metal welding such as fusion welding, brazing, pressure welding, or bonding with molten glass.

(15) In the above (1), (7) and (8), the optical window is made of sapphire or an optical member having high heat resistance and high water vapor resistance.

(16) In the above (1), (7) and (8), the optical window is a cover glass.

(17) In the above (1), (7) and (8), the optical window is a lens.

(18) In the above (1), (7) and (8), the optical window is a concave lens.

(19) In the above (1), (7) and (8), an image pickup means such as a solid-state image pickup device or an image guide fiber is fixedly arranged on the base end side of the optical unit support frame. I have.

(20) In the above (1), (7), and (8), the optical window is a lens, and the objective optical system of the endoscope including the optical window and the internal optical system not including the optical window. Both of the objective optical systems of the endoscope are optical systems that form images on the imaging unit.

(21) In the above (1), (7), and (8), the optical-optical unit support frame and the cover frame are made of a laser-weldable member, and are used in the last step of hermetically sealing. The optical unit support frame and the cover frame are hermetically joined by laser welding.

(22) An optical unit having at least one optical member, an optical unit support frame for supporting the optical unit so that its position can be adjusted in the optical axis direction, and an optical unit support frame after fixing the optical unit position. And an airtight optical cover member joined so as to cover one end of the optical unit.

[0141]

As described above, according to the present invention,
By providing the airtight optical cover member, it is possible to protect the optical unit in which the steam of the autoclave exposed on the outer surface of the endoscope is severely attacked. Autoclave sterilization can be performed repeatedly without clouding due to condensation caused by intrusion. In addition, by sealing the optical unit that needs to be focused at the time of assembly with the tip airtight optical cover member, it is possible to prevent vapor from entering the optical unit with a compact configuration, and even with a curved endoscope. The tip portion can be made small and the tip hard length can be made short.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall schematic diagram of an endoscope according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of a distal end portion of the endoscope insertion portion.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the imaging unit.

FIG. 4 is an external view of the cover glass alone.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the front end airtight optical cover member and the rear end airtight optical cover member.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a solid-state imaging device is fixed to the back surface of the rear end airtight optical cover member.

FIG. 7 is a half sectional view of the insulating frame.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing a state in which an insulating frame is fixed to the front surface of the rear end airtight optical cover member.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view showing an assembled state of the tip airtight optical cover member.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the airtight objective lens unit.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view of an imaging unit according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the tip airtight optical cover member.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view of an airtight package according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a sectional view of an imaging unit according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a sectional view of an imaging unit according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a sectional view of an imaging unit according to a sixth embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a sectional view of an imaging unit according to a seventh embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the image pickup unit excluding the tip airtight optical cover member.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the tip airtight optical cover member constituting the imaging unit.

FIG. 20 is a view for explaining a method of assembling an imaging unit by disposing a temporary concave lens;

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Endoscope main body 15, 44, 58, 60 Optical member 17, 46, 59, 66 Optical unit support frame 38, 39, 49, 64 Airtight optical cover member

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. An optical unit having at least one optical member, an optical unit support frame for supporting the optical unit so as to be adjustable in an optical axis direction, and one end of the optical unit on the optical unit support frame. An endoscope comprising: an airtight optical cover member having an optical window joined in a covering state.