JP2001311879A - Endoscope and its manufacturing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an endoscope capable of narrowing the diameter of its tip part equipped with an imaging means and an illumination means, surely protecting the imaging means and the illumination means, and being easily manufactured at low cost, and to provide its manufacturing method. SOLUTION: A lens holder 13 to which an LED 15, an LED base plate 16, a light receiving optical system 17, a CCD head 18 and a CCD base plate 19 are attached is inserted into a 1st outer case 11, and further the 1st outer case 11 is engaged with a 2nd outer case 12, then the outer peripheries of the LED 15, the LED base plate 16, the light receiving optical system 17, the CCD head 18 and the CCD base plate 19 are covered with the 1st and the 2nd outer cases 11 and 12.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an endoscope having a built-in distal end portion, in which an image pickup means for picking up an image of an object to be picked up and an illuminating means for illuminating the object picked up by the image pickup means are provided. The present invention relates to the manufacturing method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an industrial endoscope has been used on a production line of a factory for observing the inside of a production facility or a product which is not directly visible from the outside for inspection or maintenance. This industrial endoscope is provided with an elongate distal end having an imaging means for photographing an image inside the apparatus and the like and an illuminating means for illuminating a photographing area, and by inserting this distal end into the inside of the apparatus and the like, It observes the inside of a device or the like that cannot be seen directly from the outside.

In the endoscope described above, in order to protect the imaging means and the illumination means provided at the distal end from the outside, the imaging means and the illumination means are inserted into one cylindrical exterior member while being fixed to the holding member. By doing so, the tip is assembled.

[0004]

However, in the endoscope provided with the imaging means and the illumination means at the distal end, a certain amount of space is required at the distal end in order to arrange the imaging means and the illumination means. In order to reduce the diameter of the distal end portion so that it can be inserted into a space, the assembly in which the imaging unit and the illumination unit are held by the holding unit becomes long, and an exterior member for protecting the imaging unit and the illumination unit. Also become longer. In this case, in order to further reduce the diameter of the distal end portion, if the thickness of the elongated exterior member is to be reduced, the length of the exterior member becomes too long with respect to the thickness. It becomes difficult and costs rise.

Further, since the assembly in which the imaging means and the illumination means are held by the holding member becomes long, it is not easy to insert and fix such an elongated assembly through the long exterior member. As a result, the assemblability deteriorates and the manufacturing cost increases.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to reduce the diameter of a distal end portion provided with an image pickup means and an illumination means, to reliably protect the image pickup means and the illumination means, and to easily manufacture the endoscope at low cost. An object of the present invention is to provide a mirror and a manufacturing method thereof.

[0007]

Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention (1)
1st invention The endoscope which concerns on 1st invention is the imaging means for imaging the image of a to-be-photographed object, the illuminating means for illuminating the to-be-photographed object which the imaging means images, the imaging means, and the illumination A holding member for holding the means, and first and second exterior members enclosing the imaging means, the illuminating means, and the holding member, and the first holding member is held in a state where the imaging means and the illuminating means are held by the holding member. And the second exterior member is engaged with the first exterior member, and the first and second exterior members cover the outer periphery of the holding member, the imaging unit, and the illumination unit.

In the endoscope according to the present invention, an image pickup means for picking up an image of the object to be picked up and an illuminating means for illuminating the object picked up by the image pickup means are held in a state held by a holding member. The member is inserted into the first exterior member, and the second exterior member is engaged with the first exterior member.
In addition, the outer periphery of the holding member, the imaging unit, and the illumination unit is covered with the second exterior member. Therefore, the outer peripheries of the imaging unit and the illumination unit are covered by the first and second exterior members, and the imaging unit and the illumination unit can be reliably protected.

At this time, since the exterior member for protecting the image pickup means and the illumination means is divided into the first exterior member and the second exterior member, the lengths of the first and second exterior members are shortened. be able to. Even if the thickness of the first exterior member is reduced, the first exterior member can be easily processed because the length of the first exterior member is short, and the cost of the first exterior member can be reduced. it can. Therefore, the thickness of the first exterior member can be reduced, so that the diameter of the first exterior member can be reduced, and the distal end portion including the imaging unit and the illumination unit can be reduced in diameter.

In the case where the assembly in which the image pickup means and the illumination means are held by the holding member is elongated with the reduction in the diameter of the distal end, the length of the first exterior member is short.
Even the elongated assembly can be easily inserted into the first exterior member. Further, since the length of the second exterior member is also short, the second exterior member can be easily engaged with the first exterior member. As described above, the assemblability of the first and second exterior members can be improved, so that the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

As a result, it is possible to reduce the diameter of the distal end portion provided with the image pickup means and the illumination means, to reliably protect the image pickup means and the illumination means, and to easily manufacture it at low cost.

(2) Second invention In the endoscope according to the second invention, in the configuration of the endoscope according to the first invention, the imaging means is held at the center of the holding member and held. An extension extending from the holding member toward the second exterior member while being held by the member, wherein the illumination means is held at an outer peripheral portion between the outer peripheral surface of the holding member and the central portion; The first exterior member is formed of a first cylindrical member having an inner peripheral surface that is in contact with an outer peripheral surface of the holding member, and covers an outer periphery of the holding member in a state in which the imaging unit and the illumination unit are held by the holding member. The second exterior member is formed of a second cylindrical member having a maximum inner diameter smaller than the maximum outer diameter of the holding member, is engaged with the extension portion, and substantially covers the outer periphery of the extension portion.

In this case, the imaging means is held at the center of the holding member, and the illumination means is held at the outer peripheral portion between the outer peripheral surface and the center of the holding member, so that the imaging means and the illumination means waste extra space. Since the arrangement can be efficiently performed on the holding member without performing the above operation, it is possible to reduce the diameter of the assembly in a state where the imaging unit and the illumination unit are held by the holding member. Further, since the first exterior member is formed of the first cylindrical member, and the inner peripheral surface of the first cylindrical member is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the holding member, the thickness is reduced on the outer peripheral side of the holding member. Only the thickness of the first cylindrical member is added, and the distal end can be made smaller.

Further, since the second exterior member is constituted by the second cylindrical member having a maximum inner diameter smaller than the maximum outer diameter of the holding member, the thickness of the second cylindrical member is reduced by the first cylindrical member. It can be made sufficiently thicker than the thickness of the shaped member. Therefore, the extended portion of the imaging unit that cannot be covered by the first cylindrical member can be reliably protected by the thick second cylindrical member, so that the imaging unit and the illumination unit can be more reliably protected. Can be.

Further, since the second tubular member is engaged with the extension of the image pickup means, the second tubular member and the first tubular member are engaged while the second tubular member is engaged with the extension. Can be engaged with the cylindrical member. Therefore, the extension portion is used as a guide for the second
Can easily be engaged with the first tubular member, and the manufacturing process is further facilitated.

In addition, since the holding member is filled inside the first exterior member and the thickness of the second exterior member can be made sufficiently large, the mechanical strength of the small-diameter distal end portion can be increased. A sufficient strength can be ensured.

As a result, it is possible to reduce the diameter of the distal end provided with the imaging means and the illuminating means, to more reliably protect the imaging means and the illuminating means, and to sufficiently increase the mechanical strength of the reduced-diameter distal end. , And the manufacturing process can be further facilitated.

(3) Third Invention A method of manufacturing an endoscope according to a third aspect of the present invention includes an image pickup means for picking up an image of an object to be picked up and a lighting means for illuminating the object to be picked up by the image pickup means. A method of manufacturing an endoscope having a distal end portion having a built-in end portion, wherein a step of attaching an imaging unit and an illuminating unit to a holding member; And the second exterior member is engaged with the first exterior member,
Covering the outer periphery of the holding member, the imaging means, and the illumination means with the first and second exterior members.

In the method for manufacturing an endoscope according to the present invention, the imaging means and the illumination means are attached to the holding member, and the holding member to which the imaging means and the illumination means are attached is inserted into the first exterior member. The second exterior member is engaged with the first exterior member, and the outer periphery of the holding member, the imaging unit, and the illumination unit is covered by the first and second exterior members.
Therefore, the outer peripheries of the imaging unit and the illumination unit are covered by the first and second exterior members, and the imaging unit and the illumination unit can be reliably protected.

At this time, since the exterior member for protecting the imaging means and the illumination means is divided into the first exterior member and the second exterior member, the lengths of the first and second exterior members are reduced. be able to. Even if the thickness of the first exterior member is reduced, the first exterior member can be easily processed because the length of the first exterior member is short, and the cost of the first exterior member can be reduced. it can. Therefore, the thickness of the first exterior member can be reduced, so that the diameter of the first exterior member can be reduced, and the distal end portion including the imaging unit and the illumination unit can be reduced in diameter.

In the case where the assembly in which the image pickup means and the illumination means are held by the holding member is elongated with the reduction in the diameter of the distal end, the length of the first exterior member is short.
Even the elongated assembly can be easily inserted into the first exterior member. Further, since the length of the second exterior member is also short, the second exterior member can be easily engaged with the first exterior member. As described above, the assemblability of the first and second exterior members can be improved, so that the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

As a result, it is possible to reduce the diameter of the distal end provided with the image pickup means and the illumination means, to surely protect the image pickup means and the illumination means, and to easily manufacture it at low cost.

(4) Fourth Invention A method of manufacturing an endoscope according to a fourth invention is the same as the method of manufacturing an endoscope according to the third invention, except that the imaging means and the illumination means are attached to the holding member. The step includes attaching the illuminating unit to an outer peripheral portion inside the outer peripheral surface of the holding member, and attaching the imaging unit to a central portion of the holding member, and extending an extension of the imaging unit from the holding member, The first exterior member is formed of a first cylindrical member having an inner peripheral surface that is in contact with an outer peripheral surface of the holding member, and the step of inserting the holding member into the first exterior member includes: A step of covering the outer periphery of the holding member with the first cylindrical member in a state where the lighting means is held, wherein the second exterior member has a second inner cylindrical member having a maximum inner diameter smaller than the maximum outer diameter of the holding member. And the second exterior member is connected to the first exterior member. The combining step includes a step of engaging the second tubular member with the extension and substantially covering the outer periphery of the extension with the second tubular member.

In this case, the illuminating means is attached to the outer peripheral portion inside the outer peripheral surface of the holding member, and the imaging means is attached to the central portion of the holding member. Since the arrangement can be well arranged on the holding member, it is possible to reduce the diameter of the assembly in which the imaging means and the illumination means are held by the holding member. In addition, the outer periphery of the holding member is covered by the first cylindrical member having an inner peripheral surface that is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the holding member while the imaging member and the illumination unit are held by the holding member. Only the thickness of the thin first cylindrical member is added to the side, and the diameter of the distal end portion can be further reduced.

Further, the outer periphery of the extension of the image pickup means extending from the holding member is substantially covered by the second cylindrical member having the maximum inner diameter smaller than the maximum outer diameter of the holding member.
The second cylindrical member having a thickness sufficiently larger than the thickness of the first cylindrical member can reliably protect the extension of the imaging means that cannot be covered by the first cylindrical member, The imaging means and the lighting means can be protected more reliably.

Since the second tubular member is engaged with the extension of the imaging means, the second tubular member and the first tubular member are engaged while the second tubular member is engaged with the extension. Can be engaged with the cylindrical member. Therefore, the extension portion is used as a guide for the second
Can easily be engaged with the first tubular member, and the manufacturing process is further facilitated.

The holding member is filled inside the first exterior member, and the thickness of the second exterior member can be made sufficiently large. A sufficient strength can be ensured.

As a result, it is possible to reduce the diameter of the distal end portion provided with the imaging means and the illumination means, to more reliably protect the imaging means and the illumination means, and to sufficiently increase the mechanical strength of the reduced diameter distal end portion. , And the manufacturing process can be further facilitated.

(5) Fifth Invention A method of manufacturing an endoscope according to a fifth invention is directed to the method of manufacturing an endoscope according to the fourth invention, wherein the illumination means is attached to an outer peripheral portion of the holding member. The step includes a step of attaching the illuminating unit to the outer peripheral portion of the holding member from the distal end side of the distal end, and the step of attaching the imaging unit to the center of the holding member includes a step of transmitting a signal output from the imaging unit to a cable. Second
The step of inserting the cable inserted into the second cylindrical member, the step of connecting the cable to the imaging means in a state where the cable is inserted through the second cylindrical member, and the step of connecting the imaging device connected to the cable inserted through the second cylindrical member. Attaching to the center of the holding member to which the lighting means is attached, from the inside of the tip.

In this case, first, the illumination means is attached to the outer peripheral portion of the holding member from the distal end side of the tip, so that the illumination means can be easily attached to the holding member without being affected by the imaging means and the like.

Since the cable is connected to the imaging means after the cable is inserted through the second exterior member, the cable can be connected to the imaging means before the imaging means is attached to the holding member. The cable can be easily connected to the imaging unit without being affected by the holding member.

Further, since the imaging means is attached to the center of the holding member to which the lighting means is attached from the inside of the distal end with the cable connected, the imaging means is attached to the outer periphery of the holding member from the distal end of the tip. The imaging means can be easily attached to the holding member without being affected by the provided lighting means.

After the holding member to which the imaging means and the illuminating means are attached as described above is inserted into the first exterior member, the second exterior member is engaged with the first exterior member and the extension. Since the second armor member is moved along the cable, the second armor member can be engaged with the first armor member and the extension portion, and the second armor member can be easily moved. Can be engaged.

[0034]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS As an example of an endoscope according to the present invention, an industrial endoscope used for observing the inside of a production facility or a product which is not directly visible from the outside on a production line of a factory or the like. The mirror will be described. Note that the endoscope to which the present invention is applied is not particularly limited to a flexible endoscope having a flexible insertion portion, an industrial endoscope such as a rigid endoscope having a hard insertion portion, and a distal end portion. As long as the endoscope has an imaging unit and an illuminating unit, it can be similarly applied to an endoscope for other uses.

FIG. 1 is a side view of an industrial endoscope according to one embodiment of the present invention. The endoscope shown in FIG. 1 is provided with a head portion 1, a flexible tube 2, a grip portion 3, a cable 4, and a connector 5 from the distal end side from the distal end side.

The head portion 1 has an elongated shape which can be inserted into a production facility or a product which is not directly visible from the outside.
A CCD head and a CCD substrate having an image pickup device such as a CCD (charge coupled device) mounted therein (see FIG. 2)
And a white LED (light emitting diode) for illuminating a portion to be observed (see FIG. 2)
Illumination means constituted by the above is provided, and an image inside the apparatus or the like is captured by the imaging means.

The image pickup means is not particularly limited to the above example. Instead of providing an image pickup device or the like, an image of an object formed by an objective lens or the like is formed by using an image guide using an optical fiber or the like. May be transmitted as light from the head unit to an image sensor or the like, or may have an eyepiece for a person to see directly with the eye instead of the image sensor.

Further, the illumination means is not particularly limited to the above-described example, and light output from a light source unit having a built-in light source such as a halogen lamp or a meta-halide lamp without using an LED or a laser diode which emits light directly is used. Or a light guide that transmits the light to the head unit 1 may be used.

The flexible tube 2 is composed of a helical tube or the like which has flexibility and can be bent into an arbitrary shape and has a predetermined shape holding force so as to be able to hold the shape after bending. The head unit 1 is connected to the grip unit 3 and supplies power and signals for operating the imaging unit and the illuminating unit to the head unit 1 and transmits a video signal and the like output from the imaging element to the grip unit 3. (See FIG. 2), which is an electrical wiring for this purpose, is inserted. The flexible tube 2
May be a tube having no bending shape holding force, or a rigid tube which does not bend.

The grip portion 3 is formed into a shape that is easy for the user to hold with one hand, and has a signal processing circuit (not shown) for processing a video signal and the like transmitted via a cable therein. The user holds the grip unit 3 with one hand and performs various operations related to imaging as an operation unit.

The connector 5 is a controller (not shown).
The video signal and the like are output from the grip unit 3 to the controller via the cable 4 and the connector 5, and various control signals, power, and the like are supplied from the controller to the grip unit 3. The controller processes and records image data and displays an image captured by the head unit 1 on a display unit. When a light guide is used as a light source, a universal cord or the like in which a cable and a light guide are provided may be used instead of the cable 4.

With the above configuration, the position of the head portion 1 is adjusted by bending the flexible tube 2 into a desired shape.
It is possible to observe the inside of a device or the like that is not directly visible from the outside.

FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view in the axial direction (longitudinal direction) showing the configuration of the head unit 1 shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of white LEDs (hereinafter abbreviated as LEDs) 15 as illuminating means are fixed to an outer peripheral portion on the distal end side of a lens holder 13 which is a holding member having a multi-stage cylindrical shape. An LED for soldering and fixing the LED 15 is attached to the inner end of the lens holder 13.
The ED substrate 16 is fixed. Also, the lens holder 1
A light receiving optical system 17 composed of an objective lens and the like is fixed to the center of 3. In the vicinity of the light receiving optical system 17, a CCD head 18 having an image pickup device therein is provided with a lens holder 1.
3 and fixed.

A centering ring 20 serving as a guide when the CCD head 18 is screwed into the lens holder 13 is fixed to an outer peripheral portion of the CCD head 18. On the back of the CCD head 18, a CCD substrate 19 provided with an amplifier for amplifying a video signal output from the image sensor is integrally mounted.
Constitutes the imaging means. In this case, since the video signal output from the image sensor is sufficiently amplified by the amplifier and then transmitted through the cable 21, the video signal is less affected by noise and the like, and the video signal is output with a high S / N ratio. can do.

At the inner end of the CCD substrate 19, a CCD
A plurality of electric wires 24 for transmitting power and signals between the substrate 19 and the signal processing circuit in the grip portion 3 are soldered. The plurality of electric wires 24 are put together by a sheath, inserted into the flexible tube 2 as a cable 21, and connected to a signal processing circuit in the grip portion 3.

On the outer peripheral surface of the lens holder 13, a first exterior member having an inner peripheral surface in contact with the outer peripheral surface and a first outer member are provided.
A first cylindrical outer case 11 which is a cylindrical member is fixed by bonding, and a cover glass 14 is fixed to a tip end side of the first outer case 11.

The CCD substrate 19 has a substantially cruciform shape, is provided with two wing portions 19a at an intermediate portion, and the wing portion 19a is a second cylindrical member having a second exterior member and a second cylindrical member. The outer case 12 is engaged. An annular concave portion is provided at the end on the distal end side of the second outer case 12 to engage with the inner end of the first outer case 11.
2 is engaged with and bonded to the first outer case 11.

A cable fixing ring 23 made of a conductive metal is adhered to the end of the cable 21 on the electric wire 24 side.
One electric wire 31 (see FIG. 10) is used as the cable fixing ring 2
3 and soldered to the GND terminal of the CCD substrate 19, and the electric potential of the cable fixing ring 23 becomes G
It is kept at the ND potential. The cable fixing ring 23 is fixed to the second outer case 12 by a fixing screw 25 screwed to a female screw portion provided on the second outer case 12, and the cable 21 is fixed to the second outer case 12. Is done.

At the inner end of the second outer case 12,
One end of the flexible tube 2 is fixed, a seal ring 22 is adhered to the outer peripheral surface of the second outer case 12 on the flexible tube 2 side, and a fixing screw 25 is sealed.

The first outer case 11 and the second outer case 12
The flexible tube 2 is made of a conductive metal, and the first outer case 11, the second outer case 12, and the flexible tube 2 are held at the GND potential via the cable fixing ring 23,
The inside of the outer case 11 and the second outer case 12 is shielded. Therefore, the influence of external noise is suppressed, and the S
/ N ratio can be prevented from lowering.

With the above configuration, in this embodiment, the cover glass 14 is fixed to the distal end of the first outer case 11, and the inner side of the second outer case 12 is connected to the flexible tube 2. Since the first outer case 11 and the second outer case 12 cover the outer periphery of the LED 15, the LED substrate 16, the light receiving optical system 17, the CCD head 18, and the CCD substrate 19, the LED 15, the LED substrate 16, the light receiving The optical system 17, the CCD head 18, and the CCD substrate 19 can be reliably protected.

At this time, the exterior member is the first outer case 11
And the second outer case 12, so that the length of the first outer case 11 and the second outer case 12 is reduced to about half as compared with the case where the exterior member is constituted by one component. In the present embodiment, for example, the total length of the first outer case 11 is about 26 mm, and the total length of the second outer case 12 is about 35 mm. Therefore, the first outer case 11, which is a thin cylindrical member, can be processed easily and at low cost. In the present embodiment, for example, the outer diameter of the first outer case 11 is φ14 mm and the thickness is Is 0.3 mm.

Further, the CCD head 18 is mounted on the lens holder 1.
3 is held at the center of the lens holder 13 and the LED 15 is
Of the CCD head 18 and the LED 1
Since the lens 5 can be efficiently disposed on the lens holder 13 without wasting extra space, the diameter of the assembly in which the CCD head 18 and the LED 15 are mounted on the lens holder 13 can be reduced.

As described above, the head portion 1 is constituted by the assembly having a reduced diameter and the first outer case 11 having a small thickness, and the diameter of the head portion 1 can be reduced.

The second outer case 12 substantially covers the extension of the CCD substrate 19 extending from the lens holder 13.
Since the maximum width of the extending portion is smaller than the outer diameter of the lens holder 13, the thickness of the second outer case 12 is
1 can be made sufficiently thicker. In the present embodiment, for example, the outer diameter of the second outer case 12 is φ14 mm.
And the maximum thickness is 3 mm.

As described above, the inside of the first outer case 11 is substantially filled with the lens holder 13 and the second
Since the thickness of the outer case 12 can be made sufficiently thick, the mechanical strength of the head portion 1 having a reduced diameter can be sufficiently ensured. Further, the extended portion of the CCD substrate 19 that cannot be covered by the first cylindrical member by the thick second outer case 12 can be reliably protected.

Next, the head 1 constructed as described above is used.
A method of manufacturing the device will be described. FIG. 3 to FIG.
FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view for explaining first to tenth steps of the method of manufacturing the head unit 1 shown in FIG.

First, as shown in FIG. 3, a cover glass 14 is adhered to the distal end of the first outer case 11, and the cover glass 14 is fixed to the first outer case 11.

Next, as shown in FIG.
The light receiving optical system 17 is inserted into the central portion of 3 and fixed by bonding.

Next, as shown in FIG.
The terminal of the LED 15 is inserted through a plurality of holes provided on the outer peripheral portion of the lens unit 3 from the front end side of the head unit 1, and the LED substrate 16 is fixed to the inner end of the lens holder 13 by bonding. It is soldered to the substrate 16. In addition, in each of the following figures, 1 is shown for easy illustration.
Although only the five LEDs 15 are shown, actually, a plurality of, for example, six LEDs are fixed to the outer periphery of the lens holder 13 in an annular shape.

As described above, when the CCD head 18 and the like are not attached to the lens holder 13, the LED 15
Is attached to the outer periphery of the lens holder 13 from the front end side of the head unit 1, so that the LED 15 can be easily attached to the lens holder 13 without being affected by the CCD head 18 or the like.

Next, as shown in FIG. 6, the cable 21 is inserted through the inside of the second outer case 12 to which the flexible tube 2 is fixed, and the cable 21 is inserted from the second outer case 12 by a predetermined length.
Is extended, and the cable fixing ring 23 to which the electric wire 31 is soldered is inserted into the cable 21.

Next, as shown in FIG. 7, a plurality of electric wires 24 at the distal end of the cable 21 are soldered to predetermined terminals of the CCD substrate 19, and a core is attached to the CCD head 18 having external threads formed on the outer periphery. The centering ring 20 is attached to the CCD head 18 through the centering ring 20.

After the cable 21 is inserted through the second outer case 12 as described above, the cable 21 is connected to the CCD substrate 19.
Before the CCD head 18 is attached to the lens holder 13, the cable 21 is connected to the CCD substrate 1.
9, and the cable 21 can be easily connected to the CCD substrate 19 without being affected by the lens holder 13.

Next, as shown in FIG. 8, the CCD head 18 is inserted from the inside of the head unit 1 into the center of the lens holder 13 to which the LED 15 and the like are fixed.
A male screw formed on the outer periphery of the lens holder 13 and a female screw formed on the inner periphery of the lens holder 13 are screwed together.

Next, as shown in FIG.
Receiving optical system 17 and CCD head 1 fixed in 3
In order to adjust the distance to the image pickup device provided inside 8, the lens holder 13 is rotated until the object to be imaged at a predetermined distance is focused and focused and then further defocused and blurred. After adjusting the focusing range, the centering ring 20 is set on the inner periphery of the lens holder 13 to perform centering.
The CCD substrate 19 is fixed to the lens holder 13 by bonding.

As described above, the center of the lens holder 13 to which the LED 15 is attached
Since the CD head 18 is attached, the L head attached to the outer peripheral portion of the lens holder 13 from the front end side of the head portion 1
The CCD head 18 can be easily attached to the lens holder 13 without being affected by the ED 15.

Next, as shown in FIG. 10, the electric wire 31 soldered to the cable fixing ring 23 is connected to the CCD substrate 19.
And the cable fixing ring 23 is bonded to the cable 21. Next, the first outer case 11 to which the cover glass 14 is fixed is mounted on the lens holder 13. At this time, since the length of the first outer case 11 is short, the lens holder 13 to which the CCD head 18 and the LED 15 are attached can be easily inserted into the first outer case 11.

Next, as shown in FIG. 11, the second outer case 12 is moved to the first outer case 11 side, and the wings 19a of the CCD substrate 19 are cut out of the second outer case 12. The second outer case 12 is engaged with the first outer case 11 while being engaged with the notch, and the first outer case and the second outer case are fixed by bonding.

As described above, the CCD head 18 and the LE
After inserting the lens holder 13 to which the D15 is attached into the first outer case 11, the second outer case 1 having a shorter length is inserted.
2 is the first outer case 11 and the wing 1 of the CCD substrate 19.
9a, the second outer case 12 is engaged with the first outer case 11 and the wing portion 19a only by moving the second outer case 12 along the cable 21 using the wing portion 19a as a guide. The second outer case 12
Can be easily engaged. Therefore, the assemblability of the first outer case 11 and the second outer case 12 can be improved, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

Further, on the outer peripheral surface of the second outer case 12,
A circular concave portion colored with a predetermined color is formed as the upper mark 12a. When the wing portion 19a of the CCD substrate 19 is engaged with the second outer case 12, the position of the upper mark 12a is above the image picked up by the image pickup device of the CCD head 18. Thus, it is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the second outer case 12. Therefore, when the endoscope is used, by adjusting the position of the head unit 1 so that the upper mark 12a is on the upper side, an image captured with the upper mark 12a side being the upper side of the image can be displayed. The image can be displayed by setting the direction to the upper side of the image.

Finally, the cable fixing ring 23 is fixed to the second outer case 12 with the fixing screw 25, and after the cable 21 is fixed to the second outer case 12, the second outer case 12 is fixed. A seal ring 22 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the flexible tube 2 side.
Are bonded, and assembling of the head unit 1 is completed as shown in FIG.

As described above, in the present embodiment, L
Easily manufactures a thinned head portion 1 that can reliably protect the ED 15, the LED substrate 16, the light receiving optical system 17, the CCD head 18, and the CCD substrate 19, and can secure sufficient mechanical strength. And the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

In the above embodiment, the first outer case 11 which is a cylindrical member is used as the first and second exterior members.
Although the second outer case 12 is used, a cylindrical member having another shape such as a rectangular cylindrical member may be used. In this case, the holding member is formed in a rectangular cylindrical shape or the like.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side view of an industrial endoscope according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view in the axial direction showing a configuration of a head unit shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view for explaining a first step of the method of manufacturing the head section shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view for explaining a second step of the method of manufacturing the head section shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view for explaining a third step of the method of manufacturing the head section shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view for explaining a fourth step of the method of manufacturing the head section shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view for explaining a fifth step of the method of manufacturing the head section shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view for explaining a sixth step of the method of manufacturing the head section shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view for explaining a seventh step of the method for manufacturing the head section shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view for explaining an eighth step of the method of manufacturing the head section shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view for explaining a ninth step of the method for manufacturing the head section shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view for explaining a tenth step of the method of manufacturing the head section shown in FIG. 2;

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Head part 2 Flexible tube 3 Handle part 4 Cable 5 Connector 11 1st outer case 12 2nd outer case 12a Upper mark 13 Lens holder 14 Cover glass 15 LED 16 LED board 17 Light receiving optical system 18 CCD head 19 CCD board 19a Wing part 20 Centering ring 21 Cable 22 Seal ring 23 Cable fixing ring 24, 31 Electric wire 25 Fixing screw

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Masayuki Miki 1-3-14 Higashinakajima, Higashiyodogawa-ku, Osaka, Osaka F-term in Keyence Corporation (reference) 2H040 AA01 BA00 CA03 CA11 CA23 CA27 DA02 DA03 DA14 DA15 DA16 DA18 DA21 GA02 4C061 AA29 BB02 CC06 FF40 JJ06 LL02 NN01 QQ06 QQ07

Claims (5)

[Claims] An imaging unit configured to capture an image of the object; an illumination unit configured to illuminate an object captured by the imaging unit; a holding member configured to hold the imaging unit and the illumination unit; And a first and a second exterior member enclosing the imaging unit, the illumination unit, and the holding member, wherein the holding unit holds the imaging unit and the illumination unit in the state in which the holding unit holds the imaging unit and the illumination unit. And the second exterior member is engaged with the first exterior member, and the first and second exterior members allow the holding member, the imaging unit, and the illumination unit to be engaged. An endoscope that covers an outer periphery. 2. The image pickup means includes an extending portion that is held at a central portion of the holding member and extends from the holding member to the second exterior member side while being held by the holding member. The illumination unit is held on an outer peripheral portion between an outer peripheral surface of the holding member and the central portion, and the first exterior member has an inner peripheral surface that contacts an outer peripheral surface of the holding member. A first cylindrical member that covers the outer periphery of the holding member in a state where the imaging unit and the illumination unit are held by the holding member, wherein the second exterior member is larger than a maximum outer diameter of the holding member. The endoscope according to claim 1, comprising a second cylindrical member having a small maximum inner diameter, being engaged with the extension, and substantially covering an outer periphery of the extension. 3. A method of manufacturing an endoscope having a distal end in which imaging means for capturing an image of an object to be imaged and illumination means for illuminating the object to be imaged by the imaging means are provided. Attaching the imaging unit and the illumination unit to a holding member; inserting the holding member, to which the imaging unit and the illumination unit are attached, into a first exterior member; Engaging the second exterior member,
Covering the outer periphery of the holding member, the imaging means, and the illumination means with the first and second exterior members. 4. The step of attaching the imaging means and the illuminating means to the holding member, the step of attaching the illuminating means to an outer peripheral portion inside an outer peripheral surface of the holding member, and the step of attaching the imaging means to the center of the holding member. Attaching the first external member to an outer peripheral surface of the holding member. The first cylinder has an inner peripheral surface that is in contact with an outer peripheral surface of the holding member. A step of inserting the holding member into the first exterior member, the outer periphery of the holding member being held by the holding member while holding the imaging unit and the illumination unit in the first tube. A second cylindrical member having a maximum inner diameter smaller than a maximum outer diameter of the holding member, wherein the second external member is formed on the first external member. Engage the members The step of engaging the second tubular member with the extension portion and including substantially covering the outer periphery of the extension portion with the second tubular member. Endoscope manufacturing method. 5. The step of attaching the illuminating means to the outer peripheral portion of the holding member includes the step of attaching the illuminating means to the outer peripheral portion of the holding member from the front end side of the tip, and the step of attaching the imaging means to the holding member. Attaching the cable for transmitting the signal output from the imaging means to the second tubular member; and attaching the cable to the second tubular member. Connecting the cable to the imaging means with the imaging means connected to the cable inserted through the second cylindrical member, and connecting the imaging means to the center of the holding member to which the illumination means is attached, by the tip 5. The method for manufacturing an endoscope according to claim 4, further comprising the step of attaching the endoscope from the inside.