JP2003220027A - Endoscope and method for manufacturing the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To keep the length of a distal end short while ensuring resistance against autoclave sterilization of an image pickup part. <P>SOLUTION: A lens frame 2 made of stainless steel is fitted to the inner peripheral surface of the opening end of a CCD frame 1 formed of ceramics and a metallized treatment part 8 is formed to the region fitted to the lens frame 2 of the CCD frame 1, and the CCD frame 1 and the lens frame 2 are fixed by soldering in this metallized treatment part 8 and airtightness is ensured. The lens 3 present at the foremost position among the lenses fixed to the lens frame 2 and a lens group 4 other than the lens 3 are fitted in the lens frame 2 to be fixed thereto. A metallized treatment part 7 is formed to the outer peripheral surface of the lens 3 present at the foremost position, and the lens frame 2 and the lens 3 are fixed by soldering in the metallized treatment part 7 and airtightness is ensured. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an endoscope which can be sterilized after use by an autoclave, and a method for manufacturing the endoscope.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, by inserting an elongated insertion portion into a body cavity, an organ in the body cavity can be observed, and if necessary, various treatment procedures can be performed using a treatment instrument inserted into a treatment instrument channel. Medical endoscopes that can be used are widely used. Further, also in the industrial field, industrial endoscopes capable of observing and inspecting scratches and corrosion inside boilers, turbines, engines, chemical plants, etc. are widely used.

Particularly, in an endoscope used in the medical field, an insertion portion is inserted into a body cavity to observe an organ or the like, or a treatment instrument inserted into a treatment instrument channel of an endoscope is used. Perform various treatments and treatments. For this reason, when an endoscope or treatment tool that has been used once is reused for another patient, it is necessary to prevent inter-patient infection via the endoscope or treatment tool. Clean and disinfect.

Gases such as ethylene oxide gas (EOG) and disinfecting solutions have been used for disinfecting and sterilizing these endoscopes and their accessories. As is well known, sterilizing gases are highly toxic, and the work process for ensuring the safety of sterilization work becomes complicated, and it takes time for aeration to remove the gas adhering to the equipment after sterilization. For this reason,
The disadvantage is that the device cannot be used immediately after sterilization. Further, there is a problem that the running cost becomes expensive. On the other hand, in the case of the disinfectant solution, there is a drawback that management of the disinfectant solution is complicated, and that disposal of the disinfectant solution requires a great deal of cost.

Therefore, in recent years, without complicated work,
Autoclave sterilization, which can be used immediately after sterilization and has low running cost and sterilization using high-temperature and high-pressure steam, is becoming the mainstream of disinfection and sterilization of endoscopic equipment.

However, during autoclave sterilization, water vapor has a property of permeating a polymer material such as rubber or plastic and an adhesive. In particular, silicone rubber materials have very high water vapor permeability. In addition, since autoclave is performed under high pressure,
Much higher airtightness is required than the usual airtightness under 1 atm and the watertightness of immersing in a conventional disinfecting solution for disinfection. For this reason, when a conventional endoscope having a watertight structure made of a silicone rubber O-ring or a silicone adhesive is installed in an autoclave and sterilized, water vapor enters the endoscope. However, there is a risk that water droplets may remain inside the endoscope.

For example, in an endoscope having a structure in which a lens as disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 4-34500 is airtightly fixed to a cylindrical lens frame by adhesion, when sterilization is performed by an autoclave device, When water vapor penetrates the inside of the lens frame through the agent and the endoscope is taken out of the room after the sterilization treatment, there is a possibility that the lens may become cloudy or that a white fog may appear.

Further, in the case of an endoscope having an image pickup means such as a solid-state image pickup device (CCD) at the tip end, when an image pickup part consisting of a lens and a solid-state image pickup device is to be hermetically sealed, it extends from the solid-state image pickup device. Water vapor may enter the lens or solid-state image sensor due to water vapor entering through the wire insertion hole formed in the frame of the imaging unit for inserting the wire, or water vapor entering through the tube covering the wire. was there.

Therefore, when performing autoclave sterilization,
As a conventional technique that can be applied to prevent water vapor from entering the inside of the image pickup unit through the wiring insertion hole of the image pickup unit or the tube of the wiring, for example, a hermetic connector proposed in Japanese Patent Application No. 9-4410 is used. A configuration provided in the image pickup unit can be given. The hermetic connector has a hole formed in a part of the frame of the imaging unit, for example, a surface located behind the solid-state image sensor, and a rod-shaped terminal made of metal is inserted into the hole to hermetically seal the gap between the holes. The solid-state image pickup device and the outside of the image pickup section are electrically connected to each other through the rod-shaped terminal.

[0010]

As described above, in the endoscope having the structure in which the lens is airtightly fixed to the cylindrical lens frame by adhesion, when the sterilization is performed by the autoclave device, the adhesive is passed through the adhesive. When water vapor enters the inside of the lens frame and the endoscope is taken out of the room after the sterilization treatment, there is a possibility that the lens may become cloudy or there may be a problem that white fog appears.

Further, when the image pickup section is constructed by using the hermetic connector as described above, there is a drawback that the hard tip portion of the endoscope in which the image pickup section is arranged becomes long. If the distal end portion becomes long, for example, the operability of the bending portion that bends the distal end portion deteriorates, or the insertability of the insertion portion deteriorates.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and manufactures an endoscope and an endoscope capable of suppressing the lengthening of the distal end portion while ensuring the resistance of the imaging unit to autoclave sterilization. The purpose is to provide a method.

[0013]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, an endoscope according to the present invention is provided with an insertion portion having a hard tip portion at the tip and inserted into an observation target, and the tip portion. A solid-state image sensor for picking up a subject image, a lens group for forming a subject image on the solid-state image sensor provided at the tip, and front and rear ends for holding the lens group inside are open. A lens frame in which the frontmost lens is airtightly attached to the front end opening of the lens group, and one end is opened and the other end is held to hold the solid-state image sensor inside. In an endoscope having a solid-state imaging device frame formed in an airtightly closed tubular shape, a fitting portion formed by fitting and fixing the lens frame and the solid-state imaging device frame, and the fitting. The metal film treated portion formed at the joint, and By genus film processor is soldered, and the lens frame and the solid-frame, characterized in that it is hermetically fixed. Further, in the method for manufacturing an endoscope according to the present invention, an insertion portion having a hard tip portion at the tip and inserted into an observation target, and a solid-state image sensor for picking up a subject image provided at the tip portion. A lens group for forming a subject image formed on the tip portion on the solid-state imaging device; and a cylindrical shape having front and rear ends opened for holding the lens group inside. Among them, the lens at the frontmost end is formed in a cylindrical shape in which one end is opened and the other end is airtightly closed for holding the lens frame in which the front end opening is airtightly attached and the solid-state imaging device inside. A solid-state image pickup device frame, wherein the lens frame and the solid-state image pickup device frame are fitted and coupled to each other, wherein the lens frame and the solid-state image pickup device frame are fitted together. The step of performing a metal coating treatment on the part, and By soldering a metal coating processing section, and having a a step of hermetically fixed to said lens frame and the solid-state imaging device frame.

[0014]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the present invention.
3A and 3B are views showing a structure of an image pickup unit ((A) is a cross-sectional view and (B) is a view taken in the direction of an arrow A in (A)) according to the embodiment.

(Structure, Operation) The endoscope of the present embodiment is
This is the same as that of a general endoscope having an image pickup unit for picking up a subject image at the distal end of the insertion unit, the description of the entire configuration of the endoscope is omitted, and only the image pickup unit is shown.

As shown in FIG. 1, the CCD frame 1 constituting the image pickup section 14 is a cylindrical member having one end opened and the other end closed.

A communication hole 13 is formed at the closed end of the CCD frame 1.

The communication holes 13 are formed in the same number as the leads 12 of the CCD 6. In the example of FIG. 1, four communication holes 13 are formed.

The CCD 6 is inserted and assembled from the opening end of the CCD frame 1, and the leads 12 of the CCD 6 have the communication holes 1
Plugged in 3.

The CCD frame 1 is made of ceramics and can be soldered, and the communication hole 13 and the lead 12 are provided.
The gap between and is filled with the soldering portion 11. The communication hole 13 is airtightly secured by the soldering portion 11.

In the present specification, the term "airtight" means that the airtightness can be ensured with respect to the steam of high temperature and high pressure used in autoclave sterilization.

A conductive land portion 9 is formed on the surface of the CCD frame 1 opposite to the surface on which the CCD 6 is mounted, that is, the rear end surface.

The land portions 9 are formed in the same number as the communication holes 13 and are formed so as to be in contact with the communication holes 13.
Further, it is formed so as to go around the outer peripheral surface of the CCD frame 1. The land portion 9 is formed by vapor deposition, soldering, thin film sticking and fixing.

The soldering portion 11 is formed in contact with the land portion 9, and the lead 12 of the CCD 6 is electrically connected to the land portion 9.

The same number of cables 10 as the land portions 9 are fixed to the land portions 9 by soldering.

The cover lens 5 is attached and fixed to the light receiving surface of the CCD 6.

A lens frame 2 is fitted to the inner peripheral surface of the opening end of the CCD frame 1 from the front. A portion of the CCD frame 1 that fits with the lens frame 2 is provided with a metallization processing portion 8 that has been subjected to a treatment such as attaching a metal film. And are fixed by soldering to ensure airtightness.

The lens frame 2 is a cylindrical member made of stainless steel having openings at both front and rear ends.

In the lens frame 2, the lens 3 located at the front of the lenses fixed to the lens frame 2 and the lens group 4 other than the lens 3 are fitted and fixed.

A metallization processing unit 7 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the lens 3.
The lens frame 2 and the lens 3 are soldered and fixed by this metallization processing section 7 to ensure airtightness.

With the above structure, the image pickup section 14 is airtightly secured.

The lens frame 2 may be made of ceramics. At this time, a metallization processing part is also formed at a position of the lens frame 2 facing the metallization processing parts 7 and 8, and the positions of the metallization processing parts 7 and 8 are fixed by soldering, respectively. Also, the airtightness between the CCD frame 1 and the lens frame 2 may be ensured.

When the metallization processing section 8 and the ground terminal (not shown) of the CCD 6 are electrically connected, the EM of the image pickup section 14 is connected.
C performance (electromagnetic noise resistance) is improved.

(Effects) The effects of this embodiment are as follows.

Since the airtightness of the image pickup section 14 is ensured, the destruction of the CCD 6 and the corrosion of the leads 12 due to the steam for autoclave sterilization do not occur.

Further, since the airtightness of the image pickup section 14 is ensured, dew condensation does not occur on the lens 3 and the lens group 4 due to the steam for autoclave sterilization, and no clouding occurs.

As described above, the image pickup section 14 having the lens 3 and the CCD 6 has a resistance to autoclave sterilization.

Since the hermetic connector as described in the prior art is not used, the image pickup section 14 can be compared with the case where the conventional hermetic connector is used.
Can be shortened, and the length of the distal end portion containing the imaging unit 14 can be shortened.

Further, since the land portion 9 is formed, it is possible to secure a large portion to which the cable 10 can be connected, as compared with the case where the conventional hermetic connector is used.
Good workability when connecting the cable 10.

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of the present invention.
3A and 3B are diagrams showing a structure of an imaging unit ((A) is a cross-sectional view and (B) is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB of (A)) according to the embodiment.

The structure of the parts not described in this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment.

(Structure / Operation) As shown in FIG. 2, instead of forming the communication hole 13 in the rear wall of the CCD frame 1 as in the first embodiment, the communication hole 13 is formed in the side wall of the CCD frame 1. .

The CCD 6 is arranged in contact with the contact surface 17 formed on the inner periphery of the side wall of the CCD frame 1.

The leads 12 of the CCD 6 are inserted into the communication holes 13 and fixed by the soldering portions 11.

The prism 15 is attached to the light receiving surface of the CCD 6, and the cover lens 5 is attached to the incident surface of the prism 15.
Is pasted.

The light rays passing through the lens 3 and the lens group 4 are
The prism 15 is bent 90 ° so as to enter the CCD 6.

Further, the land portion 9 described in the first embodiment is not formed, and the cable 10 is directly soldered to the soldering portion 11.

(Effect) According to the present embodiment, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained.

Further, by extending the leads 6 of the CCD 6 laterally, the length of the image pickup section 14 can be shortened, and the length of the tip end portion incorporating the image pickup section 14 can be suppressed.

(Third Embodiment) FIG. 3 shows a third embodiment of the present invention.
3A and 3B are diagrams showing a structure of an imaging unit ((A) is a cross-sectional view and (B) is a view as viewed from an arrow C in (A)) according to the embodiment.

The structure of the parts not described in this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment.

(Structure / Operation) As shown in FIG. 3, instead of the CCD frame 1 as in the first embodiment, the CCD frame 1 as a solid-state image pickup device receiving member and the second as a lens frame receiving member are provided. It was made into a lens frame 16 of.

The lens frame 2 and the second lens frame 16 may be made of stainless steel. At this time, the joint between the lens frame 2 and the second lens frame 16 both made of stainless steel is fixed by soldering while ensuring airtightness.

The inner periphery of the front end of the CCD frame 1 and the second lens frame 16
Is fitted with. A metallization processing section 8 is formed on the inner circumference of the front end of the CCD frame 1. The metallization processing section 8 fixes the CCD frame 1 and the second lens frame 16 by soldering to ensure airtightness. (Effect) According to the present embodiment, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained.

Since the CCD frame 1 can be made shallow, the CCD 6 and the cover lens 5 can be easily assembled to the CCD frame 1.

(Fourth Embodiment) FIG. 4 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the imaging unit according to the embodiment of FIG.

The structure of the parts not described in this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment.

(Structure / Operation) As shown in FIG. 4, a cable cover 1 for covering the connecting portion between the cable 10 and the image pickup section 14.
8 is provided.

A step is formed on the closed end side, that is, the rear end side of the outer periphery of the CCD frame 1, and the cable cover 18 is externally fitted and attached. A metallization processing section 8 is formed on the surface of the CCD frame 1 which is fitted with the cable cover 18.

A cable passage hole 19 is formed in the surface of the cable cover 18 facing the rear surface of the CCD frame 1.

The land portion 9 is formed only on the end face of the CCD frame 1 and is not formed on the outer circumference.

Cable 1 passed through cable passage hole 19
0 is fixed to the land 9 and the cable cover 1
8 is externally fitted to the CCD frame 1, and the CCD frame 1 and the cable cover 1 are placed at the location of the metallization processing portion 8 formed on the CCD 1.
8 and 8 are fixed by soldering to ensure airtightness.

An adhesive layer 20 is provided in a space surrounded by the cable cover 18 and the CCD frame 1, and an adhesive portion 21 is provided in a gap between the cable passage hole 19 and the cable 10 so as to cover the cable cover 18. The watertightness of the inside is secured.

(Effect) According to this embodiment, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained.

Further, since the connection portion between the cable 10 and the land portion 9 is protected in a watertight state, the resistance to deterioration by steam is improved.

(Fifth Embodiment) FIG. 5 shows the fifth embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the rear side of the imaging section according to the embodiment of FIG.

The structure of the parts not described in the present embodiment is the same as that of the fourth embodiment.

(Structure / Operation) As shown in FIG. 5, instead of providing the cable cover 18 of the fourth embodiment, a cable connector in which a land portion 26 is formed on the inner surface of a member similar in shape to the cable cover 18. 27 and cable 10
The cable connector assembly 74 in which the and are integrally configured is provided.

A step 28 is provided on the rear side of the outer periphery of the CCD frame 1.
Is formed, and a step portion 29 having an outer diameter smaller than that of the step portion 28 is formed on the rear side of the step portion 28.

A metallization processing section 22 is formed on the step section 28.

A land portion 9 is formed on the step portion 29 so as to be electrically connected to the soldering portion 11.

On the front end side of the inner surface of the cable connector 27, a C
A step having a shape opposite to the step portions 28 and 29 of the CD frame 1 is formed, and a metallization processing portion 22 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the cable connector 27 fitted on the step portion 28.

The cable connector 27 is made of ceramics and has a land portion 26 formed in the same manner as the land portion 9 at a position facing the land portion 9 of the CCD frame 1.

A cable passage hole 19 is formed in the rear wall of the cable connector 27, and the cable 10 is drawn from the outside of the cable connector 27 to the inner surface side through the cable passage hole 19.

The cable 10 drawn to the inner surface side is soldered to the land portion 26 and is electrically connected to the land portion 26.

An adhesive sealing portion 25 is provided on the inner surface of the cable connector 27 so that the cable 10 is completely covered.

An adhesive portion 21 filled with an adhesive is also provided in the gap between the cable passage hole 19 and the cable 10.

The cable connector section set 74 configured as described above is externally fitted and assembled to the CCD frame 1.

At this time, the land portion 26 and the land portion 9 are electrically connected, and the CCD 6 is electrically connected to the cable 10.

At the location of the metallization processing section 22, the cable connector 27 and the CCD frame 1 are fixed by soldering to ensure airtightness.

(Effect) According to the present embodiment, the same effect as that of the fourth embodiment can be obtained.

Further, the cables 10 can be connected in units of sub-assemblies, which facilitates assembly.

(Sixth Embodiment) FIGS. 6 to 9 relate to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the entire configuration of an endoscope and the location of the volume expansion section, 7 is a sectional view showing the structure of the volume expanding section ((A) is a normal state, (B) is a volume expanding state), FIG. 8 is a view showing another location of the volume expanding section, and FIG. 9 is a volume expanding It is a figure which shows another arrangement | positioning location of a part.

(Structure, Operation) As shown in FIG. 6, the endoscope 33 has a flexible bending portion 36 at the tip of a flexible insertion portion 35.

On the insertion side 35 near the hand, there is an odor member 38.
Is connected to a grip portion 45 for gripping the endoscope 33.

An operating portion 34 having an operating lever 37 for bending the bending portion 36 is provided on the grip side of the grip portion 45.

A flexible universal cord 41 is connected to the side of the operating portion 34 via an dome member 39, and a connector 42 is connected to the other end of the universal cord 41 via an dome member 40.

The light source device 30 and the video processor 31 are connected to the connector 42.
A monitor 32 is connected to.

The image signal obtained at the tip of the bending portion 36 is
It is processed by the video processor 31 and displayed on the monitor 32.

The endoscope 33 is constructed airtight.

The operation section 34 includes an endoscope 33 for external pressure.
There is provided a volume expanding section 44 which is a volume varying means for varying the volume of the endoscope 33 according to the increase of the internal pressure of the.

As shown in FIG. 7, the outer periphery of one end of the cylindrical volume expanding portion main body 47, which is the main body of the volume expanding portion 44, is screwed to the operation portion 34 by screwing. A portion 55 is formed, and a flange 51 is formed at a position adjacent to the screwing portion 55.

A communication hole 63 is formed in the operation portion 34 to which the volume expansion body 47 is attached, and a threaded portion 55 is formed on the inner periphery of the communication hole 63. The screwing portion 55 of the volume expanding portion main body 47
The volume expanding portion main body 47 is fixed to the operating portion 34 by screwing the flange 51 into contact with the operating portion 34.

At the end of the volume expanding portion main body 47 on the side opposite to the screwing portion 55, there is formed a small diameter portion having a small inner diameter, and the small diameter portion has a substantially rod-shaped volume. The expansion member 50 is slidably inserted.

An O-ring 52 is provided on the inner circumference of the small diameter portion 47 of the volume expanding portion 47 so that no gap is formed between the O ring 52 and the volume expanding member 50.

A flange 53 having a larger outer diameter than the inner diameter of the small diameter portion of the volume expanding portion main body 47 is formed at the end of the volume expanding portion main body 47 outside the volume expanding portion main body 47.
It is designed such that 0 does not fall out inside the volume expansion body 47.

A threaded portion 56 is formed on the outer periphery of the inner end of the volume expanding portion body 47 of the volume expanding member 50, and a spring receiving member 49 is screwed and attached.

The volume expanding member 50 is inserted through the spring 48, and the spring 48 is sandwiched between the inside of the small diameter portion of the volume expanding portion main body 47 and the spring receiving member 49.

The spring receiving member 49 is urged toward the inside of the volume expanding portion main body 47 by the elastic force of the spring 48, and in the normal state, that is, in the state where the internal pressure of the endoscope 33 is not large relative to the external pressure, As shown in FIG. 7 (A), the volume expansion member 50 is in a position where the flange 53 abuts the volume expansion part body 47. Further, at this time, the spring receiving member 49 is
It is located near the end of the volume expansion part body 47 on the side of the threaded part 55.

Here, if the external pressure of the endoscope 33 is reduced in the process of performing autoclave sterilization or EOG sterilization, the internal pressure of the endoscope 33 becomes larger than the external pressure, and the air in the endoscope 4
6 tries to expand, pressure is applied to the spring receiving member 49 in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 7, a force acts to contract the spring 48, and the volume expanding member 50 is shown in FIG. 7B. As described above, the volume expanding portion main body 47 is slid to the outside and the volume is expanded, and the endoscope 3 is moved by the amount of movement of the volume expanding member 50.
The volume of 3 is expanded.

At this time, the seal portion 5 of the volume expanding member 50
Airtightness is maintained by 7 and the O-ring 52.

When sterilization is completed and the external pressure returns to the normal atmospheric pressure, for example, atmospheric pressure, the air 46 in the endoscope contracts.

Then, the spring receiving member 49 is pushed back inward by the restoring force of the spring 48, and the flange 53 is brought into contact with the contact portion 5.
Returning to the normal state of contacting No. 4.

As described above, the spring 48 constitutes a volume variable control means for controlling the volume expansion section 44 which is a volume variable means.

As shown in FIGS. 8 to 9, the universal cord 41 and the connector 42 may be provided with the volume expanding portion 44.

(Effects) The effects of this embodiment are as follows.

When the internal pressure of the endoscope 33 rises with respect to the external pressure, the volume expanding section 44 expands the volume of the air 46 in the endoscope, so that the internal pressure of the endoscope 33 decreases and the endoscope 33 is closed. It is possible to prevent rupture of the constituting curved portion and the like.

(Seventh Embodiment) FIG. 10 relates to a seventh embodiment of the present invention and is a sectional view showing the structure of the volume varying means ((A) is a normal state, (B) is a volume expanded state). ).

The structure of the parts not described in this embodiment is the same as that of the sixth embodiment.

(Structure / Operation) In this embodiment, instead of providing the volume expanding section 44 having the structure described in the sixth embodiment, the volume varying means having the structure described with reference to FIG. 10 is provided.

As shown in FIG. 10, a stretchable stretchable portion 5 that stretches in response to an increase in internal pressure with respect to external pressure to expand its volume.
The volume changing means is constituted by 8 and the like.

One end of a telescopic portion fixing portion 60 formed in a tubular shape for fixing the telescopic portion 58 is screwed into a communication hole 63 formed in the operation portion 34 or the like, as in the sixth embodiment. It is fixed together.

Since the expansion / contraction part fixing part 60 is tubular, an opening 64 is formed on the side opposite to the threaded part of the expansion / contraction part fixing part 60.

A flange 61 is formed at the end of the expansion / contraction part fixing part 60 opposite to the threaded part.

The expansion / contraction part 58 is arranged so as to cover the opening 64, the flange 61, and the outer periphery of the expansion / contraction part fixing part 60 on the screwing part side of the flange 61.

The end of the expansion / contraction part 58 is fixed to the outer periphery of the expansion / contraction part fixing part 60 with a bobbin part 59 or an adhesive.

The expansion / contraction portion 58 is formed of a material having elasticity greater than that of the covering rubber of the bending portion 36, such as silicone rubber, urethane rubber, or latex. Also, the curved portion 3
You may make it thinner than the covering rubber of No. 6 to increase the elasticity.

According to the above construction, when the internal pressure rises relative to the external pressure and the air 46 in the endoscope expands, FIG.
As shown in (B), the expandable portion 58 is deformed, and the endoscope 33
Is expanded, the pressure of the air 46 in the endoscope is reduced, and damage to the coating rubber or the like of the bending portion 36 can be prevented.

(Effect) According to the present embodiment, the same effect as that of the sixth embodiment can be obtained.

(Eighth Embodiment) FIGS. 11 to 12
FIG. 11 relates to an eighth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an overview of a universal cord provided with volume varying means, and FIG. 12 is a sectional view showing the structure of the universal cord ((A)).
Is a normal state, and (B) is a volume expansion state).

The structure of the parts not described in the present embodiment is the same as that of the sixth embodiment.

(Structure / Operation) As shown in FIG. 11, in this embodiment, when the internal pressure rises relative to the external pressure, the universal cord 41, which is a cable extending from the endoscope 33, swells. Then, the structure of the volume expanding means for expanding the volume of the endoscope 33 is adopted.

As shown in FIG. 12 (A), the outer skin of the universal cord 41 is constructed by arranging the spiral member 67 on the innermost side, the mesh tube 66 on the outer side, and the outer skin tube 65 on the outer side. .

Since the reticulated tube 66 is provided, the outer tube 65 is prevented from being damaged by the spiral member 67 or being sandwiched by the spiral member 67.

The mesh tube 66 and the outer tube 65 are not fixed.

The outer tube 65 is made of a material more elastic than the coating rubber of the curved portion 36, such as silicone rubber, urethane rubber, or latex. Alternatively, the bendable portion 36 may be made thinner than the covering rubber to increase the elasticity.

According to the above construction, when the internal pressure rises relative to the external pressure and the air 46 in the endoscope expands,
As shown in (B), the outer tube 65 swells, an air layer 68 is generated between the outer tube 65 and the mesh tube 66, the volume of the endoscope 33 expands, and the pressure of the air 46 in the endoscope decreases. However, it is possible to prevent the covering rubber or the like of the curved portion 36 from being damaged. (Effect) According to the present embodiment, the same effect as that of the sixth embodiment can be obtained.

(Ninth Embodiment) FIG. 13 relates to a ninth embodiment of the present invention and is a view showing an outline of a curved portion covering rubber provided with a volume varying means ((A) is a normal state, (B) is a volume expansion state.

The structure of the parts not described in the present embodiment is the same as that of the eighth embodiment.

(Structure / Operation) As shown in FIG. 11, in the present embodiment, instead of the structure in which the universal cord 41 swells as in the eighth embodiment, the internal pressure is relatively relative to the external pressure. When rising, the bending portion covering rubber 72 that covers the bending portion 36 swells, so that the volume expanding means is configured to expand the volume of the endoscope 33.

The curved portion covering rubber 72 is formed of a material having high elasticity and high pressure resistance, such as silicon rubber or urethane rubber. Incidentally, in the past, it was formed of fluororubber or the like and had poor elasticity.

The end portion of the curved portion covering rubber 72 is the tip portion 70.
It is fixed by a fixed portion 71 near the boundary with and a fixed portion 69 near the boundary with the insertion portion 35.

According to the above construction, when the internal pressure rises relative to the external pressure, as shown in FIG. 13B, the curved portion covering rubber 72 swells, the volume of the endoscope 33 expands, and the internal pressure increases. Is reduced. Further, since the curved portion covering rubber 72 has high elasticity, it is hard to be damaged even if it is deformed.

(Effect) According to this embodiment, the same effect as that of the eighth embodiment can be obtained.

(Tenth Embodiment) FIG. 14 relates to a tenth embodiment of the present invention and is a diagram showing the structure of a connector having a communication valve to which a volume expanding portion can be attached.

The structure of the parts not described in this embodiment is the same as that of the sixth embodiment.

(Structure / Operation) As shown in FIG. 14, the connector 42 is provided with a communication valve 43 which is a valve body for communicating the inside and outside of the endoscope 33.

The communication valve 43 communicates when an adapter (not shown) is attached to the communication valve 43, and maintains an airtight state when removed.

The volume expansion part 44 shown in the sixth to seventh embodiments is detachably attached to the communication valve 43.

(Effects) According to this embodiment, the same effects as those of the sixth to seventh embodiments can be obtained.

Further, the volume expanding section 44 is detachable and can be attached and used only during sterilization, and can be replaced with a new one when damaged, so that the mechanical resistance equivalent to that of the endoscope 33 can be eliminated.

(Eleventh Embodiment) (Structure / Operation) The eleventh embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

The structure of the parts not described in the present embodiment is the same as that of the tenth embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 14, a release adapter 73 for communicating the communication valve 43 is also detachably attached to the communication valve 43.

During EOG sterilization, the EOG is placed inside the endoscope 33.
The release adapter 73 is used because it does not affect the resistance even when gas enters.

During autoclave sterilization, the volume expanding section 44 is used so that steam does not enter the endoscope 33.

(Effect) According to the present embodiment, the same effect as that of the tenth embodiment can be obtained.

Also, autoclave sterilization and EOG sterilization can be performed by simply replacing the adapter attached to the communication valve 43.

The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention.

Further, the technical idea of the cable cover 18 as shown in the fourth embodiment is not only used for protecting the connecting portion of the cable 10, but also the end of the fiber bundle for observation and illumination. It may be applied for fixing parts.

[Additional Notes] (Additional Item 1) An insertion portion having a hard tip portion at the tip for insertion into an observation target, a solid-state imaging device for picking up a subject image at the tip portion, and a subject image at the tip portion. And a lens group for forming an image on the solid-state imaging device, wherein the endoscope is formed in a cylindrical shape with front and rear ends opened for holding the lens group inside. A lens frame in which the lens at the frontmost end is airtightly attached to the opening at the front end, and a cylindrical shape in which one end is opened and the other end is airtightly closed, for holding the solid-state imaging device inside, and the opening side A solid-state image sensor frame in which the lens frame is airtightly attached, a conductor disposed on the outer surface of the solid-state image sensor frame, and the conductor and the solid-state image sensor are electrically sealed while maintaining airtightness. And a connecting means for connecting. Endoscope.

(Additional Item 2) The endoscope according to Additional Item 1,
The solid-state image pickup device frame is formed of an insulator.

(Additional Item 3) The endoscope according to Additional Item 2,
The connection means embeds a conductive member in a communication hole formed in the solid-state imaging device frame that connects the inside and the outer surface of the solid-state imaging device frame, and extends from the solid-state imaging device in the communication hole. A lead is inserted to connect the conductor and the conductive member.

(Additional Item 4) The endoscope according to Additional Item 3,
The solid-state image sensor is arranged in series with the lens group.

(Additional Item 5) The endoscope according to Additional Item 3,
The solid-state image sensor is arranged at right angles to the lens group.

(Additional Item 6) The endoscope according to Additional Item 3,
The conductor and the conductive member are the same member.

(Additional Item 7) The endoscope according to Additional Item 3,
A metal coating is formed on a portion of the solid-state imaging device frame that is joined to the lens frame, and the solid-state imaging device frame and the lens frame are airtightly joined at the portion where the metal coating is formed.

(Additional Item 8) The endoscope according to Additional Item 7,
A metal coating is formed on at least the outer periphery of the outermost lens of the lenses constituting the lens group held by the lens frame, and the portion where the metal coating is formed is airtightly joined to the lens frame.

(Additional Item 9) The endoscope according to Additional Item 8,
The solid-state imaging device frame is configured by joining a lens frame receiving member having a portion to be joined to the lens frame and a solid-state imaging device receiving member formed of an insulator having the connecting means.

(Additional Item 10) The endoscope according to Additional Item 1, wherein the endoscope is formed in an airtight manner, and the internal pressure of the endoscope is relative to the external pressure in at least a part of the endoscope. It has a volume changing means that changes so that the larger the volume, the larger the volume.

(Additional Item 11) In the endoscope according to Additional Item 10, the volume varying means is detachable from the endoscope.

(Additional Item 12) The endoscope according to Additional Item 10, wherein the bending portion-covering rubber has a bending portion which is continuously provided on the proximal side of the distal end portion, and which covers the bending portion. Have,
The volume changing means is configured to be flexible enough to expand when the internal pressure of the endoscope rises relative to the external pressure, and covers the cable extending from the endoscope, and is more flexible than the bending portion covering rubber. It is composed of a simple resin coating part.

(Additional Item 13) The endoscope according to Additional Item 10, wherein the endoscope has a bendable bending portion that is continuously provided on the proximal side of the distal end portion, and the volume varying means is the internal pressure of the endoscope. Is made of a bending portion coating rubber that covers the bending portion that is configured to be flexible so as to bulge when the pressure rises relative to the external pressure.

(Additional Item 14) The endoscope according to Additional Item 10, wherein the volume varying means is such that the volume of the volume varying means is increased as the internal pressure of the endoscope is relatively larger than the external pressure. And a variable volume control means that tries to undo the change of the variable volume means as it becomes relatively small.

(Additional Item 15) In the endoscope according to Additional Item 14, the variable volume control means is a spring.

[0167]

As described above, according to the present invention, while ensuring the resistance of the imaging section to autoclave sterilization,
There is an effect that it is possible to prevent the tip portion from becoming long.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a structure of an imaging unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention ((A) is a cross-sectional view, (B) is a view as seen from an arrow A in (A)).

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a structure of an image pickup unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention ((A) is a cross-sectional view, (B) is a BB line of (A)).
(Cross section)

3A and 3B are diagrams showing a structure of an imaging unit according to the third embodiment of the present invention ((A) is a cross-sectional view, (B) is a view taken in the direction of arrow C in (A)).

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a structure of an imaging unit according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a structure on a rear side of an imaging unit according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

6 to 9 relate to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the entire configuration of an endoscope and a location where a volume expanding portion is provided.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the volume expanding section ((A) is a normal state, (B) is a volume expanding state)

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing another location of the volume expansion section.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing another location of the volume expansion section.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the volume varying means according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention ((A) is a normal state, (B) is a volume expanded state).

FIG. 11 to FIG. 12 relate to an eighth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11 is a view showing an overview of a universal cord provided with volume changing means.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the universal cord ((A) is a normal state, (B) is a volume expansion state)

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an outline of a curved portion covering rubber provided with a volume varying means according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention ((A)).
Is the normal state, (B) is the volume expansion state)

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a configuration of a connector having a communication valve to which a volume expansion unit can be attached according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... CCD frame 2 ... Lens frame 3 ... Lens 4 ... Lens group 5 ... Cover lens 6 ... CCD 7 ... Metallization processing part 8 ... Metallization processing part 9 ... Land part 10 ... Cable 11 ... Soldering part 12 ... CCD lead 13 ... Communication hole 14 ... Imaging unit
15 ... Prism 16 ... Second lens frame 17 ... Abutment surface 18 ... Cable cover 19 ... Cable through hole 20 ... Adhesive layer 21 ... Adhesive part
22 ... Metallization processing part 25 ... Adhesive sealing part 26 ... Land part 27 ... Cable connector 28 ... Step part 29 ... Step part 30 ... Light source device 31
... video processor 32 ... monitor 33 ... endoscope 34 ... operating unit 35
... insertion part 36 ... curved part 37 ... operation lever 38 ... olden member 39 ... olden member 40 ... olden member 41 ... universal cord 42
... connector 43 ... communication valve 44 ... volume expansion part 45 ... grasping part 46
... Air in the endoscope 47 ... Volume expanding portion main body 48 ... Spring 49 ... Spring receiving member 50 ... Volume expanding member 51 ... Flange 52 ... O ring 53 ... Flange 5
4 ... Abutting part 55 ... Screw part 56 ... Screw part 57 ... Seal part 58 ...
Expansion / contraction part 59 ... Thread winding part 60 ... Expansion / contraction part fixing part 61 ... Flange 63 ... Communication hole
64 ... Opening 65 ... Skin tube 66 ... Net tube 67 ... Spiral member
68 ... Air layer 69 ... Fixed part 70 ... Tip part 71 ... Fixed part 72 ... Curved part covering rubber 73 ... Open adapter 74 ... Cable connector assembly

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Yoshimoto Yosuke             2-43 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Ori             Inside Npus Optical Industry Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Hidetoshi Saito             2-43 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Ori             Inside Npus Optical Industry Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Susumu Aono             2-43 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Ori             Inside Npus Optical Industry Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Takao Yamaguchi             2-43 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Ori             Inside Npus Optical Industry Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Takeaki Nakamura             2-43 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Ori             Inside Npus Optical Industry Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Kazutaka Nakachi             2-43 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Ori             Inside Npus Optical Industry Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Yasuhito Kura             2-43 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Ori             Inside Npus Optical Industry Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Yu Tatsuno             2-43 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Ori             Inside Npus Optical Industry Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Takahiro Kishi             2-43 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Ori             Inside Npus Optical Industry Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Jun Hirotani             2-43 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Ori             Inside Npus Optical Industry Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Masakazu Hikuma             2-43 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Ori             Inside Npus Optical Industry Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 2H040 BA24 CA22 DA12 EA01 GA02                 4C061 FF40 JJ06 JJ13 LL02

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. An insertion section having a hard tip at the tip and inserted into an observation target, a solid-state imaging device for picking up a subject image provided at the tip, and provided at the tip. A lens group for forming a subject image on the solid-state image sensor, and a cylindrical shape having an opening at the front and rear ends for holding the lens group inside. A lens frame airtightly attached to the opening at the front end, and a solid-state image pickup device frame for holding the solid-state image pickup device inside, which is formed in a cylindrical shape with one end opened and the other end airtightly closed. In the endoscope, a fitting part formed by fitting and fixing the lens frame and the solid-state imaging device frame, a metal film processing part formed in the fitting part, and the metal film processing part. Soldered to the lens frame An endoscope characterized in that the solid-state imaging device frame is airtightly fixed. 2. An insertion portion having a hard tip portion at a tip end to be inserted into an observation target, a solid-state imaging device for picking up a subject image provided at the tip portion, and provided at the tip portion. A lens group for forming a subject image on the solid-state image sensor, and a cylindrical shape having an opening at the front and rear ends for holding the lens group inside. A lens frame airtightly attached to the opening at the front end, and a solid-state image pickup device frame for holding the solid-state image pickup device inside, which is formed in a cylindrical shape with one end opened and the other end airtightly closed. Then, in the method for manufacturing an endoscope in which the lens frame and the solid-state image sensor frame are fitted and coupled, a step of performing a metal coating process on a fitting portion formed by the lens frame and the solid-state image sensor frame And solder the metal coating treated part Attaching the lens frame and the solid-state image pickup device frame in an airtight manner by attaching the lens frame and the solid-state image pickup device frame.