JP2006047335A - Endoscope apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an endoscope apparatus which can simply change the focal length and reduce the cost by making it possible to change the focal length of the objective lens group without exchanging the whole extremity of the insertion. <P>SOLUTION: A lens support block 12 to support the objective lens group 14 and an LED support block 13 to support the illumination LED chip 15 are provided at the lens adapter 2 of the extremity of the insertion. The lens elements 14a, 14b of the objective lens group 14 are divided into the LED support block 13 and the lens support block 12 to separately support, and the LED support block 13 is moved back and forth in the axial direction by turning the front cover 29. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an endoscope apparatus in which an illuminating unit using LEDs is provided together with an objective lens group in an insertion portion to be inserted into a lumen of an endoscopic object.

  An endoscope apparatus used for industrial or medical purposes is provided with an objective lens group for observation or imaging on the distal end side of an insertion portion inserted into a lumen, and an endoscopic object in the lumen. Illuminating means for illuminating the periphery of the As this illumination means, what irradiates the light of an external light source to an object through an optical fiber is often used, but in recent years, a light emitting diode (referred to as “LED” in this specification). Has been developed that directly attaches to the insertion portion and irradiates the periphery of the endoscopic object with the light of the LED (for example, see Patent Document 1).

In this conventional endoscope apparatus, a substantially cylindrical lens boulder (lens support block) is attached to the distal end of the insertion portion, and an objective lens group is attached to the inner peripheral portion of the lens holder. The lens holder is formed by reducing the diameter of the front end portion in a step shape, and the lens elements of the objective lens group are attached over a predetermined axial range including the reduced diameter portion of the lens holder. A plurality of LED chips are attached to the front surface of the step portion of the lens holder.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-311879

  However, this conventional endoscope apparatus has a structure in which all lens elements of the objective lens group are fixed to the inner periphery of a single lens holder (lens support block). In order to change the position, the entire tip of the insertion portion including the lens holder must be replaced, which requires a large part replacement for changing the focal length and increases the product cost. .

  Therefore, the present invention provides an endoscope apparatus that can change the focal length of the objective lens group without exchanging the entire tip of the insertion portion, thereby facilitating the change of the focal length and reducing the product cost. It is something to be offered.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, an objective lens group for observing or photographing an endoscopic object and an illuminating means using an LED are provided at the distal end of an insertion portion inserted into the lumen of the endoscopic object. In the endoscope apparatus, the illumination unit includes an LED chip and an LED support block that supports the LED chip, and the lens element of the objective lens group is used as the LED support block. And a separate lens support block disposed on the rear side of the LED support block, and the distance between the LED support block and the lens element of the lens support block can be adjusted. In the case of the present invention, when the distance between the lens elements of the LED support block and the lens support block is adjusted, the focal length of the objective lens group is changed.

  Specifically, for example, if the LED support block and the lens support block are assembled so as to be slidable in the axial direction, the focal length can be adjusted without causing a shift in the axial center of the lens elements of both support blocks. Can be done.

  Further, a screw mechanism for adjusting the relative position of the LED support block and the lens support block in the axial direction may be provided. In this case, it becomes possible to adjust the focal length of the objective lens group steplessly and accurately by operating the screw mechanism.

  In addition, a spacer may be interposed between the LED support block and the lens support block, and in this case, the focal length of the objective lens group can be accurately adjusted by managing the thickness of the interposed spacer. Become.

  An actuator for adjusting the relative position in the axial direction of the LED support block and the lens support block may be provided. In this case, since the relative position in the axial direction of the LED support block and the lens support block can be controlled by operating the actuator, it is very easy to adjust the focal length of the objective lens group.

  When the relative position in the axial direction of the LED support block and the lens support block is adjusted by an actuator, the light quantity of the LED chip may be controlled in proportion to the relative position of the LED support block and the lens support block. In this case, since the light quantity of the LED chip is controlled in accordance with the distance of the focal length of the objective lens group, it is possible to always irradiate the endoscopic object with the necessary light quantity according to the focal distance.

  In the present invention, the lens element of the objective lens group is separated and supported by the LED support block and the lens support block, and the distance between the LED support block and the lens element of the lens support block can be adjusted. The focal length of the objective lens can be easily changed without exchanging the lens. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to easily change the focal length and reduce the product cost.

  Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description of each embodiment, the same portions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

First, the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 will be described.
FIG. 2 shows an overall schematic configuration of the endoscope apparatus according to the present invention. As shown in the figure, this endoscope apparatus includes an insertion portion 3 in which a lens adapter 2 is detachably connected to the distal end side of a long flexible tube 1, and a box-like shape from which the insertion portion 3 is pulled out. An apparatus main body 5. The flexible tube 1 of the insertion portion 3 is wound around a drum 4, and the drum 4 is rotatably accommodated in the apparatus main body portion 5. Further, the apparatus main body 5 in which the drum 4 is accommodated is accommodated in a carrying case 6 as shown in FIGS. 2 (A) and 2 (B).

  This endoscope apparatus is provided with a CCD (not shown) as an imaging means at the distal end of the insertion section 3, and an image signal captured by the CCD is passed through a signal line inside the flexible tube 1 to the apparatus main body section 5. Is output to a signal processing circuit (not shown) built in the signal processing circuit, and the signal processed by the signal processing circuit is displayed as an image on an image display means such as a liquid crystal panel. The apparatus main body 5 incorporates a main power circuit (not shown) connected to a battery power source in addition to the signal processing circuit.

  The insertion portion 3 to be inserted into the lumen is provided with the lens adapter 2 at the distal end of the flexible tube 1 as described above. More specifically, as shown in FIG. A connecting plug 9 made of a hard material such as the like is provided, and the lens adapter 2 is detachably provided at the tip of the connecting plug 9. The above-described CCD is provided at the distal end portion of the connection plug 9 and electrodes 10a and 10b for supplying current to the lens adapter 2 side are provided. In FIG. 2A, 2A denotes a replacement lens adapter, and 7 denotes a storage pocket for storing the lens adapter 2A.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the lens adapter 2 includes a lens support block 12 and an LED support block 13 housed in a substantially cylindrical adapter housing 11. The lens support block 12 is formed in a substantially thick cylindrical shape as a whole, and the main lens elements of the objective lens group 14 (hereinafter, these constituent lenses are referred to as “first lens elements 14a”) on the inner periphery thereof. ) Is housed. On the other hand, the LED support block 13 is formed in the shape of a perforated disk having the same outer diameter as the lens support block 12, and a plurality of LED chips 15 are attached to the front side thereof via thin insulating plate-like members 16. The remaining lens elements of the objective lens group 14 (hereinafter, these constituent lenses are referred to as “second lens elements 14b”) are accommodated in the inner periphery. The lens support block 12 and the LED support block 13 are made of a metal material having good thermal conductivity such as aluminum.

  The insulating plate-like member 16 is formed in substantially the same shape as the front surface of the LED support block 13, and a pair of electrodes 17a and 17b are embedded in the front surface, and a plurality of LED chips 15 are attached in an annular shape. ing. The front surfaces of both electrodes 17a and 17b are exposed from the insulating plate-like member 16, and are connected to a plurality of LED chips 15 attached to the insulating plate-like member 16 by wire bonding or the like.

  A pair of guide rods 18 project from the front surface of the lens support block 12, and the LED support block 13 is fitted to each guide rod 18 so as to be slidable in the axial direction. In addition, cylindrical guide walls 13a and 12a are respectively extended on inner peripheral edge portions of the LED support block 13 and the lens support block 12 facing each other, and these guide walls 13a and 12a are slidably fitted. ing. An electrode substrate 19 is attached to the back surface of the LED support block 13, and a pair of convex electrodes 20 a and 20 b projecting rearward are provided on the back surface of the electrode substrate 19. A wiring 21 connected to the electrodes 17a and 17b on the insulating plate member 16 is connected to these convex electrodes 20a and 20b.

  On the other hand, an electrode substrate 22 is attached to the front surface of the lens support block 12 in the same manner as the LED support block 13, and the convex electrodes 20a and 20b on the LED support block 13 side are slidable on the electrode substrate 22. A pair of hole electrodes 23a and 23b to be fitted are provided. The LED support block 13 is guided by the guide rod 18 and the guide walls 12a and 13a so as to be slidable in the axial direction. The convex electrodes 20a and 20b and the hole electrodes 23a and 23b are formed by the LED support block 13. The connection state is always maintained within the range of the axial displacement. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 24 denotes a concave portion formed on the front surface of the lens support block 12 in order to avoid interference between the tip portions of the convex electrodes 20a and 20b. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a perforated disk-shaped electrode substrate 25 and a conductive rubber 26 are disposed on the back side of the lens support block 12, and a pair of wires 27 are drawn forward from the electrode substrate 25. Each wiring 27 is connected to the hole electrodes 23 a and 23 b of the front electrode substrate 22. A pair of electrodes (not shown) connected to the wiring are provided on the back surface of the electrode substrate 25, and the electrodes are pressed against the conductive rubber 26. As will be described later, the conductive rubber 26 is pressed by the two electrodes 10a and 10b of the connecting plug 9 from the rear side when the lens adapter 2 is connected. For this reason, only the parts press-contacted by the electrodes 10a and 10b are partially connected to each other, and at this time, the electrodes at positions facing the electrode substrate 25 and the connecting plug 9 are electrically connected to each other.

  Here, the adapter housing 11 includes a housing main body 28 to which the lens support block 12 is fitted and fixed, and a front cover 29 screwed into the front end portion of the housing main body 28, and the front end portion of the front cover 29. A cover glass 30 that covers the second lens element 14b of the objective lens group 14 and the front of the LED chip 15 is attached. In FIGS. 1 and 3, 28 a and 29 a are a male screw of the housing body 28 and a female screw of the front cover 29. Further, as described above, the LED support block 13 to which the LED chip 15, the second lens element 14 b, the electrode substrate 19 and the like are attached is supported in the vicinity of the front end portion of the front cover 29 so as to be relatively rotatable. Specifically, the LED support block 13 is rotatably accommodated in the front cover 29 and is displaced in the axial direction by the protrusion 31 and the C ring 32 that are provided in the vicinity of the front end portion of the front cover 29. Is regulated. On the other hand, since the LED support block 13 is engaged with the pair of guide rods 18 as described above, rotation with respect to the lens support block 12 is restricted. Accordingly, when the front cover 29 is displaced in the axial direction with respect to the housing main body 28 by a screw operation due to the rotation of the front cover 29, the LED support block 13 is restricted to rotate toward the lens support block 12 and the front cover 29 is restricted. And is displaced in the axial direction. In this embodiment, the housing main body 28, the male screw 28a of the front cover 29, and the female screw 29a constitute a screw mechanism for adjusting the relative positions of the LED support block 13 and the lens support block 12.

  A substantially cylindrical guide member 33 is fixed to the rear end portion of the housing main body 28, and a large-diameter cylindrical wall 34 having a stepped diameter is integrally formed at the rear portion of the guide member 33. A cylindrical connection ring 35 is externally fitted to the large-diameter cylindrical wall 34 so as to be displaceable in the axial direction and the rotation direction, and one end of the connection ring 35 is in contact with a stepped portion of the large-diameter cylindrical wall 34. An inward stopper flange 36 that can be contacted is formed integrally. A first female screw 37 and a second female screw 38 are provided on the inner peripheral surface of the connection ring 35 at a predetermined distance in the axial direction.

  On the other hand, a fixing male screw 39 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the connecting plug 9, and the first female screw 37 and the second female screw 38 of the connection ring 35 are sequentially screwed into the male screw 39. The lens adapter 2 can be connected to the connection plug 9. That is, when the connection ring 35 of the lens adapter 2 is fitted to the front end portion of the connection plug 9 and the connection ring 35 is rotated in a predetermined direction in this state, the axial displacement of the connection ring 35 is larger than that of the stopper flange 36. In this state, the male screw of the connecting plug 9 is sequentially tightened into the first female screw 37 and the second female screw 38. As a result, the connecting plug 9 The electrodes 10a and 10b projecting from the front end surface of the lens press the conductive rubber 26, and the connecting plug 9 and the lens adapter 2 are electrically connected. The first female screw 37 is disengaged from the male screw 39 after the male screw 39 of the connecting plug 9 is fastened to the second female screw 38. When the screwing of the female screw 38 of 2 is loosened, it functions as a stopper for preventing dropout.

  In this endoscope apparatus, the lens adapter 2 is attached to the distal end portion of the connecting plug 9, and photographing with the CCD is performed while irradiating the endoscopic object with the light of the LED chip 15. At this time, the endoscopic target image is incident on the CCD through the objective lens group 14, but the focal length of the objective lens group 14 is fixed at an arbitrary position. However, there are times when it is desired to change the focal length of the objective lens group 14 depending on the endoscopic conditions. In this case, the focal length of the objective lens group 14 is adjusted back and forth by appropriately rotating the front cover 29 of the lens adapter 2. To do.

  That is, when the front cover 29 is rotated in any direction with respect to the housing main body 28, the engagement positions of both screw screw portions are shifted, so that both are shifted in the axial direction, thereby engaging the front cover 29. The stopped LED support block 13 is displaced in the axial direction. Thereby, the second lens element 14b supported by the LED support block 13 moves in the axial direction with respect to the first lens element 14a on the lens support block 12 side, and as a result, the focal length of the objective lens group 14 is changed. Will be.

  In this endoscope apparatus, as described above, the objective lens group 14 is arranged separately into the LED support block 13 and the lens support block 12, and the focal length of the objective lens group 14 is arbitrarily set by rotating the front cover 29. Therefore, it is possible to easily change the focal length of the objective lens group 14 without exchanging the entire lens adapter 2. Therefore, it is easy to change the focal length, and it is not necessary to replace the entire lens adapter 2, so that the product cost can be reduced.

  In the case of the endoscope apparatus according to this embodiment, the lens support block 12 and the LED support block 13 are slidably assembled via the guide walls 12a and 13a. The focal length of the objective lens group 14 can be adjusted without incurring the deviation of the axial centers of 14a and 14b. Further, since the LED support block 13 can be moved by a screw mechanism provided between the front cover 29 and the housing main body 28, the focal length of the objective lens group 14 is adjusted steplessly and accurately. be able to.

  In the endoscope apparatus according to the first embodiment, the LED support block 13 is moved back and forth in the axial direction by a screw mechanism between the front cover 29 and the housing body 28. However, the second embodiment shown in FIG. As in the embodiment, a guide wall 40 that protrudes forward is integrally formed on the outer peripheral edge of the lens support block 113, and the axial length is different inside the guide wall 40 (the position of the second lens element 14b is different). ) The LED support block 113 may be appropriately selected and accommodated. That is, in this embodiment, the focal length of the objective lens group 14 is changed by partially disassembling the lens adapter and replacing the LED support block 113. In this embodiment, since the structure is simple, there is an advantage that the product cost can be reduced.

  Further, the focal length of the objective lens group 14 is changed by appropriately inserting an annular spacer 45 between the LED support block 213 and the lens support block 212 as in the third embodiment shown in FIG. Anyway. In this embodiment, a pair of positioning projections 46 are provided on the rear surface of the LED support block 213, and engagement holes 47 and 48 into which the positioning projections 46 are fitted are formed on the front surfaces of the spacer 45 and the lens support block 212. ing. Therefore, even when replacing the svaser 45 with different thicknesses, the axis centers of the LED support block 213 and the lens support block 212 can be reliably matched by engaging the positioning protrusions 46 with the engagement holes 47 and 48. it can. Further, instead of providing the positioning projection 46 on the LED support block 213, the LED support block 213, the spacer 45, and the lens support block 212 are connected to a pair of long connecting rods as in the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 42 may be connected. In FIG. 6, reference numeral 43 denotes a guide tube that accommodates the LED support block 213, the spacer 45, and the lens support block 212, and 44 denotes the insulating plate member 16 and the LED for fitting the connecting rod 42. It is an engagement hole formed in the support block 13.

  FIG. 7 shows a fifth embodiment of the present invention. In the endoscope apparatus of this embodiment, the LED support block 313 and the lens support block 312 are accommodated in the guide tube 343, and the lens support block 312 is fixed in the guide tube 343, while the LED support block 313 is the guide. The point that the slide adjustment can be manually performed in the axial direction in the cylinder 343 is greatly different from the other embodiments.

  Specifically, in this endoscope apparatus, an inward locking claw 50 extends from the front end portion of the guide tube 343, and the LED support block 313 and the lens support block 312 are inserted into the guide tube 343 from the rear side. In the state, the lens support block 312 is fixed to the rear end portion of the guide tube 343. Therefore, the LED support block 313 is slidable back and forth in the axial direction within a restriction range by the locking claw 50 and the lens support block 312. A long hole 51 extending in the axial direction is formed in the guide tube 343, and a fixing screw 52 is screwed into the LED support block 313 from the outer surface side of the guide tube 343 through the long hole 51. The fixing screw 52 fixes the LED support block 313 to the guide tube 343 by being screwed into the LED support block 313 with its head engaged with the hole edge of the long hole 51. The LED support block 313 is allowed to slide back and forth in the axial direction by loosening the recess.

  Four guide protrusions 53a to 53d along the axial direction are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the guide tube 343, and the LED support block 313 and the lens support block 312 have engagement grooves that engage with the guide protrusions 53a to 53d. 54a to 54d and 57a to 57d are formed. A sliding contact 55 connected to the electrodes 17a and 17b is provided at the bottom of two of the four engaging grooves 54a to 54d of the LED support block 313, and guide protrusions corresponding thereto. Similar sliding contacts 56 connected to an electrode substrate (not shown) on the back side of the lens support block 312 are provided on the tops of 53a and 53b. These sliding contacts 55 and 56 are always in contact with each other when the LED support block 313 is in any position in the axial direction, and can always supply power to the LED chip 15.

  In this embodiment, as long as the guide tube 343 is removed from the adapter housing, the axial position of the LED support block 313 (the focal length of the objective lens group) can be easily changed by loosening the screws 52.

  Further, in the fifth embodiment, the LED support block 313 side can be adjusted by sliding in the axial direction with respect to the guide tube 343, but conversely, as in the sixth embodiment shown in FIG. The lens support block 412 may be slidably fitted in the guide tube 443 so that the lens support block 412 can be slidably adjusted in the axial direction with respect to the guide tube 443. In this embodiment, the guide tube 443 is formed integrally with the LED support block 413.

  FIG. 9 shows a seventh embodiment of the present invention. In the endoscope apparatus of this embodiment, the LED support block 13 and the lens support block 12 are respectively connected to the first guide cylinder 543A and the second guide. The second lens support block is fixed to a cylindrical space formed between the guide cylinders 543A and 543B, fixed to one end of the cylinder 543B and facing the opening ends of the guide cylinders 543A and 543B. 60 is accommodated. In this embodiment, the lens element on the LED support block 13 side and the second lens support block 60 are replaced by appropriately replacing the second lens support block 60 accommodated in the space between the guide tubes 543A and 543B. The distance between the lens elements held in the lens is adjusted so that the focal length of the objective lens group can be adjusted. In this embodiment, the LED support block 13, the second lens support block 60, and the lens support block 12 are fastened by a long connecting rod 42.

  Next, an eighth embodiment shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 will be described. The endoscope apparatus of this embodiment is basically the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, but is held by the LED support block 13 and the support block 13 without rotating the front cover 629. The lens element 14b is greatly different in that the lens element 14b can be moved back and forth in the axial direction from the front side of the front cover 629.

  In the case of this embodiment, the adapter housing 611 includes a housing body 628 to which the lens support block 12 is fixed and a front cover 629 attached to the front portion of the housing body 628 as in the first embodiment. However, the housing body 628 and the front cover 629 are fixed by screws or the like. A cover glass 630 is attached to the front end portion of the front cover 629, and an operation portion of the focus adjustment mechanism 70 is provided at the axial center of the cover glass 630. The focus adjustment mechanism 70 moves the LED support block 13 and the lens support frame 71 fixed to the support block 13 integrally in an axial direction, and the lens support frame 71 has an inner periphery of the cylindrical wall 72. A part of the lens element 14 b of the objective lens group 14 is held at the part, and a female screw 73 for operating force transmission is cut on the inner peripheral surface of the front end portion of the cylindrical wall 72.

  The operation unit of the focus adjustment mechanism 70 includes an outer cylinder member 74 supported by the cover lens 630 and an inner cylinder member 75 rotatably supported by the outer cylinder member 74, and extends inward of the housing body 628. A male screw 76 that is screwed into the female screw 73 of the lens support frame 71 is formed on the outer periphery of the distal end portion of the inner cylinder member 75 that is projected. An annular groove 77 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylinder member 75 at a substantially central position in the axial direction, and a distal end portion of a stopper pin 78 fixed to the outer cylinder member 74 is inserted into and engaged with the annular groove 77. The stopper pin 78 is slidable with respect to the annular groove 77 and restricts the axial displacement while allowing the inner cylinder member 75 to rotate with respect to the outer cylinder member 74. In addition, the inner cylinder member 75 has a lens element 14c of a part of the objective lens group 14 attached to an inner peripheral portion thereof, and a screw operation groove 79 formed on a front end surface exposed to the outside. In FIG. 10, 80 is a light-transmitting adhesive sealing material provided so as to straddle the front cover 629, the outer cylinder member 74, and the cover glass 630, and 83 is the outer cylinder member 74. And a seal ring that is interposed between the inner cylinder member 75 and seals between the two. Further, the electrodes 17a and 17b on the insulating plate member 16 and the electrode substrate 25 on the back of the lens support block 12 are always connected by sliding contacts 81 and 82 provided along the axial direction. ing.

  In the case of this endoscope apparatus, when changing the focal length of the objective lens group 14, a jig such as a screwdriver is engaged with the screw operation groove 79 of the inner cylinder member 75 from the front side of the front cover 629, The inner cylinder member 75 is rotated by the jig. When the inner cylinder member 75 rotates in this manner, the meshing portion of the inner cylinder member 75 and the lens support frame 71 (male screw 76 and female screw 73) moves, and the lens support frame 71 and the LED support block 13 are axially moved accordingly. As a result, the focal length of the objective lens group 14 is changed. This endoscope apparatus can basically obtain the same effects as those of the first embodiment, but the front cover 629 can move in the axial direction when the focal length of the objective lens 14 is changed. Therefore, there is a further advantage that the sealing property of the adapter housing 611 can be easily maintained.

  Further, the ninth embodiment shown in FIG. 12 will be described. In the endoscope apparatus of this embodiment, as in the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the lens support block 712 is fixed in the guide tube 343 and the LED support block 313 is slidable in the axial direction. It is what was contained. However, in the case of this embodiment, the permanent magnet 85 is attached to the back surface of the LED support block 313, while the electromagnetic coil 86 is wound around the outer peripheral wall of the lens support block 712, and the LED is formed by the permanent magnet 85 and electromagnetic coil 86. An actuator 87 for moving the support block 313 back and forth in the axial direction is configured.

  In this endoscope apparatus, an attractive / repulsive force is applied between the electromagnetic coil 86 and the permanent magnet 85 by appropriately switching the energization direction of the electromagnetic coil 86, thereby operating the axial position of the LED support block 313. The focal length of the objective lens group 14 can be changed. Therefore, in the case of this apparatus, the focal length can be easily changed only by operating the switch of the actuator 87. Further, if the switch is arranged on the proximal side of the insertion portion, the insertion portion is inserted into the lumen. The focal length of the objective lens 14 can be changed as it is. In this embodiment, the permanent magnet 85 is fixed to the back surface of the LED support block 313. However, instead of the permanent magnet 85, an iron-based metal material is fixed to the LED support block 313, and the LED support block 313 and the lens support block 712 are fixed. A spring member may be interposed between the two.

  Finally, a tenth embodiment shown in FIGS. 13 to 15 will be described. In the endoscope apparatus of this embodiment, the LED support block is moved back and forth in the axial direction by an actuator as in the ninth embodiment shown in FIG. 12, but a pair of electromagnetic motors 90 is used as the actuator. ing.

  Specifically, each electromagnetic motor 90 is fixed to the lens support block 812 so that the motor shaft 91 projects forward, and a male screw is cut at the tip of each motor shaft 91. The LED support block 813 is provided with screw holes 92 into which the motor shafts 91 are screwed, and the LED support block 813 is operated to advance and retract according to the rotation of the electromagnetic motor 90. In this endoscope apparatus, the electromagnetic motor 90 is controlled by an operation using a switch (not shown), and the focal length of the objective lens group 14 is adjusted according to the rotation of the electromagnetic motor 90. As shown in FIG. 15, the electromagnetic motor 90 is controlled by the controller 93 together with the LED chip 15, but an output command issued from the actuator control means 95 in the controller 93 to the electromagnetic motor 90 side is sent to the LED control means 96. Is also output. At this time, the LED control means 96 outputs an output signal substantially proportional to the output of the electromagnetic motor 90 to the LED chip 15 side (see FIG. 16).

  This endoscope apparatus can easily adjust the focal length of the objective lens group 14 by driving the actuator, as in the ninth embodiment, but further accurately rotates and stops the electromagnetic motor 90 that is an actuator. By controlling, the focal length of the objective lens group 14 can be changed to an arbitrary distance within the limit range. Further, in this embodiment, since the output of the electromagnetic motor 90 and the output of the LED chip 15 (irradiation light amount) are controlled to be substantially proportional, an appropriate light amount corresponding to the focal length is irradiated to the endoscopic object. can do.

  The embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those described above. For example, in each of the above embodiments, an endoscope apparatus of a type in which an objective lens group, an LED chip, or the like is attached to a detachable lens adapter is described. However, an endoscope apparatus of a type in which an objective lens group, an LED chip, or the like is attached to the distal end of the integral insertion portion may be used.

The longitudinal cross-sectional view of the principal part which shows 1st Embodiment of this invention. The figure which combined the perspective view (A) which shows the state which decomposed | disassembled the endoscope apparatus of the embodiment, and the perspective view (B) which shows the state which assembled and accommodated the endoscope apparatus. The disassembled perspective view of the principal part which shows the same embodiment. The disassembled perspective view which shows 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The disassembled perspective view which shows the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. Exploded perspective view showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention The disassembled perspective view which shows 5th Embodiment of this invention. The disassembled perspective view which shows 6th Embodiment of this invention. The disassembled perspective view which shows 7th Embodiment of this invention. The longitudinal cross-sectional view of the principal part which shows 8th Embodiment of this invention. The disassembled perspective view which shows the same embodiment. The disassembled perspective view which shows the 9th Embodiment of this invention. The disassembled perspective view which shows the 10th Embodiment of this invention. The longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the same embodiment. The control block diagram which shows the same embodiment. The graph which shows the same embodiment and shows the relationship between the focal distance of an objective lens group, and the light quantity of a LED chip.

Explanation of symbols

12, 112, 212, 312, 412, 712, 812 Lens support block 13, 113, 213, 313, 413, 813 LED support block 14 Objective lens group 15 LED chip 28a Male screw (screw mechanism)
29a Female thread (screw mechanism)
40 Positioning protrusion (Positioning means)
45 Spacer 87 Actuator 90 Electromagnetic motor (actuator)

Claims (6)

An endoscope apparatus in which an objective lens group for observing or photographing an endoscopic object and an illuminating unit using an LED are provided at a distal end of an insertion portion to be inserted into a lumen of the endoscopic object, the illumination device The means comprises an LED chip and an LED support block that supports the LED chip.
The lens element of the objective lens group is separated and supported by the LED support block and a separate lens support block disposed on the rear side of the LED support block, and the LED support block and the lens of the lens support block are supported. An endoscope apparatus characterized in that an interval between elements can be adjusted.   The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the LED support block and the lens support block are assembled so as to be slidable in the axial direction.   The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a screw mechanism that adjusts an axial relative position of the LED support block and the lens support block.   The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a spacer can be interposed between the LED support block and the lens support block.   The endoscope apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein an actuator for adjusting an axial relative position of the LED support block and the lens support block is provided. 6. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the light quantity of the LED chip is controlled substantially in proportion to the relative position of the LED support block and the lens support block.

Images