JP2006192027A - Endoscope apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an endoscope apparatus capable of efficiently illuminating with a sufficient light intensity within an observation range and allowing an accurate observation. <P>SOLUTION: This endoscope apparatus for observing a subject using: an observation means 42 inserting an endoscope insertion tube extending into a tubular shape in a subject and having an objective lens in the endoscope insertion tube; and an illumination means 69 provided adjacent to the objective lens is characterized in that the illumination range S by the illumination means 69 is approximately accorded with the observation range by the observation means 42. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an endoscope apparatus for observing an endoscopic object.

In recent years, various endoscope apparatuses are used in various fields such as a medical field and an industrial field. Among these endoscope apparatuses, an endoscope insertion portion extending in a tubular shape, an observation means having an objective lens provided at the distal end of the endoscope insertion portion, and an LED provided in the vicinity of the observation means What is provided with the illumination means which has is known (for example, refer patent document 1). In order to observe the inside of the subject with such an endoscope, an endoscope insertion portion is first inserted into the subject. Then, the reflected light is imaged on the image pickup device by the objective lens, and the electric signal from the image pickup device is converted into a video signal through a predetermined process, whereby the image in the subject is displayed on a monitor or the like. The inside of the subject is observed while viewing the images displayed on these monitors. At this time, a clear image can be displayed on the monitor by driving the LED in the subject to illuminate the inside of the subject.
JP 2003-38425 A

  However, in the endoscope apparatus as described above, the observation range by the observation means is approximately 80 ° in view angle. For example, in a chip-type LED, the emission angle of emitted light is approximately 180 °. Even if the LED is arranged as close as possible, there is a problem that much of the emitted light from the LED is out of the observation range. For this reason, the inside of the subject cannot be effectively illuminated, and the illumination efficiency is reduced.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and provides an endoscope apparatus that can efficiently illuminate with a sufficient amount of light within an observation range and enables accurate observation. Objective.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides the following means.
The invention according to claim 1 is provided in the vicinity of an observation means having an objective lens provided in the endoscope insertion portion, wherein an endoscope insertion portion that extends in a tubular shape is inserted into a subject, and the objective lens. In the endoscope apparatus that observes the inside of the subject using the illumination means, the illumination range by the illumination means is configured to substantially match the observation range by the observation means.

In the endoscope apparatus according to the present invention, an endoscope insertion portion is inserted into the subject, and the inside of the subject is illuminated by the illumination means. Then, the inside of the subject is observed by an observation means having an objective lens. At this time, the illumination range substantially matches the observation range.
Thereby, it can prevent that an illumination range remove | deviates from an observation range, and sufficient illumination can be applied within an observation range.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the endoscope apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, the endoscope apparatus further includes a traveling direction changing unit that changes a traveling direction of the emitted light emitted by the illuminating unit.
In the endoscope apparatus according to the present invention, the traveling direction of the emitted light emitted by the illumination unit is changed by the traveling direction changing unit, and the changed light reaches the observation range.
As a result, the illumination range and the observation range can be matched, and sufficient illumination can be efficiently and reliably applied within the observation range.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the endoscope apparatus according to the second aspect, the traveling direction changing means is provided on the optical path of the emitted light and collects the emitted light within the observation range. An optical lens is provided.
In the endoscope apparatus according to the present invention, the emitted light emitted by the illumination means passes through the condensing lens. Then, the emitted light is refracted and collected within the observation range.
Thereby, illumination can be efficiently and reliably applied within the observation range with a simple configuration.

  The invention according to claim 4 is the endoscope apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a light collecting member provided in front of the illuminating means and having the light collecting lens. It is characterized in that it is configured as an integral unit in a state where the installation position, installation angle and refractive index of the condensing lens are determined in advance according to the installation position and installation angle of the means.

  In the endoscope apparatus according to the present invention, the emitted light is condensed by the condensing lens and reaches the observation range. Since these condensing lenses are provided in a condensing member configured as an integral unit in a state where the installation position, the installation angle, and the refractive index are determined in advance, the condensing member is disposed in front of the illumination unit. In addition to being provided at the predetermined position, it is possible not only to accurately install the condensing lens in accordance with each illumination means, but also to greatly reduce the work load during assembly work.

The invention according to claim 5 is the endoscope apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the advancing direction changing unit is configured to control the objective lens with respect to the emitted light. A reflection surface is provided on the optical path of the outgoing outgoing light toward the outer side and reflects the outgoing outgoing light toward the observation range.
In the endoscope apparatus according to the present invention, the outside outgoing light emitted by the illumination means is reflected by the reflecting surface and reaches the observation range.
Thereby, similarly to the above, illumination can be efficiently and reliably applied within the observation range.

  The invention according to claim 6 is the endoscope apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the reflection surface is an outer reflection surface arranged outside the objective lens, and an inner reflection surface arranged inside. The inclination angle of the outer reflection surface with respect to the mounting surface to which the illuminating means is attached is set larger than the inclination angle of the inner reflection surface.

In the endoscope apparatus according to the present invention, the outer emitted light is reflected by the outer reflecting surface, and the inner emitted light directed inward with respect to the objective lens is reflected by the inner reflecting surface. At this time, since the inclination angle of the outer reflecting surface is set to be large, the outer outgoing light is greatly refracted and reaches the observation range. On the other hand, the inner outgoing light is refracted and reaches the observation range.
Thereby, since the advancing direction can be adjusted according to the direction of an emitted light, illumination efficiency can be improved further.

  The invention according to claim 7 is the endoscope apparatus according to claim 5 or claim 6, further comprising a reflecting member provided in front of the illuminating means and having the reflecting surface, and the reflecting member includes the illuminating member. According to the installation position and installation angle of the means, the reflection surface is configured as an integral unit in a state where the installation position and installation angle of the reflecting surface are determined in advance.

  In the endoscope apparatus according to the present invention, the outer outgoing light or the inner outgoing light is reflected by the reflecting surface and reaches the observation range. Since these reflecting surfaces are provided on the reflecting member configured as an integral unit with the installation position and the installation angle being determined in advance, the reflecting member is provided only at a predetermined position in front of the illumination means. Thus, not only can the reflecting surface be accurately set in accordance with each illumination means, but also the work load during the assembly work can be greatly reduced.

The invention according to claim 8 is the endoscope apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the illuminating means is provided inclined toward the objective lens side. It is characterized by.
In the endoscope apparatus according to the present invention, since the illumination unit is inclined toward the objective lens side, the illumination range illuminated by the illumination unit is entirely shifted to the objective lens side. Become.
Thereby, illumination can be efficiently and reliably applied within the observation range with a simple configuration.

  The invention according to claim 9 is the endoscope apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein an observation depth when the inside of the subject is observed by the observation means reaches a minimum to a maximum. In the meantime, the illumination range is set to be wider than the observation range, and the illumination range is set to substantially match the observation range at the maximum observation depth.

In the endoscope apparatus according to the present invention, the illumination range becomes wider than the observation range during the distance from the observation means to the subject to be examined, that is, until the observation depth reaches the minimum to the maximum. The illumination range substantially matches the observation range at the maximum observation depth.
Here, the observation depth changes depending on the site when the inside of the subject is observed, and the observation range also changes accordingly. It is necessary to sufficiently illuminate the observation range at the observation depth that requires observation, but it is not necessary to observe at higher observation depths, so it is not necessary to consider the amount of light in the observation range.
According to the present invention, by setting sufficient illumination within the observation range only between the observation depths from the minimum to the maximum necessary for observation, the light quantity can be easily set and the illumination efficiency can be further improved. it can.

  According to the present invention, since the illumination range can be substantially matched with the observation range, illumination with a sufficient amount of light can be efficiently applied within the observation range, and quick and accurate observation can be performed.

Example 1
Hereinafter, an endoscope apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
1 and 2 are external perspective views showing an endoscope apparatus 1 as a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a state before the endoscope apparatus body is stored in a case, FIG. Shows a state in which the endoscope apparatus main body is stored in the case.

  The endoscope apparatus 1 includes an endoscope main body 3 including an insertion portion (endoscope insertion portion) 2 that extends in a tubular shape, and a drum portion 4 that winds and stores the insertion portion 2 of the endoscope main body 3. Is the main component. The endoscope main body 3 is held so as to be fitted into the recessed portion storage position 5 a of the storage portion 5 made of a cushion material or the like with the insertion portion 2 wound around the drum portion 4. Stored and stored and transported. In the figure, reference numeral 5b denotes a housing recess of the adapter case 7, 6a denotes an opening / closing lid attached to the case 6 via a hinge, 6b denotes a base, and 6c denotes a handle.

  Moreover, the drum part 4 is made into the shape of a bobbin, for example, and becomes a structure which attached the disk-shaped flange to the upper and lower sides of the cylindrical winding part 4a around which the insertion part 2 is wound. The drum unit 4 includes image display means such as an LCD monitor (not shown) disposed at an appropriate position (for example, a flange). Further, a remote controller (not shown) for performing a bending operation of the insertion portion 2 is connected to the drum portion 4 via an operation cable.

Further, the insertion portion 2 includes a tubular flexible tube portion 10 and an optical adapter 11 for obtaining an observation image. The optical adapter 11 is detachably attached to the distal end of the flexible tube portion 10. It is in the state that was.
The flexible tube portion 10 includes a distal end rigid portion 15 provided at the distal end portion thereof, a bending portion 16 for directing the distal end surface of the optical adapter 11 in a desired observation direction, and the distal end rigid portion 15 and the bending portion 16. A flexible long elongate flexible portion 17 is provided. The bending portion 16 is provided at a position slightly behind the distal end hard portion 15 and includes a plurality of fluid pressure actuators for bending operation. As the working fluid for the bending operation, for example, incombustible gas such as carbon dioxide, chlorofluorocarbon, nitrogen, helium, argon and nitrogen is used.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the distal end surface 15 a of the distal end hard portion 15 is provided with a pair of projecting electrodes 19 projecting from the distal end surface 15 a in the length direction. These protruding electrodes 19 are connected to a power circuit (not shown) provided in the drum portion 4 shown in FIG. The protruding electrodes 19 come into contact with a predetermined position of the optical adapter 11 when the optical adapter 11 is attached to the distal end of the flexible tube portion 10, and supply power to the optical adapter 11 from the power supply circuit. ing.

  Furthermore, a male screw portion 20 for attaching the optical adapter 11 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the distal end hard portion 15, and a key oriented in the length direction of the insertion portion 2 as a positioning means at the time of attachment. A groove 21 is formed.

  A CCD (observation means) 23 for taking an image taken from the optical adapter 11 is built in the distal end hard portion 15 of the insertion portion 2. The CCD 23 is connected to the endoscope body 3 via an imaging cable (not shown) that passes through the internal space of the insertion unit 2, receives power supply from the drum unit 4 shown in FIG. 1, and transmits an imaging signal. It is supposed to be. Although the CCD 23 is used, the present invention is not limited to this and may be a C-MOS, an image guide fiber, or the like.

The optical adapter 11 is configured by connecting a cylindrical outer frame member 25 and a connection ring 26.
A first inner thread portion 37 that is screwed into the male thread portion 20 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the connection ring 26. Further, a second inner screw portion 38 is provided on the rear end side portion of the first inner screw portion 37 to prevent the first inner screw portion 37 from falling off the insertion portion 2. Further, the LED ring 30 having a smaller diameter than that of the connection ring 26 is inserted into the connection ring 26 from the tip thereof. Then, the engaging portion 33 provided at the front end of the connection ring 26 and the step portion 34 provided at the rear end portion of the LED retainer 30 are engaged, whereby the LED retainer 30 is prevented from coming off in the axial direction. It is rotatably supported. Further, a protrusion 36 that is fitted into the key groove 21 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the rear end of the LED press 30.

  Furthermore, a space 41 is formed at the tip of the LED press 30 along the center of the axis, and an objective lens group (observation means) 42 serving as an optical lens system is provided in the space 41. In the illustrated example, the first lens 42a, the first spacer 42b, the second lens 42c, the second spacer 42d, the stop 42e, and the third lens 42f are arranged in the axial direction in order from the front end side of the outer frame member 25. Objective lens group 42.

In addition, the inner cylinder portion 45 of the LED press 30 forming the space portion 41 has a conductive rubber 47 made of an anisotropic conductive elastic member on its outer peripheral surface and an electric power supply for supplying an LED unit 68 to be described later. The electrode substrate 46 is inserted in order from the front end surface side.
As shown in FIG. 4, the conductive rubber 47 has a donut shape in which a through hole 57 is provided at the center to facilitate positioning. The conductive rubber 47 is obtained by arranging a large number of conductive members 56 in a dot shape on an elastic body 55 which is an insulating member. For example, the conductive rubber 47 is also called a dot type anisotropic conductive rubber.

  In addition, the conductive rubber 47 is configured, for example, by arranging a conductive member 56 such as metal particles or nickel particles plated with gold on an elastic body 55 in the form of a sheet of silicon rubber or the like in the thickness direction of the elastic body 55. Has been. Therefore, by lightly pressing the conductive rubber 47 in the thickness direction, the conductivity between the high-density conductive members 56 is improved, and good conduction in the thickness direction is possible. However, since the elastic body 55 is an insulating member, the conductive rubber 47 is in an insulated state except for the thickness direction (for example, the circumferential direction). In this case, the conductive members 56 arranged in a dot shape (the exposed shapes on both surfaces are in a dot shape) are separated from each other by an insulating member and are in a non-conductive independent state.

Although the conductive rubber 47 is of the dot type, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a stripe type conductive rubber can be used.
In the stripe type conductive rubber, conductive members arranged in the thickness direction are arranged in stripes on an elastic body which is an insulating member. In this case, the conductive members arranged in a stripe shape (both surfaces and the exposed shapes of the cross sections in a stripe shape) are separated from each other by an insulating member and are in an independent state. In addition, about the stripe-shaped electroconductive member, if it isolate | separates from each other, the arrangement direction and arrangement shape (for example, parallel arrangement etc.) will not be specifically limited.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the electrode substrate 46 has a donut shape in which a through hole 50 is provided in the center of a circular resin substrate for easy positioning, and the electrode substrate 46 penetrates through the rear end surface of the electrode substrate 46. A pair of arc-shaped electrode patterns 60 are provided around the hole 50. Each of the electrode patterns 60 is provided with a through hole 52, and the electrode pattern 60 and a conductor covering the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 52 are in a conductive state. One end of an electric wire 53 is electrically connected to these through holes 52 by soldering or the like, and the other end of the electric wire 53 is connected to a flexible substrate 65 described later.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the tip of the LED press 30 configured as described above is inserted from the opening on the rear end side of the outer frame member 25, thereby supporting the outer frame member 25. An LED case 61 formed in a donut shape is provided inside the outer frame member 25. The LED case 61 is fixed in the outer frame member 25 by passing the tip of the LED press 30 through the central through hole. As shown in FIG. 5, a peripheral wall portion 63 extending in the thickness direction is provided on the outer periphery of the LED case 61, and an aluminum substrate formed in a donut shape in the peripheral wall portion 63. 64 and a flexible substrate 65 are installed.

A pair of LED units 68 for illuminating the inside of the subject are provided on the front surface (mounting surface) 65 a of the flexible substrate 65. These LED units 68 include LED chips (illuminating means) 69 arranged in the circumferential direction, and a pattern 70 for causing a current to flow through the LED chips 69. The LED chip 69 and the pattern 70 are electrically connected via a wiring 73.
And the electric wire 53 extended from the electrode board | substrate 46 shown in FIG. 4 in the state which installed the aluminum substrate 64 and the flexible substrate 65 in the surrounding wall part 63 is the rear end of LED case 61 through each through-hole. The wires 53 are passed from the side to the flexible substrate 65, and the electric wires 53 are bent at the tip of the flexible substrate 65 and connected to the pattern 70.

Under such a configuration, when the optical adapter 11 is attached to the tip of the flexible tube portion 10, the protrusion 36 is fitted into the key groove 21, whereby the relative rotation position between the optical adapter 11 and the flexible tube portion 10 is reached. As a result, the protruding electrode 19 comes into contact with a predetermined position of the conductive rubber 47, and power from the power supply circuit is supplied to the LED unit 68 via the electric wire 53. The range illuminated by the LED chip 69 is the illumination range S shown in FIG.
Further, the reflected light from the object to be examined is imaged on the CCD 23 by the objective lens group 42, and a predetermined process is performed on the imaging signal transmitted by the CCD 23 so that an observation image is displayed on the LCD monitor. ing. That is, the range formed by the objective lens group 42 in the reflected light from the object to be examined is the observation range K.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the endoscope apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes a donut-shaped cover glass (light collecting member) 75 disposed in front of the flexible substrate 65. Is provided with a convex lens (condensing lens, travel direction changing means) 76 at a position facing the LED chip 69. When the LED chips 69 are driven, the emitted light emitted from the LED chips 69 is transmitted through the convex lens 76. That is, the convex lens 76 is provided in front of each LED chip 69 and on the optical path of the emitted light from the LED chip 69. When the emitted light passes through the convex lens 76, the emitted light is refracted and condensed.

  Further, the illumination depth when observing the inside of the subject, that is, the distance from the first lens 42a to the observation object, changes between the minimum depth d and the maximum depth D shown in FIG. The range S is adjusted to be wider than the observation range K. That is, the illumination range S is always wider than the observation range K within the observation depth necessary for observing the inside of the subject. The illumination range S substantially matches the observation range K at the maximum depth D.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the cover glass 75 is integrally formed as a single unit with glass in a state where the installation position, installation angle and refractive index of the convex lens 76 are predetermined. That is, by setting the cover glass 75 at a predetermined position in front of the convex lens 76, the illumination range S is automatically set as described above.

Next, the operation of the endoscope apparatus 1 in the present embodiment configured as described above will be described.
First, a desired optical adapter 11 is selected, the distal end of the flexible tube portion 10 is inserted from the opening on the rear end side of the connection ring 26, the connection ring 26 is rotated, and the optical adapter 11 and the flexible tube are then rotated. The part 10 is connected. At this time, the male threaded portion 20 of the distal end hard portion 15 is initially screwed into the second inner threaded portion 38 of the connection ring 26, but further rotating the connection ring 26 causes the male threaded portion 20 to Since it goes over the inner screw part 38 and proceeds to the tip part side, it is released from the screwing. Since the male screw portion 20 is located between the pair of first inner screw portions 37 and the second inner screw portion having a predetermined interval and is in a free state, the second inner screw portion 38 is It functions as a retainer that locks the male screw portion 20 to prevent the optical adapter 11 from falling off the flexible tube portion 10.

  When the connection ring 26 is further rotated by pushing the insertion portion 2 from the state of such a retaining position, the male screw portion 20 is positioned on the distal end side in a state where the key groove 21 and the projection 36 are fitted. Since the first internal thread portion 37 is screwed, the optical adapter 11 is connected to the distal end portion of the flexible tube portion 10 in a fixed state. When connected at a predetermined position, the tip of the protruding electrode 19 comes into contact with the conductive rubber 47, and the conductive rubber 47 is pressed and compressed in the tip direction of the optical adapter 11. Therefore, when the conductive members 56 arranged in the thickness direction of the conductive rubber 47 are densified, the conductivity is improved and the energized state is obtained.

  Therefore, the power supplied from the power supply circuit via the cable 31 is supplied to the LED chip 69 via the electrode substrate 46, the electric wire 53 and the pattern 70. Thereby, the LED chip 69 emits light. When the insertion portion 2 is inserted into the subject in this state, illumination is applied within the illumination range S by the emitted light emitted from the LED chip 69. At this time, the reflected light from the subject forms an image on the CCD 23 via the objective lens group 42, and the image signal from the CCD 23 is converted into a video signal through a predetermined process, whereby the image in the subject is obtained. Is displayed on the LCD monitor. The subject is inspected while viewing the observation image on the LCD monitor.

Here, since the emission angle of the emitted light from the LED chip 69 is larger than the viewing angle, conventionally, most of the emitted light does not fall within the viewing angle, and the observation range K cannot be effectively illuminated. In this embodiment, the observation range K is illuminated as follows.
That is, the emitted light emitted from the LED chip 69 is refracted and condensed by passing through the convex lens 76 as shown in FIG. Therefore, the traveling direction of the outgoing light is changed, and the outgoing angle from the tip of the optical adapter 11 is narrowed. Therefore, the emitted light that has passed through the convex lens 76 reaches the observation range K. As a result, the illumination range S substantially matches the observation range K, and the observation range K is sufficiently illuminated.

Further, the observation depth changes depending on the site when observing the inside of the subject, and the observation range K changes accordingly. In the present invention, the illumination range is larger than the observation range K in the required change depth Δd. It is always wider than S.
Furthermore, although it is difficult to install the convex lens 76 with high accuracy so that the illumination range S as described above is set, in this embodiment, the cover glass 75 is placed at a predetermined position in front of the LED chip 69. Install in. Then, since the cover glass 75 is integrally formed as one unit with the installation position, installation angle, and refractive index of the convex lens 76 determined in advance, the illumination range S substantially matches the observation range K as described above. Automatically set to do.

  As described above, according to the endoscope apparatus 1 in the present embodiment, the light emitted from the LED chip 69 is condensed by the convex lens 76, and the illumination range S is substantially matched with the observation range K, whereby the illumination range S is observed. The observation range K is prevented from being out of the range K, and sufficient illumination can be applied to the observation range K. Therefore, illumination efficiency can be improved, and quick and accurate observation can be performed.

In addition, since the illumination range S is adjusted to be always wider than the observation range K in the change depth Δd, sufficient illumination can always be applied within the necessary observation range K. Furthermore, since it is not necessary to consider illumination at a depth unnecessary for observation, it is easy to set the amount of light, and the illumination efficiency can be further improved.
Further, since the cover glass 75 is integrally formed as one unit with the installation position, installation angle, and refractive index of the convex lens 76 determined in advance, the cover glass 75 is formed at a predetermined position in front of the LED chip 69. Therefore, the convex lens 76 can be accurately installed in accordance with the LED chip 69, and the work load during the assembly work can be greatly reduced.

In this embodiment, the cover glass 75 is integrally formed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the convex lens 76 may be embedded in the cover glass 75 or the convex lens 76 may be separately installed as a separate part. . However, as described above, the one-piece molding is preferable in terms of work efficiency and the like.
Further, although the convex lens 76 is provided, the present invention is not limited to this, and the shape of the lens may be appropriately changed as long as the light is condensed.

(Example 2)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
7 and 8 show a second embodiment of the present invention.
7 and 8, the same components as those shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.
This embodiment and the first embodiment have the same basic configuration, and differ in the following points.

That is, in the endoscope apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the LED case 61 is formed of a material such as aluminum that reflects light, and the inner peripheral surface 78 of the peripheral wall portion 63 is the base end side. Inclined by a predetermined angle so as to gradually spread from the tip toward the tip. In addition, the convex lens 76 is not provided and the disc glass 79 is provided as a thing equivalent to the cover glass 75. FIG.
When the LED chip 69 is driven under such a configuration, as shown in FIG. 8, the outer emitted light L directed outward from the LED chip 69 toward the inner peripheral surface 78 reaches the inner peripheral surface 78. And reflect there. Then, the outgoing outgoing light L whose traveling direction has been changed by the reflection reaches the observation range K. That is, the inner peripheral surface 78 functions as a reflecting surface and a traveling direction changing means.

As described above, the outer outgoing light L is reflected by the inner peripheral surface 78 and is prevented from further spreading outward, whereby the illumination range S can be substantially matched with the observation range K.
Moreover, since not only the outgoing light directly directed into the observation range K but also the outer outgoing light L can reach the observation range K by the reflection, the illumination efficiency can be further improved.

In the above embodiment, the inner peripheral surface 78 of the LED case 61 is a reflective surface. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an aluminum peripheral wall portion is provided on the aluminum substrate 64, and the inner peripheral surface of the aluminum peripheral wall portion is reflected. It may be a surface.
Moreover, you may make it install a reflecting plate etc. in the vicinity of LED chip 69 as another member.
Further, although the convex lens 76 is not provided, the present invention is not limited to this, and a condensing lens may be provided in front of each LED chip 69.

(Example 3)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.
9 to 11 show a third embodiment of the present invention.
9 to 11, the same components as those shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the outer wall portion 80 is in the vicinity of the LED chip 69 and outside the objective lens group 42, that is, on the side far from the objective lens group 42 in the radial direction of the optical adapter 11. In addition, an inner wall portion 81 is provided on the inner side of the objective lens group 42, that is, on the side closer to the radial direction of the optical adapter 11 from the objective lens group 42.

As shown in FIG. 10, the outer wall portion 80 and the inner wall portion 81 are provided so as to be inclined by a predetermined angle so as to gradually spread from the proximal end side toward the distal end side. The inclination angle θ ₁ of the outer wall portion 80, that is, the angle with respect to the front surface (mounting surface) 65 a of the flexible substrate 65 is set larger than the inclination angle θ ₂ of the inner wall portion 81, that is, the angle with respect to the front surface 65 a.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, a reflecting member 84 including an outer wall portion 80 and an inner wall portion 81 is installed in front of the flexible substrate 65. The reflecting member 84 is made of a material such as aluminum that reflects light, and is formed in a donut shape having a through hole 84b in the center. A rectangular opening 85 is formed at the front end surface 84a of the reflecting member 84 at a position facing each LED chip 69, and is near the opening 85 and far from the through hole 84b. Is provided with an outer wall portion 80, and an inner wall portion 81 is provided on the near side.
Further, the reflecting member 84 is an integral unit in a state where the installation positions and installation angles of the opening 85, the outer wall section 80, and the inner wall section 81 are determined in advance in accordance with the installation position and installation angle of the LED chip 69. It is configured.

Under such a configuration, when the reflecting member 84 is installed at a predetermined position, the LED chips 69 are respectively disposed in the openings 85 as shown in FIG. When the LED chip 69 is driven in this state, the outgoing light L directed outward from the LED chip 69 toward the outer wall 80 is reflected when it reaches the outer wall 80. Then, the outgoing outgoing light L whose traveling direction has been changed by the reflection reaches the observation range K. That is, the outer wall 80 functions as an outer reflecting surface.
On the other hand, when the inner emitted light M directed inward from the LED chip 69 toward the inner wall portion 81 reaches the inner wall portion 81, it is reflected there and reaches the observation range K. That is, the inner wall portion 81 functions as an inner reflection surface.

Here, since the LED chip 69 is provided outside the objective lens group 42, the outer emitted light L tends to go out of the observation range K, but the inner emitted light M reaches the observation range K widely. easy. And when reaching widely, the light is dispersed and the amount of light per unit area is reduced, but the inner emitted light M overlaps with the inner emitted light M from the other LED chips 69, so that it reaches the observation range K more widely. However, a sufficient amount of light can be obtained.
In this embodiment, the outer output light L, since the inclination angle theta ₁ of the outer wall portion 80 is set to be larger, the traveling direction is changed larger. Therefore, the outward emission light L is prevented from spreading outward and reaches a narrower range within the observation range K. On the other hand, since the inner outgoing light M is set to have a small inclination angle θ ₂ of the inner wall portion 81, its traveling direction is changed more slowly and reaches a wider range within the observation range K.

As described above, not only the same effects as those of the second embodiment can be obtained, but also the inner emission light M can reach the observation range K, so that the illumination efficiency can be further improved. In addition, since the inner emitted light M can reach the observation range K widely and be superimposed, not only can a sufficient amount of light be obtained over a wide range, but also the occurrence of unevenness in the amount of light can be prevented and the inside of the subject can be uniformly distributed. Can be illuminated. Therefore, a highly accurate observation image can be obtained, and quick and accurate observation can be performed.
Further, since the reflection member 84 is configured as an integral unit with the installation positions and the installation angles of the opening portion 85, the outer wall portion 80, and the inner wall portion 81 being determined in advance, the reflection member 84 is replaced with the LED chip 69. The outer wall portion 80 and the inner wall portion 81 can be accurately installed according to the LED chips 69 only by being installed at a predetermined position in front of the LED chip 69, and the work load during the assembly work can be greatly reduced. it can.

In the above embodiment, the outer wall 80 is an outer reflecting surface and the inner wall 81 is an inner reflecting surface. However, the present invention is not limited to this. An inner reflector or the like may be installed.
Further, although no lens or the like is installed, a condensing lens may be installed in front of each LED chip 69.

Example 4
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 12 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
This embodiment and the third embodiment have the same basic configuration and are different in the following points.
That is, in this embodiment, the reflecting member 84 is formed of glass, and an outer vapor deposition surface (outer reflection surface) 80a and an inner vapor deposition surface (inner reflection) formed by depositing metal on the outer wall portion 80 and the inner wall portion 81. Surface) 81a. Further, a protective cover 88 formed in a donut shape with glass is provided as an equivalent to the disk glass 79.

The rear end surface of the protective cover 88 is provided with a projection 89 that is fitted into a region A defined by the outer vapor deposition surface 80a, the LED chip 69, and the inner vapor deposition surface 81a and fills the region A.
Under such a configuration, by installing the protective cover 88 at a predetermined position, the region A is filled and the outer vapor deposition surface 80a and the inner vapor deposition surface 81a are protected.

As described above, the same effects as those of the third embodiment can be obtained, and the outer vapor deposition surface 80a and the inner vapor deposition surface 81a can be prevented from being damaged or peeled off.
Further, since the reflecting member 84 is formed of glass instead of aluminum, the optical adapter 11 can be reduced in weight.
A condensing lens may be provided in front of the LED chip 69.

(Example 5)
Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
13 and 14 show a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
In the present embodiment, the inner bottom surface 61a of the LED case 61 is inclined toward the objective lens group 42, and the aluminum substrate 64 and the flexible substrate 65 are also inclined and installed in accordance with this inclination. ing. Therefore, the LED chip 69 is inclined inward toward the objective lens group 42 side.

  The inclination of the flexible substrate 65 is formed as follows, for example. That is, as shown in FIG. 14, a part of the circumferential direction of the flexible substrate 65 formed in a donut shape is cut out in an arc shape. And it pulls in the circumferential direction so that the both ends 65b of the circumferential direction formed by notching in this way may mutually approach. Then, the flexible substrate 65 becomes a mortar shape, and the both end portions 65b are fixed to each other in the mortar shape. Thereby, the flexible substrate 65 in which the front surface 65a is inclined is obtained.

As shown in FIG. 13, a deformable cover 91 is provided as a member corresponding to the cover glass 75 and is formed into a disk shape from glass. The outer peripheral portion 92 of the deformation cover 91 is inclined toward the objective lens group 42 in accordance with the inclination of the LED chip 69.
Under such a configuration, driving the LED chip 69 illuminates the observation range K. However, in this embodiment, the LED chip 69 itself is inclined inward, and thus the illumination range. S is entirely shifted inward.

As described above, the illumination range S can be substantially matched with the observation range K, and illumination can be efficiently and reliably applied to the observation range K with a simple configuration.
A condensing lens may be provided on the deformation cover 91 or the like so as to face each LED chip 69.

(Example 6)
Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
15 and 16 show a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
In the present embodiment, the objective lens group 42 is provided eccentrically in the radial direction of the optical adapter 11, and the first lens 42 a is provided eccentrically on the distal end surface 11 a of the optical adapter 11. A semicircular opening 11b is formed in a region vacated by the eccentricity. An LED chip 69 attached to the flexible substrate 65 is disposed in the opening 11a. The aluminum substrate 64 and the flexible substrate 65 are installed to be inclined toward the objective lens group 42 side. Therefore, the LED chip 69 is inclined toward the objective lens group 42 side.
A semicircular glass plate 93 that covers the entire LED chip 69 is provided in front of the LED chip 69.

  When the LED chip 69 is driven under such a configuration, the observation range K is illuminated, but in this embodiment, the LED chip 69 itself is inclined as in the fifth embodiment. Therefore, the illumination range S illuminated by driving the LED chip 69 is shifted to the objective lens group 42 as a whole.

As described above, the illumination range S can be substantially matched with the observation range K, and the same effect as in the fifth embodiment can be obtained.
Although the glass plate 93 is provided, instead of this, a condensing lens may be provided or resin-sealed.

(Example 7)
Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described.
17 and 18 show a seventh embodiment of the present invention.
In this embodiment, instead of the direct-viewing optical adapter 11, a side-viewing optical adapter 94 for observing the side is configured.

The side-viewing optical adapter 94 is configured such that the side part is cut out from the front end of the outer frame member 25 to the middle part, and the lengthwise direction of the side-viewing optical adapter 94 is formed in the notched part. A side flat surface 95 is formed.
The first lens 42a of the objective lens group 42 is provided at the center of the side flat surface 95, and the LED chip 69 attached to the flexible substrate 65 is disposed so as to surround the first lens 42a. ing. A reflective frame 98 made of aluminum or the like is provided outside the LED chips 69 so as to surround the entire LED chip 69. The inner wall surface 98a of the reflection frame 98 is inclined by a predetermined angle so as to gradually spread from the base end side toward the tip end side.
The LED chip 69 is protected by the resin sealing portion 99.

  When the LED chip 69 is driven under such a configuration, the outer emitted light L reaches the inner wall surface 98a and is reflected there. That is, the inner wall surface 98a functions as a reflecting surface and a traveling direction changing means. Then, the outer outgoing light L reaches the observation range K by the same action as in the second embodiment.

As described above, the illumination range S can be substantially matched with the observation range K even when viewed from the side, and the same effect as in the second embodiment can be obtained.
In the above embodiment, the inner wall surface 98a is provided on the outer side of the LED chip 69. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a gently inclined wall portion may be provided on the inner side. Thereby, the same effects as those of the third embodiment can be obtained.
Moreover, although the resin sealing part 99 was provided in the LED chip 69, it is not restricted to this, You may make it provide the lens for condensing.

(Example 8)
Next, an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
19 and 20 show an eighth embodiment of the present invention.
This embodiment and the sixth embodiment have the same basic configuration and are different in the following points.

That is, in the present embodiment, the first lens 42a of the objective lens group 42 is provided on the side flat surface 95 so as to be decentered in the length direction of the side-viewing optical adapter 94. The LED chip 69 attached to the flexible substrate 65 is disposed. The aluminum substrate 64 and the flexible substrate 65 are installed to be inclined toward the objective lens group 42 side. Therefore, the LED chip 69 is inclined inward toward the objective lens group 42 side.
Further, in front of the LED chip 69, an overall convex lens 101 for covering and condensing the entire LED chip 69 is provided.

  With this configuration, when the LED chip 69 is driven, the emitted light is condensed by passing through the overall convex lens 101. At this time, since the LED chip 69 is inclined, the illumination range S illuminated by the driving of the LED chip 69 is shifted to the objective lens group 42 as a whole, as in the fifth embodiment. It becomes a state.

As described above, the illumination range S can be substantially matched with the observation range K even when viewed from the side, and the same effect as in the fifth embodiment can be obtained.
Further, by condensing with the overall convex lens 101, the desired observation range K can be efficiently and sufficiently illuminated.
Although the overall convex lens 101 is provided, instead of this, a resin seal or a cover such as glass may be provided.

In addition, although the optical adapter type endoscope apparatus has been described, the optical adapter type may not be used.
The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the first to eighth embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a first embodiment of an endoscope apparatus according to the present invention and showing a state before an endoscope body is stored in a case. In the same Example, it is a perspective view which shows the state which stored the endoscope apparatus main body in the case. It is principal part sectional drawing which shows the insertion part of the endoscope apparatus shown in FIG. It is the disassembled perspective view which looked at the electrode substrate and conductive rubber of the endoscope apparatus shown in FIG. 1 from the rear end face side. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the mode of the optical adapter shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the illumination range and observation range of the endoscope apparatus shown in FIG. It is principal part sectional drawing which shows the insertion part in 2nd Example of the endoscope apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is the figure which expanded the insertion part shown in FIG. 7, Comprising: It is explanatory drawing which shows the mode of reflection of outside emitted light. It is principal part sectional drawing which shows the insertion part in 3rd Example of the endoscope apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is the figure which expanded the insertion part shown in FIG. 9, Comprising: It is explanatory drawing which shows the mode of reflection of outer side emitted light and inner side emitted light. It is a perspective view which shows the mode of the flexible substrate and reflection member which are shown in FIG. It is principal part sectional drawing which shows the insertion part in 4th Example of the endoscope apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is principal part sectional drawing which shows the insertion part in 5th Example of the endoscope apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the mode of manufacture of the flexible substrate shown in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the optical adapter in the 6th Example of the endoscope apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the optical adapter shown in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the optical adapter for side views in the 7th Example of the endoscope apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the optical adapter for side views shown in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the optical adapter for side views in the 8th Example of the endoscope apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the optical adapter for side views shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Endoscope apparatus 2 Insertion part (endoscope insertion part)
23 CCD (observation means)
42 Objective lens group (observation means)
65a Front (mounting surface)
69 LED chip (lighting means)
75 Cover glass (light collecting member)
76 Convex lens (condensing lens, travel direction changing means)
78 Inner peripheral surface (reflection surface, travel direction changing means)
80 Outer wall (outer reflective surface)
80a Outside deposition surface (outside reflection surface)
81 Inner wall (inner reflection surface)
81a Inner deposition surface (inner reflection surface)
84 Reflecting member 98a Inner wall surface (reflecting surface, travel direction changing means)
L Outgoing light K Observation range S Illumination range θ ₁ , θ ₂ Tilt angle

Claims (9)

An endoscope insertion portion extending in a tubular shape is inserted into a subject, and observation means having an objective lens provided in the endoscope insertion portion and illumination means provided in the vicinity of the objective lens are used. In the endoscope apparatus for observing the inside of the subject,
An endoscope apparatus, wherein an illumination range by the illumination unit is configured to substantially match an observation range by the observation unit.   The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a traveling direction changing unit that changes a traveling direction of the emitted light emitted by the illumination unit.   The internal view according to claim 2, wherein the traveling direction changing means includes a condensing lens that is provided on an optical path of the outgoing light and collects the outgoing light within the observation range. Mirror device. A light collecting member provided in front of the illumination means and having the light collecting lens;
This condensing member is configured as an integral unit in a state where the installation position, installation angle, and refractive index of the condensing lens are determined in advance according to the installation position and installation angle of the illumination means. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 3.   The advancing direction changing means is provided on an optical path of outer outgoing light that goes outward with respect to the objective lens in the outgoing light, and includes a reflecting surface that reflects the outer outgoing light toward the observation range. The endoscope apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the endoscope apparatus is provided. The reflective surface includes an outer reflective surface disposed outside the objective lens, and an inner reflective surface disposed inside.
The endoscope apparatus according to claim 5, wherein an inclination angle of the outer reflection surface with respect to a mounting surface to which the illuminating unit is attached is set to be larger than an inclination angle of the inner reflection surface. A reflective member provided in front of the illumination means and having the reflective surface;
The reflecting member is configured as an integral unit in a state where an installation position and an installation angle of the reflecting surface are determined in advance according to an installation position and an installation angle of the illumination unit. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 5 or 6.   The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the illumination unit is provided to be inclined toward the objective lens side. The illumination range is set wider than the observation range until the observation depth when the inside of the subject is observed by the observation means is from the minimum to the maximum, and the illumination is set at the maximum observation depth. The endoscope apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a range is set so as to substantially match the observation range.

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