JP2007282804A - Imaging device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide imaging devices which can be loaded to two or more kinds of electronic endoscopes where layouts etc., of matter incorporated in distal end parts are different from each other. <P>SOLUTION: The imaging devices 30A and 30B are provided with: objective optical system units 31A and 31 which form an image of a subject; a solid imaging element 37a which carries out photoelectric conversion of the image of the subject formed by the objective optical system units 31A and 31, and a solid imaging element unit 32 having a signal cable 39 for transmitting imaging signals obtained from the solid imaging element 37a. In the imaging devices 30A and 30B, the outer diameter of the objective optical system units 31A and 31 is constituted to be smaller than that of the solid imaging element unit 32. The solid imaging element unit 32 has a notch part 75 formed on its outer-peripheral surface so that its outer shape may be nearly symmetrical with respect to the centers of the optical axes of the objective optical system units 31A and 31. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus including an objective optical system unit that forms a subject image, and a solid-state imaging element unit that photoelectrically converts the subject image formed by the objective optical system unit.

  Conventionally, endoscopes have been widely used for medical and industrial purposes. The endoscope can perform a therapeutic treatment by observing an affected area in a body cavity by inserting an elongated insertion section into the body cavity, or by inserting a treatment tool into the forceps channel as necessary. Among the endoscopes, there is an electronic endoscope in which an imaging device for capturing a captured subject image is built in a distal end portion. Conventional imaging apparatuses used for such electronic endoscopes are proposed in, for example, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent No. 3193470), Patent Document 2 (Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 6-30162), and the like.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 of Patent Document 1 and FIG. 1 of Patent Document 2, the conventional imaging apparatus includes an insertion part of an electronic endoscope together with other built-in components such as an illumination optical system and a suction channel. It is arrange | positioned at the front-end | tip part. In the conventional imaging device, since the outer diameter of the solid-state imaging device unit is configured to be larger than the maximum outer diameter of the objective optical system unit, a notch is formed so as not to interfere with the other built-in objects.

  For example, as shown in FIGS. 30 and 31, the conventional imaging apparatus 121 is configured so that the maximum outer diameter of the solid-state imaging device unit 122 is larger than the outer diameter of the objective optical system unit 123 and the electronic endoscopes 120 and 120B. Arranged at the distal end of the insertion portion. Therefore, the conventional imaging device 121 is notched in the solid-state imaging device unit 122 so as not to interfere with other built-in objects such as the illumination optical system 125, the air / water supply conduit 126, the suction channel 127, and the bending operation wire 128. A portion 122a is formed. Therefore, in the conventional imaging device 121, the position of the notch 122a differs depending on the layout of the other built-in objects.

Further, as shown in FIG. 32, the conventional imaging apparatus 121C is provided with a moving body unit 126 that moves a part of the objective optical system unit 123C forward and backward in the optical axis direction, and has a zooming function or a focusing function. Yes. For this reason, in the conventional imaging device 121C, the cutout portion 122a is formed in a part of the solid-state image sensor unit 122C so that the maximum outer diameter of the moving body unit 126 does not interfere with the maximum outer diameter of the solid-state image sensor unit 122C. is doing. Therefore, in the conventional imaging device 121 </ b> C, the position of the notch 122 a is different depending on the arrangement position of the mobile unit 126.
Japanese Patent No. 3193470 (FIGS. 3 and 4) Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 6-30162 (FIG. 1)

  Since the conventional imaging apparatus is configured so that the outer diameter of the solid-state imaging device unit is larger than the maximum outer diameter of the objective optical system unit, other built-in items such as an illumination optical system and a suction channel depending on the type of electronic endoscope The positions of the cutout portions are different depending on the layout or the arrangement position of the mobile unit. For this reason, the conventional imaging device can be mounted only on the electronic endoscope laid out according to the layout of other built-in objects or the arrangement position of the mobile unit, because the position of the notch is different. It was difficult to mount on various types of electronic endoscopes.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an imaging apparatus that can be mounted on a plurality of types of electronic endoscopes having different layouts and the like of built-in objects at the tip.

In order to solve the above problems, an imaging apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes an objective optical system unit that forms a subject image, a solid-state imaging device that photoelectrically converts a subject image formed by the objective optical unit, and And a solid-state imaging device unit having a cable for transmitting an imaging signal obtained from the solid-state imaging device, wherein the outer diameter of the solid-state imaging device unit is smaller than the outer diameter of the objective optical system unit. did.
An imaging apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention is configured to reduce the outer diameter of the solid-state imaging element unit relative to the outer diameter of the objective optical system unit, and to the optical axis center of the objective optical system unit. Thus, a notch is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the solid-state imaging device unit so that the outer shape is substantially symmetrical.

  The image pickup apparatus of the present invention has an effect that it can be mounted on a plurality of types of electronic endoscopes having different layouts of built-in objects at the tip.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  1 to 20 relate to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing the endoscope apparatus of the first embodiment, FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing the distal end side of the insertion portion in FIG. 1, and FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 2, FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. 3, FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing the configuration of the second imaging device in FIG. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between the outer diameters of the objective optical system unit and the solid-state image sensor unit of the first image pickup device, and FIG. 8 is an objective optical system unit and solid-state image sensor unit of the second image pickup device. And FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a first modified example showing the positioning and fixing of the imaging device, and FIG. 10 is a second modified example showing the positioning and fixing of the imaging device. FIG. 11 is an explanatory view showing a third modification showing the positioning and fixing of the imaging device, and FIG. 12 shows the positioning and fixing of the imaging device. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a fourth modification, FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a first modification showing the arrangement configuration of the front group lens, and FIG. 14 is an explanation showing a second modification showing the arrangement configuration of the front group lens. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a third modification showing the arrangement configuration of the front lens group, FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing a fourth modification showing the arrangement configuration of the front lens group, and FIG. 17 is a front lens group. FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing a sixth modification showing the arrangement configuration of the front lens group, and FIG. 19 is an illumination optical system in synchronization with the operation of the mobile unit. FIG. 20 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of an electronic endoscope showing a modification of FIG. 19.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an endoscope apparatus 1 having the form of the first embodiment of the present invention includes an electronic endoscope 2 having an electromagnetic interference countermeasure means and incorporating an imaging device described later, and the electronic endoscope. 2, a light source device 3 for supplying illumination light to a video processor 4, a video processor 4 for performing signal processing on the imaging device of the electronic endoscope 2, and a video signal output from the video processor 4. It has a color monitor (hereinafter simply referred to as monitor) 5 for display. The video processor 4 can be connected to a VTR deck, a video printer, a video disk, an image file device, etc. (not shown). The light source device 3 can supply special light for special light observation such as infrared observation and white light for normal observation.

  The electronic endoscope 2 includes an elongated insertion portion 6 and an operation portion 7 that is connected to the proximal end side of the insertion portion 6 and also serves as a gripping portion. In the electronic endoscope 2, a flexible universal cord 8 extending from a side portion is provided on the operation portion 7. The universal cord 8 has a light guide and a signal cable to be described later inserted therein. The universal cord 8 is provided with a connector portion 9 at an end portion. The connector portion 9 has a light guide connector (hereinafter referred to as LG connector) 9a connected to the light source device 3 at the tip, and a video connector in which a connection cable 4a of the video processor 4 is connected to a side portion of the LG connector 9a. 9b.

  The endoscope insertion portion 6 (the insertion portion 6 of the electronic endoscope 2) includes a distal end portion 11 provided at a distal end, a bendable bending portion 12 provided on a proximal end side of the distal end portion 11, A long and flexible flexible tube portion 13 provided on the proximal end side of the curved portion 12 is connected to the curved portion 12. The endoscope operating unit 7 (the operating unit 7 of the electronic endoscope 2) has a gripping portion 7a, which is a part that is gripped and gripped by the user, on the proximal end side. The endoscope operation unit 7 is provided with a switch unit 14 in which a plurality of video switches 14a for remotely operating the video processor 4 are arranged on the upper side of the gripping unit 7a.

  Further, the endoscope operation unit 7 is provided with an air supply / water supply operation unit 15 for operating an air supply operation and a water supply operation and a suction operation unit 16 for operating the suction operation on the side surface. . Further, the endoscope operation unit 7 is provided with a bending operation knob 17. In the endoscope operation section 7, the bending section 12 is bent when the holding section 7 a is held and the bending operation knob 17 is rotated. The endoscope operation section 7 is provided with a treatment instrument insertion port 18 for inserting a treatment instrument such as a biopsy forceps near the front end of the grasping section 7a.

  The endoscope insertion portion 6 is provided with an air supply / water supply conduit to be described later. The air / water supply pipe line is connected to the air / water supply operation part 15 in the operation part 7, and the end of the air / water supply pipe line is connected to the connector via the air / water supply pipe line inserted through the universal cord 8. The unit 9 is connected to an air / water supply mechanism (not shown) in the light source device 3. Further, the air / water supply conduit is communicated with an air / water supply nozzle 19 disposed at the distal end portion 11 of the insertion portion.

  The endoscope insertion portion 6 is provided with a suction channel to be described later. This suction channel branches into two near the distal end side in the operation portion 7, one communicates with the treatment instrument insertion port 18, and the other sucks in the universal cord 8 via the suction operation portion 16. The connector communicates with the channel and reaches a suction cap (not shown) of the connector portion 9. The suction channel has a distal end opening 11a that opens to the distal end portion 11 of the insertion portion as a suction port during suction operation. When a treatment instrument such as forceps is inserted from the treatment instrument insertion port 18, a treatment such as forceps is performed. It becomes a forceps outlet from which the distal end side of the tool protrudes.

  In the electronic endoscope 2, a light guide that transmits illumination light is inserted and disposed in the insertion portion 6, the operation portion 7, and the universal cord 8. In the light guide, the base end side reaches the connector portion 9 of the universal cord 8 through the operation portion 7, and transmits illumination light from a light source lamp (not shown) provided in the light source device 3. . Illumination light transmitted from the light guide illuminates a subject such as an affected area from an illumination window 11b via an illumination optical system (not shown) disposed at the distal end portion 11 of the insertion portion.

  The illuminated subject receives a subject image from observation windows 11c and 11d provided adjacent to the illumination window 11b. Note that the electronic endoscope 2 of the present embodiment is a twin-lens type equipped with a single-focus imaging device for special light observation and a zooming function or focusing function imaging device for normal observation, as will be described later. This is an electronic endoscope.

  The captured subject image is picked up by the image pickup device, subjected to photoelectric conversion, and converted into an image pickup signal. This imaging signal is transmitted to a signal cable, which will be described later, extending from the imaging device, and is output to the video processor 4 via a noise reducer (not shown) housed in the connector unit 9. The video processor 4 processes the image signal from the image pickup device of the electronic endoscope 2 to generate a standard video signal, and outputs the video signal to the monitor 5. An endoscopic image is displayed.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the distal end portion 11 of the endoscope insertion portion 6 includes a distal end main body 21 formed on a substantially circular cylinder made of metal such as stainless steel, and the distal end side of the distal end main body 21. And a resin-made front end cover 22 fixed integrally with an adhesive. The distal end portion main body 21 is covered with a distal end portion of a curved rubber tube 23 covering the plurality of bending pieces 12a, 12b,... Constituting the bending portion 12 at the base end portion, and is firmly fixed by providing a bobbin adhering portion. Yes.

  The most advanced bending piece 12 a constituting the bending portion 12 is fixed to the proximal end portion of the distal end portion main body 21. The leading end portions of the four bending operation wires 24 inserted through the insertion portion 11 are held and fixed to the most advanced bending piece 12a. These bending operation wires 24 are connected to a bending operation mechanism (not shown) whose base end is connected to the bending operation knob 17 so as to be alternately pulled or relaxed. The bending portion 12 is bent in four directions by pulling and loosening the four bending operation wires 24 by a predetermined operation of the bending operation knob 17. These four directions are the up, down, left, and right directions of the endoscopic image captured by the imaging devices 30A and 30B displayed on the monitor 5.

The tip body 21 is provided with a first imaging device 30A for special light observation, which is an imaging device 30, and a second imaging device 30B having a zooming function or a focusing function.
The first imaging device 30A is used for special observation that captures and captures an image obtained by irradiating a region to be examined with special light such as ultraviolet rays or infrared rays supplied from the light source device 3. For example, when the first imaging device 30A is used for fluorescence observation, the first imaging device 30A captures and captures an image of autofluorescence generated by irradiating a test site with excitation light. The video processor 4 performs signal processing on the imaging signal obtained from the first imaging device 30A, detects, for example, an autofluorescence intensity difference between a normal tissue and a diseased tissue, and displays it on the monitor 5 as a fluorescent image. The special light observation may be night vision observation or infrared observation in addition to fluorescence observation, and is not particularly limited to fluorescence observation.

  The second imaging device 30B is used for normal observation that captures a normal endoscopic image obtained by irradiating a region to be examined with white light supplied from the light source device 3. Note that the second imaging device 30B has a scaling function or a focusing function, as will be described later, and is capable of, for example, magnifying observation of a surface shape, a cell structure, etc. in an organ.

  The electronic endoscope 2 according to the present embodiment is capable of better imaging the information in the frequency band necessary for each observation by mounting two types of imaging devices for normal observation and special light observation. Therefore, the performance during observation can be further improved.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the first and second imaging devices 30A and 30B are disposed at the distal end portion 11 together with other built-in objects. In the distal end portion 11, one air / water supply conduit 71 is disposed on an extension line between the optical axis centers of the first imaging device 30A and the second imaging device 30B. The air / water supply nozzle 19 communicating with the air / water supply pipe 71 supplies air / water toward the observation windows 11c and 11d of the first and second imaging devices 30A and 30B. The distal end portion 11 has an outer diameter determined by an outer diameter when the first and second imaging devices 30A and 30B and the air / water supply conduit 71 are arranged on a straight line.

  Further, the distal end portion 11 is arranged so that the suction channel 72, the light guide 73, and the bending operation wire 24 are disposed within the outer diameter range, and the moving body unit 33 of the second imaging device 30B can be disposed in an empty space. It is arranged at a predetermined position in the center of the axis. An illumination optical system (not shown) is disposed at the light exit end of the light guide 73. The illumination light transmitted through the light guide 73 illuminates the subject from the illumination window 11b via the illumination optical system.

  The air / water supply conduit 71 has the smallest outer diameter among the built-in components, and is thus arranged on a substantially straight line between the two imaging devices 30A and 30B. If the outer diameter of the built-in object such as the light guide 73 and the suction channel 72 is small, the distal end portion 11 may be arranged on a substantially straight line between the two imaging devices 30A and 30B. With such a configuration, the distal end portion 11 can have the smallest outer diameter.

  As shown in FIG. 4, in the first imaging device 30 </ b> A, an objective optical system unit 31 </ b> A, which will be described later, is disposed in a through hole 21 a formed in the tip end body 21. In the second imaging device 30B, an objective optical system unit 31, which will be described later, is disposed in a through hole 21b formed in the distal end body 21.

  A screw hole 25 is formed in the side surface of the distal end body 21. Further, the fixed screw 26 inserted through the screw hole 25 has a tip-like shape formed into a slanted slope. In the first and second imaging devices 30A and 30B, a V-shaped groove 27 is formed on the outer periphery of the objective lens frame 62 or the rear group lens frame 35 constituting the objective optical system units 31A and 31. . The tip body 21 positions the first and second imaging devices 30A and 30B by pressing the fixing screw 26 against the inclined portion of the groove 27 of the objective lens frame 62 or the rear lens group frame 35. It is fixed.

  The imaging device 30A is provided with an objective optical system unit 31A and an imaging unit 32a that is provided in a row on the rear end side of the objective optical system unit 31A and is disposed at the imaging position of the objective optical system unit 31A. And an element unit 32. The objective optical system unit 31A has an objective lens frame 62 for holding and fixing the objective lens group 62a. The imaging element unit 32 has an imaging unit 32a that is substantially the same as the second imaging device 30B.

  The image pickup device 30B is provided in an objective optical system unit 31 having a zooming function or a focusing function and a rear end side of the objective optical system unit 31, and is disposed at an image forming position of the objective optical system unit 31. An imaging device unit 32 having an imaging unit 32a, and a movable body unit 33 which is a moving mechanism for moving a movable lens frame, which will be described later, provided in the objective optical system unit 31 back and forth in the optical axis direction. It is configured.

Next, a detailed configuration of the imaging device 30B will be described with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 5, the objective optical system unit 31 constituting the imaging device 30B includes a front group lens frame 34 that holds and fixes the front group lens 34a, and a rear group lens frame 35 that holds and fixes the rear group lens 35a. It consists of The rear group lens frame 35 is provided continuously to the proximal end side of the front group lens frame 34. The rear group lens frame 35 has a movable lens frame 36 slidable in the optical axis direction between the rear group lens 35a and the front group lens 34a.

  The movable lens frame 36 holds and fixes the movable lens 36a. The movable lens frame 36 has a handle portion 36b extending to the lower portion thereof fixed to the moving body unit 33 by a connecting portion 36c. The objective optical system unit 31 is configured to perform focusing by moving the movable lens frame 36 forward and backward in the optical axis direction by the moving body unit 33.

  As described above, the imaging element unit 32 includes the imaging unit 32a. The imaging unit 32a includes a solid-state imaging device 37a, a cover glass 37b bonded to the solid-state imaging device 37a with an adhesive, and an objective optical system component 37c bonded to the front surface of the cover glass 37b. Yes. The objective optical system component 37c may be a parallel plate lens as long as the light condensing power is strong.

  In the imaging unit 32 a, an objective optical system part 37 c is fitted and fixed to the element frame 38, and is bonded and fixed to the element frame 38. The imaging unit 32 a is bonded and fixed in a state where the element frame 38 is fitted to the rear end side of the rear group lens frame 35. Thereby, the image sensor unit 32 is connected to the base end side of the objective optical system unit 31. A lens 42 is fitted to the distal end side of the element frame 38. The element frame 38 and the objective optical system unit 31 are fixed in a state in which the focus during wide-angle observation is adjusted.

  The solid-state imaging device 37a has an image area having a predetermined area on the imaging surface and a connection portion (not shown) for transmitting a drive signal, an output signal, and a drive power source. In the imaging unit 32a, a flexible substrate 37d is connected to the connection unit of the solid-state imaging element 37a. In the flexible substrate 37d, for example, a wiring pattern is formed of copper on both surfaces of a polyimide base material formed of polyimide. In the flexible substrate 37d, an inner lead portion (not shown) exposed in the opening is connected to a land portion (not shown) of the multilayer substrate portion 37e by solder.

  The laminated substrate portion 37e is mounted with an electronic component for removing noise from the pulse signal and an IC for amplifying the imaging signal output from the solid-state imaging device 37a. The periphery of these electronic components and IC and the periphery of the flexible substrate 37d are sealed with a sealing resin 37f. The laminated substrate portion 37e is connected to a connection terminal 37g for connecting the signal cable 39 on the substrate portion side. The connection terminal 37g for GND is larger or longer than the connection terminal 37g of another signal line.

  A plurality of coaxial signal lines 39a and a plurality of simple lines 39b are inserted into the signal cable 39. The imaging unit 32a is an IC in which a driving signal is transmitted from the video processor 4 through the plurality of coaxial signal lines 39a, and an imaging signal output from the solid-state imaging device 37a is mounted on the multilayer substrate unit 37e. After being amplified, it is transmitted to the video processor 4. The imaging unit 32a is supplied with driving power from the video processor 4 through the plurality of simple lines 39b.

  The periphery of the connection terminal 37g and the coaxial signal line 39a and the simple line 39b connected to the connection terminal 37g is fixed by being filled with, for example, an epoxy adhesive 40a. The periphery of the imaging unit 32a is sealed with an adhesive 40b, and the outer periphery thereof is covered with a reinforcing frame 41 fitted and fixed to the element frame 38. The reinforcing frame 41 is fixed by being filled with, for example, an epoxy adhesive 40b.

Next, the detailed configuration of the objective optical system unit 31 will be described.
As described above, the objective optical system unit 31 includes the front group lens frame 34, the rear group lens frame 35, and the movable lens frame 36.

  The front group lens frame 34 and the rear group lens frame 35 are assembled by using a jig. In this assembly, first, rod-shaped jigs (not shown) are inserted into the inner diameter portion where the front group lens 34a of the front group lens frame 34 is fitted and the inner diameter portion where the rear group lens 35a is fitted. Next, these rod-shaped jigs are fitted into the holes of the jig main body, and both the rod-shaped jigs are pressed so that the central axes of the front lens group frame 34 and the rear lens group frame 35 are not inclined. In addition, the hole of the jig body is processed so that the central axes are substantially coincident.

  The movable lens frame 36 slides with the sliding surface 36d in contact with the sliding surface 35b of the rear lens group frame 35. Further, in the movable lens frame 36, as shown in FIG. 6, a sliding surface 36d of the movable lens frame 36 and a tangential portion of the handle portion 36b are R chamfered portions 36e.

  As a result, the objective optical system unit 31 has no edges or burrs at the contact portion between the sliding surface 36d of the movable lens frame 36 and the sliding surface 35b of the rear lens group frame 35 when sliding. Friction can be reduced and good sliding performance can be ensured.

Next, a detailed configuration of the mobile unit 33 will be described.
The moving body unit 33 includes a connecting member 51 connected and fixed to the rear lens group frame 35, a wire rod 52 for sliding the movable lens frame 36, and the wire rod 52 and the movable lens frame 36. And a pipe member 54 that is fitted and fixed to the inner diameter side of the connecting member 51 and restricts the movement in the circumferential direction with respect to the moving shaft on the distal end side of the wire rod 52. It is configured.

  The front end surface of the connecting member 51 and the front end surface of the pipe member 54 are extended to the vicinity of the sliding range of the movable lens frame 36 on the same surface. Further, the connecting member 51 and the pipe member 54 are long, for example, to the vicinity of the rear end side of the reinforcing frame 41 of the imaging element unit 32 as long as the fitting length is possible. In addition, the inner diameter of the connecting member 51 and the outer diameter of the pipe member 54 are set to tolerances so that the clearance is as small as possible. The connecting member 51 and the pipe member 54 are assembled by using an assembling jig so that the centers of the shafts coincide with each other with high precision, and after being fitted, they are bonded and fixed.

  Further, the connecting member 51 and the pipe member 54 that are bonded and fixed have a male screw portion 55 formed at the tip of the connecting member 51 screwed into a female screw portion 56 formed in the handle portion 35c of the rear group lens frame 35. It is supposed to be combined. The handle portion 35c of the rear lens group frame 35 is formed with an abutting portion 57 at the rear end. The connecting member 51 and the pipe member 54 are screwed and fixed until the abutting portion 58 of the connecting member 51 is abutted against the abutting portion 57.

  The abutting portion 58 of the connecting member 51 and the abutting portion 57 of the handle portion 35c of the rear group lens frame 35 are guaranteed to have a degree of perpendicularity of 0.03 or less with respect to the central axis at the component level. Yes. Therefore, the connecting member 51, the pipe member 54, and the rear group lens frame 35, which are bonded and fixed, are assembled with high precision so that the axial centers coincide with each other.

  The wire rod 52 is inserted into the pipe member 54. The wire rod 52 and the connecting member 53 are bonded and fixed by an assembling jig so that the axial centers of both do not shift. The connecting member 53 is bonded and fixed at the distal end side after the male screw portion is screwed into the female screw portion formed in the handle portion 36 b of the movable lens frame 36. The proximal end side of the wire rod 52 is inserted into a tube and a pipe, and is connected to an expansion lever (not shown) of the operation unit 16.

  According to the member configuration and the assembling method, the moving body unit 33 is assembled so that the moving axis center is not inclined with respect to the optical axis center of the objective optical system unit 31. Accordingly, the moving body unit 33 can prevent the movable lens frame 36 from biting into the rear lens group frame 35 and causing the sliding failure when the movable lens frame 36 is slid in the rear group lens frame 35. it can.

  The movable lens frame 36 is positioned on the front side of the handle portion 36b, and at the rear end of the front group lens frame 34, the movable lens frame 36 is positioned forwardly during wide-angle (WIDE) observation. A positioning member 59a for performing is provided. A positioning member 59b for screwing the movable lens frame 36 to the rear side when magnifying (TELE) is observed is screwed to the tip of the connecting member 51.

  Thus, the movable lens frame 36 is positioned by abutting the handle portion 36b against the abutting portion 60 of the positioning member 59b when moving forward during wide-angle observation. The movable lens frame 36 is positioned by abutting the abutting portion 61 of the handle portion 36b against the positioning member 59b during retraction during magnification observation.

The first and second imaging devices 30A and 30B having such a configuration include an illumination optical system, an air / water supply conduit 71, a suction channel 72, a bending operation wire 24, and the like at the distal end portion 11 of the electronic endoscope 2. It is arranged with other built-in items. The electronic endoscope 2 differs in the arrangement position of the built-in object, the shape of the built-in object, and the type of the built-in object depending on the type.
In the present embodiment, an imaging apparatus that can be mounted on a plurality of types of electronic endoscopes having different layouts and the like of built-in objects at the tip is configured.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the imaging device 30A of the present embodiment is configured such that the maximum outer diameter of the solid-state image sensor unit 32 is smaller than the maximum outer diameter of the objective optical system unit 31A. The image pickup apparatus 30A has the solid-state image sensor unit 32 aligned with the center of the optical axis of the objective optical system unit 31A and the outer shape of the solid-state image sensor unit 32 is substantially symmetrical vertically and horizontally. A notch 75 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the lens.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the imaging device 30B moves to a predetermined position on the circumference (360 °) around the optical axis without changing the distance between the optical axis center and the moving axis center of the moving body. The body unit 33 can be arranged. In this imaging device 30 </ b> B, the maximum outer diameter of the solid-state image sensor unit 32 is made smaller than the maximum outer diameter of the objective optical system unit 31. Further, the imaging device 30B is configured by forming a cutout portion 75 on the outer peripheral surface of the solid-state image sensor unit 32 so that the outer shape of the solid-state image sensor unit 32 is substantially symmetrical vertically and horizontally.

  The objective optical system unit 31 used in the imaging device 30B includes a moving unit 33 that moves the movable lens 36a. However, the shape and refractive index of the lens are changed using a liquid crystal lens. Alternatively, an optical characteristic adjustment unit that can change the optical characteristic by changing the inner diameter of the aperture stop may be used.

  According to the present embodiment, the outer diameter of the solid-state imaging device unit 32 is configured so as to be within the outer projection area of the objective optical system units 31 and 31A. Diameter ≧ maximum outer diameter of the solid-state imaging device unit 32, and the maximum outer diameter of the imaging devices 30A and 30B is set as the maximum outer diameter of the objective optical system units 31 and 31A.

  The imaging device 30A does not interfere with other built-in objects within the hard part length range by setting the maximum outer diameter to the maximum outer diameter of the objective optical system unit 31A. Therefore, the imaging device 30A is mounted on various electronic endoscopes without changing the outer shape regardless of the arrangement position of the built-in object, the shape of the built-in object, and the type of the built-in object. It becomes possible.

  In addition, the imaging device 30B having a zooming function or a focusing function is configured so that the maximum outer diameter of the objective optical system unit 31 ≧ the maximum outer diameter of the solid-state imaging element unit 32, and thus a circle centered on the optical axis. It can be arranged at a predetermined position on the circumference (360 °). For this reason, the imaging device 30B is centered on the optical axis without changing the external shape and structure, regardless of the arrangement position of the built-in object, the shape of the built-in object, and the type of the built-in object. The movable body unit 33 can be arranged at a predetermined position on the circumference (360 °) and mounted on various electronic endoscopes 2. Further, the moving body unit 33 can be arranged on the opposite side other than the four corners of the solid-state imaging device unit 32, for example, so that the outer diameter of the imaging device 30B can be reduced, and the outer diameter of the electronic endoscope 2 can also be reduced.

  As a result, the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment can be mounted on a plurality of types of electronic endoscopes having different layouts of built-in objects at the tip. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to mount an imaging apparatus having the same configuration only by changing the assembly method of the imaging apparatus without changing the structure and components of the imaging apparatus. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is not necessary to design an imaging apparatus for a plurality of types of electronic endoscopes, and development costs can be reduced. In addition, according to the present embodiment, since one type of imaging device can be used for a plurality of types of electronic endoscopes, the number of imaging devices produced can be increased, leading to cost reduction of the imaging devices.

  In the imaging devices 30A and 30B, as described above, the objective lens frame 62 or the rear group lens frame 35 constituting the objective optical system units 31A and 31 is positioned and fixed to the tip end body 21 by the fixing screw 26. ing. These imaging devices 30A and 30B may be positioned and fixed to the tip body 21 as shown in FIGS. 9 to 12, for example. 9 to 12 will be described using the first imaging device 30A as a representative example.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the objective lens frame 62B has a V-shaped groove 27B formed in a spiral shape on the outer periphery. Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the objective lens frame 62C is formed on the outer periphery of a frame member 76 whose outer periphery can be moved on the optical axis. The frame member 76 is fitted or screwed to the outer periphery of the objective lens frame 62C. The frame member 76 is positioned using an assembly jig produced for each structure of the tip portion 11 and fixed by bonding or the like.

  9 and 10, the imaging device 30A fixes the fixing screw 26 to the inclined portions of the V-shaped grooves 27B and 27C regardless of where the position of the fixing screw 26 is set on the layout of the tip body 21. Since the screw 26 can be pressed, the arrangement can be fixed to the distal end portion 11 having a different layout for each type of the electronic endoscope 2 without changing the structure.

Further, as shown in FIG. 11, a soft member may be used for fixing the imaging device 30A.
As shown in FIG. 11, the objective lens frame 62 </ b> D is disposed and fixed to the tip end body 21 using a soft member 77 that is inserted through the screw hole 25.

  The flexible member 77 is pressed against the objective lens frame 62D while being deformed to the distal end side of the distal end portion body 21 by being inserted through the screw hole 25 and further tightened by a fixing screw 26d thereon. The part 78 is abutted against the tip body 21 and fixedly arranged.

  With the configuration of FIG. 11, the imaging device 30A has a different position of the screw hole 25 depending on the structure of the distal end portion 11, and the distance from the screw hole 25 to the abutting portion 78 of the objective lens frame 62D is different. The arrangement can be fixed to the distal end portion 11 having a different layout for each type of the electronic endoscope 2 without changing the structure.

Further, as shown in FIG. 12, an interference fit (an interference fit) may be used to fix the imaging device 30A.
As shown in FIG. 12, the objective lens frame 62 </ b> E is positioned differently with respect to the tip portion main body 21 due to the structure of the tip portion 11 and the objective lens frame 62. For this reason, the objective lens frame 62E has an interference fit with the fitting portion with the tip end body 21.

  The objective lens frame 62 </ b> E is positioned with a positioning adjustment member 79 (spacer) disposed between the objective lens frame 62 </ b> E and the objective lens frame 62 </ b> E.

  With the configuration shown in FIG. 12, the imaging device 30A can be used for each type of electronic endoscope without changing the structure as long as the diameter of the fitting portion of the tip body 21 is the same. It can be arranged and fixed on the tip 11 having a different layout. The structure is not limited to the imaging device, and may be applied to other built-in objects such as an illumination optical system built in the distal end portion 11 and an air / water feeding nozzle 19. 11 and 12, the tip body 21 may be formed of a soft member such as resin.

  With the configuration described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 12, the imaging device 30 </ b> A can be positioned and fixed to the tip body 21. The imaging device 30B can be configured similarly.

The objective lens group 62a of the imaging device 30A and the front group lens 34a of the imaging device 30B having a zooming function or a focusing function may be arranged as shown in FIGS.
In general, the field angle of view is determined by the R-shape between the plane of the plano-concave first lens (observation window 11d) and the biconvex second lens.

  As shown in FIGS. 13 to 16, the front lens group 34a is formed by dividing a biconvex second lens into halves, and, for example, four types of R-shaped lenses are bonded to each other at a central plane portion. The cemented lenses 70a to 70d can be formed, and a plurality of optical performances can be obtained. More specifically, the front lens group 34a shown in FIG. 13 has a cemented lens 70a in which a lens 70Ra having an R shape Ra and a lens 70Rb having an R shape Rb are bonded together as a second lens. Thereby, the front group lens 34a can obtain, for example, an angle of view A °. The front lens group 34a shown in FIG. 14 has a cemented lens 70b in which an R-shaped lens 70Rc and an R-shaped lens 70Rb are bonded together as a second lens. Thereby, the front lens group 34a can obtain, for example, an angle of view C °.

The front lens group 34a shown in FIG. 15 has a cemented lens 70c in which an R-shaped lens 70Ra and an R-shaped lens 70Rd are bonded together as a second lens. Thereby, the front group lens 34a can obtain, for example, an angle of view D °. The front lens group 34a shown in FIG. 16 has a cemented lens 70d in which an R-shaped lens 70Rc and an R-shaped lens 70Rd are bonded together as a second lens. Thereby, the front group lens 34a can obtain, for example, an angle of view B °.
Thus, the front lens group 34a can set a plurality of optical performances by changing the configuration and arrangement method.

  As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the front lens group 34a can obtain two types of optical performance by reversing the assembly position of the biconvex second lens 70e. More specifically, the front group lens 34a shown in FIG. 17 has an R shape at one end and a R shape at the front end side and a rear shape at the rear end side by using a lens 70e having an R shape at the other end Rf. For example, an angle of view E ° can be obtained.

  On the other hand, in the front group lens 34a shown in FIG. 18, the lens 70e is disposed so as to have an R shape Rf on the front end side and an R shape Re on the rear end side, as opposed to the above, to obtain, for example, an angle of view F °. Can do. Thus, the front group lens 34a can set a plurality of optical performances by changing the combination or arrangement position of a small number of lenses.

  Note that in an electronic endoscope having a zoom function or a focusing function, uneven light distribution may occur during close-up magnification observation, and it may be difficult to irradiate the subject with optimal illumination. Therefore, the electronic endoscope is configured to change the light distribution of the illumination in synchronization with the magnification of magnification observation.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the electronic endoscope 2B is configured such that the arrangement angle of the illumination window 11b is changed during wide-angle (WIDE) observation and magnification (TELE) observation. The illumination window 11b is the most advanced lens of the illumination lens unit 80 that is an illumination optical system.

  In the imaging device 30B, an illumination window frame 81 that holds and fixes the illumination window 11b is pivotally attached to an extending portion 82 of the movable lens frame 36. The illumination window frame 81 is rotatable about a fulcrum 81 a formed on the tip end body 21.

  A distal end portion of a wire rod 52 is fixed to the movable lens frame 36. When the wire rod 52 is moved forward and backward in the optical axis direction, the wire rod 52 is moved forward and backward in the optical axis direction to perform wide-angle (WIDE) observation or enlargement. (TELE) Observation can be performed. At the same time, the illumination window 11b changes the arrangement angle of the illumination window 11b by rotating the illumination window frame 81 around the fulcrum 81a in synchronism with the forward and backward movement of the movable lens frame 36.

  Thus, the electronic endoscope 2B has an arrangement angle in which the illumination window 11b faces the peripheral direction so that the entire viewing angle can be covered during wide-angle observation by the imaging device 30B, and during magnified observation by the imaging device 30B. The illumination window 11b has an arrangement angle that faces the central direction of the visual field. Therefore, the electronic endoscope 2B changes the arrangement angle of the illumination window 11b in synchronization with wide-angle observation or magnified observation by moving the imaging device 30B back and forth in the optical axis direction of the movable lens frame 36. Can be made.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 20, the electronic endoscope 2C has a wedge-shaped illumination lens 83 among a plurality of illumination lenses positioned behind the illumination window 11b, and rotates the illumination lens unit 80C. It is configured freely.

  The imaging device 30B allows a wire rod 52C for sliding the movable lens frame 36 to turn freely, and a moving body that moves the movable lens frame 36 forward and backward in the optical axis direction by turning the wire rod 52C. A unit 33 is configured. In the movable body unit 33, the handle portion 36b of the movable lens frame 36 serves as a rack, and a male screw portion 84 that meshes with the handle portion 36b is provided at the distal end portion of the wire rod 52C. The moving body unit 33 may be configured by providing a worm gear with a worm portion formed on the handle portion 36 b of the movable lens frame 36 and a worm wheel portion formed on the tip portion of the wire rod 52.

  Further, the wire rod 52 </ b> C is provided with a spur gear 85 behind the male screw portion 84. On the other hand, the illumination lens unit 80C is provided with a slide groove 86 on the outer periphery of the illumination lens frame 87 that meshes with the spur gear 85 of the wire rod 52C. The sliding groove 86 meshes with the spur gear 85 so that the illumination lens frame 87 rotates once when the movable lens frame 36 moves from the front end to the rear end or from the rear end to the front end. The number of teeth is set.

  In the illumination lens unit 80C, a bearing 73b is provided on a light guide frame 73a provided at the front end of the light guide in order to prevent the light guide 73 from rotating due to the rotation of the illumination lens frame 87.

  As a result, in the imaging device 30B, the male screw portion 84 is rotated by the rotating operation of the wire rod 52C, and the movable lens frame 36 is moved back and forth in the optical axis direction via the handle portion 36b, so that the wide angle observation is performed. Or magnified observation can be performed. At the same time, the illumination lens unit 80C rotates the illumination lens frame 87 as the spur gear 85 is engaged with the sliding groove 86 in synchronization with the forward and backward movement of the movable lens frame 36 by the rotation of the wire rod 52C. By moving the illumination lens unit 80C, the illumination lens unit 80C is rotated. At this time, the light guide 73 does not rotate regardless of the rotation of the illumination lens frame 87 by the bearing 73b.

  As a result, the electronic endoscope 2C has an arrangement angle in which the wedge-shaped illumination lens 83 faces the peripheral direction so that the entire viewing angle can be covered during wide-angle observation by the imaging device 30B, and is enlarged by the imaging device 30B. At the time of observation, the wedge-shaped illumination lens 83 has an arrangement angle that faces the center direction of the visual field. Therefore, in the electronic endoscope 2C, the wedge-shaped illumination lens 83 is arranged in synchronization with wide-angle observation or magnified observation by moving the imaging device 30B back and forth in the optical axis direction of the movable lens frame 36. The angle can be changed.

  19 and 20, the electronic endoscopes 2B and 2C have the illumination window 11b or the illumination lens 83 interlocked with the moving body unit 33 so that the light distribution of illumination is centered during close-up magnification observation. Therefore, endoscope observation can be performed with a good light distribution even during close-up magnification observation.

  The electronic endoscope 2 according to the present embodiment includes a first imaging device 30A for special light observation as the imaging device 30 at the distal end portion 11, and a second imaging device 30B having a magnification function or a focusing function. Although the present invention is applied to the provided configuration, the present invention is not limited to this, and only one imaging device 30 may be mounted on the distal end portion 11 of the endoscope insertion portion 6.

FIGS. 21 to 23 relate to the second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the outer diameters of the objective optical system unit and the solid-state image sensor unit of the image pickup apparatus of the second embodiment, and FIG. FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing a second modification of the imaging device in FIG. 21.
In the first embodiment, the maximum outer diameter of the solid-state image sensor unit is configured to be smaller than the maximum outer diameter of the objective optical system unit. In the second embodiment, the maximum outer diameter of the solid-state image sensor unit is set to the objective optical system unit. It is configured to be smaller than the maximum outer diameter. Since the other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted, and the same components will be described with the same reference numerals.

  As shown in FIG. 21, the imaging device 30 </ b> C is configured by providing a solid-state imaging device 37 </ b> C in which a notch 75 </ b> C is formed in a portion larger than the maximum outer diameter of the objective optical system unit 31. In the imaging device 30C, the image area 88 is also formed by forming a notch 88a. Note that this image area does not need to form the notch 88a. Reference numeral 88b denotes a signal transmission connecting portion.

  In conventional imaging devices, the maximum outer diameter of the solid-state image sensor is often configured to be larger than the maximum outer diameter of the objective optical system unit, and the maximum outer diameter of the solid-state image sensor unit depends on the maximum outer diameter of the solid-state image sensor. Since it has been determined, it has been difficult to make the maximum outer diameter of the solid-state imaging device unit smaller than the maximum outer diameter of the objective optical system unit.

However, the image pickup apparatus 30C according to the second embodiment is configured by providing the solid-state image pickup element 37C in which the cutout portion 75C is formed in a portion that is larger than the maximum outer diameter of the objective optical system unit 31, and thus the solid-state image pickup element unit. The maximum outer diameter of 32 can be configured to be smaller than the maximum outer diameter of the objective optical system unit 31.
Thereby, Example 2 can acquire the effect | action and effect similar to the said Example 1. FIG.

Note that the imaging apparatus may be configured as shown in FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 22, the imaging device 30D secures the maximum image area 88 within the range of the solid-state imaging device 37D in which the cutout portions 75C are formed at the four corners, and the image area 88 and the solid-state imaging device 37D. A signal transmission connecting portion 88b is formed in the gap between the two.

  As shown in FIG. 23, the imaging device 30E is configured such that a minimum distance required for optical performance is separated from the end of the image area 88 to the maximum outer diameter end of the glass lid 89 in the solid-state imaging device 37E. . In this case, the image pickup device 30E can be configured to shorten the image area 88 of the opposite side portion and the required optical performance lengths 89a and 89b of the glass lid 89. Can be chamfered.

By the way, in an electronic endoscope, a curved portion used in the stomach and digestive tract is curved in four directions, and a curved portion used in the lung and bronchus is curved in two directions. There is an endoscope for lungs and bronchi with a thin outer diameter.
28 and 29 relate to a signal cable of an image pickup apparatus disposed in a conventional electronic endoscope, FIG. 28 is a first explanatory diagram showing a signal cable of a conventional image pickup apparatus, and FIG. 29 is another conventional signal cable. It is the 2nd explanatory view showing the signal cable of the imaging device of.

  The endoscope for the stomach / gastrointestinal tract needs to make the signal cable of the imaging device resistant to bending in four directions of the bending portion. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 28, the signal cable 102A is configured by arranging all signal lines 105 including coaxial signal lines and simple lines concentrically and providing an inclusion 106 at the center. This structure has a merit that strength is increased, but has a demerit that an outer diameter is increased. On the other hand, the endoscope for the lung and bronchus has only two directions of bending at the bending portion, so it does not need to be as strong as the endoscope for the stomach and digestive tract, but it has a thinner outer diameter and prevents interference with the rivet of the bending portion. There is a need to. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 29, the signal cable 102B is configured by dividing the signal line 105 including a coaxial signal line and a simple line into two bundles of six bundles and four bundles. This structure has a demerit that the resistance strength is slightly inferior, but has an advantage that the outer diameter can be reduced.

  As described above, the conventional electronic endoscope requires the signal cables 102 </ b> A and 102 </ b> B having different configurations for each type of electronic endoscope even when the same signal line 105 is used. For this reason, there has been a demand for a signal cable that can be mounted according to the use application of the electronic endoscope with the same structure without changing the structure.

  24 to 27 relate to a signal cable of an image pickup apparatus provided in the electronic endoscope, FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view showing the distal end side of the insertion portion of the electronic endoscope, and FIG. 25 is a line AA in FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB of FIG. 24, and FIG. 27 is an enlarged view of a main part of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 24, the electronic endoscope 2D has two bending directions and the bending portion 12 has a small outer diameter, and is used in the lung, bronchus, and the like. The electronic endoscope 2D includes a signal cable 39 that is connected to the imaging device 30 and transmits a signal. The signal cable 39 includes an A section 90a divided into at least two sets and a B section 90b from which all signal lines are released. The A portion 90a is bound by a flexible binding member 90c so as not to be separated.

  The signal cable 39 has the configuration of the first signal cable unit 91 through the universal cord 8 and the operation portion 7 up to the flexible tube portion 13 having a large outer diameter. The signal cable 39 is divided into a second signal cable unit 92 and a third signal cable unit 93 in the curved portion 12 having a small outer diameter. The unit divided into at least two sets includes, for example, an output signal system unit composed of output signal lines, a drive signal system unit composed of drive signal lines, and the like. Further, the signal cable 39 has a configuration in which all signal lines are released in the vicinity of the connection terminal 37g of the solid-state imaging device 37.

  As shown in FIG. 25, the second signal cable unit 92 is configured by twisting and binding four signal lines, for example, and the third signal cable unit 93 is configured by twisting and binding five signal lines, for example. Yes. Further, as shown in FIG. 26, the first signal cable unit 91 (signal cable 39) is configured by bundling all signal lines.

  The first signal cable unit 91 (signal cable 39) has a plurality of coaxial signal lines 39a for transmitting output signals and drive signals, and a plurality of simple lines 39b used for drive power supply and GND. ing.

  The plurality of coaxial signal lines 39a and the plurality of simple lines 39b are regularly wound around the inclusion 97a in a horizontal winding at a predetermined pitch. Further, the outer periphery of these bundles is wound with a bind tape 97b, and a lateral winding shield 97c is wound around the outer periphery at a predetermined pitch, and the outermost periphery is covered with a sheath 97d. The laterally wound shield 97c may be cut off at the end of the first signal cable unit 91 to reduce the outer diameters of the second signal cable unit 92 and the third signal cable unit 93. Further, the laterally wound shield 97c may be wound around the outer periphery of each signal bundle after each branch of the second signal cable unit 92 and the third signal cable unit 93 to strengthen the shield.

  In the simple line 39b, the outer periphery of the inner conductor 96a is covered with an insulator 96b. In the coaxial signal line 39a, as shown in FIG. 27, the outer periphery of the inner conductor 95a is covered with an insulator 95b, and the outer conductor 95c is wound around the outer periphery of the insulator 95b at a predetermined pitch. Further, in the coaxial signal line 39a, the outer periphery of the outer conductor 95c is covered with a shield tape 95d, and the outer periphery of the shield tape 95d is covered with an inner sheath 95e. The shield tape 95d has an effect of removing noise when transmitting a high-frequency signal. For signal lines that do not require noise removal, the shield tape 95d need not be used.

  The power supply line and the GND line are appropriately routed in each unit. Accordingly, the signal cable 39 can prevent crosstalk or the like to the drive signal, so that the image quality can be improved. The signal cable 39 may be constituted by a unit of a coaxial signal line 39a, a unit of a simple line 39b, or the like. As a result, the signal cable 39 improves the balance at the time of bundling by making each unit a signal cable having the same configuration, and the twisting and bending resistance of the unit is improved.

  Without being limited to the above, the signal cable 39 has an optimal configuration in accordance with the characteristics of the solid-state imaging device 37. The signal cable 39 may be provided with a binding member such as a covering member 94 on the outer periphery of a divided portion such as the second signal cable unit 92 and the third signal cable unit 93.

  According to this embodiment, the signal cable 39 can be divided into an arbitrary number of bundles at an arbitrary position. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, in the imaging device 30 using the same signal cable, only the unit assembly method of the signal cable 39 is changed, so that it is mounted on a plurality of types of electronic endoscopes 2 without changing the component configuration. It becomes possible to do.

In addition, according to the present embodiment, the number of branch bundles, the configuration of each branch bundle, and the branch position can be freely changed with the same signal cable according to the use application of each electronic endoscope. The outer diameter of the mirror can be partially reduced. Therefore, according to the present Example, it can mount in a multiple types of electronic endoscope only by changing the assembly method, without changing the structure of a signal cable.
It should be noted that embodiments configured by partially combining the above-described embodiments also belong to the present invention.

[Appendix]
(Additional item 1)
Mounted on an electronic endoscope, an objective optical system unit for forming a subject image, and an image formed by the objective optical system unit is captured in a solid-state image sensor and transmitted through a cable. In an imaging apparatus having a solid-state imaging element unit to be
An imaging apparatus, wherein an outer diameter of the solid-state imaging element unit is smaller than an outer diameter of the objective optical system unit.

(Appendix 2)
2. The imaging apparatus according to appendix 1, wherein an outer diameter of the solid-state imaging element unit is within an outer projected area of the objective optical system unit.

(Additional Item 3)
An objective optical system unit capable of moving any one of the optical lenses, a moving body unit having a drive mechanism for moving the optical lens, an imaging unit, and a solid-state imaging device unit having a transmission unit In the imaging device,
An image pickup apparatus, wherein the movable body unit is moved within a range of 360 ° around an optical axis without interfering with the solid-state image pickup element unit and fixed at an arbitrary position.

(Appendix 4)
Mounted on an electronic endoscope, an object optical system unit for forming a subject image, and an image formed by the object optical system unit is taken into a solid-state image sensor and transmitted through a cable to form an image. In an imaging apparatus having a solid-state imaging element unit to be
Dividing the plurality of signal transmission cables from the first part, the second part from which all the signal transmission cables are unwound, and the second part into at least two sets, and combining each of the third parts An image pickup apparatus having a cable composed of parts.

(Appendix 5)
Item 5. The imaging apparatus according to Item 4, wherein bundling means is provided in the third portion.
(Appendix 6)
The imaging apparatus according to appendix 4, wherein a cable is configured in the order of the first part, the second part, and the third part from the base end side of the electronic endoscope.
(Appendix 7)
In an imaging apparatus comprising a solid-state imaging device unit having an objective optical system unit, an optical characteristic adjustment unit that changes optical performance, an imaging unit, and a transmission unit,
An image pickup apparatus, wherein the optical characteristic adjustment unit is disposed within a range of 360 ° around an optical axis without interfering with the solid-state image pickup element unit.
(Appendix 8)
The imaging apparatus according to appendix 7, wherein the optical characteristic adjustment unit is an optical lens moving mechanism.
(Appendix 9)
The imaging apparatus according to appendix 7, wherein the optical characteristic adjustment unit is a lens shape variable mechanism.

(Appendix 10)
The imaging apparatus according to appendix 7, wherein the optical characteristic adjustment unit is a refractive index variable mechanism.
(Appendix 11)
The imaging apparatus according to appendix 7, wherein the optical characteristic adjustment unit is an optical aperture variable mechanism.
(Appendix 12)
8. The imaging apparatus according to appendix 7, wherein the optical characteristic adjustment unit is disposed at a position other than the four corners of the short-diameter solid-state imaging element unit.

  Since the imaging apparatus of the present invention can be mounted on a plurality of types of electronic endoscopes having different layouts of built-in objects at the tip, it can be applied to industrial endoscopes and medical endoscopes. .

1 is an overall configuration diagram illustrating an endoscope apparatus according to a first embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the insertion part front end side of FIG. It is the sectional view on the AA line of FIG. FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 3. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the 2nd imaging device of FIG. It is CC sectional view taken on the line of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship of the outer diameter of the objective optical system unit of a 1st imaging device, and a solid-state image sensor unit. It is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship of the outer diameter of the objective optical system unit of a 2nd imaging device, a solid-state image sensor unit, and a mobile body unit. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 1st modification which shows the positioning fixation of an imaging device. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 2nd modification which shows the positioning fixation of an imaging device. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 3rd modification which shows the positioning fixation of an imaging device. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 4th modification which shows the positioning fixation of an imaging device. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 1st modification which shows the arrangement configuration of a front group lens. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 2nd modification which shows the arrangement configuration of a front group lens. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 3rd modification which shows the arrangement configuration of a front group lens. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 4th modification which shows the arrangement configuration of a front group lens. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 5th modification which shows the arrangement configuration of a front group lens. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 6th modification which shows the arrangement configuration of a front group lens. It is principal part sectional drawing of the electronic endoscope which made variable the light distribution of an illumination optical system synchronizing with operation | movement of a mobile body unit. It is principal part sectional drawing of the electronic endoscope which shows the modification of FIG. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an outer diameter relationship between an objective optical system unit and a solid-state image sensor unit of an imaging apparatus according to a second embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 1st modification of the imaging device of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 2nd modification of the imaging device of FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the insertion part front end side of an electronic endoscope. It is AA sectional view taken on the line of FIG. It is the BB sectional view taken on the line of FIG. It is a principal part enlarged view of FIG. It is the 1st explanatory view showing the signal cable of the conventional imaging device. It is the 2nd explanatory view showing the signal cable of other conventional imaging devices. It is sectional drawing which shows the insertion part front end side of the conventional electronic endoscope. It is sectional drawing which shows the insertion part front end side of the conventional electronic endoscope. It is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship of the outer diameter of the objective optical system unit, solid-state image sensor unit, and moving body unit of an imaging device which has a magnification function or a focusing function.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Endoscope apparatus 2 Electronic endoscope 6 Insertion part 11 Tip part 11b Illumination window 11c, 11d Observation window 12 Bending part 13 Flexible tube part 21 Tip part main body 30 Imaging device 30A 1st imaging device 30B 2nd imaging Apparatus 31A, 31 Objective optical system unit 32 Solid-state image sensor unit 33 Mobile unit 37a Solid-state image sensor

Claims (5)

An object optical system unit that forms an object image, a solid-state image sensor that photoelectrically converts an object image formed by the object optical system unit, and a solid body that has a cable for transmitting an image signal obtained from the solid-state image sensor In an imaging device comprising an imaging element unit,
An imaging apparatus, wherein an outer diameter of the solid-state imaging device unit is made smaller than an outer diameter of the objective optical system unit.   The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the solid-state imaging device unit has a notch formed on an outer peripheral surface so that an outer shape is substantially symmetrical with respect to an optical axis center of the objective optical system unit. .   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the solid-state imaging element unit is formed to have an outer diameter that falls within an outer projected area perpendicular to the longitudinal axis direction of the objective optical system unit.   An endoscope imaging apparatus, wherein the objective optical system unit is disposed at a distal end portion of an insertion portion, and the solid-state imaging element unit is disposed at an imaging position of the objective optical system unit. Item 4. The imaging device according to any one of Items 1 to 3. A movable unit that moves at least a part of the lens of the objective optical system unit in the optical axis direction, and moves the movable unit to a predetermined position on the circumference around the optical axis of the objective optical unit; The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the imaging apparatus can be arranged.

Images