JP2008289863A - Illuminating light irradiation mechanism and endoscope with the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an illuminating light irradiation mechanism capable of making the front end portion of the same extra-thin without generating halation or asymmetric distortion of an observing image and an endoscope using the same. <P>SOLUTION: The illuminating light irradiation mechanism for irradiating an article to be observed with light in an observing optical device equipped with an objective optical system 1 inside of a body tube 20a whose front end portion is formed in an elongate shape includes a wavelength converter element 7 arranged near the incident pupil E1 position of the objective optical system 1, a light source 8 emitting light whose wavelength is converted by the wavelength converter element 7, and an illuminating means 9 illuminating the light emitted from the light source 8 to the wavelength converting element 7 through the objective optical system 1. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an illumination light irradiation structure for irradiating an observation object with illumination light in an observation optical device having an objective optical system inside a lens barrel having an elongated tip, and an endoscope having the illumination light irradiation structure It is about.

  Conventionally, endoscopes have been used for observing sites that are difficult to observe from the outside, such as treatment and diagnosis in the body of a patient in the medical field, and inspection of the inside of a hole provided in a product in the industrial field. .

  In general, an endoscope has an objective optical system and an image transmission optical system such as a relay lens (in the case of a rigid mirror) and an image guide fiber (in the case of a flexible mirror) inside a thin cylindrical insertion portion. is doing. And it is comprised so that the light which passed these optical systems from the observation object may be observed as an observation image via an eyepiece optical system or an imaging optical system. In addition, the video endoscope has a built-in objective optical system and an image sensor such as a CCD at the tip.

In the endoscope, illumination means for illuminating an observation object to be observed with the objective optical system is disposed on an optical path different from that of the objective optical system.
The structure of the illumination means in such an endoscope is described in the following Patent Documents 1 and 2, for example.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-216085 JP-A-4-244130

  For example, as shown in FIG. 25, the illumination means in the endoscope described in Patent Document 1 includes a plurality of LEDs 52a and 52b around or side of the observation system 51 at the distal end 50 of the endoscope. , 52b is configured to irradiate the observation target with illumination light.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 26, for example, the illumination means in the endoscope described in Patent Document 2 is configured by providing a light guide 62 in an annular shape around the observation system 61 at the distal end 60 of the endoscope. Yes.

  By the way, in recent years, in an optical apparatus having a thin cylindrical tip insertion portion such as an endoscope, the diameter is made extremely smaller than the diameter of the endoscope tip portion described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 above. It is requested.

  However, in the configuration in which an illumination light source such as a plurality of LEDs is arranged around or on the side of the observation system as described in Patent Document 1, the arrangement space of the illumination light source is large, and as described above The diameter of the endoscope tip cannot be made extremely small.

  The ride guide is composed of a plurality of fibers. However, in order to reduce the diameter of the endoscope distal end, it is desired to reduce the number of fibers constituting the light guide. However, if an annular light guide is provided around the observation system as described in Patent Document 2, a large number of fibers are used, and the diameter increases in the radial direction. It cannot be made very fine.

  For this reason, in order to realize an endoscope in which the distal end portion is reduced in diameter using a light guide, the number of fibers constituting the light guide must be reduced. The arrangement tends to be biased to the side of the observation system in the distal end insertion portion.

However, if the illumination system is arranged in the small-diameter cylindrical tip insertion portion so as to be biased to the side of the observation system, halation is likely to occur in the observation system because only one direction is illuminated brightly.
In addition, since the observation system is also biased in the distal end insertion portion of the endoscope, asymmetric distortion tends to occur in the observation image.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional problems, and an illumination light irradiation structure capable of minimizing the diameter of the tip without causing halation or asymmetric distortion of an observation image, and an endoscope using the same The purpose is to provide a mirror.

  In order to achieve the above object, an illumination light irradiation structure according to the present invention is for irradiating an observation object with illumination light in an observation optical device having an objective optical system inside a lens barrel having a long and narrow tip. An illumination light irradiation structure, a wavelength conversion element disposed in the vicinity of an entrance pupil position of the objective optical system, a light source that emits light for wavelength conversion by the wavelength conversion element, and light emitted from the light source An irradiating means for irradiating the wavelength conversion element through the objective optical system is provided.

  In addition, the illumination light irradiation structure according to the present invention is an illumination light irradiation structure for irradiating an observation target with illumination light in an observation optical device having an objective optical system inside a lens barrel having an elongated tip. A phosphor disposed in the vicinity of an entrance pupil position of the objective optical system, a light source emitting light for exciting the phosphor, and the phosphor emitted from the light source through the objective optical system It has the irradiation means to irradiate.

  In addition, the illumination light irradiation structure according to the present invention is an illumination light irradiation structure for irradiating an observation target with illumination light in an observation optical device having an objective optical system inside a lens barrel having an elongated tip. The lens is arranged in the vicinity of the entrance pupil position of the objective optical system, has an inner diameter that is equal to or larger than the diameter of the entrance pupil of the objective optical system, and an outer diameter that is substantially the same as the largest lens in the objective optical system. An annular phosphor having a size, a light source that emits light for exciting the phosphor, and an irradiation unit that irradiates the phosphor with light emitted from the light source through the objective optical system. It is said.

  In addition, the illumination light irradiation structure according to the present invention is an illumination light irradiation structure for irradiating an observation target with illumination light in an observation optical device having an objective optical system inside a lens barrel having an elongated tip. The light source and the light emitted from the light source pass through the objective optical system, have an inner diameter larger than the diameter of the entrance pupil of the objective optical system in the vicinity of the entrance pupil position of the objective optical system, and an outer surface. It has an irradiation means for irradiating an annular region having a diameter substantially the same as that of the lens having the largest diameter in the objective optical system.

  In addition, the illumination light irradiation structure according to the present invention is an illumination light irradiation structure for irradiating an observation target with illumination light in an observation optical device having an objective optical system inside a lens barrel having an elongated tip. The lens is arranged in the vicinity of the entrance pupil position of the objective optical system, has an inner diameter that is equal to or larger than the diameter of the entrance pupil of the objective optical system, and an outer diameter that is substantially the same as the largest lens in the objective optical system. An annular scatterer having a size, a light source, and irradiation means for irradiating the scatterer with light emitted from the light source through the objective optical system.

  In the illumination light irradiation structure of the present invention, the irradiation unit is disposed obliquely in the vicinity of the pupil position conjugate with the entrance pupil of the objective optical system, and the incident optical system is incident in the obliquely disposed state. A reflecting mirror having an opening having a diameter substantially the same as the diameter of a pupil conjugate with a pupil, and a reflecting surface that reflects light emitted from the light source toward the objective optical system side on an outer periphery of the opening Preferably, it is configured.

  In the illumination light irradiation structure of the present invention, the irradiation unit is disposed obliquely in the vicinity of the pupil position conjugate with the entrance pupil of the objective optical system, and the incident optical system is incident in the obliquely disposed state. A reflecting mirror having a reflecting surface having a diameter substantially the same as the diameter of a pupil conjugate with the pupil, and light passing through the outer periphery of the reflecting mirror out of the light emitted from the light source passes through the objective optical system and the fluorescence. It is preferably configured to irradiate the body.

  In the illumination light irradiation structure of the present invention, the irradiation unit is disposed obliquely in the vicinity of the pupil position conjugate with the entrance pupil of the objective optical system, and the incident optical system is incident in the obliquely disposed state. A reflecting mirror having a reflecting surface having a diameter substantially the same as the diameter of a pupil conjugate with the pupil, and light passing through the outer periphery of the reflecting mirror out of the light emitted from the light source passes through the objective optical system It is preferably configured to irradiate an annular region.

  Further, in the illumination light irradiation structure of the present invention, the pupil is disposed in the vicinity of the pupil position conjugate with the entrance pupil of the objective optical system, and the pupil conjugate with the entrance pupil of the objective optical system in the obliquely disposed state. A reflecting mirror having a reflecting surface having a diameter substantially the same as the diameter of the light source, and the irradiating means emits light that passes through the outer periphery of the reflecting mirror among the light emitted from the light source through the objective optical system. It is preferably configured to irradiate the body.

  Further, in the illumination light irradiation structure of the present invention, the irradiation means arranges a plurality of the light sources in a ring shape with respect to the optical axis of the objective optical system, and each light emitted from the plurality of light sources is Preferably, the objective optical system is configured to pass through the outer periphery of a pupil conjugate with the entrance pupil.

  Further, in the illumination light irradiation structure of the present invention, the irradiation means is near a pupil position conjugate with the entrance pupil of the objective optical system so as to reflect the light emitted from the light source toward the objective optical system side. It is preferable that the half mirror is disposed obliquely and has a characteristic of blocking light emitted from the light source and a barrier filter disposed on the image side of the half mirror.

  In the illumination light irradiation structure of the present invention, the irradiation means has a characteristic of reflecting light emitted from the light source and transmitting light of other wavelengths, and transmitting light from the light source to the objective optical system. It is preferable that the wavelength selection member is disposed obliquely in the vicinity of the pupil position conjugate with the entrance pupil of the objective optical system so as to reflect toward the side.

  In the illumination light irradiation structure of the present invention, it is preferable to provide a fluorescence cut filter having a characteristic of transmitting excitation light and blocking fluorescence emitted from the phosphor on the image side of the phosphor.

  Moreover, in the illumination light irradiation structure of this invention, it is preferable to provide a light shielding member on the inner peripheral surface of the phosphor.

  Moreover, in the illumination light irradiation structure of this invention, it is preferable to provide a light shielding member on the inner peripheral surface of the phosphor and the inner peripheral surface of the fluorescent cut filter.

  In the illumination light irradiation structure of the present invention, it is preferable that a light shielding member is provided in the vicinity of the inner peripheral surface of the phosphor and the opening of the fluorescence cut filter.

  Moreover, in the illumination light irradiation structure of this invention, it is preferable to provide a cylindrical transparent member in the opening part of the said fluorescent substance.

  Moreover, in the illumination light irradiation structure of this invention, it is preferable to provide a cylindrical transparent member in the opening part of the said fluorescent substance, and the opening part of the said fluorescence cut filter.

  In the illumination light irradiation structure of the present invention, it is preferable that an image transmission optical system including any one of a relay lens, an image fiber, and a Selfoc lens is provided on the image side of the objective optical system.

  In the illumination light irradiation structure of the present invention, the image transmission optical system is configured by a selfoc lens, and the irradiation means is an illumination optical system having an optical axis inclined with respect to the optical axis of the selfoc lens. It is preferable that the excitation light emitted from the light source is incident obliquely on the incident surface of the Selfoc lens.

  In the illumination light irradiation structure of the present invention, the irradiating means may cause the phosphor to irradiate the phosphor through an optical path different from light having a wavelength other than the excitation light by a color shift action. It is preferable that the chromatic aberration generating means provided on the optical path from the phosphor to the light source and the light source arranged so as to be located around the optical axis of the objective optical system.

  In the illumination light irradiation structure of the present invention, it is preferable that the chromatic aberration generating means is composed of a cemented lens or a diffraction grating.

  In the illumination light irradiation structure of the present invention, the inner diameter is smaller than the inner diameter of the phosphor and the outer diameter is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the phosphor near the entrance pupil position of the objective optical system. Between the phosphor and the fluorescence cut filter, the fluorescence cut filter formed and having the property of transmitting excitation light and blocking the fluorescence emitted from the phosphor, and having the same size as the phosphor It is preferable to provide a transparent member formed in an annular shape having an inner diameter and an outer diameter, and further include a concave lens and a convex lens inside the transparent member in order from the object side.

  In the illumination light irradiation structure of the present invention, it is preferable that the observation optical device is an endoscope.

  Moreover, in the illumination light irradiation structure of this invention, it is preferable that the said light source is LD or LED.

  In the illumination light irradiation structure of the present invention, it is preferable that the image transmission optical system is configured by a Selfoc lens, and the Selfoc lens includes a cladding layer having a low refractive index on an outer peripheral portion thereof.

  An endoscope according to the present invention includes any one of the illumination light illumination structures according to the present invention.

  According to the illumination light irradiation structure and the endoscope using the illumination light irradiation structure of the present invention, the illumination light irradiation structure capable of minimizing the diameter of the tip portion without causing asymmetric distortion in the halation and the observation image and the same are used. An endoscope is obtained.

First Embodiment FIG. 1 is an explanatory view of an endoscope provided with an illumination light irradiation structure according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and (a) is an explanatory view schematically showing an optical configuration of the endoscope. (B) is explanatory drawing which shows the external appearance of (a). FIG. 2 is an explanatory view showing, in an enlarged manner, a modification of the distal end portion in the illumination light irradiation structure of the endoscope shown in FIG. FIG. 3 (a) is an explanatory view of the distal end portion of the illumination light irradiation structure of the endoscope shown in FIG. 1 (a) as viewed from the object side, and FIG. 3 (b) is the same as that of the first embodiment using the prior art. It is explanatory drawing which looked at the front-end | tip part from the object side in the case of having comprised the front-end | tip part of the endoscope in the extremely thin diameter of the grade. FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing an annular phosphor used as a wavelength conversion element in the illumination light irradiation structure of the endoscope shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing an example of the irradiation means in the illumination light irradiation structure of the endoscope shown in FIG. 6A and 6B are explanatory diagrams of an annular fluorescent cut filter in the illumination light irradiation structure of the endoscope shown in FIG. 1A. FIG. 6A is a perspective view showing an appearance, and FIG. It is a graph which shows a transmission characteristic. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a cylindrical transparent member in the illumination light irradiation structure of the endoscope shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing an optical configuration when another image transmission optical system is used in the illumination light irradiation structure of the endoscope shown in FIG.

The endoscope according to the first embodiment includes an objective optical system 1, an image transmission optical system 2, imaging optical systems 3 and 5, and an illumination optical system 4, as shown in FIG. Yes.
The objective optical system 1 and the image transmission optical system 2 are provided inside a lens barrel tip 20a formed in an elongated shape.
The objective optical system 1 and the image transmission optical system 2 are both composed of Selfoc lenses. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 6 denotes an image pickup device such as a CCD, 20 b denotes a storage unit that includes the illumination optical system 4 and the imaging optical systems 3 and 5, and 20 c denotes a storage unit that includes the image pickup device 6.

  Furthermore, the endoscope of the first embodiment has an annular phosphor 7 (see FIG. 4) as a wavelength conversion element, a light source 8 that emits excitation light, an irradiation unit 9 as an illumination light irradiation structure, An annular fluorescent cut filter 10 and a cylindrical transparent member 11 are provided.

The phosphor 7 is formed in an annular shape having an inner diameter larger than the diameter of the entrance pupil E1 of the objective optical system 1 and an outer diameter that is substantially the same as the lens having the largest diameter in the objective optical system 1. . The phosphor 7 is disposed in the vicinity of the position of the entrance pupil E1 of the objective optical system 1.
The light source 8 emits light of a predetermined wavelength that excites the phosphor 7 using an LED or an LD.
The irradiating means 9 is composed of an annular reflecting mirror as shown in FIG. The annular reflecting mirror is obliquely disposed in the vicinity of the position of the pupil E2 conjugate with the entrance pupil E1 of the objective optical system 1, and the pupil E2 conjugate with the entrance pupil E1 of the objective optical system 1 in the obliquely disposed state. And an opening 9a having a diameter substantially the same as the diameter of the opening 9a and a reflecting surface 9b that reflects light emitted from the light source 8 toward the objective optical system 1 side on the outer periphery of the opening 9a.
The fluorescence cut filter 10 is disposed between the phosphor 7 and the objective optical system 1. Then, as shown in FIG. 6A, the inner diameter is not less than the diameter of the entrance pupil E1 of the objective optical system 1 and not more than the inner diameter of the phosphor 7, and the outer diameter is the outer diameter of the annular phosphor 7. As shown in FIG. 6 (b), the one surface 10a1 of the annular transparent member 10a formed to have substantially the same size as that shown in FIG. 6B has a characteristic of transmitting excitation light and blocking fluorescence emitted from the phosphor 7. The coating 10b is coated.
The columnar transparent member 11 is formed to have a diameter that can be fitted into the openings of the phosphor 7 and the fluorescence cut filter 10. Further, the outer periphery of the transparent member 11 is covered with the light shielding member 12. Then, in a state where the transparent member 11 is fitted in the openings of the phosphor 7 and the fluorescence cut filter 10, the light shielding member 12 covers the inner peripheral surface of the phosphor 7 and the inner peripheral surface of the fluorescence cut filter 10. It has become.

  In the endoscope having the illumination light irradiation structure of the first embodiment configured as described above, the light emitted from the light source 8 enters the reflection mirror 9 as the irradiation means via the illumination optical system 4. Of the light flux incident on the reflecting mirror 9, the light incident on the opening 9a passes through as it is. The transmitted light can be absorbed by arranging a light absorbing member (not shown). On the other hand, the light incident on the reflecting surface 9b is reflected toward the objective optical system 1 side, and enters the objective optical system 1 as an annular light beam through the imaging optical system 5 and the image transmission optical system 2. The light incident on the objective optical system 1 passes through a position outside the entrance pupil E1 at the entrance pupil E1 position of the objective optical system 1, passes through the fluorescence cut filter 10, and enters the phosphor 7. Thereby, the phosphor 7 is excited and emits fluorescence. Of the fluorescence emitted from the phosphor 7, the fluorescence directed toward the object side is used as illumination light for illumination of the observation target. The fluorescence directed to the image side is reflected by the film 10b of the fluorescence cut filter 10 and directed to the object side, and this is also used for illumination. Further, the fluorescence directed toward the optical axis side of the objective optical system 1 is blocked by the light shielding member 12.

  Illuminated light from the observation object enters the cylindrical transparent member 11 and is imaged on the imaging surface of the imaging element 6 through the objective optical system 1, the image transmission optical system 2, and the imaging optical systems 5 and 3. The

As described above, in the illumination light irradiation structure of the first embodiment, in the vicinity of the position of the entrance pupil E1 in the objective optical system 1, the inner diameter is larger than the diameter of the entrance pupil E1 and the outer diameter is the maximum of the objective optical system 1. An annular phosphor 7 having a size substantially the same as the diameter is provided, and fluorescence emitted from the phosphor 7 is used as illumination light so that the phosphor 7 is irradiated with excitation light via the irradiation means 9. . That is, in the illumination light irradiation structure of the first embodiment, the observation system and the illumination system are coaxial in the objective optical system and the image transmission optical system, and are not necessary for observation at the distal end portion of the observation system including the objective optical system 1. The outer area is used as the optical path of the illumination system.
For this reason, according to the illumination light irradiation structure of the first embodiment, it is not necessary to provide an optical path for the illumination system around the objective optical system 1, which is impossible with the conventional techniques described in Patent Documents 1 and 2. Thus, an optical device such as an endoscope having a very thin tip can be realized. Moreover, since it is not necessary to dispose an illumination system optical member such as a light guide around the objective optical system, it is possible to prevent halation in the observation system due to bright illumination in only one direction. Further, since the observation system is arranged at the center in the distal end insertion portion, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of asymmetric distortion of the observation image.

In the illumination light irradiation structure of the first embodiment, the irradiation means 9 is an opening having a diameter that is approximately the same as the diameter of the entrance pupil E1 of the objective optical system 1 and the conjugate pupil E2 in a state where the irradiation means 9 is disposed obliquely. A reflection surface 9b that reflects the light emitted from the light source 8 toward the objective optical system 1 side on the outer periphery of the opening 9a, in the vicinity of the pupil E2 position conjugate with the entrance pupil E1 of the objective optical system 1 Since it is composed of an annular reflecting mirror arranged obliquely, the excitation light emitted from the light source 8 can be incident on the phosphor 7 so as not to enter the entrance pupil E1 of the objective optical system 1 as much as possible.
In addition, the observation light beam from the observation target is imaged on the imaging surface of the imaging element 6 via the imaging optical system 3 through the opening 9a through the light passing through the entrance pupil E1 of the objective optical system 1. Even if other unnecessary light is generated, it can be reflected by the reflecting surface 9b and prevented from entering the imaging optical system 3. For this reason, even if the optical path of the illumination system is provided in the objective optical system 1, it is possible to illuminate the observation target without disturbing the observation in the observation system.

  Moreover, according to the illumination light irradiation structure of the first embodiment, the inner diameter between the phosphor 7 and the objective optical system 1 is not less than the diameter of the entrance pupil E1 of the objective optical system 1 and not more than the inner diameter of the annular phosphor 7. Fluorescence emitted from the phosphor 7 by transmitting excitation light to one surface 10a1 of the transparent member 10a formed in an annular shape having an outer diameter of approximately the same size as the outer diameter of the phosphor 7. Since the fluorescence cut filter 10 is formed by coating the coating 10b having the characteristic of blocking light, it is possible to block the fluorescence emitted from the phosphor 7 toward the image side, and remove adverse effects such as flare on the observed image. it can. In the present embodiment, the use of a reflection type fluorescence cut filter is efficient because the fluorescence toward the image side is reflected and used for illumination.

  Moreover, according to the illumination light irradiation structure of the first embodiment, since the cylindrical transparent member 11 is provided in the openings of the phosphor 7 and the fluorescence cut filter 10, the light from the observation target is transmitted to the tip of the transparent member 11. By receiving light on the surface, it is possible to reduce the degree of the observation surface being blocked by the phosphor 7 and the fluorescence cut filter 10 by bringing the incident surface closer to the observation target, and the light beam is passed through the cylindrical transparent member 11. Since it travels parallel to the optical axis, it can be observed with a wider angle of view. Moreover, since the outer periphery of the columnar transparent member 11 is covered with the light shielding member 12, the fluorescence emitted from the phosphor 7 toward the optical axis can be blocked, and the observation accuracy is further improved.

  In the illumination light irradiation structure shown in FIG. 1A, the cylindrical transparent member 11 is provided. However, when observation with a wide angle of view is not required, the cylindrical transparent member 11 is used. It is good also as a structure which is not provided. In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, when the fluorescent cut filter 10 has an inner diameter smaller than that of the phosphor 7, a light shielding member is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the phosphor 7 and in the vicinity of the opening of the fluorescent cut filter 10. 12 is provided. By doing so, it is possible to block the fluorescence emitted from the phosphor 7 toward the optical axis. When the inner diameters of the phosphor 7 and the fluorescence cut filter 10 are the same, the light shielding member 12 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the phosphor 7 and the inner peripheral surface of the fluorescence cut filter 10. By doing so, the same effect as the configuration of FIG. 2 can be obtained.

  In addition, the illumination light irradiation structure shown in FIG. 1 (a) is configured to include the fluorescence cut filter 10, but only by cutting the fluorescence toward the image side by the reflecting surface of the reflecting mirror 9, it is caused by unnecessary light or the like. In the case where no hindrance occurs, the fluorescent cut filter 10 may not be provided.

  The objective optical system 1 is not limited to the SELFOC type, and may be composed of two convex lenses as shown in FIG. In addition to the relay lens, the image transmission optical system 2 may be configured using, for example, a fiber such as an image guide fiber or an image conduit fiber as shown in FIG.

Second Embodiment FIG. 9 is an explanatory view of a main part of an endoscope provided with an illumination light irradiation structure according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and is an explanatory view schematically showing an optical configuration of irradiation means.
The illumination light irradiation structure in the endoscope of the second embodiment is conjugate with the entrance pupil of the objective optical system 1 so that the irradiation means 9 reflects the excitation light emitted from the light source 8 toward the objective optical system 1 side. A barrier filter 9 ″ having a characteristic of blocking light emitted from the light source 8 is disposed on the image side of the half mirror 9 ′. The barrier filter 9 ″ is configured by a half mirror 9 ′ disposed obliquely in the vicinity of the pupil E2 position. Is substantially the same as the illumination light irradiation structure of the first embodiment.

In the illumination light irradiation structure of the second embodiment configured as described above, the light emitted from the light source 8 enters the half mirror 9 ′ through the illumination optical system 4. The light reflected by the half mirror 9 ′ enters the objective optical system (omitted in FIG. 9) via the imaging optical system 5 and the image transmission optical system (omitted in FIG. 9). The light incident on the objective optical system enters the phosphor (omitted in FIG. 9) via the fluorescence cut filter (omitted in FIG. 9) at the position of the entrance pupil (omitted in FIG. 9) of the objective optical system. Thereby, the phosphor is excited and emits fluorescence. Of the fluorescence emitted from the phosphor, the fluorescence directed to the object side is used as illumination light for illumination of the observation target.
The fluorescence directed to the image side is blocked by the fluorescence cut filter. Further, the fluorescence directed to the optical axis side of the objective optical system is blocked by a light shielding member (omitted in FIG. 9) covered by the outer periphery of a cylindrical transparent member (omitted in FIG. 9). However, in the illumination light irradiation structure shown in FIG. 9, the excitation light reflected by the half mirror 9 ′ passes through the cylindrical transparent member and irradiates the observation target.

Light from the observation object enters the cylindrical transparent member, and enters the half mirror 9 ′ through the objective optical system, the image transmission optical system, and the imaging optical system 5. The light transmitted through the half mirror 9 ′ passes through the imaging optical system 3 and the barrier filter 9 ″ and forms an image on the image pickup surface of the image pickup device 6. At this time, the barrier filter 9 ″ includes the light from the observation target. The excitation light emitted from the light source 8 and reflected by the observation target is blocked, and light of other wavelengths is transmitted.
Therefore, according to the illumination light irradiation structure of the second embodiment, substantially the same effect as the illumination light irradiation structure of the first embodiment can be obtained using the existing filter.

Furthermore, as a modification of the illumination light irradiation structure of the second embodiment, the irradiation means 9 has a characteristic of reflecting light emitted from the light source 8 and transmitting light of other wavelengths, and You may comprise with the wavelength selection member (for example, band pass filter and etalon) arrange | positioned diagonally in the vicinity of the pupil E2 position conjugate with the entrance pupil of the objective optical system so that it may reflect toward the objective optical system side. With this configuration, a space for disposing the barrier filter 9 ″ can be omitted, and the number of parts constituting the irradiation unit 9 can be reduced.
Note that at least part of the excitation light only needs to be incident on the phosphor, and in that case, the irradiation unit 9 is not necessarily arranged in the vicinity of E2. Further, the light emitted from the light source 8 may be transmitted through the half mirror 9 ′, and the light from the observation target may be reflected by the half mirror 9 ′.

Third Embodiment FIG. 10 is an explanatory view of an endoscope having an illumination light irradiation structure according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and (a) is an explanatory view schematically showing an optical configuration of the endoscope. (B) is explanatory drawing which shows arrangement | positioning of the light source with respect to the image transmission optical system seen from the image side. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a partially enlarged path through which the excitation light beam irradiates the phosphor at the tip in the illumination light irradiation structure of the endoscope shown in FIG.
In the illumination light irradiation structure of the third embodiment, the image transmission optical system 2 is configured by a Selfoc lens having a mirror side surface. The irradiating means is composed of illumination optical systems 4 ′ and 4 ″, and a plurality of illuminating sections 13 each including the light source 8 and the irradiating means are arranged in an annular shape.
In addition, each illumination unit 13 is arranged such that illumination light is incident with the illumination optical axis obliquely intersecting the optical axis of the image transmission optical system 2.
In addition, each illuminating unit 13 is arranged at a position such that the light emitted from the illuminating unit 13 and incident on the image transmission optical system 2 repeats total reflection on the side surface of the image transmission optical system 2 and enters the phosphor 7. It has been adjusted.
For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the light beams when passing through the objective optical system 1 from the illumination unit 13 through the image transmission optical system 2 are denoted by La, Lb, Lc, and Ld. Here, the light beam Ld indicates a light beam that passes through the objective optical system 1 when the illumination optical axis does not intersect the optical axis of the image transmission optical system 2, that is, when the illumination optical axis is arranged coaxially. When each illumination unit 13 is arranged so that the illumination optical axis is obliquely crossed with respect to the optical axis of the image transmission optical system 2 and the illumination light is incident, the light beams passing through the objective optical system 1 are, for example, light beams La, Lb, As shown by Lc, the light advances obliquely with respect to the optical axis of the objective optical system 1 and passes through a position off the optical axis of the objective optical system 1 at the position of the entrance pupil E1 of the objective optical system 1. Here, the light beams La and Lb pass outside the entrance pupil E1 of the objective optical system 1 at the entrance pupil E1 position of the objective optical system 1.
In addition, a reflection film is provided on the side surface of the image transmission optical system 2 so as to be reflected toward the optical axis, and each illumination unit 13 emits light incident on the image transmission optical system 2 after being emitted from the illumination unit 13. The arrangement position may be adjusted so that the light is repeatedly reflected by the reflecting surface on the side surface of the optical system 2 and enters the phosphor 7.
Other configurations are substantially the same as the illumination light irradiation structure of the first embodiment.

  In the illumination light irradiation structure of the third embodiment configured as described above, the light from the normal observation target passes through the objective optical system 1 and then passes through without being reflected by the side surface of the image transmission optical system 2 to be coupled. An image is formed on the image pickup surface of the image pickup device 6 through the image optical systems 5 and 3. In this case, if the light passing through the objective optical system 1 includes light that causes noise or flare, the light is reflected by the side surface of the image transmission optical system 2 and reaches the imaging optical system. It is possible to remove the aperture by placing a stop on the pupil E2 conjugate to the exit pupil E1.

  In each illumination unit 13, the light emitted from the light source 8 enters the image transmission optical system 2 through the illumination optical systems 4 ′ and 4 ″. The light incident on the image transmission optical system 2 is incident on the image transmission optical system 2. The light is reflected from the side surface and enters the objective optical system 1, and enters the annular fluorescent cut filter 10 as an annular light beam at the position of the entrance pupil E1 of the objective optical system 1. The light incident on the fluorescent cut filter 10 is coated. 10b passes through and enters the annular phosphor 7. Thereby, the phosphor 7 is excited to emit fluorescence, and among the fluorescence emitted by the phosphor 7, the fluorescence directed to the object side is illuminated. It is used as illumination for illumination of an observation target, and fluorescence directed to the image side is blocked by the fluorescence cut filter 10. Further, fluorescence directed to the optical axis side of the objective optical system 1 is blocked by the light shielding member 12. The illumination unit 13 is 10 (b), it is not necessary to be arranged around the entire circumference, and it may be arranged only in a part, because the light flux spreads in an annular shape while repeating the internal reflection of the SELFOC lens. This is because the luminous flux becomes an annular shape and enters the objective optical system.

  Therefore, the illumination light irradiation structure of the third embodiment can provide substantially the same effect as the illumination light irradiation structure of the first embodiment.

Fourth Embodiment FIG. 12 is an explanatory view of an endoscope provided with an illumination light irradiation structure according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and (a) is an explanatory view schematically showing an optical configuration of the endoscope. (B) is explanatory drawing which shows arrangement | positioning of the light source in the endoscope shown to (a).
In the illumination light irradiation structure of the fourth embodiment, the image transmission optical system 2 is composed of a SELFOC lens. Further, as shown in FIG. 12 (a), the irradiating means includes chromatic aberration generating means such as cemented lenses 1a, 1b, 2a on the lenses constituting the objective optical system 1 and the image transmission optical system 2, and FIG. As shown in b), a plurality of light sources 8 are arranged in an annular shape so that each optical axis is located around the optical axis of the objective optical system 1.
The cemented lenses 1a, 1b, and 2a as the chromatic aberration generating means irradiate the annular phosphor 7 with the excitation light from the light source 8 through an optical path different from the light having a wavelength other than the excitation light due to a color shift action. It is configured.

  It should be noted that the cemented lens as the chromatic aberration generating means is not provided in the image transmission optical system 2 as long as it can irradiate the phosphor 7 through the optical path different from the light having a wavelength other than the excitation light by the color shift action. It may be provided only in the objective optical system 1 or may be provided at an arbitrary position on the optical path between the phosphor 7 and the light source 8 other than the objective optical system 1 and the image transmission optical system.

Furthermore, in the illumination light irradiation structure of the fourth embodiment, the wavelength selection member 14 having the characteristics of reflecting light of wavelengths emitted from the plurality of light sources 8 arranged in an annular shape and transmitting light of other wavelengths is provided. The objective optical system 1 is provided obliquely in the vicinity of the position of the pupil E2 conjugate with the entrance pupil E1.
Other configurations are substantially the same as the illumination light irradiation structure shown in FIG.

  In the illumination light irradiation structure of the fourth embodiment configured as described above, light emitted from a plurality of light sources 8 arranged in an annular shape passes through the illumination optical system 4 and is directed to the objective optical system 1 side by the wavelength selection member 14. The light is reflected and passes through the image transmission optical system 2 and enters the objective optical system 1 as an annular light beam.

  The light emitted from the objective optical system 1 enters the annular fluorescent cut filter 10, passes through the coating 10 b, and enters the annular phosphor 7. Thereby, the phosphor 7 is excited and emits fluorescence. Of the fluorescence emitted from the phosphor 7, the fluorescence directed toward the object side is used as illumination light for illumination of the observation target. The fluorescence directed toward the image side is blocked by the fluorescence cut filter 10. Further, the fluorescence directed toward the optical axis side of the objective optical system 1 is blocked by the light shielding member 12.

  The light from the observation object enters the cylindrical transparent member 11, enters the imaging optical system 5 through the objective optical system 1 and the image transmission optical system 2, and is a wavelength emitted from the light source 8 as a predetermined wavelength used for observation. Light other than the light passes through the wavelength selection member 14 and forms an image on the imaging surface of the imaging device 6 via the imaging optical system 3.

At this time, the light emitted from the light source 8 due to the color shift action caused by passing through the cemented lens 2a provided in the image transmission optical system 2 and the cemented lenses 1b and 1a provided in the objective optical system is, for example, other than that. Light having a wavelength used for normal observation passes through an optical path different from the optical path passing through these cemented lenses.
For this reason, the optical path of the light emitted from the light source 8 is largely separated from the optical path of the light of other wavelengths, and the color shift effect of the cemented lens is greatly increased so as to irradiate the phosphor 7 positioned on the outer periphery of the entrance pupil E1. By doing so, the optical path of the observation system and the optical path of the illumination system can be greatly different, and a good observation image free from unnecessary light can be obtained.
Other functions and effects are substantially the same as those of the illumination light irradiation structure of the first embodiment.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 12, the wavelength selection member 14 is provided so that light emitted from the light source 8 does not enter the imaging optical system 3 side, but a half mirror is provided instead of the wavelength selection member 14. Also good.
Even with the configuration provided with a half mirror, the color shift action of the cemented lens can be made large so that the optical path of the observation system and the optical path of the illumination system can be greatly different so that the light emitted from the light source 8 does not enter the optical path of the observation system. For example, as in the configuration in which the wavelength selection member 14 is provided, a good observation image free from unnecessary light can be obtained.

  In the configuration shown in FIG. 12, the chromatic aberration generating means is configured by using a cemented lens. However, the phosphor 7 is irradiated with the excitation light through an optical path different from the light having a wavelength other than the excitation light by the color shift action. If possible, for example, a diffraction grating may be used.

Fifth Embodiment FIG. 13 is an explanatory view of an endoscope provided with an illumination light irradiation structure according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 (a) schematically shows the main part of the optical configuration of the endoscope. Explanatory drawing shown, (b) is the elements on larger scale of (a).
In the illumination light irradiation structure of the fifth embodiment, in the vicinity of the entrance pupil E1 position of the objective optical system 1, the inner diameter is smaller than the inner diameter of the annular phosphor 7, and the outer diameter is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the phosphor 7. Between the phosphor 7 and the fluorescence cut filter 10, a fluorescent light is formed between the phosphor 7 and the fluorescence cut filter 10. The ring-shaped fluorescence cut filter 10 is formed in a size and has a property of transmitting excitation light and blocking fluorescence excited by the phosphor 7. A transparent member 15 formed in an annular shape having an inner diameter and an outer diameter that are approximately the same size as the body 7 is provided, and a concave lens 16 and a convex lens 17 are provided inside the transparent member 15 in order from the object side.
Other configurations are substantially the same as the illumination light irradiation structure of the first embodiment. Other configurations may be substantially the same as the illumination light irradiation structure of any one of the second to fourth embodiments.

According to the illumination light irradiation structure of the fifth embodiment configured as described above, since the annular transparent member 15 is provided, the optical path length of the distal end portion of the endoscope can be extended to the object side, and the extension is performed. Since the lenses 16 and 17 having refractive power in the order of unevenness from the object side are provided inside the distal end portion of the endoscope, a wider angle of view can be obtained.
Other functions and effects are substantially the same as those of the illumination light irradiation structure of the first embodiment.

Sixth Embodiment FIG. 14 is an explanatory view of a main part of an endoscope provided with an illumination light irradiation structure according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, and is an explanatory view schematically showing an optical configuration of irradiation means.
In this embodiment, the imaging optical system 5 has a larger diameter than that of the first embodiment, and the optical axis of the illumination optical system 4 is arranged in parallel to the optical axis of the image transmission optical system 2. Since the present embodiment is configured as described above, it is not necessary to use a mirror or a half mirror as the illumination means.
The illumination optical system 4 and the light source 8 are preferably arranged in a ring shape with respect to the optical axis of the objective optical system (not shown).

In each of the above-described embodiments, the illumination light irradiation structure in an endoscope using fluorescence as illumination light is shown.
However, it is arranged near the entrance pupil position of the objective optical system shown in the illumination light irradiation structure of the first embodiment and the third to sixth embodiments, and the inner diameter is larger than the entrance pupil diameter of the objective optical system. The configuration of the illumination means for irradiating the light emitted from the light source through the objective optical system to the annular phosphor having an outer diameter that is substantially the same as the lens having the largest diameter in the objective optical system, The present invention can also be applied to an endoscope that uses visible light as illumination light.
Therefore, embodiments in which the illumination light irradiation structures of the first embodiment and the third to sixth embodiments are applied to an endoscope using visible light as illumination light will be described.

Seventh Embodiment FIG. 15 is an explanatory view schematically showing an optical configuration of an endoscope provided with an illumination light irradiation structure according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 16 is an illumination light of the endoscope shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which expands and shows the modification of the front-end | tip part in an irradiation structure. FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing an optical configuration when another image transmission optical system is used in the illumination light irradiation structure of the endoscope shown in FIG. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the same member as the endoscope of 1st embodiment, and detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The endoscope of the seventh embodiment includes a scatterer 7 ′, a light source 8 ′ that emits visible light, an irradiation unit 9, and a cylindrical transparent member 11 as an illumination light irradiation structure. That is, in the endoscope of the seventh embodiment, instead of the annular phosphor 7 and the annular fluorescence cut filter 10 in the illumination light irradiation structure of the endoscope of the first embodiment shown in FIG. And a light source 8 ′ that emits visible light instead of the light source 8 that emits excitation light.

The scatterer 7 ′ is formed in an annular shape having an inner diameter that is greater than or equal to the diameter of the entrance pupil E 1 of the objective optical system 1 and an outer diameter that is substantially the same as the largest lens in the objective optical system 1. Yes. The scatterer 7 ′ is disposed in the vicinity of the position of the entrance pupil E1 of the objective optical system 1.
The light source 8 ′ is composed of a visible light LED, and emits light having a visible wavelength.
The irradiation means 9 is configured in the same manner as the irradiation means 9 in the illumination light irradiation structure of the endoscope of the first embodiment shown in FIG. The irradiation unit 9 passes the light emitted from the light source 8 ′ through the objective optical system 1 and in the vicinity of the position of the entrance pupil E1 of the objective optical system 1, and the inner diameter is larger than the diameter of the entrance pupil E1 of the objective optical system 1. In addition, an annular region (region where the scatterer 7 ′ is disposed) having an outer diameter substantially the same as that of the lens having the largest diameter in the objective optical system 1 is irradiated.
Other configurations are substantially the same as those of the endoscope of the first embodiment.

  In the endoscope having the illumination light irradiation structure of the seventh embodiment configured as described above, the light having a visible wavelength emitted from the light source 8 ′ enters the reflection mirror 9 as the irradiation means via the illumination optical system 4. To do. Of the light flux incident on the reflecting mirror 9, the light incident on the opening 9a passes through as it is. The transmitted light can be absorbed by arranging a light absorbing member (not shown). On the other hand, the light incident on the reflecting surface 9b is reflected toward the objective optical system 1 side, and enters the objective optical system 1 as an annular light beam through the imaging optical system 5 and the image transmission optical system 2. The light incident on the objective optical system 1 passes through a position outside the entrance pupil E1 at the entrance pupil E1 position of the objective optical system 1 and enters the scatterer 7 '. The scatterer 7 'scatters and emits incident light. Of the scattered light emitted from the scatterer 7 ′, light directed toward the object side is used as illumination light for illumination of the observation target.

  Illuminated light from the observation object enters the cylindrical transparent member 11 and is imaged on the imaging surface of the imaging element 6 through the objective optical system 1, the image transmission optical system 2, and the imaging optical systems 5 and 3. The

As described above, in the illumination light irradiation structure of the seventh embodiment, in the vicinity of the position of the entrance pupil E1 in the objective optical system 1, the inner diameter is larger than the diameter of the entrance pupil E1 and the outer diameter is the maximum of the objective optical system 1. An annular scatterer 7 ′ having substantially the same size as the diameter is provided, and a visible wavelength emitted from the scatterer 7 ′ by irradiating the scatterer 7 ′ with light having a visible wavelength via the irradiation means 9. The scattered light is used as illumination light. That is, in the illumination light irradiation structure of the seventh embodiment, similarly to the illumination light irradiation structure of the first embodiment, the observation system and the illumination system are made coaxial in the objective optical system and the image transmission optical system, and the objective optical system 1 is An outer region that is not necessary for observation at the tip of the observation system provided is used as an optical path of the illumination system.
For this reason, according to the illumination light irradiation structure of the seventh embodiment, it is not necessary to provide an optical path for the illumination system around the objective optical system 1 as in the illumination light irradiation structure of the first embodiment. An optical device such as an endoscope having a tip that is extremely thinned to a thickness that is impossible with the prior art described in 2 can be realized. Moreover, since it is not necessary to dispose an illumination system optical member such as a light guide around the objective optical system, it is possible to prevent halation in the observation system due to bright illumination in only one direction. Further, since the observation system is arranged at the center in the distal end insertion portion, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of asymmetric distortion of the observation image.

In the illumination light irradiation structure of the seventh embodiment, the irradiation means 9 is an opening having a diameter that is substantially the same as the diameter of the entrance pupil E1 of the objective optical system 1 and the conjugate pupil E2 in a state where the irradiation means 9 is disposed obliquely. A portion 9a and a reflection surface 9b that reflects light emitted from the light source 8 ′ toward the objective optical system 1 on the outer periphery of the opening 9a, and is near the position of the pupil E2 conjugate with the entrance pupil E1 of the objective optical system 1 Therefore, the light emitted from the light source 8 ′ can be incident on the scatterer 7 ′ so as not to enter the entrance pupil E1 of the objective optical system 1 as much as possible.
In addition, the observation light beam from the observation target is imaged on the imaging surface of the imaging element 6 via the imaging optical system 3 through the opening 9a through the light passing through the entrance pupil E1 of the objective optical system 1. Even if other unnecessary light is generated, it can be reflected by the reflecting surface 9b and prevented from entering the imaging optical system 3. For this reason, even if the optical path of the illumination system is provided in the objective optical system 1, it is possible to illuminate the observation target without disturbing the observation in the observation system.

  Moreover, according to the illumination light irradiation structure of the seventh embodiment, since the cylindrical transparent member 11 is provided in the opening of the scatterer 7 ′, light from the observation target is received by the distal end surface of the transparent member 11. This makes it possible to reduce the degree of the observation light being blocked by the scatterer 7 ′ by bringing the incident surface closer to the observation target, and the light beam travels parallel to the optical axis in the cylindrical transparent member 11. Therefore, it is possible to observe with a wider angle of view. In addition, since the outer periphery of the cylindrical transparent member 11 is covered with the light shielding member 12, the light traveling from the scatterer 7 'toward the optical axis can be blocked, and the observation accuracy is further improved.

  In the illumination light irradiation structure shown in FIG. 15, the cylindrical transparent member 11 is provided. However, when observation with a wide angle of view is not required, the cylindrical transparent member 11 is not provided. It is good also as a structure.

  The objective optical system 1 is not limited to the SELFOC type, and may be composed of two convex lenses as shown in FIG. The image transmission optical system 2 may be configured using, for example, a fiber such as an image guide fiber or an image conduit fiber as shown in FIG. 17 in addition to the relay lens.

Thus, the illumination light irradiation structure of the seventh embodiment is configured on the assumption of an endoscope that uses visible light as illumination light, and is configured on the assumption of an endoscope that uses fluorescence as illumination light in this respect. It is different from the illumination light irradiation structure of the first embodiment.
However, in the vicinity of the entrance pupil position of the objective optical system, the inner diameter is larger than the diameter of the entrance pupil of the objective optical system, and the outer diameter is approximately the same size as the lens having the largest diameter in the objective optical system. The illumination means is configured to irradiate the annular region with the light emitted from the light source through the objective optical system, and the basic idea for solving the problems of the present invention and the function and effect are the first implementation. It is substantially the same as the illumination light irradiation structure of the form.
In the illumination light irradiation structure of the seventh embodiment based on an endoscope using visible light as illumination light, the illumination light irradiation structure of the first embodiment based on an endoscope using fluorescence as illumination light is used. In comparison, a brighter observation image can be obtained. On the other hand, in the illumination light irradiation structure of the present invention based on an endoscope using fluorescence as illumination light as in the illumination light irradiation structure of the first embodiment, the illumination wavelength and the observation target are irradiated. Since the observation wavelength is different, the occurrence of halation in the observation system can be prevented more strongly than the illumination light irradiation structure of the seventh embodiment using the same visible wavelength for the illumination wavelength and the observation wavelength.

Eighth Embodiment FIG. 18 is an explanatory view of an endoscope provided with an illumination light irradiation structure according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention, and (a) is an explanatory view schematically showing an optical configuration of the endoscope. (B) is explanatory drawing which shows arrangement | positioning of the light source with respect to the image transmission optical system seen from the image side. FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing a partially enlarged path through which a light beam having a visible wavelength from a light source irradiates the scatterer at the distal end of the illumination light irradiation structure of the endoscope shown in FIG.
The endoscope of the eighth embodiment is an annular scattering instead of the annular phosphor 7 and the annular fluorescent cut filter 10 in the illumination light irradiation structure of the endoscope of the third embodiment shown in FIG. In addition to the body 7 ', a light source 8' for emitting visible light is provided instead of the light source 8 for emitting excitation light.
The scatterer 7 ′ is formed in an annular shape having an inner diameter that is greater than or equal to the diameter of the entrance pupil E 1 of the objective optical system 1 and an outer diameter that is substantially the same as the largest lens in the objective optical system 1. Yes. The scatterer 7 ′ is disposed in the vicinity of the position of the entrance pupil E1 of the objective optical system 1.
The light source 8 ′ is composed of a visible light LED, and emits light having a visible wavelength.

And in the illumination light irradiation structure of 8th embodiment, the image transmission optical system 2 is comprised with the Selfoc lens whose side surface is a mirror surface. The irradiating means is composed of illumination optical systems 4 ′ and 4 ″, and a plurality of illumination sections 13 each comprising a light source 8 ′ and an irradiating means are arranged in an annular shape.
In addition, each illumination unit 13 is arranged such that illumination light is incident with the illumination optical axis obliquely intersecting the optical axis of the image transmission optical system 2.
In addition, each illuminating unit 13 is arranged so that the light emitted from the illuminating unit 13 and incident on the image transmission optical system 2 repeats total reflection on the side surface of the image transmission optical system 2 and enters the scatterer 7 ′. Has been adjusted.
For example, as shown in FIG. 19, the light beams when passing through the objective optical system 1 from the illumination unit 13 through the image transmission optical system 2 are denoted by La, Lb, Lc, and Ld. Here, the light beam Ld indicates a light beam that passes through the objective optical system 1 when the illumination optical axis does not intersect the optical axis of the image transmission optical system 2, that is, when the illumination optical axis is arranged coaxially. When each illumination unit 13 is arranged so that the illumination optical axis is obliquely crossed with respect to the optical axis of the image transmission optical system 2 and the illumination light is incident, the light beams passing through the objective optical system 1 are, for example, light beams La, Lb, As indicated by Lc, the light advances obliquely with respect to the optical axis of the objective optical system 1 and passes through a position off the optical axis of the objective optical system 1 at the position of the entrance pupil E1 of the objective optical system 1. Here, the light beams La and Lb pass outside the entrance pupil E1 of the objective optical system 1 at the entrance pupil E1 position of the objective optical system 1.
In addition, a reflection film is provided on the side surface of the image transmission optical system 2 so as to be reflected toward the optical axis, and each illumination unit 13 emits light that has exited the illumination unit 13 and entered the image transmission optical system 2. The arrangement position may be adjusted so that the light is repeatedly reflected by the reflecting surface on the side surface of the optical system 2 and enters the scatterer 7 ′.
Other configurations are substantially the same as the illumination light irradiation structure of the first embodiment.

  In the illumination light irradiation structure of the eighth embodiment configured in this way, light from a normal observation object passes through the objective optical system 1 and then passes without being reflected by the side surface of the image transmission optical system 2, thereby forming a connection. An image is formed on the image pickup surface of the image pickup device 6 through the image optical systems 5 and 3. In this case, if the light passing through the objective optical system 1 includes light that causes noise or flare, the light is reflected by the side surface of the image transmission optical system 2 and reaches the imaging optical system. It is possible to remove the aperture by placing a stop on the pupil E2 conjugate to the exit pupil E1.

  In each illumination unit 13, the light emitted from the light source 8 ′ enters the image transmission optical system 2 through the illumination optical systems 4 ′ and 4 ″. The light incident on the image transmission optical system 2 is image transmission optical system 2. Are incident on the objective optical system 1 and enter the annular scatterer 7 'as an annular light beam at the position of the entrance pupil E1 of the objective optical system 1. Thereby, the incident light is reflected into the scatterer. The scattered light emitted from the scatterer 7 ′ is scattered toward the object side and used as illumination light for the illumination of the observation target. Scattered light directed toward the optical axis 1 is blocked by the light shielding member 12. The illumination unit 13 does not need to be arranged all around as shown in FIG. The light beam spreads in an annular shape while repeating the internal reflection of the SELFOC lens. The quality, because incident on the objective optical system the light beam from the illumination portion of a portion becomes an annular.

  Therefore, the illumination light irradiation structure of the eighth embodiment can provide substantially the same effect as the illumination light irradiation structure of the seventh embodiment.

Ninth Embodiment FIG. 20 is an explanatory view of an endoscope provided with an illumination light irradiation structure according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 20 (a) schematically shows the main part of the optical configuration of the endoscope. Explanatory drawing shown, (b) is the elements on larger scale of (a).
The endoscope of the ninth embodiment is an annular scattering instead of the annular phosphor 7 and the annular fluorescence cut filter 10 in the illumination light irradiation structure of the endoscope of the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. In addition to the body 7 ', a light source 8' for emitting visible light is provided instead of the light source 8 for emitting excitation light.
The scatterer 7 ′ is formed in an annular shape having an inner diameter that is greater than or equal to the diameter of the entrance pupil E 1 of the objective optical system 1 and an outer diameter that is substantially the same as the largest lens in the objective optical system 1. Yes. The scatterer 7 ′ is disposed in the vicinity of the position of the entrance pupil E1 of the objective optical system 1.
The light source 8 ′ is composed of a visible light LED, and emits light having a visible wavelength.

And in the illumination light irradiation structure of 9th embodiment, the transparent member 15 formed in the annular | circular shape which has the internal diameter and outer diameter of the substantially same magnitude | size as the scatterer 7 'in the vicinity of the entrance pupil E1 position of the objective optical system 1. FIG. Furthermore, a concave lens 16 and a convex lens 17 are provided inside the transparent member 15 in order from the object side.
Other configurations are substantially the same as the illumination light irradiation structure of the first embodiment. In addition, you may make the other structure substantially the same as the illumination light irradiation structure in any one of 2nd-4th embodiment.

According to the illumination light irradiation structure of the ninth embodiment configured as described above, since the annular transparent member 15 is provided, the optical path length of the endoscope distal end can be extended to the object side, and the extension is performed. Since the lenses 16 and 17 having refractive power in the order of unevenness from the object side are provided inside the distal end portion of the endoscope, a wider angle of view can be obtained.
Other functions and effects are substantially the same as those of the illumination light irradiation structure of the seventh embodiment.

Tenth Embodiment FIG. 21 is an explanatory view of a main part of an endoscope provided with an illumination light irradiation structure according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention, and schematically shows an optical configuration of irradiation means.
In the illumination light irradiation structure of the tenth embodiment, the imaging optical system 5 has a larger diameter than that of the seventh embodiment, and the optical axis of the illumination optical system 4 is arranged parallel to the optical axis of the image transmission optical system 2. Is. A plurality of illumination optical systems 4 and light sources 8 ′ are arranged in a ring shape with respect to the optical axis of an objective optical system (not shown). Other configurations are substantially the same as the illumination light irradiation structure of the seventh embodiment.
Since the present embodiment is configured as described above, it is not necessary to use a mirror or a half mirror as the illumination means.

Eleventh Embodiment FIG. 22 is an explanatory view of a main part of an endoscope provided with an illumination light irradiation structure according to the eleventh embodiment of the present invention, and schematically shows an optical configuration of irradiation means. is there.
The illumination light irradiation structure of the eleventh embodiment includes a reflecting mirror 9 ₁ ′ on the image side of the imaging optical system 5. The reflecting mirror 9 ₁ ′ is disposed obliquely in the vicinity of the pupil position E2 conjugate with the entrance pupil of the objective optical system, and is approximately the same size as the diameter of the pupil conjugate with the entrance pupil of the objective optical system in the obliquely disposed state. The reflecting surface 9 ₁ a ′ has a diameter of Further, a reflecting mirror 9 ₂ ′ having a reflecting surface 9 ₂ a ′ is provided between the reflecting mirror 9 ₁ ′ and the imaging lens 3. The imaging lens 3 and the image sensor 6 are arranged on an optical path bent through reflecting mirrors 9 ₁ ′ and 9 ₂ ′.
In addition, the illumination light irradiation structure of the eleventh embodiment includes a reflecting member 9 ″ ′ between the light source 8 ′ and the reflecting mirror 9 ₁ ′ as the irradiation means.
The reflecting member 9 ″ ′ has a conical shape with an opening at the reflecting mirror 9 ₁ ′ side, a reflecting surface 9a ″ ′ on the side surface, and a light source arrangement hole 9b ″ ′ at the light source 8 ′ side end. It is comprised with the cylindrical member.
The reflecting surface 9a ″ ′ is configured such that the light emitted from the light source 8 ′ is reflected in a direction parallel to the optical axis, and the reflected light passes through the outer periphery of the reflecting mirror 9 ₁ ′.
The light source arrangement hole 9b ″ ′ is formed in a size that allows the emission portion of the light source 8 ′ to be inserted.
Other configurations are substantially the same as the illumination light irradiation structure of the seventh embodiment.

In the illumination light irradiation structure of the eleventh embodiment configured as described above, the light emitted from the light source 8 ′ and incident on the reflection surface 9a ″ ′ of the reflection member 9 ″ ′ is transmitted through the reflection surface 9a ″ ′. The reflected light is reflected in a direction parallel to the axis, passes through the outer periphery of the reflecting mirror 9 ₁ ′, and enters the image transmission optical system 2 through the imaging optical system 5 as an annular parallel light beam. Incidentally, the light emitted from the light source 8 ′ and traveling in the vicinity of the optical axis without being reflected by the reflecting surface 9a ″ ′ of the reflecting member 9 ″ ′ is blocked from traveling in the direction of the image transmission optical system 2 by the reflecting mirror 9 ₁ ′. Is done.
The light incident on the image transmission optical system 2 is used for illumination of an observation object via an objective optical system (not shown) and a scattering plate (not shown).
Light from the observation object enters a transparent member (not shown), an objective lens (not shown), the image transmission optical system 2, the imaging optical system 5, the reflecting mirrors 9 ₁ ′, 9 ₂ ′, and the imaging optical system 3 Then, an image is formed on the imaging surface of the imaging device 6.

The effect similar to that of the illumination light irradiation structure of the seventh embodiment is also obtained by the illumination light irradiation structure of the eleventh embodiment.
In addition, in place of the light source 8 ′ that emits visible light in the illumination light irradiation structure of the eleventh embodiment, a light source 8 that emits excitation light is provided, and an annular phosphor and It is good also as an illumination light irradiation structure in the endoscope which provides an annular fluorescence cut filter and uses visible light as illumination light. In that case, the same effect as the illumination light irradiation structure of the first embodiment can be obtained.

Twelfth Embodiment FIG. 23 is an explanatory view of a main part of an endoscope provided with an illumination light irradiation structure according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention, and schematically shows an optical configuration of irradiation means. is there.
The illumination light irradiation structure of the twelfth embodiment is a modification of the illumination light irradiation structure of the eleventh embodiment, and instead of the reflecting member 9 ″ ′ in the eleventh embodiment, a light source 8 ′ and an illumination optical system. 4 are arranged in a ring shape with respect to the optical axis of the objective optical system (not shown) so that each light emitted from each light source 8 'passes through the outer periphery of the pupil conjugate with the entrance pupil of the objective optical system. The optical axes of the light sources 8 ′ and the illumination optical system 4 are arranged in parallel to the optical axis of the objective optical system (not shown).
Other configurations are substantially the same as the illumination light irradiation structure of the eleventh embodiment.

According to the illumination light irradiation structure of the twelfth embodiment configured as described above, the same effect as that of the endoscope irradiation structure of the eleventh embodiment can be obtained.
In addition, instead of the light source 8 ′ that emits visible light in the illumination light irradiation structure of the twelfth embodiment, a light source 8 that emits excitation light is provided, and an annular phosphor and It is good also as an illumination light irradiation structure in the endoscope which provides an annular fluorescence cut filter and uses visible light as illumination light. In that case, the same effect as the illumination light irradiation structure of the first embodiment can be obtained.

Thirteenth Embodiment FIG. 24 is an explanatory view of a main part of an endoscope provided with an illumination light irradiation structure according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention, and schematically shows the optical configuration of an objective optical system and an image transmission optical system. FIG.
The illumination light irradiation structure of the thirteenth embodiment is a modification of the illumination light irradiation structure of the eighth embodiment, and the cladding layer 21 having a low refractive index is formed on the outer periphery of the SELFOC lens constituting the image transmission optical system 2. It has.
Further, in the illumination light irradiation structure of the thirteenth embodiment, on the most object side surface in the objective optical system 1, the annular scatterer 7 'shown in FIG. 18, the cylindrical transparent member 11, the light shielding member 12, etc. It is the composition which does not have. That is, in the illumination light irradiation structure of the thirteenth embodiment, light from a light source that emits visible light (not shown) is transmitted through the image transmission light optical system 2 to the outer ring on the most object side surface of the objective optical system 1. The light is emitted from the area and used for illumination.
Other configurations are substantially the same as the illumination light irradiation structure of the eighth embodiment.

According to the illumination light irradiation structure of the thirteenth embodiment configured as described above, since the low refractive index cladding layer 21 is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the selfoc lens constituting the image transmission optical system 2, the selfoc lens. It becomes easy to totally reflect the light incident on the clad layer 21 with a low refractive index, and to supply bright light without flare. Further, since the clad layer 21 is provided on the outer periphery of the SELFOC lens, the strength of the SELFOC lens is increased and it is difficult to break.
Other effects are substantially the same as the illumination light irradiation structure of the eighth embodiment.
In addition, instead of the light source 8 ′ that emits visible light in the illumination light irradiation structure of the thirteenth embodiment, a light source 8 that emits excitation light is provided, and an annular phosphor and It is good also as an illumination light irradiation structure in the endoscope which provides an annular fluorescence cut filter and uses visible light as illumination light. In that case, the same effect as the illumination light irradiation structure of the third embodiment can be obtained.

In addition, in each of the above embodiments, the illumination light irradiation structure is used for an endoscope having an image transmission optical system.For example, a video endoscope having an objective optical system and an image pickup device such as a CCD built in the tip, etc. The illumination light irradiation structure of the present invention can also be applied to an endoscope that does not include an image transmission optical system.
In each of the above embodiments, the illumination light irradiation structure is provided in the endoscope. However, the illumination light irradiation structure of the present invention is not limited to the endoscope, and the distal end portion of the observation system is extremely thin. In addition, the present invention can be applied to any device as long as it is an optical device in which the exit end of the illumination system is disposed near the tip of the observation system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an endoscope provided with an illumination light irradiation structure according to a first embodiment of the present invention, wherein (a) is an explanatory diagram schematically showing an optical configuration of the endoscope, and (b) is (a). It is explanatory drawing which shows the external appearance of). It is explanatory drawing which expands and shows the modification of the front-end | tip part in the illumination light irradiation structure of the endoscope shown to Fig.1 (a). (a) is explanatory drawing which looked at the front-end | tip part in the illumination light irradiation structure of the endoscope shown to Fig.1 (a) from the object side, (b) is the ultrafine diameter comparable as 1st embodiment using a prior art. It is explanatory drawing which looked at the front-end | tip part at the time of comprising the front-end | tip part of an endoscope from the object side. It is explanatory drawing which shows the cyclic | annular fluorescent substance used as a wavelength conversion element in the illumination light irradiation structure of the endoscope shown to Fig.1 (a). It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the irradiation means in the illumination light irradiation structure of the endoscope shown to Fig.1 (a). It is explanatory drawing of the fluorescence cut filter in the illumination light irradiation structure of the endoscope shown to Fig.1 (a), (a) is a perspective view which shows an external appearance, (b) is a graph which shows the transmission characteristic of a fluorescence cut filter. is there. It is explanatory drawing of the cylindrical transparent member in the illumination light irradiation structure of the endoscope shown to Fig.1 (a). It is explanatory drawing which shows roughly the optical structure at the time of using another image transmission optical system in the illumination light irradiation structure of the endoscope shown to Fig.1 (a). It is principal part explanatory drawing of the endoscope provided with the illumination light irradiation structure concerning 2nd embodiment of this invention, Comprising: It is explanatory drawing which shows schematically the optical structure of an irradiation means. It is explanatory drawing of the endoscope provided with the illumination light irradiation structure concerning 3rd embodiment of this invention, Comprising: (a) is explanatory drawing which shows schematically the optical structure of an endoscope, (b) is an image side It is explanatory drawing which shows arrangement | positioning of the light source with respect to the image transmission optical system seen from. It is explanatory drawing which expands partially the path | route which an excitation light beam irradiates to the fluorescent substance of the front-end | tip part in the illumination light irradiation structure of the endoscope shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing of the endoscope provided with the illumination light irradiation structure concerning 4th embodiment of the present invention, (a) is an explanatory view showing roughly an optical configuration of an endoscope, (b) is (a) It is explanatory drawing which shows arrangement | positioning of the light source in the endoscope shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing of the endoscope provided with the illumination light irradiation structure concerning 5th embodiment of this invention, (a) is explanatory drawing which shows schematically the principal part of the optical structure of an endoscope, (b) (A) is a partially enlarged view of FIG. It is principal part explanatory drawing of the endoscope provided with the illumination light irradiation structure concerning 6th embodiment of this invention, Comprising: It is explanatory drawing which shows schematically the optical structure of an irradiation means. It is explanatory drawing which shows roughly the optical structure of the endoscope provided with the illumination light irradiation structure concerning 7th Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 16 is an explanatory view showing, in an enlarged manner, a modification of the distal end portion in the illumination light irradiation structure of the endoscope shown in FIG. 15. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing an optical configuration when another image transmission optical system is used in the illumination light irradiation structure of the endoscope shown in FIG. 15. It is explanatory drawing of the endoscope provided with the illumination light irradiation structure concerning 8th embodiment of this invention, (a) is explanatory drawing which shows schematically the optical structure of an endoscope, (b) is an image side. It is explanatory drawing which shows arrangement | positioning of the light source with respect to the image transmission optical system seen from. It is explanatory drawing which expands partially the path | route which the light beam of visible wavelength irradiates to the scatterer of the front-end | tip part in the illumination light irradiation structure of the endoscope shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing of the endoscope provided with the illumination light irradiation structure concerning 9th embodiment of this invention, Comprising: (a) is explanatory drawing which shows schematically the principal part of the optical structure of an endoscope, (b) (A) is a partially enlarged view of FIG. It is principal part explanatory drawing of the endoscope provided with the illumination light irradiation structure concerning 10th Embodiment of this invention, Comprising: It is explanatory drawing which shows schematically the optical structure of an irradiation means. It is principal part explanatory drawing of the endoscope provided with the illumination light irradiation structure concerning 11th Embodiment of this invention, Comprising: It is explanatory drawing which shows schematically the optical structure of an irradiation means. It is principal part explanatory drawing of the endoscope provided with the illumination light irradiation structure concerning 12th Embodiment of this invention, Comprising: It is explanatory drawing which shows schematically the optical structure of an irradiation means. It is principal part explanatory drawing of the endoscope provided with the illumination light irradiation structure concerning 13th Embodiment of this invention, Comprising: It is explanatory drawing which shows schematically the optical structure of an objective optical system and an image transmission optical system. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of 1 structure of the illumination means in the conventional endoscope. It is explanatory drawing which shows the other structural example of the illumination means in the conventional endoscope.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Objective optical system 1a, 1b, 2a Joint lens 2 Image transmission optical system 3, 5 Imaging optical system 4, 4 ', 4 "Illumination optical system 6 Imaging element 7 Phosphor 7' Scattering body 8, 8 'Light source 9 Irradiation Means (reflector)
9a Opening 9b Reflective surface 9 'Half mirror 9 "Barrier filter 9"' Reflective member 9a "'Reflective surface 9b"' Light source arrangement hole 9 ₁ ', 9 ₂ ' Reflective mirror 9 ₁ a ', 9 ₂ a' Reflective surface DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Fluorescence cut filter 10a Transparent member 10a1 One surface 10b of a transparent member Coating 11 Transparent member 12 Light-shielding member 13 Illumination part 14 Wavelength selection member 15 Transparent member 16 Concave lens 17 Convex lens 20a Lens barrel tip part 20b, 20c Storage part 21 Clad layers 50 and 60 Ends 51 and 61 of endoscopes Observation systems 52a and 52b LED
62 Light guide E1 Entrance pupil E2 of objective optical system 1 Entrance pupil E1 and conjugate pupil

Claims (51)

An illumination light irradiation structure for irradiating an observation object with illumination light in an observation optical device provided with an objective optical system inside a lens barrel formed with an elongated tip.
A wavelength conversion element disposed near the entrance pupil position of the objective optical system;
A light source that emits light for wavelength conversion by the wavelength conversion element;
An illumination light irradiation structure comprising irradiation means for irradiating the wavelength conversion element with light emitted from the light source through the objective optical system. An illumination light irradiation structure for irradiating an observation object with illumination light in an observation optical device provided with an objective optical system inside a lens barrel formed with an elongated tip.
A phosphor disposed in the vicinity of the entrance pupil position of the objective optical system;
A light source that emits light for exciting the phosphor;
An illumination light irradiation structure comprising irradiation means for irradiating the phosphor with light emitted from the light source through the objective optical system.   The irradiating means is disposed obliquely in the vicinity of the pupil position conjugate with the entrance pupil of the objective optical system, and is approximately the same size as the diameter of the pupil conjugate with the entrance pupil of the objective optical system in the obliquely disposed state. 3. A reflecting mirror having an opening having a diameter and a reflecting surface for reflecting light emitted from the light source toward the objective optical system side on an outer periphery of the opening. Illumination light irradiation structure as described in 2.   A half mirror disposed obliquely in the vicinity of the pupil position conjugate with the entrance pupil of the objective optical system so that the irradiation means reflects light emitted from the light source toward the objective optical system side; 3. The illumination light irradiation structure according to claim 2, wherein the illumination light irradiation structure has a characteristic of blocking emitted light, and is constituted by a barrier filter disposed on an image side of the half mirror.   The objective optical system has a characteristic that the irradiation means reflects light emitted from the light source and transmits light of other wavelengths, and reflects the light from the light source toward the objective optical system side. The illumination light irradiation structure according to claim 2, wherein the illumination light irradiation structure is configured by a wavelength selection member disposed obliquely in the vicinity of a pupil position conjugate with the entrance pupil of the lens.   The illumination light irradiation structure according to claim 2, wherein a fluorescence cut filter having a characteristic of transmitting excitation light and blocking fluorescence emitted from the phosphor is provided on the image side of the phosphor.   The illumination light irradiation structure according to claim 2, wherein a light shielding member is provided on an inner peripheral surface of the phosphor.   The illumination light irradiation structure according to claim 6, wherein a light shielding member is provided on an inner peripheral surface of the phosphor and an inner peripheral surface of the fluorescent cut filter.   The illumination light irradiation structure according to claim 6, further comprising a light shielding member provided in the vicinity of the inner peripheral surface of the phosphor and the opening of the fluorescence cut filter.   The illumination light irradiation structure according to claim 2, wherein a cylindrical transparent member is provided in the opening of the phosphor.   The illumination light irradiation structure according to claim 6, wherein a cylindrical transparent member is provided in the opening of the phosphor and the opening of the fluorescence cut filter.   The illumination light irradiation structure according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an image transmission optical system including any one of a relay lens, an image fiber, and a selfoc lens on an image side of the objective optical system. The image transmission optical system is composed of a SELFOC lens,
The irradiating means comprises an illumination optical system having an optical axis inclined with respect to the optical axis of the Selfoc lens, and the excitation light emitted from the light source is incident on the incident surface of the Selfoc lens obliquely. The illumination light irradiation structure according to claim 12.   On the optical path between the phosphor and the light source, the irradiation means irradiates the phosphor through an optical path different from the light having a wavelength other than the excitation light due to a color shift action. The illumination light irradiation structure according to claim 1, comprising: a chromatic aberration generating unit provided; and the light source disposed so as to be positioned around an optical axis of the objective optical system. .   The illumination light irradiation structure according to claim 14, wherein the chromatic aberration generating means includes a cemented lens or a diffraction grating. In the vicinity of the entrance pupil position of the objective optical system, the inner diameter is smaller than the inner diameter of the phosphor and the outer diameter is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the phosphor. A fluorescence cut filter having a characteristic of blocking fluorescence emitted from the body;
Between the phosphor and the fluorescence cut filter, provided a transparent member formed in an annular shape having an inner diameter and an outer diameter substantially the same size as the phosphor,
The illumination light irradiation structure according to claim 2, further comprising a concave lens and a convex lens in order from the object side inside the transparent member.   The illumination light irradiation structure according to claim 1, wherein the observation optical device is an endoscope.   The illumination light irradiation structure according to claim 1, wherein the light source is an LD or an LED.   The illumination light irradiation structure according to claim 1, wherein the light source is an LD or an LED.   An endoscope comprising the illumination light illumination structure according to claim 1. An illumination light irradiation structure for irradiating an observation object with illumination light in an observation optical device provided with an objective optical system inside a lens barrel formed with an elongated tip.
Arranged near the entrance pupil position of the objective optical system, the inner diameter is equal to or larger than the diameter of the entrance pupil of the objective optical system, and the outer diameter is substantially the same as the lens having the largest diameter in the objective optical system. An annular phosphor,
A light source that emits light for exciting the phosphor;
An illumination light irradiation structure comprising irradiation means for irradiating the phosphor with light emitted from the light source through the objective optical system.   The irradiating means is disposed obliquely in the vicinity of the pupil position conjugate with the entrance pupil of the objective optical system, and is approximately the same size as the diameter of the pupil conjugate with the entrance pupil of the objective optical system in the obliquely disposed state. 23. A reflecting mirror comprising: an opening having a diameter of: and a reflecting surface that reflects light emitted from the light source toward the objective optical system side on an outer periphery of the opening. Illumination light irradiation structure as described in 2. Reflected in the vicinity of the pupil position conjugate with the entrance pupil of the objective optical system, and having a diameter approximately equal to the diameter of the entrance pupil and the conjugate pupil of the objective optical system in the obliquely arranged state A reflector having a surface,
The said irradiation means is comprised so that the light which passes along the outer periphery of the said reflective mirror among the lights emitted from the said light source may be irradiated to the said fluorescent substance through the said objective optical system. Illumination light irradiation structure.   The irradiating means arranges a plurality of the light sources in a ring shape with respect to the optical axis of the objective optical system, and each light emitted from the plurality of light sources has a pupil conjugate with an entrance pupil of the objective optical system. The illumination light irradiation structure according to claim 21, wherein the illumination light irradiation structure is configured to pass through an outer periphery.   The objective optical system has a characteristic that the irradiation means reflects light emitted from the light source and transmits light of other wavelengths, and reflects the light from the light source toward the objective optical system side. The illumination light irradiation structure according to claim 21, wherein the illumination light irradiation structure is configured by a wavelength selection member disposed obliquely in the vicinity of a pupil position conjugate with the entrance pupil of the lens.   The illumination light irradiation structure according to claim 21, wherein a fluorescence cut filter having a characteristic of transmitting excitation light and blocking fluorescence emitted from the phosphor is provided on the image side of the phosphor.   The illumination light irradiation structure according to claim 21, wherein a light shielding member is provided on an inner peripheral surface of the phosphor.   27. The illumination light irradiation structure according to claim 26, wherein a light shielding member is provided on an inner peripheral surface of the phosphor and an inner peripheral surface of the fluorescent cut filter.   27. The illumination light irradiation structure according to claim 26, further comprising a light shielding member in the vicinity of the inner peripheral surface of the phosphor and the opening of the fluorescence cut filter.   The illumination light irradiation structure according to claim 21, wherein a cylindrical transparent member is provided in the opening of the phosphor.   27. The illumination light irradiation structure according to claim 26, wherein a cylindrical transparent member is provided in the opening of the phosphor and the opening of the fluorescence cut filter.   The illumination light irradiation structure according to claim 21, further comprising an image transmission optical system including any one of a relay lens, an image fiber, and a selfoc lens on an image side of the objective optical system. The image transmission optical system is composed of a SELFOC lens,
The irradiating means comprises an illumination optical system having an optical axis inclined with respect to the optical axis of the Selfoc lens, and the excitation light emitted from the light source is incident on the incident surface of the Selfoc lens obliquely. The illumination light irradiation structure according to claim 32.   On the optical path between the phosphor and the light source, the irradiation means irradiates the phosphor through an optical path different from the light having a wavelength other than the excitation light due to a color shift action. The illumination light irradiation structure according to claim 21, comprising: a chromatic aberration generating unit provided; and the light source disposed so as to be positioned around an optical axis of the objective optical system.   35. The illumination light irradiation structure according to claim 34, wherein the chromatic aberration generating means comprises a cemented lens or a diffraction grating. In the vicinity of the entrance pupil position of the objective optical system, the inner diameter is smaller than the inner diameter of the phosphor and the outer diameter is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the phosphor. A fluorescence cut filter having a characteristic of blocking fluorescence emitted from the body;
Between the phosphor and the fluorescence cut filter, provided a transparent member formed in an annular shape having an inner diameter and an outer diameter substantially the same size as the phosphor,
The illumination light irradiation structure according to claim 21, wherein a concave lens and a convex lens are provided in the transparent member in order from the object side.   The illumination light irradiation structure according to claim 21, wherein the observation optical device is an endoscope.   The illumination light irradiation structure according to claim 21, wherein the light source is an LD or an LED.   An endoscope comprising the illumination light illumination structure according to claim 21. An illumination light irradiation structure for irradiating an observation object with illumination light in an observation optical device provided with an objective optical system inside a lens barrel formed with an elongated tip.
A light source;
Light emitted from the light source passes through the objective optical system, has an inner diameter larger than the diameter of the entrance pupil of the objective optical system, and an outer diameter of the objective optical system in the vicinity of the entrance pupil position of the objective optical system. An illumination light irradiating structure comprising an irradiating means for irradiating an annular region having substantially the same size as the lens having the largest diameter in FIG. An illumination light irradiation structure for irradiating an observation object with illumination light in an observation optical device provided with an objective optical system inside a lens barrel formed with an elongated tip.
Arranged near the entrance pupil position of the objective optical system, the inner diameter is equal to or larger than the diameter of the entrance pupil of the objective optical system, and the outer diameter is substantially the same as the lens having the largest diameter in the objective optical system. An annular scatterer;
A light source;
An illumination light irradiation structure comprising irradiation means for irradiating the scatterer with light emitted from the light source through the objective optical system.   The irradiating means is disposed obliquely in the vicinity of the pupil position conjugate with the entrance pupil of the objective optical system, and is approximately the same size as the diameter of the pupil conjugate with the entrance pupil of the objective optical system in the obliquely disposed state. 41. A reflecting mirror comprising: an opening having a diameter of: and a reflecting surface that reflects light emitted from the light source toward the objective optical system side on an outer periphery of the opening. Or the illumination light irradiation structure of 41. Reflected in the vicinity of the pupil position conjugate with the entrance pupil of the objective optical system, and having a diameter approximately equal to the diameter of the entrance pupil and the conjugate pupil of the objective optical system in the obliquely arranged state A reflector having a surface,
41. The irradiation unit is configured so that light passing through the outer periphery of the reflecting mirror out of light emitted from the light source irradiates the annular region through the objective optical system. Illumination light irradiation structure as described in 2.   The irradiating means is disposed obliquely in the vicinity of the pupil position conjugate with the entrance pupil of the objective optical system, and is approximately the same size as the diameter of the pupil conjugate with the entrance pupil of the objective optical system in the obliquely disposed state. A reflecting mirror having a reflecting surface having a diameter of, and is configured so that light passing through the outer periphery of the reflecting mirror among the light emitted from the light source irradiates the scatterer via the objective optical system. 42. The illumination light irradiation structure according to claim 41, wherein:   The irradiating means arranges a plurality of the light sources in a ring shape with respect to the optical axis of the objective optical system, and each light emitted from the plurality of light sources has a pupil conjugate with an entrance pupil of the objective optical system. The illumination light irradiation structure according to claim 40, wherein the illumination light irradiation structure is configured to pass through an outer periphery.   42. The illumination light irradiation structure according to claim 40 or 41, further comprising an image transmission optical system including any one of a relay lens, an image fiber, and a selfoc lens on an image side of the objective optical system. The image transmission optical system is composed of a SELFOC lens,
The irradiating means includes an illumination optical system having an optical axis inclined with respect to the optical axis of the Selfoc lens, and light emitted from the light source is incident on the incident surface of the Selfoc lens obliquely. The illumination light irradiation structure according to claim 46.   The illumination light irradiation structure according to claim 40 or 41, wherein the observation optical device is an endoscope.   The illumination light irradiation structure according to claim 40 or 41, wherein the light source is an LD or an LED.   An endoscope comprising the illumination light illumination structure according to claim 40 or 41. The image transmission optical system is composed of a SELFOC lens,
The illumination light irradiation structure according to any one of claims 12, 32, and 46, wherein the Selfoc lens includes a cladding layer having a low refractive index on an outer peripheral portion thereof.

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