JP2015136459A - Optical scanning endoscope and endoscope system having optical scanning endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an optical scanning endoscope and an endoscope system having the optical scanning endoscope which can be assembled easily even when designed to be compact.SOLUTION: An optical scanning endoscope comprises: an optical fiber 20 in which irradiation light is emitted from an emission end; a vibration member adhered and fixed to the vicinity of the emission end of the optical fiber 20 for vibrating the emission end so as to scan the light emitted from the emission end on a predetermined trajectory; a hollow member 54A formed so as to surround an adhesion position where the vibration member and the optical fiber 20 are adhered and fixed; a heater element provided in the hollow member 54A for controlling the temperature of a hollow part of the hollow member 54A; and a temperature detection part provided in the hollow member 54 for detecting the temperature of the hollow part. On the surface of the hollow member 54A, a first electrode pattern which is electrically connected to the heater element and supplies a driving current to the heater element, and a second electrode pattern which is electrically connected to the temperature detection part and outputs a level signal of the temperature detected by the temperature detection part to a predetermined subsequent stage circuit are formed.

Description

  The present invention relates to an optical scanning endoscope for scanning an inside of a body cavity with irradiation light emitted from a light source, and an endoscope system having an optical scanning endoscope.

  2. Description of the Related Art An optical scanning endoscope that images a living tissue in a human body cavity is known. A specific configuration of this type of optical scanning endoscope is described in Patent Document 1, for example. The optical scanning endoscope described in Patent Document 1 includes a piezoelectric actuator. The piezoelectric actuator is a biaxial actuator having a piezoelectric body and electrodes. The piezoelectric actuator is attached in the vicinity of the exit end of the optical fiber, and vibrates in the vicinity of the exit end of the optical fiber in accordance with an applied voltage. When the vicinity of the exit end of the optical fiber vibrates, the exit end of the optical fiber moves spirally on a predetermined surface. As a result, the light emitted from the exit end of the optical fiber scans the living tissue in a spiral shape, and a two-dimensional image of the scanning region is generated and displayed on the monitor based on the returned light from the scanned living tissue. Is done.

  The piezoelectric actuator and the optical fiber are bonded with an adhesive. Properties such as hardness and rigidity of the adhesive that bonds the piezoelectric actuator and the optical fiber have temperature dependence. When the characteristics of the adhesive change as the temperature of the adhesive changes, the vibration characteristics of the optical fiber by the piezoelectric actuator change. Therefore, in the optical scanning endoscope described in Patent Document 1, a coil heater is provided on a cylindrical member surrounding the piezoelectric actuator. By controlling the temperature of the hollow part of the cylindrical member using the coil heater provided in the cylindrical member, the temperature change of the adhesive located in the hollow part can be suppressed. As a result, changes in the vibration characteristics of the optical fiber due to the piezoelectric actuator can be suppressed.

Special table 2010-503890

  By the way, since an optical scanning endoscope is used by being inserted into a body cavity, it is required to reduce the overall diameter and downsize components. In the optical scanning endoscope described in Patent Document 1, a wire is used for electrical connection such as a temperature sensor or a heater. However, there is a problem that the smaller the optical scanning endoscope is designed, the more difficult it is to assemble, and in particular, to wire the wires.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and provides an optical scanning endoscope that is easy to assemble even in a case of downsizing design, and an endoscope system including the optical scanning endoscope. The purpose is to do.

  In view of the above circumstances, the optical scanning endoscope apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention is bonded and fixed to the optical fiber from which the irradiation light is emitted from the exit end and the vicinity of the exit end of the optical fiber, and is emitted from the exit end. A vibrating member that vibrates the exit end so that the scanned light is scanned along a predetermined locus, a hollow member that is formed so as to surround a bonding portion where the vibrating member and the optical fiber are bonded and fixed, and a hollow member. The heating element for controlling the temperature of the hollow part of the hollow member and the temperature detection part provided in the hollow member for detecting the temperature of the hollow part are provided. In this configuration, the surface of the hollow member is electrically connected to the heat generating element, and is electrically connected to the first electrode pattern for supplying a driving current to the heat generating element and the temperature detecting unit. And a second electrode pattern for outputting a detected temperature level signal to a predetermined subsequent circuit.

  Thus, according to the present embodiment, the heating element and the temperature detection unit are electrically connected to the first and second electrode patterns formed on the surface of the hollow member, respectively. Since it is not necessary to use a conductive wire such as a wire for the wiring of the heating element and the temperature detection unit, the assembly of the optical scanning endoscope is easy even when the design is downsized.

  Moreover, the heat generating element may be provided on the inner surface of the hollow member.

  Moreover, the heat generating element may be embedded in the hollow member.

  Moreover, the temperature detection part may be provided in the inner surface of the hollow member.

  Moreover, the temperature detection part may be embed | buried under the hollow member.

  The optical scanning endoscope apparatus further includes a support member that supports the vibration member. The optical scanning endoscope apparatus is in contact with the first electrode pattern on the surface of the support member, and a driving current is supplied to the heating element through the first electrode pattern. A third electrode pattern for supplying the second electrode pattern, and a fourth electrode pattern for contacting the second electrode pattern and outputting a level signal output via the second electrode pattern to a predetermined subsequent circuit; , May be formed.

  According to such a configuration, the heating element and the temperature detection unit are wired by bringing the electrode pattern of the hollow member and the electrode pattern of the support member into contact with each other, so that the assembly of the optical scanning endoscope is easy. .

  An endoscope system according to the present invention includes the optical scanning endoscope described above and a rear circuit, and the rear circuit has a predetermined temperature of the hollow portion based on a temperature level signal detected by the temperature detector. Heating element control means for controlling the heating element so as to be maintained at a temperature of

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to suppress changes in the characteristics of the optical scanning endoscope caused by temperature changes at the bonding portion between the vibration member and the optical fiber, which are located in the hollow portion.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, even if it is a case where a miniaturization design is carried out, an endoscope system provided with the optical scanning endoscope and optical scanning endoscope which are easy to assemble is provided.

It is a block diagram of an endoscope system in a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is an internal structure figure of the optical scanning unit in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is an external appearance perspective view of the hollow member in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is an external appearance perspective view of the mount member in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is an internal structure figure of the optical scanning unit in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is an external appearance perspective view of the hollow member in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is an internal structure figure of the optical scanning unit in the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is an external appearance perspective view of the hollow member in the 3rd Embodiment of this invention.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, an optical scanning endoscope according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an endoscope system 100 including an optical scanning endoscope 200 according to the first embodiment. The endoscope system 100 is a system designed by applying the principle of a confocal microscope, and is preferably configured to observe a living tissue in a body cavity with high magnification and high resolution. As shown in FIG. 1, the endoscope system 100 includes an optical scanning endoscope 200, a processor unit 300, and a monitor 400.

  The optical scanning endoscope 200 includes an optical fiber 20, an optical scanning unit 21A, a scanning driver 22, an optical connector 23, an electrical connector 24, a sub CPU 25, and a sub memory 26.

  The processor unit 300 includes a light source 30, an optical fiber 31, an optical demultiplexing / multiplexing unit 32, an optical fiber 33, an optical fiber 34, a light receiver 35, a signal processing circuit 36, a CPU 37, and a CPU memory 38.

  The light source 30 emits white light generated by mixing laser light of each color of R (Red), G (Green), and B (Blue). The light source 30 is not limited to the light source that emits the white light. As another form of the light source 30, for example, a laser light source that emits excitation light for fluorescence observation can be considered.

  White light emitted from the light source 30 (hereinafter referred to as “irradiation light”) is incident on the optical demultiplexing / multiplexing unit 32 via the optical fiber 31. The optical demultiplexing / multiplexing unit 32 is, for example, an optical fiber coupler, and makes the irradiation light incident from the optical fiber 31 enter the optical fiber 33. Irradiation light incident on the optical fiber 33 enters the optical scanning endoscope 200 via the optical connector 23.

  Irradiation light incident on the optical scanning endoscope 200 is irradiated onto a living tissue in a human body cavity via the optical fiber 20 and the optical scanning unit 21A. The irradiation light applied to the living tissue is reflected by the living tissue and enters the optical scanning unit 21A as object light. The object light incident on the optical scanning unit 21A enters the optical demultiplexing / multiplexing unit 32 via the optical fiber 20, the optical connector 23, and the optical fiber 33.

  The object light incident on the optical demultiplexing / multiplexing unit 32 enters the light receiver 35 via the optical fiber 34. The object light incident on the light receiver 35 is converted into an electrical signal and transmitted to the signal processing circuit 36. The signal processing circuit 36 performs predetermined processing on the electrical signal received from the light receiver 35 to generate an imaging signal, and outputs it to the monitor 400. The monitor 400 displays a captured image based on the imaging signal received from the signal processing circuit 36.

  The sub memory 26 stores various information such as identification information and various properties of the optical scanning endoscope 200. The sub CPU 25 reads information from the sub memory 26 when the system of the optical scanning endoscope 200 is activated, and transfers the information to the CPU 37 of the processor unit 300 via the electrical connector 24. The CPU 37 stores the information transferred from the sub CPU 25 in the CPU memory 38. The CPU 37 reads the stored information when necessary, generates a signal necessary for controlling the scanning driver 22, and transmits the signal to the sub CPU 25. The sub CPU 25 controls the scanning driver 22 in accordance with the control signal transmitted from the CPU 37. The scanning driver 22 drives and controls the optical scanning unit 21 </ b> A under the control of the sub CPU 25.

  FIG. 2 is an internal structure diagram showing the internal structure of the optical scanning unit 21A. In the following, for convenience of explanation, the longitudinal direction (axial direction) of the optical scanning unit 21A is defined as the Z direction, and two directions orthogonal to the Z direction and orthogonal to each other are defined as the X direction and the Y direction, respectively.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the optical scanning unit 21 </ b> A includes a cylindrical member 50. A cylindrical mount member 55 is fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical member 50 with an adhesive. A cylindrical piezoelectric actuator 51 is inserted into and passed through the through hole 56 formed in the mount member 55 and is fixed by an adhesive. As a result, the piezoelectric actuator 51 is supported by the mount member 55 in a state where the outer peripheral surface is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the through-hole 56 with almost no gap. As an adhesive for fixing the piezoelectric actuator 51 to the mount member 55, for example, an epoxy adhesive or a silicon adhesive having thermal conductivity is used. Hereinafter, in the Z direction, the side supported by the mount member 55 of the piezoelectric actuator 51 is defined as the rear end side, and the opposite side is defined as the front end side. Further, in FIG. 2, the arrowhead side of the arrow indicating the Z direction and the side opposite to the arrowhead side indicate the front end side and the rear end side, respectively.

  The optical fiber 20 is inserted into and passed through the hollow portion of the piezoelectric actuator 51 to a position where a predetermined length protrudes from the distal end surface of the piezoelectric actuator 51. The optical fiber 20 is fixed to the tip surface of the piezoelectric actuator 51 with an adhesive near the base of a predetermined length projecting portion that projects from the tip surface of the piezoelectric actuator 51. Hereinafter, the adhesive deposited on the tip surface of the piezoelectric actuator 51 is referred to as an “adhesive portion 57”.

  The piezoelectric actuator 51 is formed by forming two pairs of electrodes 60 for driving the piezoelectric body 53 in two directions XY on the outer peripheral surface of the piezoelectric body 53. Each electrode 60 is electrically connected to the scanning driver 22 via an electrode pattern (described later) provided on the mount member 55 and a flexible cable 82. The piezoelectric body 53 vibrates in two directions XY in accordance with the voltages applied to the two pairs of electrodes 60 by the scanning driver 22. When the protruding portion of the optical fiber 20 vibrates together with the piezoelectric body 53, the end surface on the tip side of the optical fiber 20 moves while drawing a predetermined spiral trajectory within a plane that approximates the XY plane.

  An optical system 52 is disposed in front of the end surface on the front end side of the optical fiber 20. The optical system 52 includes a lens unit 58 having a plurality of lenses and a cover glass 59. Irradiation light emitted from the end surface on the front end side of the optical fiber 20 scans a living tissue in a human body cavity through a lens unit 58 and a cover glass 59 with a predetermined spiral trajectory. The return light of the irradiation light scanned on the living tissue is incident on the cover glass 59 as object light. The object light incident on the cover glass 59 is condensed near the end face of the optical fiber 20 through the lens unit 58. Since the lens unit 58 is a confocal optical system, the position where the irradiation light is collected in the living tissue and the position where the irradiation light is collected near the end face of the optical fiber 20 are optically conjugate. Since the core diameter of the optical fiber 20 is very small, only the object light corresponding to the conjugate position among the object light from the living tissue is incident on the optical fiber 20. The object light incident on the optical fiber 20 is received by the light receiver 35 through the optical connector 23, the optical fiber 33, the optical demultiplexing / multiplexing unit 32, and the optical fiber 34, and is converted into an electrical signal. The signal processing circuit 36 processes the electrical signal while synchronizing with the vibration of the piezoelectric actuator 51 to generate an imaging signal. The monitor 400 displays a two-dimensional image of the living tissue based on the imaging signal generated by the signal processing circuit 36.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the mount member 55 supports the hollow member 54A. A heater 80A and a temperature sensor 81A are provided on the inner peripheral surface of the hollow member 54A. The hollow member 54 </ b> A has a cylindrical shape that surrounds a part of the piezoelectric actuator 51 (a part on the distal end side), the bonding portion 57, and the distal end part of the optical fiber 20. The heater 80 </ b> A provided in the hollow member 54 </ b> A has a cylindrical shape that surrounds a part of the piezoelectric actuator 51 (a part on the front end side), the bonding part 57, and the front end part of the optical fiber 20. When the drive current is supplied, the heater 80A generates heat and raises the temperature of the hollow portion of the hollow member 54A. Further, the temperature sensor 81A detects the temperature of the hollow portion of the hollow member 54A and outputs a level signal corresponding to the detected temperature. The hollow member 54A not only serves as a member in which the heater 80A and the temperature sensor 81A are provided, but also transfers heat between the outer periphery of the hollow member 54A and the hollow portion of the hollow member 54A in which the piezoelectric actuator 51 and the like are disposed. It has a role to prevent.

  For example, an electric resistance heater such as a coil resistance heater, a thin film resistance heater, or a cartridge resistance heater is used as the heater 80A. As the temperature sensor 81A, for example, a thermocouple, a resistance temperature device, a thermistor, or the like is used.

  3A and 3B are external perspective views of the hollow member 54A. The hollow member 54A is made of an insulator having a plurality of electrode patterns on its surface, that is, a so-called MID (Molded Interconnected Device) component. As the material of the insulator, for example, ceramic such as alumina or silicon nitride is used.

  The hollow member 54A has electrode patterns 72 and 73 formed on the surface thereof. The electrode patterns 72 and 73 are drawn from the inner peripheral surface on the front end side of the hollow member 54A to the rear end side end surface 70 via the outer peripheral surface. The electrode pattern 73 and the heater 80A and the electrode pattern 72 and the temperature sensor 81A are electrically connected to each other by a conductive adhesive or solder (not shown).

  FIG. 4 is an external perspective view of the mount member 55. The mount member 55 is made of an insulator having a plurality of electrode patterns on its surface, that is, a so-called MID component. As the insulator material, for example, a ceramic material such as alumina or a resin material such as PEEK (polyether ether ketone) is used.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a flat surface 65 for connecting the flexible cable 82 (see FIG. 2) is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the mount member 55. Electrode patterns 66 and 67 are formed from the end surface 61 on the front end side to the flat surface 65. An electrode pattern 68 is formed from the rear end side end face 62 to the flat face 65.

  The electrode 60 included in the piezoelectric actuator 51 and the electrode pattern 68 formed on the mount member 55 are electrically connected to each other at the end surface 62 on the rear end side of the mount member 55.

  Each of the plurality of electrode patterns 66, 67, 68 on the flat surface 65 is electrically connected to the scan driver 22 via a flexible cable 82 (see FIG. 2) fixed to the flat surface 65.

  When the hollow member 54A is inserted into the mount member 55 in the assembly process of the optical scanning unit 21A, the rear end side end surface 70 of the hollow member 54A and the front end side end surface 61 of the mount member 55 come into contact with each other. Thereby, the electrode pattern 66 formed on the mount member 55 and the electrode pattern 72 formed on the hollow member 54A come into contact with each other, and the electrode pattern 67 formed on the mount member 55 and the electrode pattern formed on the hollow member 54A. 73 comes into contact. The temperature sensor 81A and the flexible cable 82 are electrically connected by the former contact, and a level signal corresponding to the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 81A is transmitted via the electrode pattern 72, the electrode pattern 66, and the flexible cable 82. It is possible to output to the scanning driver 22. By the latter contact, the heater 80A and the flexible cable 82 are electrically connected, and the drive current output from the scanning driver 22 is supplied to the heater 80A via the flexible cable 82, the electrode pattern 67, and the electrode pattern 73. Is possible. In addition, the contact location of electrode patterns may be adhere | attached with the electroconductive adhesive agent or solder so that electrical connection may not be cut | disconnected.

  Further, the electrode 60 formed on the piezoelectric actuator 51 and the electrode pattern 68 formed on the mount member 55 are electrically connected, whereby the electrode 60 and the flexible cable 82 are electrically connected. The output drive voltage can be applied to the electrode 60 via the flexible cable 82 and the electrode pattern 68.

  According to the first embodiment, the electrical connection between the optical scanning unit 21A and the scanning driver 22 is performed via the electrode pattern formed on the hollow member 54A and the mount member 55 and the flexible cable 82. Therefore, unlike the configuration in which wiring is performed using a conventional conductive line, it is necessary to provide an area for passing the conductive line and a work area for performing wiring using the conductive line during assembly in the optical scanning unit 21A. Therefore, the downsizing design of the optical scanning unit 21A is easy. Further, since there is no need to perform wiring using conductive wires such as wires, assembly is easy even when the optical scanning unit 21A is designed to be small.

  The scanning driver 22 controls the heater 80A based on the level signal output from the temperature sensor 81A embedded in the hollow member 54A, thereby keeping the temperature of the hollow portion of the hollow member 54A constant. Thereby, the temperature change in the part located in the hollow part of the piezoelectric actuator 51 is suppressed.

  As described above, the bonding portion 57 that fixes the piezoelectric actuator 51 and the optical fiber 20 has temperature dependency on characteristics such as hardness and rigidity. When the characteristics of the bonding portion 57 such as hardness and rigidity change with the temperature change of the bonding portion 57, the vibration operation of the optical fiber 20 with respect to the vibration operation of the piezoelectric actuator 51 changes. Since the signal processing circuit 36 performs signal processing in synchronization with the vibration of the piezoelectric actuator 51, if the vibration operation of the optical fiber 20 changes, distortion may occur in the obtained captured image.

  However, in this embodiment, the temperature change of the bonding portion 57 disposed in the hollow portion is suppressed by keeping the temperature of the hollow portion of the hollow member 54A constant. Thereby, the change of the characteristic of the adhesion part 57 is suppressed and generation | occurrence | production of the distortion of a picked-up image, etc. are suppressed.

  The temperature of the hollow portion of the hollow member 54A and the mount member 55 is maintained at a temperature (for example, 41 ° C. to 43 ° C.) that is higher than the body temperature and does not affect the living body. Further, the temperature control range of the hollow portion of the hollow member 54A and the mount member 55 is appropriately set according to the imaging purpose and application of the endoscope system 100, the physical properties of various parts constituting the optical scanning endoscope 200, and the like. The

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 5 is an internal structure diagram showing an internal structure in the vicinity of the hollow member 54B of the optical scanning unit 21B according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an external perspective view of the hollow member 54B in the second embodiment. However, in FIG. 6, for convenience of illustrating the heater 80 </ b> B, a part of the hollow member 54 </ b> B is cut. The optical scanning unit 21B in the second embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment except that the configurations of the hollow member 54B and the heater 80B are different.

  A heater 80B is embedded in the hollow member 54B, and has a cylindrical shape surrounding a part of the piezoelectric actuator 51 (a part on the front end side), the bonding part 57, and the front end part of the optical fiber 20. A temperature sensor 81B is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the hollow member 54B. The heater 80 </ b> B embedded in the hollow member 54 </ b> B has a cylindrical shape that surrounds a part of the piezoelectric actuator 51 (a part on the tip side), the bonding part 57, and the tip part of the optical fiber 20. When the drive current is supplied, the heater 80B generates heat and raises the temperature of the hollow portion of the hollow member 54B. Further, the temperature sensor 81B detects the temperature of the hollow portion of the hollow member 54B and outputs a level signal corresponding to the detected temperature.

  The hollow member 54B has electrode patterns 72 and 73 formed on the surface thereof. The electrode patterns 72 and 73 are drawn from the inner peripheral surface on the front end side of the hollow member 54B to the rear end side end surface 70 via the outer peripheral surface.

  The temperature sensor 81B and the electrode pattern 72 are electrically connected by a conductive adhesive or solder (not shown). Further, the heater 80B and the electrode pattern 73 are electrically connected by a not-shown through hole or lead wire provided in the hollow member 54B.

  Thus, in the second embodiment, the hollow member 54B and the heater 80B are integrally formed. This eliminates the need for attaching the heater 80B to the inner peripheral surface of the hollow member 54B by bonding or the like.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 7 is an internal structure diagram showing an internal structure in the vicinity of the hollow member 54C of the optical scanning unit 21C according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is an external perspective view of the hollow member 54C in the third embodiment. However, in FIG. 8, for convenience of illustrating the heater 80C, a part of the hollow member 54C is cut. The optical scanning unit 21C in the third embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment except that the configurations of the hollow member 54C, the heater 80C, and the temperature sensor 81C are different.

  The hollow member 54C has a heater 80C and a temperature sensor 81C embedded therein, and has a cylindrical shape surrounding a part of the piezoelectric actuator 51 (a part on the tip side), the bonding part 57, and the tip part of the optical fiber 20. . The heater 80 </ b> C embedded in the hollow member 54 </ b> C has a cylindrical shape that surrounds a part of the piezoelectric actuator 51 (a part on the tip side), the bonding part 57, and the tip part of the optical fiber 20. The heater 80C generates heat when a drive current is supplied, and raises the temperature of the hollow portion of the hollow member 54C. Further, the temperature sensor 81C detects the temperature of the hollow portion of the hollow member 54C and outputs a level signal corresponding to the detected temperature.

  The hollow member 54C has electrode patterns 72 and 73 formed on the surface thereof. The electrode patterns 72 and 73 are drawn from the front end side end surface of the hollow member 54C to the rear end side end surface 70 via the outer peripheral surface thereof.

  The temperature sensor 81C and the electrode pattern 72 are electrically connected by a not-shown through hole or lead wire provided in the hollow member 54C. Further, the heater 80C and the electrode pattern 73 are electrically connected by a not-shown through hole or lead wire provided in the hollow member 54C.

  Thus, in the third embodiment, the hollow member 54C, the heater 80C, and the temperature sensor 81C are integrally formed. This eliminates the need for attaching the heater 80C and the temperature sensor 81C to the inner peripheral surface of the hollow member 54C by bonding or the like.

  The above is the description of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. For example, the embodiment of the present application also includes contents appropriately combined with an embodiment or the like clearly shown in the specification or an obvious embodiment. As an example, the hollow member may have a configuration in which a heater is provided on the inner peripheral surface and a temperature sensor is embedded therein.

  In the first to third embodiments, the electrode patterns 72 and 73 are drawn to the rear end side end surface 70 of the hollow members 54 </ b> A to 54 </ b> C, and the electrode patterns 66 and 67 are the flat surfaces of the mount member 55. Although it is drawn to 65, in another embodiment, these electrode patterns only have to be drawn to the surface where the mount member 55 and the hollow members 54A to 54C contact. As an example, the electrode patterns 72 and 73 are drawn to the outer peripheral surface 71 of the rear end portions of the hollow members 54 </ b> A to 54 </ b> C, and the electrode patterns 66 and 67 are drawn to the inner peripheral surface on the front end side of the mount member 55. Thereby, even when insertion of the hollow members 54 </ b> A to 54 </ b> C into the mount member 55 is shallow, the contact between the electrode patterns becomes easy.

  Further, the optical scanning units 21 </ b> A to 21 </ b> C may be configured to include a heat insulating material between the mount member 55 and the cylindrical member 50 or between the hollow members 54 </ b> A to 54 </ b> C and the cylindrical member 50. By surrounding the mount member 55 and the hollow members 54A to 54C with a heat insulating material, dissipation of heat generated in the heaters 80A to 80C to the surroundings can be suppressed. As a result, the air in the hollow portions of the hollow members 54A to 54C and the temperature rise of the mount member 55 are accelerated, and the energy efficiency is improved.

20 Optical fibers 21A to 21C Optical scanning unit 22 Scan driver 23 Optical connector 24 Electrical connector 25 Sub CPU
26 Sub-memory 30 Light source 31 Optical fiber 32 Optical demultiplexing / multiplexing unit 33 Optical fiber 34 Optical fiber 35 Light receiver 36 Signal processing circuit 37 CPU
38 CPU Memory 50 Cylindrical Member 51 Piezoelectric Actuator 52 Optical System 53 Piezoelectric Elements 54A to 54C Hollow Member 55 Mount Member 56 Through-hole 57 Adhesive Portion 58 Lens Unit 59 Cover Glass 60 Electrode 61 Front End Surface 62 Rear End Surface 63 Side 65 Flat Surface 66 Electrode Pattern 67 Electrode pattern 68 Electrode pattern 70 Rear end surface 71 Side surface 72 Electrode pattern 73 Electrode patterns 80A to 80C Heaters 81A to 81C Temperature sensor 82 Flexible cable 100 Endoscope system 200 Optical scanning endoscope 300 Processor unit 400 Monitor

Claims (7)

An optical fiber from which the irradiation light is emitted from the exit end;
A vibration member that is bonded and fixed near the exit end of the optical fiber and vibrates the exit end so as to scan the light emitted from the exit end along a predetermined locus;
A hollow member formed so as to surround a bonding portion where the vibration member and the optical fiber are bonded and fixed;
A heating element provided in the hollow member for controlling the temperature of the hollow portion of the hollow member;
A temperature detection unit provided in the hollow member for detecting the temperature of the hollow part;
On the surface of the hollow member,
A first electrode pattern electrically connected to the heating element and for supplying a driving current to the heating element;
A second electrode pattern that is electrically connected to the temperature detection unit and outputs a level signal of the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit to a predetermined subsequent circuit; and
Optical scanning endoscope. The heating element is provided on the inner surface of the hollow member.
The optical scanning endoscope according to claim 1. The heating element is embedded in the hollow member;
The optical scanning endoscope according to claim 1. The temperature detector is provided on the inner surface of the hollow member.
The optical scanning endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The temperature detection unit is embedded in the hollow member.
The optical scanning endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 3. A support member for supporting the vibration member;
On the surface of the support member,
A third electrode pattern for contacting the first electrode pattern and supplying the drive current to the heating element via the first electrode pattern;
And a fourth electrode pattern for contacting the second electrode pattern and outputting the level signal output via the second electrode pattern to the predetermined subsequent circuit. The optical scanning endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 5. An optical scanning endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The latter stage circuit,
The latter circuit controls the heat generating element so that the temperature of the hollow portion is maintained at a predetermined temperature based on a level signal of the temperature detected by the temperature detector.
Endoscope system.

Images