JP2016067378A - Endoscope apparatus and endoscope adaptor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an endoscope apparatus and an endoscope apparatus adaptor for preventing one of two illumination lights causing another illumination light to emit fluorescent light.SOLUTION: An inspection system comprises: an insertion part; a luminescence part 33A mounted on the leading end side of the insertion part and having a fluorescent body for emitting a white light; a luminescence part 33B mounted on the leading end side of the insertion part for emitting an ultraviolet light containing a light of a wavelength to fluorescence the fluorescent body; and a step part D acting as a shading part for shading the ultraviolet ray so that the ultraviolet ray emitted from the luminescence part 33B may not irradiate the fluorescent body of the luminescence part 33A.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to an endoscope apparatus and an endoscope adapter, and in particular, an endoscope apparatus that emits at least two types of illumination light, and an endoscope that is attached to an insertion portion of such an endoscope apparatus. For adapters.

Endoscopic devices are widely used in the industrial and medical fields. The endoscope apparatus has an elongated insertion portion, and the inside of the subject can be examined by inserting the insertion portion into the subject.
An observation window is arranged at the distal end of the insertion portion, and the endoscope apparatus receives the light from the examination site in the subject that has entered through the observation window by the imaging device and generates an endoscopic image of the examination site. Display on the monitor.

Normally, white light is irradiated to the examination site as illumination light. However, depending on the purpose of the examination, there is an endoscope apparatus that can irradiate the examination site with illumination light other than white light instead of white light.
For example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-190091, there are two types of light emitting elements: a light emitting element that emits ultraviolet light that excites living tissue to generate autofluorescence, and a light emitting element that emits visible light. An endoscope apparatus that can emit two types of light alternately has also been proposed.

  In the industrial field, depending on the inspection object, there is a case where the inspection is performed by irradiating ultraviolet light as illumination light instead of white light. For example, there is a fluorescent flaw detection method in which a fluorescent agent is applied to the inner wall of a pipe, wiped off, and irradiated with ultraviolet light to shine the fluorescent agent that has entered a fine flaw, thereby inspecting the fine flaw in the pipe.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-190091

  However, in these endoscope apparatuses, ultraviolet light and white light are not simultaneously emitted to the subject as illumination light. However, when the ultraviolet light includes light having a wavelength that fluoresces a phosphor for white light, the light is emitted. There is a problem that the emitted ultraviolet light hits the phosphor for white light and the phosphor emits light.

  If there is light from a white phosphor when irradiated with ultraviolet light, the image of the subject by the fluorescence of the white phosphor is superimposed on the observation image by the ultraviolet light. It may be difficult to identify only.

  For example, when the above-described fluorescent flaw detection method in the industrial field is implemented, an illumination unit that emits ultraviolet light is attached to the insertion portion. The fluorescent agent that enters the scratches on the inner wall of the pipe emits light due to ultraviolet light. However, if the fluorescent agent is contained in the waste fibers remaining in the pipe, the fibers also emit light, and the fibers are mistakenly recognized as scratches. Resulting in.

  Therefore, when it is unclear whether the light emitting in the endoscopic image at a certain place in the pipe is a flaw or a waste, the inspector once pulls out the insertion section from the pipe and emits white light. It is necessary to perform an operation of mounting the emitting illumination unit on the insertion portion, inserting the illumination unit into the pipe again, positioning the distal end portion of the insertion portion to the same place, and performing re-inspection. As a result, the inspector can confirm the presence or absence of waste or the like with white light, but the entire inspection time is increased.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope apparatus and an endoscope adapter that prevent a phosphor for the other illumination light from emitting fluorescence by one illumination light of the two illumination lights. And

  According to one aspect of the present invention, the insertion portion, the first light emitting portion that is provided on the distal end side of the insertion portion, has a phosphor, and emits the first light, and the distal end side of the insertion portion. A second light emitting unit that emits second light including light having a wavelength that causes the phosphor to fluoresce, and the second light emitted from the second light emitting unit is the first light emitting unit. It is possible to provide an endoscope apparatus that includes a light-shielding portion that shields the second light so as not to hit the phosphor.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an endoscope adapter that can be attached to an insertion portion of an endoscope, having a phosphor and emitting a first light, and the fluorescent light. A second light emitting unit that emits second light including light having a wavelength that causes the body to fluoresce, and the second light emitted from the second light emitting unit is applied to the phosphor of the first light emitting unit. An endoscope adapter having a light-shielding portion that shields the second light can be provided so as not to hit.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the endoscope apparatus and the adapter for endoscopes which prevent the fluorescent substance for the other illumination light from emitting fluorescence by one illumination light of two illumination lights can be provided. .

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the test | inspection system in connection with the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view of the illumination unit 3 in connection with the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of the illumination unit 3 for demonstrating the positional relationship of four light emitting modules provided in the illumination unit 3 in connection with the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a fragmentary perspective view of the light emitting module in connection with the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view which shows the structure of the light emitting module of 3 A of illumination units in connection with the modification 2 of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view which shows the structure of the light emission module of the illumination unit 3B which has arrange | positioned a pair of light emission module 23A so that the surface of the level | step-difference part D may face in the opposite direction regarding the modification 2 of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. is there. It is a perspective view of the illumination unit 3C which can be mounted | worn with the observation unit 5 for direct view in connection with the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of the illumination unit 3C for demonstrating the positional relationship of the light emission part in two light emission modules provided in the illumination unit 3C in connection with the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view which shows the structure of the light emitting module of the illumination unit 3D which has arrange | positioned a pair of light emitting module 43 so that the surface of level | step-difference part D may face in the opposite direction regarding the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The typical fragmentary perspective view which shows the light-shielding wall provided between the light emission part for ultraviolet light and the light emission part for white light in the light emission module regarding the modification A of the 1st and 2nd embodiment of this invention. It is. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the test | inspection system 1A using the light guide in the light emission part for ultraviolet light and the light emission part for white light in connection with the modification B of the 1st and 2nd embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the test | inspection system 1B which provided the switching circuit in the illumination unit.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
(First embodiment)
(Configuration of inspection system)
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of an inspection system according to the present embodiment. The inspection system 1 is a side-view endoscope apparatus that includes an insertion portion 2 that is inserted into a pipe, an illumination unit 3, and a control device 4.

The insertion unit 2 constitutes an endoscope that includes an observation unit 5 and a cable 6.
The observation unit 5 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and is provided at the distal end of the insertion portion 2. The distal end of the cable 6 is connected to the proximal end of the observation unit 5. The observation unit 5 has an objective optical system (not shown) and an image sensor 5a (FIG. 2), and is a side-view observation unit that can image the inner wall of the pipe.

  The observation unit 5 includes a small diameter position adjusting mechanism 7. The position adjusting mechanism 7 is a unit for adjusting and defining the position of the observation unit 5 in the pipe when the insertion portion 2 is inserted into the pipe having an inner diameter of 70 mm, for example.

  Further, the inspection system 1 includes a position adjustment mechanism 8 for large diameter. The position adjusting mechanism 8 is a unit for adjusting and defining the position of the observation unit 5 in the pipe when the insertion portion 2 is inserted into the pipe having an inner diameter of 200 mm, for example.

  Each of the position adjusting mechanisms 7 and 8 includes a plurality of rollers 7a and 8a that are in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the pipe and are rotatable, and a mechanism for adjusting the positions of the rollers 7a and 8a in the radial direction. The position adjustment mechanisms 7 and 8 adjust the position of the observation unit 5 so that the optical axis C1 (FIG. 2) of the objective optical system of the observation unit 5 coincides with the axis of the pipe. Furthermore, the observation unit 5 has a built-in drive motor that rotates the tip portion having the image sensor 5a around the optical axis C1.

A configuration example of the insertion portion 2 and the position adjustment mechanisms 7 and 8 is also disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 5479822.
The adapter-type illumination unit 3 is configured to be attachable to the distal end portion of the observation unit 5. The configuration of the illumination unit 3 will be described later.

The control device 4 includes a power supply box 11 to which the proximal end of the cable 6 of the insertion portion 2 is connected, and a personal computer 13 that is electrically connected to the power supply box 11 by the cable 12. A power cable 14 and an AC adapter 15 are connected to the power supply box 11 and the personal computer 13, respectively, and predetermined power is supplied.
The personal computer 13 as a control unit includes a keyboard 13a for a user who is an inspector to input various commands, a touch pad 13b for changing the cursor position, and a display unit 13c for displaying various menu screens and endoscopic images. Have.

  The personal computer 13 sends a control signal and power to the light emitting module of the illumination unit 3 and the drive motor of the observation unit 5 through the cable 12, the power supply box 11, and the cable 6, and receives an imaging signal from the observation unit 5. be able to.

The user attaches the position adjusting mechanism 8 to the observation unit 5 according to the inner diameter of the pipe to be inspected, and inserts the insertion portion 2 into the pipe. The inspector inputs a necessary command to the personal computer 13 to display the endoscopic image in the pipe on the display unit 13c, or records the endoscopic image data in the storage device of the personal computer 13. Or the illumination light of the illumination unit 3 can be switched.
(Configuration of lighting unit)
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the lighting unit 3. FIG. 3 is a top view of the illumination unit 3 for explaining the positional relationship between the four light emitting modules provided in the illumination unit 3. FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of the light emitting module.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the illumination unit 3 is attached to the distal end portion of the observation unit 5 along the direction indicated by the arrow A. Therefore, the illumination unit 3 has a base body 21 as a frame for mounting on the distal end portion of the observation unit 5. The illumination unit 3 is detachably attached to the distal end portion of the observation unit 5. The base 21 has a mounting portion 21 a for mounting the illumination unit 3 at the tip of the observation unit 5.

The illumination unit 3 includes a prism 22 attached to the base 21, a pair of light emitting modules 23 for white light, and a pair of light emitting modules 24 for ultraviolet light.
The base 21 has a fixing portion 21 b that fixes the prism 22. The prism 22 receives light from the opening 21c provided in the fixed portion 21b, reflects the light by the prism 22, and guides the light from the subject to the imaging device 5a of the observation unit 5. In FIG. 2, the light L from the subject is reflected by the reflecting surface 22a of the prism 22 and is incident on the image sensor 5a, as indicated by the alternate long and short dash line. The fixing portion 21b is fitted to one surface of the prism 22 and defines the position and orientation of the prism 22.

The two light emitting modules 23 are for white light and include a plurality of light emitting diode (hereinafter referred to as LED) elements LED1. The two light emitting modules 24 are for ultraviolet light and include a plurality of LED elements LED2. The light emitting modules 23 and 24 have a cylindrical shape.
Each LED element is coated with a phosphor. A phosphor FL1 for white light is applied to each of the plurality of LED elements LED1 provided in the light emitting module 23 that emits white light. The plurality of LED elements LED2 provided in the light emitting module 24 that emits ultraviolet light emits ultraviolet light.
However, the ultraviolet light emitted from the LED element LED2 includes light having a wavelength that causes the white light phosphor FL1 to fluoresce.

  Four arm members 21d are fixed to the base 21 with screws or the like. The pair of white light emitting modules 23 is fixed to the tip ends of the four arm members 21d with screws 25. As shown in FIG. 2, each light emitting module 23 is fixed to the base body 21 so as to be held between the tip portions of the two arm members 21d.

  Furthermore, a pair of light emitting modules 24 for ultraviolet light is fixed to the base 21. The pair of light emitting modules 24 for ultraviolet light is fixed to the base 21 by fixing means (not shown) such as an adhesive or screws.

  When the illumination unit 3 is mounted on the observation unit 5, electrical contacts (not shown) provided in the illumination unit 3 and the observation unit 5 are connected to each other, and predetermined power is supplied from the control device 4 to the illumination unit 3. The

  Each light emitting module 23 is mounted in a transparent resin or glass cylindrical member 31A with a support member 32A made of a metal having a semi-cylindrical cross section and high heat dissipation, such as aluminum, and a plurality of light emitting portions 33A. And a substrate 34A.

  As shown in FIG. 4, each substrate 34A is mounted on a planar portion PA of a semi-cylindrical support member 32A. The plurality of light emitting portions 33A are arranged so as to be arranged on the substrate 34A along the optical axis C1 when the illumination unit 3 is attached to the observation unit 5.

  Each light emitting module 24 is mounted in a transparent resin or glass cylindrical member 31B with a support member 32B made of a metal having a semi-cylindrical cross section and high heat dissipation, such as aluminum, and a plurality of light emitting portions 33B. And a substrate 34B.

As shown in FIG. 4, each substrate 34B is mounted on a planar portion PA of a semi-cylindrical support member 32B. The plurality of light emitting units 33B are arranged so as to be arranged on the substrate 34B along the optical axis C1 when the illumination unit 3 is mounted on the observation unit 5.
That is, the plurality of light emitting portions 33A and 33B are provided in the illumination unit 3 that is an adapter that can be attached to and detached from the distal end portion of the insertion portion 2.

  In the present embodiment, the illumination unit 3 is configured to be detachable from the distal end portion of the insertion portion 2, but may be fixed to the distal end portion of the insertion portion 2, and in that case, a plurality of light emitting portions. 33A and 33B are provided at the distal end portion of the insertion portion 2.

  Further, the semi-cylindrical support members 32A and 32B are such that when the illumination unit 3 is mounted on the observation unit 5, the axis C23 of the support member 32A and C24 of the support member 32B are parallel to the optical axis C1 of the observation unit 5, respectively. It is arranged to become. Further, the light emitting modules 23 and 24 are fixed to the four arm members 21d so that the planar portions PA of the four support members 32A and 32B are parallel to each other.

  Therefore, the substrates 34A and 34B mounted on the semicircular flat portions of the support members 32A and 32B are also arranged in parallel with each other, and the light emitting portions 33A and 33B have the same light emission direction LL. Are arranged on the substrates 34A and 34B.

  The white light L1 emitted from the pair of light emitting modules 23 is reflected by the inner wall of the pipe, and the reflected light enters the incident surface 22b of the prism 22 as the observation window of the observation unit 5 as shown in FIG. .

  In addition, the light emitting portions 33A of the pair of light emitting modules 23 emit the ultraviolet light L2 of the pair of light emitting modules 24 so that the support member 32A is not shaded and receives the ultraviolet light L2 from the pair of light emitting modules 24. In FIG. 5, the light emitting units 33B of the pair of light emitting modules 24 for ultraviolet light are disposed in front of each other.

  That is, when the illumination unit 3 is attached to the distal end portion of the insertion portion 2, each light emitting portion 33A is a light emitting portion that is provided on the distal end side of the insertion portion 2 and has a phosphor FL1 and emits white light. Each light emitting portion 33B is a light emitting portion that is provided on the distal end side of the insertion portion 2 and emits ultraviolet light including light having a wavelength that causes the phosphor FL1 to fluoresce.

  The support members 32A of the plurality of light emitting units 33A of the pair of light emitting modules 23 arranged in front of the light emitting units 33B of the pair of light emitting modules 24 for ultraviolet light are emitted from the plurality of light emitting units 33B. A light-shielding part that shields the ultraviolet light is configured so that the ultraviolet light does not hit the phosphor FL1 of the plurality of light-emitting parts 33A.

An endoscope obtained by the imaging element 5a of the imaging unit so that the two light emitting modules 23 for white light are separated from the observation window of the imaging unit which is an observation window so that white light does not directly enter the observation window. The halation is prevented from occurring in the image. The two light emitting modules 24 for ultraviolet light are arranged in the vicinity of the observation window, and even if ultraviolet light is incident on the observation window, the image pickup element of the image pickup unit is not affected by the ultraviolet light, so that halation does not occur. .
(Function)
The inspector inputs a white light observation command to the personal computer 13 when performing observation with white light. In response to the command, the personal computer 13 outputs a control signal to the observation unit 5, the pair of light emitting modules 23 emit light, and the illumination unit 3 emits white light L1 as illumination light. At this time, the pair of light emitting modules 24 does not emit light.

  The white light L1 emitted from the pair of light emitting modules 23 is reflected by the inner wall of the pipe, and the reflected light enters the incident surface 22b of the prism 22 that is an observation window. As a result, in the imaging device 5a, an endoscopic image obtained by white light L1 obtained by photoelectric conversion is displayed on the display unit 13c of the personal computer 13.

  The examiner inputs an ultraviolet light observation command to the personal computer 13 when observing with ultraviolet light. The personal computer 13 outputs a control signal to the observation unit 5 in accordance with the command, the pair of light emitting modules 24 emit light, and the ultraviolet light L2 is emitted as illumination light. At this time, the pair of light emitting modules 23 does not emit light.

  The ultraviolet light L2 emitted from the pair of light emitting modules 24 is reflected by the inner wall of the pipe, and the reflected light enters the incident surface 22b of the prism 22 that is an observation window, as shown in FIG. As a result, in the image pickup device 5a, an endoscopic image obtained by light emission by the ultraviolet light L2 obtained by photoelectric conversion is displayed on the display unit 13c of the personal computer 13.

The light emitting portions 33A of the two light emitting modules 23 for white light do not receive the ultraviolet light L2 from the two light emitting modules 24 due to the support member 32A being a shadow. That is, the support member 32A to which the plurality of light emitting portions 33A are attached and supported serves as a light shielding portion, and the ultraviolet light L2 from each light emitting module 24 does not hit the phosphor FL1 of each light emitting portion 33A of the light emitting module 23. .
Therefore, according to the endoscope apparatus of the above-described embodiment, it is possible to prevent the white light phosphor FL1 from emitting light due to ultraviolet light.

Next, a modification of the present embodiment will be described. In each modification, the same components as those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.
(Modification 1)
In the above-described embodiment, the two light emitting modules 23 for white light are disposed farther than the two light emitting modules 24 for ultraviolet light with respect to the observation window. The light emitting module 23 may be disposed at a position closer to the observation window than the two light emitting modules 24 for ultraviolet light.
In this case, the two light emitting modules 23 are arranged at a position where no white light is directly incident on the observation window and no halation occurs in the endoscopic image.

  That is, the light emitting module 23 in FIGS. 2 and 3 may be for ultraviolet light and the light emitting module 24 may be for white light. In that case, when the support member 32B to which the plurality of light emitting portions 33B are attached and supported serves as a light shielding portion, the ultraviolet light L2 from each light emitting module 24 hits the phosphor FL1 of each light emitting portion 33A of the light emitting module 23. Absent.

Also according to the first modification, it is possible to prevent the ultraviolet light from hitting the phosphor for white light.
(Modification 2)
In the embodiment described above, the two light emitting modules 23 for white light are positioned in front of the two light emitting modules 24 for ultraviolet light in the emission direction LL of the illumination light by the four arm members 21d. However, UV light does not hit the phosphor for white, but a step is provided in one module along the emission direction LL of the illumination light, and ultraviolet light is provided above and below the step. A light emitting part for white light and a light emitting part for white light may be arranged.

  FIG. 5 is a top view showing the configuration of the light emitting module of the illumination unit 3A according to the second modification. The base 21A does not have an arm member as shown in FIG. 2, and a pair of columnar light emitting modules 23A are disposed and fixed on both sides of the opening 21c of the base 21A.

  Each light emitting module 23A includes a transparent resin or glass cylindrical member 31A having a stepped portion D, a semi-cylindrical cross section, and a metal, for example, aluminum supporting member 32C, which has a high heat dissipation property, and a white member. A substrate 34A1 on which a plurality of light emitting portions 33A for light is mounted and a substrate 34A2 on which a plurality of light emitting portions 33B for ultraviolet light are mounted are configured.

  A step is formed in the step portion D of the support member 32C in the emission direction LL of the illumination light, and the substrate 34A1 is mounted on a flat portion on the front side of the emission direction LL in the step portion D, and the emission direction in the step portion D A substrate 34A2 is mounted on the flat portion on the rear side of the LL.

The pair of light emitting modules 23A is fixed to the base 21A of the lighting unit 3A so that the surfaces of the two stepped portions D face each other.
A plurality of light emitting portions 33A for white light are mounted on the substrate 34A1, and a plurality of light emitting portions 33B for ultraviolet light are mounted on the substrate 34A2. The emission direction LL of the illumination light of each light emitting part 33A, 33B is the same.

  Also in this modified example, the ultraviolet light from the plurality of ultraviolet light emitting portions 33B arranged on the rear side in the illumination light emission direction LL is blocked by the step portion D, and the fluorescence of the white light emitting portion 33A is reflected. Does not hit body FL1. That is, the step portion D formed on the support member 32C on which the plurality of light emitting portions 33A and the plurality of light emitting portions 33B are attached and supported constitutes a light shielding portion.

  Note that a substrate 34A2 on which a plurality of light emitting portions 33B are mounted is mounted on the flat surface portion of the support member 32C on the front side in the emission direction LL in the stepped portion D, and the support member 32C on the rear side in the emission direction LL in the stepped portion D. You may make it mount board | substrate 34 A1 in which the several light emission part 33A was mounted in the plane part.

  Furthermore, in FIG. 5, the pair of light emitting modules 23A is arranged so that the surfaces of the stepped portion D face each other, but the pair of light emitting modules 23A is arranged so that the surfaces of the stepped portion D face in opposite directions. You may make it do.

FIG. 6 is a top view showing the configuration of the light emitting module of the illumination unit 3B in which a pair of light emitting modules 23A are arranged so that the surfaces of the stepped portions D face in opposite directions.
As shown in FIG. 6, even when the pair of light emitting modules 23 </ b> A is arranged so that the surfaces of the stepped portions D face in opposite directions, the ultraviolet light from the plurality of light emitting portions 33 </ b> A for ultraviolet light is caused by the stepped portions D. It is blocked and does not hit the phosphor FL1 for white light.

  Also in FIG. 6, the substrate 34A2 on which the plurality of light emitting portions 33B are mounted is mounted on the flat portion of the support member 32C on the front side in the emission direction LL in the stepped portion D, and the rear side in the emission direction LL in the stepped portion D. A plurality of light emitting portions 33A may be mounted on the flat portion of the support member 32C.

Therefore, according to the endoscope apparatus of the above-described embodiment and each modification, it is possible to prevent the phosphor for the first illumination light from emitting light by the second illumination light.
(Second Embodiment)
In the first embodiment, the side-view illumination unit 3 is attached to the observation unit 5, but in this embodiment, the direct-view illumination unit 3C is attached.

  FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an illumination unit 3C that can be attached to the direct observation unit 5 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 8 is a top view of the lighting unit 3C for explaining the positional relationship between the light emitting units in the two light emitting modules provided in the lighting unit 3C.

  The inspection system of the present embodiment has the same configuration as that of the inspection system 1 of the first embodiment except that the illumination unit is for direct viewing. The same components as those of the inspection system 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals. The description is omitted.

  The illumination unit 3C is attached to the distal end portion of the observation unit 5 along the direction indicated by the arrow A1 in FIG. Therefore, the illumination unit 3 </ b> C has a base body 41 as a frame for mounting on the distal end portion of the observation unit 5. The illumination unit 3C is detachably attached to the distal end portion of the observation unit 5. The base body 41 has a mounting portion 41 a for mounting the illumination unit 3 </ b> C at the distal end portion of the observation unit 5.

The illumination unit 3C has an observation window 42 and a pair of light emitting modules 43.
The observation window 42 is an opening for allowing light from the subject to enter the objective optical system disposed at the distal end portion of the observation unit 5 when the illumination unit 3C is attached to the distal end portion of the observation unit 5 for direct viewing. Part. The observation window 42 is provided with a lens that constitutes a part of the objective optical system of the observation unit 5.

  The two light emitting modules 43 are fixed to the two protruding portions 41b protruding from the base body 41 by a fixing means (not shown) such as an adhesive or a screw. Each light emitting module 43 has a cylindrical shape and is an illumination unit that can emit both ultraviolet light and white light.

  When the illumination unit 3C is attached to the imaging unit 5, the two light emitting modules 43 are fixed to the base body 41 so that the axis of each cylindrical light emitting module 43 is perpendicular to the optical axis C1 of the objective optical system. Is done.

  As shown in FIG. 7, when the illumination unit 3C is attached to the tip of the observation unit 5, electrical contacts (not shown) provided in the illumination unit 3C and the observation unit 5 are connected to each other, and the control device A predetermined power is supplied from 4 to the lighting unit 3C.

Each light emitting module 43 has the same configuration as the light emitting module 23A of FIG. 5 described above.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, each light emitting module 43 is made of a metal having a stepped portion D in a transparent resin or glass cylindrical member 31 </ b> A and having a semi-columnar cross section and high heat dissipation. For example, a support member 32C made of aluminum, a substrate 34A1 on which a plurality of light emitting portions 33A for white light are mounted, and a substrate 34A2 on which a plurality of light emitting portions 33B for ultraviolet light are mounted are configured. Has been.

  A step is formed in the step portion D of the support member 32C in the emission direction LL of the illumination light, and the substrate 34A1 is mounted on a flat portion on the front side of the emission direction LL in the step portion D, and the emission direction in the step portion D A substrate 34A2 is mounted on the flat portion on the rear side of the LL.

The pair of light emitting modules 43 is fixed to the base body 41 of the lighting unit 3A so that the surfaces of the two stepped portions D face each other.
A plurality of light emitting portions 33A for white light are mounted on the substrate 34A1, and a plurality of light emitting portions 33B for ultraviolet light are mounted on the substrate 34A2. The emission direction LL of the illumination light of each light emitting part 33A, 33B is the same.
As described above, the plurality of light emitting portions 33A and 33B are provided in the lighting unit 3C that is an adapter that can be attached to and detached from the distal end portion of the insertion portion 2.

In the present embodiment, the illumination unit 3C is configured to be detachable from the distal end portion of the insertion portion 2, but may be fixed to the distal end portion of the insertion portion 2, and in that case, a plurality of light emitting portions. 33A and 33B are provided at the distal end portion of the insertion portion 2.
The ultraviolet light from the plurality of ultraviolet light emitting portions 33B arranged on the rear side in the illumination light emission direction LL is blocked by the step portion D and does not strike the phosphor FL1 of the white light emitting portion 33A.

  Note that a substrate 34A2 on which a plurality of light emitting portions 33B are mounted is mounted on the flat surface portion of the support member 32C on the front side in the emission direction LL in the stepped portion D, and the support member 32C on the rear side in the emission direction LL in the stepped portion D. You may make it mount board | substrate 34 A1 in which the several light emission part 33A was mounted in the plane part.

  Furthermore, although the pair of light emitting modules 43 are arranged so that the surfaces of the stepped portion D face each other, the pair of light emitting modules 43 are arranged so that the surfaces of the stepped portion D face in opposite directions. Also good.

FIG. 9 is a top view showing the configuration of the light emitting module of the illumination unit 3D in which the pair of light emitting modules 43 are arranged so that the surfaces of the stepped portions D face in opposite directions.
As shown in FIG. 9, even when the pair of light emitting modules 43 are arranged so that the surfaces of the stepped portions D face in opposite directions, the ultraviolet light from the plurality of light emitting portions 33A for ultraviolet light is caused by the stepped portions D. It is blocked and does not hit the phosphor FL1 for white light.

  In FIG. 9 as well, a substrate 34A2 on which a plurality of light emitting portions 33B are mounted is mounted on the flat portion of the support member 32C on the front side in the emission direction LL in the stepped portion D, and the rear side in the emission direction LL in the stepped portion D. A substrate 34A1 on which a plurality of light emitting portions 33A are mounted may be mounted on the flat portion of the support member 32C.

  Therefore, according to the endoscope apparatus of the above-described two embodiments and each modification, one of the two illumination lights prevents the other illumination light phosphor from emitting fluorescence. be able to.

Next, modifications of the above-described two embodiments will be described.
(Modification A)
In the modification 2 and the second embodiment of the first embodiment described above, the step portion D is provided in the support member 32C in the light emitting module, and the step portion D allows the ultraviolet light to be emitted from the light emitting portion for white light. Although this is not applied to the phosphor, this modification A is provided with a light shielding wall between the light emitting part for ultraviolet light and the light emitting part for white light, so that the ultraviolet light is used for white light. It is made not to hit the phosphor of the light emitting part.

  FIG. 10 is a schematic partial perspective view showing a light shielding wall provided between the light emitting unit for ultraviolet light and the light emitting unit for white light in the light emitting module according to Modification A. In FIG. 10, the cylindrical member 31A is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 10, a wall portion 32A1 extending along the axial direction protrudes on the flat portion of the support member 32A in the cylindrical light emitting module 51 shown in FIG. A substrate 34A1 on which a plurality of light emitting portions 33A are mounted is mounted on one side of the wall portion 32A1, and a substrate 34A2 on which a plurality of light emitting portions 33B are mounted is mounted on the other side of the wall portion 32A1.

  The wall portion 32A1 functions as a light shielding wall so that ultraviolet light does not hit the phosphor of the light emitting portion 33A for white light. That is, the wall portion 32A1, which is a convex portion protruding from the support member 32A on which the plurality of light emitting portions 33A and the plurality of light emitting portions 33B are attached and supported, constitutes a light shielding portion.

The light emitting module 51 shown in FIG. 10 can be applied to each light emitting module shown in FIGS. 5, 6, 8, and 9.
(Modification B)
In the above-described two embodiments and the above-described modification A, each light-emitting unit has a plurality of LED elements, an ultraviolet light-emitting unit is used as the light-emitting unit for ultraviolet light, and a light-emitting unit for white light Each of the LED elements is coated with a white light phosphor FL1, but a light guide such as an optical fiber may be used for each light emitting unit instead of the LED element.

FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of an inspection system 1A using a light guide in the light emitting unit for ultraviolet light and the light emitting unit for white light, related to Modification B.
The light guide 61 for ultraviolet light and the light guide 62 for white light are inserted into the insertion portion 2, and the control device 4 includes a light source 63 for ultraviolet light and a light source 64 for white light. An illumination unit 3E can be attached to the distal end portion of the insertion portion 2. The illumination unit 3E is one of the above-described illumination units 3, 3A to 3D, and includes a light shielding portion 67. The light shielding portion 67 is the above-described support member 32A, stepped portion D, or wall portion 32A1.

  The base ends of the light guides 61 and 62 are connected to light sources 63 and 64 provided in the control device 4, respectively. Each of the light sources 63 and 64 has a lamp, LED, or the like that emits predetermined light. Light from the light sources 63 and 64 is incident on the proximal ends of the light guides 61 and 62, and is emitted from the distal ends.

  The lighting unit 3E is provided with a white light phosphor FL1. When the illumination unit 3E is attached to the distal end portion of the insertion portion 2, the light emitted from the distal end of the light guide 61 for ultraviolet light emits ultraviolet light from the distal end of the insertion portion 2, and the light guide 62 for white light. The phosphor FL1 is arranged in the illumination unit 3E so that the light emitted from the tip of the light is emitted to the phosphor FL1 for white light and the white light is emitted from the phosphor FL1.

  That is, in each of the above-described embodiments and Modification A, each light emitting module uses LED light. However, in this modification, the light guide 61 is used to emit ultraviolet light, and the light guide is used. 62 is used to emit light from the phosphor FL1, emitting white light.

  Since the illumination unit 3E has the same configuration as that of any of the above-described illumination units 3, 3A to 3D, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiments and the above-described modification A also in the inspection system 1A. Can be obtained.

  In FIG. 11, a light guide is used for both ultraviolet light and white light, but a light guide is used for either ultraviolet light or white light, and the other is an LED. A light emitting element such as the above may be used. In other words, at least one of the light emitting unit for white light and the light emitting unit for ultraviolet light may have light guides 61 and 62 that guide light from the light source.

  As described above, according to the two embodiments and the modifications A and B described above, one of the two illumination lights prevents the other illumination light phosphor from emitting fluorescence. It is possible to provide an endoscope apparatus and an adapter for an endoscope.

By the way, in each embodiment and each modification described above, two light emitting parts for white light and ultraviolet light are provided in the insertion part 2.
If each light emitting unit is provided at the distal end of the insertion unit, power can be supplied to each light emitting unit directly from the control device 4.

When each light emitting part is provided in an illumination unit that is an adapter that is detachably attached to the distal end of the insertion part, that is, in the case of an adapter-type illumination unit, power supply to each light emitting part of the illumination unit is performed by the insertion part 2 And two or more contacts with the lighting unit. For example, if the distal end portion of the insertion portion 2 and the lighting unit are connected by a contact for ground, a power contact for white light, and a power contact for ultraviolet light, the two light emitting portions Can be emitted individually.
However, there are cases where only a pair of contacts can be provided at the distal end of the insertion portion due to the size of the insertion portion 2 or the like. In such a case, the two light emitting units cannot emit light exclusively.

  Therefore, a switching circuit is provided in the lighting unit, and the power supplied via the pair of electrical contacts between the insertion unit 2 and the lighting unit is switched by the switching circuit and output to one of the two light emitting units. Also good.

  FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of an inspection system 1B in which a switching circuit is provided in the illumination unit. In the inspection system 1B of FIG. 12, the same components as those of the above-described inspection system 1 of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  The electrical connection between the insertion portion 2 and the illumination unit 3 is made by two contact points. In FIG. 12, the lighting unit is the lighting unit 3 according to the first embodiment, but may be any of the lighting units 3A to 3D. The control device 4 is provided with an illumination switch 4 a for the illumination unit 3.

  As shown in FIG. 12, a pair of contacts 71a and 71b are provided at the distal end of the insertion portion 2, and the lighting unit 3 is provided with contacts 72a and 72 corresponding to the pair of contacts 71a and 71b. ing.

When the illumination unit 3 is mounted on the distal end portion of the insertion portion 2, the contact 71a contacts the contact 72a, and the contact 71b contacts the contact 72b.
A lighting circuit 73 is built in the distal end portion of the insertion portion 2. The circuit 73 for illumination receives the electric power and control signal from the control apparatus 4, and outputs the light emission part drive signal LC to the two contacts 71a and 71b.

  The lighting unit 3 includes a switching circuit 74. The two contacts 72a and 72b are electrically connected to the switching circuit 74. The switching circuit 74 is connected to the light emitting modules 23 and 24.

  The light emitting unit driving signal LC from the contacts 72a and 72b is input to the switching circuit 74, and the switching circuit 74 selects one of the light emitting modules 23 and 24 as an output destination of the light emitting unit driving signal LC at a predetermined timing.

  The switching circuit 74 has an input circuit for power supplied between the pair of contacts 72a and 72b, a detection circuit for detecting a voltage between the pair of contacts 72a and 72b, and a central processing unit (CPU) such as a microcomputer. A control circuit and an output circuit to the two light emitting modules 23 and 24 are included.

  When the switch 4a is pressed, the light emitting module 24 for ultraviolet light is turned on, and when the switch 4a is further pressed, the light emitting module 24 is turned off so that the control circuit responds to the operation of the switch 4a. And control the output circuit to 24.

  Further, when the switch 4a is pressed twice continuously within a predetermined time T1 in a state where the ultraviolet light emitting module 24 is on, the ultraviolet light emitting module 24 is turned off and white light is used. The control circuit controls the output circuits to the two light emitting modules 23 and 24 according to the operation of the switch 4a so as to turn on the light emitting module 23.

  Further, when the switch 4a is pressed twice continuously within a predetermined time T1 while the white light emitting module 23 is on, the white light emitting module 23 is turned off, and the ultraviolet light is used. The control circuit controls the output circuits to the two light emitting modules 23 and 24 according to the operation of the switch 4a so as to turn on the light emitting module 24.

  The control circuit having the CPU detects the operation of the switch 4a, and controls the output circuit to the two light emitting modules 23 and 24 based on the time interval when the switch 4a is turned on, as described above, so that the insertion portion Even when 2 and the lighting unit 3 are connected only by a pair of electrical contacts, the outputs of the two light emitting units can be switched.

  In the example described above, the switching circuit 74 switches the outputs of the two light emitting units by a control circuit including a CPU. However, the switching circuit 74 is configured by an analog circuit including circuit elements such as resistors and capacitors. It may be.

  In that case, the charge input through the input circuit is stored in the capacitor, and the two light emitting modules are selected according to the change level of the charge stored in the capacitor when the switch 4a is pressed twice at short time intervals. The switching circuit 74 is configured to change the output of the output circuit to 23 and 24.

  Therefore, according to the inspection system 1A described above, a switching circuit is provided in the illumination unit, and the power through the pair of electrical contacts between the insertion unit 2 and the illumination unit is switched by the switching circuit to one of the two light emitting units. By outputting, it is possible to switch between the light emitting module 23 for white light and the light emitting module 24 for ultraviolet light.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

1, 1A, 1B inspection system, 2 insertion section, 3, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E illumination unit, 4 control device, 4a switch, 5 observation unit, 5a image sensor, 6 cable, 7 position adjustment mechanism, 7a Roller, 8 position adjustment mechanism, 11 power supply box, 12 cable, 13 personal computer, 13a keyboard, 13b touch pad, 13c display unit, 14 power cable, 15 adapter, 21, 21A base, 21a mounting unit, 21b fixing unit, 21c Opening, 21d Arm member, 22 Prism, 22a Reflecting surface, 22b Incident surface, 23, 23A, 24 Light emitting module, 25 Screw, 31A, 31B Cylindrical member, 32A Support member, 32A1 Wall portion, 32B, 32C Support member, 33A , 33B light emitting part, 34A, 34A1, 34A2, 34B substrate, 41 units 41a mounting part, 41b protruding part, 42 observation window, 43 light emitting module, 51 light emitting module, 61, 62 light guide, 63, 64 light source, 67 light shielding part, 71a, 71b, 72a, 72b contact point, 73 lighting circuit, 74 Switching circuit.

Claims (9)

An insertion part;
A first light-emitting part that is provided on the distal end side of the insertion part, has a phosphor, and emits first light;
A second light emitting unit that is provided on a distal end side of the insertion unit and emits second light including light having a wavelength that causes the phosphor to fluoresce;
A light-shielding part that shields the second light so that the second light emitted from the second light-emitting part does not strike the phosphor of the first light-emitting part;
An endoscope apparatus characterized by comprising:   The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the light shielding unit is a support member to which the first light emitting unit or the second light emitting unit is attached and supported.   The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the light shielding part is a step part formed on a support member to which the first light emitting part and the second light emitting part are attached and supported. apparatus.   2. The internal view according to claim 1, wherein the light shielding portion is a convex portion protruding from a support member on which the first light emitting portion and the second light emitting portion are attached and supported. Mirror device.   5. The inner part according to claim 1, wherein the first light emitting unit and the second light emitting unit are provided on an adapter that can be attached to and detached from a distal end of the insertion unit. Endoscopic device.   The endoscope apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first light emitting unit and the second light emitting unit are provided at a distal end portion of the insertion unit.   Each of the said 1st light emission part and the said 2nd light emission part has a light emitting element, The endoscope apparatus as described in any one of Claim 1 to 6 characterized by the above-mentioned.   The internal vision according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein at least one of the first light emitting unit and the second light emitting unit includes a light guide that guides light from a light source. Mirror device. An endoscope adapter that can be attached to an insertion portion of an endoscope,
A first light emitting unit that has a phosphor and emits first light;
A second light emitting unit that emits second light including light of a wavelength that causes the phosphor to fluoresce,
A light-shielding part that shields the second light so that the second light emitted from the second light-emitting part does not strike the phosphor of the first light-emitting part;
An endoscope adapter comprising:

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