JP2017074207A

JP2017074207A - Electronic endoscope

Info

Publication number: JP2017074207A
Application number: JP2015203201A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 麻衣疋田; Mai Hikita; 一誠鈴木; Kazumasa Suzuki
Original assignee: Fujifilm Corp
Current assignee: Fujifilm Corp
Priority date: 2015-10-14
Filing date: 2015-10-14
Publication date: 2017-04-20

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a simple structure electronic endoscope capable of sufficiently absorbing the force caused by curving of the insertion section.SOLUTION: An electronic endoscope 1 includes an insertion section 11 which is inserted into a body cavity and in which are arranged: an imaging optical system 31; an image sensor 21 for photoelectrically converting an optical image formed by the imaging optical system 31; a flexible circuit board 24 electrically connected with the image sensor 21; and a transmission cable 37 electrically connected with the flexible circuit board 24. The electronic endoscope can change the observation direction by changing the orientation of the insertion section 11. A connection 28 between the image sensor 21 and the flexible circuit board 24 is formed on a line normal to a plane formed by plural different orientations of the insertion section 11. The flexible circuit board 24 has a folded-back portion 24c which is folded back about an imaginary axis Af on which the flexible circuit board 24 is parallel with the normal line.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

本発明は、電子内視鏡に関する。 The present invention relates to an electronic endoscope.

電子内視鏡の先端部には、撮影レンズと固体撮像素子とが配設されており、固体撮像素子には、回路基板を介して伝送ケーブルが接続されている。伝送ケーブルは、電子内視鏡の挿入部内に全長にわたって挿通されているため、挿入部をループさせたり、挿入部に形成された湾曲部をいっぱいに湾曲させると、伝送ケーブルが強く押し引きされる。このとき、伝送ケーブルに生じる力が回路基板や固体撮像素子等に達し、部品どうしの接合に剥離が発生してしまうことがあった。 An imaging lens and a solid-state image sensor are disposed at the distal end of the electronic endoscope, and a transmission cable is connected to the solid-state image sensor via a circuit board. Since the transmission cable is inserted through the entire length of the insertion portion of the electronic endoscope, if the insertion portion is looped or the bending portion formed in the insertion portion is fully bent, the transmission cable is strongly pushed and pulled. . At this time, the force generated in the transmission cable reaches the circuit board, the solid-state imaging device, and the like, and peeling may occur in the joining between components.

こういった部品どうしの接合の剥離が生じないようにするため、特許文献１に記載の電子内視鏡の先端部では、回路基板の一部が細幅に形成されており、当該回路基板は固体撮像素子に対して可撓性を有する状態に連結されている。したがって、伝送ケーブルから回路基板に加わるねじれや傾きの力は、回路基板の細幅に形成された部分で吸収されて固体撮像素子には伝わらず、その結果、回路基板と固体撮像素子の接合に剥離は発生しない。また、特許文献２に記載の内視鏡では、伝送ケーブルに弾性を付与する弾性付与手段が設けられ、この弾性付与手段が伝送ケーブルの伸縮に伴う応力を吸収している。 In order to prevent the separation of the joints between these components, a part of the circuit board is formed narrow at the tip of the electronic endoscope described in Patent Document 1, and the circuit board is The solid-state image sensor is connected in a flexible state. Therefore, the twisting and tilting force applied to the circuit board from the transmission cable is absorbed by the narrow portion of the circuit board and is not transmitted to the solid-state image sensor, and as a result, the circuit board and the solid-state image sensor are joined. No peeling occurs. Moreover, in the endoscope described in Patent Document 2, an elasticity applying unit that provides elasticity to the transmission cable is provided, and the elasticity applying unit absorbs stress accompanying expansion and contraction of the transmission cable.

特開平５−２６１０６４号公報Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-261644 特開２００９−８９９２５号公報JP 2009-89925 A

上記説明した特許文献１に記載の構成では、回路基板の一部を細幅に形成することで、当該箇所に可撓性を設けているが、当該箇所における可撓性と耐久性は相反し、固体撮像素子から得られる信号の種類の多さ等によっては幅を十分に細くできない場合もある。また、特許文献２に記載の構成では、弾性付与手段を新たに設ける必要があるため、部品点数及びコストが増加する。 In the configuration described in Patent Document 1 described above, a portion of the circuit board is formed to be narrow, thereby providing flexibility at the location. However, flexibility and durability at the location are contradictory. Depending on the number of types of signals obtained from the solid-state imaging device, the width may not be sufficiently narrowed. Further, in the configuration described in Patent Document 2, since it is necessary to newly provide elasticity imparting means, the number of parts and cost increase.

本発明は、上述した事情に鑑みなされたものであり、挿入部の湾曲によって発生する力を十分に吸収できる簡単な構成の電子内視鏡を提供することを目的とする。 The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an electronic endoscope having a simple configuration that can sufficiently absorb a force generated by bending of an insertion portion.

本発明の一態様の電子内視鏡は、撮影レンズと、上記撮影レンズを介して結像された光学画像を光電変換する固体撮像素子と、上記固体撮像素子と電気的に接続された可撓性配線板と、上記可撓性配線板に電気的に接続された伝送ケーブルと、が体腔内に挿入される挿入部内に配設され、上記挿入部の向きを変えることによって観察方向が可変な電子内視鏡であって、上記挿入部の複数の異なる向きによって形成される面に対して垂直な線上に、上記固体撮像素子と上記可撓性配線板との接続部が形成され、上記可撓性配線板は、上記可撓性配線板が上記線と平行な架空の軸を中心に折り返した少なくとも１つの折り返し部を有する。 An electronic endoscope according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a photographing lens, a solid-state imaging device that photoelectrically converts an optical image formed through the photographing lens, and a flexible electrically connected to the solid-state imaging device. The wiring board and the transmission cable electrically connected to the flexible wiring board are disposed in the insertion portion inserted into the body cavity, and the observation direction is variable by changing the orientation of the insertion portion. In the electronic endoscope, a connection portion between the solid-state imaging device and the flexible wiring board is formed on a line perpendicular to a surface formed by a plurality of different orientations of the insertion portion, and The flexible wiring board has at least one folded portion in which the flexible wiring board is folded around an imaginary axis parallel to the line.

本発明によれば、挿入部の湾曲によって発生する力を十分に吸収できる簡単な構成の電子内視鏡を提供することができる。 ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the electronic endoscope of the simple structure which can fully absorb the force generate | occur | produced by the curve of an insertion part can be provided.

本発明に係る第１の実施形態の電子内視鏡を示す外観図である。1 is an external view showing an electronic endoscope according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 電子内視鏡の挿入部の先端面を示す正面図である。It is a front view which shows the front end surface of the insertion part of an electronic endoscope. 第１の実施形態の電子内視鏡の挿入部を構成する先端硬質部と湾曲部の一部の内部を側方から示す図２のＡ−Ａ線断面図である。It is the sectional view on the AA line of FIG. 2 which shows the inside of a part of hard tip part and bending part which comprise the insertion part of the electronic endoscope of 1st Embodiment from the side. 第１の実施形態の電子内視鏡の挿入部の湾曲方向と接続部の配置箇所との関係を示す概念図である。It is a conceptual diagram which shows the relationship between the bending direction of the insertion part of the electronic endoscope of 1st Embodiment, and the arrangement | positioning location of a connection part. 第１の実施形態において折り返し部を２つ有するフレキシブル回路基板を用いた場合の構成を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the structure at the time of using the flexible circuit board which has two folding | turning parts in 1st Embodiment. 第２の実施形態の電子内視鏡の挿入部を構成する先端硬質部と湾曲部の一部の内部を側方から示す図２のＡ−Ａ線断面図である。It is the sectional view on the AA line of FIG. 2 which shows the front-end | tip hard part which comprises the insertion part of the electronic endoscope of 2nd Embodiment, and a part of curved part from the side. 第２の実施形態の電子内視鏡の挿入部の湾曲方向と接続部の配置箇所との関係を示す概念図である。It is a conceptual diagram which shows the relationship between the bending direction of the insertion part of the electronic endoscope of 2nd Embodiment, and the arrangement | positioning location of a connection part. 第２の実施形態において折り返し部を２つ有するフレキシブル回路基板を用いた場合の構成を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the structure at the time of using the flexible circuit board which has two folding | turning parts in 2nd Embodiment.

以下、本発明の実施形態について図面を参照して説明する。 Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

（第１の実施形態）
図１は、本発明に係る第１の実施形態の電子内視鏡を示す外観図である。図２は、電子内視鏡の挿入部の先端面を示す正面図である。図１に示すように、電子内視鏡１は、例えば被検体の体腔内に挿入される可撓性の挿入部１１と、挿入部１１の基端部分に連設された手元操作部１２と、プロセッサ装置及び光源装置（いずれも図示せず）に接続されるユニバーサルコード１３とを備える。 (First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is an external view showing an electronic endoscope according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the distal end surface of the insertion portion of the electronic endoscope. As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic endoscope 1 includes, for example, a flexible insertion portion 11 that is inserted into a body cavity of a subject, and a hand operation portion 12 that is connected to a proximal end portion of the insertion portion 11. And a universal cord 13 connected to a processor device and a light source device (both not shown).

挿入部１１には、先端から順に、先端硬質部１４と、湾曲部１５と、軟性部１６とが構成されている。 The insertion portion 11 includes a distal end hard portion 14, a bending portion 15, and a flexible portion 16 in order from the distal end.

先端硬質部１４の前端部は硬質樹脂で形成され、先端硬質部１４の周表皮は軟質樹脂で形成されている。先端硬質部１４内には撮像装置１２０（図３参照）が取り付けられている。また、先端硬質部１４内には、撮像装置１２０の他に、処置具チャンネル３０（図３参照）、並びに、図示しないライトガイド、送気チューブ及び送水チューブ等が取り付けられている。先端硬質部１４の先端面１４ａには、図２に示すように、観察窓３２、処置具出口３３、照明窓３４及び送気送水ノズル３５が設けられる。照明窓３４には光源装置に接続されるライトガイド（図示せず）が連結され、送気送水ノズル３５には送気チューブ及び送水チューブ（いずれも図示せず）が連結されている。 The front end portion of the distal end hard portion 14 is formed of a hard resin, and the peripheral skin of the distal end hard portion 14 is formed of a soft resin. An imaging device 120 (see FIG. 3) is attached in the distal end hard portion 14. In addition to the imaging device 120, a treatment instrument channel 30 (see FIG. 3), a light guide, an air supply tube, a water supply tube, and the like (not shown) are attached to the distal end hard portion 14. As shown in FIG. 2, an observation window 32, a treatment instrument outlet 33, an illumination window 34, and an air / water supply nozzle 35 are provided on the distal end surface 14 a of the distal end hard portion 14. The illumination window 34 is connected to a light guide (not shown) connected to the light source device, and the air / water supply nozzle 35 is connected to an air supply tube and a water supply tube (both not shown).

湾曲部１５は、複数の関節用節輪を連結して構成され、手元操作部１２に設けられたアングルノブ１７を操作することにより、軟性部１６内に挿通されたアングルワイヤー（図示せず）の移動に連動して、軟性部１６の長手方向を基準方向とした対向する二方向に湾曲動作する。なお、湾曲部１５は、当該二方向のうちの特定の一方向に最も大きく湾曲する。湾曲部１５が湾曲することにより、先端硬質部１４が体腔内の所望の観察方向に向けられ、体腔内の被観察部位を撮像装置１２０で撮像することができる。 The bending portion 15 is configured by connecting a plurality of joint nodes, and an angle wire (not shown) inserted into the flexible portion 16 by operating an angle knob 17 provided on the hand operation portion 12. In conjunction with the movement, the bending operation is performed in two opposing directions with the longitudinal direction of the flexible portion 16 as the reference direction. Note that the bending portion 15 is bent most greatly in one specific direction of the two directions. By bending the bending portion 15, the distal end hard portion 14 is directed in a desired observation direction in the body cavity, and the observation site in the body cavity can be imaged by the imaging device 120.

軟性部１６は、手元操作部１２と湾曲部１５との間を細径で長尺状に繋ぐ部分であり、可撓性を有している。 The flexible portion 16 is a portion that connects the hand operating portion 12 and the bending portion 15 in a long shape with a small diameter, and has flexibility.

手元操作部１２には、処置具挿通口１９が設けられている。処置具挿通口１９には、患部の治療に用いられる鉗子や注射針といった処置具が挿通される。処置具挿通口１９は、挿入部１１内に配設された処置具チャンネル３０に接続され、処置具チャンネル３０は、先端硬質部１４に設けられた処置具出口３３に接続される。 The hand operation unit 12 is provided with a treatment instrument insertion port 19. A treatment instrument such as forceps or an injection needle used for treatment of the affected area is inserted into the treatment instrument insertion port 19. The treatment instrument insertion port 19 is connected to a treatment instrument channel 30 disposed in the insertion portion 11, and the treatment instrument channel 30 is connected to a treatment instrument outlet 33 provided in the distal end hard portion 14.

また、手元操作部１２には、送気送水ボタン１８ａ及び吸引ボタン１８ｂが設けられている。送気送水ボタン１８ａが操作されると、挿入部１１内に設けられた送気送水チャンネル（図示せず）を介して、先端硬質部１４の先端面１４ａに設けられた送気送水ノズル３５からエアー又は水等の液体が噴射される。吸引ボタン１８ｂは、体内の液体や組織等の被吸引物を処置具出口３３から吸引する際に操作される。 Further, the hand operating unit 12 is provided with an air / water supply button 18a and a suction button 18b. When the air / water supply button 18a is operated, the air / water supply nozzle 35 provided on the distal end surface 14a of the distal end hard portion 14 is connected via an air / water supply channel (not shown) provided in the insertion portion 11. A liquid such as air or water is jetted. The suction button 18b is operated when sucking an object to be sucked such as a body fluid or tissue from the treatment instrument outlet 33.

以下、第１の実施形態の電子内視鏡１の挿入部１１の先端側の内部構成について、図３を参照して説明する。図３は、第１の実施形態の電子内視鏡１の挿入部１１を構成する先端硬質部１４と湾曲部１５の一部の内部を側方から示す図２のＡ−Ａ線断面図である。 Hereinafter, the internal configuration of the distal end side of the insertion portion 11 of the electronic endoscope 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 2 showing a part of the distal end hard portion 14 and the bending portion 15 constituting the insertion portion 11 of the electronic endoscope 1 of the first embodiment from the side. is there.

図３に示すように、電子内視鏡１の挿入部１１の先端側には、撮像装置１２０と、処置具チャンネル３０（チャンネル）の先端部とが設けられており、また、図示は省略するが、ライトガイドを介して光源ユニットから導光される照明光を出射する照明光学系なども設けられる。 As shown in FIG. 3, an imaging device 120 and a distal end portion of a treatment instrument channel 30 (channel) are provided on the distal end side of the insertion portion 11 of the electronic endoscope 1, and illustration is omitted. However, an illumination optical system that emits illumination light guided from the light source unit via the light guide is also provided.

撮像装置１２０は、体腔内の像光を取り込むための撮像光学系２７（撮影レンズ）と、ＣＣＤ（Charge Coupled Device）イメージセンサやＣＭＯＳ（Complementaly Metal Oxide Semiconductor）イメージセンサなどのイメージセンサ２１（固体撮像素子）と、イメージセンサ２１の受像面２１ａに被写体像を結像させる撮像光学系２７を収納した鏡筒２２と、イメージセンサ２１及び鏡筒２２を保持したセンサホルダ２３と、イメージセンサ２１が実装されたフレキシブル回路基板２４（可撓性配線板）と、フレキシブル回路基板２４をイメージセンサ２１に接続するための接続部２８とを備える。 The imaging device 120 includes an imaging optical system 27 (imaging lens) for capturing image light in a body cavity, and an image sensor 21 (solid imaging) such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor. Element), a lens barrel 22 that houses an imaging optical system 27 that forms a subject image on the image receiving surface 21a of the image sensor 21, a sensor holder 23 that holds the image sensor 21 and the lens barrel 22, and the image sensor 21 is mounted. A flexible circuit board 24 (flexible wiring board), and a connection portion 28 for connecting the flexible circuit board 24 to the image sensor 21.

センサホルダ２３は、撮像光学系２７の光軸Ｂに沿って移動可能に鏡筒２２を保持しており、鏡筒２２が移動されることにより、撮像光学系に対するイメージセンサ２１の位置が調整可能となっている。鏡筒２２は、イメージセンサ２１の位置決めがなされた後に、例えば接着剤などによってセンサホルダ２３に固定される。 The sensor holder 23 holds the lens barrel 22 so as to be movable along the optical axis B of the imaging optical system 27, and the position of the image sensor 21 relative to the imaging optical system can be adjusted by moving the lens barrel 22. It has become. After the image sensor 21 is positioned, the lens barrel 22 is fixed to the sensor holder 23 with, for example, an adhesive.

イメージセンサ２１及び鏡筒２２を保持したセンサホルダ２３は、例えばステンレス鋼材などの金属材料からなる先端硬質部１４に形成された収容孔に収容され、先端硬質部１４に固定されている。処置具チャンネル３０の先端部や照明光学系もまた、先端硬質部１４に形成された収容孔にそれぞれ収容され、先端硬質部１４に固定されている。 The sensor holder 23 holding the image sensor 21 and the lens barrel 22 is housed in a housing hole formed in the hard tip portion 14 made of a metal material such as stainless steel, and is fixed to the hard tip portion 14. The distal end portion of the treatment instrument channel 30 and the illumination optical system are also accommodated in accommodation holes formed in the distal end hard portion 14 and fixed to the distal end hard portion 14.

センサホルダ２３が先端硬質部１４に固定された状態で、鏡筒２２に収納された撮像光学系２７の光軸Ｂは挿入部１１の長手軸Ａと略平行に配置され、撮像光学系２７によって被写体像が結像されるイメージセンサ２１の受像面２１ａは、挿入部１１の長手軸Ａに対して略垂直に配置されている。 In a state where the sensor holder 23 is fixed to the distal end hard portion 14, the optical axis B of the imaging optical system 27 housed in the lens barrel 22 is arranged substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the insertion portion 11. The image receiving surface 21 a of the image sensor 21 on which the subject image is formed is disposed substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the insertion portion 11.

イメージセンサ２１の受像面２１ａとは直角な外周側の面には、細長い平面状の可撓性を有したフレキシブル回路基板２４の一端が、接続部２８を介して電気的に接続されている。接続部２８は、平たい矩形状のイメージセンサ２１を構成する４辺のうち、図４（ａ）〜（ｃ）に示すように、挿入部１１の湾曲部１５が軟性部１６に対して湾曲する方向によって形成されるＸＹ平面と垂直なＺ軸方向の一辺上にほぼ沿って形成されており、イメージセンサ２１とは半田接続、インナーリード接続、ＡＣＦ（Anisotropic Conductive Film）接続又はＮＣＦ（（Non Conductive Film）接続等によって接続されている。図４（ａ）〜（ｃ）は、第１の実施形態の電子内視鏡１の挿入部１１の湾曲方向と接続部２８の配置箇所との関係を示す概念図である。また、接続部２８は、図３に示すように、処置具チャンネル３０又は処置具出口３３から離れた、挿入部１１の内周面内側の空間に配設される。 One end of an elongated flat flexible circuit board 24 is electrically connected to a surface on the outer peripheral side perpendicular to the image receiving surface 21 a of the image sensor 21 via a connection portion 28. As shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C, the connecting portion 28 bends the bending portion 15 of the insertion portion 11 with respect to the flexible portion 16 among the four sides constituting the flat rectangular image sensor 21. It is formed substantially along one side in the Z-axis direction perpendicular to the XY plane formed by the direction, and is connected to the image sensor 21 by solder connection, inner lead connection, ACF (Anisotropic Conductive Film) connection or NCF ((Non Conductive 4 (a) to 4 (c) show the relationship between the bending direction of the insertion portion 11 of the electronic endoscope 1 of the first embodiment and the location where the connection portion 28 is arranged. 3, the connection portion 28 is disposed in a space inside the inner peripheral surface of the insertion portion 11 that is away from the treatment instrument channel 30 or the treatment instrument outlet 33, as shown in FIG.

フレキシブル回路基板２４の他端は、伝送ケーブル３７の信号線３８と電気的に接続されている。なお、伝送ケーブル３７は、挿入部１１及び手元操作部１２内を経てユニバーサルコード１３内に挿通されている。 The other end of the flexible circuit board 24 is electrically connected to the signal line 38 of the transmission cable 37. The transmission cable 37 is inserted into the universal cord 13 through the insertion section 11 and the hand operation section 12.

フレキシブル回路基板２４は、接続部２８を介してイメージセンサ２１に接続された一端と、伝送ケーブル３７に接続された他端との間に、略Ｕ字状に湾曲した折り返し部２４ｃを有し、折り畳まれた形状を有する。折り返し部２４ｃでは、図４（ａ）〜（ｃ）に示した接続部２８が形成されたイメージセンサ２１の一辺とほぼ平行な架空の軸Ａｆを中心に、フレキシブル回路基板２４が略Ｕ字状に湾曲し、フレキシブル回路基板２４の長手方向の向きがほぼ反転するよう折り返されている。また、折り返し部２４ｃは、接続部２８から挿入部１１が最も湾曲可能な特定の一方向に離れた箇所に設けられている。その結果、折り返し部２４ｃは、図３に示すように、処置具チャンネル３０の外周面外側の空間に配設される。なお、折り返し部２４ｃにおいて略Ｕ字状に湾曲するフレキシブル回路基板２４の長手方向の曲率は、挿入部１１の湾曲の程度によって異なり、図４（ａ）に示す挿入部１１が湾曲していない状態では上記曲率は大きく、図４（ｂ）に示す挿入部１１が湾曲した状態では上記曲率は小さい。 The flexible circuit board 24 has a folded portion 24 c that is curved in a substantially U shape between one end connected to the image sensor 21 via the connection portion 28 and the other end connected to the transmission cable 37. It has a folded shape. In the folded portion 24c, the flexible circuit board 24 is substantially U-shaped around an imaginary axis Af that is substantially parallel to one side of the image sensor 21 on which the connecting portion 28 shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C is formed. The flexible circuit board 24 is folded back so that the longitudinal direction of the flexible circuit board 24 is substantially reversed. Further, the folded portion 24c is provided at a location that is separated from the connection portion 28 in a specific direction in which the insertion portion 11 can be bent most. As a result, the folded portion 24c is disposed in a space outside the outer peripheral surface of the treatment instrument channel 30, as shown in FIG. Note that the curvature in the longitudinal direction of the flexible circuit board 24 that curves in a substantially U shape at the folded portion 24c varies depending on the degree of curvature of the insertion portion 11, and the insertion portion 11 shown in FIG. 4A is not curved. Then, the said curvature is large, and the said curvature is small in the state which the insertion part 11 shown in FIG.4 (b) curved.

以上説明したように、上記説明した第１の実施形態によれば、イメージセンサ２１と伝送ケーブル３７とを電気的に接続する可撓性を有したフレキシブル回路基板２４には、略Ｕ字状の折り返し部２４ｃが設けられている。このため、図４（ｂ）に示すように挿入部１１が湾曲され、伝送ケーブル３７が強く押し引きされても、伝送ケーブル３７に生じた力は、折り返し部２４ｃでの曲率の変化に応じたフレキシブル回路基板２４の形状変化によって吸収される。このように、フレキシブル回路基板２４に折り返し部２４ｃを設けるといった簡単な構成のために、挿入部１１の湾曲によって発生する力を十分に吸収することができる。 As described above, according to the first embodiment described above, the flexible circuit board 24 having flexibility for electrically connecting the image sensor 21 and the transmission cable 37 has a substantially U-shape. A folded portion 24c is provided. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 4B, even if the insertion portion 11 is curved and the transmission cable 37 is strongly pushed and pulled, the force generated in the transmission cable 37 corresponds to the change in curvature at the folded portion 24c. It is absorbed by the shape change of the flexible circuit board 24. Thus, the force generated by the bending of the insertion portion 11 can be sufficiently absorbed because of the simple configuration in which the folded portion 24 c is provided on the flexible circuit board 24.

また、折り返し部２４ｃは、フレキシブル回路基板２４をイメージセンサ２１に接続するための接続部２８から挿入部１１が最も湾曲可能な方向に離れた箇所に設けられている。このため、接続部２８は、挿入部１１の湾曲によって発生する力による影響を受ける箇所から離れた箇所に位置することとなるため、挿入部１１が最大角度で湾曲された状態であっても、接続部２８におけるフレキシブル回路基板２４の接合の剥離が生じる可能性を低減できる。 In addition, the folded portion 24 c is provided at a location farthest from the connection portion 28 for connecting the flexible circuit board 24 to the image sensor 21 in the direction in which the insertion portion 11 can be bent most. For this reason, since the connection part 28 will be located in the location away from the location affected by the force which generate | occur | produces by the curve of the insertion part 11, even if the insertion part 11 is the state curved at the maximum angle, The possibility that the flexible circuit board 24 is peeled off at the connecting portion 28 can be reduced.

また、接続部２８は、処置具チャンネル３０又は処置具出口３３から離れた、挿入部１１の内周面内側の空間に配設されるが、当該空間は狭いために、挿入部１１の湾曲によって発生する力が接続部２８に加わって剥離が生じても電気的な接続を担保できる可能性がある。また、折り返し部２４ｃは、処置具チャンネル３０の外周面外側の空間に配設されるが、当該空間は広いために、挿入部１１が湾曲した際にフレキシブル回路基板２４は自由に変形することができる。 In addition, the connection portion 28 is disposed in a space inside the inner peripheral surface of the insertion portion 11 that is away from the treatment device channel 30 or the treatment device outlet 33. There is a possibility that the electrical connection can be secured even if the generated force is applied to the connecting portion 28 and peeling occurs. Further, the folded portion 24c is disposed in a space outside the outer peripheral surface of the treatment instrument channel 30, but since the space is wide, the flexible circuit board 24 can be freely deformed when the insertion portion 11 is curved. it can.

なお、第１の実施形態では、図４（ａ），（ｂ）等に示したようにフレキシブル回路基板２４が１つの折り返し部２４ｃを有するが、図５に示すように、複数の折り返し部２４ｃを有しても良い。 In the first embodiment, the flexible circuit board 24 has one folded portion 24c as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, but a plurality of folded portions 24c are provided as shown in FIG. You may have.

（第２の実施形態）
第２の実施形態の電子内視鏡の外観は、図１に示した第１の実施形態の電子内視鏡１と同様である。以下の説明では、第１実施形態の電子内視鏡１が備える構成要素と同一又は同等部分には同一符号又は相当符号を付して説明する。 (Second Embodiment)
The appearance of the electronic endoscope of the second embodiment is the same as that of the electronic endoscope 1 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. In the following description, the same or equivalent parts as those included in the electronic endoscope 1 of the first embodiment will be described with the same or corresponding reference numerals.

第２の実施形態の電子内視鏡は、第１の実施形態と同様に、可撓性の挿入部１１ａと、手元操作部１２と、プロセッサ装置及び光源装置（いずれも図示せず）に接続されるユニバーサルコード１３とを備える。挿入部１１ａには、先端から順に、先端硬質部１４と、湾曲部１５と、軟性部１６とが構成されている。 As in the first embodiment, the electronic endoscope of the second embodiment is connected to the flexible insertion portion 11a, the hand operating portion 12, the processor device, and the light source device (none of which are shown). Universal code 13 to be provided. In the insertion portion 11a, a distal end hard portion 14, a bending portion 15, and a flexible portion 16 are formed in order from the distal end.

先端硬質部１４の前端部は硬質樹脂で形成され、先端硬質部１４の周表皮は軟質樹脂で形成されている。先端硬質部１４内には撮像装置２２０（図６参照）が取り付けられている。また、先端硬質部１４内には、撮像装置２２０の他に、処置具チャンネル３０（図６参照）、並びに、図示しないライトガイド、送気チューブ及び送水チューブ等が取り付けられている。先端硬質部１４の先端面１４ａには、図２に示すように、観察窓３２、処置具出口３３、照明窓３４及び送気送水ノズル３５が設けられる。照明窓３４には光源装置に接続されるライトガイド（図示せず）が連結され、送気送水ノズル３５には送気チューブ及び送水チューブ（いずれも図示せず）が連結されている。 The front end portion of the distal end hard portion 14 is formed of a hard resin, and the peripheral skin of the distal end hard portion 14 is formed of a soft resin. An imaging device 220 (see FIG. 6) is attached in the distal end hard portion 14. In addition to the imaging device 220, a treatment instrument channel 30 (see FIG. 6), a light guide (not shown), an air supply tube, a water supply tube, and the like are attached to the distal end hard portion 14. As shown in FIG. 2, an observation window 32, a treatment instrument outlet 33, an illumination window 34, and an air / water supply nozzle 35 are provided on the distal end surface 14 a of the distal end hard portion 14. The illumination window 34 is connected to a light guide (not shown) connected to the light source device, and the air / water supply nozzle 35 is connected to an air supply tube and a water supply tube (both not shown).

湾曲部１５は、複数の関節用節輪を連結して構成され、手元操作部１２に設けられたアングルノブ１７を操作することにより、軟性部１６内に挿通されたアングルワイヤー（図示せず）の移動に連動して、軟性部１６の長手方向を基準方向とした対向する二方向に湾曲動作する。なお、湾曲部１５は、当該二方向のうちの特定の一方向に最も大きく湾曲する。湾曲部１５が湾曲することにより、先端硬質部１４が体腔内の所望の方向に向けられ、体腔内の被観察部位を撮像装置２２０で撮像することができる。 The bending portion 15 is configured by connecting a plurality of joint nodes, and an angle wire (not shown) inserted into the flexible portion 16 by operating an angle knob 17 provided on the hand operation portion 12. In conjunction with the movement, the bending operation is performed in two opposing directions with the longitudinal direction of the flexible portion 16 as the reference direction. Note that the bending portion 15 is bent most greatly in one specific direction of the two directions. By bending the bending portion 15, the distal end hard portion 14 is directed in a desired direction in the body cavity, and the observation site in the body cavity can be imaged by the imaging device 220.

以下、第２の実施形態の電子内視鏡の挿入部１１の先端側の内部構成について、図６を参照して説明する。図６は、第２の実施形態の電子内視鏡の挿入部１１を構成する先端硬質部１４と湾曲部１５の一部の内部を側方から示す図２のＡ−Ａ線断面図である。 Hereinafter, the internal configuration of the distal end side of the insertion portion 11 of the electronic endoscope according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 2, showing a part of the distal end hard portion 14 and the bending portion 15 constituting the insertion portion 11 of the electronic endoscope of the second embodiment from the side. .

図６に示すように、電子内視鏡の挿入部１１の先端側には、撮像装置２２０と、処置具チャンネル３０（チャンネル）の先端部とが設けられており、また、図示は省略するが、ライトガイドを介して光源ユニットから導光される照明光を出射する照明光学系なども設けられる。 As shown in FIG. 6, an imaging device 220 and a distal end portion of a treatment instrument channel 30 (channel) are provided on the distal end side of the insertion portion 11 of the electronic endoscope, and illustration is omitted. An illumination optical system that emits illumination light guided from the light source unit via the light guide is also provided.

撮像装置２２０は、体腔内の像光を取り込むための撮像光学系２７（撮影レンズ）と、ＣＣＤ（Charge Coupled Device）イメージセンサやＣＭＯＳ（Complementaly Metal Oxide Semiconductor）イメージセンサなどのイメージセンサ２１（固体撮像素子）と、撮像光学系２７を収納した鏡筒２２と、イメージセンサ２１、プリズム２９及び鏡筒２２を保持したセンサホルダ２３と、イメージセンサ２１が実装されたフレキシブル回路基板２４（可撓性配線板）と、フレキシブル回路基板２４をイメージセンサ２１に接続するための接続部２８と、イメージセンサ２１の受像面２１ａに被写体像を結像させるプリズム２９とを備える。 The imaging device 220 includes an imaging optical system 27 (photographing lens) for capturing image light in a body cavity, and an image sensor 21 (solid imaging) such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor. Element), a lens barrel 22 housing the imaging optical system 27, an image sensor 21, a prism 29, a sensor holder 23 holding the lens barrel 22, and a flexible circuit board 24 (flexible wiring) on which the image sensor 21 is mounted. Plate), a connecting portion 28 for connecting the flexible circuit board 24 to the image sensor 21, and a prism 29 for forming a subject image on the image receiving surface 21a of the image sensor 21.

センサホルダ２３は、撮像光学系２７の光軸Ｂに沿って移動可能に鏡筒２２を保持しており、鏡筒２２が移動されることにより、撮像光学系に対するイメージセンサ２１の位置が調整可能となっている。鏡筒２２は、イメージセンサ２１の位置決めがなされた後に、例えば接着剤などによってセンサホルダ２３に固定される。また、センサホルダ２３には、撮像光学系２７を経由した観察部位の像光が透過する開口が設けられ、プリズム２９は、この開口を塞ぐようにしてセンサホルダ２３の後端面に接着される。本実施形態では、プリズム２９における撮像光学系２７を経由した像光の入射面とは直角な面にイメージセンサ２１が設けられている。したがって、撮像光学系２７を経由した観察部位の像光は、プリズム２９に入射してプリズム２９の内部で屈曲され、イメージセンサ２１に結像する。 The sensor holder 23 holds the lens barrel 22 so as to be movable along the optical axis B of the imaging optical system 27, and the position of the image sensor 21 relative to the imaging optical system can be adjusted by moving the lens barrel 22. It has become. After the image sensor 21 is positioned, the lens barrel 22 is fixed to the sensor holder 23 with, for example, an adhesive. In addition, the sensor holder 23 is provided with an opening through which image light of the observation site via the imaging optical system 27 is transmitted, and the prism 29 is bonded to the rear end surface of the sensor holder 23 so as to close the opening. In the present embodiment, the image sensor 21 is provided on a surface of the prism 29 that is perpendicular to the image light incident surface that passes through the imaging optical system 27. Therefore, the image light of the observation site via the imaging optical system 27 enters the prism 29 and is bent inside the prism 29 and forms an image on the image sensor 21.

イメージセンサ２１、プリズム２９及び鏡筒２２を保持したセンサホルダ２３は、例えばステンレス鋼材などの金属材料からなる先端硬質部１４に形成された収容孔に収容され、先端硬質部１４に固定されている。処置具チャンネル３０の先端部や照明光学系もまた、先端硬質部１４に形成された収容孔にそれぞれ収容され、先端硬質部１４に固定されている。 The sensor holder 23 holding the image sensor 21, the prism 29, and the lens barrel 22 is housed in a housing hole formed in the hard tip portion 14 made of a metal material such as stainless steel, and is fixed to the hard tip portion 14. . The distal end portion of the treatment instrument channel 30 and the illumination optical system are also accommodated in accommodation holes formed in the distal end hard portion 14 and fixed to the distal end hard portion 14.

イメージセンサ２１には、細長い平面状の可撓性を有したフレキシブル回路基板２４の一端が、接続部２８を介して電気的に接続されている。接続部２８は、平たい矩形状のイメージセンサ２１を構成する４辺のうち、図７（ａ）〜（ｃ）に示すように、挿入部１１の湾曲部１５が軟性部１６に対して湾曲する方向によって形成されるＸＹ平面と垂直なＺ軸方向の後端側の一辺上に形成されており、イメージセンサ２１とは半田接続、インナーリード接続、ＡＣＦ（Anisotropic Conductive Film）接続又はＮＣＦ（（Non Conductive Film）接続等によって接続されている。図７（ａ）〜（ｃ）は、第２の実施形態の電子内視鏡の挿入部１１の湾曲方向と接続部２８の配置箇所との関係を示す概念図である。また、接続部２８は、図６に示すように、処置具チャンネル３０又は処置具出口３３から離れた、挿入部１１の内周面内側の空間に配設される。 One end of a flexible circuit board 24 having a long and thin flexible surface is electrically connected to the image sensor 21 via a connection portion 28. As shown in FIGS. 7A to 7C, the connecting portion 28 bends the bending portion 15 of the insertion portion 11 with respect to the flexible portion 16 among the four sides constituting the flat rectangular image sensor 21. It is formed on one side of the rear end side in the Z-axis direction perpendicular to the XY plane formed by the direction, and is connected to the image sensor 21 by solder connection, inner lead connection, ACF (Anisotropic Conductive Film) connection or NCF ((Non 7 (a) to 7 (c) show the relationship between the bending direction of the insertion portion 11 of the electronic endoscope according to the second embodiment and the location where the connection portion 28 is arranged. Further, the connection portion 28 is disposed in a space inside the inner peripheral surface of the insertion portion 11 that is away from the treatment instrument channel 30 or the treatment instrument outlet 33, as shown in FIG.

フレキシブル回路基板２４は、接続部２８を介してイメージセンサ２１に接続された一端と、伝送ケーブル３７に接続された他端との間に、略Ｕ字状に湾曲した折り返し部２４ｃを有し、折り畳まれた形状を有する。折り返し部２４ｃでは、図７（ａ）〜（ｃ）に示した接続部２８が形成されたイメージセンサ２１の一辺と平行な架空の軸Ａｆを中心に、フレキシブル回路基板２４が折り返している。また、折り返し部２４ｃは、接続部２８から挿入部１１が最も湾曲可能な特定の一方向に離れた箇所に設けられている。その結果、折り返し部２４ｃは、図６に示すように、処置具チャンネル３０の外周面外側の空間に配設される。 The flexible circuit board 24 has a folded portion 24 c that is curved in a substantially U shape between one end connected to the image sensor 21 via the connection portion 28 and the other end connected to the transmission cable 37. It has a folded shape. In the folded portion 24c, the flexible circuit board 24 is folded around an imaginary axis Af parallel to one side of the image sensor 21 in which the connecting portion 28 shown in FIGS. 7A to 7C is formed. Further, the folded portion 24c is provided at a location that is separated from the connection portion 28 in a specific direction in which the insertion portion 11 can be bent most. As a result, the folded portion 24c is disposed in a space outside the outer peripheral surface of the treatment instrument channel 30 as shown in FIG.

以上説明したように、上記説明した第２の実施形態によれば、イメージセンサ２１と伝送ケーブル３７とを電気的に接続する可撓性を有したフレキシブル回路基板２４には、略Ｕ字状の折り返し部２４ｃが設けられている。このため、図７（ｂ）に示すように挿入部１１が湾曲され、伝送ケーブル３７が強く押し引きされても、伝送ケーブル３７に生じた力は、折り返し部２４ｃでの曲率の変化に応じたフレキシブル回路基板２４の形状変化によって吸収される。このように、フレキシブル回路基板２４に折り返し部２４ｃを設けるといった簡単な構成のために、挿入部１１の湾曲によって発生する力を十分に吸収することができる。 As described above, according to the second embodiment described above, the flexible circuit board 24 having flexibility for electrically connecting the image sensor 21 and the transmission cable 37 has a substantially U-shape. A folded portion 24c is provided. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 7B, even if the insertion portion 11 is bent and the transmission cable 37 is strongly pushed and pulled, the force generated in the transmission cable 37 corresponds to the change in curvature at the folded portion 24c. It is absorbed by the shape change of the flexible circuit board 24. Thus, the force generated by the bending of the insertion portion 11 can be sufficiently absorbed because of the simple configuration in which the folded portion 24 c is provided on the flexible circuit board 24.

なお、第２の実施形態では、図７（ａ），（ｂ）等に示したようにフレキシブル回路基板２４が１つの折り返し部２４ｃを有するが、図８（ａ），（ｂ）に示すように、複数の折り返し部２４ｃを有しても良い。 In the second embodiment, the flexible circuit board 24 has one folded portion 24c as shown in FIGS. 7 (a) and 7 (b), but as shown in FIGS. 8 (a) and 8 (b). In addition, a plurality of folded portions 24c may be provided.

以上説明したとおり、本明細書に開示された電子内視鏡は、撮影レンズと、上記撮影レンズを介して結像された光学画像を光電変換する固体撮像素子と、上記固体撮像素子と電気的に接続された可撓性配線板と、上記可撓性配線板に電気的に接続された伝送ケーブルと、が体腔内に挿入される挿入部内に配設され、上記挿入部の向きを変えることによって観察方向が可変な電子内視鏡であって、上記挿入部の複数の異なる向きによって形成される面に対して垂直な線上に、上記固体撮像素子と上記可撓性配線板との接続部が形成され、上記可撓性配線板は、上記可撓性配線板が上記線と平行な架空の軸を中心に折り返した少なくとも１つの折り返し部を有する。 As described above, the electronic endoscope disclosed in this specification includes a photographing lens, a solid-state imaging device that photoelectrically converts an optical image formed through the photographing lens, and the solid-state imaging device and the electrical endoscope. A flexible wiring board connected to the flexible wiring board and a transmission cable electrically connected to the flexible wiring board are disposed in the insertion portion inserted into the body cavity, and the orientation of the insertion portion is changed. The electronic endoscope having a variable observation direction by a connecting portion between the solid-state imaging device and the flexible wiring board on a line perpendicular to a surface formed by a plurality of different orientations of the insertion portion The flexible wiring board has at least one folded portion in which the flexible wiring board is folded around an imaginary axis parallel to the line.

また、上記挿入部は、基準方向に対して所定の一方向に湾曲し、上記可撓性配線板が上記折り返し部を１つ有する場合、上記折り返し部は、上記接続部から上記所定の一方向に離れた箇所に設けられる。 The insertion portion is curved in a predetermined direction with respect to a reference direction, and when the flexible wiring board has one folded portion, the folded portion is connected to the predetermined one direction from the connecting portion. It is provided in the place distant from.

また、上記挿入部は、上記所定の一方向に最も大きく湾曲する。 Further, the insertion portion is bent most greatly in the predetermined one direction.

また、処置具を体腔内まで挿通するためのチャンネルが上記挿入部内に配設され、上記チャンネルから離れた、上記挿入部の内周面内側の空間に上記接続部が形成され、上記接続部から離れた、上記チャンネルの外周面外側の空間に上記折り返し部が設けられる。 In addition, a channel for inserting the treatment instrument into the body cavity is disposed in the insertion portion, and the connection portion is formed in a space inside the inner peripheral surface of the insertion portion, which is separated from the channel, from the connection portion. The folded portion is provided in a space outside the outer peripheral surface of the channel that is separated.

また、上記折り返し部は略Ｕ字状に湾曲し、上記可撓性配線板は折り畳まれた形状を有する。 The folded portion is curved in a substantially U shape, and the flexible wiring board has a folded shape.

１電子内視鏡
１１，１１ａ挿入部
１２手元操作部
１３ユニバーサルコード
１４先端硬質部
１４ａ先端面
１５湾曲部
１６軟性部
１７アングルノブ
１８ａ送気送水ボタン
１８ｂ吸引ボタン
１９処置具挿通口
２１イメージセンサ
２４フレキシブル回路基板
２４ｃ折り返し部
２６レンズ鏡筒
２７撮像光学系
２８接続部
２９プリズム
３０処置具チャンネル
３１撮像光学系
３２観察窓
３３処置具出口
３４照明窓
３５送気送水ノズル
３７伝送ケーブル
１２０，２２０撮像装置 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Electronic endoscope 11, 11a Insert part 12 Hand operation part 13 Universal cord 14 Hard tip part 14a Tip surface 15 Bending part 16 Soft part 17 Angle knob 18a Air supply / water supply button 18b Suction button 19 Treatment tool insertion port 21 Image sensor 24 Flexible circuit board 24c Folding part 26 Lens barrel 27 Imaging optical system 28 Connection part 29 Prism 30 Treatment tool channel 31 Imaging optical system 32 Observation window 33 Treatment tool outlet 34 Illumination window 35 Air / water supply nozzle 37 Transmission cables 120, 220 Imaging device

Claims

A taking lens,
A solid-state imaging device that photoelectrically converts an optical image formed through the photographing lens;
A flexible wiring board electrically connected to the solid-state imaging device;
A transmission cable electrically connected to the flexible wiring board, and disposed in an insertion portion to be inserted into a body cavity;
An electronic endoscope in which the observation direction is variable by changing the direction of the insertion portion,
A connecting portion between the solid-state imaging device and the flexible wiring board is formed on a line perpendicular to a surface formed by a plurality of different orientations of the insertion portion,
The flexible wiring board is an electronic endoscope having at least one folded portion in which the flexible wiring board is folded around an imaginary axis parallel to the line.

The electronic endoscope according to claim 1,
The insertion portion is curved in a predetermined direction with respect to a reference direction;
When the flexible wiring board has one folded portion, the folded portion is provided at a location away from the connection portion in the predetermined direction.

The electronic endoscope according to claim 2,
The insertion part is an electronic endoscope that is bent most greatly in the predetermined direction.

The electronic endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
A channel for inserting the treatment tool into the body cavity is disposed in the insertion portion,
The connection part is formed in a space inside the inner peripheral surface of the insertion part, away from the channel,
An electronic endoscope in which the folded portion is provided in a space outside the outer peripheral surface of the channel, which is away from the connection portion.

An electronic endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The electronic endoscope, wherein the folded portion is curved in a substantially U shape, and the flexible wiring board has a folded shape.