JP2929472B2 - Endoscope device - Google Patents

Description

Description: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an endoscope apparatus having a mirror for changing a viewing direction.

[Problems to be solved by conventional technology and invention] In recent years, by inserting an elongated insertion portion into a body cavity,
Medical endoscopes capable of observing internal organs of the body cavity and, if necessary, collecting tissue in the living body using forceps inserted through the forceps channel and making a detailed diagnosis of an affected part are widely used. I have. Also, in the industrial field, industrial endoscopes capable of observing and inspecting the inside of boilers, turbines, engines, chemical plants, and the like are widely used.

In particular, when the insertion part of the medical endoscope is inserted into a body cavity to observe an affected part, a direct-view endoscope is used if the affected part is located axially forward with respect to the insertion part distal end side. And easy to observe. On the other hand, when observing the inner wall surface of the lateral side of the body cavity orthogonal to the insertion direction, it is easy to observe using a side-view type endoscope. In addition, observation can be performed more easily by using an endoscope having a different angle of view depending on whether a large range is roughly observed or a narrow range is precisely observed.

However, endoscopes are expensive, and it is extremely uneconomical to prepare endoscopes corresponding to these various observation targets. To cope with such a problem, Japanese Utility Model Application No. 60-59215
The publication discloses an optical adapter that is configured to be attachable to and detachable from the distal end portion of the endoscope insertion section, has a rotatable mirror in front of the endoscope imaging optical system, and can change the direction of the visual field.

Further, in Japanese Patent Application No. 63-332260 filed by the present applicant, a mirror that is configured to be detachable from the distal end of the endoscope insertion section and that is rotatable in front of the endoscope imaging optical system is provided. There has been proposed a technique in which an aluminum vapor deposition surface constituting a reflection surface and a mirror support member are fixed.

However, the mirror is fixed to the mounting frame with a set screw in the above-mentioned prior art, Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open No. 60-59215. However, since the mirror is screwed, the material of the mirror is generally made of metal. Although it is necessary, when a mirror is formed of metal, the surface of the reflection surface needs to be mirror-finished, which increases the production cost of the mirror, and also has a problem that the metal surface is easily oxidized and foggs in a short time. .

In Japanese Patent Application No. 63-332260, a mirror-deposited glass is used as the mirror, and the mirror support member and the mirror are fixed with an adhesive between the aluminum-deposited surface and the support member to prevent scratches on the aluminum-deposited surface. It is fixed by bonding. However, when the temperature becomes high or low, a difference occurs in the coefficient of thermal expansion between the mirror support member formed of metal and the mirror formed of glass, causing thermal stress in the adhesive,
This stress acts on the adhesive as a shear stress. Since the bonding surface is generally weaker to shear than tension, the bonding surface may be peeled off when thermal stress is repeatedly applied, which may cause the mirror to fall off or the mirror to crack.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides a highly safe endoscope apparatus that prevents a mirror from falling off or cracking due to thermal stress, and does not cause scratches or corrosion on a metal deposition surface. The purpose is to do.

[Means and Actions for Solving the Problems] An endoscope device according to the present invention is provided at a distal end portion of an insertion portion, and has a visual field formed by depositing metal on one surface of a plate-shaped transparent member to form a reflection surface. A mirror for changing the direction, a first support for supporting a peripheral portion of the mirror such that the metal-deposited surface of the mirror is a rear surface with respect to incidence of light rays, and a metal-deposited surface of the mirror And a second support that supports the metal-deposited surface of the mirror via the elastic member.

Embodiment An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

1 to 12 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a tip optical adapter, and FIG.
FIG. 3 is a detailed view of a portion B in FIG. 1, FIG. 4 is an explanatory view of the entire endoscope apparatus, FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram of a mirror rotation control device, and FIG. Sectional view of light source connector, seventh
FIG. 9 is a first modified example of FIG. 6, which is a sectional view of a light source connector, FIG. 8 is a second modified example of FIG. 6, and is a sectional view of a light source connector, and FIG. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a light source connector in a third modified example of the drawing, FIG. 10 is an external view of a rotation control device, and FIG.
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of another rotation control device, and FIG. 12 is a waveform diagram of a control signal output from the control device of FIG.

In FIG. 4, an endoscope apparatus 1 of the present embodiment has an elongated and flexible insertion section 2 which is fixed at its base end to a drum 3 and wound around the drum 3. A drum-type endoscope 4 to be taken out and stored, a light source device 7 for supplying illumination light to the drum-type endoscope 4 by a light guide cable 6, and the drum-type endoscope 4. A video processor 9 for processing the image signal transmitted by the signal cable 8, a television monitor 11 for displaying a video signal output from the video processor 9 on a screen, and a distal end of the drum endoscope 4. Advanced optical adapter
The rotation control device 12 controls the viewing direction of the tip optical adapter 16 via a connection cable 15.

The insertion section 2 is constituted by connecting a rigid distal end 14 to a distal end of a flexible tube 13 having flexibility.

A distal end optical adapter 16 as shown in FIG. 1 is detachably attached to the distal end portion.

The tip optical adapter 16 is connected to a first rigid portion 17 located on the distal end side, an elastic portion 18 connected to a rear portion of the first hard portion 17, and a rear portion of the elastic portion 18. The tip
14 and a second rigid portion 19 detachably connected.

The second rigid portion 19 has a lens frame 21 and a mirror frame 22, and the front end portion 14 is housed at the rear end of the lens frame 21. A first external thread portion 23 and a second external thread portion 24 forming double screws for preventing loosening are provided on the outer peripheral wall of the distal end portion 14, and these external thread portions 23, 24 and the rear end of the lens frame 21 are provided. The circumference is screwed. As shown in FIG. 2, the lens frame 21 is provided with an observation through-hole 26 so as to coincide with the longitudinal center of the distal end optical adapter 16, and an illumination through-hole 27 is formed around the observation through-hole 26. Through hole for electric wire through which electric wire passes
28 are provided in the longitudinal direction. The observation through hole 26 is provided with an angle-of-view changing lens system 29 whose optical axis coincides with that of an objective lens system (not shown) on the endoscope 4 side. Also, through holes for lighting
27 is provided with a light distribution lens system 31 for transmitting illumination light supplied from the endoscope 4 side.

A substantially cylindrical electrical contact 34 is slidably provided in the longitudinal direction by being urged by a coil spring in the through hole 28 for the electric wire, and projects forward when the lens frame 21 is mounted on the endoscope 4. The electrical contacts (not shown) on the endoscope 4 side press the electrical contacts 34 to urge the coil spring and slide forward. The electrical connection between the electrical contact 34 and the electrical contact on the endoscope 4 side is reliably made because it is constantly pressed by the coil spring.

Note that a protective member 40 is externally fitted on the outer periphery of the rear end portion and the front end portion 14 of the lens frame 21 and the mirror frame 22.

The mirror frame 22 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, and its front end is closed and its rear end is open. This mirror frame
The front end of the lens frame 21 is fitted inside the rear end of the lens frame 22 and is fixed to each other by screws 35 screwed in in the radial direction. An observation window 41 is formed on the outer peripheral wall of the mirror frame 22, and the optical axis of the angle-of-view changing lens system 29 is bent at a substantially right angle in the mirror frame 22 so as to pass through the observation window 41. Mirror 42
Are fixedly provided on a support frame 45 provided on the mirror support member 46.

In FIG. 3, the cylindrical mirror support frame 45 is externally fitted and fixed to the mirror support member 46.
45 is provided with a gap between the support member 46 and the mirror 42 so as to fix the mirror 42 with, for example, an adhesive. The mirror 42 is formed by forming a metal deposition surface 144 of aluminum, gold or the like on one end surface of a transparent member such as glass,
The metal deposition surface 144 is located on the mirror support member 46 side.

Further, a gap between the mirror 42 and the mirror supporting member 46 is filled with a filler 50 having elasticity after curing, so as to cover the metal deposition surface 144.

The mirror support member 46 penetrates the closed portion at the front of the mirror frame 22 so as to coincide with the center in the longitudinal direction, and is connected to a flexible shaft 44 that transmits a rotational force and is supported by a bearing member 43. .

The first rigid portion 17 includes a motor 47 and a gear box 47a, and includes a motor support member 51 having a front portion opened and a rear portion closed. A drive shaft (not shown) of the motor 47 provided on the distal end side in the motor support member 51 is connected to a gear box 47a, and the gear box 47a reduces the rotation speed transmitted from the motor 47 to reduce the reduced rotation speed. The output is output to a drive shaft 48 provided on the rear end side. The drive shaft 48 of the gear box 47a penetrates the rear closed portion toward the rear, and is provided such that the center of the rotation shaft coincides with the longitudinal center of the tip optical adapter 16. A shaft joint 49 is externally fitted to a drive shaft 48 protruding from the rear end surface of the motor support member 51, and the shaft joint 49 is connected to the shaft 44 to apply the rotational force generated by the motor 47 to the shaft 44. You can communicate.

The front outer peripheral wall of the mirror frame 22 and the motor support member 51
Receiving members 52 and 53 are fitted on the outer peripheral wall of the rear part, respectively, and are fixed by screws 54 and 55 screwed in in the radial direction. The front end of the receiving member 52 on the mirror frame 22 side and the motor support member 51
A small diameter portion 57 is formed at the rear end of the receiving member 53 on the side, and a groove 58 is formed in the small diameter portion 57 in a spiral shape.
A front end and a rear end of a coil spring 59 as an elastic member forming the elastic portion 18 are screwed into the groove 58, and the shaft 44 is inserted therein. Parallel pins 61, 61 as locking means are driven into both ends of the coil spring 59 in the radial direction, so that the receiving members 52, 53 and the coil spring 59 are locked. Cylindrical covers 62 and 63 are provided on the outer peripheral wall surfaces of the receiving members 52 and 53 by screwing. Mirror frame 22
The front inner peripheral wall of the side cover 62 presses the head of the parallel pin 61 so that the parallel pin 61 driven into the coil spring 59 does not fall off. Similarly, the rear inner wall surface of the cover 63 on the side of the motor support member 51 presses the head of the parallel pin 61 so as not to fall off.

An annular holding member 64 that holds the motor 47 is screwed into the open front inner peripheral wall of the motor support member 51,
The front open part is closed by the front end cover 66. An electric wire storage space 81 is provided on the peripheral wall of the motor support member 51, and in this space 81, the electric wire 68a inserted through the electric wire holes 82, 82 penetrating the front part of the support member 51 and the support member
51 The electric wire 68b inserted through the electric wire holes 83, 83 penetrating the rear part
Are loosened in consideration of the length of the repair wire and are connected to each other. Further, a filling member 87 having rubber elasticity is bonded to the electric wire holes 82 and 83, and the electric wire holes 8 and 83 are bonded.
From 2 and 83, intrusion of liquid and the like into the electric wire storage space 81 is prevented.

The electric wire 68a is connected to an electric wire connection portion 67 provided at a front end of the motor 47, and the electric wire 68b is connected to the electric contact.

The electric wire storage space 81 is covered by a cover 84 that forms a part of the outer shape of the motor support member 51, and water tightness is maintained between the cover 84 and the motor support member 51 by O-rings 86, 86. I have.

By providing the electric wire storage space 81 as described above, the electric wires 68a and 68b can be stored in consideration of the length of the electric wire for repair work, so that the maintainability of the tip optical adapter 16 is improved. In addition, since the wires 68a and 68b can be connected in the wire storage space 81 kept watertight by the O-ring 86, corrosion of the connection portion can be prevented.

On the other hand, the rear end of the light guide cable 6
A light source connector 91 shown in the figure is provided. The light source connector 91 includes a connector main body 94 including a small-diameter portion 92 having a small-diameter cylindrical shape on the distal end side and a large-diameter portion 93 for a large-diameter cylinder on the base side. A columnar rod lens 96 is housed and fixed.

The distal end of a light guide fiber 97 that faces the rear end of the rod lens 96 and whose other end reaches the endoscope side is inserted and disposed in the large diameter portion 93 so that the optical axis is aligned.

The rod lens 96 may be held as shown in FIG. In the figure, the inner diameter of the small diameter portion 92 is a large diameter portion 98 on the tip end side, a small diameter portion 99 at the end on the light guide 97 side, a portion sandwiched between the large diameter portion 98 and the small diameter portion 99 is an intermediate diameter portion 101. A cylindrical support member 102 having the same inner diameter as the inner diameter of the small diameter portion 99 is fitted in the large diameter portion 98. Further, the support member 102 and the small-diameter portion 99 support a rod lens 96 provided in the small-diameter portion 92.

Since the rod lens 96 of the light source connector 91 is supported at two points, the front end portion and the rear end portion, the rod lens 96 having a high straightness (less undulation) is changed from a rod having a low straightness (large undulation). The optical axis can be uniformly adjusted up to the lens 96. Accordingly, since the rod lens 96 having low straightness accuracy can be used, the production cost of the light source connector 91 can be reduced.

As shown in FIG. 8, a cylindrical support member 103 formed of a buffer material such as resin or rubber, which has an effect of absorbing impact, may be provided at the position of the small diameter portion 99 in FIG.

Further, as shown in FIG.
04 may be provided.

8 and 9, the rear end of the rod lens 96 is held by the support member 103 formed of a cushioning material. Thus, the impact is absorbed, the impact force acting on the rod lens 96 can be reduced, and a durable light source connector can be obtained.

On the other hand, the operation panel 106 of the rotation control device 12 has the first
Switches are arranged as shown in FIG. The switches are a power switch 107 for turning on and off the power, a lever switch 108 for continuous rotation, a lever switch 109 for instantaneous rotation, and a variable resistor 111 for rotation speed adjustment.
These switches are connected as shown in FIG.

In FIG. 5, a power supply circuit 112 is provided in the rotation control device 12.
Is provided. An external power supply is connected to the power supply circuit 112 via the power switch 107, and further the variable resistor 111 for adjusting the rotation speed is connected. The power supply circuit 112 is provided with a constant voltage output terminal, a + side variable voltage output terminal, and a − side variable voltage output terminal. The constant voltage output terminal is connected to the input terminal 108d of the lever switch 108 for continuous rotation. This switch 108 is a one-input three-output switch, and stops at that position when a lever operation is performed to select the output terminals 108a and 108c. Switch 10
The eighth output terminal 108b is connected to the input terminal 109d of the instantaneous rotation lever switch 109. This switch 109 is a one-input, three-output switch, similarly to the continuous rotation lever switch 108, but operates the lever to output terminals 109a, 109c.
Is always returned to the output terminal 109b.

The output terminal 108a of the lever switch 108 is connected to the output terminal 109a of the lever switch 109 and to the relay section 104a of the relay switch 104. Further, the output terminal 108c of the lever switch 108 is connected to the output terminal 109c of the lever switch 109 and also to the relay section 103a constituting the relay switch 103.

The relay switch 113 has switches 113b and 113c that perform switching in conjunction with each other, and the relay switch 114 similarly has a switch 114 that performs switching in conjunction with each other.
b, 114c. The switches 113b, 113c, 114b, and 114c are two-input and one-output switches.
Output terminals 113d and 114d of 114b are connected to the + side variable voltage output terminal of the power supply circuit 112, and input terminals 113e and 114e are open. Also, switch 113c and switch 11
The input terminals 113g and 114g of 4c are connected to the − side variable voltage output terminal of the power supply circuit 112, and the input terminals 113f and 114f are open.

The output terminal of the switch 113b and the output terminal of the switch 114c are connected to the output terminal 12a of the rotation control device 12, and the output terminal of the switch 113c and the output terminal of the switch 114b are connected to the output terminal 12b of the rotation control device 12. .

The output terminals 12a and 12b are connected to the connection cable 15 and the drum 3
And the insertion section 2, reach the distal end optical adapter 16 via the electric contact 34, and are connected to the motor 47. Note that a slip ring 116 is provided in the drum 3 so that power can be supplied even when the drum 3 rotates.

 Next, the operation of the rotation control device 12 will be described.

When the power switch 107 on the operation panel 106 of the rotation control device 12 is turned on, power is supplied to the power circuit 112 from an external power source. The power supply circuit 112 supplies a constant voltage to the lever switch 108 for continuous rotation. The rotation speed is set by rotating the knob of the variable resistor 111 for adjusting the rotation speed.

To perform continuous rotation thereafter, the lever switch 108 for continuous rotation is operated. For example, when the output terminal 108a is selected, a constant voltage is supplied to the relay unit 114a and the switch 114
b and 114c simultaneously select the input terminals 114d and 114g. When the input terminals 114d and 114g are selected, the + side variable voltage output of the power supply circuit 112 is output to the output terminal 12b, and the − side variable voltage output is output terminal 1
The signal is output to 2a, and is supplied to the motor 47 of the distal end optical adapter 16 via the connection cable 15, the drum 3, and the endoscope 4, and the motor 47 rotates, for example, clockwise.

When the output terminal 108c of the lever switch 108 is selected, a constant voltage is supplied to the relay section 113a, and the switches 113b, 1
13c simultaneously selects the input terminals 113d and 113g. As a result, the + side variable voltage output of the power supply circuit 112 is output to the output terminal 12a,
The side variable voltage output is supplied to the output terminal 12b, and further supplied to the motor 47. This causes the motor 47 to rotate left.

On the other hand, when performing instantaneous rotation, the instantaneous rotation lever switch 109 is operated. For example, if the output terminal 109a is selected, the constant voltage supplied to the terminal 109d of the instantaneous rotation lever switch 109 via the terminal 108b of the continuous rotation lever switch 108 is supplied to the relay unit 114a via the terminal 108a, and so on. Turn 47 clockwise.

When the output terminal 109c is selected, a constant voltage is supplied to the relay unit 113a, and the motor 47 rotates left.

When the instantaneous rotation lever switch 109 is released, it immediately returns to the terminal 109b, and the rotation of the motor 47 stops. Therefore, the operation can be performed quickly as compared with the continuous rotation lever switch 108, and the fine adjustment of the stop position of the mirror 42 can be easily performed.

By providing the continuous rotation lever switch 108 and the instantaneous rotation lever switch 109 in the rotation control device 12 in this manner, it is possible to easily adjust the stop position of the mirror 42 and improve operability. it can.

In addition, by setting the output of the rotation control device 12 to a variable voltage, the rotation speed of the rotation mirror 42 can be set arbitrarily, and a rotation speed suitable for the purpose of inspection can be obtained. .

Note that a pulse width modulation type power supply may be used as shown in FIG. 11 and FIG.

In FIG. 11, the power supply circuit 117 is of a pulse width modulation type, and the pulse width is adjusted by a variable resistor 118 for adjusting the pulse width, which is connected to the power supply circuit 117. The pulse output from the power supply circuit 117 has a waveform as shown in FIG. 12A when the motor 47 rotates at a low speed, and has a waveform as shown in FIG. 12B when the motor 47 rotates at a high speed.

The operation of the tip optical adapter 16 configured as described above will be described.

The distal end optical adapter 16 is screwed to the distal end portion 14 of the endoscope 4. Simultaneously with the screwing, the electrical contacts 34 on the adapter 16 and the electrical contacts on the endoscope 4 are brought into contact with each other, and the electrical connection is established.

After the adapter 16 is attached to the endoscope 4, the adapter 16 is inserted into an observation target site such as a curved conduit.

When inserted into the observation site, the rotation control device 12 causes the mirror 42
Drive signals such as speed control, normal rotation reversal control, continuous rotation and instantaneous rotation are output to the motor 47 via the electric contact 34 and the electric wires 68a and 68b. The motor 47 rotates according to the drive signal, and the rotation is reduced by the gear box 47a and transmitted from the shaft 44 to the mirror support member 46. The mirror support member 46 rotates to the mirror 42 via the support frame 45. The observation site on the inner wall surface of the conduit is illuminated with the illumination light emitted from the light distribution lens system 31 reflected by the mirror. The illuminated image of the observation site is reflected by the mirror 42, enters the angle-of-view changing lens system 29, and is transmitted to the objective lens system (not shown) in the distal end portion 14.

If the observation site is hot or cold, the mirror support member 46
The mirror 42 and the mirror 42 show different expansion amounts, but since the mirror support member 46 and the mirror 42 are not directly fixed, no shear stress is generated due to the difference in the expansion amount. Therefore, the stress generated due to the high or low temperature
Can be prevented from falling off.

In addition, since the filler 50 having elasticity is filled between the mirror 42 and the mirror support member 46, an external impact is not directly transmitted to the mirror 42, and the falling off of the mirror 42 from this surface is prevented. Can be prevented.

FIGS. 13 to 15 relate to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a sectional view of the tip optical adapter, and FIG. 14 is C in FIG.
FIG. 15 is a detailed view of a portion D in FIG.

This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that an elastic body 1 such as rubber is provided in a gap between the metal deposition surface 144 of the mirror 42 and the mirror supporting member 46.
21 is sandwiched. A plurality of claws 122 projecting inward from the inner diameter of the support frame 45 are provided at the tip of the cylindrical support frame 45.

Claws protruding inward from the inner diameter of the support frame 45 in this way
Because of having 122, even if the adhesive fixing the mirror 42 and the support frame 45 is peeled off, the mirror 42 is hooked on the claw 122,
Since it does not fall off, a safer configuration can be achieved.

Other configurations, operations and effects are the same as those of the first embodiment.

In each of the above embodiments, the distal end optical adapter which is detachably provided to the endoscope has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be applied to a mirror fixedly provided to the endoscope.

[Effects of the Invention] As described above, according to the present invention, the outer periphery of the mirror is supported by the cylindrical cylinder, and the metal-deposited surface of the mirror is covered with the elastic body. Can be prevented. In addition, the metal-deposited surface of the mirror can be protected from dust, dirt, corrosion, etc., and the reflectance of the mirror does not decrease, so that the mirror can have a long life and high safety.

[Brief description of the drawings]

1 to 12 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a tip optical adapter, and FIG. 2 is AA 'of FIG.
FIG. 3 is a detailed view of a portion B in FIG. 1, FIG. 4 is an explanatory view of the entire endoscope device, FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram of a mirror rotation control device, and FIG. 7, FIG. 7 is a first modified example of FIG. 6, and is a sectional view of a light source connector. FIG. 8 is a second modified example of FIG. 6, and is a sectional view of a light source connector. FIG. 9 is a sectional view of a light source connector in a third modification of FIG. 6, FIG. 10 is an external view of a rotation control device, and FIG.
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of another rotation control device, FIG. 12 is a waveform diagram of a control signal output from the control device of FIG. 11, and FIGS. 13 to 15 relate to a second embodiment of the present invention. 14 is a sectional view of the tip optical adapter, FIG. 14 is a sectional view taken along the line CC 'of FIG. 13, and FIG.
The figure is a detailed view of the part D in FIG. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Endoscope apparatus, 4 ... Drum type endoscope 16 ... Tip optical adapter 17 ... 1st rigid part, 18 ... Elastic part 19 ... 2nd rigid part, 42 ... Mirror 45 …… Support frame, 46 …… Mirror support member 50 …… Filling material

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] 1. A mirror provided at a distal end of an insertion portion, for changing a viewing direction, wherein a metal is vapor-deposited on one surface of a plate-shaped transparent member to form a reflection surface, and the metal vapor-deposited surface of the mirror. A first support for supporting the peripheral portion of the mirror, such that the rear surface becomes a rear surface with respect to incidence of light rays, an elastic member covering the metal-deposited surface of the mirror, and the mirror via the elastic member. And a second support for supporting the metal-deposited surface of (1).