JP3394710B2 - Endoscope - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to sterilization after use.
When the insertion part has a soft part and is inserted
There is a solid-state image sensor at the tip of the entrance
Endoscope. [0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Insertion into a body cavity allows insertion into the body cavity.
Observe the deep part, etc., and use treatment tools as necessary
Endoscopes that can perform therapeutic procedures, etc.
Widely used in the field. In the case of a medical endoscope, the endoscope used is
It is necessary to ensure sterilization and sterilization in order to prevent infectious diseases.
Become indispensable. [0004] Conventionally, this disinfection sterilization treatment has been carried out by ethylene oxide.
Relied on gas such as oxidized gas and disinfectant
Sterilizing gases are very toxic as in
Therefore, the sterilization operation is complicated. After sterilization, attach
It takes time to aerate to remove the deposited gas
Therefore, there is a problem that it cannot be used immediately after sterilization.
Further, there is a problem that the running cost is high. In the case of a disinfectant, management of the disinfectant is complicated.
And disposable disinfectant solutions require significant costs.
There are points. Therefore, recently, without complicated work,
Ready to use immediately after sterilization and low running cost
Autoclave sterilization (high-temperature, high-pressure steam sterilization)
Sterilization is becoming mainstream. Autoclave sterilization
Under high pressure, extinguish high temperature steam of about 120 ° C to 135 ° C
Sterilization is performed by infiltrating fungi. When performing autoclave sterilization, water vapor
The endoscope is expropriated for infiltration and drying.
It is common to decompress the inside of a sterilized room.
Under such low pressure environment, and further under high temperature and high pressure steam environment
The structure must be able to withstand. [0008] In general, an endoscope is used for immersion in a chemical solution.
Although it has a watertight structure, it is
In other words, water vapor permeates through the exterior even in a watertight structure.
Of the lens system, causing fogging due to condensation,
May deteriorate. Further, a lens for forming an object image,
A solid-state image sensor for capturing a subject image and this solid-state image sensor
From a board on which an electronic circuit etc.
Endoscope having an imaging unit at the tip of the insertion section
In an electronic endoscope, the signal line terminals are corroded or short-circuited.
There is a possibility that it will cause. And the quality of the endoscope image is remarkably low.
There is a possibility that the image will not be displayed or the image will not be displayed. Therefore, the endoscope, particularly, inside the imaging unit,
Conventional techniques for preventing intrusion of water vapor have been proposed. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-51223 is applied.
When the outer wall of the imaging unit is
It has a three-layer structure consisting of
Housing electronic components, including cameras, solid-state image sensors, and substrates.
And, during autoclave sterilization, water vapor is generated in the imaging unit.
It can be prevented from being mixed into the part. [0012] For example, in Japanese Patent Application No. 9-4410,
Partition wall with hermetic connector in the middle of signal transmission means
And a structure that maintains airtightness at the tip side from the partition wall is proposed.
ing. Note that the hermetic connector is a metal gap.
Form a hole in the wall, insert a conductive pin through this hole,
Fill the gap between the hole and the pin with molten glass, and
Electrical connection between the inside and outside of the partition wall while maintaining tightness
is there. [0014] However, the insertion portion
Has a soft flexible part and an imaging unit at the tip of the insertion part
With an endoscope, as shown in JP-A-7-51223,
The outer wall of the image unit has a three-layer structure with a lens inside
・ If a solid-state image sensor / substrate is provided, the insertion
Also, since a three-layer structure is provided in the hard tip,
The rigid part at the tip of the entrance becomes longer, causing pain to the patient
become. [0015] The insertion portion has a soft portion, and has a distal end hard portion.
Imaging unit consisting of a lens, solid-state imaging device, substrate, etc.
In an endoscope having a
-By adopting a mechanical connector,
And the patient will suffer. The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances.
In the case of autoclave sterilization,
Keeping the tip hard part short while preventing water vapor intrusion
An object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope that can perform the operation. [0017] [Means for Solving the Problems]The endoscope according to the present invention includes:
In an endoscope having an insertion portion, the endoscope is provided at the insertion portion.
Curved part, imaging means for imaging the subject, and imaging of the subject
A first frame for fixing the imaging means so as to be capable of forming an image;
One end is provided on the curved portion and one end is electrically connected to the imaging means.
Connected, and can be bent in accordance with the bending operation of the bending portion.
Cable or flexible printed circuit board and the cable
To the other end of the flexible or flexible printed circuit board
Connector that can be connected to and transmit signals from the imaging means
A second frame for fixing the connector,
End portion and a second end portion, the first frame body and the
The imaging means, the cable or
Flexible printed circuit board and the connector are included
The space is formed according to the bending operation of the bending portion.
A bendable flexible tube and a space formed by the flexible tube
A first end of the flexible tube and the first frame for sealing;
The first melt formed by integrally joining the body and the body by welding
A space formed by the contact portion and the flexible tube is sealed.
Welding the second end of the flexible tube to the second frame
And a second welded portion integrally formed by
It is characterized by having. [0018] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG.
An embodiment will be described. (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 to FIG.
FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of an endoscope according to a first embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory view for explaining the structure, and FIG.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure, and FIG.
FIG. 4 is another configuration such as a covering member of a curved portion.
FIG. (Configuration) As shown in FIG. 1, the endoscope 1
An operation unit 2 for operating the endoscope 1 which also serves as a holding unit, a body cavity
Insertion part 3 for insertion into the
Universal code 4 for connecting
A connector (not shown) arranged at the tip of the
Be composed. The insertion section 3 is connected to the rigid sheath section 5 and the operation section 2.
Remote bending operation by operating lever (not shown)
Possible bending part 6, hard tip hard located at the tip of insertion part 3
Material part 7. Inside the distal end of the insertion portion 3, the distal end of the insertion portion 3 is provided.
Subject with exposed lens (including cover glass) on its surface
For imaging body images and transmitting electrical signals to the user
An image pickup unit 8 is provided. The imaging unit 8 includes a lens and a solid-state imaging device.
The rigid tip 9 on which the element 14 and the like are disposed,
The drive circuit and the like of the music section 10 and the solid-state imaging device 14
Board 13 or a hard IC provided with a hybrid IC
Insert the board 11 and the universal cord 4
Composed of a cable 12 connected at the connector section
Have been. The tip 9 is housed in a position inside the hard tip 7.
And the bent portion 10 is at least inside the bent portion 6.
, And the substrate portion 11 is located inside the sheath portion 5.
Unit or the position inside the operation unit 2.
You. At this time, the solid-state imaging device 14 and the substrate 13 are
It is desirable to provide as close as possible. As shown in FIG. 2, the tip of the imaging unit 8
The cover glass 15 exposed on the tip end surface of the insertion portion 3 is made of gold.
The metal frame 16 is fixed to the inner periphery of the tip end by metal welding.
You. At the rear end of the frame 16, a metal pipe 17 is provided.
Externally fitted and fixed by metal welding. Behind the cover glass 15, an objective lens
A group 18 is assembled and fixed in a frame 19. The solid-state image pickup device 14 is provided after the cover glass 20.
The position is adjusted and adhered and fixed to the surface. The cover glass 20 is made of an insulating material such as ceramic.
It is adhesively fixed to an insulating frame 21 formed by a hook. C
Lamic is a material with good vacuum properties such as mica ceramic
Quality is preferred. Also, considering the resistance surface and joining with metal
In this case, alumina or aluminum nitride is preferred. The front end of the insulating frame 21 is outside the rear end of the frame 19.
It is fitted, focused, and adhesively fixed. On the front end side of the insulating frame 21, the rear end side of the pipe 17 is provided.
Is fitted outside. Gold is applied to a part of the outer peripheral surface on the front end side of the insulating frame 21.
A metal film is formed, and the metal film and the pipe 17 are formed of gold.
It is welded and fixed. Further, a pipe 17 is provided on the rear end side of the insulating frame 21.
The front end side is fitted outside. Metal on the outer periphery on the rear end side of the insulating frame 21
A film is formed, and the metal film and the metal pipe 22 are formed.
And are fixed by metal welding. At the rear side of the solid-state imaging device 14, the cable 2
3 are electrically connected. The other end of the cable 23 has a solid-state image sensor.
The substrate 13 constituting the drive circuit and the like of the element 14 is electrically
It is connected to the. Outside the cable 23, a flexible tube 24 is located.
The front end of the flexible tube 24 is located outside the rear end of the pipe 22.
Fitted and metal welded, the rear end of the flexible tube 24 is metallic
And is metal-welded to the outside end of the pipe 25. The flexible tube 24 is made of, for example, stainless steel or aluminum.
Is formed in a bellows shape with foil and is bendable
You. The flexible tube 24 is made of fluorine rubber or fluorine.
Made of an elastic material with low water vapor permeability, such as resin,
After winding the thread around the pipes 22 and 25,
It is also possible to secure the airtightness by winding the il
Good. The other end of the cable 23 of the substrate 13 is connected to a conducting wire.
Pin 27 provided on hermetic connector 26 through
It is electrically connected to the front end side. The hermetic connector 26 is made of metal.
Holes as many as the number of conductive pins 27 in the body 29
Then, let the pin 27 pass through this hole, and
The gap is filled with molten glass 28,
While maintaining the airtight inside surrounded by the body 29 as a partition,
The inside and outside of the partition are electrically connected. The hermetic connector 26 has a pipe 2
5 is fitted and fixed by metal welding. The rear end of the pin 27 is electrically connected to the cable 12.
Connected. With the above configuration, the imaging unit 8
From the top cover glass 15 to the hermetic connector 26
Airtight state in which no water vapor enters the internal space until
Is secured. In the present specification, airtightness means
High enough to prevent the high temperature and high pressure steam of
Say dense. As shown in FIG.
Is the bending piece 3 located at the forefront of the plurality of bending pieces 30.
0 is fitted outside and fixed with adhesive or solder
I have. Behind the bending piece 30 located at the forefront,
A plurality of bending pieces 30 are connected to bend freely by rivets (not shown).
Has been established. The rear end of the bending piece 30 located at the rearmost end is
Externally fitted to the front end of the Nagi tube 31 and fixed with adhesive or solder
Have been. On the outer periphery of the bending piece 30, a metal wire is
The braided reticular tube 32 is covered,
The front and rear ends of 32 are fixed with solder. The mesh tube 32 is made of a polymer having high heat resistance.
It may be formed of fibers. The outer periphery of the mesh tube 32 is covered with an elastic covering member 33.
It is covered with. The covering member 33 has a mesh tube 34 inside.
Formed of elastic material such as fluoro rubber embedded in
Have been. The mesh tube 34 is formed such that the coating member 33 is
It suppresses stretching. . The outer periphery of the front and rear ends of the covering member 33 is
The mid yarn is wound and adhered from above.
Water tightness is secured. It should be noted that the configuration described above with reference to FIG.
Instead of coating the part 6, the following explained using FIG.
Such a configuration may be adopted. As shown in FIG. 4, the outer circumference of the bending piece 30 is
The front and rear ends of the braided tube 35 are covered with solder.
Fixed. A dip agent is applied around the outer periphery of the mesh tube 35.
The covering member 36 is formed by pinging. Suffered
The covering member 36 penetrates into the mesh of the mesh tube 35, and
The material 36 and the mesh tube 35 are formed substantially integrally. With the above structure, the mesh tube 34 is
The material 36 is suppressed from extending in the outer diameter direction. Parts not described with reference to FIG.
Is similar to the configuration described with reference to FIG. (Operation) Image of the observation site observed by the endoscope 1
Are the cover glass 15, the objective lens group 18, the cover glass
Through the light source 20 to form an image on the light receiving surface of the solid-state imaging device 20,
This image is photoelectrically converted by the solid-state imaging device 20. Solid-state imaging
The electric signal output from the element 20 passes through the cable 23.
To the substrate 13, and the hybrid mounted on the substrate 13.
Is amplified by electronic components such as
Therefore, the signal is processed by a local processor (not shown),
Observation site on monitor (not shown) connected to this processor
Is displayed. At this time, the viewing direction of the endoscope 1 is
6 can be changed by bending. Bending part 6
When bent, the imaging unit 8 is also bent, but the bending unit
In the position of 6, the flexible tube 24 of the imaging unit 8 and the cable
23, the flexible tube 24 and the cable
23 can be bent, so that the imaging unit 8 is curved.
The bending operation of the part 6 is not hindered. The bending operation of the bending section 6
Thereby, the imaging unit 8 is not damaged. The endoscope 1 is autoclaved after use.
It is put into the device. Before the autoclave sterilization,
Negative pressure inside the autoclave sterilizer and fill with high pressure steam
And sterilize it in an autoclave sterilizer at a later stage.
Is dried under negative pressure. When the apparatus is filled with high-pressure steam,
The endoscope 1 is in contact with high-temperature steam. In general, endoscopes
Water tightness is ensured, but water vapor is used to secure water tightness
Structure, such as a watertight ring, to penetrate the endoscope 1
Water vapor permeates. However, outside the imaging unit 8
Walls are impervious or impervious to water vapor
The imaging unit is made of a material such as metal.
Water vapor does not penetrate into the inside of the unit 8. In addition, autoclaving is performed before and after sterilization.
Since the inside of the sterilizer becomes negative pressure, the inside of the endoscope 1 is relatively
The pressure of the air in the section increases, and the air inside the endoscope 1 expands.
try to. However, the covering member 33 of the soft bending portion 6
Is substantially integral with the mesh tube 34,
Does not swell significantly due to the pressure of the
Never go to. Replacement of the covering member 33 and the mesh tube 34
Instead, the same applies to the case where the cover member 36 and the mesh tube 35 are used.
It is. (Effects) The effects of the present embodiment will be described below.
I'm sorry. Imaging unit 8 for autoclave sterilization
The rigid tip 7 is shortened while preventing water vapor from entering the inside.
Can be Therefore, autoclave sterilization causes
Fogging of the objective lens group 18 and cover glass 20, solid-state imaging
Prevents damage to element 14, damage to hybrid IC, etc.
To prevent image deterioration due to these factors.
Can be. Therefore, in sterilization, the running cost is reduced.
Inexpensive autoclave sterilization can be performed. Further, the rigid end portion 7 can be shortened.
Therefore, it is easy to insert into the observation site, and
Good workability. Also, without ventilating the inside and outside of the endoscope 1,
Rupture of the coating of the curved part 6 during the sterilization by toclave
And can be prevented. Also, without ventilating the inside and outside of the endoscope
Since it is good, it is possible to prevent deterioration of components inside the endoscope. (Second Embodiment) FIG. 5 shows a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a structure of an insertion section according to the embodiment. The structure of parts not described in the present embodiment
And the operation are the same as the configuration and operation described in the first embodiment.
The same is true. (Structure) As shown in FIG.
The insertion portion 37 of the endoscope includes a distal end hard portion 38 from the distal end side,
The bending portion 39 and the flexible flexible tube 40 are connected to each other.
The rear end side of 40 is connected to a rigid operation unit 41. It is assembled inside the distal end of the insertion portion 37.
The lens unit is exposed at the tip of the insertion section 37
are doing. The image of the subject is represented by the lens 42 and the lens group 4
3 so that an image is formed on the light receiving surface of the solid-state image sensor 44.
It has become. This image is photoelectrically converted by the solid-state image sensor 44.
The electric signal output from the solid-state imaging device 44 is
Flexible printer electrically connected to the image sensor 44
The printed circuit board 45 (hereinafter abbreviated as FPC). FP
C45 includes an electric signal output from the solid-state image sensor 44.
Electronic components that constitute circuits for amplifying
Have been. The electric signal amplified by the FPC 45 is operated
Via a hermetic connector 46 disposed in the section 41
Through the cable 47 that is electrically connected
Side. The outer periphery of the FPC 45 is a flexible tube 4
It is surrounded by eight. The flexible tube 48 has a high vapor permeability low.
It is made of molecular material or metal bellows.
Airtightness can be ensured while having flexibility. It should be noted that a flexible tube made of a polymer material having a low vapor permeability is used.
When forming 48, the outer surface of the polymer material is
It may be formed by covering a thin film of a low material. From the lens 42 of the image pickup unit,
In the interval up to the connector 46, low or low steam permeability
It is made of a material that does not allow air to permeate, ensuring airtightness.
Is maintained. (Operation) The viewing direction of the endoscope is
Can be changed by bending. In addition, 4
0 is flexible and can be bent. Bending part 39
When the flexible tube 40 is bent, the flexible tube housed inside
48 and FPC 45 can also bend,
There is no hindrance to bending 39 or flexible tube 40. Also a flexible tube
48 and the FPC 45 are not damaged. (Effect) In the present embodiment, the first embodiment
In addition to the effects described in the embodiments, the following effects can be obtained. An FPC 45 is provided, and
Since the signal is amplified in the near area, conductor resistance and external electromagnetic waves
Signal degradation due to
it can. The flexible flexible tube 4 constituting the insertion portion 37
There is no suppression of the zero bend. (Third Embodiment) FIG. 6 shows a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a structure of an insertion portion according to the embodiment.
You. Note that configurations and operations not described in the present embodiment.
Is the same as the configuration and operation described in the second embodiment.
In addition, configurations and operations not described in the second embodiment
Is the same as the configuration and operation described in the first embodiment.
You. (Structure) As shown in FIG.
Inside the insertion section 49 of the endoscope, the solid-state imaging device 44 is
Cable 50 is electrically connected to the
It is electrically connected to a substrate 51 provided in the operation unit 41.
The other end of the board 51 is connected to the hermetic connector 46.
It is connected to a cable 47 via a cable. (Operation) The viewing direction of the endoscope is
Can be changed by bending. In addition, 4
0 is flexible and can be bent. Bending part 39
When the flexible tube 40 is bent, the flexible tube housed inside
48 and cable 50 can also bend, so
It does not hinder the bending of the portion 39 and the flexible tube 40. Also soft
The tube 48 and the cable 50 are not damaged. (Effect) In the present embodiment, the first to the
In addition to the effects described in the second embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
can get. An expensive FPC as in the second embodiment is used.
Since it is not used, the imaging unit can be configured at low cost.
it can. The present invention is limited to only the above-described embodiment.
Is not limited and does not depart from the gist of the invention
Various modifications are possible. By the way, autoclaving the endoscope
When applying, the insertion unit and the imaging unit housed in the insertion unit
In addition to the above, the parts that pay attention to the resistance to high temperature and high pressure steam
For example, an endoscope field with exposed electrical contacts
If the electrical contacts are corroded or
Water vapor enters the inside and causes a short circuit
There is a risk that. The endoscope 81 shown in FIG.
The insertion section 82 is provided on the proximal side of the insertion section 82.
An operation unit 83 also serves as a holding unit. [0091] The insertion portion 82 is inserted into
a, a bending portion 82b that can be bent by operation from the hand side,
It is composed of a soft flexible portion 82c. [0092] In the operation section, the bending section 82b is
A bending operation lever 83a for performing a music operation,
(Not shown) for inserting a treatment tool for applying
Treatment instrument inserted into the distal end surface of the distal end portion 82a with the instrument channel
An entrance 83b and the like are provided. Further, from the side of the operation unit 83, the universal
Cable 84 extends, and the universal cable 84
A light guide connector 85 is provided at the end.
You. The light guide connector 85 has no illustration.
Light guide base 85a for connecting to
Attached, light guide base 85a and tip
The light guide connector 85 and the universal
-Pass through the inside of the cabling cable 84, the operation unit 83, and the insertion unit 82
Both ends of the light guide fiber (not shown)
ing. Thus, the illumination light emitted from the light source device
Emits light from the distal end surface of the distal end portion 82a to illuminate the observation site.
It has become so. Further, an image of the observation site is taken at the tip 82a.
Imaging means such as a solid-state imaging device (not shown)
Is stored. From the solid-state image sensor, an image is picked up by the solid-state image sensor.
Transmits the image of the observed part as an electrical signal (not shown)
The electrical cable is extended and this electrical cable is
82, operation unit 83, universal cable 84, light
Light guide connector
85 is provided on the electrical connector 85b provided on the side.
It is electrically connected to electrical contacts. The electrical connector 85b has, for example,
External device such as a camera control unit
Freely connected to the camera control unit.
Observe the image of the observation site using a monitor (not shown)
You can do it. When autoclaving the endoscope 81,
Disconnects the external device from the electrical connector 85b,
Perform bacterial treatment. At this time, the electric connector 85b
Electrical contacts are exposed,
If sterilization is performed, water droplets adhering to electrical contacts
The electrical contacts are corroded or short-circuited
There is a possibility that it will end up. Therefore, when performing autoclave sterilization,
Is a moisture-proof cap 86 that is detachable from the electrical connector 85b.
Sterilization is performed in a state where is attached. The inner surface of the moisture-proof cap 86, that is, the electrical connector
A moisture absorbing member is provided on the surface facing the heater 85b.
You. This moisture absorbing member is detached from the moisture-proof cap 86.
It is possible to replace or dry the moisture absorbing member
It can be reused. With the above configuration, autoclave sterilization is performed.
Water applied to the electrical contacts of the electrical connector 85b
Drops are absorbed by the moisture absorbing member provided on the moisture-proof cap 86.
The electrical connector 85b is corroded and
Can be prevented. A moisture absorbing member is provided on the moisture-proof cap 86 side.
Instead of connecting around the electrical contacts of electrical connector 85b
A configuration in which a moisture absorbing member is provided may be adopted. [Appendix] (Appendix 1) At least a part for insertion into the observation site
There is a soft insert and the inside is airtight, at least in front
An airtight structure unit provided inside the insertion portion;
Installed inside the hermetic structure unit for imaging
Solid-state image sensor, and output from the solid-state image sensor
Electronic components that make up circuits for amplifying electrical signals
Substrate provided inside the hermetic structure unit equipped with
And an endoscope having the airtight structure unit
Characterized in that at least a part thereof is configured to be bendable.
Endoscope. (Additional Item 2) The endoscope according to Additional Item 1 is provided.
Therefore, it can be bent by remote operation constituting the insertion part
A curved portion, a rigid sheath portion forming the insertion portion,
A hard distal end hard portion located at the distal end of the insertion portion.
However, the solid-state imaging device is located inside the hard distal end,
The substrate is located inside the rigid sheath portion and is airtight.
The part of the structural unit located inside the curved part is bent
It is configured to be possible. (Additional Item 3) The endoscope according to Additional Item 1 is provided.
Thus, the substrate is provided at least on a flexible portion of the insertion portion.
Located on a flexible printed circuit board. (Additional Item 4) The endoscope according to Additional Item 1 is provided.
Thus, the solid-state imaging device and the substrate are connected by a cable.
The cable of at least the hermetic structure unit
Is configured to be bendable. (Additional Item 5) The endoscope according to Additional Item 1 is provided.
The bendable portion of the airtight structure unit is made of a material
Is stainless steel and has a bellows structure. (Additional Item 6) The endoscope according to Additional Item 1 is provided.
Thus, the bendable portion and the hard portion of the airtight structure unit
The parts are joined by metal welding. (Additional Item 7) The endoscope according to the additional item 1,
Thus, the endoscope is autoclavable. (Appendix 8) Curved section provided in insertion section
And an elastic covering member and a braided tube provided in the bending portion,
In the endoscope having the above, the covering member and the mesh tube are substantially integrated.
An endoscope characterized in that the endoscope is formed in a uniform manner. (Additional Item 9) The endoscope according to Additional Item 8 is provided.
Thus, a fluororubber as the coating member is coated on the mesh tube.
By dipping, the covering member and the mesh tube
It was formed substantially integrally. (Appendix 10) The endoscope described in Appendix 8
Then, the mesh tube is integrally molded inside the covering member.
By this, the covering member and the mesh tube are substantially integrally formed.
Done. (Additional Item 11) The endoscope described in Additional Item 8
The mesh tube is formed by weaving polymer fibers.
You. (Additional Item 12) The endoscope described in Additional Item 8
Thus, endoscopes can be autoclaved. (Conventional items according to additional items 8 to 12)
Technology supplement) When sterilizing an endoscope, reduce the pressure inside the sterilizer.
In general, endoscopes have a watertight structure so that they can be immersed in chemicals.
The pressure inside the endoscope is relatively high.
The most flexible part of the endoscope exterior partition, generally
The problem is that the outer tube of the curved part bursts.
is there. Therefore, conventionally, an endoscope was used during decompression during the sterilization process.
For example, ethylene oxalate
When performing gas sterilization such as id gas sterilization,
Provide a communicating valve on the light guide connector, etc.
It may prevent the outer tube of the curved part from bursting.
is there. [0118] In addition, the endoscope with the waterproof cap removed.
To a sterilizer such as ethylene oxide gas sterilizer.
And that the outer tube of the curved part ruptures during decompression.
May be prevented. In Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 63-37921,
When the endoscope is in a watertight structure,
Proposed to cover the protective member and prevent the outer tube from rupture
are doing. (Conventional items according to Additional Items 8 to 12)
Supplement to technical issues) In autoclave sterilization,
When the inside and outside of the mirror are communicated, water vapor enters the endoscope,
The problem that the endoscope is deteriorated early by this water vapor
was there. Further, it is disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 63-37921.
In some proposals, the work of attaching and removing
It is troublesome, and expensive repairs are required if you forget to install it
Becomes (Issues related to Additional Items 8 to 12)
Supplement) Do not connect the inside and outside of the endoscope, and rupture the curved part
Perform autoclave sterilization without installing protective materials for prevention.
Provided is an endoscope in which a curved portion does not burst. [0123] [Effect of the Invention] At least one for insertion into an observation site
The part has a flexible insertion part and secures the inside airtight, at least
An airtight structure unit provided inside the insertion portion,
Inside the hermetic structure unit for imaging the observation site
A solid-state image sensor provided and an output from the solid-state image sensor.
Electronic parts that constitute circuits for amplifying force signals
A base provided inside the hermetic structure unit on which the product is mounted
A plate, wherein the airtight structure unit
By configuring at least part of the bendable,
Water vapor in the imaging unit during autoclave sterilization
The hard tip can be kept short while preventing intrusion.
You.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIGS. 1 to 4 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1 is an explanatory view for explaining a schematic structure of an endoscope. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a structure near a distal end; FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a covering member of a curved portion; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing another configuration of a covering member of a curved portion; FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the insertion portion according to the second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the insertion portion according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Description of the endoscope [Description of References] 1 ... Endoscope 2 ... Operation part 3 ... Insertion part 4 ... Universal cord 5 ... Sheath part 6 ... Bending part 7 ... Tip hard part 8 ... Imaging unit 9 ... Tip Part 10 Bending part 11 Board part 12 Cable 13 Board 14 Solid-state imaging device 15 Cover glass 16 Frame 17 Pipe 18 Objective lens group 19 Frame 20 Cover glass 21 Insulating frame 22 Pipe 23 Cable 24 Flexible tube 25 Pipe 26 Hermetic connector 27 Pin 28 Molten glass 29 Tip metal part 30 Curved piece Reference Signs List 31 jumper tube 32 reticulated tube 33 covering member 34 reticulated tube 35 reticulated tube 36 covering member 37 inserting portion 38 distal end hard portion 39 bending portion 40 flexible tube 41 operating portion 42 lens 43 lens Group 44: solid-state image sensor 45: flexible printed circuit board (FPC) 46: hermetic connector 47: cable 48: flexible tube 49: insertion section 50: cable 51: board

────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Yosuke Yoshimoto 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Inside O-limpus Optical Industry Co., Ltd. (72) Hidetoshi Saito 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo No. Ohlympus Optical Industry Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Seiichi Higuma 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Inventor Ohlympus Optical Industry Co., Ltd. (72) Yutaka Tatsuno 2-43, Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo No. 2 Inside Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Takao Yamaguchi 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo In-line Olympus Optical Industries Co., Ltd. (72) Takahiro Kishi 2-43 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo No. 2 Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Yasuhito Kura 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Inside (72) Inventor Jun Hiroya 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo O-Limpus Optical Industrial Co., Ltd. Inside (72) Inventor Kazutaka Nakachi 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo O-Limpus Optics Within Industrial Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Susumu Aono 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Olympus Optical Industrial Co., Ltd. (56) References JP-A-9-108181 (JP, A) JP-A-10- 229966 (JP, A) JP-A-7-51223 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) A61B 1/00-1/32 G02B 23/24-23/26

Claims (1)

(57) Claims: In an endoscope having an insertion portion, a bending portion provided in the insertion portion, imaging means for imaging a subject , and an endoscope capable of imaging the subject. First frame for fixing the imaging means
And an end provided on the bending portion and having one end connected to the imaging means.
Pneumatically connected and can be bent in accordance with the bending operation of the bending section.
Cable or flexible printed circuit board and the other end of the cable or flexible printed circuit board
Can be electrically connected to and transmit signals from the imaging unit
A first connector, a second frame for fixing the connector, a first end and a second end, and the first frame and
If the imaging means and the cable are provided together with the second frame,
Or the flexible printed circuit board and the connector
Form a space to be included, according to the bending operation of the bending part
Flexible tube that can be bent, and the above-mentioned so as to seal the space formed by the flexible tube.
The first end of the flexible tube and the first frame are joined by welding.
A first welded portion formed by being physically joined with the soft tube so as to seal a space formed by the soft tube;
The second end of the flexible tube and the second frame are joined by welding.
An endoscope comprising: a second welded portion formed by being physically joined .