JP3762550B2 - Endoscope - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an endoscope in which an imaging unit including an objective optical system is covered with a gas-impermeable member.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Endoscopes that can be used to observe the deep part of a body cavity by being inserted into a body cavity or the like, or can be used for treatment by using a treatment tool as needed, have come to be widely used in the medical field. It was.
In the case of a medical endoscope, it is indispensable to surely sterilize the used endoscope in order to prevent infection.
[0003]
Conventionally, this sterilization process depends on a gas such as EOG or a chemical solution. However, as is well known, sterilization gases are extremely toxic, and the sterilization operation is complicated in ensuring the safety of the sterilization operation.
[0004]
In the case of the cleaning liquid, the management of the cleaning liquid is complicated, and there is a drawback that a great deal of cost is required for disposal of the cleaning liquid. Therefore, recently, as described above, heat sterilization (autoclave or the like) without complicated work is becoming mainstream in endoscope apparatuses.
[0005]
There has been developed a configuration in which a solid-state imaging device is disposed inside a distal end configuration portion of an endoscope body, and an observation light image is captured by the solid-state imaging device and electrically transmitted.
[0006]
Further, a waterproof structure has been developed for the endoscope body. For example, as shown in Japanese Patent Publication No. 6-104101, there is an endoscope in which an O-ring and an adhesive are filled in a unit. By immersing in water, the endoscope can be disinfected, sterilized, or washed.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, even if the endoscope body is waterproof, if the endoscope body is placed in an autoclave device and sterilized with steam, the endoscope body can be viewed through polyurethane resin, curved rubber, adhesive, etc. There was a problem that steam entered the inside of the mirror body and the humidity inside the endoscope body was increased.
[0008]
Thus, when the inside of the endoscope main body is in a high humidity state, in the case of an electronic endoscope, the imaging function of the solid-state imaging device housed in the endoscope main body is impaired, and the imaging of the observation target portion is not possible. Since there is a risk of uncertainty, there is a problem that durability of imaging of the endoscope is lowered.
[0009]
Also, in the case of optical endoscopes and electronic endoscopes, when the endoscope is boiled or sterilized and taken out indoors after steam sterilization, a white mist will appear. Looks like it took. The fog or cloudiness gradually clears and a normal observation image can be obtained.
[0010]
However, since the endoscope cannot be used during that time, the examination does not proceed and it is extremely inconvenient. Furthermore, when boiling sterilization and steam sterilization are repeated or performed continuously for a long time, rather than fogging or clouding, large water droplets appear in the optical system, and the observation function of the endoscope is severely impaired.
[0011]
(Object of invention)
The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and its purpose is to prevent the occurrence of fogging of the lenses constituting the objective optical system inside the imaging unit when the endoscope is steam sterilized with an autoclave device. Thus, an object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope that can ensure an observation or imaging function for a long period of time.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The first endoscope of the present invention is an objective optical system for forming a subject image. as well as An imaging unit that is disposed behind the objective optical system and has transmission means for converting a subject image formed by the objective optical system into an electrical signal and transmitting the electrical signal; and an inner wall and an outer wall. Forming an internal space for accommodating the objective optical system therein; A frame that forms a part of the imaging unit, and a coating portion that is formed on the surface of the outer wall and formed of polysilazane in order to prevent vapor from entering the internal space through the frame. It is characterized by having.
[0013]
The second endoscope of the present invention is an objective optical system for forming a subject image. as well as An imaging unit that is disposed behind the objective optical system and has transmission means for converting a subject image formed by the objective optical system into an electrical signal and transmitting the electrical signal; and an inner wall and an outer wall. Forming an internal space for accommodating the objective optical system therein; A frame that forms a part of the imaging unit, and is provided on a surface of the outer wall in order to prevent vapor from entering the internal space through the frame and at a temperature of 80 ° C. or higher and 120 ° C. or lower. And a coating portion formed by calcined polysilazane.
[0014]
The third endoscope of the present invention is an objective optical system for forming a subject image as well as An imaging unit that is disposed behind the objective optical system and has transmission means for converting a subject image formed by the objective optical system into an electrical signal and transmitting the electrical signal; and an inner wall and an outer wall. Forming an internal space for accommodating the objective optical system therein; A frame that forms a part of the imaging unit, and a coating portion that is provided on the surface of the outer wall and is formed of ceramic in order to prevent vapor from entering the internal space through the frame. It is characterized by having.
[0015]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
(First embodiment)
1 and 2 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows an overall configuration of an endoscope system including the first embodiment, and FIG. 2 shows the first embodiment. The structure of the front end side of the insertion part in an endoscope is shown.
[0016]
An endoscope system 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes an endoscope 2 according to a first embodiment, a video processor 3 to which the endoscope 2 is connected, and a monitor 4 that displays a subject image. .
The endoscope 2 has an elongated insertion portion 5 that can be inserted into a body cavity or the like. The insertion portion 5 includes a rigid distal end portion 6, a bendable bending portion 7, and a flexible flexible tube from the distal end side. Part 8.
[0017]
An operation portion 9 that also serves as a gripping portion is continuously provided on the rear end side of the insertion portion 2, and a universal cord 10 in which a signal cable, a light guide fiber, etc. are provided extends from the side of the operation portion 9. . The universal cord 10 is connected to the video processor 3 via a connector 11 provided at the end.
[0018]
The video processor 3 is connected to the monitor 4 via the signal cable 12, and the video signal of the subject imaged by the imaging unit provided at the tip 6 is processed by the video processor 3, and the subject image is displayed on the monitor 4. It is displayed.
The operation portion 9 is provided with a bending operation knob 13, and the bending portion 7 can be bent by operating the bending operation knob 13.
[0019]
As shown in FIG. 2, the distal end portion 6 of the endoscope 2 is provided with an imaging unit 14A that converts a subject image into an electrical signal and transmits it. The distal end side of the imaging unit 14A is the distal end support frame shown in FIG. 15 and fixed.
[0020]
The imaging unit 14 </ b> A has a first lens 16, a second lens 17, a third lens 18, and a fourth lens 19 that constitute an objective optical system that connects subject images, and an imaging position behind the fourth lens 19. A solid-state imaging device 20 having a function of photoelectric conversion is disposed. The solid-state imaging device 20 converts the optical image formed on the imaging surface into an electrical signal, and the electrical signal is transmitted by the signal cable 33.
[0021]
A first diaphragm 21, a spacer 22 having a specific heat smaller than that of a lens having a rough surface, and a second lens 17 are disposed in the lens frame 23 behind the first lens 16, and the first lens 16 and the second lens 17. Is fixed by an adhesive. That is, the first lens 16 and the second lens 17 are fitted and held in the lens frame 23.
[0022]
On the other hand, the third lens 18, the fourth lens 19, and the solid-state imaging device 20 are fitted and held in a frame 24 having a stepped portion formed on the outer periphery. A second diaphragm 25 is provided in front of the third lens 18, and a spacer 27 is interposed between the third lens 18 and the fourth lens 19. The front surface of the solid-state imaging device 20 is bonded to the rear surface of the fourth lens 19 with an adhesive or the like.
[0023]
The back surface of the solid-state imaging device 20 has leads 29a and 29b extending to the rear side, and an electrical signal (imaging signal) output from the solid-state imaging device 20 is amplified on one of the leads 29a, or a low impedance A circuit board 31 that constitutes an electronic circuit that converts the signal is connected. An electrical component 32 such as an IC is attached to the circuit board 31. A signal cable 33 is soldered to the circuit board 31, and the image signal is transmitted to the connector 11 on the rear end side by the signal cable 33. Then, the imaging signal is input to a video signal generation circuit in the video processor 3, and a standard video signal generated by signal processing is output to the monitor 4.
[0024]
A conductive shield frame 34 that covers the solid-state imaging device 20 and the circuit board 31 is provided on the outer periphery of the circuit board 31, and the shield frame 34 is fixed to the outer periphery of the rear end side of the frame 24 with an adhesive. An insulating adhesive 35 is filled behind the shield frame 34, and the shield frame 34 and the tip of the cable bundle 36 are fixed by the adhesive 35.
The outer side of the shield frame 34 is covered with a heat shrinkable tube 37. Further, a connection board 38 is connected to the other lead 29b side of the solid-state imaging device 20 of the imaging unit 14A, and a signal cable 33 is connected to the connection board 38 by soldering, and a drive signal in the video processor 3 is signaled. The signal is transmitted through the cable 33 so that it can be applied to the solid-state imaging device 20. A cable stopper 39 made of an elastic member such as rubber for fixing the signal cable 33 is bonded and fixed between the circuit board 31 and the connection board 38.
[0025]
The outer periphery of the cable stopper 39 is filled with the adhesive 35 such as the above-mentioned silicon adhesive. Further, it is covered with a bendable blade 41 so as to cover the vicinity of the adhesive 35 and the cable stopper 39, and the front end side of this blade 41 is engaged with the inner periphery of the rear end of the shield frame 34.
[0026]
A portion of the cable bundle 36 extending rearward of the imaging unit 14 </ b> A and located in the curved portion 7 is a cable alignment portion in a state where the signal cable 33 is not twisted, and the inside of the flexible tube portion 8 of the cable bundle 36. The portion located at is a cable twisted portion in which the signal cable 33 is twisted.
The cable alignment portion and the cable twist portion are covered with a protective tube 42 made of silicon resin.
[0027]
In the present embodiment, the outer peripheral surface of the imaging unit 14A is covered with a ceramic coating film 45 that does not transmit vapor, that is, vapor impermeable (gas barrier property), thereby preventing vapor from entering the inside. ing.
The ceramic coating film 45 is provided so as to cover almost the entire portion exposed to the outside in the imaging unit 14A.
[0028]
Specifically, the ceramic coating film 45 covers the outer peripheral surface of the lens frame 23, the outer peripheral surface of the frame 24, the outer peripheral surface of the heat shrinkable tube 37, and the outer peripheral surface of the protective tube 42. Further, the front end of the ceramic coating film 45 covers the front end surface of the lens frame 23, and at this time, the fitting portion with the fitting portion with the first lens 16 is also covered. By covering the adhesive portion of the fitting portion into which the first lens 16 is fitted, it is possible to reliably prevent vapor from entering the inner side from the fitting portion, and the internal lens may be clouded. To prevent it.
[0029]
In addition, the 1st lens 16 may be formed with the glass member which has sufficient tolerance (resistance with respect to temperature, pressure, etc.) with respect to autoclaving, and has vapor impermeability, and the front surface may be exposed outside.
The ceramic coating film 45 needs to be selected with a film forming temperature of about room temperature to about 200 ° C. due to restrictions on the maximum temperature allowed by the solid-state imaging device 20 or the like.
[0030]
Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.
Since the vapor-impermeable ceramic coating film 45 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the imaging unit 14A, the outer peripheral surface of the imaging unit 14A can be obtained even if the endoscope 2 is sterilized in high-temperature and high-pressure steam by an autoclave device. Almost no water vapor enters.
[0031]
Further, in the conventional example, the fitting portion between the lens frame 23 and the first lens 16 (in the present embodiment) is simply bonded and fixed, so that vapor easily enters the inside from this portion. In this embodiment, this portion is also covered with the vapor-impermeable ceramic coating film 45, so that vapor can be prevented from entering the inside.
[0032]
Therefore, according to the present embodiment, since the imaging unit 14A covers the entire outer surface except the front surface of the first lens in the front surface portion thereof with the vapor impermeable ceramic coating film 45, the objective optical system is configured. It is possible to prevent the lens to be fogged from being fogged and to effectively prevent the solid-state imaging device 20 and the electrical component 32 and the like from being deteriorated in characteristics due to the vapor, or deteriorated due to the vapor of the adhesive, or altered.
[0033]
Further, since the entire outer surfaces of the lens frame 23 and the frame 24 are covered with a vapor-impermeable ceramic coating film 45, the lens frame 23, the frame 24, and the like can be used as members through which steam passes, or the lens frame 23. The degree of freedom in design when forming the imaging unit 14A can be increased, such as by reducing the wall thickness, etc., or downsizing (thinning in diameter) can be achieved.
[0034]
As a modification of the first embodiment, the lens frame 23 and the fitting portion of the first lens 16 may be joined with a molten metal such as solder. When the lens frame 23 is made of metal, the outer peripheral surface (side peripheral surface) of the first lens 16 is metallized by metal plating or vapor deposition, and joined with a molten metal having a vapor impervious function such as solder or brazing. Just do it.
[0035]
Further, when the lens frame 23 is also non-metallic, the fitting portion with the first lens 16 may be metallized by metal plating or the like, and bonded by a molten metal having a vapor-impermeable function such as soldering or brazing. .
This case also has the same operations and effects as those of the first embodiment.
[0036]
For example, when the lens frame 23 is made of a metal having a vapor impermeable function, the portion is not covered with the vapor impermeable ceramic coating film 45 even if the portion is exposed on the outer surface. May be.
[0037]
Further, for example, when the lens frame 23 and the frame 24 are made of metal and their connecting portions are joined with molten metal having a vapor impermeability function, the rear side of the heat shrinkable tube 37 in FIG. May be covered with a vapor-impermeable ceramic coating film 45. In this case, the lens frame 23 and the fitting portion of the first lens 16 are joined with molten metal such as solder. This case also has the same operations and effects as those of the first embodiment.
[0038]
(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the image pickup unit 14B according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In the second embodiment, the configuration of the imaging unit 14A of the first embodiment is partially changed.
Only parts different from those of the first embodiment will be described, and the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.
[0039]
The imaging unit 14B in the second embodiment is obtained by removing the heat-shrinkable tube 37 and the blade 41 from the imaging unit 14A in the first embodiment, and is a solid-state imaging device 20, a circuit board 31, an electrical component 32, and a signal cable. 33, the connection substrate 38 and the cable stopper 39 are bonded and fixed with an insulating adhesive 46.
[0040]
The adhesive 46 is formed by forming a conical shape between the shield frame 34 and the protective tube 42 with a jig, and injecting the adhesive 46 into the conical portion to solidify it.
[0041]
Accordingly, since the heat-shrinkable tube 37 is not necessary, the outer diameter of the imaging unit 14B can be reduced. After the imaging unit 14B was formed with the adhesive 46, the ceramic coating film 45 was applied in the same manner as in the first embodiment so that the same actions and effects were achieved.
[0042]
(Third embodiment)
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an imaging unit 14C according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
Since the third embodiment is substantially the same as the configuration of the imaging unit 14A of the first embodiment, only different parts will be described.
[0043]
In the first embodiment, the adhesive 35 is filled only from the vicinity of the rear ends of the substrates 31 and 38 to the rear side in the imaging unit 14A. However, in this embodiment, the entire interior of the heat shrinkable tube 37 (space). Is filled with an adhesive 35.
[0044]
By forming the coating film 47 on the outer periphery of the imaging unit 14 </ b> C configured in this way, intrusion of water vapor is prevented.
[0045]
This coating film 47 uses a polysilazane coating member (trade name: manufactured by Polysilazane-Tonen Corporation) as a silica coating.
[0046]
The coating film 47 can also serve as an antireflection film by setting it to an appropriate film thickness.
[0047]
Polysilazane is a coating-type coating material that is converted to silica by burning in the atmosphere. In particular, when low temperature curable polysilazane is used, it can be combusted at a low temperature of 80 to 120 ° C., so that the coating film 47 can be formed without damaging the solid-state imaging device 20 and the protective tube 42.
[0048]
Further, polysilazane is colorless and transparent, and taking advantage of this characteristic, in the present embodiment, a coating 47 including the front surface portion exposed to the outside of the first lens 16 is applied.
[0049]
Reference examples according to embodiments of the present invention will be described below.
[0050]
(First, second and third reference examples)
When a conventional endoscope is sterilized with an autoclave device, the optical system (lens, cover glass) is fogged, the visual field is hindered due to the alteration of the adhesive provided in the optical path, the lens or image guide / There has been a problem in that the glass material constituting the light guide fiber is deteriorated by water vapor, resulting in poor visual field.
[0051]
For this reason, in an endoscope corresponding to an autoclave, an optical member is basically disposed in a vapor-tight space, and a special optical member such as sapphire is used as an optical member in contact with the vapor. However, sapphire is difficult to use as a lens because of its poor processability.
[0052]
In addition, if the optical member is enclosed in a vapor-tight manner, the size of the unit becomes very large, so that there is a problem that the distal end hard length becomes long and the outer diameter becomes thick.
[0053]
Moreover, it has been very difficult to surround a flexible fiber in a vapor tight manner. The first, second, and third reference examples described below have autoclave resistance with a simple configuration without increasing the size of the optical member unit.
[0054]
FIG. 5 shows a cover glass in the first reference example.
[0055]
In this reference example, when the cover glass 43 is attached to the front end of the lens frame in the imaging unit, the cover lens 43 is provided with a polysilazane coating film 51.
[0056]
By doing in this way, the cover glass 43 itself which faces an outer surface has the effect that the glass material which deteriorates with water vapor | steam can also be used.
[0057]
As a modified example, the side outer peripheral surface (ring-shaped part) is a metal film (metal coating film), and the other external surface is coated with a polysilazane coating film 51. The metal film part is melted in a lens frame. You may make it join with a metal or it is easy to join. If it does in this way, penetration | invasion of a vapor | steam can be prevented more than the case of joining by an adhesive agent.
[0058]
FIG. 6 shows the main part of the second reference example, in which the optical unit 52 including the lens frame 23 of the first reference example is similarly coated with a polysilazane coating 51.
[0059]
Also in the case of this reference example, the surface of the portion connected to the frame 24 may be used as a metal coating film and bonded to the frame 24 with molten metal. If it does in this way, penetration | invasion of a vapor | steam can be prevented more than the case of joining by an adhesive agent.
[0060]
FIG. 7 shows an IG (image guide) unit 55 in the third reference example. The imaging unit in this reference example is assembled so that the front end face of the IG unit 55 is positioned at the imaging position in the objective optical system unit that connects subject images as described in FIG. In this case, the IG unit 55 transmits an optical image.
[0061]
In this reference example, the polysilazane coating 51 is applied to the IG unit 55 including the IG fiber bundle 53 and the caps 54a and 54b at both ends thereof. According to this reference example, the IG unit 55 can be effectively prevented from deterioration of characteristics due to steam.
[0062]
In this reference example, the case where the IG unit 55 is used as the imaging unit has been described. However, the present invention can be similarly applied to an LG (light guide) unit constituting an illumination optical system.
In other words, the IG fiber bundle 53 of FIG. 7 is replaced with the LG fiber bundle 53, and the present invention can be similarly applied to the LG unit 55 including the caps 54a and 54b at both ends thereof and the polysilazane coating 51 applied thereto. Also in this case, the LG unit 55 can be effectively prevented from deterioration of characteristics due to steam.
[0063]
(Fourth reference example)
FIG. 8 shows an imaging unit 57 in the fourth reference example.
The imaging unit 57 in the present reference example includes an objective optical system unit 58 that connects subject images and an IG bundle unit 59 that serves as an optical image transmission unit that optically transmits the formed optical image.
[0064]
The objective optical system unit 58 includes a first to fifth lens 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, and a lens frame 66 made of resin to which a spacer 65 is fixed.
[0065]
On the other hand, the IG bundle unit 59 has the front end of the IG bundle 68 fixed to a base 67 made of resin. A cover glass 69 is fixed to the end face of the front end of the IG bundle 68. The lens frame 66 and the base 67 are fitted and fixed.
In this state, the outer periphery of the lens frame 66 and the base 67 is covered with a metal vapor deposition film 70 having a high function of impervious to vapor.
[0066]
In this state, water vapor can be prevented from entering from the fitting portion of the lens frame 66 and the base 67, but in order to further reliably prevent the ultrasonic wave from being irradiated from the point A portion of the lens frame 66, the lens frame 66 and the base 67 are obtained. Alternatively, vibration stress may be applied to the contact portion between the resins, and the contact portion between the resins may be repeatedly melted by heat generated by deformation strain and welded in a short time.
[0067]
As another method of forming the metal vapor deposition film 70, the lens frame 66 and the base 67 may be vapor-deposited separately, and then fitted and fixed. However, in this case, it is necessary not to deposit the A point portion of the base 67.
[0068]
The first lens 60 is metallized on the outer periphery of the side surface by metal vapor deposition or the like and fitted in the opening of the lens frame 66, and a brazing or soldering portion 71 is formed on the front end peripheral portion so that vapor enters the inside. It has an airtight structure that prevents this.
[0069]
In this reference example, the rear part of the IG bundle 68 from the rear end of the base 67 is not provided with the metal vapor-deposited film 70, but this part is covered with a protective tube (not shown) and is subjected to autoclave sterilization. The vapor passes through the protective tube and a part of the vapor penetrates into the protective tube, but this vapor deteriorates the properties of the cladding layer on the outer periphery of each fiber, up to the core layer (core part) inside it. Can be used for a long time before it deteriorates.
[0070]
Further, the end surface of the IG bundle 68 is exposed at the core portion, but is covered with the cover glass 69 and the periphery thereof is covered with the metal vapor deposition film 70. Therefore, it is effective that this portion is deteriorated by water vapor. Can be prevented.
[0071]
That is, in this reference example, the outer surface of the imaging unit 57 other than the front end surface of the first lens 60 in the objective optical system unit 58 portion and the outer surface near the front end surface of the IG bundle 68 in the IG bundle unit 59 portion are vapor-free. The structure is covered with a transmissive member to prevent the occurrence of fogging of the lens and deterioration of the end face of the (optical image) transmission means due to the vapor.
[0072]
The rear end surface side of the IG bundle 68 is also structured so that the portion including the eyepiece optical system is covered with a vapor-impermeable member so that the lens is fogged with vapor and the end surface of the (optical image) transmission means is deteriorated. It is good to prevent it from occurring.
[0073]
(Fifth reference example)
FIG. 9 shows an imaging unit 72 of a fifth reference example, and this imaging unit 72 is substantially the same as the seventh reference example. The difference is that instead of the IG bundle unit 59, it is replaced with a solid-state imaging device unit 73 that converts the electrical signal into an electrical signal and transmits it.
[0074]
That is, the imaging unit 72 includes an optical system unit 58 and a solid-state imaging element unit 73. The solid-state imaging element unit 73 includes an element holding frame 74, a solid-state imaging element 75 such as a CCD attached thereto, and a solid-state imaging element 75. And a board 76 on which circuit components are mounted, a cable 77 connected to the board 76, and the like.
[0075]
The cable 77 is covered with a covering member 78, and the covering member 78 is connected to the rear end of the element holding frame 74 via a connecting member 79.
Similar to the fourth reference example, the outer peripheral surfaces of the optical system unit 58 and the solid-state image sensor unit 73 are covered with a metal vapor deposition 70.
[0076]
Also, ultrasonic waves are applied from the point B of the lens frame 66, vibration stress is applied to the lens frame 66 and the element holding frame 74, and the contact portion between the resins is melted by heat generated by repeated deformation strain and welded in a short time. May be.
[0077]
In the example shown in FIG. 9, the outer peripheral surfaces of the optical system unit 58 and the solid-state image sensor unit 73 are covered with the metal vapor deposition 70, and the covering member 78 is not covered with the metal vapor deposition 70. Even if an adhesive or filler made of a material having a low vapor permeability is filled and vapor enters the inside of the covering member 78, the adhesive or filler portion (thick in the axial direction) It is preferable to prevent entry into the substrate 76 on the front end side or the solid-state imaging device 75 side.
[0078]
According to this reference example, it has substantially the same operation and effect as the reference example of FIG. 8 (however, it is necessary to replace the IG bundle unit 59 with the solid-state image sensor unit 73).
That is, according to this reference example, it is possible to prevent the lens from being fogged and to effectively prevent the solid-state imaging device 75 and the like from being deteriorated by steam.
[0079]
(Sixth reference example)
10 and 11 show a distal end portion of an endoscope according to a sixth reference example of the present invention, FIG. 10 is a front view, and FIG. 11 is a sectional view.
As can be seen from FIGS. 10 and 11, an imaging unit 80 that images the subject and an illumination optical system 81 that illuminates the subject are provided in the distal end portion 6.
[0080]
Holes for forming an observation window 84, an illumination window 85, and a treatment instrument channel 86 are formed in a metal tip portion main body 82 that forms the tip portion 6 and a resilient tip cover 83 that is provided on the tip side and has elasticity. The imaging unit 80, the LG fiber bundle and illumination lens 88, and the channel tube 89 are fixed by adhesion.
A channel tube 89 forming the treatment instrument channel 86 is bonded in a state where a channel coil 90 for buckling prevention is wound.
[0081]
Further, the imaging unit 80 is attached to the imaging optical system (or objective optical system) 92 attached to the lens frame 91 and the CCD holder 93 connected to the lens frame 91 via the cover glass 102, and the imaging optical system It comprises a CCD 94 disposed at the image forming position of the system 92, a circuit board 96 connected to the CCD 94 and mounted with electronic components 95, and a signal cable 97 connected to the rear end thereof.
[0082]
The imaging optical system 92 is covered with a lens frame 91 and a CCD holder 93, and a CCD 94 whose light receiving surface is protected by a cover glass 102 is provided at the rear end of the CCD holder 93. In addition, the below-mentioned adhesive agent is used for joining between each component.
[0083]
Here, the image pickup unit 80 is sealed from the CCD 94 to the signal cable 97 and is filled with an insulating adhesive (or resin) 98 in order to maintain strength, and the parts are bonded to each other. . Further, the outer peripheral portion of the CCD 94 is covered with a shield member 101, and further covered with a heat shrinkable tube 100 in which, for example, an aluminum vapor deposition layer 99 is formed as a gas vapor impermeable metal vapor deposition layer on the outer surface thereof. .
[0084]
The heat shrinkable tube 100 with the aluminum vapor deposition layer 99 formed on the outer surface has a front end covering the front end of the shield frame 101 and a rear end covering the vicinity of the front end of the signal cable 97.
[0085]
The signal cable 97 is not covered with a vapor-impermeable member from the vicinity of the front end of the signal cable 97 covered with the heat-shrinkable tube 100. However, even if vapor enters from this portion, the outer sheath of the signal cable 97, etc. Even if the vapor tries to enter the front through the thick adhesive 98, the thick adhesive 981 can sufficiently block the vapor reaching the electronic component 95, and the vapor can enter the CCD 94 on the front side. It is almost unreachable.
[0086]
The outer periphery of the tip body 82 is covered with an outer skin 103 via a cylindrical tube or the like. The most advanced bending piece 104 is fixed to the rear stage of the tip body 82 through a pipe material (not shown), and the next bending piece is connected to the subsequent stage so as to be rotatable with a rivet (not shown). Is formed.
[0087]
Further, the first lens constituting the imaging optical system 92 is fitted to the lens frame 91 by metallizing the outer peripheral surface of the side portion or the like, and joined with molten metal, thereby preventing vapor from entering the inside. Similarly, the fitting portion between the lens frame 91 and the CCD holder 93 is also joined with molten metal to prevent vapor from entering the inside.
[0088]
According to this reference example, the exterior member facing the outer surface near the imaging optical system 92 and the imaging device (specifically, the CCD 94) in the imaging unit 80 housed in the distal end portion 6 is a vapor-impermeable member (specifically In particular, a first lens, a lens frame 91, a CCD holder 93, and the like are partially formed, and an exterior portion that faces the outer surface and has at least vapor permeability is a covering member (specifically, a vapor impermeable member). Specifically, the outer surface of the heat shrinkable tube 100 is covered with the aluminum vapor deposition layer 99 (in a broader expression, a part of the outer surface of the imaging unit is made of a vapor-impermeable member. Since it is covered with a member), it is possible to effectively prevent lens fogging, CCD 94 deterioration due to vapor, and the like.
[0089]
Embodiments configured by partially combining the above-described embodiments and the like also belong to the present invention.
For example, a structure in which the structure described in this embodiment is applied to the first embodiment or the like also belongs to the present invention. In this case, the rear end of the ceramic coating film 45 covers up to the vicinity of the front end of the protective tube 42. In this case, even if the vapor enters the protective tube 42 on the rear side of the front end of the protective tube 42 and the vapor tries to enter the front end side, the thick adhesive 35 portion prevents the vapor from entering the front end side. And substantially the same effect as the first embodiment can be obtained.
[0090]
Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, etc., a structure in which the function of vapor intrusion is partially relaxed for cost reduction may be used.
For example, in the modified example of the first embodiment, it has been described that the molten metal is joined so that the vapor does not enter through the boundary between the first lens 16 and the lens frame 23. The intrusion route to the solid-state image sensor 20 may be long and water vapor may be difficult to enter.
[0091]
[Appendix]
1. An imaging system comprising an objective optical system having a lens for forming a subject image, and a transmission means disposed behind the objective optical system, for optically transmitting the formed subject image or converting it into an electrical signal and transmitting it. In an endoscope having a unit,
An endoscope characterized in that all or part of the outer surface of the imaging unit is covered with a gas-impermeable member.
2. An objective optical system lens that forms a subject image, a lens frame that holds at least one of the objective optical system lenses, and a transmission that is disposed behind the objective optical system and transmits the formed subject image In an endoscope having an imaging unit provided with a device,
An endoscope characterized in that all or part of the outer surface of the imaging unit is covered with a gas-impermeable member.
[0092]
3. A lens of an objective optical system that forms a subject image; a lens frame that holds at least one of the lenses of the objective optical system; a solid-state imaging device that is disposed behind the objective optical system and captures a subject image; In an endoscope having an imaging element frame that holds a solid-state imaging element and an imaging unit that includes an electrical element arranged behind the solid-state imaging element,
An endoscope characterized in that all or part of the outer surface of the imaging unit is covered with a gas-impermeable member.
4). A solid-state imaging device that images a subject image disposed behind a lens of an objective optical system that forms a subject image;
In an endoscope having an imaging unit frame that holds the solid-state imaging device and an imaging unit that includes an electrical element disposed behind the solid-state imaging device.
An endoscope characterized in that all or part of the outer surface of the imaging unit is covered with a gas-impermeable member.
[0093]
5. The endoscope according to any one of appendices 1 to 4, wherein the coating of the heat-resistant and water-resistant member is a ceramic coating.
6). The endoscope according to any one of appendices 1 to 4, wherein the gas-impermeable member is a valylene conformal coating.
7). The endoscope according to any one of appendices 1 to 4, wherein the coating of the heat-resistant and water-resistant member is a transparent silica coating made of silazane.
[0094]
8). The endoscope according to appendix 7, wherein the outer surface of the optical member exposed to the outside of the vapor-tight space is coated.
9. The endoscope according to appendix 8, wherein the optical member is made of multi-component glass.
10. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the imaging unit is a unit including an optical member that is exposed outside the vapor-tight space and a frame of the optical member.
[0095]
11. The endoscope according to claim 10, wherein the optical member and the frame are bonded and fixed.
l2. The endoscope according to appendix 11, wherein the optical member is an optical transmission fiber (IG, LG).
13. The endoscope according to appendix 12, wherein the optical transmission fiber has a base.
[0096]
14 The endoscope according to any one of appendices 1 to 4, wherein the coating of the heat-resistant and water-resistant member includes application.
15. In an endoscope that observes or monitors a subject image with a lens of an objective optical system that forms the subject image.
An endoscope characterized in that the vapor-tight space of the endoscope is covered with a gas-impermeable member.
16. In an endoscope having an imaging unit including a lens of an objective optical system that forms a subject image and a transmission device that is arranged behind the objective optical system and transmits the formed subject image.
An endoscope characterized in that metal frames are vapor-deposited on a frame body that holds a mechanical member or an electric member disposed in the imaging unit and an outer surface in which a plurality of the frame bodies are fitted and combined.
[0097]
17. The endoscope according to appendix 16, wherein the transmission apparatus includes at least a solid-state imaging device.
18. An endoscope characterized in that the plurality of fitting frames according to the supplementary note 16 are fused with ultrasonic waves.
19. An endoscope characterized in that metal deposition is performed except for a portion of the frame of the appendix 18 that is irradiated with ultrasonic waves.
20. The endoscope according to appendix 19, wherein the ultrasonic irradiation site is irradiated over the entire circumference of the frame.
[0098]
21. An imaging system comprising an objective optical system having a lens for forming a subject image, and a transmission means disposed behind the objective optical system, for optically transmitting the formed subject image or converting it into an electrical signal and transmitting it. In an endoscope having a unit,
An endoscope characterized in that at least the entire outer surface around the objective optical system and transmission means in the imaging unit is formed of a gas impermeable exterior member and a covering member made of a gas impermeable member. .
22. An imaging system comprising an objective optical system having a lens for forming a subject image, and a transmission means disposed behind the objective optical system, for optically transmitting the formed subject image or converting it into an electrical signal and transmitting it. In an endoscope in which a part of the outer surface around the objective optical system and the transmission means in the unit is formed of a gas impermeable exterior member,
An endoscope characterized in that at least a gas-permeable exterior member other than the gas-impermeable exterior member is covered with a gas-impermeable covering member.
[0099]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, an endoscope is provided in which an endoscope is placed in an autoclave device, and vapor can be sufficiently prevented from entering the imaging unit even when steam sterilized, and an observation function can be secured over a long period of time. A mirror can be realized.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an endoscope system including a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an imaging unit in the endoscope according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an imaging unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an image pickup unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration of a cover glass in a first reference example of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration of an optical unit according to a second reference example of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration of an IG or LG unit in a third reference example of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an imaging unit according to a fourth reference example of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an imaging unit according to a fifth reference example of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a front view showing a tip portion in a sixth reference example of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a tip portion.
[Explanation of symbols]
1. Endoscope system
2. Endoscope
3 ... Video processor
4 ... Monitor
5 ... Insertion section
6 ... Tip
7: Curved part
9 ... Operation part
14A ... Imaging unit
15 ... Tip support frame
16 ... 1st lens
17 ... second lens
18 ... Third lens
19 ... Fourth lens
20 ... Solid-state imaging device
23 ... Lens frame
24 ... Frame
31 ... Circuit board
32 ... Electric parts
33 ... Signal cable
34 ... Shield frame
35 ... Adhesive
36 ... Cable bundle
37 ... Heat shrinkable tube
38 ... Connection board
42 ... Protection tube
45 ... Ceramic coating film

Claims (3)

Disposed behind the objective optical system and the objective optical system for forming an object image, and an imaging unit having a transmission means that the objective optical system is transmitted into an electric signal an object image imaged,
A frame that has an inner wall and an outer wall to form an internal space for accommodating the objective optical system therein, and forms a part of the imaging unit;
In order to prevent vapor from penetrating into the internal space through the frame body, a coating portion provided on the surface of the outer wall and formed of polysilazane;
The endoscope characterized by having. Disposed behind the objective optical system and the objective optical system for forming an object image, and an imaging unit having a transmission means that the objective optical system is transmitted into an electric signal an object image imaged,
A frame that has an inner wall and an outer wall to form an internal space for accommodating the objective optical system therein, and forms a part of the imaging unit;
In order to prevent vapor from penetrating into the internal space through the frame body, a coating portion provided on the surface of the outer wall and formed of polysilazane baked at a temperature of 80 ° C. or higher and 120 ° C. or lower;
The endoscope characterized by having. Disposed behind the objective optical system and the objective optical system for forming an object image, and an imaging unit having a transmission means that the objective optical system is transmitted into an electric signal an object image imaged,
A frame that has an inner wall and an outer wall to form an internal space for accommodating the objective optical system therein, and forms a part of the imaging unit;
In order to prevent vapor from entering the internal space through the frame body, a coating portion provided on the surface of the outer wall and formed of ceramic;
The endoscope characterized by having.

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