JP3954491B2

JP3954491B2 - Endoscope

Info

Publication number: JP3954491B2
Application number: JP2002382354A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 勝司渡辺
Original assignee: Olympus Corp
Current assignee: Olympus Corp
Priority date: 2002-12-27
Filing date: 2002-12-27
Publication date: 2007-08-08
Anticipated expiration: 2022-12-27
Also published as: JP2004208960A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、内視鏡の挿入部の先端部に透光窓を設けた内視鏡に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
一般に内視鏡は術者が把持・操作する操作部、体腔内に挿入する挿入部および光源装置や画像処理装置に接続するコネクタ部より構成され、体腔内を観察する対物レンズおよび撮像手段としてＣＣＤ等の固体撮像素子、および体腔内を照明するライトガイド等を設けた先端部材が挿入部の先端に設けられている（例えば、特許文献１参照）。
【０００３】
ところで、内視鏡先端のレイアウト上、ライトガイドを扁平な異形状に成形して前記内視鏡先端に配置したほうが役に立たない空間を最小限にでき、結果、先端外径を細径化できる場合がある。このような異形のライトガイドを内視鏡先端部に配置する場合、内視鏡先端構成部品に前記ライトガイドの形状と略同形の異形穴を形成し、その異形穴に前記ライトガイドファイバ端を挿通させて接着剤などで固定する必要がある。この場合、１つの部品に対し異形の穴を加工するのは加工が困難で非常にコストかかる。
【０００４】
そのため従来では先端構成部品を複数の組み合わせにより構成し、前記異形穴を部品同士の組み合わせによって形成されるようにして前記異形穴の加工コストを低減させる技術がある。そして、前記複数の先端構成部品と前記ライトガイドファイバを接着剤などで固定した後、前記ライトガイドファイバの先端面側にできる異形の凹部に略同形状のカバーガラスを内視鏡先端面側より落とし込み、接着剤などでライトガイドファイバ端を封止している。
【０００５】
【特許文献１】
特開平８−２９９２５８号公報（第２−３頁、図１−４）
【０００６】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
このような従来の内視鏡の技術では、複数の先端構成部品の組み合わせ（位置決め）を正確に行ったうえ、ライトガイドファイバを前記複数の先端構成部品から成る異形穴に接着固定する際に、カバーガラスを落とし込む凹部となる空間をつくるため内視鏡先端面より規定量窪ませた位置に前記ライトガイドファイバ端を位置決めする必要がある。
【０００７】
前記各部品同士の組み合わせ状態に正確さを欠くと、凹部の深さにばらつきが出たり凹部底面に段差が生じて、カバーガラス固定状態が不確定になったりカバーガラスとライトガイドの当接面に隙間ができて不用意に接着剤が流れ込んだりして透過光量が低下するおそれがあった。また、前述の問題が生じないよう、専用の治工具などを用いて正確、慎重な組立作業を要していた。
【０００８】
本発明は、前記事情に鑑みてなされたものであり、前記挿入部の先端部の組立作業性を向上し、且つ、先端部に設ける光学部材の固定状態が不確定になるのを防止できる内視鏡を提供することを目的とする。
【００１０】
【課題を解決するための手段】
前記目的を達成するため本発明の内視鏡は、被検体に挿入可能な挿入部を有する内視鏡において、前記挿入部から照射する照明光を透過可能な光学部材と、前記挿入部の先端部を構成し前記光学部材を前記挿入部の軸方向と交差する方向から挿入する装着部を有する先端部材と、前記挿入部の先端部を構成し前記先端部材を前記挿入部の軸方向から挿入可能な開口部を有する外嵌部材と、前記外嵌部材に設けられ前記先端部材を前記開口部から挿入したときに前記先端部材に装着された前記光学部材と当接し前記光学部材を係止可能な係止部と、を有することを特徴とする。
【００１２】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、本発明の実施の形態を図面を参照して説明する。
（第１の実施の形態）
図１乃至図８は本発明の実施の形態に係り、図１は内視鏡本体の斜視図、図２は内視鏡の挿入部先端の拡大図、図３は挿入部先端における図２のＫ−Ｋ断面図、図４は挿入部先端近傍における長手方向（図２のＡ−Ａ方向）の断面図、図５は挿入部先端近傍における長手方向（図２のＯ−Ｊ方向）の断面図、図６は挿入部における図４のＢ−Ｂ断面図、図７は挿入部における図３のＣ−Ｃ断面図、図８は内視鏡先端構成部品の分解斜視図である。
【００１３】
（構成）
図１に示すように、本発明の実施の形態の内視鏡を構成する内視鏡１は、挿入部２と、操作部３と、ユニバーサルケーブル４と、ライトガイドコネクタ５と、カメラケーブル６と、カメラコネクタ７とを含んで構成されている。
【００１４】
挿入部２は、細長に形成され、例えば先端部側にＣＣＤ等の固体撮像素子を有する撮像ユニットを内蔵している。
【００１５】
操作部３は、挿入部２の基端に設けられ、把持部を兼ねる。
ユニバーサルケーブル４は、操作部３の基端側から延設されている。
ライトガイドコネクタ５は、ユニバーサルケーブル４の後端部に設けられ図示しない光源装置に接続される。
【００１６】
カメラケーブル６は、このライトガイドコネクタ５の側部から延出している。
カメラコネクタ７は、カメラケーブル６の延出先端部に設けられ、図示しないカメラコントロールユニット（以下ＣＣＵ）に接続される。
【００１７】
尚、前記カメラコネクタ７が接続される図示しないＣＣＵには、図示しないモニタが接続されるようになっており、被検部の光学像を図４に示す撮像ユニット３２の固体撮像素子で撮像した後、前記ＣＣＵで信号処理しモニタでその被検部の画像を表示するようになっている。
【００１８】
また、図１に示すように、前記挿入部２は、最先端位置に先端部８を設け、この先端部８の基端に隣接して湾曲部９を連接し、湾曲部８の基端に隣接して硬性部１０を連接している。湾曲部９は湾曲自在になっている。硬性部１０は、長尺で硬性になっている。
【００１９】
前記操作部３は硬性部１０の基端に連接される。操作部３の挿入部側部位は、術者が内視鏡１を把持する把持部としてのグリップ１１を構成している。
【００２０】
グリップ１１よりも手元側に位置する操作部３の部分には２つの湾曲操作レバー１２，１３が設けられている。２つの湾曲操作レバー１２，１３は、前記湾曲部９を異なる向きにそれぞれ湾曲操作するためのものである。内視鏡１は、これらの湾曲操作レバー１２，１３をそれそれ回動する操作を行うことで前記湾曲部９を湾曲することができる。
【００２１】
前記湾曲操作レバー１２，１３に隣接する位置には、その湾曲操作レバー１２，１３を所望の位置で固定（すなわち湾曲状態を所望の状態で固定）するための湾曲固定レバー１４（湾曲操作レバー１３に対する湾曲固定レバーについては不図示）が設けられている。前記グリップ１１には図示しないＶＴＲなどの映像記録装置や図示しないＣＣＵなどを遠隔操作する複数のリモートスイッチ１５が設けられている。
【００２２】
前記ライトガイドコネクタ５の側壁面には通気口金１６が設けられている。通気口金１６は内視鏡本体の内外の連通状態を選択可能にするものである。
【００２３】
内視鏡１は、この通気口金１６より内視鏡本体内に空気を供給し、内視鏡１を水中に浸潰することにより気泡の漏れによって内視鏡１の水漏れ検査が行えるようになっている。
【００２４】
この通気口金１６は、通常、閉塞されており、これによって該内視鏡１の内部に水が浸入しない水密状態にある。
【００２５】
前記挿入部２には主に湾曲部９の保護用としての保護シース１７が装着できる。前記保護シース１７は、可撓性の高いチューブ状のシース１８の部分と、そのシース１８の基端部に設けられた口元部１９とから成る。
【００２６】
本実施の形態は、前記挿入部２の先端部８を前記口元部１９の開口部より差し込んで挿入部２をシース１８内に挿通させ、口元部１９の開口端部内面に設けた係合凸部２０をグリップ１１の先端側に設けたグリップ凸部２１を乗り越えて操作部３に係合させることで保護シース１７を内視鏡１に装着した状態で固定できるようになっている。
【００２７】
図２乃至図５に示すように、前記挿入部２の先端部８には、照明光学系としてのライトガイド３１と、撮像ユニット３２とが設置されている。
【００２８】
ライトガイド３１は、光ファイバー等からなる導光手段で体腔内の被検部を照明するための照明光を図示しない光源より導光して先端面に固定した照明窓３３から照明光を被検部に照明する。
【００２９】
撮像ユニット３２は、対物光学系として複数のレンズ等の光学部材からなる対物レンズ系３４と、撮像部３５とから構成されている。
【００３０】
撮像部３５は、撮像手段としてＣＣＤ等の図示しない固体撮像素子を内蔵している。
【００３１】
対物レンズ系３４は、観察光学レンズとしてのレンズ群３６を金属製のレンズ枠３７に組み込んだ構成になっている。
【００３２】
対物レンズ系３４は、ライトガイド３１から照射される照明光で照明された被検部の光学像を取り入れ、撮像部３５の固体撮像素子に結像させる。
【００３３】
更に、図４に示すように前記対物レンズ系３４の先端側には、光学部材からなる円盤状第１レンズ３８を接着固定した略円筒状の第１レンズ枠３９が、絶縁枠４０を前記レンズ枠３７との間に介在させるようにして、前記レンズ枠３７に固定される。
【００３４】
円盤状第１レンズ３８は、観察光学レンズとなっており、内視鏡挿入部先端面に露呈する。絶縁枠４０は、電気絶縁性のある素材からなる。
【００３５】
尚、前記円盤状第１レンズ３８の先端面側は、第１レンズ枠３９に対し若干突出していて、その突出部のコーナーを面取りして面取り部４１を形成している。
【００３６】
また、前記ライトガイド３１と撮像ユニット３２は何れも前記先端部８の本実施例では略円筒形状で端面を形成する端面部９１（図２参照）を有する第１の先端管状部材５０（先端部材）に固定されている。
【００３７】
ここで、ライトガイド３１は、例えばライトガイドファイバ束によって形成され、そのファイバ束の断面形状はその端部近傍を接着剤などを用いて規定の形状に成形し、その他は変形自在なものである。
【００３８】
前記撮像ユニット３２の後ろ側には、撮像ケーブル４２が接続されている。この撮像ケーブル４２は図１に示した内視鏡１の挿入部２、操作部３、ユニバーサルケーブル４、ライトガイドコネクタ５およびカメラケーブル６内を通して前記カメラコネクタ７に導かれ、そのカメラコネクタ７により図示しないビデオプロセッサ等に接続される。
【００３９】
図８に示すように、前記挿入部２の先端部８の基体は大きく分けて、前記第１の先端管状部材５０と、この第１の先端管状部材５０の基端側から被嵌される略円筒状の第２の先端管状部材６０（外嵌部材）と、この第２の先端管状部材６０の基端側から外装部分として被嵌される略円筒状の第３の先端管状部材７０との３つの枠体である先端管状部材により構成されている。
【００４０】
前記第１の先端管状部材５０は強度をもたせるために金属製である。この第１の先端管状部材５０の端面の中央には、前記撮像ユニット３２の先端部分を嵌入して、前記撮像ユニット３２を水密的に接着固定する対物収納孔５１が貫通している。
【００４１】
前記対物収納孔５１には、開口端部に部分的にその内側に突出した複数の爪部５２を第１の先端管状部材５０に一体的に形成している。
【００４２】
更に、前記爪部５２は、円盤状第１レンズ３８の外周部に形成した面取り部４１に掛かるように突出している。そして、対物収納孔５１の後ろ側より撮像ユニット３２を挿通して前記第１レンズ枠３９の先端近傍のフランジ部が対物収納孔５１の段付き部に当接して位置決めされた図２の状態では、前記爪部５２が前記円盤状第１レンズ３８の面取り部４１の直前に位置するようになっている。
【００４３】
図４および図６に示すように、第１の先端管状部材５０には対物収納孔５１に直交するようにネジ孔４３が形成されており、そのネジ孔４３には第１の先端管状部材５０の下方からビス４４がねじ込まれ、このビス４４を撮像ユニット３２の先端側に固定された前記第１レンズ枠３９に当て付けて前記撮像ユニット３２を第１の先端管状部材５０に固定する。
【００４４】
このビス４４によるビス固定後はねじ込み部の水密を確保するため、残ったネジ孔４３内には充填材４５を密に充填する。この構成によって、内視鏡先端部８と前記撮像ユニット３２は、絶縁枠４０によって電気的に絶縁される。
【００４５】
さらにこの状態で、内視鏡先端面側から、前記対物収納孔５１の前記爪部５２を避けた開口部５３より接着剤を流し込み、第１レンズ枠３９と第１の先端管状部材５０との間の水密を確保する。
【００４６】
ここで、前記第１レンズ枠３９と円盤状第１レンズ３８はあらかじめ接着固定するように記載したが、組立作業を簡略化するため前記第１レンズ枠３９と第１の先端管状部材５０との接着と同時に行っても良い。すなわち、第１レンズ枠３９に円盤状第１レンズ３８を落とし込んだだけの状態で第１の先端管状部材５０に撮像ユニット３２を組み付ける。そして、前記３部品（第１の先端管状部材５０、円盤状第１レンズ３８、第１レンズ枠３９）を同時に接着固定する。この際、爪部５２が円盤状第１レンズ３８の面取部４１に位置するので、円盤状第１レンズ３８が第１レンズ枠３９に対し浮きを生じることなく接着固定ができる。
【００４７】
図８に示すように、第１の先端管状部材５０の外周部には接着剤などで断面を略矩形の形状に成形した前記ライトガイド３１の端部が配置される略矩形溝のライトガイド受け部５４が形成されている。
【００４８】
また、挿入部２の先端面として外部に露出する面側の、前記ライトガイド受け部５４が形成された位置には、照明窓３３（光学部材）を配置するための段部５５が形成されている。照明窓３３は、平板ガラス等の照明光を透光可能な光学部材からなる。
【００４９】
図２、図３及び図８に示すように、前記段部５５は、照明窓３３の形状と略等しい形で、且つ前記第１の先端管状部材５０の先端面を形成する端面部９１に対し照明窓３３の厚さと略等しい量の窪み量を持って第１の先端管状部材５０の端面部９１を切り欠くように形成している。更に、この段部５５には、対向する２つのクサビ状の爪部５６を形成している。即ち段部５５と爪部５６により照明窓３３の装着部を形成している。一方、照明窓３３には、前記爪部５６に対応する位置に２つの面取り部８１を形成している。この構成の照明窓３３を段部５５に配置する際は、第１の先端管状部材５０の側方から中心に向かってスライド係入させて段部５５の所定の位置に照明窓３３を組み付ける。この時、前記照明窓３３の面取り部８１に爪部５６が位置するので、前記照明窓３３が内視鏡先端前方に動くことがなく装着部に収納される。
【００５０】
第１の先端管状部材５０の段部５５が切りかかれていない部分はフランジ状の部分として残り、このフランジ部５７は前記第２の先端管状部材６０を組み付ける際の突き当て位置決め部となる。
【００５１】
また、図８に示すように第１の先端管状部材５０の外周部には前記３部品の位置決め用としてのピン４６を係入する位置決め穴５８が所定の位置に設けられている。
【００５２】
前記第２の先端管状部材６０は、薄肉で金属製円管形状を成し、その一端側は段付き肉厚部６１とし、その前記開口部６６には前記第１の先端管状部材５０を長手方向に嵌入したとき、各々の端部が同面となるよう第１の先端管状部材５０のフランジ部５７が当接する当接部６２を形成している。そして、本実施の形態は、図２及び図８に示すように、段付き肉厚部６１の内周面による係止部６５が照明窓３３の円弧部８２を内包することで、言い換えると装着部を覆って塞ぐことで、照明窓３３が前記第１及び第２の先端構成部品５０，６０に対して機械的に固定される。
【００５３】
また、図８に示すように、第２の先端管状部材６０の他端側からは一定幅のスリット状の切欠き部６３を設けている。切欠き部６３は、図７に示すように撮像ユニット３２の最大外径の周辺部分を入り込ませて撮像ユニット３２と第２の先端管状部材６０との干渉を無くし、挿入部外径寸法を小さく抑えている。
【００５４】
さらに、図６及び図８に示すように、第２の先端管状部材６０には前記ピン４６を係入させる穴６４が所定の位置に設けられている。本実施の形態は、前記ピン４６により、第１の先端管状部材５０と第２の先端管状部材６０の位置を決めるようになっている。
【００５５】
前記第３の先端管状部材７０は、金属製の薄肉円管状を成しており、その先端側筒状部分は前記第２の先端管状部材６０の外周にぴったりと嵌入する内径の太径筒部７１となっている。第３の先端管状部材７０の後端側部分は段付きの細径部７２となっている。第３の先端管状部材７０の太径筒部７１における先端部分にはスリット７３が形成されている。前記スリット７３の幅は前記ピン４６の細径部４７の直径と略等しい。そして、第３の先端管状部材７０内に第２の先端管状部材６０を嵌入させ、第３の先端管状部材７０の先端が第２の先端管状部材６０の段付き肉厚部６１に当接する際、第３の先端管状部材７０のスリット７３に前記ピン４６の細径部４７を係入させるようにして相互の位置関係を決めるようになっている。
【００５６】
前記第３の先端管状部材７０の他端側部分は段付き細径部７２を成しているが、この段付き細径部７２には図４に示すように挿入部２の湾曲部９を構成する節輪７４の最先端に位置するものの一端部分が嵌合しており、さらに両者は接着固定される。
【００５７】
挿入部２の先端部８において一端部分を固定したライトガイド３１はその基端が図１に示す前記ライトガイドコネクタ５に固定され、図示しない光源装置からの照明光をそのライトガイド３１を通じて挿入部先端まで導光する。ライトガイド３１の先端部分は左右に分かれて図８に示す前記第１の先端管状部材５０の略矩形溝のライトがイド受け部５４と前記第２の先端管状部材６０とで構成される略矩形状の空間内に配置される。この時、前記第１の先端管状部材５０の後端側には、ライトガイド受け部５４の全体を含むように前記第１の先端管状部材５０の外周側に向けて傾斜した斜面部５９が形成されており（図５参照）、ライトガイド３１の先端を図８に示す矢印方向に組付ける際、ライトガイド３１の先端を斜面部５９に当接させることで第１及び第２の先端構成部品５０，６０により構成される略矩形状の空間に導きやすくしている。
【００５８】
前記略矩形状の空間に挿通されたライトガイド３１の端部は、照明窓３３に当接した状態で接着固定される。
【００５９】
そして、このライトガイド３１を通じて送り込まれた照明光は先端部８の端部において前記第１の先端管状部材５０と前記第２の先端管状部材６０とで構成される凹部（すなわち前記ライトガイド３１の出射端部）に係止され、接着剤で水密的に固定された照明窓３３を通して被検部に出射される。
【００６０】
また、図５に示すように前記ライトガイド３１は挿入部２の先端部８に配置されるが、この場合、第２の先端管状部材６０の内部において、前記撮像ユニット３２を避けた部位および空間を利用して効率よく配置されるため、挿入部２の細径化を達成する。また、ライトガイド３１を略矩形（扁平）に成形することで、先端部８内の役に立たない空間をより少なくすることができる。さらに、図５に示すように撮像ユニット３２の最大外径部分を避けるように長手方向に沿ってライトガイド成形部をＳ字状にして配置し、その組立性を向上させている。また、ライトガイド３１の成形部に組立時や湾曲操作時のストレスがかかってもライトガイド３１の素線を折れにくくするために、第２の先端管状部材６０の長手方向全長にわたり、前記第２の先端管状部材６０の内周面とライトガイド３１との側面を接着固定するようにする。
【００６１】
このような構造により、内視鏡１は、被検体に挿入可能な挿入部２を有する。
照明窓３３は、前記挿入部２から照射する照明光を透過可能な光学部材となっている。
【００６２】
第１の先端管状部材５０は、前記挿入部２の先端部８を構成し前記光学部材を前記挿入部２の軸方向と交差する方向から挿入する装着部としての段部５５を有する先端部材となっている。
【００６３】
第２の先端管状部材６０は、前記挿入部２の先端部８を構成し前記先端部材を前記挿入部２の軸方向から挿入可能な開口部６６を有する外嵌部材となっている。
【００６４】
係止部６５は、前記外嵌部材に設けられ、前記先端部材を前記開口部６６から挿入したときに前記先端部材に装着された前記光学部材と当接し前記光学部材を係止可能になっている。
【００６５】
前記照明窓３３は異形の板ガラスになっている。
（作用）
本実施の形態において、光源装置から出射される照明光がライトガイド３１に入射し、前記ライトガイド３１により導かれた照明光が内視鏡先端の照明窓３３より出射して患部を照明する。
【００６６】
（効果）
本実施の形態によれば、前記第１の先端管状部材５０を第２の先端管状部材６０の前記開口部６６に挿入したときに、前記第２の先端管状部材６０に設けられた係止部６５は、前記第１の先端管状部材５０に装着された前記照明窓３３と当接して前記照明窓３３を係止するので、複数の先端構成部品の組み合わせにより、内視鏡先端を構成する場合において、特別に精度の高い組立て作業や、組立て治工具を要せず、正確、且つ確実な組立てが可能となり、結果として組立て作業の効率化が図れる。
【００６７】
［付記］
以上詳述したような本発明の前記実施の形態によれば、以下の如き構成を得ることができる。
【００６８】
（付記項１）被検体に挿入可能な挿入部を有する内視鏡において、
前記挿入部から照射する照明光を透過可能な光学部材と、
前記挿入部の先端部を構成し前記光学部材を前記挿入部の軸方向と交差する方向から挿入する装着部を有する先端部材と、
前記挿入部の先端部を構成し前記先端部材を前記挿入部の軸方向から挿入可能な開口部を有する外嵌部材と、
前記外嵌部材に設けられ前記先端部材を前記開口部から挿入したときに前記先端部材に装着された前記光学部材と当接し前記光学部材を係止可能な係止部と、
を有することを特徴とする内視鏡。
【００６９】
（付記項２）前記光学部材は異形の板ガラスであることを特徴とする付記項１に記載の内視鏡。
【００７０】
（付記項３）内視鏡先端部を複数の先端構成部品の組み合わせにより構成し、内視鏡先端面に露呈する透光窓を、前記複数の先端構成部品の組み合わせより形成される凹部に固定した内視鏡において、
少なくとも前記複数の先端構成部品のうち、第１の先端構成部品には、前記透光窓が前記内鏡先端面より前方に移動しないように前記透光窓の厚み方向に対し略垂直方向に前記透光窓をスライド係入する爪部を設けるとともに、前記透光窓がスライド係入した前記第１の先端構成部品に対し第２の先端構成部品が前記透光窓のスライド係入方向に対し略垂直な方向から嵌合するようにしたことを特徴とする内視鏡。
【００７１】
（付記項４）前記透光窓は、異形の板ガラスであることを特徴とする付記項３の内視鏡。
【００７２】
（付記項５）被検部像を撮像するための観察光学レンズのうち、少なくとも内視鏡先端面に露呈する円形の第１レンズをレンズ枠の内視鏡先端側から前記レンズ枠に落とし込んで配置し、さらにこのレンズ枠を内視鏡先端構成部品に設けた対物収納孔に挿通させて内視鏡先端部に配置した内視鏡において、
前記先端構成部品の前記対物収納孔を、内視鏡先端側開口部の開口面積が最小となるように段付き形状に形成し、かつ前記開口面積が前記第１レンズの面積よりも小さくなるようにしたことを特徴とする内視鏡。
【００７３】
（付記項６）前記対物収納孔の内視鏡先端側開口部の形状は、前記第１レンズの外径より大きな円と、この円から円の中心方向に向けて突出し前記第１レンズの外周部より内側に掛かる複数の爪部とから構成されていることを特徴とする付記項５に記載の内視鏡。
【００７４】
【発明の効果】
以上述べた様に本発明によれば、複数の先端構成部品の組み合わせにより、内視鏡先端を構成する場合において、前記挿入部の先端部の組立作業性を向上し、且つ、先端部に設ける光学部材の固定状態が不確定になるのを防止できるので、特別に精度の高い組立て作業や、組立て治工具を要せず、正確、且つ確実な組立てが可能となり、結果として組立て作業の効率化が図れる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の実施の形態に係る内視鏡本体の斜視図。
【図２】本発明の実施の形態に係る内視鏡の挿入部先端の拡大図。
【図３】本発明の実施の形態に係る内視鏡の挿入部先端における図２のＫ−Ｋ断面図。
【図４】本発明の実施の形態に係る内視鏡の挿入部先端近傍における長手方向の断面図。
【図５】本発明の実施の形態に係る内視鏡の挿入部先端近傍における長手方向の断面図。
【図６】本発明の実施の形態に係る内視鏡の挿入部における図４のＢ−Ｂ断面図。
【図７】本発明の実施の形態に係る内視鏡の挿入部における図３のＣ−Ｃ断面図。
【図８】本発明の実施の形態に係る内視鏡先端構成部品の分解斜視図。
【符号の説明】
１ …内視鏡
２ …挿入部
３ …操作部
８ …先端部
９ …湾曲部
１０ …硬性部
３１ …ライトガイド
３２ …撮像ユニット
３３ …照明窓
３４ …対物レンズ系
３５ …撮像部
５０ …第１の先端構成部品
５４ …ライトガイド受け部
５５ …段部
５６ …爪部
６０ …第２の先端構成部品
６２ …当接部
６５ …係止部
６６ …開口部
７０ …先端円筒部材[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an endoscope in which a transparent window is provided at a distal end portion of an insertion portion of an endoscope.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In general, an endoscope is composed of an operation unit that is held and operated by an operator, an insertion unit that is inserted into a body cavity, and a connector unit that is connected to a light source device or an image processing device. A distal end member provided with a solid-state imaging device such as a light guide for illuminating the inside of a body cavity is provided at the distal end of the insertion portion (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
[0003]
By the way, in the case of the endoscope tip layout, it is possible to minimize the useless space by forming the light guide into a flat irregular shape and placing it at the endoscope tip, and as a result, the tip outer diameter can be reduced There is. When such a deformed light guide is disposed at the distal end portion of the endoscope, a deformed hole having substantially the same shape as the shape of the light guide is formed in the endoscope distal end component, and the end of the light guide fiber is formed in the deformed hole. It must be inserted and fixed with an adhesive. In this case, it is difficult to machine a deformed hole for one part, which is very expensive.
[0004]
For this reason, conventionally, there is a technique for reducing the machining cost of the deformed hole by configuring the tip component part by a plurality of combinations and forming the deformed hole by a combination of parts. Then, after fixing the plurality of tip component parts and the light guide fiber with an adhesive or the like, a cover glass having substantially the same shape is formed on the distal end side of the endoscope in a deformed recess formed on the tip face side of the light guide fiber. The end of the light guide fiber is sealed with dropping or adhesive.
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-8-299258 (page 2-3, FIG. 1-4)
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In such a conventional endoscope technique, the combination (positioning) of a plurality of tip components is accurately performed, and when the light guide fiber is bonded and fixed to the deformed hole made of the plurality of tip components, In order to create a space that becomes a recess into which the cover glass is dropped, it is necessary to position the end of the light guide fiber at a position that is recessed by a specified amount from the distal end surface of the endoscope.
[0007]
If the combined state of the parts is inaccurate, the depth of the recesses will vary or a step will occur on the bottom surface of the recesses, and the cover glass fixing state will be uncertain, or the contact surface between the cover glass and the light guide There was a risk that the amount of transmitted light would be reduced due to the inadvertent flow of the adhesive and the inadvertent flow of adhesive. In addition, an accurate and careful assembly work is required using a dedicated jig or the like so that the above-mentioned problems do not occur.
[0008]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and improves the assembly workability of the distal end portion of the insertion portion, and prevents the fixing state of the optical member provided at the distal end portion from becoming uncertain. An object is to provide an endoscope.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object , an endoscope according to the present invention is an endoscope having an insertion portion that can be inserted into a subject, an optical member that can transmit illumination light emitted from the insertion portion, and a distal end of the insertion portion. And a tip member having a mounting portion for inserting the optical member from a direction intersecting the axial direction of the insertion portion, and a tip portion of the insertion portion, the tip member being inserted from the axial direction of the insertion portion An outer fitting member having a possible opening, and the optical member attached to the tip member when the tip member is inserted from the opening, and the optical member can be locked. And a locking portion.
[0012]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
(First embodiment)
1 to 8 relate to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an endoscope main body, FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a distal end of an insertion portion of the endoscope, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view of FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view in the longitudinal direction (AA direction in FIG. 2) in the vicinity of the distal end of the insertion portion, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view in the longitudinal direction (OJ direction in FIG. 2) in the vicinity of the distal end of the insertion portion. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB of FIG. 4 in the insertion portion, FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC of FIG. 3 in the insertion portion, and FIG.
[0013]
(Constitution)
As shown in FIG. 1, an endoscope 1 constituting an endoscope according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an insertion portion 2, an operation portion 3, a universal cable 4, a light guide connector 5, and a camera cable 6. And the camera connector 7.
[0014]
The insertion portion 2 is formed in an elongated shape, and incorporates an imaging unit having a solid-state imaging device such as a CCD on the distal end portion side, for example.
[0015]
The operation unit 3 is provided at the proximal end of the insertion unit 2 and also serves as a gripping unit.
The universal cable 4 is extended from the base end side of the operation part 3.
The light guide connector 5 is provided at the rear end of the universal cable 4 and is connected to a light source device (not shown).
[0016]
The camera cable 6 extends from the side of the light guide connector 5.
The camera connector 7 is provided at the extended tip of the camera cable 6 and is connected to a camera control unit (hereinafter referred to as CCU) (not shown).
[0017]
Note that a monitor (not shown) is connected to the CCU (not shown) to which the camera connector 7 is connected, and an optical image of the portion to be inspected is picked up by the solid-state image pickup device of the image pickup unit 32 shown in FIG. Thereafter, signal processing is performed by the CCU, and an image of the test part is displayed on the monitor.
[0018]
Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the insertion portion 2 is provided with a distal end portion 8 at the foremost position, and a curved portion 9 is connected adjacent to the proximal end of the distal end portion 8, so that the proximal end of the curved portion 8 is Adjacent to each other, the hard portions 10 are connected. The bending portion 9 is freely bendable. The hard part 10 is long and hard.
[0019]
The operation unit 3 is connected to the proximal end of the rigid unit 10. The insertion portion side portion of the operation portion 3 constitutes a grip 11 as a grip portion for the operator to grip the endoscope 1.
[0020]
Two bending operation levers 12 and 13 are provided in the portion of the operation unit 3 located closer to the hand than the grip 11. The two bending operation levers 12 and 13 are used for bending the bending portion 9 in different directions. The endoscope 1 can bend the bending portion 9 by performing an operation of rotating the bending operation levers 12 and 13 respectively.
[0021]
At a position adjacent to the bending operation levers 12 and 13, a bending fixing lever 14 (the bending operation lever 13 for fixing the bending operation levers 12 and 13 at a desired position (that is, fixing the bending state in a desired state)). (Not shown for the curve fixing lever). The grip 11 is provided with a plurality of remote switches 15 for remotely operating a video recording device such as a VTR (not shown) or a CCU (not shown).
[0022]
A vent cap 16 is provided on the side wall surface of the light guide connector 5. The vent cap 16 makes it possible to select a communication state inside and outside the endoscope body.
[0023]
The endoscope 1 supplies air into the endoscope main body from the vent hole 16 and immerses the endoscope 1 in water so that a water leak inspection of the endoscope 1 can be performed by leaking bubbles. It has become.
[0024]
The vent cap 16 is normally closed, and thus is in a watertight state in which water does not enter the endoscope 1.
[0025]
A protective sheath 17 mainly for protecting the curved portion 9 can be attached to the insertion portion 2. The protective sheath 17 includes a highly flexible tube-shaped sheath 18 and a mouth portion 19 provided at the base end of the sheath 18.
[0026]
In this embodiment, the distal end portion 8 of the insertion portion 2 is inserted from the opening portion of the mouth portion 19 so that the insertion portion 2 is inserted into the sheath 18, and the engagement protrusion provided on the inner surface of the opening end portion of the mouth portion 19 is provided. The protective sheath 17 can be fixed in a state where it is mounted on the endoscope 1 by moving the portion 20 over the grip convex portion 21 provided on the distal end side of the grip 11 and engaging with the operation portion 3.
[0027]
As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, a light guide 31 as an illumination optical system and an imaging unit 32 are installed at the distal end portion 8 of the insertion portion 2.
[0028]
The light guide 31 guides illuminating light from an illumination window 33 that is guided to an illuminating light for illuminating the subject portion in the body cavity from a light source (not shown) by light guide means made of an optical fiber or the like and fixed to the distal end surface. To illuminate.
[0029]
The imaging unit 32 includes an objective lens system 34 including an optical member such as a plurality of lenses as an objective optical system, and an imaging unit 35.
[0030]
The imaging unit 35 incorporates a solid-state imaging device (not shown) such as a CCD as imaging means.
[0031]
The objective lens system 34 has a configuration in which a lens group 36 as an observation optical lens is incorporated in a metal lens frame 37.
[0032]
The objective lens system 34 takes in an optical image of the test part illuminated by the illumination light emitted from the light guide 31 and forms an image on the solid-state image sensor of the imaging unit 35.
[0033]
Further, as shown in FIG. 4, a substantially cylindrical first lens frame 39, to which a disc-shaped first lens 38 made of an optical member is bonded and fixed, is attached to the distal end side of the objective lens system 34, and the insulating frame 40 is connected to the lens. It is fixed to the lens frame 37 so as to be interposed between the frame 37.
[0034]
The disc-shaped first lens 38 is an observation optical lens and is exposed on the distal end surface of the endoscope insertion portion. The insulating frame 40 is made of an electrically insulating material.
[0035]
Note that the front end surface side of the disk-shaped first lens 38 slightly protrudes from the first lens frame 39, and the chamfered portion 41 is formed by chamfering the corner of the protruding portion.
[0036]
In addition, the light guide 31 and the imaging unit 32 both have a first tip tubular member 50 (tip member) having an end surface portion 91 (see FIG. 2) which is substantially cylindrical and forms an end surface in the present embodiment of the tip portion 8. ).
[0037]
Here, the light guide 31 is formed of, for example, a light guide fiber bundle, and the cross-sectional shape of the fiber bundle is formed in a prescribed shape using an adhesive or the like in the vicinity of the end portion, and the others are deformable. .
[0038]
An imaging cable 42 is connected to the rear side of the imaging unit 32. The imaging cable 42 is guided to the camera connector 7 through the insertion portion 2, the operation portion 3, the universal cable 4, the light guide connector 5 and the camera cable 6 of the endoscope 1 shown in FIG. It is connected to a video processor or the like (not shown).
[0039]
As shown in FIG. 8, the base body of the distal end portion 8 of the insertion portion 2 is roughly divided into the first distal tubular member 50 and an approximate fit fitted from the proximal end side of the first distal tubular member 50. A cylindrical second distal tubular member 60 (outer fitting member) and a substantially cylindrical third distal tubular member 70 fitted as an exterior portion from the proximal end side of the second distal tubular member 60 It is comprised by the front-end | tip tubular member which is three frames.
[0040]
The first distal tubular member 50 is made of metal in order to give strength. In the center of the end surface of the first distal tubular member 50, an objective accommodation hole 51 is inserted through which the distal end portion of the imaging unit 32 is fitted and the imaging unit 32 is fixed in a watertight manner.
[0041]
In the objective housing hole 51, a plurality of claw portions 52 projecting inward partially at the opening end portion are formed integrally with the first tip tubular member 50.
[0042]
Further, the claw portion 52 protrudes so as to be hooked on the chamfered portion 41 formed on the outer peripheral portion of the disk-shaped first lens 38. In the state of FIG. 2 in which the imaging unit 32 is inserted from the rear side of the objective housing hole 51 and the flange near the tip of the first lens frame 39 is positioned in contact with the stepped portion of the objective housing hole 51. The claw portion 52 is positioned immediately before the chamfered portion 41 of the disk-shaped first lens 38.
[0043]
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, a screw hole 43 is formed in the first distal tubular member 50 so as to be orthogonal to the objective accommodation hole 51, and the first distal tubular member 50 is formed in the screw hole 43. A screw 44 is screwed in from below, and the screw 44 is applied to the first lens frame 39 fixed to the distal end side of the imaging unit 32 to fix the imaging unit 32 to the first distal tubular member 50.
[0044]
After the screws are fixed by the screws 44, the remaining screw holes 43 are filled with a filler 45 in order to ensure water tightness of the screwed portions. With this configuration, the endoscope distal end 8 and the imaging unit 32 are electrically insulated by the insulating frame 40.
[0045]
Further, in this state, an adhesive is poured from the distal end surface side of the endoscope through an opening 53 that avoids the claw portion 52 of the objective accommodation hole 51, and the first lens frame 39 and the first distal tubular member 50 are connected to each other. Ensure water tightness between.
[0046]
Here, it has been described that the first lens frame 39 and the disk-shaped first lens 38 are bonded and fixed in advance. However, in order to simplify the assembling work, the first lens frame 39 and the first distal tubular member 50 are connected to each other. It may be performed simultaneously with the bonding. That is, the imaging unit 32 is assembled to the first distal tubular member 50 with the disc-shaped first lens 38 just dropped into the first lens frame 39. Then, the three parts (first tip tubular member 50, disk-shaped first lens 38, and first lens frame 39) are simultaneously bonded and fixed. At this time, since the claw portion 52 is located at the chamfered portion 41 of the disk-shaped first lens 38, the disk-shaped first lens 38 can be bonded and fixed to the first lens frame 39 without being lifted.
[0047]
As shown in FIG. 8, a light guide receiver having a substantially rectangular groove in which an end portion of the light guide 31 whose cross section is formed into a substantially rectangular shape with an adhesive or the like is disposed on the outer peripheral portion of the first tip tubular member 50. A portion 54 is formed.
[0048]
Further, a step portion 55 for arranging the illumination window 33 (optical member) is formed at a position where the light guide receiving portion 54 is formed on the surface side exposed to the outside as the distal end surface of the insertion portion 2. Yes. The illumination window 33 is made of an optical member that can transmit illumination light such as flat glass.
[0049]
As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 8, the step portion 55 has a shape substantially equal to the shape of the illumination window 33 and is opposed to the end surface portion 91 that forms the distal end surface of the first distal tubular member 50. The end surface portion 91 of the first distal tubular member 50 is formed so as to be cut out with a depression amount substantially equal to the thickness of the illumination window 33. Further, the step portion 55 is formed with two wedge-shaped claw portions 56 facing each other. That is, the step portion 55 and the claw portion 56 form a mounting portion for the illumination window 33. On the other hand, two chamfered portions 81 are formed in the illumination window 33 at positions corresponding to the claw portions 56. When the illumination window 33 having this configuration is disposed on the step portion 55, the illumination window 33 is assembled at a predetermined position of the step portion 55 by slidingly engaging the first tip tubular member 50 from the side toward the center. At this time, since the claw portion 56 is located in the chamfered portion 81 of the illumination window 33, the illumination window 33 is accommodated in the mounting portion without moving forward of the distal end of the endoscope.
[0050]
The portion of the first distal tubular member 50 where the step portion 55 is not cut remains as a flange-shaped portion, and the flange portion 57 serves as an abutment positioning portion when the second distal tubular member 60 is assembled.
[0051]
Further, as shown in FIG. 8, a positioning hole 58 for engaging the pin 46 for positioning the three components is provided at a predetermined position on the outer peripheral portion of the first tip tubular member 50.
[0052]
The second distal tubular member 60 is thin and has a metal circular tube shape, one end of which is a stepped thick portion 61, and the first distal tubular member 50 is elongated in the opening 66. A contact portion 62 with which the flange portion 57 of the first distal tubular member 50 abuts is formed so that the end portions are flush with each other when inserted in the direction. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 8, the locking portion 65 by the inner peripheral surface of the stepped thick portion 61 includes the arc portion 82 of the illumination window 33, in other words, the mounting portion. The illumination window 33 is mechanically fixed to the first and second tip components 50 and 60 by covering and covering the part.
[0053]
Further, as shown in FIG. 8, a slit-shaped notch 63 having a constant width is provided from the other end side of the second distal tubular member 60. As shown in FIG. 7, the notch 63 allows the peripheral portion of the maximum outer diameter of the imaging unit 32 to enter to eliminate interference between the imaging unit 32 and the second distal tubular member 60, thereby reducing the outer diameter of the insertion portion. It is suppressed.
[0054]
Further, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the second distal end tubular member 60 is provided with a hole 64 for engaging the pin 46 at a predetermined position. In the present embodiment, the positions of the first tip tubular member 50 and the second tip tubular member 60 are determined by the pin 46.
[0055]
The third distal tubular member 70 has a thin circular tube made of metal, and the distal tubular portion thereof is a large-diameter tubular portion having an inner diameter that fits snugly into the outer periphery of the second distal tubular member 60. 71. A rear end side portion of the third distal tubular member 70 is a stepped small diameter portion 72. A slit 73 is formed at the distal end portion of the large diameter cylindrical portion 71 of the third distal tubular member 70. The width of the slit 73 is substantially equal to the diameter of the small diameter portion 47 of the pin 46. Then, when the second distal tubular member 60 is fitted into the third distal tubular member 70, and the distal end of the third distal tubular member 70 comes into contact with the stepped thick portion 61 of the second distal tubular member 60. The mutual positional relationship is determined by engaging the small diameter portion 47 of the pin 46 in the slit 73 of the third distal tubular member 70.
[0056]
The other end portion of the third distal tubular member 70 forms a stepped small diameter portion 72. The stepped small diameter portion 72 has a curved portion 9 of the insertion portion 2 as shown in FIG. One end portion of the node ring 74 constituting the end portion is fitted, and both are bonded and fixed.
[0057]
The light guide 31 having one end fixed at the distal end 8 of the insertion portion 2 is fixed at the base end to the light guide connector 5 shown in FIG. 1, and illumination light from a light source device (not shown) is inserted through the light guide 31 into the insertion portion. Light is guided to the tip. The front end portion of the light guide 31 is divided into left and right, and the light in the substantially rectangular groove of the first distal tubular member 50 shown in FIG. 8 is formed by the id receiving portion 54 and the second distal tubular member 60. Arranged in the shape space. At this time, on the rear end side of the first tip tubular member 50, a slope portion 59 that is inclined toward the outer peripheral side of the first tip tubular member 50 so as to include the entire light guide receiving portion 54 is formed. When the tip of the light guide 31 is assembled in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 8, the first and second tip components are brought into contact with the inclined surface 59 when the tip of the light guide 31 is assembled in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. It is easy to guide to a substantially rectangular space composed of 50 and 60.
[0058]
The end portion of the light guide 31 inserted through the substantially rectangular space is bonded and fixed in a state of being in contact with the illumination window 33.
[0059]
And the illumination light sent through this light guide 31 is the recessed part (namely, said light guide 31 of said light guide 31) comprised in the edge part of the front-end | tip part 8 by the said 1st front-end | tip tubular member 50 and the said 2nd front-end | tip tubular member 60. The light is emitted to the portion to be examined through the illumination window 33 that is locked to the light emission end) and fixed in a watertight manner with an adhesive.
[0060]
In addition, as shown in FIG. 5, the light guide 31 is disposed at the distal end 8 of the insertion portion 2. In this case, a portion and a space away from the imaging unit 32 in the second distal tubular member 60. Therefore, the insertion portion 2 can be reduced in diameter. Moreover, the useless space in the front-end | tip part 8 can be lessened by shape | molding the light guide 31 in a substantially rectangular shape (flat). Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the light guide molding portion is arranged in an S shape along the longitudinal direction so as to avoid the maximum outer diameter portion of the imaging unit 32, thereby improving the assemblability. Further, in order to make it difficult to break the strands of the light guide 31 even when the molded portion of the light guide 31 is subjected to stress during assembly or bending operation, the second end tubular member 60 extends over the entire length in the longitudinal direction. The inner peripheral surface of the distal tubular member 60 and the side surface of the light guide 31 are bonded and fixed.
[0061]
With such a structure, the endoscope 1 has an insertion portion 2 that can be inserted into a subject.
The illumination window 33 is an optical member that can transmit illumination light emitted from the insertion portion 2.
[0062]
The first distal tubular member 50 includes a distal end member having a stepped portion 55 as a mounting portion that constitutes the distal end portion 8 of the insertion portion 2 and inserts the optical member from a direction intersecting the axial direction of the insertion portion 2. It has become.
[0063]
The second distal tubular member 60 is an external fitting member that forms the distal end portion 8 of the insertion portion 2 and has an opening 66 into which the distal end member can be inserted from the axial direction of the insertion portion 2.
[0064]
The locking portion 65 is provided on the outer fitting member, and comes into contact with the optical member mounted on the tip member when the tip member is inserted from the opening 66 so that the optical member can be locked. Yes.
[0065]
The illumination window 33 is an irregular plate glass.
(Function)
In the present embodiment, the illumination light emitted from the light source device enters the light guide 31, and the illumination light guided by the light guide 31 is emitted from the illumination window 33 at the distal end of the endoscope to illuminate the affected part.
[0066]
(effect)
According to the present embodiment, when the first tip tubular member 50 is inserted into the opening 66 of the second tip tubular member 60, the locking portion provided in the second tip tubular member 60. 65 is in contact with the illumination window 33 mounted on the first distal tubular member 50 and locks the illumination window 33, so that the endoscope distal end is configured by a combination of a plurality of distal end components. Therefore, it is possible to perform an accurate and reliable assembling without requiring a highly accurate assembling work or an assembling jig and tool, and as a result, the assembling work can be made more efficient.
[0067]
[Appendix]
According to the embodiment of the present invention described in detail above, the following configuration can be obtained.
[0068]
(Additional Item 1) In an endoscope having an insertion portion that can be inserted into a subject,
An optical member capable of transmitting illumination light emitted from the insertion portion;
A distal end member having a mounting portion that constitutes the distal end portion of the insertion portion and inserts the optical member from a direction intersecting the axial direction of the insertion portion;
An outer fitting member that forms a distal end portion of the insertion portion and has an opening portion into which the distal end member can be inserted from the axial direction of the insertion portion;
A locking portion that is provided on the outer fitting member and abuts with the optical member mounted on the distal end member when the distal end member is inserted from the opening, and is capable of locking the optical member;
The endoscope characterized by having.
[0069]
(Additional Item 2) The endoscope according to Additional Item 1, wherein the optical member is a deformed plate glass.
[0070]
(Additional Item 3) The endoscope distal end portion is configured by a combination of a plurality of distal end component parts, and a light transmitting window exposed on the endoscope distal end surface is fixed to a recess formed by the combination of the plurality of distal end component parts. In the endoscope
The first tip component of at least the plurality of tip components includes the light transmitting window in a direction substantially perpendicular to the thickness direction of the light transmitting window so that the light transmitting window does not move forward from the tip surface of the endoscope. A claw portion for slidingly engaging the translucent window is provided, and a second front end component relative to the first front end component in which the translucent window slides is engaged with respect to the sliding engagement direction of the translucent window. An endoscope characterized by being fitted from a substantially vertical direction.
[0071]
(Additional Item 4) The endoscope according to Additional Item 3, wherein the translucent window is a deformed plate glass.
[0072]
(Additional Item 5) Among the observation optical lenses for capturing the image of the test part, at least the circular first lens exposed on the distal end surface of the endoscope is dropped into the lens frame from the distal end side of the endoscope of the lens frame. In an endoscope that is further disposed in the distal end portion of the endoscope by inserting this lens frame through an objective housing hole provided in the endoscope distal end component,
The objective housing hole of the tip component is formed in a stepped shape so that the opening area of the endoscope tip side opening is minimized, and the opening area is smaller than the area of the first lens. Endoscope characterized by that.
[0073]
(Additional Item 6) The shape of the opening on the endoscope distal end side of the objective accommodation hole is a circle larger than the outer diameter of the first lens and the outer periphery of the first lens protruding from the circle toward the center of the circle. The endoscope according to appendix 5, wherein the endoscope includes a plurality of claw portions that hang inside the portion.
[0074]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, when the endoscope tip is configured by combining a plurality of tip components, the assembly workability of the tip of the insertion portion is improved and provided at the tip. Since it is possible to prevent the fixed state of the optical member from becoming uncertain, it is possible to perform an accurate and reliable assembly without requiring a highly accurate assembly work or an assembly jig and tool, and as a result, the efficiency of the assembly work is improved. Can be planned.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an endoscope body according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the distal end of the insertion portion of the endoscope according to the embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line KK of FIG. 2 at the distal end of the insertion portion of the endoscope according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view in the vicinity of the distal end of the insertion portion of the endoscope according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view in the vicinity of the distal end of the insertion portion of the endoscope according to the embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB of FIG. 4 in the insertion portion of the endoscope according to the embodiment of the present invention.
7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC of FIG. 3 in the insertion portion of the endoscope according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the endoscope tip component according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Endoscope 2 ... Insertion part 3 ... Operation part 8 ... Tip part 9 ... Bending part 10 ... Hard part 31 ... Light guide 32 ... Imaging unit 33 ... Illumination window 34 ... Objective lens system 35 ... Imaging part 50 ... 1st The front end component 54 of the light guide receiving portion 55 The step portion 56 The claw portion 60 The second front end component 62 The abutting portion 65 The locking portion 66 The opening 70 The tip cylindrical member

Claims

In an endoscope having an insertion part that can be inserted into a subject,
An optical member capable of transmitting illumination light emitted from the insertion portion;
A distal end member having a mounting portion that constitutes the distal end portion of the insertion portion and inserts the optical member from a direction intersecting the axial direction of the insertion portion;
An outer fitting member that forms a distal end portion of the insertion portion and has an opening portion into which the distal end member can be inserted from the axial direction of the insertion portion;
A locking portion that is provided on the outer fitting member and abuts with the optical member mounted on the distal end member when the distal end member is inserted from the opening, and is capable of locking the optical member;
The endoscope characterized by having.