JP4150035B2 - Endoscope device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an endoscope apparatus that adjusts a focus by adjusting a distance between an objective lens disposed at a distal end portion of an endoscope and a solid-state imaging device.

  Conventionally, an illumination window and an objective lens are provided on the distal end side of the elongated insertion portion, and the illumination light emitted from the illumination window is irradiated to the target portion, and an image guide provided to the objective lens under this illumination is provided. Endoscope devices that can be observed by forming an optical image on the distal end surface are widely used in the medical field and the industrial field.

  However, in this type of endoscope apparatus, the operator is often forced to take an unreasonable posture during the examination.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope apparatus that does not impose an unreasonable posture on an operator at the time of examination.

An endoscope apparatus according to the present invention is provided with a rigid endoscope insertion portion having a pipe shape, a bending portion disposed on a distal end side of the endoscope insertion portion, and a distal end side of the bending portion. a distal end portion of the endoscope was connected to a base end side of the endoscope insertion portion, of the endoscope insertion portion, is freely varied to twist independently direction to the rotational motion about the long axis, A cable body having a flat cross-sectional shape and having flexibility, a bending portion proximal operation portion disposed on a proximal end side of the cable body for bending the bending portion, and the bending portion. A bending mechanism for bending, a bending operation wire that is inserted into the flexible endoscope insertion portion and inserted into the flexible cable body, and is connected to the bending portion proximal operation portion; The endoscope distal end portion of the bending operation wire by the operation of the bending portion proximal operation portion. It is displaced in a predetermined direction according to the bending of the bending portion based on tension, and is rotated about the long axis as an axis center according to the rotation operation around the long axis of the endoscope insertion portion. It is characterized by.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an endoscope apparatus in which an operator is not forced to take an unreasonable posture during an examination.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  1 and 2 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing a configuration of an endoscope apparatus, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an endoscope front end portion explaining a configuration of a focal position adjustment fixing member. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an endoscope apparatus 1 includes an endoscope 2 in which a solid-state imaging device is built in an endoscope distal end portion to be described later, and a light source device that supplies illumination light to an illumination optical system of the endoscope 2. 3, a video processor 4 which is a signal processing means for processing an electric signal transmitted from the solid-state imaging device of the endoscope 2 into a video signal, and a subject image by the video signal signal-processed by the video processor 4 is displayed. A monitor 5, a VTR 6 that records and reproduces the video signal, a video printer 7 that prints a subject image displayed on the monitor 5, a video disk 8 that is a large-capacity storage device that records the video signal, and the like. Has been.

  The endoscope 2 includes an insertion portion 9 inserted into a body cavity, a hand operation portion 10 located behind the insertion portion 9, a universal cord 11 extending from a side portion of the hand operation portion 10, and the like. ing.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the distal end body 13 constituting the endoscope distal end 12 of the endoscope 2 of the present embodiment is provided with a screw portion 13a, and the visual field direction and the visual field are passed through the screw portion 13a. An optical adapter 14 for converting a corner or the like is detachably screwed.

  An objective optical system 15 including a plurality of optical lenses and a light guide 16 that transmits illumination light from the light source device 3 are disposed on the distal end body 13. An outer pipe 17 is fitted to the rear end portion of the tip portion main body 13, and is fixed integrally with the tip portion main body 13 by fixing means such as a screw or an adhesive (not shown).

  An imaging unit 18 is disposed in the distal end body 13 so as to advance and retreat with respect to the optical axis direction of the objective optical system 15. The imaging unit 18 mainly includes a solid-state imaging device 20 with an optical filter 19 attached and an imaging unit frame 22 including a circuit board 21. From the rear of the imaging unit 18, the solid-state imaging device 20. A signal line 23 for transmitting the driving signal and the video signal is extended to the video processor 4.

  One end of a focus adjustment pipe 24 is integrally fixed as a focus position adjustment fixing member, which is a focus position adjustment fixing means, on the outer peripheral surface of the rear end portion of the imaging unit frame 22, and the other end of the focus adjustment pipe 24 is fixed. The units are integrally connected so as to move forward and backward in the longitudinal direction of the endoscope in conjunction with a focus adjustment knob (not shown) provided in the hand operation unit 10.

  The focus adjustment pipe 24 has a sufficient rigidity and is formed of a mechanical material such as a metal material or a synthetic resin material which is difficult to expand or contract.

  The outer periphery of the imaging unit frame 22 is fitted to the distal end body 13 so that the imaging unit 18 can freely move in the optical axis direction as the focus adjustment pipe 24 moves forward and backward. .

  Note that the fitting length between the tip body 13 and the imaging unit frame 22 is long enough to adjust the distance between the objective optical system 15 and the solid-state imaging device 20 to adjust the focus, and the optical axis. The imaging unit 18 is disposed so as not to be inclined with respect to the direction.

  A signal line 23 that transmits an electrical signal of an optical image obtained by the solid-state imaging device 20 passes through the inside of the focus adjustment pipe 24.

The operation of the focus adjustment pipe 24 configured as described above will be described.
First, in order to perform focus adjustment, an operator operates a focus adjustment knob provided in the hand operation unit 10 that adjusts the distance between the objective optical system 15 and the solid-state imaging device 20. Then, in conjunction with the movement of the focus adjustment knob, the focus adjustment pipe 24 advances and retracts in the axial direction. As the focus adjustment pipe 24 advances and retreats, the imaging unit 18 fixed to one end of the focus adjustment pipe 24 advances and retracts in the axial direction in accordance with the movement of the focus adjustment knob, and the objective optical system 15 and the solid-state imaging. The distance from the element 20 is adjusted.

  At this time, since the focus adjustment pipe 24 is made of a mechanical material having rigidity, there is no influence of expansion / contraction during focus adjustment, so that the amount of operation of the focus adjustment knob of the hand operation unit remains as it is. Until the solid-state imaging device 20 provided in the imaging unit 18 moves.

  As the imaging unit 18 moves following the movement of the focus adjustment pipe 24, the distance between the objective optical system 15 and the solid-state image sensor 20 is adjusted to adjust the focus.

  In this way, the focus adjustment pipe that is linked to the movement of the focus adjustment knob provided in the hand control unit is formed of a rigid mechanical material, so that the delicate operation of the focus adjustment knob is transmitted to the focus adjustment pipe, and Since the imaging unit fixed to the tip of the adjustment unit moves forward and backward in the optical axis direction, the distance between the objective optical system and the solid-state imaging device is changed according to the operator's operation to perform accurate focus adjustment. be able to. In addition, since the focus adjustment pipe does not extend or contract during the inspection, the focus position will not be shifted, eliminating the troublesome work of temporarily stopping the inspection and realigning the focus position, thereby shortening the inspection time. Can do.

  In this embodiment, the focus adjustment pipe is used to adjust the focus by changing the distance between the objective optical system and the solid-state image sensor by moving the imaging unit forward and backward in the optical axis direction. The focus may be adjusted by moving forward and backward.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the endoscope distal end portion for explaining the configuration of the focal position adjusting and fixing member according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in the drawing, in this embodiment, instead of disposing the focus adjustment pipe 24 made of a pipe member as the focus position adjustment fixing member as in the first embodiment, the metal or resin is sufficiently rigid. A focus adjustment rod 25 that is a rod-like member that is difficult to extend or contract is disposed, and the focus adjustment rod 25 is fixed integrally to the imaging unit frame 22. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

The operation of the focus adjustment rod 25 configured as described above will be described.
When the operator operates a focus adjustment knob (not shown) provided in the hand operation unit 10, the focus adjustment rod 25 advances and retreats in the axial direction in conjunction with the focus adjustment knob. Then, the imaging unit 18 to which the focus adjustment rod 25 is integrally fixed moves forward and backward in the axial direction in accordance with the operation of the focus adjustment knob.

  At this time, since the focus adjustment rod 25 does not expand / contract, the operation amount of the focus adjustment knob of the hand operation unit is transmitted to the image pickup unit 18 as it is, and the solid-state image pickup device 20 provided in the image pickup unit 18 moves. The focus is adjusted by adjusting the distance between the objective optical system 15 and the solid-state imaging device 20.

  Thus, by providing the focus position adjustment fixing means with the focus adjustment rod which is a rod-shaped member having a small cross-sectional area, the space efficiency in the insertion portion of the endoscope can be improved and the insertion portion can be made thinner. it can.

  Although the focus adjustment rod 25 moves the imaging unit 18 back and forth in the optical axis direction to perform focus adjustment, the focus adjustment rod 25 may move the objective optical system 15 forward and backward to perform focus adjustment. Other operations and effects are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  By the way, in an endoscope capable of changing the visual field direction, generally, by rotating a triangular prism disposed in the distal end portion of the endoscope and tilting it with respect to the optical axis of the objective lens or the solid-state imaging device, I tried to change the viewing direction. However, due to the backlash of the support part of the triangular prism, a deviation occurs between the optical axis of the prism and the optical axis of the solid-state image sensor, and only a part of the observation image is in focus and other parts are blurred. As a result, blurring, flare, and astigmatism occurred. Even if the viewing direction is changed greatly, there is not enough space at the tip of the endoscope, so there are restrictions on the angle at which the triangular prism can be tilted, so the viewing direction can be changed and observed only within a narrow range. It was.

  For this reason, an endoscope that can convert the visual field direction in a wide range and does not deteriorate optical performance such as blurring, flare, and aberration has been desired.

  4 to 6 relate to an endoscope using the focus position adjustment fixing means as the visual field direction adjustment fixing means, and FIG. 4 shows a schematic configuration of a side-view type endoscope capable of changing the visual field direction of the observation optical system. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration and operation of the observation optical unit, and FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an endoscope that can convert the front visual field direction.

  As shown in FIG. 4, an illumination window 32 that emits illumination light with a light guide (not shown) facing the endoscope distal end portion 31 of the side-view type endoscope 30 of the present embodiment and illuminated by the illumination light. A unit arrangement space 34 is provided in which an observation optical unit 33 for observing the examined region is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the observation optical unit 33 is configured by integrally disposing an objective lens 35, a triangular prism 36, and a solid-state imaging device 37 in a unit main body 38. Is attached to the unit installation space 36 via a shaft 39 (see FIG. 4) so as to be rotatable in the direction of the arrow AB.

  The unit main body 38 is provided with a fixing pin 40, and one end portion of a visual field direction adjustment fixing member 41 which is a visual field direction adjustment fixing means is rotatably connected to the fixing pin 40. For this reason, when the visual field direction adjusting and fixing member 41 moves back and forth in the direction of the arrow CD in the longitudinal direction of the endoscope, the unit main body 38 can be rotated to change the visual field direction of the objective lens 35. Yes.

  The visual field direction adjustment fixing member 41 is made of a metal or resin and has sufficient rigidity and is difficult to extend or contract. One end of the visual field direction adjustment fixing member 41 is at hand. It is integrally connected so as to operate in conjunction with a visual field direction conversion knob provided in the operation unit.

The operation of the viewing direction adjustment fixing member 41 configured as described above will be described.
When changing the viewing direction, the viewing direction conversion knob of the hand control unit is operated. Then, the visual field direction adjustment fixing member 41 advances and retreats following the operation of the visual field direction conversion knob. As the visual field direction adjusting and fixing member 41 advances and retreats, the unit main body 38 connected to the visual field direction adjusting and fixing member 41 via the fixing pin 40 rotates about the shaft 39, so that the visual field of the objective lens 35 is increased. The direction changes.

  As described above, the objective lens, the prism, and the solid-state imaging device are integrally provided in the unit main body, and the unit main body is configured to rotate in accordance with the advancing / retreating operation with the visual field direction adjustment fixing member formed of a hard member. By tilting the unit main body greatly, it is possible to convert the viewing direction in a wide range without generating one-side blur and aberration.

  In addition, since the visual field direction adjusting and fixing member is formed of a member having sufficient rigidity that is difficult to expand or contract, the visual field direction can be stably maintained.

  As shown in FIG. 6, an observation optical unit 45 configured by integrally providing the objective lens 42 and the solid-state imaging device 43 in the unit main body 44 is unit-spaced by a shaft 46 so as to rotate in the direction of the arrow EF. The endoscope 48 can be provided in which the visual field direction of the objective lens 42 can be changed by attaching the one end portion of the visual field direction adjusting and fixing member 41 to the fixing pin 47 so as to be rotatable. . Reference numeral 49 denotes a light guide that supplies illumination light.

  By the way, in the conventional endoscope apparatus, the viewing direction, viewing angle, observation depth, effective length, and the like of the endoscope cannot be freely changed with one endoscope. For this reason, an endoscope having a viewing direction, a viewing angle, an observation depth, and an effective length corresponding to the observation site has been prepared, so that the number of endoscopes has increased and the economic burden has been increased. For this reason, an endoscope apparatus that can freely convert the viewing direction, viewing angle, observation depth, effective length, and the like in one set has been desired.

  7 to 9 relate to an endoscope apparatus capable of converting a viewing direction, a viewing angle, an observation depth, and an effective length. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of the endoscope apparatus. FIG. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of the insertion portion, and FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of the insertion unit.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the endoscope apparatus 50 according to the present embodiment includes a distal end adapter portion 53 including an objective optical system 51 and an illumination lamp 52, and a detachable attachment to the distal end adapter portion 53. An imaging unit 55 having a built-in solid-state imaging device 54 that converts an optical image captured by the objective optical system 51 into an electrical signal, and a detachable attachment to the imaging unit 55 to allow the distal end of the distal adapter portion 53 to be a predetermined observation site. An insertion portion 56 having a length leading to a position, a hand operation portion 57 that is detachably attached to the insertion portion 56 and also serves as a gripping portion, and a camera that converts an electrical signal converted by the solid-state imaging device 54 into a video signal The control unit 58 and a power source 59 that supplies power to the illumination lamp 52 are configured.

  Note that the distal end adapter unit 53, the imaging unit unit 55, the insertion unit 56, and the hand operation unit 57 are configured to be detachable through connector units provided in the respective units.

  As shown in FIG. 8, as the tip adapter unit 53 incorporating the objective optical system 51 and the illumination lamp 52, the front direct-view adapter 53 a for observing the front in the insertion direction, or the oblique forward direction in the insertion direction is observed. A front perspective adapter 53b for viewing, a side-view adapter 53c for observing the side direction of the insertion direction, and the like are prepared, and each adapter 53a, 53b, 53c has a distal end portion having a power terminal for an illumination lamp. Connector (not shown) is provided.

  A circuit board 54a that is electrically connected to the solid-state image sensor 54 is built in the image-capturing unit section 55 that includes the solid-state image sensor 54. An illumination lamp power terminal (not shown) is provided, and a signal terminal (not shown) for transmitting a driving signal and an electric signal of the solid-state image sensor 54 and an illumination lamp power terminal (not shown) are provided on the rear end side connector 55b. Are provided).

  The insertion portion 56 is provided with a plurality of insertion portions 56a, 56b, and 56c having different insertion lengths so that the distal end adapter portion 53 can be guided to a predetermined position of the observation portion for each different observation portion. , 56c are provided with an image pickup side connector 56d (see FIG. 9) and a hand operating portion side connector 56e. In addition, it is also possible to connect each insertion part 56a, 56b, 56c, and to use it as one insertion part.

  The hand operating portion 57 is provided with an insertion portion connector (not shown) connected to the insertion portion 56.

  As shown in FIG. 9, an imaging side connector 56 d and a hand operating unit side connector 56 e are connected in the insertion portion 56 to transmit a driving signal and an electrical signal of the solid-state imaging device 54 and supply power for an illumination lamp. An electric cable 60 is inserted.

  In addition, the insertion unit 56 includes a correction circuit 61 that corrects a deviation between the drive signal of the solid-state imaging device 54 and the output electric signal due to the different lengths of the insertion units 56a, 56b, and 56c. ing.

  As described above, a plurality of types of tip adapter units depending on the viewing direction and observation depth for observing one endoscope, a plurality of types of insertion units having different lengths according to the observation site into which the endoscope is inserted, and 1 By configuring with different types of imaging unit and hand operation unit, various combinations of the tip adapter unit, imaging unit unit, insertion unit, and hand operation unit can be changed in various ways to correspond to each observation site and application. A kind of endoscope can be configured easily.

  In addition, when configuring a plurality of types of endoscopes, since there is only one type of imaging unit including an expensive solid-state imaging device, a single camera control unit can be used in common, so the endoscope system is inexpensive. Can be configured.

  As the correction circuit 61, for example, a resistor having a resistance value corresponding to the length of the insertion portion 56 is inserted, and the resistance value is detected by the camera control unit 58, whereby the length of the insertion portion 56 is determined. An appropriate timing may be taken so as to eliminate the deviation between the drive signal of the solid-state imaging device 54 and the output electrical signal.

  By the way, in an endoscope provided with a bending portion in the insertion portion, the distance between the objective lens and the solid-state imaging device is reduced by moving the objective lens or the solid-state imaging device by pushing and pulling the operation wire at the hand operation portion. When the focus adjustment is performed by adjusting, the operation wire passing through the bending portion is also bent with a certain curvature by causing the bending portion to bend.

  The operation wire is not particularly positioned and fixed in the bending portion, and when the operation wire is disposed at a position away from the central axis of the endoscope, the bending portion bends, A change occurs in the stroke distance of the operation wire, and the operation wire is stretched or pulled.

  Then, the objective lens or the solid-state imaging device connected to the operation wire is pushed and pulled with respect to the optical axis direction, the focal position changes against the operator's will, and inspection is performed unless the focal position is readjusted. There was a risk of being unable to continue.

  In addition, when the flexible tube connected to the bending portion is bent, the distance of the operation wire inserted into the flexible tube changes as described above, so that the objective lens and the solid-state imaging device are aligned with the optical axis. The focus position may change against the operator's will.

  For this reason, it is possible to adjust the focus by moving the objective lens or solid-state imaging device back and forth in the optical axis direction, and the focal position does not shift when the stroke of the operation wire changes due to the bending operation or the bending of the insertion portion. A mirror was desired.

  FIGS. 10 to 12 relate to an example of an endoscope in which focus adjustment is possible and the focus position does not shift even if the stroke distance of the operation wire is changed. FIG. 10 is a top view of the distal end portion of the endoscope. Is a side cross-sectional view of the distal end portion of the endoscope, and FIG. 12 is a GG cross-sectional view of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the endoscope of the present embodiment is a side-view type endoscope 70 in which an illumination window 71 and an observation window 72 are provided on the side surface of the endoscope distal end portion 73, and a distal end portion main body 74 in order from the distal end. The bending portion 75, the insertion portion (not shown), and the hand operation portion are connected.

  As shown in FIG. 11, a light guide 71a faces the illumination window 71 provided in the tip body 74, and the observation window 72 advances and retreats in the optical axis direction and is fixed at the moved position. An objective lens 77 fixed to a tubular lens frame 76 serving as a focus position adjustment fixing means to be held is provided. A solid-state imaging device 78 and a circuit board 79 are disposed on the image forming position side of the objective lens 77, and a signal line 80 for transmitting a drive signal and an electric signal extends from the circuit board 79. .

  As shown in FIGS. 10 and 12, a rack 81 serving as a motion conversion mechanism for converting a rotational motion into a linear motion is formed on the outer periphery of the lens frame 76, and a pinion gear 82 meshes with the rack 81. . One end of a shaft 83 is connected to the pinion gear 82, and the shaft 83 is positioned and fixed rotatably by a bearing 84.

  A flexible shaft 85 that is inserted through the bending portion 75 and the insertion portion and guided to the hand operation portion is connected to the other end portion 83a of the shaft 83. Further, a focus adjustment knob is provided in a hand operating portion (not shown), and the other end portion of the flexible shaft 85 is fixed so as to rotate in conjunction with the operation of the focus adjustment knob.

The operation of the side-view type endoscope 70 configured as described above will be described.
When the flexible shaft 85 is rotated by operating the focus adjustment knob of the hand operation unit, the pinion gear 82 attached to the shaft 83 connected to the tip of the flexible shaft 85 rotates. As the pinion gear 82 rotates, the rack 81 meshing with the pinion gear 82 is moved, and the objective lens 77 in the lens frame 76 advances and retreats with respect to the optical axis direction. The focus adjustment is performed by adjusting the interval with 78.

  In this way, the pinion provided at the tip of the flexible shaft that rotates in conjunction with the focus adjustment knob provided in the hand operation unit is engaged with the rack provided in the lens frame in which the objective lens is disposed, and the focus adjustment is performed. The focus can be adjusted by adjusting the distance between the objective lens and the solid-state imaging device by moving the objective lens back and forth in the optical axis direction in accordance with the operation of the knob.

  In addition, since the pinion and the rack are in mesh with each other after the focus adjustment is completed, the flexible shaft does not rotate even when the position of the flexible shaft is moved in the radial direction in the bending portion by, for example, a bending operation. The distance between the lens and the solid-state image sensor does not change.

  Further, the focal position of the flexible shaft does not change because the shaft provided at the tip of the flexible shaft is held and fixed in the axial direction by the bearing.

  13 and 14 relate to another example of an endoscope in which the focus can be adjusted and the focal position does not shift even if the stroke distance of the operation wire changes. FIG. 13 illustrates the configuration of the distal end portion of the endoscope. Side sectional view and FIG. 14 are HH sectional views of FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the endoscope of the present embodiment is a front direct-view type endoscope 86 in which an observation window 72 is provided on the distal end surface of the distal end portion main body 74. There is provided a focal position adjustment fixing means for allowing the lens frame 76 provided with the objective lens 77 to move forward and backward with respect to the optical axis direction.

  The focal position adjusting / fixing means has a female threaded portion formed on the projection 76a of the lens frame 76, and a male threaded portion 87a formed at the tip of the shaft 87 is screwed into the female threaded portion. The shaft 87 is rotatably fixed in the axial direction by a bearing 84. A flexible shaft 85 is inserted into the rear end portion 87b of the shaft 87 through the bending portion 75 and the insertion portion and guided to the hand operation portion. Are connected. Other configurations are the same as the configuration of the side-view type endoscope, and the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

The operation of the endoscope 86 configured as described above will be described.
When the focus adjustment knob of the hand operation unit is operated, the flexible shaft 85 rotates, and the shaft 87 attached to the tip of the flexible shaft 85 rotates. As the shaft 87 rotates, the lens frame 76 meshed with the male screw portion 87a formed at the tip of the shaft 87 advances and retreats in the optical axis direction, and the objective lens 77, the solid-state image sensor 78, and the like. Adjust the focus to adjust the focus.
This makes it possible to obtain the same operation and effect as those of the side-viewing endoscope.

  Note that the same action as that of the above-described side-view type endoscope and endoscope can be achieved by performing focus adjustment by moving the solid-state imaging device in the optical axis direction as shown in FIG. 15 instead of moving the objective lens. And the effect can be obtained.

  As shown in FIG. 15, in the endoscope 86 a of this embodiment, the objective lens 77 is fixed to the distal end portion main body 74. A solid-state imaging element 78 that is movable back and forth in the optical axis direction is disposed behind the objective lens 77. A circuit board 79 is connected to the solid-state image sensor 78, and a signal line 80 extends from the circuit board 79.

  The solid-state image sensor 78 is provided with an image sensor unit 88 having a projection 88a having a female screw portion, and the male screw portion 87a of the shaft 87 is screwed into the female screw portion. Other configurations are the same as the configuration of the endoscope 86, and the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  With the configuration described above, when the focus adjustment knob of the hand operation unit is operated, the flexible shaft 85 rotates, and the shaft 87 attached to the distal end portion rotates. Since the male screw portion 87a of the shaft 87 and the female screw portion of the protrusion 88a of the image pickup device unit 88 are screwed together, the solid-state image pickup device 78 advances and retreats in the optical axis direction and the solid-state image pickup device 78 and the objective lens 77. The focus is adjusted by adjusting the interval.

FIGS. 16 and 17 relate to another example of an endoscope in which the focus can be adjusted and the focal position does not shift even if the stroke distance of the operation wire changes, and FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of the endoscope. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the bending portion.
As shown in FIG. 16, the endoscope 90 of the present embodiment is configured by connecting an endoscope distal end portion 91, a bending portion 92, and a flexible tube portion 93 from the distal end side, and the endoscope distal end portion. 91 includes an objective lens system 94 and a solid-state image sensor 95. Reference numeral 96 denotes a focus adjusting wire 96 described later.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the bending portion 92 includes bending pieces 92a, 92b, 92c. . . Are connected to each other, and the bending pieces 92a, 92b, 92c. . . A bending operation wire 97 for bending the bending portion 92 is inserted through the peripheral portion of the wire. The distal end portion of the bending operation wire 97 is fixed to the bending piece 92a by brazing or the like.

  The bending piece 92a is provided with a bridge portion 98 provided with a through hole 98a for allowing the focus adjusting wire 96 to pass through the approximate center of the bending portion 92, and the through hole 98a provided in the bridge portion 98 is focused on. An adjustment wire 96 is inserted and fixed to the solid-state imaging device 95 of the endoscope distal end portion 91.

  The rear end portion of the focus adjusting wire 96 is connected to a focus adjusting knob of a hand operating portion (not shown). Further, a signal line and a light guide (not shown) are inserted into the bending portion 92.

The operation of the endoscope 90 configured as described above will be described.
When the focus adjustment knob provided on the hand control unit is operated, the focus adjustment wire 96 moves, and the solid-state imaging device 95 fixed to the focus adjustment wire 96 advances and retreats in the optical axis direction. The focus is adjusted by adjusting the distance from the solid-state image sensor 95.

  After the focus adjustment is completed, for example, when the bending operation wire 97 is pulled to bend the bending portion 92, the center line distance does not change even when the bending portion 92 is bent. . For this reason, the distance between the objective lens 94a and the solid-state imaging element 95 does not change because the focus adjustment wire 96 inserted through the through hole 98a provided in the bridge portion 98 does not change the stroke distance at the curved portion.

  As described above, when the bending operation wire is pulled to cause the bending portion to bend by inserting the focusing adjustment wire through the substantially central position of the bending portion, the stroke distance of the focusing adjustment wire is changed. Therefore, the position of the solid-state imaging device can be held in a state in which the focus is adjusted even when the bending portion is in a bent state.

18 and 19 relate to an example of an endoscope apparatus in which the bending operation unit is separate from the endoscope, FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the endoscope apparatus, and FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of the cable. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 18, an endoscope apparatus 100 according to this embodiment includes an endoscope distal end portion 101, a bending portion 102, an insertion portion 103 formed of a resin or metal rigid pipe, and an insertion portion. A cable 104 connected to the cable 104, a connector 105 that is detachable from the other end of the cable 104, a control device 106 that includes a light source, a camera control unit, and a bending operation mechanism (not shown), and a bending operation of the bending section 102. And a bending portion hand operation portion 107 that is separated from the insertion portion 103 and connected to the bending operation mechanism of the control device 106. Reference numeral 108 denotes a light guide cable that supplies illumination light.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the cable 104 connected to the insertion portion 103 is made of a flexible resin, has a flat cross-sectional shape, and is formed to be twistable. The cable 104 includes a signal line 111, a light guide 112, a coil 114 through which a wire 113 for bending operation is inserted, and the like.

The operation of the endoscope apparatus 100 configured as described above will be described.
The surgeon first operates the bending portion hand operation portion 107 in order to place the endoscope distal end portion at a desired site. Then, the wire 113 for bending the bending portion 102 is pushed and pulled via the bending operation mechanism in the control device 106, and the endoscope distal end portion 101 is directed in a desired direction.

  Next, the rigid insertion portion of the endoscope distal end portion 101 is twisted. Then, since the cable 104 is formed to be able to be twisted, the endoscope distal end portion 101 rotates and moves in a desired direction.

  Thus, in the endoscope apparatus of the present embodiment, the torsionable cable is connected to the rigid insertion portion, and the bending portion proximal operation portion is separated from the insertion portion of the endoscope. The surgeon can perform the examination without being forced to take an unreasonable posture.

  The cable 104 may be a resin or metal spiral tube.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[Appendix]
According to the embodiment of the present invention described in detail above, the following configuration can be obtained.

(1) The focus position adjusting member inserted in the endoscope insertion portion is operated by the hand operation portion, and the objective lens or the solid-state imaging device disposed at the endoscope distal end portion is moved with respect to the optical axis direction. In an endoscope apparatus that adjusts the focus by adjusting the distance between the objective lens and the solid-state imaging device,
An endoscope apparatus provided with focal position adjustment fixing means for moving either the objective lens or the solid-state imaging device forward and backward with respect to the optical axis direction and fixing and holding the same.

(2) The endoscope apparatus according to appendix 1, wherein the focal position adjustment fixing means is a focal position adjustment fixing member formed of a mechanical material having rigidity.

(3) The endoscope apparatus according to appendix 2, wherein the focal position adjustment fixing member is a pipe member.

(4) The endoscope apparatus according to appendix 2, wherein the focal position adjustment fixing member is a rod-shaped member.

(5) The endoscope apparatus according to appendix 2, wherein the mechanical material is a metal material or a synthetic resin material.

(6) The objective lens or the solid-state imaging device disposed at the distal end portion of the endoscope is operated by operating the focal position adjusting member inserted into the endoscope insertion portion having the bending mechanism at the hand operation portion. In an endoscope apparatus that adjusts the focus by moving the optical axis direction and adjusting the distance between the objective lens and the solid-state imaging device,
An endoscope apparatus provided with focal position adjustment fixing means for moving either the objective lens or the solid-state imaging device forward and backward with respect to the optical axis direction and fixing and holding the same.

(7) The focus position adjustment fixing means includes a motion conversion mechanism that converts the rotational motion transmitted from the hand operating portion to the endoscope distal end portion into a linear motion that moves the objective lens or the solid-state imaging device in the optical axis direction. The endoscope apparatus according to appendix 6.

(8) The endoscope apparatus according to appendix 7, wherein a rack and a pinion gear are used for the motion conversion mechanism.

(9) The endoscope apparatus according to appendix 7, wherein a male screw and a female screw are used for the motion conversion mechanism.

1 and 2 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of an endoscope apparatus. Sectional drawing of the endoscope front-end | tip part explaining the structure of a focus position adjustment fixing member Sectional drawing of the endoscope front-end | tip part explaining the structure of the focus position adjustment fixing member which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. 4 to 6 relate to an endoscope using the focus position adjustment fixing means as the visual field direction adjustment fixing means, and FIG. Perspective view to explain Sectional drawing explaining a structure and effect | action of an observation optical unit Explanatory drawing which shows schematic structure of the endoscope which can convert a front visual field direction 7 to 9 relate to an endoscope apparatus capable of converting the viewing direction, viewing angle, observation depth, and effective length, and FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of the endoscope apparatus. Explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the endoscope which can convert a visual field direction, a visual field angle, observation depth, and effective length Explanatory drawing which shows schematic structure of an insertion part 10 to 12 relate to an example of an endoscope in which the focus can be adjusted and the focal position does not shift even if the stroke distance of the operation wire is changed. FIG. 10 is a top view of the distal end portion of the endoscope. Side sectional view of the endoscope tip GG sectional view of FIG. FIGS. 13 and 14 relate to another example of an endoscope in which the focus can be adjusted and the focal position does not shift even if the stroke distance of the operation wire changes. FIG. 13 illustrates the configuration of the distal end portion of the endoscope. Side sectional view HH sectional view of FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows another structure of the endoscope in which focus adjustment is possible and the focal position does not shift even if the stroke distance of the operation wire changes FIGS. 16 and 17 relate to another example of an endoscope in which the focus can be adjusted and the focal position does not shift even if the stroke distance of the operation wire is changed. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of the endoscope. The figure explaining schematic structure of a bending part 18 and 19 relate to an example of an endoscope apparatus in which the bending operation unit is separate from the endoscope, and FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the endoscope apparatus. Explanatory drawing showing the configuration of the cable

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Endoscope apparatus 102 ... Bending part 103 ... Insertion part 104 ... Cable
105 ... Connector 107 ... Bending part local operation part

Claims (1)

A rigid endoscope insertion section having a pipe shape;
A bending portion disposed on a distal end side of the endoscope insertion portion;
An endoscope distal end disposed on the distal end side of the bending portion;
Connected to the base end side of the endoscope insertion section, the section of the endoscope insertion section can be freely changed in the torsional direction independently of the rotation around the long axis, and the cross-sectional shape can be flat. A flexible cable body;
A bending portion proximal operation portion for performing a bending operation of the bending portion, disposed on the proximal end side of the cable body;
A bending mechanism for bending the bending portion, wherein the bending operation is inserted into the rigid endoscope insertion portion and inserted into the flexible cable body and connected to the bending portion proximal operation portion. Wire,
Comprising
The endoscope distal end portion is displaced in a predetermined direction according to the bending of the bending portion based on the bending of the bending operation wire by the operation of the bending portion proximal operation portion, and the endoscope insertion portion An endoscope apparatus, wherein the endoscope rotates around the major axis in accordance with a pivoting movement around the major axis.

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