JP4388288B2 - Endoscope - Google Patents

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JP4388288B2
JP4388288B2 JP2003041611A JP2003041611A JP4388288B2 JP 4388288 B2 JP4388288 B2 JP 4388288B2 JP 2003041611 A JP2003041611 A JP 2003041611A JP 2003041611 A JP2003041611 A JP 2003041611A JP 4388288 B2 JP4388288 B2 JP 4388288B2
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substrate
endoscope
disposed
heat
bending
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JP2004248835A (en
JP2004248835A5 (en
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崇和 石神
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Olympus Corp
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Olympus Corp
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【0001】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、照明光学系に発光素子を用いた内視鏡に関する。
【0002】
【従来の技術】
従来より、内視鏡は医療分野及び工業分野で広く利用されている。この内視鏡では、診断或いは検査対象が生体、プラント等の内部である。このため、観察対象を照明する光源が必要である。
【0003】
一般的に、内視鏡装置では内視鏡の外部装置として光源装置を用意し、この光源装置で発する照明光を内視鏡に設けたライトガイドに供給し、このライトガイドによって伝送された照明光を内視鏡の挿入部先端に配置した照明窓から出射させて観察部位を照らすようになっていた。
【0004】
また、観察部位を照明する光源装置、ライトガイドファイバの組合せの代わりに、LED照明を挿入部先端部に設け、このLED照明の発する光で直接的に観察部位を照らすようにした内視鏡も提案されている。この内視鏡では、LED照明で照らされた観察部位を固体撮像素子で撮像することにより、細径でかつ簡素な構成で高機能化が実現される。
【0005】
例えば、特開2002−51971号公報には挿入部先端部に配置した照明手段であるLED照明の照明光量の増加を図った内視鏡が示されている。この内視鏡では先端部本体が放熱性を有するセラミックで成型してあるので、LED照明で発する熱は先端部本体に伝導される。
【0006】
【特許文献1】
特開2002−51971号公報(頁3、図1及び図2)
【0007】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら、前記特開2002−51971号公報の内視鏡は小型であるため、先端部本体の体積が小さく、かつ表面積も小さい。したがって、LED照明の発する熱が伝導されて先端部本体が高温になるおそれがある。そして、この先端部本体が高温になってLED照明が高温下にさらされた状態になると、LED照明の性能が低下し、多くの電流が流せなくなって明るさの確保が難しくなるとともに長時間の使用が困難になる。また、高温になった先端部本体の熱がCCDに伝導されると、CCDの温度が上昇して内視鏡画像にノイズを発生させる等の不具合を生じさせるおそれがある。
【0008】
本発明は上記事情に鑑みてなされたものであり、挿入部先端部に配置したLED照明の発する熱によって、照明光量の減少や、画像ノイズの発生を防止して、良好な観察を長時間に渡って行える内視鏡を提供することを目的にしている。
【0009】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明の内視鏡は、発光素子が配置されると共に、当該発光素子に電源を供給するケーブルが接続される、前記発光素子で発生する熱が伝導されるように熱伝導率の高い部材で形成した基板を備えた先端部と、前記先端部に連設する、湾曲駒を連接して構成した、湾曲部と、前記湾曲部に連設する柔軟な管状部材で形成した可撓管部とを備えて構成される挿入部を有する内視鏡であって、
前記基板の基端面に対して密着して配置される、前記基板に伝導された熱を伝導するために当該基板と同様に熱伝導率の高い部材で形成した受け部材と、前記受け部材、又は前記基板の基端面に一端部が密着状態で配置され、他端部が前記湾曲部の空間内を挿通されて前記可撓管部側に配置される、当該基板に伝導された熱、及び当該受け部材に伝導された熱を伝導するために前記基板及び受け部材と同様に熱伝導率の高い素線を複数束ねて構成される束線部材とを備え、前記束線部材は、前記湾曲部が湾曲動作された際に所定の湾曲動作を行うように、所定の柔軟性に設定されると共に、湾曲方向に対応するように当該湾曲部内に配置されている。
【0011】
この構成によれば、挿入部先端部に配置した発光素子から発する熱は、基板、受け部材に伝導され、放熱部材によって挿入部後方側へ伝導される。
【0012】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、図面を参照して本発明の実施の形態を説明する。
図1ないし図6は本発明の第1実施形態に係り、図1は挿入部の構成を説明する長手方向断面図、図2はLED照明部の構成を説明する図、図3は挿入部の構成を具体的に説明する長手方向に対して直交する方向の説明図、図4は先端部の組み付け工程を説明する図、図5はカバーガラスの他の構成例を説明する図、図6は束線部材の後端側の一体部が接合される前口金の他の構成を説明する図である。
【0013】
なお、図2(a)はLEDチップのLED基板への配置例を説明する図、図2(b)は図2(a)のE−E線断面図、図3(a)は挿入部先端部を正面から見たときの図、図3(b)は図1のA−A線断面図、図3(c)は図1のB−B線断面図、図3(d)は図1のC−C線断面図、図3(e)は図1(a)のD−D線断面図、図5(a)は先端面が凸面のカバーガラスを示す図、図5(b)は先端面が凹面のカバーガラスを示す図、図6(a)は束線部材の後端側の一体部が接合される前口金付近の構成を説明する断面図、図6(b)は図6(a)のG−G線断面図、図6(c)は図6(a)のH−H線断面図である。
【0014】
図1に示すように本実施形態の内視鏡1は細長な挿入部2を有し、この挿入部2は先端側から順に硬質な先端部3、湾曲駒を連接して例えば上下左右方向に湾曲する構成の湾曲部4、柔軟な管状部材で形成した可撓管部5とを連設して構成されている。前記先端部3には発光素子としての複数のLEDチップ6を配設して構成されるLED照明部7及び複数の光学レンズ8a及びCCD9等を配設して構成される観察光学部10が設けられている。
【0015】
前記先端部3は、対物光学系受け(以下、対物受けと略記する)11、LED基板12、レンズ枠受け13、第1連結管14、第2連結管15、カバーガラス16、連結固定部材17とで主に構成されている。
【0016】
前記対物受け11及びLED基板12は銅、アルミ等の熱伝導率の高い金属部材で形成される。一方、前記レンズ枠受け13及び内視鏡1の外装を構成する、第1連結管14、第2連結管15、連結固定部材17はステンレス等の耐食性に優れ、熱伝導率の低い金属部材で形成されている。
【0017】
前記観察光学部10を構成する光学レンズ8aの一部は前記対物受け11に固定配置され、他の光学レンズ8a及びCCD9はレンズ枠9aに固定配置される。このCCD9から基端側に延出する端子9bはCCD基板9cに電気的に接続され、このCCD基板9cには信号ケーブル9d内を挿通する信号線9eが所定の位置に電気的に接続されている。
なお、前記レンズ枠9aはステンレス等の耐食性に優れて、熱伝導率の低い金属部材で形成されている。
【0018】
図1及び図2(a)、(b)に示すように前記LED照明部7はLEDチップ6とLED基板12とで構成されている。このLED基板12は、環状で、中心から所定距離の円周上に所定間隔で例えば8つの座ぐり穴12aが設けてある。前記LEDチップ6は、これら座ぐり穴12a内にそれぞれ配置され、このLEDチップ6の照射方向側は半透明の封止剤6aによって覆われている。
【0019】
前記LED基板12の内周面側には電源を供給する電源用ケーブル22a、22bを配置するための一対の切り欠き部12bが形成されている。なお、図示は省略するがこのLED基板12には前記電源用ケーブル22a、22b及び前記LEDチップ6の電気接点(不図示)が電気的に接触する導電パターンが設けられている。
【0020】
図1及び図3(b)に示すように前記対物受け11は略筒状で、中央部の先端面側及び基端面側には前記観察光学部10の光学レンズ8aをそれぞれ配置する凹部11a、11bが形成されている。この凹部11bの周囲には複数のLEDチップ6から発生する熱を放熱するための放熱部材である束線部材21が配置される放熱部材配置用透孔11cが例えば前記座ぐり穴12aに対応するように所定数、所定間隔で形成されるとともに、前記電源用ケーブル22a、22bが挿通する一対のケーブル用透孔11dが所定位置に形成されている。
【0021】
前記束線部材21は、銅線、アルミ線、銀線等の熱伝導率が高く、素線直径が0.1mm以下の素線21aを複数本束ねて、柔軟性を考慮して形成したものであり、本数及び素線21aの長さ寸法は熱容量と作業性との両面を考慮して内視鏡の種類に応じて適宜設定される。
【0022】
前記束線部材21の先端部及び端部は、作業性を考慮して例えば、半田、ロウ付け、接着剤等によってひとかたまりの一体部23として構成される。本実施形態においては、先端側に配置される一体部23は8つであり、それぞれの先端部の先端面を研磨加工等によって平面処理してある。一方、後方側に配置される一体部23は4つになっている。
なお、前記凹部11aと凹部11bとは例えば先端側開口を大径に形成したテーパー孔11eによって連通している。
【0023】
図1及び図3(c)に示すように前記レンズ枠受け13は略筒状で、外周面中途部所定位置には前記連結固定部材17に形成されている後述する雌ネジ部(図中の符号17b)と螺合する雄ネジ部13aが形成されている。また、中央部には前記観察光学部10を構成する前記レンズ枠9aが配置されるレンズ枠用貫通孔13bが形成されている。さらに、このレンズ枠用貫通孔13bの周囲には前記束線部材21が遊嵌状態で挿通配置される放熱部材挿通用透孔13cが前記放熱部材配置用透孔11cに対向して形成されている。
【0024】
前記第1連結管14は管状で太径部14aと細径部14bとを備え、前記レンズ枠受け13と前記第2連結管15とが一体的に配置される。具体的には、この第1連結管14の太径部14aの先端側内周面に前記レンズ受け13の基端部が配置され、細径部14bの外周面に前記第2連結管15の先端側内周面が配置される。
【0025】
前記第2連結管15は略管状で、前記第1連結管14と前記湾曲部4とが一体的に配置される。具体的には、この第2連結管15の先端側内周面に前記第1連結管14の細径部外周面が配置され、基端部の所定位置に前記湾曲部4を構成する先端湾曲駒4a、湾曲ゴム4b、外ブレード4cが配置される。前記湾曲ゴム4b及び外ブレード4cは糸巻き固定部31によって前記第2連結管15に一体的に固定されている。なお、符号4dは下方向湾曲ワイヤであり、符号4eは左方向湾曲ワイヤ、符号4f(図3(d)参照)は上方向湾曲ワイヤ、符号4g(図3(d)参照)は右方向湾曲ワイヤである。
【0026】
図1及び図3(a)に示すように前記カバーガラス16は例えば略環状の平板光学部材で形成され、中央部には前記対物受け11の先端部に対応する貫通孔16aが形成されている。
【0027】
前記連結固定部材17は略管状で先端部には前記カバーガラス16の先端面に当接する爪部17aが周状に形成され、基端部には前記レンズ枠受け13に形成されている雄ネジ部13aに螺合する雌ネジ部17bが形成されている。なお、図中のF−F線は前記図1の断面位置を表している。
【0028】
図1及び図3(d)、図3(e)に示すように放熱部材配置用透孔11c、対物受け11、第1連結管14、第2連結管15を挿通して後方側に延出する8本の束線部材21は、湾曲部4近傍で隣り合う束線部材21どうしをひとまとめにして、湾曲方向及び湾曲駒の管内の空間に対応するように4つの束線部材21にまとめられて湾曲部4内を挿通して可撓管部5内に配置されている。このとき、前記可撓管部5内に挿通配置された4つにまとめられた束線部材21の長さ寸法がそれぞれ異なる長さ寸法に設定してあるので、一体部23が可撓管部5内の一箇所に集中することなく配置される。
【0029】
なお、前記可撓管5は、内周面側に配置された螺旋管5aと、この螺旋管5aを被覆する網状管5bと、この網状管5bを被覆する外皮チューブ5cとで構成されており、この可撓管5の先端側には前口金5dが配置されている。この前口金5dは、湾曲部4の基端部を構成する第3連結管18の内周面側に配置される。符号24は前記湾曲ワイヤ4d、4e、4f、4gが挿通するコイル部材であり、このコイル部材24は前記前口金5dの内周面所定位置にロウ付け25によって一体的に接合される。
【0030】
ここで、図4を参照して先端部3の組み付け工程を説明する。
まず、前記LED照明部7を構成するLED基板12の内周面に熱伝導率の高いシリコングリース19を塗布し、この状態で光学レンズ8aを配置した対物受け11を前記LED基板12の内周面に配置する。その後、前記対物受け11に形成されている放熱部材配置用透孔11c内に所定の本数の素線21aを束にした束線部材21の先端側の一体部23を前記放熱部材配置用透孔11c内に配置して一体部の先端面をシリコングリース19を介してLED基板12の基端面に密着させるとともに、半田によって一体的に接合固定する。また、前記LED基板12から延出する電源用ケーブル22a、22bを前記切り欠き部12bに配置する。
【0031】
このことによって、前記LED基板12と対物受け11とがシリコングリース19を介して密着状態になるとともに、前記束線部材21が半田を介して前記対物受け11に密着状態で配置される。なお、前記シリコングリース19以外に熱伝導率の高い充填材或いは、熱伝導シート、熱伝導フィルム等であってもよい。
【0032】
次に、前記LED基板12の先端側にカバーガラス16を配置する一方、前記対物受け11の基端側の凹部に前記レンズ枠受け13の先端部を挿入配置する。このとき、前記束線部材21をそれぞれ対応する放熱部材挿通用透孔13cに挿通させる。
【0033】
次いで、前記連結固定部材17を、前記カバーガラス16、LED基板12、対物受け11の順に外周面側に被せていく。すると、前記連結固定部材17の先端面がレンズ受け13に形成されている雄ネジ部13a近傍に到達する。ここで、前記雄ネジ部13aに前記連結固定部材17に形成されている雌ネジ部17bを螺合していき、この連結固定部材17と前記レンズ受け13とを所定螺合状態で一体固定する。
【0034】
このことによって、前記カバーガラス16が封止剤6aに所定の押圧力による密着状態になるとともに、前記LED基板12と前記対物受け11とが所定の押圧力による密着状態になった、いわゆる一体ユニットとして構成される。
【0035】
この後、この一体ユニットに、CCD9等を配置したレンズ枠9aを接合固定するとともに、前記第1連結管14、第2連結管15を介して湾曲部4を一体的に連結固定して内視鏡1を構成する。
【0036】
上述のように構成した内視鏡1の作用を説明する。
まず、前記電源用ケーブル22a、22bを介してLED照明部7に対して電力を供給する。すると、LED基板12に配置されているLEDチップ6が発光状態になって、観察部位が照明される。このことによって、この照明光に照らされた観察部位の光学像が観察光学部10の光学レンズ8aを通過してCCD9の撮像面に結像されて内視鏡画像を得られる。
【0037】
次に、内視鏡画像を観察しながら内視鏡1の挿入部2を目的観察部位に向けて挿通していく。このとき、図示しない湾曲操作手段を適宜操作して湾曲部4を所望する方向に湾曲させる。この際、この湾曲部4内には柔軟性を考慮した束線部材21が湾曲方向を考慮して分割されて挿通配置されているので、湾曲部4がスムーズに湾曲動作する。
【0038】
前記LED照明部7に対する電力の供給を継続的に行っていると、LEDチップ6から発する熱がLED基板12に伝導されて、このLED基板12の温度が徐々に上昇していく。また、このLED基板12に伝導された熱は、LED基板12の背面にシリコングリース19を介して密着している束線部材21に伝導されるとともに、このLED基板12の背面側に配置された対物受け11に伝導される。
【0039】
前記対物受け11に伝導された熱は、この対物受け11に形成されている放熱部材配置用透孔11cの内周面に半田を介して密着している側面部から束線部材21に伝導される。そして、この束線部材21に伝導された熱は、先端側から後方側に伝導されていく。
【0040】
このように、LEDチップの発する熱を、LED基板や対物受けを介して細長な束線部材の先端側から後方側に伝導させることによって、LED照明部が高温になることを防止することができるとともに、LEDチップで発生した熱がCCDに伝導されることを確実に防止することができる。
このことによって、所望する光量で長時間に渡って観察部位を照明して、画像ノイズのない良好な内視鏡画像を得て、内視鏡観察を行える。
【0041】
なお、本実施形態においてはカバーガラス16を平板光学部材で形成しているが、カバーガラスはこの形態に限定されるものではなく、例えば図5(a)に示すように先端面を凸面に形成したカバーガラス16Aや、図5(b)に示すように先端面を凹面に形成したカバーガラス16Bであってもよい。また、前記LED基板12と前記対物受け11とを一体に構成したものであってもよい。
【0042】
また、前記束線部材21の基端部を可撓管5内に配置させる代わりに、 図6(a)ないし図6(c)に示すように この束線部材21の後方側の一体部23を外周面に冷却フィン41を設けた前口金40の内周面所定位置にそれぞれ半田42等の接合部材によって一体的に接合固定するようにしてもよい。このことによって、前記束線部材21に伝導された熱を前口金40から外部に効率良く放出させて、束線部材21の放熱効果を大幅に向上させることができる。
【0043】
さらに、束線部材21をより線或いは網状に構成するようにしてもよい。
【0044】
図7及び図8は本発明の第2実施形態にかかり、図7は先端部の構成を説明する長手方向断面図、図8は先端部の構成を具体的に説明する長手方向に対して直交する方向の説明図である。
なお、図8(a)は先端部の正面図、図8(b)は図7のI−I線断面図、図8(c)は図7のK−K線断面図である。
【0045】
本実施形態においては、前記第1実施形態で銅、アルミ等の熱伝導率の高い金属部材で形成していた対物受け11を、図7ないし図8(c)に示すように熱伝導率の低い金属部材で形成した対物枠51と、熱伝導率の高い金属部材で形成したLED受け52とに分割して構成している。また、このLED受け52の基端部にはリング部材53が配置されるようになっており、このリング部材53の外周面側にはさらに管状固定部材54が配置されるようになっている。さらに、本実施形態においてはカバーガラスを設ける代わりにLEDチップ6を覆う封止剤6aをさらに被覆する被覆部材55を設けている。なお、前記LED受け52の外周面側の所定位置には束線部材21を配置するための4つの切り欠き部52aが形成されている。
【0046】
前記管状固定部材54の外周面の所定位置には第1雄ネジ部54a及び第2雄ネジ部54bが形成されている。この雄ネジ部54a、54bには略管状の連結固定部材56の基端部に形成されている雌ネジ部56aが螺合するようになっている。この連結固定部材56の先端部には前記被覆部材55に当接する爪部56bが設けてある。
【0047】
ここで、先端部3の組み付け工程を説明する。
まず、前記LED照明部7を構成するLED基板12の基端面に熱伝導率の高いシリコングリースを塗布し、この状態で光学レンズ8aを配置した対物枠51及びLED受け52を所定位置に配置する。その後、前記LED受け52とリング部材53とで形成される開口を通して4つに分割された束線部材21を切り欠き部52a内に配置する。そして、この切り欠き部52aの切り欠き開口側から半田や接着剤を流しこんで前記束線部材21をLED受け52に密着固定させる。
【0048】
このことによって、前記LED基板12と対物枠51とがシリコングリースを介して密着状態になるとともに、前記束線部材21が例えば半田を介して前記LED受け52に密着状態で配置される。
【0049】
次に、前記リング部材53の外周面側に管状固定部材54を配置し、前記連結固定部材56を、前記LED基板12、LED受け52、リング部材53の順に外周面側に被せていく。すると、この連結固定部材56の先端面が管状固定部材54に形成されている雄ネジ部54a近傍に到達する。ここで、前記連結固定部材56の先端面が雄ネジ部54aに前記連結固定部材56に形成されている雌ネジ部56aを螺合していく。
【0050】
そして、この雌ネジ部56aが前記雄ネジ部54aを通過すると、前記連結固定部材56の先端面が雄ネジ部54b近傍に到達する。ここで、前記雌ネジ部56aを雄ネジ部54bに螺合させていくことによって、雌ネジ部56aと雄ネジ部54bとが螺合状態になって、連結固定部材56と管状固定部材54とが一体に固定される。
【0051】
このことによって、前記連結固定部材56の爪部56bが被覆部材55に所定の押圧力で密着状態になるとともに、前記LED基板12、LED受け52、リング部材53とが所定の押圧力で密着状態になって、一体ユニットが構成される。
【0052】
この後、この一体ユニットに、CCD9等を配置したレンズ枠9aを接合固定するとともに、前記第1連結管14、第2連結管15を介して湾曲部4を一体的に連結固定して内視鏡1を構成する。
なお、前記レンズ枠9aは、LED受け52と対物受け11を一体にする前に、対物受け13に接合するようにしてもよい。また、図8(a)中のL−L線は前記図7の断面位置を表している。その他の構成及び作用は前記第1実施形態と同様であり、同部材には同符号を付して説明を省略する
このように、切り欠き部を設けたLED受けに束線部材を配置し、この状態で切り欠き部の開口側から半田を流し込んで、束線部材をLED受けに一体的に接合したことによって、束線部材の先端面を予め平面処理する等の前加工をなくして作業性の向上を図ることができる。また、連結固定部材と管状固定部材とを二重ネジで螺合固定したことによって、連結固定部材と管状固定部材との脱落を確実に防止することかできる。その他の効果は前記第1実施形態と同様である。
【0053】
なお、前記LED受け52とLED基板12とを一体に構成するようにしてもよい。
【0054】
図9及び図10は本発明の第3実施形態に係り、図9は硬性内視鏡の挿入部の先端部を説明する長手方向断面図、図10は先端部の構成を具体的に説明する長手方向に対して直交する方向の説明図である。
なお、図10(a)は先端部の正面図、図10(b)は図9のM−M線断面図、図10(c)は図9のN−N線断面図である。
【0055】
図9ないし図10(c)に示すように本実施形態の内視鏡は先端部に湾曲部4を連設配置する代わりに所定長さ寸法の硬性チューブ61を配置した硬性内視鏡60であり、レンズ受け13、第1連結管14、第2連結管15等を配置させることなく、連結固定部材17の雌ネジ部17bを硬性チューブ61の先端側に形成されている雄ネジ部61aに螺合させる構成になっている。そして、本実施形態においては放熱部材として束線部材21を配置する代わりに銅或いはアルミ、銀、カーボングラファイトなどの熱伝導率の高い部材で所定断面形状に形作った細長で所定長さ寸法に設定した棒状部材62を複数、所定位置に配置している。その他の構成は第1実施形態と略同様である。
【0056】
なお、前記硬性チューブ61には棒状部材挿通孔61b及びレンズ枠用貫通孔61c等が形成されている。また、図10(a)中のP−P線は前記図9の断面位置を表している。
【0057】
このように、挿入部が硬性な硬性内視鏡においては柔軟性を有する放熱部材を配置する代わりに、硬質な放熱部材を配置することによって、LEDチップの発する熱を、LED基板や対物受けを介して棒状部材の先端側から後方側に伝導させて、LED照明部が高温になることを防止することができるとともに、LEDチップで発生した熱をCCDに伝導されることを確実に防止することかできる。
なお、図11(a)ないし図11(c)の硬性内視鏡の他の構成を説明する図に示すように前記図8に示したと同様な対物枠51を設けるとともに略筒形状で細長で所定長さ寸法に設定したLED受け63を配置して硬性内視鏡60Aを構成するようにしても、上述と同様の作用及び効果を得ることができる。
【0058】
なお、以上述べた実施形態において、発光素子としてLEDを用いたが、発光素子はレーザーダイオード等であってもよい。
【0059】
尚、本発明は、以上述べた実施形態のみに限定されるものではなく、発明の要旨を逸脱しない範囲で種々変形実施可能である。
【0060】
[付記]
以上詳述したような本発明の上記実施形態によれば、以下の如き構成を得ることができる。
【0061】
(1)挿入部の先端部に発光素子を備えた内視鏡において、
細長な放熱部材の一端部を前記発光素子近傍に配置する一方、他端部を前記挿入部後方側の所定位置に配置した内視鏡。
【0062】
(2)前記放熱部材は断面積を一定に形成した付記1に記載の内視鏡。
【0063】
(3)前記放熱部材の長さ寸法は、この放熱部材の材質及び断面積を考慮して設定する付記1に記載の内視鏡。
【0064】
(4)前記挿入部が軟性で湾曲部を有するとき、
前記放熱部材は、直径が0.1mm以下の素線を複数束ねて形成した束線部材であり、前記LED照明近傍から基端側に延出する束線部材を少なくとも前記湾曲部内で複数に分割した付記1に記載の内視鏡。
【0065】
(5)前記挿入部が硬性であるとき、
前記放熱部材は棒状部材である付記1に記載の内視鏡。
【0066】
(6)前記素線及び前記棒状部材は、熱伝導率の高い部材である付記3又は付記5に記載の内視鏡。
【0067】
【発明の効果】
以上説明したように本発明によれば、挿入部先端部に配置したLED照明の発する熱によって、照明光量の減少や、画像ノイズの発生を防止して、良好な観察を長時間に渡って行える内視鏡を提供することができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図1】図1ないし図6は本発明の第1実施形態に係り、図1は挿入部の構成を説明する長手方向断面図
【図2】LED照明部の構成を説明する図
【図3】挿入部の構成を具体的に説明する長手方向に対して直交する方向の説明図
【図4】先端部の組み付け工程を説明する図
【図5】カバーガラスの他の構成例を説明する図
【図6】束線部材の後端側の一体部が接合される前口金の他の構成を説明する図
【図7】図7及び図8は本発明の第2実施形態にかかり、図7は先端部の構成を説明する長手方向断面図
【図8】先端部の構成を具体的に説明する長手方向に対して直交する方向の説明図
【図9】図9及び図10は本発明の第3実施形態に係り、図9は硬性内視鏡の挿入部の先端部を説明する長手方向断面図
【図10】先端部の構成を具体的に説明する長手方向に対して直交する方向の説明図
【図11】硬性内視鏡の他の構成を説明する図
【符号の説明】
1…内視鏡
3…先端部
4…湾曲部
6…LEDチップ
7…LED照明部
10…観察光学部
11…対物受け
12…LED基板
17…連結固定部材
21…束線部材
[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an endoscope using a light emitting element in an illumination optical system.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, endoscopes have been widely used in the medical field and the industrial field. In this endoscope, a diagnosis or inspection target is inside a living body, a plant, or the like. For this reason, a light source for illuminating the observation target is necessary.
[0003]
In general, in an endoscope apparatus, a light source device is prepared as an external device of the endoscope, illumination light emitted from the light source device is supplied to a light guide provided in the endoscope, and illumination transmitted by the light guide Light is emitted from an illumination window disposed at the distal end of the insertion portion of the endoscope to illuminate the observation site.
[0004]
Also, instead of a combination of a light source device that illuminates the observation site and a light guide fiber, an endoscope is also provided in which LED illumination is provided at the distal end of the insertion portion and the observation site is directly illuminated with the light emitted by this LED illumination. Proposed. In this endoscope, an observation site illuminated by LED illumination is imaged with a solid-state imaging device, thereby realizing high functionality with a small diameter and a simple configuration.
[0005]
For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-51971 discloses an endoscope that increases the amount of illumination light of LED illumination, which is illumination means arranged at the distal end of an insertion portion. In this endoscope, the distal end main body is molded from ceramic having heat dissipation, so that heat generated by LED illumination is conducted to the distal end main body.
[0006]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2002-51971 A (Page 3, FIGS. 1 and 2)
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, since the endoscope disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-51971 is small, the volume of the tip body is small and the surface area is small. Therefore, the heat generated by the LED illumination may be conducted and the tip body may become hot. And if this tip body becomes high temperature and the LED lighting is exposed to a high temperature, the performance of the LED lighting deteriorates, and it becomes difficult to secure a brightness because a large amount of current cannot flow, and it is difficult for a long time. It becomes difficult to use. In addition, when the heat of the tip main body that has become high temperature is conducted to the CCD, there is a risk that the temperature of the CCD rises, causing problems such as noise in the endoscopic image.
[0008]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and the heat generated by the LED illumination disposed at the distal end portion of the insertion portion prevents a decrease in the amount of illumination light and the generation of image noise, thereby allowing good observation over a long period of time. The objective is to provide an endoscope that can be crossed over.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In the endoscope of the present invention, a light emitting element is disposed and a cable for supplying power to the light emitting element is connected., Formed of a material having high thermal conductivity so that heat generated in the light emitting device is conductedA tip with a substrate;A bending portion, which is connected to the distal end portion and is configured by connecting bending pieces, and is connected to the bending portion.A flexible tube formed of a flexible tubular member;WithHas an insert that is configuredDoEndoscopeBecause
  The substrateIn order to conduct heat conducted to the substrate, which is disposed in close contact with the base end surface of the substrateMade of a material with high thermal conductivity like the substrateA receiving member and the receiving member, or a base end surface of the substrateOne endIs denseArranged in the wearing stateAnd othersedgeIs inserted through the space of the bending portion.Arranged on the flexible tube sideIn order to conduct the heat conducted to the substrate and the heat conducted to the receiving member, a bundled member formed by bundling a plurality of strands having high thermal conductivity like the substrate and the receiving member The bundling member is set to a predetermined flexibility so as to perform a predetermined bending operation when the bending portion is bent, and the bending member is disposed in the bending portion so as to correspond to the bending direction. Placeding.
[0011]
  According to this configuration, the heat generated from the light emitting element disposed at the distal end of the insertion portion isConducted to the substrate and receiving member,Conducted to the rear of the insertion part by the heat dissipation memberThe
[0012]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
1 to 6 relate to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view for explaining the configuration of the insertion portion, FIG. 2 is a view for explaining the configuration of the LED illumination portion, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the assembly process of the tip, FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating another configuration example of the cover glass, and FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating another configuration example of the cover glass. It is a figure explaining the other structure of the front nozzle | cap | die with which the integrated part of the rear end side of a bundle member is joined.
[0013]
2A is a diagram for explaining an arrangement example of LED chips on the LED substrate, FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line EE of FIG. 2A, and FIG. FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 1, FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. 1, and FIG. Fig. 3 (e) is a sectional view taken along the line DD of Fig. 1 (a), Fig. 5 (a) is a view showing a cover glass having a convex tip surface, and Fig. 5 (b) is a sectional view taken along the line CC of Fig. FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration near the front base to which the integral part on the rear end side of the bundle member is joined, and FIG. 6B is FIG. FIG. 6A is a sectional view taken along line GG in FIG. 6A, and FIG. 6C is a sectional view taken along line HH in FIG.
[0014]
As shown in FIG. 1, the endoscope 1 of the present embodiment has an elongated insertion portion 2, and this insertion portion 2 is connected in order from the distal end side to a hard distal end portion 3 and a bending piece, for example in the vertical and horizontal directions. A bending portion 4 having a bending configuration and a flexible tube portion 5 formed of a flexible tubular member are connected to each other. The tip portion 3 is provided with an LED illumination unit 7 configured by disposing a plurality of LED chips 6 as light emitting elements, and an observation optical unit 10 configured by disposing a plurality of optical lenses 8a, a CCD 9, and the like. It has been.
[0015]
The tip 3 includes an objective optical system receiver (hereinafter abbreviated as an objective receiver) 11, an LED substrate 12, a lens frame receiver 13, a first connection tube 14, a second connection tube 15, a cover glass 16, and a connection fixing member 17. And is mainly composed.
[0016]
The objective receiver 11 and the LED substrate 12 are formed of a metal member having high thermal conductivity such as copper or aluminum. On the other hand, the first connecting pipe 14, the second connecting pipe 15, and the connecting fixing member 17 constituting the exterior of the lens frame receiver 13 and the endoscope 1 are metal members having excellent corrosion resistance such as stainless steel and low thermal conductivity. Is formed.
[0017]
A part of the optical lens 8a constituting the observation optical unit 10 is fixedly disposed on the objective receiver 11, and the other optical lens 8a and the CCD 9 are fixedly disposed on the lens frame 9a. A terminal 9b extending from the CCD 9 to the base end side is electrically connected to a CCD substrate 9c, and a signal line 9e inserted through the signal cable 9d is electrically connected to a predetermined position on the CCD substrate 9c. Yes.
The lens frame 9a is made of a metal member having excellent corrosion resistance such as stainless steel and having low thermal conductivity.
[0018]
As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 (a), and 2 (b), the LED illumination unit 7 is composed of an LED chip 6 and an LED substrate 12. The LED substrate 12 is annular and has, for example, eight counterbore holes 12a at predetermined intervals on a circumference at a predetermined distance from the center. The LED chip 6 is disposed in each of the counterbore 12a, and the irradiation direction side of the LED chip 6 is covered with a translucent sealant 6a.
[0019]
On the inner peripheral surface side of the LED substrate 12, a pair of cutout portions 12b for arranging power supply cables 22a and 22b for supplying power are formed. Although not shown, the LED board 12 is provided with a conductive pattern that electrically contacts the power cables 22a and 22b and the electrical contacts (not shown) of the LED chip 6.
[0020]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3B, the objective receiver 11 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and a concave portion 11a in which the optical lens 8a of the observation optical unit 10 is disposed on the distal end surface side and the proximal end surface side of the central portion, respectively. 11b is formed. Around the recess 11b, a heat dissipating member disposing through hole 11c in which a bundle member 21 as a heat dissipating member for dissipating heat generated from the plurality of LED chips 6 is disposed, for example, corresponds to the counterbore 12a. A pair of cable through-holes 11d through which the power cables 22a and 22b are inserted are formed at predetermined positions.
[0021]
The bundle member 21 is formed by bundling a plurality of strands 21a having a high thermal conductivity such as copper wires, aluminum wires, silver wires, etc. and having a strand diameter of 0.1 mm or less, in consideration of flexibility. The number of wires and the length of the strands 21a are appropriately set according to the type of endoscope in consideration of both heat capacity and workability.
[0022]
In consideration of workability, the front end portion and the end portion of the bundled member 21 are configured as a single unitary portion 23 by soldering, brazing, adhesive, or the like. In the present embodiment, there are eight integral parts 23 arranged on the tip side, and the tip surfaces of the tip parts are subjected to planar processing by polishing or the like. On the other hand, there are four integral parts 23 arranged on the rear side.
In addition, the said recessed part 11a and the recessed part 11b are connected by the taper hole 11e which formed the front end side opening large diameter, for example.
[0023]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3C, the lens frame receiver 13 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and a female thread portion (described later) formed in the connection fixing member 17 at a predetermined position in the middle of the outer peripheral surface. A male screw portion 13a is formed which is screwed with the reference numeral 17b). A lens frame through hole 13b in which the lens frame 9a constituting the observation optical unit 10 is disposed is formed at the center. Further, a heat radiating member insertion through hole 13c through which the bundle member 21 is inserted and arranged in a loosely fitted state is formed around the lens frame through hole 13b so as to face the heat radiating member arranging through hole 11c. Yes.
[0024]
The first connection tube 14 is tubular and includes a large diameter portion 14a and a small diameter portion 14b, and the lens frame receiver 13 and the second connection tube 15 are integrally disposed. Specifically, the base end portion of the lens receiver 13 is disposed on the inner peripheral surface of the distal end side of the large diameter portion 14a of the first connecting tube 14, and the second connecting tube 15 is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the small diameter portion 14b. A tip side inner peripheral surface is arranged.
[0025]
The second connecting pipe 15 is substantially tubular, and the first connecting pipe 14 and the bending portion 4 are integrally disposed. Specifically, the outer peripheral surface of the first connecting tube 14 is disposed on the inner peripheral surface of the distal end side of the second connecting tube 15, and the distal end of the curved portion 4 is configured at a predetermined position of the base end. A piece 4a, a curved rubber 4b, and an outer blade 4c are arranged. The curved rubber 4b and the outer blade 4c are integrally fixed to the second connecting pipe 15 by a bobbin fixing portion 31. 4d is a downward bending wire, 4e is a left bending wire, 4f (see FIG. 3D) is an upward bending wire, and 4g (see FIG. 3D) is a right bending wire. It is a wire.
[0026]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3A, the cover glass 16 is formed of, for example, a substantially annular flat plate optical member, and a through hole 16a corresponding to the tip of the objective receiver 11 is formed at the center. .
[0027]
The connecting and fixing member 17 has a substantially tubular shape, and a claw portion 17a that contacts the front end surface of the cover glass 16 is formed in a circumferential shape at a distal end portion, and a male screw formed in the lens frame receiver 13 at a proximal end portion. A female screw portion 17b that is screwed into the portion 13a is formed. In addition, the FF line in a figure represents the cross-sectional position of the said FIG.
[0028]
As shown in FIGS. 1, 3 (d), and 3 (e), the heat radiating member disposing through hole 11 c, the objective receiver 11, the first connecting pipe 14, and the second connecting pipe 15 are inserted and extended rearward. The eight bundle members 21 that are adjacent to each other in the vicinity of the bending portion 4 are grouped into four bundle members 21 so as to correspond to the bending direction and the space in the pipe of the bending piece. The bending portion 4 is inserted into the flexible tube portion 5. At this time, since the lengths of the bundled bundle members 21 inserted and arranged in the flexible tube portion 5 are set to different lengths, the integrated portion 23 is the flexible tube portion. 5 without being concentrated in one place.
[0029]
The flexible tube 5 is composed of a spiral tube 5a disposed on the inner peripheral surface side, a mesh tube 5b covering the spiral tube 5a, and an outer tube 5c covering the mesh tube 5b. A front cap 5d is disposed on the distal end side of the flexible tube 5. The front cap 5 d is disposed on the inner peripheral surface side of the third connecting pipe 18 that forms the proximal end portion of the bending portion 4. Reference numeral 24 denotes a coil member through which the bending wires 4d, 4e, 4f, and 4g are inserted. The coil member 24 is integrally joined to a predetermined position on the inner peripheral surface of the front cap 5d by brazing 25.
[0030]
Here, the assembly | attachment process of the front-end | tip part 3 is demonstrated with reference to FIG.
First, silicon grease 19 having a high thermal conductivity is applied to the inner peripheral surface of the LED substrate 12 constituting the LED illumination unit 7, and the objective receiver 11 in which the optical lens 8 a is arranged in this state is used as the inner periphery of the LED substrate 12. Place on the surface. After that, the integral part 23 on the distal end side of the bundle member 21 in which a predetermined number of strands 21a are bundled in the heat radiation member arrangement through hole 11c formed in the objective receiver 11 is replaced with the heat radiation member arrangement through hole. It is arranged in 11c and the front end surface of the integral part is brought into close contact with the base end surface of the LED substrate 12 through the silicon grease 19, and is integrally joined and fixed by soldering. Further, power cables 22a and 22b extending from the LED board 12 are arranged in the notch 12b.
[0031]
As a result, the LED substrate 12 and the objective receiver 11 are in close contact with each other via the silicon grease 19, and the bundle member 21 is disposed in close contact with the objective receiver 11 through solder. In addition to the silicon grease 19, a filler having a high thermal conductivity, a thermal conductive sheet, a thermal conductive film, or the like may be used.
[0032]
Next, the cover glass 16 is disposed on the distal end side of the LED substrate 12, while the distal end portion of the lens frame receiver 13 is inserted and disposed in the concave portion on the proximal end side of the objective receiver 11. At this time, the bundle members 21 are inserted through the corresponding heat radiating member insertion through holes 13c.
[0033]
Next, the connection fixing member 17 is placed on the outer peripheral surface side in the order of the cover glass 16, the LED substrate 12, and the objective receiver 11. Then, the front end surface of the connecting and fixing member 17 reaches the vicinity of the male screw portion 13 a formed on the lens receiver 13. Here, the female screw portion 17b formed on the connecting and fixing member 17 is screwed into the male screw portion 13a, and the connecting and fixing member 17 and the lens receiver 13 are integrally fixed in a predetermined screwed state. .
[0034]
As a result, the cover glass 16 is brought into close contact with the sealant 6a by a predetermined pressing force, and the LED substrate 12 and the objective receiver 11 are brought into close contact with the predetermined pressing force. Configured as
[0035]
Thereafter, the lens frame 9a on which the CCD 9 and the like are disposed is joined and fixed to the integrated unit, and the bending portion 4 is integrally connected and fixed via the first connecting pipe 14 and the second connecting pipe 15 to provide an internal view. A mirror 1 is constructed.
[0036]
The operation of the endoscope 1 configured as described above will be described.
First, power is supplied to the LED illumination unit 7 through the power cables 22a and 22b. Then, the LED chip 6 arranged on the LED substrate 12 enters a light emitting state, and the observation site is illuminated. As a result, an optical image of the observation site illuminated by the illumination light passes through the optical lens 8a of the observation optical unit 10 and is imaged on the imaging surface of the CCD 9, thereby obtaining an endoscopic image.
[0037]
Next, the insertion portion 2 of the endoscope 1 is inserted toward the target observation site while observing the endoscope image. At this time, a bending operation means (not shown) is appropriately operated to bend the bending portion 4 in a desired direction. At this time, since the bundling member 21 in consideration of flexibility is divided and inserted in the bending portion 4 in consideration of the bending direction, the bending portion 4 smoothly bends.
[0038]
If power is continuously supplied to the LED illumination unit 7, heat generated from the LED chip 6 is conducted to the LED substrate 12, and the temperature of the LED substrate 12 gradually increases. Further, the heat conducted to the LED substrate 12 is conducted to the bundle member 21 that is in close contact with the back surface of the LED substrate 12 via the silicon grease 19 and is disposed on the back side of the LED substrate 12. Conducted to the objective receiver 11.
[0039]
The heat conducted to the objective receiver 11 is conducted to the bundle member 21 from the side surface portion that is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the heat radiating member arrangement through hole 11c formed in the objective receiver 11 via solder. The The heat conducted to the bundle member 21 is conducted from the front end side to the rear side.
[0040]
As described above, the heat generated by the LED chip is conducted from the front end side to the rear side of the elongated bundle member through the LED substrate or the objective receiver, thereby preventing the LED illumination unit from becoming high temperature. At the same time, heat generated in the LED chip can be reliably prevented from being conducted to the CCD.
This makes it possible to perform endoscopic observation by illuminating the observation site with a desired light amount for a long time to obtain a good endoscopic image free from image noise.
[0041]
In this embodiment, the cover glass 16 is formed of a flat optical member. However, the cover glass is not limited to this form. For example, as shown in FIG. The cover glass 16A may be used, or the cover glass 16B may be a cover glass 16B having a concave end surface as shown in FIG. Further, the LED substrate 12 and the objective receiver 11 may be configured integrally.
[0042]
Further, instead of disposing the proximal end portion of the bundle member 21 in the flexible tube 5, as shown in FIGS. 6 (a) to 6 (c), an integrated portion 23 on the rear side of the bundle member 21 is provided. May be integrally joined and fixed to a predetermined position on the inner peripheral surface of the front cap 40 provided with the cooling fins 41 on the outer peripheral surface by a joining member such as a solder 42. As a result, the heat conducted to the bundle member 21 can be efficiently released from the front cap 40 to the outside, and the heat dissipation effect of the bundle member 21 can be greatly improved.
[0043]
Furthermore, the bundle member 21 may be configured in a stranded or net shape.
[0044]
7 and 8 relate to a second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view for explaining the configuration of the tip portion, and FIG. 8 is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction for specifically explaining the configuration of the tip portion. It is explanatory drawing of the direction to do.
8A is a front view of the tip, FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II in FIG. 7, and FIG. 8C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line KK in FIG.
[0045]
In the present embodiment, the objective receiver 11 formed of a metal member having a high thermal conductivity such as copper or aluminum in the first embodiment has a thermal conductivity as shown in FIGS. The objective frame 51 formed of a low metal member and the LED receiver 52 formed of a metal member having high thermal conductivity are divided and configured. Further, a ring member 53 is arranged at the base end portion of the LED receiver 52, and a tubular fixing member 54 is further arranged on the outer peripheral surface side of the ring member 53. Furthermore, in this embodiment, instead of providing a cover glass, a covering member 55 that further covers a sealing agent 6a that covers the LED chip 6 is provided. In addition, four notches 52a for arranging the bundle members 21 are formed at predetermined positions on the outer peripheral surface side of the LED receiver 52.
[0046]
A first male screw portion 54 a and a second male screw portion 54 b are formed at predetermined positions on the outer peripheral surface of the tubular fixing member 54. A female screw portion 56a formed at the base end portion of the substantially tubular connecting and fixing member 56 is screwed into the male screw portions 54a and 54b. A claw portion 56 b that comes into contact with the covering member 55 is provided at the distal end portion of the connection fixing member 56.
[0047]
Here, the assembly | attachment process of the front-end | tip part 3 is demonstrated.
First, silicon grease having high thermal conductivity is applied to the base end face of the LED substrate 12 constituting the LED illumination unit 7, and in this state, the objective frame 51 and the LED receiver 52 in which the optical lens 8a is arranged are arranged at predetermined positions. . Thereafter, the bundle member 21 divided into four through the opening formed by the LED receiver 52 and the ring member 53 is disposed in the notch 52a. Then, solder or an adhesive is poured from the notch opening side of the notch 52a to fix the bundle member 21 to the LED receiver 52 in close contact.
[0048]
As a result, the LED substrate 12 and the objective frame 51 are brought into close contact with each other through silicon grease, and the bundle member 21 is placed in close contact with the LED receiver 52 through, for example, solder.
[0049]
Next, the tubular fixing member 54 is disposed on the outer peripheral surface side of the ring member 53, and the connection fixing member 56 is covered on the outer peripheral surface side in the order of the LED substrate 12, the LED receiver 52, and the ring member 53. Then, the distal end surface of the connection fixing member 56 reaches the vicinity of the male screw portion 54 a formed on the tubular fixing member 54. Here, the front end surface of the connection fixing member 56 is screwed into the male screw portion 54a with the female screw portion 56a formed on the connection fixing member 56.
[0050]
When the female screw portion 56a passes through the male screw portion 54a, the distal end surface of the connection fixing member 56 reaches the vicinity of the male screw portion 54b. Here, by screwing the female screw portion 56a into the male screw portion 54b, the female screw portion 56a and the male screw portion 54b are in a screwed state, and the connection fixing member 56 and the tubular fixing member 54 are connected. Are fixed together.
[0051]
As a result, the claw portion 56b of the connecting and fixing member 56 comes into close contact with the covering member 55 with a predetermined pressing force, and the LED substrate 12, the LED receiver 52, and the ring member 53 come into close contact with the predetermined pressing force. Thus, an integrated unit is configured.
[0052]
Thereafter, the lens frame 9a on which the CCD 9 and the like are disposed is joined and fixed to the integrated unit, and the bending portion 4 is integrally connected and fixed via the first connecting pipe 14 and the second connecting pipe 15 to provide an internal view. A mirror 1 is constructed.
The lens frame 9a may be joined to the objective receiver 13 before the LED receiver 52 and the objective receiver 11 are integrated. Moreover, the LL line | wire in Fig.8 (a) represents the cross-sectional position of the said FIG. Other configurations and operations 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.
In this way, by arranging the bundle member in the LED receiver provided with the notch, and pouring solder from the opening side of the notch in this state, the bundle member is integrally joined to the LED receiver, It is possible to improve workability by eliminating pre-processing such as pre-processing the front end surface of the bundle member. In addition, since the connection fixing member and the tubular fixing member are screwed and fixed with a double screw, it is possible to reliably prevent the connection fixing member and the tubular fixing member from falling off. Other effects are the same as those of the first embodiment.
[0053]
The LED receiver 52 and the LED substrate 12 may be configured integrally.
[0054]
9 and 10 relate to a third embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating the distal end portion of the insertion portion of the rigid endoscope, and FIG. 10 specifically illustrates the configuration of the distal end portion. It is explanatory drawing of the direction orthogonal to a longitudinal direction.
10A is a front view of the tip, FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view taken along line MM in FIG. 9, and FIG. 10C is a cross-sectional view taken along line NN in FIG.
[0055]
As shown in FIGS. 9 to 10C, the endoscope according to the present embodiment is a rigid endoscope 60 in which a rigid tube 61 having a predetermined length is disposed instead of the curved portion 4 being continuously arranged at the distal end portion. Yes, without arranging the lens receiver 13, the first connecting pipe 14, the second connecting pipe 15, etc., the female screw part 17 b of the connection fixing member 17 is replaced with the male screw part 61 a formed on the distal end side of the rigid tube 61. It is configured to be screwed together. In this embodiment, instead of arranging the bundling member 21 as a heat radiating member, it is set to a long and narrow length that is formed into a predetermined cross-sectional shape with a member having high thermal conductivity such as copper, aluminum, silver, or carbon graphite A plurality of the bar-shaped members 62 are arranged at predetermined positions. Other configurations are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment.
[0056]
The rigid tube 61 is formed with a rod-shaped member insertion hole 61b, a lens frame through hole 61c, and the like. Moreover, the PP line in Fig.10 (a) represents the cross-sectional position of the said FIG.
[0057]
As described above, in a rigid endoscope having a hard insertion portion, instead of disposing a flexible heat dissipating member, a hard heat dissipating member is disposed so that the heat generated by the LED chip can be applied to the LED substrate and the objective receiver. The LED lighting unit can be prevented from reaching a high temperature by conducting from the front end side to the rear side of the rod-shaped member, and the heat generated in the LED chip can be reliably prevented from being conducted to the CCD. I can do it.
As shown in the drawings for explaining other configurations of the rigid endoscope shown in FIGS. 11A to 11C, an objective frame 51 similar to that shown in FIG. 8 is provided and is substantially cylindrical and elongated. Even when the LED receiver 63 set to have a predetermined length is arranged to constitute the rigid endoscope 60A, the same operations and effects as described above can be obtained.
[0058]
In the embodiment described above, the LED is used as the light emitting element, but the light emitting element may be a laser diode or the like.
[0059]
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.
[0060]
[Appendix]
According to the embodiment of the present invention as described above in detail, the following configuration can be obtained.
[0061]
(1) In an endoscope including a light emitting element at a distal end portion of an insertion portion,
An endoscope in which one end of an elongated heat dissipating member is disposed in the vicinity of the light emitting element, and the other end is disposed at a predetermined position on the rear side of the insertion portion.
[0062]
(2) The endoscope according to attachment 1, wherein the heat dissipation member has a constant cross-sectional area.
[0063]
(3) The endoscope according to appendix 1, wherein the length dimension of the heat radiating member is set in consideration of a material and a cross-sectional area of the heat radiating member.
[0064]
(4) When the insertion part is soft and has a curved part,
The heat dissipating member is a bundling member formed by bundling a plurality of strands having a diameter of 0.1 mm or less, and a bundling member extending from the vicinity of the LED illumination to the proximal end side is divided into a plurality at least within the curved portion. The endoscope according to Supplementary Note 1.
[0065]
(5) When the insertion part is rigid,
The endoscope according to appendix 1, wherein the heat radiating member is a rod-shaped member.
[0066]
(6) The endoscope according to appendix 3 or appendix 5, wherein the strand and the rod-shaped member are members having high thermal conductivity.
[0067]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the heat generated by the LED illumination disposed at the distal end of the insertion portion can prevent a decrease in the amount of illumination light and the generation of image noise, and perform good observation over a long period of time. An endoscope can be provided.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 to FIG. 6 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view for explaining the configuration of an insertion portion.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an LED illumination unit
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction for specifically explaining the configuration of the insertion portion
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an assembling process of the tip portion.
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining another configuration example of the cover glass.
FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining another configuration of the front cap to which the integral part on the rear end side of the bundle member is joined.
7 and FIG. 8 are related to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view for explaining the configuration of the tip portion.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction for specifically explaining the configuration of the tip portion.
FIGS. 9 and 10 relate to a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view for explaining a distal end portion of an insertion portion of a rigid endoscope.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction for specifically explaining the configuration of the tip portion.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating another configuration of the rigid endoscope
[Explanation of symbols]
1 ... Endoscope
3 ... Tip
4. Curved part
6 ... LED chip
7 ... LED lighting unit
10: Observation optics
11 ... Objective receiver
12 ... LED substrate
17: Connection fixing member
21 ... Bundling member

Claims (4)

発光素子が配置されると共に、当該発光素子に電源を供給するケーブルが接続される、前記発光素子で発生する熱が伝導されるように熱伝導率の高い部材で形成した基板を備えた先端部と、前記先端部に連設する、湾曲駒を連接して構成される湾曲部と、前記湾曲部に連設する柔軟な管状部材で形成した可撓管部とを備えて構成される挿入部を有する内視鏡であって、
前記基板の基端面に対して密着して配置される、前記基板に伝導された熱を伝導するために当該基板と同様に熱伝導率の高い部材で形成した受け部材と、
前記受け部材、又は前記基板の基端面に一端部が密着状態で配置され、他端部が前記湾曲部の空間内を挿通されて前記可撓管部側に配置される、当該基板に伝導された熱、及び当該受け部材に伝導された熱を伝導するために前記基板及び受け部材と同様に熱伝導率の高い素線を複数束ねて構成される束線部材と、を備え、
前記束線部材は、前記湾曲部が湾曲動作された際に所定の湾曲動作を行うように、所定の柔軟性に設定されると共に、湾曲方向に対応するように当該湾曲部内に配置されることを特徴とする内視鏡装置。
A tip portion having a substrate formed of a member having a high thermal conductivity so that heat generated in the light emitting element is conducted to which a light emitting element is disposed and a power supply cable is connected to the light emitting element And an insertion portion that includes a bending portion that is connected to the distal end portion and that is formed by connecting bending pieces, and a flexible tube portion that is formed of a flexible tubular member that is connected to the bending portion. an endoscope to have a,
A receiving member that is arranged in close contact with the base end surface of the substrate and is formed of a member having a high thermal conductivity in the same manner as the substrate in order to conduct heat conducted to the substrate ;
The receiving member, or is disposed in the seal with one end to the proximal end face of the substrate, is disposed in the flexible tube portion side other end is inserted through the space of the curved portion, on the substrate In order to conduct the conducted heat and the heat conducted to the receiving member, a bundling member configured by bundling a plurality of strands having high thermal conductivity like the substrate and the receiving member, and
The bundle member is set to have a predetermined flexibility so as to perform a predetermined bending operation when the bending portion is bent, and is disposed in the bending portion so as to correspond to the bending direction. An endoscope apparatus characterized by the above.
前記放熱部材の一端部を前記受け部材に形成した孔内に配置し、当該放熱部材の先端面を前記基板の基端面に熱伝導率の高い部材を介して密着させて、前記放熱部材当該受け部材及び当該基板に一体的に接合固定したことを特徴とする請求項1に記載の内視鏡。Wherein one end portion of the heat radiating member is disposed in a hole formed in the receiving member, and the distal end surface of the heat radiating member is brought into close contact via the high thermal conductivity member in the proximal end face of the substrate, the said heat radiating member The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the endoscope is integrally bonded and fixed to the receiving member and the substrate . 前記放熱部材の一端部を前記受け部材に形成した切り欠き部内に配置し、当該放熱部材と当該受け部材とを熱伝導率の高い部材を介して密着させて、前記放熱部材と前記受け部材とを一体的に接合固定したことを特徴とする請求項1に記載の内視鏡。One end portion of the heat radiating member is disposed in a notch formed in the receiving member, the heat radiating member and the receiving member are brought into close contact via a member having high thermal conductivity, and the heat radiating member and the receiving member the endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that joined integrally fixing. 前記束線部材を形成する素線は、直径が0.1mm以下であって、当該素線の本数及び長さ寸法は、熱容量と作業性とを考慮して内視鏡の種類に応じて設定されることを特徴とする請求項5に記載の内視鏡。  The strands forming the bundle member have a diameter of 0.1 mm or less, and the number and length of the strands are set according to the type of endoscope in consideration of heat capacity and workability. The endoscope according to claim 5, wherein the endoscope is provided.
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